Speak softly and carry a big stick

Tonight is the launch event for Garrison Creek Bat Company - a Toronto based company, founded by three friends of mine (who you may have heard of), that deals in beautifully hand-crafted baseball bats. To celebrate the launch of their company and to showcase the first model - The Bellwoods Bat - they've invited 17 artists to custom paint bats for the exhibit, which opens tonight at AWOL gallery - 76 Ossington Avenue. You can visit their website to find the full roster of artists, as well as their contact info for any purchase inquiries.

Here are some photos of the bat I painted. I'm so happy to be apart of this show - namely, for the opportunity to show in the city I love, and along side some of my favourite artists. From what I've seen everyone really hit it out of the park!! ...also, the baseball puns. MY GOD the baseball puns!

If you're in Toronto tonight, the opening reception starts at 7pm, you should step up to plate and head on over, grab a drink and say hi! Maybe talk about the Blue Jays?

And in case you're worried about walking down the street looking like an extra from the Warriors, Garrison Creek Bat Co offers these gorgeous handmade bat bags made by Robin Akitt. Head on over to her site to see the bags as well as all the other amazing things she produces.


Also, in other news - this is the last week to see Finding Together Again @ Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco. If you haven't had a chance to stop by, these are the last days, the show will be up until the 28th.

Travels to the land of the setting sun

photos by shaun roberts

I'm always a little thrown off by the rhythms of travel, I can't seem to get a handle on it. I'm all caught up now, and I would like to say thanks.

The opening  was wonderful. It was such a pleasure to speak to everyone who stopped by and chat with all the local patrons and artists (and see soo many people take home a 'Remus and Romulus' print! The reproduction is uncanny, I was so pleased to see so many people as enthused about it as I was.) If you have photos from the opening, I'd love to see them, please feel free to tag me in them, or send me a link.

It was especially great to finally meet and spend some time with a few 'online- friends' in person. The west coast was working really hard that night to earn its title, "best coast".

My friends and online followers, who could not make it person. Thank you so much for sending your personal messages, posting and sharing the work and news of the show through out the interwebs. Your good vibes and wishes were really felt that night, and all through out my trip down.

Ken, Sarah, Jessica, Shaun and my family, could not have been possible without your hard work and support.  

To all my new collectors and patrons, I've had a chance to speak to many of you already, but I would like to say thank you again. I make the images for myself, but it's your enthusiasm and passion for the work that let's me continue to do so. 

And of course, I cannot even begin to express my thanks to all the sites and blogs who posted about the show, I must give particular mention to Arrested Motion, Creepmachine, Hi-Fructose, and Juxtapoz for all the great press.

The rest of my trip down towards LA was just a dream. Much needed reunions with old friends, great times with new ones and my continued love affair with So Cal cuisine.

If you haven't had a chance to see the show, and you're going to be in the San Francisco area, the show will be up in the gallery until the 28th. You can see all the work from the show online as well.

The people of San Francisco and the city itself have found a warm place in my heart (along side the rest of California), I hope to see you again soon.

 

“Go Forth and Crusade”

graphite on paper

45.7 x 45.7 cm