WW173: WORX AEROCART, STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRIS, and BEARD MOULTING…..

Here you go……5 things I want you to like this week…..because I like them…..
…..because they are cool…...and I hate liking things alone…..
These are all great June 2014 related things…….

1.) ok….let me first say…I am not a "World Cup" fan. (SHOCKING - I know) BUT I want to be a part of this June 2014 thing………so…..I DO love these…..

Leo Fitzmaurice recycles found materials into mini sculpture…."Post Match" is comprised of found cigarette boxes from pavements around the world that have been neatly, and humorously, repurposed into miniature soccer jerseys. HOW GREAT are these???????

See more of Leo's work here.
via [Design Taxi]
2.) So summer for me is not only gardening…..and such…...it is also lugging art around to outdoor festivals………that is why I  TOTALLY NEED THIS……

The Worx Aerocart can quickly convert from a wheelbarrow to a hand truck to a rolling bag! In fact, this cart can be equipped to become any of 8 different manual transport equipment. It can lift up to 4 cubic feet in volume and 300 pounds in weight - and due to its "Turbo Lift design" it requires 400% less lifting power!  (Allegedly it will make 200 pounds feel like 17 pounds).

Unlike traditional wheelbarrows with just one tire, it comes with two polypropylene flat-free tires situated 23.5 inches apart, ensuring they can still be rolled up and down a standard truck-loading ramp. Construction is stainless steel.

NOT SOLD YET??? Check out this infomercial!!!!

"You don't need a man!"
Yikes!!  Despite that….I really think I want this!!

3.) Ok nerds……summer blockbuster movies are a real treat…..and THIS is a great trailer………honestly, I don't know what is wrong with you if you don't LOVE this one…..

(go HERE if the youtube like doesn't work!)

4.) Ok drinkers……..as you may know, we are going into strawberry season……and NOTHING beats a great Ontario berry……….so…….let's try this:

STRAWBERRY COCONUT DAIQUIRI

You need
2 1/2 cup(s) (about 12 ounces) chopped strawberries
3 tablespoon(s) sugar
2 tablespoon(s) lime juice
3 cup(s) ice cubes
3/4 cup(s) coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu

Directions:
Combine strawberries, sugar, and lime juice together in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and rum and blend until frothy….and then get drunk!
Um….YUM!
(via www.eatingwell.com)

5.) FINALLY…..thanks to The Onion for reporting on this summer phenomenon….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ZA-096BAE

MORE RIVERDALE FARM……..AND A NEW PAINTING FOR T.O.A.E.!!!

Howdy!!!
So….last night was the big fundraiser at The Riverdale Farm -- Riverdale Farm Aid!
If you don't know about the farm - READ THIS POST….it will tell you everything you should know!
Done? Ok…..so now you know I did the poster for this event…..here it is in Cabbagetown…….

So…then after I did THIS poster…..I did a version of it that could be sold at the event.

This painting looked like this:

"Riverdale Farm", 36" x 24", Acrylic on canvas

Nice huh?!

Sorry…..you can't buy the original…….that is sold! (huzzah)

BUT……you can buy a VERY LIMITED EDITION print…..

There are only 10 of them…..here they are getting ready for framing:

They were framed up by Akasha Gallery.

Not only is Akasha a GREAT framer - but they have an excellent space that shows exhibitions of photo based art. You MUST MUST MUST go and check them out at:

511 Church Street, Suite #200 (upstairs)

Kelly and Sonja are lovely….and they will take good care of you!!

(and the art they show is really BEEEEAUTIFUL work!!!)

At the fundraiser last night,  I only took a couple of photos…..

This was one I liked a lot…..

(that is smoke from the pea meal on a bun booth….mmmmmm…….)
Ok……in other Riverdale Farm news, I just finished this piece……

"Look to the Past",  36" x 12", Acrylic and mixed media on Canvas

I LOVE THIS PIECE…..
It is Riverdale Farm on top…..and a retro tractor on the bottom.
The tractor is painted on wood and attached to the canvas (as it the black painted moulding)

THIS piece will be shown at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition….
(MORE INFO ON TOAE HERE)
What do you think???

