Last Friday, a Globe and Mail headline announced "Art Gallery of Ontario Workers Face Layoffs."  There’s a substantial revenue short-fall and too few visitors and memberships.  The flagging economy gets ample blame.  But, obviously, that’s not the only reason…  November 14, 2008, my blog post, The AGO Reopens and ARTISTS Do MATTER was optimistic. But, soon after, impressions shifted.  Personal follow-up demonstrated how things aren’t always as projected: to be more skeptical about what’s put out when there’s lights, cameras, action. The design and layout of the gallery have been altered, but layers of "ice" still visible. Financial assistance and p.r. bestowed by outsiders aren’t always enough, especially if not able to be sustained in a challenging economy.  When consumers are forced to limit choices, feeling welcome, wanted, or involved is all the more significant, influencing  decisions as to where personal resources might be allocated for memberships and donations.  What didn’t count previously does now.  

Eagerness to trust and believe, perhaps, had caused me to take Director Matthew Teitelbaum’s message that "artists matter" too literally, at the AGO’s pre-opening day party.  Afterwards, I contacted him, as he’d advised, to be added to his "artists’ list."  It was my understanding, at the time, that there’d be (regular, local) artist-friendly happenings and mailings, and an openness to suggestions/meeting. Maybe, it was a mistake to put energy into follow-up when the thought-to-be-approachable (and open) weren’t really. A brief meeting with a tardy and distracted Dr. David Moos (Curator of Contemporary Art), who appeared comfortably so, didn’t justify weathering the cold and paying for down-town parking. But, hoping this was just an "off day" for him, and because of the work gone into my preparation, I followed up with a traditional "Thank you for the meeting note," daring to continue a truncated presentation. No response. I tried again. No response. I tried one more time. Still no response…

Probability:  If it’s happening to you, it could be happening to others.  The "Three Rs" still matter:  Respect, Reciprocity, Replies.  (A future blog post will look at this topic further.)

Principle:  Everyone matters, and those you think might matter least (now), could matter more (later).

The AGO’s annual "Massive Party" event April 2, 09, to collect more funds for the gallery, is $125 per participant. Not to be forgotten:  raising spirits and fostering good will, can also help boost funds (and visitor/membership appeal), no party (or extra expense) necessary.

 

About the images in this post:  January/February 09, Toronto was a city of icicles. Some hazarded the view. Others fell and caused damage.  March being a gentler month, for now (anyway), spring fever is rising: a time to embrace fresh ideas, options, and attitudes.

For an earlier post about Toronto winter weather (and mood) challenges, please check out Toronto Snow-Clean-up in Time for 2009 (January 4, 2009).

 

Others might not like to admit to creativity lulls or feelings of let-down.  But, as my blog evinces, throughout, I think it’s important to be real and not sugar-coat.  Information sharings can be helpful all round:  affirm we are not alone and others have been there too (and got through).  If we don’t acknowledge all our mood-shades (blacks, as well as whites and grays), appearances risk being deceptive.  Life is seldom as perfect as it might be thought for anyone, and authenticity matters.

I am still on a hiatus from painting.  By the close of 2008, I’d participated in three big shows and series (07 - 08), directly after art school graduation (06). Also, as is familiar to most other "emerging artists," the cumulative run-around from a variety of solicitors (galleries, dealers, agents, businesses, and organizations) who’d proved less reputable and reliable than hoped and assumed, was straining.  End result:  a loss in momentum— the need to take time for the "Three Rs," Rethink, Relax, Reboot.

My slow-down really began when I was too sick (medically/physically) to paint. Until I’m properly well, it’s not wise to resume. That said, it’s not something I’m rushing to do…  A dear artist friend recently shared details of her own time-out.  Her example and perspective were inspirational. A wonderfully talented individual, I was in awe of her insight and understanding (journey and recovery) and lack of competitiveness. 

There is always light at the end of the tunnel, but we need to be kind to ourselves (and have others be kind to us), and not push.  At least that’s the advice I tend to share in other contexts…

My studio isn’t empty.  The last painting that I finished (in October 08) jumps out on entry.  It’s a 60 x 40 inch oil on canvas abstract that became a horse:  a beautiful, calming soothing creature who looks like she’s confident and peaceful.  This piece was different in style than what’s been typical for me, over the past few years.

