Andrew Moszynski
at
Valentine

What could be more optimistic than building and fucking? In his show at Valentine, Andrew Moszynski assembles paper planks and platforms into illusions of rectilinear solidity. They cantilever into the clear light of day, supported by happy thoughts. He also devises wallpaper that repeats, potentially endlessly, every possible human coupling. The figures thus engaged sport aboriginal Amazonian haircuts, and are seen from above, as by helicopter. Their dedication provides, if not exactly romance, a cheering argument for species survival.

Moszynski grew up in Buenos Aires, the son of a Polish exile who served as an RAF wing commander during World War II, and who, in its wake, chose to re-settle in the New-World Paris along with many displaced Europeans (including a few on the losing side). As Moszynski was studying architecture, fellow students started disappearing, casualties of the Argentine Dirty War. He has lived in New York since 1977. Soon after his arrival, he ventured forth in the Downtown performance scene, one coup de th��tre at PS1 involving ballroom dancers and opportune technical difficulties. Studio work followed, and gestural oilstick landscapes were shown at the Drawing Center in the 1980s. Of two that were bought by the Metropolitan Museum, the artist speculates: �They are stored in a basement vault between the Lost Ark of the Covenant and Rosebud.�

I repeat this remark as an example of Moszynski�s bi-hemispheric sense of humor, North American Stand Up meets the doomed fables of Borges.

In 1997, exacting color abstractions in enamel were shown at Pierogi 2000. But for the past seven years Moszynski�s work has embraced narrative and the tender efficiencies of the explanatory cartoon, the architectural sketch, the illustrational aside. The new work remains sober, even grave, yet goes right for punch lines �� of a kind. About representation. About gesture and display. About human morphology. About the minimum signal needed at the edge of noise.

Along with the platforms and the �YMF� wallpaper (for �Yearly Mass Fuck�) Moszynski will show numerous small drawings that likewise suggest a very cautious optimism. Two examples to whet the appetite: A man leans the top of his head against a tree, circling himself with his shadow. Is he in sorrow, or resignation, or just obeying an enterprising structural logic? An exhausted man emerges from a cave into blinding sunlight. A guilty-looking rag dangles from his hand. Is he a murderer, a masturbator, a survivor of a mine accident? Is he the artist overwhelmed by the light at the end of the tunnel?

David Brody

What makes us different from the animals?

New work from Michael Ballou.

at

valentine

464 Seneca Ave. Ridgewood NY

valentinegallery.blogspot.com

One day, the fish crawled out of the swamp. They had pairs of eyes, dark eyes, and large teeth. Over time, of course, the temperature would drop, and the fish would grow hair. Their feet would grow hooves and claws. They would bellow and groan and populate the earth. And soon they were on pleasure cruises, slipping away from the ballroom to woo each other in the salt air up on deck, the ancient, gray-green sea stretching endlessly under the moonlight. What next? Perhaps nothing was ever next and humans are still lost in transition from microbe to beast to sentient aethete. We are still trying to leave the swamp, but we don�t know what limbs we need for the next step, as it were.

Is that so? asked the princess, her glassy eyes reflecting the spray of purple asters she held in her hand. I believe I should grow some sort of fins right between my two cerebral hemispheres. I think that I should swim into my synapses.

Don�t you mean your sinuses, laughed the handsome swain at her side.

She frowned and broke his head off � snap!� just like that. She peered down his neck. There were no fins inside, or anything else. But drifting out the chimney that used to be his neck was a fine mist � his narrative entrails now liberated, creating a bewildering perfume that spread across the garden like regret. From on high, the beasts looked down: golden calves and portentous ravens, flowered elephants and sacred wolves. Hollow-eyed creatures all, they uttered low cries as they breathed in the fractured stories of those who had passed their time among the living.

Kurt Hoffman

Michael Ballou is a visual artist who works in diverse media, including film, installation, performance and sculpture, and has a history of organizing events that foster interaction between artists. In recent years, he has exhibited at the David Zwirner Gallery, Pierogi 2000 Gallery, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Xavier Hufkens Gallery, the Kunsthalle (Vienna), among others.

om is where the heart is...

Happy Friday, friends! Sorry for the long delay in posting. I didn't realize how kookoo busy the beginning of September would be for me. To deal with the hectic'ness of my schedule, I've decided to leave it all behind and head into the wilderness this weekend for a yoga retreat.  I'm very much looking forward to three days of relaxing, yoga, delicious food (there's a chef!) and making new friends. The best part? My mama is joining me!

