prairie girl musings

Category: Art

On Supporting The Arts

Supporting the arts is important in any community. In a city that’s rebuilding and finding its feet again, it’s essential.

Christchurch lost so many buildings in the earthquakes and having Isaac Theatre Royal as our home for the performing arts is truly a treasure. Every time I set foot inside this beautifully restored building, I think about how fortunate we are to have access to such a stunning venue. It’s been four years (nearly five since it reopened in November 2014) and I still get chills every time I sit down to take in a performance.

In Toronto, we lived on a shoestring budget. Both fresh out of university (with design and arts degrees, no less) we knew going to the theatre was a luxury we probably couldn’t afford. Thankfully, the National Ballet of Canada had an under 29 deal where you could get $30 tickets to every performance. How rad is that? We ended up frequenting the ballet and soon became regular patrons of the arts. It helped that Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts was only a couple blocks from our one-bedroom apartment.

As a writer, I am occasionally sent tickets to the theatre, and count myself incredibly lucky. Even if this wasn’t the case, Nick and I would do everything possible to go on a regular basis.

How often do we lament the fact that there’s nothing worth doing in our hometowns, but fail to see all the opportunities right in front of us? I know I’m guilty of complaining about how boring Christchurch is, which simply isn’t true.

It’s great to see local attempts to make arts and culture accessible to everyone. Events like Bread & Circus and the Christchurch Arts Festival are an excellent way to take in world-class theatre, live performance art and busking on the streets. And all are free or only a fraction of the cost of a theatre ticket.

When we’re struggling to find meaning in our daily lives, escaping for a few hours can be therapeutic and nourishing unlike anything else. Attending the ballet or a broadway show helps express our values while celebrating diversity and true prosperity. The arts foster creativity and they bring us together regardless of our ethnicity, religion or age. When the world seems cruel or unfair, laughing through a musical can help mend our broken hearts.

Photos by Nancy Zhou
Ganni dress borrowed from Designer Wardrobe

September 24, 2019
Arty Party

One of the biggest perks of living in a city is its proximity to cultural institutions. If you live within walking (or cycling) distance to a museum, art gallery, a theatre and a art house cinema, consider yourself lucky. In Toronto, we lived on the same street as the Art Gallery of Ontario. Now in Christchurch, we’ve purchased a townhouse on the same street as the Christchurch Art Gallery. I’m more than willing to sacrifice a proper backyard for community parks and gardens, but that’s another story…

When Christchurch Art Gallery announced its Gigs at the Gallery series, I knew I had to check it out. Friday Nights at the ROM were some of my most memorable evenings in Toronto. We’d dance around the galleries while DJs spinned obscure yet familiar tracks. Securing a ticket to one of these popular evenings always felt fortuitous, who can resist partying amongst some of the world’s best art?

Gigs at the Gallery is decidedly more subdued than Friday Nights at the ROM, but no less magical. The glasshouse gallery is a striking architectural masterpiece, especially when the sun goes down. With food trucks parked outside the gallery and two cash bars inside, partygoers have plenty of food and beverage options during the evening. The ground level galleries are also open during the event.

I was especially mesmerized by dreamy pop duo, Purple Pilgrims who performed at Laneway earlier this year. Their electronic dance music is ethereal and otherworldly. Main act, Grayson Gilmour is known for his contemplative, introspective musings. Needless to say, it was a memorable evening filled with delicious drinks (the gallery’s gin cocktails are a must-try) and glorious music.

From now on, I’ll be spending my Friday nights at the gallery.

March 3, 2017
Beyond the Rubble

In Toronto, I was all about finding interesting walls, often returning to Graffiti Alley for inspiration. Street art in Christchurch has become somewhat of a symbol and has come to represent the city in more ways than anyone could’ve ever imagined. Constantly changing, I’m delighted whenever a new piece or installation crops up. As an integral part of the rebuild, local and international artists have been commissioned by the city to create works to beautify the rubble and bring people back to the central city.