Thinking back to when I painted this last piece, I realize I sensed that something was going on. (The art therapist in me kicked in.) What I was trying to paint wasn’t coming out as I’d planned.  But, when does it ever, really?  I gave in and let happen whatever wanted to manifest on the canvas. 

This Horse piece followed on from a Duck, a Bird, and a Deer/Fox.  All four paintings will appear in the DocSusan artwork galleries, eventually… with stories about them.  In the meantime, please be patient—with me, yourself, and othewise.  Though we seem to live in a "quick-fix society," real life doesnt work that way.  All good things are worth the wait!

Earlier blog posts on artistic challenges include:

▪ Torrit Grey and Regenerating Creativity (October 11, 2008)
▪ Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)
▪ #20. PRECIOUSNESS/VALUE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 30, 2007)
▪ #19. SHARING (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 29, 2007)
▪ #18. LIMITATIONS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 28, 2007)
▪ #17. MESSAGE(S) (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 27, 2007)
▪ #16. (SPECIAL) GIFT(S) (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 26, 2007)
▪ #15. ARTIST PLUS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 25, 2007)
▪ #14. TIME (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 24, 2007)
▪ #13. THE PUZZLE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 23, 2007)
▪ #12. SERENDIPITY (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 22, 2007)
▪ #11. ORGANIZATION (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 21, 2007
▪ #10. PRICES (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 18, 2007)
▪ #9. SUPPORT, PATRONAGE, GRANTS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) 
(November 16, 2007)
▪ #8. “JK ROWLING SYNDROME” (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 14, 2007)
▪ #7. PAINTER’S FATIGUE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!") (November 12, 2007)
▪ #6. NOTICING THE DETAILS (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 10, 2007)
▪ #5. STRATEGIC/CONSCIOUS PAINTING (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) 
(November 8, 2007)
▪ #4. CREATIVE PRESSURE/RELEASE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 4, 2007)
▪ #3. SACRIFICE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (November 1, 2007)
▪ #2. STAMINA (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (October 28, 2007)
▪ #1. ENDURANCE (Reflection While Painting “Buon Appetito!”) (October 24, 2007)
▪ Candid Artistic Ramblings: Reflections While Painting “Buon Appetito!”—Preparing for the Florence Biennale (October 19, 2007)
▪ INSTINCT, EXPRESSION, and CREATIVITY—in WRITING, PAINTING, and MUSIC (July 31, 2007)
▪  PAINTING and PERSEVERANCE (July 27, 2007)
▪  Entering PAINTING COMPETITIONS Can Be Disheartening (July 16, 2007)
▪  Stages of My PAINTING PROCESS (July 5, 2007)
▪  PAINTERS and WRITERS: Survival Tips, Cautions, and Experiences (March 30, 2007)
▪  PAINTING: Getting to the heART of why we do it (January 5, 2007)

 

 

This is an exciting day and land-mark occasion world-wide—the swearing in of President Barack Hussein Obama as 44th President of the United States!

For those of us not in the US, some ways to connect and/or participate:

• Television:  BBC live Coverage will begin at 4:00 pm Greenwich Mean Time
• Social Networking:  CNN on Facebook, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (US)
• E-Bulletins and Links: CBS’s Couric and Co’s Inside Scoop
• On-Line Newspaper: TimesOnLine
• On-Line Broadcast Links:  CBC.ca

Question:  A New Media Inauguration?  The BBC asks who will triumph on the day, new or old media?

Watching the Clock…  Obama’s Inauguration Schedule Highlights (Eastern Standard Time, US)

• 11:30 a.m. Obama announced at West Front of Capitol
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Inauguration Ceremony
• 12:35 p.m. Departure ceremony for outgoing President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney
• 12:45 p.m. Signing ceremony in the President’s Room in the Capitol
• 1:05 p.m. Inaugural luncheon at Statuary Hall
• 2:20 p.m. Review of troops on East Front
• 2:25 to 6 p.m. The 56th Inaugural Parade travels down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House
• 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Obama to appear at 10 inaugural balls

Connect how and whenever you can—and enjoy in the moment!

