Saturday afternoon, it was a pleasure to have been invited to "paint for a cause"—U Quest’s Urban Angels.  Sadly, billed "celebrity artists," like Vivian Reiss weren’t able to stick around.  But, alongside David Arathoon, I put brush to canvas for a good few hours—as did some official sponsors and a group of OCAD students.  Monte Kwinter opened the festivities, talking about his personal art education (coincidentally including a stint in Boston at the Art Institute) and contributed a series of red brush strokes.  

 

 

 

 

 

The 80 foot canvas in front of UrbanQuest’s town house development site will be cut up and auctioned to help raise money for arts and literacy programs for disenfranchised youth.  Vivienne Ziner is the mastermind behind the Uquest Vision, and she is gathering a growing list of corporate/institutional supporters, including Ecomedia, Whippersnapper Gallery, and Toronto Public Library.  Then there’s a list of individual donors, topped by Linda Frum.  This private initiative was definitely an "art in action" experience, and warmed my art-spirit.

 

 

 

 

 
Unfortunately, Saturday evening, afterwards, cooled my art-spirit.  Scotia Bank’s Nuit Blanche event ran from 7:03pm to sunrise, throughout downtown Toronto.  Mayor Miller, in the cover page of its substantial program-book announced, "In my first term as Mayor, I championed Toronto’s cultural renaissance by launching Nuit Blanche."  He then added, "Scotiabank Nuit Blanche allows our artists to showcase the cultural energy that sets our city apart from any other place in the world, and bolsters Toronto’s status as a city that honors its artists and creative communities."  

Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  A policeman directing pedestrian traffic at Avenue and Bloor quipped, "If this was in London, or anywhere else in Europe, there’d actually be something to see."  It was easy to concur (having just returned from there).  The streets were full of crowds but art projects were scant (a few video installations jumped out here-and-there).  Where were the street performers and visual art monuments?  Instead, a mobile tap water van was parked outside the ROM advertising a City of Toronto’s positives.  However, the whole grand boulevard leading up to and through Queen’s Park was bereft of any real attractions.  U of T had something that looked like a fake fire happening—or maybe it was real (fire trucks and an ambulance arrived).  People lined up around the block on Cumberland, I was told for a "TTC sound installation," but where was the street music—the ambiance/the energy?  Regular street-level galleries were jammed, for a change.  Too bad they don’t get similar attention, year round.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Live With Culture" banners have been hung throughout the city if you look up on street posts.  In "Zone A" (Yorkville through to Queens Park), fresh designs make pretty decorations. In Zone B, along Spadina (into China Town/Kensington Market) remnants from 2005/6 have been left (as they were).  From the numbers of participants out on the street, it’s clear they were seeking something—hopefully culture.  Or, was it just a chance to enjoy a balmy autumn evening with friends en plein air?  As someone who walks the walk (is impassioned to paint and write, day-in-day-out), I really wonder.  I think some were just there for the free Ritter Sport Chocolate being hurled into the crowd on Hazelton (across from the new Hazelton Hotel)—and related marketing photo-ops.

Mayor Miller’s Nuit Blanche program message concludes by thanking Scotia Bank and all other sponsors and partners for making this "’free all-night contemporary art thing" happen.  As I think about my own "free all-year contemporary art privilege" to represent Canada at the Florence Biennale without any support (financial, or otherwise—not even a returned e-mail), from Mayor Miller’s band of funders and associates, I can paint a completely different picture of culture/art in Toronto and hands-on support and respect for its emerging artists—a feeling of being better appreciated abroad than at home.

p.s.  Please check out Sarah Milory’s October 1, 07 Globe and Mail article, "A fun night at the art circus," for a more detailed account of Nuit Blanche—and suggestions for improvement.

 

Virgin trains are infamous among Brits for their delays and diversions.  I can now confirm this from personal experience.  My Liverpool - London train, last week, got diverted to Coventry, clipping the time I got to spend in London.  That’s the bad news!  Then, though I’d booked a regular ticket for the return to Liverpool, I somehow ended up in a First Class carriage (not that there was anything wrong with Second Class—every seat has its own electrical outlet).  That’s the good news!

What a treat first class was—or would have been, had I known in advance, and not slipped into Marks and Spencer to buy refreshments. (M and S has become so user-friendly, with mini-stores at train and gas stations, throughout Britain, you know you can pick up a decent snack from them almost anywhere anytime.) 

First Class Virgin passengers are served unlimited meals and drinks (including wine and alcohol), and are offered an array of complimentary reading materials and other resources.  The tableware and accessories aren’t paper or plastic, the seats comfortable, and crew very friendly.  The journey back passed so fast, I wasn’t ready to get off the train!  There’s also First Class Lounges at key stations.  Had I known…! 

In the little red book placed on every table on the train, there’s a note on the front page, with an e-mail address. If you’ve been "particularly impressed" with the service received by staff on the train, they want to know at feelgood@virgintrains.co.uk.  

I think about my Amtrak experiences on the Boston - New York route, when living in Boston.  Performance, or lack of it (as well as train station food and other compensations) don’t compare!

