I'm really excited to be a part of this year's Figureworks juried award show in Ottawa!  Figureworks is a non-profit organization promoting art of the human form and I've been selected to be a jury member for this year's event.  I'm usually sending in work to get juried or reviewed so it'll be nice to be on the other side and help choose the artworks.  Of course I'm not the only one making the decisions.  Two fantastic artists, Kristy Gordon and Adrew Morrow will be part of the jury with me.  

The fifth annual award show will be on display from November 18th to November 30th, 2014 at Saint Brigid's Centre for the Arts at 310 St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  

If you want to participate, just follow this link for submission instructions.  Good luck with your application!    

By Mat Dubé · Facebook, Twitter, Google+

If you've been following me on Facebook this summer, you'll know that I've been on a tour of 4 artist residencies that is now almost over.  I had intended to post updates about the places I visited and the project I've been working on but it looks like time went by much faster than I thought it would.

If I'm honest about it though, I'm glad I spent the time working on my art an exploring more than on the updates (sorry!).  I've created a whole new body of work and I can't wait to share it with everyone when I get home.  I'm planning a show in Ottawa in the Fall so stay tuned for more details!

In the meantime, here's a look at what I've been up to for 4 months!

By Mat Dubé · Facebook, Twitter, Google+

I've been at Artscape Gibraltar Point in Toronto for almost a week now and wanted to let you know how it's going so far!  This is the first of 4 residencies I'll be attending this Summer and I'm pretty excited about all the time I've managed to set aside to get work done.

It's a pretty cool spot and I'm really glad I decided to apply to this one!  The residence is in a re-purposed elementary school on Centre Island - just a short ferry ride away from downtown and right on the shores of Lake Ontario.  Each artist gets an entire classroom as a studio - it's kind of neat to be back in school with the old chalkboards, drinking fountains and the little desks.  I can't believe how small everything is!  I've also got a nice view of a lagoon full of ducks and the CN tower in the distance.  It's a great place to spend time outdoors too - the residency is a few steps away from surprisingly nice beaches and there are bike/walking paths all around the island.

It's a lot larger than what I was expecting - there are more people (approx. 20-30) doing different types of art and staying for different lengths of time so it's a bit less intimate than Elsewhere Studios where there were just a handful of people sharing a smaller space.  I think this can be good or bad depending on what you prefer, but I've enjoyed both so far.

At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the big empty space, the pressure to make my time here worthwhile and wasn't sure what kind of project I wanted to work on.  I decided to start playing around with some clay a couple of days ago and ended up sculpting a monkey head.  It must have been a subconscious response to an article I read last week about monkeys being shipped to the United States for animal testing.  I love monkeys and it really disturbed me to think that we're still using and abusing such amazing creatures in this way (please read more here).  I don't think this will be a one-off sculpture - I want it to be the start of a bigger project to raise awareness about animal cruelty issues. 

If you have any questions about the residency or my new project, let me know in the comments section below!

Artist-in-Residence programs are an amazing way to give yourself time and space to create, meet new artists, travel and be inspired.  My first artist-in-residence program at Elsewhere Studios last year was a mix of all of the above.  I spent a month in Paonia, Colorado where I had a private room, a studio and my own private bathroom (which is very important for a germaphobe).  I had such a great time and was so productive that I decided to apply to a few more this year. 

I've been accepted into four more programs so far, including ArtscapeGibraltar Point in Toronto, Listhùs in Iceland, Jiwar International Residence for Artists in Barcelona and the Institut für Alles Mögliche in Berlin.  I'll be spending a month at each residence this Summer and will post reviews as I go in case you're interested in finding out more about them.

A big factor that is allowing me to accept so many opportunities is that my wife and I have secured location independent work and can earn a salary along the way.  That said, you don't necessarily need to travel, have a special job or lots of vacation time to be able to participate in a residency program.  There are a ton of opportunities out there for every kind of artist and life situation - whether you want to participate for one weekend or a whole year, whether you want to spend thousands or if you need to apply for a grant or subsidy to help you get there.

