Friday, December 17, 2010

Back by popular demand


SO, I haven't blogged in so long that I forgot my password. what an ordeal.


What I've noticed from reading older blog posts is that I have a LOT of ideas....but not a lot of follow through. How does one rectify that? Am I the only one that suffers from this inability to finish anything I start? It seems there are people out there that finish things. There are buildings and bridges and ... open heart surgeries being finished up as we speak! how do they do it?.....perhaps the threat of death is good incentive. My friend Mandy said she was going to silence of the lambs me if I didn't keep producing work. Since I've never seen silence of the lambs I'm assuming it means quite, well behaved lambs are going to keep me company while I work.

That would be nice.

Maybe that's just what I need! a pet. Clearly that's what my life is lacking. If I had something to take care of it would give my life more purpose and focus....because then I'd have to keep my pet alive...so I'd have to make enough money to feed it. I had better not get anything too big to start out with. Just a gerbil or something.

or an ant farm.

...

I can't deal with this pressure. A pet's a terrible idea. Stupid Mandy.

Monday, October 18, 2010

um ..so this is funny






This post is going to be random funny and or awesome things.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kelUCEcdO8M
....
and this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3bRPHPQsOs&feature=player_embedded

SWEET jesus. I should recruit these guys for my book. I thought I was gay ... and then I saw these. and my life changed forever. these guys make me look like a trucker named earl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSlIorJDqz0

This is the other thing that I wanted to post today...incredible. The attention to detail is unreal. I'm gonna admit I cried a little when the grey haired woman steps out onto the runway, it was so beautiful and unexpected! There is something about Guo Pei's work that makes me feel...like life can be surreal. The blue dress that I posted a picture of is actually my favorite, and it's all because of the way the model stands at the end on the runway. Look at the line she creates with her body....she's a masterpeice

I was doing research because my friend is having a asian inspired party and i told her i would make her a dress as a birthday gift. unless someone can lend me 300 Chinese children for the week I won't be able to make one of these for her though...

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Back on Track




SOOOooooo it's been a while, how are you my blog following friends? good? excellent. I am also good. Contrary to my last blog that delineated all the drama of the past few months. If you're unaware, let me get you up to speed.

I am now the visual presentation peron at the Bay! yay. I dress all the manikins and its a crazy lot of work but its super fun and its pretty good hours (I'm starting to get used to getting up at 5:30) Although I find myself going to bed at 10 on weekends now because I'm so freakin tired by that time due to my work schedule. Anyways all is well. I think they really like me and it's very creative which I think will be good for my personal practice.

That's enough about boring Bay stuff. I've decided to write a little book! I know you're all thrilled. It is going to be 'things every gay man should know' or something to that effect. My buddy Preston got a book at chapters called 'Things every man should know' and it's really cute. it teaches you how to change a tire, tie a tie, hmm, i can't remember all the things, but it's cool. As we were flipping through it I just kept thinking how funny it would be to make one for a gay man, because it would be totally different.

Here are some of my ideas.

1) How to cabaret
2) advice on male skincare
3) Dressing appropriately flamboyant for every occasion
4) Tweesing your brows
5) Man-scaping (like landscaping but for homo hair)
6) Cruising
7) A short concise history of Bet, Barbara, Liza, and Judy- just to throw around at parties
8) Arranging flowers
9) The drag wig that will best suit your face shape

Thats all i can think of right now, I'm sure that there are many many more. I know its clique but it would be really funny. And I probably won't know about all the thinks on my list so I'll have to do research too. It'll help me be a more stereotypical character of a gay man, lol

What are some other ideas guys??? post your ideas!!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

A Clusterfuck of Life


As some of you may know, in the last two weeks I've had my brand new $400 bike stolen, lost my job at the hotel, and almost broke up with Geoffrey.

I believe my status was 'going down down down in a burning ring of kyle' which my clever friend Mry came up with as we drowned my sorrows in bottles of Kokanee.

