Author Archive

My friend Maki and I thinking about 2012 and 2013 all in one night. Happy New Years!

A T.A.G Thanks!

It is the time of year for reflection and assessment. A wrapping up of the year’s events while deciding on a plan for 2013!

Last week I wrote of the events that were highlights to me in my world for 2012. Reading and rehashing those events made me think of the upcoming year and what it has in store for us.

I also tried to think of the really big art events that happened, not just in my world, but in the world itself. It seems in reality, much happened, there were lots of shows and lots of new artists popping up here and there. PSY was the biggest entertainment hit of 2012. Ohhh well.

One could look at Damien Hirst’s Dots, which is showing at all Gagoshian Galleries worldwide. As one of the biggest shows all year, we could say it was pivotal. I wouldn’t. You see, Damien Hirst is a funny kind of artist. Don’t believe me? Do your own leg work and check this vid out.

There are many great artists in Whistler and the world and I thought that, as always, the talent here is not far from what some of the world’s best have to offer. I can’t help to look at others that are in the cutting edge of what is not only new, but cool, and most importantly, has staying power. Many artists currently living here or who have passed through the Whistler corridor, would make it any where. I know they can and will. Read more

My fav self portrait in the Witch.

Hi fans of T.A.G and Whistler is Awesome!

Thought I would make a funny Armageddon piece since it is the end of the world? Not.

It’s more of a recap than a real doomsday message. There are many weeks in a year and in a place as Whistler, there are bound to be a few highs and lows. I won’t talk about the lows because the high notes were just that good.

• It was a great feeling to have the” Paper This” show end its run in January and February at the Millennium Place gallery. It was, as always, a great night for arts! So many great artists in one space. Thank you artists involved!
• I had fun in Cuba, free plug for Cuba as a winter break, highly recommended. Especially Havana.
• The show I put together at the Whistler Brewery was a Function success! A great night with some really diverse art. I am only somewhat familiar with performance/real art. The show had a real homey vibe. Another great night.
• My first big write-up in a paper happened. That blew me away. I thank Michel and the Pique for their support in my unusual endeavours. Not forgetting the Whistler Question for a moment either, thank you both so much. A favorite quote Steve Smysnuik said once was that I got more press than the mayor. I said, rightly so, she didn’t invent the poo font.
• If I forgot to mention the whole season long we had great sliding conditions, particularly December and March, phewww, gooood times. I think everyone should be able to ski and board but that’s just me.
• Another birthday, arggghhhh, 47! Wow. Good thing www.impossibleproject.com was there to help me out! Love these guys and thank them for me!
• Completed my first ever installation piece. A Christmas tree made of recycled pop bottles.
• Hailey becomes as I like to call her, our little Uni-Yarn-Bomber! Go girrlll.
• White Dog Studios opens in Function.
• Industrial art show happens at Whistler Brewery in June. Great night. Thank you Collin.
• Sheppard Fairy is charged for lying under oath and might go to jail because of rippin of a AP Photographer. silly Shep.
• July is DIY month, ps as every month is.
• July also has the Function Block Party going on for another fantastic bout. We had Andrea Mueller join the Weirdos as a temporary new Weirdo. Not sure if she is weird enough for us. Sold a bunch of pieces that night, very productive evening and super fun to be in the new A.A.A. Thanks Cole.
• BBQ Championships at Dusty’s represents my second year as a judge. Ate three full size hamburgers one afternoon. The other day saw me try 20 types of chili.
• Went to the Ok to get a couple of cases of wine and do some campin’ with the ladies.
• SMD Auto holds their Second Annual Open House with the art of many Functionistas.
• Stephen Vogler hosts one of the most awesome arts evenings ever at The Point, with art, play, music and mayhem. Thank you Stephen.
• I get in to the Prior top sheet contest but did’nt make it ‘cuz no one likes my shit. Hahaha.
• Chris C opens the Skate Cave in Function.
• Study finding says, “People who like art are better than people who don’t,” so there.
• Halloween art show put on by Pepe at the Whistler Brewery, I had a ghoulish time with friends and art.
• The Wine Box show kicks ass at Myspace gallery. 
• i get my first shitty tattoo. www.poofont.com
• Just finished seeing my last big concert of the year with the boys. Great times, great music. At least the last live show of my life was a heavy metal one!