The Fall Soul Yoga Retreat is organized by my writer friend Jenn, who, in addition to being a Yoga Alliance certified instructor & one of the most calm and sweet people I know, blogs over at 1000 Ways to be Happy.

Take a look at my lovely ladyfriend practicing yoga on the shores of downtown Oakville.

Isn't she simply amazing? 

image via 1000 Ways to be Happy

Who knows? I may just pick up some poses of my own this weekend but mostly, I'm going to embrace the calm and serenity of our surroundings and revel in the spiritual mix of body, mind, soul, intellect and breath.

Namaste.

Dajana  :)

a tale of two trenches

Hey ladies, can you help a sister out?  I've got a clothing dilemma on my hands.

Here's the dealio. My heart is torn between two lovelies - Anthropologie's Pansy Corset trench and Banana Republic's Mad Men Leopard Print trench. They're both currently in my cupboard awaiting their fate. Sad, but such is life.

I'm smitten with each of them, but for different reasons. The Pansy Corset trench, made of heavy cotton canvas, is a bold statement piece with its quirky and whimsical print and fun striped lining, whereas the Leopard Print trench is subdued, chic and sophisticated, made of polyester (blech!) and has a nondescript lining. Both have a classic silhouette. Neither is waterproof.

Take a look:

So, what do you think, friends?  Pansy or Leopard? I want "trenchgate" to be over soon so I can focus on other fabworthy fall fashion finds.

I hope y'all are having heaps of fun this Labour Day long weekend.

Dajana (:

p.s. Please do come back and visit this week. I'm finally revealing my backyard oasis! I got to use a fancytastic camera so it's going to be a good'er.

eat: crave cupcakes

My love affair with Crave spans almost eight years. Two sisters opened the Calgary-based bakery in 2004 in the Kensington area and I was lucky enough to be living there at the time. If you have yet to try a Crave cupcake -heed my words - these sweet and colourful concoctions are worth every single calorie. The icing is buttery and delicious, the cake is moist and decadent and the selections are plentiful. What more could a girl with a sweet tooth ask for?





When we moved back to Edmonton a few years ago, I pined for Crave's melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Trips to Calgary always included a stop at Crave so I could get my fix. I can't begin to fathom how many A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts I've consumed over the years. It's probably a figure best left to the imagination. (:

So, I was beyond delighted (and excited) when Crave opened an Edmonton location earlier this year. Happy dance time! 3 hour drives to Calgary were no longer necessary. My friend Angela, who lives in Calgary, joked that she would never see me again now that Edmonton had its own Crave. Ha!

In addition to offering more than a dozen tasty cupcake flavours (available in regular & mini sizes), the bakery also offers a feature "craving" ever month. Lucky for us, August happens to have two specials, s'more cupcakes and cookies! I tried the cupcake last week and was in ecstasy. Rich chocolate cake infused with chunks of chocolate and topped with homemade ooey-gooey marshmallow, a graham cracker and more chocolate. This is the perfect taste sensation when camping is just not in the cards.

Take a gander at its loveliness.

If you're more of a cookie monster, they have those too (hello ginger creams!) plus cakes and ice cream sandwiches. Their newest sweet treat? Old-fashioned whoopie pies. Please try the raspberry chocolate - rich, raspberry buttercream stuffed inside delicate chocolate cake. Oh. my. goodness.

And guess who else loves Crave? Why my ladyfriend Christine, of course! She and I met up recently for some of those aforementioned sweet treats and an impromptu (and utterly hilarious) photoshoot. Be sure to check out her take on the mini doughnut cupcake at her gorg blog, just bella. The lady is quite the photographer and the owner of the cutest baby bump ever!




Happy Friday, friends!

Hope yours includes sharing cupcakes and sugar-induced shenanigans with a good friend, too.

Dajana (:

in the dressing room with mad men

I can't lie. I hightailed it to Banana Republic the exact day their much-anticipated Mad Men collection debuted. And I wasn't disappointed - the pieces were a fresh take on the iconic styles of Joan, Betty and even Peggy. I ended up falling in vestiphilial-love with the begonia print dress, the lace dress and the leopard print trench. All three pieces were beautifully made, fit perfectly, and felt deliciously luxurious on. Plus, they were tailored for a lady with curves. Yay for curvature! Nothing wrong with having some junk in the trunk, I like to say. (:

Take a look at who else was jonesing for these chic 1960s inspired threads...

