CULTURE: Lindsay Elliott

Lindsay Elliott: Event Photographer

1. Lindsay Tell us about how you go into photography? what about event photography?

I think, like a lot of people, I really got into taking pictures when I
got a digital camera. Prior to that I owned a 35mm SLR that I only used
for special occasions since the cost of developing was too much for me to
afford if I was just playing around (and I really didn't know how to use
it). Event photography was a total accident. I used to take my point &
shoot digital to Mod Club at the Lotus Hotel every Friday night and post
the pictures on my livejournal the next day. I ended up with a lot of
hilarious pictures and everyone seemed pretty stoked on it. Eventually it
just became habit - every time I was out I'd have my camera, it gave me
something to do if I wasn't dancing. Eventually I got asked (along with
Lindsay Smith, who was my co-conspirator at the time) to take pictures at
a new monthly party at the Columbia and after that we got offers here &
there from promoters around town to come do their parties. I guess that
was the start of it.

2. What do you love about it?

There's not really anything about it that I don't love. It's been such a
fun hobby - getting dressed up, drinks with friends, meeting tons of new
people, taking pictures and then spending the next morning (usually hung
over) going through my night in photos, photoshopping & posting..
The site has given me this fantastic record of what  my friends & I have
been up to in this last three years and I love it. It's not just party
pictures - there are trips to Barcelona, Los Angeles, London, road trips
to the states, a wedding, birthday parties, house parties, our art show
etc. etc.   I've also met so many rad people that I wouldn't have had the
opportunity to meet because of the site.

3. do you remember when you first picked up a camera?

I don't really remember when, I have a ton of photo albums at home that
begin with pictures I took of my friends around 12 or 13, so I guess
sometime around then..

4. What do you dream of doing? Photography in your future?

Photography will definitely be in my future. I would love to have the
opportunity to learn more about photography as a craft, but even if it's
always just a hobby, I can't see ever stopping. I think I'm still figuring
out what my dreams are - until recently I'd been doing it sort of
backwards, figuring out what I DON'T want to do first.

5. Who is your role model in life and/or photography?

I am so hugely inspired by anyone I meet who has found what they love to
do and is working steadily towards it. People who don't want to 'figure it
out later' or are happy with 'just okay'. I have met a few of them lately
and I'm completely inspired by the way they live their lives.

6. Tell us something people don't know about you.

I'm really a man. just kidding. .. or am I?


Culture:

7. How do you feel about photography being so accessible these days ( on
cameras, and even digital photography)
I think it's awesome. It's like I said, I never would have learned how
much I like to take pictures if it hadn't been for digital photography. I
look through sites like Tumblr & Flickr and I'm soooo amazed at the
quality of work that is being turned out by people who are just looking to
create something beautiful and have fun in the process. We are going to be
the best documented generation to date and I can't see how that could
possibly be bad. I can't wait to look back on it all.

8. How did you come up with Lindsay's diet?

We created the site to get the pictures off of livejournal and somewhere
more accessible. The name of the site -lindsaysdiet.com came from my
brilliant friend Erica. A bunch of us were sitting around my apartment the
night we decided to register a domain, brainstorming names that weren't
either taken or too generic and she came up with that. It was supposed to
be a play on what Lindsay (Smith) & I 'dined' on.. our lifestyle &
friends.

9. did you think it would get this notable? - i mean people go directly to

your site right after a party.

It doesn't surprise me that if people get their picture taken, they go
check it out the next day. Who wouldn't? There are plenty of party photo
sites in plenty of cities, I think they've just become a party staple now
- like the dj or a rad flyer or someone to do visuals. It's fun to see
what people are wearing and how the night went and who was there.. I'm
stoked that people are into it too.

10. What does the future have in store for Lindsay's diet?

A lot of traveling actually - I'll be in Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Austin & Miami Beach in the next few months.  Then I'm going on tour with
DJ Skeet Skeet (eatskeet.com) and Rony (ronysphotobooth.com) on the Shoot
n' Skeet tour from Irvine, CA (Bamboozle Left) to New Jersey (Bamboozle).
I'm reallllly excited about that!  My lovely & talented friend Coral
Mercer, who's been a part of lindsaysdiet since it's conception,  is going
to be photographying Glory Days at the Biltmore in Vancouver every
Saturday while I'm gone and posting it on the site, as well as adding her
own random, rad, photo-updates.

