As I sit here at my desk overlooking the vast grey waters of Rice Lake on the brink of a brand new year, I can’t help but feel deep in my bones that the best is yet to come. 2023 was a year of fighting for justice. While horrific wars raged on overseas, I battled the very personal, internal conflict of becoming whole again after becoming a mother. Healing is hard work.
When I was mentally and physically ready to go back to work, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was launched into the public sphere. Much to everyone’s surprise, AI’s first conquered frontier was something we all thought was irreplaceably human; namely, Art.
The turn of events terrified Hollywood. The writers went on strike, fighting to ensure that the scripts being produced were human-made. The actor’s followed, demanding AI restrictions and streaming profits. It was their only chance to make a stand as AI evolves exponentially. After months of halted productions, they got what they were fighting for. Kudos to their win, but much money was lost in the fight as productions came to a screaming halt.
There was little work to be had due to the strike when I was looking to get back at it. As has so often happened in the past three years, I needed a pivot. One of my angels in this life, Ms. Lisa Ericsson, agreed to mentor me on the production side of filmmaking for commercial shoots. And that opportunity saved me this year. Here is some of my AI art:
The plunge into adulting, becoming a homeowner and parent, can drown a careless one. Now don’t get me wrong, the sweet joys of raising Rhea amongst so much natural beauty in peace is worth my life. My daughter is my greatest work of art. However, the artist in me can’t help but feel a bit strangled by all this responsibility. How do we make room for art in an economy so broken our basic rights to nutritious food, housing and peace are threatened daily? I aim to carve out more time this coming year for creation and magic.
In 2023, growing my garden was my act of rebellion, resilience, healing and beauty. In this global capitalist world run by corporations with terribly short-sighted game plans, it feels radical to grow food in the earth to nourish my family. My garden is where I heal.
So, in a nutshell, 2023 was a combination of revelling in my garden and producing TV ads.
Here is a peek at what I got up to:
- Quaker Oats starring The Manning Family
I cut my production teeth on these two cereal ads featuring three generations of the notorious Manning family. Father and son, Archie and Eli, are two American football quarterback legends. Greatness must run in the family because Eli’s two daughters are pretty awesome too.
When I was a teenager at music theatre school I made a promise to myself that I would never become bored with my work. That promise has only proven to stay true as I feel I am constantly starting a brand new skill from scratch. Working on this production was a crash course in every way. It was definitely stressful to take on so much responsibility without much experience, but I certainly never got bored! And now I can add another hat to the various roles I can be useful at on a film set. Here are the spots:
Non-Professional Interlude #1 – Water Droplet Flower Studies
Every morning through the warmer months Rhea and I take a tour of the garden. We give special attention to what’s blooming; the perfect way the morning dew rests upon their soft petals, like tiger tongues lapping at a bowl of milk. The peonies, roses, irises, lilies, lupines, hibiscus, mock orange, Japanese quince flower, tulips, hyacinths and hydrangeas stun. One could find God in them if one looked close enough.
2. Big Pharma Ad – Not yet released
Soon come. Here’s a top secret BTS shot in the meantime. NDA’s are so boring…
Non-Professional Interlude #2 – Caitlind Kissoon (Creative)
Featuring flowers from the garden, of course. Caitlind is royalty.
3. Project Candy – Another commercial I helped produce, not yet released
Out soon. Here is a nondescript peek at the wardrobe fitting that is vague enough I think I’m allowed to post it in the meantime:
Non-Professional Interlude #3 – Exotic Tulips
In October 2022 I bought the most expensive and unheard of tulip bulbs I could find and nestled them into the earth. Come spring 2023 they were little explosions of exotic beauty!
4. Project Chocolate – Another commercial still in the edit
Due to air in the Spring. Much chocolate was enjoyed. Here is a selfie I took on set in the meantime:
Non-Professional Interlude #4 – The Port Hope Fair
The garden won a couple of ribbons at the Port Hope Fair…
5. Portraits of Soprano Amber Braid ft. in Opera Charm Magazine No. 2/2023
Non-Professional Interlude #5 – Flower Study ft. Daisy (Creative)
6. Oribe Master Class @ The Manor Salon
See the full photo set HERE.
Non-Professional Interlude #6: Portraits of Rhea
Grow, grow, grow, my sweet little angel! I of course have a million photos of her, but these are a couple of my favourites.
7. Willow Cove Promo
A sweet little social commission for the gorgeous Prince Edward County destination, Willow Cove.
Non-Professional Interlude #7: Grow Your Own
I’m a believer in food as medicine, and our doctor took great care of us this year.
8. The Manor Salon Christmas Photoshoot
Go ahead. Name a more glamorous team. I’ll wait…
For all things pertaining to excellent hair go visit the ladies at The Manor.
Non-Professional Interlude #8: – Manzanillo
We got to spend the month of February with family in Manzanillo, Mexico and it was divine.
“Manzanillo is rising with the sun.
from my diary, February 14th, 2023
Two-stroke bike motors, a menagerie of tropical birds, street dogs & roosters sound their alarms at the breaking day.
A cool breeze licks like a kitten.
All the local fruits, vegetables & fish are nutrient-rich and muy delicioso.
We have been to the beach for every sunset, each one more glorious than the last.
Life is grand here in Mexico.”
My husband and I toasted on New Years to all the blessings we have been so incredibly lucky to receive throughout 2023. We do not take our freedom for granted for one second. With our feet on the ground and our heads in the clouds, we enter 2024 with a blank slate, ready to manifest all that we can dream of. Don’t forget, nothing worth anything ever comes easy. Wishing you all love and laughter in the new year. Here is a pic of Rhea and I on Christmas to put a bow on this review. Thanks for reading. Love, Jen.
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