Art and Entertainment
Artistic Abandonment
French poet Paul Valéry once quipped, “a work is never truly completed—merely abandoned.” I’m sure his words were intended to be at least slightly hyperbolic, but nevertheless for the artist they carry with them the ring of truth.
October 2023 Editor’s Fix
This October, I am feeling extremely grateful. Recently our family took a big Fernie ‘break’ to visit extended-family and explore new places. It was a month-long adventure, made possible through support from our families, friends, co-workers and let’s be honest… renting our home while we were away.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
October 2023 Astrology
There is a theme of intensity this month with two eclipses occurring. The first occurs on the New Moon - October 14 at noon. The Sun and Moon sit at 21° Libra, marking the new Aries - Libra eclipse cycle that lasts until 2025. Themes of self vs other are central for the next two years. The Full Moon on October 28 at 5° Taurus marks the end of the Scorpio-Taurus eclipse cycle which has been incredibly transformational.
Ric Fedyna
I started my career as an artist in Elementary School. I did a painting of a little native girl for an art class assignment. After I handed it in, I got 26 orders from the teachers to paint them each one. I made $5 per painting. I remember thinking… “Gee, I could maybe make enough money to do this for a living one day!” I then got into doing portraits of friends and family in Jr. High and High School.
Back
As we emerge into another school year, I am reminded of this beginning through my own children and their educational experience. Parents and guardians are presented with numerous options when it comes to attaining and sustaining education and the promotion of lifelong learning. I was incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a country where education is available to me as a woman.
Glass Art Heats Up on Social
Katherine Russell’s bright, whimsical glass art can be found in galleries across Western Canada—and the internet. Her art features glass pieces turned like honey on a spoon at temperatures up to 1,100°C.
The Pale Blue Eye
Set against an exceptionally cold and atmospheric back drop, the film is dark and miserable throughout, drawing its menacing, macabre themes into sharp focus, but you should absolutely see The Pale Blue Eye. It is an angst-ridden tour de force, a film that delves into the dark crevices of the human soul. It is a truly great piece of art.
200th Look Back
This is my 200th “Answer Guy” column for the Fernie Fix. It has been a lot of fun writing about computers and technology over the years. My first column was about using Skype: a technology that has definitely waned as competitors have swooped in. Other early columns were on keeping kids safe online, how to search online, setting up a wireless modem, privacy, and of course the annual holiday gift guides.
September 2023 Astrology
September begins with the Sun travelling through Virgo in the sky with retrograde Mercury. This is another month where many planets and major asteroids are in retrograde. This means themes from the past are up to be revisited and that it’s a more internal time. With the Sun travelling through Virgo there is also the energy to be practical, organized and it is a great time for cleaning up and getting ready for the changing seasons. As the weather becomes cooler, it’s also an opportunity for an autumn detox.
Get on Board
With the planning and development of the new Fernie Skatepark, I felt it important to celebrate and showcase the artistic aspects of skateboarding as the sport continues to grow in the Elk Valley. In order to do this, I have curated a multi-artist show that features an array of visual art on recycled skate decks.