Soapstone Block Prints.

These were printing using soapstone, block printing ink. Printed in 2007 for a demonstration for my thesis class. The process is simple, I first smoothed the stone with a fine grit sandpaper. I used carving tools to remove stone and make impressions I then applied ink and printed using hand printing techniques.

Tuna Sub

I made this book in 2006. The piece is made of card stock, rice paper and photocopied paper. graphite, white out and ink. Bound with a single stitch.

PERMEATE

This show is an exhibition of works by emerging visual artist. The theme of the work is the relationship between visual art and music. I believe there will also be live performances on the opening night.

The show will be held at The Music Gallery which is located at 197 John st. (south end of Grange Park)

January 31 to March 29.

This is an etching, printed on paper made from banana fibers.
I printed this one at the Ontario College of art and Design in 2005

Creation Destruction Creation Destruction

This an etching I did at Georgian college in Barrie Ontario. I wiped the plate loosely to give it a smear effect, I like how the acid bit the plate it gives it an aged look. the teeth are drawn with my own teeth in mind, the ones that are black represent adult teeth that never developed, the four teeth at the bottom are all baby teeth the two teeth in the top that are black never came in. Weird eh?

This is a screen print from a few years back, its printed in three colours I used photoshop to make the triangular background.

Year of the Ox submission

This is my Print for the year of the Ox. It is a lino print. I used an intense black engravers in mixed with about 60% ink to 20% easy wipe and 20% extender base. The paper I used is the same paper I used for last years submission. Its a Nepalese paper similar to Gampi or Kozo.

The subject matter I chose is the Musk Ox, I picked the Musk Ox because it is an animal that is indigenous to Canada and this being an international show I though it would be a fitting subject. Musk Oxen are interesting animals they live in herds up north in the arctic tundra. One of the Musk Oxes most noted traits is its tactical maneuvers, the adult Musk Oxen will circle the young and old and create a wall to protect them from predators. As a new year begins, we are still somewhat shaken from the economic and political strife from years past I say we should take a lesson from nature and be like the Musk Ox taking care of our community to ensure that we all survive and prosper for years to come. Please come and see the show while its up. The opening night will be held on the Chinese New Year which I believe is January 26th. The show will be hosted by Proof Studio Gallery. Below is a description of the venue and how to get there, hope to see you on the 26th!



PROOF Studio Gallery is a contemporary photography and printmaking studio and gallery located in the Distillery District in the artist studio building called the Case Goods Warehouse. 55 Mill Street off Parliament Street in the south east corner of downtown Toronto just above the Gardiner and Lakeshore. The Case Goods Building is a happening art place with 61 art studios all open for NUIT BLANCHE -located at the south end near the railroad tracks and the coffee shop Balzacs. For more information on the Distillery District and a map of how to find us www.thedistillerydistrict.com

biker puppet

As a new year begins I cant help but look back on the years past and think about my accomplishments. As an artist its easy to become discouraged at times, artist rarely make a lot of money however there is a fulfilling aspect to art. The sense of achievement in making something beautiful or communicates an idea is something that can not be bought.
I'm not sure who the photographer was that took this shot but the subject is me. I made this puppet a summer or two back and sadly all the remains intact is the head. My dog was a teething and chewed everything. Fortunately my dog has pretty much outgrown that habit, with the exception of the occasional shoe. The puppet was mounted on a collapsible bicycle. She sat on a milk crate and had arms and legs that had a great deal of movement. The puppet was made using recycled materials as well as second hand clothing from thrift stores.
The puppet its self is made of Styrofoam, the type that they use to insulate houses with. I carved it by hand sanded it and painted it with acrylic paint. For the hair of the puppet I found a source at a wig shop. Its used in weaves and is relatively inexpensive.

The puppet was made in 2007 I was also working on a the set and props for the play "Birds Eye View" The props I worked on were the birds sculpted in bees wax and hand made paper. I also worked on the sword the the statue is holding. The sword is made with a toy sword that is painted with gold acrylic and covered with gems and shinny things old buttons and beads. The set from the play was amazing and I am honored to have worked on the show. This project was a workshop presentation that was mounted for the 2007 SummerWorks Festival in Toronto, Canada, where it won the Summerworks Festival Prize. The collaborators worked closely enough that any one of us could legitimately be called the other's assistant. However, It was conceived and written by puppeteer Faye Dupras, who is also the performer and puppet builder. Direction and dramaturgy by Erika Batdorf, live music composed and performed by Adam Frederick, and costume design by Marija Djordjevic.

I really enjoy working with puppets and props I'd love to get involved with a similar project.