Sonja Scharf and Kelly Kyle of Akasha Art Projects - an inspiring creative couple
Defend the Darkroom
I started talking to partners because I wanted to learn how a partnership can help you stay focus - stay inspired - to help you keep creating. I asked Sonja and Kelly to talk with me because I have witnessed the growth of their gallery and wanted to hear their story. Many couples (at some point) take a pause or pull back from one another as their business grows -so much of their energies goes into the business instead of each other. But interestingly, Sonja and Kelly seem to have come closer together. Their differences have helped them build their business and (in my opinion) their...
info_outline
Talking with Hon. Marie Charette-Pouline and Bernard Poulin - what a conversation
Defend the Darkroom
There are no words to adequately describe this conversation - it blew me away. So often a family has one person who is "the go-getter" but when you meet a couple whose relationship could only be defined as "reaching for the stars" - you just have to talk to them. After 50 years of marriage, Mme. Charette-Poulin and M. Poulin still talk about each other as if they just met. The admiration, respect and love that they have for each other is obvious and awe inspiring. I am convinced this is one of many reasons why they have reached the heights that they have. The path that each has followed...
info_outline
Defend the Darkroom with Chris Nicholls
Defend the Darkroom
In my head, a photo shoot is loud and bright and full of people running around. A gorgeous model stands in front of a camera with a wind machine blow their hair back - the model looks moody and the photographer is yelling at them to give them.... something. Then there is real life... or at least real life during a Chris Nicholls shoot. Quiet music plays in the background - the stylists, who I thought ran around at a frantic pace trying to apease the photograher, are calmly discussing alternative poses and options with the client. The photographer (Chris) is working with his assistant to...
info_outline
MICHELLE FORSYTH
Defend the Darkroom
We all give ourselves excuses to not achieve… but do we ever give ourselves reasons to succeed. Michelle Forsyth is an incredible inspiration for me. She is unstoppable in her studio practice – she supports and encourages a new generation of artists in her teaching practice – she is so positive and enthusiastic about life. I am blown away with the complexity of her work and the thoughtfulness she brings to all parts of her art and life. It was so amazing to speak with her about her life and how she approaches her practice. Please visit Michelle’s website to see her current portfolio. ...
info_outline
Connecting with Mike Robinson
Defend the Darkroom
The involvement of the hand of the creator… not many people currently think of photography being an art form where the artist has their physical hand in the piece. Digitally, a creator is removed…. But Mike Robinson is intimately involved in all of the images he creates: he builds camera; takes the shot; mixes the chemistry; prints the image. He is precise, concerned with the details, and you can see this in the beauty of his practise: his cameras, his images, his dedication to understanding photography. In my opinion, making historical processes accessible gives a unique insight to the...
info_outline
Adding beauty with trees - a reforestation project by Ioana Vrabie
Defend the Darkroom
A lovely project focused on added beauty not only through the creation of artowrk but also planting trees. An inspiring reforestation project to support cutting carbon emissions and an amazing organziation "One Tree Planted"
info_outline
Starting a career with Deanna Pizzitelli
Defend the Darkroom
I think it’s common for most creatives to dream about the day when they garner recognition, find gallery representation and starting to get shown internationally. I don’t believe I ever have had a full understanding of what these things would (or could) mean to an art practise or how an art practise needs to be in constant motion to keep evolving and fresh. Speaking with Deanna Pizzitelli was a real pleasure. Her experiences in starting as a photographic printer then evolved her practise to shooting and is now into the realm of education demonstrates how she is constantly striving to make...
info_outline
Marcel Petit - photographer, storyteller, MetisJedi
Defend the Darkroom
Marcel Petit doesn’t mince words – he openly shares his journey, philosophy and desire to not only take a great photograph but connect with his environment. He is thoughtful about why he takes photographs and mindful of how he is capturing an image; he isn’t ok with being on default. Marcel is very respectful of the subject and strives to create a strong story. In his community, Marcel is known for much more than photography and he works to create discourse and builds bridges wherever he goes. When you mix in a great sense of humour and the ability to have some fun around everyday ideas,...
info_outline
Chatting with Dianne Bos
Defend the Darkroom
Dianne Bos does not look at her life linearly. At every opportunity she is open to learning and challenging her perception about the world around her. Speaking with Dianne was electric – she loops ideas and processes together seamlessly with a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Knowing that Dianne defines herself as an Artist and that she does not limit herself to only one method of creation makes understanding her enthusiasm and varied career easier. In speaking with Dianne, I learnt how creativity is something that can be seen as fluid and fed by connection to the world around you. By staying...
info_outline
Talking with June Clark
Defend the Darkroom
While I was speaking with June Clark she mentioned how artists must be willing to take risks. This sentiment really stuck with me – in these crazy times where nothing is “the same” or “normal”, we creatives have been given the gift of time: time to break out of our routines, time to look at the world around us, time to question, time to be open and try something new and different. June seems almost fearless in her quest to express her vision and ideas to the world. After our conversation, I was left wondering if she ever ran from a challenge (I highly doubt it). June got me thinking...
info_outlineChatting with George Webber….
While speaking with George Webber he said: “Time is the currency of photography” – so true. George has been part of Calgary’s photo community for decades; not only as an instructor but also as a documenter, through creating artistic commentary and as a commercial shooter. George started as a script writer which gave him an intense understanding of time, process and the necessity of creating relationships. He extols the importance of learning about life – not just staying put and isolated in one world. I really appreciate how thoughtful and dedicated George is to his passion.
I hope this conversation gets you thinking about how you are inspired and who inspires you each day.
George Webber’s website can be found at… http://georgewebber.ca/