*Hotshot is looking to expand it`s online presence.

We are looking for:

• Writers
• Photographers
• Aritsts (video, visual, performance, etc.)
• Musicians
• Bloggers
• Community Members

If interested please write a brief description about yourself, interests and what you plan to contribute and email it to: bookings@hotshotkensington.com

Please note that we will try our best to review and respond to all interested applicants in a timely manner.

Thanks to all who respond.

-*Hotshot

Introducing Modern Canadian Interiors, the first published collection by Toronto’s TLR Club, is dense with images of crumbling industrial sites, decrepit residential rooms, and poignantly empty church halls; the viewer is taken behind the hoardings  to witness the beauty of these spaces in their state between everyday use and demolition or transformation. – Colin Savage, TLR Club.

*In spring of 2010 *Hotshot hosted a successful Modern Canadian Interior art exhibit which received rave reviews.*

REVIEW

By: Jacqueline Bennett

Modern Canadian Interiors (2010) is the first publication by the TLR Club to highlight a rich collection of photography and carefully executed research. The TLR Club (Twin Lens Reflex) consists of five photographers; Alejandro Valencia, Colin Savage, Kevin McBride, Martin Helmut Reis and Richelle Forsey.

An interesting and somewhat ironic name choice- Modern Canadian Interiors suggests an entirely different context than the works reveal. Readers may be surprised to learn the TLR Club’s collection of photography explores technically “vacant structures” and in some cases condemned buildings to expose a whole new world of still-life occurring behind the seemingly abandoned walls. There is a surprising wealth of interesting artifacts, graffiti, and spaces still obviously used by squatters, thrill seekers and the like, revealing that these buildings are anything but vacant.

What is not surprising is that the TLR Club members are much more than photographers; they are part of a larger community known as Urban Explorers, which by definition are, “ [people] who explore restricted urban areas such as abandonments, tunnels, roofs, construction sites, etc.” (www.urbanexplorers.net). In MCI viewers get a behind the scenes look into the many places in our communities that have been left to crumble in order to make room for “new” infrastructures and gentrification to take place. Andrew Shaver notes in his foreword that, “while there is a degree of activism that is evident in the choices of [the TLR Club's] photographic subjects, theirs is an implicit, not explicit argument” (p. 7, A. Shaver) of social and economic urban decay.

Beyond the context of the MCI collection is the remarkable composition which beautifully highlights the thick textures of peeling paint, the varying degree of lighting that creeps in, and an assortment of items left behind that reference past occupants. Each page leads to a story greater than the last. An added feature for true art historians is found on the last pages which detail the histories and fate of each structure.

In conclusion, whether you are looking for beautiful conversation pieces, interested in the histories of abandoned buildings or a true thrill seeker at heart, this publication is sure to satisfy an array of audiences interested in Canadian photography at its best.

For more information on how to receive your own copy of Modern Canadian Interiors please visit tlrclub@richelleforsey.com

Supafrik is an experimental pop-up concept curated by Chinedu Ukabam, Creative Director of Toronto fashion label Chinedesign. A blend of art exhibition and retail, Supafrik will showcase the work of artists and entrepreneurs that are inspired by Africa.  Loosely curated around the theme of “Urban Contemporary Africana”, Supafrik will feature artwork and merchandise that re-contextualise and re-imagine traditional African aesthetics and tradition with a post-modernist eye.  In addition to the Afrotropolis fashion collection by Chinedesign, Supafrik will be stocked with unique artwork, books, music, t-shirts, shoes furniture and home-ware collected by Chinedu throughout his travels in New York, London and Paris.  Supafrik will also have social-media interactivity that will allow anybody with an internet connection to participate in some of the activities planned over the duration of the pop up shop such as the stylized photoshoot, book reading and design workshop.  Follow the story on supafrik.com and on twitter@chinedesign.

We’re on BlogTO!

http://www.blogto.com/events/40705

Join certified yoga instructor, Jessica Moore every Tuesday morning at *Hotshot!

DISCLAIMER -* Summer Break*

Date and time to be determined.

Every Tuesday.

About classes:

All levels are welcome!

Classes open to all ( no sign up necessary).

Please bring-your-own-mat.

Cost $10/ per class.

Change rooms available on-site.

*Hotshot and Eye of Shiva present…Hot Mamas, Cool Kids!

Check out our latest Pop-up Shop stocked with summer maternity wear, women’s and children’s clothing.

Long Gypsy dresses, Onesies, Kimonos, Draw Sting top, Tent Dresses

Mini skirts, Wrap umbrella skirts, Baby jackets, Baby slings, Baby diaper bags

Women’s Bags, scarves – silk and cotton, bangles, earrings and much, much more!

Also available are a variety of prints, framed and unframed, perfect for a nursery or children’s room.

For more information visit www.eyeofshivadesign.com and http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellyBabies?section_id=5486795

Photos by local portrait photographer Oswald Phillips.

Photos by Oswald Phills

Up to date news on Kensington Market’s gem of an event space, *Hotshot

What’s On

Subtle Technology Festival- Exhibit

SynSoma is an exhibition of kinetic works, which explore the relationship between the artificial and organic through subtle mechanical mimicry of natural systems.