When I first came across this pink and orange spray painted wall, I knew I’d have to return for a wee outfit shoot. Spanning an entire parking lot on Manchester Street, I’m drawn to this wall primarily because it features my childhood favourite colours and I love how multi-tonal it is.

If these walls could talk…

May 6, 2016
Christchurch Creatives: SPECTRUM

While graffiti and street art have a bad reputation, they also have the power to transform cities and neighbourhoods, expose social woes, start important discussions, and bring art to the masses. The likes of Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Shepard Fairey have challenged our idea of what constitutes street art. Why should art be reserved for galleries and why can’t it exist in our daily lives as we’re walking to work?

Christchurch is filled with bewildering street art. Within the city, there’s a dichotomy between graffiti vandalism, which the city aims to remove, and commissioned street art, which has been an integral artistic element of the rebuild. In fact, the city has commissioned many pieces to either beautify the rubble.

A few Saturdays ago, Nick and I were out on our usual post-market bicycle trip when we remembered that the street art festival, SPECTRUM was on at the YCMA until April. We were both seriously impressed with the exhibition and extensive information about graffiti in New Zealand. I know a little bit about street art in North America and the UK, so it was cool to see how New Zealand

The coolest thing about the festival is that you don’t even have to visit the gallery on Hereford Street (but you should!) because all the artists have been working across the city streets transforming blank walls into works of art.

Over the past two years, 25 huge murals have been produced as a part of Oi YOU! shows.

February 2, 2016
DETROIT IS NOT DEAD

This is a love letter to Detroit.

It’s not a place for the faint of heart; it’s not Disneyland, the Mall of America, or the Las Vegas strip.

Detroit is gritty and honest; perhaps the most honest place I’ve ever been. It’s both new and old, beautiful and broken.

A trip to Detroit will leave you haunted yet invigorated, and its authenticity may alarm you.

*

“Don’t go to Detroit, you’ll get stabbed,” they said.

“It’s the most dangerous place in America,” they said.

“Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection last year,” they said.

Detroit is a dichotomy. Yes, there are abandoned buildings, lots of them. Yes, there is decay and poverty, lots of it. But the people of Detroit haven’t given up on their city, and neither should you.

Signs of new development and community projects include Dequindre Cut Greenway, The Heidelberg Project, the bicycle lanes (yes, this auto centric city is actually big on cycling), a thriving new business scene, which includes standouts like Slows Bar BQ, Astro Coffee, Sugar House, Motor City Brew Works, El Dorado General Store, Anthology Coffee, and Trinosophes. Of course, the Eastern Market (oldest and biggest of its kind in America) is still a must-visit. Talk to any of the young creatives who inhabit this city, and their energy will inspire you.

My favourite brunch was at Parks and Rec Diner, newly opened and housed in the iconic G.A.R. building!

As far as where to stay, I’d suggest booking Honor & Folly, a design-focused bed and breakfast right above Slows!

Detroit was shaped by risk takers and visionaries. A quick visit to the Henry Ford museum and the Ford Rouge Factory will provide you with some context of how this industrial city was shaped. I can’t overstate how the rise and fall of the automobile is at the core of Detroit’s demise. The factory still pumps out F150s according to dealership orders, and every employee can answer any question you might have about Henry and the automotive industry. There’s even a rooftop garden you can visit as part of the tour.

A visit to Corktown (where we stayed) will surely surprise you. Detroit’s oldest neighbourhood is experiencing a revival with the influx of restaurants, public artworks, markets, and parks. We happened upon a modern marching band festival, “Crash Detroit” while exploring the area. We sipped cocktails made from local ingredients while gazing up at the both derelict and awe-inspiring Michigan Central Station. Unlike Toronto, which is highly regulated, the security guard at Crash Detroit encouraged us to leave the beer garden to dance and mingle. “Enjoy yourselves, this is Detroit after all.”

July 21, 2014
You’re so beautiful, you could be a florist.

