Category — creative extended family

Who he is: Liam Fay-Fright

What he does: newly appointed Communications Manager at Hermann & Audrey

Hermann & Audrey: What’s inspired you lately?
Liam: I recently saw a site-specific theatre performance at Theatre Passe Muraille that was a potted history of Queen Street West, based on the oral history of locals over the past 30 years. I’m fresh off the boat from the UK, so it was great to find out about all the cool locations along Queen West.

H&A: If I say “great design” what is the first thing that pops into your head?
Simplicity. Something that delivers in a simple format a complex idea. Great design is like great writing: an ability to express in few words or images a complicated concept is a rare talent. Subtext is more interesting than blatant exposition – if you can peel back the layers of your work, and it still stands up to being peeled, it’s probably good, but that’s very different to complexity.

H&A: What would people find surprising about you?
I got my nipple pierced at 14 because my girlfriend asked me to do it.

H&A: What are your passions?
My newest passion is for all things Canadian. I recently had the best BBQ ribs that I’ve ever had, something you never get in England. I came from a place with rain and dull days to the land of sunshine and ice-skating. It’s an exciting contrast. I also love food and the intimacy of family gatherings, which seems to fit well with the Hermann& Audrey experience.

H&A: What’s the photography world like in the UK?
The big boys / girls of the business tend to dominate the commercial world, but the creative industries have really thrived under 13 years of the Labour government, so there’s opportunities for creatives at every level if you work hard. Toronto feels like it has a similar vibe, but the simple fact of Canada’s geography makes it feel like a microcosm. I might be wrong though, I’ve only been here a few months!

I came to Hermann and Audrey having been a Campaign Manager for some of the biggest brands in UK arts and culture. I worked for the 02 and ran the press office at the UK’s largest music charity, Youth Music. Photography has always been my passion though – I also managed the photography team at a leading consultancy, RANKIN and Proud Galleries were my biggest clients.

H&A: What do you see as upcoming trends in the art & photography business?
Self-promotion is key. Even artists who are really long in the tooth are realizing that generating revenues from their work is increasingly reliant on maintaining control of how and where your work is outlet and represented. It levels out the playing field a bit for upcoming talent, but it also means there’s a lot more players!

H&A: What is the best thing about your job?
Being able to help a bunch of creative and enthusiastic people achieve their aspirations.

H&A: What is your passion outside work?
Hanging out with family at the cottage (my parents retired out here) and singing songs around the campfire. I have a passion for pre-war delta blues – first recording kind of stuff with guys who had lived in shacks their whole lives and taught themselves to play guitar with a kitchen knife. Bukka White is my god. I play slide, badly.

image by Steve Carty Photographer ©

Written and photos by Jalani Morgan (www.jalanimorgan.com):

Who is he?
Jon Todd, Fine Artist

Jon Todd and I were introduced through our mutual friend, Steve Carty and I have admired his work from the get-go. His work is distinct and his choice of colour palette and inspirations spoke to me; in other words his work is very dope.

At the beginning of the month I spent the afternoon with Todd at his studio in the Junction to talk art, life and shoot portraits of him while he works on new pieces for upcoming shows in Montréal and Miami. Todd is collaborating with Carty for the Hermann & Audrey’s CONTACT exhibit this May. Some future collaborations between he and I are on deck for the coming months as well.

Todd’s studio had such an authentic and artistic feel. References littered the walls in an abstract collection and his previous work  already completed for an upcoming show stands guard over his new creations; the place had a great vibration, in my eyes a true fine artist’s studio. There was a freedom in there, when he didn’t have the best light – no problem; Todd took a construction light and drilled it into the roof!

It was great to talk with another creative from a different medium and we discussed his inspirations and what motivates his pieces. It’s really a thrill connecting and building an authentic rapport with committed and inspired artists and it’s even more special when it happens while I’m shooting!

you can view Jon Todd’s work @ www.jontodd.ca

Editors note:
JON TODD: Inspired by the underground street art culture, Jon Todd has developed a unique voice in the artworld. Perhaps this is due to the diversity in his inspiration: Jon Todd is influenced by the Asian Japanese Folklore, Mexican Luchador Wrestling as well as Russian prison tattoo artistry. His works attempt to take the viewer on a personal journey to his surreal world. Over the past 5 years his works of art have been shown in multiple galleries and exhibitions across North America including the cities of Toronto, Montreal, New York, LA, San Francisco and Miami. In 2009, he exhibited at the Toronto International Art Show (TIAF) and Aqua Miami Art Fair.

Who he is: Shingo Shimizu

What he does: Illustration, design and a little DJ-ing on the side

Hermann & Audrey: What’s inspiring you lately?

Record sleeves and photographs.

It’s amazing to see that a lot of musicians that still release 12” records with awesome sleeve artwork. Sadly I haven’t been able to swing by the record store in a while. I’ve been buying online lately. I do miss that feeling of flipping through a whole section of vinyl and then you stop at a crazy slick record cover artwork that excites you, which you set aside for your listening pile. Who cares who it is really. I just want to know what it sounds like, or buy it because of the artwork. I remember buying a record two years ago, The Late of the Pier’s ‘The Bears Are Coming’ 12”. It came with a pair of 3-D glasses! That was pretty exciting. Now that feeling is reduced to a ‘pack shot’ on screen. It’s a shame that all that great artwork can’t be fully appreciated. Even then, there’s nice stuff coming out lately. Perhaps it’s more about the music video nowadays.

Also, photography blogs are a great source for inspiration and reference material as well. Not sure if it saves time… it’s easy to get distracted from work on blogs. Except Hermann & Audrey of course.

H&A: What makes excellence in design?

Depends on what it is. Its got to have an exciting first impression, and one that stands the test of time.

H&A: What is the piece of work you are most proud of, why?