The last few days have been somewhat better and I've taken action in a few regards. I went back to the hotel on Monday and demanded severance. After calling the Alberta Labor Board and clarifying a few things, I learned that they didn't have 'just cause' to let me go and therefore I was entitled to two weeks paid severance. The terms of my dismissal were nothing short of preposterous (If you're curious, we'll discuss it over coffee some time) so they really didn't have a leg to stand on when it came to severance- I suppose they just thought that I wouldn't look into it....they were wrong.
(Technically my friend Mandy called the labor board and figured it all out....I was a little upset... but anyways...)

Now on to bigger and better things. I have a position at the Bay as a visual presentation person if I want it. It seems like a pretty good job, I would be in charge of dressing all the manikins in the whole store, I wouldn't have to fold or hang clothes, or dress customers or anything. It would be pretty creative as well and I think I would like it.

In other news... Geoffrey and I are still together. It was touch and go there for a bit. But we're okay now I think.

Status update on bike: still stolen.

I have some apprehensions about working full time. That was the nice thing about being a bartender. I made enough money to work part time and then have lots of time to make art. It concerns me that I may no longer have the time/energy to do much of my own work anymore. Sigh. I'm not sure what to do. It seems like a good idea to get experience in my 'field' I put that in quotes because in some ways it's still not really my field ... but it's applicable I suppose. I know I sound like a big whiny baby, I just don't really want to compromise my artistic practice. Someone once said to me, never work harder for somebody else than you do for yourself....and that would be essentially what I'm doing. That being said, I could consider this experience working for myself in a way since I would get a lot of creative control over the way the store looks.

More other news- I'm designing pocket squares! The little bits of colored fabric that men put in there jacket pockets. I did four designs and have been hired by a new company just starting out. The designs are being manufactured and sold internationally! Pretty jazzy eh? Maybe I'll only work at the Bay until I'm a full time pocket square designer. .. . it seems very likely.

i better start wearing pocket squares...

A couple posts ago I talked about making me and Geoff unicorn costumes for Montreal based on the image I posted... Well, they're done! (They've been done for a while... and we've worn them and ..stuff. but anyways, here they are) Geoff made us hula hoops to match. We were the cutest unicorns...definitely the gayest.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Bedtime is for idea monsters.


Oh idea monsters. how you haunt me. As I fall asleep at night I think of all the beautiful things I will make when I wake up in the morning. Then I wake up... and do yoga, and eat, and bum around, and my idea monsters remain fictional. I went to school today to try and make art. I succeeded in failure. dammit. I'm home now, and I've brought what I'm working on home with me to try and keep going with it. I'm not going to tell you what it is just yet....because I don't know if it will work, but if it does it'll be awesome! (this isn't the unicorn costume, I haven't gotten the stupid fabric for those yet)

Who here has heard of Elie Saab? Damn I like his stuff. It's so flowy and pretty and interesting. I seem to have a hard time with flowy things. I really like structure and when I design it always seems to be very structured silhouettes. I need more flowy in my life. Yes flowy is a word. Don't judge me. I was thinking about using the word flouncy but that seemed too gay.

Anyways, if you're interested, check out more of his stuff, it's pretty epic.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Fear of retaliation


Okay, so it's officially been a REALLY long time since I've blogged. I kept thinking about it and then got scared and then wouldn't. What was I scared of? retaliation? That's silly. It's not like my blog is going to angrily retaliate like ..library books, or student loans, or house plants, when you neglect them. . (okay, house plants don't really angrily retaliate, they just die....which is sad for both of us...and the books themselves don't either....just their bitter lenders..) I'm not a big fan of structure since I tend to be quite negligent (you may have noticed) I probably should never work in a bank...or a hospital... with my 'it's good enough, I'll finish later' attitude.

