Month: February 2022 (Page 2 of 2)

The Overwhelming Stench

February 5, 2022 / Conal

It hit me like a fly hits the windshield of a speeding bus.

With the kids at school, my artist working in her studio, and me on a day off, I had stepped out of the house for a couple of hours to put up some of our Christmas light display on our western Canadian, suburban home. With 8,000 bulbs in our display, it takes a lot of time and even more thought to set it up.

By the time I had another 2,000 bulbs on the house, I was mentally drained.

I needed to shut my brain off. I needed to feel my cold-numbed fingers and toes. I needed to go inside.

So, I did.

Artist Spotlight: Byron McBride

February 1, 2022 / Conal

I had the opportunity recently to chat with an Edmonton-based artist whose work I’ve admired since the first time I laid eyes on it.

I met Byron McBride through my wife about eight years ago. While we haven’t exactly kept in contact, chatting with him is always like re-connecting with an old friend. I appreciated our conversation, which you can read below.

I must add, however, that Byron demonstrated incredible vulnerability sharing about his dyslexia. I would encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to seek support. You can learn more about dyslexia from the International Dyslexia Association or Dyslexia Canada.

[Featured Artwork: “Scissor Girl” by Byron McBride. Acrylic on wood.]