Ok….have a great weekend y'all!!!!

WW172: RIVERDALE FARM AID, 99% INVISIBLE, and One Take Movies

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!!
Here are the 5 things I want you to love this week……

1.) Riverdale Farm. Ok….as many of you know, I am only one generation away from the farm. My relatives still run the family farm in Port Burwell, Ontario. So somewhere in me there is a farm boy just waiting to be get out!! (ok…maybe WAAAAAY deep - but still) That is partly why I love Riverdale Farm!

Riverdale Farm is a 7.4-acre municipally operated farm in the heart of Cabbagetown, Toronto. From 1888 to 1974, it was the site of the Riverdale Zoo (which in 1974 relocated to become the Toronto Zoo).  In 1978 the farm was reborn! Nowadays….the farm is open to the public all year-round. It specializes in pioneer breeds of farm animals that are hard to find on commercial farms. It is an example of a typical Ontario farm from between 1880 and 1920. 'sAnimals at the farm include poultry, waterfowl, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, donkeys, and horses.

There is a TONNE of great programming and I really believe that it is VITAL for kids who grow up in big cities to UNDERSTAND why farming is important.

Riverdale farm's funding (like many important Toronto attractions) came very close to being cut by the current mayor of Toronto last year! But thankfully was saved at the last moment….in no small part, thanks to the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group. One event that I am pleased to be associated with that helps raise funds for the farm is:

Yes…I did this poster….a version of which will be sold to raise $$ for the farm!

The RFSG will work closely with the local Ward Councillor, City staff and Riverdale Farms’ numerous stakeholders, partners, and members of the general public to create new and vibrant partnerships that inform, educate and increase public awareness of the role farms have played and continue to play in our lives, now and for future generations.

The goal of the RFSG is to secure a stable and sustainable funding base to offset the operating costs of Riverdale Farm and ensure existing service levels are maintained or enhanced while remaining accessible to the public.

Come out this week (tomorrow) and help support this awesome cause!!! Here is what you will enjoy for only $10!!

More info at RIVERDALE FARM AID.COM

Great GREAT GGGRRREEEAAAT and worthy cause!

2.)  I got this from someone on Facebook…but I am already implementing like 5 of these tips in my life…..It's REdick! (that is hipster talk for ridiculous!) 50 Life  Hacks to Simplfy your World….check it out!!!

I like these ones…

BUT THERE ARE LOTS MORE…

Check it out at http://twistedsifter.com/2013/01/50-life-hacks-to-simplify-your-world/

3.) 99% INVISIBLE. OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS PODCAST!!!! Honestly….this is really an outstanding podcast…..

What's it about??

99% Invisible is a tiny radio show about design, architecture & the 99% invisible activity that shapes our world. The show started life as a project of KALW public radio in San Francisco and the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco. We are distributed by PRX on PRX Remix and public radio stations around the country.

We are a completely independent production and raise all of our funds directly from the listeners, most notably from our record breaking Kickstarter campaign, and from podcast underwriters.

"99% Invisible…is completely wonderful and entertaining and beautifully produced…”
-Ira Glass, This American Life

I really cannot say enough about this show…so freaking interesting!!!!!! 

And for those of you who have little time…..each "episode" is less than 30 minutes of BLISS!!

Go to their SITE HERE….

or go to iTunes!

(thanks to Deb for this one!)

4.) ok….nerds and design freaks…..I give you the Inception Dishrack…….THIS IS STUNNING….it almost makes me want to clean dishes….with my hands……like a pioneer……

Inspired by the movie of the same name, designer Luca Nichetto has created this SPECTACULAR silicone tabletop dish rack (or desk organizer).

