Tag Archives: misc culture

Finding a Local Arts Scene

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Bradford Fine Artists

In 2014, my boyfriend (now husband) and I moved to Bradford, Ontario – a small town about an hour’s drive north of Toronto and forty-five minutes from where I had been living previously in Markham.

Markham is by no means a metropolis (though it did officially change from Town to City status in 2012 and has a population that is literally 1,000 times larger than Bradford), but it is bigger than Bradford and also that-much closer to Toronto.

When we moved to Bradford, we were thinking of a whole host of considerations: affordable housing, proximity to work, caliber of schools… “Arts scene” wasn’t top of mind for us in the decision-making process.

But I was pleasantly surprised to find, a few months after we moved in, that vibrant arts scenes can be found even when you’re not looking.

Driving Bradford’s literary arts scene – in my opinion – is Bradford’s library. Bradford truly has an amazing library with great programming. The library hosts a monthly Writers Circle, Book Club and Film Screenings. In addition, they offer Open Mic Nights, Jazz Nights and Spoken Word evenings that add variety and an opportunity to network in the community.

Bradford also harbours a group of dedicated art enthusiasts. Three dedicated artists – Janie Kuzmyk, Brad Houghton, and Shelby Thoms – are working to quite literally carve out a space for the arts in Bradford. They recently registered a not-for-profit arts organization named Bradford Fine Artists with a mandate to promote and showcase local artists while raising awareness, support, and funding for a dedicated arts space in Bradford. These artists understand the importance of art, that artists of all kinds need space to flourish, and that an arts presence is beneficial to every community. I was recently honoured to be asked to join as a member for Bradford Fine Artists, and am terribly excited at the opportunity to get even more involved in the community and in the local arts scene.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the past few years have been a whirlwind, with my husband and I moving four times in just under two years. It’s easy to feel uprooted when you’re calling a new place home every few months. But one of my favourite quotes has always been: wherever you go, there you are. I feel blessed to somehow always find kindred spirits, such as the neighbour down the street who is also writing a book, or the friends from my yoga studio who are amazing supporters of my novel.

Looking back, it’s good that I didn’t have “local arts scene” at the top of my list of criteria for a new town to live in. If I did, I might not have chosen Bradford. To the distant observer, a town of 30,000, compared to Markham’s 300,000 or Toronto’s 3 million, might seem too small to have anything big going on. But great things are happening here all the time, and there are unique experiences to be found in joining a close-knit community.

Ever passing through town? Stop by Bradford, check out the library, find some friends. It’s a pretty sweet spot, if I may say so myself.

Fellow Hot Yoga Bradford YTTs and the yoga studio owner at the Lotus Heart Centre retreat in Brighton

Mia Herrera – Yoga Teacher In Training

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Fellow Hot Yoga Bradford YTTs and the yoga studio owner at the Lotus Heart Centre retreat in Brighton

Fellow Hot Yoga Bradford YTTs and the yoga studio owner at the Lotus Heart Centre retreat in Brighton

This weekend, I visited the Lotus Heart Centre in Brighton, Ontario for a yoga retreat. Since taking a hiatus from blogging for a little while, I’ve neglected to mention a few key activities I’ve been participating in, one of them being yoga teacher training.

I signed up as yoga teacher trainee (YTT) October 2014. I’ve been a yoga student on and off for years and was thinking of joining the YTT program for the past two years, but finally decided to join after moving to Bradford last year to get more involved in the community.

The YTT journey has been an amazing one, and far more complex than I anticipated. You can ask any yogini and she will tell you the same thing: Yoga is more than just physical poses; it’s something that requires body, mind, and spirit, and it calls for great perseverance, patience, and practice.

The Lotus Heart Centre retreat brought all YTTs from all three sister Ananda Yoga studios (located in Bradford, Aurora, and Georgina) together. As with the rest of the YTT program, the retreat gave me an opportunity to get to know some amazing people and focus deeply on my yoga practice.

Leading up to the YTT retreat, I was looking forward to two full days of uninterrupted yoga practice. I didn’t count on the amount of introspection the retreat encouraged as well. The retreat and the amount of time allowed for meditation gave me an opportunity to think about my life, assess where I am, and determine how I feel about it. The YTT retreat also helped me realize how important writing is to my personality. (Yes, somehow I always end up back at writing).

