Home Again - Home Again

photo of Manhattan skyline by jacksonphotografix.com 2002 

Booked my flight today back to NYC today. Will arrive there Saturday, May 20 at 9pm. Now I'll start emailing roommates, friends and clients to let everyone know. Unfortunately, I will only be there until Thursday, June 1st as I need to be back in Edmonton as Dustin and I are making it official and moving in together that day. We have leased an apartment in the El Mirador (I know how ironic a spanish named building - meaning "The Window" which refers to the view) where I used to live many, many sleeps ago in two different apartments over the years. In addition, I have been booked to shoot a private event on Saturday, June 3rd which is encouraging as it suggests work will finally start to materialize here in Edmonton. If anyone is looking at having photos done while I'm in NYC, please contact me as soon as possible as my time will be extremely limited.

How do you say S C A M

Althought I have received countless versions of this same type of internet fraud, this one gets points for creativity -- exotic destinations, murder, intrique and of course, a honorable, vulnerable tragic hero. And this made-for-TV-movie, can be yours by merely sending all your bank information to the link provided so that the sender can empty out your account and move on to his next online victim. Sounds reasonable enough, right?

Anywho, I post this for your reading enjoyment (come on, Oliver even called me "Dearest One" - gosh) and because I can't possibly believe there is anyone stooopid enough left out there in internetland that would fall for something this ridiculous.

THOUGHT: maybe everyone should send an email to Mr. Buntu with all kinds of requests for donations for charities and personal home projects -- hell he's a millionaire, why not?

DEAREST ONE

I AM OLIVER BUNTU, THE ONLY SON OF LATE MR AND MRS.SAMUEL BUNTU. MY FATHER WAS A VERY WEALTHY COCOA MERCHANT BASED IN ABIDJAN, THE ECONOMIC CAPITAL OF IVORY COAST BEFORE HE WAS POISONED TO DEATH BY HIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATES ON ONE OF THEIR OUTING TO DISCUSS ON A BUSINESS. WHEN MY MOTHER DIED ON THE 21ST OCTOBER 1986, MY FATHER TOOK ME SO SPECIAL BECAUSE I WAS MOTHERLESS

BEFORE THE DEATH OF MY FATHER ON 29TH JUNE 2003 IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL HERE IN ABIDJAN. HE SECRETLY CALLED ME ON HIS BEDSIDE AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAS A SUM OF US$5,500,000 (FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND, UNITED STATES DOLLARS) LEFT IN A SECURITY COMPANY HERE IN ABIDJAN, HE ALSO EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THIS WEALTH THAT HE WAS POISONED BY HIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATES. THAT I SHOULD SEEK FOR A FOREIGN PARTNER IN A COUNTRY OF MY CHOICE WHERE I WILL TRANSFER THIS MONEY,AFTER THE BOX IS RELEASE FROM SECURITY COMPANY AND USE IT FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSE FOR MY FUTURE SIR, I AM HONOURABLY SEEKING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS. 1)TO SERVE AS THE FOREING PARTNER OF MY FATHER SINCE I AM A BOY OF 20 YEARS AND INEXPRENCE FOR INVESTMENT 2)TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT OF MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR ME TO COME OVER TO YOUR COUNTRY AFTER THE CONSINGMENT HAVE BEEN CLEARED FROM THE SECURITY COMPANY SIR, I AM WILLING TO OFFER YOU 15% OF THE TOTAL SUM AS COMPENSATION FOR YOUR EFFORT/INPUT AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL PROCESS ANTICAIPTING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH THIS (oliver_buntu202@yahoo.fr) TO SHOW YOUR KIND INTEREST TO HELP ME

THANKS AND GOD BLESS
OLIVER BUNTU

Photo Shoot with Mat

After months and months of talking (I met Mat just before Christmas when I was at Buddy's shooting for Outlooks Magazine, see photo below), we finally managed to get together and do a shoot.
He was my model of choice for a cover shoot we were supposed to do for the March issue of Outlooks, however the publisher postponed that shoot and to date, I still haven't shot a cover for them. So it was a damn good thing we did do photos today as Mat leaves for Vancouver at 5 a.m. tomorrow morning. Definitely Edmonton's loss as there aren't many young men this fine in river city.

