Ruth Wilgress

Computers, Printers, and Eye Glasses

I am always amazed by the continuous improvements that we make in the manufacturing business especially in terms of technology advancement.  Sustainability is a concern that many of us have consistent thoughts on. Huge advancements proceeds  the concern of long term maintenance of environmental, economical and social responsibility. People are more conscious now and trying to take their own steps towards leaving a smaller carbon footprint.  Recycling is one small step  that most of participate in if accessible and available. Some people take a huge commitment and life journey toward decreasing the world’s carbon footprint. Some building construction projects take on the financial burden and use a lot more  solar panels . I find myself overwhelmed by the possibilities and lengths we can go if seriously committed to %100 sustainability.  I feel this comes out in my art work.  I have become an artist who salvages materials so I can to not only incorporate these interesting items in my paintings but also send a subtle visual message about these concerns.

Wood Panels with Antique Style Bicycles and Wise Owls

A while back during a art supplies sale, I purchased some small 8″x8″ wood panels.  I was captivated by  the natural texture of the wood rather than the canvas. I ran my fingers over the brown wooden surface and sometimes felt the shame of painting over such a natural forest product.   These panels stayed blank and untouched for a while.  Eventually,  I took this guilt and decided to see where I could go with it. My inner voice told me that the wood panels were not meant to be merely painted on with acrylic paint. They were meant for much more, with a serious message done in a fun whimsical way. I rustled up all my salvaged materials taken from broken and discarded computers, eye glasses, printers, and other various other objects. I played with the visual arrangement.   The huge assortment of objects on the panels began. A few of the materials needed to be manipulated but two images of owls unintentionally appeared.

I named one a WISE CYBER OWL sitting on it’s perch with arrow keypads for ears.  The direction of arrows going in, and going out.   Two other 8″ x 8″ wood panels suggested whimsical antique style images of bicycles.  The backspace keypad lay on the speaker.    I do not consider the paintings completely  FINISHED yet.  A few touch up and changes need to be made and they will be ready  for display and sale.  The next step after this will be where to exhibit.    I noticed a month ago when visiting my Toronto Dentist they had a wall hanging system to display local Artists paintings.   I remember thinking this was a great chance for Artist to display their art work for free and gain more exposure and gain some possible sales that could be commission free.   Something I will need to talk to my Toronto dentist about during or before my next visit.

Technology From a Distance – The City View

In the past have created a few various city-scapes.  Included is a larger version of Toronto currently hung and for sale in Cafe Uno in the Distillery District.  I bought slightly smaller panoramic wooden panels size 36″ x 12″ that were perfect for small computer pieces and other objects I have discovered to compose more city lines. I love process of using acrylics and the blending of the sky. I have a developed a series horizontal city lines using computer parts.  I have more additions of these 36″ x 12″ cyber cityscapes. I do not attempt at realism but play with the possibilities of a simple perfect futuristic city from a distance.  I am bit of a dreamer and love to see positive social change and developments.  The following painting contains a  beautiful glass mirror strip salvaged from an old printer that was found in the trash. I like to believe it adds a reflective quality to the piece. I am reflective and find it a great learning tool if I use it correctly and fully aware. I guess I was hoping this futuristic type of city would take a reflective stance as well for possible positive growth and sustainability. I can visualize amazing groups of people working towards and creating a remaining diverse and productive society over time.

G20 Summit In Toronto Art Material

Waking up early on a Saturday morning to meet with a friend for a coffee and walk didn’t seem like such a great idea at first.  A full work week makes Saturday morning ideal for late wake up times and laziness.  However, I was committed to seeing my friend and aware of our time constraints on our schedules.  Saturday early morning appeared to have many benefits.  The sun was bright and I had the pleasure to spend time with a friend.   My dog and I had the opportunity to shake our Saturday morning slow routine.   When I got home after our fresh air jaunt I discovered that some of my best creative moments may be in the morning.

