Sharing in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Every year DDB Canada extends their generosity with an auction program called Share DDB. And this year, I extended myself and my camera skills to the folks at the Edmonton office to help them motivate clients to participate and help raise money for Hope Mission. 

Similar to what the Mayans predicted, unsuspecting children were given one cupcake to share between two of them. What resulted was unlike anything Santa would have expected. 

 

The event across the country proved to be a big success and I was more than merrier to help. 
Happy last day at the agency (not on earth) everyone. 

Click here for a HD version and Merry Mayan Christmas!

Torrington, Alberta "A Hamlet of Gophers"

This summer while shooting in Calgary, I decided to steer clear of the Calgary Stampede and instead I sojourned 160 km northeast to the intimate hamlet, former village of, Torrington, Alberta. Population : 192.

My pilgrimage to Torrington was to seek out the Gopher Hole Museum. A Museum home to 44 exhibits of stuffed Gophers dressed and displayed in amusing anthropomorphic settings.

LIke this Cirque du Soleil inspired Gopher.

Clown Gopher

Or this Cirque du Soleil inspired Gopher.

Angel Gopher

Or this one.

Flower Gathering Gopher

And of course this one.

Duck Hunting Gopher

There were 44 dioramas featuring 77 gophers in countless hybrid human/gopher situational settings. And as I drove back those 160km to Calgary, towards the Stampede, I thought to myself - while I missed the thrill of the Chuck Wagon races I had witnessed visions of tiny gophers doing all the things they must have only dreamed of.

Famous Creatives Amongst Us: Bhavik Gajjar

In this 10th instalment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Bhavik Gajjar.
Bhavik Gajjar is a Senior Art Director at Zulu Alpha Kilo.
Bhavik Gajjar was photographed at the Richmond Rogue.
Bhavik Gajjar is a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US.

It was both a sunny and rainy day when Bhavik Gajjar was taking his mid day repast, when suddenly (!) he was queried the most famous of questions by a Richmond Rogue waitron.

"Bhavik Gajjar! How do you think of the ideas that you think of?" 

"Well dear stranger, kindly remove yourself from me and I will tell you." Bhavik Gajjar tenderly replied.

"First, you close your eyes."

"And then??"she exclaimed.

"Then you touch the top tip of your nose."

"...and then...you follow your heart's desire?!" she demanded.

"Ideas are like windows dear waitron, through which you see out into the world and back into yourself.
Now, my wings?"

And just like that.

All existentially events were explained!
All universal enigmas unravelled!
All earth's theories became round and flat!

So serve well Richmond Rogue waitron. 
For you were amongst Bhavik Gajjar a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US!

And now the universe asks you dear reader, who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US?!

Meet the Future: Kaja Rijen Krivy Hansen!

You've explored the admiration, the famous-ocity, the domiciles (and their respective abodes) of the CREATIVES.
You've felt the drool of the most famous CREATIVE DOGS amongst us.
It was a only matter of time before you heard the gurgle, the coo, and the sweet laughter of the future!
I am proud to introduce Kaja Rijen Krivy Hansen, your inaugural FAMOUS CREATIVE BABY AMONGST US!!!

"Greetings Tom Feiler."

One can already tell that Kaja Rijen Krivy Hansen has the discerning artistic taste and mindful, art director's eye of her mother Marketa Krivy. 

"Take my profile Tom Feiler for I am distracted by a dog."

A wise baby, I admired.
"But will you look at the camera?"I ask.
"No, I will not Tom Feiler." Kaja Rijen Krivy Hansen imparts, "I will look at my mother because I love her."

"Looking away adds the drama you seek in this image Tom Feiler"

"What more can you tell me, wise Baby?" I admonished. 

" ... "

Like the fountain of youth run dry, she revealed no more. But as she crushed that red felt heart in her powerful baby grip, I simply knew.

"Follow your heart Tom Feiler or I'll crush it."

So much personality!

So much sweetness!

So much discerning taste and Art Direction!

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US BABIES!

Famous Creatives Amongst Us: Jack Neary

In this not so long over-due installment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Jack Neary.
Jack Neary is Chief Creative Officer at TBWA/Chiat Day.
Jack Neary was photographed on a warmish oven fresh day at Coffee Time.

Amongst the sweet smells of this donut deluge, Jack Neary’s very own co-workers, Joe and Walter, overwhelmed with sensory stimulations, hoisted their head baker up to the ceiling!

