“An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. . . . I choose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but to be involved. . . . So I don’t think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist.” – Nina Simone 

Speaking of the times, Bren Simmers and I collaborated on a small sound piece called “In Our Lifetime” that has been installed in the Ranger Station Art Gallery in Harrison Hot Springs, BC for the month. If you’re in the area, stop in and check it out.

I also got the chance to perform with Kevin Spenst recently at the launch for his newest book: “Flip-Flops Faces & Unexpurgated Lives”. It was a true joy to improvise the soundtrack to these poems along with live chalk drawing from Owen Plummer, the illustrator of the book. It’s an incredible choose your own adventure of words, each page cut into three parts with an exquisite corpse creature on every facing page. Definitely pick up a copy if you can.

And I’m hard at work on “I Will Stay Here” a new commission from Jason Hall and the BC Arts Council for tarogato and electronics. The rich textures of this Hungarian folk instrument are set against samples from interviews with refugees in an evocative piece that explores the immigrant experience. It’ll be premiered in the new year; check out the EVENTS page for all the details.