11. What have you gained from this endeavor? any regrets?

No regrets at all. The site has opened up so many opportunities for me,
I've met a ton of fantastic people that I otherwise wouldn't have and I've
learned so much about myself and my friends.

City:

Favorite Place to Eat: The Four Seasons or Foundation

Favorite Place to Hang out: Wherever my friends happen to be. Four Square
in the west end when the weather is nice.

Favorite Place to Shop: Ebay or True Value Vintage or Club Monaco

Favorite City: I don't think I've seen enough cities to pick a favorite.

What you like about Vancouver: How everyone knows everyone, I love playing
the "hey! you must know " game.

ART: Jamie Bizness

 Jamie Bizness

1. Tell me a bit about yourself ( Where are you from, where did you study, how did you get into art) 

im 25 years old, im from edmonton alberta originally, but moved to ontario when i was one, moved to calgary at 6 where i stayed with my aunt ellen Macleod who is an amazing painter, and my main inspiration for creating art, she taught me water color, my grandma taught me calligraphy and i loved watching her doodle on notepads, and i started to do what she did. and i basically never stopped drawing, always shyed away from institutionalized art , never got high grades in art class but continued to do art on my own time, grade twelve had a decent teacher, sold my first painting, started to sell more paintings all over calgary all through private sales, had several side projects which were fashion based. and started to travel to vancouver to sell art and clothes, and decided that i loved vancouver and i moved here 5 years ago, where i have further persued my art in form and in marketing. i try to diversify as much as possible, but the bulk of my work is illustration and mixed medium (acrylic, ink, wood cut, spraypaint, paper etc) on canvas and wood

my goals are for the future to expand my self as an artist continueously and apply my art to business . 

other than art i skateboard , and think about art and skateboarding , and all of lifes little questions. smoke mass amounts of chronic, and pretend to dj. 

2. Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? why? 

im 100 percent artfag hehe, all day errrry day , in the ayyyyyy.

3. What is your dream when it comes to your passion? 

my dream is to always be stepping it up and learning , and doing what i love to do. work with other artists, make books, make bank, make movies, travel, and it all recycles back into the art. and to llive love life 

4.who is your role model (idol) in your career path? 

my role models are  my aunt (ellen macleod) my grandma (marge macleod) they both were always inspiring me, AW (andy warhol) 

 

Culture: 

7.  How do you feel about underground art vs. art with a capital 'A'? 

I believe that art is a very broad term, personally i identify with painting and illustrating the most , and im kind of  jaded i guess to alot of other forms or lets just say im very picky, as for high art or low brow if you wanna try to put names to them i think that this concept is silly, i think its eliteist and very stifleing to the advancment of art and just the general mentality of people in general. Then again i suppose if you were to ask me which stereo type i like better and appreciate more , then the later would be my choice, gotta keep it hood. but my thing is that i want that hood to be so dope that everyone wants to be a part of it  like a community, and anyone that wants to be a part of it can come by , and if you're rolling through with ill will and scuff my " jordans"  then "ima have to fuck you up quick two time" i guess it has to to with where i grew up i suppose and what i think is dope and i like some art thats considered to be high art and i strive to be at that level, but only aestheticly and the same goes for underground artists as well theres lots of artists painting with what lots would call the same style. i love that art just as much as a  dali if not more sometimes. so the two worlds in my mind blend seemlessly and i hope that one day it does for everyone and not just in the art world

8.  What are your views on underground art in Vancouver, do you think it's a sleeping giant ? 

Underground art in vancouver , never heard of it, its allll on the up and up and up.  people were just to busy stuck in grade nine latching on to the cool kid and now people are starting to grow up and have there own style and i think just like in music art has niches and i think vancouver is gonna cap on a big part of those soon cause there is  alot of talent here , we just need to get together and make a bigger bang to look at, if that makes any sense hehe.

