Christmas cookies with a snowy crackle

Warning: This recipe can make you have mouth orgasms!

Kind of like a black forest cake in one bite.
These cookies are soft and chewy, chocolatey and cherry with a light dusting of white icing sugar on top. They take about 20 min total if you've done this kind of thing before and a bit more if you are sloppy in the kitchen. Total baking time 12 - 15 min! Makes more than 3 dozen little cookies =;)

Since many of you have tried these and some have asked for the directions..... I'm going to give it here for future reference. I will be making them as I write this to bring them to a solstice pot luck at Motion Gallery tonight!

What you will need to make them:

A large bowl,
a silicone spatula or wooden spoon,
a small wire sifter,
measuring cups (1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and  1 cup)
and measuring spoons (1/2 tsp ands 1 tsp)
An oven set to 380 degrees (180 C.)
Baking sheets with parchment paper

I make a small drink with some maraschino cherry syrup, some of the rum and some San Pelligrino as I bake ;)

Ingredients:


1/3 cup melted and cooled unsalted butter
1 cup sugar*
2 Eggs
1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder 
1 & 1/2 cup all purpose powder (sifted if needed)
1 tsp. Baking powder (NOT baking soda boys!)
Pinch of salt
2/3 cup or about 150g of coarsely chopped dark bakers chocolate 
1/3 cup of dried cherries** (mine were given to me by Richard Reeves from Creston B.C.)
1/3 cup maraschino cherries** and 1 tsp of their juice
Enough sifted icing sugar to coat (say 1/2 cup)


*You can use your own sweetener mix if you don't want to use pure sugar using maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, agave nectar, stevia etc.

** If you don't have either of these cherries, you can use other dried fruit or use candied cherries from the super market.

Directions:


1) Prep your space: 
     Lay out parchment on a few baking sheets and turn on your oven to 380 F (180 C.)


2) Get out a large bowl and mix 'wet' ingredients:
     Mix together the room temp butter, the eggs, sugar/sweetener and vanilla together.


3) Blend in the dry ingredients:
     Put a sifter over the bowl and blend in the cocoa powder, flour baking powder and salt

3) Mix in the goodies that make the cookies awesome:
     Chop the chocolate chunks and cherries and add to the cookie dough until evenly distributed. 

4) Roll the dough in to balls and coat:
     Roll in your hands small balls just over an inch big or use a small scoop, try to make them all the same so they cook for the same amount of time.


5) Coat in icing sugar:
     Toss the cookie dough balls into the sifted icing sugar to coat.

6) Place and bake:
     Place the balls evenly spaced on the cookie sheets and bake for 12 - 15 min. 


7) Meanwhile while cookies are baking, clean up!

8) When the timer goes off, Take out and cool.


9) Eat, share & enjoy ! ! !

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Tis the season for art marketing

Creativity consultation

I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to meet with both  Dale Turri and Brad Walker in my studio as part of (CADA) Calgary Arts Development Association's Executive In Residence program. The EIR program is a rotating post of leaders from the arts sector who are available for advice and council on any given number of topics to individual artist like myself and artist run centres. They are  available to offer some expertise, insight and a different perspective concerning the matter at hand and perhaps offer some options for how the organization/individual might be able to address it.

As soon as I found out this opportunity was available, I immediately jumped on the chance to have a consultation. You can go to the exact place I found it here: http://congress.cada.at/executive-residence-program


I met Dale in person at the Fairytales nd EMMEDIA Christmas party and we talked a bit about what I hoped to gain from the experience.She recommended an joint meeting to get the most out of it, it was very effective.

We had about an hour  meeting in my studio where they were able to help me define what I wish to do in terms of next steps in my career.  It was nice to be able to share some work, what I've been up too and what I am anticipating in the future. Defining that, it became easier to see the stages and timeline I have. 

I took an entire page of  insightful, concise and inspiring notes. They gave me fantastic advice on how my approach is going and how to better improve it.  They came up with some creative solutions to the opportunities and problems I continually face. They helped me outline the expected growth and outcomes I wish to achieve in the upcoming year. Also it was nice to know that I'm doing things right and that the difficulties I've been facing are reported back to them, so I'm not alone. I look forward to some of the follow up notes and links from Brad to help me create an action list and media releases.

