February 12th, 2010

Finally! Just hours away to the start of the winter Olympics here in Vancouver. We went out early this morning to get pictures of the torch being run through the city. What a thrill.

February 11th, 2010

Wow, only one day left before the Olympics kick off here in Vancouver. I had to get out today to get pix of the countdown clock showing only one day and see what was going on around Robson Square. The city is really starting to fill up and get busy, I love it!

I was also able to get some shots of Bill Good of CTV news from the newly setup outdoor stage set where they will be doing the news during the Olympics.

February 10th, 2010

I was working the other night on one of those oh so slow moving film shoots. We were shooting in a condo downtown and while waiting for the lighting to be adjusted for what seemed like the millionth time I went out on the small balcony with a fish-eye lens and a slow exposure to get these city shots.

February 9th, 2010

We were down at Robson Square and happened to catch John Furlong, The Mayor and athletes giving speeches and pep talks to the Olympic volunteers.

February 8th, 2010

He he, even Home Depot is getting in the spirit of things.

February 7th, 2010

A few more shots from Northern House. The only shots that seemed to turn out are the animals.

February 6th, 2010

We visited our first Olympic venue, Northern House representing Northern Canada. Lots of art and sculpture from indigenous peoples of Northern Canada and lots of stuffed wildlife. I never realized the muskox was so small.

February 5th, 2010

The Vogue Theater sign has been rebuilt and back to its previous awesomeness.

February 4th, 2010

Robson Square is gearing up for total Olympic party mayhem. Cannot wait for this Friday the city will be wild with the crowds and opening ceremonies.

February 3rd, 2010

If you have spent any amount of time in downtown Vancouver over the last 5-6 years you would have seen the '74 Volkswagen Beetle turned art car. It is usually parked on Robson Street or near Robson and Thurlow. The car is titled: I Am Eh. As in the very Canadian "eh" that some of us Canucks like to use and was created by Mark Heartwell.

The car is covered in things... so many things. All of these things/objects all seem to be items that bring us joy or symbolize joy; toys, flowers, spiritual figurines, inspirational messages, angels, etc... there are now so many objects attached to the outside of the car as well as inside the car that it is hard to take it all in with one look. He has even incorporated a water fountain inside and outside the car. Outside the fountain is in the middle front hood and operates even while he is driving the car.

Hardly anyone can pass by without stopping, looking, taking pictures and generally staring in amazement at this awesome piece of folk art. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face which I think is the general idea.

February 2nd, 2010

There is more and more public art appearing in Vancouver which is a joy to me. I love seeing public art and seeing other people checking it out. these shots show an amazing sculpture by artist David Robinson. It is of a man strapped to a horse with ropes. It is life size and realistic although there is a strange otherworldly look and feel to the piece. I am no art critic but I love this piece as well as much more of David Robinson's work.

Also shown is a backlit photo suspended over the staircase leading into the Yaletown Canada Line subway entrance. It is an image of a man with the words Joe Sola Is Not Making Art. I assume this is a statement about the recent and savage cuts to arts funding in our province by the current Provincial government. Especially when the initial funding is such a small portion of the overall budget to begin with. These shortsighted politicians changed their party name to the BC Liberals years ago even though they are not quite liberal at all. But hey it looks good on paper right? It is sad and shameful to me that they see no value in art or culture. There is a reason they call them starving artists Mr. Campbell.

February 1st, 2010

As promised here are some more images of mine taken in and around English Bay. As a long time resident of the Westend I just love this area and never tire of being here.