Philip Stephen's blog

Holiday Sale at Arts Off Main Gallery Dec 6-7

Philip Stephen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:49:45 +0000

Arts Off Main Gallery once again is having its annual Holiday Sale!

For 2 days only, everything in the gallery is 10% off.

Come on by 216 East 28th, just steps away from Main Street, to see a wide range of work from local artists. Painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, gift cards, and more! Find the perfect gift for a loved one or maybe something for yourself.

Hot apple cider and the friendly folks of our neighbourhood artist-run gallery await you!

Best of the Season,

Phil.

www.artsoffmain.ca

Eastside Culture Crawl Nov 21-23

Philip Stephen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:10:05 +0000

12th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl, November 21+22+23, 2008

The eastside culture crawl is an annual 3-day event that involves artists from Vancouver's Eastside in an area bounded by Main St., 1st Ave., Commercial Drive, and the Waterfront.

This is a once a year opportunity to meet many diversely talented artists and view their creations in the studios where they work. Be part of this exciting event, which brings people from all over the Lower Mainland, and share in the imaginations that enrich our neighbourhood and lives.

You will find me in my studio #430 at 1000 Parker Street, which is a
warehouse with 84 different artists showing during the crawl. That
makes it a great place to go if you want stay out of the rain, see a
lot of art, and not have to walk too much.

FRIDAY November 21st 5:00pm - 10:00pm
SATURDAY November 22nd 11:00am - 6:00pm
SUNDAY November 23rd 11:00am - 6:00pm

It's Western Canada's largest studio exhibition and sale, and it's absolutely free-- don't miss it!

www.eastsideculturecrawl.com

ROBOTS vs. FAERIES

Philip Stephen — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:22:17 +0000

This show is not really about Robots fighting Faeries.

No!

It is about Science Fiction and Fantasy competing for your hearts and imagination.

Close to Halloween we will have an art opening / costume party where you can
show your allegiance by dressing as a Scientific Marvel or Creature of Magic!

Come in costume and you will be entered into a draw for an art print by Phil!

Watch out for the wee people!
The Force be with you!
Abracadabra!
Engage!

The Drift Art Crawl on Main Street

Philip Stephen — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:28:42 +0000

The Drift is an annual weekend local arts & culture festival taking
place along Vancouver's trendy Main Street in artists' open studios and
participating local shops, cafes and restaurants.

Come on by Arts Off Main Gallery at 216 East 28th to see art by Lee Sanger,
Julie McIntyre, Joan Taylor, June Hunter and many other local artists
and artisans.

We will be renting the gallery next door and have art in the boulevard to
offer Drifters even more exciting sights to see during The Drift weekend

Drift along Main Street and see an eclectic variety of fine art and original
handcrafts from established and emerging local artists including
ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, woodcarvings, collage,
mixed media, glass works, jewelry, film, clothing design, textiles
& multi-media compositions.

www.thedrift.ca

Art Market at Napier Square: August 3rd.

Philip Stephen — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:03:47 +0000

Please join me at Napier Square

on Sunday August the 3rd

for the "Artful Sundays" Market

from Noon til 5pm.

I will be there with original paintings, art prints, cards, t-shirts,

photography, a smile, and hopefully oodles of sunshine.

be well,
Phil

New Show at Libby's Kitchen for the month of July

Philip Stephen — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:39:19 +0000

Please come by to see my new show of paintings celebrating whimsy and wonder at Libby's Kitchen, 3429 Porter Street.

I will have a raffle for a number of art pieces as well as some platters and wine for those of you who are able to come and join me on Opening Night, Thursday, July 3rd, from 5 - 8pm.

The kitchen will be open if you would like to order some dinner and hang out and chat while you are there.

Be well,

Phil.

"When We Were Young" Art Show at the Station House Gallery

Philip Stephen — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:33:30 +0000

"When We Were Young" is a show that celebrates a sense of play and
wonder that I remember from my childhood. Maybe you remember that
feeling too.