For a very quick reminder of election night 08, please see: A Night to Remember: US Elections From Canadian Side of the Border—Best, Worst, and Unsurprising Details (November 6, 2008).

I took the flag-shot at the start of this post in Fort Williams Park by Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Maine.  Well worth a visit!

The Today Show, January 2nd, discussed Relationships, and their significance for 2009.  2008 having been a difficult year for most of us, psychiatrist, Gail Saltz, in a "New Year, New You" segment, stressed how important is is to be able to focus on the positive, for oneself, and with others.  Her main points (and advice) included:

1. The number one source of happiness is relationships, not material stuff.  
2. When you think negative thoughts you’ll think more negative thoughts.
3. Jot down the small things that made you happy today to help shift you towards a more positive attitude.
4. The more spiritual you can be, the better you’ll cope.
5. Give to others (think outside of yourself).
6. Just changing perspective can make things easier for you.

Most human beings thrive on love, affection, and connection but are afraid to ask for it, especially if they’re alone or isolated (by chance or choice).  Not matter how much someone protests that they don’t need help or consideration, they usually do.  Awkwardness and pride get in the way.  Real friends ignore protestations and act anyway:

TO DO

1.  Don’t know what to say to those experiencing loss? You don’t have to. Call/visit anyway. Better that than to do nothing at all.  "Being there" is the greatest gift and doesn’t cost.

2.  Don’t know if those who are sick need help?  Don’t ask, just do.  When we’re weak it’s not always possible to speak.  Everything’s an extra effort, and no one likes complainers.  Those surrounded by loving and kind others (close relatives, or strangers) make speedier recoveries.  Phone calls, food packages, rides to the hospital, and get-well cards all count.  There are a variety of ways to "be there" even if you’re far away, emotionally or geographically.

3. Celebrate others year-round, not just occasion-round.  Don’t overlook those who don’t reach typical milestones (births, marriages, engagements, anniversaries).  Birthdays, new jobs, new homes, and "just because" acknowledgments are important too.  It’s not only the attention received at extra special times that counts, it’s the attention that’s shown day-to-day.  Everyone likes to feel worthwhile, no matter how little fuss they make!

4.  Transition from "me-" to "we-" thinking.  Self-absorption is a disease of the 21st century.  Don’t fall victim to it!  Most relationships seem to happen (and last) on a needs basis, but they don’t have to.  Just because you’ve married/had kids and your friend hasn’t, don’t desert him.  Just because you’re a girl seeking a guy, don’t be jealous/angry when a girl pal meets a guy before you do.  Sticking around for someone else, and/or being happy for them, even if your circumstances aren’t as favorable are point-scorers.  Walking or fading away, and silences damage once-good bonds and histories beyond repair, and the collateral damage (depression, hurt, and beyond), whether it’s recognized or not, after-the-fact, can be devastating.  

TO THINK ABOUT

1.  Savoir-faire matters (know-how, or knowing what to do)  Health, connections, happiness, and good fortune are all gifts.  Some of us have more opportunity for, and access to, them than others.  Even if we are not in control of the bigger picture, we may have the ability to influence smaller happenings:  help make difficult situations easier for those with whom our life intersects.  Knowledge is power, and denying what you know, when you could do something to help make things easier (for someone else), is unfortunate.  Good Intentions, even if they backfire, reflect well.  For those who are responsible and upfront (show good intent), no games/guises equals no regrets!

2. Sad, but true, circumstances change in moments.  Life can be humbling, emotionally as well as physically and materially/financially.  Some can’t relate to negative circumstances.  Others know little else.  Cliché as it might seem, seeing the cup half-full and putting yourself in another’s shoes are important.

Earlier related blog posts include:

• New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List (December 30, 2008)
• Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers (December 28, 2008)
• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

 

 

Kind gestures finally seem to matter more than material gifts, in part because of the economy, in part because there’s no substitute for healthful human connection.  This holiday season, I baked cookies for friends, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses.  These were genuinely appreciated.  Home-made—no matter how basic, like chocolate chip cookies—shows you care, and that you’ve put precious time aside to do so, beyond the actual gift-giving act or purchase.  During the planning and creation process, it just feels good to know that there can be simpler ways to make others happy.  The more impersonal and alienating/lonely the world becomes, the harder we have to try…

Who cares, and who doesn’t?  You might be surprised and disappointed to find out, especially at peak moments. 

