Be excited about learning; don't be weighed down by performance

"You will have to sign up for a university class" is what the bank's financial adviser told me when I'd asked to reactivate my student line of credit a few months back. I found that pursuing courses with a private school, however helpful or interesting, did not constitute "education" for the great bureaucracy...


Naturally, this left me feeling disappointed in our government's educational system rules and regulations. Who decided that photography or sound engineering weren't valid fields of study? A friend of mine was refused a loan for choosing Canada's number one sound engineering class. But I digress. I also felt like I'd lost a battle. Here I was, after having graduated from university, landed a job (well, quite a few in 5 years), returning to school to widen my scope and perfect my abilities and I'm told it's "not recognized". How invalidating. Why not encourage a young professional trying to stay relevant, trying to get an edge.

My new tool. Toy?

A few months went by and my reason for requesting this at the bank did not change. My job however, has changed in the last year. I am now in a management position with only minimal experience and absolutely no theoretical background on administration and management. I am competent but struggle a little more than I would with the proper basic knowledge. I thought: "Why not take an introduction class to administration?" But, did I really want to sit in with a bunch of kids straight out of highschool and have to work on team projects? I did not have the time, nor the patience as I'd been there before and remembered how my focus was very different... Get the grade, get the scholarship, get the portfolio... Take, take, take, perform, perform, perform, expect, expect, expect. Oh, and have fun. But school and fun were exclusive.


I've "paid" my share and followed the rules; I went through the system once. Now, it's time to look at it differently. 


Taking a class as an auditor has most of the benefits of taking a class - at least the most important one, which is learning, and none of the unpleasant ones - remember assignments? So here I go, back to university for a class. Learning - or at least the prospect of it - feels so thrilling when it's not weighed down by expectations and performance.


While I'm at it, I might even take an interest class, just for the pleasure of it! And with my new ipad, this second round in class might be more fun! Speaking of which, I just about loooove that new gadget. How handy is it to have a multitude of books (my primary reason for this tablet), management/lifestyle aps (allrecipes.ca anyone?), entertainment aps (Itunes, CTV, CBC) and games (Sudoku queen in the making) all in one nifty tool? That's not just luxurious, it's genius! Really, it's both eco-friendly (I will finally use/buy less paper!) and finally allows my long awaited de-cluttering.


Aaaaah.

Exhibit & Holiday Spirit

Mostly because I've had a break through.

Amelia (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

This coming week-end, I need to edit my hundreds of photos down to my favourite 15 or 20 (but I'll aim for 15). I finally have a venue and an approximate date for my first exhibit: the Avant-Garde Bar & Gallery will welcome my Ballet in the Streets/Ballet en marge project in January 2012.


It's crunch time now to select my favourites and polish them up, nice and pretty to be printed and framed.


Part of me is terribly nervous, but I'm also very much excited about potential developments regarding this project. So I will be diligent in adequately preparing this first exhibit.


***


I will however save time to savour the festive feeling in the air. I can't help but be swayed by the sparkles, reds, golds, lights and bells I see in store windows, the Christmas music I hear in the mall (or to be more exact, on my internet radio) and the sweet and spicy smells that fill the air around coffee shops...

I can feel the inner child beaming...

I embrace the holidays, and Christmas in particular. Not because of the presents, and certainly not for the insane amounts of dollars people spend on a few days a year... No, I love the holidays because to me, it's a celebration of life and I realize how many wonderful things sew my life into this beautiful quilt of memories, experiences and people. With each Christmas, and each year, a few more squares are added to this masterpiece that I can cherish.

Ballet in the Streets/Ballet en marge

Amelia. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

I have been buried in work, both at the Ottawa Art Gallery, as well as at home. I'm one of those people who just isn't feeling at ease if I don't have at least two ongoing projects outside of a day job. I mentioned a few posts ago, that I was working on my first photography exhibit. Naturally, this is a lengthy process...


I can say that I've been enjoying every minute of the shooting phase; I have worked with fellow dancers and friends and met some new and interesting people along the way. I've found and created beautiful images and built up my confidence. I feel physically tired, but much in the same way you would after a day of enjoyment, whether it be on a trip, during market day or a pleasant evening with friends. This project is a combination of two of my passions: dance and photography.

Tea time. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

I am now entering the editing phase, which promises to be the longest, most detail-oriented and possibly frustrating part of this project. Skimming through hundreds of shots, discriminating, sometimes coolly disregarding the hours of work that went into a series of images, tweaking what I thought was nearly perfect. It seems never ending. But this is part of the craft.


I have not found a home for this exhibit yet, nor do I have dates, but I have decided to be kind to myself and to truly respect this project, by focusing on every step, as I take them.

