Sleepless in Winnipeg

 All good/weird/crazy things must come to an end, like my first semester of Creative Communications.  

I won't be posting weekly over the break, I'll be catching up on some much needed sleep.

Here are a few photos left over from last week's downtown shoot. (I couldn't just let them collect virtual dust on my hard drive.) 

See you next semester! (Or maybe sooner?) 

Downtown

View of Graham Ave. from the 4th floor of the Bay

Millennium Library 

Millennium Library 

Millennium Library 

The Clock

A man sits under a pendulum clock smoking, a boy plays chess by himself, and a teenager gives his fingerprints to a cop in one minute of Christian Marclay’s The Clock.

The Clock, presented by the Winnipeg Art Gallery is a 24 hour video compilation, which acts as a clock. It uses thousands of film clips to document hours and minutes, in real-time.

The Clock plays in a room at the WAG filled with comfortable white couches, which can seat three people. Only two people sit at each couch, except for one where a man is sleeping. Several viewers were uninterested, staying for a couple minutes. Others watched for hours. One woman said she spent four hours watching, and she had come to see it from 2 a.m. until 4 a.m.

The Clock is more than pieced together bits of film. It also explores human perception of time. In one scene, from a slap-stick movie, a man falls out of a window. He manages to hold onto a clock, it saves his life. Marclay may have included this because it acts as a metaphor. The image of the man dangling, holding onto the clock seemed like something most people do, though not so literally.

 In another scene, a man and a woman talk about how everyone experiences time differently. The man says “time is a personal thing. It’s an emotional thing. Time feels different from when you’re in love, to when you’re doing something you hate.”

Watching moment after moment, snapshots of time created a bigger picture. At any point in time, people are having fun, people are bored, and people are dying. The Clock brings attention to that, with quick cuts between drama and lightheartedness.   

Watching The Clock, just like watching a clock, is an experience in being acutely aware of time, and how fast or slow it passes. It was interesting how often in the film clips a clock is present before death or near death.  

Marclay added a sense of flow with atmospheric music. It ties the scenes that had nothing in common together. Another way Marclay created flow with audio was by using sounds from one scene in the next, such as a train whistle.

One of the few negatives about The Clock, is that dramatic and passionate scenes have a lot of thrilling buildup, but then the scene ends, and the next scene starts. That’s the purpose of The Clock, but at times it was unsatisfying, there wasn’t enough resolution.

At 3:30 p.m., a classroom of children finish school, a young Robert De Niro flips a table because of an over cooked steak, and a man and woman exchange a tearful goodbye.

A 24 hour screening of The Clock starts on December 31 to January 1. The exhibit ends on January 5.   

Crummy and Crumbly Apartments

While writing this week’s post my fire detector went off 2 - 3 - 4… 7 times. No, my apartment is not currently in flames. I am boiling water to make rice.

I’ve cleaned the elements and the stove. I shouldn’t have bothered - I just have an over eager fire detector. Sometimes it doesn’t fully go off, it just lets out little warning shrieks so I know who’s boss.

Here’s are a few of my all-time favourite little apartment quirks.

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           My bathtub doesn’t drain. It’s been like that since I moved in and four bottles of Drano later, I’ve lost hope. I know if I shower, the tub will be filled with water for (at least) the next 6 hours. BONUS – Foot bath.

-        The walls in my living room are cracked, and one wall showers the couch and floor with wall dust and crumbs. The caretaker for my building says it’s because the building is sinking into the river. Oh really? That’s cool…

-        My apartment is hotter than the Sahara all day every day. I can't complain too much though, my old apartment in Osborne Village had frost on the bedroom floors in the winter. No joke.

-      Evil  Smokey Bear lives downstairs. I get that it’s cold, but for everyone’s sake smoke outside.

 

-        This thing on my ceiling. Seriously, what is that? Did someone spill coffee upstairs or is a corpse going to crash through my ceiling one day?

Even with all that, I love my old character apartment in my ghetto neighbourhood. Here’s a couple things I enjoy, for balance. (Sorry for the weird formatting Blogger makes this list go all funny.)

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             It’s mine 
      
      It’s large-ish and inexpensive
      
      It has big sunny windows 
      
      Radiators that bang
     
      Foot shoes   

They're part of my human costume 

Puppet Show

Ticket Booth

Yesterday I went to go see Little Cathy Takes on The Big Potato, performance art that combines puppetry, video, silhouette and actors. Little Cathy and The Big Potato have a bit of conflict, so Little Cathy  goes to the forest. She  gains wisdom from animals and goes home to confront The Big Potato. (I don’t want to give too much away, much more happens.)

