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“Lo, there do I see my father; Lo, there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers; Lo, there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever.”

I’ve always been fascinated by Valkyries and the rich myths built around them that dates back to at least the 13th century. In Norse mythology, the Valkyrie possessed the ultimate power – to choose those who would live and die in battle. After a battle, they would take the fallen to Valhalla, the hall of the slain in the afterlife, ruled by the god Odin. While we may see the task as a grim one, the Valkyries exhibited the resolve necessary to complete it nonetheless.

more » “The Artist Jim Jackson”

Q: I have heard you say that you sing because there are so many others who can’t. Can you tell us what that means?

A: As an Iranian woman raised during the reign of the oppressive regime of Iran, women in particular were stripped of many basic and fundamental human rights including the right to sing, perform and record music. This unjust continues today. Had I still been living there I would not even begin to dream of having any kind of singing career, let alone of such innovative musical explorations. Many women both older and younger than me have no such hope and so every note I sing on stage is in remembrance and acknowledgement of their lack of freedom. Of course sadly this is not restricted to Iran as oppression of women is nothing new. Even after living in Canada all my adult life I have not fully gotten used to how free I am really to explore my dreams.

Q: Trauma and a need for a safe environment hinders many women in your country from perusing the arts. Can you tell us about the challenges they face?

A: In Iran, often being a woman is enough to make one a target, regardless of what a woman is wearing; how old she is; what her level of education is; what her social status is or what she does for a living. Now add to this toxic mixture the desire to be a performer, a trendsetter, an explorer in the arts and you are then definitely asking for it: to be harassed and accused of bogus charges including spreading immorality in the Iranian society. more » “Interview with the Artist Farnaz”

Art & Power

Power is essentially about influence and the control of others.

Money, position and even Art are all manifestations and symbols of power.

From the shamans in tribal communities, to our tech driven culture, it is always power that decides what is important and beautiful. Artists do not always agree, and this is why Art and artists always remain difficult and problematic.
more » “The Artist Cristian Townsend”

Q: A big part of self empowerment is overcoming the circumstances we are born into, and the challenges that life puts on our path. You had more obstacles to navigate than many people. (Can you share a little about your childhood… how and what encouraged you?)

A: When I think back to my childhood, I remember good times, lots of them. I Also remember terrifying times of fear and hopelessness. At the age of ten, my Mother had to share the reason my Father was absent from the home days or months at a time. She had to explain why Christmas gifts would go missing within a week of unwrapping them under the tree or birthdays being left with unfulfilled promises.

more » “Interview with Antonio Harrison”

Handle With Care show opens Saturday, October 29^th from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm in Gallery 3, alongside a solo show from Brandi Milne, titled Everything I Ever Was, in the Main Gallery.

Nicoletta Ceccoli’s paintings explore how childlike wonder and innocence can curdle into emotional turmoil and darkness. The artist’s paintings invite you into a magical and wonderful world where role reversal and the blurring of lines between good and evil remind us there is not as fine a line as we often suspect between who’s good, who’s bad, and who’s afraid. Known for her richly detailed, dreamlike work, Ceccoli has described her work as attempting to “offer a delectable balance of repulsive and attractive.”

more » “‘Handle With Care’ – Nicoletta Ceccoli’s Solo Show”