Ever wonder why an artist stops to look at a single solitary lost mitten or crouch down to examine a randomly found heart shaped rock?  Why is it crucial for some to draw a sketch of an old man wearing some neon orange suspenders at the back of the bus?  What motivates and drives an artist to create long after the work day has ended?   Do artists ponder that they might be considered crazy banshees for having the guts to do what they really love doing?  What about the choice to continue creating no matter what the monetary reward?  How can a flock of birds whistling away in the morning spark a vital project idea?  All these questions and more surface in my mind sea, bobbing there and intriguing me.  Hence forth, a series emerged focusing on the thoughts and ramblings of kooky artistic minded people.  Find out how these lovelies find extraordinary ways to create and multi-task their passions into the universe that is their life.  The talented and lovely Alyssa Moor spring boards into question land…

‘You know how some girls have lots of dolls?’ Alyssa Moor asks me.  Though Miss Moor resembles a doll herself the key difference between her childhood and that of other girls’ is that mounds of blocks and art supplies were her dolls.  All the goodies you can imagine under the art supply sun ran rampant in the Moor household.   She could be found making her own toys to play with, instead of playing with the toys given to her as gifts.  Those gifts sat gathering dust.  Her parents were the type of dream team that encouraged her to go to university for something she was passionate about.  Queen’s University was her proverbial cake mold where she attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Sculpture.  Now working in Calgary at Studio Y Creations as Assistant Production Manager, she oversees the quality control of custom sculptures made of styrofoam for a stellar array of venues from theme parks to museums.  On a quasi-tangent Alyssa loves extremely hot showers and can be found playing classical violin in her living room…

Who are your influences when it comes to creative endeavours?

There are many people who have inspired me to create, but the strongest supporters and major funders of my work were my parents.  They never told me that I couldn’t do anything.  They just said ‘do what you like to do and stick with it and you will be fine’.  I was lucky enough to never have the pressure to grow up and ‘be’ anything.  As for other influences my fabulous artist friends continue to awe and amaze me with their talents and that helps keep me going.  I look to the old Italian and northern renaissance masters for inspiration, as well as some excellent practicing artists such as Mark Ryden, Jana Sterbak, Lois Andison and Aganetha Dyck.

Would you use the word artist to describe one of the many facets of yourself?

I have always identified with the word artist since I have always felt a need to create things ever since I was really young.  I started my creating with construction paper and ended up with steel, wood, stone and oil paint.

When an idea is born within your brain unit, how do you go about thinking it up? Are you an ever-elusive aha moment person? Or is that a load of bull stink?

Ideas are strange things, they usually appear when my brain is bored, in the middle of sanding something at work, or right before I go to sleep.

Any projects on the go at present? If so would you mind spilling the beans?

I have a three painting series on the go: I’m currently working on painting number two.  I plan on showing  the series at the end of this year, or the beginning of next year if I can find a good venue for them. I am also working on getting an octopus necklace cast in silver and a Mucha sculpture reproduction.

What time of day is your best creative time?

I’m definitely a mid day to night worker.  I have a really long attention span when I am working on something, so as long as I can start at 10 am or later I have no problem working until 11 pm.

Do you ever get scared when you’re about to embark on a new project?

It is difficult to make a decision to just do it.  Working full time at a hands-on job takes a lot out of me, and there are also outside distractions such as the gym, socializing, t.v., cleaning, etc.  I recently cancelled my cable to try to cut out one of those distractions so I can focus more when I get home.

Once “project something” has begun, how do you successfully finish what you have started?

I wish I knew the answer to that - I would have many more finished projects!  Deadlines are excellent motivators to produce.  I should set deadlines more often.

Are there any rituals that you’ve acquired while making and creating work?

I am not sure if it would be considered a ritual, but I do need a great deal of time to make anything.  I cannot make art for 20 minutes at a time: it needs to be hours.

I’ve been fortunate to be at several events where you have made cakes for special friends and birthday extravaganzas.  When did you start making such speciality items and what draws you into making them?

I have been a baker for a long time.  Both of my parents were interested in the culinary arts when I was young so I was never limited to hot dogs and Kraft dinner.  I was raised on stir fry, curry in a hurry, chilli and home-made baked goods.  After my BFAH at Queens I was going to go to the Culinary Institute in Vancouver, but I got a job in a restaurant as a cook the summer before and I hated it - so I never went.  After that I decided that cooking for friends and family was enough.  Specifically, cake baking has come on recently, as people seem to like them and they make good birthday presents.

Is cake and art-making similar in creative processes or are they viewed as two separate activities to you?

Baking is easy, art-making is hard.  If you want to bake a chocolate cake there are step by step instructions to make it perfectly, but if you want to make art it is all up to you.

Please use six words to describe the state of your cooking space after said cake-a-thon. Go.

Sugary, congested, piled, crummy, fragrant, warm.

Do you have any philosophies about food that you’d love to share?

Food is a great way to bring people together.  Everyone eats and has certain likes and dislikes so you can always start conversations about food, which ultimately leads into discussing other things.  Good food makes people happy.

special thanks to these lovelies (answers: alyssa moor, photo crew: denly wunderpants smyth mcmann and lyndsay stang hinds, editor and ever expanding vastly beautiful mind: christine neave and title aid: dustin wahlund)

Stepping into the old building one can smell an impending performance fresh in the air.  Here lies the home of the lovelies who live and breathe Greenfools Theatre.  Their latest production explores Ancient Egypt weaving the tale of Isis and Osiris the beloved earthly rulers.  Osiris’s brother Seth jealously broods over Osiris’s popularity and devises a scheme to overtake the throne.  A battle rages and only cosmic love can overcome.

Time warp to the sneak preview from inside Greenfools headquarters.  A giant cream coloured sheet draped across the room becomes the backdrop for the stage.   Directly in front of the sheet one finds a colourful array of goodies: one old school projector and two Egyptian cloth scrolls.  On top of the scrolls, feast your eyes on piles and piles of shadow puppets in all shapes and sizes.  These two dimensional characters that spill over one another have bodies born from bright neon construction paper, gels from all colours of the rainbow and black duct tape.  Many of them can spin and move - and all can captivate.