9.  Tell us about the style of your art-

my art is very introspective in execution . its like meditating, so its very dreamy and surreal. i love colors and pushing color combos that you wouldnt normally see with forced design, its more natural like if you're at a party and everyone has different clothes and colors on but its still a really stylee fun party. its kinda like that. lots of symbology and inferred messages about my philosophies , and ideas, so its constantly changeing cause i like to inform myself and constantly learn so i think it shines through in my work.

theres definately a heavy poster art feeling in the sense that its really quite pop'ie . which i do to catch the eye and look good in passing but i spend quite a bit of time on detailing so that is people decide to stop and look they are gonna be able to se something else everytime they look at a piece.

i should add that i dont exactly stick to one style but i do try to tie it all in somehow, for instance i might paint something in classical style over and abstract background. 

i like to keep it fresh, which i think is not traditional for most artist . where the idea is to be identifiable , I'd like to be identified as unidentifiable. MAMAISM is how i would call my style, it is a precursor to dada, more self actualized and primative , i think that the dadaists  missed the the true nature when they stopped at dad they forgot about mom. heheh. soo i just wanna basically try to helppeople rethink, start instead of stop, and question everything. especially themselves. to push limits and boundries.  in a shell of course

10.  How do you feel about Vancouver as a venue for arts and culture? 

vancouver is a beautiful city and a perfect stage if we could only figure out how to open them mutherfucking curtains sorry mom)

 

11. tell us something funny..anything:  

how do you catch a bear?  

you dig a hole in the ground, fill the hole with ashes, surround the hole with peas.

now when the bear goes to take a pea, kick him in the ash hole.

:)

12. advice to any other aspiring artists?  

everyday allllllllllllllllll day , neverstop working, obsesss, experiment, never let anyone tell you no you cant cause you can, quantum physics, acid, mushrooms, weed. practice practice practice. if you dont know , you bettah akssss somebody.   

City: 

Favorite Place to Eat:  smile cafe on pender, breakfast special, or myhouse grilled cheese

Favorite Place to Hang out: vic square, plaza, redgate, your house, the beach, 

Favorite Place to Shop:  who shops when you use to work at aa  wink wink

Favorite City:  van city

What you like about Vancouver: everything and nothing at the same time. it just is like buddah

check out Jamie's Show this week: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=52795651151

ART: Tom Sokolowski (Director of the Andy Warhol Museum)

So i had the privilege of listening to Tom Sokolowski talk  about Andy Warhol last night at Emily Carr. He was very engaging, and through his energy I could feel his appreciation of the complex mind that was Mr. Warhol. Mr. Sokolowski discussed Andy as a 'man of camouflage'  and went into detail describing his perspectives on people, his work, and his discourse through art.  It was truly amazing to be so close to the genius mind of Andy and listen to all these details about his work that we didn't know. 

Tom discussed Andy's screen-tests and talked about why he did them. The fact that each individual was shot for 2 minutes and 40 seconds on 16 mm film; however, Andy slowed the speed down so it actually spanned 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Tom discussed Andy's fascination with looking at something for a length of time so that everything starts to separate and you really go far beyond the initial meaning.  It was amazing to look at his works of Marilyn Manroe commenting on the deterioration of Norma Jean Baker after becoming a supernova in Hollywood and what ultimately led to her suicide. When one first looks at the image we see a pop art version of Marilyn; however, as you look long enough you begin to realize the coloring outside the lines, and the 'drag queen-esque' fabrication of the image. This is exactly what Norma Jean Baker allowed Hollywood to do to her, fabricate her, and cover her with glam.

A memorable moment included Mr. Sokolowski commenting on the infamous IT girl Edie Sedgewick , "[Edie] had an incandescent look - but was dumb as a stone". 

First part of his Lecture: 

http://www.zshare.net/download/54883787af3aeb44/

Second Part of his Lecture: 

http://www.zshare.net/download/548846165562e318/

The posted link is a downloadable version of his lecture. There is one that spans 4 mins and the other that is 56 minutes. ( The break in between was watching the screen-shots of Edie Sedgewick and others)

MUSIC: Katie GoGo

Katie GoGo

1. Tell me a bit about yourself ( Where are you from, where did you study, how did you get into Music) 

 I was raised in Fort Langley. They have a fort there, it's made out of popsicle sticks.

Music is something that's inside me, it's just an undeniable attraction. I picked up my first guitar in Katimavik and played two chords 'zombie' by the cranberries until everyone hated me...then i learned blondie.

2. Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? why? 

My hippy parents put me in art school. I didn't really think about any alternative, creativity has always been life for me.

3. What is your dream when it comes to your career? 

to play a duet with Julie Doiron and be in a car commercial.

4. Have you gone through any struggles or obstacles on your path to being an artist? Did anyone of those obstacles/struggles help redefine your career goals?

This one time I moved to toronto on a whim to join a band. We broke up and it was really cold and I had no friends. I would ride my bike a lot and read Hunter S. Thompson. 

5. who is your role model (idol) in your career path? 

Suzy Sabla is my role model to life. Feist is pretty incredible in her innovativeness , her intellect, and the amount of respect she puts into her craft.

Culture: 

6. Where do you see Music going? 

Music is very much a business, it's sink or swim. There are so many musicians I truly appreciate and admire.. but they wouldn't be here if it weren't for the business side.

As for the evolution of music as a whole, music will continue to slice and splice and mix with different genres. Fusing seems to be where music is going. Also disco is coming back. Joke?

7.  Does general society have art stereotypes or preconceived notions about music and the industry that peeves you? 

I think there is an obsession put on image, that's to be expected in todays world.  It doesn't bother me so much, as I just put emphasis on how a band/artist makes me feel. It's the intimacy you can share with a song that makes you such a devout fan to the artist. That's what really matters, not all the hype surrounding the band.

8.  Tell us about your latest ventures

This is where I talk about how I host a night at Honey called The Beehive right? Yeah thats what I thought. It's a 50's rock n roll night hosted by myself & Suzy Q.  Two Rock n roll bands and myself play. We have soul records to spin and lots of good looking friends to dance with. You should totally come. Because hey, you can never know enough babes right?? The Next Beehive is Feb 4th.  Totally.

9.  How do you feel about Vancouver as a venue for Music? 

I love the sense of community that you feel when attending a show at  a smaller venue, like  little mountain or St. James hall.  It's like you've been let in on a secret  and the secret bonds you to your neighbor.  Yet I think we could be better equipped, that would mean more money though. And God knows we're all poor.

 

10. Can you tell us about your sound 

Intimate, soft, lullabies danced out in rhymes.

11. advice to any other aspiring artists? 

hit the ground running until you get exactly what you want.

12. Tell us something funny: 

My hippy parents fed me tofu products until I was 7 and told me it was meat!! I love hippies.

City: 

Favorite Place to Eat:  Foundation

Favorite Place to Hang out:  Marty's pool.

Favorite Place to Shop:  Value Village in Langley

Favorite City:  Banff

What you like about Vancouver:  That the strangers are just friends you haven't made yet.

www.myspace.com/katiegogo

www.myspace.com/beehivethe

EXHIBIT: "SNAPSHOTS "

" Snapshots " is being displayed at the Cambie Bakery and Cafe until the end of February. This exhibit showcases how Amy Scott-samuel finds beauty in very ordinary moments.. Come by during the opening to see the works, and have an amazing cinnamon bun (or two).

ART OPENING: JANUARY 31st 

WHERE: 320 CAMBIE ( CAMBIE BAKERY AND CAFE)

TIME: 4-6PM 

http://www.myspace.com/rudyfoolish

http://www.rosesinthecloset.blogspot.com/

ARTIST: Amy Scott-samuel

AMY SCOTT-SAMUEL

1. Tell me a bit about yourself Amy.

 

I grew up in England, in a rather large and bustling city called Liverpool. Famous for its football team and of course, the Fab Four - Liverpool has long had a rich and vibrant art scene - whether it be musically, through visual arts, poetry, or film. As a kid growing up in the city I was regularly dragged around art galleries and arts festivals by my parents. Art didnt mean much to me at the time - I wasnt all that aware of it - but it was always there in the background, and fortunately for me, our house was filled with the stuff! From wall hangings, to etchings and prints of some of the greats - lucien freud, klimt, mackintosh, egon schiele. As I got older I began covering my own walls with art -old black and white photographs of smiling strangers that I had picked up at the local junk store - dusty art prints that I had found in my parents loft of Pre Raphaelite women and angels, old Vogue prints from the 50s and 60s. Around the age of 16 I started collecting curios and bits of junk - mannequin heads, circuit boards, smashed up wing mirrors, old toy cars and strangely shaped scraps of wood and metal that I had acquired from dumpsters and alleyways during nighttime excursions.

