Must see gallery show at Telephone Gallery

Of all the posts this author has posted on this blog this post is without doubt the one I am most qualified to write. Simply because it has works of art that include working with glass and structured textiles (free-motion embroidery is a structured textile) that is two materials of sculpture I know well.

LIZZ ASTON – paper burn-out, porcelain and AMANDA PARKER – kiln cast glass works are must see as they represent iconographic workouts of the long standing tension of making in craft materials in Canada. porcelain is not a regular stable of the educational environment in Canada, and although it is taught, often it is up to the student to refine the process and its particular issues themselves. While kiln cast glass represents a smaller section of the Ontario formal training in glass working. At the province's largest glass school it occupies the smallest square footage, and at the the largest resident artist program in the province kiln cast glass casting still occupies the smallest footage. (this I am completely know, as I designed the facility - of course with other glass people - but I had to make the final square footage decisions, and I do wish I would have allotted more footage and equipment to kiln cast glass making)

On to the works... the works of both persons are well created technically - and that in itself is an amazing accomplishment, glass is a material that takes years to come to terms with in the ability to understand the working of the material to a com-positional state that inherits the reasoning and artistic elements the work stated from within the mind of the creator. Porcelain working is much the same and abstracted porcelain - works that simply do not concern themselves with wall thickness and/or vessel creation, is that much more difficult.

Why must see, well the works have the indelible mark of thought tempered hands, an achievement of the mix of craft and art. The works also are of International calbrie. In the late 90's Canada's craft and art schools had a wonderful mix of foreign and native collaborations. The amount of these efforts has reduced much in the past decade.

I will not go into the artisic reasons for any of the works, but leave that to the gallerist, I could not do the the area justice as I do not know the artists.

To see works with this much thought you probably would have to travel to Seto Japan the world epicenter of such works now, but you can see it in the Junction.

And buying the works, well that would be a good thing, as the buying of professional craft or material based art is simply not about the physical work, although the tactile and visual quality of this work must be great. When purchasing such works you are delving into yourself, the culture of our existence, and promoting the continence of the questioning and thought about what it is to be just about anything you can think of. Material art which is once again beginning to shape much of what people can really connect too, is presently a bargain now in purchase cost. Some local Toronto galleries are concerning themselves with developing this. Sure most craft works do not achieve this goal but these two works do. (pictured below)

A while ago this gallery was showing the work of another glass artist, and the galleries interpretation of glass material art in the choice of work from the artists body really had me scared. The exposition of glass art in Toronto, which has always been a problem, can use good curation such as put to use in this show.



info from the gallery on the show.













Household Notions*

LIZZ ASTON – paper burn-out, porcelain
NOELLE HAMLYN – free-motion embroidery
PAM LOBB – mixed media printmaking
DORIE MILLERSON – needle lace
AMANDA PARKER – kiln cast glass GAAC link

Nov 30, 2011 – Jan 28, 2012

Opening Party & Holiday Cheer:
Thurs, Dec 1st, 6 - 9pm

Also attend the grand opening of ARTiculations (art supplies, workshops, exhibitions). Same night until 10pm. (2928 Dundas St West).

Whether inspired by a character in a contemporary novel or by the ability of thread to link elements together, a narrative quality runs through each of the works in Household Notions. Textiles have a rich history that speaks to women and craft. These multi-layered sculptures explore domestic textiles, (including needlework and crochet) as well as the personal relationships, memories, and attachments that are formed with handmade objects, and the narratives that can be created with them. Alternative mediums such as glass, paper and porcelain expand upon our expectations of conventional textile patterns and constructions. Just as fabrics can degrade and fade with time, some textile references have been deconstructed, leaving residual impressions that reflect upon the absence of the object. Overall themes of exploration in this exhibition include fragility, intimacy, strength and tension.

* Notions are small items for household use such as needles, buttons and thread. A notion can also be a belief, an idea or a whim. (Here’s a household notion for you: Call your mother.)

BiographiesLizz Aston holds an Advanced Diploma from the Sheridan Institute of Technology - Crafts and Design, Textiles Major (2009) and is currently completing a residency at Harbourfront Centre (Artist-in-Residence, Textile Studio). Aston recently received the Kingcrafts/Lady Flavelle Scholarship from the Ontario Crafts Council and her work is currently featured in Love Lace, International Lace Award, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.Noelle Hamlyn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2009) and an Advanced Diploma in Crafts and Design, Textile Major, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (2007). She is currently a member of the Contemporary Textile Co-Op, 401 Richmond, Toronto, Ontario and her work is currently featured in Love Lace, International Lace Award, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.

