Posts Tagged ‘ottawa’

CC CHRONiCLES: CC featured in Ottawa’s Xtra! / Issue #255 May 9-June 5, 2013 / ‘Praire Rebirth’

Published by cctadmin on May 15th, 2013

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Last December I was contacted by an old pal of mine named Kaj Hasselriis, whom I’d met at the age of 17 when I first moved to Winnipeg.  Kaj is a fantastic person & our friendship is unique and greatly valued.  Not only is he a friend but a very talented and adventurous free-lance writer, who although is right now living in Paris, was at the time residing in Toronto.  At the time he was writing for the publication Xtra! & he wanted to know if I’d be interested in doing a possible feature.

Though I’d done some previous media before with regards to projects I’ve worked on, I was particularly interested in taking him up on his proposal because, for one, I love and value Kaj, but two, because I appreciated the opportunity to share a little bit about my story.  Kaj’s interest was primarily in asking me about my experiences in growing up queer in a small town, only to leave & return again almost 15 years later, in my case, for professional development.  Something about timing of this year and all that I have experienced personally, professionally and creatively made the opportunity seem not only fitting but somehow serendipitous.

It was a lot of fun, as well as enlightening for me to consider his questions about my background & for that I’m really pleased.  Also, while he made no promises that the article would even see the light of day, I felt a sense of accomplishment in having a platform to share but a piece of my life with a friend.

Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised to eventually learn that the feature made it into the Ottawa publications.  Thank you Kaj, for sharing the opportunity with me, as well to Darren Holmes for providing the photograph.

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CC CHRONiCLES: ‘Tiny Army’ Recording Session / Ottawa 2013

Published by cctadmin on May 15th, 2013

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In addition to experiencing the finer things of being home in Ottawa last week, I was also able to board that familiar bus out to Aylmer, Quebec, for a visit with none other than my friend & collaborator Darren Holmes.  Beginning in 2011 Darren and I embarked on our recording project ‘Tiny Army: The D. Holmes Sessions’ and while I’ve been anticipating the day when we can set this baby free from the get-go, I have undoubtedly been enjoying every step of its progress.

Moving to Flin Flon hasn’t slowed down that process either; in fact although much of the vocal tracks for ‘Tiny Army’ were laid prior to my leaving last July, we’ve spent a great t deal of time chipping away at the rest of production; via countless emails & several enjoyed phone calls.  I’m proud to say that it’s a real labor of love and for all of those to who have contributed to this ‘tiny army’ I am eternally grateful and inspired; roughly 2 years and 16 tracks later – it is undoubtedly something special, & I think I speak for us both.

Naturally when I made arrangements to come to Ottawa, Darren was high on my priority list of folks to see; not only had I missed our regular coffee talks but was itching to do some more work on the album & time was of essence.  I was real happy he was able to receive me & more so that we could get a couple of great mornings in to do what has felt long overdue.

It’s really difficult to put into words just what this opportunity means to me, but I will say in those brief hours of catching up and recording I was able to find great excitement & inspiration & I’m ever thankful D has welcomed me into his world, both in family and creative connection.

In addition to re-recording vox on the Aileen Martella penned ‘Open Up My Heart (You’ll See A Tiny Army)’, Holmes original ‘Meant For Me’ and my redo of ‘Illusions’ I was able to nail a newer original called ‘Hole In My Rowboat’, which I wrote in my time up North in Manitoba.  Subsequently we talked at length about artwork for the album & all that creative stuff which will help us as we prepare to package & eventually launch it.  Again, the release date is TBA but I can only say that the wait is going to be well worth it and my life has taught me a great deal about the value of patience.

Check out my little gallery below for some visuals of our time together at D’s home & studio. And stay tuned!

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CC CHRONiCLES: Pieces of Home / Winnipeg/Ottawa 2013

Published by cctadmin on May 15th, 2013

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 ”I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” - Maya Angelou

I’m fortunate to have several ‘home’ bases in my life; born & raised in Flin Flon, & spent time in both Winnipeg & Ottawa.  Most recently I was able to return, albeit briefly, to my Ottawa home.  Some of you may know that I returned to Manitoba at the tail end of summer, 15 years since graduating and leaving after high school.   The opportunity to work in mental health up North was too good to pass up.  Regardless of how challenging it was to leave behind my boyfriend, cats and cozy downtown apartment, there was something bigger for me to experience in taking at least the year to develop professionally as well as personally.