Dining Out for Life

If you like to eat at restaurants, today is the day to do it. Not only will you enjoy a great meal but a portion of the total amount of your check will be donated by the restaurant to a worthy AIDS charity, in Edmonton that charity is Living Positive. The fundraising idea is an annual event called Dining Out For Life and it's happening today. Dustin and I will be having lunch at Cafe Select Southside and then the staff of Buddy's will be having dinner at the Blue Plate Diner - both are participating restaurants.


my dinner campanions at the Blue Plate Diner;
Buddy's staff - Sean, Lizzie, Jeff and Chris 

I'm an Orange

After taking this test, it appears that my true color is Orange!

You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful color that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature. Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanor. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better. Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolizes attraction. Orange is an extraordinary color — for an extraordinary person.

NOTE: Do be careful with the Tickle Test (link from above) site, after taking the test they make you go through a list of special offers (answer NO to everything or you'll be innundated with junk mail) and require you to enter friends names from one of your address books that you'd want to send the test to (specify only ONE person and you'll still get your results). It's annoying but what do you expect -- it's the internet.

Angie

Dustin's sister, Angie, wanted some photos done after she saw the shots I did of Dustin. The shot above really appealed to me, in a fine art sense. Somewhat reminiscent of the Memoirs of a Geisha image, either that or a refracted memory of a photo/illustration from some softcore porn magazine I must have seen. As Angie herself would say "ambient porn star".

Quote of the Day

I read this profound little quotation online today and absolutely loved it so ... I pass it on to you.

"Books are carefully folded forests,
void of autumn, bound from the sun"

Saul Williams,
Said the shotgun to the head

I think this weekend I will make a trip to the local bookstore to check out this poet's work -- his book is supposed to be brilliant.

Easter Lily

I like the ethereal quality of this photo, created by overexposing the flower petals, it's as if Jesus himself could step out of the light (or do I have it confused with Groundhog Day?)

Happy Easter from the killer pink bunny

Friendship

After countless friendship emails with photos of cute puppy dogs, cuddly kittens and comedic cartoons and the subsequent endless requests to return the said heart-felt/deeply meaningful poem to its sender and then virtually every other computer owner on the planet, this is perhaps the best friendship email I have received. Thanx Daryn, you are truly a good friend and more importantly a twisted bitch. And for every other true friend that I have out there:
"Real friends don't forward friends friendship emails!"

TRUE FRIENDSHIP

When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.

When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

When you are confused -- I will use little words.

When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.

When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

Now send this to 10 of your closest friends, then get depressed because you can only think of 3.

Useless Trivia

76% of the world's serial killers are American.

Outlooks Magazine - Focus

Here is the page from Outlooks Magazine's April 2006 issue which showcased my photography. To see the rest of the issue, including my shots from events in Edmonton (see Out & About in Edmonton - page 8) click on this or go to www.outlooksmagazine.ca

Happy Birthday Linda!

On March 31, forty-one years ago, my parents brought home my baby sister, Linda, in the back of their green Rambler. I remember clearly how fascinated I was by the quiet, wiggling, little bundle and how my mother explained that she was dreaming while sound to sleep. The tiny person that was placed in a beautiful pink basinette that day would later become one of my truest confidantes and best friends. What is wonderful is that I don't only love my sister, I really like her too. Happy Birthday kiddo, may this be one of the happiest years ever for you, and may the future hold many, many more.

(The three photos are what I am giving her as a birthday present, all in one vertical frame.)

Six Months

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
Proust

Useless Trivia

Barbie is sold in 150 countries around the world at a rate of 2 per minute. How's that for scary!

Good News from Seattle

The Seattle Erotic Arts Festival opened last night with my photograph "Wings of Desire" included in this year's exhibition. Last year I had two pieces in the show and both sold and this is year is no different. I got the following email this morning (which was a great way to wake up):

We sold Wings of Desire and would like to sell additional editions of the piece. With your permission, we'll put out a sign that says they are available. If they sell, we'll hook you up with the purchaser for shipping arrangements. The purchaser will pay for framed work (just like the work here). When the purchaser recieves the piece from you, we will pay you.

Sound ok?

Needless to say I told them to "Go for it!"

I Heart NY

Fireworks, Gay Pride 2005 -- 14 Street & 8 Avenue

OK watching CSI NY last night and all the arial skyline shots made me real homesick for NYC. It also didn't hurt that in the episode there was a scene of an art class sketching male nudes with a live model. That's my New York.