These 3 websites have been extremely helpful for finding residency programs:

1. ResArtis - www.resartis.org
   
   
2. TransArtists - http://www.transartists.org/
   
   
3. Residency Unlimited - http://www.residencyunlimited.org/
   
   

The first one - ResArtis - is my favourite by far.  It has a great search function that allows you to narrow down the list of programs to find exactly what you're looking for.  In my case, I look for programs in cities and countries that I'd like to visit, that provide me with space and equipment, offer exhibition opportunities and allow me to travel with a partner. 

Most programs that I've seen on these sites have an application and selection process similar to a grant or exhibition application to determine which artists can attend.  They usually require some or all of the following support materials to apply:

• Application form

• Project proposal or letter of intent
• Artist resume
• Artist statement
• Biography
• Images/samples of your work
• References
• Letter(s) of recommendation

It can be quite a bit of work to complete each application so it's important for you to do your research in advance and focus on applying to the programs that you think will be a good fit for you.

Here are some things to consider when you're searching for a program:

Program Benefits

What can the program offer you?  Make sure you think about what you want to get out of the experience when you're choosing which programs to apply to.  Does the program offer an exhibition, critiquing, networking or training opportunities?  Do they have equipment that you can't access at home or do they provide you with some materials?  You're investing time and maybe also some money into the experience so make sure it's going to help you achieve your goals.

Cost

The cost of a residency program varies massively depending on the organization and the location.  Some are able to pay for your travel, materials and living expenses and might offer an artist fee while others can charge thousands of dollars.  When considering the cost of a residency, be sure to budget for your travel, materials, shipping finished works home, food & entertainment, residency fees etc.  If you're in Canada, the best option for funding all or part of your residency is to apply for a travel grant or residency award with your municipal or provincial art council, or with the Canada Council for the Arts.  Keep in mind that there are also some alternative ways to fund your project.  For example, I've seen many artists raise money for residencies using crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter with great success. 

As an artist it might feel strange to pay for residency programs, but the truth is that many amazing organizations can't afford to completely subsidize your stay.  At the same time, some residencies might charge a lot of money and not offer much in return.  If you have to pay a residency fee, do your homework and make sure that you're paying a reasonable amount.

Location

When selecting the location of your residency, consider if you want to be in an urban environment so that you can take advantage of shops, cafes and public transit, or if you want a rural environment that will be a bit more relaxed but where you'll probably need a car to get around.

If you're traveling internationally, look into the visa requirements for the country you're visiting and think about how you'll get there.  For example, to get to Elsewhere Studios I had to fly into Denver, take a 5 hour bus ride to the closest bus station and then find a ride for the last hour and a half.  It was a long trip, but when I got there it was totally worth the crazy trek!  

Community

Think about whether you want to meet other artists and engage with the local community or if you're looking for a more solitary experience.  I really enjoyed my set-up in Paonia where I had my own room and studio so I could create alone, but I could hang out with the other artists when I was done working.

There are lots of things to consider when choosing an artist in residence program but I'm sure that if you spend a couple of hours reading through the exciting artist-in-residence programs on the sites I shared with you, you'll find something that inspires you!

Leave a comment if you have any questions about my experience or if you want to share yours.  I'd love to hear from you!

I met Ryan at the Railbender Gallery Grand Opening only a couple of weeks ago when he was introduced to me by Sylvie Hill.  She told me that his work was amazing and that I had to check it out.  Ryan's humble demeanor and non-descript business card gave no hint of what I should expect to see on his website but I decided to give it a look.

The next afternoon I spent some time looking through his online albums and found his work very intriguing!  He has developed a unique style using oil, acrylic, and spray paint and applies these to canvas and panels.  I'm also exited to see that Smeeton is starting to take his work outside in the form of murals and street art.  

His 2013 series of paintings - Objects and Things - show a great deal of skill in the way he reproduces the fluid folds in fabric and illustrates objects with only a few simple brush strokes.
When I asked Ryan to tell me more about his approach, he said: "[I] try to remove and/or alter information so as to put a break in the line of direct representation and to present the viewer with new perspectives.  I like to think it’s my job to create questions rather than provide answers."