I am quite excited to be showing my work at the Station House Gallery in my home town of Williams Lake.I can still remember taking art lessons in the upper gallery when I was in Elementary School. And later, when I was in high school, I joined the Cariboo Art Society and took part in their group shows at the Station House.

Besides showing my art at Youth Art Shows at the Noopa Boys and Girls Club, the Art Society was my first experience of being part of an artistic community.

Since then, I have continued to create and show my work in Victoria, where I went to University, and in Vancouver, where I now live.

When are we young? When we remember that it is a joyful thing to be alive.

be well,

Phil.

Artists With Heart at Arts Off Main Gallery

Philip Stephen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:34:01 +0000

Arts Off Main Gallery is having its annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank from February 8th to 14th. Our artists will donate 10% of their sales to the Vancouver Food Bank.

We will also have a drop-box for non-perishable food items and will accept cash donations to the Food Bank as well.

This year we have added a draw for "Art by the Basketful" and for a minimum donation of $2 you can put your name into a draw for a chance to win a basket full of art contributed by our artists.

You can find the gallery at 216 E 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC.

FOOD BANK FACTS:

1. Over 40% of the people who benefit from the Food Bank are children.

2. Many are families of working poor - folks who work hard but don’t earn enough to feed their families.

3. Every dollar you donate give the Greater Vancouver Food Bank 3 dollars worth of buying power with wholesale distributors.

I hope you drop by Arts Off Main Gallery and have a Happy Valentines Day!

much love,

Phil.

East Van Podcast Episode 2

Philip Stephen — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:39:28 +0000

The East Van Podcast is back!

In this episode, Jonny Vancouver checks out the Eastside Culture Crawl, a yearly exhibition of open studios in East Vancouver, and interviews two artists: Philip Stephen and Grant Mercs.

Click below to watch the episode

and hear my views on art and East Van.

Arts Off Main Holiday Sale

Philip Stephen — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:53:18 +0000

It’s that time of the year again!

Arts Off Main Gallery is having a 10% off Sale on Saturday December 2nd and Sunday December 3rd.

Our partners have been working hard and have all kinds of new work for you to feast your eyes on. If you are looking for gifts, this is the place to find them!

So come and join us this weekend for hot apple cider and goodies.

Find the gallery at 216 E. 28th Avenue.

www.artsoffmain.ca

Prints Available on Wall Plaques

Philip Stephen — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:39:02 +0000

I have found an excellent print company, and am now able to offer my images on wooden wall plaques of various sizes and depths.

Currently there are 12 designs in 3 size ranges, which you can find in my Merchandise Gallery. The sizes are approximately 4x6 for $20 each, 5x7.5 for $30, and 8x10 on a deeper plaque for $50.

I am able to have images printed in a little over a week's time. If you are interested in any of the images I have in those or other size ranges, do not hesitate to contact me.

Take care,
Phil.

World Wide Free Hug Day

Philip Stephen — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:21:14 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world took part in a Global Free Hugs Day yesterday. Many Vancouverites took to the streets with signs reading “Free Hugs” to spread the message of human affection and connection. This is all in response to a global call that originated on facebook.com from a high school student in Connecticut. They were inspired by the Youtube video of Juan Mann, an Australian who first brought Free Hugs to the streets.

Worldwide Free Hugs Day is in response to the anniversary of September
11th, which is a date remembered for terror, tragedy, and human
suffering. A global Free Hugs campaign brings the focus back to
community, connection and caring – which are forces more likely to
counteract terror than any solution that relies on force.

I started the day out alone at English Bay, and was joined by a dozen people of at various times to give out Free Hugs to anyone who would take them. (Some came back more than once!)

If you would like to be involved in the future, just look for groups on tribe.net, myspace.com, and facebook.com to organize a time and a place to meet with others to give Free Hugs. This very simple action can leave people feeling empowered, cared for, and hopeful. (And, by the end of the day, you feel awesome and blessed for having shared so much care with so many people.)

