JENNILEE MURRAY

Dias de los Muertos

2011-11-01T19:41:00.002-05:00

In honour of Mexico's time-strong tradition, this is another sneak peak of the shoot I did this summer.

Photographer - Remi Theriault
Stylist - Ashley McConnell
MUA - Ashley LeBrun
Photography Assistant - David McCaig
Models - Jennilee Murray and Joe Marques

Hallowe'en

2011-11-01T19:09:00.008-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Halloween. The artistry of makeup and costume are such a thrill.

I try to have a different costume every time. It's great on the creative juices, and bad for the little spare space in the closets around the house. I have costumes I haven't even worn yet!

A couple of years ago, I was a cat, focussing most of my attention on the makeup. I hand-sewed a furry headpiece with ears, a tail, leg and wrist furry parts, and wore a black, tight top. Here's a pic of the makeup:

I'd been wanting to be Leilu from 5th Element for a while, and had the drive to figure out how to make her suspenders. It was probably the easiest costume I've ever had the pleasure of putting together! Though, it's not a great pic, but you get the idea.

We had an apocalyptic theme at work one night, so I dolled myself up as an apocalyptic warrior, of sorts. Riot helmet from the army surplus, cotton bodysuit, leather boots, smeary makeup, and the orange suspenders from my Leilu costume!

This was a masquerade party at work, and I didn't like the idea of having to wear a mask all night - so I painted one on my face in trompe de l'oeil style. I had a lot of people asking where I bought the mask, and when I told them that I painted it on my face
(and individually glued on all of the jewels around the edge), their jaws dropped!

Months before the masquerade party, the Halloween theme at work was 'Prohibition.' So fun! We put 'XXX' on all the bottles behind the bar, and set up the bar like a Speakeasy. So charming! I whipped myself into a rum-smuggling flapper from the day. She was a real crass lass, but could charm you with her smile, dirty jokes, and rum stash that was nestled in her stockings!

This year, the theme was 'Off With Her Head.' I love themes that have some flex. Some people came as Alice in Wonderland characters, and some as 17th c. French Revolutionaries, nuns, priests, bakers, etc. A fun, classy Halloween with lots of great costumes! I sauced myself up to look like the corpse of Marie Antoinette. A really fun costume to work on. Although, when I was winding myself up with all of the bandages, I realized right before I headed off to work, that I had wound myself in SO WELL that I wouldn't be able to use the washroom all night. *rats* It was fine, I just restricted my liquid consumption. Worth the wait.

Photoshoots and the end of summer.

2011-09-02T12:46:00.007-05:00

So summer is winding down. Even if it's still warm, the long shadows and low light make me feel fall before 10 degrees over night tells me the same thing.

The urge to wear warm fall hues and bring out my scarves, wear lipstick and read with a cup of tea surges through me like some kind of primal instinct. Fall is coming. I am ready.

For the last month leading into summer's transition, I've done two great photoshoots with some terribly talented Ottawa photographers.

My first shoot was with Pierre-Hugues Giroux. One of my favourite photographers - he makes women look like strong, confident goddesses. This is the third time we've worked together, and each shoot becomes my new favourite series! We went to his cabin on a lake, sat on the dock, paddled around the lake, waded in thigh-deep shallows while fish nibbled my feet. It was a perfect day that [barely] eluded rain, and offered the optimal, cloud-diffused light all afternoon!

Check out PHG's site here: www.phgiroux.com , and sift through his blog, great stuff!

The second shoot I did was with another favourite Ottawa photographer, Remi Theriault. This shoot was more of a collaboration. A good friend, Joe Marques, approached me with the idea of doing a Dias de los Muertos-themed shoot, with him and I as the bohemian, despondent elopers, setting out for the unknown. I agreed, we wrangled Remi, Ashley McConnell (daretounravel.blogspot.com) as stylist, Ashley LeBrun as makeup artist (www.ashleyellemakeupdesign.com) and David McCaig (davidmccaig.blogspot.com) as photographer's assistant.

The day went smoothly, came together with ease, and flowed from wardrobe, to location, playing a cat-and-mouse game with weather systems all day. The photos turned out incredibly brooding, with an interestingly inferred storyline. I can't wait to share the series with you! A great team, I hope we can bring some more photo ideas to life soon!

Check out Remi's site for more beautiful images (and check out his blog link too, many personal projects on there) : www.remitheriault.com.

Let me know what you think of the shots! And enjoy the fleeting weeks of summer!

The Magic Flute

2011-06-07T01:49:00.005-05:00

I've decided to open my musical grasp. I've decided to take up the flute.

I've loved the flute since I was a child. I love the femininity of the instrument, the daintiness of it's performance. The complexity of the fingering always captivated me.

And of course, I fell in love with 'Goin' Up The Country' by Canned Heat. That solo still makes me want to master this damned instrument. And I will -

I just need to be able to hold enough breath to hold a solid note for longer than 5 seconds. Really. I had no idea that my breathing had to be strengthened so much! I currently play alto sax and am able to play long notes and hold-overs with no problem.