Close by, three talented living breathing musicians have mapped out nooks for a keyboard, drum kit, Indian Tabla and Chinese Zithers.  Imagine the audio-soup all those sounds will create!  Three steps away an assortment of chairs and cushions await you: the viewer.  This is ‘cozy up on a cushion’ intimate.  The pre-show music fades.  Lights dim.  This is where the magic begins.

An old-school projector flicks on, shining vibrant light onto the backdrop. Shadow puppets dance on screen by the aid of the puppeteers hands.  Performers act along side the shadows adding an extra element of interaction.  Enchanting original compositions leave one beguiled and humming right along.

This is where I stop.  The opera itself cannot be described in written words, but with song, unmistakable greenfools wit, ancient yet modern images, superb costumes and pure dedicated love.  All those whom fancy a heart warming tale and stoking your sense’s curiosity follow the link below.  The show starts it’s official run November 10-15.  Keep marvellous storytelling alive!

http://www.greenfools.com/

Vancouver has produced a number of high quality bands and the latest one to come across our desk is no exception. Elias generated some good buzz when Spin.com chose them as one of of “Eight must-hear bands from B.C.” alongside well-known acts such as Black Mountain, The Organ and You Say Party! We Say Die!,  Comprised of Brian Healy (vocals/ piano/guitar), lead guitarist Rob Tornroos and drummer Stefan Tavares, Elias have won over their fans with their dynamic live performances, and mysterious, unique and eerily comforting recorded rhythms. Their latest album, Lasting Distraction, released earlier this month, was produced by all-star duo Sean Penner and Aaron Nordean (Hot Hot Heat) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Franz Ferdinand, ACDC). We had a chance to ask Rob Tornroos a few questions about their home town, touring and influences.

What local Vancouver band are you guys really diggin on right now?

Rob: My favourite local band/artist at the moment would have to be Hannah Georgas. Having played a few shows in her band I had to learn all of her old and new songs and now I can’t get them out of my head if I tried. Her songs are so catchy and quirky and her vocals are just phenominal! Also recently got the Dan Mangan CD (from himself on the side of the highway outside of Canmore BC when we stoppped to meet up for 5 minutes) and I must say the first song”Road Regrets” is the song of the moment for me. It is truly a “gem” of an opening track!

What’s your favorite part of touring?

Rob: My favourite part of touring is getting to leave the everyday routine at home and not having to do the same job day after day that I have done for the past 6 years. Having just got back from a short tour I still don’t know what day it is nor do I care. Things get fun when everyday feels like a Friday! 

What’s you favourite Radiohead album and why?

Rob: Tough question! This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer. Every Radiohead album represents a specific time in my life and I feel very nostalgic when listen to each. The Bends is the first album I ever became obsessed with. It was my bible back in 1995 and to some degree still is today. It sums up perfection to me. But this question is still so tough because everytime they release an album it becomes my favourite to some degree. Every album is so smart, unique and mindblowing it has people saying “why didn’t I think of that?” Some of it is so simple but so genius…. The way they have introduced new instruments into mainstream music is just incredible. I think my favourite at the moment would have to be “In Rainbows”. In kind of represents a perfect album to me; it has everything I would wish my own album would have….

What’s the best and worst part of the Vancouver music scene right now?

Rob:
Best: The best part of the scene right now is how close knit it all is. For the first time in along time, everyone is friends and there to support eachother. Vancouver use to be uber competitive so it is great when you can go to a show or a house party and run into members of Said The Whale, Hey Ocean, Dan Mangan, The Zolas, Adaline, The Painted Birds, Hannah Georgas etc.. all there having a good time together. It’s a pretty fun time……
Worst: The constant closure of music venues. This problem has been spoken of a lot over the past few years but it’s getting worse and worse….If we were a starting out band there would be no clubs available for us to play and learn how to get comfortable on stage. It is a huge problem in Vancouver at the moment. I think a major change needs to occur or else the city will lose its identity and be over run by generic rock radio nickleback bands…….. which would kill any credibiltiy that Vancouver had gained over the past 20 years….. Matt Good speaks a lot about this issue, check his blog and see what he says……

If you could steal anything from a girl’s closet what would it be?

Rob: Skin Care Products! Working outside in the sun constantly, stressing out to the max and wearing a constant frown has given my face some premature wrinkles so I would love to steal some rejuvinating lotions and creams to smooth out my crows feet and give me that tight wrinkle free complextion you see in all those biore commercials.

By: Julia Jungwirth 

For a total of six months I wandered with a truly amazing soul around the United Kingdom and Europe.  When home people will ask: how was your trip?, what did you see? and where did you go? All of these questions are valid, but more importantly how did the person you travelled with inspire and shape your journey?  

The invitation for travel came up over a few pints.  I responded with pure guttural instinct: the answer was yes without hesitation (even though she told me to sleep on it and respond the next day).   Think I did and the answer was still the same.  Little did I know that setting off into the unknown with someone would morph into a beyond beautiful experience.   

Danielle and I were friends prior to our departure and by friends I mean we worked together and frequented pubs together.  I quickly learnt that just because you drink together does not really mean you know each other well.  We went from knowing fragments of each other to knowing every facet.  This undoubtedly happens when you spend mass amounts of time together.

We became so familiar with each other that we knew when to give the other space or a solo day, because no one is meant to spend every waking moment together - lest this lead to insanity and sheer madness!  I was able to read her body language and her mine; it was comforting knowing someone knew me that well.  You’re not just hanging out with each other all the time either, as you’re discovering and meeting so many new people daily.

Meeting new people provides an opportunity for a little bit of a break from just chilling with your travel partner.  I was astounded by how many amazing souls I met with giant hearts and expanding open minds.  Backpacking becomes a breeding ground for practising the fine art of starting up random conversations with strangers and probably divulging life stories within seconds.  “What are your hobbies and interests?” comes to mind, as a prime starter example.  

The co-existence of a travel team relies heavily on each other’s strengths and weaknesses.  A couple sets of these goodies are bound to come in handy some where along the line.  Danielle was exceptional at quick grocery store, hostel, and transit math.  By quick I mean BAM shika BAM you owe this J!  On the other hand I was exceptionally good at cutting bread, which is an essential ingredient when making a proper sandwich.  As a whole we both did our fair share of deciphering exit strategies for shady situations.  Ultimately you feel damn lucky to have that person watching your back when an old creepy man is awkwardly staring you down in a dorm room, whilst wearing only tight black manties. (For the record that means man panties.)

