http://www.jennatarynblog.com/

Jenna's doing a photo everyday for a year!
Check out what she's got so far,
These are really amazing!

Just got back from Regina this morning, I was there along with a few others from my Naval Reserve Unit, HMCS UNICORN in Saskatoon to be a part of a military contingent in a parade for His Royal Highness Prince Charles, as he departed Regina airport. It was a great experience and I felt proud to represent the CF at this event. I think that's the best part about being a reservist, you get to experience a side of life that differs from any job you would be doing as a civillian. I get an overwhelming sense of pride as I stand with my fellow soldiers, airmen and salors, honoring the presence of His Royal Highness, I used the time we stood there waiting for his arrival to reflect.

I thought of all the men and women who have given their lives for their country, the ones still serving overseas, anyone that works hard and sacrifices everything they have in dedication to the Canadian Forces and their uniform. It made me realize that I could be doing more. While I was standing there trying my best to look proffesional and proud, I could have chosen to focus on the fact that I was drenched, or cold, or a bit uncomfortable. But this is what the military has taught me, I can choose to focus instead, put my mind to work in order to accomplish a common goal along with the rest of my team. So instead I chose to think about the many men and women that for many years before me have endured hardship, experiences that I can't even imagine. Their extreme dedication to the values instilled within them, duty, integrity, loyalty and courage. Getting the job done, everyday, at any cost, for the sake of their country. I thought about my gratitude for people that have the strength to endure so much for us, devoting their lives to serve their country and all of us that live in it.

I have tremendous respect for them, every single one.
My hope is that one day I can feel as though I have done my part.
I know more than ever that this challenge I gave myself is going to lead to great things in life, the harder I work at it the better. Even if at times those things seem hard or too much to take, I'll always think about THEM before I start feeling sorry for myself or thinking that I can't do something. Because the fact is whatever I'm going through, no matter how hard I think it is; someone else far away probably got up a whole lot earlier than I did to do a job that doesn't even compare, doing something much more demanding, doing it to the highest standard, without complaining. I want to strive to be better and work harder.

Designed this poster for miss teen Saskatoon world 2012, Danica Cox; help her out by going to Quiznos instead of subway! It's better! You're supporting a good cause, spread the word! Like/share!
Thanks y'all.
Visit www.missteensaskatoon.com for more info on this! 

This is one of the most original hip hop records I've listened to.
It's witty, awesome rap, feel good beats and it's perfect for summer.
Factor is a local DJ that's representing Saskatoon in a big way.
Support him and this great album, Buy it on iTunes for 9.99,
It's a steal.

Kudos to another UNREAL local artist.

BLKT

Not much,

I thought I had my mind wrapped around the idea of busy.
I didn't.
Still don't really, even with everything I'm doing day to day, because no matter how busy I seem to think things are I'm taking on more. There's a reason why I can't step back some times and assess things before they get overwhelming. That reason is a little motor that lives inside my brain, it never quits, doesn't really listen to anyone. It just keeps going.

Tame the motor, tame it.

But all dramatization aside, things are great and I can't complain. I was talking to my good friend Devyn a few days ago about the way life happens to us. He was using a simple analogy. There's no choice in living, we're thrust into it. Someone throws you into a canoe and down the big river of life you go. He talked about life going awry sometimes, things aren't happening the way you want them to, things are hard. We both agreed this simply meant you're not fully just letting things happen and "taking" life in rather than trying to force your expectations upon it. Sometimes we can't accept reality, no matter how good, or bad it is. So what do we do to end up complaining all the time?
We compared it to trying to paddle against the current.
"Go with the flow" what does that mean really?
Well we figure it means rather than embracing your reality and the current situation you find yourself it, seeing as much good and accepting as much bad as you can to remain happy, you try to be a hero and paddle against the current.

Here's what's interesting for all the other headstrong people out there that might have been caught struggling against the same current as I despite the fact which is constantly reaffirmed, that it is greater than any of us..
No matter how hard you try, no matter how determined you are to make things happen your way and ONLY your way, when and where and exactly how you imagine them in your head without leaving any room for error, you're going to be trying for a long time.
And guess what,
You'll always end up being carried back the other way, going with the current.
Life is greater than man, man is a pawn in the scheme of life.
Life owns us, the way I see it, so why not give it a chance and REALLY try to see what it has to offer.
Rather than putting ourselves above it, denying its importance.

I feel like I've been doing that for about the past year and a half, trying to embrace the flow of life.
Focusing on not trying to question the path which I'm following, but believing that based on my goals and determination it's still the right direction.. Forward.
I can't even believe to tell you how much better things have gotten from where I was.
I'm not trying to preach, this is all my experience.

