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Artext FOR THE RECORD
Ontario
Off the Canvas Packs a Punch
by Gil Wasserman
I would like to express my gratitude to director Christopher Hooper for finally creating an accessible documentary film about a real life Canadian artist, not the fabricated dribble we've come to expect when it comes to art documentaries. Not once was the term 'juxtapose' used in the film James Picard: Off the Canvas which explores the creative obsession of one of Canada's more prolific praiseworthy artists.
I had the privilege of viewing the film prior to the Canadian Premiere, which was held on November 14th 2002 in Vancouver where both director and artist reside.
Mr. Hooper's mission statement was to try and answer the question, "Where does creativity come from?" and he solves this by not only digging deep into the artists inner creative furnace but cleverly interviews collectors, acquaintances, friends and fans of the artist who are authentic in their responses and as far from art speak as you could possibly get. This brings us even closer to understanding what Picard is going through when he talks about painting day and night and not being able to sleep as his mind is creating around the clock. The director also helps bring this bombardment of imagery, that keeps Picard a gargantuan insomniac, to the big screen by blasting Picard's images full force at the audience. One can't help but feel compelled to be thankful a creative force of this magnitude is only given to those who can express it, or at least try too. I myself can now understand why a tragic fatal gunshot might have ended Vincent's suffering, it does seem like quite the burden to bear.
Of the two hundred and fifty or so artworks that are included in the film, I was informed that thousands were not included. It seems like an unbelievable output for someone not quite forty years of age but one only has to view the film to become dizzy with admiration for the commitment that this man has for his life's work. The film's musical score, done by Canadian composer George Blondheim, is flawlessly arranged helping to bring to life the kaleidoscopic imagery that is displayed throughout the documentary. It creates a mood of harmony with the paintings, giving them a breath of existence as they sail across the screen, an excellent example of fusion between art and composer.
All in all it is a remarkably intriguing film which leaves one wanting more. Though the images moving at mercurial speed at times, which I'm sure is how Picard sees them in his own mind, can become overwhelming to say the least, I feel I am a little more versed in the knowledge of creativity.
Film news updates and clips can be seem at trifectamedia.com/canvas and James Picard's work can be seem at www.jamespicard.com