DESIGNER MAIL :: RAIC + Canada Post

Congratulations to Canada Post for creating a stamp collection featuring architecture that is not the Parliament building of Canada! Exhibiting the works of Douglas Cardinal's St. Mary’s Church (1969); Arthur Erickson's University of Lethbridge (1971); Raymond Moriyama's Ontario Science Centre (1969); and Moshe Safdie's National Gallery of Canada (1988), these stamps are a long overdue celebration of architecture in Canada. Also, all four architects have recieved the highest honour in architecture and the highest civilian order in Canada: the RAIC gold medal + the Order of Canada.

Make stamp collecting cool again! > Canada Post

paperSPACE:: How to Make a Zero Backwards by Richard Kehl

soundSPACE:: Handsome Furs: Plague Park (2007) II song:: What We Had.

Wings of Desire:That's me.
I finally left the nest...but not indefinitely.

Post-thesis has been *wonderful*! Most likely because I've managed to weasel my way out of another chilly winter in exchange for an opportunity to work at a fantastic architecture office in sunny San Diego, California.

Word of the Month: Gnarly.

Dance Revolution ::
Does anyone remember that 80's toy "Body Rap"?...
Well, Pjotro IS Body Rap.

**thanks Jer! photo: http://dyn.ifilm.com

funny :: no more crying: KT Tatara.

Supermarket Sweep :: Jack Bishop

If my thesis were a series of paintings I could only hope it would look this good!A recent graduate from NSCAD University in Nova Scotia, Jack Bishop appears as though he's already generating a lot of buzz in the Canadian arts scene - and rightly so! (note: Bishop, if you're reading this...seriously...joint venture?!...)

funny ::
Other Music & Shittiest Mixtape Boombox Blast.
The Human Giant is (left to right): Rob Huebel, Aziz Ansari, Jason Woliner, Paul Scheer
Weakness:: Boy-band choreography & cheap suits.

**Some fun dance vids for you kids:
“A million ways to be Cruel.” & “Here it Goes Again.”
HearMORE:: OKGo!

+ Sold & on Hold :: I am left with little but a bed - that will also be gone in a few days - to eat on... *sigh*

+ SongSPACE :: "In the aeroplane over the sea".
by: Neutral Milk Hotel: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998).

footnote: "Content" will return after thesis...until then please bear with my ruminations on life...

Wolf-something::

Friday night where were you? It doesn’t matter that it was a long weekend you should’ve been at Barrymore’s. Playing for a polite yet eager crowd Holy Fuck, Frog Eyes and Wolf Parade banded together to perform the rock show of the month (yes, I've prematurely declared it!).
First up was Holy Fuck (Toronto). I first saw them play at Kosmic 2005 and was impressed by their creative collaborations of obscure and traditional electronic devices (many of them) ranging from mini-keyboards to analog sound editing machines. Their dance-worthy anthems had the crowd (and the floor!) moving by the end of the first song – unusual for most opening bands! They didn’t disappoint and even managed to prompt the audience to cheer for an encore performance – which inevitably didn’t happen.
Soon after Frog Eyes (Victoria) took the stage. I had heard a little bit of buzz surrounding them but nothing that really stood out so I waited in anticipation...and waited...and waited…and about after the first few songs I was taken.
{1. “v. taken: To get into one's possession by force, skill, or artifice, especially: a. To capture physically; seize: take an enemy fortress…” }
Lead singer Carey Mercer was intense! His unconventional vocals added depth to the already layered sounds of bassist Michael Rak, Drummer Melanie Campbell and keyboardist Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade). In fact, Carey was so engrossed by his own music that he barely even glanced at the crowd while performing until he stopped to tell everyone it was the eve of his 5 year anniversary with wife/drummer Melanie – *cheers all around*. Finally there was Wolf Parade. I don’t know what to say about them that you haven’t already heard so I’ll just tell you about how amazing they were. They were amazing. During their set they spoke very little if none inbetween songs and overall they sounded great but their performance was a bit uneventful – no kicking or breaking things...basically, no drunken madness - but they did play some new songs! Nonetheless, the entire showcase was fabulous and what could only make that anymore wonderful…..Melos, baby!

HearMORE:: Wolf Parade on Myspace + Frog Eyes on Myspace + Holy Fuck on Myspace
ReadMORE:: ‘Pitchfork’ articles Wolf Parade, Frog Eyes, Holy Fuck.
SeeMORE:: my photos on Flickr

Left in my own ruins:

It's time once again to do the thing that I detest most: moving. As an idea it's wonderful. As a physical act it's the most tedious and time consuming activity that I hope to never do again...*yeah right*.
MobileSPACE:: The Office of Mobile Design.

Distractions:
models: in process. stuff...
As of a few weeks ago...my thoughts are primarily reserved for thesis!
In the meantime may I divert your attention to the following?:

DesignerSPACE:: Art//Architecture//Furniture
+ A-Z studio: explore artist/"lifestyle" designer Andrea Zittel’s world.
+ Pechet and Robb Studio (site of the month!): SweaterLodge for the 2006 Venice Biennale.
+ Context: ‘William and Mary’ side chair. Looks like: extruded sections of chairs, tables, etc. W&M chair is really the most notable and only thing worth looking at.

