Showing posts with label JJ Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JJ Lee. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
JJ Lee at IndexG Gallery
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Last Chance to see Ingrid Mida and JJ Lee's Exhibition at Loop Gallery
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| Ere we shall meet again by Ingrid Mida 2011 |
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| Author Fabian Boutilier and Artist JJ Lee Photo by Ester Pugliese, 2011 |
Both artists were interviewed for Art Sync TV. As well, Ingrid Mida's series All is Vanity was reviewed by DF Krouskie for the loop blog and JJ Lee's work was mentioned by RM Vaughan in his Globe & Mail gallery feature. And Ingrid recently was honoured with an invitation to speak about her work at the American Costume Society conference in the fall.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Interview with Author Fabian Boutilier
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| Author Fabian Boutilier and Artist JJ Lee |
Fabian Boutilier is the author of the mystical children's story The White Tortoise of Ch'u. He approached artist JJ Lee about creating the illustrations for the story which are currently on exhibit at loop Gallery.
Ingrid: What motivated you to write a children's story?
Fabian: To be honest, I don't really think of the Ch'u story as a children's story. When I wrote it, certainly, I didn't sit down with the intention of writing a children's story. I had been reading the Chinese philosophers at the time - Confucius, Lao Tzu, Mencius and, of course, Chuang Tzu. It was an anecdote I had read in Chuang Tzu concerning a sacred tortoise that prompted me to write "The White Tortoise of Ch'u". If, at the time, you had asked me what I was writing, I would have said simply a story. If you pressed me, I might have said a folktale. It never would have occurred to me to say I was writing a children's story. I did, however, read the story once to a gathering of friends that included writers, artists, academics and several of their children. The youngest of the children was about 7, I think, and the oldest 11 or thereabouts. I was surprised at their enthusiastic response to the story. That, I suppose, was when it first occurred to me that the story might find a young audience. I understand that, ever since the Brothers Grimm, the link between the folktale and children has become stronger so that, today, to say "folktale" or "fable" is, for many, to say "children's story". Still, I resist the idea that this is a children's story. A fable, sure; a folktale, yes: but not a children's story. The story wants readers; the story doesn't care how old or young those readers might be.
Ingrid: Can you give a brief description of the story of The Tortoise of Ch'u.
Fabian: "The White Tortoise of Ch'u" is the story of a sacred tortoise that is kept in the imperial palace by the King of Ch'u. Highly prized for his white shell and his skill at divination, the tortoise is kept on a silk cushion and eats oysters off a bronze shovel. Despite the comfort - indeed, luxury - of his situation, the tortoise is not happy. No one knows of the tortoise's unhappiness - does anyone even care? - until, one day, a musician arrives at court and plays a song called "Wagging My Tale in the Mud". A conversation between the tortoise and the musician ensues, the musician learns of the tortoise's plight and - well, I'll stop there since I wouldn't want to give the story's ending away.
Ingrid: Is this your first children's story?
Fabian: I've long admired the folktale and the fable as a literary form. This is neither my first nor my only story of this kind. JJ and I have already talked about our next project.
Ingrid: Your brief bio on the press release mentions that you are an author and a playwright. What other type of work have you had published or performed?
Fabian: For a brief time, in the 80s, I was associated with the Theatre Centre. I wrote, produced and directed my own work. It was all very experimental (or so we thought), very avant garde, very black box. I haven't written for the theatre in many years. I miss my theatre days. My one claim to fame is that I was one of the founders of the annual Rhubarb festival. I also claim to have been the one who named the festival, however, there are some who would dispute this. I wrote, among others, the plays "Gina Lolabrigida" and "Ah But It Sings But It Sings Luvena" which was published in Rhubarb-O-Rama. To give you an idea of the sort of plays these were, pages of the Luvena play were transposed in the published version and it hardly makes any difference at all. Since leaving the theatre, I have continued to write but no longer write plays. I write short, short stories or what, today, are commonly called metafictions and stories like the Ch'u story. I have a collection of metafictions, titled "The Ovation", and a collection of folktales titled "A Sack of Tears & Other Tales".
Ingrid: You describe yourself as a dilettante. Do tell more!!
Fabian: What more is there to tell? I'm a dabbler by nature. I've lived my whole life in a kind of desultory way relying on occasional enthusiams rather than a single purpose to pass the time. This is what makes me a dilettante. I would change it if I could, and I am trying, but it's probably too late now.
