Words and Pictures

2011-12-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

- William Young Ottley, English collector of and writer on art.

- I hope everyone had a warm, happy and healthy holiday.

2011-11-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

- I am very happy to say that I am working with the lovely folks at Solis Animation as the production coordinator for the next few months on Ugly Americans! Week one was exciting and I learned a whole lot of new, other side of the brain stuff.

2011-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

- Text Sculpture 1968 (broken) by artist David Aitken, shown at the Victoria Miro gallery in London. I find this piece stunningly beautiful.

*photo credit: Art From Behind.

2011-11-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

- Charlie Rose hosts a very interesting discussion with Kirk Varnedoe and John Elderfield about the Mattisse and Picasso show at the MOMA Queens back in 2003. Elderfield succeeded Varnedoe as chief curator of painting and sculpture at the MOMA. Elderfield retired from his position at the MOMA in 2010; Varnedoe passed away from cancer in 2003.

- Willem de Kooning is showing now until January 9, 2012 at the MOMA. I'd love to fly down to New York one weekend to see it.

Willem de Kooning Orestes 1947. Enamel

on paper mounted on plywood.

2011-10-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Martin Amis

- Last night I stayed up late to finish London Fields by Martin Amis. I can only read one book by Amis a year; the characters and plots are intense and really stick with me. (One thing I absolutely love about Amis' writing is his vast vocabulary.) I put the book down and shivered, then shook it off. It's a great read, as are all of Amis' books, and I do recommend it, just get ready for a ride you may, or may not, try to quickly forget.

2011-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Portrait of Galileo Galilei by Guisto Sustermans.

- A new book "Galileo's Muse" by Mark. A Peterson illustrates how Greek science, Roman technology and the arts helped shape Galileo's genius. More in an article here by the New Scientist.

2011-10-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

- "Along a Long Road" is the new book by Frank Viva. I made an earlier post about him here. The book made it to the finals of the Governor General's Award. Congratulations Mr. Viva! I am definitely giving this book to a few people this Christmas, and keeping one copy for me, of course.

2011-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

- Painting of Dennis, done by artist Andrew Sookrah, member of the Portrait Society of Canada which is located here in Toronto. The society has some incredibly talented artists.

2011-10-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

- Today I attended the Liss Gallery to see photography by the great rock photographer Bob Gruen. He was in attendance and had some interesting stories to tell.

- Justin Lee Williams, an Australian based artist, makes some haunting and beautiful images.

2011-10-15T12:05:00.001-07:00

2011-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Roadsworth art commissioned for the Tour de France.

-Last night I attended a talk at the Gladstone Hotel with Roadsworth, a Montreal based street artist. He was arrested but when the people of Montreal got wind of this, they and his family rallied around him and he was let go with a slap on the wrist. Now his work can be seen around the world. Very inspiring stuff!

2011-09-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

-Organised chaos: My father's garage. The calendar was added by my brother.

- I'm going to the Liss Gallery in Yorkville tonight to see the "Exclusively Canadian" show.

2011-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

- Last night's moon was shone brightly through my window, so I grabbed the Lumix and tried to get a picture of it. Zoom capability isn't very powerful with the Lumix, so there isn't the detail I had hoped for, but I did get a nice surprise when I took the first photo. An airplane flew past just as I was taking the shot. I may try this again tonight.

2011-09-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

- Rembrandt van Rijn: Aristotle contemplating a Bust of Homer. (1653) Commissioned from Don Antonio Ruffo, who asked Rembrandt to paint a philosopher. It is such a powerful yet quiet moment, perhaps of reflection or melancholy.

2011-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

- The sun came out today! It's gloriously warm again. I know a certain New Yorker was probably smiling smugly to himself because of the cooler weather earlier this week, but today is for us heat seekers, my dear!

- As far as work goes, when it rains it pours, and that's just fine by me.

- Reading "Hans Holbein- Portrait of an Unknown Man" by Derek Wilson.

2011-09-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

My neighbour's cat.

This picture was taken in Hamilton.

- The weather is cold and cloudy. Summer left us far too soon!

2011-09-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

- Sometimes a song can say it best.

2011-08-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Hands.

2011-08-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Full Moon

D. H. Lawrence.

Augustus John.

- There was an earthquake in Toronto on Tuesday, and a spectacular lightning, rain and thunder storm on Wednesday, with tornadoes in the surrounding areas. Small fry compared to Hurricane Irene. Take care, New Yorkers!