For a recent BFA grad, Ryan has already attracted a lot of attention with his work.  I'm happy to have found out about him and I think he'll be a great contributor to the Ottawa art scene!

You can check out more of his artwork at: http://ryansmeeton.ca/

My motivation to make art sometimes fluctuates.  When it's low, it's usually not because I'm feeling lazy and don't want to work, but because I've temporarily forgotten the answer to a particular question: What is the point of making art?

On the surface, art doesn't seem very important.  I mean, my paintings are not saving lives, feeding the hungry or providing clean drinking water to anyone.  When I'm working hard or when I can't sleep at night because I'm thinking about my next project, I wonder if it might all just be a waste of energy. 

After going through this thought process many times over the years, I've come to the conclusion that despite it's obvious lack of practical usefulness, art is essential because it contributes to our health and happiness as individuals and as a society.

It isn't just about aesthetics either - although that's definitely a big part of it - I think that art  gives us new ways to look at the world, it helps us understand each other, it creates dialog, a sense of community and simply makes the world a more interesting place.

I can usually snap out of my melancholy mood when I remember that making art is my way of connecting with people and showing them how I see things.  Even though it might sound a bit negative, these reflections have actually become an integral part of my creative process. 
  
I'd love to hear why you make art or why you think it's important.  Leave a comment!

One thing I've struggled with as an artist over the years is how to divide my time and energy between my personal life, my job and my art.  More often than I'd like, making art has fallen to the bottom of my to-do list.

A couple of years ago I took a look at how I was spending my time and money, and decided to make some big life changes.  For me it was all about lowering expenses and I started thinking about every purchase in terms of work hours required.  For example, before buying a new pair of shoes I would ask myself "how many hours will I have to work to pay for these?".  This new way of seeing things allowed me to considerably lower my spending. 

Spend Less = Work Less = More Time for Art

Recently, my wife and I moved into a cheap 300 sq. foot bachelor apartment in downtown Ottawa to save money and to eliminate time wasted on commuting to work.  To give myself even more free time, I decided not to have a phone or a TV in the apartment.  So far it's been going really well - I've been able to start this blog, completely revamp my website, make new art and participate in more art shows.

I don't necessarily recommend that you follow the path I've taken, but if being an artist is your dream and you're finding it hard to find the time to make it happen, I think you should look at how you're spending your time, why you're working to earn all that money and then make the decision to prioritize art over all of it.  Unfortunately no one is going to come along and give you extra free time - you need to make it happen for yourself!

If you're an artist, I'd love to hear how you make time for your art - leave a comment!

I’m excited to be part of a project that is going to contribute to the art scene in Ottawa in a big way.  My friends Alex and Marta are opening Railbender Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery in a couple of weeks and I’ve been helping them put together a list of artists to contribute to the group art show at the grand opening on February 15th.  It’s going to be an amazing show with works from the usual suspects + some new faces.  It’s definitely worth checking out!  You can visit their facebook event page to RSVP.

As you can see in the picture above, I'm always happy and a little sad when I sell a piece of art. I think I get a bit too attached to them...definitely have to work on that. At the same time I really appreciate when someone wants to support me and get a piece of my art to hang in their home.  This one called "Sorry, I Just Woke Up" sold at Cyclelogik in December. A great show put together by Andrea Stokes featuring a bunch of awesome local artists!

Unfortunately I don't have any good photos of my projection at the Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau show last night because it was raining, but I've posted the video I was projecting here so you can check it out! 

I was projecting at Adorit Boutique on the corner of York and Cumberland.  Adorit owner Emma and her partner let me hang out in the store during the worst of the downpours which gave us a chance to chat about traveling and their business (fair trade + Canadian designed clothes - check it out!).

For those of you who don't know what Nuit Blanche is:

"Nuit Blanche Ottawa+Gatineau is a 1 night per year, dusk-until-dawn celebration of Contemporary Art and local culture that takes place across multiple venues and within the cityscape of Ottawa and Gatineau. Nuit Blanche showcases the creativity and cohesion of the local community and the success of its industries. "  nbog.ca

Thanks to all the hardcore art fans that made it out!

