Watch the artist Cruz use water, light and chemistry to make a photograph without a camera
"Creating cyanotypes can be a slow process," says Toronto lens-based artist Cruz. "Light, water and chemistry do the work. You just have to wait."
An early photographic technique, the cyanotype can create an image without a camera, using paper specially treated with iron salts then exposed to UV light, like the sun. Named after the Greek word for "dark blue," the technique is known for the distinctive colour it produces.
In this video for CBC Arts, titled Not everything drifts apart, Cruz turns a series of cyanotypes into a poetic animation exploring "the space between touch and distance."
"I think about how images, like memories, can emerge slowly … revealing what was always there but not yet seen," the artist says.
"As a cyanotype develops, it shifts. Shapes form, details settle in. What we create isn't always permanent, but it can leave an impression. That's kind of what this piece is about."
Watch the behind-the-scenes video below to see how Cruz makes her artwork:
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Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Finding the right touch
With their latest original stage production, opening tonight at Prairie Theatre Exchange, Sick + Twisted is inviting audiences not just to look and to listen, but to feel. Before each performance of Neither Here Nor There, up to eight guests will have the opportunity to be led onto the Cherry Karpyshin Mainstage for a 'touch tour,' allowing low-vision, blind and sighted audience members alike to experience the set and gain an understanding of the production's non-traditional geography. Playing on a traverse stage, also known as a corridor or alley, the company's adaptation of the legend of the blind seer Tiresias places audiences on either side of the action, says director Debbie Patterson. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Tyler Sneeby (left) and Vivi Dabee star in Neither Here Nor There. With the stage bisected by a sheer curtain, the audience can only see half of the show clearly, the other blurred by the barricade. The staging and the touch tour play into the trailblazing company's commitment to disability esthetics, using lived experience with disability as an opportunity for exploration and discovery rather than a barrier to experience, says Patterson. 'When you can't walk across the room, every other way becomes available to you,' she says. One of the production's three blind actors describes their experience with vision loss as one of 'limitless possibility.' 'We embrace the barriers we face as potent catalysts for discovery and innovation, so the esthetic choices in this production have been arrived at through this process, giving us this utterly new approach to making theatre. No one else is making theatre like this,' says Patterson. By decentring vision as a prerequisite for participation, the company was able to emphasize theatre as a complete sensory experience, with a script that expresses every action with a corresponding audio cue, designed by Dasha Plett, who was just nominated for a Toronto theatre award — a Dora — for her work in Buddies in Bad Times' production of Roberto Zucco. 'All the props are mimed, but the sound effects are hyperrealistic,' Patterson says. Created and performed by a team of blind and transgender artists, Neither Here Nor There had its start during the pandemic when Patterson sought to create a work developed by members of both communities. 'One participant wrote a song about how being blind felt like being neither here nor there, and that idea of being in an in-between really resonated with some of the trans artists,' Patterson says. The show's cast includes Lara Rae as the production's hostess, a cross between a Greek chorus and a standup comic who periodically comments on the action. Tyler Sneesby, a.k.a. DJ Hunnicutt, plays Zeus. Plett and Gislina Patterson (We Quit Theatre) also appear, as do Vivi Dabee as Tiresias and Vivian Cheung as the character's modern counterpart, Ti. Making their stage debut is m patchwork monoceros, who also designed the set. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS The stage is split by a sheer curtain so the audience can only see half of the show clearly. 'My character is a person who has vision, who can see the future, who understands trends, but because she knows so much, she keeps herself small, experiencing a type of loneliness no one else can understand,' says Cheung, a blind actor, triathlete, author, graphic novelist, accessible yoga instructor and Dora-nominated theatre creator from Toronto performing in Winnipeg for the first time. 'Oftentimes, when a person lives with a physical disability, they have to explain themselves repeatedly until they're heard, and that gets very fatiguing. I can't stress enough that we need more listening in this world, more quiet participation and quiet leadership.' Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. That's what Cheung says she found working with Sick + Twisted, which implemented her insights into the way the production took shape. The script calls for Ti to make a stir-fry in her home kitchen, but when the actor pointed out that if she were holding a cellphone while doing it, it would end up in the wok, the team quickly decided with Cheung to mime all of the cooking actions instead. 