At the Rearview Mirror

In the past month I ended up heading to the Rearview Mirror, in Kensington Market, to check out several performances. Did I take my camera? Yup, and I took many pics. Some of artists I had a chance to see and photograph were Chris Eakins, Star Map Caravan and the crew from Soundcity Underground including Evren and the DJ’s from Wax Nostalgic… I hope you enjoy!

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih 

It’s cold, the snow’s fallen the night before, and after about 10 minutes outdoors, I can’t feel my fingers and toes. Yup, perfect conditions for making a video. Don’t ask my why, but these are the conditions that set the stage for our videos shoots, it’s fate.

Almost a year to the date of “Life of the Troubadour,” and Sterling and I were back at it, working on the video for T-West “T-Dot State of Mind.” However, this time the inspiration for making the video was kicked off by a discussion that Sterling and I had after returning from Paris and London (ha ha ha, actually, that’s my last posting). Paris, a city dripping with art, creativity and passion. The difference? They have artists...we have artists...they have talented performers...we have talented performers…you can’t help but make the comparisons. Are Canadians not as talent as Parisians or any other artists from around the world? Of course not, but we don’t have as much push, support and encouragement. A few weeks after this discussion, it became clear that our goal with the next video we made was to push and support the talent of our own country/nation, or shall we say the united nations of Canada. We are in a city, a country where talent is bountiful, yet not celebrated to it’s full extent. Not in the least.

Here We Go
So, for this video, through a little work, determination and many e-mails (thanks to Sterling!) we were able to collaborate with T-West, to create a video for his song “T-Dot State of Mind,”

“The song title “T Dot State of Mind” was inspired from the Nas song “N.Y. State of Mind”, which was in turn taken from the original Billy Joel song “New York State of Mind”. The Nas song rests as a classic hip hop anthem that an entire generation of hip hop enthusiasts can relate to.”

While the song may be unfamiliar to some, it is familiar to fans of Flow 93.5 where it had climbed to the top of the charts in 2008. To read more on this please see the Romantic Child Studios press release.

Style…Style…Style
Style, image and essence were very important when developing this video, as we wanted to portray to the viewer the true experience of what it is like going through the “day in the life of.” Of course with a camera, the senses are limited to seeing and hearing, that’s why it was very important to incorporate many sensory cues, images of the ceilings, lights, buildings to give the viewer a richer experience of what it is like being in this lyricists shoes.

As for visual style, both Sterling and I both are drawn to darker art, constantly looking to bring all it’s beauty to light. So the overall mood of the video was easy to decide upon, a grittier/darker Toronto.

You will notice, that what we challenged ourselves with this video as we wanted to ensure we avoided any icons shots of Toronto, as again it was a “day in the life of” video.

Locations…
Did this video keep us busy?
Yes. Our ‘kicks’ kept us running around the city.

Where did we go?
Well, you may recognize some of the train stations, as we hit up 4+ stations… and the Queens Quay Community Centre, the surrounds of my apartment building, plus 2 parking lots, and several other spots in Toronto. I know…So why so many locations? Well, we wanted to capture as many elements of the city as possible.

What’s next?
Well, at this point, I leave it up to view and enjoy. What you will see below are pictures from behind the scenes, a behind the scenes video, and finally the video itself.

For more information on T-West, go to http://www.thisiswestmusic.com/

Artist: T-West
Photos by: Koray Salih
Video Directors: Koray Salih and Sterling Pache
Studio: Romantic Child Studios

Beyond Toronto: A Journey into Art

So why am I telling you about my vacation on this site? Well, the purpose of my vacation was ART, it was solely based around art. A few months ago, when work started to get a little busy, I thought to myself, “I want to spend 3 days in the Louvre…” so I decided to do it! I would spend 3 days in the Louvre, and whatever happened after that was a bonus.

