A weekly review of art related activities by artist Chris Erskine.
This week:
1.) Will Cuts Impact CBC Hamilton?
2.) Are We There Yet? – Backpack Journalism
3.) So, what is this Blog All About?
4.) Hamilton’s 24 Hour Film Festival Returns
Will Cuts Impact CBC Hamilton?
Commentary – On Thursday, CBC announced 657 job cuts over two years because of a budget shortfall. I cannot help but wonder if there may be an impact on CBC Hamilton.
The CBC Hamilton is a digital outlet and may represent the future for the entire Network. Working with limited resources, the station has done a remarkable job at covering significant stories from the community.
You could envision, however, that the unconventional format (digital) and the short history (opened on May 9, 2012) may make the Hamilton operations vulnerable to more established interests within the CBC Network.
I, also, believe that CBC Hamilton has been weak in its coverage of the Arts and Music scene. This is particularly surprising given its location on James Street North. On my most critical days, I feel that CBC Hamilton is trying to be the next Hamilton Spectator rather than focusing on building its own unique brand within the Hamilton community.
This being said, CBC Hamilton is only two years old and needs to be given more time and resources so that it may develop to its full potential.
So, as this story plays out, I believe everyone must be ready to defend CBC Hamilton, and ensure that our stories continue to be told.
Are We There Yet? Backpack Journalism
Commentary – 10 or 15 years ago, the technology did not exist for an individual to document and broadcast to the world. Today, with the internet and technology that can fit into a backpack, an individual can create documentaries or provide alternative news reporting.
Locally, we can see this with Joey Coleman and his coverage of Hamilton City Hall.
I recently came across some Youtube videos that may give you a better feel for this new type of journalism.
Bill Gentile is an independent journalist and documentary film-maker and he has some nice videos on backpack journalism.
So, What this Blog All About?
Fat Cats – Starving Dogs is a blog about my experience as an artist. It is an open journal of my struggles to explore my truth, and express that understanding of the truth through inks, paints, and films.
I use text and film to tell my stories, about the creative process, to the larger world. I am not trying to be a reporter on the art scene, or to sell stuff, or to simply re-cycle information from other sources. instead, I am trying to create original content based on my experiences as an artist. I use other sources when that information impacts my interests as an artist.
In the war between perfection and getting it out there, I will side with the latter. Nevertheless, I am striving for the best content possible. So, this blog is a work in progress and your patience is appreciated.
What Are the Stories?
As an Artist, I am interested in buildings and how these objects express who we are as individuals and as communities.
If you think about the time and resources that go into constructing, outfitting, and maintaining these creations then that must tell us something about who we are.
Like people, buildings have beginnings, middles and ends. They not only influence the people who live and work there, but the surrounding landscape, as well.
I am particularly interested in historical and heritage buildings because we have the perspective in terms of time and experience to more clearly appreciate them. That being said, I do like contemporary architecture as well.
Who is my audience?
This blog is for people who are interested in the visual arts, architecture, and history. Most importantly, this blog is about Hamilton. My family has lived or worked in Hamilton for over 100 years. Through my art, not only do I explore Hamilton’s history but my own family’s history, as well.
Hamilton’s 24 Hour Film Festival Returns
After taking a year off, the Hamilton’s 24 Hour Film Festival returns this June.
With only five months of film experience, I and two other friends (Jane and Shani) have decided to throw our hat into the ring with our early registration this past Thursday.
As Team Fat Cats – Starving Dogs, we hope to meet the challenge with creative story telling.
It is my hope that by creating a film, we advance our skills as film-makers. There is nothing like a goal to focus the mind.
Wish us luck.
FCSD Studio 