Thank you so much for reading my drabblings and staying tuned.

I look forward to share my exploits with you as always.

Arne Gutmann

ps the world won’t end, who would read my column?

This is the Shitty tattoo Santa and Dave gave me for Christmas. Book your own at Black Ohm Tattoos.

Hohohohoho, Welcome to Whistler is Awesome Christmas Hoe-down.

Hello and sorry about the silly title. I was thinking of funny titles for this week’s column and that’s all I could come up with for my gift giving blog. Ohhh well. At least the list is better than my title, hahaha.

Since I usually talk about arts in this blog I thought it would be nice to list a bunch of great gift ideas for the budding artist or the already established street artist. Everyone loves gifts and what artist dosn’t need more supplies and or inspiration? This list is by no means definitive, it is more or less the items I would like to receive and I am sure you would too!

The first and foremost would be almost anything at or from Garibaldi Graphics in Function. It is the only place in town to get what we need to get down with. Art supplies!! They pretty well have everything that you could need from paint to canvases to pens and brushes. They are super awesome to deal with and are very informative. If you can’t decide on a canvas size or paint colour then what about the fantastic gift card? It may seem like a cop out but let me assure you that it is a great way to make almost anyone happy. Even me! INFO HERE.

Another great gift idea is the gift of Art! Who dosn’t want a one off original? How about a frame for that favorite print or poster that has been rolled up for two years in the closet. You can find both at the fantastic Art Junction run by the even more fantastic Harvey Lim! He has a great gallery and does the best framing in town, period! INFO HERE.

What is a artist without inspiration? A sad and lonely one that’s what. So head over to the shop that always inspires me, Armchair Books. I get all my art books there and also all my personal reading material there. They are super awesome and can get almost any type of printed media that your darling little artist needs. Great selection of monthly’s as well. INFO HERE.

Every artist needs nourishment and sustinence to survive, but who just wants to survive? You want to live, rejoice and love your life, right? So, to eat and drink is a part of life. I enjoy almost nothing as much as food and the proverbial wine, albiet art. My fav places to get grub are:

• Purebread, the best baked goods in Whistler.
• Elements, the best Tapas in Whistler!
• South Side Diner, without a doubt the most casual, fun, authentic diner in Whistler, owned by two of the coolest dudes, Dave and Les.
• Not forgetting booze, that’s easy, my fav places to get some fire water are, Nesters Cold beer and Wine and Blackcomb Liquor Store.

These are just a short list of what I like to eat and drink from the list of options in Whistler. There are many more but these are my fav’s and I think you will like them too. Hope this inspires your gift giving.

Ohhh, lastly, Stephen Vogler has another Creative 5 coming up at Dusty’s tonight. Perfect timing before Christmas. 

Ski you later and happy shopping,
arne g

Hello everyone and welcome once again to The Arts Go in Whistler.

Well this week is no different than any other for the sheer fact that it is soooooo different. haha. Even though the days are the same, the events are always varied. First case in point. It is, and was, a long road of contemplation for me as I have never taken the leap, until today that is. I am sorry for speaking in riddles. I will elaborate.

Sometimes it seems that the words of our parents do hold on through the course of our lives and we don’t question their reasoning for making some rules or strong suggestions. The first one my dad ever laid on me that would conflict with my desires was….. No, you can’t get a motorcycle while you live under my roof. Ok, well, that sounds sorta reasonable. Then, No, you can not get a tattoo while you live here! Really? Yes, very really! ( hahaha).

As you know many of my friends are involved in the production of tattoos and the art surrounding it. Since moving here I have immersed myself in the culture almost completely. But, I have never taken the big step because of  A. the words of my father and B. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. That was until the other day.

