T'was The Bitch Salad Before Chistmas

So guys, it's time for another installment of the Bitch Salad franchise, slotted to happen December 7 at Buddies In Bad Time Theatre. This years theme is 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special'. The poster takes some of the classic imagery we all know and love and offers a modern interpretation.

The show promises a rousing and festive performance from everyones favourite Tranny Trio- The Cheeto Girls.  Other performances include She Said What, Keesha Brownie, Kathleen Phillips and a slew of other guests. Please come out and have a Merry Bitch-mas.

http://www.youtube.com/user/heidibrander#p/u

This is old news but- 'To Wong-Foo, Thanks for NOTHING Julie Newmar!'

Ok, so after seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the Musical and revisiting the 1994 cult classic film, I decided to go back and re-watch 'To Wong-Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar'. Truthfully, I'd never actually seen the movie the entire way through.Only ever watching bits and pieces when it aired on CityTv, years back.While sitting down to view the film, it dawned on me... this movie is a piece of CRAP!

Swayze in painted face lookin'
like someones mom

And it all came back to me. I remembered why I hadn't taken the initiative to watch this thing from start to finish in my youth... I was repulsed, 'those guys don't make convincing women at all'- I thought, and a spritely me was right... The casting was TERRIBLE! Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo in dresses... I mean who thought that would be a good idea?!? Don't get it twisted, Patrick Swayzes' face DID take paint well, but really, that's where it ends... Way to Butch!
The parallels to Priscilla are far too apparent. Three Queens in a vehicle trekking across a great land for some prize at the end.
To Wong-Foo stops short of a story and gets sidetracked. The story stops being about the queens and their own trials and development and starts being about empowering middle-American white women. Haven't we seen this predictable plot enough. So BORING. And besides, teaching women drag secrets is RuPaul's job now bitches. Maybe she got the idea for Drag U  from this movie, after all she did have a small cameo in the film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmbfOD2ock , but I digress. 
Ultimately, To Wong-Foo was an American flop monopolizing on the hype of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and attempted to pander to a wider audience demographic by casting big Hollywood stars in otherwise unlikely and unsuited roles.

I'm sure ALL this has been discussed before and is SO totally obvious, but it was just something that I was compelled to put to writing.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

So about two weeks ago, I had the opportunity of attending the opening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the musical. And I have to say it was absolutely AMAZING!... the costuming, the dancing and obviously the music, just awesome.

I had seen the film, from which the stage version was adapted, years ago. I might have been in high school as I recall... yikes- So it's definitely been a hot minute since I was familiar with the plot, characters etc. The other night, out of boredom, I decided to revisit the original 1994 release, and was pleasantly surprised! The story was incredible- it's no wonder that they decided to do a stage version of this tranny trek through the desert-the only question is why it took so long? The screen to stage adaption really did the film justice. There was an obvious attempt to keep true to the story and characters while making it revenant enough to a younger audeince by replacing ABBA references with the queen of re-invention- Madonna.
Other than the aforementioned, the plot translation from screen to stage, even with the obstacle of the fourth cast member- the bus- seemed flawless and on point. What a marvel of set ingenuity.
The play really monopolizes on key sequences in the story where one would expect a musical number and effectively interjects them, enriching the overall story telling experience.
The nuances of the stage characters as mirroring their screen counter parts was impeccable- from Ticks trepidatious attitude, to Felicia's exuberant and boisterous swagger to Bernadette's wistful and contemplative demeanour. These traits were not only exhibited in effective acting and convincing dialogue, but were re-inforced in the way the actors would move and perform the musical numbers on stage-it was all encompassing.
The music itself was fun and playful. I mean when referencing disco, funk and 90's hits- how could it not be??? The costuming- lets not even talk about it. Gorgeous... just gorgeous. The show is about drag queens... just imagine what you might expect and multiply it by at least 10. The costumes aren't afraid to be over the top, literal translations in the most interesting way. Example- in the scene where the cast members start painting the bus and they brake into 'Colour My World' by Petula Clark- those back up dancer bitches show up in dresses that mimic the silhouette of giant paint brushes... Genius!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKK1vTIEj9s
Loved it soooo much. It rekindled my affection for the movie... colourful, vibrant, delicious. What more is there to say.

