June 25, 2013

Ai Weiwei Heads in TO!

Ai Weiwei has turned many heads with his grand art installations.

The Perky Rooster

An artist and activist, his work portrays bold political issues--attracting admirers as well as the Chinese government which tends to get himself into little bits of trouble...

The Dog Chaser
The Fiery Dragon



That aside, I'm thrilled to see a real piece of his in person! The 12 heads (representing each animal in the Chinese zodiac) are circled within the pool infront of Nathan Phillips Square. The detailing is unexpectedly intricate and twists down the pole that supports it, then flows into the flat, circular base, that looked to me like a large lily pad.

The Arc-eating Ram




The heads stood tall and proud. There were some great angles against the concrete arches and surrounding buildings. Up close, their beady eyes, flaring nostrils and toothy grins looked humorously animated. I paid special attention to my fellow rabbit friend. Then finding higher ground to take a downward shot of the full pool... I was impressed to find Mr. Rabbit was centre stage :)

The Centred Rabbit!



Ai Weiwei: According to What? will be at the AGO this August. Are you going?

Snake Skin

June 11, 2013

Sketchbooks Now on Tour!

Hello Sketchbook--nice to see you again!
Enjoying all the drawings and stories. 

My sketchbook came back to visit me!

Last weekend, the Mobile Library stopped in Toronto, at The Distillery. So I rode on down, on a beautiful Sunday and sat in the sun to read other people's sketchbooks, with other sketchbook lovers.

Sara and Steven will be spending the summer driving their cute little trailer all over the States. Thousands of sketchbooks, traveling thousands of miles, to be read by thousands of people. What an amazing idea! To find out more, visit The Sketchbook Project.

Will you be signing up for next year's tour?