FilmSPACE:: Documentary
+ Why We Fight: Eugene Jarecki, 2005. A documentary about how the relationship between the U.S. Government and the Military-Industrial Complex affects the public perception of society, war, and ‘freedom’.

ReadingSPACE:: Journal Article
+ Canadian Architect: "Luce-idity" . About: Luce et Studio in San Diego, California. Written by: Sheryl Boyle, Assistant Professor at the Carleton School of Architecture.

SoundSPACE:: Fun Music!
+ CCS (Cansei de Ser Sexy): S/T 2005. Sounds like: teen-heat paired w/ electro-beats. Best song titles: Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above, Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex, and Art Bitch.
+ The Dymaxions: How the Sick May Help Themselves 2005.
Sounds like: "dymaixion-ism"? Best song titles: Prepare to continue the challenge of a lifetime(tracks: a-d).
+ Colour Revolt: S/T 2005 EP. Sounds like: post-mental breakdown. Best song title: Mattresses Underwater.
+ Midlake: The Trials of Van Occupanther 2006. Sounds like: neo - Flaming Lips. Best song title: Van Occupanther.
+ Nintendo Keychains: Re-issue please! I totally want the "in" one that warps you to secret levels!

OnSTAGE: I had a 'one show' limit at the Bluesfest this year and I decided to see Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and the Red House Painters. I love, love, love Ghosts of the Great Highway but Kozelek’s live show was a bit of a disappointment. I think the venue, which housed multiple stages and being scheduled to perform early in the evening, distracted Kozelek from executing his performance. Unlike Ghosts of the Great Highway, his set didn't seem to take the listener on any sort of musical journey.
Normally, his songs are rich with narratives that conjure images of heartbreak and rural landscapes. Unfortunately, his performance was remarkably neutral. What he chose to play was well performed but overall it was lacking enthusiam. I think a more intimate crowd would be better suited to his style seeing as he was a pleasant and quite showman. I don't regret going but I was left longing for more.

Want more? :: The official website for Mark Kozelek.

2006 @ Parliament Hill
Happy Birthd-eh Canada!

Northern Lights up the Prix de Rome ::

Congratulations! to Jack and Tony at Kobayashi + Zedda Architects Ltd. (Whitehorse, YT) for winning the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture for 2006.
The award is given annually to “…a young architect or practitioner of architecture, an architecture firm or an architectural design firm that has completed its first buildings and demonstrated exceptional artistic potential.”
Their plans to travel to the circumpolar regions of the north including Iceland, Greenland, Russia, Norway and Finland will allow them to observe architectural design which share similar geographic and climatic conditions to that of Northern Canada.
Jack and Tony are thoughtful young architects with an unparalleled architectural vision which combines a strong modern silhouette with subtle references to traditional First Nations vernacular. Architecturally their attention to detail, sustainable design and their bold use of colour aim to compliment and engage their unique building environment.

ReadMORE::
+ Prix de Rome 2006 News Release
+ Kobayashi + Zedda Web Site
+ Publication: KZA's: Ordish Andeson House, Canadian Architect July 2005

(re)Writing my Master('s) Piece. In the meantime...

ReadingSPACE ::
+ Unboxed:Engagements in Social Space, edited by Jen Budney & Adrian Blackwell
Essays based on a lecture series held at Carleton University(2002) in co-ordination with Gallery 101(Ottawa). Includes text by: Adrian Blackwell, Vito Acconci and Lucy Orta.
+ Reading Pictures: What we think about when we look at art, written by Alberto Manguel
Manguel approaches this book from a layman's view of art by attempting to figure out how people interpret, decipher and 'read' images.

SongSPACE ::
+ Omaha by Tapes 'n Tapes: The Loon.

Super Dutch ::


+ You may remember Maarten Baas’ fantastically clever furniture series: Smoke - where Baas burned & preserved pieces of replica furniture (of which I L-O-V-E Gaudi’s 1902 Calvet Armchair while MacKintosh’s 1902 Hill House 1 Chair comes a close 2nd). Now Baas is at it again with his new collection titled: Clay. For this collection Baas uses hand-molded industrial clay as a primary working material formed around metal ‘skeletons’. Upon my first impression I was reminded of Alberto Giacometti’s sculptures (although different in material, they share a similar texture and form). Regardless, as individual pieces Baas has created intriguing, playful and awkwardly elegant furniture.

Love or Hate? ::
. I missed my opportunity to see this movie in Ottawa (boo!). So, I'd like to hear what you thought of it!
. Personally I like Frank. He's an artist. Spatially I think he questions our typical notions and relationships to space with original provocations (throughout his career). Also I think his work challenges the current building/technology industry to create new ways to use tools, construction techniques and materials.
. People give Gehry a hard time for things like the "Bilbao Effect" but never question the various *beautiful* 'Co-Mo' buildings which plague many of our urban landscapes.
. I do agree that some of his recent commercial decisions may be a wee-bit excessive -ex. Brad Pitt...but he hasn't let it influence his architecture (yet) *fingers crossed*.