Ingrid: When did you first encounter JJ Lee's work?
Fabian: I happened upon Carte Blanche, quite by chance, one day in my local library. At the time, I was searching, albeit casually, for an illustrator; not for Ch'u but for another story. I had been thinking about starting to publish some of my stories. I had the idea of finding my own illustrators to collaborate with rather than following the usual path which is to find a publisher who would then find an illustrator. I felt - somewhat arrogantly, I admit - that I was the person best suited to finding the right illustrator for my stories. Anyway, I was leafing through Carte Blanche when I chanced to see JJ's work. This was the first I had ever seen or heard of JJ Lee. I was struck by the sheer beauty of her work, by its orientalism, its melancholy and other qualities besides. It occurred to me that JJ's style would suit perfectly The White Tortoise of Ch'u although, as I have said, the Ch'u story wasn't first on my mind at the time.
Ingrid: What made you decide to ask her to illustrate your story?
Fabian: It was a quick decision. When I closed Carte Blanche that day at the library, I had already decided to ask. I scribbled her name on a piece of paper. I went home. I googled "JJ Lee". I contacted her. In hindsight, it all seems somewhat serendipitous now. It was my good fortune to have contacted JJ at a time when she had begun herself to think about illustrating books. We traded a few e-mails, we met, and here we are. The qualities to be found in her work that I have already mentioned above were among the reasons that prompted me to approach JJ with the project in the first place. But also, and perhaps most importantly, I could see that JJ would bring the sophistication of a fine artist to the task of illustrating the story which is what I wanted.
Ingrid: What's next for you besides becoming the despotic ruler of a small island on the west coast?
Fabian: More of the same. I have abandoned my despot plan - well, maybe not abandoned but postponed - in order to start a publishing company that will specialize in publishing books like The White Tortoise of Ch'u that are collaborations between writers and artists. I'll begin by self-publishing some of my own stories. I have a number of projects in the works as I am typing this. Eventually and before too long, if all goes as planned, I'll begin publishing other stories by other writers and artists.
Author Fabian Boutilier and artist JJ Lee will be at the gallery on Sunday, February 6 and Sunday, February 13, 2011. Fabian will read the story The White Tortoise of Ch'u at 3 pm.
Loop Gallery is located at 1273 Dundas Street West in Toronto. Gallery hours this weekend are Friday and Saturday 1-5 pm and Sunday 1-4 pm.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Interview with Artist JJ Lee
Artist JJ Lee opened her show The White Tortoise of Ch'u at loop Gallery on Saturday. This children's story, written by author Fabian Boutilier, is a magical mix of history, folklore and mysticism. JJ Lee presents 10 of the planned 16 illustrations from the as yet unpublished book.
JJ Lee has a BFA from the NSCAD University (1992) and an MFA from York University (1999). A recipient of many awards for her work, Lee is also featured in the Magenta Foundation’s Carte Blanche Volume II: Painting, a survey of contemporary Canadian painters. She currently lives and works in Toronto where she teaches at the OCAD University.
In spite of a hectic schedule, JJ found the time to answer my questions about her work.
Ingrid: How does this project differ from what you've exhibited in the past?
JJ: This project is so entirely different than anything I've done before. While I still regard these pieces as my work, these images have a much clearer narrative. In my paintings I try to stay away from the illustrative and go more for the evocative, but in this case I was trying to strike a balance. It was hard!
Ingrid: What was your working process for the illustrations?
JJ: Generally I would pick a page, and usually an image would come to me. I would start sketching it out, but then, as usual, the image changes as the process develops. There were a couple that started off as for one page but then as the piece developed I would change it to illustrate another space.
Ingrid: Did you use any different mediums in your work?
JJ: This work is on paper, and I used gouache, acrylic, pencil crayon, conte, collage, photocopy transfer, pencil, and pen and ink (to name a few). I prepared the paper with an absorbent ground to play up texture and for it to receive the water based media better.
Ingrid: How did you and Fabian first meet?
JJ: Fabian saw my work in Carte Blanche 2: Painting, a compendium of Canadian contemporary painters. He then emailed me. When I received his email, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe my good luck!
Ingrid: Was it a challenge to work under the direction of an author or did it take the pressure off you?