Two days after the busiest season at my job, I got on a plane and went to Paris. I booked a spot at a hostel for three days, and aside from that, I had nothing else booked. It wasn’t until the day I was leaving that I thought to myself…”um, what exactly are we doing?”… seriously, I booked a hostel for three days, and that was it?!?!? But as a good friend said before I left, you need nothing more than a toothbrush. It put my mind at ease, and the rest did work itself out.

So the trip had me traveling to two major cities Paris and London… 

Paris was destination one, and I have to tell you, the couple I sat beside on the plane ride over must have thought that I was nuts, as every few moments they would ask what hotel I was staying at, and what sites I had planned to see. When I told them I was not sure, a look of confusion would come over their faces, followed by suggestions of places I should see. The lady was rather funny, as she was the planning type, and was trying to figure out what they were going to do when they landed.

So Paris, what were the sites I saw?

-The Louvre
-Musee D’orsay
-Centre Pompidou
-Notre Dame

As you can tell, I didn’t hit up everything during this first real trip because I wanted to save a lot for next time. So, let me start with the Louvre. WOW! Just the sheer size of it... I have never seen it’s equal. In three days I could barely do the collection and it’s artists justice. Consider this, I didn’t take an audio tour, so I was checking out the gallery without the obstacle of slowing down to appreciate the history of the painting and the artists, and I still missed two major sections.

Tourism. I was there one week ago, so it was mid October, and the place was packed. Tourism apparently never slows down in Paris, even in the winter. Everywhere you looked people were photographing, so I did what I had to do...“When in Rome…” however, the thing is, I wasn’t photographing and video taping for the same reason as everyone else. My purpose was more for study the building, as I don’t think I really photographed more than two paintings. I was more shocked by the size of the rooms, paintings, the building.

So what did I do at the Louvre? After I picked my jaw off the ground, I spent a fair bit of time studying styles and sketching. I have always wanted to be a part of the culture of the Louvre, I wanted to sketch statues/paintings and be amongst the many artists which have partaken in this practice over the years. At first, sketching was rather intimidating, consider 50% of the people who would pass by would peek over your should to see exactly what you were sketching. I think it’s just human nature, heck I caught myself doing it several times. If it weren’t for my music, I don’t think I would have gotten through a single picture, you need the audio distraction to ignore all the human distractions around you. The time I did spend sketching was focused on this collection of statues that I believe was from an old fountain, the subject was of four prisoners sitting. I sat down and sketched a couple of them from different angles, which can be found in the photos from this trip. All in all, the Louvre rocked.

What about the Muse D’Orsay? It was solid. A lot of impressionist’s work that took a bit of time to get through. The really cool part about the museum was that it was a train station in it’s previous life. I thought the best exhibit was Picasso’s artistic commentary on Manet’s “Lunch on the Grass.” You could just sense Picasso’s humor shining through the whole exhibit.

Oh, and of course, I got a chance to drop in for a little service at the Notre Dame cathedral. Really neat, I took a lot of video of it, but not too many photos. Overall, Paris was solid, art was oozing out of every corner of the city, and the people and culture were ever present. The one thing I never got? Why people in the city walk so fast, faster than any other city I have been too. Anyway, I finally understand why an artist would want to live in Paris.

London, London, London a city that I have been in love with for years on end… and it was just as good as always. Got to hang out with my sister and friend, hung out with a couple of my friends, and saw some great graffiti thanks to Laura P. What did I see in London?

-Oxford
-Leake Street (…the graffiti alley)
-National Gallery
-Tate Modern Museum

I think I have been to London three times in four years, so this leg of the trip was more about hanging out with friends/family rather than site seeing… just kicking about. I think the craziest site I got to see was Leake Street. Solid little hideout by Waterloo Station. When Laura took me there, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect… but after a few seconds, I think I fell in love with all the work. You’ll see why in the pictures I took. For graffiti fans I highly recommend this street. The day we were there, we were lucky enough to see some artists in action too.