If you would like to know more, sign up and find out for yourself how a little information can go a long way.

Here is a little bio from the CADA website about each EIR.

Dale Turri (Fundraising and Resource Development) 

Dale is a business development consultant and professional fundraiser with a long history of working with arts groups to raise awareness and increase profile. A long-time resident of Calgary, she attends arts and cultural events on average 2 or 3 times a week. Dale currently serves on several arts boards and is a recipient of a Calgary Award (Arts).

Brad Walker (Arts Marketing)

Bradley Walker, a graduate of the Arts and Cultural Management program at Grant MacEwan University, has been involved in the arts and entertainment industry for nearly 15 years as a performer, volunteeer, advocate and professional arts manager. Prior to rejoining Bottom Line Productions in 2003 to open the company's Calgary office, Bradley was the Director of Operations and Director of Resource Development for Alberta Ballet, one of Canada's largest ballet companies. During this time, Bradley oversaw the operations, philanthropic and marketing initiatives of the ballet's Edmonton office. Bradley has been nominated for the national "Pfizer Award for Emerging Arts Managers," was the recipient of Grant MacEwan University's Distinguished Alumni Award and has been named one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40" by Avenue Magazine (Calgary Inc. Magazine). Bradley is also active in the community and has been involved as a volunteer with Alberta Opera, The National Ice Theatre of Canada, Victoria School Foundation for the Arts, Calgary Professional Arts Alliance and Calgary Opera. Bradley is currently a member of SAIT's Business Administration Marketing Major Program Advisory Committee.

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Do you see what I see?

Some Art.....

I was lucky enough to have to head up to ACAD to see the David Hoffo's Show the last day it was open. He remains a creative genius in the realm of illusion and light. It is often eerie to enter such a dark gallery. But in order to use the illumination of reclaimed television sets, it is necessary to paint all the walls black and keep the lights low.It was nice to see such a large collection of his work in one space. I had seen many of the works over the years at various galleries, but to fill the Illingworth Kerr Gallery is phenomenal.

One method to discover how these illusions work is to place your hand in front and behind the angled viewing glass.  If you put it in front you would no longer see the image within the space because you would be blocking it from hitting the framed sheet of glass. If you put your the behind the sheet of glass, the image would appear on your hand and not into the interior space comprising the built models and landscapes. I am surprised how far the TV's  can be placed from the interior surfaces and at such a high angle and still reflect the light effectively.

I think it would be really amazing to get  bunch of Artists together to create a show of works inspired by David Hoffos and using his techniques.  My favourite works were more landscape based where something small and eerie happened in the interiors. I really liked the piece with the train and a bit of light happening in the window and of course some of the  pieces that I  have seen at the Trepanier Baer Gallery years ago like the one with the UFO soaring in to the air as onlooker view from a nearby cliff top. There is also his older body of work featuring people in model spaces, the spaces being very still on their own but with the addition of the looped image brings it some life......... or in order to have some curtains blowing. 

 This short clip can't do the work justice, very low light and video are not friends;( Amongst all the works in this show there was one piece that stood out for me, it was a piece with a Yacht. It contained a model of a pier in a black mirrored box, there was a  yacht that appeared to be floating in the reflection inside.  He video taped a model yacht that appeared to slightly roll, like it would in the sea. What strengthened the illusion was the lighting on this model, it looked  ripples of water were reflecting on the hull. In addition there was video of the ocean added. All together the elements culminated in an illusion of a yacht in the blackness of night eerily bobbing in the sea. It is breathtaking!

Each piece not only told a story but also revealed another experiment in method of working.  The piece above differed from the TV projection pieces in that it was comprised of a 3D sculpture lit outside the mirrored box which became reflected many times in the interior as if it were a projected image.

 

I like that the work is inviting enough to expose the methods of creating the illusion. There was one piece pin particular that was very tongue and cheek. The scene was of a bored gallery security guard in a Barnett Newman exhibition.  Davis Hoffo's used the mirrored interior space by creating only half the pieces like half a triangle and letting the mirror create the rest, very clever.  Also when you viewed the pieced directly on and looked straight into the gallery, your face appeared as one of the works on the far wall.