Writing is an integral part of my personality but, if I were to be honest, it often seems to get buried under the rest of my life. It seems that, for the past week, writing has been asserting its place as an important priority in my life – yelling, “Look at me! Don’t forget me!”

I noticed it first at the Bradford studio last Tuesday. There was a book on the shelf – one of those ones with 365 intentions – “messages from your angels.” I picked the book up, flipped to a random page, and found the following message (image on the right). I thought it was coincidental – writing being such an important (and yet sadly neglected) part of my personality and landing on this page.

"You've probably had many clues throughout your life that writing is part of your nature and purpose. This is a message for you to take time today to sit down and pick up your pen."

“You’ve probably had many clues throughout your life that writing is part of your nature and purpose. This is a message for you to take time today to sit down and pick up your pen.”

But then, yesterday (Saturday) night, as we were waiting for meditation to begin, a lady beside me pulled out a deck of oracle cards – coincidentally cards that were apparently from our angels again – and the card I was handed told me that I need to clear my mind to be more receptive to messages the world was giving me – whether these were messages from strangers that seemed to be hitting close to home or messages that seem to be coming up repeatedly.

Finally, during our last vinyasa practice this morning (Sunday), each student received a random intention card to read after they completed their practice. I looked at mine to find that it was a card all about expressing myself – about finding my creativity and finally voicing it.

It was at this point that I realized there is no single part of myself that I can separate out from the rest. A little while ago, I began drafting a blog post about how it seems that so many parts of my identity are compartmentalized – from what I do at work, to what I do at home, the person I am with friends, to the person I am with family, the hobbies I pursue in the yoga studio, to the hobbies I pursue in my notebook… all wildly different parts of myself that, oftentimes, don’t meet.

But I realize now that, no matter how varied these parts may feel, in the end, it all leads right back to myself. Becoming a yoga teacher has taken a lot of my time and attention, but it doesn’t make me any less of a writer. If ever, it’s enriched my ability to look inside myself and figure out exactly what I want to say. Even better, as I’ve seen this week, when I am having trouble finding my voice, it gives me an opportunity to reflect and find myself.

This blog, though varied, often has a narrow focus on me as a writer. It includes posts about readings, launches, and the writing process itself, as well as information about articles I write and reviews for games I play. I now realize I need to take a more holistic approach to this blog to fully explain exactly who I am and what my writing is all about. I’ll try better in future. As my angels have said, the more I listen to what the world is saying, the more creatively I can express myself.

And with that being said, from my yoga self, from my writing self but, most of all, from myself – from my light to yours – namaste.

 

P.S. I’ve officially added a new category to my website: Yoga!

Shop Spotlight: Heroes World

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In light of my previous post about nice places, the Markham-based comics and games store, Heroes World, is a really, really nice place. You may have heard me mention Heroes World before – I only have good things to say about it – but it was a real pleasure for me to write a full-length feature on the store, which appeared on the home page of CGMonthly.com.

To hear more about this comics and games shop and the role it plays in the Markham community, check it out. If you live in Markham, Heroes World is your best bet on finding the comic or obscure game of your choice. This place single-handedly provided for my game board addiction and recommended half the awesome comics I’ve reviewed. Hopefully they can do the same for you!

 

The Central: A love story, Or Skullkickers: A review

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Months and months ago, I attended the launch of Jim Zubkavich’s Skullkickers, Issue 1. Taking place on September 22, I hopped over to the Beguiling for my first time ever before heading to the Central for the launch and some drinks.

To be honest, I felt quite lost in the Beguiling. If you’ve never been, it’s a small comic book shop spanning the height of a two-story building. With narrow paths through packed shelves, I felt bewildered and out of place in a shop where everyone seemed to know each other’s names. As someone who’s just a tad (#understatement) socially awkward and naturally reclusive, I kind of wanted to go home. No doubt the Central would also be chock full of friends and family. Attending the launch would practically be like crashing a party! But I had travelled all the way and had agreed to meet an old co-worker next door, so I headed over (quite reluctantly, I’ll admit).

When all was said and done, I’m glad I went. It was fun seeing a friend and meeting old acquaintances. Even more, it was nice to meet the author and hear him talk about his comic journey and creation.

A month later I drafted up a review and sent it over to C&G Monthly, where it now appears here!

