canadadaPHOTOGRAPHY

Mid February - Before & After

2012-02-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

Made this little icon at 8:30am. Glorious fun.

Within 4 short hours it was alllll gone ...

Winter really has been poopy thus far.

BUSH CHORD: Poems & Pinhole Photography ...................... Now available as E-Book

2012-02-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

FINALLY,

the SECOND edition of my ever popular

2006 poetry & pinhole photography book:

BUSH CHORD

E-Book.

Front cover pinhole image: 'Grand Blue Spruce'

One of the Greatest Speeches EVER Made

2012-02-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

Winter Wonder - January 2012

2012-01-25T12:42:00.002-05:00

All in all, it's been a rather lame winter thus far in the Great White North .... still, periodically, there are moments of sheer bliss. The following shots were taken last Saturday. Six points for anyone who can name the location ...

Chris Hedges: 'Brace Yourself! The American Empire is Over'. VIDEO

2012-01-03T17:26:00.001-05:00

It's not often that I promote 'other' artists/authors/activists, but effective of the beginning of this year, I have decided to do just that. First up is a very provocative 2 hour 'interview' with noted war-journalist and author, Christopher Hedges. This thoughtful fellow truly stands on the side of 'truth & justice'. Sit back, give it a listen: and then consider how YOU are helping to shape the future of this, our finite & beautiful planet. Happy New Year. :)

'Tis the Season ...

2011-12-05T13:55:00.006-05:00

ho ho

Very best to you ALL for the New Year.

Lindsay

p.s. FINAL exhibit for this year:
@ McMaster Innovation Park
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Exhibit 7: Artists in the Workplace

OPENS Dec 8th, 7-9pm,
runs until March 2012
Drop in anytime. Free admission to Atrium.
Parking available at side of building.

'The Clearing', oil painting, signed & dated on reverse, by yours truly

Two New Oil Paintings, Fall 2011

2011-11-16T11:19:00.004-05:00

'Ducks at Dawn', Lake Ontario

Signed & Dated on reverse, 24"W x 18"H (unframed)

'Laker on Lake Ontario'

Signed & Dated on reverse, 24" xquare (unframed)

Both are available for purchase.

Please contact the artist if interested.

Framing, S&H, and Tax are Extra.

Fall Walks, Fall Talks

2011-11-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Love this time of year, so much to see ...

Using a friends camera, we meandered back country,

then I 'fritzed' with the images ...

cropping, colour correction & a bit of mlh 'tweeking'.

Fall is upon us ...

2011-10-19T12:17:00.001-04:00

New Oil - The Fox, October 2011

2011-10-07T12:33:00.001-04:00

In the seven years that I've lived at the Lake House, I've seen the fox a grand total of THREE times. That's one wily creature considering that this is technically an 'urban' area! I know that it dens on the lakeside embankment twenty feet from the house - but other then that, not much to report. This oil painting is a homage to this beautiful critter. Elusive & magnificent. Signed & Dated on Reverse. Contact me, if interested in purchase. Framing, Shipping & Handling is extra.

Summer/Fall Newsletter - Sept, 2011

2011-09-11T11:30:00.002-04:00

Wonderful summer, no?

Here's the skinny ...

http://mim.io/590961

Recent Oils by Margaret Lindsay Holton - Signed & Dated 2011

2011-09-05T10:24:00.004-04:00

Water Lilies, Cootes Paradise

Northern Lake Light

Dusk at Cootes Paradise, Hamilton

Prince William in Canada, 2011

All works are FOR SALE as 'original oils'.

All are titled, signed & dated on the back.

Avoid dealer/gallery 40-50% mark-up,

buy DIRECT from the artist.
For size, price & availability, please contact:

Margaret Lindsay Holton

Kindly note, lakeside studio is open

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Video Tour of Saatchi Gallery, London.

2011-08-31T09:09:00.002-04:00

Saatchi Gallery Newspeak II exhibition video tour
If anyone can identify the fabulous musical score to this promo piece, I'd appreciate it. Me thinks it's Glass, but need confirmation. Anyone?

And yes, I've been 'linked' to Saatchi-online for a number of years now ...

Portrait of a Frog

2011-08-28T13:46:00.010-04:00

...

RIP: Jack Layton

2011-08-23T10:39:00.000-04:00

Wonderful illustration by Patrick Corrigan

in the Toronto Star this morning -

'Finding Farley' NFB Film (62 min)

2011-08-19T12:22:00.000-04:00

Stumbled across this beautiful little film at the National Film Board. It's a charming tale of one small family's determination to meet up with legendary Canadian author, Farley Mowat. The footage is excellent and the tale very moving. You'll be swept away by their amazing canoe trip ACROSS CANADA from Alberta to Nova Scotia.

http://films.nfb.ca/finding-farley/

Enjoy!

'Women's Art Association of HAMILTON' opens at the Women's Art Association of CANADA, Toronto, August 6th, 2011 -

2011-08-01T00:32:00.005-04:00

23 Prince Arthur Avenue

Toronto, ON M5R 1B2
contactus@womensartofcanada.ca
More info, directions: 416-922-2060
(Video tour of the WAAC house/gallery )

Wonderful opportunity to see select works of members of the Women's Art Association of Hamilton at The Women's Art Association of Canada in Toronto. Located in the heart of the City at Bloor & Avenue Road, this charming converted house-to-gallery is easy walking distance to trendy Yorkville, the Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum & the architecturally complex University of Toronto campus. Many fine eateries & pubs in the area. LOTS to see, do & consider. 'Celebrate Summer' & the WAAC 125th Birthday: make a day of it! Exhibit opens Saturday, August 6th, 1:30-4:30 and runs until August 30th. Admission FREE.

Busy Cumberland Avenue in Yorkville, stone's throw from gallery.

I have one older oil painting n this show: 'The Passage'. This work interprets my many good years of exploring the northern lake district of Georgian Bay, in Ontario, Canada.

'The Passage'
For Sale. Contact moi for details.

Royal Botanical Gardens - June 2011

2011-06-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

'Peace Rose' - Exquisite!

An evening stroll to a classical music interlude became a heady ricochet lurch from one intoxicating plant to another. Within the Royal Botanical Gardens in Southern Ontario is Hendrie Park, a delight for all senses: sight, smell, touch, and even taste, with a tribute to medicinal and herbal plants ...

More then anything, attentive looking amplifies the incredible diversity.

June is a time of FULL ON bloom. Cascades of colour and WALLS of delicious smells.

Hendrie Park at the Royal Botanical Gardens

Classical Music on Tuesday evenings

Jazz & Blues on Wednesday evenings

ENJOY!!

McMaster Innovation Park, Exhibit 5: Art in the Workplace - CLOSING July 14th, 2011 - Don't miss it!

2011-06-14T05:55:00.000-04:00

'The Passage' by Margaret Lindsay Holton included in group show -

'Exhibit 5: Art in the Workplace'

at McMaster Innovation Park

effective March 17th, 2011.

GRAND OPENING
including
Valeska Ramsay's Fine Art Collection

Thurs, March 31st, 4:30pm - 7:00 pm.

Running until July 14th, 2011
- one month left !! -

FREE ADMISSION

175 Longwood Road South
West Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Sales Contact: - (905) 667-5500

Map & Directions, link here.
...

Aftermath: Great party!

Valeska Ramsay surrounded by Mac art students

Participating artists - in the back holding up my book!

David Braden with my new fine art book

sample of works in exhibit

The Guest of Honor: Valeska Ramsay
... a Great Dame ...

'PHOTO-OP 2011' - John B. Aird Gallery - - - 900 Bay Street, Downtown, Toronto, CA

2011-05-10T16:07:00.000-04:00

'Toronto Thru Summer Screen' - 1/1 - Pinhole by mlholton

Opening this Thursday, May 5th, 'Photo-Op 2011' exhibits excellence in photographic art practice as part of the city-wide CONTACT Photography Festival for the month of May. The CONTACT 'theme' this year is 'Figure and Ground' exploring the intimate & complex 'relationship' we have with our environment.

Jurors - Sophie Hackett, Assistant Curator of Photography at the Art Gallery of Ontario & Simon Glass, a Toronto-based photographer & the Associate Dean, Faculty of Art at OCAD University - viewed 263 images from 125 artists. The 3rd Annual Juried photography at the Gallery features 37 original artworks by emerging and professional photographers. Of the 37 items included for exhibition, I've got TWO pinholes in this show. (Yeh me!!! - sample above)

Show officially opens May 3rd with an Opening Reception on Thursday May 5th, 6-8pm. Exhibition closes Friday, May 27th, 2011. So, if you have a chance, do pop on in to this one! Lotsa fun for everyone!

Gallery Open: Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm.

Closed on statutory holidays.


Streetview of Aird Gallery, 900 Yonge Street in Macdonald Block


Birdseye View of John B. Aird Gallery, from famed TIFF Sutton Hotel

John B. Aird Gallery

900 Bay Street
(Macdonald Block)
Toronto
M7A 1C2

(The John B. Aird Gallery is located on the first floor of the Macdonald Block, an administrative office building in the heart of Queen’s Park, the seat of the Government of the Province of Ontario. The Macdonald Block is situated at the corner of Bay & Wellesley in downtown Toronto. The building and gallery are wheelchair accessible & can be reached by public transit. Buses run regularly from several subway stops, north/south along Bay Street and east/west along Wellesley Street. The closest subway stop is the Wellesley station. After exiting the station, walk west along Wellesley to Bay and enter the Macdonald Block, on the south/west corner, via the Bay Street entrance ... )

For more gallery info, link 'here'

'Small is Good' @ The Print Studio, Hamilton. Opens April 8th, 2011 - EXTENDED!

2011-05-10T00:21:00.000-04:00

'Small is Good'

... displays the work of various artists from all over Southern Ontario. All artwork is priced at $100 to encourage purchase. Proceeds will go to support a facility that provides artists with a working space, specialized equipment, tech support, professional development and resources.

I've put in a small pinhole ... sample above.