Life became so simple jumping from place to place. With limited Internet access and no mention of a cellular device time seemed endless and I always had moments to write thoughts, formulate crazy ideas and live in the now.  When you cut out distractions it is amazing how focused one can be.

Everything and anything became about personal connections and communication.  When you’re with someone everyday, honesty is key.  We are but human and sometimes, we are just emotional for no reason.  If you’re up front about how you feel and what’s on your mind, people will know that it is not personal. For example if you received little sleep due to a rambunctious evening of Swedish hostel mates getting ridiculously busy right close to your bunk: you’re going to feel a little tired, odd and possibly scarred the next day. Or perhaps turned on…?

Hanging around the same city or town for several days we noticed we would frequent the same favourite food venues and hang out haunts.  Sometimes we would crave the familiar, subconsciously maybe it fulfilled our ‘we miss home’ quotient.  Telling stories was vital.  Telling stories on bunk-beds prior to sleep defined our existence.  The stories spanned everything: life, family, friends and the ones we missed and loved.  Life is one giant story. You meet someone new, they share a story about travel and then you share a story right back.  The exchange indefinitely begins!  

Over time we started writing little notes to each other for birthdays, holidays and events marking specific achievements.  It was a way to encourage each other and express our appreciation for one another through words.  In Berlin, Danielle got a nasty cold.  While we were just hanging out in the room, I decided to see if I could make her some tea without her knowing, however the kitchen was directly in front of her bed, which she was on.  I proceeded and ended up boiling the water and borrowing some tea and honey from the cupboard.  She had no idea until I walked it over.  Seeing the look of surprise on her face was comparable to getting a giant hug from a massive friendly man bear. 

Being sneaky then became a skill we both suddenly acquired.  How does one sneakily purchase a birthday gift for your backpack sidekick, while they are with you all the time?  Anything goes from hey check out these items over here, while I purchase this thing hoping the teller will wrap it discreetly and do it in warp speed time before anyone specific finds out.  Little things made all the difference. 

We came back to Newquay, Cornwall near the end of our trip before heading home.  We returned to familiar faces and met some new faces too.  One evening we were getting our lunches ready in the communal kitchen.  Danielle did not like cutting bread, so I was about to go ahead and cut some for our sandwiches, when suddenly I had the urge to pee.  Off I went and then quickly returned to find Danielle had cut the entire loaf of bread by herself.   As silly as that may seem, I was overcome with pride.  Cutting bread was no longer an issue.   You may not realize it, but the people you choose to have relationships with teach you endless astounding things.  

Traveling with someone can help you make leaps that maybe seemed unattainable on your own. You realize that you can really do anything.  Something about being outside all the time moving your body, your vessel, around the earth is such a rush.  I look back and sometimes think it maybe did not even really happen.  Like a dream.  So this one goes out to my platonic spiritual soul traveller: one giant high five to you my dear.  All the words in the universe cannot express how this all surmounted into one magical heap of greatness.  Each day I long for the simplicity that travel provided and the connection of countless warm souls.

Written by: Ari Hershberg

This past Tuesday was opening night for Orpheus and Eurydice by Compagnie Marie Chouinard at the Theatre Junction GRAND.  Orpheus and Eurydice takes both the performers and the audience on a wild journey of the senses.  From the opening moment to the final piece, there is something going on stage that is felt and experienced, a visceral experience for both the performers and the audience.  The communication progressed into a dialogue, each reaction by the audience created a stronger connection that built into the crescendo of the final scene.

There was a feeling in the room like a spell was cast on the audience.  When I occasionally took my attention off the performers and onto the audience, I saw a collective group mesmerized, and glued to their chairs.  There was no movement.  It was as if each and everyone’s senses were being so fully absorbed that their bodies were rendered motionless.

Earlier on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, I had a chance to speak with three of the lead dancers Lucie Mongrain, Dorotea Saykaly and James Viveiros, and they shared some of their thoughts on Chouinard’s work. There is a deep exploration through Chouinard’s work. A lot of possibilities, layers and pockets that allows you to go deeper and deeper, accessing subconscious states. Chouinard’s inspiration changes every time, continually blossoming throughout the whole creation of the piece, its completion and even after.  If she were a painter she would sneak into a gallery that held one of her finished paintings every night adding another brush stroke, continually adding a new element.   Past works, even pieces that are 10 years old are still being modified, as no piece is ever fully finished.

Chouinard is focused on the dancer’s body, and is in tune with movements that are pleasurable to the senses and body that the dancers can have fun with.  This creates a comfort and openness, and allows for change and new creation each performance.  She has really found a way to find joy and out of her work, an amazing edge without being a tortured artist.  All involved in the creation sees it as a process.  Dancers have a great trust and love for her connection with the dance, dancers and the audience. 

I personally love when I see something that makes me want to connect with others and discuss what I have witnessed because there is so much to share, whether it is joy, sadness, anger or any other emotion.  After the show a packed room awaited full of people sharing their thoughts and insights.   The woman I shared the evening with was full of observations and questions, and so was everyone else who visited our table.  The place was buzzing with excitement.  If you are looking for a feast of the senses that entices and offers a new way of experiencing and seeing the world this is for you.  Calgary is blessed that Marie Chouinard’s work continually shows at this beautiful venue.  Performances like this will be talked about for a long time.

By: Jennelle Anderson

I stood awkwardly in a room with a small Indian woman, wondering if I need remove any of my clothing.
She held out a small loincloth.
I see.
Why not? We’re all friends here… now.

A traveller has two options in responding to the world around them. The first: anxiously refuse participation. The second: dive in.

And so I dove, into a long awaited ayurvedic massage I had heard so much about during my Indian travels. After watching me strip down, the masseuse… applied(?) the loincloth and sat me on a small stool. Pouring oil onto my head she went to it, scratching madly, fingers and hair whipping me wildly in the face. I tried not to burst out with laughter as I was obviously caught off guard by this bold and unexpected first move. It became harder to suppress giggles as the next technique involved was, and I’m being serious here, repeatedly limp-hand slapping my head and face. Had I not been receiving the same treatment, I would have sworn I heard my travel partner being slapped with fish in the room next to me.

