September 1, 2011
It’s
with a heavy heart I gave up my keys to the West End Cottage, 471 Notre Dame
Street, Summerside. This had been my home away from home for the summer of 2011
and it was an opportunity unparalleled in my experience.
My
original and primary intention during the residency was to begin work on my
next major graphic novel entitled “The Allusion of Life”. This and so much more
came out of my time as the PACE Artist in Residence.
Meeting
with the people at Wyatt we planned out the two months events. I spent 2 hours
of almost every day out on the streets of Summerside as part of the ‘Arts in
Motion Festival’, letting people know about the PACE Program and talking about
my work. This worthwhile event did much in the way of drawing people off the
beaten path and into the house to see the artwork and it’s development.
As well I also held a presentation
for a group of video game summer students talking about the art and design that
parallels the gaming and animation industries. I was unexpectedly invited by
local kids to help spray paint the graffiti wall at the park (didn’t have time
unfortunately) and hosted a ’24 Hour Comic Marathon’ which turned out to be a
massive success!
It’s worth mentioning this event
further, as it was a definite high point of the Residency. I had a group of
talented people take part (A film director, a tattoo artist, an animator from
Ottawa and local comic artists) in each creating a 24-page comic in 24 hours!
We livestreamed the entire event over the Internet and had plenty of people and
media check in on our progress as the hours wore on. It was a lot of fun and
I’ve heard some of the participants say they’d like to do it again!
Events aside, I myself am beyond
pleased with what I accomplished with my time. I’ve written over 40 pages of
the first draft of “The Allusion of Life”, did plenty of concept drawings and
even the first 2 finished pages from the book!
Also, I began work on an “Angora
Napkin” adventure comic strip - completing seven strips and numerous bits of
pin-up artwork that will be included in the next book. I even managed to get in
a little oil painting late one night with the company of a friend who was
trying his hand at abstract art.
Some days I worked without
interruption and others there seemed to be a flood of visitors to the property.
Some local people came in to see what was going on after seeing it reported on
the CBC, many just fell upon it by chance or word of mouth. I had visitors from
as far away as San Diego, Maine, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The PACE Artist in Residency
program was an incredible experience; I’m excited for the next artist to be
able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. My undying thanks go out
to the PEICA, The City of Summerside, Wyatt Heritage and all the great folks
who helped bring this fantastic project into existence!