Peak moments are special circumstances (like holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations).  Peak moments can also be times of difficulty:  sickness, loss, disappointment—not health, gain, and happiness.

As we exit the "season of giving" it’s good timing to reflect on our own behavior, as well as others’.  "Do unto others as we would wish to have done unto us" is a familiar cliché," one that may seem increasingly hard to have ring true.  Until something happens to us, ourselves, we might not get that jolt—the jolt that is humbling.  As we stumble, we want another to help catch our fall.  But, there’s not always anyone there—anyone we can count on that is.

Four main personality types appear obvious:  Doers, Talkers, Nosey-Pokes, and Nothingers:

• Doers do, no need to talk about it, in advance or afterwards. They surprise and delight, excuses not necessary.  Doers might owe us nothing.  We can owe them everything.

• Talkers talk, but seldom come through—do or give to anyone else except themselves.

• Nosey-Pokes like to know what’s happening.  "Talking" and "doing" are not really their concerns.  Information check-ins help keep them in the loop—provide scoop/fuel for gossip, but little more.

• Nothingers don’t do, talk, or nose.  They simply aren’t interested in any way—unless it’s about them.

Friends you thought were friends might prove they’re not.  Strangers fill in the blanks, and beyond.  Expectations lead to disappointments.  Disappointments lead to expectations.  At peak moments, we’re likely to realize all of this, and more…

Good caring others may be found once we stop pursuing and/or grieving for those who aren’t.

Earlier related blog posts include:

• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

 

By chance, on Thanksgiving eve, I received notification that two more Boston charities were to be given my artwork for display.  I greatly appreciate how The Art Connection makes artist donorship possible, even for those who no longer live in the area.  I became involved with the Art Connection in 2006, and feel proud and honored to have had several dozen works chosen by 15 of their local charities in the last two years.  My artwork is now enjoyed by:

• Andrew Peabody School (A Rigorous Academic Approach with a Commitment to the Arts), Cambridge, MA
• Boston Public Health Commission (protecting, promoting, and preserverving the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly the most vunerable, Boston, MA
• Boston Rescue Mission (Transforming Lives at Risk Since 1899), Boston, MA
• Casa Esperanza (a bilingual bicultural Latino community sanctuary for those overcoming homelessness and/or addictions), Boston, MA
• CFCS_TLC (Cambridge Family and Children’s Sevice—Teens Learning Choices Programme), Cambridge, MA
• Community Work Services (promoting independence through employment, for challenged indivduals), Boston, MA
• Goddard House (Serving Elders Since 1849), Jamaica Plain, MA
• HAWC (Help for Abused Women and their Children), Salem, MA
• Health Care for All (providing comprehensive, affordable, accessible, culturally competent, high quality care for everyone, especially the most vulenerable), Boston, MA
• Malden Senior Community Center (a newly developed property providing services to Malden area seniors who previously utilized a center in a windowless basement), Malden, MA
• MAP for Health (health link for MA Asian and Pacific Islanders), Boston, MA
• Sherrill House, (a not-for proflt skilled nursing and rehabiliation Center), Jamaica Plain, MA
• St. Francis House (largest day shelter for the poor and homeless in New England), Boston, MA
• Triangle Inc (helping people with disabiliites), Malden, MA
• Year Up Inc (helping urban young adults), Boston, MA

 

In keeping with today’s food/Thanksgiving theme, the image at the start of this post is called "Ripe," and comes from the trilogy, "Ripe, Sweet, and Lonely," at St. Francis House (each image: 24 x 24, oil on canvas, 2005).  "Sweet" is inserted above this note, and "Lonely" below it. Thanksgiving is a great time to send kind wishes to, and care for, the "ripe," the "sweet," and the "lonely" —in the environment where this artwork is now on display, and beyond.  What a suitable home these paintings have found! 

