Illuminite

Starting today (Feb. 25, 2012) and lasting until tomorrow is Illuminite, a light sculpture competition going on in the soon to be "alley of light" in downtown Edmonton.

The organizers describe it as:

"Thirteen teams of local artists will showcase their sculptures and structures, which are interpretations of the concept of light. As darkness sets over the alley, the whole landscape will be lit up with the light emanating from the sculptures, creating a unique visual experience for the audience. A panel of judges will select first, second and third prize winners from among the entrants".

This years winter in Edmonton has been remarkably mild with limited amounts of snow. Generally, this has made the city even darker than usual and to be honest, ugly and dirty looking. Thankfully we have gotten a significant fresh amount of snow just today to truly help 'enlighten' the city.  In a nice bit of serendipity - with the snow today it is the perfect time for Illuminite.

I headed down early to see the displays in full light for context. It was great watching the artists set up and I was amused by the loading truck backing up to the Sobeys between the installations and the 'urban infrastructure'. I snapped some pics and headed to the newly opened Remedy on Jasper Ave to kill time till dusk and have a cup of the best chai in the city. Also, their pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are outstanding.

As the sun was setting I headed back down to the alley to catch the early glow of the light and snap a few more pictures. Below are some of my favorite pics - I tried to pair up some of the shots in the full light versus dusk.

The installation on the right is basically lamp shades with small LED's. 

The hanging light presented here is my favorite of all the designs. It's a cross between a glowing incubation pod and an IKEA lantern chandelier. I would love to see these in parks through the downtown. I'm also a sucker for the counter weight and pulley. Great job!

Below is my second faborite. Basically, it's just a bunch of mirrors. It really isn't all that inspired, and it comes in second only because it reminds me of "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee. If I could change anything about it - I would have had some high powered low level lighting hitting the mirrors and really illuminating the snow. Without the flash on my camera it was kinda bland.

Another cool installation was the lamp-post with moving lanterns. Unfortunately it didn't show or photograph well due to its placement against the wall with a tow instead of a walkway in the snow.

A great idea (mostly because it was what I was hoping to see) were some paper mache lanterns. I kind of like the idea that these are all beheaded and piked pinnochios or wooden soldiers from Fables.

More installation pics.

A great little extra was the popup shop across the street offering local artisans and the chance to vote for your favorite installation. 

The clothes inside didn't have any sports logos or Batman on them so they weren't really my thing but they looked pretty styling.

Overall, I think the event was a success solely on the basis that there were actually people out and about walking around in the downtown. Well done. 

If you are reading this while you still have the chance to see it - just go - Don't worry about the weather or the snow you big baby - no excuses. 

My Favorite Spot in Edmonton
I have lived in Edmonton now for the last 4 years and another 2 years before for a grand total of 6 years.  If you happen to follow this blog you know that I like to try out new places and do different things in the city.

After living here for some time I can say that there are a lot of cool places in the city, West Edmonton Mall,  The Strathcona Hotel, Whyte Avenue, the river valley, and the list goes on. However, there is only one place in the city that I absolutely like, neigh love, above all others.

It is under the kitchen vent in the alley behind Rigoletto's.

I am completely serious.
The weather in Edmonton is fucking horrible. It can snow at anytime between October 1st to May 1st.  Anyone that tries to tell you that the weather here is similar to Chicago or Toronto are either telling you a lie or are delusional. That being said, I'm not scared of the cold, I accept it and find comfort in the small pleasures that take away from the cold. If that small pleasure that gives warmth also smells like fresh bread - well you hold on to that like an effervescent aromatic lover. When I'm walking from work back to my condo in the middle of the winter I am counting the steps until I am under that vent. It is my oasis.

I am not alone in my worshipping of the vent. The sweet spot has recently been discovered by Edmonton's less fortunate. When you live in downtown Edmonton you get used to some aggressive pan handling.  Our panhandlers tend to be a lot more aggressive that in most other places I have lived or visited. Frankly, they make walking in the downtown an unenjoyable experience. When they found the vent in January of this year I am slightly ashamed to say that I was pissed off. However something happens when I pass the gentlemen under the vent - their is no guilt trip for money, no swearing in my direction, instead just a upward look and greeting of hello as I pass by. Apparently, the vent is their oasis too.

Even now when it is not -30 outside I still go out of my way to pass under the vent and breath in the sweet smells and feel the warmth on my face. If you are ever walking by in the area (Rigolettos is at 10305 100 Avenue) I suggest you stand under the vent and you will understand why it is my favorite place in Edmonton.

First Snow of the Season

I woke up October 25th and found about 2.5 inches of snow outside waiting for me and my walk to work. I chose not to shave my weekend beard and ventured forth into the arctic wastes of Edmonton.

It wasn't so bad really - all the high traffic areas and asphalt lost their snow and ice quickly.

I'm actually a little excited for winter to come. I plan on making use of the many outdoor rinks this year. I'm guessing that after this little burst we don't have any real snow till mid December.