The Camera Doesn't Make the Photographer

Amelia. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

When I first started shooting, I was very intimidated by photographers with fancy gear. I remember Angelina McCormick telling me that she constantly reminded her students: "The Camera doesn't make the photographer". I remembered thinking, sure, but, the camera must play a role in the quality of a photo, right? Well, that's only partly true.

You see, the camera is a tool and sure, with good tools come great possibilities, but photography is a science as much as an art, and it requires knowledge of the tool (however fancy or expensive) to properly use it and produce great pictures. Sometimes, removing the technical aspect allows the photographer to focus on what's on the other side of the camera: the subject at hand.


I recently started photographing with my camera phone (and toy cameras as well, like the Mini Diana), just to put this theory to the test. Could I in fact produce interesting, technically good and even breathtaking photos with a low quality camera? You can judge for yourself, this portrait was taken on my cell at the end of a photoshoot - just for fun - and the results were exciting.


Try it for yourself: take a point and shoot (or if you're feeling bold, take a camera phone) and concentrate on your subject, the background, the colours, instead of the camera and you'll get wonderful and surprising results.

Swing Explosion's 2011 Jitterbug Contest

Scott & I dancing lindy hop together. Photo by Kristina Jensen

I probably should have blogged about this contest I entered with my buddy Alec back in September. Life got a little crazy, but my dance school wrote about it and posted a nifty video. For those of you who suspect I may be all talk, you can actually see me dancing in this one. The contest showcases a few all skates, but also a slow competition and a fast lindy competition. This video is the finals of the fast lindy segment. Watch the Swing Explosion Jitterbug finals 2011. There are also more videos of that competition on Youtube.

Photography: Planning My First Exhibition

Amelia. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

After a year of studying and practice in photography, I decided to undertake my first long-term project, with the goal of turning it into an exhibition. Of small scale, yes, but a show nonetheless. Currently, I'm working on a dance photography project I called "Ballet in the Streets". This seed of an idea took shape all because I believe dance is a wonderful and under-appreciated art form. I  believe it should be made more accessible. The issue in Ottawa is not that dance isn't happening, it's that it's often overshadowed by other events, activities and this city's otherwise political nature. This project is a tribute to the dancer's cause and I'm in full shooting mode, as I'm racing time before seasons change.


I'm facing a multitude of challenges, yet I'm loving every minute of this project. I'm exploring the city, I'm using a new lens (Sigma 24-70 f2.8) and working with a variety of dancer models with whom I connect over this shared passion: dance. It's also a tremendous editing exercise to choose only your most compelling photographs and how does one judge their own photos? The ratio of shots versus exhibition-worthy photographs is very underwhelming. Finally, there is the logistics behind it: the printing, the framing, the install, the venue(s)... Despite these hiccups, the project is moving along.


I'm in discussions with Avant-Garde Bar in Ottawa and a few other locations, as I'm looking to allow the show to travel a bit, spread the love. Meanwhile, I've created a facebook page for the project, look it up and follow the updates there!

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Recently, I read a very interesting commented biography on Gabrielle Coco Chanel, authored by Karen Karbo. I love to learn about historical figures, however I rarely read biographies. Now, this is a bit of an exception. Firstly, Coco Chanel was a fascinating woman, by many standards, including the one that states my personal interest in fashion. Secondly, Karen Karbo has an incredible story telling ability. You see, this wasn't a chronological biography, but a thematic one...


Every chapter in the book is about a theme or an aspect of life. There are chapters on Style, Elegance, Femininity, Money, Work, Passion, Rivals, etc. Karbo approaches each theme by explaining Chanel's personal take or philosophy on the matter. 
The result is an impressive collection of jewels of wisdom (and proscriptions) from a celebrated designer, a social visionary and a remarkable woman. I find that I have learned more about Coco, than I would have by reading her life story as a linear tale. Her opinions and motos (oh! her famous motos...) were emphasized and it all felt very accessible.


The verve, the humour, the lessons. It felt like I was chatting about this incredible individual with an old friend, over coffee. I carried the book everywhere and felt terribly sad to finish the last page. William Feather's quote remains true: "Finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend." 


I highly recommend the book to anyone curious about fashion and about feminism. Coco Chanel was feminine yet assertive, she was elegant, yet practical; she redefined style and ultimately, beauty. She thought a woman should always wear a scent and pearls. Personally, I've learned a few valuable lessons about underpacking...


The Gospel According to Coco Chanel
by Karen Karbo

Featured on Ottawa Photog's Blog

I just need to share some excitement!

Artist Melanie Authier for OAG Event.
(c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé 2011

Photography is taking on a life of its own. I have been shooting a few projects, namely for the Ottawa Art Gallery (my employer). I am in discussions with venues for my exhibition project, I might have gotten a photo contract doing residential photos for a real estate agent (to be confirmed) and I've graduated from the ProProgram. Ottawa photographer and teacher Harry Nowell, has shared a feature on my recent accomplishment. Read about it here!