Thank god I'm not a smoker, or this would be so much harder!

So, that being said, any hints, tips, secrets that only a flautist would know? I'm all ears (and empty lungs).

xo

PS: The photo? Me and my bff sharing a comfy pair of used grey sweatpants in the comfort of Value Village.

Auditions

2011-04-01T15:37:00.005-05:00

Auditions are a strange animal.

I don't think many people like them, but they are a necessity. They weed out the bad [ideally] and keep the good, the great, the best. They also scare the bejeezus out of most, too.

So you walk in, you sign in. You drop off your info, or have an on-site snap-shot taken. You get your lines, or you already have them. You give the entire room a once-over, a double-take....heck, you rubberneck that whole damn room until you've picked a small flaw out of just about everyone there. You beef yourself up, feel confident running the lines, you can say them backwards, forwards, fast and slow, with a good Southern drawl, and hopefully how the client wants to hear them.

You take deep breaths and keep your heart rate down, every time the dude comes out of the room to call new names. You play with your hands, your hair, your keys, your phone. You temporarily forget the lines, so you reread them, and find yourself dropping words, forgetting the flow, forgetting who you are auditioning for. Then, when you are nervously shuffling through papers, or feeling the need to use the washroom, they call your name - it's usually pronounced wrong, and you smile and walk into the room like you are cool as a cuke.

From this point onward, it can either go terribly well, or terrible. You can look the client, the camera, and your possible on-screen boyfriend in the eye with confidence, nail ALL of your lines and visual cues, and leave feeling like a kid on valium. Or worst case, you can flub most of your lines, accidentally wink at one of the head honchos, get a really pasty/dry mouth from nervousness and lisp your way through a few lines, remember that you forgot to apply deodorant when you got up that morning and fret about pit stains for those golden 5 minutes, make a really funny Freudian slip on your lines that makes the entire casting room laugh [but not call you back], or you could fart. On camera. Nope, this hasn't happened to me, but if all goes well, and I live 'til some ripe old age, I could very well be living this kind of embarassment. And with my luck, it will be played all over the internet, and on classy shows that Spike TV airs.

So, despite all that stress and drawn-out anxiety, I love going through this. The sleepless nights, replaying things over and over in your head, looking like a crazy person in public, risking utter defeat if you aren't chosen - it's all worth it.:)

Independent Shorts

2011-02-21T21:04:00.002-06:00

Here are two independent shorts that I made in Ottawa before I joined the union. They were both so fun to make!

Lemme know what you think!

WARNING!!

2011-02-21T20:53:00.003-06:00

WARNING!! Youtubing your name may have adverse effects! WARNING!!

Ha.

Either way, I'm so happy and proud that this edited link it online now!

I have been a part of a wonderful movie/theatre/radio soap kind of project for the last year (and hopefully more!!). It's proven to be one of the hardest things I've ever done, and one of the most exhillerating to perform live! The support (from friends, to fans, to George A. Romero and Judith O'Dea!!!) has been overwhelming, and only makes me feel better about the long hours of rehearsal and stress.

For those who haven't experienced Night of the Living Dead LIVE! at the Mayfair Theatre or at Ottawa's Bluesfest, this is just a taste, a small showcase of what the project encompasses.

Remember, all of the audio is live! Live orchestra, live foley (sound effects) and live voice actors! I am Barbra, Judy, Helen, and Karen!

Enjoy, and please let me know what you think!

The Harvey's Commercial

2011-02-21T20:45:00.003-06:00

Would I tease? Well, sometimes, but not in this case.

Here's the Harvey's commercial I landed. A fun, easy job. Everyone working on it was exceptionally kind, and the craft services were DELICIOUSLY GOOD! No, they didn't serve Harvey's, but I still would have been okay with that after eating bite after delicious bite for each take!

Enjoy! And tell me what you think!

Playing Hard to Get

2011-02-21T20:23:00.005-06:00

Here I am! I'm still here! Hi!

It's been a busy year, and I was hoping that with my absence - playing hard to get - that my blog would come looking for me, attention starved and ready for more. Nope. I guess this is a one-sided relationship!

Nevertheless, I've been busy with many things over the last year. Punctuating my regular (but far from regular) job, I took on many fun projects.

*Weekly co-host of the Drunken Master Revue at 93.1 CKCUFM (ckcufm.com)
*Voice of Barbra, Judy, Helen and Karen in Night of the Living Dead LIVE! - we've got 5 sold-out shows under our belts!!
*Performed at Ottawa's Bluesfest!!! Okay, this is a Night of the Living Dead LIVE thing, but whatever
*Acted in a few short films that I'm eagerly awaiting the finished product!
*Did some extra work in some local films
*Landed a Harvey's commercial in the summer!
*Did an abbreviated trip/tour across Canada, stopping off to visit my sis and parents
*Random live and photographed modeling gigs
*Became the face of my sweet friend's hair styling business cards!
*DVD versions of feature-length films have been released through major distributors, and available in stores/online!
*Performed minor surgery on myself (popped my ganglion, since no doc was willing to help)
*Acquired a flute, and am hell-bent on teaching myself how to play it

I'm sure much more happened, but those were my highlights. I'm going to try to post more on here. If for no other reason than to have an open-book diary, of sorts.

