Arts and Crafts and the Ugly Stick

For one of my major artworks, I have been filming the hands of local folks making music and working on local arts and crafts. This has been a great experience because I have gotten to meet many of the people whose families have lived here for generations.

Filming hands has been a great way for me to be invited into conversations and reminiscences. I had worried that people would be reluctant, but on the contrary, everyone is more than willing. And people I don't ask to be filmed drop huge hints that I could film their hands, too.

I'm not ready to say what I will be using the hands for, except to say that the plan is to incorporate them into my video work about the region.

Here are a few stills from some of the videos I've shot so far. Just to give you a taste:

I'm in the process of filming the hands of some local musicians. I started by filming Cyril playing the "Ugly Stick". He gave me permission to post his pic, here.

What's an ugly stick, you ask? It's a Newfoundland thing! You can read about it here.

This particular ugly stick is made from a mop, some roofing hardware, and his grandson's winter boot!

If you have access to CBC Gem, you can watch this video of "Still Standing", featuring Woody Point, where I am staying. I now know most of the people featured in this video. At around 17 minutes 25, Cyril and his Ugly Stick are featured and you can get a little taste of what it sounds like. Enjoy!