Photo Project: Documenting a Wedding

Christine. (c) Mercedes Deziel-Hupe, 2011

This past Labour Day week-end, I attended Scott's sister's wedding. Christine was a most beautiful and graceful bride; she kept her cool and her smile all day. She kept busy, she kept on schedule. She'd been with her husband (then boyfriend) for nearly a decade. They are the rare case of 'highschool sweethearts'. Christine has an eye for beauty and a sixth sense for trends, fashion and overall style. Her wedding was a reflection of both hers and Nick's good taste.

Although she had hired a professional photographer, I had offered to shoot some candid and "documentary style" photos of her wedding day (leading up to the wedding) - less than about the wedding itself. This presented some challenges and some fun opportunities.

I first had to worry about the time constraint; there is only so long that the bridal party and the groomsmen are grooming, quite literally. And so, as both parties were preparing for the big day in separate homes, I missed the entire dress-up for the groomsmen. This was a major disappointment for me. I wasn't looking to see flesh (!) but was looking for nice classic shots. Had I known the schedule a little better, I could have worked around this. There is also the fact that I had to worry about not getting in the way of the official photographer, who incidentally, ran late.

Something Blue. (c) Mercedes Deziel-Hupe, 2011

On the plus side, I managed to get wonderful candid shots of the bridal party, a few "stolen" poses as the bride was actually preparing for poses with the official photographer; I shot from a different angle for the sake of variety. I also could afford to play around as I was not on a tight schedule. I got really fun shoe photos out of it!

Literature & Travel: Alternative Learning

Literature is my cheap way of traveling. Instead of forking out $500 a plane ticket, I pay $15-30 for a book. It's also an opportunity to live vicariously a life of adventure. One that you would like to try on for size, for a week-end or just to change it up, without the risk. It is also a way to broaden the mind and learn in an alternative way.

Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat.Pray.Love Author

I frequently read about women of the world. Maybe there is a desire somewhere, to change the world, even just a little. I long to be a world traveller, that's no secret. But could I drop everything to move across the world? I doubt I would. I prefer the safer route of working a job I love, then punctuating it with spontaneous trips and  culturally rich vacations. That said, I love to daydream about worlds away or differing from my own. Which is why I love to read about stories taking place in foreign countries or reading auto-biographcial novels about how travel changes one's life.


My love for this type of literature was latent, discrete. It came out of the closet when I read Eat. Pray. Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. It grew when I read Buddha and it continued to grow after The Woman Who Fell From the Sky by Jennifer Steil. One wouldn't be surprised to hear I'm currently reading Indigo, the story of the colour that changed the world. I believe that reading is a  fantastic educational tool, both as a language exercise and a cultural one. 


Travelling really builds character as it constantly shifts your frame of understanding and provides perspective. Unfortunately, despite what we might say about "anything's possible", that "anything" may not always be possible at any given time. I believe I can work towards travelling more. And I do. Meanwhile, I read to broaden my mind, feed my imagination.

The Woman Who Fell From the Sky spoke to me as it told the story of a professional journalist who moved to Yemen to teach a team of aspiring and practising journalists how to improve their reporting. Although her tale was personal, it made any similar experience feel accessible. That is key to opening one's mind to other cultures, to travelling and in some rare cases, to other life styles.


I have never read so much in my life. Not as a child, nor when I was in school or even as a university graduate. It's now that my mind is open to deeper learning. My father is an avid reader and a cross-word athlete and yet, he has not pursued post secondary education. He is one of the brightest and curious people I know. I don't believe our education system is deeply flawed, I believe society at large expects too much of it. There is truly something to Mark Twain's famous quote: "I never let my schooling get in the way of my education." True, lasting learning has to come from the heart; there is only so much your parents or your school can give you. You need to run with what you have and when that's not enough, seek what it is your heart longs to know.

Vegetarian, not Alien

I haven't been a vegetarian for very long (it'll be a year in September) nor have I cut out fish. No matter your reason for chosing vegetarianism, you'll inevitably go through some rough phases and period where you wonder about your place in an omnivorous society.


I grew up in a family eating all types of foods, including meat. I've never been a huge fan; I only ate extra-lean, well-cooked meats. I grew to like the taste, but the sight of raw meat (or the feel of it) and the preparation always turned me off. The idea of hunting or picturing an animal dying to be on my plate would make my stomach churn. I pretended I had no part in the process. In a way, you'll say, it was an easy choice for me to cut it out. It was, and it wasn't. I grew accustomed to certain meaty tastes (i.e. bacon, anyone?), I forgot how gelatin was an insidious ingredient (i.e. in yogourt and marshmellows) and I took for granted social rituals, especially surrounding holidays.