PART-TIME

So, it's official. I will be reducing my hours at my current place of employment to a part-time capacity starting November 1st. I'm super excited about this. I'm really going to have the opportunity to refocus my energies and expertise back on my art. Obviously, I'm a little nervous and anxious, but this is going to open up so many opportunities and freedoms for me. I mean, I'm turning 29, if I don't take advantage of this time, when will I ever do it?!? and I know I'll just be kicking myself if I don't try out of fear. I'm young, I'm talented and I have no ties or obligations- the time is NOW!
Wish me Luck.

I've Been Asked to Show!

The neighbourhood I live in is home to a slew of great cafés and restaurants that I often frequent. They all have the most wonderful ambience and atmosphere bewitching on to eat, drink and spend money! Recently I approached one restaurant in particular about using their space to showcase some of my art. After reviewing my portfolio, they graciously extended themselves to me, requesting my work to adorn their stylish walls.How excited am I?

The Rushton, is a hip and well designed restaurant situated on St.Clair West, with great food, and a beautiful aesthetic. My work is gonna look awesome in that space. The Show has been slotted for March 2011.  

http://www.therushton.com/index.php

Squingy Bitch Takes a Tumble

So I promised myself that during my two days off I was going to work on Squingy Bitch. I did, but definitely not as much as I would have liked. I'm trying out a couple of different techniques for the production of the Squingy Bitch Series. In this image, I've used a style that you might be familiar with- it looks a lot like my drawings found under the design portion of my blog.  

Now, I like this look, but it takes a REALLY long time to do. I'm still feeling the look of the other colour composites I did... the ones that I posted earlier. What I think I need to do is refine the drawing first before taking it to colour- which means there will be an extra drawing step that will go to final. The refinement will not come digitally but through the drawing process, then colour will simply be layered on top.
Ya, I think that might work... 

Commisson!

So I've been working on a commission for my friend Heather, and I'm gaging over it. Here it is.

48" X  48"
(this shitty picture does NOT do this piece justice!)

She requested a yellow colour scheme, and the composition for the piece just came to me. I almost hate to sell it. I'm kinda obsessed with it....

Hope you guys like it... I hope Heather does too.

48x48...GOD THAT'S BIG.

So, I've got my first painted commission, and boy is it a big one! A friend of mine named Heather is the first person to request an abstract piece and I couldn't be more excited to start. Her request was for something 50x50, but I couldn't find a pre-fab canvas stretched to that size... what's an extra 2 inches squared anyway...

I awkwardly shlepped the canvas home and I'm ready to start. AMAZING!

Nuit Blanche 2010

Nuit Blanche... more like they should start over Carte Blanche...
Now, I'm not trying to be a bitch about it, but for the last few years I've been all excited to discover art, installations and fun in the city on this faithful night with no avail. I mean, what's going on Toronto?
So, that night my friend and I decided to explore Zone B ( Yonge-Dundas and surrounding areas) because it had the largest concentration of Exhibits and Independent Projects on display... or so it seemed.


I have to say, people really seem enthusiastic about getting out and experiencing art and one another... I mean mass mobs don't lie...but every year I just feel like something is missing.

My friend and I traversed Yonge-Dundas Square, City Hall and surrounding areas... What a load of pretentious crap. What a waste of potential. Nothing is ever clearly labelled or charted out... I spent most of my time speaking to people about where things were supposed to be rather then viewing the exhibits themselves.

Now what I DID come across had the raw elements of being quite powerful or engaging, but fell short in leu of pomposity... I'm OVER IT!

Ultimately, most people that come out to Nuit Blanche are just looking to have a good time ALL night long.
Some of them might have an understanding of conceptual art, but most of them just appreciate art and wanna have some fun!
The most successful Exhibit I saw that night, and that I've seen since the conception of this Event in  Toronto was put on by Chevrolet, believe it or not. The Chevrolet CRUZEremix experience. 
They commandeered a parking lot between City Hall and University Ave and fitted it with a test driving track and elevated DJ both.

The concept here was that you would test drive these Chevrolet cars in what looked like a grown-up go-cart track; your facial expression and comments would be recorded from within the car and displayed on a big screen behind the DJ both while your comments where then mixed with the House music the DJ was spinning... Genius!
Not only are you engaged with the art, but you become the art.
Lastly the music was so fierce, that people kept coming in waves to join this impromptu party and it became a huge dance session.