Media Headlines Wait for the Creative Process

I’ve have so many ideas that sometimes it can be overwhelming.   When I actually find the time and energy to begin in my studio practice it can be a challenge to know where to start.   However, this fine sunny Saturday I did an inventory management of all my materials and ideas.   This extra time taken, was time well spent.  I found some material and ideas I had put on hold for a while.  All the hype about the G20 summit that took place here in Toronto had made me realize that I needed to express my concern.  At the time I felt smothered by the media’s attention to what happened.  I remember having interest in joining peaceful protests but lost all nerve when seeing police reactions in the downtown core.   There were so many different stories I heard of what had really happened with protesters.   I was struck by one of the local free newspapers and the headline photos of the event.  I had taken several copies and cut out the images.  They sat in my supplies area waiting to be involved in a creative process.  I was not ready immediately to create with these images.   I needed time to process all the information before expressing my visual voice.

Newspaper Saturday Morning

Well, this Saturday morning was the day to dive into some of my recycled materials including the newspaper images of the Toronto G20 protests.  I played with one of my other paintings as well and decided what to do with various small computer components and  reed switches.  However, as I eventually sat down and began my manipulation of the G20 images I found it an easy decision to make that G20 was my main focus for the day.  Two recovered reproduction canvas board prints were used as canvases for my new images.  I was also given some discarded metal letters that seemed fitting for this political social justice issue piece too.

Mixed Media Toronto Art

After taking a step back from the focused art process I noticed my G20 creations may seem ambiguous in nature.   Where do I stand on the issues?  Obviously I feel there should be more questions and answers given and received with formal inquests.  This quality in my new art work excites me and motivates me further.  Perhaps I can find some images of the Occupy Toronto to play with next.  What may lack in precision, can be seen as the ability to express more than one interpretation. I hope my viewers may see this perspective as well.

Business Connections Lead to Sales

A previous painting sale from last year lead to another connection.  I displayed and sold one of my paintings at an arts and craft fair at Ellington’s Cafe on St. Claire last holiday season.  It was their first attempt with an Art Fair and I sold some of my bees wax candles too.   I didn’t expect to sell my new painting using the computer components to make a city scape scene so I didn’t have a set price for my item.  I quickly had to come up with a sales number when asked.   I was so quick to reply that I came up with 75 dollars.  It sold immediately.

Negotiating Painting Prices

Due to my lack of funds at the time I was happy to add 75 dollars to my bank account.  Later when I decided to make more of this techno city series I realized how much time and work I actually put into this work, and my price should have been a lot more.  I learned from this experience and moved on.  My prices increased.  A year later, someone admired my piece and contacted me about buying another techno cyber city painting  for a Christmas gift.  However, my prices were beyond her budget.  After a bit of communication back and she decided she liked the colours from one of my first of the series.  I had almost sold this piece before while hanging at another store but had the price a lot higher due to commission that would be taken.   After negotiations, we agreed on a price that both participants of the sales transaction were comfortable with.  I felt rather strange parting with it only because it was the first of the series.  I felt it’s value was more in the idea than the end result, much like a sketch.   Despite my opinions I hope the purchase brought joy to all that are involved in the gift giving.

Continuing the Creative Process With Art and Photography

Now that I have some extra cash I can purchase some more art supplies.  I am constantly in need of more paints.  With every purchase of one of my paintings I am inspired to continue on with my creature process.  The goal is to further develop my process and learn along the way.  Another  creative process I want to evolve is photography for it is easily transferable to my painting practice.   I use my digital photographs as models for some of my paintings ideas.  I capture the images I want and use for visual reference.  Online photo contests are fun to enter too. Lenzr is free and easy and this House for Renovation photo contest offers a chance to win an Apple iPad 2 for the best photo of a house in need of a renovation.  A Toronto mortgage broker is making this photo contest prize available.  Next time I take a walk in my neighbourhood I am bringing my digital camera and seeing if there are some good pic opportunities for this one.  I could use that Apple iPad 2 for so many things.
//