World Trade Towers, NYC 1994

Spring?!?

If yesterday was the first day of spring, why do I still see this:

$$$$$

I felt bad today. I received an email from Hebert, who I mentioned extensively in blog entries/postings when I was in Queretaro last November/December. He was John's sweet Mexican roommate, but when John relocated to San Miguel de Allende, Hebert moved to his sister's in D.F. (Mexico City). And now his dream of moving to America is about to come true. I guess he's making the jump to the US on April 1st and he doesn't have enough money. He asked me to loan him $500 but I honestly don't have any cash to spare. Having been away from NYC (and subsequently away from most of my work) I have just enough to get by -- and at some point buy my return plane ticket. I explained it all to him (in both spanish and english). I hope he understands. I know to these Mexican boys, visitors like myself from the North appear to have an endless supply of cash when we are in their country but as anyone who knows me well, I live very close to the bone. A good life but certainly not an extravagant one. It's times like this that I wish I was independently wealthy and could help out someone as deserving and as honorable as Hebert.

A Mad Hatter's Ball

The Mad Hatter's Ball (featuring members of Edmonton's Imperial Sovereign Court) -- an apropos metaphor for my weekend! 

Had a rather busy weekend working Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights at Buddy's doing Security (which will now be the shifts I regularly work at the bar until I head back to NYC) and then on Saturday I went and shot the Pride Centre's MAD HATTER'S BALL for Outlooks. I was also going to shoot two other events over the weekend but since we had major snow storms on both Friday and Saturday, the attendance at each of these was so pathetic there was virtually no one for me to photograph.

The highlights of the weekend have to go to the drunk people I encountered while working at the bar. Thursday, a guy, out of breath and grinding his teeth as if there was no tomorrow (hello can everyone say "cocaine"), came flying in the doors to announce to me that his car had just been jacked (stolen). At that point he found it quite amusing and proceeded to tell me that he met some other gay guy who was travelling with a woman out in the parking lot and since it was cold he invited them to get into his car to stay warm (he didn't say it but I could tell he was interested in the guy -- typical male letting his pants do the thinking). They then proceeded to do some drugs (why he was telling me -- Security -- this, I'll never know) and when the driver said he had to jump out to go pee, he thought it was ok to leave the car running with the keys in the ignition. Well ... needless to say, when he came back from around the building the car and his two new friends were gone. Still laughing about the unreality of it, I suggested that perhaps he call the police. This brought his mood crashing down. Then trying to be the eternal optimist he said "Well at least I have insurance" and then a second later, "Oh man, I don't know if I'm covered for theft, the insurance isn't in my name". Then to compound the matter, he realized he didn't even know his license plate number. But that wasn't the worst of it, his attitude took the ultimate dive when he realized that he was down to his last cigarette and the new pack he had just bought was in the console of his car. At this point, he finally did call the police. Over the course of the evening, I would be told this very same story about a dozen times more, sometimes not directly to me but I somehow always managed to be within earshot. As you can imagine, the police gave this guy a really hard time -- it was so completely obvious he was high -- he replied to the police officers "Judge on, judge on" but by the end of the night the cops had recovered his vehicle. Seems the gay guy's woman jumped into the driver's seat when the opportunity afforded itself and when the chick finally pulled over the guy called the cops because he didn't want anything to do with the theft. So the bad girl was charged and the oh-so-intelligent owner of the vehicle was later heard happily announcing that he and the car thief's gay friend were going on a date the next night. Isn't it lovely how things work out!

That was Thursday, Friday was St. Patrick's Day! So you can well imagine the completely drunk idiots I dealt with that night. And on top of being liquored, it was a betting crowd as well:
"I bet you get sick of some of these really stupid people."
"I bet you get tired of drunks."
"I bet you get hit on a lot."
and my personal fave, "I bet you've seen just about everything working here." to which I replied, "No, not really, you guys aren't all that interesting." (evil smirk) Do I sound jaded or what!
Also on Friday, some drunk asshole purposely tried to burn my face with a cigarette when I wouldn't let him back into the bar after kicking him out for passing out on the table. Needless to say he's now banned.