Needless to say it’s been a stellar year; across the board with work, family, music – and there are no shortage of stories about the meaning of this return ‘home’.  On the other hand, my heart still belongs in part to Ottawa because it also holds the closest thing to ‘home’ I’ve ever had – my love, Alain.  He has been a constant source of support and encouragement on this journey, allowing me this time to grow & develop.

It was an intentional choice not to return to Ottawa for much of the year; having a long distance relationship comes with challenges, so in effort to fully concentrate on the task at hand – my work and family in Flin Flon – focus had to be 100% on just that.   Flin Flon home deserved this attention; and there was always a trust that Ottawa would still be there for me, despite any initial doubts or reservations.

In the case of this recent Ottawa venture home, it was time for me to turn full attention to it and the people and places that mean much to me; mainly my home with Alain.  I wanted time to do the ‘little things’ that one can only do in the city: get a hair cut from my favourite stylist, stroll down bustling streets for a coffee date, watch the passers by on the canal etc.  On a rational level I knew it would effectively bring on emotions but to actually be on my Ottawa Street, in my Ottawa apartment, with all my possessions and the touch of my boyfriend and cats – was unexpected.  With reason I had turned off, compartmentalized things like the sights, textures and sounds of my Ottawa home as a way to stay focused on the Flin Flon chapter  as it is, therefore I was immediately hit with waves of nostalgia and love.

The sights and sounds of the city are a wonderful thing; and it sure is nice to have the luxury to access the tranquility and peacefulness of quiet Manitoba life, as well as the hustle, bustle of Ottawa, to be soaked in social space on a different plain.  Neither one is necessarily better; I subscribe to both and am grateful for these homes respectively.

Below is a small gallery of my Ottawa home during this trip (as well as a few choice images from my equally enjoyed stop over in Winnipeg, where I stayed with my beloved Maggie), including some of the places and faces I was able to reconnect with, all too briefly.  It was a joy to get to see Alain in the theatre production of ‘Getting Sara Married‘ (to which he did incredibly!), hug missed friends & family members, dine out at various restaurants & just tinker around my apartment with all its gadgets, gizmos & trinkets.

I have to apologize for being unable to see everyone; then again I wanted to keep this trip on the down low as to keep my priority focused on Alain; being alone in our apartment together – and for that I hope all my friends can understand.  Highlights for me, in addition to waking up and going to bed with Alain, were snuggling with my cats, tending to my plants, walking and biking down the canal, and the brief but great chats with friends and family members.  Here’s to ‘home’ wherever we may find it!

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CC CHRONiCLES: ‘THE LAST DAYS of CORRUPTiON’ / BONNiE FiNDLEY PHOTOSHOOT

Published by cctadmin on September 26th, 2012

Today I’ve got no prairie stories or adventures to recall yet I do have a reason to recollect a certain Ottawa adventure, pertaining to my friends & collaborators back in that particular home.

Leading up to my flight home to Manitoba, I was in a mad rush.  I had to work hard & fast on wrapping up several very fun projects, of my own as well as of my counterparts in TORRiD PRODUCTiONS.  For those of you unfamiliar, TORRiD PRODUCTiONS is an Ottawa-based multi-diciplinary artist collective I am still a part of, along with amazing artists like AiLEEN MARTELLA, OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY, BONNiE FINDLEY, & of course TORRiD’S co-founder DANNiEL OiCKLE.  Although I am adjusting very well to the small-town life after years in the Nations capital, I think of these friends often; it was in their company I found a lot of fun & welcomness.  I miss them.