'Now our sound designer Dasha is choreographing the sound to support my cooking. It's become a duet in cooking between miming and movement, with the stage manager timing the sizzling and the sounds of vegetables going into the wok,' says Cheung 'It's a collaboration in every sense of the word.' Ben WaldmanReporter Ben Waldman is a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter on the Arts & Life desk at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ben completed three internships with the Free Press while earning his degree at Ryerson University's (now Toronto Metropolitan University's) School of Journalism before joining the newsroom full-time in 2019. Read more about Ben. Every piece of reporting Ben produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Memphis's Newest Old Hotel: A First Look Inside Hotel Pontotoc
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Oh, if the walls of Hotel Pontotoc could talk … Located between South Main and Front Street, the historic hotel has been a Downtown Memphis staple for more than a century, living multiple lives as a bordello, a Turkish bathhouse, a dive bar, a private residence, and a recording studio. After years of neglect and a meticulous recent restoration by local developers, the hotel will come full circle when it reopens this summer as a European-style boutique hotel, offering guests a combination of modern luxury and vintage charm. 'The fact that it has survived nearly untouched for 119 years is amazing,' says General Manager Norbert Mede. 'It's like a fly caught in amber — it never got repurposed or lost its character like so many other properties.' Take a closer look at the storied past of Hotel Pontotoc, and get a sneak peek at its newest iteration! Pin A Historic Gem Built in 1906 near Central Station, Hotel Pontotoc originally catered to railway and riverboat travelers. With 18 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the small hotel was known for its lavish Turkish baths. By the 1920s, it had morphed into a popular bordello with a reputation for luxury and discretion. In 1929, Greek businessman Dionysos (Dan) Touliatos bought the property, turning it into a family hotel, where he resided with his wife and children. Pin Under his ownership, the hotel became a social hub for members of the Greek community and hosted many lively parties. It also drew actors and vaudeville performers from the nearby Orpheum Theatre. One of Hotel Pontotoc's most illustrious guests was Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who lived in the hotel in the 1930s while commissioned to work on Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Gardens — a handmade cavern made of rock quartz crystal and semiprecious stones. Pin In 1958, George Sr., the eldest son of the Touliatos family, founded Front Street Theatre, which put on professional theatrical productions and attracted notable actors. While these stars may not have stayed at Hotel Pontotoc, the hotel was intertwined in the city's cultural development. There is even a rumor that Elvis visited the hotel, though there's no evidence to prove it. The Touliatos sold Hotel Pontotoc after business declined in the late 1960s, and it enjoyed a brief stint as a nightclub in 1979 before it was purchased by local preservationists Leigh and Terry Davis in the early 1980s. They renovated the building, converting the basement into a recording studio and hosting memorable parties. In 2022, partners Tony Kuhn and Joseph Lewis — Memphians with a heart for historic downtown properties — acquired the building, which had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to restore Hotel Pontotoc to its former glory. Pin Pin A Second Act Despite the hotel's deterioration in recent years, 'the bones of it were in great condition,' Norbert says. 'The renovation is a wink and a nod to its past but with modern upgrades and amenities.' The hotel's footprint is the same, with a bar on the lower basement level and guest rooms on the top two floors. But the original 17 rooms have been downsized to 10, including one grand suite, three regular suites, one ADA suite, and three studio-style rooms. Pin Each room has a different theme, but they all pay tribute to the past with their restored wood floors, exposed plaster walls, transom windows, and repurposed doors featuring original room numbers and antique knobs. Bathrooms contain vintage sink fixtures and high-tank toilets with pull chains for a nostalgic touch. Pin While the hotel is full of contemporary comforts, its vibe is intimate, and its design 'is like a timeline of its history,' Norbert says. The aesthetic is brimming with mid-century modern furnishings, rich wall coverings in deep blues and greens, and relics from its early life, which are showcased. 'We found a red ammunition bomb that we are going to suspend from the ceiling, and an old organ that we cleaned up to put in our lobby,' Norbert shares. Developers also revamped the hotel's entrance, repairing its signature awnings and restoring its iconic sign, a mainstay since it opened. Pin Drinks at The Dame Adding to the hotel's allure is The Dame, an upscale cocktail lounge and wine bar on the ground floor. The bar will serve a curated selection of premium bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and wine, along with small plates and local beers on tap. The menu will pay homage to the space's previous incarnation as a recording studio. 