There were a collection of pieces of projections on black shapes which created a spacious feel. Some of these also gave you the eerie feeling that there were living people in the gallery with you. Kinda creepy. In on corner, on the floor with a sitting cat, (on a TV screen) this made me laugh out loud, so good!

 

Outside the Illingworth Kerr Gallery two friends of mine from the sculpture Faculty had pieces. First was this Self titled piece by Matthew Brunning. I just had to follow the plug and see it turned on.

 This is going to look awesome over his bed ;P

Jean Day's sculpture is of a moss covered body that appears to be flying across space, like it was catapulted across the wall. The body is encircled by taxidermic critters crawling all over, it looked super cool. Finally while walking down 17th Ave. to use an expiring Groupon I had for Divine, I passed the Sugar Estate Portrait Gallery and saw the awesome piece, I believe the works are changing daily so if you can saunter on by and see a beautiful painting like the one below.

That is tons of things of beauty to take in on one day, but there is so much more out there. I wish everybody lived in an art bubble in the future. I don't think that is on the Agenda for the New World Order any time soon so drink it up while you can =;P

Mr. Lee, Bruce Lee

I love Bruce Lee

I was commissioned to paint a 12 X 16 portrait of Bruce Lee for a friends father for his X-mas present.   I knew what I was going to paint because she selected an image for me to work from.  At first, I thought I'd do a black and white rendition and paint the background in a shiny gold. The finished piece will be mounted in thick black frame from Wal-Mart. I had to pick up a canvas panel that would fit her frame.

I know that I can make something beautiful in paint, but I wasn't sure how it would turn out.

I decided to try out a new technique and do an image transfer.  At the Emmedia X-mas party Melody J. at Fairytales was kind enough to print it out for me on her printer, in colour.   I ended up doing some photoshopping prior to get it to fit onto two 8.5" X 11" sheets of standard paper.  Then I covered the canvas board in clear primer, put the print face down and let it dry.  I used water to wash the paper off the back of the print allowing the ink to stay imbedded in the clear primer. I rubbed it down to make it look like an old movie poster from the days of Bruce Lee's film releases.

I clear coated the image to make sure it would stay fixed down. I then applied a wet wash of Burnt Umber to the entire image. I used a paper towel to wipe more of it away from the surface of the image transfer than the rest. The colour darkened the whites of the canvas. I then thickly applied a red background over the dark umber wash. At this pint I'm choosing red because it works as a great underpainting to gold in case I still apply it later on. I love how old its looking at this point, I want to keep it for myself.

Then I began to block in the painting starting with the darks. I outlined the drawing to help it to pop. I used brown washes and added back some yellows and high lights.  I used black Gesso for his hair and pants. I mixed iridescent silver with Paynes Grey for the shine on his pants. I used an iridescent gold, not for the background but for his skin. This changed my initial idea to have a gold background and solidified the next step, painting the red background for a third time to creating more depth and texture.

I am really proud how this piece turned out. Of course, I low balled to get the gig. But damn, she is getting a really nice piece of art!

Studio Party and furniture update

That was a blast! From outer space......

Cosmic (AKA DJ LURK'N'BANG) seen making deals with his agent here,
came in and set up his equipment and spun some sweet tracks. New fact: It turns out we both share the same favourite Bob Marley song! Which gives me more reason not to worry 'bout a thing!

There is nothing like good tunes and  live performer to add energy and magic to a studio. Also I bought some snacks and beers, this helps too. I struggled putting together my new Animation Desk from the Quickdraw Animation Society.  Gerry popped in with his girlfriend Shilo to see what was up and to pick up the canvases he made at the November Canvas Building workshop.

Al Chu stretches some new canvases while EJ appears to be making shit happen, but you never know what really could be happening in that text.

Here the boys get down and creative with my PRISMACOLOR set. We talked a lot about integrity and following the dreams of being an artist. HOw we are each going about that in different ways, there is no road map for this after all, and how success means you have got to rise above.

I did some reorganizing in the studio. I got my furniture put together, mostly. I had to strengthen the joints by adding some corner brackets. I broke some shelf pieces a few times, this unit is put together in a ridiculous way. Plus I am missing a small shelf piece.  All this without directions! If I did this a second time I would be the master, unfortunately I did use up my entire night getting it to where I wanted. I'd rather be painting!