Speaking of – as I was mentioning earlier, leading up to my departure from Ottawa I had to tie up some big projects that we at TORRiD had on the go; one of them being the filming of a music video for DANNiEL OiCKLE’S song ‘Caring & Hate’ (from THE CORRUPTiON OF FLESH, TORRiD PRODUCTiONS, 2011).  Filming took place in two locations: one at Ottawa’s MERCURY LOUNGE, a bar located in the Byward Market, the other in a downtown apartment where we shot additional footage.  BONNiE FiNDLEY & DAN ZiEMKiEWiCZ lent their cinematography/production skills & although I have yet to see the finished results I can promise you they will look nothing short of sharp & amazing.  Through out shooting, FiNDLEY, a photographer of the highest calibre, shot some additional images which she released publicly today.  Below I have shared a few with you -

It’s also worth noting that DANNiEL’S hard work has recently landed him on the cover of Xtra!, Ottawa’s Gay & Lesbian News Publication.  I received my own personal copy right from DANNiEL myself – & I’m not only thrilled he continues to be true to himself on this journey,  but blessed to meet him, & be a part of TORRiD PRODUCTiONS.  Way to go DANNiEL!  Here’s to  friends left behind but most certainly still in the heart.  Love you all -

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CC MUSiC LOG/JOURNAL : CC WRAPS UP RECODRiNG SESSiON W/ TORRiD PRODUCTiONS / “TO MY LOVE”

Published by cctadmin on July 20th, 2012

Not surprisingly, I keep busy creatively speaking – and who can really blame me given the army of incredibly diverse and interesting people out there one has to ‘play’ with.  Over the past couple of years I have been insanely blessed to have a friend in DANNiEL OiCKLE, founding artist/producer of TORRiD PRODUCTiONS, and photographer, visual artist, poet, musician and performance artist extraordinaire!

To be a part of TORRiD has been a huge enjoyment to say the least, and I have DANNiEL to thank for that.  As a result this inclusion has opened up a lot of doors for me to meet and work with many interesting folks on a variety of things.  Now that the time has come for me to pack up and ship out to Manitoba for a spell, it is also time for me to wrap things up with regards to the projects I’ve been working on with DANNiEL, and this is really bitter sweet.  I can never be guaranteed to meet someone as gracious, helpful and ambitious as DANNiEL again in my life; and I can’t help but be proud to associate with this rare bird, for which I appreciate his feathers!   DANNiEL represents to me a like-minded friend – with no shortage of differences, but a whole lot of similarities….  These weekly meetings at TORRiD PRODUCTiONS Headquarters have offered a home away from home  and as a little side note I have to thank his partner YVES for the meals and hospitality (and a few much appreciated lectures on life, love and liberty for good measure!) when I leave there I do so with a full stomach, a broader mind, and a dizzy head from the drinks!

Sentiments aside we had work to do:  DANNiEL is about to release a book of poetry called ‘My Heart Has Teeth’ for which I was able to serve as editor.   This book has been a long time coming, and is not a first for DANNiEL – who has published before and I’m certain will continue.  Although it was a joy to partake in the editing process with DANNiEL, I am saddened by the fact that I can not attend his book release party at La Petite Mort, on August 18th.  I do encourage anyone in the Ottawa area to check out the book launch, and for more information on ‘My Heart Has Teeth‘ and the launch please check http://www.lapetitemortgallery.com or scroll down to bottom of this entry.  Thank you DANNiEL for including me in this process – and I was glad to assist you in any way!  Best of luck with this book launch!

Also – recently we wrapped up a video shoot for CARiNG & HATE, off his album THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH (Torrid Pructions, 2012), which many of you might recall I have been involved with over the past couple of years as well.  Although we have all agreed to hang up our fur shorts and horns in effort to  explore other things – I have to reiterate again what fun it was to explore a more sensual side of myself; parading around in little clothing, consisting of horns and fuck-me boots… as a singer/songwriter I express in a particular way – certainly less physically than what was required of me on THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH – but it allowed me to perform, stretch my comfort zone and above all – enjoy the freedom of expression.  DANNiEL OiCKLE all but created this fantasy world, for better or for worse – and I for one was and remain proud of him and the resulting music, performances and visual art that have been the off-spring of his brain child.

So you can expect CARiNG & HATE to come out sometime in the fall or winter – and this project involved a lot of very talented people; including photographers DAN ZiEMKiEWiCZ, BONNiE FiNDLAY, the people at MERCURY LOUNGE and of course, myself, DANNiEL and fellow fawn OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY.  Looking forward to seeing the final product of such labors!

