GarthWunsch.com

Archive for March, 2010

One year ago I began my quest to obtain my Master of Photographic Arts designation through the Professional Photographers of Canada. Today I received notice that my first step is now completed with the approval of my submission for accreditation in the category of Fine Art – Photo Decor. Obtaining this accreditation qualifies me for the designation of Licentiate – Professional Photographer of Ontario (LPPO). To qualify for any accreditation, one must submit ten images in their area of expertise and all ten must be accepted by the jury… you need 100% to pass this exam!

The 2010 Winter Olympics are history… or so some might think. But for so many people, they are so very real and alive. Why? Because the Olympians are real live people who live in real communities and are bringing their memories and inspiration “back home” from the games to communities all across our beloved Canada. My community is Sudbury, Ontario! They put real faces to our television screen images. They are the difference between a live concert and some flat lifeless recording downloaded off the web.

I experienced this first hand yesterday when I had the great personal fortune to photograph Rebecca Johnston and Tessa Bonhomme. I had visited my optometrist’s office (Family Vision Centre) last Wednesday and there on the counter was a bouquet of flowers that looked identical to many I had seen being presented to the winning athletes over the course of the games. At first I thought they were a purchased decoration, but was assured they were “the real thing” (I guess I can use that phrase since Coac-Cola was an official sponsor Turns out Tessa’s mom, Debbie Bonhomme, works there. They told me Tessa was coming in Friday morning to share her medal with the staff, so I asked if I might come in and photograph the ocasion… sure, come on down!

Friday morning arrived. The office was electric with excitement and EVERYONE was wearing some combination of red and white, including the children who had taken a couple of hours off school to see and touch “the Gold”. I was expecting just Tessa, but in walked both Tessa and Rebecca, complete with their golden treasure and great big golden smiles to match. Everyone, regardless of their age, were as awestruck little children again. This was pure joy and it was made possible by these two lovely young ladies being will to share, to inspire and to give back to their community.

Thank You Ladies. You have made us proud to call ourselves Canadians!

Gallery from Family Vision Centre and the ReMax office just down the hall (same story, different people, same pride and joy).
ENJOY!

Dear Friends
This posting is not about me or my artwork. I have been trying to post a print a month, but this month I’d like you to go see, no, go buy, my good friend Cheryl Battistelli’s work. She is in the battle of her life fighting breast cancer. Read on!

One of Cheryl’s friends has set up an eBay site to sell her amazing art work to help raise funds for her medical expenses. We are cat people (my wife and I). We already own Zen… it is a beautiful piece of art and the first thing you see when you enter our home. I have pasted her email directly into the bottom of this post. Beyond financial support, Cheryl’s most pressing need is for your prayers. I spoke with her just before she left for treatment, and she said there was no better gift I could give her than my prayers… please add yours… and please share this link with your friends to get the word out.

Here’s a link to Cheryl’s personal website

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We need you!
Cheryl grew up in Montreal, went to PCHS, moved to Ottawa, attended Carleton Univ and married Univ of Ottawa alumni and former Captain of the Ottawa 67’s, Brent Battistelli.  They now reside with their 3 children, Alex, Christian and Danielle in Walden ON.

In 2009, Cheryl was suddenly struck with an aggressive form of breast cancer.  She is fighting for her life with grace and courage, but she needs your help..  The types of treatment Cheryl strongly believes in are not covered by our medical program in Canada.  So, the auction of these beautiful works, which Cheryl has put her heart and soul into, will help to raise the much-needed funds to help pay for her treatment which is very costly.

Please show your support by buying her affordable (prices below), award winning prints…you will be buying beautiful work and helping so much by giving us hope.

About the artist:
Between 2001 and 2009, Cheryl’s work has several times been selected to be part of the Ducks Unlimited Canada National Art Print Portfolio, chosen from several hundred submissions nationwide. She has also used her artistic abilities to support organizations such as President’s Choice Children’s Charity. Her work has five times been selected as a finalist in The Artists’ Magazine international art competition, and was featured in their 2002 calendar. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of Canada, and exhibits annually at the Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival in Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada.

Cheryl has studied with renowned Canadian artists Robert Bateman and Dwayne Harty, and currently works primarily in pastels on archival sandpaper. Her paintings can be found in collections across Canada, the United States and Europe..
Please go to our EBay site and purchase one or more of Cheryl’s beautiful prints.  They make excellent gifts.  Also, please forward this email to all your contacts and spread the word.

Prices range from $49 – $117 each professional print. Shipping extra.

Please buy Cheryl’s artwork online at this Ebay link to assist in funding her treatment.