At least I'm aware of these follies. Anyways, the purpose of this blog is to talk fashion, and talk fashion I shall. I just (almost) finished a wedding dress for my hairdresser. She's getting married in a refurbished barn near Canmore. The dress is entirely lace, with a low back and deep V in the front. It's quite lovely, and looks really good on her. Her mom and grandma came over to see it last week and cried with happiness. I was really nervous....as with most brides, mom's opinion means everything, luckily, Amy's mom loved the dress. Some minor changes and final fittings and I will have completed my first wedding dress! weeee. What next you ask, well if you must know I am making Geoff and I unicorn costumes for gay pride in Montreal. I've ordered baby pink and baby blue PVC vinyl online and am going to make them as soon as I get it. I'm going to be pink, geoff will be blue. I ordered the stupid fabric online and payed the astronomical shipping fees, only to the next day find the exact same fabric in the same colors at fabric land in the NE. I was so fucking mad. Anyways, I've enclosed a picture of the costume....

I realize I don't have this guys body... Although maybe if I carry my car to work and only eat celery for the next 3 weeks I might. But, if that doesn't happen, my current body will have to make due. What do you think bloggers? good idea? Any recommendations on how to make the hooves? I'm still trying to work that one out...

oxox

Kyle the Negligent.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

been a while....


I got lost in my brain and haven't emerged in a couple weeks, sorry. This has been a confusing month. I finished my 40 day yoga challenge. Now I can float and buddha and I have tea on a higher plain of existence.

...well, not exactly I suppose. I can only float on weekends, and only during a full moon. This is what yoga teaches you-those of you who have never done it.

I jest of course. But it was enlightening. I feel........enlightened. Boy this isn't easily deciphered...I guess as I've said before, the journey is the goal. Finishing is rewarding, but it's not the goal. I really had serious up's and down's. I definitely crashed and burned one week in a big weepy mess,...but was pretty much okay after that happened. It forced me to look inward and reflect on what I really want for my life, my body, my well-being. I'm going to keep it up...not everyday, but several times a week. I like taking the time out of my day to connect. I think it will make me a better artist in the long run. Speaking of art....I made hats for jessica's wedding. They turned out really well I think. Very pretty. I now am working on a wedding dress for my hair dresser. It's pretty, off white lace....very flowy, I'll post pictures when it's done.

I'm also getting my head shots done tomorrow for that acting class I'm taking. I need to try and look....handsome. Tricky. I researched what to wear. Apparently solid bold colors work best, black for a more dramatic look ... *puts away sequence vest, and feather boa....* I was so wrong....

okay, now go make a wedding dress! but first get coffee and have a little nap and text dear friends and paint toe nails and have a sandwich and sweep the living room. Wait wait. make a wedding dress. why is this so hard?

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Hello World Here Comes a Star! sorta


Okay first of all here's the link to the video of my collection.
http://www.youtube.com/user/albertafashionweek#p/u/1/ev6DKrO9veg
I'm also posting a picture that Daniel Tremblay took of one of my hats. It's pretty eh? I love these hats. I'm working on some for Jessica's bridesmaids right now, although they're different (smaller) but still lovely I think.

I also have some off the wall news.....I've decided to get back into acting! I know I know. Focus kyle focus. follow through with your endeavors - becoming a fashion designer- trust me Geoffrey and Katia, I know I know. I just want to shake things up a bit and do something different. I did a diploma in theater when I was in college before I switched to and majored in visual art, so it's not like picking something up from scratch. I just haven't done it in a while, I put it down so I could focus on getting my degree in visual art, but now that I'm done school I thought why not go back and do this other thing that I love and miss so much.

I responded to an add in the paper and all of a sudden I seem to have an agent and am getting head shots done. I'm taking a class on how to audition for film (as it is different than theater) and here we go! I feel like the people in my life think I'm ridiculous, but I suppose it's not there life- it's mine. Jen knows that I used to act and wasn't totally bad at it. She was very encouraging of this I must say. She's my only close friend at present that has seen and enjoyed me on stage. No one else has because I haven't really done it in 5 years.

My awesome dad was really supportive too and has helped my personally and financially (otherwise there was no way I could do it) So with Dad and Jen's support I'm taking the leap! It's not that big of deal, I'm sure I won't be doing it all the time, and like Tiff and Ashley said (they were really excited and supportive too btw) it's not like I'm going to throw my sewing machine away just because I audition for a couple of roles here and there. I'll still do fashion week, and still work towards....something.

I just love most art forms and want to do them all! oh! I have to go, I have to write an epic poem and hula hoop for an hour before work,

oxox

feel free to give me your encouragement bloggers, go knows I'll need it!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Yoga is kicking my ass


Dear god.

Okay, it's not that big of deal physically, yes I'm soar and it is challenging- emotionally it's much much more difficult then I anticipated. The other day a friend said some hurtful (that I may or may not have taken out of context- it is undecided) and it totally sent me into a downward spiral. I was on my mat in class working hard, as I always try to and just all of a sudden dropped my arm in defeat, fell into childs pose and cried. Yeah, awesome I know. What was actually said was very insignificant in the scheme of things, but it just felt like such a huge barrier and made me want to shout "what's the point!!" and leap off my mat in a fit of tears straight to a big plate of pancakes.

That being said, I'm starting to realize the emotional impact of doing an hour and a half of hot yoga everyday. It's a lot more difficult to be with yourself in meditation everyday then you'd expect. Being with the body is easy when compared to being with the mind.

I've concluded that anything that affects change is difficult. Every piece of art that I've toiled over, cryed over, screamed at, or turned my back to, have became the pieces that have shaped my practice and inspired others. Anything easy always falls flat. That being said, I'm about 20 days into yoga. I'm at that difficult half way point that makes me want to run. . It's now that I must stand firm and proceed.

I know a lot of people don't get what I'm talking about. How can yoga be so emotional? What's the big deal? Kyle's a big drama queen. Although that may be true.... this practice does have a very viable, and inexplicable ability to evoke something within yourself that you don't understand or know how to deal with. It really is beyond me to try and express the changes that are actually occurring- and much like that frustrating painting or dress- I don't actually know what the outcome will look like. I assume the outcome will be moving. It might not be pretty, but definitively moving

I see Geoff's eyes glaze over when I talk about yoga- I know he doesn't understand, and I can't fault him for not getting it when I really don't even get it myself. All I know is change is afoot, and I'm glad I have this blog to at least share it with you guys.

If you're eyes are glazed over from reading this, I apologize. When I'm a Yoga superhero that can heal wounds magically with my yoga touch and float from mat to mat you'll be happy you knew of the process.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Kent Monkman: The Triumph of Mischief


I went to the Glenbow with Travis and Jen the other day and viewed the Kent Monkman Exhibition. I really enjoyed it! It's really ... funny, actually. I was laughing out loud and people were looking at me...but I'm pretty sure my response was valid. He painted these epic landscapes and inserted himself in drag surrounded by half naked (or fully naked) cowboys and Satires with erections. It was awesome! I find it's helpful to go and look at art in my off time. It generates ideas about my own practice.

Speaking of my own practice....it's non-existent at the moment. I haven't made anything and haven't really wanted to. I really need to learn consistency. Fashion week was a real push through to the end and now I just feel like doing yoga and drinking coffee.

Do you ever have doubts that you're on the wrong path? I do sometimes. I know I'm good at what I do and I do enjoy it, but I think back to the time when I was in acting and how much I loved it- in high school and college. I was doing really well...and then I got into acad and haven't really acted since. I suppose this is the affliction of a creative person. I want to do everything. all of the time. Why can't I be an actor, a dancer, a yoga practitioner, a clothing designer and film stylist all at the same time?
I shall do nothing instead. That seems to be what I have been doing.

I need a business manager.

Friday, April 16, 2010

ohmygodohmygodohmygod


I totally am such a dork but I'm really excited about who I met last night. I'm trying really hard to be cool about it and not a stupid teenage girl, but I totally danced with this super hot guy named Reid and he plays Haley's boyfriend in the hit TV show Modern Families!!!! He came and asked me if I wanted to dance with him and while we were dancing I told him 'you look a lot like that guy from modern families' and he was like 'i am that guy from modern families' Turns out he's doing a movie here. He's 21 and from Florida originally. Sigh, he's soooooo hot. and we danced for a long time, and I got his phone number (I know I have a bf.... its just friendly. I swear. . . . well.....anyways) I love Modern Families I watch it every week, if you don't, you should, it's really funny. Reid's character and Haley's character are getting back together on the show so we'll be seeing more of him again. I'm not sure if I should have blogged this, I may have just outted him, but I figure since he was at the gay bar, he's not too concerned about being outted. I'm all twitter patted. It's a good thing I don't meet actors everyday, I'm totally in Lala land right now. You know what funny about that? I Totally never thought that meeting celebrities would affect me this way. I imagine myself working with the wordrobe department dressing Jennifer Aniston and Will Smith and being totally cool, and going for lattes with them after the shoot...... apparently it's a lot more exciting.....mind you I probably wouldn't dance at the gay bar with Jennifer or Will, ... so it probably would be less exciting.

That's all I have to say. Fashion is dead to me. I'm going to move away with Reid and become a famous Hollywood socialite. I'd better get my nose done.....

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Ready set go!

40 days starts today! (well, technically it starts tomorrow.) I thought it was today but today was just the meeting. I think that I will be able to attend every class. My schedule works into the yoga schedule fairly easily. The challenge will be to find the strength to go every day I think

I took my first hoop path class last night with Baxter and I am in love. I haven't felt this inspired to move in a long time. I've been feeling really jaded with hooping and this has opened up a whole new way of approaching hoop dance. and movement. and life. It was wonderful. That being said, I think my spine may fall off today. Wholly fuck am I soar, and I still have to more workshops, AND have to do yoga those days.

I better be the hottest mo-fo when I'm done. Or I suppose the hottest homo. Anyways, I am also thinking about doing the Gaymazing Race! It's like the amazing race, but gayer. Its a fundraiser for Calgary Pride. So far my team consists of me, and Katia. I don't think Geoff would be that into it, so we're going to need to find two more gays to complete our team of 4.

As far as fashion is concerned (ie the purpose of this blog) I was hired to style a photo shoot yesterday and it seems to have turned out really well. Noah Fallis and I teamed up and I created a look that was supposed to be urban punk.... but that wasn't very me, so I thought why not take it Urban punk- gone glam! Crazy I know. Well, maybe not that crazy, But I just felt typical urban punk is dead and I wanted to see something new, so- there you have it. punk with pearls and gloves. Fancy. I have photos but I don't know if I can post them.. I'll ask and post them in the next blog if possible. I need to officially shoot my look book from this most recent collection. better get on that.... so much to do with no real deadlines is a dangerous game. . . You know whats more fun than working? watching project runway. And drinking latte's. And blogging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tEw5zIdur4&feature=related look at this. INsane. 80 people 300-400 hours to finish and they cost the price of a modest british home

Saturday, April 3, 2010

hmm death



Well maybe not death but close. I feel the need to cleanse and nourish my poor body..mind and soul, so I've signed up for the 40 day yoga challenge at the Bodhi Tree. I am a little .. . at odds with myself right now. I know that I have to forgive myself for getting a bit out of shape (sewing every day all day all month might may have contributed) and just take steps to feel like myself again, and yoga seemed like a holistic approach. I could use the grounding and sense of community. I believe in balance, self healing, and self love as a method for success. That being said I am committing to 40 consecutive days of yoga. Its hot yoga too. jesus. Anyways I know that anything worth having is worth working for- being a designer- having a healthy body- having a healthy relationship- learning a foreign laungage- (not that I've done that yet, but I will.. .)

This may quickly turn from fashion blog to yoga blog. You don't mind do you? I'm sure it will be amusing at times. Me and my friend Katia discussed the annoyance of don't fart classes. Classes where you spend the whole hour and a half in deep contemplative focus. Not about balance, not about world peace and love- no. The focus lies in attempting to not let out obnoxiously loud farts as you twist and contort your body mere inches away from bodies lying all around you.

A true test of endurance. You also learn the true meaning of forgiveness as people fart next to you. These must be the core lessons of yoga I would imagine.

okay, now on to important news, look at this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz93YmqBJXE&feature=related So SO SO awesome. Dear god, the workmanship. I love all the bead work and luxurious fabrics. It reminds my of soap operas....I don't know why, maybe its the music. I don't mean that in a bad way though. even though that's a terrible comparison. oh dear. anyways, I think what I mean is its sexy, its sophisticated, its a dream. Zuhair Murad paints a portrait of a woman who owns the stars. She wields her power with a light but forceful hand as she commands attention. People follow her not because of her power, but because your knees buckle at every expression. Every motion is as unique as the moment in time with which it is held.

