Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Broken News: I believe the children are our future… Just don’t tell them

Well, Albert and Vickie are at it again. You probably remember back in 2003 when Vickie knocked over 3 kids to win the”‘ Quoddy Easter Sea Turtle Egg Roll”. Then in 2005 Albert shot salt from his shotgun at some straggling trick-or-treaters in his yard. Their dislike of children has always been common knowledge.

But since they are also the president and principal of our Elementary School, we usually turn a blind eye.

Just this week, Victoria announced that she and Albert have decided to ban anyone ten years of age and younger from entering Albert & Victoria’s Elementary School.

Albert backed her up “Children under ten have all kinds of energy and run and cry and drool… And they are an annoyance for the many adults in their class trying to get their elementary education”.

I’m sure we haven’t heard the end of this. We’ll keep you informed…

Posted by Doc Terminus at 04:19:30 | Permalink | Comments (9)

Broken News: Where would we be without eBay?

I was in a pretty vicious bidding war with 2 other eBay-ers.

Someone with the awkward name of “Chum” dropped out early but “SmashingSeahorses” held on and gave me a run for my money…

So, I probably spent twice what I could have if I had just waited…

But, that doesn’t matter.

In the end I won and today my package arrived…

Here is the first page:

The whole ticket book is intact, except the “C” ticket is torn from the perforation.

But now I have a souvenir of the way things used to be here in Passamaquoddy.

It’s scary to think how many of these things are scattered around town…

So, what’s your favorite Passamaquoddy souvenir?

Posted by Doc Terminus at 00:30:06 | Permalink | Comments (10)

Friday, January 4, 2008

The Ellenshaw Museum: Pete’s Dragon (1977)

In our second focus on material in the Ellenshaw museum here in Passamaquoddy, we focus on th epride and joy of our town… the matte work done of the most beautiful town in the world…. our very own Passamaquoddy.

Many of us are familiar with the film Pete’s Dragon which was set around here. We all know the story and we laughed at the world when they accepted the story as fiction.

But Harrison Ellenshaw’s work was no fiction. Like his father whose work is seen throughout this museum, he brought artistry to the matte painting - the process of painting on glass to crate the illusion of location.


The finished film… The matte work highlighted

Nowadays, this work is easily created using a computer, but creating a location using a plate of glass, a paintbrush, paints and a steady hand is truly one ofteh most artistic aspects of the creation of film.

And to have a father and son both skilled at matte creation is fortunate. What is unfortunate is that matte paintings were usually erased after shooting so the glass can be re-used. I know I would have sold my neighbors house out from under them to have one of these wonderful paintings hanging in my office… or in my prison cell if I sold my neighbors house.

To see more of the Ellenshaw museum, use “Ellenshaw” in the search engine on the right.

Posted by Doc Terminus at 04:11:32 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, November 12, 2007

Festival of the Masters

I spent yesterday at the Festival, viewing artwork throughout Downtown Disney. Although this event has been going on for 32 years between California’s Disneyland and Walt Disney World, this was my first time in attendance. Before things get out of hand let me clarify that the “Festival of Masters” is at its heart a glorified art show. Walking through rows of temporary tents viewing different artists and thier wares.

Where this one differs comes from the caliber of material and from Disney’s participation.

The artwork came in all sorts of media, from sculpture to ink and paint; from traditional to folk art. Artists were on hand, gladly discussing their works, especially if they sense a potential sale.

Some of my favorites included works by Jon Smith, who showed a complete series of oil painted scenes done in the Louvre. You can check out his website here. Rick Abrams, whose work mixed modern art with 1950s kitsch. Check it out. Don Carter who builds wooden boat replicas. His website is titled Down East Wooden Boat Works is currently offline but may return here … Most interesting of all was Jeannie Maddox work. She works with photo realistic oil paintings, usually of unique subjects. Her series of different swimmers is truly engaging. Check out her stuff here.

Nothing was in any way Disney themed. The obvious exception was the artwork chosen to be 2007 festival logo. Merchandise locations sold Jim Kaminski’s work on mugs, tiles, t-shirts, posters and watches. Here is a photo of my watch signed by the artist.

Most of the artwork was located in the West Side area. Stuff was happening elsewhere during the event as well. Over in the marketplace area, chalk painting dominated the sidewalk surrounding the World of Disney store. Many of the restaurants in the whole district had small offerings of their menu items for sale outside. There was nothing event related or special at the Ghiradelli Fountain in the marketplace, but I did partake of a nice hot chocolate while I was there anyway.

It was a beautiful and cool fall day and I enjoyed myself.

Posted by Doc Terminus at 14:49:45 | Permalink | No Comments »