Finally – we used last night to get me in the studio to lay down some vocals on a tune for DANNiEL’S next album, which has no release date at this time, although not surprisingly he is constantly toiling away and working on developing it.  TO MY LOVE is a OiCKLE original, and a song that he wrote when he was just 17 years old.  We included it in his production of THE CORRUPTiON of FLESH, performing it hundreds of times between all the rehearsals for shows and the performances themselves and so it was important to record while I’m still here.  Take a look at the photos below – as he and I went to work on laying things down.  Again – thank you DANNiEL for bringing me in on this track – I’ll tuck all my TORRiD memories away and pull them out from time to time in appreciation of all the wonderful things that have come from this time.

All in all it has been a great chapter – my involvement with DANNiEL and TORRiD PRODUCTiONS; and although I will remain a part of this fantastic crock-pot of people – it is still difficult to let that go entirely… how often in life can you come across such opportunity to explore??

 

 

August 18

Book Release Party & Performance August 18th, 8-11 pm
La Petite Mort Gallery
306 Cumberland Street

This isn’t your grandmother’s poetry! Danniel D.D. Oickle, author of “Dancing in Silence” (#4 Canada, 2011- iTunes Book Charts) is back with his second book, “My Heart Has Teeth.” On Saturday August 18th, from 8-11pm, Danniel would love you to join him for a celebratory book release party and performance reading at La Petite Mort Gallery, [306 Cumberland St., Ottawa, ON, K1N7H9, (613)860-1555]. The evening will include an exhibit and one-time sale of the illustrations from the book and a performance reading by Danniel Oickle and special guests: Olexandra Pruchnicky, Jesse Reynolds, Eric Trottier, Dan Francoeur, and Sarah Oickle. And of course, nothing makes verse sound better than a few drinks, so there will be a cash bar.

While maintaining his perspective in the new book, Oickle has matured in his themes and tonality. Ranging from tightly structured to free verse, he seamlessly flows from poem to poem, choosing the perfect structure to compliment the theme of the piece. Included in this collection are the audience favorites: “I’m Ever So Slightly Crazy,” “Love’s True Nature,” and “The Corruption of Flesh,” which one reviewer described as “emotional bloodletting” (2B Magazine). Oickle concludes the book with “The Fall,” a narrative opus in structured, free verse, and prose that serves as a masterful allegory for the end of days. Reminiscent of the prophetic works of the late Sir William Blake, Oickle weaves a tapestry of imagery, iconography, mythology, religion, sexuality, and symbolism throughout the book and corresponding artwork, often combining the two to create an even deeper layer of meaning.

Born at the dawn of the 80s, into the glitz and glamour of the time, Danniel has travelled extensively as the child of a Canadian military officer, from his birthplace on the prairies of Alberta to the sun-struck beaches of Cyprus. Receiving critical acclaim for his albums, “Poison Apples & Other Delicacies” and “The Corruption of Flesh,” Danniel has combined disciplines and methods of poetic presentation to become known as an “electro-poet” (Étre Magazine) intent on bringing poetry out of the mothballs and into the light of a new generation.

Reviews

“Oickle has created a piece where sexuality and religion collide to electric effect.”
- Luna Allison, Xtra! (Mar 15, 2012)
“Une nouvelle génération d’artistes.”
- Bruno Julien , RG Magazine (Sep 21, 2011)
“Oickle does not appear as if he is about to slow down.”
- Katherine Ellis, Bohemia Magazine (Aug 5, 2011)
“[A person] whose perfectionism is so accepting, whose exhibitionism manages to be humble, that their words make and heal scars at the same time”…”a half-man half-animal poet.”
- Jordan Arseneault, 2B Magazine (Dec 16, 2011)

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BONNiE FiNDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY: CC ‘TEST SHOTS’, 2012

Published by cctadmin on July 5th, 2012

Not but a couple of weeks ago, BONNiE FiNDLEY and I collaborated on a fun photo shoot using all sorts of make-up and glitter.  These are not those photos, however these are just the test shots – which stand well on their own.  Until the other photos are ready to release, enjoy these images in the meantime.  Can’t express enough how talented this woman is – mad skills.