See, I am not sure what else to write here, because this part was all about chilling and eating… I really don’t have much more to say. All I can say is take a through the pictures and let me know what you think, note all pictures were taken on a point and shoot camera.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

"Happiness is love, disguised with a smile”

Title: "Happiness is love, disguised with a smile”
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 40" x 30"

I guess when I started this project, the goal was to fill some space on a wall. A friend of mine had commission me for a painting, and his direction was he wanted a painting for his office done in my (Koray’s) style…to quote him loosely. There was not much more direction beyond that. Ahhhh, the pet peeve of many a painter.

Where to start? I knew that when this painting was done, it would hang in an office, an office that is visited daily by people in desperation, in hope and determination…people who have been all the way there and back. You see, this painting is to hang in an Oncologist’s office (in laymen’s terms, a Cancer Doctor). The goal of the painting was clear, to bring joy, hope and renew energy in people’s lives. To not only my friend, who needs to renew his energy for everyone who walks in his door, so he can provide the same good quality care to everyone, but also to all individuals who visit his office.
The Technical
I remember, as always, I was sketching on the subway, letting my mind run free when I first sketched this picture…I knew there was something unique about it. The moment I sketched it, it’s title came to me. I knew that I would have to paint it, it was a must!

The funny thing is, for the second time ever, I don’t want to tell you exactly what the painting truly means because I believe that the title gives away a fair bit about the true subject. When looking at it, just know that love is ever present, we can find it in the simplest of life’s joys, even when all is wrong in this world.

The other day I had a thought of what it would be like for this painting to be hung in a private space, and you know, it saddened me. May this painting always remain in a public space, and may it remind people that joy and love is all around us, we just have to remember to pay attention and notice it all around us. : )

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih
P.S. Might I add, I am really happy about how the face turned out.
P.P.S. To fully appreciate the colors of this painting, you would have to see it in person! 

Artists inspired by Artists! I love you MOM!

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

Can you recall who or what encouraged you to do the thing you love most in life? Can you remember who supported you and acted as your cheerleader as you continued to develop and grow? When it comes to my love of painting, I can tell you exactly who inspired me…. You guessed it, MY MOM! She never ceases to share her encouragement, constantly pushing me to create and grow, especially when I lose confidence in what I do. She believes in me, and it’s amazing.

As long as I can remember, watercolors and oils could be found in our home. Sometimes in use, and sometimes on a shelf, making the space look more colorful. You could always see my moms love for painting, whether it was painting something of her own, or appreciating a work by one of the “great masters.” She brought art into our lives, showed us and taught us how to create, inspiring creativity in all of us. I can even remember my sister and I painting, with watercolors, along side her. Even when bringing up two kids (with my dad) took up a fair share of her time, she always made sure she was working on something, even if it was just a sketch.

Just like my mom believes in me, I believe in her. Her paintings are amazing, and she’s a little shy about sharing them with others. It’s about time people see work by the true talent in our family (don’t worry, I know she will love to see her work up on this site, call it intuition). Below are three oil paintings completed by my mom. I had hoped to post some of her watercolors as well, but since they are behind glass, it was too difficult to capture them in a picture.

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

Artist: Zerrin Salih
Medium: Oil on Canvas

What never ceases to amaze me is how different our styles. She is amazing in how focused, disciplined and detail oriented she is. She makes sure that everything appears lifelike. Me, I like to exaggerate certain elements in a picture. The time she invests in getting every color correct, making sure that each leaf is in place… it’s amazing. Often we chat about the progress of both of our paintings, and I must admit, I am honored to be able to provide creative feedback to someone so talented. In 20 years from now, I hope that I can look around me, and know that I have such a positive impact on those in my life. Mom, I love you, and I thank you for everything you have done for me and my art… even for the paint by numbers you bought me when I was a kid.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Everyone, please take a moment to enjoy.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih 

"Just cause I'm wrong, doesn't make you right!"

