228 | Henry VanderSpek (Old World Shoes)
My Summer Lair Chapter #228: It’s Gotta Be The Shoes…Right?
So: as a science fiction fan I enjoy photography.
Because photography exists at different times exactly like a time traveler.
A photo is taken in the present but the photo is viewed in the future so often the viewer is looking at the past. And it’s only when we look at the past—sadly we can only document the past obviously we can’t document the future I think—that we must make choices. We can’t document everything.
Thus knowing we can document the past the question then becomes what do we document?
Enter Henry VanderSpek AKA Culture Snap Photography and when it comes to documenting his photography subject matter is Old World Shoes.
His latest photography exhibition recognizes some of the talented individuals behind the shoes. Old World Shoes profiles individuals and owners of independent shoe and shoe repair businesses in Toronto.
Armed with a camera and an open heart Henry visited several shoe stores talking to shoemakers about their craft, about their customers and sometimes about the future. In the exhibition hosted at the Daniels Spectrum art gallery in Regent Park you can see photography testaments and videos to cobblers, to a rare and unique skill set and the strange environments where these creative individuals bloom.
Old World Shoes is lively: it is a compelling photo exhibition that celebrates Toronto, a city powerfully populated with immigrants and hustlers, talented individuals who have dedicated themselves to their craft. And among the crafty ones is Henry.
From Jamal Shabazz to Arnold Schwarzenegger to finding your vision to honouring his Dutch heritage with all those bicycles, this My Summer Lair episode is as comfortable as an old shoe.
Culture Snap Photography @ W • T • F
Host Sammy Younan
Recorded: Friday November 26, 2021 at 11:30am (EST)
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213 | Fanny Curtat (Beyond Monet)
My Summer Lair Chapter #213: When I Say Monet What Do You Picture?
I wish the audio was a bit better for that conversation but it happens sometimes being on the road. Still fun to talk about Claude Monet with art historian and one of the people behind Beyond Monet: Fanny Curtat.
This immersive experience happening in Toronto Beyond Monet is fantastic and totally worth pants. It’s PantsWorthy.
The pandemic allowed us contemplate still life…a life where we all slowed down; we not only got to reorgnize our houses but also our lives and our values.
Hopefully one of those new values includes making time for the contemplation of art, the connection of art.
Making art and engaging with art are two of the most human things we do. And it doesn’t hafta be Monet…it’s just as special when a 5 year old runs up to you with a painting they swear is a turtle.
Even if there’s not such thing as a purple turtle.
Beyond Monet is called an Immersive Experience which makes it an invitation. I haven’t described a lot of the show or told you what to expect…go into it without the trailer. See it for yourself. Shake off the still life and bring yourself to life.
Like noticing or even slowing down your breathing. Don’t just rush from one breathe to the next. Pause for the cause. Be human. Be creative.
Beyond Monet @ W • T • F
Host Sammy Younan
Recorded: Wednesday August 11, 2021 at 1:30pm EST
212 | Robert Watson (Courtyard Comedy)
My Summer Lair Chapter #212: Are You Ready To Welcome Back Live Comedy?!
Yo welcome to My Summer Lair I’m your host Sammy “AF” Younan and for today’s episode we’re gonna breakdown just what AF stands for.
The F for example could stand for As Fun…because you’re invited to some comedy fun!
Gay AF Comedy in association with Campbell House Museum present Courtyard Comedy: an outdoor physically distanced summer comedy series of four shows, taking place Saturday afternoons in August 2021 in the Campbell House gardens at the downtown corner of Queen Street West and University Avenue.
Or the AF could stand for Fantastic…As Fantastic…because Courtyard Comedy is hosted by Robert Watson whose business card reads: “playwright, performer, fragrance aficionado and producer of queer comedy shows.”
Which is what Courtyard Comedy is…another gay comedy showcase. So if the F stands for Foreign…As Foreign…because you have had limited exposure to this distinctive comedy scene; never no worries Robert Watson will take us on a Universal Studios tour.
It will be nice to have live comedy every Saturday in August. Whew.
On March 11, 2020 the NBA suspended the regular season and that officially big banged a significant lockdown: the movies, comedy clubs, sports, concerts and more all went dark for months. As creators find a way to resume live experiences it’s imperative, we don’t take them (or their talents) for granted. To return to live shows is to spark gratitude and joy. What an incredibly inspiring invitation to participate either as a guest or as a performer. It’s fresh, right?
So this time the F stands for Fresh: As Fresh.
Gay AF @ W • T • F
Host Sammy Younan
Recorded: Wednesday August 4, 2021 at 3:30pm (EST)