After Walter and Joe agreed to lower Jack Neary to the ground, Cassandra who "claimed" to be waiting for a turkey sandwich, with both lettuce AND tomato, declared her love for a certain Jack Neary.

Touched by Cassandra's love, Jack Neary was then touched by international traveller, Tsim of China.

Can one man be loved too much?

It seems so. Nonetheless, a few hyperventilated puffs later and Jack Neary was good as new. For indeed it was a vertible Baker’s Dozen of warm thoughts, muffins, donuts and alleged "turkey sandwiches."


Well done indeed Jack Neary, well done indeed.

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US?

Famous Creatives Amongst Us: Jane Murray

In this long over-due 8th installment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Jane Murray.
Jane Murray is a Creative Director at TBWA.

Jane Murray was photographed on a crisp nautically fresh day along the shore of Lake Ontario near a Toronto Parks work shed.

Jane Murray with her security team. Note the sunglasses.

It was a matter of minutes when Jane Murray being so close to the work shed and being a radiant beacon nay lighthouse of infectious joy brought forth Frank from inside the shed. 

Like the Siren song of Greek Mythology Frank was smitten by Jane Murray and insisted that the two be photographed together to mark their ships passing in the metaphoric night.

Frank closing his eyes to savour such tenderness shown by Jane Murray!

But that was not all!
For Jane Murray’s aura also lures non-humans to her rocks!
Murphy a ball dancing dog also joined the group.

The triangle of looks and love.

What enchanting and enchanted affection was shown and felt by all beast and man!

What grows in their garden now?!

All this in front of a work shed full of rakes and hoses to help bloom the budding admiration of Frank and Murphy!

May flowers indeed!

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US!!

Famous Creatives Amongst Us: Troy McGuinness

In this 7th installment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Troy McGuiness.
Troy McGuiness is a Creative Director at Maclaren McCann.
Troy McGuiness was photographed on a blustery day near Captain John’s Harbour Boat and Banquet Facilities.

Against the wind, Troy McGuiness boards his chair.

Against all odds, Troy McGuiness is seated.

It wasn't long before Troy McGuiness, a true and FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US, was soon discovered by parking attendant, Gutu, along the quay of Queens Quay.

Gutu and Troy McGuiness

What affection Gutu displayed!

What robust reverence Gutu admonished!

But wait!

Gutu! No!

What possible crimes had Troy McGuiness committed against you Gutu?

The answer lies deep in the consciousness of Gutu, and men alike, in how they display affection.
History shows, when overwhelmed with admiration or fondness, men have a deep latent tendency to strike. Whether it be a sock on the arm after a big win or the tug of a pigtail in the school yard, this instinct remains strong in all men. Gutu, a man, is certainly no exception.

So anchors away Gutu, I say, for you were amongst Troy McGuiness a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US!

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US! And who will strike next?

Found Lost Found: A Non-Biblical Photo Series

Like the Reverend Jesse Jackson never said, "Amidst the chaos of life, a photo is like a moment found." 


Over my still life career, I've taken many photos that have been lost amongst the others, only to be found again. Along with my recollections.  


So consider this series a collection of recollections.




Found Lost Found: Cleveland Doesn't Really Rock

A few years ago I took a trip to Cleveland, Ohio to get away and get down to the business of finally writing my short film. I’m not sure why I chose Cleveland. I only knew of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame  and that it was the home of fried pickles.

So along with my laptop, I brought a cavalcade of cameras in the hopes of both writing a brilliant short film and taking brilliant shots of the city. As it turns out, the shots I liked most were ones taken only on my SX-70 while sequestered in my hotel room.


Shots that I then lost. And recently found again.

And here lies the film that was thoroughly uninspired by Cleveland, Ohio. 

(Please click here for the HD version)

In more recent events, I discovered that Cleveland is in fact NOT the home of fried pickles. Their true home? Atkins, Arkansas, popularized by Bernell "Fatman" Austin in 1963 at the Duchess Drive In. Not Cleveland, Ohio. 


The moral of this tale?  


What you found can be lost.  Then found again! 
Even fried pickles.

Famous Creative Dogs Amongst Us: Lupe

In this 3rd instalment of FAMOUS CREATIVE DOGS AMONGST US we meet Lupe.

Lupe is a FAMOUS CREATIVE DOGS AMONGST US!

With a most famous namesake, rap legend, Lupe Fiasco.
I photographed Lupe at his crib with directors Stuart McIntyre and Stephanie Pigott.

Looking hard.