2011-07-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

- A nice piece by Hollister Hovey, on the passing of Cy Twombly.

2011-07-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

-Lucian Freud was one of London's great characters- and one of the world's greatest painters.

2011-07-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

Still Life by me.

- Life just got very exciting!

- It's hot hot hot in Toronto, and I'm loving it.

2011-07-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

- Once again I am trying to decide if it's worth my time to continue with this blog. I am putting my efforts into living these days. It's summer so I guess it's natural to expect that I'll have less time to devote to posting; I'll see how things go. For now, this painting is something I knocked off last weekend. HA!

- I did go and see one of my favourite bands last week at the Toronto Jazz festival: Los Lobos! The last time I saw them was in Calgary, almost eight years ago, and it was warm and wonderful seeing them again.

- Stay cool Sean. xo

2011-07-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

- Happy Birthday Canada!!!

2011-06-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

-This evening I enjoyed watching a live stream of Neil Gaiman and guests from Minnesota Public Radio's program Wits, from the Fitzgerald Theatre. Music, poetry, robots, and plenty of wit.

2011-06-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

- Stills of interiors from Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, which stood out for me as the star of this movie. Simply stunning.

An interior is the natural projection of the soul – Coco Chanel

2011-06-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

- Paul Baudry, Study for Virgin.

- I finished work at Cuppa on Monday. It was so lovely being back! Now that I have some free time again, I'm going to use the rest of this week to work on my self portrait, finish a paint detail on my living room wall, and making sketches of a mural for my kitchen wall.

- Enjoy this glorious weather! Sean, think cool thoughts.

2011-06-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

Loom from Polynoid on Vimeo.

-Still busy. One more week or so left on my current contract. Hoping for a wee bit of time off after that.

-Enjoy this incredible video called "Loom" by Polynoid.

2011-05-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

- I found some time this weekend to finish this caricature of a young Roger Waters.

2011-05-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

- busy busy busy...

2011-04-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Portrait of a City from Brian Potstra on Vimeo.

-Gosh, this brings a tear to my eye. This is the Hamilton I remember. Snif. Apparently this film was found in the garbage, and I am so very glad it was saved. Everyone in Hamilton needs to see this!

2011-04-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

- Taking photos in the mirror and finding just the right angle isn't so easy. The camera always finds it's way into the picture! Photo reference for a self portrait.

2011-04-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

- When I finished this illustration, I realized it looks just like a friend of mine. Funny how things go.

2011-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Desmond Morris

Morris' painting for the cover of Richard Dawkins book

The Selfish Gene.

- Last night I watched a show about Desmond Morris, the lover of animals, the ethologist, anthropologist, television host, author The Naked Ape, and unbeknownst to me, surrealist painter.

- I also watched an early show with Sir David Attenborough, about meeting a tribe from Central New Guinea called "A Blank on the Map." I love Attenborough's enthusiasm.

2011-04-16T08:31:00.001-07:00

Beauty in motion: The original E-Type Jaguar.

Steve McQueen owned one. I'd like to, too.

- Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting Max the Mutt animation school. I was so impressed with the amazing artwork the students had produced. It is a direct reflection of the energy, passion and ethics of the school's instructors. I might be teaching there in September!

- Artist Daily is an interesting resource for artists. The site has blog entries and instructional videos, etc.

2011-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

-Digging Francoise Hardy. "La Fille avec toi."

- Tonight is the perfect night to sketch.

2011-04-09T07:54:00.001-07:00

Inspiration: New Yorker cover, and sketchbooks

by Frank Viva

-It's cool to know that this kind of talent is right in our fair city of Toronto. Frank Viva is the creative director at Viva and Co., an illustrator, partner at the paper supply shop Whigby, lecturer, author... generally an all round creative sounding guy. You can see a sneek peak at his house over at design* sponge.

2011-04-07T15:32:00.001-07:00

-Wonderful animated video "I Say Fever" by Ramona Falls. It was made by the talented Stefan Nadelman.

2011-04-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

- Another sketch of a woman on the subway. She seemed sad. This is best viewed through 3-D glasses.

2011-04-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

- A quick sketch of a woman I saw on the subway.

2011-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Inspiration: New Yorker cover, and sketchbooks

by Frank Viva

-It's cool to know that this kind of talent is right in our fair city of Toronto. Frank Viva is the creative director at Viva and Co., an illustrator, partner at Whigby, lecturer, author... generally an all round creative sounding guy. You can see a sneek peak at his house over at design* sponge. I'm inspired!