To Plan or Explore the Creative Manufacturing of Art

Artists have different approaches to their creative process.  Some like to take lots of time preparing.  Some even treat their art work somewhat like a production planning manufacturing process with assistants that take care of a lot of tasks.  Those Artists that are brave enough to take on the role of an Artist as a full time job need to take on certain production methodologies and still remain true to their art.  I like to take my time with my creative process and thus partially why I am not a full time painter.   In this new painting that I am working on.  I went into the process knowing I wanted to work with texture from a recycled item, an old valentines day heart shaped chocolate box.  I used it as stamp pad type of devise.   I often try to listen to my instincts along the way when painting.  Sometimes this is easier said than done.  In this case it didn’t turn out the way I necessarily wanted it to, but I saw different images come to life and decided to follow these ideas.   The actual panel board I am using was an old painting discarded by a neighbour who was not impressed with their attempt at exploration with paints.  I always love to use recycled items, especially on my budget.

Re-use, Recycle and Try Organic Materials

Because I live in the studio space I don’t like to use any materials that are toxic.  I like to keep everything in my life as natural as possible.  This year I have been trying to eat better to gain more energy, thus allowing me more time in my busy life to paint.  In the summer I tried to eat a raw food diet.  I haven’t kept this food lifestyle up but I have been splurging on organic ingredients lately.  I do feel better about my choices.  Similarly, I would like to use organic materials in my studio practice as well.  That isn’t so simple, but I do use my recycled items in more of a creative way.   I figured out how to turn my computer parts into silhouettes to enhance my paintings, thanks to a friend with a jewelry saw and some great creative skills.  I placed these two human head computer parts on the canvas ready for the next step on what kind of image they would like to be collage-ed into.   Now I just need to purchase a jewelry saw to continue my transformation of the computer component images.   I have many ideas.

Beeswax Candle Making and Houses in the Sky

I try to re-use and recycle items as much as possible in my paintings.  I have even been fortunate to have had some beeswax given to me.  I use many recycled items as molds when I make my candle creations.  I have not mastered this craft yet but find it a relaxing activity.   I create some beeswax candles worth selling to others around the holiday season to make some extra cash.  Every little bit counts right.  I have used yogurt containers and such for molds but some plastics  don’t handle well with the hot wax.  Probably not a good material to use with the healthy natural bees wax.   I have checked out buying some more interesting candle molds made of metal but there isn’t a lot of there.  I often wish I had the capabilities of pipe bending so I could make my own candle mold creation.  I also think about creating my own curvilinear architectural space that would require precision metal bending for plumbing and firm unusual structure.  I’ve had an off and on fascination with flying and imagine someday having the fortune to building my own unique “sky house.”  A girl can dream.

My Art Display at Cafe Uno in the Distillery District

On Friday I finally decided to share  some of my art work with the public.  I had a chance to exhibit in one of my favourite locations,  the Distillery District.  My favourite Café Uno restaurant kindly said they would host my art work on their walls in their establishment.  Well, not exactly the walls because they have rules about drilling holes into heritage buildings, so I had some beams and windows to hang my art work on.   I was excited and nervous at the same time.   Sharing personal creativity can leave one feeling extremely vulnerable and powerful at the same time.

Discovering the Value  of Artwork

I don`t create my art work with the purpose to sell, but if I can make profits from my artistic process I am more than grateful.   Displaying art work in public is a great opportunity to gain exposure and gain more confidence.   Who knows, there might even be a monetary gain due to the art display.  Placing a value can be extremely difficult to do but to have a realistic idea of a selling price is necessary.  This is always a difficult decision for me but with practice and experience I have grown a better understanding of what my art work is worth.   I factor in the cost of supplies, time and effort I put into the art work.

I have undervalued my art work in the past, and had my art work sell quickly with excitement and regrets. Some of my art pieces might not look like there is a lot of time invested but taking apart the computers was very time consuming and physically demanding sometimes.  Some of my objects that have been added to the collage are very unique and would be a challenge to find again.    I have also over valued my art work and had interested buyers who were not willing to meet me at my selected price. Unfortunately,  they would not pay for my over priced paintings.   I learned from this mistake as well.  I now put into consideration of my emotional attachment to the piece.  In addition, I consider how much it would take to replicate, and the value of the invested materials and time.