Finally it was time to lay myself on the solid oak table. As madness of movement ensued, lips pursed tighter to keep my smile at bay, and openness of mind fought hard to find relaxation. I then discovered a new definition of “struggle”. That is, the scene that follows instructs me to turn over while lying exposed on a polished wooden surface drenched in oil. It is best not to try picturing it. All I could think about was how I would remove myself from said table without providing a show of naked acrobatics or sustaining serious slip and slide injuries. She at last laid down a final round of full body limp-hand slapping, and that was that. That was that… until she directed me to what I had thought was the linen cupboard and told me to climb inside. I then discovered an even fresher definition of “struggle”. That is, being loinclothed and stuffed into a small cupboard pumped full of hot steam during a sweltering Indian summer. Near death, I swear that my skin looked up at me pleadingly. This is our life now, I told it. This is what we are here for.

Ah, the different pairs of glasses that a traveller may wear! The risky part is that not all who choose lenses of acceptance and adventure will be met with such humorous outcomes. Not every experience will reward with a new appreciation of foreign ways, nor will discomfort always pale in comparison to gained understandings. At times the traveler looks into their weary reflection and asks to be reminded of what seemed so romantic about trotting the globe in the first place… But the world beckons us to take a chance; to get oiled up in a loincloth; to try our hand at something new and uncomfortable. And those who have fallen in love with travel know that there is only one way to respond: Dive in!

Written by: Isis Graham

If you haven’t heard of DirtyPhonics it’s because you haven’t been paying attention. This five man super group from France consisting of members: Playte, Capskod, Pho, Pitch In and MC Youthstar dish out the future of drum and bass with their live performances. Their live shows and follow up productions have earned them big time spots on stages all over the world and gained them the “Best Newcomer Producer” award in the 2009 Drum & Bass Arena awards. You can expect all five guys twisting knobs and jackin tracks on MPCS, samplers, turntables and mics for the entire show. It’s nothing less than a hype mixture of the dirtiest drum and bass, dubstep, hip hop and even some 4/4 tossed in for extra flavour for the dance floor. Their next smasher release “The Shadow Knows” is expected to drop on Ram records by the end of this year. Check out their self titled promo video on Youtube to get a little dose of what they’re all about and we will see on the dance floor for their first ever North American performance on September 23rd at the Warehouse Nightclub. This is an 18+ show and tickets are available at Giant 45, aluminum planet, and grassroots! Don’t sleep on this people, come get dirty!

IG: What does it mean for Dirtyphonics to win the “Best Newcomer-Producer Award?” in 2009?

DP: Well, for one we are all really happy to have won the award!

It’s great to know that we have the support from so many people, and being recognised for ” best newcomer producer” means that people are really into what we are doing, which is always good motivation to carry on and push forward!

IG: Do you get more attention from the girls now or are all of you guys tied up in relationships?

DP: You know, the stage life in general demands attention all on its own, we just add to it coz we’re 5 great looking guys, “haha”!

But yeah, some of us are in relationships and the ones that aren’t have got twice the choice!!!

IG: It has been said in other interviews that Dirtyphonics performances “leave their competitors in the dust”. What is it about you boys and your powerhouse show that is more innovative and powerful than others?

DP: The thing with our LIVE, is we wanted to bring something different to the table that had not been done before. A mix between the DJ, the MC and machines. The idea is to deliver the energy and filth of a Rock show in an electronic environment. We don’t like to tie ourselves down to any one style of music, we try and broaden our horizons and leave the doors open to any new ideas, which in turn reaches out to a much wider audience.

IG: Where do you see Dirtyphonics in 2 years?

DP: To be honest, that is always a question that gets us, I mean, so much has happened for us in the last year alone, we really cant say apart from that the sky’s the limit!

IG: What is the Parisian translation for “Hey girl I like your socks?”

DP: “Hey mademoiselle, j’aime tes chaussettes !” But to be honest, we reckon that must be a Canadian chat up line because if you dropped that line to a French girl, you are not gonna get anyway hahaha!!!

IG: For all the gear-heads who read our magazine, what kind of gear are you using and what is going on behind the scenes to deliver the live-show?

DP: On stage we use 4 CDJ 1000, A DJM909, a DJM800, 2 MPCs, a Moog filter, a Kaos Pad. None of this equipment is synced so everything you hear is played live !

To deliver the live show, we obviously rehearse a lot and then it’s a lot of communication between us when playing. We like to improvise new stuff at every gig and surprise each other so each show is unique in it’s own special way.

IG: If you could recommend one or two of your own personal favourite producers or Deejays to someone you just met who would they be?

DP: There are so many producers now days it’s hard to cut down to just one or two, but we would have to say guys like “Subfocus”, “Noisa” production wise and DJ’s like “Andy C” & “Spor”.

IG: This is your first Canadian tour, when you think of Canada what comes to mind first?

DP: Snow, Maple Syrup, Hockey and the funny French accent of Quebec!

IG: Nike or Adidas?

DP: Both

IG: When can fans anticipate your next album release?

DP: As soon as possible, but we are so busy at the moment with our finger’s in a whole lot of pies. An album is definitely in our sights, so keep your ear’s to the streets for the end of 2010.

IG: The funniest thing that has happened to you on tour so far?

DP: Too many to mention, all we can say is wait ’till we hit Canada…

… check back on Thursday after the show for some photos from what is sure to be an amazing performance!

Colin Menzies INTERVIEW’S:

15 artists. 15 questions.

Artwork by Daniel Kirk. Currently on exhibit at The Gallery 113-1013 17^th Ave sw

Interviews conducted and documented by Colin Menzies.

Allison Hall, stylist, fashion designer, owner of Chosen Boutique.

Amy Darling, film fest maven, philanthropist.

Andrew Hartman, comic book artist, musician.

Aviva Zimmerman, theatre artist.

Casey Reid, multimedia artist.

Daniel Cristini, printmaker, painter.

James Carless, graphic designer, director and founder of Carbon Media Design.

Janine Vangool, publisher, designer, and shop owner of UPPERCASE.

John Bayko, writer.

Kimy Simpson, photographer.

Ocean Forstner, community outreach facilitator, visual artist.