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CC LOG/JOURNAL : RECORDiNG SESSiON W/ SiNGER/SONGWRiTER KETURAH JOHNSON

Published by cctadmin on July 5th, 2012

Yesterday was one of many busy days – particularly as I prepare to head to Manitoba at the end of the month, yet it was absolutely, positively fun and inspirational.

Just after having wrapped up filming DANNiEL OiCKLES ‘Caring and Hate‘ video the night before, I took my regular commute out to Aylmer to record with DARREN HOLMES.  What made this particular trip special was having my friend, Ottawa singer/songwriter KETURAH JOHNSON alongside me.  I finally, or I should say the three of us finally  made our busy schedules work so that we could have her come out and help us with our album as it continues to develop.  KETURAH is one of several talented people we are enlisting to hop on board and add something special to the mix with these tunes (and I’m realizing I need to come up with a working title for this album soon…hmmm what to call it? Thoughts people?)  Other talents who have/are lending themselves to this project are singer/songwriter AiLEEN MARTELLA (who wrote ‘Open Up My Heart’), DAViD FORT founding member of the Manitoba-based band ‘TWiN‘, cellist ROSALiND McCANNY, violinist NEiL SMiTH, singer/songwriter/founding member of band ‘JOSEF POLLOCK‘, iSAAC VALLENTiN, and of course I have to mention that singer/songwriter/band leader of Ottawa’s ‘THE PEPTiDES‘ CLAUDE MARQUiS has also given us the go to experiment with not one, but two original PEPTiDES tunes as covers (the beautiful ‘Sailor Song‘ and ‘Nothing Matters‘.  Finally of course – none of this would be remotely possible without the one, the only – D HOLMES, to which I’m incredibly grateful for.  Here’s hoping we can bring on a few more talents into the collective mix.

Without getting into too much detail I can say that the opportunity to collaborate with DARREN & KETURAH is one I’ve been feeling especially grateful for today, to say the least, because I am such a huge fan of both their work as creative beings. (Before I forget: Be sure to check out KETURAH at Bluesfest as well!)

KETURAH and I don’t get to hang and jam nearly as often as we should yet by the time we were ready to roll I already felt majorly inspired by her breathtaking voice.  I fumble for words to describe how infectious it was to record live; all at once the dynamic compelled me to sing more consciously, if you will, and less self-consciously; a testament to being iN THE MOMENT.  It felt natural and I think we’re all looking forward to hearing the results.  KETURAH hopped in and provided lovely harmonies to the chorus of DARREN HOLMES original tune ‘All I Need‘, as well we worked on a live duet of a BEACH BOYS cover of ‘In My Room‘ for good measure.

If these songs were stories (which they are) unto themselves, having the character of KETURAH enter this world made each story, each song, warmer and richer.  The little world of stories going on in this collection is by far so much more complete with DARREN & KETURAH, and this has made the process of recording so much more rewarding.  I’m incredibly thankful for both of them.

Side Note: If the photos make it seem like I’m somehow fixated on feet – I noticed that too… then I realized its an unconscious thing.  Taking pics of people’s feet feels less ‘invasive’ in moments like these – as I find some people can feel obligated to perform or be ‘on’.  Plus – feet get us places – which is cool!.  Yay feet.

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CC TRUBiAK PHOTOGRAPHY : RANDOM PORTRAiTS & MiSCELANEOUS SHOTS

Published by cctadmin on June 27th, 2012

This here is a photograph I took of my friend Ted, while we were swimming out in Chelsea…those times out in nature with him are some of my favorite memories of this area….and of our friendship!

My pal Olex s no stranger to camping it up and posing for the camera; she has a million characters in her; I find this shot that I took randomly at a BBQ at her home so special… it somehow reminds me that behind all the make-up, hair, dresses – is a young woman of depth and dimension, few really get to be close to.  It also reminds me of the 1980 Robert Redford directed film ORDiNARY PEOPLE somehow…..as such here is Ordinary Oley!

 

Here are a couple of outtakes from a shoot I did in 2011 with fellow collaborator Danniel Oicke – this shoot was called TWiSTED SiSTERS….

Of course I have some lovely shots of my kitties… ever ready for the camera at home!


And finally just for good measure, here are a couple of shots I like to think of as DOLL ART; I’ve always had a fixation with dolls and as such they serve as my muses a lot of the time… in fact I have an entire folder of random doll art…. perhaps a future feature?

