Jason Harvey

Artist Profile: Jason Harvey
Interview by: SARA TITANIC

Can you talk a little about your upcoming show "FUN" ? What are your inspirations behind it?

"FUN" is going to be a collection of video installations and about 30 or so large scale prints. I've done a lot of static and live video installations in the past but this is the first time where I'm trying to materialize things on a large scale, to make stuff that you can touch and buy. My practice is mostly digital, usually seen through a data projector, a monitor or web browser and I wanted to experiment with ways to bring it into the real world and make a different kind of immersive experience. I'm interested in appropriation, using images, symbols logos, 3d objects etc, taking it all in and kind of vomiting it back out in ways that examine the idea of branding and ownership, kind of taking pieces of things we all see everyday and making it into a little joke just for me. I like this idea of broken humour, trying to create this thing where it's unclear if something is smart or stupid, like a joke that isn't a set up and a punchline, but something that more weird and open ended.






Describe your process of creating a new piece?

Most of the following things inspire me to make new work
•Watching TV almost all of the time
• Techno music
•Yahoo Answers
• Google 3d Warehouse
•teenage toilet graffiti
•bong stores
• youtube 3d animation tutorials given by children
• energy drinks
• face and neck tattoos
• small and large dogs
• huge dogs
•sometimes connecting with other human being in real life
• the sublime beauty of nature

What possessed you to start a Tumblr? And what are some of your favourite Tumblrs/blogs or YouTube videos at the moment?

I started a tumblr because I like the idea of having a place to put all these images and .gifs that I was making, some of which are kind of sketches or pieces of other larger things and some of which are things that just kind of little self-contained thing. I really like the way the tumblr works, where if an image or post is popular it gets reblogged, eventually so much so that you don't even know the originally source. So all of the most popular images are anonymous, and kind of get absorbed back into the creative continuum to get remixed and reiterated by different users. I think that more democratic image making process is really interesting, obviously there’s a lot of crap too, but I think part of what I like about the internet in generally is wading through all of it to find something special.
Here are some youtubes:

I think this is a company that will make videos of you singing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdwZG_WSLiU&list=FLLP-V94SjotP8hunTD0nOBw&index=1&feature=plpp_video

My favourite new robot ToTaLLy tRipPing (sort of)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TphFUYRAx_c

Also a baby who made a Simpsons movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MsC6hfZJ4c&list=FLLP-V94SjotP8hunTD0nOBw&index=62&feature=plpp_video

And some tumblrs I like:
http://risingtensions.tumblr.com/
http://rendering-tools.tumblr.com/
http://powerpoints.tumblr.com/
http://joehamilton.tumblr.com/


When are you most productive?

Definitely during the night time, when there is some sick Wifi, a huge computer and I am also a little bit drunk.


Any last words?

I'm also working on a 3D animated film Called "Avatar 2" which is the unofficial sequel to James Cameron's Avatar, It’s taking forever to make but should come out sometime around the end of the year. Otherwise, I really think FUN will be totally an OK time, you should come and we can all have an OK time together. I am always looking for new people to watch TV and use computers with.
You can look at a bunch of my work here:

http://www.okokokokokok.com/

http://endlesssuffering.tumblr.com/

Getting Ready

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

I am trying to get the zone of being productive...and this lil gem of a video made me feel better about things. Thanks to Sarah McNeil and her lovely tumblr for posting it.
Today I also signed up for the Chicago Zine Fest. I had the BEST time 2 years ago...March is coming fast.

Researching Rabbits

Recently my partner Jason & I have been looking into different breeds of rabbits. So many adorable ones to choose from. I really like the Jersey Wooly bunnies/mini Lop's/Netherland Dwarf bunnies are all my favourites. Basically anything small and with a relaxed and curious temperament. If anyone out there has a rabbit---please let me know all about it! Any input will help with our decision.

David Maracle

You have some of your sculptures in the upcoming show "Very Beautiful Things" at The Gladstone Hotel. Can you describe some of the pieces that you have decided to include in the group show, and why those specific sculptures are important to you?

All my pieces are important to me as they allow me to have time alone to think of why I care about the things Creator has given us; from a rich ancestral heritage to a future that can only get better with age as we put our efforts and time into our work and share about the past, present and future.....The sculpture entitled Gathering Our Minds is a "life piece" and it won the First Prize Blue Ribbon from the Prestigious Heard Museum in Scottsdale Arizona.This piece is a teaching tool of my Mohawk Ancestry and I cannot wait to share it with others. Another piece is an abstract carving that people are not used to seeing from me, but the meaning is so very deep, and it will take a good conversation with the viewer to understand the concept and meaning. Its entitled "Universal Healing". Another piece is entitled "Earth & Fire", A magnificent Eagle that has emerged from fire, ash and earth. Also, another piece entitled "Brother's Forever II" which is a mixed media piece of stone, bone, feather and leather. It has a poem that comes with it, explaining the expression on the Warrior's face...just to name a few.

