Parlez-vous le Francais? Speak French? No? Doesn’t matter!!
Here in our own Vancouver, we are lucky to have French films being brought in by Visions Ouest Productions, Régis Painchaud and Lorraine Fortin, for the 23rd Rendez-Vous French Film Festival. Around 50 films (including shorts) from Québec and around the world will be presented, most with English subtitles, between February 1-12th.
I have some favourites, and some events that I would like to share on my blog, so stay tuned, if you’d like!
One week and 2 days ago I successfully completed my summer/fall road trip of Vancouver to Prince Edward Island and back. Sorry for leaving you dangling about my arrival. (if anyone is still reading!) I’m safe.
It’s been wayyyyyy too long since I’ve written here. Apologies, although, with all the information overload in the world, you probably didn’t notice, and if one of you did, you’re probably grateful for one less blog post to read.
THAT being said… “I’m baaaaack.”
I am boldly launching onto another adventure. Driving from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, by myself. The route I have chosen will permit me to see a lot of my wonderful Canadian friends so I won’t be “bored”.
I’m surprised Martin Dockery didn’t burst into flames after his fiery performance of Bursting Into Flames. I know, probably too obvious. But… there. I said it. Fiery. This actor, writer, poet is a tour de force. From what force he comes, I know not what. The second Dockery arrives on stage, you should have your seat belt already buckled up because the ride has launched. You’ll be tossed around, if not.
Today, I chose to walk to a meeting in my neighbourhood. Well.. the meeting didn’t happen but it gave me another chance to admire spring, observe new plants, buds, and blossoms poking up everywhere.
I recalled my first winter (early spring) in Vancouver when we wandered around in awe at the cherry blossoms in FEBRUARY!! Our move had been delayed as we had been completely buried in a huge snowstorm. Cherry blossoms seemed so unreal… but heavenly.
They still are 19 years later.
However, Mother Nature can be mysterious and I love checking her out, seeing what signs, and guidance she can give me. As I was passing a tree today (I have had this thought prior) I marveled at the blossoms exploding from it…without leaves. The blossoms weren’t waiting for any slowpoke leaves to get their spring springing! They were going for it, and nothing was going to stop them.
blossoming tree...without leaves
Hmm… I thought that was a really good example of not waiting for everything to be perfect. That’s it… that’s all I want to say.
On April 1st, 2011 downtown Vancouver, a big black limo stopped outside the Vancouver Library. Out came some very mysterious characters called bouffons. They roamed curiously, and discovered the area, and the humans present.
They were quiet for awhile, and then..
Photo by Chara Berk Photography
…they danced. And, then they invited the humans to dance, too.
On that drizzly day in Vancouver there was a big bright spot of colour, and some very big grins. My goal as the leader of this wacky project was to bring unexpected, un-distracted joy to anyone near. Life can be challenging and sometimes we just need to let go, be our bouffons, and dance.
The result ended up on a wonderful video by Michael Julian Berz, and many more grins were made because of it. For that I’m grateful.
One of the video viewers wrote this poem. Actor, Energy Practioner, (and bouffon), Tom Tassé permitted me to share it with you.
To the Buffoonery Queen of Hearts – Princes and Princesses
Genius of heart
buffoonery bandits
enlighten the world
with waves of laughter
your souls speak with
the tickle horn hidden
In your back pocket
engaging, releasing precious
hearts of the unsuspected
the wand of magic from each of
yours eyes, blessed thieves
of darkness stolen
tonight we sleep with
smiling faces
————-
Thank you, Tom…. my objective is met. If you haven’t enjoyed the video yet….. have a peek and dare to NOT smile!
Last week I attended the gallery opening, “New Culture” the works of Nicholas Galanin. Having spoken to Craig Sibley, Trench Gallery owner, prior, I knew something unique was awaiting.
Gallery owner, Craig Sibley with artist Nicholas Galanin
My purpose here is not to critique the work but to give you a taste so you will want to explore the work yourself. There are surprises. Some are disturbing, others, whimsical and impressive.
This exhibition is emerging Trench Gallery’s fourth, and builds on its mission to “present challenging, meaningful, tactile work created with a deep understanding of contemporary art practice”. My hope is that you might get curious enough to meander down to Gastown, where the gallery resides, and witness a creative mix of the traditional and the contemporary.
"Knowledge" - 1400 pages, test from "Under Mt. Saint Elias"
The Artist Statement
“I work with concepts, the medium follows. In the business of this “Indian Art World” I have become impatient with the institutional prescription and it’s monolithic attempt to define culture as it unfolds. Native American Art will not be commonly defined as our work moves freely through time. The viewer, collector, or curator’s definition often conveys more about themselves than that of the “Native Artist”.”
“In the past I have struggled with this title, though, now I embrace my position as a contemporary indigenous artist with belief that some forms of resistance often carry equal amounts of persistence. My current collection of work presents visual experiences in hope of inspiring creative dialogue with the viewer. I work with an intention to contribute towards contemporary cultural development. Through education and creative risk taking I hope to progress cultural awareness.”
Ceramic, Hair masks - S,igeika,awu (Ghost Series)Imaginary Indian Series: Non native native art, wood, grass, acrylic, paint, wallpaper
This is Trench Gallery’s fourth exhibition, and if they are all as exciting as this, I will be in full attendance!
Visit Craig Sibley at 102-148 Alexander Street, Gastown, Vancouver. Exhibit goes to April 9, 2011.
