This painter is looking for meaning at the amusement park
Social Sharing
Painter Philip Leonard Ocampo has always been obsessed with amusement parks. As a child, his siblings said he'd have "stars in his eyes" whenever they drove past a parking lot carnival. Just last year, the Toronto-based artist-curator went to Canada's Wonderland six times.
"I really like roller coasters," he says, "because it's the closest I'm ever gonna get to flying."
In a new body of work, Ocampo explores the amusement park as a strange, entertaining and beguiling "site of becoming" — the kind of place where you might form exciting new connections with yourself and others amid the promise of fun and fantasy.
For CBC Arts' In Process, Ocampo invites viewers into his studio as he completes one of the final artworks — a gigantic ferris wheel combining painting and photography — for the spring exhibition Thrill Seekers (feat. Hannah Doucet) at 36 Claremont Project Space in Toronto.
Watch the full episode below.
Ocampo's paintings often include "seemingly miscellaneous objects in strange riddle-like configurations." Putting these articles — like board game pieces, tchotchkes and other recognizable items from the recent past — into a conversation, the images invite interpretation, much like tarot cards.
"My work is a cross between magic and the nostalgic imaginary," he says. "How we remember time is really variable and kind of mysterious and non-linear. Nostalgia is a way to look critically back at the past, and also to make sense of it as someone who is feeling the effects of it and the spectre of it years after."
The ferris wheel is an emblem of Ocampo's interest in time and nostalgia. It is a tremendous cycle, both beautiful and thrilling, that takes many people along for the ride.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
‘All I saw was orange': Ontario requests military aid to fight wildfires
Temur Durrani, Willow Fiddler and Winnipeg, sioux lookout, ont. and toronto to view this content.
Style Blueprint
2 hours ago
- Style Blueprint
21 Summer Essentials: June 2025 Southern FINDS
Share with your friends! 536 SHARES 345 Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit June brings backyard soirées, sun-soaked pool days, and dreamy warm-weather escapes. To celebrate the season, we've gathered a few summer essentials from Southern makers and boutiques — think breezy style and fresh home additions. However you're spending the season, there's a FIND just for you. And don't forget to check out our gift guides for Dad! WARDROBE Coral-shaped earrings Add a splash of coastal charm to any outfit with these stunning earrings ($60) from Love, Ellison — a Dallas-based brand inspired by Grand Cayman Island that donates a portion of every purchase to elephant sanctuaries and cancer foundations. Pin Nautical sport dress Addison Bay combines nautical flair and sporty style in this dress that's perfect for summer. It blends coastal charm with classic prep for an effortlessly chic look — on and off the court. Find it for $158 at Addison Bay. Pin Gemstone beaded necklace From Texas-based brand Susan Shaw, the 'Katie' necklace ($128) offers a playful twist on everyday style. Featuring mini genuine stone beads, a front-facing toggle clasp, and a trendy baroque pearl, this piece will add a pop of color to any look. It's available in seven cheerful hues. Pin Be fearless jewelry Monica Rich Kosann's jewelry has a spirit that fits right in at StyleBlueprint. Her Fearless Shield necklaces — engraved with 'Fearless' on the back— represent love, protection, and bold living. From a $385 mini to a $12,975 heirloom, these pieces are more than beautiful; they're talismans. Perfect for a daughter heading to college, an entrepreneur braving the climb and buying herself the daily reminder of a Fearless shield, or anyone navigating life with courage. This is jewelry with meaning, designed by a woman who understands what it means to forge your own path. Pin Stretchy & stylish sandal A best-seller at Charleston Shoe Co., the 'Cannon' is the ultimate year-round sandal — lightweight, stylish, and designed for all-day comfort. With stretchy crisscross straps, a padded insole, and a two-inch wedge heel, this fan favorite offers a custom fit that moves with you. Did we mention it's also machine-washable? Perfect for sandy beach days. Order a pair online for $147. Pin Handcrafted tote bag Available at Epergne in Nashville, this 'To the Disco' tote ($140) is ready to bring the party wherever you go — beach, grocery store, and beyond. Handcrafted from jute, each bag is one-of-a-kind and perfect for carrying your essentials on vacations, shopping trips, or everyday outings. Pin BATH & BODY Antioxidant-packed sunscreen Suntegrity's Impeccable Skin ($58) is a multitasking powerhouse from Birmingham-based Made Simple