Art & Photography Blog by Lyra Pappin

Art stolen from British Columbia’s UBC Museum of Anthropology has been recovered, but the culprits may still be at large. Although three people were arrested, they were also released.

In total, 12 Bill Reid pieces were stolen during the overnight break-in, as well as three Mexican pieces of art. Most pieces were made of gold. Police say the Mexican art pieces were disassembled sometime during or after... Read more

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Facebook hasn’t just inspired millions of pre-teens and procrastinators, it’s even managed to stir up artistic drive!

A New York based artist Paul Campbell looks at why and how profile pictures are chosen and displays his work in Yorkville, Toronto.

"They're essentially self-portraits that I project, and the projection itself distorts them, but it turns them into this painted object... Read more

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Fed up with high gas prices and looking to send a message, local artist Jennifer Marsh decided to make a statement that encouraged other artists to follow suit.

She has wrapped an empty gas station at the corner of Nottingham Rd. and East Colvin St. in Syracuse, New York. Interestingly, she has received fabric pieces from all over the world for the wrapping. Many people were using recycled materials.... Read more

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Bono joins some of today’s most high profile contemporary artists including Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst to help raise money for AIDS relief in Africa at what Sotheby’s is calling its biggest contemporary art charity auction ever.

"The (Red) Auction" is estimated to take in up to $29 million. I think Bono’s sunglasses collection alone would be worth the millions they expect to raise.... Read more

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With the longstanding tradition of Texan fine arts, it’s no surprise that the Board of Directors for the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its project and raising the fundraising goal from $275 million to $338.

It’s unclear if they plan to drill for oil or sell novelty cowboy hats to raise the cash. :)

Read full story: Arts center project expanding goal to $338 million
Photo... Read more

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Apparent Politics + Arts aficionado John Holden, ex-member of the UK Parliament, imparted some little known knowledge on OCAD students today; namely that politicians and artists don’t mix .

His lecture advises those who wish to support the arts should appeal directly to the public. Does this mean I have to get a “No Solicitors… Unless You Are Appealing Directly To Me For A Cultural Arts... Read more

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An international exhibition of new media by artists with disabilities will be on display in Washington’s World Financial Center Courtyard from Feb. 5 – March 16. It promises to change your perception about disabilities and reveals more about the role of new media in the art world. Unfortunately, the 9-hour performance video of me trying to draw a straight line didn’t make the cut. :)

Read... Read more

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For an artist, handing over their artwork to a total stranger can be a traumatic experience.

Imagine the following scene:

"Hey! This person wants to buy your painting, isn’t that great?"

"It’s not really just a painting. It’s pencil with watercolour."

"Okay, but still. My friend really hates her husband’s sports collection, so she said she wants to... Read more

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As an artist, after spending hours, days, weeks, maybe even months, on a piece of art, it can be incredibly difficult deciding how to price your work. Aside from the emotional investment in a piece, there are the practicalities of equipment and material that factor into the complex equation.

The best way to determine the value of your art is to set ego and emotions aside and focus on the creating a practical... Read more

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Can you put a price on art? Some of the wealthiest people in the world can. Art lovers pay staggering amounts to build their collections. Although you may not be in the market for a hundred million dollar painting, simply viewing these pieces can be an inspirational experience.

It is hard to determine a set value for art, as for many pieces, the price is determined by what the buyer is willing to pay.... Read more

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• Art & Photography