2011-04-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Bowl and light

- The sun has returned!

2011-03-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

- David Lynch has got it going on. Check out his website David Lynch Music Company. The soundscapes 1-7 are excellent.

2011-03-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Photo credit J Crew.

- I came across a post about J. Crew via Habitually Chic today, and had to share. J. Crew's design team visited the Ratti and Canepa mills in Como, Italy. They visited with the artists and were able to view the archives, with fabrics dating from the 1940's and 50's, and the 19th century. This artistry is so inspiring to me, my eyes welled up after watching the film. I love the attention to detail, the colours, and beautiful patterns. Check out the story and the movie at the link below. Bellissima!

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/made-in-italy.jsp#/print/video

2011-03-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

- There's about six inches of cold white fluffy stuff on the ground. I don't want to get into it. I did see a woman wearing a winter coat the other day with pants and flip-flops. She would have had some frozen tootsies today.

- This is an illustration of a barred owl, native to Ontario. Owls are pretty cool creatures. Cute and terrifying at the same time.

- I have a couple freelance projects keeping me busy. Did I mention I'm looking for full time work? Well, I am. Just in case you know of anyone who needs a designer/animator. :)

2011-03-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

- This is where I reveal a bit of my geeky side. I truly heart the work of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean. Saturday I discovered a film made by both of them, with the help of the Jim Henson Studios. Man, how did I not know about Mirrormask? I am so glad I do now! I'll not go into some of the weaker points in the film, as each film has some, but instead just bask in the beauty of the visuals. The artwork, the sets... makes my heart go pitter patter. I suggest a viewing of Mirrormask with the lights out, a good brew and a decent sound system. En-joy!

2011-03-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

- Yesterday was my birthday. I received lots of lovely birthday wishes and was super spoiled by friends and family. I'd like to thank my peeps for making it so special. Snif.

- It's update the design portfolio time. I used Flash for this illustration.

- Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

2011-03-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

- Fantastic! Good old K-Tel.

2011-03-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Maxfield Parrish- The Working Process

- I came by these images of work by Maxfield Parrish at the Illustration House website. It's always interesting to see preliminary studies and the finished piece. Parrish's drawings are lovely.

- Date Night is a funny movie. I actually laughed out loud.

- Brother's Keeper is such a touching documentary the murder trial of Delbart Ward. It was directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky. This film is definitely about brotherly love.

2011-03-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

- Work search continues. Anyone need a Flash animator/designer?

- Grateful for family, my home, my friends, and a creative spirit.

- Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Organica

- My friend Bonni Reid from Vancouver, makes beautiful, haunting paintings.
- I'm working hard on an animated project, and some pencil drawings.
- Last night we celebrated my Father's 81 st birthday. When we played some jazz and Frank Sinatra records, I noticed how young my Dad and his brother, my Uncle Freddy, looked as they sang along.

2011-03-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

Study of Apollo and Venus by Gerard Audran.

- What an exciting find! Figure Drawing - Notes, Illustrations and Books about Life Drawing and Proportions of the Human Form. This blog is beautifully presented and full of useful information. I know that I'll be referring to it constantly.

2011-03-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother

- Today I am thankful for Mom, Deb, Anj, Fran, Hilary, Ashley, Ingrid, Nat, Astrid, Nana, Julie, Jen, Laura, Anaolga, Sav, Jenny, Katherine, Lisa, and Aunt Eva. I'm very blessed to have known these women.

2011-03-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

- Spent a lovely weekend in Hamilton. A few inches of snow fell on Saturday night. Quite a surprise considering how warm and rainy it was the day before.

- Pictures taken in Hamilton. One at the fish and chip shop, the other on the street.

- I've been taking the train back and forth to Hamilton these days. It's a longer trip, but much more comfortable, and way better for people watching/sketching.

2011-03-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

- The evolution of a character design. Eventually I want this to be modeled and built in Maya, so I can make her move!

- Off to the Hammer for the weekend. Enjoy yours whatever you do.

2011-03-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

- Very early stages of a work in progress.

- On constant rotation: the works of Horace Silver, especially 'Song for my Father' and Gil Evans. My jazz art diet continues...

2011-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Horace Silver

'Bonita' from the Cape Verdean Blues.