We all know the wonderful little Poofont? Yes? Yes! A new, very good friend had a house warming the other day. We had a fantastic dinner catered by the brilliant Adam Protter, thank you Adam and Joe. B!!! Then at the after dinner party Joe asked me if anyone had gotten a poofont tattoo yet? I said, I don’t believe so. Then, he tells me to sit down for a minute. He then proceeds to take the lampshade of the closest light to me. There is a buzz behind Joe and some of the attendees start to stand up and get their camera’s ready. I have no clue what’s coming up. He then turns around and drops his pants in my face exposing his new tattoo on his left butt cheek. Which, by the way, is in my face nearly.

What is the tattoo of you might ask? Well, no other than the word “Reject” spelled out in my own dear poofont!! Yes, the bugger got a poofont tattoo before the inventor! My mouth dropped, the cameras flashed and everyone laughed at my dropped jaw! ps, pictures can be seen of my dropped mouth photo on facebook.

Now the ball is in my court and I have decided to join the masses and get myself inked! Of course it will be done by the great Pepe of Black Ohm Tattoo himself and it will be the sweet poofont X. As you read this post I will have joined the ranks of millions in their quest for body modification. I will without a doubt be one of the very few that actually has a tattoo of their own feces on their body. You’re weird Arne!

Yeah, but think of all the lines I can come up with. At least it’s my s..t, and That tattoo is the s..t, and that is the s…..t tattoo I have ever seen, the list keeps going. So will I.

Other none poo related art has a confirmation of the times for the Wine Box Show in Vancouver. It will be the last weekend in January and will stay up until early February. The opening night details are to come. I am so excited about showing at the great Beaumont Studios again! Thank you Charmaine!! Talk soon and next time you see me ask me about my s….y tattoo! Now get outside and play in the snow!!!

Cheers, arne

My new model needs a nose job! Anyone out there qualified?

Well, well if luck is not on my side….

Another beautiful week in Whistler with the snow still coming!

Yeah Whistler opening, yeah! Awesome. Blackcomb now open! Yes. Now with both mountains officially open it’s time to get sliding and enjoy the arts a la Whistler!

First news, Stephen Vogler has another Eclectic 5 event happening this Friday night at Dusty’s! The night is filled with poetry, song and who knows, maybe even some dance? Anyway, Stephen has Simon Stribling jamming with Josh Roberts on banjo for the first half of the eve. The music is pure southern style. More than likely it will be hot, moody and sweaty in the ol Dusty’s for their set. Did I mention Raj? He as always will be opening the night with Stephen.

For the second half we find Jordan White from She stole My Beer and FOMO performing on his instrument of choice, the keyboard. At first, he will play solo, to be followed with accompaniment of Rajan Das and Stephen and Simon for a no-holds jam de jour, or night. It should be super fun as I just saw Jordan jam with the FOMO boys at the Halloween show we did at the Brewery. It was a great show and I advise you whole heartedly to attend the night as they are super improv and fun. The night is by donation. A little plug for the All-Stars. http://www.neworleansalestars.com/

Bizarre Bazaar and Bratz Biz is on this weekend! Perfect timing for the early shoppers of the Christmas faith. The Bizarre is on its 24th year and proving to go on stronger than before! With over 100 booths and the association of the Bratz Biz, I don’t see how someone couldn’t get someone something from the event. The event showcases artisans and their crafts. From painting to toys to tiles, there should be something for you there. Maybe even a little gift for me? Your favorite WIA guy? Haha, the times are 10am till 7pm Saturday and 10am till 3pm on Sunday. Entry is by donation and the event will be at the Conference Centre.

Also, other Arne news: I know it seems like the WIA Arts page might look like a mouthpiece for my artistic endeavours but it’s true, it is! I am so lucky that I have that opportunity to share all my happenings with you, the people of Awesome-ness. This week is no different as, once again I have super exciting news about another couple of shows that I am doing and moving.

I just got confirmation that after I tear down the wine box show on Sunday I will bring it down to the Beaumont Studios in Vancouver for a late January show!!! Sooooo stoked! Charmaine and Jude from the Beaumont are such great supporters of the arts that it is hard not to include them in my artistic adventures. I love the space and the work they do for the community and can’t wait to have the show there!!! If you’re not familiar with the Beaumont then please, check out their website. This is a little bio on my “Paper This!” show I did previously. Stay tuned for info on my Big Birthday Party/ Art Opening.