More mlh pinholes

& general pinhole information - here.

More info about the gallery exhibit - here.

Just learned that this exhibit has been extended.
So, if you missed it in April, put it on
the roster for MAY ... :)

Ah - Spring! 2011

2011-05-09T10:20:00.004-04:00

Great weekend. Wow.

Double click on images for full screen 'effect' ...

Royal Botanical Gardens Spring Sale

Eco House in Hamilton

HMCS Haida Tour - 'Doors Open' Hamilton

(More visuals of Haida 'here')

Mum on Mother's Day

Fragrant daffy & Hyacinth mini bouquet ...
ah spring ...

SPRING Art Sale - Art Gallery of Hamilton, May 5-8th, 2011

2011-05-02T09:29:00.001-04:00

Enjoy a dazzling selection of ORIGINAL art from emerging & established artists displayed in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavilion and outside in the Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden. Wonderful Spaces.

FREE ADMISSION.

Thursday, May 5: 12 noon - 9 pm
Friday, May 6: 12 noon - 9 pm
Saturday, May 7: 12 noon - 5 pm
Sunday, May 8: 12 noon - 5 pm

Yes, I am in this one too.

Six of my famed photo-collages.

Various sizes, various prices.
Check out sample here.

Opening Reception: Wowzaa! Quite a show!
Double-click on image to enlarge ...

Art Gallery of Hamilton

More info: map & directions here.

Dundas Valley School of Art, Spring Auction & Reno Celebration - April 30th, 2011

2011-04-11T11:31:00.004-04:00

Dundas Valley School of Art

presents its
41st Annual Art Auction

Saturday April 30, 2011 - 7pm

@ Renovated Dundas Valley School of Art

Bid on over 1200 original works of art by

established & new artists & estate items.

Oils, Pastels, Watercolours, Sculpture, Pottery, Jewellery.

as well as this small photo-collage by me.

'Sleeping Apple'

All items will be beautifully showcased,

in a fitting tribute to
the late great Trevor Garwood Jones'

newly renovated school .
(Link: Hamilton Spectator Overview.)

FREE PREVIEWS
Thursday April 28 & Friday April 29, 9am - 9pm.
Saturday, April 30th, 9am - 4pm
Silent Auction bids accepted during these hours
Auction Admission - $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Dundas Valley School of Art

21 Ogilvie Street, Dundas, Ontario

DVSA event wepage here

New City Park 'Verdict', April 7th, 2011

2011-04-09T07:49:00.007-04:00

'Earth Assault'

For those who have been following this 'story',

on April 7th, 2011, we finally received the

'verdict' from the Ministry of Natural Resources,

(apropos the fervently fought

Environmental Hearing on October 5th, 2010.)

In brief, we lost.

City & the Pan Am org won.

The Golden Horseshoe has just lost

what COULD have been the

most magnificent NATURAL

Park of the entire Niagara Escarpment.

Short-term 'photo-op' expediency

and greed for 'free' PanAm money won.

Now, TONS of lifeless PLASTIC GRASS will carpet

this precious living landscape for GOOD.

Sad, sad day.

If you care to read more,

link

HERE

'Victor'

Election Fever? ... This Too Shall Pass ...

2011-03-31T10:06:00.011-04:00

Original on Youtube - here.

... nearly 26 million views ...

hee

That was one heck of a GREAT weekend ...

2011-03-28T17:22:00.002-04:00

Cold yes, with snow underfoot, but BRIGHT, with lots of spring warmth in that sun ...

Perigee 'Supermoon' over Burlington Bay, March 20th, 2011 & Vernal Equinox CELEBRATION -TOMORROW at SUNRISE

2011-03-20T11:10:00.019-04:00

I have just learned that SUNRISE GALLERY will be
co-hosting an aboriginal Spring DRUM Celebration
at the beach. All drummers are welcome.

Be there before sunrise,
(around 6:30am), Monday, March 21st
(With this moon, it's going to be spectacular!)

For directions, locations, actual beach site -
get to the gallery first, walk around to the back,
walk the boardwalk down to the beach -

All welcome.

Drum UP in the Sun ... :)

...." The 8th Annual 8000 Sacred Drum Event,

which is the spring equinox sunrise ceremony,

will be performed by

the local native Indian community,

tomorrow morning

starting before sunrise at 6:30 am,

here at Sunrise Gallery on the beach

for about an hour or so ..."

Early Spring: Lake Ice & Westfield Pioneer Village 2011

2011-03-14T12:17:00.001-04:00

Two 'Must Attend' Events in the Hammer, February 2011

2011-02-23T10:11:00.007-05:00

From mlh's 'Bruce Trail' photo collage series

Friday night, Feb25th, 7pm

The Bay Area Restoration Council

4th Annual 'Wine Tasting & Silent Auction'.

@ The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

Enjoy an appetizing array of nibbles
and bid on their extensive auction items.

Tickets $40.

ALL Proceeds support Bay Area Restoration Council

and its work to restore & protect Hamilton Harbour

(Note: Tickets CAN be purchased at the door )

More info here - www.hamiltonharbour.ca

And, Opening on
Sunday, February 27th, 2-5pm
The Women's Art Association
of Hamilton - (WAAH)
115th Annual Juried Show

Art Gallery of Hamilton, Fischer Gallery

123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario.
FREE ADMISSION
(Runs until May 15th, 2011)

Established in 1894 and formerly a branch of the Women's Art Association of Canada, the WAAH is one of the oldest cultural groups in the city of Hamilton, Ontario. The WAAH provides a venue for women artists and art-supporters to share their appreciation of visual arts and to further support the arts within Hamilton. This includes fundraising for scholarships, prizes, hosting lectures, and exhibits. More info here - www.womensartassociationofhamilton.com

'The Clearing' - oil on board, 2010 - by mlh

On display at AGH, until May 15th, 2011

'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' . . . . . . . . . LAUNCH - Feb 17th, I pm - Fischer Gallery - Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

2011-02-07T10:30:00.059-05:00

'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' will be available for view & purchase after my Talk/Slide presentation at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on February 17th, 2011. There are ONLY 25 Numbered Copies in this COLLECTOR'S FIRST EDITION - 70 pages of 160 full colour illustrations of just my oil paintings. Hard cover, trim size: 9x11 inches.

Price: $130

First Come - First Served.

(STax, S&H Extra)

"MLH is a wholly original 'canajun' artist who relentlessly toils for
her beloved 'Canadada'. Painter of signature 'naive-surreal-folk-abstracts', her
very personalized vision is often touchingly bitter-sweet. ...
These works make you think ...
A novel interpreter of long-standing Canadian themes & memes,
this mid-career artist, born & raised in Southern Ontario,
is a good one to add to any evolving global collection
of contemporary fine art. Affordable now."

A.J. Whyte, Art Critic & Collector

To RESERVE yours TODAY, please contact me 'here'.

Remember, there are ONLY 25 copies

in this COLLECTOR'S FIRST EDITION.
Numbered & Signed by moi: 1-25. That's it!

(NB: As of August 2011, there are 19 copies left ... )
ISBN/CISS: 978-0-9691362-7-9

Art Gallery of Hamilton Talk & Slide Tour with mlh - February 17th, 2011

2011-01-24T12:41:00.023-05:00

I have been invited to 'speak' about 'my life as an artist' after the Women's Art Association of Hamilton's meeting at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. 1 pm, for one hour. Free.

It is my intent to do a quick 'overview' of my 35 years of production with periodic digressions ...

Beginning with my typeface design, 'Lindsay', sold to Letraset England in 1980, I'll then move into the two decades of Canadian fine furniture design & construction, followed by an overview of my painterly evolution from the age of fourteen, and my later involvement with pinhole photography and most recently, photo-collage work and fractal design. Interspersed throughout will be side-bars to my published efforts, including the two books of poetry, 'Bush Chord' and 'On Top of Mount Nemo', and the novels, 'Economic Sex' and 'The Gilded Beaver by Anonymous'. (Possibly digression might include the experimental documentary, 'In the Eye of the Hunter'.) I also hope to 'launch' my latest book, 'CANADADA: A Painter's Nature' at that time.

It should be fun. As I am 'self-taught', I go at it all a bit differently then most. I will try to keep you entertained!

Location: Jean & Ross Fischer Gallery on the Main floor. Free. Hope to see you there!

Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

New Year - 2011

2011-01-17T21:38:00.006-05:00

After an unfortunate 'start' to the New Year with a complete collapse of my phone/internet service, I'm now back, ready to go! I intend to start with some simple photos this year of a phenom that interests me: tracks. Footprints. In the snow. I like where this takes my mind in the consideration of OTHER species 'out there'. These marks are like minature signatures in and of Time. The imprint of activity that has long gone resonates with the 'background' notion that these critters are 'out there' still, and more importantly, that they are there at all times of the year. It is only during the hush of winter that many of our otherwise silent 'wild nieghbours' become visible ...

Whether it be rabbit, coyote, squirrel, field mice, deer, and/or predatory hawks (and many more unidentified prints, large & small) - all pass through this landscape on a regular basis. (I've even SEEN an elusive FOX near here...) Needless to say, it's lots of fun to track and explore in the bush ...

Time to go a wanderin' with camera. Will return with more WINTERSCAPES later ... :)

Annual Family Xmas Party - FUN, FUN, FUN!

2010-12-20T10:10:00.004-05:00

As always, a krazy cast of characters (!!!), caricatures by the deft Pete Emslie, music by Burlington's own Michael Keys, with unique location this year at Burlington Golf & Country Club . Black tie (as per long-standing family tradition.) Dames danced, gents cajoled, shrimp wiggled, turkey clucked! From 16 to 94, GOOD TIME had by all. Dem bay lights were a'sparklin'!

Season's Greetings & Tribunal Decision

2010-12-13T08:44:00.006-05:00

Dear friends, associates & other interested parties ...
to read my seasonal e-newsletter &
find out what has HAPPENED - link 'here'.