TO FIND OUT WHO SELLS IT….CLICK HERE….

(VIA IFITSHIPITSHERE)

5.) ok…not sure if this is as funny as most of my #5's…..but I WAS AMAZED BY THIS…

(Cheepay - you must check this out!) "ONE TAKE MOVIES" = Ah-MAH-zing!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeatc2r4udg#t=104

"OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!"

Happy Monday Y'all!!!
Ok….so as you may know I am ramping up for my BIG show…..which means that the production level is WAAAAY up.
If you don't know anything about my next show….(for shame ;-)
HERE IS A LINK all about the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition which opens in 2 weeks!!!!!
EEEK!
Ok……here is the latest painting:

"The Places You'll Go", Acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 16" x 16"

Ok…..so this painting is based on some photos I took from the window of my Dad's old truck, back in 2008. I have always enjoyed the look of hydro wires for some reason - I sorta think they look like sewn-up scars on the landscape…..
The bottom 3rd of this piece has some wood attached and a metal bird looking on.
The quote itself is from Dr Seuss….and I enjoy it.
The camper and car are just cool……although I am not much of a camper, I DIG the aesthetic of those retro trailers!
What do you think?
LOVE it???
Come out on July 4-6 to see it in person. I GUARANTEE this one will not last the weekend!
Have a great week!

TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION 2014

Hey Howdy folks!
I wanted to share more info about my next big show.
Now……first let me tell you all about The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition:

The 53rd T.O.A.E. is at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

It runs.....rain or shine…..(but hopefully mostly SHINE)….

Friday, July 4: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 5: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 6: 10:30 am- 6:30 pm

About 350ish artists are chosen from about 1300 eager artist applicants! As one of the largest of its kind in Canada, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition offers a fresh-air and free alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors.

A catalogue featuring the art will be available on the TOAE website VERY SOON!.

I am grateful to be a part of the leaner - more easily navigated version of this show! 

This will be my 9th showing at TOAE since 2004.
Which is pretty good (insert pat on back here ;-)

I have a completely different location this year.....(click the map below to en-biggen it!)
BOOTH A36:

I am right up at the North end of the square - close to City Hall!
I am excited to be at this location -- I have never been up there before!
To get ready for the show, I have A LOT of brand new work….90% of all the work is mixed media.
EXCITING!
Here is another new piece that I am excited to show…..with an old story…..so let me take you back……...you may recognize this piece….THIS it used to look like this in 2007….

At the time I was happy…..but by 2009 it STILL hadn't sold.
:-(
Now….I am fortunate that most of my work travels to new homes pretty fast…but NOT this one…..
So I thought I would rework it again…..adding a piece of metal…so it looked like this:

This time, I was THRILLED with the metal additions!
I showed it for a few more years……and then…..this week………
I totally re-jigged it…..so NOW it looks like this:

"Greener Grass", Acrylic and mixed media on wood, 10" x 30".

BLAMO!
I think it is way way way better! I think there is a lot of 'movement' in the painting…..
And it has cows!!!
COME ON!
Also there is a bunch of wood applied to it…
I WILL EAT ME HAT of this fine piece does not sell!
Could it be to you?????
I hope so!
See it (and me) in July!!!!

WW171: MICHELLE TOMLINSON, WATERMELON SALAD and THE LION KING-ISH

Howdy friends!

Well, it's Wonderful Wednesday…….so here are 5 things I think you should like this week….

1.) Ok…..usually I post some musical act that is fairly mainstream……but this week I want to introduce you to (if you don't already know her) Michelle Tomlinson. Michelle, formerly known as Josephine Cleo is a London Ontario based singer/songwriter. She is about to release her first album:

To celebrate the release she is having a big show:

"Known for her powerful voice, wicked sense of humour, eclectic style and theatrical flair, Michelle's show guarantees more bang for your entertainment buck! The $20 admission price includes the show, a CD copy of London Girl, door prizes and cake pops! Along with the tracks from London Girl, the set list is full of songs by some of Britain's best musical exports. If you're looking to have a fun night out, this is a show you don't want to miss!"