Pam Lobb holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art, from the University of Guelph, Ontario (2007) and a Bridging the Gap, Certificate Course, OCAD, Toronto (2009). Lobb has won several awards in 2011 including Best of Show, Art on the Street in Guelph, and Best of Artwork on Paper, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.Dorie Millerson holds a Master of Fine Arts in Craft, (Textiles), NSCAD University (2003) and is an Associate of the Ontario College of Art & Design (Hon.), Fibre (2000). She has exhibited extensively nationally and internationally and is currently Assistant Professor (CLTA), Faculty of Design, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario.Amanda Parker holds an Advanced Diploma, Crafts and Design, Glass Program, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (2010). She also holds a Diploma in Applied Arts, Interior Design also from Sheridan Institute (2002). Parker recently completed a printmaking in glass workshop with Jeffrey Sarmiento, Pratt Fie Arts Center, Seattle, Washington and has been featured in numerous exhibitions in Ontario and British Columbia.

HOURS
Tues by appt.
Wednesday and Saturday 11am - 6pm
Thursday and Friday 11am - 7pm



TELEPHONE BOOTH GALLERY
3148 Dundas Street West - Toronto - Ontario - M6P 2A1
(The Junction, Dundas at St. John's Rd.)
T 647 270 7903 - www.telephoneboothgallery.ca

Contact: Sharlene Rankin, Director
sharlene@telephoneboothgallery.ca

Police Liaison meeting Dec 13th 2011

Topper Linen Supply comments on community value and being a good neighbour

Posted below is a comment by Tim Topornicki Owner Topper Linen Supply concerning primarily his firms parking of trucks on the sidewalk.  (original post click here)

As some readers of this blog state I often push just too much for industrial and residential mixed uses in the greater Junction area,  something I feel is necessary for the complete success of of the community.

Well this author offers the comment posted by Mr Topornicki as a particularly good description and of just how beneficial to the greater Junction area this mix is.

From Mr Topornicki's  Topper Linen Supply  and St Helens Meats - another family business, this works for the Junction, and his concern for the truck parking is great.

Yet I guess in my earlier post I should have thought (and added to the 1st post - sorry) that his lot would be used by residents for off business hours parking, after all I see it all the time at Canadian Eastern Rogers Ltd on Vine Ave.

He is also right in his indication that the Junction cannot afford to lose any more commercial or industrial business efforts and with it the local good paying jobs.

In his comment he writes...

If there is anything else I can do, just let me know. I will be glad to help

just great eh!

Thanks for the comment.



 

Posted in the comments by Tim Topornicki Owner Topper Linen Supply, moved up to a post to so it gains a wider readership.
I apologize for blocking the sidewalks. I speak to my drivers EVERY Tuesday about being aware of our situation. Also I ask them to be very careful, and watch for the elderly, especially the two German lady’s who have been on Mulock for many many years. The option for us to move is not available since an acre of land is about 750,000.00 to 1,000,000.00. We would require 2-3 acres, plus the building of a 25 million plant. We are a 56 year old family business, and simply cannot afford that kind of money. I like the Junction, since we are able to get workers to come to our plant easily. When my Dad opened his 5000 sq foot plant in 1968, he was allowed outside storage. Maple Leaf Mills across from us employed 750 plus people, but were driven crazy with there flour mill by residents and city officials. They left and went to Ingersol. So did the jobs. Benjamin Moore also had many problems with residents and the city. They left and went to Kitchener, with 300 plus jobs. Canada Bread is leaving for the same reasons, and going to Hamilton with 650 jobs. Topper Linen and National Rubber are the only ones left of any size in this area. I like the Junction area, and want to stay. Cleaning the streets and snow plowing is easy, and just the way I am. I like to see everything nice and neat. If there is anything else I can do, just let me know. I will be glad to help. We are neighbours, and I also never complain when my lot is used for residents parking after hours and on the weekend. I do not need it on the weekend, so parking is OK. I have also called the city on many occasions to have speed bumps put in, so the auto shops do not speed down our street. There are kids playing. Thanks for listening, Merry Christmas, Tim Topornicki

 

Topper linen

Budget with Councillors Perks and Doucette Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 from 7 pm - 9 pm at the Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton School (1515 Bloor Street West)

 

Councillors Perks and Doucette (Ward 1) are holding roundtable meetings hosting on the upcoming City of Toronto Budget.

The Councillors are saying the meeting is a workshop with residents and community leaders about how to protect and build the essential services which make Toronto great. Topics to include city services and delivering and funding same.

Date: Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 from 7 pm - 9 pm

Place: Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton School (1515 Bloor Street West), in the 3rd floor staff room.

They want people register though Councillor Perks' Office. by e-mailing councillor_perks@toronto.ca or calling 416-392-7919.