Mobs of people dancing, laughing and having a great time in a parking lot in the middle of downtown Toronto... Now THAT'S what it SHOULD look like!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkNkUB8Wo7A&feature=channel

WHAT A BITCH!

So I didn't think it was fair to the other designs comparing them to a half finished illustration... so I quickly put some life into my preferred prototype.






... What a REAL bitch.

Squingy Update

So if you've been following, you'll know that I recently posted some designs for a character my friend Symeon and I are working on called Squingy Bitch. If you're unaware here is her origin story. http://anthonysuppadesigns.blogspot.com/p/design.html. ( scroll to the bottom of the page)

Anyway, people really seem to be responding to the concept and designs. Of course, Symeon and I obviously have a difference of opinion as to what she should look like... I feel she SHOULD be put together, but have an underlying dishevelled air. HE thinks she should be entirely prim and proper and carry herself with the staunchest of sophistication. What do you think?

Please leave a comment with your opinion...
We really need to take this character to completion and start her saga.

WHODUNIT? Update:

So, a little later than anticipated, here are my completed submissions for OCAD's WHODUNIT? Show.
I'm not gonna lie, it was a challenge translating the abstract quality of my large scale work onto a surface that's only 5"x7"without making the pieces too busy... But I have to say, I'm happy with the outcome.

I hope they are well received.

The WHODUNIT? show happens November 17th-20th... GO BUY SOME ART!

WHODUNIT?

So, I just received my OCAD 'Whodunit?' care package in the mail today. I'm super excited. This is the first year that I'll be participating in the fundraising event. Basically, the idea is that students, faculty and alumni produce two pieces of work that are then auditioned off, silently, to the highest bidder. With all proceeds going to the University. It's a great opportunity for buyers and art aficionados to snatch up some great pieces for cheap. Last year the 3 day auction brought in $170,000. Not too shabby. Artist who participate also are allegeable for a $75.00 tax receipt when their pieces are sold.


Deadline for submission is October 15th.
The 'Whodunit?' event is slotted to happen November 17th-20th.

I'll be working on my submissions this weekend. I'll post them when they're done.

here is a link where you can request your own 'Whodunit?' package.
http://www.ocad.ca/export/about_ocad/support_ocad/special_events/whodunit.htm

BITCH SALAD!

Over the last three years, I've had the privilege of being heavily involved in one of Canada's leading and pioneering Queer Comedy Shows.

Hosted by a talented and very good friend of mine, Andrew Johnston; I've had the opportunity to help brand and package the show.

Hailed as hilarious and visually stunning, the shows posters' really set the stage for the production, while elevating the "Bitch Salad Brand"as a commodity.

So, this is the poster for our 20th Show!
Awesome right?!?...
Inspired by the pages of Vogue's September Issue... it'll be sure to have you laughing 'til you puke... which works, 'cause 'thin is in.'

Be sure not to miss this show-
Tuesday September 21st.  




http://bitchsalad.blogspot.com/

WHERE THEY ARE NOW! An OCADU Alumni Exhibition

OMG...I went there!

So I'm submitting some pieces from my recent body of work to OCAD for their Alumni Exhibition.

I'm super excited and really think I have a shot of being included in the show. 

It'll be a great opportunity to showcase my work and hopefully make some damn money in the process. 

The Exhibit is also for a good cause. A portion of each piece sold goes to the Alumni Association... and I'm ok with that.. 

I'll keep you posted, Jury results will be sent October 11, 2010


link to submission form

THE FIRST STEP

Bitches, this is the first step... gonna make this happen.

So this is IT! Going to take on this new venture and re-immerse myself into the creative world, after taking a lengthy hiatus.

This Blog will be devoted to Art, Design, Style, and any old thing that tickles my creative fancy. Images, movements or environments that elicit emotion or fire up my spirit.

What you can expect to see on here is some of my own works of art, examples of personal interior style and fashion commentary. 

Wish me luck.

Looking to push my life in a new direction;

Here is the FIRST Abstract I've painted in a while. It was this that got the ball rolling.

Thank you for inspiring me.