U of C Visiting Artist Lecture Invitation

Today I was invited by the University of Calgary to give a lecture as part of their Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series.  A few years back I gave a talk there in regards to my "Battle Between the Sexes" installation and residency at EMMEDIA. This year they selected me to present a talk in light of my upcoming solo exhibition titled "Divine Inspiration" at the Stride Gallery.


------------------------------------
Divinely Inspired, the work of Brian Batista

Friday, February 17, 2012. 

10 -11:30pm  Arts building
presented by the University of Calgary's 
Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series
------------------------------------

Studio party and new furniture!

Studio Party Tonight!!


I will be joined by a few friends and anyone else who want to pop in for an impromptu Studio Party.  DJ Cosmic Lurk N Bang will be spinning sweet tracks. I have some students from my November Canvas Building Workshop coming in to pick up their supports,  while Jesse Gouchey and Myself work on our respective commissions. Al Chu and Ej Negre will be in the house and maybe a special guest appearance or two.

Got some new furniture for the studio. Here it is stacked in the freight elevator on its way up to my studio on the 5th floor. I'm bringing in my pine book shelf from home so I can have all my art books and reference material close at hand. I also purchased this custom "easy - fit" Animation table from the Quickdraw animation society for  a steal $75, it used to be from the Alberta College of Art and Design's previous Animation program. It even came with x-tra light bulbs.

I can't believe how the furniture blends in to my floor. Here are all the components, laid out ready to assemble.  I started putting the shelf together but once I decided where things were going to go I realized there was a lot of stuff that I had to move. What is that old saying, "you've got to make a mess to clean a mess"?! So I changed out my table to create room by the plug for the animation stand and book shelf.  I began putting together the animation table, had it 98% complete, then it came crashing down on my head. It's a two person job, even when it is together its still pretty wobbly. I will have to add some structural support to the "easy assembly- fit together" design because it doesn't quite cut it.

The Motion Gallery opens it's doors.

The first exhibition, a huge success!


I'd say that the Motion Gallery's opening and first exhibition exceeded my expectations,  it's hard enough to get an audience to attend an art opening, but combine that with X-mas season parties and it was a Friday night, making it even more exceptional.  Motion = momentum. 
Here are some of my pics taken with my sh*tty iPhone camera.

• 
  

  

  That's what I like to see, people engaged with my work!

  

  and people chatting, connecting and enjoying themselves.

  

   The name "Motion Gallery" is inspired by the  principal of Newtons first Law 'Objects in motion tend to stay in motion'.   This Gallery, like it's artist's, are in motion: Creative, active, and proactive!

  
  

  

  Motion Gallery has a diverse collection of art from new and veteran artists, that  appeal to any taste.

  
  

  "Engage yourself in culture. Take in some Art."

  
  

  If you couldn't make the opening, go and take a walk around the huge gallery space.

  Motion Gallery is located at 200 Barclay Parade SW, on the main floor at the NW end. of Eau Claire Market.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Motion Gallery opens it's doors

• 
  

  I'd say that the Motion Gallery's opening and first exhibition exceeded my expectations and is therefore a success!

  You know... it's hard enough to get an audience to attend an art opening, but combine that with X-mas season parties and it was a Friday night makes it even more exceptional.  Here are some of my pics taken with my sh*tty iPhone camera.

  

  That's what I like to see, people engaged with my work!

  

   The name "Motion Gallery" is inspired by the  principal of Newtons first Law 'Objects in motion tend to stay in motion'. 

  

   This Gallery, like it's artist's, are in motion: Creative, active, and proactive!

  
  

  

  
  

  Motion Gallery has a diverse collection of art from new and veteran artists, that  appeal to any taste.

  
  

  "Engage yourself in culture. Take in some Art."

  
  

  Please go and take a walk around the huge gallery space.

  
  

  Motion Gallery is located at 200 Barclay Parade SW, on the main floor at the NW end. of Eau Claire Market.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

This is the end, my only friend, the end, or is it?!

THE END?!

.....