- Music and art= a perfect combination. It's easy to understand why artists were inspired by jazz. Colour, texture, light, movement, and more. It's all there. Enjoy.

2011-02-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

Joan Miro

The Interior and the Exterior

Henri Matisse

Etude pour a Vierge- tete voile

Henri Matisse

Odalisque with Magnolias

- Elegant Inspiration.

-I sat for the sculptor Mavis Ehlert here in Hamilton way back in my college days. Ms. Ehlert gave me a little book to hold, a book of paintings by Matisse. I stared and stared at Odalisque with Magnolias. Mavis must have noticed, because at the end of our sessions she tore the page out of the book and gave it to me. Such a treasure!

- Oh, the snow has returned. It's really coming down.

2011-02-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Anh Duong The Lure of Disillusion 2008

oil on canvas. self portrait

- Anh Duong is a New York artist who's work I really admire. Her bio can be found here.

- I've been working on self portraits for a while. I'm experimenting with different styles, and trying to capture my mood, rather than a perfect likeness.

2011-02-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

- A sketch I did of Tupper sleeping.

2011-02-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Conde Nast Archive 1951 - photo by Robert Randall

- Every once in a while I come across a photo that makes my heart skip a beat. Now this is a photograph!

2011-02-19T09:03:00.003-08:00

Good Clean Feeling.

-We braved 100k winds to see Good Clean Feeling last night. It was quite a musical experience, with happy people and happy music. I am a believer.

2011-02-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Work in progress.

-Yesterday I started learning Toon Boom's Animate 2.

- Tonight I am going to see a friend's band play at Project 165.

- I find artist's mission statements confusing. Mine would be: I am trying to use my talents to the best of my abilities.

2011-02-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

Self portrait by Diane Arbus.

- Watched 'Fur,' a fictional movie with Nicole Kidman about Diane Arbus. Interesting.

- 'Pollock' directed by and starring Ed Harris was great. Five stars!

- I absolutely loved 'Sylvia' with Gwyneth Paltrow. The acting, the sets, the costumes, Daniel Craig... highly recommend this one.

2011-01-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

- Getting work sorted out. Doing tests and such... My goal is to have a different career in five years. Wonder what that will be?
- Rethinking my goal to run the marathon this year. A smarter decision is to train for 10k's, and half marathons this year and run the marathon next year. I may to do a 'try' triathalon this year, which is a condensed version of a full tri. A friend did one last summer and loved it.
- In my quest for reconditioning my body I started practicing Ashtanga yoga. I enjoy the physical movements, which are harder than I thought, but I like the challenge, and the mini vacation my mind takes as I concentrate. I think it's a keeper!

2011-01-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

- After three days of excruciating back pain, I can finally move freely. Nothing bugs more than back pain.

- Fitness goal for 2011: I'm going to run the Toronto Marathon. Sunday May 15th. This will be marathon number two!

- The photo above was taken on the Go bus.

2011-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

- My wonderful house guest left yesterday. She filled my home with her wonderful spirit and enthusiasm, which cheered me up immensely. I miss her already!

- This year is all about balance, slowing my life down, and pursuing my passions. I am putting myself on the top of my list of people to take care of, and I feel good about that.

2011-01-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

This one's for me.

2011-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

In memory of Mick Karn, who passed away on January 5th, 2011.

2011-01-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

- My good friend A is here visiting from Vancouver. It's so nice to have company!

- I'm happy to say hello to 2011. This year I'm focusing on balance and piece of mind. Last year was probably the most difficult of my life; this year, it's all about healing, and taking time to do the things I love. I wish everyone good health and peace~

2010-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

7 a.m. in Hamilton. Baby, it's cold outside.

2010-12-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

My favourite voice. David Sylvian "Small Metal Gods" from Manafon.

2010-12-08T07:34:00.001-08:00

- So far Hamilton and Toronto have remained relatively snow free, unlike London, Ontario. They can keep their 100 cm of snow!

- I do love frosty mornings. For this photo I used my phone.

- Yesterday a falcon was resting on the fence in my Dad's yard. He was beautiful, if not a little intimidating, with that sharp beak of his.