I used to work at a flower shop in my hometown. It was a transitional period in my life, but one I will never forget. I found this on Pinterest, and was absolutely intrigued. Enjoy! xx

December 9, 2013
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Last night, Nick and I went to see the National Ballet of Canada’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet. I’ve never seen this Shakespearean tragedy performed onstage, but it has long inspired choreographers to adapt it for the ballet medium.

We’re fortunate to live only two blocks away from the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and managed to grab DanceBreak tickets at a reduced student price. Karen Kain, NBC’s Artistic Director has been one of my idols since I was a little girl. I remember writing an elementary school report on her when she was still a principal dancer. Needless to say, I was exceedingly excited for the opportunity to see a performance by one of Canada’s most renown ballet companies. A bit of a ballet fanatic, I’m always on the lookout for refreshing choreography and contemporary takes on old classics. I first read the play in grade nine, and found it depressing, impractical, and a bit ridiculous. There were various aspects of the plot I couldn’t reconcile or understand. I still cringe when Romeo swallows the contents of his own vile of poison (where did that come from anyway?) rather than waiting approximately 28 seconds for Juliet to awake. I could sit and analyze the play all day, but that’s beside the point. The ballet was outstanding and the enduring nature of its themes provide powerful characterization for the medium of dance.

I was most impressed with Keiichi Hirano, who danced the role of Mercutio. His choreography was over-the-top and creative, and he was incredibly entertaining, which provided some much needed comic relief. And boy, could he jump! I look forward to watching him dance again! Juliet, as danced by Sonia Rodriguez, was also phenomenal. She was breathtaking to watch and she executed each movement with complete grace and fluidity. Only she could make a hundred fouettés and jetés look so effortless.

You still have three opportunities to see Romeo & Juliet at the Four Seasons, get your tickets now! I can’t wait for my next NBC performance!

March 16, 2013
Artsy Fartsy

I’d like to take a moment to gush about Toronto’s art and gallery scene. Of course, there are the major galleries AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) and the ROM, (Royal Ontario Museum) but as Nick and I recently discovered – there are literally galleries on every street corner. Independent galleries line Dundas and Queen West. Yesterday, we stumbled upon The Design Exchange – Canada’s Design Museum. For the most part, we were seeking refuge from the blistering cold, but lucky we did – The Design Exchange is well worth a visit! We were particularly fond of the Stefan Sagmeister exhibit that’s on until March. I strongly urge you to check it out. It’s called The Happy Show, and there’s SO MUCH to love about this show. Here are some photos, I took on my iPhone of the exhibit:

The exhibit is honest and at times, brutally so. It’s creative and unpretentious, which is sometimes rare with graphic design. It’s functional and interactive. I’ll definitely go back if I have the chance before March. I could list hundreds of reasons why you must RUN, not walk there right now, but I strongly urge you to discover them for yourself!

February 3, 2013
American Literary Greats

After my first week back at work, I decided to pick up a novel I’d been yearning to read for quite some time; F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise. Published when Fitzgerald was only twenty-three years old, I was eager to read this novel based on his own experience as an undergraduate student at Princeton. Given that I’m twenty-three years old and nowhere near completing my first novel, the novel Fitzgerald penned at the start of his career inspires me in a myriad of ways.

My ongoing obsession with the Roaring Twenties goes all the way back to my high school days when I was first introduced to the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Fitzgerald. My first Jazz Age novel? The Great Gatsby, of course. English had always been my favourite and strongest subject, I adored tucking away to read and re-read our course list while diligently neglecting my math and science homework. A few chapters in, I was ready to declare the 1920s as my favourite decade, a statement I can still attest to. These characters, despite their multitude of flaws, represented glamour, intrigue and a je ne sais quoi, that we can’t help admire. Luckily, with a Bachelor of Arts in English, I’ve been able to venture further into these works. I’ve seriously enjoyed discussing the 1920s and, whenever possible, throwing in some Gertrude Stein for good measure. Woody Allen’s film, Midnight in Paris, continued the trend, featuring an array of characters we were all familiar with, in one way or another. It’s one of those films you can watch again and again, laughing and wishing you, like Owen Wilson’s character, could transport back in time to this decade of boozing and canoodling.