I went to Glenmore Village Library to give my final flip book class for 'tweens'. There were 12 spots to fill and a long waiting list, so thanks to the Glenbow's gracious donation of some flip-books, I had enough supplies for 17 participants. I let everybody in. They have a really good core group of kids who do a ton of activities at this library. It got a little crazy but it was my most fun class to date. even one of the moms got into it and made a flip book. Everybody had a great time.......I like to go out with a bang!

Half the girls on this side of the room were wearing pink.

 I didn't get the memo, or I would have too!

Afterward, I instructed my official final After Effects class at Quickdraw Animation Society.  Something I picked up while in New Orleans called Lagniappe - which means that little bit extra, I always like to go up to 11 and do a bit more in everything I do.......... so I'll be in teaching one extra class next week and fielding any questions the students may have about their future needs for future projects =;)

I spent some time in the studio this week working on various commissions.  I also took  a piece I sold out of the frame and sanded the frame down in order to put a fresh coat of Black paint on it. I think you will agree, it looks better than the crappy frame it was in. But I'm not going to show a picture in that frame, I just can't let myself, I won't put it back in that frame, it looks like crap.  Hopefully the new owner and I can go on a little frame shopping date together soon, and get something better suited for this work and her condo =;)

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Some things come to and end, while other are beginning....

I had to pick up a new sketchbook. My previous one is somewhere in the USA with my wicked $122 Micro topic pens ;(  I got this one at Frosst Books. It is wicked! The gold cover was designed by Ryan Scott. The paper is of grand quality. There is a pocket in the back, trust me this is very useful. There is an elastic that keeps the book closed when needed. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and prices. There is a really cool square one that looks so fly, but I only had $ for one.  If you call yourself an artist, go and get one of these from John Frosst @ Frosst books on 9th Ave. in Inglewood, right next to Pith Gallery. Do it now!

Frosst Books website: http://www.frosstbooks.com/

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MOTION GALLERY opening Tonight 7pm!!!!

I made it down to the Motion Gallery to put on some finishing touches on my display, like write ups and pricing. We didn't have at all enough ladder or I would have adjusted the lights too. Here is a sneak preview in case you can't make it down.

Here are a few views of the gallery from Tuesday night while we were starting to set up, it looks even better now!

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TONIGHT 7PM Motion gallery opens!

Its in Eau Claire Market, right near the Sumo Lounge.

Come by and check out this rag tag band of artists from all walks of life.

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Tune in to Arts Link on CJSW, Tuesday 8-9 to hear more about Motion Gallery by the man who got the ball rolling, Rob Dodds.

Here is one of his pieces, putting his metal working and welding skills to good creative use. Rob also has as an assortment of masks and other cool stuff for sale as well.

While you are visiting plug in a one of a kind hand made instruments and give it a strum. They are made out of cigar boxes and all have a unique sound. At only $290, its like stealing. I want one soooo bad, and I don't even play, these are awesome! They just look cool. I met the creator, Mark Kost, he works at SAIT, awesome guy. It turns out he recognized me, couldn't place how he knew me, but he new my face. Then he told me his daughter was Hannah Kost, the author of the recent article in The Calgary Journal. Small world!

Here is that article:  http://calgaryjournal.ca/index.php/calgary-arts/309-canvas-stretching-not-just-a-hobby

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TONIGHT 7PM Motion gallery opens!

Its in Eau Claire Market, right near the Sumo Lounge.

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Local-Motion

So come on, come on, view some local artwork with me........

I have the rare opportunity to hang work in a new development in the Calgary art scene.  A new gallery is opening up in Eau Claire Market called Motion Gallery. "What is in a name, that we are thus or thus?" Well...... Motion: because it had to come together quickly. Maybe in hopes to moving lots of artwork. Hopefully not because the gallery will be short live and have to move. It is a huge space where artists can buy in for $50 and hang their work with little restriction.  There is a lot of space, but I know with my artistic drive I could personally fill it if need be.  If you are an artist reading this and are interested, get involved. Hang beside me. Drop me a line and I'll point the way.