So, blog, if you won't come running after me when you are wrung with neglect, I'll fulfill my part, weighing you down with my thoughts, projects, and strange media.

Who Stole the Kishka?

2010-04-30T12:07:00.004-05:00

Who DID steal the kishka? Ukrainia have been asking for years!!

These guys are ridiculously fun. And talented. They drink like fish, and they sing like Cossaks! They rival Gogol Bordello in energy and passion onstage. Really, I can't think of a time when I've had more fun with a live show.

ANYWAYS. They asked me to design their newest album! I was given the pressing (you'll have to wait for June to get yer paws on it) a few weeks ago, and it looks AMAZING!!! I'll post the album art closer to the release, but for now, go to their website and listen to their other stuffs at http://www.ukrainia.org and know that the new album is slightly heavier and more epic. It's called The Maiden, and is really an exciting and fresh look at modern Ukrainian tunes!!

Night of the Living Dead 2010: Report Card A+!

2010-04-30T11:51:00.007-05:00

I know, again, this is a late post. BUT the Night of the Living Dead LIVE 2010 show went off without a hitch! 2 sold-out shows, great audience interaction and reaction, a few people came dressed to the hilt as zombies! The strings from the NAC orchestra were amazing, the sound effects were so vivid, and the voices resonated with the audience!! We all hit our marks, and both nights were a success! Thanks to everyone who came and supported live, strange ideas!

And more good news about the production...we are performing it for 2 nights at Bluesfest in Ottawa! Same approach, same players, just moving the venue to the theatre in the War Museum onsite. Here's a link to the shows themselves!

http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/act/666

And here's a strange photo of the NAC strings in action.

The shows are on July 16-17 at Ottawa's Bluesfest. Sure to be a riot!! Hope to see you there! Oh, and there just might be a BIG NAME special guest there!!

Night of the Living Dead: LIVE in Ottawa!

2010-03-23T21:34:00.004-05:00

It's crunch time. We've been rehearsing for over a month now, and it's come down to the last 2 full days of rehearsal before the big shows! It's really hard to believe.

Periods of stress and self-doubt have made way for a growing admiration and confidence in what we are doing.

I'm surrounded by extremely talented people. Voice actors, musicians, and Mike Dubue, the guy that got it all together. He transcribed the script, he hired us all and has been tirelessly meeting with us, listening to us, giving us feedback at every rehearsal, wrote the entire musical and foley score. It's pretty unbelievable.

The rehearsal today was a strong affirmation that things WILL be okay, and things WILL come together in a pretty slick manner. Using a microphone for the first time wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. And trying to fight through lines and timing (synching to on-screen) is becoming easier, a better flow. I have become the crazy person that starts singing in the grocery store to warm my vocal chords; the person who starts rambling lines to no one. I don't care if others see me as crazy, it's my process and it helps me. It's what I do to get where I need to be.

I hope I get the opportunity to do something like this again. The challenge of getting into a character's head, but having to emote the same way that someone else did 40 years ago is incredibly hard! Judith O'Dea, my hat's off to you! You really blazed a trail for females in cinema!

Off I go to sleep. Hopefully no nightmares of opening night, like I've been having since I agreed to this project 2 months ago. Just a normal dream of animals, friends, travel.

Tomorrow is another day, another rehearsal, another chance to tighten my act up and be amazed by who I am surrounded by, and the opportunities others entrust in me. Thank you!

If you are reading this and wondering more info, here's a link to the Facebook invite. Please come!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=389883522463&ref=ts

For those who aren't on Facebook, here's the info

Night of the Living Dead LIVE!
Mayfair Theatre, Ottawa Ontario
Friday March 26 and Saturday March 27, 2010
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm sharp.

Each show will give you the live theatre experience! An original film print of Romero's 1968 classic, Night of the Living Dead will be screened without sound. Filling in the audio will be a live orchestra, live sound effects, and live voice actors (that's me!). It hasn't been done before, and Romero and O'Dea have given us their blessings. Come out and experience this wild idea, live!

"They're coming to get you, Barbara!"

Night of the Living Dead 2010

2010-02-20T19:19:00.004-06:00

As if I haven't had enough fun and new experiences, I have one more to add to my list: LIVE VOCAL ACTOR!

What? I know. I have no vocal acting experience, but I have acting experience, and I am a co-host on a weekly radio show. I guess this lent my name to the producer in a favourable light.

So what am I doing? Well, let me tell you, as I am just starting to grasp it myself; and grasp I must do, as we are performing this wild idea at the end of March..TWICE! So what we are setting out to do, has never been done before. Mike Dubue, an incredibly talented musician and mad genius, wrangled a copy of Night of the Living Dead on film. He plans to play the movie at Ottawa's Mayfair Theatre, MIT OUT SOUND! No sound!