'We will have three tiers of wines: top 40 hits (recognizable wines), B sides (less recognizable wines), and lost tracks (wines that are unique or off the beaten path),' Norbert explains. Pin If you're craving a bit of nature, head to the hotel's landscaped garden, which can accommodate up to 75 people. It also makes an excellent spot for weddings and other special events. With that in mind, Norbert hopes to see Hotel Pontotoc return to its roots — as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Events in the works include live music on Friday nights, plus themed nights like Whiskey Club Sundays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and more. 'We want our guests to feel like this is a home away from home,' says Norbert, 'and not just those outside of Memphis, but also Memphians who come downtown for a show, a concert, or a Grizzlies game.' Pin Plan Your Stay Located just minutes from Beale Street, the Orpheum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Civil Rights Museum (among other Memphis hot spots), Hotel Pontotoc is open for booking at Nightly rates range from $250 to $650, with a 15% off promotion for those who book a two-night stay before August 1. Guests check in online and will receive an access code to the building, along with a complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Pin Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our FREE daily emails. About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Man yells 'F--- the Jews!' at Dave Portnoy reviewing pizza in Toronto
Dave Portnoy, creator of media company Barstool Sports, was in Toronto trying different pizza spots for his online series, One Bite Pizza Reviews. In a video posted online on June 2, he's guided around Toronto by a local called Bill the Greek. One of the places they visit is Terrazza, a restaurant in the Little Italy neighbourhood. Portnoy meets with Terrazza owner Frankie Lasagna and sees the inside of the restaurant before walking out with a fresh pie. A group of on-lookers watch, some filming, as Portnoy does his review on the street. Portnoy starts talking about Lasagna's story , when someone off-camera cuts him off by yelling, 'F— the Jews!' 'See? There we go,' says Portnoy, as he throws one arm up in the air. The group in the background bursts out into laughter. Portnoy whips his head around and says: 'What are you guys f—ing laughing about?' He stares at the group until they stop laughing. 'Exactly,' he says. Then he continues on with the review for a moment, before remarking: 'What is that Toronto hospitality?' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Terrible, terrible,' says Bill the Greek. 'There's old school and then there's no school,' says a voice off-camera. 'There's no school,' Portnoy agrees, before digging into the pizza. Portnoy ended up giving the Terrazza slice a rating of 7.4 out of 10. On Wednesday, the restaurant said in a statement to National Post that it was 'deeply saddened and angered by the hate that was directed at one of our guests from a passing car outside our restaurant.' The statement continued: 'These actions have no place in our community. Terrazza is a family-run restaurant, and our foundation is built on the values we live by every day: kindness, respect, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome at our table.' Meanwhile, a clip of the review that included the antisemitic slur has been circulating online. It was shared by Jewish advocate, public speaker and author Jonny Daniels. He visited Toronto last year to help Canadian Holocaust survivors restore a Torah that was hidden in Poland during the Second World War. He shared the clip of Portnoy on Tuesday with his roughly 84,600 followers on Instagram. The captions reads: 'Toronto, 2025. Listen to what this man screams at Dave Portnoy.' In a statement to National Post on Wednesday, Daniels explained why he wanted to share the video on his account. 'With this unbelievable rise in antisemitism that we are seeing all around the world, I feel it's important that people see it and are aware of how normalized and accepted it's become,' he said. 'The video of Dave shook us up not just because of the nonchalant manner in which the abuse was screamed, but rather the way in which those around laughed at it.' He added that Toronto and Canada at large have become a 'hotbed of antisemitism with Jew hatred absolutely normalized.' He said his hope is that by sharing such videos, those in leadership positions can see and understand 'that something needs to be done, before it's too late.' This latest incident in Toronto comes a month after patrons at a Barstool Sports-owned bar in Philadelphia reportedly asked for a sign that read 'F— the Jews' to accompany their bottle service order. In a post online, advocacy group American Jewish Committee said : 'Video footage showed the group laughing, dancing, and singing along to music, quickly going viral on social media.' Two staff members from the bar were fired over the incident for complying with the customers' request. One of the two patrons believed to be involved was later identified as a Temple University student. He was placed on interim suspension, the university said . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