Dealtails for fellow artists and creative vendors: 
The gallery takes a 15% commission on top of the membership fee, they provide staffing daily so you can drop off your stuff, put up a price an cross your fingers. Its only $50 to take a chance. The downside is that it is the slowest time of the year for Eau Claire Market and there is virtually no advertising or marketing plan for the gallery. The upside is the location. I am told that many business people go there for lunch and browse around during their break. This alone should promise some traffic. If you have seen what kind of trinket stores are in there, an art gallery should have no problem opening its doors, people will hopefully browse the collection in droves.  In my experience, as long as you keep getting your work in front of peoples eyes, you can find someone interested in buying work and/or supporting the arts.

I threw up these three pieces quickly. I will be dropping off more works in the days to come.

The gallery has sufficient track lighting suspended form the ceiling. In order to create a sense of uniformity before the opening all the information and sales tags including artist CV's and bios will be created by the gallery. As soon as the gallery gets filled, the doors will open. 20 is the perfect number of artists to have on the roster for a space this side but I am sure more can be accommodated. By the looks of it, there will be an opening party this Saturday, but I will keep you posted as things develop.

There are patterns everywhere. I made the observation to my room mate yet again that the magic of observation and what we say often comes to fruition, but in far more eloquent terms.  The other day while at EMMEDIA, I was talking to Noel about the stretchers I bought off of his mom Carol Green.  I told him that I needed larger stretchers for the work for my show next year at the Stride Gallery. He asked if I got the cedar ones he made with the smooth bevel. I didn't.

I was letting my friend into the studio to move his stuff again last night and I noticed some frames sitting by the elevator. I asked them if they were theirs. They said "no" they have been there for days. it didn't take me a second to grab up that opportunity. This is why I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.  Not only did I score some free stretcher bars of unequivocal stability and quality for nothing, but they are the exact size I need, and potentially the exact ones we were talking about a few days prior.

If there was an series of steps,
it might look like this.....

1) Put it out there (make a wish)

2) Wait

3) Observe and listen for a response or an Opportunity,

4) Act. Jump on it!

5) Continue to make wishes

Snow White

Snow day!
On my way home from watching Immortals in 3D, Calgary was swept by a tumultuous blizzard. Stayed in until it passed. A friend needed my access card to the studio to move his stuff out from the studio below. Meanwhile, I prepped the canvases I primed by sanding, hanging picture wire and hanging them in my studio. Now my canvas is blanketed in white like the snow has done to this city. To me, I see blank potential. A fitting paraphrased quote from the WHITE wizard to go along with the momentum of this idea:

"All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that has been given"
 -Gandalf the White

 The two to the left are around 4 feet square and the two to the right are 5 feet by 5 feet, the canvases stretchers I bought off Carol Green last week.

CONTRAST AND COMPARE

Just when things get tough, the tough get going. I had a very uplifting experience yesterday. I was picking up about forty dollars worth of streamers for Dunia's art installation project. I was downtown at Scotia centre. On the second floor one of the main retail spaces had been converted into an art gallery by local artist Edward Michell. <-- (click here for his website, but then come back:)

Edward Michell's work is abstract and material based, the opposite of my figurative and symbolic works. Our art couldn't be more different, hence the title of this post 'contrast and compare'. On the other hand, I couldn't have felt more on par with another artist. Usually, I glance over abstract art, but for years now, I have witnessed and enjoyed his creations, visiting his booth at every past stampede I have attended. I went into his current exhibition in Scotia Center and was happily greeted by the creator. We had a conversation which put a shine on my day and encouraged me to go back into my studio and keep at it.



Edward was very welcoming, friendly and apt to share his experiences and stories. I have found it difficult to find successful artists in my field who are willing to open up. Artists I've talked to tend to border on secretiveness and avoid opening up, are socially inept or abrasive and arrogant. Often they are competitive. Edward Mitchell is an established artist with no hint of these character foibles. Then again, spending that much on an ounce of gold and being knee deep in tar sands probably keeps one humble.

He doesn't rely on grants, he said he has never received one. He even paid his way thru school, going part time an working throughout. He has taken a different route to build his career. Edward isn't with a gallery but instead has an agent. He is currently in over 32 shows, with upcoming ones in London and Toronto and of course in the mall right now and the stampede this upcoming summer. He emphasized that his success, in so far, has taken hard work and that he was very lucky! ( This is something that I keep hearing time and time again.) At the end of the day nobody gets a free ride, it takes hard work.


Here is a picture I found on the net of him working in his studio...

