January, I had a break but February is twice as good \m/

The February 2011 artist of the month, Peter Beste is a photographer from Texas, now situated in New York City. As someone who seems to be passionate about music, he's documented various scenes such as his well know work on the Huston Rap scene and The Black Metal scene in Norway (a subject after my own heart).

I have quite a great deal or respect for the way Beste goes about capturing his subject. With the example of his work on the black metal scene, he spent over 7 months in Norway living alongside his subjects. He wanted to truly encompass what black metal was, not only through the stereotyped images of corpse paint and dark forests, but how it blends into everyday life there as well. He's managed to capture some of the most beautiful and haunting images I've ever seen while also illuminating the beauty of Norway in contrast. This is a pretty sincere complement considering my taste in photography tends to be few and far between.

He stated in an interview: "I think it's important to show the different sides of these people, because they obviously aren't all bad and satanists. Black metal is far more complex than that, and so are my subjects."

If you want to see more, check out:
http://www.peterbeste.com/home/
http://bestephoto.tumblr.com/

December 2010 - My Top 10 Canadian Bands/Musicians

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I decided to look into the art of Canadian music for the end of the year. These are my top 10 in no particular order:

1) The Dreadnoughts ~ I've seen this Vancouver cider punk band at least 3 times and each performance has been uplifting, rowdy and wild. Makes you want to do a little polka jig without even thinking about it.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vancitydreadnoughts
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scNWC2yBx_k&feature=related

2) 3 Inches Of Blood ~ This metal band (also from Vancouver) was an instant favorite when I saw them headlining for COF in Montreal while they were just starting out. 4 albums later, they still fucken rock and I hope they keep going for years to come.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/3iob
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h60sAgVOvc

3) Mogli ~ This Nova Scotia folk punk artist's performance @ Kent house past valentines day was pretty much what hooked me to the folk punk genera. So raw with emotion, singing of gender issues, friendships, frugal living and maritime scenery. I love every note.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/moglidavid
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svu508fkNGk

4) Jersey Hurtt ~ An Ottawa folk punk and street performer, seen allot with the Skid Kids is one of my local favorites. I'd go to see a show only for him, even when he's usually an opening act. This is the music change is built on.
Myspace :http://www.myspace.com/jerseyhurtt
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svu508fkNGk

5) Insurrection ~ This Gatineau Death metal band is insane. I haven't seen a front man perform as amazing as Stef does in a long time! If you ever get to see them live it's well worth it. Just be weary of the crazy crowd of devoted Quebec metal heads. No lack of headbanging, that's for certain.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/insurrectionmetal
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ErHEwwKttE

6) The Brains ~ The Brains are an awesome psychobilly band from Montreal. Creative bass lines , catchy choruses and great style! If these psychos can't get you up to dance, I don't know what will.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebrains
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js5IlBNLSZQ&feature=related

7) Buried Inside ~ Although unfortunately no longer a band, Buried inside was and influential forerunner of the Ottawa hardcore scene for years and had a large following for good reason. I was lucky enough to catch their final show and it's a night I'll never forget.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/buriedinside
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVvJvl7eJSc

8) Kataklysm ~ Another amazing Quebec death metal band that has gained world recognition through their intense pulsating riffs. Loved these guys since I was 14.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kataklysm
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5F6vpcgu0M

9) The Creepshow ~ This local Toronto act was one the confirmed my love for psychobilly once and for all. Their strong and sassy female vocalist Sarah who also plays guitar fronts a band of talented and creative musicians that leave you no choice but to get up and dance.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thecreepshow
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu3Rfc9fr-0

10) Nummies ~ If you want nothing but raw Ottawa punk, The Nummies are the shit! Obscene, edgy and always draw a crowd. Live is the only way to see them in all their glory.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nummiesfuckyou
Live Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKeaHZPNlP0

I've probably left out a bunch of Canadian bands that I love but these seemed to be the first 10 that came straight to mind. There really is a wealth of unappreciated musical talent in this country. Enjoy guys.

November 2010 Artist of the month

Joel-Peter Witkin is a New York photographer now based in New Mexico where he reciever his Fine Arts Degree. His depictions of death, dismemberment, deformities, corpses, transsexuals and hermaphrodites is quite a selling point for me and any other Macabre lovers I'm sure.

His beautiful black and gray photographs capture light and shadow with a morbid grace with the feeling that they've been worn and weathered. Taking interest in recalling famously painted religious or classical works, being surrounded by his work work be like entering a historical creepshow. He has been exhibiting from 1980-2010 and I encourage you to see his work if you ever get the chance.

If you'd like to read or see more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel-Peter_Witkin

http://www.edelmangallery.com/witkin.htm

October 2010 Aritst of the Month

Phlegm is a 28y old artist based in Sheffield UK. Phlegm is a cartoonist and illustrator who associates himself with the underground art and graffiti scene. Creating most of his comic work with pen and ink (which he puts out every 4 months), he only douses his work in color on murals and prints.

Watch him paint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuykvwMAHWk&feature=player_embedded

See his blog: http://phlegmcomicnews.blogspot.com/

September Artist of the month 2010

Louis Wain

This English artist (1860-1939) is best known for drawings of wide eyed cats. In his later years he suffered from schizophrenia which is slightly apparent in some of his older works. Almost every work he does makes your expression soften and think awwwwwwwww! which gives it a lighter feel than other works of its time. Louis maintained a jovial air to his work throughout his career despite a critical attitude towards it by experts and critics. Although he was very successful, this disapproving view is what kept him classified as an underground artist.

Read More:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Wain
http://www.outsiderart.co.uk/wain.htm

For Lack of August Artist of the Month...

http://inaspoon.com/
Check out this crazy collection of works.

July 2010 artist of the Month - Kent Williams

July 2010 Artist of the Month - Kent Williams

Known best for his modern day figurative work, he's added expressionistic elements to his appealing realism, creating strong dynamic visuals. With their out of the ordinary timid or provocative poses, his models situate themselves in their drab void surroundings quite openly composing works I've fallen in love with.

To see more, visit http://www.kentwilliams.com/