To compensate for the lack of movie sound, Mike has assembled a rag-tag group of local artists of many kinds to fill in the gaps! He brings together the greatest local guitarist and drummer, along with several of the strings from the NAC orchestra, along with live foley, and yup, you've guessed it.....LIVE VOICE ACTORS! That's me!

So as the cymbals are crashing, and the violins are violin-ing, us 5 vocal actors will be following the lines of the film, word for word, on cue! It's daunting, it's scary, and it's never been done before! I've got the first 5 lines memorized, and the timing is spot on, now for the rest of it!

So, we were hoping George A. Romero, the procuror of the Night of the Living Dead series, would be able to attend. Sadly, he has a previous engagement that weekend. But he sends his blessing and is deeply flattered that we chose to overtake his movie, audio-wise. Fingers crossed that he'll make it to subsequent showings!!

For now, here's the glorious poster, designed by the talented, and awesome, Petr Maur!

Friday March 26 and Saturday March 27 at Ottawa's Mayfair Theatre will be your only chance to experience this! Hope to see you there!

Bonjour 2010!

2010-01-17T14:09:00.007-06:00

Again, a notable absense from my blog. Working, travelling, and joining in a couple of the Smash Cut festival dates.

Here are some pics.

Talking in NYC for the Fangoria panel.

Sasha Grey, me, and Chris Redmond at the Montreal International premiere of Smash Cut.

Tender onscreen moment between Able Whitman (David Hess) and Gigi Carson (me) on Smash Cut.

Rainy Black Carpet Entrance for Smash Cut at the Calgary International Film Festival. L-R: Michael Berryman, me, Lee Demarbre, David Hess.

Smash Cut made 'Best Local Film of 2009' in Ottawa's Xpress, and made the cover.

Sneaker Wars! Output

2009-08-21T13:19:00.004-05:00

I participated in a fundraiser in Ottawa called Sneaker Wars! It was super fun.

The premise: A blank pair of Vans is given to the artist, and it's a blank canvas to do whatever you want with. I had a total blast, continuing my monkey & guts theme. I even flocked the side of the shoe to make it furry.

Here's Vesalius Munny with his look-a-like shoes!

They turned out well, but unfortunately 90% of the sneakers didn't sell...I think that they advertised to the wrong crowd. Particularily a 19-24 year-old crowd, who, when faced with the choice to support community or their drinking habits, they chose the latter. Ah well. I have a sweet ass pair of shoes that may be gifted to someone with sezy 10 mens or size womens shoes!

Smash Cut Promo

2009-08-18T12:54:00.002-05:00

I've been fairly absent from this site. Aside from doing a bit of acting and working a LOT, I've been doing some promo for the festival-heavy Smash Cut. I went to NYC to Fangoria's Weekend of Horror's, which was a blast. Myself, Lee Gordon Demarbre (director), Ian Driscoll (writer) and David Hess (star) signed autographs, talked on panels, and spread the good word.

Since then we've had our world premiere in Montreal at FanTasia Film Festival, which was awesome. I met so many great people, and was able to watch the movie for the first time with 800 others!

Now Smash Cut is headed to London's Fright Fest, Calgary's International Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival in Spain, Austin TX's Film Festival, and it just keeps on going!!

For more info, visit www.smashcutmovie.com.

Love
J

Smash Cut Promo Tour Starts!

2009-06-09T15:40:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. I've been kept busy between working 3 jobs, and making art when I can.

My other distraction has been starting promotional stuff for a movie I was in called Smash Cut. It's a horror/slasher film a la Herschell Gordon Lewis, directed by Lee DeMarbre, written by Ian Driscoll. It's a wonderful film about a washed-up director, Able Whitman (David Hess), losing his mind in an extraordinary way.

After his latest “serious” film is met with gales of laughter, Able decides to drown his sorrows at a local strip club—where he meets dancer GIGI SPOT(Jennilee Murray - me!). Minutes later, he’s convinced the honey dripping sex-pot to star in his next project. Minutes after that, he’s killed her in a drunk driving accident. Needing to dispose of the body, Able stumbles upon the one place nobody would notice a corpse…spread around the set of his new horror film. When the response to this new footage is praised for its realism, the guilt ridden Able has a complete mental breakdown. Believing he has finally discovered the key to making a great horror film, the director quickly discovers that one human body doesn’t yield a lot of parts, and if he wants to finish, he’s going to have to keep on killing.

Meanwhile, Gigi’s sister APRIL (Sasha Grey) hires the city’s most celebrated private detective, ISAAC BEAUMONDE(Jesse Buck), to investigate Gigi’s disappearance. But when the simple missing person investigation turns into a string of stomach turning murders, Isaac realizes he’s found the case of a lifetime.

With Beaumonde hot on his heels, his sanity unspooling and his collaborators dropping like flies, will Able have the time, focus and resources to complete his magnum opus, or will he simply fade to black?