He told me about the provenance of his work and that each item is measured, the gold, the tar sands etc for each piece. He rented out the space which is close to $32,000, and is donating a portion of all sales to Starts. I cant believe he just told me how much it costs to rent a space in the downtown core. I have got to tell you, I had no idea! That is more $ than I have ever made in a year, and stores are having to clear that on a monthly basis. Wow consumerism.

Eward Michell and his crew did a great job hanging lights and blacking out the walls to turn the space into a functional gallery. The best part is he is there in person to field any questions. His pricing is not high as he is the gallery, so 50% is not tacked on top of everything, making the price tag of the work reasonable. Considering the materials, the cost of renting this space and a studio in this city, the size of the supports and frames and the need to wait a year for the tars and oils to cure before they can be exhibited. His works are a steal!




It's a small world, and even smaller in the Calgary arts community. E.M. and I have quite a few things in common it turns out. He just so happens to have stretchers built by my friend Chris Melynchuck, who passed away from cancer, he built the best stretchers ever. (type his name into this blogs search to see my posts about him) Edward has a studio across the street from mine, close to my place of work. He too is a graduate of ACAD. He is also a trail blazer, doing things his way.

When I told him I was a struggling artist, he said he saw my show at the Untitled Society and added that I was very talented, whether or not its my work he is thinking of, the supportive sentiment is greatly appreciated.

It's nice to be able to talk to another artist, one who has experienced a greater level of success. I am breaking into the business finally, and need as much guidance and support ad I can get. It is uplifting to know the dream is still possible! You learn as you go, there are good days and bad, some are helpful others are confrontational, it's nice to see someone with success willing to share his experiences.

If you'd like to see Edward Michell's work in person, you can see it Monday -Saturday on the second level of Downtown's Scotia Centre near the escalators. Better yet, if you can go purchase one of his works....,do it, and say I sent you =;)

Looming financials and quality control for artists

Its "Decembeard" now so I have to option to shave off the "Movember" moustache (pictures below). And I've got to pay rent for both my studio and my house. They cost nearly the same, and though I need a place to eat, sleep and shower, I'm starting to thing it's not the studio that's expensive, well it is, but maybe it would be better if I could sleep on the floor a few months saving me a couple thousand dollars.

At least I make paying it out kinda fun! I spent the better part of yesterday battling my bank who has been putting holds on my business account on all my cheques causing quite the problem and expense. Then today my other bank calls me......

You know you are an artist when you get a call from the bank, and you are so relieved that they dialed the wrong number, phew!

On a lighter note, a friend calls me for some advice and asks me "Why the hell aren't you a millionaire by now?" My reply is "I'm wondering the same thing". So I asked my lady friend, who told me its not so hard (she's half way there and 4 years younger).....
She replied: "You have what it takes. You just need to reach a wider audience, meet more (rich) people, network more."

SMART GIRL!

Now how do I do that....(better) ?!

Here are some pics from the latest group exhibition I was a part of "Outside the box" (see previous posts) where I showed my "Wheel of Deluded Existence"

I show like crazy, work my butt off, sleep fast an am very amiable. My work may take 100 hrs. to create and I use the highest quality paints and supports I can as I work towards being an international quality artist. My ducks are lining up and I'm not giving up. At times, I hit the wall and realize how difficult this dream can be to follow. Fact: Van Gogh never sold a painting in his life. But there is so much wealth and opportunity around. There must be something I'm missing.

Here I am pictured with another painter, Ted "the hat" Mayer

Tyler (one of my QAS - After Effects students) and his cutie pie in the gallery as the show is closing.

Julia Burns and I talking shop.

Doing lots of shows is good. You have to have enough work stored up to keep on going. Especially if you want to progress and evolve, you have to keep at it and continue making stuff, continue improving, continue taking chances which at times means constant failing. Last night I was sketching while watching Lord of The Rings. The sketches were abysmal failures, really bad. I told my roommate, that they were so bad I'll have to rip the page out. He said "can you do that?". I replied "Hell yeah I can!" It happens rarely, but at times it must be done. I have no quarrels with ripping out pages of bad drawings in sketchbooks, stripping the canvas off a stretcher and beginning anew, or even burning the work, I don't like, to ashes. Its my form of quality control =;)