Paul McCartney - Famous & successful vegetarian

It was like stepping into an entirely different world. Restaurants, office lunches, travelling snacks hors d'oeuvres at gallery openings, offered far less options than I was use to. Most restaurants would tell me "we have salad" (which meant they had a green leaf salad with next to nothing in it) - as though I were a rabbit, giving me the most disconcerted look. I could read their expression: "Why in all the world's bounty would you want to be vegetarian, lady?" For the first few months, my extended circle of friends kept forgetting about my choice. Even though it wasn't intentionally neglectful, it felt like my decision mattered very little to anyone but to me.


My first Thanksgiving and my first Christmas were rough. My mom was very supportive and incorporated  plenty of vegetables, protein rich dishes and baked me a salmon pie. However, my father was still in denial about my "quitting meat". I had to bring my own vegetarian option as a main course and was offered a few veggies. The smell of the turkey and meat pie filled the houses I went to. Maybe I'm wired all wacky, or maybe it's the effect of years in my Noth American omnivorous culture, but I still thought the smell of a roast was mouth-watering. Fortunately, my friend Victoria invited me to her (Polish) Christmas Eve and luckily, most of their traditional dishes are vegetarian or fish-based. There was hope.

Celebrity Vegan - Natalie Portman

If you're wondering why I chose to become vegetarian (pescetarian as it stands) this would be about the time I asked myself the same question. It's a combination of factors. Meat didn't sit well with me. I couldn't digest it, I couldn't sleep properly, I couldn't loose weight despite my very active lifestyle. I couldn't prepare meat on my own without needing to distract myself from the idea that this was once an animal... I personally felt like a hypocrite. Yes, I believe in animal rights, but I also believe that this is a personal choice. However, I do feel strongly that a mainly carnivore diet has many negative effects on environmental sustainability. If everyone reduced their meat consumption and integrated more vegetarian options, no one would have to "give it up", except if we wanted to, of course. 

Vegetarian Lasagna

I made my decision by telling myself this was a temporary choice and it is for most people, but I firmly believe I can make this work for a really long time. With appropriate protein replacements and planning, not only can my daily routine of food preparation be nearly effortless, I could also easily adapt to traditional holidays. I found that knowledge is power; did you know red lentils replace ground beef wonderfully in most recipes? My inner Garfield threw a party as I could now have a hearty lasagna.


Support is incredibly important. From other vegetarians, but also from your social circle. Your friends and family need to be aware of dietery restrictions and substitutions, veggie-friendly restaurants and ensure to involve you in holiday and event meal planning. My brother use to be vegetarian, but essentially, my family and partner are meat-eaters. Fortunately, Scott makes tremendous efforts to accomodate my lifestyle by reducing the amount of meat we store at home, cooking vegetarian dinners for us both and informing our hosts of my diet. He's even quicker to ask waitors about their vegetarian options when we walk into a restaurant. That is the type of support that makes the omnivore/vegetarian relationship work! 

North Indian Curry - Vegetarian

I've learned a lot about my body, about blood types, about protein and about cooking. I've learned the differences in types of vegetarianism (ovo-lacto, vegan, pescetarian) and the motivations that drive many of us to this choice. Many ethnic foods are surprisingly vegetarian friendly. So there, I have the world on my plate, from Thailand and India, to Italy, Ethiopia and Mexico.

The obstacles do not discourage me. They stimulate me: how can I thrive when all these factors act against a lifestyle I chose because I believe in it? I just need to create new traditions, adapt old ones, find new restaurants, browse cyberspace for new ideas, get one trusty cookbook and keep reminding people that this is a legitimate lifestyle choice.


As many vegetarians joke, when you get down, remember there is no meat in chocolate! :-)

That Boy Red inside all of us

Back when I was working for the AOE Arts Council, that is when I started meeting interesting artists in need of tips for self-promotion. Unfortunately, part of the problem in building a career in arts has often more to do with a lack of business and marketing knowledge than it does with a lack of talent or opportunity. This said, as the Communications Coordinator for AOE at the time, I frequently met with these local artists to discuss their target audiences and strategize on their next moves. This was a very stimulating but also very tedious task. Occasionally, I met an individual with a lot of drive and I felt even more encouraged to share my professional tips. Ottawa Award winning author Rachna Gilmore is one of these people.

