This

The cast of "This" performing at Vancouver Playhouse Theatre

Self reflection is never easy, especially when a work of artistic fiction makes you confront your inner most thoughts. This is what "This" did for me.

Always a supporter of the arts, it was a no-brainer when I was invited by my good friend Fabrice, to watch him star in the performance of "This" at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre. Appreciating the talents of his photography (have a look at his blog / website for the most incredible photos - www.fabricegrover.com) I realized I had never seen him perform live!

Not only was his performance fantastic as the love interest for the one and only Meghan Follows (formally Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables.. my childhood favorite!) but the character he plays - a French doctor without borders, gave the fresh perspective to the self involved set of personalities and relationship issues presented in this play. There is a moment towards the end of the play where 'Jean-Pierre' makes the characters and the audience poignantly realize how petty it is to worry about the he-said she-said, self loathing and time wasting thoughts we all have, when people less fortunate than ourselves are suffering all around the world.

This continues to be, for me, the reason we need to keep all artistic pursuits alive in our schools and community at large. Art in all its forms is like a mirror, showing us the good, the bad and the ugliness of our society, and gives us pause to reflect on uncomfortable topics, such as our societal guilt and selfishness.

Silent Melodies

"Silent Melodies" by Mizzonk

When I am moved by the brilliance of how a piece of art is made,  I could stare at it for hours - lucky for me I have the rest of my life to do just that.

While perusing the many talented artisans at the One of Kind Vancouver show, I came across an amazing couple who make the most beautiful works of art by meticulously cutting out eye catching paper masterpieces.  With several creative series to choose from, each one is unlike the others.

In speaking to the one of the co-creators of the work, I was almost speechless  in my admiration at the skill and patience it must have taken to create each piece.  Silent Melodies as my new treasure is called is based on the essence of music and reminds me of both piano keys and even the metal plates that used to glide over the metal stubs on the music boxes we had as children.

The simplicity combined with the complexity of the design, is for me the most powerful part of this amazing Christmas gift.

Check out this amazing couple and all of the art, furniture and gifts they produce under the company name Mizzonk.. and they are based in Maple Ridge!