Her last shows have been really enjoyable!! Great music and lots of laughs…….here is a preview of what you will hear next weekend….

(if that didn't show up….go to THIS LINK)

OR…..to hear more from the album go to SOUNDCLOUD
(I REALLY DIG a couple of these tunes!!!)

For TICKETS to this show NEXT SATURDAY (JUNE 21ST) in LONDON ON ---- GO HERE!!!!!

2.)  Ok….now this has been making the rounds around Facebook…..but I really felt compelled to share it with you. I know it may be yesterday's news to some of you…but for the rest….PLEASE see the genius of this…..

(The PSA was uploaded by MadOverAds, but, of course, the commercial is byVolkswagen.)
WOW!!!!!

3.) This is a neato idea….I LOVE that Jim Bachor has been filling dangerous and unsightly potholes in Chicago with beautiful custom mosaics!! He spends hours prepping the mosaics in his studio so that when he finds the right pothole he can get to work! He orange traffic cones the spot, pours in about five gallons of mortar, then installs the mosaic, which takes about two hours to fully set!!! COOL HUH?

  “What really drew me to the mosaics originally was the permanence of the artwork. When I first went to work in the late ‘90s and came across the ancient mosaics still intact 2,000 years later it blew me away…...Potholes can never be solved. They come back every year. They keep people employed, but it’s always a temporary solution.”

Find out more about the project here.

4.) NOW. EAT. THIS. Watermelon salad….OMG!!!

1 small seedless watermelon, preferably chilled
1/8 cup red wine vinegar
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
10 mint leaves, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

(feeds 4 --- allegedly)

Directions

Remove and discard the peel and rind from the watermelon and cut flesh into 1/2 inch cubes.
Gently toss watermelon with vinegar and oil in a mixing bowl. Place in a shallow serving dish.
Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon cubes and sprinkle with the minced mint. Season with salt (only a pinch as the feta will be salty) and pepper and serve immediately.

via spoonful.com

5.) I love the Honest Trailers….if you haven't seen any before HERE….you may enjoy this one….IT MADE ME LAUGH….although maybe not for kids??? :-0

THIS IS THE LINK! You won't regret it!!!!

GET LOST THERE -- NEW WORK!!!

Hey guys…..I know you have been waiting for BRAND NEW work from me…..and here it is!
I am in FULL PRODUCTION mode for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.
(details about the show and my location on FRIDAY)
So this new work is all "mixed media"…..which simply means they have a number of materials on them….for me it is all painted in acrylics, and then bits and bobs added….with some ink too!
Ok….ok….enough of the stalling….here is the first of the new stuff:

"Get Lost There", 24" x 24" Mixed Media and Acrylic on Board

 So the landscape is from a few of my photos from up north of the city……I like "Nature" (another piece from this year) have tried to keep it very loose and "impressionist-y".
Now….because I cannot "just do a simple landscape" the bottom third of the painting is more fun.
I really like the quote a lot. Perhaps because I haven't had a vacation since 2012….. ;-0
I love the cute polka-dats - although "cute" is the kiss of death in the art world!
The car and camper have a nice vintage feel and are based on 1950's vehicles.
They are also painted on separate board and attached later!
Here is a side view….

As you can see, I handled the sides differently on this…..normally I (just like the Rolling Stones) just paint it black…….but I felt that because there are so many 3-D elements on this, the imagery needed to wrap the canvas!
I really am happy with this one!
Look for it at the TOAE!
Have a great week y'all!

BITS AND BOBS…..

Happy Friday friends!
So today I wanna share 3 things….