I know this coverage is coming 5 months late, but I wanted to give special tribute to Skullkickers and that evening spent at the Central. My acquaintance with that small bar led to many nights spent drinking apricot beer to the slow jams the venue plays after midnight, and attending other events such as the Plasticine Poetry nights held once a month. And those nights led to memorable moments with new and old friends, the rediscovery of long-forgotten music, and the introduction to poets I love and admire, like Jacob Scheier.

Events like those held at the Central – ones that can bring you out of your comfort zone and into something better, newer, and more exciting – serve as breaths of fresh air in an otherwise routine, predictable sort of life.

Wow! Did I digress! The reason why I originally sat down to write this article was so I could post my Skullkickers link. But then again, I set Skullkickers apart because it recalls a moment for me – a place and time I think of fondly. I strongly advise you guys to check out the local arts and culture scene happening in your town.

And for Toronto readers, is there anything coming up that I should check out? I’m looking for another breath of fresh air!

TPL’s Writer-in-Residence: Allan Stratton

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This season, Allan Stratton is Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence. The author of Chanda’s Secrets, Chanda’s Wars, and Leslie’s Jorunal, Allan is an award-winning author and playwright whose works have been published in twelve different countries.

The year, I had both the honour and pleasure of submitting my short story, “Colour Blind”, for review by Stratton. Meeting on Friday, October 22, Stratton’s feedback was inspiring and invaluable. The stress he placed on focusing on writing a true voice as opposed to writing for an audience, as well as his mission to write true stories whether they contain hard truths or not, was refreshing. Furthermore, his advice helped me re-evaluate my current writing style and question certain issues I had when becoming close or distant to particular characters.

Shortly after our meeting, Allan hosted a workshop at the North York Central Library called “Writing Based Fiction”, during which he recounted his travels and research in sub-Saharan Africa. During this workshop, Allan discussed how to find the universal in the specific and the way in which literature could be an agent of social change. He also read from his novel, Chanda’s Secrets. It was especially captivating during Allan’s reading when, most of the time, he didn’t even have to look at the page. It was as though he were so close to his work that he no longer had to refer to it outside of himself.

This Saturday, November 13, Allan will be hosting yet another workshop at North York Central Library called “Using Theatre Techniques to Create Characters from the Inside.” Targeted towards younger writers, Allan will start with relaxation techniques then lead participants through visualization exercises in the creation of characters. Participants are then interviewed “in character” to learn techniques that will lift characters off the page. They will also learn about considering the Goals, Obstacles, Tactics, and Expectations for their characters, which will maximize dramatic space. Since space is limited for this workshop, if you’re interested in attending please call the HUB to register at 416-395-5674.

I strongly recommend writers to either participate in Allan’s workshops or try to find time to speak to Allan themselves. The Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence program is one of a very few that offers what it does to the Toronto writing community. Though the WIR program has been around for some time, continued patronage to the program is always good. And writers can never underestimate the benefits of a meeting like-minded artists. Check it out!

Clutch 2010/2011

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Each year, the Kapisanan Centre offers the Clutch program to young Filipina women between the ages of 17-24. Clutch is an annual six-month arts based program for young Filipinas, providing them with mentorship from professional artists within the community and giving them access to professional tools to hone their creativity, define their identity, explore their cultural heritage, and tell their stories on their own terms.

In addition to weekly artistic mentorship in various studios throughout Toronto, Clutch incorporates weekly history and language lessons and encourages program attendees to blog regularly on the Kapisanan website.

As a writer with a special focus on culture and background, the Clutch program was extremely alluring to me. I applied for the program in August of 2010. After frequent follow up phone calls, I was ecstatic to hear that I’d made it into the Clutch roster for 2010-2011.

Time spent with Clutch was certainly eye opening. It gave me a new insight into Filipino culture, history, and current events. The program largely focused on thinking outside of thinking critically of Philippine circumstances and becoming an active agent in Philippine matters. The program stressed social awareness and volunteerism.

Furthermore, being part of the Clutch program made me re-evaluate who I was as a Philippine-Canadian. I’m not going to lie, sometimes I experienced moments in Philippine history class where I’d feel uncomfortably detached from the issues discussed. The matters we talked about felt so far away that I wondered if I was even a legitimate Filipino. The questions the Clutch program rose for me – about what it means to be a Canadian, Filipino or even cultural being – were and still are extremely important.  They are questions that I still have not fully resolved, and that I am sure I will be thinking of long after my involvement with Clutch.