I first met Rachna at an AOE Meet'n'Munch and we chatted briefly about the writing and publishing business. She struck me as a lively woman, with a bright mind and buckets full of curiosity: for learning, for life and for people. Over the space of a couple of months, we chatted about new ways to reach out to her demographic: youth and schools. Her books are both researched and well-written, accessible and relevant. Having known tremendous success with The Trouble with Dilly, we wondered how to promote That Boy Red, a historical novel about an 11 year-old boy growing up in PEI, in the Depression. The whole book was based on anecdotes her father-in-law would recount. I thought the book would basically sell itself: it's dynamic, it's fun, it's realistic and it speaks to Canadians. And what a hook to say this was based on family stories! As a thank you, Rachna offered me a copy of my own to read. It's a few months later, in preparing my trip to PEI for a family wedding, that I decided to crack it open.


To my surprise, I couldn't put the book down. At best, I expected a charming story with a few chuckles. What I got was a captivating tale of a fiery lad with a thirst for life. He is hard working, curious and has a temper but a good heart. He gets caught in these crazy adventures but in the end, he's a good kid who loves his family. I laughed out loud and I even read a few chapters to Scott - who loved the chapter on the Outhouse Bandit. The protagonist somehow reminded me of my childhood, despite having grown up in the 80s-90s in a city, near the capital. That is to say, I can't help but think there is a Red in all of us. The narrative flows, the dialect comes through, the drama is balanced with humor and the tale is believable. I highly recommend That Boy Red to any child, teen or adult needing to connect with this youthful spirit.

A trip to PEI

Bridge in Summerside, PEI. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé 2011

My short adventure to the Maritimes took me to Prince Edward Island. The catalyst was a family wedding, but the greater motivation was definitely the thirst for travel and discovery. 


I found out the Island is divided into four major areas, including the famous Cavendish, known world-wide because of the tales of Anne of Green Gables. We drove on the Confederation Bridge and into Gateway village; we had ways to drive still as we were staying in Waterford, in the North West part of the Island.


We stayed in a cottage on the water front. We enjoyed a walk on the golden beach with red cliffs, even in a misty rain and an unfriendly breeze. Our arrival day aside, we had absolutely beautiful weather. The Islanders told us we brought the sun.

Rusty Anchor. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

We spent the better part of our time there driving around, seeking sights to see, things to do and locals with whom to chat. We drove through Skinner's Pond and saw Stompin' Tom's house. We went to Cavendish and Summerside. We even signed up for Deep Sea Fishing. An idea I half-regretted for the number of flapping fish and fish guts I hadn't accounted for... serves me right I s'pose. The photos I took from the trip overall were fantastic (I'm still going through them). 


We also visited the Green Gables house, made famous by L.M. Montgomery, and we stopped by the Glass Bottle House in Mont-Carmel. On our way out, we had breakfast in the capital: fishcakes at Maid Marian's, a local restaurant in Charlottetown. 


The family activities enabled more bonding with my man's clan - an opportunity I was happy with which to be presented. As for the wedding itself, it was a delightful (and short!) ceremony and a low-key reception in River Mills. The guests were so welcoming and kind and all were in a festive mood. Scott and I even got to dance!

(c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé 2011

My trip was made even more interesting by the fact that I was reading, parallelly, a novel by Ottawa writer Rachna Gilmore, about a PEI boy growing up on the Island in the Depression. But, That Boy Red is for another post.

From the West to the East Coast

I love to travel. I love everything about it. The discovery, the sense of adventure, the people, the food and music, the transportation, the spontaneity, even the waiting in transit and the mishaps. This year, I could not leave the country for some customary globe-trotting, but I am definitely one to seize opportunities when they come my way. Actually, I swim out to my ship frequently, I don't wait for it to come into harbour. This summer, the wind blew my sails from West to East.

In July, Scott was sent to Vancouver to work on a conference for about a week. Due to a very fortunate combination of circumstance, I was able to follow. Actually, I prefer, to say I bumped my own rather blurry plans to visit Vancouver to this summer, as there were good odds of this trip being a successful one. My brother Tristan often says: "Mercedes, why do you rush to go overseas, when there is so much of this beautiful country to see?" He's right. Travelling, much like charity, should start at home.

I'd taken a few trips to Europe and of course, I had been to the States, Mexico and Cuba all by 2009. But how much of my homeland had I seen? Well, I'd been to Montreal and Québec countless times. I have only been to Toronto a few times as a professional and I'd only really toured through the many picturesque regions of Québec in 2008, back when I worked a Liaison contract for the uOttawa. Since then, I hadn't ventured much out of Ottawa or Montreal. Friends lived in Vancouver for the past year or so, but I couldn't afford the plane fare nor the time off.

With Scott working there, lodging came with the deal and thanks to my avid traveller friend Phil - who also happens to work for Air Canada - I found a ridiculously good ticket deal! Effectively, there were no more obstacles keeping me from drifting to the West Coast. Cold weather aside, I loved Vancouver. How can it be so cold in July? I don't mind the rain so much, but I hadn't exactly packed for 15 degrees Celcius ! I guess that serves me right for not checking the weather network. Oh well.

