2010

Slot Machines in the Ball Scene

I saw these vogue dancers at the Harbourfront this year and was in the midst of conceptualizing a music video for the Junior Boys. They're from the only official 'house' in Canada called 'House of Monroe'.They were really new and their vibe felt that way. I hadn't seen anything in Toronto like that. I got in touch with the house mother and it came together.

We all sat down to our lunch break during the shoot and started talking about the ball scene across the border. Twysted, Snoopy, and Vixen started explaining the different categories available for participation. There's Face of course where you give face to the judges. There's Runway and Best Dressed. Then there's a category called Bizarre for all the real weirdos in the scene. According to Twysted, costumes are made from garbage mainly. Someone came dressed as a slot machine and a lever that dispensed fake coins. Someone came in a pizza box dress and plastic bags. How glam-y! Inspiration for the next video!!!!!!

In the meantime, look at how amazing this video looks. That's because I'd like to think I curated this project well. The very clever Lee Towndrow D.O.P'ed and Kathleen Smith Produced. Mary Messhausen did the gorgeous costumes and the amazing Margot Keith werqed the make-up. And of course, the dancers the dancers the dancers.

New York Fries

Hey, I'm in Banff doing a residency for 3 weeks. So, from what I've heard there were no Indian settlements in Banff. There were trading paths and short stays for ceremonies but no settlements. How apropos then that the Banff Centre is here. It's a bit sad to stay and see people go but so is the nature of transience. I'm working on a few things; I'm editing a music video I directed for the Junior Boys for the song Bits and Pieces which is coming along nicely. I'm also working on my documentary called Children of the King about children of Elvis impersonators.
My dad was recently in an ad for New York Fries as Elvis. I know, it's funny. The ad reads "Real fries in a fake world." I googled it and found the image but I also found some strange controversy around the ad from an Elvis fan club in Regina. Very random. They had an issue with how the ad could be read as defamation to the name of Elvis Presley but seriously guys Elvis had no problem defaming his own name. He became a parody of himself which is actually the opposite of what Elvis impersonators are. Impersonation at least from where my dad is coming from is earnest and crazy sincere. And i think that's why people love it. Or at least see something truthful behind a man in a rhinestone jumpsuit.

White People Speaking Asian

I couldn't stop watching these videos yesterday. Mesmerizing.

Amy Sedaris and How's Your News Together at Last

Pressies

This is my favorite thing. I got it at this great store in Reykjavik called KRONKRON by 2 sisters who go by the name of Yaz Bukey. They also do a line of bold, cartoon-y jewelry but these purses that come in other hilarious colour combinations are my favorite.

Tromp l'oeil. Check out the make-up for Junya Watanabe's Fall '09 show. Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!