Yup, it's my good friend, Ayesha (last seen here). She ended up at the same BR store that day. What are the chances?

Me and my gal pal entertained the staff at the Southgate Centre BR that evening with our twin-dressing antics. I think we made their night.  Especially the snazzily-attired Sylvester, who gave us styling tips as to what we should wear with the leopard print trench. His take? Red heels, dark skinny jeans and a slinky top. Eat your heart out, Don Draper!

Now, can you guess what both Ayesha and I took home? (;

And what about you? Did anything in the collection catch your eye?

Dajana

Lars and Lori

valentine is pleased to present new work by Lori Ellison and Lars Swan.







Please join us for the opening on September 9th. from 6 - 9.
The show will run through Sunday October 2nd.
In addition Cibele Viera will be showing her photographs on the hall wall.
valentine is opened Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 6 and by appointment.

valentineridgewood@gmail.com

drink: lychee slush cocktail

In the mood for a tasty & exotic treat, friends? Why not celebrate the start of the weekend with a refreshing lychee drink you can make at home in just a matter of minutes. The combination of lychee and lime is divine! This is one of my favourite summertime cocktails.
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{via chatelaine}

??Lychee slush

- 1/2 540 mL can lychees

- 2/3 cup lychee syrup

- 3/4 cup ginger ale

- 1/2 cup apple juice

- 1/3 cup lychee liqueur such as Soho (or plain vodka)

- 2 tbsp lime juice

- 2 cups ice

- lime wedges and raspberries for garnish

Directions:

1. Puree 1/2 540-mL can lychees with 2/3 cup lychee syrup (from can), 3/4 cup ginger ale, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/3 cup lychee liqueur (or plain vodka) and 2 tbsp lime juice in a blender until smooth.

2. Add 2 cups ice. Crush until slushy. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh raspberries. Serves 6.

Pregnant ladies can still indulge - just leave out the spirits and add an equivalent amount of ginger ale.

�ivjeli to the weekend!

Dajana 

p.s. I also like this simple version from Martha Stewart.

shop talk: banana republic has mad (men) style!

Love the retro glamour shown on Mad Men? You're in luck. This week, Banana Republic debuts a fashion line inspired by the hit show. And guess what, local gals? Although the offical launch date is August 11, the collection has already arrived in Edmonton! This is welcome news as the retailer's recent offerings have been pretty ho hum, with the exception of my sunshiney bag, of course.

These stylish threads were designed for a martini-sipping, lipstick-wearing, executive lifestyle, wouldn't you say?
 

images via http://www.stylebistro.com/
The 65 piece capsule collection is the brainchild of Janie Bryant - the Emmy Award-winning costume designer of Mad Men,
and Simon Kneen, creative director at Banana Republic.

You may know by now that it's the full skirts, dresses with pockets and animal print cardis that are calling my name. There's something to admire in a refined appearance, careful fit and chic silhouette. I also love the vintage-inspired bags and shoes in bold leopards and rich reds to the perfectly tailored suits that will have the boyfriend looking like Don Draper in no time (yay!). The colour palettes are lovely too - the grays and browns for the men's suiting and the brighter, more fun and kitschier colours for the womenswear. Ultimately, these are wearable pieces for classy ladies who bring home the bacon and who like to entertain. Like me! (;

And whether you're more of a Joan or a Betty, you'll have no problem emulating the same 60s-inspired looks with these elegant pieces. Consider it something to hold you over until the long-awaited new season of Mad Men premieres next year.

Happy shopping!

Dajana (:

heritage festival pics!

I ate my way through 20 countries at last weekend's Heritage Festival. That's some serious eating, even for me! My favourite discovery was the Persian ice cream at the Iranian pavilion - it was a creamy, saffron, pistachio and rosewater flavoured delight. Pure deliciousness! I raved about it to everyone and anyone that would listen to me. That's how dang good it was. Did you get the chance to try it? If not, don't fret - there's always next year.

Try to refrain from licking the computer screen while perusing these food pics. (;

Persian ice cream! Yumminess in a cup.

Wondering about the golf shirt and fancytastic nametag? I'm a proud Heritage Festival volunteer!
Here I have two Laotian dishes in my hands - kao sankaya and papaya salad.