Oops,
My philosopher hat flew off in the wind, let's switch gears maybe.

Like MANY, well that's not fair, like EVERY day after work, here I am basking in the sunlight outside of Starbucks on Broadway.
There's an exciting project in the works that involves Miss Teen Saskatoon, Danica Cox. Keep posted you'll see what I mean on Monday and also later on in the month.

For now if you want to find about more about what she does,
Please check out www.missteensaskatoon.com

Have a beautiful Saturday.
Cheers

What lies beneath this brief description, is a somewhat thorough description of the events which occurred on one fateful morning, the last day of April, 2012.

Firstly I might mention that on this particularly sunny and joyous Monday, of all days, I was told an hour before the_­ scheduled time of 9 o’clock that I didn't have to work for the day. Envisioning in my mind that I would take full advantage of the free time; I headed down to Broadway to run some errands and work on projects.

I'm told it's common practice in Europe, businesses sometimes happen to be closed on Mondays. The fact that a particular store by the name of Crave on Broadway had adopted this idea; seemed like a great inconvenience to me. You see I was in need of cupcakes, 6 to be exact. On this brightly lit spring day, half a dozen cupcakes is all I had my hopes set on before I went about the rest of it. But there I was doing that awkward dance with a locked front door. You know the feeling? You walk up to an establishment without bothering to look inside to see if it's open? What a surprise it is; when your conscience becomes enlightened to the fact that the establishment in question is indeed closed, as the door refuses to swing open. I usually proceed to pace with fervent insecurity, in need of some justification for the sour predicament; looking to the hours of operation for some kind of explanation.

Sadly on this day, no cupcakes; disappointed is an understatement.

 I start walking back to my car. On the way I notice a man, he sits in the doorway of the Nutana Cafe; next to him lays a pile of drawings that will most likely appear familiar to anyone that recognizes who he is.

I greet him and as I approach my car, still parked beside an empty meter due to my assumption that buying cupcakes wouldn't take so long.  Somewhere in between gathering my bags out of the car and plugging the meter, mentally planning all the work that must be done; I glance back over towards him.

Something draws me in but I don't quite know what it is yet. The idea strikes me as a lit match lends its flame to my cigarette.
Inhale, exhale.
An unexplainable call if you will, an unidentified sense of urgency to start a conversation.
I must talk to him.
I walk over.

Instead of carrying on with the existing plans in my head, of how my work for the day was going to unfold, I "went with the flow" as they say. The next twenty minutes following my measly offering of a cigarette, turn into a request on my part; a sketch in exchange for twenty dollars.

He agrees.

Sailor Dan proceeds to grant me the greatest honor I've had "artist to artist", and he adorns a single page of my sketchbook with the spectacular hand of his imagination.

As he finishes I sit there, kind of in awe at what just happened, however completely delighted and thankful.

I start talking to him about my ideas for a particular shirt design and I am asking him if he might be able to draw an anchor for me. We throw ideas back and forth for a little bit, I ask him if he would be interested.

He tells me that he is.

Immediately I ask him when he would like to do it.

He takes a long pause, suggesting that maybe he is reconsidering the idea.

His eyes wander to the traffic, I see them reaching like great big nets into the world, capturing within them the hustle and bustle of the bright-light Broadway morning. He fixes on something in the distance. After about ten seconds of doing this with me gazing at him in silence and eagerly awaiting his reply, he shifts his glance back over to me and says,

"No time like the present Kid.”

His answer hangs in the air; for an instant it seems to drown the relentless noise of the cars nearby. Meanwhile people keep walking past, many gloomily looking at us as if we are out of place, but his answer reassures me that he is interested, I smile.

“Let’s get to it then!” I blurt out as I stand up.

Quite possibly the highlight of our morning together, was the car ride from Broadway to Starbucks on 8th.

I open the trunk of my car and slide my portfolio and bag into it, he plops his pile of drawings on top.

The heat felt through the brightness and clarity of the morning is all around us as we settle into the car seats. The doors enclose us in the musty and uncomfortably hot interior of the car.

I feel like we are much closer sitting the same distance apart now as we were outside, the noise of the street muted and distant. I’m not too sure what to say.

“I’m Simon by the way” I offer.
“Call me Danny Boy,” as he shakes my hand.
“and crank em' all down wouldya? Fuckin’ hot it here"
"Absolutely.” I replied, thinking I couldn’t really have said it better myself.