Phillip Elliot, hair stylist.

Stephanie Damus, teacher.

Terry Reynoldson, sculptor.

Wilmer Aburto, photographer, blogger.

1. How would you describe Calgary in 5 words?

Allison: Calgary is young, vibrant, cosmopolitan, outgoing, and interested (in all things new).

Amy: Canada’s youngest big city. Yup.

Andrew: Honky-tonk-cowboy-town. Paradise.

Aviva: Homogonous white bread no more.

Casey: Vibrant. Cosmopolitan. Eclectic. Adventure. Cultural.

Daniel: Blind to it’s own problems.

James: Underground. Fertile. Burgeoning. Innovative. Challenging.

Janine: Independent, unsentimental, conservative, challenging, corporate.

John: Western. Oilpatch. Dry. Dusty. Drunk.

Kimy: Home. Rivers. Lilacs. Magpies. Changes.

Ocean: Conservative, growing, reserved, safe, dry.

Phillip: Fun. Boring. Effective. Warm. Cold.

Stephanie: Expanding, budding, dynamic, productive, stimulating.

Terry: Expensive, conservative, corporate, aesthetically immature.

Wilmer: An unrealized creatively talented collective.

2. Do you enjoy living in Calgary?

Allison: Yes, this is my home and I am a proud native of this city.

Amy: Most days. I have a wonderful life and lifestyle here.

Andrew: Yeah. I’ve lived here all my life.

Aviva: Most of the time.

Casey: Yes.

Daniel: There are times in which I do enjoy living here, although this mostly happens to be due to the proximity of the city to the mountains, the people in my life and certain events.

James: Most certainly!

Janine: Yes, I do, but I qualify that to living in the centre of the city. I live in Sunnyside and can walk to my shop in Art Central; my life is very much concentrated on the inner city. If I had to be in a car commuting from suburbia everyday, I would not be happy.

John: Yes and no. I’m an Albertan and proud to be one. The fact that we survive and thrive here is important to me, but it also makes it clear that hard work can easily be used to re-locate somewhere a little softer. A lot of Calgarians have the means to escape regularly; I don’t.

Kimy: Yes and no.

Ocean: Off and on.

Phillip: I do to a certain point.

Stephanie: I enjoy the opportunities and experiences that Calgary provides me. It’s great to create experiences and opportunity for yourself. It is a budding city that allows you to create your own opportunities and shape your world to look the way you want it to.

Terry: Most of the time I do. It can be a very difficult place for artists because of the high cost of everything. Affordable studio space is very hard to come by.

Wilmer: Yes.

3. Are you inspired by this city?

Allison: Yes, there are so many opportunities here for people to create their dreams.

Amy: I am inspired to connect disparate groups of people to forge new collaborations in this city. I am inspired to help build events and initiatives in this city. (Wait’ll you see what I’ll be doing in October dealing with Alberta’s troubling syphilis outbreak. I am serious.) I am inspired to do as many brash, confrontational – sometimes silly, self-indulgent – things as possible in this city. So, I guess, yeah.

Andrew: Oh yeah…different parts, and how it looks as a whole.

Aviva: Yes. As there is nowhere else on earth like it. Where else can I see a C-Train packed with Sudanese immigrants wearing cowboy hats.

Casey: Yes. Very inspired.

Daniel: Not really, this city as a whole does not inspire me. There are always parts of any city, which are interesting, and those few parts of Calgary keep me interested, but still relatively uninspired.

James: I’m not inspired by the city itself, in the way that some say New York or Paris inspires them. I am, however, constantly inspired by the individuals who choose to call the city home. This of course extends to those who I am fortunate enough to meet while they pass through.

Janine: I am inspired by its potential and growth; I think it is still possible for independent people with vision to shape its character.

John: I’m inspired by its work ethic and its toughness and its international reputation as a place where people are capable.

Kimy: Yes, I am inspired here. It’s my hometown, my landscape, my community, my history. Although I believe inspiration comes from within and therefore can be found in any place.

Ocean: By certain individuals.

Phillip: I’m inspired by this city only for the fact that I believe the arts community is on a rise.

Steph: Calgary inspires me to create new perspectives and become more creative in finding what I want from life. Because the city is expanding, there is a constant change in my environment. This forces me to change my own perspective and ideas as a reaction to what goes on around me; and forces me to really search for inspiration within this city.

Terry: Sometimes. The Bow River, Fish Creek Park, Nose Hill and similar “urban wilderness spaces” inspire me.

Wilmer: Most days.

4. What is your favorite city in the world?

Allison: Calgary. I’m inspired however by London, Paris and New York. Fashion!!!

Amy: That’s a toss up between Cannes and Moose Jaw. For reals.

Andrew: Calgary.

Aviva: Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Casey: Right now…Calgary. Would like to travel more though.

Daniel: Perugia, Siena, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London…they are all too different to compare.

James: I feel ill equipped to answer this question as I haven’t experienced them all yet. Though Tokyo definitely made an impact; I love the contrasts between modern metropolis and historic sites of worship.

Janine: If I could teleport my entire life and business somewhere, it would be San Fransisco.

John: Haven’t been to enough cities to have one.

Kimy: As of now, I couldn’t decide. There’s too many I’ve not seen. Some place with natural and cultural beauty. Peaceful and clean.

Ocean: I prefer small towns, but I quite like Berlin.

Phillip: Probably Chicago.

Stephanie: I feel a strong connection to 2 cities, Barcelona and Paris. I’ve traveled to both and have had strong positive experiences in both cities. When I traveled to Barcelona, I traveled with a group of people I had never met before, and without my parents. It was freeing because of the sense of independence it gave me. It was also a very vibrant city with a really laid back vibe. It is a city with a lot of history and culture, and conducive to great creative thought and expression.

Paris offers a lot of art history and is a city with great creative energy. You can feel it running through it. I also traveled there with my mother a few years back; which was the best time that I’ve had with her in my life. I hold that city close for all the experience it has allowed me to share with my mom.

Terry: New York.

Wilmer: Calgary.

5.What is one thing that you would change about Calgary?

Allison: We need to grass over some of the Impark parking lots downtown. We need more places and parks for our community to connect.

Amy: Less of what I call ‘Testosterone Art”. If I see one more epic bronze rendering of a prairie animal I might prolapse.