Even better than the program were the people I met through it. Whether an artist, activist or entrepreneur, each person I met was passionate and inspiring in his or her own way. The other Clutch girls were especially inspiring – visual artists Michaela Cruz and Lyndel Aguilar.

With all that being said, it may seem surprising when I now admit that I withdrew from the Clutch program. My decision was a result of many factors, many of which were practical or economical. Though the program itself was free, the time and effort it took to commute down to the centre in Kensington Market at least three times a week during rush hour was extremely difficult. It was guaranteed that the trip would be at least two hours one way most of the time. Furthermore, due to time constraints imposed by prior writing and work commitments, adding another commitment was not wise of me. It is with regret that I withdrew from the program. It certainly offered a lot.

In this little corner of the internet, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Kapisanan Centre for the opportunity offered to me. I strongly encourage everyone to keep up to date with Clutch happenings this year. With Michaela and Lyndel on board, this year’s Clutch will certainly lead to great things.

Awesome Find: Yarn of Despair

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My favourite part of my hobby is meeting wonderful people who share the same interests as me and who are passionate, creative, and enterprising to top it off.

Sally Christensen is one of those people. She knows a whole lot about writing and games, helped me out a lot with my own work, and fed my gaming addiction by offering a group for me to meet and game with.

It is with great pleasure that I heard Sally recently started a business called Yarn of Despair – a company that offers handmade squishy Cthulus, soft bacon and toast, nerdy things like Atari pot holders, practical creations like baby blankets, and a whole lot of green scarves. Each item, handmade by Sally, is top quality stuff made with time, effort, and nerd love. Just to show how cool Sally’s stuff is, Yarn of Despair set up shop at Fan Expo this year and sold completely out of stock.

Check out Yarn of Despair online at www.yarnofdespair.com. I personally ordered myself some toast!

TCAF 2010

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On Saturday I attended the Toronto Comics and Arts Festival for the first time as a media representative for C&G Monthly. The festival was an awesome glimpse into the world of comics, graphic novels, and small press/indie publications. The day started early with a Tims coffee, a walk around the block, and a printing of my C&G business cards (I am still very excited to have business cards haha).

It progressed with the opportunity for me to get a copy of Body World signed and personalized by its author, Dash Shaw.

After a few rounds around exhibitors’ tables, I headed over to The Pilot to catch the spotlight on Paul Pope and Dash Shaw. Mediated by Vancouver-based Inkstuds’ host Robin McConnell, the spotlight was a fascinating look at comic productions, processes, and the things that drive both men.

Shortly after, following another coffee and bout of round-the-block networking, I managed to catch a panel of cartoonists and game contributors discussing the relationship between comic books and video games – a perfect discussion for us C&G reps to sit in on.

Overall, TCAF was awesome. The library quickly filled up in the afternoon. It was amazing to see so many people gather together – people who were related only by an intense passion for what they did. There were plenty of people that I met and plenty of publishers that I encountered that I would definitely love to investigate in the future.

In the meantime, I’m enjoying my personalized copy of Body World and harbouring a secret (well, now a not-so-secret) school girl crush on Dash Shaw!

Though the Toronto Comics and Arts Festival is over for this year, it is an annual event and I strongly encourage any interested comic fans to check it out next year. Just for the record, if this is something you may be interested in, be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and walk-ready shoes (stilettos are strongly advised against, as well as sweaters that you are not willing to tie around your waist)!

LIFT Out Loud

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Yesterday I attended the bi-monthly LIFT Out Loud screenplay reading series at XPACE. For those who are interested in screenwriting, I highly recommend this series. Though it was my first time attending this event, it’s been a bimonthly occurrence for the past two years.

For only $5, attendees receive free pizza, great readings, great advice, and the chance to mingle with other screenwriters and hear about their craft.

LIFT Out Loud encourages LIFT (Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto) members to submit scripts to a panel of readers. If selected, the script is read by a live cast for a live audience, with a critique and Q&A session afterwards.

Last night LIFT presented TV pilot scripts moderated by Denis McGrath, award winning writer of the mini-series, Across the River to Motor City. Two pilots were read: Ride the Dream, a sitcom by Vickie Fagan, and Marble City, a drama by Kevin Parnell.

I was exhilarated to hear excellent scripts, great readings, and invaluable advice. It sparked my blood enough to encourage a return to my own script. If you’re looking for some inspiration, come to LIFT Out Loud next time around!