Fractal Star Dust

2010-11-19T17:57:00.012-05:00

... and now for something completely different ... yup, I've been messing with fractals again, feeling the seasonal mood coming on ...

New City Park 'walk-about', Nov.14, 2010

2010-11-14T16:52:00.009-05:00

Back tracking our walk, we did a 'circle' around the upper parkland area. The last shot shows an old tractor tire propped up against a tree, with the land graded for the artificial turf playing fields in the background ...

It was encouraging to see this bird nest in one of the NEWly planted trees along the brow's edge ...

View from the brow back out over Burlington & the lake. Yes, a bit 'gray', but it IS November and still, a great VIEW.

Tree plantings along the brow edge. Our gut feeling is that at least half these 'newlings' won't make their first winter. None are 'deer/rabbit wrapped', and though tethered, some have already been 'uprooted' by strong winds.

Moss covered OLD escarpment rock off the Bruce Trail. This 'untouched' area is the BEST part of the park at present. It affirms that this LAND has been here for a long, long, LONG time.

EdeG strolling on the Bruce Trail, along the brow edge ... near the 'catalpa' tree ...

We explored this karst/sink hole and were kind of surprised to see that for all the 'designing' going on around the upper parkland area, old farm debris, like a rusty decaying metal feed drum and ancient tires, are still embedded in this natural creviss. Why haven't they been taken out? What purpose does it serve to LEAVE this debris in here? We don't know.

Lots of gates/fences around the new plantings. Why? It effectively interrupts the 'open' feeling that this location once naturally gave ...

... more fences ...

The above shot gives a sense of the 'old' brow forest and the newly planted saplings - strategically placed.
The next three images indicate HOW the water will run off from the fake lake into the ESA - (ecologically sensitive area). Above is the 'unfiltered/uncontoured' drain-off that sort of 'drifts' off towards the woods ... It's all a bit hap-hazard at the moment. It doesn't anticipate HOW the run-off from the synthetic artificial turf will IMPACT this ground water and/or land ...

The above shot shows the rock screening where the pipe leads out from the fake lake ...

The fake lake at New City Park. Wild canadian geese seem to like it ... so that's sort of good ... The current plan is that this water will be used to 'service' the artificial turf. All the water will drain directly back into the lake after it is used to 'wash off' the sanitizing chemicals, and 'cool' the heat islands of latex/rubber in the summer when they reach in excess of 120F.

Overall, it's an eco-disgrace, and that's why your VOTE is still needed. Federal & PanAm monies have 'hi-jacked' this PUBLIC park and will soon turn it into an 'exclusive use' tournament level soccer sport STADIUM facility. The money and this 'out of town' AMBITION is turning it into something it should NEVER be. Unless we do SPEAK OUT, we'll lose this Niagara Escarpment 'jewel' for good.

We want New City Park to be GREEN, from stem to stern, not fenced-in plastic turf with a half million dollar flood-lit stadium illuminating the landscape for miles around.

Give us back our park! Vote via this link -

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/Vote-NO-to-the-Pan-Am-Games-in-New-City-Park/

Last Stand ! New City Park-Tribunal Decision

2010-11-09T10:00:00.008-05:00

Just completed this oil painting, 'Last Stand!'. It kind of encapsultes my recent thoughts about the recent 'developments' at New City Park, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Wildlife is on the 'edge', literally & figuratively; it's 'stuck', habitat & food resources ever-diminishing.

As of today, we are still waiting on the 'decision' from the Tribunal to determine the fate and future of this park. Will it be just another 'major sports facility' with FIELDS of plastic grass and a domineering metal-rod flood-lit SOCCER STADIUM? an end-point 'sports toursim destination' as has been latterly proposed by the PanAm Org in conjunction with the City Staff/Council? OR, will it REMAIN as it was ORIGINALLY planned as an 'eco-friendly & sustainable' mixed-use 'recreational' NATURAL parkland area for ALL living things? The verdict is still out ... we wait.

In the interim, please join me for my final 'formal' Friends of City Park 'Meetup' on Sunday, November 14th, NOON, at New City Park. Meet at the front entrance of the Park on Kerns Road (at Dundas Street). Rain or Shine. Please be sure to wear warm clothes & good walking shoes/boots. All welcome.

This 'walk-about' should take about an hour. We'll likely have the Tribunal 'decision' by then, so, depending on that outcome, future 'strategic' plans will be considered/discussed. Your ideas, and continued help, are much appreciated.

Please join me to go 'a-wanderin' before the snow flies -
Hope to see you soon - Lindsay

p.s. New City Park doesn't have a 'website' or 'location' yet. Use Google MAPS, search for 'Burlington, Ontario L7P 4V9'.

Ooga Booga! - Hallowe'eeeeeen 2010

2010-10-31T09:15:00.003-04:00

Have FUN!

Too Cute not to SHARE ...

2010-10-29T09:34:00.004-04:00

I've just been sent these pics of a baby porcupine ... they are too cute not to share. I don't know who the original photographer is, or where the location is, but LOOK at that little critter and marvel for a moment at Nature's mighty mysteries ... :)

Thanksgiving 2010 - Roots are Essential

2010-10-10T11:55:00.011-04:00

For those of you who follow this blog, you'll know that this summer has been a very interesting and demanding one. Not only did I have my second public gallery exhibition, ['Memory's Shadow: Pinhole & Photo Collage Photography' by yours truly, well received and reviewed btw], I also undertook a personal crusade effective of mid-July to save a new park on the Niagara Escarpment from ruin. The mis-guided introduction of three fields of artificial turf aka 'plastic grass' into what is otherwise one of the few remaining wildlife corridors in Southern Ontario is an eco-disgrace.

In many ways, it seems to me, the last minute 'development' of this parkland area since December 2009 to satisfy 'out of town' sporting interests (the PanAm Games) re-enacts a well worn 'attitude' that the dominant & domineering human culture has about 'the planet' - in general. Locally, it can be seen in the 'colonializing' intent to reshape a natural environment to fulfill the over-weening AMBITION of bureaucratic planners, designers and landscape 'architects' to IMPROVE what Nature has done well and quietly for centuries.

After publicly protesting this venture through a petition (yes, you can still vote on my previous post), and then standing up at an Environmental Hearing last week to be HEARD, we are now waiting for the Tribunal to decide this park's fate.

In many ways, it doesn't look good. Millions of dollars have been 'earmarked' for this park's development. We all know that money speaks louder then words. Even so, if anyone of 'import' IS listening, hopefully they will come to understand that what is currently being destroyed is an IRREPLACEABLE CONNECTION to THIS wholly unique land for all of US, here, in Southern Ontario.

This leads me to the topic of this post - ROOTS. They connect us to each other by blood. And they ultimately and intimately connect us to the planet in our need for water, air and land. Without them, we flounder, fail and lose our bearings. Roots are essential for personal well-being and growth.

New City Park offers us, and generations to come, a chance to re-connect to the land and our vital living roots in ways that plastic grass never can. Without REAL roots, we are lost.

Roots assist us to define, refine and become who we singularly are. We all have them. We all need them. I am 'canajun' from HERE, Southern Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment, born & bred. To destory that, to smother it with toxic non-biodegradable crude, is an insult to all living things who thrive and survive at this point on the globe. Imported 'carpets' of synthetic grass are anathema to the spirit of this place. By using this product to cover the Living Earth, we are admitting our dominating dis-respect, dis-connect and dis-regard for ALL that sustains us daily.

Giving thanks during the harvest months is the antithesis of this superior 'attitude'. Giving thanks recognizes that we ARE a part OF Nature, not apart from it. Giving thanks expresses our gratitude for ALL living things that make OUR roots to this place deep and vibrant.

One such person who embodies this 'thankfulness' is Annie B. Her family lived and farmed what will become New City Park for nearly a century. Annie grew up on this escarpment land.

When Annie learned of the proposed 'changes' to the Park, she flew in from British Colombia earlier this summer to visit, one last time, what the land had always given her. her planetary ROOTS. The following photo of her shows a little hobbit-like creature meandering through the woods ... It may mean nothing to you, but to me, this shot embodies the solace and harmony that this landscape can bring. Annie is HOME here. And for that, she is most thankful.

Further to these thoughts, I've added a few images of the paintings & general 'messing about' I've been doing at my lakeside studio this summer ... And yes, I am most blessed. I too give thanks.

May you all have a warm and fulfilling Thanksgiving with your family, friends and loved ones. Thanks be too to the natural world that has - through its Life-Giviing Bounty - given us the bedrock- and benefits - so that we may all have a FULL life ....

New City Park - MLH Presentation to the Hearing

2010-10-02T14:57:00.006-04:00

Here is the link to my presentation before the Environmental Review Tribunal, scheduled for October 5th, 2010, at Burlington City Hall, in Ontario, Canada. In it, I argue the reasons WHY 'synthetic grass' aka 'artificial turf' aka 'plastic grass' does not BELONG in New City Park, a 'new' park protected by the Niagara Escarpment Plan, and thus, now a part too of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

It's a long dissertation, so, you might want to get a cuppa before you settle in ... link - here.

(For those who follow my 'other life', kindly note, that after this is over, I will be posting new summer work, so please come 'visit' again soon ... thanks. mlh)

Grass Roots Petition now on global CARE2 Petition Site

2010-08-25T08:53:00.003-04:00

VOTE NOW - NO to the Pan Am Games in New City Park

A Grass Roots PETITION - Vote NO to the Pan Am Games in Burlington City Park!

2010-08-01T12:04:00.017-04:00

... a vital and alive natural landscape ...

A Grass Roots PETITION has just begun -
Vote NO to the Pan Am Games in Burlington City Park

We have so little time to get this message 'up' and 'out' - venues are being finalized, monies are being spent - yet, we MUST TRY to be HEARD before it really is TOO LATE. Please -
Vote NO to the Pan Am Games in Burlington City Park

The 'new' Burlington City Park, the largest park in Burlington, is currently 'under construction' at Kerns Road and Dundas Street.. The Bruce Trail runs along its brow edge and Kerncliff Park is already there, in its south-western 'corner'. Located primarily on TOP of the Niagara Escarpment, it is home & haven to a wide variety of species - including wandering & wondering nature-loving humans ...

