A totally cool and intelligent review of my cousin’s recent show of his paintings in The Georgia Straight today. Read it here.

The show opened a week or so ago at the Atelier Gallery, and I was blown away by his improved use of detail. Reality for his works is so much stronger and clearer, yet the viewer still is permitted to explore for their own satisfaction and discoveries; something I very much miss when looking at Jeff Wall’s work, where everything is so very plain and bold that I no longer have any purpose in viewing the image.

I need to give Erin a savage beating, however, as he’s able to do things with acrylic on board that I’ve been trying to do with light on film for years using filters and a variety of slide films (depending on the colour cast and saturation level I wanted). I think I could accomplish something closer to what was in my mind at the time with PhotoShop now, but doubt I could get at close to perfection as he has.

His work is justifiably shown all over the continent now, and I’m fairly certain that there’s one of the Canadian embassies that has some up as well.

Those of you who like music — and even more when it’s legally without cost — will want to head to that link below after midnight BC time (or after 8:00 a.m. GMT).

The earlier collection this summer was quite good, and let’s face it, Nettwerk has an incredibly diverse run of artists.

So, Saturday morning download this and put a little Musical BC Christmas Joy in your life.

The Nettwerk Music Group and the Vancouver Sun is please to announce another free digital download album. It’s Seriously Westcoast Vol.2 — Happy Holidays. Seasonally themed and features 15 songs from such artists as Barenaked Ladies, Sarah M^cLachlan, Medieval Bæbes, Jars of Clay and many more.

This special digital album will only be available for a limited time staring on Saturday, December 15 at 12:01am for 48 hours only. To download your album go here: www.nettwerklists.com:8080/r.html?uid=1.9.2lg8t.2d.o23emfi725

So, tell all your friends to come and download some great holiday music.

Best Wishes and Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season.

— Everyone at Nettwerk & the Vancouver Sun