The official trailer can be found here:
Another trailer can be seen here:

The international premiere of Smash Cut will be in Montreal at the Fantasia Festival in mid-July, with other showings popping up world-wide! Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more info, I'll try to post more info on my blog as I get it!

Let me know what you think!

New Collaborative Pieces

2009-01-22T13:17:00.006-06:00

11" x 14.5"
Acrylic and graphite on digital print on Inkpress W/C Rag Paper
2009

11" x 14.5"
Acrylic and graphite on digital print on Inkpress W/C Rag Paper
2009

11" x 14.5"
Acrylic and graphite on digital print on Inkpress W/C Rag Paper
2009

11" x 14.5"
Acrylic and graphite on digital print on Inkpress W/C Rag Paper
2009

Here are 4 new pieces that I finished with the help of Jeff Fennell. They are stills from a short film Jeff made. Each picture he carefully set up in his own bathroom, covering his walls and fixtures with graphite, and then spraying homemade 'blood' on the walls and letting it pool in areas. The effect is hauntingly beautiful. Needless to say, it took him a long time to clean his bathroom after the shots were taken!

Jeff gave me these images and left the concept open. I had them printed on 13" x 19" Inkpress Watercolour Rag and fixed the images so that I could paint on them. Then I just layered acrylics slowly into the prints, so as not to disturb the inks. I wanted them to look like mini crime scenes...with little peaceful clues in the midst. I love how they turned out. They are all matted, framed, and for sale at Saturday's Spatz show at Babylon, along with other artists' work. Please check it out! Details on the right sidebar.

Recent Photo Work

2008-12-21T15:56:00.004-06:00

I've been busy doing photoshoots with talented friends. Three shoots ended up in publications. Check them out!

Photos by Alex Vlad and Genevieve Thauvette.
http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?magid=127 308&preview=1&_x=1#/page0/

Photos by Remi Theriault (check out his blog, linked from mine)
http://agoravessel.com/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=139&Itemid=100056

Gallery 101 Fundraiser

2008-11-28T18:23:00.003-06:00

I'm excited to announce that I'm finally taking part in this worthwhile fundraiser that I've been meaning to join for almost 5 years. And now that a theme is present, it's even more fun! Here's the press release:

LUST

301 Bank Street
Saturday, December 6, 2008.
Doors open at 8pm.

Preview: December 4th and 5th from 12pm – 9 pm
Tickets $10 : Gallery 101 or at the door

On Saturday, December 6th, 2008, Gallery 101 will host the first of seven years of 101FRAMES: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS. Each year artists will interpret a different deadly sin. To kick things off with a bang, Gallery 101 is starting with the naughtiest sin first: LUST.

Every December 101 FRAMES, Gallery 101’s annual fundraising event, presents over 101 framed artworks by talented artists. This year, we asked artists to let their imaginations run wild in creating work about LUST for this year’s silent art auction and party.

But that’s not the only way we are spicing it up. Other sinfully delightful features of this year’s event will be a performance art “peepshow,” decadent door prizes (including some very sexy big ticket items), and wicked appetizers, all set to some saucy tunes by hot djs in a LUST-inspired setting. So come on out and show us you have a mad passion (for the arts) in Ottawa, indulge in a night of arts and culture, and support your local non-profit artist-run centre.

Proceeds from the auction help Gallery 101 maintain its services to artists and the community. This event is supported and made possible by our local artists, volunteers and friends.

For more information please contact:
info@gallery101.org
613.230.2799

All frames this year, are donated generously by FRAMES BY ROCKWELL. Gallery 101 greatly appreciates your support, which contributes to the long-term, financial stability and well being of the gallery.

TypeLust
2.25" x 4.25"
Ink on Arches W/C Paper
2008

Coverage of Sweet N Low show

2008-11-18T16:06:00.004-06:00

The Sweet N Low show has been covered in a fabulous Ottawa fashion magazine called The Dinner Jacket.

Here are links to the two page spread.

http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?mid=wwgpqt#/page68/

http://viewer.zmags.com/showmag.php?mid=wwgpqt#/page70/

And a link to the magazine's main page:

http://www.thedinnerjacket.com/

Sweet N Low pieces

2008-11-11T12:13:00.004-06:00

Here are the four pieces that are showing at Canteen for their Grand Opening show, Sweet N Low.

Hermitus Beri-Haus
3.5" x 5.125"
Ink and watercolour on Arches W/C Paper
2008

Tortuca Apful-Pica
3.5" x 5.125"
Ink and watercolour on Arches W/C Paper
2008

Gastropoda Loly-Poppen
3.5" x 5.125"
Ink and watercolour on Arches W/C Paper
2008

Fungi Cuppa Kuchen
3.5" x 5.125"
Ink and watercolour on Arches W/C Paper
2008

Sweet & Low

2008-11-07T16:35:00.003-06:00

I am a part of the opening exhibition of an exciting modern gallery in the heart of Ottawa's market. The gallery is called Canteen, and is located at 238 Dalhousie St. Tonight is the opening night. Sparkling wine, tunes, sweet art.