Vancouver Art Gallery, (c) Ahmad Kavousian (Flickr)

I explored on my own; visited art galleries, namely the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Street, cycled through Stanley Park, danced at the Show Boat, had sushi at Shabusen, met local swing dancers and shot plenty of photos. Together, Scott and I made our way to the artsy Granville Island, brunched at Café Medina, walked through Gastown, we dined at the seafood Mecca Joe Fortes, we surfed the free wave when our friend Lisa got us into the Aquarium. We also visited the UBC campus, the Nitobe Garden and Wreck Beach (clothing optional)...we took off our socks - My my!

I guess I'm grateful for Scott in more ways than one. Not only does he enhance the quality of my life with his friendship and love, but travelling together is also a delight. I must admit also, that he provides me with the "excuse" to travel to these places with specific targets: when/where/why/what to do/with whom? I had a choice and I chose to experience something new. That's what it's all about. This past spring, we also found out that a cousin of his was tying the knot...in PEI. I heard the Maritimes calling, even then and my heart skipped a beat.

Anne of Green Gables, PEI Tourism.

The August wedding is happening this week-end, finally. My suitcase is packed with the essentials: clothes for unpredictable weather, fancy outfits for the wedding (I bring two, I don't know my crowd!), a few products and of course, my camera gear. Digital and Mini Diana are my companions. they are witnesses to my adventures. In preparation for my departure, I read a bit about The Island, I am half way through That Boy Red, a novel by local award winning author Rachna Gilmore and I've been listening to a Celtic satellite radio station. WHAT? To me, a trip is like Christmas; I get in the mood and I feel very enthusiastic about the whole deal. Whale watching, local arts & crafts, Cavendish & Anne of Green Gables, red sand, potato-parade and scary lobsters; I won't eat. Honestly, I wonder about food that looks like it could either escape my plate or worse, fight back.

Based on my relationship to each coast, respectively instigated and in utero, I gather that Vancouver will have been for the Art, and Charlottetown, for the Heart.

The wind is rising, I'm set for the Island adventure...

Swing Blogger

Charleston Dancers, Photo from DanceHeritage.org

Lately, I've been blogging a little for Swing Dynamite. Check it out, here. My latest post is about the importance of venturing outside of your comfort zone while trying to grow as a dancer.

Cropping Your Photos

Music Exhibition, Photo from Harry's Blog

Harry Nowell Photography writes both a blog and a monthly e-newsletter, which I read carefully. This month's post is a very interesting perspective on cropping your images: from the camera to the print. I happen to agree that when it's possible, producing a next-to-perfect photo from your camera saves you tremendous amounts of time in post-processing.

Read about cropping!


Want to read more about photography?
Harry Nowell's Blog

My Adventures in the Darkroom



The James Dean Character, (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

 I recently took a Film Photography Bootcamp with SPAO. I absolutely loved it! I've posted my four best prints on my tumblr site. Check them out!

Rideau Street, Ottawa, June 2011. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé







Snapshot: Evaluating your own improvement as a photographer

(c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011.

"Be good to yourself. Be critical, in order to improve, but also, recognize what you have accomplished" Harry Nowell said to me during our latest class.


During the course of the Professional Program, which serves as a certificate of Photography, one needs to follow a minimum of five workshops, 40 hours of shadowing and four one-on-one classes. Having completed my shadowing and classes months ago, I have been taking privates to discuss my progress and learning. As the end of my Pro Program is fast approaching, I'm filled with a little nostalgia, a bit of anxiety and a worry... am I good enough?

Victoria. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

Sure, I can usually manage to calm myself down with reasonable explanation, but I can't help getting a little antsy. "You have accomplished a lot in barely a year..." Harry told me. "I'm sure you could teach me a lot about photography. I'd like to learn." Scott said to me the other day at Bate Island. He was shooting on my Nikon D3000 and I was shooting on a 35 mm Minolta SLR.


"You are completing a certificate, not a PhD," I told myself.

I also look at my first photos and some from 6 months ago. I suppose in this respect, a photo blog is incredibly useful... It allows you to monitor your progress visually and chronologically. "Oh, it seems I've mastered the concept of depth of field after X amount of months..." or "Wow, I don't know when or how, but seems I can now freeze motion (or any goal you had)".

Peek-a-boo. (c) Mercedes Déziel-Hupé, 2011

I updated my tumblr photo blog and was astonished by how some of my photos - but mostly the ones I set out to get as part of a project or vision and not just random shots - are technically better, compositionally stronger and my exposures are now only sometimes slightly off... as opposed to "always" and "terribly".