At 18 I left home and headed to America for a 3 month cross-country stint. It was during that trip that I really developed a taste for photography. It wasnt exactly a conscious move -  and it wasnt that I had hopes of being a photographer - but more like an attempt to document my many and varied experiences - to send images to the folks back home, and to have some visual stimulus to remember my trip by. In fact, it was that trip which signalled a whole new  phase in my life. I was travelling alone and felt unusally bold, empowered, and more importantly - inspired. The more inspired I felt, the more pictures I took. I guess it was around this time that I became conscious of photography as a legitimate art form,  and the sheer impact that a single image could have - the intrigue it could generate. It was the sudden realisation that through the use of the camera, I could shape or define a moment; an object; a subject or scene, from a personal and subjective standpoint. Through the camera, I could recreate - and further - redefine that scene. There's something incredibly powerful about being able to share your vision with the rest of the world. I really feel that when it comes to photography, and art in general, the possibilities are truly limitless!

 

 

  2. Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? why? 

 

I dont think I actually 'decided' to be an artist. In fact , I have never really called myself an artist.

The whole concept of being an 'artist' and how that is defined - or how it defines a person - kind of baffles me. It seems a very exclusive category, and im not sure where or how I fit into it!

 

 

3. What is your dream when it comes to your career? 

Hmmmmm....my dream? Well it would be incredible to make a living from taking pictures. It feels so natural to me, and of course, gives me an incredible amount of pleasure. I think I am at my happiest when I'm taking pictures. For a long time I wanted to get into band photogpraphy, simply because music is another great soucre of inspiration for me and I find musicians to be an interesting and ecclectic bunch - so great fodder for the camera. Since I've been in Van I have worked on a number of photography projects for the Discorder magazine - mainly live action [music] stuff like The Silver Jews, Monotonix, the Cave singers,  Gang Gang Dance, and Jesse Gander of Hive Studios.

4. Have you gone through any struggles or obstacles on your path to being an artist? Did anyone of those obstacles/struggles help redefine your career goals?

 

 In general, I have found it much harder to get involved in the art scene back home. If one not is not a trained artiste -people wont take you too seriously. But I've found it to be a completely different story over here. As I mentioned before - I've been published in the Discorder mag a number of times and have an exhibition of my work up at the Cabmie Cafe - so things are really progressing for me over here and it's refreshing to get all this great, positive feedback. That's the thing about North America - whenever I visit this part of the world, I feel a strong sense of possibility, and that there are many doors, open to all - you just have to find them.

 

 5. who is your role model (idol) in your career path? 

 

Im afraid I dont have a role model or idol as such -- but there are quite a few artists that inspire me, like Lucien Freud, Wolfgang Tillmans, Robert Frank, Henri Cartier Bresson, Marcel Dzama, Egon Schiele, Henry Darger, Bilibin, Gaugin, Cy Twombly...

 

Culture: 

 7.  Does general society have art stereotypes or preconceived notions about photography that peeves you? 

 

 Im sure there are preconceived stereotypes relating to photgraphy and art in general, but I dont buy into them, nor pay them much attention. 

Obviously - art is up for grabs. It is not supposed to be boxed in or categorised or understood in any one specific way. The whole point of art is that it is open for interpretation. Sure, people box themselves in by following current trends or fads, and it will always be that way, but I dont care to engage in that stuff too much. I remember as a postpubescent teen, being a little overwhelmed or intimidated by art. I often thought to myself 'I just dont get it...what is this abstract painting or sculpture or drawing SUPPOSED to represent? What is its purpose?' It took me a while to realise that there is no definitive answer with art. It is a completely open forum - it is there to be looked at, questioned, understood, or misunderstood, interpreted and experienced on a very personal level - just as the viewer chooses. Once I had understood that, I really got into art. 

