I had an amazing time at Battle of the Brushes 2016. The event was in support of RE-Create. RE-Create is an art studio for at risk youth in downtown Hamilton. I’m happy to say that I made it to round 2 and sold a painting.

Painting live is such a unique experience. Usually artists are locked away in their studio painting all alone and and after hours and hours of getting the piece just right it may get to be seen by others. When I paint at home I always let each layer or colour dry before starting the next. Live painting is a little strange in that you can’t wait for anything to dry, you are always working wet on wet with the colours blending and mixing at every brush stroke. Although that isn’t the way I usually like to paint it is a nice a challenge and the energy of the spectators is a nice trade off.

The painting is more of a performance then a finished static work, and you definitely feed off the energy of everyone in the room, which is a rare gift for any visual artist.

Photos by Matt Linzel

The biggest coolest event each year in Hamilton is Super Crawl! I’ll be selling posters and t-shirts at the Makers’ Market during this years Super Crawl (September 9, 10, 11). My booth will be in the front court yard of Christ’s Church Cathedral (252 James St. North). I’ll also have some paintings in a show called “Loop” at The Gasworks (141 Park St. North). Hope to see you at Super Crawl.

I’m happy to say I’m back at the Hamilton Makers’ Market this year. The Market happens the 2nd Friday of every month during Art Crawl on James St. N.  The Market is located in front of Christ’s Church Cathedral (252 James St. N.). I have lots of new posters and shirts as well as past favourites. I’m also very excited to be sharing a booth with Bearded Nomad (they make amazing beard oil and mustache wax, my own beard approves!).

“Neighbourhood Football”  – Posters and T-shirts are coming very soon. Here is a sneak peak.

When I moved to Hamilton I never imagined that my art making would become so wrapped up in a football stadium. When you live in the shadow of such a large structure and can feel the cheers of fans reverberate through the neighbourhood on game day you can’t help but be influenced by the energy. I love that that these massive events happen right were people are living their every day lives. I’m so glad when Ivor Wynne was torn down that the city ended up building the replacement Tim Horton’s Field in the same spot, it just wouldn’t seem right going to a game anywhere else.