1.) I JUST GOT 200,000 page views on this blog!!!! Can you believe it???
That is like if all of the city of Kitchener had read it……
Or like all the people in Owen Sound looked at my site TEN TIMES!
Or like if my Mom had somehow learned how to use a computer and logged on 20 times a day for the last 3 years……
(sorry for that math….TOTALLY unnecessary!)
Anyways…..thanks guys!!! I really appreciate it!

2.) Ok……also I wanna share what is on my easel……..there are 4 pieces in progress right now…..
Here are a couple……

One is a rework……the other is brand new!
I'll show you them DONE next week!

3.) Lastly, 3 photos from my show of framed prints at the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto.

	All are invited to attend the opening reception on Sunday, June 8th from noon to 1:30 pm. First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto @175 St Clair Ave West AND………………...I will be "delighting" people with an artist's walk-and-talk. (Which I DO NOT do often….so come on out!)

If you can't make it…….the exhibition runs from June 1st to June 29th….go on by!

COME ON OUT to
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
175 St Clair Ave West
Toronto, ON
View map »

Telephone: 416-924-9654x221
Website: http://firstunitariantoronto.org/what-we-do-here/art-shows

 Ok….that's it guys!!!!
Have a great weekend!!

WW170: LOLIWARE, THE tUnE-yArDs, AND BIG HERO 6

HOWDY!

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!
Here are 5 things I love this week - I hope you enjoy them….

1.) Big Hero 6 is a Disney film coming up (inspired by the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name). Set in the fictional city of  San Fransokyo (San Francisco + Tokyo).  a young robotics prodigy and his self-created robot Baymax uncover a criminal plot and pull together a team of inexperienced crime-fighters to solve the mystery surrounding the crime.

Last year, they released this concept art:

…..then….the good folks at Mar-sney (that is my Marvel/Disney made up name) have come up with this poster…….



NOW…..we got this trailer:

(try THIS LINK if you are not getting it…)

2.) I CANNOT get this song out of my head!!!!!!!! Thank you Tune-Yards!

"Water Fountain" can also be seen on their website! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

The Tune-Yards (tUnE-yArDs) is the music project of New England native Merrill Garbus. When performing live, Garbus creates drum loops on the spot, and layers these with ukulele, and vocals, in addition to electric bass played by Nate Brenner. The Whokill (stylized as w h o k i l l) tour has added a saxophone section, consisting of Matt Nelson and Noah Bernstein.

GRREEEEEAAAAT!!!!

Admit it, you are tapping your toes right now!

3.)  Ok….so I like this……...“Luminous Giants” created by lighting designer Dean Skira. In collaboration with Uljanik Shipyard (one of the oldest working shipyards in the world) Dean transforms the shipyard's cranes into a site-specific installation featuring choreographed light and music displays. Skira and a group of technicians illuminated the cranes with LED spotlights!! It's like Christmas!! 

Here's what he says about it…..

 “The industrial revolution in the early 19th century has brought us some new ‘monuments’ which still stand and move every day in the gentle dance of steel, helping to create some of the greatest commercial ships ever built. This dance has been going on for almost 200 years and I wanted to create a colorful stage on which these giants could perform. "

Cool, huh?

(via [Lustik] via [Domus])

4.) Who needs a cocktail??? I DO!! The Way We See The World brings you these edible gelatin-based cups called Loliware! 

Sip your drink- then eat your cup!! LOLIWARE’s artisanal flavor and unique texture enliven every occasion. Made entirely of vegan, biodegradable ingredients, LOLIWARE is a delicious alternative to ‘disposable’ cups destined for the landfill. Put down the plastic and enjoy the future of sustainability: 100% Biodegr(edible).

Loliware is only available currently in one flavour (CITRUS) more are said to launch seasonally – the next one coming out in the Fall of this year.

Buy Loliware here and see more projects and inspiration from The Way We See The World.

(Thanks to www.ifitshipitshere.com for this one!)

5.) I Love JIMMY FALLON and his silly guest games…..liek "word sneak"…..this is funny…..

(or go HERE!)

(or see the clip HERE!)