 

 

 

 

 

Last week, I celebrated my parents’ golden wedding anniversary in Liverpool—a real privilege.  This is a personal milestone, I’m aware, sadly, I will never be able to enjoy, not being married (yet).  I also marvel over my parents’ wonderful circle of lifelong friends and old-world values—neighbors who’ve known each other and remained in close contact, acting as extended family for generations.  Regrettably, few of my parents’ contemporaries’ children are still in town.  Like me, some have traveled abroad.  Others are based in London.  A couple of parents have been able to follow their children…  

Hometown roots are always important, especially to Liverpudlians.  These days, my home town is very proud of its heritage and accomplishments.  2007 - 2008 are banner years for Liverpool.  Not only does it have its 800th anniversary, it was also named as European Capital of Culture.

The weekend of Sept 15 -16, 07,  saw the city hosting many amazing events, including:
• The Big History Show at St. George’s Hall (photo below)
• The Hope Street Festival
• The Clipper Yacht Launch at the Albert Dock

 

 

 

 

 

It was impossible for me to do and see everything, but the few activities I had the chance to experience were exciting.  For the history event, I was happy to be able to hear my elderly father, Professor Rex Makin, give his Saturday presentation.  He is a free man of the city, and spoke to a sell-out audience.  At the clipper yacht launch, I was surprised to meet Sir Robin Knox Johnston. Standing right next to him, I was able to watch him seeing off the fleet with personal attention to detail and delight.

 

 

 

 

 

Liverpool is changing fast, as the cranes in front of the landmark Liver Buildings/Three Graces show.

 

Seasons of change happen externally and environmentally, as well as internally and spiritually.  My trip to Liverpool also coincided with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).  On the days in between, I thought of what was and what could be, who I am and who I am not, where we are in the world and how I can help make it a better place.  Am I doing the best job I can?  What are my intentions and actions? Will they harm or help others? How can I live a more fulfilling, altruistic, and satisfying life? 

Values, morals, ethics, and acting mindfully and carefully were prominent in my thoughts.  A time for introspection and reflection is also a time for sharing and caring—"doing the right thing" and nurturing a healthy mindset.  Alas, not all of us succeed as often as we hope to, and some make more mistakes than others.  Intentions matter as does self-knowledge and sensitivity to and consideration for others and our planet.

When we’re able to overcome petty differences, we’re more inclined to take the bigger picture into account—not just act in our own best interests.  Life is short and every day has the potential for positive happenings.  Those who have the health, means, and family with which to enjoy what’s possible are blessed—should take nothing and no one fore granted.

A "Shana Tova" (Good Year!) to everyone!

 

When I lived in Boston I was always suprised by how many things I purchased that had Made in Canada labels.  Simple every day products:  grocery items, flowers, a desk, a chair… 

On my Labor Day weekend visit to Boston, I went to put money in a meter. A "Made in Canada" label was prominent there too…

 

As I’ve alluded to in earlier blog posts, seeking funds to follow through with my acceptance of the Florence Biennale invitation to exhibit (for December 07) has been quite a task.  

Fortunately, ten months on, "good neighbors" have banded together to help launch a Good Neighbors’ Fund.  This came into being, officially, Monday September 10th, 2007.  It will be held and managed by advisors at TD Waterhouse, Yonge/St. Clair Branch.

The Good Neighbors’ Fund is atypical and so is its modus operandi.  Individuals who receive grants from it need to play a key role in raising funds for them them.  This means to help with the organization of an event and the production and sale of souvenir items connected to the project requiring money.  Fund committee members are volunteers and the wider community is encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways—at the event or with the production, sale, and purchase of related souvenir items.  Fun opportunities to socialize, network, and meet others living and working in the ‘hood!

This being the inaugural year of the Fund, revenue acquired by it will go to a grant that will help pay off expenses incurred by the actualization of the Florence Biennale exhibit, "Buon Appetito!"  The Good Neighbor’s Fund hopes to work with another "talented local" next year on a fresh arts/cultural project (for which funding hasn’t been forthcoming from other sources).  But, its continuity (and ability to assist) will depend on this year’s outcome, of course!  

We are hoping that as many interested Torontonians as possible will be able to join us at Grano (2035 Yonge Street), 7pm, Thursday October 11, 2007.  Please check out the invitation posted on the DocSusan website at the bottom of the Biennale Gallery page.

Last Sunday afternoon, walking the dogs down Yonge Street, I was able to chance upon three "Sunday gardeners" potting the potty pots in quite a leisurely way.

 

 

 

 

 

Just like me, other taxpayers, out and about, weren’t too happy with how things were looking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re now well into September, and most wondered why bland summer foliage had been purchased heading into fall, and required a special Sunday planting.  Chrysanthemums might have been more suitable—at least provided a hint of seasonal color, and been quicker to arrange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close to election time, it’s only natural to think about elected officials and who might be responsible for decisions like those connected to the potty pots’ installation and adornment.