I kept thinking: what am I watching? This is amazing.

The puppets were well made, there was an opportunity after to look closer at them. I got excited (maybe too excited) to see the craftsmanship. I saw Little Cathy, baby potatoes – which maybe me go “awww”, a beaver, a turtle and puppets made of vertebrate. Yup, spine.

I was impatient at first that it took around a minute between scenes for the actors to arrange the set. I realized that it was because they’d put a lot of thought into each scene, and it was necessary for the puppetry and silhouettes.  I was impressed by the shadow and silhouette work, manipulating light in a certain way takes a lot of effort.

 The show was weird, but weird in the best way possible. It combined mediums I haven’t seen before, and it was really thought provoking – which I didn’t expect from a puppet show.

The show will be playing again at the Cre8ery on Saturday at 7:30, and there will be a kid friendly performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday. 

Bomber Assignment, But Not Really

Last month my class went to a Bomber game for a journalism assignment. We had to find two people to interview, and write a story about anything besides the game. This is the story I wanted to tell - but I didn't. I couldn't find a way to make it work, and I feel sexual harassment is an intimidating subject to approach.  

Well, here it is. Name (there's only one) has been changed.  




"Drink your beer," says Warren Smith for the third time. "It makes the game more fun." Smith jumps out of his seat, yelling at the B.C. Lions quarterback, hoping to distract him. It doesn't work, the Bombers are still losing terribly. I don't want the beer Smith bought me and though I told him,  he insists. I say I have to go see my classmates and throw the beer out.

I walk around the circuit at Investors Group Field and make eye contact with a man. He's tall, half his face is painted blue, the other half is gold. I wonder if I should ask him for an interview and he says, "Smile for me baby." He pauses, waiting for my reaction. I walk away because I am not a baby. I am an adult. 

There are 29,457 people at the game, yet trying to find a person to interview seems increasingly impossible. I go outside where people are smoking, looking for someone uninterested in the game. I talk to two men, their friend joins us. 

The friend wraps his arm around my shoulder. I try to pull away but he doesn't let me. I feel his mouth on my neck, moving up towards my ear. He licks my ear. 
 I pull out of his grip and stare at him, disgusted. "You know you love it," he says. 

The Bombers lost 53-17. 

Street Art Part 2

(Googly eyes added to a painting) 

Even if you don't pay attention to street art you've probably see some KUSH pieces. They are memorable because they use repetition and continuity. 

Street Art Part 1

Street art is not just a nice way to say graffiti, it isn't necessarily vandalism either.  It's any art form that can be found in a public space. Spray paint, wheat paste, installations, you name it - street art can be done with any kind of medium. It doesn't even have to damage property. Though sometimes it does, I'm not advocating it. Winnipeg has a pretty cool street art scene going. We also have a  Graffiti Gallery , which is amazing. If you've never seen an exhibit there I'd highly recommend it. 

 I like the idea that any message you want to convey can be said through street art. It can be used to comment on politics, the environment or society. It doesn't need a serious message though, it can be funny or beautiful.

I have spent a lot of time wandering around back alleys and dumpsters looking for street art. (That seems weird when I admit to it...) 

                                                      So here's a few of my favourites:

Hipsters, Bars, Restaurants, Homes, Homeless, Theatre, Art, Osborne Village

Osborne Village is crowds of people, it’s the sound of cars outside lulling you to sleep, it’s the apartment on River where you fell in love, it’s sirens throughout the day that remind you someone could always be in danger, it’s looking through records with your brother. 

Osborne Village is shops with dresses in the window that are too expensive, it’s getting asked for change and you always think you’ll say no but then you empty your pocket, it’s walking across the bridge at 3 a.m. when it’s too late for people to be out but there’s people still out, it’s eating spicy peanut soup.

Osborne Village is renting a movie even though you could download it for free, it’s watching cyclists get hit by cars, it’s police dancing with your hula hoop, it’s getting a tattoo, it’s waking up in the middle of the night and sharing cookies with your neighbour.

It’s somehow the best and the worst at the same time.

Nuit Blanche (things other than the WAG)

Blacksmiths forging a Little Library that will be on display at the Millennium Library

Warming Huts at The Forks

Circuit 

                             

        Side of a building in The Exchange District

Glow-in-the-park(ing lot) at City Place 

Assiniboine Park and Delicious Vegetarian Restaurant

This was supposed to be a post showing you how beautiful the trees are in Assiniboine Park in autumn, but weather isn’t always cooperative. I still made the trip down to Assiniboine Park, but the grey skies didn’t make for scenic photos. On a sunnier day you should check it out, the leaves are changing and they’ll be gone too soon. Go on a little hike, feed ducks, get harassed by some geese then get some ice cream. Do it. Winter is coming!