My weekend ended Sunday night, with a maximum of about 30 people that braved the elements to come see the Drag Show that night. Of those 20 some odd (and I don't use the term lightly) patrons, we had to cut off 8 of them from drinking because they were too far gone. That sort of tells you what kind of night it was.

I so much prefer being a photographer. Ha ha. But then again being a bouncer does provide me with a perspective of how very, very good my personal life really is compared to these people (and it does give me the occasional humorous anecdote).

If you're having a rough day ...

click here and type your name!

self portrait for Outlooks.

I took an old self-portrait shot in Chicago in 2003 and worked it over in Photoshop and got the following:




















As the general consensus on the photo in my last post was that it wasn't an ideal shot in that it wasn't as creative or as interesting as I am capable of, I'm hoping one of these new images will work.

My personal preference is the black and grey version. (I think)

A Good NEGATIVE

Happy to report that my test results came back and I continue to be HIV negative. It doesn't seem to matter how safe I stay/play, these yearly check ups always seem to rattle my cage. I guess that's bound to always be the case.

in Focus

Roy Heale, the publisher/editor of Outlooks Magazine, asked me today if I would be the featured artist for the Focus section of the next issue. So watch for the April issue (it is distributed nationally in Canada) which will feature a full page of my photography (approximately 8 to 12 shots). Now my dilemma is whether or not to include a photo of myself with my biography which will also appear on the page. Below is the shot I was considering. Is it too candid? Not creative enough considering that I am photographer? Any feedback?

Test shoot with Dominic

After having a great lunch with one of my dearest and best friends, Debra Bachman-Smith (an incredibly talented graphic designer and artist), I went to meet a potential model who I had just recently met working at Buddy's. His name is Dominic Green, he's a hot young guy, good physique (he was waitering with no shirt on) with some nice ink and I definitely want to do a shoot with him. He drove to a park along Whitemud Drive to show me where he had done a previous photo shoot. The location is absolutely perfect (although it was a little too cold today to do nudes)-- very scenic and relatively isolated so as not to be bothered other than the ocassional cross-country skier. I'm looking forward to working with Dom - apart from being a handsome guy, he's very personable too. Here's a couple test shots from the afternoon.

What's On TV

Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada


I've had a lazy few days, what with the snow and all, and have been putting in my time in front of the "boob tube." But who said TV is useless, here's some of what I learned over the past couple days:

rapture is a term used by religious believers that when a person is so good God takes them (to heaven) before they die;

Paul & Linda McCartney only spent 11 days apart in their entire relationship;

Al Lewis (Grandpa from the Munsters) died February 3rd in NYC at the age of 95 or 72;

Darren McGavin star of Kolchak, The Nightstalker - one of my favorite TV series when I was a teenager, who also appeared in the sleeper hit, A Christmas Story, died this past Saturday, Feb. 25;

one of my new favorite TV series, The Comeback has been cancelled;

William Shatner (Captain Kirk from Star Trek) and Pamela Anderson (Baywatch and upcoming host of the 2006 Juno Awards) were born Canadians;

another Canadian, the mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, is a quadriplegic and made our country look like a very progressive nation when he accepted the Olympic Flag for the 2010 games;

Judy Garland attempted suicide more than 30 times;

and you cannot get a cold by catching "cold" or a chill, you must come in contact with a person who has the virus -- usually the most infective in the first few days.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Although I'm not really a TV junkie, (give me a movie any day -- especially a foreign/art/independent film) over the years here's what I've liked to watch:

Six Feet Under - concluded but probably one of the best series ever

Deadwood - would have never believed anyone that would have said I'd watch a western series

Carnivale - cancelled after 2 seasons but was a unique spin on the supernatural

Dead Like Me - cancelled after 2 seasons but was incredible black comedy (first season was far superior)

The Comeback - cancelled after 1 season but Lisa Kudrow like you've never seen her

Friends - concluded (favorite episode was Season 7, The One With Joey's New Brain)

Fat Actress - Kirstie Alley is hilarious ... and fat

Sex and the City - classic NYC regardless of your gender

Sopranos - Mafia reality TV

CSI, Law & Order (doon doon), Third Watch - totally hooked on these late night reruns

ER - great work from head writer/producer John Wells

Prison Break - good for network TV but can't touch OZ

Oz - the original prison series

Threshold - cancelled after 9 episodes

Monty Python's Flying Circus - one of the funniest sketch comedy series ever

Moonlighting - acerbic, clever and witty comedy TV series with Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis

Night Gallery - creepy, definitely gave me some sleepless nights as a youngster

American Bandstand - loved it during the whole disco era (that's where I first heard Sister Sledge's We Are Family)

Kolchak, The Night Stalker

Flipper - and ocean version of "animals are our friends TV" like

Gentle Ben or Skippy The Bush Kangaroo

I Love Lucy - the original sitcom

Roller Derby - Stampede Wrestling on wheels (Anyone else remember Skinny Minnie Miller?)

