Shirt Tales: Experimenting with Self

In the transition from 2007 to 2008, I have been experimenting with styling and posture. The "self-portraits" above were taken for the purpose of playing with and understanding the effect of posture and colour styling on an image. They are not self-conscious "portraits" where I am trying to say something about myself, but rather like sketches from a photographic sketchbook that help me work out ideas I have for Shirt Tales.

Other than learning about the formal aspects of photography, this process of "self-portraiture" is teaching me something very interesting about myself: that I have trouble asking for help. I would like to photograph other people who are into being directed and playing dress-up for the camera so that I may develop my photography, yet I am reluctant to ask. Its amazing how following your passion helps you uncover those vulnerabilities that need tending to. I am fiercely independent, something I would like to change. What would happen if I invited someone over to take images and my shit wasn't together, as in, with the help of the other person I/we would have to learn on the fly? It would be magic. If only I would let it.

Clearly, my lesson for 2008 has begun early : )

HAPPY NEW YEAR friends!

May you call magic into your life this year!

Shirt Tales: Wardrobe Set-Up

I had the opportunity to assist in a photo shoot for a soul/jazz artist named Sacha Williamson that took place last week. Although the concept was thought through beforehand by the art director, Nep Siddhu, the shoot itself was a team effort with three photographers (including myself), an art director, a make-up artist (off-site) and the model. I set-up a temporary studio in my place with lighting and backdrop and we shot all day. It was a fantastic experience. It gave me some insight into the work involved in creating a spread for a fashion magazine or an album cover image. I will see if I can post some images from that shoot up soon.

In the meantime, I took the images above to illustrate what a wardrobe set-up for Shirt Tales (the photo project I plan to undertake) would look like. Before I work with any models, I plan to experiment with my own clothing and accessories using studio lights and various backdrops. This will make the sessions with each model that much smoother as many of the wrinkles will be ironed out, so to speak ;). While this is exciting, it is also overwhelming as in this experimental "self-portrait" stage of the project, I play all roles: art director, photographer, make-up artist, hair stylist and model. I will set up the lighting, get dressed, set my camera up on a tripod and timer release and then run into the frame. It is an arduous task indeed and all in the name of fashion (photography)! Oh and by the way, the bling and pistol above are fake! Too bad! JK!

Get with the 80s NOW

It's all around these days -- the 80s. Jagged edges, bold, saturated, bionic colours (or in the case above, strong primaries), and early digital pixelated graphics all come together in garish incohesion. Although many may still think the 80s is ugly, there's no doubt it's running the streets again. Blame it on MIA and her stylist, Cassette Playa. Ain't nothin gonna break a my stride!

Mix:Master - Exhibition Opening!

My first solo show is currently on!

WHEN: Until Saturday, December 29th (working hours M-F + Saturdays)

WHERE: 401 Richmond Street, 4th floor (west wing, outside the SAVAC, InterAccess, CARFAC offices). The 401 Richmond building is located on the SE corner of Richmond and Spadina is Toronto.

WHAT: There are two series of drawings on view: Begging Bowls (2006) and Mix:Master (2007).

Check it out!

New Drawing: Have Courage My Love (details)

These images above are details from my 7th drawing which is now complete. With this drawing, there were many times were I felt that I had lost momentum, although, after much agony, it came together in the end.

Of late, I have not had very much time for my drawings. My day job has been very demanding and in the evenings and on weekends, most of my creative time has been devoted to researching grant deadlines and learning about the gallery system in this city. Much like any other business, being an artist requires hours of administrative duties including doing paperwork, writing grants, submitting gallery packages, networking, etc. It certainly isn't all fun and games.

The hardest part of these past few weeks has been learning about the financial cost of being an exhibiting artist. After all the sweat and tears, commercial galleries take 50% of the sale price of your work and if you rent a space, it is a few thousand dollars for a three week show plus publicity costs. This is of course, above other costs associated with being an artist such as materials, reproduction, framing, archiving, delivery, insurance, etc. And if naively, I thought grants would cover these costs, I was wrong. So far I have applied for three grants and been turned down for three grants. I will be applying for my fourth this weekend. What is that truism we should all follow, "Never Give Up." Yeah, that's a hard one to swallow. Truth is though that rejection sucks, but from experience I know that everything I have ever valued in this world -- personal growth, love, education, self-acceptance, independence, fearlessness, lasting friendships, self-love -- has come as a result of struggle. Never Give Up. Got it.

Dance for Democracy!

This is the most recent Besharam evite I have created. Recognize the dictator? BESHARAM I say! BESHARAM (shameless)! Not only can we dance for democracy but we can also indulge in some wishful thinking! Who said revolt can't be fun?

New Drawing: Come As You Are (details)

The images above are details from a drawing I have just completed entitled "Come As You Are". For those familiar with sex shops in Toronto, the double entendre will be obvious. And yes, for me this drawing does speak about the acceptance and celebration of sexual expression, but it also speaks of the acceptance and celebration of ourselves during our short lifetime - our joys, pain, sadness and longing for material, emotional and, above all, spiritual satisfaction.

While I have only posted images from three drawing so far, I am working away on my sixth drawing which has begun with the death of my mother 24 years ago. Keep checking back to see where it ends as I will post images when it is complete.