Painting And Photography Mixing Together for More Exposure

While I was installing my paintings on the walls I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurant patrons reactions as soon as I put the art work on display.  I was grateful for the opportunity to display my art work.  However, many artists forget to consider what they might be giving to the viewers with their public displays and the aesthetic appeal to the establishments .  We tend to only think of what we might or might not gain by such an action.  As I noticed people taking photos of my paintings I was aware of the reciprocal gift giving.  I had to mention to them that they might want to share their photos online as well.  I found discussion forums with various online photo contests.  I found a photo contest with a chance to win a license agreement thanks to a company specializing in lean manufacturing on frugal shopper.  My art work photographed was sure to be one of many photos that would be worth sharing online for a chance to win valuable prizes.  I also directed the young photographers to other links such as classy summer drinks photo contests thanks to stainless steel ice cube trays on art review.   These are some opportunities for free exposure for photography skills such as places like Cafe Uno in the Distillery District.

Classy Summer Drinks Photography

I love photography contests online especially when they are free and easy to upload photos.  The Classy Summer Drinks is a leisure time activity that most enjoy when the weather is warm and sunny. I know that I sure love the art of making and drinking classy summer alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.   The Classy Summer Drinks photo contest with Lenzr is a great chance to take full advantage of the remaining summer days with some fun, sun and photos.

Photography Skills

The Classy Summer Drinks contest is asking for photographs of quench relieving images with the most tempting and creative drinks.  I personally would like to see some ice cubes involved or crushed ice.  Once again a chance to use those awesome photo skills and experience with lighting and angles.  I love seeing vibrant colours.  I am looking forward to seeing the entries online.  One of my favourite techniques is placing your keylight behind the drink to make the colour stand out.  I hope I see lots of images with bold colours.

Support from Ice Cube Trays

The Class Summer Drinks photo contest is free.  I don’t like selling, I’m horrible at it.  The photos your submit give you a chance to win a prize, courtesy of a Canadian company who loves providing high quality stainless steel ice cube trays. The prize is a $400 package of stainless steel containers or other valuable items in the huge catalogue. Don’t worry you can customize the package you choose by browsing the manufacturer’s extensive catalogue.   I respect the companies that support the love of photography.

.

A Manufacturing Process – Winners License Pictures

This photo contest with Lenzrwas created for the professional minded photographers, or wanna to bees.  This is a great chance if you are looking to expand their portfolio and gain exposure for your resume.   The supportive company is looking for images involving the internal manufacturing process. A large company who has helped out with other previous photo contests has decided to take things further with this photo challenge.  The process manufacturing, and lean manufacturing company wants professional manufacturing images to use with their online branding.   The want the use of the winning photos for their promotional material and are willing to compensate the photographers with a real agreement and money. They are willing to pay the photo contest prize winner for use of their photos.

Summer Lenzr Photo Contests

The photographs you upload for free of the manufacturing processes within factories or carpentry shops could win you a $250 licensing agreement.    Solarsoft is willing to pay the prize winner for the right to use the winning photographs as promotional material for  up to three years.  This would make a great addition to your art resume.  And, the images could end up on their website.    This photo contest and the previous one started August 1, 2011. The voting starts September 15, after which the top ten photos advance to the Lenzr judges on September 25. The winning photograph will be announced October 1 by the Lenzr judges and the rest of the process will take off from there.