 

 

8.  Tell us about your exhibition: 'Snapshots'

 

It's a small collection of pictures - snapshots of my experiences, my travels - of pretty and interestings thing that have caught my attention. Oftentimes the subjects of my pictures can be quite simple, foregrounding 'ordinary', everyday scenes - a wrought iron staircase hanging on the exterior of a New York apartment block, shadows bending on a sidewalk, a stone angel bathed in golden sunlight, telegraph poles and formations of clouds.

 

 

9.  How do you feel about Vancouver as a venue for arts and culture? 

 

Vancouver definitely attracts an artistically inclined crowd. I was joking with a friend recently and we  agreed that EVERYBODY in Vancouver is an artist. While they might work a menial daytime job, it is likely that they will be a writer, a poet, an filmmaker, actor, designer, musician or photographer on the side. It's amazing how many artists I have met in such a small space of time. Vancouver is obviously an inspiring and magnetic location for creative minds.  

 

11. advice to any other aspiring artists/ photographers? 

 

 

Advice to artists? Oh I suppose - just keep on with your work! And get it out there - get it seen by as many people as you can. If you havent done so already - be sure to set up a website or a blog showcasing examples of your work. Look into putting on a show. Think about collaborating with other artists. Take any opportunity that is made available to you [within reason!], and of course, put in the effort to create new opportunities.

 

City: 

 

Favorite Place to Eat: 

Still searchin...Any recommendations?!

Favorite Place to Hang out: 

Kits beach on a foggy day

Favorite Place to Shop:

Value Village!

Main street vintage shops

Thrift stores of all shapes and sizes

Favorite City: 

It has to be a choice between Berlin and NYCeee

 

What you like about Vancouver: 

 

The colossal mountains looming over the city provide a majestic and impressive backdrop. I love the mix of city life and natural life - the beaches, parks, and luscious green areas of the city. I love how you can hop on a bus, train , bike, or get in your car, and be in a place of stunning natural beauty within a matter of minutes.

EXHIBIT: Climbing towards the Fall - Randy Grskovic

Randy Grskovic considers absurd aspects of technological progress, inviting viewers to enjoy the craftsmanship of completely useless innovation to draw attention to the mundane realities of design failure and obsolescences. Grskovic has a BFA from UBC - Okanagan and has exhibited his work at Centra A in Vancouver, The Alternator Gallery for Contemporary art in Kelowna, LOEil de Poisson in Quebec City, Eastern Edge in St. Johns and was invited to curate a program for VTape in Toronto

His new exhibition Climbing towards the fall will display his new works and will leave you in awe.

CLIMBING TOWARDS THE FALL OPENING: 

WHERE: Plank Gallery 165 E HASTINGS

WHEN: Feb 20th 2009 until March 2nd (Tues-Sat 12-6pm)

TIME: 6pm - 10pm (for the opening)

MORE INFO: www.randygrskovic.com

ARTIST: Randy Grskovic

RANDY GRSKOVIC:

 

1. Tell me a bit about yourself (Where are you from, where did you study, how did you get into art)

 

I grew up in the Okanagan Valley so the natural choice to go study was at the local University UBC-Okanagan, I intended to go there for only two years and then transfer to a larger school in Canada but I really liked the philosophy of interdisciplinary practices they encouraged so I stayed there and obtained my degree.  It was a really great experience, very encouraging and open-minded.

 

2. Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? and why?

 

Growing up I was quite an anxious and quiet little boy; I found that I could get a lot attention by drawing (as most kids do) so I used it to communicate and get pats on the back.  It was easy to hide behind art and excused my social awkwardness – artists are weird so no one thought anything of it.  From that point on I never really considered anything else.  Unfortunately, (maybe fortunately) the scenario of people encouraging you to continue making art flips at some point when the reality of getting a job comes into play, the encouragement turns to discouragement due to practicality.  I think this situation helped reaffirm my love and caused a deep reflection for what I was doing and made me steadfast in my convictions.  The adversity made me a stronger person in general always defending my position.  Its interesting to note how much the influence of others really dictate who you are as a person.

 

3. What is your dream when it comes to your career?

 

My dream is to be respected for my work even if it is not appreciated.  Right now I feel like I’m living my dream, I’m a freelance graphic designer, which gives me the flexibility to explore my artistic practices without the 9-5 job interfering.  When I am inspired I can just start working, I don’t have to wait to get to the studio, I’m already here.  I would say that my next goal is to get some serious representation so that I can leave graphic design and focus solely on the art.  I would also like to make enough money from this to pay off my student loan and live comfortably so I can support my family.