Each piece as an aspect of this woman and each piece loves and excepts her- with all of her fault. With every fallen muted star that falls from her grasp she allows herself to grieve and move forward stronger than before.

It's a true artist that can explore and surface the many aspects of self- the complex diverse emotions of the psyche which are beautifully exemplified by the woman Murad has painted.

Metaphors and farts in the same blog. I've outdone myself.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Yippee Dippee




Neither yippee nor dippee are words, and yet here we are. I went to art school, not word school.

I'm doing a creative with Noah! well, actually I'm going for coffee with Noah to discuss a creative. . . It just occurred to me that I'm not sure if I have any ideas *makes a puzzled face* I usually come up with something. I love working with Noah, it's so much fun- we really bounce off each other well when we're together. I want to spend some time and create something epic. Some really elaborate something. I love Beyonce's blue jacket in the lady gaga telephone video. Its so awesome, its got sequence and chains and sparkles. Everything a girl could want! I'm going to appropriate idea and mash it together with inspiration from Alexander McQueens ship wreck dress. . . so exciting. Lots of texture and color. (I realize Mcqueens dress is white, but my version shall be blue) Anyways I think it'll be blue. I haven't decided. Then we'll photograph it... somewhere fancy. I dunno where, that's Noah's department. I've uploaded a photo of the last creative Noah and I did together, as well as McQueens Shipwreck dress (I saw it at the Met in New York and bawled. amazing) Oh! and here's the link to gaga's video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U at about 8:15 you can see the Jacket I'm talking about. So cool. I know what your thinking- wheat the hell do those to pieces have to do with each other? Just you wait my pretties. It shall be done!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Some runway pics, and random other stuff








I went to the show tonight as a spectator and had a lot of fun! Some times I feel like ... when did I become the cool kid? I feel like everyone knows me and it's neat. I was never super popular so it seems a bit surreal. I'm not complaining, nor am I bragging, I simply find it flattering and some what baffling when people make such a fuss over me. I'm not used to it- and I definitely still struggle with lots (you who read the blog may have noticed) and I am still definitely still a bartender ... oh so fancy. Its good. Still having a real job to pay my Real bills keeps my grounded....not that I wouldn't mind being a full time designer someday, I'm just not there yet.

These are some of the photos from the show. They're the first I've seen so I posted them for those of you that missed the it. I'm sure some more good ones will surface, and I'll probably post those too. I'll also post the creatives I do with my photographer friends... yay pictures! sorry they're lined up so wonky- I tried to put them side by side but they sorta went all turrets on me. I'm still figuring out this upload pictures thing. Oh computers...magical boxes that make stuff happen, how you puzzle me,, anyways...I'm getting better.

Katia and Mandy my bodacious girlfriends wore a couple of my looks to the show tonight-just as spectators. It was so fun! Me and Geoff dressed up too. We all felt so fancy! Katia is such a good sport- she wore my look right off the runway hat and all! She looked awesome, I can't wait to post those pics. I also lent a dress to Jessica Mclaren tonight- she's the official photographer and her and her husband are responsible for turning the beautiful historical building (the bank of Nova Scotia on Stevens ave) into an incredible restaurant and fashion week venue. She's going to buy the dress and wear it to her wedding reception. It's the last pic I posted, the full skirt white dress with the chandelier silk screen print. I'm so flattered- she's going to look incredible. I'm also going to make hats for her 6 bridesmaids...they're going to look so couture, I'm thrilled!!!!! More hats!! I love pretty girls in pretty hats. They make the world go round.

I could cry with joy


Well, I did cry with joy.

I cry lots though. My parents used to say I was sensitive. . to avoid saying the obvious... anyways. The show was a hit. I don't really know if it could have been any better. Every girl fit every dress no problem, nobody was stuffed into anything, everything looked amazing. The hats that I made this week out of screen from screen doors were awesome. They really completed a lot of the looks. (thank you art school!)