As I'm about to start the car he asks me if I could put some music on.
I already have a song in my head that I can't see him refusing.
Even so I politely ask,
"What music do you like?"
"Anything that sounds good, Kid!" in an eager reply.
"Great Big Sea it is", I smiled.
He laughs and claps his hands together loudly, he must be as excited as I am.

As the song begins, he reaches for the volume knob and cranks it full blast.
"Farewell to Nova Scotia" blares out of the speakers as we make our way to Starbucks, I can't help but think to myself,
Wow.. this is,
AWESOME.

I’ve never been inside Starbucks on 8^th street; it’s very spacious and nice.

I order our drinks and we sit down. After he generously completes the anchor I asked for, I pay him for it and ask him for just one more favor.

I tell him I write a blog on my website, and that I would like to interview him about his art. He smiles widely as his eyes light up,

"Why not, it’d make me happy, see the grin Buddy?"

So there I was, sitting in a coffee shop with one of Saskatoon’s best artists,  Sailor Dan, my cupcake separation anxiety long gone,

Here’s what happened next,
Here’s what he shared with me.

What inspires you?
My gift inspires me; I've had an eye for drawing since I was a kid.
And the ocean, the Pacific Ocean inspires me. Well, all the Oceans really, all around the harbor, everything blue.

Do you find a lot of people interested in buying your art?
All over, the whole town, everybody's got a boat on the wall.

A young woman sitting beside us interrupts
“It’s true, I’ve got a boat on the wall!”

"You hear that Buddy? She's got a boat on the wall see!"

 
I couldn’t believe what was happening! There are no words for it, it was completely surreal, it was hard to contain how excited I was and try to keep thinking of questions, but the interaction from another person actually helped carry on the interview. From her comment he got into talking about how long it takes him to draw his ships and how he became passionate about art.

 
How long do you typically spend drawing the big ships?
I go until I’m done my coffee, some take longer than others.

He tells me about art classes earlier in his life.
We’d set up; we had big tables, all the paper, and all the watercolors you wanted. And my teacher would draw, we would all draw, we’d all clown around and have fun. Never mind the books and writing, we’d draw the Real McCoy eh Buddy!

How do you go about distributing your art? How does it get out there?
Only way to get a drawing from me. That’s hand to hand, man to man.

Do you feel like art is appreciated in Saskatoon?
I’m dumb to that sometimes, I’m dumb to the value. I don’t like puttin’ a price on nothin', I don't wanna. But my goal was always to go to the market on paper. You know, sketches, etch it, sketch it, ready sketch it, heavy sketch it, sketch it all over.”

What is your favorite thing to draw?
Hmmm, ahhhh.. favorite to draw..
Blue.

Well you seem to like the nautical theme a lot! Anchors? Ships?
Yes. My family was all navy, pure Navy, deep down Navy.

Do you have a favorite coast? You like the East coast better than the West Coast?
There is no specific place, just the Ocean.

What is your advice to the young aspiring artist of Saskatoon?
Sink or swim Buddy.

You’re a very wise man
Even the mind of the wisest man can get clouded over with thunder and rain.

What do you love?­
Mashed potatoes, roast beef and gravy.
I always go to Original Joe’s they got the best!
Spinach to my muscle!

Name your favorite artist.
Normal Rockwell, Walt Disney, all of em’! Everybody I ever heard of or seen.

You appreciate all artists?
God put us all here, nobody can take us away from that.

That last answer blew me away, like most of what he said.

It’s humbling to see someone that must be on the receiving end of so much judgment and prejudice, tell someone else with unwavering confidence that he is equal to them. This man knows a lot about respect and is truly full of wisdom.

The whole encounter; beginning to end, seemed like a lot to take in. It spanned the time of about two hours, and it was very productive. I felt a little overwhelmed with everything that had so spontaneously happened, yet not in a bad way.

It’s that feeling you get when the unexpected occurs, you run with it until it sinks in and all of a sudden you’re ahead of where you were before. It brings about something very positive and tremendously inspiring.

You need to take a step back and assess it all for a moment.

So we stepped outside for a break and he offered me a cigarette, we talked about things that inspired us. We shared stories about our time around and on the ocean, in a beautiful and effortless way that concluded our time together for the day.

The perfect Monday, if you ask me.

Until next time.
Stay honest, and don't forget to BLKT everyonce in a while.
Even if you don't know where it's going,
Go with the flow.
Stay aware though,
We're all here together, doesn't matter if you work a nine to five or if you sell art on the street.

God Bless.

Hello everyone!

Things are getting a little more organized here at Blackout Creative.
I'm starting a post series, it's going to be called Featured Artist. I'm going to try and do one every month, there are enough artists floating around this town wanting to get their work out there, so one per month shouldn't be too hard. If you're interested in submitting work for this post series please see the Contact page and get in touch that way!