Most of this rural park land, though in the political boundary of Ward 1, butts up against Ward 3 and Ward 15 on top of the Niagara escarpment. This petition has been created to draw attention to the FACT that most Burlingtonians - let alone citizens all over the Golden Horseshoe region - have had little to no say about the impact this Pan Am 'venture' will have on THEIR park. It's not simply the park that's underway, it's the sneaky way the City has 'slipped' in the Pan Am Games ONTO the development of this PUBLIC land space.

After the rejection of Sherwood Forest Park in the urban core as the 'soccer' venue for the Games, by local residents, City Staff put forward the "remote" new 'City Park' to Burlington City Council.. Before the City could get the Pan Am 'bid' they had to convince and get the Niagara Escarpment Commission's 'approval'. This entire escarpment zone is locally known as unique, in many ways it remains 'untouched' and, as such, falls under the NEC mandate to preserve and protect it from inappropriate development.

When the City originally proposed the idea to the NEC in February of 2010, the NEC turned them down. The City's 'plan' encompassed 10,000 spectators, with seating for 8,500 plus all the necessary food, security, garbage, restroom and media/power facilties to accommodate such a large soccer-minded crowd. The NEC was rightly concerned that the size and scope of this kind of event would upset the natural equilibrium of the park. So, the City went away, and sharpened their pencils. On June 17th, they came back with 'revised' numbers for the NEC: Suddenly projected attendance had dropped from 10,000 to 5000 that only necessitated 'temporary' seating for 3500 with NO on-site parking for spectators. The crowds would be shuttled in by a 'temporary' transit system. They also said that when the Games were done, the whole 'event' would be dismantled and cleaned up. The NEC gave them the go-ahead.

HOWEVER, things just aren't adding up, and this should be of GREAT CONCERN to all those interested in maintaining ANY wonderful natural park on or near the magnificient Niagara Escarpment. During the City's June presentation to the NEC, City officials maintained that there had been numerous public consultations - including an 'Open House' in Ward 1, specifically about the Games, and that the "vast majority" there of "over 30 people" had voted in favour of the Pan Am Games. 30 people does not a 'majority' make! Meetings have been held about the PARK, not the Pan Am Games IN the park, and that's where something is starting to stink ...

What is becoming increasingly clear is that the City does not want another 'citizen rejection' of their big-ticket Pan Am scheme. The City has seemingly used the 'cloak' of public consultations about the PARK, not the GAMES, to inflate their 'public approval' numbers to the NEC, the media and the organizers of the Games. If people really HAD been properly informed and consulted about the IMPACT these games would have altogether, it is very unlikely that they would want them any more then did sensible residents of Sherwood Forest Park.

All Wards butting onto the park - Ward 1, Ward 3 and Ward 15 of Hamilton - should be better informed about this 'Over the Top' SPORTS SHOW that will be running for the summer of 2015.

City Park, as originally conceived, is, yes, IN PART, a recreational sports park, but increasingly it is being 'modified' and 'reshaped' to accomodate the mega-million dollar 'branding' ambitions of the Pan Am Games. This is NOT - when understood in full scope - what people ' pro the park' had bargained for.

In short, 'we' were not adequately informed or consulted, and 'we' are now being 'railroaded' into 'accepting' it, like it or not. Well, I, for one, am NOT accepting it. The need to accomodate so many - 5,000 or 10,000 or even 15,000 - will move the park so far away - conceptually - from what it SHOULD be, and what it was originally SOLD to us as, that it does now warrant this GRASS ROOTS 'citizen's protest'.

Please join with me andVote NO to the Pan Am Games in Burlington City Park

The new Burlington City Park is INAPPROPRIATE for the Pan Am Games.

Sign the PETITION -
Vote NO to the Pan Am Games in Burlington City Park

Thank you.
Margaret Lindsay Holton
A FRIEND of City Park
Golden Horseshoe Artist & Author

.. now a barren, scoured 'lot' ready for 'artificial grass' ...

Press Links:

http://thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/815278
Activist Artist wants Pan Am soocer stadium Venue Changed

http://www.insidehalton.com/news/article/853369--petition-aims-to-take-pan-am-games-out-of-new-city-park

http://www.insidehalton.com/opinion/letters/article/857531--put-pan-am-soccer-at-bayview-park-resident

Note: We held off the assault for ten months, but as of April 7th, 2011, we've 'lost'. The Ministry of Natural Resources has given City the 'go ahead', albeit with certain conditions. It's over. Plastic Grass is going into this park forever. For more info, and Spring Newsletter, link here -

The Hamilton Spectator Review of MEMORY'S SHADOW: The Exhibit

2010-07-21T08:12:00.012-04:00

Jef Mahoney, Art Critic at The Hamilton Spectator newspaper, had this to say about my current pinhole & photo-collage photography show in the Perry Gallery at the Burlington Art Centre ... (He TOTALLY 'gets it'!)

http://www.hsc.on.ca/news-events/news/memory-shadow.html
http://www.thespec.com/Entertainment/article/811301

For directions to the BAC, link 'here'

To purchase THE BOOK, go the tab at the top of this blog, under 'MLH BOOKS' , or contact me directly at lindsay at netscape dot ca . There are ONLY 50 in the 'Collector's First Edition'. When they are gone, that's it. Nada mas.

MEMORY’S SHADOW: Pinhole & Photo-Collage Photography : NOW OPEN!

2010-07-19T10:30:00.042-04:00

WOW! Great reception, thanks all!!

You GOTTA SEE it!

If you just can NOT get to Southern Ontario before August 19th, I strongly advise getting a copy of the book 'MEMORY'S SHADOW: Pinhole & Photo Collage Photography' (as seen above) by moi. With 55 never-before-seen additional images, (and an incisive 'forward' by Canada's very own OUTSTANDING documentary film-maker, Peter Wintonick), this BOOK really is a NATIONAL TREASURE! With only 50 copies available in this 'Collector's First Ediiton' - priced at just $160 (plus tax) - it's a steal!

Excellent review by Jeff Mahoney of the Hamilton Spectator - here.

Order below via this blog with Paypal and/or your credit card. Order NOW.

Need help with this purchase? Contact -
mlhpro at hotmail dot com

Exhibition ENDS August 19^th, 2010.

Map, gallery times – here.

'MEMORY'S SHADOW' @ The Burlington Art Centre, Summer 2010

2010-07-05T11:25:00.003-04:00

'Sleeping Apple'

MEMORY'S SHADOW:
Pinhole & Photo Collage Photography

by Margaret Lindsay Holton

at the

Exhibiting in
The F.R. Perry Gallery

Opening: JULY 15th
Closing: AUGUST19th.

Artist's Reception:
SUNDAY, July 18th,
2 - 4pm.

Artist's Talk: Monday, July 26th, 6:30pm

Gallery Hours: M-Th, 9a-10pm, Fri&Sat 9a-5pm, Sun 12a-5pm

Exhibition Catalogue by David Macfarlane

Map, Phone & Driving Directions - link here
(NB: Gallery is OPPOSITE the Lake.)

Excellent REVIEW by Jeff Mahoney,

Art Critic of the Hamilton Spectator - here.

MEMORY'S SHADOW,
the complimentary hard-cover PHOTOBOOK -
with foreword by award-winning Canadian documentary film-maker, Peter Wintonick O.C. - is NOW available - link 'here'.

Artist Statement:

I have long been fascinated by how the human mind ‘records' things, events and moments in time and how those memories are later evoked thru the means of storytelli ng. The emotional tonal value of memories often shape-shift until they calcify into a ‘story' worth telling. These tales, in turn, provide us with identity. They act as cohesive glue and connect us as families, friends, group-tribes, and even, nation states.

We all carry emotional connections to past incidences. These emotional connections often ‘exist' in a fuzzy zone that swirls between fact and fiction. What ‘authenticates' a memory is often a physical thing, some kind of talisman or ‘keepsake' – like a piece of furniture or jewelry, a familiar landmark or a photograph. The physicality of these items ground the story and sets the tale in Real Time and Place.

However, our current superabundant capacity to photo-document EVER YTHING has begun to dramatically alter and even replace the other means by which we do ‘record' our own individual human experiences. For example, we all know that television is omnipresent in every North American home and is often the ‘focus' of family life and early education. There, we are inundated with an assortment of ‘crafted' memories that are primarily designed to induce us to buy stuff. Interspersed throughout these commercials is ‘entertainment' or ‘news' that supposedly inform us of all that goes on in the world outside the realm of our own experience. As a net result, OUR memories are increasingly ‘built' by producers/directors, writers and photographers that have absolutely NOTHING to do with the day-to-day evolution of our own physicality in our own naturally evolving landscape. Most now willingly accept this as ‘the norm'. Collectively, we have allowed external manufactured memories to define, and bind, us. Friends now ‘connect' when they talk about their favourite ‘tell-a-vision' shows …

Lately though, within the past decade, there has been a major shift in our memory or image consumption because, increasingly, through the internet, and with such distribution channels as YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook, we are no longer at the mercy of bulk mass-produced corporate image-makers of memories. We are now telling our OWN quirky stories, yet using the SAME tools. We too can now ‘play back', ‘rewind', ‘fast forward' or simply ‘surf'. We can drag a past moment forward into the present, and then, if we like, physically reshape that moment to have a future ‘life', as a ‘new' image. We can now manipulate and EDIT our own recorded photo images with ease. We have all BECOME our own producers, directors, writers and photo editors. We can all technologically manufacture our own memories.

My own sense though is that this heavy emphasis on the technology to actually re-PLACE our authentic Selves in time and space acutely undermines our own INNATE capacity to ‘remember' who and what we have been and are doing. We have FORGOTTEN that photography is ONLY a tool to document a memory - not the ‘memory event' itself.