I want to give a shout out to one of my favourite restaurants for being a warm and friendly place to go after a chilly evening at the park. Delicious Vegetarian Restaurant (1467 Pembina Hwy)

The service at Delicious is great, and the food is amazing.They have vegetarian chicken, fish, beef, and even eel which is made from shiitake mushrooms. I had peanut soup, sweet and sour gluten balls, spicy Szechwan tofu, vegetable chow mein… and a spring roll. I had so much leftover, no regrets.  

If you find yourself down Pembina Hwy, or if you have a craving for some Chinese food it’s worth the trip. It’s a must try for vegetarians and omnivores alike.   

Don’t forget: this Saturday is Nuit Blanche, there will be free entrance to the Winnipeg Art Gallery which is open until 4:00 AM. There will also be free art exhibits at night around Downtown, The Exchange District and St. Boniface.  

Union Sound Hall

On Tuesday I checked out Winnipeg’s newest live music venue, Union Sound Hall.  

 I went to see Mark Webber and BRAIDS. The tickets said doors at 9, show at 10. I got there at 9:40 and I was informed that the doors would not open until 10. Now I know tardiness is to be expected, and this isn’t just Union Sound Hall, but why why why can’t shows ever start on time? It irritates me to no end. I could have spent the twenty minutes I had to wait outside doing something else. Plus it was Tuesday, doors at ten is already pretty late and of course that means the whole show is behind schedule. People have places to be after… like bed. (End rant.)  

Pros: The bar itself was pretty nice though not as underground as expected… because it’s upstairs, ha ha.  There were some black and white photographs of Winnipeg on the tables and walls. Cool and local, I like that.

 Two bars, though only one was in use at the time I was there because it wasn't busy. It’s good to know they can keep the liquor flowing on nights when they’re busier, waiting in line is the worst.

Another big pro is that they have lots of amazing artists choosing to play there. It’s not quite like the Lo Pub yet, but it’s trying.

Their posters are amazing. Their graphic designer(s) are doing brilliant work.

Cons: It was uncomfortably hot. If applicable leave your jacket in the car or at home, though I know that won’t fly mid-December.

No seating! If you’re tired, you’ll have to sit on the floor.

This one isn’t really anyone’s fault but it did irk me: there’s a pole right in the way of the stage. Now I know the pole has an important job, keeping the ceiling up and saving us all from being crushed to death, but seeing more than two thirds of the band at a time would be nice.    

As for the music, Mark Webber and Christian Conner (Blanka) opened. I enjoyed the experience, but not everyone in the audience felt the same.  The two men started with a very minimal, psychedelic song that I can only describe as something that I would like to lull me to sleep. By the end of the set Christian was working away on the guitar with a violin string. I have never seen or heard anything like that before. If you haven’t either, but would like to I made a low quality video for your enjoyment. By the end of the set he was strumming away violently at his guitar with more enthusiasm than skill but it was still danceable. My friend said that she felt challenged (intellectually and emotionally) by the whole experience and I think that may be a perfect description of their performance. It was thought provoking if nothing else.  

BRAIDS, was amazing as I knew they would be. I’m a big fan with a huge bias, so I won’t talk about them too much other than to say I have a huge girl crush on Raphaelle Standell-Preston. If you don’t already listen to BRAIDS, start right now, you won’t regret it.

Overall opinion on Union Sound Hall is that they have awesome performers heading their way so I'll definitely be back. I really do like their vibe and I think it's a much needed venue that's filling the gap the Lo Pub left behind.   

Hypothetical question...

If you were to make a Winnipeg survival kit what kind of stuff would you put in it?

• Mosquito repellent 
• Toque - needed the day after the mosquito repellent is no longer necessary
• Toboggan - useful for transportation and fun 
• iPothole - an app for iphone that tracks and maps potholes 
• Jets paraphernalia 

  

GC Gophers and Mom's Perogies

When I think of Garden City I think of Arcade Fire’s song “The Suburbs”

You know,

“In the suburbs I, I learned to drive and you told me we’d never survive”

 A perfect summary of how I feel about the area. I went to Garden City Collegiate, so the area holds some sentimental value for me. Recently the school got a nice face lift and the buildings that I used to walk between to my classes are now joined as one. Current students will never know the horror of having a schedule of classes alternating buildings in the midst of a cold, harsh Winnipeg winter. West building first period, then east, lunchtime, and my locker is in the west…  

The area is what it is, nothing too special, a somewhat suburban area with cute floral names for streets. If you take a walk around it’s easy to get lost in the maze of houses that look the same. There’s a lot of white, one floor homes. Just thinking about it brings back the nostalgia of biking through those streets to the train tracks to contemplate my high school life.