2010-12-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

-Last night I had a unique experience. My friend invited me to join her at Body Blitz Spa, Canada's first authentic water spa for women. I was so very glad I went! The spa consists of a green tea hot tub, which yes, is full of hot green tea; a Dead sea salt pool, a cold plunging pool, a eucalyptus steam room, a dry sauna, and other body treatments that we didn't get to. Upon entering the spa we were given robes, towels, and flipflops. While we were luxuriating in the sea salt pool, which made my skin tingle, we sipped on delicious ginger tea and chatted. After that we tried the cold plunge pool. My friend went for the full plunge, but I only made it in up to my waste. It'll take a few visits before I can fully submerge myself in freezing water. My favourite part of the water spa was the steam room. The scent of eucalyptus is very relaxing and great for the sinuses. I thought it was a nice touch that the steam room and sauna where quiet zones. It help me to focus on my thoughts and relax.

When we had had enough of the water, we showered, and treated ourselves to a blow dry in the vanity. This place goes all out with shampoos, conditioners, creams, hairspray, gel; you name it, it's there for your use. My friend and I floated out of the spa and had a lovely meal afterward, and I had a relaxing, deep sleep last night. A visit to the spa on Tuesday's is only $38 for the waters, which is an incredible bargain, considering all you get, and is one of the most enjoyable ways to relax, detox, and enjoy a sensory experience.

*Photos courtesy of the Body Blitz website.

2010-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

- I found some beautiful fabric for the chair I found (top photo) but I just didn't feel that the idea I had for the chair was perfect. It's been sitting unfinished for a couple of months now. After seeing the chair in the second photo, in a post over at Habitually Chic, the wonderfully inspiring blog by Heather Clawson, I had an aha! moment, and now I can finish the chair. I'm excited!

2010-11-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

- I was so excited to find that my 2011 Camilla Engman calendar had arrived in the mail. Ms. Engman is such a talented artist! If you don't know about her and her work, you can follow her blog, here.

- Started work on some illustrations. I have a bet with a compadre to see who can get an illustration on the cover of New Yorker first.

- It's chilly out there! brrr...

2010-11-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

- I had a great time at the Hallowe'en party on Friday night, with good friends and new friends.

- The neighbourhood was surprisingly quiet this year. Not too many kiddos banging on the door all evening. I actually scored some candy from a neighbour, which was fun. :)

- Today is the first day working at home again. I'm set up on my Dad's dining room table. It's nice being here.

- Have a great day!

2010-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

-Today was my last day at Cuppa. I'm going to miss all the wonderful folks I met there. Here's hoping our paths will cross again soon.

- A new friend from work is having a Hallowe'en party tonight. I'm going as a sexy evil nurse. This is the first time I will be a sexy anything, and maybe my last! Happy Hallowe'en! Have a safe and fun weekend.

2010-10-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

- Wow. I must have been living with my head under a rock not to have heard about Charley Harper. A cool chap at work brought in this book of Harper's illustrations, and I just can't stop looking at them. It was difficult to pick just three images to show here, they are all so beautiful and unique. It was just the inspiration I needed!

More info can be found here: Charley Harper.

"Charley Harper (August 4, 1922 - June 10, 2007) was a Cincinnati-based American Modernist artist. He was best known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations."

(quoted from Wikipedia.)

2010-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

-Books I'm reading. The Snowball is fascinating; I'm discovering interesting insights on money and Mr. Buffett.

- Ah, Mr. Hitchens. Tickets for his November debate in Toronto with Tony Blair sold out in a record 25 minutes. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the lucky people to fetch a ticket. I may show up at the Hall with my books in tow, hoping Mr. Hitchens will take a couple of seconds to sign them.

- Currently, I'm in bed with a cold. Time to watch some House. Night!

2010-10-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

Inspiration: Pants. If they're good enough for Kate, they're good enough for me.

2010-10-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/ugly-americans/season-1/ugly-americans-109-killmark-kill/#clip359808

-If you have a few minutes to kill, why not watch the latest episode of 'Ugly Americans: Kill... Mark, Kill.' on the Comedy Network? (OK, plug complete.)

2010-10-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

A walk through the neighbourhood, part II.

2010-10-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

A walk through the neighbourhood.

2010-10-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.thecomedynetwork.ca/Displayblog.aspx?bpid=033d8fb2-273a-4760-b95d-619b32b7dd15

A link to the preview of our show "Ugly Americans."

2010-09-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Evolution of an idea. I love, love, love the way this man thinks. Grant Gachatz and chefs come up with an interesting centrepiece at Alinea restaurant. Enjoy!

2010-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

"The Triumph of David" by Ottavio Vannini, 1640.

-Found some wonderful strawberries today.