You have been a carver/sculptor for 26 years now, what drew you to this craft? And what keeps you interested in making such a big body of work?

Someone gave me a chunk of stone and what drew me to this work was the excitement of taking nature and manipulating it just enough to allow that piece of art to dictate its own destiny my father encouraged me immensely in my artwork, and so did my mother, being an artist herself. Also Joe Jacobs, a well known carver from Six Nations really was an inspiration to me as well. Its also the challenge of a large piece of stone to see what I can unveil and expose, what is really already there the stone shows me what to uncover and sometimes, I feel as though I'm just a channel and the ancestors just come out and show themselves and their message through me, through the stone. The larger pieces are called my "life" pieces...because it took a substantial amount of my life to finish them. People always ask how long did THAT take you??..I always answer "more than an hour and less than a lifetime"...my father told me to NEVER keep track of the time it takes...it would not be fun if I did it then would become a job, and my art is not a job, it’s my life.

Can you describe your process? Where do you draw inspiration from to start a piece and what is involved technically?

The inspiration to start a piece comes from what or how I may be feeling that day. It puts me in a state of mind to focus on healing and using our First Nations symbols, images and teachings to incorporate teaching and understanding that will give the viewer an insight into us as First Nations, Onkwehonwe people. (The Keepers Of The Earth). The actual stone itself will also be inspiring to me; the colour of it, the grain, and the size of it or where it came from. Technically my tools need to be organized, sharp and ready, and my studio must be clean and ready to receive a new sculpture. I am very careful to wear the appropriate masks and eye protection, and also have my area properly vented and lighted. Smudging the area and the stone with our sacred medicines is also another thing I do before I start anything.

When you are working in the studio, what do you use to stay focused? Do you listen to music? Tell me what keeps you motivated?

Playing my flutes and creating music at the same time gives me what I need to change it up a bit ,or even write new poems for my new book will help to keep it fresh, new and evolving. Listening to music as well, and NOT answering the phone, and shutting out the outside world also helps.I really enjoy working either very late at night, or very early in the morning as there is less energy in the air from anything, accept for nature the peacefulness of the water behind my studio, the heron that lives on our peninsula, the loons, its all there to keep me motivated.

The end results also really keep me motivated, to see what has been uncovered, exposed in the stone, and of course people's comments and what they see, feel and experience when they actually see my sculpture for the first time. -DRM

Three Knocks

Tomorrow is the opening of "Three Knocks" at Narwhal Art Projects The images above are works of art by Adrienne Kammerer, Jamilya Lowe and Katy Horan. I'm so pleased to check it out on 11.11.11 and that the art is by three awesome women artists that I love. If you are looking for something to do Friday night, downtown Toronto....Come to this! You wont regret it. Sometimes I actually love this city, and I am really stoked on what people make---feeling really good about things lately.

Since I mentioned awesome artist ladies above, another event is happening too. Melissa, who owns CHOSEN Vintage is having her official opening event Friday evening. If you like vintage clothing a suggest you visit her shop. Its in a really great location too!

http://www.narwhalartprojects.com

http://adriennekammerer.blogspot.com/

http://www.jamiyla.blogspot.com/

http://katyhoran.blogspot.com/

Autumn Vibes

This weekend is daylight savings, and that means an extra hour of sleep. The downside is---darkness at 5:00pm. When I am biking home after work it just feels wrong when the sun has already disappeared.

One thing I am looking forward to is being productive. I have been working 7 days a week for many months now...and during summertime I didnt get anything done. Other than fun times! So I have big-big-big plans for what I want to accomplish during the fall/winter months. Not as much going out---more making things at home, and having friends over for dinner and getting cozy.

For now, you can check 2 new tumblrs by a couple of awesome ladies I know that I have mentioned on here before. And the lovely Cody also took the photo of me above, in this post.


http://mysticshitshow.tumblr.com/


http://artattic.tumblr.com/

Last Summer

Some photos that I took from last year, that were just developed. They were taken with a Minolta X-700. It was a birthday gift, from my dear friends Christopher and Morgan. Finally putting it to use!