The Art Studio Process Takes Time

I have been working on this painting for a while.  I am please with where I have a taken it so far.   Some have even asked if it was finished.   It might be considered the finished product to some viewers.   It is no way at the end result.    However, I have developed a fear of working on it now.  The fear arises from the insecurity that I might take it in the wrong direction and mess it up.  We all have these fears from time to time and can be transferred to the outside world.   Beyond the art studio we all have fears of `messing up` areas in our life.   We are so surprised when things begin to work out in certain areas of our life.  Sometimes we have tried hard to develop  the life areas to be in the place we want them to be.  Then we get in the right direction and stop further development.  It can be a dear caught in the headlight type of mentality.  Taking your time can be considered a wise choice in many situations but there are situations when time has dragged on for too long.   You have to just set your mind to make a decision and do it.   Turn off the fear noise mental chat and like Nike says, just do it.   In regards to this painting, that`s what I have decided to do.  Just do it.  Set a time line and just paint it.   Worse case scenario, I do feel like I messed it up and just decide to follow it`s direction.  I can always try another.  Oh the pleasures of life situations.

Recycled Materials Transform Into a New Modern Painting

This painting was taken in my art studio in Toronto.  I work various part time jobs, that work out to be full time work hours so I always consider my time in my studio a special treat.  It`s a time that I value dearly.  It`s not something  that I like to share with others often, but I realize that I helps when I do.   The opportunity to share with others helps inspire me to actually finish a painting project.  This painting is far from finished.  I used some recycled broken glass stripes taken from a broken discarded printer.   I am pleasantly satisfied with the colours but not the blending quality so this will take some time and patience to go over once again.  I am also thinking of adding my abstract details to add to the interest and idea I want to convey about our technological advance ment in society and it`s impact on our communities.  I am thinking of colourful little circles to be added in abundance.  Let`s see how much this changes the image and it`s direction.  It could be all that it takes, it might need more time and effort beyond that.

First Time at the Toronto Fringe Festival

Moving into August I reflect to what a great month July was with the Fringe Festival taking place in Toronto. I was familiar with the festival but this was the first time for my experience of the Toronto Fringe Festival. I am in love with this festival.   I met other Fringe lovers that take vacation time especially for this occasion.   I understand the reason for this. So much talent is at the Fringe. it’s difficult to chose from the 30 something performances to see. We only have so much time available, not leaving enough time to see all the great art. I missed out on a lot of excellent performances. I had hosted a performer from out of town to stay at my home during the Fringe. For this  I received 6 VIP passes. I guess many performers are on limited budget like myself and like to stay at reasonable and convenient locations like couches or something like a local Toronto bed and breakfast.   Being within walking distance to all the venues probably makes the performance a lot more stress free. 

It Began With Living With Henry

I began my Toronto Fringe experience with Living with Henry. It was a musical drama that explores the fear and complications and realities with HIV/AIDs. It’s not something that I would have necessarily picked from the large number of shows myself, due to it’s heavy content. I usually go for the lighter stuff where there is humour involved. A friend of mine knew the writer. So, it was worth while showing support for a fellow local artist. I was pleasantly surprised. I find these ’stepping out of my comfort zone’ decisions always leave me better knowledgeable in one way or another. It was a roller coaster I enjoyed.  The low points, dove really deep, but they also took you up high too, so you could find some joy in this crazy life experience. Over all, the performance left me shaken up and pleased.

Up In Flames – In the Furnace?

The next show I saw was completely my own choice. It was a surreal evening for sure for various reasons that I won’t get into.  The show was called Up In Flames and it was a one man show which left me in awe of the actors ability to talk so fast. I didn’t get a program or remember his name.  He was talented.  He left me breathless.  I was impressed with how I felt like I was another theatre ride, but this time I felt like I got swung off and lost a few times, briefly. I happily found  my way back in a short period of time. The performance had nothing to do with a furnace despite it’s hot title. It was an interesting story line, written with a comedic tone about a man who has died and was  dealing with his soul living in heaven. I entered the theatre like I would a date.  I was hoping to fall in love and be swept off of my feet. However, I left merely pleased and happy to have had the experience of dating again and a little amused and entertained. I liked it but wanted more.