This was my first time participating in an artist-in-residence program and it definitely won't be the last.  It was a full month of maximum creativity in a super inspiring environment!  Worked on a new technique I've been wanting to try for several years...mixing watercolour, sculpture and drawing.  I'm really happy with the end result! 

Also got to live and create with some amazing artists: Diana Naccarato from New York, Megan Yankee and John Osburn from Columbus, Ohio and Mark Winston from Chicago.

Check out the video below to see my live/work space and the rest of the studio.

A big thank you to Karen and Willow at Elsewhere! 

I only had a day and a half layover in San Francisco on my way to Colorado from Bangkok last week but still managed to cram in some crazy sightseeing.  Checked out the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, drank some Peet’s coffee, hiked up Telegraph Hill and stuffed my face at a Taquería in the Mission. 

I was excited to spot one of Bansky's pieces on Broadway & Columbus, but the best part of my visit by far was checking out the murals in the Mission District.  The Clarion Alley murals were particularly amazing and I could have spent a whole day taking them all in. 

I think it’s important for art be out in the streets where everyone can appreciate it!  I’m definitely adding this to my list of things I’d like to see more of in Canada.

I was in Wollongong the other day (an industrial city near the house I'm taking care of) to pick up some art supplies and decided to walk in to the City Gallery to see if there was anything interesting on the walls.  I definitely wasn't expecting to see an amazing screen print/stencil show like Poncho Army's Fight or Flight.

Trina Collins (Poncho Army is her pseudonym) had put together a series of colourful and beautifully detailed pieces during a 12 month artist in residence program at the gallery.  I spent over an hour looking at the show and the only way I could have been more impressed on site is if I had known that she managed to combine water-based ink over solvent based aerosol to make each piece.  A nearly impossible challenge I can relate to as an artist working to merge three-dimensional sculptures into two-dimensional spaces.

"The works center on themes such as feelings of claustrophobia in an increasingly controlled society, the nightmare of being forgotten and abandoned, and the relief of finding community and of being found." -Poncho Army

I highly recommend a visit to her website to see the rest of the Fight or Flight show here:
http://www.ponchoarmy.com/art/

After being on the move for almost half a year, we're finally going to stay in one place for a few months. I guess that means the title is a bit misleading but I'm still really far from home so it counts!  Anyway we landed an amazing house sitting gig near Wollongong, NSW (Australia) which means I've got time to make some art before we get back on the road. 

I've been traveling really light so the first thing I needed to do was pick up some supplies and improvise a studio at the house (I only had a pen and a sketch book).  We're staying in a really small town with no art supply store but I managed to find some plasticine at the dollar store and a pad of watercolour paper from the local pharmacy.  I also borrowed a children's watercolour paint set and glue stick from the homeowners.

I was actually surprised at what I was able to do with so little.  Check out the photos to see the new technique I'm using to combine my sculptures and paintings.

UPDATE: turns out the the plasticine and paint I was using were really bad quality (big surprise), so had to make the trip to the big city to pick up some better quality supplies.

Here's a quick stop motion video of a drawing I just made using the iMotion stop motion app on my iPod.  If only I could draw this fast in real life!

Anyone else using this app?

I stayed at a few different hostels while in California these past few weeks.  In this photo, my wife and I had just been given a couple of beds in San Diego and I really wasn't thrilled with the prospect of spending the night there.  It was a room for 4 but it looked like about 50 people were staying in it and it had this horrible stench of dead raccoons and wet socks.....oh, and in that mess I also found a black marker.  Without asking for permission I made a big drawing on one of the walls.  I think it made me feel a bit better about the situation and as soon as I was done they came to tell us that we were being moved to a nicer room.  Karma perhaps?

I then decided to continue my little under cover project while at another hostel in Venice Beach. This one had to be done really quickly on a locker right before checking out of our room, but I think it's kinda neat.

Note: both hostels were actually pretty awesome and I'd stay there again!