Kao sankaya from the Lao pavilion - sweet rice with coconut milk, topped with mango sauce.

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The Cuban pavilion made its return this year! Yay!
Loved their roasted chicken, rice congris and chicharitas de platano.
Might have had a pork sandwich or two, as well. :)

I started each morning with, karjalan piiraaka, the perfect breakfast from the Scandinavian pavilion -
Finnish rice filled rye and flour pastry topped with egg butter.

Classic Cr�pes Suzette from France's pavilion.
The sauce was carmelized sugar, butter, orange juice and Grand Marnier liqueur. So so good!

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Have you ever eaten freshly made bannock? It's amazing!
My compliments to the cooks at the Aboriginial pavilion!
Right after this picture was taken, I slathered this bad boy in raspberry jam and butter. Mmmm...

The Heritage Festival wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Dutch pavilion for some tasty poffertjes (small pancakes).

People enjoying the sounds of a reggae band performing at the Caribbean pavilion at the north end of Hawrelak Park.

The three tenors...Heritage Festival-style.

A flurry of vibrant colours at the Aboriginal pavilion.

Teepees at the Aboriginal pavilion were located in an ideal spot, near the Hawrelak Park pond.

Dancer from the Aboriginal pavilion. Everyone wanted their picture taken with this pretty lady.

Scott and our niece Raissa with our good friends from Lloydminster -
Jess & Matt, and their boys, Jakob and Benet. Seen here with a really tall dude.

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Sumptuous saris on two dancers from the Indian pavilion.

All male dance group entertaining the crowds at the Indian pavilion.

I love watching the elegant Thai dancers. I also love Thai-iced tea! It's a must try.

Behind the scenes at the Guatemalan pavilion. Countless mangos need to be peeled to make Mango Loco
- mango on a stick rolled in lime juice and spices.

Lucy and Scott came to visit me during the Festival.
Dogs aren't allowed on the grounds so I met them at one of the entrances.
Notice my trusty golf cart. This was my beloved chariot for the weekend. I LOVE driving it!

Giant Taiwanese puppets.

Croatian dancers beginning their performance.
The Croatian doughnut, known as lepinje, are a hugely popular menu item.
People will line up for a heck of a long time to bite into one of these doughy sensations.

Chinese lions running loose around the park! ;)

Next year I'm definitely trying the pelmeni.

Red horse at Scandinavian pavilion. Random but fun.

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Who is that buxom lady at the Scandinavian pavilion? :)

By day 3, the Borneo pavilion had run out of some of its more popular items. Luckily, I had tried their yummy banana fritter earlier in the weekend. I'm smart like that. :)

Early morning tai chi at the Taiwanese pavilon. What a tranquil way to start the day!

The south end of Hawrelak Park. There's ample space for everyone to find a place to take it all in.

It was a gorgeous weekend filled with sunshine, culture, food & community building (6000+ volunteers)! Mother Nature gave Edmontonians a much deserved reprieve from the rain, the mosquitoes were nary to be seen, and everyone was able to experience multiculturalism at its best. Have I mentioned how proud I am to be a part of this world class event?!

Next year's Festival takes place August 4 to 6. Save the date, friends!

Dajana :)

p.s. Got a couple more minutes? Read Paula Simons' blog post, Why we live here � a Heritage Festival epiphany. It's a real good'er.

VALENTINE will be closed in August and will reopen on September 9th. with Lars Swan and Lori Ellison in the main space and Cieble Vieira on the hall wall.

heritage festival

Happy long weekend, friends!

I'll be spending all three days at Hawrelak Park with 300,000 of my closest friends, enjoying the sights, sounds and most importantly, the tastes of the 36th annual Heritage Festival. This three-day cultural extravaganza is, hands-down, my most favourite festival in the city.

62 pavilions representing 85 cultures. This festival is what Canada is all about - multiculturalism.

Check out the amazing menu, but be prepared to drool. This is a foodie's dream.

My first stop? Poffertjes at the Dutch pavilion. Poffertjes are tasty little pancakes dusted with icing sugar. After inhaling the lil'cakes, I'll go wherever my nose leads me.

Hope to see you there!

Dajana 

p.s. Please don't forget your non-perishable food donation for Edmonton's food bank! This weekend is their single largest annual food drive. Let's help them reach their goal.