The theme is Sweet & Low, and however the artist decides to interpret the pieces is what the show is about. I will post pictures soon, but I encourage you to come to the opening tonight if you can. It's from 7-10pm. And if you can't make it, the show runs until November 30.

All pieces are for sale, a great, inexpensive way to invest in art and possibly get original pieces for Christmas presents!

Watch This

2008-11-01T23:01:00.003-05:00

My friend Ray Sager just posted a video on youtube.com, detailing how he became involved with Herschell Gordon Lewis' The Wizard of Gore. It's a great story, and he's a great storyteller. Watch it and enjoy!

Canteen Life: Little Big Show

2008-10-15T18:18:00.005-05:00

So much for surprises.

I am so happy with how these 2 babies turned out, that I'm posting them tonight. The show is tomorrow, and both pieces are for sale, and framed. Proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. A worthy cause, and a fun night!

Child's Play (framed)
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
11" x 14"
2008

Doctor Paul
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
11" x 14"
2008

9/11 & The Land of Oz

2008-10-04T02:31:00.001-05:00

9/11 & The Land Of Oz: A Lecture by David Stonewall

Come be a part of an informative lecture given by David Stonewall (an Ex-Insider) as he discusses the powerful links between the New World Order, the Occult, and the War on Terror.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
7-9pm
Ottawa Public Library Auditorium
Corner of Laurier and Metcalfe, Ottawa, Ontario.

Free Admission

Brought to you by the Canadian Action Party

Please feel free to email me with any questions you have! I hope to see you there! This will be really interesting and informative!

More Norml Munny Love

2008-10-04T02:06:00.001-05:00

Please go here: http://thehypebr.blogspot.com/2008/10/munny-show-in-ottawa.html to see some Spanish Munny love.

More love for Norml Munny Show

2008-10-03T09:53:00.001-05:00

Here:

http://hypebeast.com/2008/10/the-munny-show-ottawa/

De HumMunny Corpus Fabrica in Norml Clothing

2008-10-02T17:01:00.004-05:00

Check out De HuMunny Corpus Fabrica at Norml Clothing and on their blog! Here are some select images of my piece that I took from Norml's blog.

To see more images, go here: http://www.normlclothing.ca/

De HuMunny Corporis Fabrica

2008-09-30T01:03:00.009-05:00

I've finished the newest Munny and now that he is safely being exhibited at Norml, I can post pictures.

His name is De HuMunny Corporis Fabrica, after Andreas Vesalius' Textbook of Human Anatomy. I loved the idea of the human body being investigated and broken down into more simple parts: the fabric of the skin, the tangible, sinewy muscles. That's all we are, just layers of stuff. Pretty amazing and humbling working in this little guy.

Stephen Harper is a Liar

2008-09-27T16:22:00.005-05:00

Stephen Harper had lied to Canadians and said that arts and culture will be getting increased funding.

Now he says that arts funding only rubs salt in the wounds of hard-working middle-class workers that want to come home and watch hockey, not lavish arts galas. Do these hard-working middle-class workers not watch movies or television? Read books? Listen to music? Have art up on their walls? Go to museums or galleries?

Please watch this video and pass it on if you know of anyone who should see this before the Canadian Federal Election on October 14th, 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLST4ZO1O2g

Vesalius Munny

2008-09-26T03:45:00.005-05:00

Here is the finished Vesalius Munny.

New Munny Stage One

2008-09-23T01:14:00.005-05:00

I just finished baking my second Munny. It was a bit of a disaster. I had designed an egg cup holder to hold his head up while baking, and it rolled off (thankfully after the Super Sculpey had set) and broke off a small piece of melty skin. I sanded it down afterwards and I think it will work. He looks disgusting now and with any luck, will look even more disgusting as the days go by. It will be the same little monkey figure, with another horrible thing done to him. I'll describe more when I'm done. Enjoy!

Front

Back

New Munny Baby

2008-09-21T15:42:00.001-05:00

I purchased another Munny today! I only have 5 days to work on him; he's due on Friday. I'm racking my brain for a little inspiration. Pics to follow.

Furry Murray Munny

2008-09-17T22:56:00.002-05:00

So my first adventure with flocking went pretty well. I'm really impressed with the results so far. I can't wait to blow off the extra fuzz and see what he looks like underneath!! Needless to say...I have a HUGE mess to clean up now.

Furry Face.

Furry Body

Furry Hands.

Exhausted.

Photo Creds

2008-09-17T21:35:00.001-05:00

My title photo and headshot for this blog were done with the help of an incredible team of ladies.

Both photos were taken by Angela Marklew (www.fstopinertia.com). The makeup artist for both shots was done by Ellie McMillan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/makeupbyellie). Guen Douglas (www.guendouglas.blogspot.com) did the hair for the couch shoot. Do feel free to shower them with compliments and praise.

Munny Transformation!

