PPABC--hurrah!

Congratualtions to myself!

I have been informed that I am accepted to PPABC. For non-photographers and readers who missed the previous corresponding post, PPABC stands for Professional Photographers Association of British Columbia and the organization's mandate is to nurture growth among photographers and maintain a high standard for the industry.

The requirements for the entry portfolio were so detailed. I was impressed by the standard they are setting. Joining this association will forever change the way I photograph.

I want to thank my father and Auntie Sef who have been bugging me to join a professional photographer's association for years. I have done it and am very happy where I am.

There is a convention Image Quest 2009 at the Riverrock Hotel, Richmond, in March. I am a seminar/lecture geek. I can't wait!

artist's marketing group

Weeks ago when I was researching online for ways to promote my artworks, I bumped into a website www.artbizconnection.com that offers a complimentary programme for artists to follow. The gist of it is that artists can form groups and follow a 3-month programme to promote their artworks as a group effort.

At that time I dismissed the idea immediately, and continued doing my independent research and work. After some time, I suddenly felt passionate about the project. I revisited the website and read all the text hungrily.

Now I have recruited 5 other committed fellow artists, and will begin our communal quest to a better artistic career on 3 Feb, 2009. We shall meet bi-weekly for 3 months.

I am very excited to meet other artists in town, and to develop a social rapport for an often-misunderstood profession.

Being an artist is never a linear path. In fact, the more linear an artist's path is, the less likely she is to succeed.

Very thankful

The past few days have been a whirlwind.

Not only having out-of-town guests to entertain, but I also have meetings and PPABC applications to prepare for. Definitely it's wonderful to stay busy, although it means some art-making time has been sacrificed.

I went to a talk on Jeff Wall by Ian Wallace at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesday. Being a long-time friend of Wall's, Wallace chose a light and conversational approach with the audiences. The talk definitely generated my interest to learn more about this master who has an impenetrable presence at the University of British Columbia.

I am very glad I went.

PPABC

Tonight I went to my first PPABC meeting. For non BC photographers, PPABC is an association for professional photographers in the province of British Columbia.

There was minor frustration getting to the meeting because of the rush hour traffic and the impenetrable fog. However, when I arrived though, my hot temper was melted by friendly faces.

Tonight's topic was on the Annual Salon Competition. I brought several images for critiques. I am glad I left my ego at home but tugged my open mind along.

Working alone too much and having only clients to please made me lose focus. I only know what my clients like and buy. That's all good, yet not the best way to push myself to the next level. Judging my images against Salon requirements has suddenly made most of my images not measuring up.

An awareness first. And then there's growth.

A quickie at the Fraser River

Vancouver has been living in dense fog for the past week.

This afternoon, I took a quick trip to the Fraser River and was once again struck by how beautiful Vancouver is. I am sorry that it was such a brief break.

Supposedly the weather will stay this week, and I may still be able to take advantage of the spectacular weather.

Kitsilano Beach painted in gold

Last October just before I left for Hong Kong, Vancouver once again proved to me how beautiful it is. The entire city was golden with the autumn foliage, so dazzling romantic.

I remember that one afternoon, finishing a class or a meeting. I had this thin slot, and dashed out to Kitsilano Beach to catch the gold during the golden hour.

I am thankful to this day for having gone out that day.

Thank you for the beautiful wedding

Just came back from a romantic wedding of Vincent and Winnie.

It was a quiet and intimate affair, the ceremony taken place at the charming Minoru Chapel in Richmond B.C., Canada. The love they had for each other was flowing abundantly out of their eyes. They just couldn't contain it. Here I mean metaphorically, not with tears.

They were definitely not shy as they did not make a fuss whenever guested requested a kiss between the newlyweds.

I did their pre-wedding session in September. Here are a few that have never been published. And one from the actual wedding today. More will come.

Thank you again Vincent and Winnie for a beautiful affair on a grey rainy Vancouver winter day.

doctor vigari gallery

"Can you play with me? I" from the Vancouver Art Box Show(left in the image) is now available at the Doctor Vigari Gallery on Commercial Drive, Vancouver.

The drawing is at this new retail outlet along with another original drawing and many framed/unframed prints.

After I dropped them off on Sunday morning, I received a phone call from Laurie the gallery manager shortly afterwords. In 1.5 hours, she had already sold 3 prints.

Sunday was a good day...

http://www.doctorvigarigallery.com/

erotic art gallery

4 drawings of my series "Terrible Beauty" were published on the online erotic art gallery.

http://eroticartgallery.blogspot.com

I submitted to their non-erotic gallery. They then placed the series in a more appropriate(?) setting.

Seeing my drawings among stimulating images of breasts, buttocks, penises and vaginas, a loss of control over one's artworks hit home. Using nudity in these drawings as a tool to explore the concept of female youth and beauty, I did not for one second imagine these drawings "erotic." They are...sensual but not sexual?

Having my "sensual art" being categorized as erotic art, I remembered how little control the artist has once her artworks are out in the public. Her toil and soul are vulnerable for the public to speculate, to criticize, and to make whatever comments that might fit their agendas.

I remembered why art students are trained to write concise artist statement, a desperate attempt to restrain the arena of attacks from the public and from the critics.

I am truly happy that my art exists in yet another cyber space, be it erotic art gallery or kids ABC. Thank you for publishing the drawings. Maybe I will now try to submit to the non-erotic art gallery.

The snow persists...

It's been solidly snowing for three weeks. Vancouverites, including myself, are truly incompetent when it comes to living with the snow. Last night power went out at my place. I was only one of the thousands of families who went through the night without electricity.

I have mixed feelings towards the snow, but here is one that relates to art:

I was studio-bound due to the snow many days. There was a week of which I was inside completely for 5 days. Being forced to be closed by 4 walls to produce works reminded me why I make art. The intensive relationship I rekindled with my artworks was refreshing and powerful.

I asked myself if I were given the choice to lead a life of world travel and merriment, and that of making artworks, which would I choose.

I would choose the latter, and I remembered why.


Vancouver is truly beautiful when covered with snow, here are two photographs of Queen Elizabeth Park.