X-Mayor's Blog ~ Dawson » X-Mayor as Artist

Artists Against Art

Mayor John Steins — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:01:29 +0000

Historically, our past and current Yukon governments have been very supportive of cultural funding because it is understood that the arts is an economic driver.

Too bad the short sighted Harper campaign can’t borrow a page from us hard working Yukon creative people rather than typify practicing artists as members of the bejeweled ‘gala elite’ waving their programs with limp wrists while ‘regular’ Canadians watch this on television in their underwear.

Ironically Mr. Harper’s wife is the honorary chair of the National Arts Centre gala and will be wearing a custom made gown designed by couture designer Justina McCaffrey. Not sure if there are many Canadian artists that can afford that.

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In the meantime…

Mayor John Steins — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:37:45 +0000

As the saga of the lagoon continues and we await word from the courts and decisions from the political higher-ups I thought I’d preserve my sanity by agreeing to mount an exhibit at Bombay Peggy’s. It’s nice to surrender oneself to the creative muse and focus on making art. In this show I will display about 18 photos of portraits I’ve taken over the years. It opens Thursday March 13th at around 7:00 pm so drop by if you can and take in the other opening across the street at the Odd Gallery as well.

Here’s one of the images from the show.

Title: Jim

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Mayor’s Music

Mayor John Steins — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:51:59 +0000

Don’t mean to toot my own horn… but I will anyway.

Looks like some of my music will be used for a segment of the Canada Winter Games opening ceremonies. Dancers with Latitude, the renowned Whitehorse dance company will be incorporating a selection from my album Midnight Light for their portion of the ceremonies. Very cool.

This album is over 25 years old now and has sold thousands of copies over time (double platinum by Yukon standards – ha ha) but am happy to say that it’s not relegated to the dustbin just yet. Yes, yes I know it’s like resting on one’s laurels based on the success of a single project way back when and not having pursued a career in music, etc. That is the fate of being a generalist. Society only rewards specialists. It was a great experience, especially getting to work with artists like Daniel Lanois (a little name dropping never hurt anyone).

For those that want to hear a few samples can go to my online iPod.

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Creative Surge

Mayor John Steins — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:06:56 +0000

Like Dr. Strangelove’s twitching glove my hand wants to reach for cutting tools and make a print, a drawing, anything!

The other day when it was forty below I opted for a mental therapy day and made this lino-cut print of Lou Reed’s face (image size – 5.5″ x 6″).

Why Lou Reed? Because he has a compelling face and presence. I’m not that familiar with his work but I recognize him as an artist/poet with integrity, and that’s something I aspire to, as an artist, that is. Is it possible to be a politician with integrity? Hmmm… I just asked myself a loaded question. Let us leave it as a rhetorical one for now.

One of my musical heroes is Neko Case. I’m planning to do a colour print of her, maybe using the reduction method.

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National Gallery

Mayor John Steins — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:19:51 +0000

After meetings today I wandered over to our National Gallery of Canada to check out the bookstore and see what exhibits were showing. Edwin Holgate and Clarence Gagnon were up on the walls although I only had time for the Holgate show. He’s a Group of Seven artist of special interest to me since he was not only an accomplished painter but a print maker as well. On display were a number of beautiful wood engravings he had done in the 20′s and 30′s. Most were in the traditional black and white but there were a couple done in colour, which is quite innovative for that particular medium.

I enjoyed the show thoroughly, there was lots to look at and admire. I also took a quick survey of some of the installation art, most of which looked pretty tired and irrelevant to me.

Then back to the Chateaux for more of the conference.

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Studio visit

Mayor John Steins — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:14:16 +0000

Sometimes I feel I’m losing touch with my visual arts side because of my preoccupation with Town Council so I really appreciate it when fellow artists come for a visit. Today KIAC Artists in Residence Ali Richards and Alice Lang came over to check out my garret studio.

This is Ali from England (above) and Alice from Australia (below).

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