You Had Me At…. Every Woman I Slept With Before I Met You

I decided to go see another show with another pal called Every Woman I Slept With Before I Met You.   My theatre partner was caught on the title and had to see for himself.   I was intrigued and came along for the ride.   I guess it’s true sometimes even among the best of us, sex sells. In this case it did, for we went to see the performance.  It was described as the darkly comedic and brutally honest one man show staring David Amito and written by David Amito & A.J. Bond. I have often been told I could write a novel on my interesting dating history so I thought this had to be good.    Well, this show was mildly amusing. I was not left totally disappointed with the piece, but I definitely felt it was lacking something. More of a character development first of all,  to make it a little more interesting, rather than jumping into dinner with some dude and hearing about his agonizing experiences from the start.  His experiences were not weird and amusing as mine.   I also wanted to know,  was this a first date?   I needed more history.   It made me wonder and left me a little disturbed if it was the first date he was recalling all these past experiences with.   I’ll got over it quickly.   I guess I have lived a more full life in some ways.  Perhaps I should write my book.  Anyway,  I have always had admiration for one man shows. They must be a challenge to do.

It Ended With HeadScarf and the Angry Bitch

I am ok with admitting that this was another one of my tag along performances.    Meaning…I didn’t scope it out myself, but went with another person who had chosen it as a ‘good one’.   That’s right, I’m a risk taker sometimes. This one woman show written and performed by Zehra Fazal had me in complete adoration.   I was inspired in so many ways.  She was remarkable at story telling and entertaining. She was over the top and hilarious. She covered the identity of those from the muslim faith and other labels in such a dear way, gentle and funny way. I was engaged the whole time and by the time the show was over,my face hurt from laughing. I couldn’t help it.   Zehra Fazal served a love letter to the Modern Muslim experience in America today in such a creative and modern way. It was comedic, but had little bits of tragedy that were lightly covered.  She kept you on top with plenty of hope by use of her story telling skills and imagination. It made me feel that the labels that we are sometimes given can actually help us to strengthen our inner courage if we only accept and love ourselves, and most of all find the silliness.   Zehra’s energy and playfulness transferred over to her audience, as I felt that I could be my own unique rock star too.    I saw her as a shining silly star and not so angry.   I could definitely see myself becoming a Fringe roadie on this tour, if I had the time and money.

Exploring the Weekend Arts Market In The Distillery District

Another fine example of exploring other artist to be inspired.  In this case I found someone I could collaborate with.  All this happened when I discovered a selection of artists  exhibiting and selling their art work every weekend in the Distillery District. There are some great artists, craftspeople and food artisans setting up shop in the historic streets of the Distillery District. The Art Market, an ongoing exhibition of art and handmade goods in the outdoor laneways of The Distillery Historic District is a worth a visit. The Art Market is only Friday to Sunday* 11am – 6pm located in The Distillery Historic District (near Front and Parliament Sts.). Of course this includes Mondays of long weekends if you are looking for something to do. Visiting the Distillery Art Market is also an opportunity to explore inside the Artscape Distillery Studios’ Case Goods Warehouse. I found an artisan I was very interested in due to his metal work and the tools that he used.  I had to ask him if he would help me with my art venture with the computer components.  I could take my art to a new level with the tools and skills that he has.

Monedarte – Hand Crafted Metal Art

As I was getting my Friday treat at Balzacs I noticed this artist and his booth a couple of times before. His name I discovered was Cordo from Monedarte and specialized in handcrafted coin art and jewellery. An artist with a big smile, he has carried on a family tradition from Argentina for over 11 years.   Always an artist Cordo has taught his partner Emily in the metal art for five years. Cordo is proud of his handcrafted coin art and jewellery, and so he should be.  I was not the only one who was impressed with the technical skill and creativity using old discarded coins from around the world.  Monedarte takes pleasure in recycling these metal objects and it`s truly amazing. The prices are reasonable and you can look online for his website where it mentions the type of metal of each coin they use.  This transformation of the discarded and old, into the beautiful and new, is something that we have in common.

You can tell by his attitude that Cordo is passionate about his art work. He was more than willing to show me the tools and the process of his creative works.