JJ: The great thing about Fabian and his approach is that he allowed me to do whatever I wanted! He didn't impose a vision onto me; he just provided the text. He was also extremely supportive of my artwork. He trusted me entirely to create work that would suit the story. It definitely was an enjoyable challenge, trying to balance my approach with a story.
Ingrid: What does your daughter think of your artwork for this project? Did she want to help?
JJ: She likes to go into the studio and say, "Aww, the turtle is crying!".
Ingrid: Do you think you'd like do more children's book illustrations?
JJ: Absolutely! I would like to do a million more!
Ingrid: What's next for you?
JJ: I wish I knew! I'm at a real crossroads in my career now. One reason why I am interested in illustrating children's books is because it can reach quite a large audience. It's a nice way for a lot of people to enjoy your work instead of occasionally selling one painting to one person. My husband is a kindergarten teacher. I would love to work on something with him. Or perhaps illustrate one of my daughter's stories.
JJ Lee has a BFA from the NSCAD University (1992) and an MFA from York University (1999). A recipient of many awards for her work, Lee is also featured in the Magenta Foundation’s Carte Blanche Volume II: Painting, a survey of contemporary Canadian painters. She currently lives and works in Toronto where she teaches at the OCAD University.
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| JJ Lee and Ingrid Mida at Loop Gallery on January 22, 2011 |
In spite of a hectic schedule, JJ found the time to answer my questions about her work.
Ingrid: Have you illustrated a book before?
JJ: No I haven't but always wanted to. This opportunity dropped into my lap just at a time when I was seriously considering illustrating a book, especially since the birth of my daughter three years ago. Children's books have been basically the only genre I've been reading lately!Ingrid: How does this project differ from what you've exhibited in the past?
JJ: This project is so entirely different than anything I've done before. While I still regard these pieces as my work, these images have a much clearer narrative. In my paintings I try to stay away from the illustrative and go more for the evocative, but in this case I was trying to strike a balance. It was hard!
Ingrid: What was your working process for the illustrations?
JJ: Generally I would pick a page, and usually an image would come to me. I would start sketching it out, but then, as usual, the image changes as the process develops. There were a couple that started off as for one page but then as the piece developed I would change it to illustrate another space.
Ingrid: Did you use any different mediums in your work?
JJ: This work is on paper, and I used gouache, acrylic, pencil crayon, conte, collage, photocopy transfer, pencil, and pen and ink (to name a few). I prepared the paper with an absorbent ground to play up texture and for it to receive the water based media better.
Ingrid: How did you and Fabian first meet?
JJ: Fabian saw my work in Carte Blanche 2: Painting, a compendium of Canadian contemporary painters. He then emailed me. When I received his email, my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe my good luck!
Ingrid: Was it a challenge to work under the direction of an author or did it take the pressure off you?
JJ: The great thing about Fabian and his approach is that he allowed me to do whatever I wanted! He didn't impose a vision onto me; he just provided the text. He was also extremely supportive of my artwork. He trusted me entirely to create work that would suit the story. It definitely was an enjoyable challenge, trying to balance my approach with a story.
Ingrid: What does your daughter think of your artwork for this project? Did she want to help?
JJ: She likes to go into the studio and say, "Aww, the turtle is crying!".
Ingrid: Do you think you'd like do more children's book illustrations?
JJ: Absolutely! I would like to do a million more!
Ingrid: What's next for you?
JJ: I wish I knew! I'm at a real crossroads in my career now. One reason why I am interested in illustrating children's books is because it can reach quite a large audience. It's a nice way for a lot of people to enjoy your work instead of occasionally selling one painting to one person. My husband is a kindergarten teacher. I would love to work on something with him. Or perhaps illustrate one of my daughter's stories.
JJ Lee will be at Loop Gallery for the next three Sundays, January 30th, February 6th and February 13th at 3 pm to do answer questions and for the readings of The White Tortoise of Ch'u by author Fabian Boutilier.
Don't miss the interview with JJ Lee on Artsync TV, which airs in Toronto on Fridays at 7 pm and Mondays at 7 am on Rogers Cable 10.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
ArtSync
I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I didn't know about ArtSync until I heard that they were interested in interviewing JJ Lee and me at the opening of our shows last weekend. But after watching Artsync TV on Rogers Cable 10 and taking a closer look at their website, I have to say I'm very excited to have been included.
The ArtSync website and tv show offer a way to stay connected with what's happening in the art scene in Toronto and Canada without leaving the comfort of home.
