My inspiration

Oh hey, I suppose I should let you see the photo I drew that assignment from. Thanks Tune! Your constant touristy picture taking really paid off with this one. I liked it so much I stared at it for about eleven hours as I sketched...zing.

PADZ:)

Field Assignment- Self & The City

Assigned in Life Drawing Class by our good friend Paul Kajander, this assignment was to help us discover a part of ourselves in the City of Vancouver. We were to carefully observe and study a part of the city that is important to us and approach the project with a style or medium that is evocative of the feeling we get from the space we've chosen. 

I chose a shopping strip in Gastown. It's cobbled streets, historic buildings and courtyards create a bit of a hidden gem within the city. Dare I say it reminds me a bit of the Chippewa area of Welland in a more commercial light. The boutiques are pricey and the coffees raise the bar for indulgence but the chocolate  shops give away free samples so it's worth the bus trip across town.

PADZ:)

VISITORS

It's always a little strange and bizarre when your friends step off the plane and back into your life. But within a matter of minutes, or so it seems, you've rebalanced your lives again to include one another. 

Visiting such tourist attractions as Stanley Park and The Capilano Suspension Bridge I may be guilty of using them as a reason to indulge. But also very happy to show them new favourites of mine, including Granville Island, Tsunami Sushi and Benny's Bagels, which they've all heard me speak so highly of. 

It's a pleasure to host old friends in my new city. It's nice to have them remind me of where I'm from and share stories of people back home that I'm working so hard to make proud. It's a shame I'll be missing Ashley's busy year as she builds her first home. Can't wait to be her first guest when I come home at Christmas to visit. And I have to offer congratulations to Tune for landing her first teaching gig up north in BC. So many firsts, it must be a big year. Can't wait to catch up again!

PADZ:)

Brooks Reynolds

You know it's funny how you come across artists you enjoy. I met Brooks about a year ago when I attended a vegan BBQ at his house with a mutual friend. Though we spoke few words, I took note of the fact that he was interested in videography and photography. I looked his work up online and discovered his amazing competency with a camera. Based in Toronto ON, he has said he got started in photography because it was just more interesting than other courses in high school. I'm glad he shared my boredom because he now has an ability to bring his subjects to life using a unique combination of natural light and focus play. His online work truly invites you into the lives and minds of his chosen matter. A very enjoyable portfolio to discover.

please browse away;

vowtoremember.com/brooksreynolds/

http://WWW.WEARESLEEPINGGIANTS.COM/

NATALIE DEE

There's something about a web comic artist with the same dry humour, appreciation for Diet Coke and soft spot for pugs as yours truly that has recently caught my attention. Introduced to Natalie Dee's work just weeks ago, I've already become a regular to her blogs and website. Spending hours, filing through her work online that she's been publishing since mid-2002. 

Never once ceasing to amaze as she leaves me wondering just how she has been able to connect with so many random and untouched humorous moments  I can relate to. It may be the simply raw renderings of her recurring characters that leave the humour of it all out on the table but this artist and comedic writer has got my idea of funny down to a tee. Impressive feat Natalie Dee, very impressive. 

PLEASE browse her work and take a little time to enjoy it @ http://www.nataliedee.com/

PADZ:)

MTV.ca

It' s time to admit to my long time love affair, obsession and addiction with reality TV. Stemming from the very first episode of Survivor and enabled by American Idol, The Bachelor and America's Next Top Model, reality TV has been the basis of my television intake for a solid twelve years and counting. I offer no excuses as most reality television shows are just sad documentaries with little fact and not much educational content. They are simply just entertaining, for me, and obviously millions of other people across the globe. Otherwise this, not so new, wave of television phenomena would not be plastered all over the TV and the Internet. 

My love for reality TV eventually lead me to the wonderful world of MTV.ca, which would automatically  send one's brain waves to the lovely ladies of The Hills, the ridiculousness of The Jersey Shore or the absurd reality of From G's to Gents. But looming deep within the MTV guide subsist a handful of productions that lend an emotional hand. 

MTV's TRUE LIFE

Consider for a moment, searching for your birth father, battling schizophrenia, living another life on the Internet or needing a heart transplant. All very extraordinary and very real situations depicted on this show. Each episode lends itself to a new obstacle that has been presented to a young adult and in a very raw and powerful way shows how they wake up every morning and overcome it. This documentary style, Emmy Award winning show is truly a diamond in the rough. I   encourage you step out of the challenges of your own life and step in to the real reality of television when TRUE LIFE carries on with its brand new season....

MTV's True Life LInk


PADZ:)

Brent Kore of PKProductions

Though I hate to admit it because we don't always  get along, this familiar face from back home in Welland, ON cannot be ignored in my list of inspiration.

This self-taught up and comer in film and photography has impeccable attention to detail, determination and commitment to high quality in every project he takes on. His clean and creative editing style sets him apart from other videographers on the street, mountain, studio or stage. Keep an eye out for this kid, he taught me everything I know about editing before I got to VFS and sparked my aspirations to be involved in film. His hobby will no doubt one day transform to a successful career in photoplay. 

check out some of his work:

PKproductions website

http://vimeo.com/pkproductions

PADZ:)

I'm Here...

Oh hey, Welcome to the insight and inspirations of a film student trudging away through first year. This blog will start out as an Art and Creativity assignment but may just turn into a collection of my work and adventures as I try to....what is it they call it again...oh right right...fallow my dreams...and whatnot. Come along for the ride. .....now take a look at this....

http://www.imheremovie.com/default.aspx

An amazing short film by Spike Jonze, one of my favourites, if I ever make anything even close to being this emotion provoking, that would be the day I put my lens cap on forever and walk away perfectly satisfied with my footprint in film. Enjoy!

oh..and let me know what you think...not that it will be anything less than loving it.

PADZ:)