If it really can't wait.. call or text 306.261.0026, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FROM SASKATOON!
I will feature any artists, unless Shepard Fairey gives me a call, he's way too rich already. Props regardless.
:P Seriously though,

I'm writing up the first entry for this post series right now.
What better way to start than with Sailor Dan?
It'll be tough to follow.

By the way I will feature any artist! Music, drawing, painting, sculpting, con, (what?) just kidding.
Let me know if you're interested!
First post will be up shortly.

On a closing note, if you haven't already today, I know we haven't all been lucky enough to get Monday off, but GO SUNTAN. It's a beautiful day.

BLKT.

This is Francois Crevaux-Plouffe.
He's my big brother, from the ripe young age of.. We'll say like 3 months old when I probably became aware of his existence, this dude taught me most of what I know about life.

Frank is the hardest working person I know. Monday through Saturday he's in all out beast mode. Frames houses during the day, goes to the gym, he's a champ.

I love my brother, he's a really great guy. He loves kids, he's going to be the best Dad ever some day. I really can't wait to be Uncle Simon and develop the child's artistic side. Ha! It's crazy looking back to just a few years ago, we were always together, more like I was trailing behind trying to follow him everywhere he went. I was always very observant and I learned so much from my big brother.

I remember one winter in Sherbrooke, Quebec where we grew up. We got all our homework done and my dad dropped us off at a park near our house so we could snowboard. For whatever reason he was late picking us up and it was really cold. Frank assumed the responsibility of survival guide and showed me how to burrow down deep in the snow and we huddled together for warm. He said "The snow is cold but it's not as cold as the wind, it'll block it out and keep us warm". Sitting there waiting for my Dad I got the sense that my brother loved me a lot and he was looking out for me.

I'll never forget everything he's done for me. I couldn't ask for a better big brother.

Love you Franky!

Cheers everyone,
Have a wicked day, go give your brother a hug, they care about you and you have to make the most of your time together and always let them know that you love and cherish them.

Wow. Finally.
A website design I am at peace with.
This was a while in the making. We're gettin' there!
It's a beautiful Sunny Saturday in Saskatoon.

BOOOOM ALITERATION.

What's everyone doing today?

CANOES.

Obviously I'm restless and excited, but that's because I've been working a while on this JUICY JUICY website layout. Super proffesional the way I blog.

It's time to go seize the day and all that.

Got a LOT of things in the works. And for those of you that signed up for that tshirt contest, don't worry I haven't forgotten about you. The ScreenPrinting Workshop I'm putting on at Centennial Collegiate on April 29th, is when I'm gonna print them. Then I'll hand em out and right before that announce the winners.

Have a wicked day everyone, just have a thoroughly enjoyable day. And give someone a hug.
Tree even.
Iunno.
Oh also thinking about starting to make videos, because then I could avoid this unnecessary ranting.
But to be honest it would probably be scarier on film, so consider yourselves lucky.. for now.

BL to the KT.
MMMMMMM.
Shout out to Broadway.

If anyone is looking for a cool place that isn't well known in Saskatoon, head downtown, right next to TD bank, further down the block towards the Bessborough, you'll find a store called The Cat Lady.

It's owned and operated by a very charismatic European woman, I think she's Romanian? Something like that, but she's hilarious and really nice and is very good at making and more importantly SELLING YOU the cologne / perfume.

Her customer service is impeccable. Rare thing in Saskatoon.
ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN A COUNTRY BAR / SOMETIMES IRISH PUB BY THE NAME OF O SOMETHING OR OTHER.

Boycott.

#frustrated patron

ANYWAYS.

Check out that store, as my girlfriend put it, it feels like you walk into a building and suddenly you're not in Saskatoon you're in another country. You walk back outside and you smell really good from the 600 scents she sprayed on you (not actually but she's very forward) which is a good thing! She's a great business owner it's definitely worth a visit IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING HER STUFF!

For anyone that buys expensive brand name cologne at shoppers or walmart or wherever, that's bull.
It's insanely marked up for no reason because it costs them next to nothing to make it, mind you they have impeccable package design and are really easy to just buy at 90 dollars for some weird reason, just know there's cheaper and better and local out there!

Plus being in that store is SO LEGIT! really cool place.

Okay, well there you have it. Time to do some work.

BLKT !!!!!!!!!! Exclamation party.

designed this website for my good friends in the Omega Xi fraternity.

www.omegaxi.org

Here's something I've been waiting for, for approximately a year and a half.

Here's what the artwork looks like hanging up, the last picture I posted were really poor quality.