I am clearly anticipating The Great Gatsby in its new film-format, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby and Carey Mulligan (my favourite) as Daisy Buchanan! The music, the costumes and the sets will be oh-so-fabulous! I’m already devising a plan to score tickets to the premiere! I can’t help but explore my favourite authors previous works. After This Side of Paradise, I’ll be diving into Ernest Hemingway’s The Garden of Eden. I’m looking forward to it already!

Furthermore, who can’t resist 1920s fashion? Short hemlines, sequins, shift dresses and drop-waisted skirts are accentuated with elaborate headbands and feathers galore! Anyone who knows me is aware of my fascination with sequins and shift dresses. As much as I try to shop and dress practically, my closet is brimming with impractical and fantastic ensembles. My favourite dress is a Topshop 1920s-inspired number that suits any occasion, from New Years Eve celebration to a cocktail soirée with your girlfriends. Here are some of my favourite 1920s-inspired images:

What’s your favourite decade?

Love, Vanessa

August 10, 2012
The Capital of Cool: Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is one of my favourite cities in the world. While my younger sister was studying abroad in Sweden this past semester, I had to opportunity to travel much of Scandinavia with family, friends as well as on my own. I spent four days in Denmark following a stint in Oslo with my friend, Brenden. It was my first time travelling solo, and I have never felt more liberated! Copenhagen is amazing on so many levels. First, it’s compact and walkable. I was able to navigate from the airport (I flew Air Baltic) to the central train station to my hotel to the downtown amenities seamlessly. I packed very lightly, which was a tremendous feat given the size of my wardrobe. Speaking of wardrobe, Copenhagen is the capital of design, it plays an integral role in the fashion and industrial design industries, and The Dansk Design Center was one of my first stops upon arrival in Copenhagen. It features exhibitions by local artists, cutting edge Danish designers and advocates design driven innovation and works to improve public products and services through society projects. If you ever have the chance, I’d highly recommend spending a day here. There’s so much fun to be had, and it truly is an engaging experience! Danish architecture is also highly impressive with its recent boom in modern architecture. Its pastries, of course are second to none. My favourite spot being Lagkagehuset, which can be found in several locations throughout the city. The window displays are especially enticing on a cold February morning, and their hot chocolate is simply divine!

Copenhagen has several Michelin-starred restaurants, but also a myriad of more affordable and equally delectable options! If you’re a fan of Carlsberg beer, I’d suggest checking out their brewery as the Danes are very generous with tastings and samples. I also admire how progressive Denmark is as a country.
As you probably already know, Copenhagen has the highest rate of bicycle ownership per capital of ANYWHERE in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll see fashionably-clad Danish beauties aboard two-wheelers. The frocks on bikes trend we’ve seen emerge over the past few years à la Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and Garance Doré have clearly been inspired by the Danes.

Recently, the New York Times revealed that a new super highway was being constructed for Copenhagen citizens, encouraging further bike use! Check out this video posted on the NY Times twitter page:
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2012/07/17/world/europe/100000001632565/a-green-light-for-copenhagens-cyclists.html?smid=tw-nytimes

I’m a huge advocate for sustainable transport. I truly realized the value of public transport while living in Auckland. Auckland’s an isthmus, which makes it difficult to implement any sort of viable transport. Furthermore, the auto-dependence is outrageous with more than 80% of Aucklanders driving to work and new motorways constantly being built. This is nothing new to Aucklanders who’ve grown accostomed to their gas guzzling ways. Europeans however, sharply intake almost immediately upon arrival in Auckland as decent public transport is ingrained in their mentality. Copenhagen’s decision to implement and promote physical activity and sustainbility is what makes it such a pleasant place to live or visit!

One of my favourite pieces of artwork by Edgar Degas, The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer

Every city should have a town square, this is a wonderful place to congregate in Copenhagen.

Dansk Design Center

July 18, 2012