十四: Reality Will Catch Up With Ya'

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17mm @ f/5, 1/80th & ISO 200

Boy did I have an unproductive break. Back to reality once more. 

Here's one of my favourite shots of Montreal. There ought to be more to come. I hope I eventually get through them, sigh.

I have clearly failed at this.

Oh by the way, there are 7 people in this picture. Can you spot em' all?

Matthew Peter Lamers and The Dreams of a Naive Boy

Here is a video of Matt Lamers playing one of his songs, The Curse on the corner of our very own George St. and Simcoe st. Shot this with him about a week ago, just for the sake of it. Aside from performing he also pieced the video together.

If you like him give him a like and if you want more here he is again playing his Momma's favourite Black and White Feathers at a local bar in town called The Spill.

                                                                                                                                                                              

More importantly though, my imagination has been entertaining the idea of starting a project about young and upcoming artists (specifically musicians) and their philosophy on life and art. As naive as it may sound and as far away from seeing it materialize as it may be, I was thinking of a two-prong approach.

1. Documenting their stories and philosophy and getting some good studio images of them and perhaps present that at The Artspace, downtown.

2. Set up a performance/concert to accompany the visual and theoretical aspect of the project by actually giving them a space and opportunity to play and have people attend.

How I would get this done, I do not know. Still I am ridiculously excited thinking of the possibilities. Now to find me some real artists.

If the supply of art is a result of appetite, then hungry we shall make them.

n.b. I know that there at least a few people who read this (hit counter), can I please have you refer me some young and genuine artists if you know any? 

十三: Have we lost our sight?

85mm @ f/1.4, 1/500th & ISO400

Does this look like a familiar scenario?

Do we really still see for ourselves (or in this case listen)? Or do others now see for us? A scary, scary thought. At this rate, we're doomed to the fate of the people in Plato's cave.

Of late I have really felt that I've been getting an education, and not just learning to get a grade, which I am extremely pleased about.

Something I will definitely speak about in length, in the future.

十二: Women of The World III

 

50mm @ f/1.8, 1/640th & ISO400

  I don't believe I have been as busy as I have been today, in my time in Canada. Though, this insanity has given birth to a fresh breath of life. Let's hope my physical body can keep up. Now, if I could only curb my terrible habits.

Day 2 of filming Kirill's short film, "The Staple." Again I have forgotten her name (I really need to work on that) plays the mother of the child in today's scene.

Amongst other things I went around school for The Arthur today taking pictures of students and getting them to participate in the We Are The 99% movement. My favourite kind of photojournalism. Really, really enjoyed doing that today. 10 points for doing what I love.

Pictures up soon.

ps. I am really loving that green trench coat

十一: Women of The World II

85mm @ f/2, 1/320th & ISO100

85mm @ f/2, 1/125th & ISO100

Found her on the street whilst I was cycling back and reacted. I believe she is here visiting her daughter who goes to Trent. I unfortunately can not remember either one of their names. Perhaps someone can identify her. Her daughter looks very much like her. Oh and in the process, I met another street photographer named Kevin (the first I've ever encountered in Peterborough, I might add!). He tried to take a picture of me while I was cycling down George street but didn't react quick enough. Next, he, just like I, spotted this wonderfully dressed lady but before he could approach her, I did. What a lovely coincidence. 

This wasn't the only interesting street encounter I had yesterday. As I was shooting Matt singing on the streets last night, a lady from the New Canadian Centre approached me and asked if I would be interested in doing interviews of story telling and passed me her card. Oh what a day!

I wish my family and I were more culturally inclined with our traditional clothing.

Well.. behold this wonderful woman--giving the finger to cultural imperialist by proudly wearing what she's comfortable with.

Matt played at The Spill tonight and I got pictures and videos of that coming up soon.

十: Women of The World I

85mm @ f/4, 1/250th & ISO400.

This is Lalaine (if my memory serves me right). Here she is practicing a form of Tai Chi sword form in front of Del Crary Park. After a quick chat a few pictures of her practicing, she bows as a gesture of gratitude.

Too little time, too much to talk about. 

In an attempt to rationalize my short comings, I'd like to point out that it isn't the case that I have not been shooting. Rather, that I have not been processing and uploading (which is equally as horrible). 

In short, I had a creatively fruitful day. Negotiating prices for my next event job, was invited to a join a photography network in Peterborough city, might have a sit down with the New Canadian Centre for video work, got my next assignment for Arthur, was finally published and shot a short vid of Matt Lamers signing in the streets.

Wow, how does a kid find time to brood over his ever-present loneliness in this day and age?

More details tomorrow!

九: Paying Your Dues

18mm @ f/4.0, 1.3'' & ISO100

I believe in life, most of us have to pay our dues to get to where we want to. I suppose I too can't escape doing the necessary  putting one's pride aside at hopes of eventually being victorious.

My favourite from the night.

n.b. Picture taken at The 2nd Floor Lounge and Patio, Peterborough, ON.

八: The Body's Betrayal

85mm @ f/2, 1/160th & ISO200

Here's a picture of my neighbour in her painting gear. 

Yesterday the world was shocked by the news of the death of one of the greatest creative minds of our age, Steve Jobs. It is times like these that one is reminded of how temporary life is and that ultimately how one's physical body will betray them by ceasing to function. 

In Jobs' famous Stanford Commencement speech he speaks about death being the best motivator in life. To get things done, to filter our the unnecessary and to be our best. Yet, to think about it, there are numerous decisions in life that we are now conditioned to make or are now made acceptable, that ultimately spawn from our seemingly foolish attempt to stop or prolong our inevitable end. Choosing (or not choosing) to eat food not because of their taste. Instead, because their "health benefits". Or slaving away at the gym to "keep fit" instead of say doing something else that could be potentially more enjoyable. Or splashing out thousands on supplements, vitamins and nutritional products that are suppose to be good for the body and will keep us going. Or people who are experimenting and exploring the possibilities of cryonics in an attempt to preserve human life. Those are a few examples I could think off.

Is it wise to attempt to escape or postpone death if we know that it is.. one, absolutely, without a doubt, a hundred percent inevitable and two, out of our control?

七: Doing What is Necessary

85mm @ f/2, 1/1000th & ISO100

A slight hiccup early in my journey, I know.

An elderly couple window shopping for a new set of hearing aid(s). This reminds me of my paternal grandmother who refuses to pick up a set and her quality of life has subsequently been hit greatly because of it. 

I hope at that age I will be able to accept my potential lack of independence willingly.