With this book (and exhibit), it is my desire to stimulate a deliberate ‘dissonance' and force the viewer outside the seamless ‘comfort zone' of contemporary ‘DOC-U-ME photojournalism'.

I want to re-engage the viewer's Mind's Eye using the INNATE memory mech anisms OF OUR OWN MINDS to re-awaken the inner Self to the essential non-chronological components of our individual capacity for ‘memory making' and authentic self-expressive ‘story telling'….

I have done this by juxtaposing the eerie grounded Black and White ‘realism' of pinhole photography with the ephemeral capriciousness of heavily edited transparent collage colour photography.

I think it works - IN THE MIND ... What do YOU think?

- 78 images have been published in this COLLECTOR'S EDITION
- 22 images will be in Exhibition. Opening July, 2010

...

I'm READY! Come on over!!

Keep me posted of Lindsay's up-coming events -

New Painting: 'Warhol's Mistress'

2010-05-05T16:52:00.011-04:00

24"x24" - oil & acrylic

on primed oak plywood - FOR SALE

Detail of Warhol's Mistress ...

MashUp Portrait Collages

2010-05-02T23:13:00.004-04:00

'A Hunk of Owen:MLH Mashup'

'Marilyn & Happy Inuk: MLH Mashup'

'Marilyn & Miro: MLH Mashup'

'End of Civilization as We've Known it: MLH Mashup'

'FameUs Pho-toads: MLH Mashup'

WHO do YOU see - ?

WHAT do you WANT to SEE - ?

I've posted these photos with a direct intent of exploring some rather controversial notions of 'fair use' under our current Copyright regime(s). In each instance, I've used a relatively famous photo with a relatively non-famous photo to create a NEW 'mlh mashup' IMAGE. These new items convey both a different - often satirical - meaning or focus then the 'original' photographs intended. I've also deliberately altered the colour palettes, and cropped the images to the sizes I want. My question, for those who do wonder if this kind of 'mashing' is 'legal', is this - are these NEW works Original?

On one hand, there is NO QUESTION I have created NEW IMAGES. On the other, I've created those NEW works on the backs of others, (... ie. most creators 'borrow' from other creators ... ), and I DID use some of my own photographs in the FIRST photo, 'A Hunk of Owen: MLH Mashup'. So, are these NEW IMAGES 'Originals', or not?

If not, should I, then, 'credit' and/or 'compensate' those other living - or dead - photogs whose works I've borrowed? Should, by natural extension, every photographer credit their infleunces in the byline of every shot they make? Wouldn't that mean they must begin with the first photo image they ever saw that TRAINED their eye to SEE-?

Should famed photog Annie Leibovitz, as a continued example, whose common use of 18th century portrait artists 'compositions' to 'set up' her shots, 'credit' those long dead 18th century artists, who, in turn freely 'borrowed' from their own artistic peers and predecessors? If so, why? and if not, why not? You can see how 'fair use' gets very 'gray' very quickly.

So, where ought we draw the line for 'fair use'? Can we? This whole tug of war between the 'Right to Copy' and 'Copyright' LAW interests me greatly. I'd be most interested in your comments. Postive and/or negative. Also, for the record, these above NEW IMAGES are intended for 'non-commerical educational private use'. They have been created solely as illustrative examples within this on-going 'fair use' debate. To be extra clear, I am NOT selling or reproducing them anywhere else but here on this blog ...

Thoughts?

...

... are the natives friendly? ...

Doors Open - Hamilton

2010-05-01T19:16:00.003-04:00

Spent an afternoon looking at two places - Whitehern House, in the downtown core, and the Tropical Greenhouse at Gage Park, a former 'farm' now also in the downtown core of Hamilton. Both places were 'landscaped' by H.R. Dunnington-Grubb in the 1920's and are now under some 'revision'....Doors Open runs until Sunday May 2nd, 4pm. For more info, go to www.doorsopenhamilton.ca

It's been pointed out that I've included two 'Crowned' images at the end of this post. Yup. The first is entitled 'Crowned', the second is called, 'Burden of the Crown' ... look again ...amazing, isn't it, how a slight change in angle can change both one's perspective & interpretation ...

BURST! Spring Art Sale @ The Art Gallery of Hamilton, April 29 - May 2, 2010

2010-04-14T01:10:00.010-04:00

April 29 to May 2, 2010

Join us as the AGH’s Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavilion is transformed into a four-day showcase for art lovers and art collectors hosting the best from specially invited local and regional artists. Works that are perfect for your home, office or garden.

Thursday, April 29 ~ Noon to 9 pm
Friday, April 30 ~ Noon to 9 pm
Saturday, May 1 ~ Noon to 5 pm
Sunday, May 2 ~ Noon to 5 pm

The AGH Art Sale offers original artworks to suit every budget and décor; enhance your own collection or choose that special gift.

Come see (and buy!) pinhole photographs by moi - !

The Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King Street West, Hamilton - Ph: 905-527-6610) is located in the downtown core of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on the western end of beautiful Lake Ontario.

Come visit ...

OPENING NIGHT - 'Private Reception': April 28th 6-9pm:

Just got back from a GREAT evening ... lots of new and old faces, great PINOT and many yummy 'horsey do-overs'; met a few members of the Board - Rick Court & Alan Baird - very personable fellas, plus Louise Dompierre, HAG's Principal Director/Curator - ever 'cheery' & welcoming ... Artists and patrons 'swirled' for several hours admiring, and buying art. This 4 day 'spring sale' continues until Sunday, so get your Selves over there: - check out what's new, up-and-coming and just flat-out GREAT. Lots of variety, lots of different mediums, lots of talent - if I say so my Self! ( ... more shameless self-promotion ... :)

(This last (digital) shot was taken when I got home to the lake around 9:30p - a full moon glistening - a fitting 'nightcap' to a good night ... )

New Painting: Bovine Bliss No.2

2010-04-11T16:07:00.002-04:00

A quick 'insert', just to let you all know that, yes, I is STILL painting regardless that photography is and will be 'front & centre' for most of this up-coming year ... Here's my latest: -

Last winter walk before SPRING, 2010

2010-03-20T10:33:00.006-04:00

I'm hating this 'new' photo formatting provided by Google in Blogger... I can't 'edit', but rather, am forced to fit to a 'generic' size - "small, medium or large." NONETHELESS, the camera work CONTINUES. Enjoy.

...

Oh ... SPRING is COMING!

2010-03-04T09:41:00.004-05:00

Wolf Eye

Digital Photo Collage

A Plug for Two Pals: Charles Pachter in Whistler, & 'Big John' in Hong Kong

2010-02-02T09:31:00.006-05:00

The Olympics will soon be upon us. For those of you who are making the trek, please do stop in on my pal Charles Pachter's 'Olympian' exhibition at the www. mountaingalleries.com in Whistler, opening February 12th. Charles is CLEARLY Canada's Primary PoP Art iconoclast. His range, his talent, is eclectic, diverse and always wittyly thought-provoking . Ain't nothing like him nowhere ... Go see, wave that flag! For a taste of his iconographic 'moose' works, link 'here'....

For more to see & do in Whistler during the festivities, click here. Don't miss the inaugural Whistler-Blackcomb Peak to Peak Gondola ride, sure to be a ski/snowboard and Olympic crowd pleaser.

If the Olympics aren't on your roster and you find you are spending a Thursday night in Hong Kong, please do drop in on another pal - 'Big John'. He's holding the floor from six to midnight at the 'Tantra Bar & Lounge'. An investment banker by day, he lets it rip with finger-tripping dexterity and raspy vocals at night. Not to be missed.

Tell him 'Lindsay' sent ya ...

Heritage Photos of Burlington @ The Burlington Art Centre

2010-02-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

'Vintage Window: A Pinhole Photograph by mlh'

My entry.

I was/am a bit dismayed - and annoyed - to discover that the Heritage people (who were/are running this exhibit now showing at the Burlington Art Centre) printed my supplied digital file from the 'entry form', then mounted and presented this work 'as is'. Technically, this action represents the complete opposite to the 'aesthetic' and 'reality' of what I do when I am pinholing. The CORRECT thing to do would have been to exhibit my ORIGINAL positive pinhole print, not a secondary digital print-out, (as shown above - as a digital image ...).

If any of you want to see the digital print-out - (I have no idea what size they've made it, how they printed it, or who they printed it with, meaning, I'd NEVER 'authorize' this 'digital print' in ANY way...) - check it out at the Burlington Art Centre until the end of February.

If, on the other hand, you want to see the ORIGINAL pinhole photograph pulled from the ORIGINAL paper neg contact me to see 'The Original' at my lakeside studio.

The framed ORIGINAL 8x10 pinhole photograph is available for purchase. I only pulled ONE print, so there is only ONE ORIGINAL pinhole photograph - signed, dated, and processed by me.

All additional derivative DIGITAL print-offs, done by people & equipment & processes that I wasn't aware of and certainly did NOT authorize, are just that - DERIVATIVES. Whatever you do, don't even think of buying one of these. They are 'knock-offs' in the truest sense of the word ...

Live & LEARN.

Lens Perspective @ The Sunrise Gallery

2010-01-24T16:17:00.021-05:00

'Lens Perspective'

GROUP SHOW

Reception: Saturday,

January 30th, 2-5pm

765 Beach Blvd, Hamilton Beach, Lake Ontario
Jan.30th, to Feb. 28th, 2010

Hours: Thurs. to Sun. 1-5pm

I've got two LARGE pinholes in this show,

so, come take a look!

www.sunrisegallery.ca /ph: 905-549-5888

Wine Tasting & SILENT AUCTION, Jan 29th, at The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

2010-01-12T14:43:00.027-05:00

'Cootes Paradise, Hamilton', oil painting by mlholton

( To see more oil paintings by this artist, link 'here' and 'here')

JOIN US for our THIRD Annual

Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

in support of the restoration and protection of the Hamilton Harbour. Enjoy a buffet of hot & cold appetizers against the backdrop of
our picturesque harbour and live music.