Andrew: More venues for bands.

Aviva: Geographically squish it down in size so it can be biked from one end to the other in less than an hour. Also…I would add loads more collaboration. There is a lot of small-scale cool stuff going on here by incredibly talented and motivated people. These small-scale things need to team up and collaborate on projects more. If we worked together more as an arts or activist community, a whole lot MORE great stuff could happen.

Casey: The racism element. The city is so diverse; it seems unfair to judge anyone. We are all so unique. Everyone brings something to the table.

Daniel: Bring more world-class exhibitions of art.

James: I would hope the city and public at large continues to gain an awareness and understanding of the various subcultures that exist within our city. From this base I hope they would in turn be embraced and promoted as cultural assets.

Janine: I would like Calgarians to be a little more adventurous, open-minded and explore their city.

John: Weather.

Kimy: It’s urban planning. What are they thinking? Ring roads…sprawl. tearing down historic homes for uninspired condo’s..a train that stops at red lights.

Ocean: Many of the by-laws.

Phillip: CRAPPY COSTUMER SERVICE.

Stephanie: For me, Calgary is a city where artists have the potential to succeed, with the support from their community. I would expand the community support and build more resources that artists could tap into when building their artistic or creative career.

Terry: The high cost of housing. If housing were less expensive, more artists could own their own homes. Then we would be able to set up illegal studios in our garages where we would make amazing art to our hearts’ content.

Wilmer: Elimination of cow town culture/unculture

6. Are you able to pursue what you are passionate about in this city?

Allison: Yes, there are so many opportunities here for people to create their dreams.

Amy: That has been this city’s gift to me: being able to pursue my interests on a meaningful level. When I became interested in film, everyone said to move to Van or TO. Picking up A-lister’ trash on a movie set, however, was not really relevant to my interests. I stayed here, got involved with the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers and eventually joined their board of directors, worked on indie films I genuinely liked, and within two years was lucky enough to be asked to co-produce a film that got invited to show at Cannes. That never would have happened had I gotten stuck as a cog in a big machine.

Andrew: Yeah. Art and music.

Aviva: Yes.

Casey: Yes. Though the 9 to 5 job allows for the bills to be paid.

Daniel: Not really.

Janine: Yes, but I also look beyond Calgary in my pursuits.

John: The factors preventing me from pursuing what I’m passionate about are not external.

Kimy: Yes. I have always been able to pursue my art in this city…although I am leaving to experience something new.

Ocean: It is difficult.

Phillip: I can but not to the degree that I could somewhere else.

Stephanie: I am pursuing what I am passionate about in this city as of right now; however I do think that I will eventually move away to another city in order to pursue my passions further, or just expand my perspective on the world. But I have a feeling that I may eventually end up in Calgary once more. I think that because Calgary is expanding so much, there will always be opportunities and new opportunities available, as well as an open energy or environment where you could create an opportunity if what you’re searching for is missing.

Terry: Yes, with a bit of determination and saving money by not eating.

Wilmer: Yes to an extent.

7. Do you think that Calgarians are excited about art/artistic culture?

Allison: Yes, and we are beginning to develop avenues to showcase our work through magazines such as atbt.

Amy: I think that some Calgarians are excited about art and artistic culture, and I really like some of those some Calgarians.

Andrew: I think so.

Aviva: Depends where you go in the city. And depends on what you consider “art”. In short…the majority of Calgarians…not really.

Casey: Good question…I do believe that they are excited about it, however, there are always people who will pigeonhole and perhaps miss something that is different or wonderful.

Daniel: Unfortunately, generally no. I think the majority of Calgarians are not engaged in the arts. The population of the arts community is small and the ongoing patronage and participation seems to be a very small percentage of the whole population of Calgary.

James: Calgarians are like most people, when given understanding and context; they become excited about the arts. I think the key is to not so much repeat the phrase “art is valuable” but to help individuals understand why it is valuable.

Janine: There are definitely Calgarians excited about art and culture, but I would say that these are people who make creativity and arts part of their own daily life wither through a career choice or personal interest. As a general population trait of Calgarians, excitement about art and culture would not be something I ascribe to a typical resident.

John: I do. It’s funny because today I read a quote on the Calgary International Film Festival’s brochure saying MacLean’s Magazine has Calgary ranked as the “most cultured city in Canada”. I don’t know that to be true, but Calgary is quietly quite active in the arts. For instance, I certainly didn’t realize how much major film work is based in and around Calgary until I moved here.

Kimy: Some are. Some aren’t. I think most are though. Calgary can surprise you.

Ocean: Some.

Phillip: I feel everyday more and more people are getting excited about the arts. Stephanie: I think the Calgary community is starting to get excited about the arts. I notice more artistic spaces being developed to showcase the local art being created.

Terry: Sadly, no.

Wilmer: Yes, I believe there is a passion for creative expression.

8. Do you feel connected to other artists here?

Allison: Yes, it’s all about getting out and collaborating with people to create.

Amy: Yes. Calgary’s artistic community is a true example of unselfish, generous collaboration.

Andrew: Yes. I have a lot of artist and musician friends.

Aviva: Yes.

Casey: Somewhat connected. Somewhat disconnected. I lost focus for a time, and now I am reconnecting.

Daniel: There are times when I do feel connected, but in my practice this interaction ebbs and flows and is navigated by the dictates of life.

James: Very much so. Through our monthly exhibits and opening receptions we have the opportunity to interact with so many great artists from a wide variety of backgrounds. Of course the internet is always a great resource to be able to view other like-minded individuals, artists and galleries.

Janine: Use, by nature of having my gallery in Art Central where I can meet and talk with people interested in art and design. Many of my regular customers and magazine subscribers work in Calgary’s downtown Cultural District. I will also be teaching at the Alberta College of Art & Design this fall and I look forward to working with the students. However, the biggest connection I have with other artists is online via my website and the majority of artists and designers that I correspond with are from outside of the city.

John: I don’t socialize enough to be connected with anyone really.

Kimy: I do feel connected to many artists here and I also don’t feel connected to many artists here. I’m pretty sure feeling/being connected is up to the individual, not the city.

Ocean: Yes – the community works hard to support each other.

Phillip: I do for the ones that I talk to.