Its so overwhelming to go into the crowd after and have a flurry of people rush up to you. Its hard to focus on anyone or anything, it all happens so fast. I had so many wonderful friends there and everybody was so supportive. Thank you everyone that guided me through this journey. It's such an epic process that takes so many people to pull together. Every kind word, every comment on here, facebook, or in life, every pat on the back, creative support, technical support, it all contributes to my being able to pull something like this off. It might seem tedious or insignificant but it all matters to me-so thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

opps, crying again. I shall attempt to be less mushy. Without tooting my own horn too much, I definitely felt strong and proud last night. All of the late nights..not only sewing, but lost in thought trying to pull every little detail together, was worth it. That being said-I'm glad its over. I can clean my studio....

I had a couple of people want to sell my stuff in there stores... You might be seeing Kyle Nylund in a store near you very soon! until then feel free to come over and play dress up- I have a closet full of pretty dresses.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tomorrow!!!!!!

Well, I broke down. I opened the cupboard and there it was, shinning like a beacon of comfort food- Kraft dinner. I don't even know how it got in the house to be honest.... the neighbor gave us food when she moved away...that must be it. I haven't made myself a pot of Kraft dinner in probably a year. . . but there it was. All my troubles. All my cares. Melted away as I watched the tablespoon of butter ooze into the delicious pot of cheesy pasta. I added a can of Cambells tomato soup the way my mom used to. So Good. It also explains why I was such a fat child.

I decided that I deserve it. I've worked so hard. . and the show is tomorrow. I might have to let out my jacket since I've basically applyed the pasta directly to my obliques, but I don't care. Is it just me or does Kraft dinner cook faster than regular pasta. I never noticed that before...they make it so easy...tricky Kraft.

I have some anxiety about tomorrow. I haven't tried anything on the models. I hope to god I picked girls that will fit my stuff. There was no fitting, it's taken this long just to solidify everything and confirm the models in the first place. I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm full of Kraft dinner.

I made 3 hats and am going to make one more. They're so pretty, I'm really happy with them. I used window screen and wire to achieve the look I wanted. My hands feel like I've been playing in barb wire but it was worth it. I borrowed shoes from Townshoes and jewelry from Beadles beads and jewelry. I was lining up my stuff to look at it about an hour ago and realized I was missing two pieces. I panicked. I searched found them after about a half hour of looking but it was a half hour of terror. With photoshoots and running around picking stuff up, borrowing stuff, I was so scared I left them somewhere. Thankfully everything is present and ready for tomorrow.

They used my image for all the publications. I wasn't sure if you noticed- but its pretty exciting. They're posted all around the city. That was the big secret news that I posted a few blogs ago. I knew they were going to before I was allowed to tell anyone. I'm sorta famous. just sorta. just this week.

I should probably wear a big hat. or a spandex unitard. I have a couple....

Monday, March 22, 2010

soar. oh so soar



It has been brought to my attention that I am hideously out of shape. We did the film at the Banff center on the weekend and I think it's going to be awesome!! very Moulin Rouge meets... homo. I'm the homo. Anyways the main seen is one where the audience watches me perform an 'spectacular hula hoop act' on stage. Meanwhile there's other drama, yada yada, basically every take from every angle, every time an actor did something wrong or different, every time the director changed her mind- I got to hula hoop, again and again and again because I was the background performance shot.

I'm not complaining about the organization- this is the nature of film, and it always takes a while to get things right.... I was just so SO tired by the end of filming that day, and have decided that I am in fact very out of shape. and I'm very soar today. I think I lost 5 pounds in a hot costume under the stage lights hula hooping though.

We did have a lovely time. Geoff was there only for the first day of filming. We went out for a really nice dinner Friday night at the 3 Ravens lounge at the Banff center. I ate duck, hmmm delicious duck. Banff is so beautiful, we stayed at the Banff center too, which was so nice. I would love to do a residency there, or a work study or something.