 

4. Have you gone through any struggles or obstacles on your path to being an artist? Did anyone of those obstacles/struggles help redefine your career goals?

 

The biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was the religion I grew up in.  From about 5-20 years old I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, while they were always nice and encouraging on a personal level they have strong convictions about exploring anything beyond the religion, which I found to be quite stifling.  Like I said before I am a huge advocate of open-mindedness so I had to abandon my faith to pursue art.  Because of their rules, I had to excommunicate myself from the organization which meant I no longer could associate with anyone I had developed a relationship with for the past 15 years.  I was really quite alone in the world at that time so I had to make the most of it and learn as much as I could – I really felt behind in the game so it gave me a lot of motivation to succeed.  Without art I had nothing else.

 

 

5. who is your role model (idol) in your career path?

 

This may sound funny, but I think Jay-Z has been my biggest inspiration.  I grew up quite poor with some major aspirations for the future.  I always admired his drive to go from rags to riches.  He built his own career when nobody would sign him to a label, he dictated his own future and continues to do so.  By any means necessary.

 

Culture:

 

6. Where do you see art going?

 

I see Art going in a very positive direction right now.  I think the latter half of the 20th century was about the “NEW” and now into the 21st century have realized that concept is not sustainable, I really think we are going to look at the past and make this century about the “IMPROVED”.

 

7.  Does general society have art stereotypes or preconceived notions about art that peeves you?

 

I think the most annoying preconception about artists is that we are on the periphery of society but parallel.  The truth is we are at the forefront.  Artists are Innovators who influence the Early Adopters who then sell it to the Marketers who sell that to the public.  Basically, the wacky things artists do now that are disregarded by the public and people in positions of power will be sold and eaten up by their children.  We run this game.

 

8.  Tell us about your exhibition: 'Climbing towards the fall'

 

I think it is important to reveal the thin line that separates the magnificence and the absurdity of technology. Technological advancement points us in the direction of a utopian future, encouraging aspirations for development. I am attracted to the point of contact where reality intersects this utopian ideal; this intersection is the point at which the ideal fails. It is not intended to be a negative view of progress; rather, it is the moment at which we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes.

 

Through a process of exploiting the absurd inclination to push inventions and entertainment beyond our current needs, I hope that there is a sense of caution with conception but that creativity is still promoted. My aesthetic quality invites the viewer to enjoy the craftsmanship and design of completely useless objects and concepts. Along with the element of humor and dysfunction I believe the work constitutes an ominous questioning regarding the state of advancement. Simply put, Idealism should not be trusted, however it should be encouraged.

 

9.  How do you feel about Vancouver as a venue for art?

 

I think Vancouver is a great venue for art, there is a lot of passion in the art community to start galleries, and get involved.  I think where Vancouver needs improvement is the culture of appreciating art, which I think the artists need to encourage.  Too often the art is overshadowed by the party/opening.  I think Artists need to take their art seriously and worry less about recreational side.  People in Vancouver will drop a few hundred dollars on dinner but won’t by art.  The city promotes entertainment and I don’t think artists should succumb to that.  I believe that we need to focus on quality over quantity.  Like I said artists run this game and we can’t forget that.  If we take ourselves seriously others will follow.

 

10. tell us something funny..anything:

 

Recycling paper is worse for the environment than producing it, but no one wants to hear it.  Humans are hilarious.  Everyone preaches recycling but not many people know the actual stats and will dispute you regardless of their lack of information. We feel way too good putting our paper in the little blue bin rather than just not using it. Humans are way too tangible.  The key is reduction.  40% of all your recycling goes in the garbage anyway and it costs you more.  I think that’s funny.

 

11. advice to any other aspiring artists?

 

You are a leader in this world; never forget that.

 

City:

Favorite Place to Eat:

Lolita’s

Favorite Place to Hang out:

My house

 Favorite Place to Shop:

 The Internet

 Favorite City:

 Reykjavík, Iceland

 What you like about Vancouver:

 Everyone I love is here.