Open Studios and Free Guided Tours

Monedarte was just one of the fine examples of artist displays and art sales in the market.  There are many more artisans in the market to explore. I encourage pedestrians in the area to take time and travel inside the four story Case Goods Warehouse that was a prohibition-era storage facility. It is now home to 63 artist studios and 28 arts organization offices. Open studios and free guided tours are offered to the public during each Distillery Art Market weekend. Visitors can also check out eleven ground-floor retail studios, including fine art galleries, textile art shops and a custom jeweler. If you are interested in exhibiting at Distillery Art Market you can inquire to see if they are still accepting submissions! Booths are only $100 + HST per weekend. Contact Wendy Campbell at wendy@torontoartscape.on.ca or 416-392-1038 x27. The Distillery Art Market is a partnership between Artscape and The Distillery Historic District.  I hope it is financially worth while for all of the artist to participate.

ARTSCAPE in Toronto

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, Artscape is a not-for-profit organization that makes space for creativity and transforms communities. Artscape projects provide affordable space for creativity while generating positive cultural, economic, social and environmental impacts. Artscape has transformed a portfolio of underutilized buildings across Toronto into dynamic community assets that serve to enable innovation and creativity, including the award-winning Artscape Wychwood Barns and multi-tenant arts facilities in the Queen Street West, Liberty Village, Toronto Island and Distillery Historic District neighbourhoods. Collectively, Artscape manages 10 buildings for 863 artist and cultural worker tenants and owners in 417,000 square feet of space.

The Distillery District Creative Vibrant Attraction in Toronto

The Distillery Historic District is a vibrant creative attraction in Toronto and a great place to let yourself be inspired. A perfect area to explore and discover some of your favourite local artists and get some ideas of your own. The 13-acre arts and entertainment district comprises more than 40 heritage buildings and 10 streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian era industrial architecture in North America. It has been labeled as a “must-visit” location by the New York Times, Frommer’s, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail. It’s great place to bring your camera or sketch book and explore Canada’s history while also experiencing contemporary arts and culture.   I am always finding new ideas and motivation when I am surrounded by creative minds and beautiful scenery.
//

Photo Contests Can Exercise the Creative Mind

There are so many benefits of exploring the imagination.  Most people tend to take our ability to be creative for granted, but like a physiological muscle, our imagination needs to be stretched and exercised.   For those people who like to explore their creative side through the use of the camera it’s best to step outside of the box and give your self some framed photographic activities.   I found this photography contest on a forum and it was great.  It also lead me to many other photography challenges such as one called Accounting Exercise.   I noticed that these Canadian photography contests were free and easy to upload photos when you registered.  The valuable prizes added to the motivational value of the challenges.  I even checked out the blog they have to see what the judges were like and the previous contest winners.  I was impress and prepared to take on some of these creative photography challenges and share with others, who love the art of digital photography.

Construction Sights

I like the idea of this photography challenge this time of year.  There is so much construction going on everywhere.  It usually seems like a inconvenience.  But it won’t if you have a camera in hand and you are ready to explore the creative potential of the construction site from the ground up.  The contest provides you with a chance to win a Sony laptop thanks to Ottawa Roofing company who works with aluminum and windows.   They know the beauty of construction.    The contests is finished by August 1 with the announcement of the winner so don’t leave your photos to the last minute.  Start exploring today.

Shafts of Sunlight

I love this photography contest.  It reminds me of my art history days with the 17th century dutch painters and Caravaggios’ use of light within his masterpieces.  This is a perfect chance for photographers to capture this huge contrast of light within the dark through the art of photography.  Not an easy challenge.  I am already impressed with the photos submitted and I am looking forward to seeing more photo explorations with this theme in mind.  I love these photography challenges too because the prizes seem to validate the creativity involved.   This prize is an excellent Sony digital camera with some amazing features thanks to a company who likes to spread their love of sunrooms.

Lenzr Photo Contest Website

Once again the online voting starts July 15th so be sure to have your creative photos uploaded by then if you want a chance to advance to the judges process.   Check out the website to see how easy it is and see the artistic muscles that are already being exercised by those with the use of a digital camera.   Don’t let your creative mind go to waste, try a new photography challenge, and stretch the imagination.

//