 

Interestingly, The Art Connection is working on a "pilot project" at St. Francis House.  Accordingly, they asked me to write about the the pieces I have hanging there, including the "Ripe, Sweet, and Lonely" trilogy. In an effort to make art placements a bit more educational for clients, a statement from the artist, it’s hoped, can help give the viewer a better understanding of the work. This is what I wrote:

 "Ripe," "Sweet," and "Lonely":  three things I thought about while painting this trilogy.  Even though I’m ripe (all grown-up) and sweet (kind), I’m often lonely (as a single adult), just like so many others out there.  People might be compared to fruit, with outside (skin) and inside (taste) provoking different responses  Also, fruit cut up into pieces (like for a salad), can be arranged on the plate in a variety of ways.  Some fruits are placed close together and/or touch.  Others end up further apart.  Each of the three paintings focus on one description—the" ripe," the "sweet," or the "lonely"—and they are intended to be arranged in that order, from left to right.  I am quite comfortable painting food, as well as writing about it.  As an art therapist, I had a book published called, More Than Just a Meal:  The Art of Eating Disorders. (2000).  Also, when I didn’t get into a conventional landscape painting class at SMFA (the Museum of Fine Arts School, Boston) I decided to create my own landscapes in other ways.  Food offers many possibilities and gives much cause for thought.  There is not only the selecting and arranging of it, but the eating (to celebrate) that comes afterwards.  In my earlier work (to which these paintings belong) I came to like using pale blue backgrounds.  They show reflections and shadows well, especially when objects are not crowded together.  I also like the softness (and restfulness) of this color, and the contrasts it can encourage.  All the fruits painted in the "ripe, " sweet," and "lonely" set are among my favorites.  Their shapes, colors, textures, and flavors each have their own significance, as well as work well together.  As with most of the artwork I create, I don’t  like to create one-off single pieces.  I also prefer to work on several pieces simultaneously, going from one to the next, consistently.

To view more of my "food art," please check out the Snack Happy! and Buon Appetito! collections as well as the Representational Gallery, all on the DocSusan website.

 

•  Best:  Katie Couric’s CBS news coverage

•  Worst:  Michelle Obama’s Dress

•  Unsurprising:  The Canadian elections (October 14, 08) were less interesting to Torontonians.  More of them home watching (and caring about) US election results (November 4, 08) than their own.  Neighborhood streets were quiet, TVs on.

 

Earlier this month, I paid renewals for my my driver’s license and vehicle plate.  Funny, the envelope that was mailed to me with the forms for these didn’t include anything about a new $60 Toronto resident’s tax.  Since I’d been out-of-town a lot over the summer, I thought I might have missed news coverage of it.  Apparently not.  Most agree this one got snuck in without hoopla. Astonishing?  Or, Perhaps we’re all paying too much attention to US politics?

At College Park’s (long-lined) Ontario Service Counter, there was no explanatory literature, or prominent signage.  The only thing necessary to know, it seemed, was that if you didn’t pay up there and then you couldn’t make the other renewals.  Employees working at the counter weren’t afraid to mention that they didn’t agree with the tax (they’d be paying it too).  When I got home, I pulled up a September 1 (08) Globe ad Mail article which offered more details. Then, when speaking to friends and acquaintances who drive in Toronto but live in the suburbs, their snigger wasn’t surprising.  This extra charge didn’t apply to them!

From Sarah Palin’s lipstick to John McCain serenely placing his rose on the September 11 memorial at Ground Zero, while Barack Obama appeared to toss his, most of us (myself included) have been more engaged with what’s been happening on the other side of the border than with local politics and consequences. (Please check out the drinks menu at the Gladstone’s Melody Bar, in the photo above.)

Let’s remember that Canada has its own (40th) Federal Election October 14, 08. Americans might not know about this, but many Canadians don’t either…  On its eve, it seems, the Conservatives have been chopping arts funding right, left, and center. This fact may influence artists’ votes!

p.s. Regular readers might remember my Potty Pots in Rosedale (three-entry) series, from last year. Elections in Canada, it appears, can coincide with interesting displays of how tax payers’ money is allocated, locally as well as nationally. (For more links, please check out the third entry in the series: Potty Post in Rosedale, Part Three—As Elections Near, September 15, 2007).