For further inspiration, look to the fellow who started up the Free Hugs movement: Juan Mann.

JUAN MANN'S OFFICIAL FREE HUGS HOME: www.freehugscampaign.org

JUAN MANN: "The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by someone for the sole reason of making others feel better. The purpose is not to get names, phone numbers, or dates." – www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_hugs

(I was also in an article in the 24 Hours daily paper on Free Hugs Day)

Studio Space and the Culture Crawl

Philip Stephen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:56:57 +0000

I have just joined an art studio at 1000 Parker Street and will be part of the Eastside Culture Crawl for the first time this summer. My studio mates include Phoebe Greyson, David Tycho, Monica Sanft, and Isaac John Lewis.

The culture crawl is an amazing experience that I have enjoyed every year since I moved to Vancouver. I am super-stoked to be part of it this year. Please come visit the studio at suite 430, 1000 Parker Street, for this year's culture crawl, from November 16 to 18th. and check out our work.

The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual 3-day event that involves artists who live in Vancouver's Eastside. Painters, jewellers, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, weavers, potters, writers, printmakers, photographers, glassblowers; from emerging artists to those of international fame... these are just a sampling of the exciting talents featured during this unique chance to meet local artists in their studios.

Purchase something that strikes your fancy, commission something to be uniquely yours, or just browse through the studios and meet the artists, learning about their specific works of art, materials and tools, approaches and techniques. This is a once a year opportunity to meet many diversely talented artists and view their creations in the studios where they work. Be part of this
exciting event, which brings people from all over the Lower Mainland,
and share in the imaginations that enrich our neighbourhood and lives.

(text and image taken from the Eastside Culture Crawl website: www.eastsideculturecrawl.com )

Ambleside Mural

Philip Stephen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:19:23 +0000

After two days of painting and one day of painting to go, the mural I am working on at Ambleside Youth Centre is looking pretty jazzy snazzy.

With the help of a handful of youth and a few staff, the work has been enjoyable and the blazing sun bearable.

This is the design I put together:

This shot taken at the end of our first day shows how i used taping to help block off sections of colour. I did this partly to create nice clean lines, and partly to make it easier for youth to help paint.

(There I am, posing with a mini-roller and the yellow heart-star shirt I made, before I got it all covered in paint. I should have worn a different shirt.)

This is what the mural looked like after our second day of work.

And here it is after our third and final day:

I could really get into doing more murals. Lotsa fun.

Phil.

Adventures in Portraiture.

Philip Stephen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:52:20 +0000

My adventures in portraiture have continued.

I was blessed to have my friend Jen pose for some incredibly magical maternity photos. She has an amazing tickle trunk of costumes from her rich and vibrant life, and with each costume change, different personas emerged.

Tribal, Divine, Serene, Feral, Spiritual, Sensual, Mystical.

My friend Kris was there to help with lights and fans, as well as coax glorious smiles and laughter from Jen with her witty banter.

I will continue to do a number of photoshoots to develop my portfolio and skills. In time, these images will find a home on another website, dedicated to my photography.

At that time I will begin to look for clients to offer my photographic services to.

Until then, please enjoy the delightful images of the folks who are supporting me on my journey in art and have blessed me with their time and spirit.

Thanks again, Jen and Kris.

Phil.

Art and Cards at Little Earth

Philip Stephen — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:37:51 +0000

My art and cards are now available at Little Earth: a lovely children's boutique at 2643 East Hastings. www.littleearthvancouver.com

They have created a warm atmosphere where parents and parents-to-be can shop in peace while little ones enjoy the cozy play area.

In consideration of Mother Earth, they cary organic clothes, support local designers and limit their products from overseas.

If you or a loved one have little ones or are expecting a birth, it is worth a visit to Little Earth to see their funky and eco-concious offerings.

Phil.

Ogre For A Day

Philip Stephen — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 20:45:58 +0000

I am continuing to work on my images for the children's story I wrote, Ogre for a Day.

