New Painting: Terror Bred His Sardonicism....

Terror Bred His Sardonicism That Weasel Sees Him As Food, 2008
Acrylic & Foam on Board, 48" X 54"

In the lead up to my November show "Why I Am Not A Painter" at the Patrick Mikhail Gallery, I will be posting images of a few of the paintings I've completed this year.
Yes, the title refers to Foghorn Leghorn, my ongoing obsession. Click on the image for a larger version.

Curtis Santiago's Reverse Homesteading

I met Curtis Santiago last summer in Calgary at the Sled Island Festival. He played at set at the closing party, and even through my five day hangover haze, I remembered his story about Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun taking him on as an an apprentice in part because of his colourful shoes. He pulled a ring case from his pocket and showed me a little bit of what he'd done on the inside. It didn't knock my block off, but the images he sent me today sure did. Lawrence must have seen a lot in those shoes.
Curtis has pulled up roots from Vancouver and re-located to Toronto, where I'm sure, judging by his really nice paintings, he'll do just fine.
Click on the images for larger versions.

Art Fair Blues, Governor General Cheers, Toronto

Hey look, it's Governor General Michaelle Jean checking out Sexe Maniac Maniac Maniac Maniac Maniac at the National Gallery of Canada.
I just got back from Toronto last night. A little broken from the weekend's activities.
I travelled there for the 2008 Toronto International Art Fair. I left there pretty hollowed out.
The opening night gala was great with it's free booze and chatting with other artists, but the rest of the time is was a little heartbreaking to be there. Rarely do I feel extraneous when my work is hanging somewhere, but the fair has little to offer artists past the opening night. The fair is mostly for collectors and gallerists.
Wait, the fair's still on today, go see my work at Booth 1020 before it closes!
Other things I did in Toronto were fantastic. Drunken after-party and animated cab rides with John Eisler, dinner and art fairing with my Mom, recording an episode with Joel and Jenn for Squidpod, times spent with the stripey-jacketed dudes from the MOCCA, and free beer and brewery tour with Wayne Baerwaldt, Matt Masters, Terrence Houle and the boys in the band.
I'll be back in Toronto in November to open the Magenta show and see everyone I missed this time.

Pas Chic Chic. New.

Pas Chic Chic's new site is up and working with videos, every song of all their records, photos and pretty great video backgrounds of each of the members.
My good friend Gavin John Sheehan is now in the band, and will be making his debut with them on stage this Thursday at Pop Montreal. They will also be touring a bit to Ottawa and Toronto, and then to Europe.
I don't generally like new music, Pas Chic Chic is one of the only bands I think are interesting. Gavin is one of the artists I respect the most, and is a huge part of why I work the way I do.
Having him in this band is like gravy on the icing.

Whaddaya Mean There's No Ferris Wheel?

I'm off to the 2008 Toronto Art Fair tomorrow. I will eat cotton candy and attend galas. I will ride the Tilta-Whirl and try out my new status as "vedette".
If you're going too, you can find my work in Booth 1020 - Patrick Mikhail Gallery, and me lurking somewhere around the drinks table.

These days, if I wear my best wig, I look like this. Introduce yourself.