 

 

 

 

 

Even the apolitical among us turn political when noticing such a curious use of funds.  Are expenditure decisions like these an individual representative’s responsibility (fault) or those of the party to which that representative belongs?

As provincial elections near (October 10, 2007), it’s important to remember that each and every vote matters, as do you—a person with the right to vote.  Florida in 2000 demonstrated this.  So, who does one vote for here and now, in Toronto?  Do you know the personalities running well enough?  Have you asked for help/advice from them since they entered office, and did they respond effectively (regardless of their party line), and or/who you are/your question?

Re-electionable officials make time to hear and respond to every "regular constituent’s" concern as thoroughly as possible—personally or with appropriate assistance.  If you have had the experience of being ignored by anyone up for reelection, it’s easy to think twice about helping reinstate them.  Then there’s the promise-makers (not currently in office) whose performance you you can’t be sure about.  Should they be given a chance, or not?

Unsurprisingly, many who have the right to, decide to not vote at all.  They simply don’t feel comfortable with any of the options offered.  Some who run aren’t always suitable.  Some who don’t could be!  Unfortunate, but true…

p.s. Earlier posts about the "potty pots" included on this blog are:

Toronto’s Tax and Funding priorities, July 19, 07

Potty Pots in Rosedale:  Extravagance at Taxpayers’ Expense, August 18, 07

Toronto—the Bigger Picture

Toronto’s a busy place this week with the Toronto Film Festival.  I walked through Yorkville Thursday evening (the first night) and was astonished by the crowds and hype.  Everyone was waiting for someone, but no one knew who…They just huddled around the barely-opened Hazelton Hotel, and Mark McEwan’s ONE restaurant—likely the best vantage point, as the newest and hottest spot in town.

Behind the Scenes—Community Support

It took five hours, yesterday, to hang my Florence Biennale preview exhibit at Grano.  A big thank you to a dear friend who helped me do this.  I don’t know what would have happened without this gift, or Roberto Martella’s (owner of Grano/arts aficionado) and his patient staff’s support.  

(a taste of the exhibit—no pun intended)

I truly appreciate Roberto’s generosity and endorsement of the exhibit.

 

The Hon Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP’s personal involvement with the Biennale project has also been tremendous—reflected in her announcement in this fall’s St. Paul’s riding Parliamentary Report and Town Crier column, and despite an incredibly busy official schedule.

(an unofficial portrait sketch)

Irony and Truth—Personal Responses

After completing the Biennale collection, I imagined I’d feel a sense of accomplishment and relief.  The truth is I didn’t.  On the contrary!  Others may believe differently as they enjoy viewing such a cheerful body of work…

The artist’s journey demands strengths and resources beyond art-making.  Creating an international exhibit isn’t an easy or cheap task, physically, emotionally, or financially.  And, along the way, you learn about who can be counted on, as well the politics of where you live, and the kindnesses of strangers.  Confidence, faith, and feeling the product is worthwhile travel a bumpy road, regardless of how good self-esteem may be. The reactions and initiatives of others can be pivotal. 

At significant times in life—and the Biennale appears to be one of them (at least for me)—friends, acquaintances, peers, and strangers have chances to choose to play together (or not)…

Give to give
Not to receive

Give to give, because you want to
Not because you have to

Give to give
Not for what you hope to get in return

Give to give
Not to manipulate or demonstrate
or make out that you’re nicer than you are

Giving is good
But a few things should be understood…
Expectations lead to disappointments
And disappointments lead to a whole lot else

Give to give
to open doors
Not to close them

Giving for getting is only upsetting
Giving for attention, a bad intention

No one should owe you
And not everyone has to know you

Make dinner
Invite visitors
Buy gifts
Baby-sit

Do whatever it takes
Makes you and/or others happy

But, be aware of the stakes

Give to give, not to receive
or for what it’s hoped others may perceive

Sometimes we give more than we get
Other times we get more than we give

There’s givers and takers
And those who are neither

Offer only what you can
No need to be better than

Regret  leads to upset
Better left unexpressed

Making others feel guilty for what you’ve given
undoes any good done
Is worse than not giving at all

Giving is an art at which some excel
Some don’t

Knowing about giving
And growing through giving
Makes life worth living
For all of us…

There are many perspectives on "giving," and this poem offers but a few.  As with most everything, it’s important to take responsibility and make the extra effort to do the right thing, individually as well as together.  By coincidence, Former President, Bill Clinton, was interviewed on the Today Show, today, about his new book, GIVING:  How Each of Us Can Change the World.

 

Bostonians take their cycling seriously, and they have some serious cycle paths to enjoy—some of which I had the pleasure of riding this past weekend.  I recommend the Minuteman Bikeway, and the Needham/Dover/Sherburne loop, starting at Cutler Park.  In total, we clocked about 60 miles of trails—Lev and Sage along for the ride in their Pet Cruiser!  The extra weight over the handle bars made me work that little bit harder on the uphills.  But, it was worth it to see caninekind enjoy the breeze on the downhills…

 

Information on cycling in and around the Boston area is provided by The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition and bikemaps.com, as well as many others.