For those who’ve been following this blog’s saga of the 75 brass pots on Toronto’s Yonge Street, in Rosedale/Summerhill (installation and maintenance guesstimate, $1 million), local vendors report interesting developments.  The solitary positioned pot was planted and unplanted several times.  Maybe whoever’s responsible can’t decide what to put inside—or is trying to save money for this summer by not filling/maintaining it permanently?

The foliage that I did manage to capture on camera was still in black containers, sticking out above the soil’s surface, and not very attractive. Another possible reason for why it was removed?

 
My male dog, Sage, is fascinated by walls and lampposts.  I stopped him from leaving his mark on such expensive decorative hardware.  He was too shy to do so on camera anyway!

 
Last week, more pots appeared (less than a dozen), and already the sidewalk’s looking cluttered, even with nothing sticking out of them.

 
And, because the pots were empty, there was a chance to take a closer look at their construction.  Blue styrofoam covers metal sheeting.  As an amateur gardener who’s not much of a "handy woman," I wondered about drainage.

 

Stay tuned to see what might happen next…

It’s easy for an opposition party to make promises.  Being able to carry them through, if they’re reelected, is what will really count.

A July 5, 07 media release was headed, "Liberals Would Restore Funding to Promote Canadian Culture Abroad."  This round-table, headed up by Stéphane Dion (Liberal opposition leader) was a great initiative, and suggests hope for the future. That said, it might have been nice to see a more representative sampling of creative types quoted—including some who weren’t invited to participate and aren’t already famous.

While Canadian Liberals, it appears, are anxious to boost funding for the arts, Canadian Conservatives are preoccupied with their endorsement of Nascar…

CBC television’s week-nightly show, Today on Politics’ last episode before the summer break included much joviality about the Nascar backing.  So, afterwards, I perused Prime Minister, Steven Harper’s, governmental website to see what his most striking personal interests seem to be.  Cat foster care and hockey, apparently.  His wife, Laureen, is described as enjoying riding her new motorcycle in her "spare time"…

 

Did you know that, according to the Toronto Star newspaper, Dashan Mark Roswell is China’s best-known performer?  A weekly Star feature asks Canadian expatriates what it is like to live abroad, and invites readers to send in their own stories.  

Roswell was asked if he still sees the world through Canadian eyes.  He responded that he’s not sure  what "Canadian eyes" are. He admits that there are parts of his personality that have been shaped by China.  But, he is still as Canadian as he’s ever been. He thinks that one of Canada’s greatest assets is its lack of a strong national identity.  He stated, "I have no clearer idea of what it means to be a Canadian than anyone else…"

Just wondering:  Had Roswell remained in Canada to work, would his talents have developed in the same way?  Could he have had such a successful and original career in the arts here? 

 

Last weekend, I strolled down Yonge Street (towards Summerhill) and came across the sign posted above.

 
It appears that Rosedale, one of Toronto’s best kept/most prestigous neighborhoods, is having special funds poured into it—enough to include the installation of 75 large custom-fabricated bronze planters with mounts, each hand crafted in place.  I observed a workman coating the mounts, one by one, as part of the prep work.

 
Then, at the neighborhood Timothy’s, I read Sunday’s Toronto Star comment piece, "Two New Taxes Vital for Toronto."  Apparently, the city faces a budget shortfall of around $575 million for next year, and reserve funds have been drained.  A "land transfer tax" and "motor vehicle levy" are in the works—a great way to quell the "white-hot" real estate market and make car ownership even more prohibitive…

 

More important: what, I wondered, about the poor homeless people living amid the pots, under the clock tower bridge?  How is the city planning to help them?

p.s.  July 21st’s Toronto Star article, "Embattled Mayor Hangs Tough" had an insert (not included in the on-line edition—"The Three Faces of City Council").  This reminded readers how councillors, back in February (07), weren’t able to agree on who should stand where for a "class photo."  Another Star article, from that time, "Council Bickers Its Way Out of Photo," gives a sense of city leaders’ group dynamics—how decisions may (and may not be) made.

p.p.s.  Friday evening, July 27, walking up Yonge Street around 10:30 pm., I noticed two workmen hand-treating the mounts—cutting the paving stones around them, and preparing for the bronze planters’ installation.  The one-and-only finished mounted planter had some foliage in it, already.  I spoke to the workmen, and learned that their bid for the job had been $50,000 cheaper than the one they beat out.  Each custom-fabricated bronze planter cost $4,500, not including the mountings and surrounds.  Then, add to that miscellaneous expenses and manpower hours.  A million dollars might be a conservative guesstimation, especially since, later, there’s going to be all the necessary maintenance (planting, watering, removing, and replacing). More (unessential) tasks/outlay for the city?! 