Living, combining medium coverage, skincare benefits, and SPF 30 protection. Packed with peptides, antioxidants, and non-nano zinc oxide, this oil- and silicone-free formula smooths, nourishes, and shields skin from UV rays, blue light, and environmental stressors. It's available in six shades. Pin TSA-approved travel set Your getaway essentials are covered, thanks to Pish Posh Patchouli's travel set ($36). It includes body lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in your chosen scent — all tucked into a convenient travel bag. My favorite scent is Pearl Bliss, which is inspired by the rich, exotic scents of Cuba. Plus, the scent was specially crafted for The Pearl Luxury Hotel in Rosemary Beach, FL. Pin ENTERTAINING & HOME Botanical linen napkins Georgia-based designer Emily McCarthy brings her bold prints into the home with a new line of textiles and tablescapes inspired by her love of interiors. These cocktail napkins feature tropical banana leaf brushstrokes by Lowcountry artist Bellamy Murphy. Sure to add a whimsical touch to any gathering, the set of four is $58 at Emily McCarthy. Pin Americana placemats Get a head start on Fourth of July festivities and planning with these die-cut Star-Spangled placemats. Designed in-house, they add a patriotic touch to summer celebrations. They're sold in a pack of 12 for $29.95 at Hester & Cook. Pin Whimsical basket cooler The cooler basket is the chicest way to pack for your next alfresco outing. With jacquard woven straps, a zip-close insulated interior, and a 35-liter capacity, it keeps all of your favorite food and drinks perfectly chilled in style. Find it for $138 at White's Mercantile. Pin Illustrated playing cards These beautifully illustrated playing cards are the perfect pastime during a lazy summer afternoon. Tucked inside a gold-accented keepsake box, each of the 52 standard cards is crafted by the United States Playing Card Company and features hand-painted artwork. Pick up a set for $30 at Rifle Paper Co. Pin Artful wall coverings & fabrics Birmingham-based brand Dogwood Hill has launched its first-ever wallpaper and fabric collection, featuring 38 customer-favorite designs in a range of colorways. With wallpapers thoughtfully paired with coordinating fabrics and more patterns on the way, this is a fresh, ever-evolving way to elevate your interiors and events. Prices vary, and samples are available upon request. Pin Pressed floral print For over two decades, Sandy Whitaker has mastered the art of botanical pressing, turning her passion into a full-time pursuit with the launch of Botanicals by Sandy in 2011. Each piece, like this Hydrangea print, is crafted using centuries-old techniques and features hand-printed botanical names. Pricing ranges from $49.99 to $434.99. Pin Summer-scented candle Nashville-based Ranger Station introduces its 'Tennessee Tomato' candle — a nostalgic nod to summer gardens and sun-soaked days. With notes of vine-ripened tomato, fresh earth, and a hint of dirt-under-your-nails warmth, it's a grounding, refreshing scent that captures the heart of summer in the South. Find it online for $39. Pin FOR THE PETS Summer-ready pet bandana From 30A-based pet brand Huck & Harlowe, this classic red gingham dog bandana ($21) is perfect for sunny park days or strolls around town. Made in the U.S., this double-sided accessory is available with optional custom embroidery for a personalized touch. Pin Cheers to summertime style! This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. ********** Want more amazing FINDS and 'add to cart' inspiration? Visit our Style archives. About the Author Anne Marie Hanna
Cision Canada
6 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish® Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun come together to fulfill the wish of an all inclusive vacation experience for 30 children with critical illnesses Français
First ever Group Wish Trip with three great brands takes flight from Montreal on June 12, with wish kids and their families enjoying a tropical escape to Planet Hollywood Cancun MONTREAL, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 12, Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish Canada, and Planet Hollywood Cancun will come together to make wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses. Thirty children, who wished for a tropical escape, along with their families, will experience an unforgettable getaway at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico, creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime. This special wish trip embodies Make-A-Wish Canada's mission to deliver joy, hope, and much-needed rest to families facing extraordinary challenges. "We're so excited to partner with Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Cancun to launch this first-of-its-kind group wish