Hatched from an egg in the heart of Paris, France in 1979, I am currently functioning as a freelance multi-dimensional creative, currently based out of Hamilton, Ontario.
I’ve been heavily involved in the Arts & Entertainment industry in Canada since 1995, focusing mainly on the roles of Event Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Media Producer, Art Director, Writer, Production Coordinator, as well as being a Visual Artist, DJ and Photographer. I’ve developed a large body of work over the course of the years, while honing my artistic practice in various categories and productions - both independent and corporate - all of which has become so extensive, that I can’t possibly list every production on this website. My passion for community over competition has led me to collaborate with many other creatives and businesses from all walks of life as I continuously strive to bring a compelling sense of joy and togetherness throughout my work. Life's too short to stick to one thing - so I do what I love and I'll do it to death.
Drawing on influences from my various journeys in life has allowed me to create artworks that people can easily identify with, as I remix existing paradigms into fresh narratives that are intended to delight and amuse. As an artist, I am continuously inspired by the elements of the modern world that surrounds us, and I enjoy tinkering around with popular elements in order to flip them on themselves to create something humorous, imaginative and relatable. I am often influenced by a multitude of tattoo artists, pop culture, music, film, street art, global culinary traditions, cultural paradigms, graphic design styles, and the art of typography.
The sharing of knowledge is key to the cultivation of a thriving creative community. If we don't foster it - who will? I occasionally create and facilitate workshops that are geared towards creativity and community connection in collaboration with many organizations and venues such as the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Burlington Public Library, the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery in Sarnia, Re-Create Art Therapy Studio, The Hamilton Arts Council, The Cotton Factory, as well as with the Toronto District School Board. The main two focal points thus far have been on the subjects of DJing (both digital and vinyl), as well as Graffiti techniques applied in various ways to help people find new and innovative ways to express themselves. Both styles of workshops not only include the technical skills, but also include the teaching of the origins and historical evolution of the genres, as well as an intensive look at the safety issues and wellness elements to create safer, and more inclusive spaces in these creative environments that have had a history of problematic influences in the past to enforce the idea of a need for change as they continue to flourish and grow more legitimate and influential roots in our communities.
I also serve as the team leader behind Canada's first Punk Rock Flea Market, a volunteer-based organization that's been operating since 2014, and has now grown to include chapters across the nation. The Punk Rock Flea runs seasonally to include vendors, makers and artists, as well as a variety of other small local businesses, in order to give them a place where they can showcase themselves to a wider public audience, interact other creatives and entrepreneurs in a supportive, inclusive and safe environment, and create added income from the sale of their wares, keeping money flowing in our local economy and out of the hands of the usual big corporations. We strive to continually keep a varied selection of people in rotation to make each and every show a special experience to give both emerging creators and businesses a chance to introduce themselves to the community, and established names a place to continually shine in front of an alternative demographic they won't normally find at the average mainstream event. We also ensure that every show has a fundraising component, with ALL Pay-What-You-Can proceeds from entry at the door going to a local community organization in need. After all - the general ethos behind punk rock is to accept all walks of life and care about your community, helping others where our societal systems fail us. Bringing community together to create stronger bonds within our framework to ensure independent business survives and thrives, is a vital component to any city's cultural success.
Feel free to peruse my website to learn more!