Michael Mitchener

words+pictures

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:55:00 +0000

words+pictures, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A while back, I submitted an Art Exhibits application to the Toronto Public Library and was accepted to display photographs at the Leaside Branch for the month of September.

I've always been a library freak. As a kid, it was a magical place to spend time and throughout my adult life I've always held and used a library card. These days, I try to get down to the local Beaches branch once a week to borrow books, CDs, DVDs and/or magazines.

In case you didn't know, the Toronto Public Library is the largest public library system in North America with over 11,000,000 items in its collection. I feel fortunate to have access to this well managed system and I'm pleased to be exhibiting at the Leaside Branch.

All images in the exhibit are available for sale as displayed which includes a professionally printed 11" x 14" matte-finished, signed photograph with white mat in a 16" x 20" black gallery frame for $120. Please visit my GALLERY COLLECTION for a complete selection of photographs available and contact me if you would like to purchase a print. I'm happy to provide pricing for additional sizes or formats as well.

Join me between the stacks from September 4th to the 30th for words+pictures, a collection of never before exhibited images and a few previously exhibited favourites. The library will provide the words and I'll bring the pictures.

Mr. Pawnbroker

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Mr. Pawnbroker, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

There are many pawnbrokers near the intersection of Church and Queen Streets. When I lived nearby, and walked to work, I would always glance in the windows of these stores to see the latest treasures and wonder about the history of the items.

It's been a few years since I lived in this neighbourhood but somethings never change and there are just as many pawnbrokers and just as much stuff.

Patience is a Flower

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Patience is a Flower, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

This iconic building has been under construction for several months now. The City is in the process of adding another "floor" to the roof but all work now seems to be at a stand-still. While I was initially concerned that the addition may harm the aesthetics of the structure, now I'm just "hurry up and finish". I guess patience is a flower.

In My Solitude

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:47:00 +0000

In My Solitude, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

In my solitude
I have seen things very clearly
that were not true.

Antonio Machado (Proverbs and Songs)

Spotted in Woodbine Park near Coxwell and Lakeshore. The fact that this bench is wedged into a garden of ornamental grass has always caught my eye. Possibly it's a mistake and somebody put the bench too close to the garden or maybe it was done on purpose so you can sit on the bench surrounded by tall grass and ponder the meaning of life. I like to think it's the latter.

Time-out

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:51:00 +0000

Time-out, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A sign of winter in the midst of our recent heatwave. This was taken at the rink at Jimmie Simpson park. In the winter, this rink is constantly in use. In the summer, not so much but it lends itself to the odd picture or two.

David

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:57:00 +0000

David, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My neighbour asked me to take a few pictures of him for his work so we headed down to the park at the end of the street this afternoon. We took a number of shots, had some laughs and hopefully caught a shot or two he can use.

David 2, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

David Outtakes, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Cat Street

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:05:00 +0000

Cat Street, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

There's a funny little street in the east end of Toronto called Craven Road that only has houses on one side. I believe at one point many years ago, this was originally a driveway into the Monarch Park Estate (although I may be wrong) and the city grew up around it. Regardless, for whatever historical quirk, there is now a big long, city maintained fence up one side of this road that is fairly undistinguished other than a collection of art work by Christine Kowal. This is one example of her work which is mostly done on canvas and stapled to the fence. It's a fascinating collection that enhances the street and gives it some additional character. Keep up the great work Christine.

Fly Me to the Moon

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:49:00 +0000

Fly Me to the Moon, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Did I mention that I like the Waterworks? With the recent Jazz Festival it was tough getting down there for a visit so we took full advantage of the first Jazz-free evening (which happened to be a full moon). I saw this motorcyclist pausing on the roadway into the Waterworks admiring the calm lake and view. I was trying to get up behind up and was prepared to ask him if I could take of picture of him and his bike against the backdrop of the lake when he took off. Knowing he'd probably circle back to exit, I positioned myself along the driveway and waited for him to drive into view. He did, I hit the shutter and caught him as he zoomed by.

"The Solitary City" Exhibition

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:05:00 +0000

Opening Night, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I'm pleased to be presenting photographs at Leslieville's Voulez-Vous Café throughout the month of July. The Solitary City exhibition is an assortment of photographs that represent found pockets of calm and solitude within the city. While I've always appreciated and enjoyed the urban experience, I value moments where I find myself suddenly and inexplicably alone in a city of 2.5 million people. I've tried to capture that experience with these images. All photos were taken in quiet corners of Toronto's parks, backstreets and waterways, mostly at sunrise or late in the day when crowds are at their thinnest.

All images in this exhibit are available for purchase in a variety of print sizes and types, framed or unframed. Please visit my gallery collection to see a full catalog of photography available for sale.

11 x 14" framed metallic print in a 16 x 20" frame - $125
11 x 14" framed matte print in a 16 x 20" frame - $120
11 x 14" metallic print - $60
11 x 14" matte print - $55

I'm honoured to be the first photographer to display their work on the walls of Voulez-Vous Café. May I be one of many more to come. Thanks to Julie and Sean for providing their happening cafe as the venue for the show. Drop by to see the collection, the coffee alone is worth the trip. Cheers.

Michael Mitchener
416.406.1059
micgormit@yahoo.com

Turn Me Loose

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Turn Me Loose, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A rare plug to wander over to The Urban Voyageur blog and learn more about canoeing in the big city and the misadventures of Nessie the formerly nameless.

Lung Ta

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:30:00 +0000

Lung Ta, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Tibetan prayer flags at the Leslie Spit Healing Garden during sunrise.

Parkhenge

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Fri, 14 May 2010 03:03:00 +0000

Parkhenge, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I imagine this ring of park benches has seen more than its fair share of warm summer picnics, strangers stopping to rest, evening bonfires, late night romances and even an occasional afternoon dog walker.

Easy Street

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Easy Street, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I'm always fascinated by indoor furniture in outdoor settings. Generally this happens whenever someone decides to get rid of an old piece of furniture and puts it outside for garbage pickup or if they're hoping someone grabs the item for a second life elsewhere. Whenever I come across a scene like this, whether I have a camera with me or not, I mentally look for the photographic possibilities.

A true connoisseur of the art of street furniture is Toronto photographer, Gabi~ who can be found on flickr.com. Check out her amazing Lazyboy Collection to see how to do it right and to get an idea of how frequently you run across a variation of this shot within the city.

On behalf of all photographers, students, and feral cats, I thank anyone who has ever left a big, old, red, love-seat on the curb and I'll remain on the lookout for the next street furniture opportunity.

The Weed Hound

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:05:00 +0000

The Weed Hound, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Have a responsible Furry Friday.

Big Daddy

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:47:00 +0000

Big Daddy, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

If you have a car this big you can park wherever you want.

Cherry Bomb

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:19:00 +0000

Cherry Bomb, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Fast cars, fog and traffic cones at Cherry Beach.

Night Court

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Night Court, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Growing up in Vancouver, fog was almost as common as rain. I didn't realize what I was taking for granted until I moved to Toronto and discovered photography. In Toronto, fog is about as common as killer whales on Yonge Street which is unfortunate as fog can really add to the atmosphere of a shot.

Many of my photographer buddies feel the same way as I do so if there is a patch of mist in the forecast, word often gets out by e-mail on the fog network and gaggles of fog-starved photographers hit the streets looking for that perfect shot. Finding an e-mail in my inbox with the subject, "FOG!" is usually my first clue that fog might be coming to town.

It's been way too long since we had a spot of fog in Toronto and I say we're overdue. I'll be watching the long range forecast for a hint of the magical stuff and will be ready to send out mass e-mails to my fellow lunatics if I spot some. Please keep your collective fingers crossed.

I took this tennis court shot on a rare foggy evening in the Beach and I liked what the mist did to defuse the lighting. Check out some of my other too rare fog captures on my flickr site.