. Gehry is an evolving space-maker who seems as though is still in the process of learning and experimenting.
And really, in the end isn't that what all architects dream of doing?

MoreCRITIQUES:
+CBC //+Metacritic //+Globe and Mail//+ Torontoist
MoreGEHRY:
+ Sony Pictures : includes info and trailer

ScreenSPACE:: Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
Written and directed by Woody Allen.

+ Intelligent, whimsical, romantic and comedic. This is a film about ‘making love’ – real or imagined. Set during the Great Depression, Mia Farrow’s character is a soft and honest married woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Her escape from her hardship comes in the form of movies – of which she regularly attends. Her dedication and love of film causes her to become a real-life love interest of an onscreen character. What ensues is a humourous tale of love and deceit which leaves you sadly perplexed but definitely hopeful.

Retired: PF Flyers
*sigh*...emotional attachment can be an unpredictable phenomenon. Sometimes taken for granted an attachment for something isn't always apparent until you have to part with it. My most recent attachment came in the form of shoes - yes, shoes. Although they've been a part of my daily routine for almost two years, I suppose their most valued characteristic was that they became associated with my travels through Europe. No longer were they just a 'cool' pair of shoes but they had become a symbol of my personal growth. Like a photograph they captured moments of a narrative. Untold and seemingly insignificant stories could be revealed through their numerous abrasions and patchwork repair. Ironically they will only exist in this photo(above)...hasta la vista.

Scared Sacred:


In Scared Sacred director Velcrow Ripper chooses to accomplish one thing: to reveal the possibility of reconciliation through the use of some of the most horrific and terrifying events of our recent history. Since each resolution is unique to the situation and/or person(s), Ripper exposes the viewer to the alternatives of reconciliation either from within the people themselves or through other forms of belief systems.

He touches upon many (9 to be exact) events which occured in various countries beginning in India with a faulty Carbide factory and ending in Israel with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He tackles these sensitive and politically charged issues in this documentary by allowing the viewer to learn about each tragedy through the personal recollections of the survivors. While also serving as a personal journey to reconcile his own feelings of unanswered questions regarding loss, hatred, politics and war; Ripper uses the meditations of these people to inspire others to have the ability to forgive and move beyond their own personal tragedies.

His simple message of acceptance and forgiveness is a much needed one in our current society. Although laden with enormous doubt and sadness, Scared Sacred carves out a narrow path of hope for our past and current ills.

ReadMORE:: Velcrow Ripper’s Blog

Winner:



Under the direction of Jean-Pierre Chupin and with the help of the Laboratoire d'étude de l'architecture potentielle de l'Université de Montréal (LEAP); the compilation of Canadian competition entries and information has been documented in the web-based Canadian Competitions Catalogue.
Both a database for perusing Canadian-run competitions as well as providing a search engine for locating specific competitions the CCC's extensive archive of information dates back to as early as 1946!

ReadMORE ::
+ Canadian Architect
+ Canadian Competitions Catalogue Website (English)

Special Exhibition: Seven Years’ War

The Defeat of the French Fireships attacking the British Fleet at Anchor before Quebec, 28 June 1759 // Painting by Dominic Serres // Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada, C-4291.

SeeIT! ::
+ Currently showing at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, ON.
ReadMORE! ::
+ The Canadian War Museum featured in Canadian Architect Magazine (Sept.2005)
+ More on The Seven Years' War.

“Bleed the Walls of Paint”

Beginning May 28th 2006 :: Paintings by Mitchell F. Chan at The Manx Pub on Elgin Street, Ottawa.

+ Given the poor lighting conditions Chan's richly textured paintings prevailed with the thoughtful articulation of highly abstract and spatially diverse canvases. This series - which is also showing at the Pilot (Toronto) until June 15th – borrows from a similar colour palette of dark-red hues to enable Chan and his viewers to explore and interpret at different scales; the various forms and narratives latent within each painting.

+ For purchase, inquiries or praise: mitchellfchan@gmail.com

(Da Vinci's code) :: *click* *buzz* *ring* ?


(taken at the Louvre, Feb 2005)

Amongst a myriad of cell phone and digital cameras the Mona Lisa surrenders itself to an ambitious crowd which stands just a few feet away from the lesser known paintings of Raphael, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, and other da Vinci art work!

'00-'06 : A first-year prediction revisited: still indisputable.


"Go home!" : thesis. thesis. thesis.

SongSPACE :: The Funeral by Band of Horses: Everything All the Time
ReadingSPACE :: The Spaces of Postmodernity: Readings in Human Geography Editors: Mchael J. Dear + Steven Flusty
The Dirt! :: Koolhaas vs. Prince-Ramus (ohhhhh...archi-drama!)

...blog hiatus ::
...working in studio: busy. busy. busy. {will return shortly} *promise*