Stephanie: Currently, I don’t feel very connected to other artists, however I feel as though I could feel connected by integrating myself more fully in the art community. I think as though exploring different galleries and meeting other artists, and opening the doors of conversation and idea sharing within the art community could cultivate that connection.

Terry: I used to have many artist friends who have since moved away because of the high cost of everything.

Wilmer: Thankfully yes! I have had the honor to collaborate with artistic souls whose creative vision has become their life’s work…truly admirable.

9. How do you think visitors view Calgary?

Allison: Friendly. Friendly. Friendly.

Amy: From the top of the Calgary Tower. (Ooooooh, that is so deep on so many levels. Think about it.)

Andrew: As a big city.

Aviva: White cowboys riding horses to the local oil rigs…and where the streets are paved with gold.

Casey: Hmmm. Hopefully as a visual and artistic cultural melting pot that allows everyone to find something to enjoy.

Daniel: Having recently hosted visitors from the old continent, descriptions of Calgary ranged from a clean and new city, to lots of space and many homeless people.

James: -

Janine: When it comes to tourism, I think the city still struggles with an overbearing focus on the Stampede. We have so much more going on, but art and culture is more subtle and sophisticated than painted window graphics, straw bales and cowboy hats!

John: It’s been my experience to see people taken with the hospitality of Calgarians. There is a real pre-conception about the city in some instances however (in my opinion). Having said that, I suppose those who come for Stampede are rarely disappointed…

Kimy: I don’t know…I’ve never been a visitor here. I would imagine it would depend on whether the visitor had a Calgary friend showing them the city’s secrets. Are they here in summer or winter?

Ocean: Dry and oil based.

Phillip: STAMPEDE.

Stephanie: I think visitors often view Calgary as a city that revolves around oil industry. However, as much as Calgary is the oil capital, I think visitors are often surprised by how much art is present within the community. I think we must only sit back and observe the changes occurring in the city to see that there are expanding opportunities for artists. There are a number of art galleries and art spaces that are becoming available for artists in the community, both established artists as well as “new” artists. Not only galleries are becoming available, but also spaces within the community, such as murals that are being commissioned.

Terry: Clean, western and wealthy.

Wilmer: Stampede oil & gas town.

10. Do you feel that you contribute to the culture of this city?

Allison: Yes, we all do!! Every time you walk out the door you have an opportunity to contribute to our city’s culture. Mine is through fashion.

Amy: I fucking hope so.

Andrew: Oh yeah.

Aviva: In my own way…yes.

Casey: Yes.

Daniel: I guess contributions are made with part of my job consisting of working in a gallery, and a studio, teaching art for students with disabilities, showing their work, showing my work, attending exhibitions, and going to concerts and productions.

James: Is it egotistical to say yes?

Janine: Yes, I think so. I work extremely hard to make my gallery an interesting place and constantly challenge myself to come up with new ideas. I think the quality of my magazine and books is a significant contribution.

John: Maybe in some small way I do, but certainly not substantially at this point. Certainly not more than anyone else does.

Kimy: I think that I do contribute …but I could always do more. One day.

Ocean: Not as much as I should.

Phillip: I hope so.

Stephanie: I don’t really think that I actively contribute to the culture of this city, but I believe that everyone has an influence on this city.

Terry: Yes, in a small way.

Wilmer: That is my goal.

11. Do you think that living in Calgary contributes to or challenges your work?

Allison: Contributes, absolutely!!

Andrew: A bit of both.

Aviva: Both.

Daniel: Currently I am able to have a studio; therefore I guess it contributes to my work to a degree. Unfortunately I think Calgary lacks greater cultural experiences and in turn makes it challenging. I strongly believe that without the presence of the Alberta College of Art and Design, visual arts in this city would not have become very tenacious. I think ACAD had brought to this city many artists and art, but it is only one institution and it cannot necessarily hold artists in this city.

James: We are coming at this from the perspective of independent business owners who work to promote unique products and emerging artists. Calgary presents its own set of unique challenges however it certainly makes us appreciate our successes that much more.

Janine: In the early days of my design career, living in Calgary was certainly an asset – the city was small enough that a young designer could establish a good freelance career. In a larger city such as Vancouver or Toronto, it would have been very difficult to set up on my own business straight out of school. My career has definitely shifted towards more entrepreneurial pursuits in retail and publishing, and I also attribute that to living in this city. That being said, running a creative retail space and gallery in Calgary is definitely a challenge.

Kimy: Both.

Ocean: -

John: Living in Calgary provides me with a great opportunity to work. I didn’t have such an opportunity elsewhere and that’s why I’m here. Calgary gives me the means to live somewhat comfortably and still be creative to some extent between the hours of 9 to 5. The city rewards hard work and perseverance unlike many major Canadian cities.

Phillip: It challenges my work. It does because people come to me for changes and I have to be on top of my game in order to do so.

Stephanie: Calgary challenges my work by challenging me to become creative in finding what I want from this city and in challenging where I find my inspiration. Calgary also challenges me to create my own creative opportunities and experiences.

Terry: It definitely challenges my work because I have to be creative in how I produce it. Right now, I’m sculpting in my dining room which means having to move heavy objects anytime I want to eat which luckily isn’t often because, like I mentioned earlier, I have to cut back on my eating so I can save money to make art. I think they call that a “reverse catch 22”.

Wilmer: Calgary contributes to my challenges. Is that an oxymoron? I feel the strongest challenge is for Calgary to discover the talent it harbors…the journey to that destination is contributing too many artists’ work.

12: Where do you go to have fun in this city?

Allison: I’m into the café and lounge scene. For dinner I love the Living Room. Café: Kawa on 8^th Street. Lounge: Milk Tiger on 4^th Street. Check them out!!

Amy: Nerdily, I will say that whatever is playing at the Plaza Theatre is always fun. Lately I am also really enjoying the 3-dollar steak sandwiches at this amazing biker bar in the southeast. Hutterites show up on weekends to sell great vegetables right there in the bar. 2 weeks ago, I got some really spectacular beets.

Andrew: Movie theatre.

Aviva: Other people’s kitchens.

Casey: I will go to the odd club or concert. Historic parks. Spend time with friends…and get out and enjoy as many festivals as possible.

