my sister’s visit came and went like that *snaps finger*.

here are some pics from the getty. i thought it was a pretty neat place, though a bit on the small side? all the staff i encountered were unhelpful and rude, save for one security guard.

all in all… well, at least i spent time with my sister.

this fountain was pretty gorgeous.

hadn’t seen one of these monets for a while. i love this series.

looking out, getting ready for some scenic shots.

henry moore reminds me of toronto… we like henry moore in toronto.

this was driving home, on 4th st. i think? it was pretty magical.

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my sister is in LA for a little over a week. i met up with her today and we spent the day grocery shopping, checking out collector vinyl and having some nice sushi.

seeing her for the first time in nine months made me feel rejuvenated. it’s funny how family can do that for you. her being here is reminding me of toronto and the rest of my family; i am realizing how much in fact, i do miss it all.

last year this time, i was preparing to leave the place i called home for 23 years.
in my mind, it was a necessary step to making my dreams come true. and just like that, a whole year flew by. in the last year i’ve done so much more than i could have fathomed possible. i’ve met a lot of great people and realized many things about myself through various successes and setbacks. i am so thankful for all that’s happened in this short time. sometimes, i think about it all and still can’t believe it’s real.

i still have a long way to go, but i’m grateful for the great start i’ve had.

last christmas i was in LA, alone. this year, i will be in toronto with my family and old friends. it will be a world of difference and i can’t wait.

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i realized the other day that my schedule for 2008 shows has come to a close.
i will have some new work in miami with cerasoli : lebasse at the aqua art fair, as well as a piece in the scion installation 5 tour.
however, my final final contribution to 2008 will be at cerasoli : lebasse’s ‘gifted’ show. here are the two paintings:

pink snow, 12 x 12″ mixed media on 300lb arches hot press.

in the snow, 12 x 12″ mixed media on 300lb arches hot press.

i encourage those who are thinking about christmas presents to consider buying artwork for your family and friends, (even if they are not mine, haha). an original painting/ drawing/ sculpture is one-of-a-kind and the right piece can have a real profound effect on your loved one.

thanks for reading.

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after ‘my love, it’s on we,’ i decided i would take some off time to do some reading, biking and venturing- mainly to get some inspiration and also just to live outside of my work for a second.

today i came across this video via +kitsune noir, i think it’s just the greatest thing to have a child’s imagination and unaffected creativity:

apparently this is just one of many videos made in an after-school program called modern music makers.  kids 5-10 are equipped with the tools they need to make their own music and music videos.  the best part is, they’re from montreal, quebec.. go canada!  watch it and be inspired!

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ogi was a wonderful guest while he was here.  he also ‘left behind’ this wonderful gift for me.  i owe him one… this is one of the very few original pieces of art i own.

you can talk about how much you love ogi, here.

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i watched this video thinking about how amazing it would be, being in that space.  sound plays such an important role in our lives but i think most of us take it for granted.

the accumulation of multiple recordless players is really intriguing; the collective sounds they make, the different forms they take on.  when i watch the video it makes me think of all the places and times these players may have originated from- how at one point, some family, or single man, or couple were using them to listen to their music.
with the technology the way it is now, we get to see and hear how depleted and ignored these once-precious machines become.  it’s so bittersweet.

i’ve had the pleasure of having ogi stay with us while he’s visiting from tokyo.  i am so blessed to have had the chance to discuss with him, the merits and processes behind putting together a great installation.  he is a brilliant cat and his installation at cerasoli:lebasse on the 11th is going to be off the china, for sure.  but not without some hard work and true passion:

i can’t wait to see it all come together.

you can discuss ogi, here.

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since i’m canadian, the idear of “british” is quite a commonplace thing for me.  we are after all, a commonwealth of sorts.. we have the queen on our moneys and have a political system that resembles the uk’s.  but lately, the british have really been making an impact to me in the most interesting way.  as i’m exposed to more british artists, i can see a wonderful world of skewed thinking, application and expression.  (and i mean that in no offensive way- just the same way perhaps, that any other foreigner would find north americans ’skewed’).
a few weeks ago i went to see the ian francis show at kinsey/deforges gallery and was completly blown away.  with the lazarides show invading new york, i’m sure things have really only begun.  of course, i don’t have to mention the insane paths that banksy and damien hirst have already taken..

but this is an exciting time- as artists are coming together and crossing cultures, affecting other people and establishing strong voices.  i’m sure yoskay will get a great response as he shows in london next year, and for myself and the project: boys, i think i can safely say we can’t wait to be in spain this coming january.

cheers! and thanks to daily dujour for having me here.

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