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CC JOURNAL/LOG : CONFESSiONS FROM A “EXHiBiTiONiST iNTROVERT” / TiME TO FLY

Published by cctadmin on June 27th, 2012

Where to begin?  It is a whirl-wind these days for me, as change is on the horizon.  In short, I will be packing up and shipping off to Flin Flon, Manitoba near the end of July, for a new and exciting job that starts August 1st.  I will be a Mental Health Clinician for the Youth and Women’s Team in Primary Health Care.

The reason I don’t know where to begin is that in truth, my heart & mind are all over the place these days.  On one hand, I find myself here in Ottawa, for all intensive purposes still a part of this city & the various projects I’m involved in.  On the other hand, as I enjoy these last days here, my mind simultaneously races with thoughts on how to best prepare for what I’m about to embark on back in the Flin Flon community.  As I straddle both worlds – I’m both sad and excited;  it’s difficult for someone like me, who struggles with fear & anxieties to express exactly what it is I’m feeling, because it is a combination of things both logical & illogical, & sometimes the line between each is hard to decipher.

I will say that I’m extremely happy with the life I’ve made in Ottawa up till now; 10 years ago when I first sauntered into this town I really had nothing but my back-pack & that was all.  No particular goals or plans – I was rather aimless. Years later I’ve seen myself go to college and University; I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way – conquered a few demons here and there too.  I’ve seen romantic relationships come & go, & have been more than blessed to be with my partner Alain for almost 6 years now.

To the outsider looking in at what the life of CC TRUBiAK is all about; one might see a bright & confident guy with tons going on.  I’ve grown to understand that perception is all so relative; yes it’s true that I’m extremely lucky & blessed but make no mistake – there is so much more to everyone than meets the eye.  For all of my gifts & shine, I’m incredibly flawed but ever-striving to understand life & my part in it; how I can above all, love & laugh.  At 33 years old I still search for answers to questions about who I am & how I can get the most joy out of life.

One thing I’m committed to is getting somewhere with my social work career.  Career & finances have been an area of life that I have yet to conquer – & having graduated with my degree a few years ago now, it feels time to face my fears of job search in that area, which is why this opportunity to move away and focus on career couldn’t have come at a better time.  The universe is obviously listening to me.

Some may wonder – well, what’s up with your arts/photography/music?  As the arts were in my youth, they will remain an integral part of me, even as I make my way back to Manitoba.  I’ve been so incredibly fortunate over the past two years in terms of the public’s reception to my art.  I used to keep that part of me very hidden & so to be so welcomed into the Ottawa art scene at all has given this small-town guy a great deal of encouragement, to say the least.  I’ve published a book of self-portrait photography (Hail The Narcissist, 2010), released an independent CD (They Say I’m Different, 2011 – also nominated by Xpress for Best Album, Best New Musical Act), played gigs around Ottawa (City Hall, Elmdale House Tavern, Mercury Lounge, Club Saw Gallery, The Rainbow etc), and collaborated with a multitude of talented folks whom have influenced me immensely, by virtue of embracing me creatively.

Yet – as successful as I have been in this area & as much as I will continue to create music & art, I have also spent the past two years grappling with how I feel about the music/art industry, as well as my place in it.  In all of the fun & excitement that comes with ‘being seen’ (& one has to remember its usually more in my nature to be reclusive & close to home than it ever was to be out & about in any scene), I found myself becoming conflicted at times, unsure of how to proceed next within this industry (or if in fact I wanted to).  I would ask myself: what is my desire here?  Let me put it this way; what I love & want most – is to express & connect – but more and more I find myself wrestling with the industry & the appearance of it all.  Sometimes I’m just compelled to run away, find some log cabin somewhere I could avoid thinking about self-promotion or managing.  Somewhere I don’t feel so affected by image or what the general public might think or perceive.

