Akin Studios: Jill Price Artist Talk, At Intervals 2020 exhibition, 158 ...

Coffee Hangout Found!

So today was a long one with me leaving the house at 6:00 am and riding the subway up at 11:15 pm only to drive another hour from Downsview station.  It has already become very evident that a coffee break will become part of my daily ritual to maintain the level of energy required for this program! Great news is that the OCAD cafeteria has the most aromatic coffee  I have found to date. 

Today also contained our first introduction to our theory and criticism class as well as our first Directed Studio session which requires us to pull together a group exhibition by next week!  I stuck to my rule and didn't take on any additional administration or curating, but rather stuck to menial tasks of organizing signage and helping with installation.  The show will be called trajectory to speak to the new paths we are all about to take within our practice. 

What will the weekend hold? Readings, artist statements, 500 word studio practice proposal, TA preparation, visit with my inlaws, curatorial talk at Quest Art and opening of Marlene Hilton Moore's exhibit in Midland, order of signage for exhibit, delivery of work for exhibit, contacting potential advisors and beginning new sketches to outline my plans for the new direction I would like to take so I can leave for Jamaica next week with no worries.  Oh yeah, eat and sleep should be in this somewhere.

ODays at OCAD led to unexpected surprises!

My second day down in Toronto was filled with informative workshops, book shopping, social networking and fantastic sushi as part of our program's orientation schedule.  Able to meet lots of other students from the variety of Masters programs as well as meeting my second year buddy Jennifer Wigmore , served to be a very exciting and informative day. Three other highlights of the day included randomly being given a large roll of speckled strathmore paper, getting a free subscription to C Magazine and discovering this adorable ring tailed critter above one of the many doorways that line McCaul street.

Survived first day at OCAD!

Well it was a long day figuring out how to get down to the city and checking out all the studio facilities we can access at 100 McCaul.  So what did I learn? I learned that you turn left on Dundas when coming out of the ST.PATRICK subway station, watch out for the intricate and dangerous pattern of subway tracks, hold your nose while walking past manholes and be sure to get to the Downsview commuter parking early.. How did I feel? Absolutely terrified, but some familiar faces such as Annette, Alexander and the one and only Max Lupo made the day feel not so lonely or scary.  What was exciting? Meeting new people is always a blast and Paulette, the interm head of the program is a warm and generous delight.  We were led on an extensive tour of all the studios and materials we will have access to as well as met all the technicians who we will be running to for technical advice and perhaps rescue as the year proceeds.  Blunders for the day include taking a washroom break during the tour resulting in me being left behind and wearing inappropriate shoes for walking.  Now I know why urbanites are so skinny!  Tune in next week for a report on how our Orientation day goes.

Upcoming MFA Studio Sale on August 16th and Indiegogo Campaign!

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on my journey as an artist.  This fall I head back to OCAD to attain my MFA in Interdisciplinary studies.  In preparation, I will be selling off some some old, new, and never seen works from my new home studio to make room for the creation of works over the next two years.  If you are able to come directly to the studio, the hours of the sale will happen between 10 am and 5 pm.  Small works on paper, canvas and even a selection of framed work will be part of the sale.  A selection of my handmade cards and Jillery will also be available for purchase.   If you are unable to make it on that weekend, but would like to visit the studio in person, please give me a call to set up a private viewing.  I can be reached at 705-229-5211.

Studio Location:  114 Esther Drive, Barrie, Ontario

See you in a couple of weeks!