The Wonderful World of Disney - a Sunday night staple when I was a kid, great animation and all those movies of lovable critters (that in real life would bite your head off)

David Letterman - only the early years when he was twisted and funny, then he became a prick

never really a fan of soap operas (exception was Dynasty), reality TV (sure I've watched a few episodes of Survivor, Amazing Race, Manhunt, Top Model, Project Runway or American Idol, but I lose interest quickly) or game shows (exceptions; Match Game and The Gong Show)

Shows that I absolutely hate: Airline (I'll never fly Southwest), Love Boat, Little House on the Prairie, Jerry Springer (who took schlock talk TV to a whole new level), Geraldo (even though I was on one episode), and the sophomoric do-gooder Montel.

February 28th

Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
William Wordsworth,
ODE: INTIMATIONS OF IMMORTALITY FROM RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD
1803-6

Today marks the First Communion of my youngest nephew and namesake, Jackson -- YES, I was in an actual Catholic Church and NO, the roof didn't fall on me nor was I struck by a lightning bolt. The day also happily marks five months that Dustin and I have been together.

Jackson and the priest

Let No One Sleep

Listening to Luciano Pavarotti sing Nessun Dorma at the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics not only brought me to tears but, made me desperately want to see this 70 year-old tenor live as he will now begin his farewell tour.

I also realized today how hopelessly in love I am with Dustin, each day just seems to bring on a new depth and intensity. I am so happy it actually hurts. As I said to him, I wish there was something I could say or do to show him how much I love him. Words fall short.

On the Move

After a week of moving: first Dustin into his new place on Wednesday; then his roommate, Pheonix, on Friday; and if that wasn't enough Dustin and I helped my pal, Ian, move his stuff from Edmonton to Calgary at 9am Saturday. We arrived in Calgary that afternoon at PJ (who I've photographed several times see portrait below) & his partner, Pete's, house and helped unload Ian into their basement suite. Then one of my best friends in the whole world, Jenny, came and picked us up. I finally got to see her new home, which was so nice and girl had the place hooked up with all new everything. That night Dustin and I headed out to one of the clubs, Twisted Element, but we never went in. After standing in line waiting for about half an hour, just as we got to the front of the line, Ian and his pal, Richie, were on their way out and said they were heading to Boystown. We were more than happy to join them since the place looked very young and very twink especially the screeching, squealing queens that were in line behind us. Had a fun Saturday night (our predesignated date night) with Dustin. Actually, I had a wonderful weekend with Dustin -- he was beyond affectionate and sweet. And Dustin said I could say that "the sex was great" but no details. Ha ha ha.

Second Photo Shoot with Rob

In the Shadows

Useless Trivia

Dextrocardia (heart on the right side) occurs in .01% of the population (1 in 10,000).

I know where my heart is (and he's one in a million!)

Easy Rider

Watched the biker classic, Easy Rider, today. It was a very cool film and even more impressive in that it was made in 1969 -- a time of race riots, hippies aka the flower children, free love, and lots of drugs. It was virtually a documentary of America's mindset during that time period. What was equally interesting was the behind the scenes commentary by the stars/writers Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. I guess you could say it was"Life imitating art imitating life" because while making the film (the New Orleans Mardi Gras footage which was shot on 16mm) the cast was as drunk, high and to some degee parnoid as their characters in the film. I think one of the most profound things that I'll take away from this film was best said in the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song, It's Alright Ma, that was part of the movie's soundtrack;

That he not busy bein' born,
Is busy dyin'

And for what it's worth, today officially ended my sad days -- tomorrow I see Dustin.

Things that made me smile today

Another rotten night of sleep, which is a suitable start to what I'm calling "Sad Day #2" (theme song for the day; Until We Meet Again by Diana Ross), so I can use anything that comes along that'll make me smile like:

Receiving a cheque for $400 this morning from the Government of Alberta (the Province where I live) for doing absolutely nothing other than being a resident. Makes you feel like you're in Alaska. Ha ha ha.

