Blog

Artworld Uncorked

Artworld Uncorked.
I just spent a very enjoyable evening drinking wine and painting under the tutelage of the esteemed Garth Armstrong. Thank you Donna, Brian and Rebecca for hosting such a great party. I will be teaching one September 18.

“500,” acrylic, 24×36

“500” acrylic, 24×36
As a rule I dislike taking on commissions.  This one, however was an interesting challenge.  A friend who works for GO Transit wanted a painting to commemorate the arrival of their 500th double decker bus.  I got to spend time in the depot and the service garage, interact with the mechanics and get a sense of the pride and professionalism which goes into getting us around in the world.

Being Canadian

I know this is an art blog, but I think this piece gives an insight into the nature of art produced in Canada.  This is an excerpt from an interview with the sublime Sarah Polley in today’s Star.
I think what being Canadian means to me is constantly changing and evolving because the country itself is. It’s probably because we’re young. We’re not static. Maybe that’s what I’m most proud of — that you can’t nail us down.
People can refer to this as an identity crisis, or a lack of confidence, but I think the most powerful thing about this country is our lack of needing to scream our identity from the rooftops. And that we have this natural experience of “otherness” being next to such a huge mainstream culture in the States. We can imitate it, but it’s not really us and we know that. There’s always the sense of being an outsider about us, and I think that’s incredibly helpful in terms of seeing the world in interesting ways.
We do have this apologetic nature, but I think that comes from a place of strength, not weakness. We know how to be unsure of ourselves and admit what we don’t know in a way that is beneficial to the world and ourselves. At the same time there’s a toughness to Canadians that I admire. We fought against all odds, and against all governments, to create amazing social programs.
None of these things were handed to people. Canadians have been fierce in demanding the right to care for each other and themselves. It’s one of those things I hope we see way more of as those programs are threatened. A national health care program at the time must have seemed like an impossibility. To overcome the powers that be to make that happen. The fact that Canadians kept going is just a miracle to me.
Again we don’t always live up to our potential, that’s for sure, but that’s in us, and that is something I cling to. It’s there even when it’s not evident. I think it’s my version of holding on to hope in some way.

Paul

My pal, Paul McCusker has two of his amazing life drawings in the Neilson Park black and white show. In addition to being a great guy, Paul draws better than anyone I know. It’s an intriguing show, well worth a visit. 



Black Kat

My painting, “Black Kat” is currently on view in the main gallery of Neilson Park Creative Centre.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a painting generate as much discussion.

New in the Gallery

I just delivered four new Port Credit paintings to Artworld Fine Art. If you’re in the area drop by. They’re on the southeast corner of Kipling and Evans.

The Canadian Doctor Who

Earlier this year my good friend and collaborator Mark Askwith phoned me with an idea for a piece on his show “Innerspace.” Since the co-creator of the ubiquitous Dr. Who was a Canadian, Sydney Newman, Mark had come up with an interesting “alternative universe” idea. What if Dr. Who was a Canadian production and all of the doctors were played by Canadian actors. It was a tight deadline, but great fun to draw.
Mark and I were hoping the piece would air on Canada Day, but due to scheduling issues it will now appear on Space the Imagination Station on Thursday, July 3 at 6:00 p.m..
By way of a teaser here is the inimitable Donald Sutherland as “The War Doctor.”
Tune in to Innerspace to see my portraits of the twelve other doctors.