Daniel: Wherever there is good food, music, films, books, parks and conversation.

James: There are so many great venues. The Marquee Room is quite rad though. I love the DIY aspect! Chris Vail has created a great space for live music and emerging art.

Janine: Since I work so hard, I go home to have fun – spending time with my husband and dog!

John: If I can name a place, I like the Palomino for its diversity, and its food, drink and personality. I may be wearing my welcome thin there, but it’s unique in its ability to absorb almost any type of person an make them comfortable and at ease quickly.

Kimy: Riverbanks. Friend’s porches.

Ocean: Since the Night Gallery closed, I have the most fun eating, drinking, and connecting with friends in my home or their homes. I also enjoy walking in Bowmont Park.

Phillip: Anywhere - there’s usually great people wherever you go.

Stephanie: I like to go out to a pub or bar with my friends, or go dancing, as well as picnics, or BBQ’s with friends are fun. Sometimes, I also like to go to a park and read a book, take a walk or hike on my own. I find that is also fun for me.

Terry: I like visiting the parks, floating down the Bow in a raft, having a pint or two with friends on a patio along Stephen Avenue, listening to Jazz Jam at Broken City.

Wilmer: I go to the people.

13. Why do you think so many people complain about living in Calgary?

Allison: They’re not getting out and creating the change they want to see. If you see something that needs improvement – do it!! We are all responsible for creating our environment.

Amy: Incessant birching and moaning gives poor talentless hacks the illusion of feeling discerning, I think. Additionally, whining about how you can’t find a good latte in this city is probably much easier than actual making the effort to find out what is going on around you; easier than actually doing something creative or productive with your life; easier than putting yourself out there and being vulnerable; easier than contributing to your city in any way. Ugh. I have no time for that shit.

Andrew: Because of the stereotype of the cowboys and stuff.

Aviva: It is way too spread out…which again, leads to lack of collaboration.       Again…great stuff is happening. However, because it is so grass roots, many people don’t know about tall the cool stuff that happens. You really have to scratch the surface to be in the know sometimes. We are too compartmentalizes. The spoken word artists know about the spoken word event. The visual artists know about the art shows. The activists do their activist thing…we gotta spread the word more.

Casey: Some people upon coming here have preconceived expectations about this city…and this city challenges them. (Some people don’t like to be challenged.)

Daniel: Calgary is still corporate, consumerist, and way too sprawled. It is expensive to live in Calgary, and there are few affordable arts and studio spaces. The arts and culture scene is a very small fraction of the broader Calgary.

James: I’m going to have to see some stats on this one. J/K. I think the amount of people who are disenchanted with Calgary are more and more becoming the minority.

Janine: People think that by virtue of the sheer number of people living here that there should be more of a built-in audience for arts and culture, but I don’t think it works that way.

John: The climate is horrible. That and the fact that people will always complain about anything and everything.

Kimy: I try not to but..I complain about living in Calgary because the winters are long. Apartments are expensive; there is no protection for heritage homes and buildings..and I’ve been here too long. There are only so many times you can go to the same bars to hear the same bands…see the same people you don’t want to see and so on.

Ocean: It is a tad boring to live here and not very attractive, especially the architecture.

Phillip: I think it’s because people sometimes don’t see the need to be here because Calgary always wants bigger and better, so why don’t the people.

Stephanie: It’s hard to determine why someone complains. Often I find myself complaining because it’s fun. Other times, I have more valid complaints. Calgary is a city that is quickly growing and growing quickly; so you get people complaining that there are resources mission an others complaining about how the city was better before the big boom. I think in the end people will always have something to complain about, and some of those people will find solutions to their complaints, and others will not.

Terry: I don’t know. I certainly never complain. ;^)

Wilmer: People are too agreeable here. There are more people complaining than there are people challenging the complainers. I commend people who take pride in this city and express it. Do you agree?

14. Is Calgary capable of a creative movement?

Allison: We are in one!!

Amy: Sure, anything can happen. A movement seems so demonstrative, though. I do feel that creativity is slowly crawling up conservatism’s pant leg and making itself felt here.

Andrew: Yeah. There’s a scene of course.

Aviva: Yes.

Casey: Yes.

Daniel: I wouldn’t doubt it if there were enough creative people to create a creative movement and the support to do so. Momentarily I am not convinced this is the case.

James: I hate to continue with the resounding optimism…but I would say yes.

Janine: There are always small creative movements happening in the city, in visual arts, writing, design, performance, music…as for a city-wide vision for arts and culture, that is much more difficult.

John: It’s already happening. There is a lot of creativity in this city and over time it will surface and be noticed. I doubt it’ll ever define the city (but I suppose stranger things have happened.) Calgary is a capable city in every aspect and the arts are no expectation.

Kimy: Calgary is definitely capable of a creative movement and I believe we are at the cusp of a creative movement. This is a young city…there is limitless potential here.

Ocean: Yes.

Phillip: Definitely. I actually believe we are on the cusp of it as we speak.

Stephanie: Calgary is definitely capable of a creative movement. I think it would be a slow in starting but definitely present!

Terry: Gawd yes! We have many talented people here. If only there was some way that we can all get together every now and then. Maybe we should have a conference or a symposium or something. I’ll come if there’s food.

Wilmer: The time is now! It is in its early stages.

15. Does Calgary love you?

Allison: I love Calgary, and Calgary loves me.

Amy: Can Calgary really love anyone? I mean, besides Dar Maqbool.

Andrew: I don’t know. I’ve never asked it.

Aviva: Not sure.

Casey: I’d like to believe so. But love is objective.

Daniel: I do not know. I am originally from Edmonton.

James: In its own special way  J

Janine: Yes, Calgary has been good to me.

John: If it does, it has a funny way of showing it.

Kimy: The Calgary I love loves me back. The Calgary I loath, loathes me back.

Ocean: I think some of it does.

Phillip: Like I said before, I sure hope so. I love you Calgary.

Stephanie: Calgary has been good to me, for the most part. I would think Calgary loved me.

Terry: It used to love me, but lately it’s been acting kind of cold and distant. I think it might be have an affair: probably with some fancy-dressing, Jag-driving, martini sipping, food-eating, six-figure-salary-earning executive. The TRAMP!

Wilmer: The love is mutual.