Julie Moon

It has been 9 months! So glad to be doing a blog post (finally) about Julie Moon. I remember many, many months ago (actually years--2009) when I first started doing The Artist Profile series, I had asked Julie if she wanted to do one. She is always so busy. Either doing an artist residency abroad, or preparing for the Toronto Outdoor Art Show. I was so happy when she agreed to do this! Julie Moons ceramics are swoon worthy. And she just happens to be a rad lady that I love to hangout with whenever I get a chance. She is way too modest, and extremely talented. Everyone I know is looking forward to her show tomorrow night. If you can't make it down to Narwhal for her opening you can read my little interview with her and take a gander at her new work. Also some of the photos above are tiny pieces of Julies work that are available here.

http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=182149

http://www.juliemoon.ca

Maryanna Hardy

This little Artist Profile is short and sweet. A pretty big difference from the last one....I really like Maryanna's book that just came out. Its full of beautiful illustrations and the more I look at it, the more things I find to love about it. The Toronto launch for the book was just held at 107 Shaw. Maryanna is such a lovely person, and her answers are so honest and real, which I appreciate. I think you all will like her work as much as I do. She is the kind of artist that will always be drawing and making things...and I like that. Check out the interview I did with her and Maryanna's blog to see more.

http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/art/story.cfm?content=178376


http://maryannahardy.blogspot.com/

The Chief

My friend Cody has just opened up a lovely shop in the west end of Toronto. I remember when we first started working together a few years back in a dusty art supply store. She mentioned that she wanted to eventually have her own shop. Well she did it folks! And I couldn't be more proud! It's called The Chief Salvage Co. and its right at Dundas and Dufferin (1493 dundas st w. if you wanna be exact). Cody also started a blog for the shop, you can have peak at the charming insides and get stoked to stop by. The opening night party is happening November 25, so if you live in the west end and like good times you should come and say hi to Cody...one of the best ladies in town.

Check out the awesomeness here: http://thechiefsalvage.blogspot.com/

Rory Dean

Yeah I know I have been neglecting my blog. I feel guilty...I really do. This interview with Rory Dean makes up for lack posts---I swear. I just want to say thanks to Peggy & Joe, they keep me on top of things, with gentle reminders when I'm slacking. Also mega thanks to Rory for making this interview not suck. And for filling it with quotes that are pure gems. I really thought all the internet trolls out there would go crazy with mean comments. I guess they really didnt know what to write....haha. I know I say this with each Artist Profile---but this one has to be my (new) favourite! Read it and laugh.


http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=177832


http://www.rorydean.com/site/home.html


http://thisisrorydean.blogspot.com/

Nathan Cyprys

This Artist Profile interview was kinda short...You would think after doing about 40 of them that it would be easier by now or that I would be less awkward. Nope. Oh well, maybe after 80 interviews?...haha. I remember seeing Nathan's photos at a little show in OCAD. They really impressed me and stood out. I am glad that he is part of a group show at 111 Bathurst Street called "Present in the Art" where you can watch one of his video pieces. If you cant make it to the show than please go to his site and watch them. They are good. And his blog is something that you all should check out, his writing and photos are something that I cant get enough of. For a blog, its top notch. Also I have been BUSY. Really busy. Workingworkingworking. I love doing the Artist Profiles, but lets face it---I have to have jobs that pay bills. So I have been working 60+hrs a week. So if you see me biking around the city looking like a zombie, now you know why. On a good note, so many great things are happening....Amazing art openings! Crafting with rad ladies, reading none stop. Oh, and I love this weather!!! More to come....


http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=176779


http://www.nathancyprys.com


http://illblogtomorrow.blogspot.com/

Joe Becker

This profile was a long time coming. Finally we did it. I have wanted to interview Joe for some time now...but then Peggy and him left Toronto and went off to Germany, basically to live the dream. Paint, eat good food, drink good beer, and go to amazing museums. Yup, I am jealous. They are two of the best oil painters I know, and work so hard. Joe has been painting non stop since arriving in his studio space. And I was glad that he took the time to answer my questions. And I love how Joe quoted Oprah! I laughed so hard. Joe is constantly updating his blog with new work, totally worth bookmarking.

http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=176619

http://joebeckerpaintings.blogspot.com/

Alex Kisilevich

It's already August...I cant believe summer is going to be over so soon. Many things have happened, but I feel like I'm settling into a routine slowly---which is good for me. Oh and it was my birthday last week (im not a birthday person what so ever), it was really nice and embarrassing all at the same time. I have really great friends who totally surprised me with a thoughtful gift that I just adore! Okay, back to the Artist Profile. I had approached Alex over a year ago to do the interview(hence the old questions)...and finally it is done-huzzah! It was a nice surprise to have it coincide with the show at Angell Gallery. Which is totally worth going to see, its running till August 21. Beautiful images, and nice answers. Thanks Alex. Oh and hopefully the internet trolls dont bum me out, I dislike how they anonymously pick on the artist (or me).

http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/story.cfm?content=176205

http://alexkisilevich.com/home.html

Made in Japan

Recently I have been trying to take photos with film. I have a holga but this Pentax camera from the late 70's-early 80's is something else. The photos I took were basically a test roll, not sure what to expect. What I like about it is that you have more control and 24 images versus 12 0r 16 with a holga. And I want to say thanks to a couple of friends who gave me some tips on where to get the film processed for super cheap. This means I will be taking more photos. And hopefully getting better results as I go. This summer is full of things going on, so sorry for the lack of exciting posts. Expect a new interview that I look forward to posting soon.