Here is how they describe themselves:
ArtSync.ca is a dynamic online sanctuary for all those interested and involved in Canadian art: its creators, conspirators, critics, and cheerleaders. We’ve furnished our site with a gallery directory, exhibition shortlist, and event calendar; listings for jobs, submission calls, and other opportunities; reviews, blogs and forums for discussing the latest in the scene; and, in collaboration with our affiliated television program, video footage of recent openings and interviews. We strive to be focused and selective about the information we distribute so as to provide readers with the most current and vital information about the visual arts in Canada.
ArtSync TV is Toronto’s visual voice for contemporary art. Grounded in an awe for the art of this city, we’re committed to following, sharing, and celebrating the best of it with our Roger’s Cable and online audiences. The show airs every Friday night at 7 on channel 10, with clips available online shortly thereafter. ArtSync TV covers Toronto’s latest openings and current shows, and profiles the artists and arts professionals who make the city so vital. The artwork featured is accomplished and edgy, significant and timely, and relevant locally, nationally, and internationally.
ArtSync is the product of Link Design and Multimedia, a Toronto-based initiative that has promoted contemporary visual art, video, new media and film since 2001.
I wish I could remember what I said during the interview. I just hope I sounded somewhat coherent! I think the interviews might air this Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7 pm on Rogers Cable 10. Watch and find out.
The ArtSync website and tv show offer a way to stay connected with what's happening in the art scene in Toronto and Canada without leaving the comfort of home.
Here is how they describe themselves:
ArtSync.ca is a dynamic online sanctuary for all those interested and involved in Canadian art: its creators, conspirators, critics, and cheerleaders. We’ve furnished our site with a gallery directory, exhibition shortlist, and event calendar; listings for jobs, submission calls, and other opportunities; reviews, blogs and forums for discussing the latest in the scene; and, in collaboration with our affiliated television program, video footage of recent openings and interviews. We strive to be focused and selective about the information we distribute so as to provide readers with the most current and vital information about the visual arts in Canada.
ArtSync TV is Toronto’s visual voice for contemporary art. Grounded in an awe for the art of this city, we’re committed to following, sharing, and celebrating the best of it with our Roger’s Cable and online audiences. The show airs every Friday night at 7 on channel 10, with clips available online shortly thereafter. ArtSync TV covers Toronto’s latest openings and current shows, and profiles the artists and arts professionals who make the city so vital. The artwork featured is accomplished and edgy, significant and timely, and relevant locally, nationally, and internationally.
ArtSync is the product of Link Design and Multimedia, a Toronto-based initiative that has promoted contemporary visual art, video, new media and film since 2001.
I wish I could remember what I said during the interview. I just hope I sounded somewhat coherent! I think the interviews might air this Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7 pm on Rogers Cable 10. Watch and find out.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Photos from the Opening Reception of JJ Lee and Ingrid Mida at loop
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| JJ Lee and Ingrid Mida at loop Photo by Julia Dupuis |
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| Installation shot of The White Tortoise of Ch'u by JJ Lee Photo by Ingrid Mida |
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| Installation shot of All is Vanity by Ingrid Mida Photo by Ingrid Mida |
The gallery will be open today from 1-4 pm and then reopens on Wednesday, January 26 at noon.
The artists will be in attendance at the gallery as follows:
Ingrid Mida: Sunday, January 23 from 1-4 pm, Saturday, January 29 from 1-5 pm with a Q&A moderated by Lyla Rye at 3 pm and Sunday, February 6 from 1-4 pm
JJ Lee: January 23 and February 6 from 3-4 pm plus January 30 and February 13 from 1-4 pm. Readings with Fabian Boutilier will take place at 3 pm.
The loop blog will post interviews with JJ Lee and Fabian Boutilier later this week.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The new rule of cool: Gobs of colour by R.M. Vaughan
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| White Tortoise by JJ Lee 2010, Mixed Media Collage on Paper, 22x30 |
Having seen JJ Lee's work up close during the installation of my own work in the front gallery at loop, I concur with R.M. Vaughan. Who needs a seasonal affective disorder lamp when you can bask in the sunny and happy hues of JJ Lee's beautifully collaged illustrations of Fabian Boutilier's book The White Tortoise of Ch'u?
Join us today for the opening reception at loop Gallery from 2-5 pm. JJ Lee and Fabian Boutilier will also be doing readings and answering questions tomorrow January 23rd at 3 pm as well as January 30th, February 6 and 13 at 3 pm.