Love yah all, but I gotta shred!

Cheers,

arne g

Part of my costume for Halloween! hahaha, silly Arne.

Hello art lovers! Welcome to Whistler’s scene.

Wow, if you didn’t already know, I am partially delusional. Serious. Why else would an artist complain so much about putting on an art show that took so much work, time, and frustration to just get right back at it again. Because I can’t help myself and it’s the part of my spirit that won’t stop. So. As you may or may not know, I just finished producing/curating the Wine Box Show. Please check the previous posts for info. Well, here we go again!!!

I just got confirmation on the next biggest thing, the new deal, and a really cool new show I am curating/producing in Whistler, opening on April 1st, my birthday in case you didn’t know. At the same gallery, The Scotia Creek Gallery within Millennium Place. The show will run the duration of April as far as I know now. Read more

This is my entry to the Wine Box Show, it is called….. Damn Pennies, hahahaha

Hello Party People. Welcome to the art that is this week.

Last week I spoke in depth about the art show I was curating at Millennium Place. We had the opening reception and after party last night and I can safely say it got all hung and it looked great. By the time the opening rolled around there were a total of 30 artists in the show!! Awesome. I didn’t think everyone would pull through but mostly, all did in the end. The opening started a little slow but as most things, that quickly changed. Artists and friends started pouring in by the droves. Soon the place was packed and we officially had ourselves a great opening with lots of kool people and some unbelievable art. I mean the quality was just unprecedented and beautiful. I was very pleased with the calibre of work that came in.

I was also quite surprised with some of the entries of the new artists involved, one artist that really made me happy was Joe Baker. He is generally a woodworker over an artist but when he asked for a box I felt there was some mystique in his design and I like that. My wife actually saw the piece and she said that it was the coolest one yet. ps, if my wife says that then you know it will be cool! Needless to say the piece is awesome!! F-in awesome, you just have to see it for yourself.

Other ones that just made me humble were obviously the local crew, Pep with his political anti-GMO piece, Sophie Collins with her “Smokers Delight”, Niki Drury and her self portrait, Mia Sandner and her crazy piece. There were so many awesome pieces that I was just filled with happiness when I watched everyone looking and touching the pieces, even the other artists. I would like to send out a huge thank you to all the artists and everyone that showed up for a great night of unique art. I would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Chris Crites and Bruce Rowles for their pieces. thank you, thank you thank you. In case you haven’t seen the show, please, head over to Millennium Place and go upstairs to the Scotia Creek Plaza and be prepared to be amazed, I know I was! You have until the 21st of November to see one of the most awesome shows I have ever curated, serious.

Well, another show done and time to focus on the next. I am already working on a new photo show with photographers from Vancouver and myself, just seven artists, that’s it. With a very cool theme. Andy Fenwick and Pepe and will be doing a skate deck show coming up in Vancouver that I will be a part of as likely almost 50 Vancouver and corridor artists. That one has an undetermined show date so I will keep you up to date in the future.

Have a great week and go check out some art and Cornucopia! ciao

arne

A little bit of a creepy self portrait. But, I think I look good in black.

Hello art fan bloggists.

Hello everyone! Hope you are well and enjoying the fall. Are you ready for the winter?

The snow has started gracing us with its presence and the temperature has definitely dropped. Meaning, we gotta get in the crops, can the food, change the tires and go to all the fall art shows!!! Since there are so many coming up, why not? What else are you going to do? Laundry? Clean the house before the new roommates come? Wax the stix? (Which by the way should have already been done with the first snowfall!!) No!!! Go to an art show!!! You bet!

I hope to see many of you at Pep’s show at the Whistler Brewery this Saturday night. 7pm till midnight we will be in costume and character sharing a few pints and enjoying the ghoulish art on display. There are a handful of local artists presenting that night as well as yours truly. My main piece is a rousingly creepy self portrait and a odd take on tubes/worms, ewwwww. I really enjoy the portrait as I think it does show a little of my dark side. I think, in general, that my work is not your norm but this one is spooky and slightly arresting in its gaze. hehe. I am looking forward to a ghoulish evening with all my fav zombies, jasons, freddies and aliens. Read more