For the weekend

Monster LED Boards - Public Consultation Wednesday December 14th, at Toronto City Hall

 

Monster LED Boards - Public Consultation
Wednesday December 14th, at Toronto City Hall
6:30 to 9:30pm

Additional information:
Sign Bylaw Unit
416-392-8000
signbylawunit@toronto.ca

The ad industry will argue that the proposal results in a net reduction in signage. This is not true. The new signs are much much more intrusive, brighter, and larger than anything we've ever seen in these neighbourhoods. Advertising is not measured in square feet alone. It's measured by effectiveness, obtrusiveness, brightness, etc. There is no gain for residents, in this proposal. Many of us have learned how to ignore or 'tune out' the old paper billboards. But the new LED Boards are impossible to ignore.

Also note:

1) The LED Boards pose a danger to all road-users, as they are designed to distract drivers.

2) The LED Boards consume enormous amounts of energy - far more than the ones they are removing.

Please make sure your voice is heard. Please attend the public consultation meeting

Interesting store Dr. Jamie's bike clinic

http://drjamiesbikeclinic.com

Go up to the window and have a peek it's a wonder inside, have take the blogs bike here.

Located at 2741 Dundas St West.



 

 

Articulations art store opens today

Guts is what it takes to open a art supply shop these days. Its long hours and stock choice and mix is difficult to achieve the right as to the never ending changing needs of artists. Toronto has a range of art shops and suppliers of materials including some which have a long history such as Currys and Above Ground, but the Junction has missed out on having one since Booths hobby shop closed down decades ago.

The proprietors have planned workshops as part of the business model, a plan that has work for the Wise Daughters Craft Shop.

The patronage and success of this shop should be a real bellwether to strength of the Junctions art culture.

Really hope they add in house services to professional artists in the community such as a parcel express pick up point for UPS and FedEx. Maybe a packing service to go along with this. These simple services, which are often provided by good art supply houses in Europe and Asia, would be very helpful and time and money saving for local professional artists. Right now local artists have to trip out for at least just over an hour to take works out packing and or shipping. Personally the author has to do this several times a week and would gladly pay for such as service.

And hopefully (and this is a personal wish) will stock D’Ache drawing products it would be great to be able to buy their hard dry pastels and pencils locally.



about us from their site, ARTICULATIONS is a locally run art store located in the heart of Toronto’s Junction neighborhood. We are creative navigators here to provide you with art supplies, cool art workshops, and creative exhibitions.

link to there opening events on their site.

Counterpoint - Should the city library be your neighbourhood Blockbuster between

Counterpoint - Should the city library be your neighbourhood Blockbuster between Councillor Mike Del Grande and Councillor Sarah Doucette




Reported from the National Post newspaper

Should the city library be your neighbourhood Blockbuster? Should it be well stocked with non-English materials? Budget chief Mike Del Grande posed the provocative questions on Tuesday to illustrate the kind of frank conversation he thinks the public library should have about how it spends its money. In a point-counterpoint, Mr. Del Grande makes his case, and Councillor Sarah Doucette, a member of the library board, offers her rebuttal. An excerpt of their comments is below.


Councillor Mike Del Grande, budget chief “I ask this question again: 25% of circulation budget is for DVDs and movies. Should the city library become a Blockbuster? Is that what we should be doing? Is that our core program, or is that program creep? What proportion of our budget should go for non-English movies and books? An argument can be made that this is what makes the city great, but I would dare say our common language is English, we’re spending tons of money for ESL, should we not have a discussion of how much of the library budget should go for non-English resources? ’Cause then we say we don’t have enough, if you don’t deal with your basic first, how can you be doing all these other things? Should I be able to go the library and borrow Pirates of the Caribbean, latest release, which every single library has? Should the library be closed on Sunday when we’re paying our people double time? If we are to be an international language library then let’s talk about how we do that, but right now we’re a computer centre, we’re in the movie business, we’re in the circulation business of non-English language and programming. My issue is: what’s our fundamentals? Now the library is becoming ‘the community centre.’ Is the library to be our community centre? What do we do with our community centres? We have to have some fundamental, frank discussions. By the way, the top borrowing of movies is in the Hindi language.”

Councillor Sarah Doucette, member of the library board “We have books in Chinese, at Swansea Memorial Branch we ask them to be in French because we have a school down the street teaching French. The videos are all over the spectrum. It’s not just first-rung movies, it’s documentaries, in all different languages. We also have a city librarian and staff who select. It’s not up to council to critique what they think they need for each branch. I guess it depends on what you think a library is. As I’ve been saying for many months now, a library is no longer a room full of books. It’s the computers where people can come to get jobs, can improve their education. Some of the videos and CDs are how-to videos. We’ve got the newspapers, magazines, a wide variety of things. It’s where we do programming, people learn English, children learn how to read. It’s a hub of a community, it’s a cooling centre in the summer, it’s somewhere where you can go in the winter. Non-English movies? I agree with [having] that completely because we don’t all speak English. Hollywood movies, I’m sure there’s a small proportion of that, but it brings people into the branch.”

Full story


Posted in: City Hall, Posted Toronto Tags: Blockbuster Inc., Local Politics, Media, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Swansea, Toronto