Friday, January 29th, 2010
@ The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

555 Bay Street North at the foot of MacNab Street North, Hamilton Harbour, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Map 'here' .

7pm Doors OPEN

- Silent Auction BEGINS

8:30 pm Auction CLOSES
- WInners Announced

Tickets: $35 - CALL: 905-527-7111

or contact: ltessier@hamiltonharbour.ca

ALL Proceeds support the Bay Area Restoration Council

and its work to restore and protect Hamilton Harbour

Note: Tickets CAN be purchased at the door of the event.

Limit 150 persons. Only 50 tickets left. Order NOW.

Together, We're Bringing Back the Bay!

(Kindly note, for this event, Lindsay has donated

one of her hand-made pinhole photographs of Lake Ontario,

list price: $600 ... come & get it !!! )

Post script: GREAT evening! Over 200 attendees, lots of great 'stuff', good company and yummy horsey do-overs, hot & cold. Thank you all for supporting the BARC.
Have to mention that the Mayor of Hamilton was there, and the talent were very energized ... managing everything from Stompin' Tom to celtic reveries ... Well done!

For more on this see Jeff Mahoney's review in The Hamilton Spectator, here.

A Fractal Gem for the New Year

2010-01-11T13:17:00.005-05:00

... thought I'd get things started for the year with another fractal odyssey. The following slide-show is the result of 'tinkering' with ONE little ol' fractal. The possibilities are, by fractal definition, endless ... ENJOY!

From canadadaPHOTOGRAPHY

p.s. For more information & additonal visuals about 'fractals' on this blog, type 'fractals' in the SEARCH box on the right ...

Here's an alternate 'viewing tablet'. I'm still TRYING to figure out which is the BEST of these video formats. No sooner do I figure one out with all the bells & whistles when they re-design it!!

Vimeo seems to have done just that since I last tried them out ....

'Sleeping Apple' - Photo Collage

2010-01-01T00:00:00.027-05:00

'Sleeping Apple' - Photo Collage by mlh

MEMORY'S SHADOW:
coming soon to the Burlington Art Centre ...
Summer 2010

Snow!!!

2009-12-10T16:29:00.001-05:00

.... brrrr, it's gettin' COLD out there ....

Prince Charles in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

2009-11-05T08:57:00.002-05:00

Since this location is a stone's throw from here, it's kinda fun to know that such world famous people were trotting around the neighbourhood. This broadcast brought to you from 'The Royal Channel' on 'YouTube'.

Fall Shows - November 2009

2009-11-01T00:05:00.013-04:00

- - -
The Georgian Bay Land Trust,
Fine Photography Auction

Event Title: 'Bayscapes Art Auction & Sale'

Event will feature work by leading Canadian photographers Geoffrey James, Vid Ingelvics, Ed Burtynsky & 'yours truly' (... ok, ok, shameless plug... ), plus new work by celeb photogs, Tom Clark & Sara Richardson... Join us for the fun!

Auction: Friday, November 6th, 2009, 7-11pm

@ The Faculty Club of the University of Toronto
Purchase tickets 'here'

For more info about the GBLTrust, link 'here'.

MLH '... in a Georgian Bay kinda mood ...', click here.

---

OCAD
WHODUNIT?
AUCTION
TORONTO, CA.

SATURDAY eve, November 21st. 6ish.
Previews 18th, 19th & 20th. FREE!
For more info, click here.
All welcome. Always a BIG 'mashup' PARTY!!

(Post Script: For those who might have wondered,
this was my item that sold in the WHODUNIT Auction:
Lot No. 745 - Title: 'Field in Niagara County, No.27'
---

Burlington Art Centre
SOLO EXHIBITION
'MEMORY'S SHADOW: Pinholes & Collages'
with Exhibition Catalogue
by Canadian Author, David MacFarlane
Summer 2010, info coming soon ...

Margaret Lindsay Holton
Golden Horseshoe Artist
Lake Ontario, Canada

Boo!

2009-10-31T18:00:00.000-04:00

Fall Colours 2009

2009-10-20T20:28:00.010-04:00

... colours are splendid at the moment ...
a mini slide show follows...

Fun with Polaroids-!

2009-10-20T20:20:00.000-04:00

... the walk-about ... VIDEO

2009-10-20T19:39:00.009-04:00
NB: Dateline: Oct 22th, 2009: If you are seeing 'no video' or are receiving a 'jerky, jittery' video, don't despair. VIMEO is experiencing 'technical difficulties' ... I've been assured this will be 'fixed' in the next few days ... I'm leaving this video up 'as is' until the end of the month so they can perform their techno-magic. Will see where it's all at then (...geesh. comPUTahhhs...)

The summer of 2009 was lousy here, weather-wise. Fall has been better, but, even so, kinda pukey. There WERE, however, a few stellar days during September that kinda made one want to go SILLY!

Sooooooo, guess what?
Yup, I went on a short & silly 'walk-about'.

As you can see, there's nothing very SERIOUS here, nothing EARTH SHATTERING, BIG or BREAKING!! I is just offering a quiet little five minutes two-step shuffle between me, my Self and I.

... sometimes those really are the BEST moments ...

Toronto Fall 2009

2009-10-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

Just spent four daze ZOOMING around Toronto, catching up with friends & places after 10 years ...

This wee soundless-slideshow documents several choice encounters with Toronto-centric 'time & space'.

It's a bit rough, but I think it does the trick.

Toronto is a great YOUNG metropolis, a very KEEN place. It's backbone WAS Anglo, but it's future is TOTALLY multi-cultural.

Perhaps that is why so much of the 'new' architecture is so splendidly STARK, and seemingly 'simple'.

Toronto presents itself INTERNATIONALLY as 'ethnic neutral'.

At the moment.

@ The Art Gallery of Hamilton

2009-09-13T12:00:00.010-04:00

The Women's Art Association of Hamilton
115th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday,
September 26th, 2009
Cocktail-style supper @7pm
& Silent Auction 'til Midnight

The Joey & Toby Tannenbaum Atrium
@ The Art Gallery of Hamilton

For more info about the WAAH, click here.
Art Gallery of Hamilton, click here.

PLUS, two musical performances & door prizes.
Senior Curator, Tobi Bruce &
AGH Director, Louise Dompierre officiating.
TICKETS: $50 per person
Contact: waah.events@gmail.com

For preview of Silent Auction catalogue, click here.

'Granny's Lounger', 4/4, 2005 -
Pinhole Photograph by MLH

Oil + Soft PASTELS by mlh

2009-08-06T12:31:00.013-04:00

'Dream Bug'

I mentioned earlier in the year that I would 'post' some of my pastel work. Here you go. These, and others, have been done over the course of 20 years, give or take. What follows is fairly representative. Again, there is a 'sampling' of both OIL & SOFT pastel. If you're interested in purchasing the original, (or photo reproduction), let me know. Also, in advance, I apologize for the watermarks in the centre, but I've HAD to do this cuz of 'copiers'... Sorry.

'Cedar Hedge'

'Hole in the Woods'

'Pine Tree' - SOLD

'Wind Swept Road'

'Native Greek'

'St.Johns, Newfoundland' - SOLD

'Haida Gwaii, West Coast' - SOLD

'Killarney' - SOLD

'Buffalo Bill', Mount Nemo, Ontario

'Turtle Doves on the Pond'

'Emperor Penguins'

'Cave Drawing' - SOLD

'Trickster'

'Barn Door-One'

'Barn Door Two'

'The Lake at Dawn'

So, what do you think? Do you like these?
Do you have a favourite?

(Sizes are varied, mostly 20x24, or 9x10, and a few are already framed. The items that have sold are available as 'photo repros' ONLY. Let me know, if interested. Thanks.)

'Slooow Photography: Pinholes by Margaret Lindsay Holton'

2009-08-01T00:02:00.000-04:00

'Amarylis Shadow' - pinhole by mlh

@ The Homer Watson House & Gallery
1754 Old Mill Road
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Opening: Sunday, June 7th, 2009, 2-4pm
Running thru til August 16th, 2009

The Homer Watson House & Gallery is homestead of Homer Watson, Canada's first noted landscape artist (1855-1936). The Gallery, constructed in 1906, is one of the oldest operating galleries in the Province of Ontario. Watson's early Victorian house was also the home of the renowned Doon School of Fine Arts during the 1950's and 60's and drew such artists as Fred Varley and Carl Schaefer.

More info & detailed directions, click HERE

LAUNCH: Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Well-attended & graced by both a Federal MP AND local City Councilor, the 19th Annual Homer Watson Exhbition is now underway for the summer ... To see further examples of my pinhole works, please look at February & March 2008 posts on this blog ... and/or click on 'pinhole photography' in the sidebar ...

There is a great review by Robert Reid of the entire exhibit featured in The Kitchener Record - click here.

Excerpt follows: "... 'Slooow Photography ... A Pinholer's Passion' consists of 22 photographs taken with various handmade pinhole cameras constructed from a small cardboard box and an assortment of product tins - pretzel, tea, coffee & shortbread. ... At a time when photography has been hijacked by computer and digital technology, Holton reminds us that, at its most basic, photography is a contemplative art form that relies on the source and sustainer of life -- the Sun."

The Queen's 21st B-Day Radio Broadcast ....

2009-07-23T08:34:00.008-04:00
Found this while 'surfing', & find it strangely compelling & moving ... I do so admire this lady. What a life she has led. To be sure, she's not 'perfect', but she sure does try her best.

Homage to Pim ... Video

2009-07-12T09:36:00.029-04:00
This entry has been deleted.

Doon Heritage Village, Waterloo, Canada

2009-07-01T00:03:00.001-04:00
5 minutes by car (... 25 minutes by foot, lovely walk beside the Grand River...) from the Homer Watson House & Gallery is the Doon Heritage 'Crossroads' Village, a 'living' Mennonite village with 60 acres of sights & period structures. You'll find lots of ideas here for 'local produce' organic farming & rustic rural design. Walking around the 'compound' jettisons you into another time & place, everything is 'slooow' & pleasurable ... Great fun for the whole family and WELL WORTH A VISIT. ... Funny, ain't it, how 'what's OLD is NEW again' ...