Phoebe's line on Friends (one of the countless reruns you can catch every day) when her, Monica, and Rachel are looking at Ross' Playboy magazine; "Remember the days when you used to go out to the barn, lift up your shirt and bend over."

Photo Shoot with Rob

Had a very successful photo shoot today with Rob, who approached me online to find out what type of photos I did. After giving him my website, he replied that he loved my work and had considered posing for some time, so he would be willing to be a subject if I was interested in shooting him. I was.

When I arrived at Rob's apartment, I was unprepared for just how beautiful this man's eyes were -- they reminded me of a wolf's, that incredible icy-tinted, cold blue. We had just enough time that I was able to use direct daylight in trying to capture the true color. Afterwards we continued the shoot on a very complimentary blue sofa until we completely ran out of light. In shooting Rob, what I especially loved (in addition to his willingness and enthusiasm) was the lightness of his skin, how it contrasted with his dark hair and the high-color flush of his cheeks, all set off with those hypnotic blue eyes.

I had a specific concept how I wanted to shoot Rob: white shirt and tie, and although we started exploring the idea, I never got what I wanted. I will be going back to his apartment earlier in the afternoon next time so that we have more daylight (I'll also bring a lighting kit too). Until then, here's a few of the shots.










UPDATE
Here is Rob's response to this post:

HOLY SHIT! you are the biggest fucking sweetheart. thankyou not for the photography but for the words you chose to describe me... the pics are beautiful and really Jackson thankyou for the amazing person you are.

Why Cycling Shorts Should Always Be Black

I don't like publishing photography on my blog that isn't material that I've shot, but I'm making a minor exception here, just because these two photos are just too funny. With special thanks to my divinely twisted friend, Laeonie Ferguson, who sent this to me, I give you "Why Cycling Shorts Should Always Be Black":

Satellite Photo of my Apartment/Studio in Harlem

For anyone that's curious -- here's a bird's eye view of my apartment/studio in Harlem, New York City. (And just so as to not cause any confusion, my apartment appears in the photo under the scratchpad on the right)

Time to Say Bye Bye Bush .......... (unfortunately not soon enough)

This was just too good to pass up, so ... I've added it permanently to my blogsite at the very end of the posts on this page.

Brokeback Mountain

Finally saw the movie, Brokeback Mountain, with Dustin. I was prepared for a gay cowboy love story, what I wasn't prepared for was the reality, the despair, the depth of sadness and ultimately how disturbed this film would leave me.

It's almost 24 hours later now that I'm posting this and moments of the movie are still reverberating in my head, it packs a wicked punch. I still feel a little emotionally raw from the whole experience and I keep replaying scenes in my mind wanting them to somehow come out differently. Brokeback Mountain doesn't just tell you about regret, yearning, despair -- it makes you feel it! And, I identify very strongly with its underlying theme how life and lives can be completely wasted when people fear consequences, the judgement of others, and cannot find it in themselves to live a truthful life. For anyone that has been in the closet, they know how this can be one of the worst sadnesses. I haven't been impacted like this because of a movie since "It's My Party" which nearly psychologically disabled me for four days. Dustin also had a profound experience with Brokeback Mountain (which he jokingly called Bareback Mountain) although his reaction was completely different but equally, if not more, intense.

I don't want to say much about the story or specific details for anyone that actually reads this, because I think the best way to experience this film and get the most out of it, is to see it without knowing what journey the characters are going to take you on and "enjoy" (not the best word) how the storyline unfolds.

On a brighter note, the cinematography in this film is wonderful with breathtaking panoramas of the Alberta (where I am right now) Rockie Mountains and wilderness. Even the desolate towns and farms look amazing. All in all, everything contributes in delivering this movie's subtle/not-so-subtle effect.

Huge credit to Ang Lee (would I ever like to sit down and talk to this guy) for crafting such a beautiful film -- this is storytelling at its finest. It's a great movie (and deserved all 4 of the Golden Globes it won, especially Best Picture) but not one that I can honestly say you walk out saying "Oh wow, I really liked that!" However, I know I'll see this movie again (just not right away).