It seems like I will go ahead with my idea to juxtaposition the boy's idea that he has in fact been turned into an ogre with the more traditional social sense of reality by having the boy's ogre self done in an animated style overlaying photographs of his home and school.

Here is a sample of what it may look like.

This may take longer than I anticipate, as I need to find a number of people to fill the supporting cast and some appropriate settings to shoot in.

Please send in any ideas of available locations or people who may fill the roles of parents, students, teacher, and principal to phil@philipstephen.com

You will be able to find the book in my online store once both are up and running.

Phil.

Fantasy Photo Shoots

Philip Stephen — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 07:38:26 +0000

Due to the encouragement of a number of friends, I am expanding my photographic repetoire to include fantasy portraiture.

My first steps are to develop a solid portfolio that shows the range of my ability to create gorgeous images.

Yesterday I did my first photoshoot with Amber and Laura of the tribal dance troupe, Vital Divine. It was an amazing and highly enjoyable process.

You can see the results in my Photography section of my Gallery.

If you are interested in booking a session, please be patient. I will not be looking seriously for clients until I have finished creating my portfolio.

At that time I will likely create a separate website to better highlight my photographic work without competing for attention with my more whimsical storybook-style art.

Main Day Street Fair

Philip Stephen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:59:04 +0000

Come down to the Main Day Street Fair

For free and awesome entertainment

on Saturday June 16th, from 10am - 6pm

I will likely be at Arts Off Main Gallery (216 E 28th)
to paint and chat with folks who drop by.

Phil

I am Painting at the Mount Pleasant Festival, this Saturday.

Philip Stephen — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:42:02 +0000

I will be painting at Main and Broadway on Saturday, June 2nd, from around noon til 5pm as part of Celebrate Mount Pleasant Festival.

Please come down to say hi and see music, performances, booths and more.

It should be free fun for all ages.

Please Support "The Underwear Affair"

Philip Stephen — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:03:59 +0000

I’ve joined BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair - and will run 10K to uncover cures for cancers below the waist.

It’s not only fun, but it fights prostate, colon, and ovarian cancer, among others. I’ll be just one of thousands of people gathered on the streets of Vancouver this summer in the biggest Affair this town has ever seen!

What can you do about it? You can donate to me! Don’t be shy - it’s about giving these devastating cancers some exposure and shedding some light on their cures. So please help me in my effort to raise money for care and research for cancers "down there!"

I have joined the "Flamenco Junkies" Team to support Jennifer Fitzpatrick whose mom is currently battling cancer, and in memory of my own mom.

I have not ran any distance in a long time, so your support is appreciated.

(I ended up raising $410 and had a grand time walking about with many other folk in their underwear.)

Phil.

"Into the Woods" To Support SPES

Philip Stephen — Sat, 26 May 2007 03:06:02 +0000

If you go "Into the Woods" today...
Extraordinary Concert to Support SPES

On May 28^th and 29^th, two branches of Vancouver's entertainment community, together with Christ Church Cathedral's Green Group and the Cathedral Guild for the Arts, will go "Into the Woods" as part of a special presentation to raise money for the continuing conservation and support of the restoration of Stanley Park.

Actor/director, Peter Huck and actor Christopher Shyer, one of the lead performers of CTV's hit show, Whistler are joining forces with other outstanding musical theatre talents, in a unique collaboration to present in concert, Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods as a benefit for the Stanley Park Ecology Society. When Shyer and Huck, who was the director and driving spirit behind the very successful September in the Cathedral with Sondheim, met on the set of Whistler, they discovered that they shared a passion for Sondheim's music, as well as a desire to "do something" to help the cause of restoring Vancouver's centerpiece, Stanley Park. From that encounter came this project.

The winner of three Tony awards, and five Drama Desk Nominations, Into the Woods features a clever blend of modern themes with characters from classic fairy tales, including Jack and the Beanstock, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel. The first act follows the characters' quest for "happily ever after," but in the second act "reality sets in where people leave you, people pass away and sometimes we're left to our own devices to make a go of it," explains Shyer.