Art-making (visual arts, music, dance, or writing) is a risky business.  Much is stolen before it ever gets out there.  Competitive, jealous, and sneaky others have no qualms putting their name to something that’s not theirs, and running to make money or gain from it in other ways. 

Sometimes, the true creator can take action.  Often, not.  Litigation costs money, time, and emotional energy.  Then, there’s the case that needs to be built, and loop holes that wrong-doers successfully identify and take advantage of…

The victory might be the thief’s in terms of securing the actual creation/idea stolen.  But, even if that person is very clever, he or she is unlikely to be able to replicate the true creator’s style, process, or thoughts.  There’s an essence/spirit that will never be anyone else’s, and this, ultimately, will be clear, somehow. 

Maybe thieves’ marketing/redevelopment skills will help procure cash/recognition rewards.  But, even then, they can’t give genuine meaning or authentic sparkle to what is and was never theirs. At the end of the day, they do know that, as do the real creators, and those familiar with them and their work…

p.s. Coincidentally, CARFAC Ontario’s Spring 07 newsletter (Vol 10, no. 1) has two articles that are well worth checking out, "Fair is Fair, (COPY) RIGHT?  Living Without Fear as an Appropriation Artist," and "VISUAL ART PHYSICAL PROPERTY, COPYRIGHT, AND MORAL RIGHTS, A Canadian Overview."

My Florence Biennale fundraising scramble continues… This leaves me little time for painting, which is what I really should be doing—why I’ve only completed 11 out of 20 pieces, so far.  Therefore, quite aptly, I’m spending my Canada Day Weekend painting for Canada.

As this blog might reveal, I’m not lazy and don’t take short-cuts.  Regardless, drumming up funding for the privilege of representing Canada at the Florence Biennale, December 07, has had me stumped—even after 10 months of constant efforts.  I’ve been refused/not responded to by government agencies and business, alike.  There’s been a variety of excuses—from not meeting "eligibility requirements" to explanations of priorities being otherwise (with causes/groups that can give better pr/advertising returns).

Enervated as I am, I’m not going to give up the Biennale invitation, or have the paintings I’ve committed to create suffer.  Everything, I’m convinced, happens for a reason.  And, eventually, the purpose of/answer for such struggles might be clear.  Already, I’ve had a learning experience, and plenty of time to reflect on Canada—how/why/what works here (or doesn’t)…  In the meantime, surrounding myself with my paintings, which usually turn out cheerful no matter how I’m feeling, will help me keep things in perspective—remember what’s really important.

Yesterday afternoon, I was invited to a "strawberry tea," hosted by the Hon. Carolyn Bennett, MD at her home.  Carolyn is a very versatile and industrious MP who shows an obvious love for her riding (St. Paul’s, where I live) and her constituents.  She’s personable, vivacious, and dedicated, no issue seeming too small for her to try to remedy.  

I’m in discussion with her right now about the arts in Canada and how individual visual artists, like myself—even when selected to represent our country at a world-class event (the Florence Biennale)—find it impossible to get support (funding or otherwise) from government agencies or national and local businesses.  You can spend so much time trying to secure assistance that actual art-making suffers—time as well as impetus gone!

Carolyn showed her commitment to helping turn things around with a recent studio visit, and by purchasing a painting of mine ("Very Berry," oil on canvas, 10in x 10in). 

Since I knew this piece was going to be on display at the tea, I decided to prepare a fruit plate to go with it.   

This, I think, ended up being the most visited offering on the table, for the children at first. Then, the adults followed, and the plate was soon emptied. 

I believe that when food looks fun and interesting, whatever it is, people will gravitate towards it.  Maybe the shapes and colors drew little fingers in, or it was just because fruit, large or small, is easy to grab and munch—juicy and refreshing on a warm nearly-summer afternoon.  