I went looking for one of the props I lent on Sunday morning and found the unlocked costume room by accident....i had to go in. They were making these crazy wonder woman looking costumes with epic cone boobs. I had such a hayday looking at how everything was made, it was so neat! I would love LOVE love to work there. I got caught by the janitor though.... I was sneaking through and she kicked me out...

Today is Monday and I only have a few days to organize everything for the show. I feel tired of all this. It's kinda dragged out. First show, film, second show, collapse. This is the natural order of things

i want to make hats this week...big hats.


I am showing at the Banke Friday night so get your tickets everyone!!

Thursday, March 18, 2010



I couldn't help myself.... here's a sneak peek of the photoshoot I did with Noah on Tuesday. Nothing is photoshpped or anything yet but I think they're going to be pretty good. This is also one of the pieces I'll be showing at fashion week.

Anywho, I'm driving to Banff tomorrow to do this film and I feel completely unprepared.... if you're in the film.... don't worry, I'll get it together. I just haven't had time to get everything organized. It'll be fine, I have today and tomorrow off so I can get everything ready. The film is really neat. It's an abstract dream sequence of the main character. Every character in the dream is an aspect of her psyche, and every character is based on a Tarot card. Geoffrey my partner is in the film, playing the Devil (quite fitting;) and I am Hula hooping in the film... I think I'm the world... I'm not sure actually....better figure that out. Anyways, I get to organize all the costumes and style the film! and I'm even getting paid a little! yay! I would have done it for free (shhh don't tell) I just like to make art

That brings me to my next point... I need to learn how to make money. I should hire a business partner who isn't an artist. I get really caught up in the creation and the process. I never really think about the 'who will buy this' aspect. I just like to make stuff.. and then if I sell it its exciting. Maybe I should focus some energy on the selling of my work. Last night I showed a gentleman at the bar a photo of one of my paintings that I had taken with my Iphone. He commissioned me on the spot to make him a painting! and he said I should make limited edition prints and sell them and .. oh I dunno, he said a lot of things...about making money.

I got confused and started thinking about the painting I would make for him... anyways. yay a painting. A commission is making money, look at how business savvy I am! I'm pretty much Donald Trump

I was being sarcastic obviously, ironically Donald and I have the same birthday. how about that?

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I have a life again!

Hurray! I went on a lunch date with Jen on Monday, and a photoshoot with Noah and Jen yesterday, and today breakfast with Katia, and yoga and lunch with Preston! I've had to catch up.... I haven't seen anyone in weeks it feels like. I know I know....there's still stuff to do before fashion week..I have to fix that stupid zipper... and make hats. I made one for the photoshoot and it worked out pretty well, I'm excited to try and make more. I was going to make that coat for the show for myself to wear, but I'm not sure if there will be time

I'm styling a film this weekend at the Banff Center. I'm excited, I think it'll be really fun. Everything is pretty much decided upon, I've had some say in the process, but haven't had very much time to go look at costumes with the director Danielle French. I'm sure it'll all come together. I'm also hula hooping in the film!

I'm famous


Well, maybe not famous, but kinda. I'm working on it. This should be a lot of fun. Geoff and I are driving up on friday and I'll be coming back Sunday morning, Geoff is going to leave Saturday night. I'm also going to go see Ronnie Burkett on Sunday afternoon! He is a puppeteer, - - and is possibly a genius

I went to see one of his shows last year. He makes the sets, and the puppets himself and also is the puppeteer doing the show AND he writes the scripts. I thought it would probably be a good spectacle last time, not necessarily a good story line. Turns out it was one of the most profound pieces of Theater I've ever seen. SPECtacular. Moving, innovative, and it was beautiful. The puppets and set were incredible. If you ever get a chance to see him I highly recommend it. It was 1000 times better than anything I expected, and probably the best piece of theater I've ever seen.

It makes you feel like your crazy when you're crying over the well being of a puppet. Just throwing that out there. crazy.

It's been so nice to just go to work and spend my days (well, two) hanging out with friends. I know I have to start preparing for the grind again though... I have a film this weekend and the fashion week the following. I'll just ignore it....and eat pancakes.