Zoning Meeting Follow Up

On January 21, I attended a public meeting to discuss the possible re-zoning of a few specific areas to allow for the development of small, local stores — like (but not limited to) corner stores.

The meeting itself began with a presentation about the possible change in the by-law. Stores could be opened on certain high pedestrian traffic residential areas, and could include corner stores, but also salons, art galleries, cafes, etc. The zoning could not prevent something like a Starbucks from opening up, but it would limit the space to 1000 square feet.

 

Read More

Neighbourhood Stores a Possibility in Ottawa

In 2010, I began sketching corner stores in Ottawa because they seemed to be a disappearing aesthetic. I found out this was because of a bizarre City of Ottawa bylaw that prevented new corner stores from being opened, and "grandfathered" existing stores. This meant if the building was sold, the store had to remain as is, in order to maintain a commercial storefront.

In 2013, I was approached by the City to use some of my illustrations in a survey which they sent to residents asking if new neighbourhood corner stores would be welcome. Apparently the feedback has been positive, and tomorrow night the City will be holding a public consultation on neighbourhood stores. I think this is a good idea, and support not only corner stores, but a variety of small businesses within neighbourhoods. Here's to a more walkable Ottawa!

For more information: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/0120-corner-stores 

Confectionaries: Originals & Prints at OAG

Confectionaries is a series of black & white drawings and coloured prints of neighbourhood corner stores from around Ottawa and it is currently on display at the Ottawa Art Gallery, until April 5. On Wednesday, March 19, from 6pm - 8pm there will be a vernissage & artist talk accompanied by wine & refreshments. Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa. 

Overview of 2013 Projects

2013 was a slightly transitory year for me. It was also quite busy with some interesting and rewarding projects. Here is a sampling of just a few.

1. Freshly Chopped Posters
Designed and illustrated posters for a series of food/music pairings. In conjunction with my work for Grounded Kitchen & Coffeehouse.

Hilotrons Map
Jon Bartlett of Kelp contacted me early in the year to illustrate a map highlighting locations where videos were filmed for the recent Hilotrons album, At Least There's Commotion.

Great Black North
Ottawa poet, John Akpata, commissioned me to sketch the Ottawa launch of "The Great Black North" at Pressed cafe.

 

Grounded Kitchen & Coffeehouse 
Grounded has been my largest, steadiest client for almost three years, and it has also be some of my favourite work, with plenty of posters, events and ever-changing menus. 

Bank & Lewis Illustration
Commissioned to draw this building as it was the first apartment for a couple who got married in 2013. This was a gift from the wife to her husband.

Hintonburger Menu Boards
Design & illustration of entire menu board. I had to eat one of every item. A delicious project, with results I was very pleased with. 

Purple Urchin Illustration
I've been a fan of P.U. since I sat beside them many Raw Sugar Craft Walks ago. Over the past few years they've hosted plenty of my art on their walls. This illustration was done before they moved to their new location in Chinatown.

Kensington Market Sketch
In June I spent a week in Toronto, primarily sketching buildings. I had intended to do the same thing in Montreal later in the summer, but got too busy. 2014. 

Electric Fields Poster
Poster for an experimental dance / music / visual performance which took place in the plaza near Wellington and Sussex.

Hip Hop in the City
Created logo, icons, background, and illustrations for Kwende Kefentse's blog Hip Hop In The City.

Ada's & Mayflower Sketches
Sketched Ada's Diner & Mayflower before they closed up this fall. 

Hilotrons Video Masks
This was a small project time-wise on my end, spending only an hour illustrating some simple faces, which were then used in an effective manner throughout the video, My Number.

Hintonburg Park
Commissioned by St. François d'Assise to sketch the school and its grounds for their 30th anniversary.

Backdrop
Opened at the corner of Metcalfe and Gloucester in late 2013 by Amir Rahim, owner of Grounded. Despite Backdrop already being open, we are still developing brand identity as we go. 

Holiday Card
My yearly attempt at reflecting on the season. 

All in all, 2013 was a great year. I worked with some excellent clients, sold some of my own art, took part in a few shows, met some wonderful new friends, and found myself a proper work/live studio in Chinatown. 2014 is already starting off busy, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the year brings. Out! 


Former Vina Del Mar gets a facelift

It is always interesting watching buildings change, particularly ones I have illustrated. In 2010, Ottawa Magazine hired me to illustrate a few restaurants across Hintonburg, and Vina Del Mar was one of them. In the past year Vina Del Mar closed up, and the building began getting a facelift. Below is my original illustration, side by side with the building under renos in August 2013. We'll see how it looks when the new place is finished.