2008-09-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

Lost Marbles in Ottawa's Market is having a Brown Paper Bag Munny Show. I am contributing a Munny. It's my first time working on one, and it's fun, but really challenging. So far I've built up his body with Super Sculpey and baked him, and now I'm onto painting the details. Next (and scariest) is the flocking layer. More pics to follow.

Come check out the opening.

Lost Marbles
55-1/2 William Street in the Market
Thursday, September 25, 2008
8:30pm - 11:30pm

Munny's are for sale, and 100% of sales go to the artist!

Ride Me Photos

2008-09-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here are the two pieces from the Ride Me: The Art of Urban Transport show at La Petite Mort Gallery.

Rock Local
Mixed media on broken skateboard deck
17.5" x 7.5" and 15" x 7.5"
2008

Art Transport
Mixed media assemblage
27' x 20"
2008

Two details from show.

Ride Me: The Art of Urban Transport

2008-07-23T21:57:00.001-05:00

I'm part of a great group exhibit that encourages both the use of human-powered modes of transport and the support of local organizations and shops.

Read a little more about it here:

http://www.lapetitemortgallery.com/events/RideMe2008.html

I have 3 pieces in the show. One large one that is a ridable piece of art, and two small ones, painted on 2 halves of a broken skateboard. All pieces are for sale by all artists, and will be a blast to enjoy the opening evening, as there will be some pieces for show on that opening night only.

I'll post pics after for those who are interested, but I'd like to keep them a surprise for those who may attend.

La Petite Mort Gallery
306 Cumberland St.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7H9

August 1-31, 2008

Vernissage: AUgust 1, 2008
7-10pm
DJs, drinks, dancing.

These days

2008-05-24T19:33:00.001-05:00

Production has come to a somewhat halt in my studio for the past month. I've been acting in a locally-filmed movie called SMASH CUT starring the ever talented David Hess, beautiful Sasha Grey, hilarious Jesse Buck, impassioned Michael Berryman, cunning Ray Sager and the perpetually charming Herschell Gordon Lewis. It's Lee Demarbre's next big film following the very successful "The Dead Sleep Easy." I'm working with a lot of talented people, on, and offscreen.

The reason I haven't painted or drawn in a while is because my character, Gigi Spot, has false fingernails, and I'm unable to do what I normally do while wearing them. Once production has finished, these nails can come off, and I can resume a normal life. I'm eager to get back to my paints in 3 weeks or so.

Here are a couple articles, outlining the film!

http://twitchfilm.net/site/view/berryman-hess-and-lewis-join-forces-in-lee-demarbres-smash-cut/

http://movies.sympatico.msn.ca/features/ArticleAnneBrodie.aspx?cp-documentid=490770

http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=6590

New Group Show in Ottawa

2008-05-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm a part of a new group show in Ottawa. I'm showing some of my Acid Test and silhouette pieces, which are all for sale! Prices range from $325-$1170. Here's what you need to know:

Oh So Good Restaurant
25 York Street
June 1st - August 31st
Opening night: TBD

Please check it out!

Amazing stuff.

2008-05-08T21:52:00.001-05:00

Peter Callesen is a really talented guy. I feel he cuts as I draw.

http://www.petercallesen.com/index/A4PAPERCUT_000.htm

Old Undocumented Pieces from 2006

2008-05-08T20:38:00.001-05:00

I'm posting some old pics of an old series I started and never finished. They are part of the Acid Test series (Acid Test Bird and Acid Test Foliage) and I have big plans to continue this series soon!

Ting Sing
acrylic on canvas
48" x 60"
2006

1
acrylic and collage on canvas, framed
8" x 10"
2006

2
acrylic and collage on canvas, framed
8" x 10"
2006

These pieces, along with the rest of the series will be shown at Oh So Good in the Market. Check them out! They are all for sale!

Two More Small Pieces

2008-04-09T18:10:00.001-05:00

The Hand
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

The Lachrymal Apparatus
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

Small Anatomy Pieces

2008-04-09T17:34:00.001-05:00

These are some smaller works that I made for the show but didn't have time to document until after.

The Articulations of the Finger
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

A Vertical Section of the Kidney
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

The Dorsal and Lumbar Vertebra
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

The Bicuspid Tooth, Halved
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

The Meibomian Glands
Mixed Media on Arches W/C Paper
6.5" x 9.75"
2007

Upcoming Art Exhibit!

2007-11-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!

I'm part of a really great group of artists that is having a show at Buzz Restaurant at 374 Bank St. Myself, Cristin Price, and Dane Atkinson will be exhibiting some of our newest and finest works. All pieces are for sale.

Come join us and check out the opening! It's on Sunday, December 2 from 7pm-close.

I'm featuring my biological studies, and will bring in a couple of other pieces that are on my page to sell. Tell your friends! I hope to see you there!

Thanks to Marcus Lamoureux for gathering us together and helping curate!

