oh, that girl!

So, when first saw pics of Claudine Hellmuth on Juli's blog, I couldn't figure out why she was so familiar. Even when Juli mentioned her name on the phone the other day, it rung a bell, but I wasn't sure why. As soon as I checked out her Blog I knew why. She was featured in an issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine...one that Anam lent me (and that I haven't given back yet...oops!...am getting around to it!!). She does these "whimsical" little mixed-media doo-dads of people, with real photos for their faces and painted bodies. And she always puts them in a rad scenee...flying a plane, swinging on a tire swing, etc. So that's how I know here. Neat stuff!

Speaking of rad artists, at Capital Ex (in the Agricom somewhere), there is a huge exhibit of local Alberta artists...lot of different, beautiful work! I think my jaw was down on the floor for most of the time (that was worth Russel's $10 to get me in...by far!!). There was one artist in particular that caught my eye. Really abstract, contemporary kind of stuff. And it is shiny and metallic and amazing! I read on one of the little placards that they are mixed media pieces, but I was wondering: "mixed with what?" So I went a little farther into his booth and saw a list that blew my mind!! He paints with crushed diamonds, gold and silver leaf, paints made from fruit and the real Alberta-kicker: TAR SANDS material! As if that wasn't rad enough, his work is so beautiful and bright and it has a 3D element. I was totally blown away.

His name is Edward Michell, and I've included a link to his website, but the photos there totally don't do his work justice...at all! If you get down to the Ex this week, I totally recommend checking the art exhibit out....there's something for everyone!

And I totally got goosebumps watching the Native Dancers...there was a young guy doing the hoop dance, and it was hard to take your eyes off him! He was amazing! The athletic ability that these dancers have, plus there's a totally spiritual feel to the whole thing! Awe-struck, really. And Lucas really enjoyed it as well. Too bacd he started freaking out and we had to leave.

Didn't get into the Butterfly Pavilion...not Russel's thing, and I didn't want to go in by myself. So I just stood outside for a moment and watched the ones on the very edge of the tent. Still very cool.

Lucas also really liked the kids area, where he got to be a farmer. He wasn't very happy about the whole thing at first (of course!), but once he and Russ got going, he seemed to enjoy himself. He got to carry around a little bucket and collect eggs and feed fake chickens and pigs, and even milk a fake cow! At the end you got to "buy" a treat for completing the circuit. And what does my son choose? Not the cookies or the juice or the fun stuff...he picks out a bowl of Cheerios!! Goof.

Went to Taste of Edmonton Monday night with Russel's sister. My goal this year was to only try things I had never eaten before (aside from the sweet potato fries from Brewsters, my only weakness!!). So I had some Chicken Tika from New Asian Village and Lahem Mishwi (halal beef with hummus and parsley on a pita) from L'Espresso Cafe. It was very busy there, as per usual and I am really not liking the new set-up...it is way too crowded along the east side, where most of the vendors are and the whole centre of the square is the beer gardens and the stage. Totally not enough picnic tables or places to sit and eat (if you weren't also drinking). Also, people have totally lost all common sense: "hey here's a good idea. let's stand right in the middle of the traffic lane and eat our food in our big group of 8 people, preventing all people from getting through, or getting their food. we are totally not in the way or anything. yay us!" ARGH! I will give some much deserved KUDOS to the volunteers, who kept the site very clean, and the garbages from overflowing. My only suggestion to the organizers (and this is the same thing I thought of last year) is to stop serving food on styrofoam plates and bowls! Talk about a tonne of garbage!!

K. I think I am done for today. Am feeling crappy, so I might just sit on my big butt and do some doodling for the rest of the afternoon. Yawn.