Monday, January 17, 2011
JJ Lee and Ingrid Mida at Loop Gallery
loop Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibitions by loop members JJ Lee and Ingrid Mida will open on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
The White Tortoise of Ch'u is a collaboration between artist JJ Lee and author Fabian Boutilier. The children’s story is a magical mix of history, folklore and mysticism which JJ Lee captures in her illustrations.
JJ Lee has a BFA from the NSCAD University (1992) and an MFA from York University (1999). A recipient of many awards for her work, Lee is also featured in the Magenta Foundation’s Carte Blanche Volume II: Painting, a survey of contemporary Canadian painters. She currently lives and works in Toronto where she teaches at the OCAD University. Her collaborator, the author of The White Tortoise of Ch'u, is Fabian Boutilier. He is also a poet, a playwright, and a director of avant-garde theatre.
All is Vanity is the translation of the latin Vanitus Vanitum, a biblical reference to the transitory nature of life. This theme conveys the vanity of pursuing earthly pleasures and accomplishments in the face of certain death. In this series of photographic self-portraits, Ingrid Mida attempts to convey the emotions of grief and also poses the question of "whether beauty and death are facets of the same experience”.
Ingrid Mida has exhibited her work in Toronto galleries since 2003. Embracing a variety of mediums including drawing, sculpture, installation and photography in her practice, her work explores the intersection of fashion, art and life. Ingrid also works part-time as an assistant to a curator of fashion and textiles and is author of the widely read blog Fashion is my muse!
Please join the artists and author at their opening receptions on Saturday, January 22nd from 2-5 pm.
Learn more about JJ Lee’s and Ingrid Mida’s work at loop:
Readings with artist JJ Lee and Author Fabian Boutilier; on January 23, 30, February 6 and 13, at 3pm
Question and Answer with Ingrid Mida on Saturday January 29th at 3pm, facilitated by Lyle Rye.
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| JJ Lee, White Tortoise, mixed media collage on paper, 22"x30", 2010 |
JJ Lee has a BFA from the NSCAD University (1992) and an MFA from York University (1999). A recipient of many awards for her work, Lee is also featured in the Magenta Foundation’s Carte Blanche Volume II: Painting, a survey of contemporary Canadian painters. She currently lives and works in Toronto where she teaches at the OCAD University. Her collaborator, the author of The White Tortoise of Ch'u, is Fabian Boutilier. He is also a poet, a playwright, and a director of avant-garde theatre.
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| Ingrid Mida, All is Vanity, Digital C-print, limited edition 1 of 5, 28"x34", 2010 |
Ingrid Mida has exhibited her work in Toronto galleries since 2003. Embracing a variety of mediums including drawing, sculpture, installation and photography in her practice, her work explores the intersection of fashion, art and life. Ingrid also works part-time as an assistant to a curator of fashion and textiles and is author of the widely read blog Fashion is my muse!
Please join the artists and author at their opening receptions on Saturday, January 22nd from 2-5 pm.
Learn more about JJ Lee’s and Ingrid Mida’s work at loop:
Readings with artist JJ Lee and Author Fabian Boutilier; on January 23, 30, February 6 and 13, at 3pm
Question and Answer with Ingrid Mida on Saturday January 29th at 3pm, facilitated by Lyle Rye.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Last Chance to see loop at Art Toronto 2010
Today is the closing day of Art Toronto 2010 (Toronto International Art Fair). Hours today are 12-6 pm.
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| Warbler I by JJ Lee Encaustic on canvas, 16 inch diameter $900 |
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| The Dream Series: Maroc by Eric Farache Chromeographic print facemounted onto Plexiglass and aluminum, 70x14 $3500 |
Thursday, October 28, 2010
More of loop at ArtToronto 2010
Tonight is the opening gala at ArtToronto 2010. Do stop by at Booth #1022 to say hello. Here is another sampling of some of the work available for purchase by loop Gallery artists at the art fair this weekend.
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| Warbler I by JJ Lee, 2010 Encaustic on canvas, 16 inch diameter $900 |
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| Been & Gone, 100 random temporal observations by Sandra Smirle, 2009 Hand cut archival paper, 9x12 inches $250 |
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| Ancient Pottery Collection 4 by David Holt 2005 Acrylic on linen, 14x14 inches $850 |
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