Click 'here' for link to gardens at the village .... Also, if coming from abroad, note that complimentary guidebooks are availabe in English, German, French, Japanese, Portugese, Braille and large-print.

Earth Day, 2009 - Holy Peepers!

2009-07-01T00:02:00.007-04:00

End of June - The Beginning of Summer ...

2009-06-23T00:04:00.000-04:00

... I do so love those aromatic life-affirming peonies ...
ah well, NEXT YEAR -

- Time to Grill !!

Canadian Fine Furniture by mlh (a few examples)

2009-06-01T00:05:00.004-04:00
I have been asked to 'tell a little' about my fine furniture making days ... I suppose a good place to start this 'retrospective' would be to mention the 1996 publication by Carol Soucek King, 'Architects & Designer's Originals'. Frank Gehry, the architect, and I were the only Canadians asked to contribute. Carol was the Fashion Editor at the L.A. Times at the time, and she asked me to supply something for the 'bed' section ...

I had recently completed a commission of a series of children's beds that had hand-carved bed posts - owls & bears. I also did a carved frieze of butterflies & dragonflies for the little girl ...

The following image was one of my first forays into 'decoratively painted' furniture ... a Canadian goose on the back panel hovering over a 'nest of eggs'... Last heard, this piece is now in a collection in Portland, Oregan.

I was often asked to reproduce 'period items' to fit into existing decor. The next piece is 'Quebec' infleunced, and 'distressed' to lend a 'rustic' feel. The carving in the centre is unique. (Sorry for the lousy photo, but that's all I've got of this item now ... )

The next piece was one of my favourites. I use to spend a great deal of time up-north. That 'atmosphere' greatly influenced my choices about what I wanted to amplify in my constructions. The feathers on the drawers and the pine tree silhouette on the cupboard (and copper star insets) where inlaid into the oak using 'marquetry', a wood-working technique near extinction in North America today ... (Again, please excuse the crummy 'shaky' photo, but this is the only image I've got of the piece in it's 'unfinished' state.... )

As time went along I refined these 'natural motifs' and emphasized the intricate delicacy of the wood grain in conjunction with the power of the imagery. In the following instance, a bulrush bouquet highlights this tiger maple & rosewood 'Ladies Dresser' ... The 'Shaker-style' drawer pulls were turned in ebony.

Bigger & better commissions started to come in. The next image shows details from a 14 foot dining table (with 16 complimentary sabre leg dining chairs). The motif I choose for this commission was the trillium, provincial flower for Ontario. The mahogany edging on the table was carved in a recurring trillium pattern and the adjacent trillium marquetry inset was used on the back of all the chairs.

Then the coup de grace, 'The Four Canadian Fireside Chairs'. A fantastic commission, I had carte blanche to fulfill this clients ambitions of grace & grandeur. I focused on the native legend of Sedna, goddess of the North Seas, and imaginatively carved her into the walnut legs of each of the chairs. Then I designed intricate marquetry panels for the back of each chair to represent a season.

Copper was an early trading material from the North. I gilded the two armchairs in copper.

And covered the two side chairs in premium dear hide, retrieved from a hunter near Barrie ... This is the 'autumn chair'. Pheasant lifting off over cornfields under a setting sun ... beneath a recurring image of criss-crossed dear antlers ...

Next up, I had the opportunity to do some speculative work for a gallery show. What follows is the 'Wolf Settee Courting Bench'. A kind of whimsical piece, it sort of epitomizes to me, the EARLY stages of romance where 'space' is kind of critical to romantic evolution ... (The settee is 7 feet long ... ). The bracing beneath the seat is extensive and intricately turned. Beautiful Honduras mahogany, turns like butter ...

Note the wolf head on the settee arms ...

Likely my most ambitious piece, 'Thee Mirror', inspired by my many jaunts to the sea & the ever present majestic beauty of the natural world, I tried to fuse it all into one magnificient whole ... I must have done ok, cuz this piece won First Prize at the International Woodworking Show at the Canadian National Exhbition in 1989, beating out English, French and Italian works. I took home the ribbon with Karl Luber, who did the marquetry work on this item.

Another speculative piece, the following pedestals (one shown of a matching pair) were inspired by the Temagami Provincial Park area in north-eastern Ontario. There was ALOT of buzz at the time about the proposed 'clear cut' logging in the park area ... I wanted to create something that documented that 'DECISION' for future generations. I used maple cones as a recurring motif (see how they drop from the top) and then enfused the slanting sides with a kind of Elizabethan style 'relief' carving. There is something very 'in tune' with Nature that emerged in the Elizabethan period, that hasn't been replicated since. (The Georgian period, though CLOSE, lacked a sense of 'stillness'.) That's a very subjective interpretation I know, but it's how I both 'sense' and 'interpret' things ... . These pedestals were shaped from solid walnut, and now reside with a Toronto collector ...
Here's an example of an earlier piece, a drop-front CD player, using a signature triple-beaded edging detail of layered ebony & padauk ... The base wood is lovely pear and the inserts were made with mahogany 'flame' vaneer. This item was 'french polished' in the 'old school' manner ... thus that lovely patina. Complimentary sofa side tables were added to this commission at a later date.

Again, kind of a fun one, a copper diningroom table. The client was a frequent flyer & car racing enthusiast. He liked 'bolted' metal things ... I obliged with this copper studded copper hammered sheet metal table top ...

Spanning a 15 year period, from 1984 to 2000, I think I produced near 300 items. It was wonderful time, and I don't regret one bit of it. Though, truth be told, it is not a very efficient way to 'make a living'... especially at the level I was producing things ... Fun stuff though and feels like another era now. I do retain drawings of items I would LIKE to make ... like the Nunavut Sideboard, and the Caribou dining table ... but, sigh, I guess those exquisite items will just have to WAIT ...

I may add more items to this list as I find other photos ...

And, for the record, I LEARNED about the fundamentals of FINE wood-working from my late father, Luther Janna Holton. I apprenticed with him. And then, went out on my own ...

.... just found this above image taken at the Carnegie Gallery: me - plus some of dad's work including a very attractive mahogany drop-front desk replete with 'secret compartments', a true-to-form 'Chippendale' mirror with gilding highlights, & a Louis XIV style chair designed & made for 'larger North Americans' by my father ...

'The Gilded Beaver by Anonymous'

2009-06-01T00:04:00.017-04:00

Winner of the Hamilton Arts Council 'Best Fiction Award' in 1999, beating out other entries from Random House Canada, M&S, and Knopf Canada ...

‘THE GILDED BEAVER BY ANONYMOUS'

Critical Reviews:

" ... mystery surrounds this erotically charged novel ... the ABC's of Canadian fine furniture design and production ... " Ottawa Citizen

"... read this really extra-ordinary work with great interest ... this novel is very special ..." - Dr.B. Heinzius, Bertelsmann, AG, Munich

" ... like good wine - rich, complex, pleasingly acerbic ... a dance of intellect & eros that expertly unfolds ... and closes with panache..." - Jim Bartley, Globe & Mail, Toronto

"... a psycho-sexual tug of war in the world of design" - Spring Book Review, Globe & Mail, Toronto

"... Novels about the relationship between two brothers, mothers and sons, husbands and wives, or fathers and daughters are common. But the relationship between a fine furniture designer and an imperious client can be just as fraught with tension, drama, comedy, incomprehension and hurt as any family relationship, and this novel proves it. ... Why the 'anonymity'? Because, quotes the author, 'This is a true story'..." - Toronto Star

ONLY 800 Numbered Copies printed in 1999 Collectors First Edition
'THE GILDED BEAVER BY ANONYMOUS'
ISBN: 0-96919362-2-6 Page Count: 218, soft cover
Original LIST: $79.95
(NOW SELLING, 10 years later via antiquarian book dealers @ $125!)

LIMTED TIME OFFER - 'til December 31, 2010 -
'The Gilded Beaver - 10th Anniversary Offer'
$40 per copy plus $8 S&H = $48 Cdn.

Send Int'l Money Order to:
'The Gilded Beaver - 10th Anniversary Offer'
ACORN PRESS CANADA
17 Main Street, P.O. Box 1425
Waterdown, Ontario, Canada
L0R 2H0

(Please allow 2 weeks for delivery -
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
Only 98 copies left! )

I'm in a 'Georgian Bay' kinda MOOD ...

2009-06-01T00:04:00.011-04:00

... you know how it is ...
sometimes there are PLACES you just have to GET TO ...
These images were shot 35mm circa 1980.

Contact artist for purchase. All Rights Reserved.

'La Magia del Carnevale' at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

2009-05-02T00:03:00.002-04:00

'Reflections' , donated oil painting by mlh (SOLD)

Come celebrate a gala evening to benefit programming
at the Art Gallery of Hamilton ...

La Magia del Carnevale!
Dinner, dancing, masks & costumes,
LIVE auction & lotsa FUN!

May 30th, 2009, 6 pm to 1 am. Tickets: $300 each.

For more information link here.

Magnolia Madness !!

2009-05-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Every year we WAIT for the magnolia
to 'do its thing' for a week or two.
The blooms are just so luscious & lovely, I
gotta SHARE them with you ...

then it's DONE until next year ...
and we must WAIT again

Canadian eCopyright Forum 2009 - Submission by mlh

2009-04-01T11:31:00.005-04:00

(Original Link to Forum post:
Copyright eConsultation.ca – On-line Submission, August 2009)

"First, I would like to thank the Canadian government for giving me the opportunity to both express my p.o.v., and also consider the p.o.v's of others within this engaging on-line forum. I regret that I am unable to attend any of the 'live' forums, or view the webcasts, (…I'm restricted to dial-up …), but hope that the following words may find a useful place within your on-going deliberations.

