Archive | September, 2009

Orpheus and Eurydice land at the GRAND

Posted on 25 September 2009 by thewitt

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.

Comments (3)

Can I Relax Now?

Posted on 18 September 2009 by thewitt

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!

Comments (2)

Hooked on Phonics? We like ours Dirty…

Posted on 18 September 2009 by thewitt

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!

Comments (3)

Colin Menzies Interviews 15 Artists 15 Questions

Posted on 09 September 2009 by kane

Colin Menzies INTERVIEW’S:

15 artists. 15 questions.

Artwork by Daniel Kirk. Currently on exhibit at The Gallery 113-1013 17th 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 8th Street. Lounge: Milk Tiger on 4th 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.

Comments (5)

Little Burgundy: Tiny Shop of Wonders

Posted on 04 September 2009 by thewitt

 

Photos and words by: Jennifer Silver

All the high fashion stores in Calgary all have a little bit more competition now that Little Burgundy has made its way over to Western Canada with its first opening in Alberta at Calgary’s own Market Mall.

My first impressions of Little Burgundy were a bit of a sensory overload, with bright and shiny things that would have any shopaholic distracted and drooling.  The store smelled like new materials and the design and layout of the store contributed to a gorgeous display of shoes, bags and accessories.

On a closer look, I discovered all the ‘haute couture’ brands offered at the store. The labels that caught my attention ranged from Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson to Marc Jacobs and Ray Ban.

It may sound like a store similar to Holt Renfrew or something straight out of New York. But Little Burgundy offers a wide selection of fashionable brands, some with extra zeros on the price tag, but plenty without.

Imagine if Gravity Pope, Aldo, Holt Renfrew and Stoneridge all collided into one big, bright and beautiful store, and in the convenience of the mall. With a little added twist of theme inspired art and a calm atmosphere, then you have Little Burgundy.

Catherine Laporte, a manager from the store explains that Little Burgundy targets a younger age group and wants to get all the hottest and newest fashion out to people with great style and all bank account sizes.

“We have a 16-28 year old age group that is our target,” said Laporte “we sell mostly to fashion saavy people, we have that urban, modern vintage style.”

Another thing that makes Little Burgundy special is it’s theme. As many stores are just designed for convenience and too display as many items as they can. Little Burgundy offers a theme to their shopping experience.

“Our store has a relationship theme.” Laporte said. “We use bamboo, different lighting, it’s a techno metal aspect.”

I have no idea what a techno metal aspect is but I could see what she meant about the theme of the store. There were chairs and pictures all over that not only added color and decoration to the store, but when I looked a bit closer they have notes and writing all over them.

So, being an attendee of the VIP party, I got a sneak peek of the store before it opens its doors to fashion saavy Calgarians. But a sneak peek wasn’t the only thing I got at Little Burgundy during the media launch party, but I also got Crave cupcakes, Vitamin Water and lots of candy, not to mention a free item of my choice. So of course being the girl that I am, I could decide between a new pair of fresh high tops or a stylin purse. But now I can proudly say that I hold a Bestey Johnson purse of my own.

For all the fashionista’s in Calgary, Little Burgundy is a one stop designer shop where you can get all the glam, for more or less. And I know I will definitely be back.

Comments (0)

Advertise Here

COMMUNITY

Connect with your existing facebook account to comment on and share atbt stories with your facebook network. While you're at it invite your friends!


You can also send community news or sign up for text updates!

UPCOMMING EVENTS

  • No events.

FACEBOOK CONNECT

Already a member?
Login
Login using Facebook:
Latest visitors
Advertise Here