Author Archive

If you’re a yoga enthusiast in Calgary, you’ve probably heard Jeff Mah’s name tossed around, taken a class or two from him or seen his picture sprawled across a Lululemon store. I first met Jeff a year ago when I aimlessly wandered into the Bodhi Tree with a girlfriend, not having ever practiced in a proper studio setting before. I imagined sinewy men and women on macrobiotic diets twisting and contorting their bodies into circus freakdom as I stared at my toes, desperately trying to touch them.

Jeff has a sensibilty to take you under his wing and turn your practice into the best it can be. His classes are covetted, and with good reason. He will make you sweat, he will stir up emotion inside you didn’t know existed, but most importantly he’ll make you see that yoga can be for everyone, and we should all lighten up a little already.

What makes Calgary awesome?

Calgary is awesome for many reasons!

1. We live in a beautiful place, where the sky is big, the sun shines joyfully, and incredible mountains are just around the corner.

2. There is a growing collective of “real” people in this city. People who rather than complain, put their energy into shaping this city into something special. I have friends who are artists, restauranteurs, business-owners, etc, who are all trying to be the change they want to see in the world.

3. Calgary has one of the finest yoga scenes in Canada - if not the best! There’s a select group of studios run by people with integrity, who are really trying to take yoga further. I see many of my students moving beyond just flexibility and appearances, but trying to find actual meaning to their lives.

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Portobello West has long been known for the bevy of fashion that is found at its seasonal market, but fashion isn’t the only highlight at this one stop shop. A whole crop of local artists will be there this September with creations that will be just what you need to add some pep to your place.

An awesome oil painting can work wonders on your wall, and you will surely start a conversation with your next visitor with a piece by Maria Paz Scott. These bold paintings exude life and warmth from the canvas by interpreting nature in the form of landscapes, flowers and also the human form. If your tastes for art reside in more of an interpretive form Maria also creates colourful abstracts. www.mariasexpressions.com

Eco friendly enthusiasts and those who enjoy a functional art piece will have their needs met with designs by Jeff Faye. “Jeff uses found items and manipulates them into useful and highly functional artistic objects that not only arouse interest and dialogue but work as a part of your life, every day” Says Carlie Smith, Director of Portobello West. Jeff creates many things but lamps seem to be his forte. www.jefffaye.com

Art comes in many forms and for Hug + Kiss designs you’ll initially fall for the whimsical paintings and then find yourself falling over with laughter at the sassy, sarcastic and slightly rude comments that accompany them. You’ll also be spoilt for choice as cards, paintings and magnets are available from this collection. Take your time to familiarize yourself with them all, you won’t be the only one laughing out loud in the aisles. www.hugandkissdesigns.com

Portobello West Calgary is at the Big Four Building, in Stampede Park
$5 admission for adults (children 12 and under get in free!)
on September 18, 19and 20 4pm-9pm Friday, 11am to 6pm Saturday & 11am to 5pm Sunday.

calgary.portobellowest.com

The Spaghetti Western Festival is this weekend, and the Lazy Mks are one band you don’t want to miss!

You can read their latest interview at allthebestthings.ca

Become their friend.

It’s no secret that times are tough here in Calgary right now, and well, everywhere.

…

Tired of hearing about the recession? Me too.

“So lets get up off our panicky asses and do something!”

According to Caribou Creative, in order to make something, you’ve gotta do something, and the Canadian Government is currently giving all sorts of incentive to start up your own business and boost the economy. Whether you’re looking for an entire corporate identity or just a spiffy business card design to revamp your own personal business they are at your service! This small graphic design shop came outta nowhere and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

Join this graphic design marching band in promoting beauty for Calgary by joining their Facebook and Twitter pages.

You’ll automatically be elligible to win one of several awesome 16×24 print posters (like one shown above) that they’ve based off of karl lagerfeld’s tweets! Awesome.

www.cariboucreative.ca

Hey gang:

The new issue of Antler is up, take a look!

If you like what you see you can subscribe to this online mag for only $15 year, chicken scratch!

Follow Antler on Facebook too.

Issue II of the Calgary based magazine Antler is now out: www.antlermag.com

I stumbled upon Split Pea Vintage one lazy afternoon while scrounging around ebay looking for that perfect plaid shirt in the Calgary vicinity (yes, this clothes-horse was willing to travel).

And I was shocked. Alarmed really, at how inexpensive the clothing on their site was!

Delightfully I searched the pages of garments and shoes for sale, grateful that I no longer had to scour through a dungy basement of some estate sale, these gals were doing it for me at a more than reasonable cost. Their well designed site is full of fabulous different angled shots of each item in retro form with a mass description leaving me fully confident in any purchase that I made wasn’t actually the 2 left feet of the same shoe (true story).

If you’re not into the web savy-ness of paypal and auctions with time limitations, you can scoot down to Freshlife Art Boutique (1312 1ST SW) instead where Split Pea Vintage showcases they’re latest digs.

Here’s a little bit about the gals who started Split Pea Vintage to get you inspired!

Name, age, shameless plugs: Claire Ouchi (http://www.claireouchi.com), Rachel Rivera (http://www.radcastle.com)

What do you do for work and how did you get there: We’re both graphic designers, Claire works at a local design agency, and Rachel has recently relocated to Vancouver to work at a company there.

Favourite thing about fashion: Everything always comes back.

Opinion on Calgary fashion: It’s getting there. There’s been a lot of great boutiques opening up allowing for a more diverse mix of fashion.

What inspires you: City life, fashion, art, music.

What is necessary for you to be happy: Be inspired every day.

ANTLER is a new online magazine dedicated to all things beautiful in all aspects of life. Fashion, design, art and culture fill the pages of this virtual book, thoughtfully presented through breathtaking photography and illustrations. This magazine was conceived by Calgary local Andi, who I’ve mentioned on this site before for her lovely collection of handbags at www.hoakonhelga.com

This entrepreneur is truly inspiring and making a big name for herself in the Calgary art scene. Addicted to fashion and vintage, you will find the newest of trendsetters throughout the pages of the magazine, highlighting eras and backdrops from every tip of the globe. Interviews of artists from all around will keep you on the pulse of the community and motivate your soul.

Already, in this magazine’s short life debut of 5 days, ANTLER has seen huge applause and commemoration, so check it out! I am already anticipating the next issue.

www.antlermag.com

become a facebook friend.

Located on the main level of Art Central is the most innovative little fashion and design boutique in Calgary called Shisomiso. Founded by Victoria Lee and Irene Rasetti, these two showcase Canada’s top designers, including the likes of Calgary’s own Amber Leigh, Broken Doll Clothing, Cabin Fever, Colleen Cyca, Maggie Finlayson and Paperbag Clothing.

Shisomiso also just got a bunch of new stuff in from Montreal designer Eve Gravel whom they both love right now!  http://www.evegraveldesign.com/

Visit their site for a list of designer’s and upcoming event’s: http://www.shisomiso.com/  

Shisomiso
Main level ART CENTRAL
#105 100 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB