I sat down with Cameron Denby, Marimba | Percussionist to document his creative process as a performer. We had a great afternoon talking about art and how we interact with people through our medium, and I was able to capture a very cool and intimate performance.
I always enjoy working with other artists and talking about why we do what we love. Cameron was genuine and so talented, I am always grateful for this kind of collaboration and the chance to document an artistic process.
Over laying footage is so satisfying, inverting and pairing images can lead you to visual places that are familiar and obscure. This footage was shot at the end of winter, and these white snow covered spaces bring me back into the season. I looped audio of a poem about winter into the clip and I think it pairs so well.
Downtown Winnipeg on an overcast spring day, watching a friend bike home through streets of the Exchange District. The city felt alive and I was thankful I could catch this little moment from the fire escape of my studio building.
Already into April and we are in the middle of a spring snow fall. Sidewalks and streets are now covered in a blanket of white, the chill of winter has settled back in.
I’ve been working with some footage, inverting and layering images from my last shoot in my hometown. It reminds me of all the love I have for that space, but on another level represents my complicated relationship with my rural upbringing. Hometown images that are familiar against the flat white background of winter, are now inverted and layered together to create a landscape that feels detached and disorientating.
Took my bike and camera and went for a ride the other day. The afternoon was blustery, overcast and kind of perfect. The city looked beautiful. Ended up on the Arlington Bridge, a classic design with a beautiful view of the downtown. Snapped some pics and video and really love the results.
Working with my partner Bren, I was able to observe and record his process in the kitchen as he made sourdough bread! Honestly what a treat, and a fun time together. Collaborating and being creative together is always better when it’s with someone you love.
Last week I collaborated with local maker Kami Goertz, an incredible textile artist whose work is so unique and detailed. I took some time on a sunny afternoon, filmed her creative process and I’m really happy with how it turned out. Here are some screenshots from that shoot! I’ll post the completed piece once I finish the final edit.
I’ve been spending some time at the Plug In art gallery, collecting footage and working with the curators of this amazing gallery installation “ Sovereign Intimacies”. Such a beautiful show, the artwork is incredible. Here’s a few snap shots from the other day.
Excerpt from a longer piece that builds on the thematic play of dissociation, recovery and cultural identity.
*2 years ago I recorded the alarm system going off in a parkade. It was eerie, foreboding and I loved it. I held onto that sample and was FINALLY able to use it…so satisfying to rediscover audio and find a proper home for it*
Sometimes all it takes is seeing something from a different perspective to understand it’s creative potential. This was was so relaxing to film and cut together. The longer edit includes driving through residential streets and through our downtown area, once I finish it up I will post it.
jamesdixon | film 