Title: "Just cause I'm wrong, doesn't make you right!"
Size: 11" x 14"
Medium: Acrylics

First let me begin by saying “WOW, it feels good when the SPARK ignites the flame!” What is it that sparked this feeling in me? All of you! Different conversations with each of you who positively encourage me to get back to my art, and a little of me kicking my own butt to express myself. For those of you who aren’t aware, I just started a new job in March. Due to the distance I travel each day, my energy levels have plummeted. As a result, I have had to go through an adjusting period, to restructure my day and manage my energy levels. After a period of almost 8 weeks, I am ready to baby step my way back at it. Although I can’t promise to post every week, I can give you my promise to throw myself back into my work. I may be exhausted some days, but I need it, like I need water. You can go without water for a while, but then when you don’t take a drink for a few days, you fade away. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take.

So, about this painting!!! This week’s painting revolves around the subject/action of judgment, or passing judgment on others without questioning our own actions. An interesting behavior, as we are all guilty of it at one point or another. Sometimes we are fully conscious of it, and others we make a statement or take action without having had the chance to calculate the end result. As the words slip from our mouths, or mid-motion, we realize the wrong of our way. It’s too late; it continues to come out, too quick for your brain to stop. Now what? What are the next steps, what is the observer’s reaction?

In this painting we see the traditional symbol for evil/the devil, horns and tail. We know we should hate the subject, for he is the evil and sinful… yet we have a certain level of sympathy for him. Sympathy because his expression says, “I acknowledge what I have done is wrong, I have shame, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to look down on me.” Shame humbles us, it makes us human. Seeing another human in this condition, makes it easier for us to sympathize with them no matter how evil, or what wrong they have committed. It’s an odd thought, but the mind can also be odd.

What about the style? Those who spend time at my home, have come to realize that I love graffiti. Above my bed are snapshots of graffiti from Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. It’s the last thing I see before I go to bed every night. I have the desire to appreciate every wall that has graffiti on it. As time goes on, you will probably see my work slide in this abstract graffiti direction. It’s what I love.

I can talk for hours about this painting, but for now, that’s all folks. Let me know your thoughts… until next time.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih

"Speaking with the Soul"

Title: "Speaking with the Soul"
Size: "24" x 36"
Medium: Acrylics

“A photograph could never capture the true essence of a painting…” my entire undergrad, and the above picture, could attest to this statement…

This weeks project was a little different, different how? Well, unlike my past paintings, this one was meant to show communication and understanding, on another level.

When I first set out to paint this picture, I thought of Mark Rothko’s paintings in The Rothko Chapel (http://www.rothkochapel.org/). Colored canvases, placed in a room, which help to evoke a feeling/emotion in the visitor. Communication without words. The idea is impactful to me, so I wanted to see if I could instill a feeling in the viewers of my painting.

When the background was complete, I remember sitting back and feeling calmer, a feeling of peace. As if the day0s troubles had washed away. How amazing? Just staring at chaotic shades of purple and white could impact a viewer in such a positive manner.

It was good enough for my soul, it was complete! I was at peace… BUT! For the artistic side of me, the challenge hadn’t even begun. This background merely set the stage for the story yet to be told. In my mind, I had an idea of what this canvas would look like when complete… but as any painter can tell you, painting is an organic process, and sometimes paintings can grow in way we did not anticipate.

My gut said, “show two characters that are connected, who get it, but demonstrate no physical interaction between one another.” This was my challenge to myself! Is it possible? It is, and the face held the key to this mystery. Expressions of the face tell a story. I mean take a look at the Mona Lisa for instance.

Nailing the right expression was so important to me, so I placed a lot of emphasis on it. As time went on, I felt like anything I added to the body of the characters would take away from the story… so arms became unnecessary, this is why the lady has no arms.

So, Who are these two people?

Mother and son? Teacher and student? Or two random individuals, who get it, get one another… Neither having met one another, nor will they ever. As I quoted in a previous posting, “…a picture is worth ten thousand words…” and in this case, not all words are spoken.

Koray (Core-EYE) Salih