I must say that my experience with film - although limited - is forcing me to slow down and reflect on the creative and technical processes of photographing. Of 48 photos (2 rolls of film), I can safely say from seeing the negatives that at least a third are overall successful and at least half are well exposed, if not anything else extraordinary (i.e. subject matter, composition).

Knowing this, I'm encouraged to shoot more and with the end of my program, comes a certain level of freedom to shoot for myself. Perhaps that through this new perspective, my photography will reach new levels and allow me to freelance occasionally.

Darkroom Tales

I've been taking the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) Film Photography Bootcamp with David Elden. The course is well constructed as it involves two theoretical classes on history of photography and aesthetics, then three hands-on classes including shooting, developing and print making.

This week-end was the Fringe Festvial and of course, Rib Fest. While I passed on the meat parade, I did join in on the Fringe. I'm only a little disappointed I hadn't taken my camera. But then again, I'd had my fill of photography for the day...

A Darkroom with Ilford light filters

Yesterday, while my boyfriend was licking BBQ sauce off his fingers, I was wiping developer, stop and fix from mine as I swooshed around my contact sheet in bins of solution. I'm a new vegetarian - not quite a year yet - so I could pass on rib fest and he was happy not to have to worry about me finding something of interest for myself at such an event. I would've been okay regardless, but I was filled with excitement, knowing that not only I could skip out on Rib Fest, but I would be in a darkroom learning all about the chemistry behind all those images I hold dear.

When I got to class, I was nervous. I'd shot my two rolls of film (24 frames) thinking they were 36... I was anxious at having to admit I'd "broken" the reel. I was afraid of "not doing it right". Our instructor was not only informative but also patient and kind. I was relieved to discover that I'd done nothing wrong at all! I found the developing tank and bobins to look quite foreign and the idea of standing in a pitch black room with seven other strangers and scissors kicking around to "cut the film" once it has successfully been loaded was a bit nerve wracking. As it turns out, processing film is a lot like "doing laundry" as Dave put it. There are many simple steps that become like second nature. I must say I very much enjoyed the less messy bit involving timed exposure lights and red safe lights. As this is a class, we accomplished in 4 hours: developing our film, making test strips and printing our contact sheets. In two weeks, we actually make our second contact sheet and print our photographs. 


IE University Darkroom (mediacampus.ie.edu)

Once I left SPAO, I met up with Scott in Meatland, where he was waiting for me with a clean shirt and sandals I'd asked for... Awe. I guess I'm ok with him eating meat. Afterall, there's bone marrow on the film emulsion, so despite my best efforts, some parts of living are just not that ecofriendly. So to appease my conscience, I attended the Fringe and supported the local arts scene. An improv play and a comedy duo later, I'd laughed and reflected on my generation: Y. If I take my cue from stand up duo Chris N Peter Save the World, then I should sleep just fine, because I, my friends, already compost.

Reflections Post CDF

Last week, I attended three out of four nights of the Canada Dance Festival. I saw Montreal's Jacques Poulin Denis as well as Lara Kramer, Vancouver's 605 Collective and Ottawa's own Bboyizm, led by Crazy Smooth.




605 Collective. (c) Wendy D Photography

 
I could probably say a lot about how fantastic this edition of the CDF was and how relevant its programming was. I think it's more important to give a few key comments about the artists who performed as it says more about canadian dance.

I've blogged about Jacques Poulin Denis and relayed interviews with Helen Husak and Kevin Ormsby from Kashedance as well as with Brian Webb, the artistic director from the CDF.

Kashedance



A few things were particularly memorable, in my view, in Kramer's, 605 Collective's and Bboyizm's choreographies.

Kramer's Fragments retold the story and more importantly, the emotions felt by her mother when she attended residential schools in Manitoba as a child. The first part of her show was very slow moving and much less focused on dancing, but the second half was very well constructed; it featured blood stoping facts on audio clips and very compelling choreography and music. The latter merged both contemporary and traditional aboriginal music and movement.

605 Collective. (c) Wendy D Photography

The second half of that evening's program presented 605 Collective's Inheritor EP, exploring the relationship with time, age and the concept of heritage in all forms, whether cultural or genetic. This group of five dancers was incredibly energetic and fun. Their range of performance extends from contemporary and ballet to hip hop  and martial arts. Their 3-piece number progressed towards more dynamic sequences and seemed to explore different aspects of heritage, such as genetics, environment and individuality. Their closing piece was definitely the one that had the crowd moving in their seats; it presented the dancers in a combination of choreographed group sequences and selected seemingly improvised solo jams, hence the notion of individuality within a group or set circumstances.