Not really sure. It’s usually something I just finished. Then I’d be like, ‘What was I thinking?’ Speaking of which, I just finished this custom type logo for my DJ posse, ‘Hot Sauce’ (http:morehotsauce.wordpress.com). After a week, I still like it, so that’s good. We’re hoping to get some shirts and tote bags out this year.

H&A: What do you see as upcoming trends in the art/illustration world?

I think we’ll see more juxtaposition of hand-rendered styles with vector possibly. I love the hand-rendered stuff out there, the beautiful ones I’m talking about, and not the sloppy looking stuff. I’m a little tired of that. Hopefully that’s on its way out the door.

Also, been loving hand-rendered type. There’s a lot of great things happening with that.

At the moment, a lot of stock illustration houses may be sprouting up here and there, which is great for clients on a budget, but the work gets a bit stale. It’s also very hard for Illustrators and definitely Photographers who will have to win clients more on their skills even more so rather than price point. Now with artists having to step up their game, it’s going to be an exciting year for creative. Right now, I’m experimenting with type and more graphic-type illustrations.

H&A: What is the philosophy behind your work?

It’s nice to be enthusiastic when creating an image. The enthusiasm comes from things new and old. What I mean by ‘new’, is by pushing myself, experimenting and being receptive to new ideas. Sometimes it can be difficult, especially when approaches become routine. And old things, by adding touches of nostalgia to bring the artwork back a bit, back to earth.

Also with the music reference again…there’s this great energy coming from all the amazing music that’s out there today. Especially those pushing the envelope crossing genres especially, and tapping into everything they like for inspiration. I respect that a lot, since I like to do a bit of everything myself. People are stepping up their game, and that’s inspiring.

You can check out  Shingo’s work and learn more about the artist at www.shingo.ca

portrait shot by Jalani Morgan

who she is: Aliya-Jasmine Sovani

what she does: hosts MTV News, kick-ass interviewer and maker of amazing things in philanthropy

Hermann & Audrey: What’s inspiring you lately?
AJ: Vampires.

Hermann & Audrey: If I say “great design” what’s the first thing you think of?
AJ: Furniture in a great room.

Hermann & Audrey: What is a trend in fashion/art/culture that you really connect to?
AJ: Right now it is the MadMen fixation; in Art: 50’s style advertising; Fashion: Jackie O. dresses, purses, sunglasses, and jewellry; Culture: Social world of wining, dining, and appreciating the arts that is re-emerging.
I think society going through this recession has made us appreciate movies, music, photography, the ballet, etc…all over again. The outburst of borderline offensive media that is attempting to redefine social norms has reconnected people to an appreciation for refinement. The MadMen show defines all of that…not to mention vodka martinis and manhattan’s!

Hermann & Audrey: What would people find surprising about you?
AJ: I swallow my gum, don’t believe in soul mates, draw cartoons, love heavy metal, think Stephen Harper is hot, get anxiety when car windows are locked, and swear my dog tries to pronounce English words.

Hermann & Audrey: What’s the best thing about your job?
AJ: The ability to be genuinely curious about people, I feel blessed every day for that…plus, all the free clothes are pretty good too.

Hermann & Audrey: What’s your passion outside of work?
AJ: curiosity drives me, and social change inspires me. Watching FOOD INC or Sharkwater…and trying to make a difference! Haha. Sounds ridiculous but its true. There is a whole new generation here that actually give a f**k and are an army for making sh*t happen.

Hermann & Audrey: Who are you without MTV?
AJ: The kid from the Never Ending Story. Bay City Rollers have a song called Hot Child in the City! “Running wild and looking pretty”. I’m a girl with a dream to change the world and some days I feel invincible.

Hermann & Audrey: Trend Watching, any tips?
AJ: Watch MTV News! Weekdays at 6:30pm & 11:30pm. We can make you cool…trust me, I used to eat lunch in my school washroom.

Below a shoot with Aliya-Jasmine and Johnny Hockin for Naked Eye magazine, shot by Steve Carty Photographer ©

excerpt image from Jalani Morgan’s safety glasses series, see the Opti-Collective post http://www.blog.hermannaudrey.com/2009/10/14/the-opti-collective/

portrait shot by jalani morgan

Kwame Delfish, contemporary artist

Hermann&Audrey: What’s inspiring you lately?

Kwame: Music has been inspiring me a lot lately. To be more specific, I just recently put one of my favourite albums back on rotation (Be by Common). With this album Common enters into a new chapter in his career as an artist. It shows how influential and successful you can be just by remaining honest and true to yourself and your craft.

I see myself entering a new chapter in my career, which I hope will bring me success and allow me to be a positive role model at the same time.

H&A: What makes excellence in design?

Kwame: I believe an excellent design is a creating that you as the artist can connect to. For me, one of the worst things that can happen as an artist is being questioned about one of my pieces and not being able to explain it. However, by allowing your emotions, vibe, and instinct to lead your creative process, everything else will fall into place.

H&A: What do you see as upcoming trends in the “art” world?

Kwame: The merging of artists from different art genres and the redefining of the them “fine arts”. I see fine art every day without having to step into an art gallery!

H&A: What’s the philosophy behind your art?

Kwame: Nothing more than just keeping it real! I do what makes me feel good and allows me to sleep at night.

H&A: What does your work mean to you?

Kwame: Freedom. I feel like I have finally found my niche and I am thankful that I discovered it early in life. Many people spend a lifetime never knowing what they truly want to do or doing something they hate. i am just grateful that I am able to do what I love and make a living doing it.

—–

Look for collaborations between Kwame Delfish and Jalani Morgan to come in Spring 2010.

Learn more about what Kwame’s up to and check out his latest work at his website, www.kwamedelfish.com (web design:Hermann & Audrey.)