Canadian customs duties are prohibitive.  Think carefully before buying anything from the US and having it mailed to Canada.  Between postage and duties, there are no savings.  On the contrary, you pay top dollar for items that are meant to be less than.

Recently, I made two purchases that incurred unreasonable charges.

1. A canine bicycle basket from In the Company of Dogs, at a "reduced price"—US$44.97.  Then there was the shipping—US$21.15. Finally came the duties—CD$12.05.  With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the item purchased, there’s a real problem—even if the item is recreational rather than an "essential."  Canada Post collected the cash payment at my door before handing over the purchase.

By the way, In the Company of Dogs takes five weeks to ship to Canada and isn’t as customer-service friendly as one would hope—especially if issues arise.  Also, some of their products can be found elsewhere at better prices.

2. Ten 24in x 24in canvases from Dick Blick (the premier art supply chain in the US), which cost US$102.15. Then there was the shipping—US$18.22.  Finally came the duties—CD$33.85.  With shipping and duties combined nearly costing as much as the items purchased, there’s a real problem—especially for work-essential goods. Fed Ex sent out a typed statement after delivery, detailing their costs, which they try to keep to a minimum (CD$1.68 brokerage fee and CD35 cents disbursement fee).

By the way, Dick Blick makes sure you get your order in a couple of days (via Fed Ex Ground, for size-appropriate products) and have wonderful discounts, providing you don’t live outside the US.  Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a Canadian art supplies retailer that can rival their selection, discounts, and efficiency.

Any office is only as good as its front line receptionists and administrative assistants.  Because of them, some communications never make it to the person they’re supposed to reach.  In some offices instructions are given that those who are high up don’t want to be bothered by trivia.  But, consider those who decide which clients are worthy of a call-back.  Certain employees might not be gifted at assessing this. 

When you suspect your messages might not be making their way to the person you’re trying to reach, or nothing seems to be happening, solutions might include:

1.  Showing up at the office in person, to see face-to-face what’s happening—if anything.
2.  Finding other ways to make direct contact (like in an out-of-the-office setting, or through a home number).
3.  Informing and getting others involved (like peers, colleagues, friends, or media).

Of course, the solution choosen will depend on the size and nature of the office involved—and why the initial approach was made.  If the office is smaller and private, access will probably be easier.  If the office is larger and public, access will probably be more complicated.  Then there are the offices of public officials where specific protocols/accountability are supposed to matter.

Regardless of the type of office being dealt with, or the role of the individual who’s unreachable, keeping calm and trying to stay focused on the initial request (not newly associated frustrations) is important.  In the beginning, follow instructions in accord with an office’s requirements.  Then, if there’s no response, consider there could be something wrong internally.  Look at possible solutions (like those listed above).  Finally, if the office (and employees working in it) are committing misdemeanors, let this be known to the necessary authorities, legislators, or publicists—like (disciplinary) associations, the police, and the media.  Avoid any/further confrontation with staffers who have already shown themselves to be incapable or powerless.

Do keep in mind that everyone makes mistakes—has bad days and weeks, even months. However, during the waiting period, the one who is dissatisfied isn’t getting paid for the time and energy put into contacting and recontacting.  The one who is at fault in not passing on the message /following through appropriately is.  

No one wants anyone else to lose their job unnecessarily.  But, employers need to decide who enhances their organization’s reputation and who detracts from it.  Since quality staff are hard to find, decisions can’t be made flippantly.  So, are expectations for lower paid, more menial workers (that are often scape-goated) too high?  Some get lazy, even if they love or need their job’s benefits.  Then there’s the one who’s a little too smug, whom you’d least suspect of being the problem, until she’s dismissed—productivity and client satisfaction suddenly improving.

Lastly, let’s talk about bosses for a moment.  Office staff may only be as good as the one who’s in charge of them—and the one in charge of them might be the only one able to do "damage control" properly. Also, consider the example he might set when he’s there (with respect to efficiency, punctuality, organizational and people skills).  Does he practice what he preaches?  Can he be counted on? 

If a boss is frequently absent and/or extremely busy, he has to hope that he has a staff that have his organization’s better interests in mind—that they can make smart decisions when he’s absent.  This may be where some of the biggest (and needless) difficulties (and loss of business) arise.