BBOYIZM

The Festival's very last show was offered to an Ottawa troupe: Bboyizm. The show, IZM, was about introducing the audience to the essence of hip hop culture - a very contemporary wave. The group, although mainly composed of male dancers, showcased the talents of three b-girls who held their own in a style that usually plays to the male physique and strenghts. Crazy Smooth (aka Yvon Soglo) opened the number with a small prologue and an introduction to hip hop and how it's a concrete representation of cultural disapora and ideally, of cultural dialogue. The athleticism, the aesthetics, the reflection and the sheer fun that went into pulling this together and sharing it with the audience was truly inspiring.





Double Bills at the CDF

Helen Husak

Last night, Helen Husak premiered her choreography Fight or Flight then, Kevin Ormsby and his company, Kashedance, presented Recalcitrare. You can see the interviews with these artists and with Brian Webb, Artistic Director of the Festival.

Helen Husak Interview

Kevin Ormsby Interview

Brian Webb Interview


Tonight, the CDF's double bill includes Vancouver's 605 Collective's Inheritor EP and Lara Kramer's Fragments. This promises to be a dynamic and fresh show.

CDF opening hits bullseye with Jacques Poulin Denis' Cible de Dieu

The Canada Dance Festival opened last night. The National Arts Centre's Studio welcomed Montreal contemporary choreographer Jacques Poulin Denis. His piece, Cible de Dieu (Target of God) was both compelling and a perfect choice to launch this year's program.

Jacques Poulin Denis. Photo: Joffrey Rivard

The choreographer walked on stage and addressed the crowd, introducing his performance. At first, we think that he is truly speaking for himself, but we soon realize that he plays a character who happens to be a dancer. 


The piece speaks of delusion and defeat. How he handles the struggle is what throws us off while reminding us that we all have our  bag of problems. He faces challenges with sound and props, feelings and memories and engages the crowd, every step of the way. For instance, the performer asks spectators to hum his song so that he "can perform anyway". At every turn, something goes wrong, but the show must go on. All he needs is "a little adaptation". He also recounts anecdotes that are either humorous, nostalgic or sorrowful.

Jacques Poulin Denis in Cible de Dieu

He takes the audience through a range of emotion, tracing his character's experience. Jacques Poulin Denis believes that it's important for the crowd to feel something during his piece, rather than to simply reflect on it. In doing so, he feels that the audience accompanies him in getting back to basics, to what is important and to what it means to be human. This charismatic artist's work is brilliant and accessible.

Canada Dance Festival Opens Tonight

It is coming to the stage tonight: the 2011 Canada Dance Festival.


The festival opens with Montreal artist Jacques Poulin Denis, who will be dancing his Cible de Dieu choreography (Target of God). The number is meant to convey the struggle and victory of the artist over challenges. The dance will bring performer and audience together through compelling movement and dialogue. As a CDF volunteer, I will be meeting Poulin Denis today to interview him about his work and his participation in the festival. Stay tuned for the video posted on Youtube!

605 Collective - Canada Dance Festival website

The CDF will also showcase Kashedance, Helen Husak, Lara Kramer, 605 Collective and Ottawa's own BBOYIZM. The festival runs every evening at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday June 15 to Saturday, June 18 at the National Arts Centre. Check out the schedule here.


I'll be attending most of the shows and blogging about them. If you prefer to see the shows than to read about them, then get your ticket before it's too late! This is the best quality/price ratio in contemporary dance so if you like this artform or this type of event, don't miss out. 

Le pArty - Ottawa Art Gallery's Annual Art Auction

This week, it's the visual arts happening of the season. The Ottawa Art Gallery is hosting Le pArty, it's annual fundraising art auction. It showcases local artists, whether they are emerging, mid-career or established. It's a great opportunity for the community at large as well as art lovers to witness what artists are up to in our Nation's Capital. Proceeds go towards our public programming.

As the Gallery's communications and marketing manager, I'll be attending the event. While my purpose for attending is first due to my functions, I feel priviledged to discover many new artists, to learn about our local arts scene and to be part of a growing culture in Ottawa. And who wouldn't be excited about the bidding and networking? It's almost like being part of an episode of Sex and the City, you know, minus Manhattan as a backdrop. That said, stay tuned for the City's decisions regarding the Arts Court redevelopment plans and of course, how Ottawa plans to expand the Ottawa Art Gallery.

"You are invited to the ‘party’ of the year! An exciting annual art extravaganza which features over 60 original works of art from some of the region’s most talented visual and media artists. Cocktails and delicious appetizers are served by innovative local restaurants and caterers. The excitement in the room is palpable as the enthusiastic crowd of “le pArty-ers” bid on outstanding works of art. We guarantee an unforgettable evening of art, fun, and fierce bidding.


Funds raised are dedicated to Public Educational Programs, connecting children and families to the exciting world of modern and contemporary visual art."

Thursday 2 June 2011

6:00 to 8:30 pm

The Ottawa Art Gallery

2 Daly Avenue

Tickets $85