And living large.

For the most part, Lupe has avoided the trappings of the Game, but has one weakness. 

Dope?

Nope. 

Eating bars of soap. 

Someone tickled the Ivory.

Tender with puppies. 

More compassionate than any man. 

Stuart and Steph easily agree that Lupe has a heart of gold.

But I imagine Lupe would call it Bling.

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVE DOGS AMONGST US ?

Famous Creatives Amongst Us: Meredith Klapowich

In this 6th installment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Meredith Klapowich. 


Meredith Klapowich is an Art Director at Bensimon Byrne. 
Meredith Klapowich was photographed inside and out of Le Select Bistro.


Meredith Klapowich is a FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US.

On a rather cold day, the lovely Meredith Klapowich was approached not once but twice by civilians utterly compelled to acknowledge that she is a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST THEM. First amongst them, Nancy.

Nancy is a fine and experienced member of Le Select’s wait staff. Upon learning that Meredith Klapowich is indeed a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST HER, Nancy proceeded to ardently accept her aspiration of being photographed with the famous Meredith Klapowich.


Fearing that all was becoming too much, we escaped Le Select into the daylight. Within a heartbeat of a passing sparrow yet another civilian approached Meredith Klapowich!

His name? 

Filmon. 

His devotion? 

Meredith. 

He drew so daringly close to the personal proximity of Meredith Klapowich.

But who could blame Filmon! And Nancy!

What closeness they craved! 

What devotion they demonstrated! 
What dual displays of closeness and devotion were delivered!



Filmon!!!

Who will be the next FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST US?

My Hot Little Hands

Actually, my fingers are quite long. So are my toes. But that's neither here nor there.

What is news, however, is that the new American Photography has just landed in my hot, not little, hands.

Tom Feiler's very personal copy of the latest American Photography Annual.

In a previous blog entry I had mentioned my acceptance to American Photography and how I was thrilled to be published in the company of legendary photographers like Annie Leibovitz.

So it wasn't too much of a stretch, for my imagination, that these legends would be thrilled about the news too!

Annie Leibovitz gushing to Tina Brown.

Mary Ellen Marks near tears.

Edward Burtynsky just showing off.

So, if  you ask me nicely, I’ll let you borrow my Annual and put into your, very own, hot little hot hands. Or hot big hands? Cold, skinny hands. Fat, dry hands..

That makes you feel weird.

I'll stop. Sorry.

Lessons I Learned: Smooth Talking Tweens or Heeding Grandmother

My Grandmother always said, 
"Tommy, legyen óvatos a sima beszéd tizenkét éves korosztály!" 

Mary Curko heed her.

Roughly translated it means: Tommy, smooth talking 12 year olds...be wary of them.

I should have heeded my Grandmother more for recently I was asked by a rather smooth talking 

12 year old named Grace Feiler to come into her classroom and, I quote, “take a few pictures of our class.”

The “few shots” evolved into this full on production for Holy Name School and the Toronto Star’s documentary project called “For This I Give Thanks.”
Myself and a dedicated crew of six hardworking Grade 7 and 8 students shot the video seen HERE.

Lessons learned: Be cautious of smooth talking 12 year olds and listen to your Grandmothers.

(Vance Schritter was the editor who was also smooth talked by his own 12 year old.)

Famous Creatives Amongst Us (International Edition): Jeff MacEachern

In this fifth instalment of FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US we meet Jeff MacEachern. Art Director at Taxi 2, photographed at Habaneros on Rojo Gomez in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.


He is a FAMOUS CREATIVES AMONGST US.

Jeff MacEachern shields his eyes from the International sun.

On that rather hot day, a delightful table of three was sitting around at Habaneros (a wonderful bar and live music venue in Puerto Morelos. Open Daily).
Upon learning that Jeff MacEachern was a FAMOUS CREATIVE AMONGST THEM, they became enchantingly enthralled and proceeded to ecstatically enthuse their enthusiasm at being photographed with Jeff MacEachern.

From left to right: Cathie R, Jeff Mac Eachern, Richard W, and Christina B. from Germany. 

What international looks they gave!

What robusto handshakes were exchanged!
What enthusiasm they enthused!

What a joyous grupo abrazo they executed!

In fact, a perro callejero came by and smiled at the happy scene.

Perro Callejero a.ka. Stray Dog.

May the meaningful (and occasionally international) gestures continue!

Who will be the next FAMOSAS CREATIVA ENTRE NOSTROS?