This week I will discuss how I plan to integrate a series of Apple products to create a fairly low-cost whole-home audio solution. This will be a two part post, with part 2 to be written after moving in to our new house in December. This post will discuss the theorhetical and technical aspects of implementing the solution, while part 2 will be a hands-on step-by-step guide. So why the iHome? Read on.
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I just thought I’d post a quick note to let you all know I just bought my first D-SLR camera. I’ve been eyeing the D-SLRs for a while now, just waiting for the right moment to make the plunge. Since I’ll be a published photographer and illustrator soon, I figure it’s time for me to start using a “real camera”. I did, however, go on the low end of the D-SLR cameras, and purchased the Olympus E-410 with two lenses.

As much as I love my old camera, I have no use for two pro-level cameras, so I’ll be selling it. It is the Olympus C-8080, 8MP camera. If anyone is interested, or if you know anyone who may be interested, I’ll sell it for only $300 (I’ll be posting it for $400 on ebay, but I’d rather have it go to a good home). Email me for all the details if you’re interested.

I’m looking forward to sharing more photos with you all soon.

A7

I’ve been thinking about what topics I’d like to write about next, and I have a lot of different ideas. I thought it might be a good idea to give everyone a heads up on what I’m planning on writing, to help generate a bit of excitement (and so I don’t forget).

So far, most of my posts have been technology based. I will be writing some art articles (ARTicles?) soon, and I already have some ideas, but I would love to know what you are interested in reading about. This is, after all, an interactive forum, so your input is appreciated. Some of the general topics I have in mind include IxD (Interaction Design), using Apple for home audio, and bridging technology and art.
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You may be wondering why this is posted in the Art News section. I debated this with myself for a while, but in the end, this news is in fact art related.

As many of you know, I make a very clear separation when it comes to art and design. I strongly believe art is created by the artist, based on the artist’s concept with no outside influences or pressure, and fully developed with no financial gain as motivation. Design on the other hand, as artistic as it may be, is always created with another person’s motivation and objective in mind, often, but not exclusively for, financial gain. So why is this post Art News?
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In case you are one of the unlucky few who didn’t get to see me in Ottawa, or you are one of my far-away-friends, I thought I’d share a bit of news on my contract with Artez and how that’s going.

I’m not sure if I mentioned this before, but my 1 month contract was yet again extended for another 3 months, until the end of April. Originally, I was asked to continue working a dual-role as IT admin (to help with generic IT requests like installing software and setting up servers) and E2 Support (supporting Artez’s main application called E2RM). Although I made it clear on a number of occasions that I did not want to continue doing IT and Support, I decided to continue the 3 month extension to help chip away at more debt, in the hopes that they would transition me into another role. Well, they unofficially transitioned me into another role.

I recently attended some quick training sessions on customizing the E2RM application with custom designs and templates for some of Artez’s bigger clients. As it turns out, a couple of days later both of their current designers decided to go on vacation for several weeks at the same time, leaving people scrambling to get some design work done in a hurry. That’s where I came in to save the day.

For the past week I’ve been working with an Australian charity to design a fancy template, graphics, and plug-ins for their custom designed site. The bad news is they had insanely tight deadlines, and working with Australia means I’m always one day late (they are a day ahead of us!). Due to the time difference, I’ve been working really weird hours. I even pulled a 16 hour day this week. Yikes! That would explain why I’m a little brain-dead this week. The good news is I haven’t felt this comfortable in a job in… well… ever. I really enjoy what I am doing, and I am having a blast creating great looking designs and tools for major sites. It’s very rewarding and everyone seems to love my work (despite it being only a fraction of what I can do… just wait until they give me more to work with…).

I wrapped up the main site design today, and just found out that they are so pleased that they’ve asked me to work on their main portal landing page as well, which will include a clickable map of Australia to select the charity events across the country. I’m booked until the end of next week with more design work, and I’m hoping it continues indefinitely!

So… while it may not be officially official yet, it looks like I’ll be doing web design and coding from now on. If I continue to impress them with my design, I’m sure I’ll have another contract extension, or better yet a permanent position, at the end of April. Wish me luck!

P.S. In case you didn’t read between the lines, doing design work affords me the option to work from home, which means I can work from Ottawa. And yes, we have contacted people about homes and mortgages already. More on that as we get further info in a few days.

A7

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My Window Shopping work created for, and exhibited at, the Nuit Blanche 2007 art show has been documented by the Centre for Canadian Contemporary Art (CCCA).  The site features my work proposal, a written description of the work, and a variety of pictures.
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