Huck notes that the play's theme of considering choices and consequences is particularly relevant to the benefit for Stanley Park because of current global environmental concerns. "We need to make choices now that are going to drastically improve the lives of our children and affect our future in a positive way," he says.

The upcoming Into the Woods presentation will also feature David Adams, Melissa Dye, Sarah Gay, Sandra Head, Sarah Hattingh, Annabel Kershaw, Caitriona Murphy, Ingrid Nilson, Scott Perrie, Stellina Rusich, Cailin Stadnyk, Sanders Whiting and Colleen Winton, with music direction by Scott Knight of Vancouver's A Little Knight Music. Into the Woods will be performed at Christ Church Cathedral on May 28th and 29th at 8 pm.

Tickets are $20, and will be available at the door. For advance tickets or further information call: 604-682-3848 ext 30

(Some of my artwork will be featured in a slideshow on the night of the performances.)

Phil.

Street Artworks Fundraiser Party on May 16th

Philip Stephen — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:26:39 +0000

Street Art Works Fundraiser

Street Art Works Mentorship Society assists youth on the margins in developing vocational skills through creative, artistic endeavors. Please support Street Art Works in continuing its commitment to providing youth with creative and positive alternatives.

www.streetartworks.com

Date: May 16th, 2007
Time: 7:30 PM - midnight or more.
Location: The Lamplighter, 210 Abbott Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $20.00 (available at The Lamplighter)

Details:

Silent Auction (items available for preview at www.streetartworks.com)
Door Prizes and a 50/50 Raffle

Appetizers by Boot n’ Sombrero (served 7:30pm to 8:30pm)

Live Entertainment:
Luke Blu Guthrie - http://www.myspace.com/lukeguthrie
Rider Jones - http://www.myspace.com/riderjones
Cosmedic - http://www.myspace.com/cosmedic
Buckle Up Russia - http://www.myspace.com/buckleuprussia

A piece I made will be auctioned off, so this may be your chance to get an orginal Phlip Stephen painting while supporting a good cause.

“Connection”
30 x 36 Acrylic

These elemental figures embody the primal joy of connecting through movement and energy. They are part of a family of paintings that celebrate the beauty and divinity in all people.

“Connection” was commissioned by Corina Carrol. Corina lovingly donated the piece to raise funds for the Street Artworks Mentorship Society.

I am glad that my piece can continue to be part of the connective power of art in action.

Phil.

My Life is Blessed

Philip Stephen — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:01:31 +0000

I am enjoying moments of random connection with good folks these days.

I was on my way home from Windsor House where I had been running an art workshop and needed a bite to eat before going to the library. I stopped at a pizza joint and plunked down two small paintings of mine on a table before going to order.

Much to my disappointment, they did not take debit, and I had no cash. As I left, I noticed two young ladies checking out my art.

My mind was on food, so I went into the pizza shop next door but they did not take debit either.

When I stepped out into the street, one of the young ladies were there and she asked if she could buy me a slice of pizza.

It was a strange place for me to be in. I have enough money to feed myself. She clearly wanted to be kind and helpful, so I graciously accepted.

It turns out they were interested in my artwork. We chatted for a bit about art and life. They were just graduating and were figuring out where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do.

I found a zine of mine to give them as a trade for the pizza.

All and all, it was an enjoyable random event that put a smile on my face and reinforced my perspective that the world is a grand place and people can be a pretty rocking part of it.

I was not clear on what work I would do over the summer, but now it is likely that I will have some shifts with Vancouver Coastal Health's program for youth with Concurrent Disorders on the North Shore, so that is pretty keen.

I have a few commissions to work on for paintings, logo work, and photo sessions. A publisher is interested in my children's story called "Ogre For a Day." I have begun to write an early chapter-book as well.

And last night a skateboarder rescued my bike from being stolen. That was a lucky break. He did not want any reward or anything for it.

I am in a loving partnership with an amazing woman, am doing the work I want to do, and live in a city that is absolutely gorgeous during the summer.