trip—an experience made even more special by its focus on serving Quebec-based families and other Canadian francophone communities," said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada. "From the gate to the resort and all the way back home, we're confident this experience will bring much-needed strength and healing to these wish kids and their families." Departing from Montreal, Canada, the Wish families will enjoy a special Planet Hollywood-branded charter flight experience, featuring caring, bilingual crew, creating a warm and welcoming journey from start to finish. Upon arrival into Cancun, Mexico, the families will be welcomed by Sunwing's trusted local partner, NexusTours, and transported to Planet Hollywood Cancun in style on upgraded private transfers. With every detail designed for star treatment, this all-inclusive resort was chosen for the sense of joy it offers and what it represents for families looking to reconnect, have fun, and create lasting memories together on the pristine shores of Playa Mujeres. "At Blue Diamond Resorts, we're incredibly proud to be part of something so meaningful. Knowing that our Resort plays a role in creating unforgettable memories for these families is a true honor. Planet Hollywood Cancun was built around the magic of storytelling and once-in-a-lifetime experiences and helping bring dreams to life for so many young guests perfectly reflects that spirit," said Jurgen Stutz, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Distribution for Blue Diamond Resorts. Last year, 72 per cent of the wishes Make-A-Wish Canada granted were travel wishes. This highlights the essential role that partnerships with travel organizations play in making these life-changing experiences possible for every eligible child still waiting for their wish to be granted. Sunwing Vacations generously donated the chartered aircraft to make wish travel possible for these 30 families. "At Sunwing Vacations, we believe in the power of travel to uplift, heal, and connect," said Lyne Chayer, Vice President, Sunwing Vacations Group Quebec. "We are incredibly proud to support this first-ever all-inclusive group Wish Trip to Mexico, helping bring joy and cherished memories to children and families who truly deserve a moment of magic. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun on such a meaningful initiative speaks to our shared values of care, compassion, and community." Wishes wouldn't be possible without the dedication and generosity of the Make-A-Wish Canada community. From individual donors to corporate partners, from volunteers to supporters, everyone has the power to help grant wishes. But more support is needed for Make-A-Wish® Canada to achieve their vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. To learn more about the importance, meaning and excitement behind this group wish trip, view this video featuring Meaghan Stovel McKnight talking about the anticipation of the Wish experience: Together, Make-A-Wish Canada, Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts are proud to help make wishes come true — and are excited to kick off the summer with smiles. Keep an eye on Sunwing's and Make-A-Wish Canada social media channels for all the fun that will be had with Make-A-Wish Canada at Planet Hollywood Cancun. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit About Make-A-Wish Canada Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in 50 countries worldwide. Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes over the past 40 years with 2,011 of them last year alone. For the second year in a row, Make-A-Wish Canada has been named a Great Place to Work and in 2024 was named to the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Giving Back. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts bring big-screen excitement to some of the most sought-after locales for an all-inclusive experience, where guests can Vacation Like A Star™. From the pristine shores of Cancun to the tranquil beaches of Costa Rica, these all-ages resorts feature authentic Hollywood memorabilia, a world of flavors, themed entertainment and exclusive activities for the entire family, as well as a premium service with the Star Class™ category for a full A-list treatment. While, Planet Hollywood Adult Scene, offer an all-inclusive adults-only glam getaway (18+) ideal for a romantic escape or a fun-filled adventure with friends that will turn any vacation into the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity. This engaging and interactive experience at Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, includes differentiated brand features and amenities, such as PHabulous Bed™, Plugged In™, Main Event Guarantee™ and star-quality accommodations. To learn more about Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.