Spinal Investigation

2007-10-24T15:57:00.000-05:00

Full Spine
Acrylic and graphite on canvas
8"x48"
2006

Full Spine detail

Spinal Disconnection
Acrylic and graphite on canvas
8"x48"
2006

Spinal Disconnection detail

I did these two pieces a while ago, and bumped up the graphics on them by painting out the muted colour background with white. The images pop out more. They used to be abstract expressionist pieces that I did, but wasn't happy with.

Heart Dissection

2007-10-24T15:50:00.001-05:00

Heart Dissection
Mixed media on Arches paper
15"x22"
2007

Here's another piece for my dissection series. They'll be up for sale at Buzz Restaurant from November 16-January 2. This heart piece took me forever to do. It's easy to get lost in all those little chambers and fibers.

Acid Test Wolf Finished

2007-10-24T15:46:00.000-05:00

Acid Test Wolf
Collage and acrylic on hardboard
18"x24"
2007

It's done now. I made it darker, thickened out the neck. Here it is.

Dissections

2007-10-22T22:38:00.000-05:00

1st one
Mixed media on Arches paper
15"x22.5"
2007

2nd one
Mixed media on Arches paper
15"x22.5"
2007
3rd one
Mixed Media on Arches paper
15"x22.5"
2007

This is a series I'm working on that incorporates collage and fine detail drawing. These images are borrowed from a copy of Grey's Anatomy I picked up. It's a challenge to draw these by hand. I love how they are turning out! They are all unnamed and unfinished.

Acid Test Wolf

2007-10-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Acid Test Wolf
Collage and acrylic on hardboard
18"x24"
2007

This is the newest commission I'm working on. I did a large part of the drawing last night, but have been toiling over it for a couple of months now. This is an unfinished picture of the painting.

Acid Test Deer/Bunny

2007-10-16T14:18:00.000-05:00

Acid Test Deer
Collage and acrylic on hardboard
18"x24"
2006

Acid Test Bunny
Collage and acrylic on hardboard
22"x28"
2006

I'm really trying to build an idea between abstract expressionism and wildlife realism. It really captures me, visually. I'm working on an abstracted Northern WIldlife series. I have these two, and a private commission of a wolf so far.

Abstract Flora and Fauna

2007-10-16T14:12:00.001-05:00

Acid Test Bird
Acrylic on canvas
36"x36"
2006

Acid Test Bird detail

Acid Test Foliage
Acrylic on canvas
8"x48"
2006

After 2nd year Fine Arts, I veered from realism and really took a liking to abstract expressionism. It has found a way into my art on a permanent basis, usually as ground. I've found a way to marry the two concepts of realism and abstractionism that is pleasing. These pieces are playing with the idea of silhouette.

Wrist/Wrist detail/Wrist 2

2007-10-16T14:04:00.002-05:00

Wrist
Acrylic and graphite on Arches w/c paper
22.5"x29.5"
2007

Wrist Detail

Wrist2
Acrylic and graphite on paper
21"x26"
2007

So after the teeth came other things that interested me, but manifested their pains to me in real life. I've had a wrist problem for years, which is curable, yet incurable. Through this, I decided to draw the bones of the wrist, and then the ligaments and tendons of the wrist. Knowledge makes me feel more at ease with that I can't fix. Both are still in progress, because, ironically, my wrist hurts when I work on them.

The Permanent Teeth

2007-10-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

The Permanent Teeth
Mixed media on canvas
30"x40"
2005

I did this piece a while back. I was re-introducing myself to a theme that I worked with a lot in my grad year. I had been doing more skeletal and organ work, and decided to try working with teeth as a subject. I painted this over a pre-existing painting that I had done in a fall theme. The painting was covered in leaves and some still show through.

Textual 1 & 2

2007-10-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

Textual 1&2
Acrylic and latex on canvas
24"x48"
2005

No particular order or secret message in these pieces. I wanted to use font/letters as foreground and pattern. I have a 60s vibe in my head and wanted to combine it with my painting aesthetics.

Sunflower Collage

2007-10-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

Sunflower
Paper collage on illustration board
11"x17"
2005

This is a collage I made for a display at an art shop. I used Canson paper for it's lightfast qualities. All pieces were handcut, and I used a photo for reference. It's mounted on an 11"x17" piece of black illustration board. This is in Kim Valentine's collection.

Gift

2007-10-16T13:42:00.001-05:00

Half Past One
Mixed media on canvas
36"x48"
2004

I made this for Ian for his birthday a couple of years ago. My inspiration came from some old 7" records we have in the closet, and their logo was a simple record player logo, very minimalized. I multiplied the logo in collage and added numerous layers of paint and collage.

Children's paintings.

2007-10-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

Flying Elephant
Acrylic on mounted hardboard
10"x10"
2006

Pirate Ship
Acrylic on mounted hardboard
10"x10"
2006

I painted these last year for a coworker that was having a baby boy. I sketched them out and drew them on hardboard that was adhered to a 10"x10" canvas stretching frame.

2007-10-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

New to Blogspot

2007-10-16T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hi!

I'm just starting up a blog as a means to share my art with all of you! I'm still learning, and will keep everyone posted on updates!

J