The gallery co-ordinator did a fantastic job on the displays, and you can see more photos from the exhibition here.  I tried to submit work that would appeal to the younger audiences this exhibit would bring in, and the show went well, sales-wise.  More than anything I was glad to have been asked to submit.    

To let the wee ones know a little more about each artist, and art in general, the Gallery also had us fill out a fun questionnaire.  Here are the questions and my responses:

1. How old were you when you started making art?

Probably around four years old, though it could have been younger--I honestly don't remember a time when I wasn't drawing or colouring or doing something visual. 

2. What made you decide to become an artist?

It sounds silly, but the thing that got me interested in art at an early age was the music video for the a-ha song "Take On Me", which was partially animated in a loose, pencil sketch style.  The video blended filmed live action with drawn, comic-book style backgrounds that literally made up another world.  The fact that real life images and detail were being represented so beautifully by such simple marks fascinated me.  I couldn't believe people had actually drawn it, and wanted to someday approach that level of realism and magic.

3. What do you like the most about being an artist?

 Besides the ability it affords me to make a living in a creative way, the thing I like best about art is the ability to tell a story in a single image. To use a flat page of paper and turn into something that communicates emotion or narrative is a wonderful challenge, and a thrill when you pull it off.

4. How would you describe your art?

 My art is a humourous blend of retro warmth with a modern sensibility.  I strive to make my images as photo-realistic as possible, without losing the dynamism, story or emotion behind the image in unnecessary details.  

5. What advice do you have for kids who are interested in becoming artists?

Don't stop drawing.  Do something creative every day, and you'll be amazed at where it can lead you.  More than being a talent, I think art is a skill, and it's one you can really sharpen with enough practice.    

So that’s the scoop on the Start with Art exhibition! My most heartfelt thanks go out to the Gallery, and especially the gallery co-ordinator for seeking me out, and creating something beautiful. 

Stay tuned to the blog, there’s a bunch of stuff coming up, like the long promised SNL entry, some more commissions, as well as some information on a recent collaboration with a brilliant up-and-coming punk band. 

Thanks for reading, I love you.