Bench Warmer

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Bench Warmer, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Is winter over? Past experience would indicate that we still have the odd blast of cold and even snow in store for us. I did see my first snowdrop today though which seems way early so I'm hoping I'm wrong and that it's clear sailing from here on in. C'mon hot, humid days of summer.

Go Canada Go

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:18:00 +0000

Olympic Table Hockey, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My sister has been volunteering at the Olympics in Vancouver and has been close to a lot of the action including the men's Canada vs. Russia hockey game the other night (shown here) and the women's Canada vs USA final last night. It sounds like there's quite the ongoing party happening in Lotus Land.

Photograph by Kelly Visscher (tilt-shift attempt by me)

East Meets West

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

East Meets West, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Taken from the back of a streetcar of a following streetcar passing another streetcar. Transit geek alert.

Robots Need Love Too

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:38:00 +0000

Robots Need Love Too, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Robots need love too
They want to be loved by you
They want to be loved by you
They want to be loved by... (repeat at will)

[Dan Mangan - Nice, Nice, Very Nice]

Find out more about Dan at www.danmanganmusic.com

Slurry Beach

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Slurry Beach, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

On a visit to Bluffer's Park a couple of weekends ago, this bay near the western bluffs was filled with a slurry of ice and cold, cold water. With the motion of the waves and wind, the slush was constantly moving and made an eerie grinding noise.

I visited this park once many years ago in the summer and it was full of people. I think I prefer it in the winter despite the cold with its near empty landscapes and dramatic winter scenes. If you look really close, that's my pal, syncros on the far shore of the bay getting another perfect ice monster shot.

Go wide or go home.

Chandelier Archipelago

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Chandelier Archipelago, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Thanks to my flickr buddy, Missy for including me in a Photo Walk at Scarborough's Bluffers Park last weekend. It was definitely full blown winter on the shore of Lake Ontario but manageable thanks to multiple layers of clothing and strategically placed hand warmers. It is a beautiful park with the stark bluffs and lots of interesting beaches and trails.

We ended the morning at the Stone Cottage Pub on Kingston Road which is worth a visit on its own. All and all a great day hanging with some great photographers including the Mississauga flickr Club. Thanks all.

Winter's Eve

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Winter's Eve, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My dog loves winter. In fact, as a rescue dog, I suspect he was probably a hunting dog in his former life who got lost along the way. When it's -20 outside and you want to crawl into bed and hide, Dudley is ready to go for a jaunt and let's you know it. Despite his scrawny fur, he has no use for citified dog coats or blankets. Despite my complaining, I have to admit that Dudley forces me to get some exercise over the winter months and we do manage to see some interesting winter city scenes that I'd otherwise miss.

This shot was taken on the last walk of the night. It didn't quite work out the way I had planned so I played around with some PS filters trying to give it a painterly feel. With a streetcar passing by Jonathan Ashbridges Park, you get a feel of what winter in the city is all about. It has a unique urban atmosphere to it as people bustle about in the snow and cold.

The Guild

micgormit@yahoo.com (Michael Mitchener) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Cat People, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I discovered The Guild today thanks to my friend, Jude Marion. The Guild sits on bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario and includes a number of historic buildings within a public park. Surrounding the buildings are more than 70 architectural fragments and sculptures within its gardens.

As per the City of Toronto's website:

Originally a private residence, the main building was renovated extensively to become a public hotel, and the buildings which surround it were pressed into service to become The Guild of All Arts, a Depression-era arts and crafts colony. The extensive private gardens surrounding the buildings became the site of a personal building conservation program by Rosa and Spencer Clark, whereby fragments from demolished buildings in and around Toronto were rescued by their efforts and re-erected to create a sculpture garden. Passing into the public domain in 1978, the grounds became a public park and the art and sculpture on display in the gardens became a unique attraction to this lovely setting atop the Scarborough Bluffs.

If you haven't been before, I'd highly recommend it. Thanks for the tour Jude.