Service69.com

One of the hot photos I took of Rodrigo with one of his waiters, Lalo, in D.F. (Mexico City) will appear in ad for Rodrigo's company. The Service69.com ad will run in the Mexican magazine Zonagay. The ad which turned out absolutely beautiful, was designed here in Edmonton by my good friend and talented graphics guy, Ryan Mayer of bluehaus fame.

ZonaGay ad 

Photos of Canada's Deputy Prime Minister

Took photos this afternoon of Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, Anne McLellan, Liberal candidate for Edmonton Centre in the next federal election. She was presenting a signed Charter of Rights to the Edmonton Gay & Lesbian Community Centre at Prism Nightclub. The photos will run in the February issue of Outlooks Magazine, but here's one of the shots with Alderman Michael Phair, who I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with for almost 20 years now since back in the day when I worked for The Phoenix Theatre and Michael was the head of Edmonton's AIDS Network.


For what it's worth, I'd much rather vote for the Liberal party, even though they have behaved criminally as a party, then vote for the Conservatives who would happily hand Canada over to George W. Bush to run. I am proud of the Canadian government for not entering into the Iraq War. I am proud of the Canadian government for not endorsing the American "Star Wars" scheme. I am proud of the Canadian government for its legalizing gay marriage. Even though these things angered the United States government, Canada held its own. I would not have these things to be proud of had we had a Progressive Conservative government. For you true Canadians out there, think carefully how you vote on January 23, I've seen firsthand how ugly American politics can be, we don't need any of George W's madness.

National Cover for Outlooks Magazine

Received word today from publisher/editor Roy Heale, that I will be shooting the 9th Anniversary cover (March 2006) for Outlooks magazine. I'll be shooting here in Edmonton with a local model. I'll post some shots after the shoot next week.

I also had an availability check today to see if I would be interested in doing a shoot in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for American Express at one of their new acquisitons of Orient Express luxury hotels. The best part of the project is that I would get to work with one of my best friends, Val Brandt ("Poopsie Too").

Photo Shoots with Ian and Daryn ............(aka Fun with the Boys)

Had a great day hanging with -- Daryn, Ian, Craig, and the sweetheart of all sweethearts, Kate (our stylist, production assistant, and hair & makeup). We spent the entire afternoon doing photos of the boys, first of Ian and then of Daryn (with arm modelling from Craig) which I've decided to call his series "My middle name is ART" as his middle name is, you guessed it, Arthur. Here's what we got.

A Day with the Mann

Had a really great day hanging with one of my best friends Mark Mann and his new wife, Maypu. They drove up from Bashaw, where they live in a very cool church that Mark bought over 10 years ago, and our first destination was West Edmonton Mall (I honestly haven't been in over a year) for them to get a credit on a Christmas present. Then we went shopping at HMV and I bought half a dozen of my favourite movies:

Motorcycle Diaries
La Cage Aux Folles
La Cage Aux Folles II
Bladerunner
Edward Scissorhands
Young Frankenstein

Wonder what this list will tell you about my film preferences. LOL. After the mall, we went and picked up my boy Dustin so that I could make the necessary introductions and then all of us went for dinner at the Silk Hat on Jasper Avenue. Following dinner we made our way to Value Village, Maypu's favourite store, where I got a great pair of black army boots for $20.

Earlier in the day we stopped in at Colorfast, the lab that processed all my film from Mexico. When it comes to photo labs, I sure miss Baboo in NYC. Not only do they offer more comprehensive and faster services but they are about half the price and that's with the exchange on the US dollar. Regardless, here is one of the images that I am incredibly happy with. I love the texture that film gives and the very shallow depth of field on this image.

Bad Eye Day

Woke up by a skull-splitting headache, and an eye so red, so sore, and so light sensitive that even though I have an opthamologist checkup tomorrow, I made an emergency appointment for first thing this morning. By way of explanation, the same doctor (I think my regular doc is away on vacation or for the holidays) that took me off one of my medications last week has put me back on it because the ulcer has re-emerged on my cornea. Anyway ... had to postpone going to do a night shoot at the Legislature Grounds with my buddy, Ian. Hopefully I'll be up for it tomorrow.

Another Sign

Woke up in the middle of the night (wanting to cuddle) and was very confused by the fact that Dustin wasn't in bed, until I realized I was sleeping at my parent's home and not at his place.