-Had a pleasant visit with my family on the weekend. Watched boxing with the men, and visited Mom, who asked if I knew of any jokes she could tell her nurses.

- Going to make pasta sauce then sit down with my watercolour pad and paints, while I watch a movie.

- The apartment is quiet these days.

2010-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

A surprise pattern showed up in the glass when I took this shot. Neat.

2010-09-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

-Mom is recovering from surgery again, and whooping pneumonia to boot.

- Only six weeks left on my contract. Freelance keeps me busy too.

- Autumn seems to be upon us. I need a sweater during the day as well as in the evening. I know a certain New Yorker who must be happy with the cooler weather.

- My favourite music video:

2010-08-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

- Working 12-13 hour days for the past three weeks, makes for a very tired me.

- Sunsets are starting earlier, sunrises later.

- Finally we have a table. I plan to put paper under the glass, a bold yet subtle pattern, to hide the knees of diners seated around the table. Maybe it would be pleasant to glance at knees every now and again while dining?

- The mattress is a hit. Not as spacious as the floor, but it is nice to sleep on something softer.

- My contract should end on either the 3rd or 7th of September.

- Mother is going to rehab to get muscles.

- I'm going to get ready for work. Enjoy your day!

2

2010-07-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

The nook now houses a book case.

We really need some furniture...

1

2010-07-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

A few shots of the apartment.

This paper is for the kitchen wall, below.

Grey paint in the space that used to house a murphy bed, and the wall opposite the windows. I would love to knock down this wall, as the kitchen is behind it. I wonder what the owner might say if I proposed this idea...

Testing paint. One wall is dark gray, and the other three are a soft white.

2010-07-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

- Two baby raccoons watched as we ate dinner on the deck in the yard. Candle light lit the scene, and the water fountain gurgled in the back ground. Old friends healthy, lovely and I miss them already.
- Discovered the water works buildings in the Beaches. Strolled, took photos, and dreamed of a beach front property.
- Big naps in the afternoon. Banana smoothies.
- Shopped for furniture on Queen East; saw a beautiful 8ft long metal table, which we are hoping to purchase.
- Now, watching the rain fall. It's still super hot!

2010-07-13T18:53:00.001-07:00

- Not getting home from work before eight o'clock.
- Sleeping right beside the fan at night.
- My feet are swollen.
- Friends from New York will be here this weekend.
- Painted one wall in the living room a fabulous charcoal gray.
- Spending time with my family on weekends.
- Enjoying a glass of very chilled white wine now.

Good night!

2010-07-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Happy belated Canada Day to everyone!

Life is busier than ever. Two weeks ago I started a contract at a very cool studio in Toronto, and right off the bat I was working ten hour days. The show is hilarious and the people at work are so friendly and helpful.

2010-06-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've got New York on my mind. I am making a list of restaurants that I want to visit when we hit New York sometime this year.

On the list so far: The Lion, shown above. Here's a link to a gallery of photos. Meg Sharpe, who did the interior, used to work for Kelly Wearstler, my favourite designer. A review from the Daily Candy says: "Here, everyone’ll be talking about lobster bisque, pot pie, and the “special blend” burger. Note: the wild-mushroom-and-salsify side dish should not be overlooked." Mmm... pot pie...

Pastis- French Bistro located in the meatpacking district in Manhatten. On the dinner menu:
Seared organic salmon, with asparagus, spinach and fennel in sesame lime dressing. Darool, darool!

I wonder if SWTCurran has been to Pastis?

2010-06-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Whoa. I saw a documentary last night about Chef Grant Achatz, owner of Alinea restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, and I was blown away by his artistry, dedication and enthusiasm to be the best he can be. In 2007, he was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue; doctors suggested removing his tongue as part of the treatment. Achatz said no and beat the cancer, and is again healthy and vibrant.

Goal: take Ben to Alinea Restaurant for a 24-course dinner created by Chef Achatz.

2010-05-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some illustrations lately.

The red petals on these flowers remind me of tongues.

The little guy who lives across the street. I absolutely love photographing the street I where I grew up.

2010-05-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the weather was gorgeous and HOT, so we grabbed our cameras and headed to the harbour front. Ben receiving some free water.

Sometimes shooting from the hip reveals unexpected and interesting results.

2010-05-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

The snowball tree in my Dad's yard is glorious!

Years ago my niece painted these little gel characters and my parents stuck them on the back door. The paint has faded away except for the black eyes.