Macho Madness!

This past Tuesday would have marked the 59th birthday of the Randy 'Macho Man' Savage, and also the closing ofSavage: cult of personality, pure media + the art of Macho Madness at The White House gallery/studio in Toronto's Kensington Market. Curated by writer, Nathaniel G. Moore, the show was a tribute to that colourful, raspy voiced character who captured the hearts of a generation of pre-pubescent boys (and girls). The opening night, Saturday Nov 12, featured a wide range of Macho themed artworks as well performance, readings and a silly video by the Family Contact boys. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiwtKEWqOy4

You can read more about the show here: http://www.avclub.com/toronto/articles/snapping-into-some-memorial-pop-art-oh-yeah,65068/ and here:http://booksontheradio.ca/2011/11/06/talking-to-nathaniel-g-moore-about-savage-the-art-of-macho-madness/

I was lucky enough to have an old painting of mine from 2007 up in the show. A fitting tribute to the recently departed Randall Mario Poffo. Macho Man, you'll live on in our hearts and minds, Oooooooh yeah! Here are some pics from the show you all can 'snap into'.

Last image courtesy of K Sawyer Paul and his Flikr gallery where you can see a bit more of the opening reception MADNESS: http://www.flickr.com/photos/k_sawyer_paul/sets/72157628121269002/

Art at C'est What?

Until the beginning of January I'll have 11 pieces of art up on display at C'est What?, located just east of Church St. on Front. St. here in Toronto. Go enjoy a pint or three and check it out!

Hi-res photos coming soon...until then, a few detail shots of one of the pieces which was going to be on display but, as it turns out, there wasn't enough room to hang it.

Work in Progress

A few shots of the studio and current works in progress. The goal is to have 5-6 new paintings finished to hang up at C'est What? (www.cestwhat.com - located at Church at Front St. here in Toronto) along with a few older pieces at the end of October. More details to come!

Art around the city!

What better time of year to wander around this fine city looking at art? And there's plenty of that right now! Myself and fellow artist, Eric Euler, just finished hanging our show at T.A.N. Coffee on Baldwin Street (East of Spadina) and it looks great! There will be some installation shots to come. Did I mention their coffee is amazing? In other news, the show at Insomnia Cafe (Bloor and Bathurst) has been extended for another month. A few pieces have been swapped out for a silk screen and a lithograph print that I have recently mounted. Pictures of these works (unmounted) can be found under the 'Abstract' section.

Also, if you find yourself in the Queen West area be sure to check out some more of Eric Euler's paintings at Czehoski restaurant (678 Queen St. W).

And last but not least, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is on this weekend. I will not be showing work, but friend and studio partner Lex Buchanan will be. Booth 254.

New images coming soon!

Sometime around the beginning of July you can expect to see images of some newly documented work up the blog. It's about time! Most of the work shown in Abstract Implications will be recorded along with some other pieces I have not yet had the chance to document. In the meantime, I have work up at Insomnia Cafe (Bloor/Bathurst) with Eric Euler until the end of June. After that the two of us will be hanging more work at T.A.N. Coffee (Baldwin St.) for July/Aug with fresh art being rotated in at the beginning of August.

Art heist of the century!

2 pieces of art seemed to have walked away from the Abstract Implications show. A small assemblage I made as well as a 12"x12" painting by David Contin, good friend and talented artist. The real bummer about this incidence is that I had not yet had a chance to properly document my piece. Dave's fine, he knows better. Alas, all that remains to me of this piece is a rough snapshot taken at the opening of Abstract Implications. This post serves as memorial to these brave paintings, lost in the line of duty.

David Contin, Moondog, 12x12", acrylic

on canvas, 2010

Me, Stuff II, mixed media on cigar box, approx. 6x8", 2011

Abstract Implications

A few images from the opening reception at Steam Whistle. Good times were had by all!

The show's up until the end of March, so there's still time to check out all the great work! What are you waiting for!?

In other news...a new era of artmaking is about to begin as myself and fellow partner in crime, Lex Buchanan, are preparing to move into a brand-spankin-new 1400 sq ft. studio space!

Time to kick the art into high-gear, unencumbered by the confines of my current, horridly inadequate living/studio space. Stay tuned to see what sort of images emerge from the art-cave!

Abstract Implications

I'll have work up in a show with 6 other talented artists at the Steam Whistle Brewery for the month of March. Opening reception is Wed, March 2, 7-11pm.

http://www.steamwhistle.ca for location and regular hours of operation.

If you're in need of an art fix at some point in March, c'mon down and check out all the great work that will be on display.