If you ever find yourself in Garden City maybe the only remarkable thing is the second hand shopping. My lovely friend Vanessa who has lived in the area for 13 years claims it’s the best in the city because of the lack of people scoping it out. I can confirm, I used to get all my sweet threads from around there. Besides, Halloween’s coming up guys! 

Check out:

The Salvation Army Thrift Store (1424 McPhillips Street):

This is usually a better alternative to Value Village, often it’s cheaper and the proceeds actually go back to the community.

But if you didn’t find that tacky grandpa sweater you were looking for stop by the Value Village (942 Jefferson Ave)

A real Garden City must,

Mom’s Perogy Factory (832 Sinclair St)

They carry a lot of take away items for you to make yourself at home, but at least during lunch hour they do offer some deep fried perogy goodness. This place is the cutest, at least half a dozen grandmothers gathered together making perogy magic for you to enjoy at home. 

The Soul Night Experience

Every second Tuesday it’s Soul Night. Head down to the The Cavern to witness the dimly lit, slightly grungy glory. Bonus: even if you’re a broke student you can attend, it’s free! 

Dr. Hotbottom & the Soul Prescription set the mood with blaring horns, groovy guitar and much to my excitement a keytar. 

 By 12:00 the hipsters are rolling in and everyone is busting out their best moves, I even spotted three people doing a t-rex dance that I really hope catches on. Dance the night away, then to complete the experience, spill your heart out on the chalkboard where everyone seems to make their confessions in the graffiti filled bathroom.

 Once you've had your fill step outside and chill with Eric Pyle, better known as Eric the Great. Eric is a local celebrity that has been busking for ten years. You can find him performing with his acoustic guitar in whatever part of the village is most populated. Pick up an album and talk with him for a few minutes, he’s a fascinating character that will give you an earful, and an awful lot to think about.

At the end of your night head next door to A Little Pizza Heaven and grab a slice of delicious pretzel crust goodness before heading home.

The North End

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral (1175 Main Street)

Found on an unused building on Main between Atlantic and Bannerman 

Hood Hop'rz (1348 Main Street)

The North End sometimes gets a bad rap, but it is a beautiful and vibrant community. I know that's cliché and lame but it really is! Orianne has lived in the North End for ten years, I asked her about her favourite parts of the neighbourhood. She had a huge list, far more than I expected. She enjoys the close community, and her friends that live in the area. There’s a good school down the block for her daughter and easy access to downtown. She also loves that the independent, locally owned businesses that give her an alternative to the typical grocery shopping experience. The ones that she listed were Tenderloin Meats (1483 Main Street), Naleway Catering (1411 Main Street) and Pollock’s Hardware Co-op (765 Main Street). 

My favourite thing about Orianne’s neighbourhood  are the houses. She lives in a gorgeous home that is more than 100 years old. Typical of the homes in the North End. There’s so much character to all the buildings, every time I venture down to that area I find myself imagining all the history that these houses have stood through and how much more is in their future, will they stay around another century? Take a walk around the area and let your mind wander. 

Some cool things that you should check out next time you’re in the North End:

The Winnipeg Trading Post (1128 Main Street)

This place is awesome. All the beads, feathers and dream catchers you could possibly imagine. It’s hard to stop myself from getting carried away in there. 

D’arcys A.R.C Thrift Store (1076 Main Street)

If you enjoy second hand shopping and saving animals at the same time, this is the place to be. It’s not a huge shop but proceeds go to D’arcys Animal Rescue Centre which provides neglected or abused cats and dogs with vet care and a place to live. If wearing previously worn clothes isn't your thing they have plenty of books there too.

    

Neechi Foods Co-op Ltd. (325 Dufferin Ave)

This place has it all: groceries, arts & crafts, a delicious restaurant in a beautifully revived historic building. What more can I say? 

St. John’s Park

Located at Mountain and Main this beauty of a park borders the river. Whilst I was there snapping pictures I smiled at a man sitting in a lawn chair looking out onto the river and writing. He called out to me and told me he understood why I was taking so many pictures, as it’s really a beautiful place. He pointed out the children fishing by the river. They were from a program called Marymound which  helps youth turn their lives around. He said it’s the perfect place to take them because they can just relax and be children. Go have a picnic at this park then walk along the river. 

Intro

My name is Jade and I'm a first year Creative Communications student at the Red River College. This is the space where I'll be showing you to all the vibrant neighbourhoods, beautiful architecture, and interesting people Winnipeg has to offer. Welcome!