Workshop – Hanukah Decorations

Hanukah Decorations was the theme of November’s art workshop at the L’Chaim Adult Day Centre at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. The treatment ranges from simple to ornate and considers the limited abilities of older hands, while keeping budget in mind. The supply list includes: pre-cut frames in various sizes and shapes, construction paper cut into triangles and squares, shapes made from tinfoil, rolls of cellophane in blue and red, clear cellophane, glue sticks, glitter, scissors, felt pens, pencil crayons and stencils. To download project details, click here. This is a very hands on project; a ratio of one facilitator to two clients provided the right amount of help to allow for steady output throughout the session and a great result. Armed with creative and willing spirits, the group made a wonderful variety of ornaments for the holiday. Below is a photocollage of their efforts. We’ll finish up the decoration project in the December workshop.

L'Chaim Hanukah Decorations 2009

Apollo Votary Recommends Yelling at Trees

Apollo Votary’s MySpace page is finally up and ready for your listening pleasure. For months now, Jay has been working on an original music project. The musicians are: David Steele – Vocals, Jay Davis – Guitars, keyboards, Steve Soucy – Keyboards, Miles Foxx Hill – Bass, Phil Robertson – Drums, Angela Hodgson – Violin. Derek Mason is the Co-Producer and Engineer and the project is being mixed and mastered by Greg Reely. Influences are: Dave Matthews Band, Spin Doctors, Chili Peppers, and Counting Crows.

Jay Davis aka Jay Bates played in a band called ‘The Now’ in his late teens. They toured British Columbia and Alberta in the late 70s. They started to get some interest, but the band broke up and Jay came back Vancouver. He fell in love, had a family, and sold his guitar. Fast forward to 2003. He bought a guitar and started to play again. About three years ago, he began writing songs for an album. And when it was time to go into the studio, he teamed up with Derek Mason, a lifelong friend to create the music. His goal is to reprise the dream of his late teens. In his daytime world, Jay builds towers of cement, steel and glass; where the possibilities of peoples’ lives unfold. His music is about building a tower of possibility in sound. I am reminded of a line from ‘The Mappist’, a short story from Light Action in the Caribbean, by Barry Lopez. “The world is a miracle, unfolding in the pitch dark. We’re lighting candles. Those maps-they are my candles and I can’t extinguish them for anyone.”

These songs are Jay’s candles. They are about the choices we all face as we pass through different stages of life. He speaks to the heart of what is means to return to an early love. ‘Yelling at Trees’ poses the question of who is really sane. ‘Desperation, Quiet’ covers the choices parents make on a daily basis. OMFG makes a strong statement about what was behind 911. ‘Drunk Me Blind’ is infused with that rare feeling of pure joy and was inspired by one of my paintings, A Summer’s Day. The refrain “…today’s all we’ve got” is the theme of ‘Day Meets Done’. And ‘With You’ is about the night Jay and I met.

I am by no means impartial, having been present at the birth of each idea. I have witnessed the changes as each song went from a basic (dry) track to a realized soundscape. It has been an amazing journey and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Soft Gel Gloss – How Much Do I Need?

I asked this very question a few weeks ago. I wanted to know how much soft gel gloss to buy. The ever helpful crew at Opus Framing & Art Supplies checked the Golden Paints site, with no luck. Using Golden soft gel (gloss) as an isolation coat applied in thin layers, diluted 2 parts soft gel to 1 part water, my calculations were: 1 ounce covered 8.15 sq ft and 1 square foot used 0.13 ounce. This is a guideline only; individual results will vary!

Communication and The Generations

Last night my Mom had a birthday party for my nephew. It was a lovely evening and we were just about to leave when Mom asked us to stay a few minutes so she could show us an iphoto slide show and ask a question about Facebook. Her dear friend wanted her turn to show us more photos.

Watching the two of them jockey for computer time was quite something and shows how far we have all come. Though young of spirit, they are not as young in body, yet they are very accepting of and conversant with new technologies. Harriet is giving up her cell phone and would rather not have any devices, but uses Facebook to stay in touch with her family. I keep up with the kids through Facebook, MSN, texting, and maybe once in a while, an ‘old fashioned’ phone call. At first Mom wasn’t keen on Facebook, but her views changed after seeing how easily she could reconnect with family members throughout North America and after taking a course.

I’m proud of them, though by no means surprised, for moving into a new ways of communication. These options only serve to enhance the way we share information.

Workshop – Create Hanging Decorations for Hanukah

I will be working with a group to create hanging decorations for Hanukah. To be considered: it will be constructed over 2 – 1 hour sessions, assistance will be provided to attendees, it has to be made from materials that are easy to handle, simple to assemble and, most of all, be FUN to make. Included is an Idea that uses materials like paper plates, cellophane, tinfoil, and construction paper. Suggestions are welcome.

Hanging Decoration

Star of David hanging decoration

Round Star of David hanging decoration

Mosaic with Hanukiah drawing

Mosaic Hanukah hanging decoration

Cellophane drawings

Dreidl Garland

Inside_Out Conference

Last week’s Inside_Out Conference provided the opportunity to meet with art educators from British Columbia and the rest of Canada. Put on by the BC Art Teachers’ Association (BCATA) and the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA), key-note speakers Dr. Oliva Gude, Gu Xiong and Dr. Robert Dalton wrapped words around sentiments held by many. Dr. Gude covered some forward approaches in creating relevant art through interaction with the current visual culture and use of available technology. Speaking to an overflowing auditorium at the Museum of Anthropology, Gu Xiong took us through an imposing body of work. His lessons of overcoming extreme adversity were not lost on the audience. Dr. Dalton spoke on the theme of “What My Students Taught Me.”; a necessary reminder that knowledge comes from everywhere.

There were plenty of workshops to choose from. Breaks in between gave everyone the opportunity to relate challenges and share solutions. Rivers of text have been written about how to find ways to connect with teens. It was a pleasure to listen to experienced educators offer teaching methods for the classrooms.Practical information about ways to implement them and descriptions of their tolerance and empathy was inspiring.

I gave two workshops: How to Create Your Ideal Workspace and Colour Palette for a Successful Painting and How to Create a Vision Board. Please contact me if you are interested in the PowerPoint Version. Many thanks for innovative, school budget tested suggestions!

It was wonderful to be surrounded by a group who exercise and value a creative practice. Many thanks to all involved in making this a success. I am looking forward to next year.

Creative Mix 2009

Creative Mix delivered what it promised. It was an inspiring combination of speakers in diverse fields and interesting delegates. There was an immense amount of talent in that room. The reviews posted on the Creative Mix site echo my sentiments. This is another conference to put on the 2010 schedule.