Who am I? I be a self-employed mid-career artist from Southern Ontario. Altogether I have 'licensed' 2 books (one fiction, one non-fiction);' licensed' 3 items of Canadian fine furniture for manufacture; co-produced & co-written one broadcast 'experimental documentary' (54 min); written & produced 3 additional titles under my own artists' imprint; painted over 400 oils in my signature 'naïve-surreal-folk-abstract' style, selling about a fifth; shot over 500 pinhole images, selling less then 100; designed & made over 300 works of Canadian fine furniture 'on commission' (but left that 'discipline' altogether in 2000 cuz few will pay for skilled labour in this country). I've done these 'things' over a 35 year period, exhibiting in over 50 private & public venues. All told, I've been 'relatively' successful, and yet I am poor by the median standard.

Recently, within the last two years, I've also taught my Self how to 'blog'. I now have two of those; one semi-anonymous, and the other an overt publicity tool for my pinhole & digital photographic & fine art works. I just started to 'twitter' a month ago, and haven't decided yet if it's worth my time & investment to bother. In other words, I am a 'work-in-progress' artist of Canadian origin who draws on my experience as a 'Canadian'. I am constantly contributing to the cultural fabric of this great & wonderful land, and yet, I live below the poverty line, seemingly by choice. Why? Cuz I love the freedom to do what I want to do.

Now here are my concerns:

In all instances of above 'licensing' I have been shocked, dismayed & disappointed by the behavior & dealings with commercial licensors, aka 'distributors'.

In the book dept, I signed with 2 different mid-size publishers. Neither gave 'advances' or a 'signing fee' and both promised a royalty of less then 15%. In both instances, my books sold out but I never saw the full royalties. The first Toronto publisher re-structured under bankruptcy protection. The other didn't, they just failed in the early 90's and slid into obscurity. So, as an author, I kinda did those books 'for free' over a five year period …

In the fine furniture realm, I signed with 2 local manufacturers. One modified my design within 3 years of signing without consultation to me, and went bankrupt after 5. The other paid me a 'retainer' of $500 on signing, reported royalties haphazardly for 5 years and then also went bankrupt after 10. Again, I ended up kinda doing those works 'for free' … The third was in Italy, (who I met while at a trade show in New York).. No advance, royalties set at 7%. I've never received royalties or sales statements of any kind – even though I know they used my design in prototypes at international trade shows & retain my original drawings …

In the instance of the typeface design, I signed in 1980 with a reputable graphic house giant, Letraset, in England. After 29 years, they've 'lost' my original drawings, digitized my design without my knowledge or consent, deliberately engaged in third-party dealings without remittance, restructured at least twice and absolved themselves of continued record keeping when I finally managed to 'catch up' in 1991. My design, 'Lindsay', "escaped" from their 'protection' and is now available for sale via vendors who claim the Rights to their digital data but do not honor or compensate me for the Original Design. One distributor, URW++ in Germany, even produced 5 'knock off' versions under my name (2007), ie. 'Lindsay'. So, again, that 'licensing' venture was a bit of a bust. (URW also went bust, then 'resurrected' as URW++, an apparently common 'commercial' tactical maneuver to get out of financial obligations …)

Cumulatively, all licensors have treated me & my work like 'sheat' after the 'honeymoon period' was over. And that, surely, is not right. To be sure, I could have 'hired' better lawyers to 'negotiate' better terms, who'd fight for my Copy Rights nationally & internationally … but, I am self-employed, and was, during that time frame, 'coming up' thru the ranks. I was 'learning'.

As an older & much wiser artist, I am now loathe to 'sign' with any prospective licensor aka distributor. I just do not trust the whole business anymore. I have no confidence any longer in 'fair & equitable' dealings. I've just seen & experienced too much to believe in any of it.

Rather, I now manage everything and have become an 'artspeneur'. I create each art object from scratch. I do my own sales, distribution, and collect 100% of the revenue. To be sure, all in all, it can be an exhausting business … But until such time that I can feel confident (again) that the licensors (aka distributing 'copiers') will honor the Terms of our Agreements, and consistently pay me my fair due, I doubt I will ever 're-engage' with the existing 'commercial world'. And, that, my fellow canajuns, is a problem for Canada.

When 'cultural producers' have neither the trust nor confidence that their works will be 'protected', they lose faith altogether in 'the system'. Again, that is not good for Canada.

The digital economy, focused around the 'internet', is primarily a publicity tool. I personally have not achieved any direct sales thru my new blogs, (yet), though I have garnered some 'visibility' and 'credibility' because I am now 'on-line'. I don't know how long I can keep it up though, cuz, frankly, I'd rather be working on my art.

I detest that my 'role' within the 'digital community' is now classified and reduced to that of 'content producer' and that, at present, any can 'copy' my presented works on-line regardless of any measures that I may take ( like watermarks, reduced file sizes, or 'copywrite' logos) to protect my efforts. I'm just not so enamored by the beastie as are many other 'free-for-all' advocates. There are only so many hours in the day. And again, I'd rather be working on my art.

That said, I do recognize that the internet is an invaluable resource for both educators, and private use. I just detest the 'free for use' bullies who disrespect & rip-off from genuine creators. They are the scum of the earth. They glorify & justify their 'heists' in the name of 'freedom'. It's utter B.S. They have neither conscience or sense of 'fair play', and frankly, really don't give a damn. Many of them have been very vocal on this forum.

All in all, what I've gleaned from this enlightening event is that there are very different markets and very different creators. I think it expedient to suggest at this time that the actual definition of 'creator' be closely & carefully re-examined, and, re-defined.

An author, for example, who works 2-3 years researching & writing a book cannot 'equal' a photographer who shoots 400 digital pics in an afternoon, uploads same by dusk and is selling them thru stock agencies by the next day. There is just no correlation.

Likewise, a 'software programmer' who builds code on existing code is very different from a solitary painter or sculptor who shapes something from nothing using the learned coordinating skill of their eyes & hands. These two 'groups' are just not of the same 'species'.

It is increasingly apparent to me that 'Copyright' rules must be written, and applied, very differently for each. Terms of use, for example, for an solitary author must be different then for that of a photographer or 'new media' artists. Obviously,

What I propose/suggest/wonder about is a system of differentiation between 'traditional' cultural art makers from those who are digitally dependent and continuously re-cloning or re-cycling on-line, like broadcasters/film-makers/mashup DJ's etc. As a continued example, most photographers are 'taking' photographs of existing reality, in much the same way that software developers are 'building' on existing code. They can replicate their efforts ad infinitum with a push of a button, (unlike 'traditional artists' who painstakingly create 'one offs'). Perhaps it would be best if their works were 'sanctioned' under 'patent' protection, or some other 'digi' license instead of copyright'ed as original individual efforts.

And yes, I am 'just' a wondering, questioning & questing multi-disciplined artist, not a LAWYER.

It would help a great deal if you, the government of Canada, provided clear 'classes' of eligibility for copyright, patent and IP protection. Also, it would be great if you provided a subsidized 'legal bureau' (with international teeth) where copyright issues can be addressed by independents who don't have the clout or finances of 'corporations' or 'organizations', and finally, please legally support the Creators of our very own unique Canadian Culture.

Oh, I am also for retaining the existing copyright term of 50 years after death. My work is my legacy. I want my family to potentially benefit tomorrow from what I am making today. I am investing in this country, crafting our material culture.

And, I also believe that 'copying' aka 'file sharing' should be strictly limited & enforced to 'private use'.

That's it.

Just remember that when the Power DOES Go Out (by accident or design), we'll be right back at the beginning using 'traditional' arts to communicate – like singing around a smoldering campfire, telling wild 'n scary stories to our kids, acting out comical skits to our friends & families, and drawing out our wildest dreams & schemes in the dirt at the feet of our peers …

… if we remember how.

Good luck. Best to you all.

Margaret Lindsay Holton
Artist & Author"

CONTRASTS: Hand Processed & Digital Photography @ The Sunrise Gallery, Hamilton, Canada - April, 2009

2009-04-01T00:04:00.008-04:00

'View of Skyway Bridge & Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton, Canada
c. Margaret Lindsay Holton

Hand-processed gum-bichromatic photo images by Rainer Wenzl will highlight this 'alternative photography' exhibition. My 'digital photo-collage' works will stand in 'CONTRAST'. Other members of this innovative art co-op will be exhibiting thought-provoking & complimentary photo images. All in all, it's meant to be a bit 'different' ... so, please do come check out our latest efforts ...

At: THE SUNRISE GALLERY
765 Beach Blvd, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
1000 metres from the Skyway Bridge
Phone: 905-549-5888

Opening Reception:
April 11th, Saturday, 2-5 pm

LAUNCH:

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
& Sunday: 1-5 pm
Show runs until May 3rd, 2009
Map & Sunrise Gallery Link here

Sample of MLH 'Digital Collages' featured:

'... going home ... '

'Pastoral Seen' - ( SOLD )

***SPECIAL EVENT***
Artist will be 'ON-LINE'
from 2 to 3pm, Friday, April 24th,
to take your questions
in the COMMENT section of this post.

Visions 2009: Reach for the Stars! Art Gallery of Grimsby, Canada

2009-03-13T11:20:00.007-04:00

A Fundraising AUCTION
for the trendy & vibrant
Art Gallery of Grimsby ...
Event Happening:
Saturday, March 28th, 2009 - 7 pm.
For more info and map, click here.
Tickets for the Auction & Gala Event are only $25.
Call the gallery at 905-945-3246.

I've donated one of my pinhole photographs,
'The Garden Party'
(3/3, Signed & Dated par moi on Reverse)
List Price: $750 Cdn. Reserve bid: $250.
Come on folks ... that's a real STEAL !!
Come out & play.
Support the art 'seen' in Grimsby!

Bruce Trail - Early SPRING! 2009

2009-03-01T07:47:00.001-05:00

Below the Ridge

The Brow

Upper Ridge

Lake Ontario

Woodlands

In the Valley