Interview with Ottawa artist Mat Dubé

Interview by Christopher Massardo


Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and that's something we really appreciate here at 'PRESS'.

Mat Dubé is a local artist with a very unique perspective, he channels that perspective into his work and what appears at the end is something almost surreal. We sat down with Dubé to ask him some questions about his work and his upcoming show. (photos and time-lapse video after the interview)

Is there a message behind what you do/your work?:

I would like to think that there is!  Depending on the body of work, I’ve explored a variety of subject matters including the subconscious, the human condition, the environment, technology and consumerism.  As cliché as it may sound, I think that my work is basically a reflection of the world around me.  I always feel a bit uncomfortable though trying to explain to people what my artwork represents.  I prefer not to impose my interpretation onto the viewer.  I love seeing what people come up with when they look at a particular piece.  Sometimes it’s completely different than what I had envisioned, but all together just as valid.   This reluctance to explain myself might also be because I believe that my work should be able to speak for itself; meaning that it should be able to stand on its own, and not depend on a lengthy explanation mounted on the wall next to it. 

What inspires you?:

The main thing that inspires me or that gets me working on something, is simply the fact that I’m completely nuts!  Ha!ha!  I’ve had this inexplicable and uncontrollable urge to create ever since I was a little kid.  Besides basic bodily functions, whatever art project I’m working on is what occupies my mind most of the day.  I make art that is visually appealing and that means something to me.  If other people like it, that’s a bonus.        

What can you tell us about the unique aesthetic of your drawings/sculptures?:

I’m absolutely fascinated by the intricacies of human anatomy and facial expressions.  I think my work will always be somewhat figurative but I really enjoy warping the proportions, exaggerating the features and placing the characters in abstract environments.  Maybe these elements come together to create something unique.   

Are you currently showing at any galleries or will be in the future?:

Yes, I have some work at The Ottawa Art Gallery/Art Rental and Sales and at the Fall Down Gallery on Bank and Somerset.  Both are great spaces with lots of talented artists.  Definitely worth a visit!  I also have a big solo show coming up on June 21^st 2012 at The Ottawa Art Gallery/Art Rental and Sales.  I’m putting all my energy into this for the next few months.  It’s going to be an awesome show! 

How would you like to see your work grow?:

Well I think, or at least I hope it’s always growing and evolving.  Lately I’ve really been wracking my brain trying to come up with something entirely different.  I wanted to develop a truly unique aesthetic.  After about a year of exploration and experimentation, I think I might be on to something interesting.  I just need to keep at it.  You’ll have to come to the show on June 21^st to see how it turns out..

You can join Mat Dubé’s Facebook artist page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mat-Dub%C3%A9-SculptorArtist/218851954795803?ref=tn_tnmn

  To check out more of Mat Dubé’s work http://www.matdube.com

Time-lapse video http://vimeo.com/36387642

(photos provided by Mat Dubé)

Post-show catch up with Rachel Sin at Ottawa Fashion Week F/W 2012

Interview by: Amber Watkins

When did you start designing professionally?:
The brand was born in 2009.

You have been a regular designer to show at Ottawa Fashion Week, why do you pick Ottawa?:The brand was born in Ottawa.  I’m always excited to come back and reconnect with talented people in the industry.

Where did your inspiration come from with this collection?
Reminiscent of the fashions from a Pedro Almodovar film creation, Rachel Sin FW 2012 is darkly romantic defining today’s modern style – an appealing contradiction of strength and vulnerability.

The Almodovar protagonist, a.k.a Penelope Cruz, inspired a mood board with rich materials including textured lace, faux-fur and shimmering sequins. A feminine neutral toned colour palette consisting of camel, charcoal gray and peach nude elevate the contemporary expression of the collection.  True to Rachel Sin’s structured design talents, FW2012 is a stunning compilation of work to evening dresses, fall suiting separates, fitted skirts, sequined dinner pants, and a form-fitting blazer accented on the breast with faux-fur.   Cut-outs, sheer lace, and a falling back-line are distinctive of Rachel Sin’s sophisticate yet sexy design approach and are incorporated into many of the collections pieces.

What do you look for (aside from a good walk) when casting a model for your show?:
I typically look for a model that is a specific measurement, not too tall or too skinny.  A model must have some shape to make clothes look good.  I also look for confidence and a natural beauty.

Do you look back and see a difference in your collections?:
Fashion is wonderful, because every season you get to reinvent yourself and say something different.  It’s taken a couple seasons for any designer to develop their own style aesthetic.  Focusing on clothing that is wearable, I’ve learned the importance of choosing the right fabric and finding the right fit.  After 6 seasons, I definitely see a more coherent collection and a collection that has more selling power , because there is something for everyone.

Can you give us any hints as to what you might have in store for us next?:
I unfortunately can't! We just finished this collection, so we still need to start planning the next one

Check out more at www.rachelsin.com

photo: Elliot Mak

The B Album by Tomek Jankowski

Photographer Tomek Jankowski shares with us his 'B Album', a collection of photos shot over time with Basia (IMG Models, New York / Gaga Models, Poland).

"What is B ALBUM? It's an imaginary journey through one year of life of emerging supermodel - Basia. The B letter, [be:] is her name initial and a word used to describe different states of mind pictured in this album.

The project was developed in total secrecy. Only three people knew about it: Basia, her mom, Kasia and me, the photographer. Our aim was to create an album of simple, straightforward photography. Hence, you won't find here any designer rags, stylized hair or make-up.
Just pure, raw beauty of Basia.

Every month of the year, we were meeting with Basia at exactly same place - a lakeshore, not far away from the place where Basia lives. We wanted to create a sensation of passing time and changing of seasons. Everything was done in very rare moments of Basia's spare time - between her school studies and professional model work. So, the timing had to be perfect. Additionally, we did a number of side-sessions, when the mood was right and we felt the need to save the moment.

The year passed... Now, we can enjoy the contents of this album. A unique photographic tale, based on emotions and awareness of surrounding environment."  - Tomek Jankowski

Take a look at the full series here
http://www.issuu.com/tomekjankowski/docs/b_album

SHOP-AHOLIC 2012

Do you have an addiction to shopping? how about sales? if you said yes, to either, or both this weekend's SHOP-AHOLIC might be worth a look for you!

"More than 50 Boutiques & Stores, 50 to 90% off on everything, Are you ready?!

For the first time ever,in the nation's capital, SHOP-AHOLIC is proud to present you a unique shopping experience where you will save 50 to 90% off on everything. Truckloads of the best brands and all the best stores from Ottawa and Gatineau. SHOP-AHOLIC is bringing every kind of store imaginable. Women, Men, Youth and Kids stores. Every color to every size to every format."

Tickets are 8$ and we expect a wonderful mixture of local/independent brands to more global brands.

See you there!