Two installations are featured in *Hotshot

1. Robyn Moody’s Power 2: Heart Lake as seen through the eyes of Manley Natland adopts a closed system with simple repetitious mechanical functions made up of hundreds of spinning black gears of different sizes embedded with small tilted mirrors. Modeled after Heart Lake, a water source within the Alberta oilsands, the dark glistening surface suggests the separation of oil from sand through destructive processes. The varying shapes, sizes and hand made quality of each gear results in a complexity of emerging patterns going in and out of phases.

2. Steve Daniels’ sessile is a colony of 25 kinetic sculptures incorporate an open system where each robot responds to changes in ambient light levels by opening and closing their limbs. A viewer’s shadow becomes a part of the colony’s environment and a medium of interaction. Subtle differences arise from a myriad of factors including small variations in construction, surface imperfections, their orientation to ground and most importantly their internal emotional state. The work creates a dialogue between participant and object where the observed and observer are interchanged.

http://www.subtletechnologies.com/

Exhibit runs June 3^rd-June 12^th

Opening Reception June 4^th from 7pm-10pm

Coming Up…

SUPAFRIK- Pop Up Shop

Supafrik is an experimental pop-up concept curated by Chinedu Ukabam, Creative Director of Toronto fashion label Chinedesign. A blend of art exhibition and retail, Supafrik will showcase the work of artists and entrepreneurs that are inspired by Africa.  Loosely curated around the theme of “Urban Contemporary Africana”, Supafrik will feature artwork and merchandise that re-contextualise and re-imagine traditional African aesthetics and tradition with a post-modernist eye.  In addition to the Afrotropolis fashion collection by Chinedesign, Supafrik will be stocked with unique artwork, books, music, t-shirts, shoes furniture and home-ware collected by Chinedu throughout his travels in New York, London and Paris.  Supafrik will also have social-media interactivity that will allow anybody with an internet connection to participate in some of the activities planned over the duration of the pop up shop such as the stylized photoshoot, book reading and design workshop.

Pop Up Shop runs July 14^th - July31st

Opening Party July 15^th 7pm-11pm

Closing Party July 31^st 7pm-11pm

New hotshot.ca website:

Hotshot.ca has been revamped. Out with the old and in with the awesome. We made it easier for you to check out all the exciting joint ventures  (exhibits, pop up shops, events) between us, and the innovative minds that temporarily take over our space.

We have a new, handy FAQ section that will ease the most curious mind. Everything you need to know if you are interested in turning our “blank canvas” space into something inspiring for the public to view. A new blog where you can catch up on the goings-on at *Hotshot and around the city…and much more

SPACE!

We have some openings on our event calendar! We value those who make the space unique. Keep us in the loop- Whether you’re an artist, retailer, event planner, art enthusiast, coffee drinker, art student, or stumbling upon us for the first time.  We want to continue building partnerships with like-minded individuals and businesses by exchanging information, services and coming events. If you would like to participate with us and use our space drop us a line. info@hotshot.ca

Shelby Monita Lee

Social Media and PR Manager

SynSoma is an exhibition of kinetic works which explore the relationship between the artificial and organic through subtle mechanical mimicry of natural systems.

Robyn Moody’s Power 2: Heart Lake as seen through the eyes of Manley Natland adopts a closed system with simple repetitious mechanical functions made up of hundreds of spinning black gears of different sizes embedded with small tilted mirrors. Modeled after Heart Lake, a water source within the Alberta oilsands, the dark glistening surface suggests the separation of oil from sand through destructive processes. The varying shapes, sizes and hand made quality of each gear results in a complexity of emerging patterns going in and out of phase.

Steve Daniels’ sessile is a colony of 25 kinetic sculptures incorporate an open system where each robot responds to changes in ambient light levels by opening and closing their limbs. A viewer’s shadow becomes a part of the colony’s environment and a medium of interaction. Subtle differences arise from a myriad of factors including small variations in construction, surface imperfections, their orientation to ground and most importantly their internal emotional state. The work creates a dialogue between participant and object where the observed and observer are interchanged.

http://www.subtletechnologies.com/

http://www.robynmoody.ca/image09.html

On January 7th 2011 Improv teacher, Lauren Stein partnered with *Hotshot to host a fun and creative staff party using improv as a way to break the ice and build teamwork.

Here’s what Lauren had to say about the event:

The folks at Nulogy really know how to treat their employees right! When they put together a staff party for the new year, they went all out — and kicked off their event with an improv session at *Hotshot!

Staff created hilarious commercials and hitch-hiked each other, while gaining better teamwork skills, learning how to interrupt and avoid technobabble, and building morale in the office! After 3 hours of fun and games, awards were given to the Most Outrageous Co-Worker, among others!

Nulogy staff reported that the event  taught them to be “spontaneous and open in my thinking,” that they “learnt more about myself and the team,” and it was “good bonding overall!” CEO Kevin Wong said, “I don’t know what organization wouldn’t benefit from an improv workshop/party, really.”

Contact *Hotshot to find out how to host your very own Improv event with Lauren Stein!

Check it out: (http://laurentina.me/laurentinaimprov/workshops/staff-party/

It Figures-