I’m not terribly interested in certain aspects that clearly come along with attaining success in the music industry; I’m a terrible schmoozer, I can’t stand to be in environments with so many competitive egos, & I have a lot to learn about selling myself.  If the art scene is likened to the schoolyard at recess, I often feel like the quiet kid who will see all the children playing on the jungle gym or swing sets….wanting to connect & play – but finding it difficult to penetrate through a lot of BiG personalities.  At least for this point in my life…. In most cases these ‘kids’ are just as insecure as I might be – but who just wear it differently.  I might ask them: “Can I play too?”  I both admire them as well as feel apprehensive.  I might see them role play and posture, wanting a turn at it myself, often finding that PRiNCESS over there playing QUEEN of the CASTLE just can’t stand to let anyone else wear the crown for a bit!  It feels to me, less about connecting and more about who you know, & where you stand in terms of status within the rest of the playground.  Oh, I always find a way to connect or make friends, & I have met a great deal of like-minded folks – but I guess it goes to show that now-a-days I’m not so interested in playing the games that come along with recess as much as I am about focusing on creating something that speaks to who I am.   Period.

On that particular note, after all the fantastic projects I have & continue to work on are said & done – the one that I’m most attached to at this point is the collection of recordings I’m doing with DARREN HOLMES.  Together we’ve been slowly working on another album of music, and I’ve spoken about this several times throughout the year as we’ve recorded.  There are many creative hands coming in on this album (as both songwriters, musicians) as we continue work on it; and to go back to what I just previously said about the industry side of things; I couldn’t be more proud of the results thus far, & further more I have taken away any previous pressures for this to come out at any particular time, or for it to achieve any specific kind of success.  I do know that whenever this album sees the light of day – its contents will speak to who I am intrinsically, better than anything I have released previously as an artist.  I’m not sure where this confidence comes from per se, but I do know that all I’ve ever really wanted to get out of releasing my work to the public, is a chance to say something deeper about the person I am, for aren’t we all just trying to be heard in the end?  I will never make any claims that what I have to say is particularly any wiser or better than what my neighbor has to say – but I do still think we all strive to be heard, in whatever way we can.  This is my ultimate goal as an artist – & as a social worker I suppose – inspire people to share their voice.

Flin Flon is just around the corner for me & as it approaches, understand that life as I know it, is about to change. As scary as it is for me to face the unknown, I do so with the hope that I can somehow make a positive difference there, and for my own journey.  One thing I promise to do while I am away is document Flin Flon in whatever ways I can.  This community is filled with riches; people have stories there I want to share somehow, as a photographer, writer and humanitarian.  I will do my best to share with you all the goings-on there.  In the meantime – I’m choosing to spend the remainder of time I have in Ottawa, surrounded by my friends & loved ones who have made my time here so beautiful.

 p.s.  Special thanks DANNiEL OiCKLE, OLEXANDRA PRUCHNiCKY, BONNiE FiNDLEY, DAN ZiEMKiEWiCZ & SARA AiNSLiE for the amazingly fun video shoot we all took part in last night at MERCURY LOUNGE.  Can’t wait to see the results for Dan’s video ‘Caring & Hate’.  ZiEMKiEWiCZ also touched me with this thoughtful gift he and GUiLLAUME picked up for me on their travels – ‘Hushabye Baby: Lullaby Renditions of DOLLY PARTON’.  I’ve got it on now & it’s inspiring!  <3

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CC TRUBiAK PHOTOGRAPHY : ‘THE WiSE OLD OWL’ circa 2010

Published by cctadmin on June 8th, 2012

 Here are some older shots I experimented with back in 2010.  Often times I never know what is going to come out of a photo shoot that I do on my own – it usually involves experimenting with props and lights and such.  I know I was drawn to this glittery owl, which in Native cultures is symbolic for being a ‘friend to the world’.  They are changeable and mutable as the wind, as well we tough to pin down.  They are warm, natural, with an easy-going nature.  This animal symbol is notorious for engaging in life at full speed, and whole-hearted loves adventure.  This can be to his/her detriment as the Owl can be reckless, careless, and thoughtless. Owls make great artists, teachers, and conservationists. However, due to his/her adaptability and versatility – the Owl would likely excel in any occupation. In a supportive, nurturing environment the Owl is sensitive, enthusiastic, and an attentive listener. Left to his/her own devices, the Owl can be excessive, overindulgent, bitter, and belligerent.

Interesting food for thought!

For today here are some outtakes from my playtime with this beautiful animal.  Enjoy!

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