Life is grand.

Phil.

Creative City Conversations

Philip Stephen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:31:55 +0000

I attended a day long conference put on by the city of Vancouver to develop a 10 year plan for the development of arts and culture just the other day.

It was an extraordinary opportunity to give input, to network with other people who work in arts and culture, and to hear inspirational speakers from Canada, the US, and the UK.

I encourage all of you to visit the Creative City website through the link below to see what is happening, give your input, and find out how you can get involved.

Push for the Cure Art Auction Closed

Philip Stephen — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:51:09 +0000

So the board I donated to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research has been auctioned off. It went for a price of $300 to a fellow named Geoff.

I am glad that I could have been part of such an awesome event and am very thankful for Benjamin and all the folks at Push for the Cure for organizing it.

Phil.

Recycled Art Works Vancouver (RAW)

Philip Stephen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 19:24:39 +0000

RAW is a new non-profit in the lower mainland.

Our mission is to connect with industry and organizations to rescue materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. These materials are provided at low or no-cost to artists and community groups to create art with. We also provide workshops on how to reduce waste and re-use materials in creative and clever ways.

I am new to the mix and have just joined the board of directors, but they have been throwing arts n' craft parties for at Rhizome and running a few workshops with youth in Surrey.

Our papers are being processed and we should have official non-profit status in a little over a month. This is pretty exciting stuff.

It is grand to be part of a project that reflects my values for sustaining the planet and connecting community groups. If you have an idea of how you would like to help out, please contact me or check out our webpage.

www.recycledartworks.org

My Work in a Children's Literature Magazine

Philip Stephen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:05:24 +0000

My art was in the first issue and will be in the second issue of a new Children's Literature magazine made in the Lower Mainland: Crow Toes Quarterly.

The second issue is available now and includes my art on the cover!

Please visit their website to order your copies today!

Push for the Cure Art Auction

Philip Stephen — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 23:33:57 +0000

Last summer four guys skateboarded 8000km across Canada to raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Vancouver artists are creating an inspiring art exhibition of 20 hand-painted boards to commemorate the Push For The Cure skaters and continue their honourable fight.

A skateboard I painted and donated to the "Push for the Cure" campaign will be auctioned off at the Push For the Cure Website. Visit their site to see my board and boards by other local artists.

Bidding ends on April 12th.

Vancouver Video

Philip Stephen — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 08:48:23 +0000

This video was shot and edited by myself,
mostly from the passenger seat of Brad's van as we drove
through the beautiful city of Vancouver, BC, Canada.

,
Check out Brad's band on myspace:
www.myspace.com/muskellunge

with apologies and appreciation for the shadowy men.

Philip Stephen's blog

Holiday Sale at Arts Off Main Gallery Dec 6-7

Eastside Culture Crawl Nov 21-23

ROBOTS vs. FAERIES

The Drift Art Crawl on Main Street

Art Market at Napier Square: August 3rd.

New Show at Libby's Kitchen for the month of July

"When We Were Young" Art Show at the Station House Gallery

Artists With Heart at Arts Off Main Gallery

East Van Podcast Episode 2

Arts Off Main Holiday Sale

Prints Available on Wall Plaques

World Wide Free Hug Day

Studio Space and the Culture Crawl

Ambleside Mural

Adventures in Portraiture.

Art and Cards at Little Earth

Ogre For A Day

Fantasy Photo Shoots

Main Day Street Fair

I am Painting at the Mount Pleasant Festival, this Saturday.

Please Support "The Underwear Affair"

"Into the Woods" To Support SPES

If you go "Into the Woods" today... Extraordinary Concert to Support SPES

Street Artworks Fundraiser Party on May 16th

My Life is Blessed

Creative City Conversations

Push for the Cure Art Auction Closed

Recycled Art Works Vancouver (RAW)

My Work in a Children's Literature Magazine

Push for the Cure Art Auction

Vancouver Video

If you go "Into the Woods" today...
Extraordinary Concert to Support SPES