Cadmium 2011/2012 Issue 1 by Student Union

CADMIUM The Welcome Back Issue: September 2011 Free Volume 3 Number 1

HOW TO: MAKE FRIENDS AT OCADU TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE THE BEST OF FRIENDS

WHO ARE THE SU? GET TO KNOW THE BOARD

CADMIUM

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

CONTENTS

EDITOR: Christina White In-House Writer: Izaak Kooiman

CADMIUM | September 2011

WRITERS:

Cassi Wong-Lee Izaak Kooiman Talia Dimerman Claire Scherzinger Caitlin Martin Jimmy Brannen Jessica Duncan

ARTISTS & DESIGNERS: Jos Theriault Rosemary Flatur Jakub Wasik Cathleen Yand Claire Scherzinger Amal Peerzada Christina Mazzulla Brendan Peters John Tanjuakio Matt Moreland George Mantzioris Michael Ferretti

FEATURES Who are the OCADU Student Union?

hy hello you brave souls that have picked up this new issue of Cadmium. First off, I should introduce myself. I’m Christina White, a 3rd year Graphic Design student with a love for editorial design and printmaking. I joined the SU clan because I wanted to give back to this glorious university that I’m proud to call my second home. My goal for Cadmium is to make it as impressive and wellknown as possible. How might you ask? By pouring blood, sweat and tears into it. Not literally of course because that’s just gross. I’ve changed Cadmium a lot but don’t be frightened we’re still going to keep the vulgarity and rawness of the past issues. I’m always open to input or advice so if you see me around the halls feel free to come say “hi”.

A LETTER FROM IN-HOUSE WRITER

A decription of the many ways to make lifelong friends at OCADU. From where to meet them to how to stir up conversations

Denominations of OCADU Students How to tell the various types of people at OCADU

Byebye Summer! Tips and tricks on landing the greatest Summer Internship

OPINIONS The Bell-Curve

Back to School Blues or Bliss?

SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO: publication@ocadsu.org

publication@ocadsu.org

How to Make Friends at OCADU

The two sides of the infamous bell-curve that OCAD U apparently “doesn’t follow”

COVER: Jos Theriault

Words from the various SU members on what they do, what SU is and what they’ve been doing all summer for OCAD

Going back to school is always a hassle but to some its the best day of the year

ey guys! I hope you had a great summer! My name’s Izaak, and I’ll be writing a couple articles for each issue. I’m very excited to work with Christina and all of you to make sure Cadmium is awesome! I hope you’re all regularly contributing and attending our monthly meetings (read those damned emails)! Anyway, study my picture for about five seconds, then come say hi next time you walk by the front of the school. More often than not, I’ll be out there chatting up the arty smokers.

Stay in School

Does the old saying still have validity today?

What is Love?

Oh, Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no more

A Letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton

EXTRAS STUDENT ART WORK

Horoscopes

Works from current OCAD U Students from various programs.

Your September Horoscopes

Director of Academic & University Affairs: Kayla-Preston-Lord Currently in 3rd year at OCADU, Kayla has chosen to pursue the loving tedious major of Printmaking. She shares an affinity with zombie kid in her affection for turtles, in addition to undying passions for 16-bit video games, foreign films, cooking (and subsequently eating said delicacies). In order to get your voices heard, she also sits on the OCAD University Senate as a Student Senator.

Director of Operations & Finance: Amanda Almeida What’s Up OCAD!! I’m a 5th year Industrial Design student with only 237 more days until graduation! My advice for new students: Go to every gallery opening you are invited to! You get to drink cheap wine, and talk to strangers about art while perfecting your “art hands”.

SU BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES

WHO ARE THE STUDENT UNION? GET TO KNOW THE EACH MEMBER OF THE OCADU STUDENT UNION

SU EXECUTIVES

Director of Outreach & Events: Nicholas Smith I am a third year Graphic Design student working as your Director of Outreach and Events, planning the events and activities for the student body. I have an avid interest in printmaking and like to bake when I get stressed out. For the early half of the summer I worked on creating this years Handbook/Agenda. Plans are already in the works this year for Festivus. This year will be our fourth annual Sexy Bingo with Dirty Shirley. If you have been to our Bingo before you know what to expect and if you have not been before ask someone who has, I’m sure their stories form the night will be well worth it. Continuing from last years success, this year Potluck has grown into ‘The Hallway Cafe.’ I look forward to cooking with and serving my fellow students. (Come to the main Lobby of 100 McCaul on alternating Thursday.)

Director of Campaigns & Advocacy: Cassi Wong-Lee Hey my name is Cassi Wong-Lee and I’m the Director of Campaigns and Advocacy. I basically promote and help out with current campaigns that involve issues that concern the OCAD U Student body. Some of the work that I’ve been doing over the summer includes the Ignorance is NOT Bliss Campaign (a video series that focuses on important information students should know), the SU Student Housing Board and stocking the Starving Artist Pantry. I’m hoping to incorporate some campaigns involving the MADD department, which is near and dear to my heart! Starting in the fall, I’m hoping to start a Stitch and Bitch, a weekly club that encourages knitting, crocheting, and sewing enthusiasts to work on their current projects. In the mean time, I’m currently studying plants on the side, getting ready for the new school year, and savouring the last bits of summer.

Faculty of Art Rep: Nadine Khoury Majoring in CRCP and minoring in Photography─loving every second of it. I am representing all you artists and very excited to be a part of the SU because I want to engage myself as a student and participate in enhancing the interaction of students at OCADU. Help me put our voices through as a creative community. I am a very social person so do not hesitate to and ask me anything. See you around

Faculty of Design Rep: Heather Fraser Is that Sasquatch wearing a oneside? No, that’s just your Design Rep Heather Fraser! She is currently in third year Graphic Design where she is battling it out along side other students. She is a very friendly and helpful person so don’t worry to go talk to her, she won’t bite you... hard. Here to listen to any and all of your suggestion, don’t worry she is always easy to find!

Design Studio Rep: Brandon Celi Brandon is currently in second year majoring in Illustration. You should be made aware he knows three jokes. He is inspired by Nanalan, and also probably waved to you before and you just didn’t see him. Feel free to approach Brendon for anything! Or maybe even return the wave... sometime. If you want.

Diversity & Equity Rep: Rakel Zetterlund Hi there, My name is Rakel Zetterlund and I am the Diveristy and Equity Rep for OCADSU. I’m around to make sure everyone at OCADU feels welcome at any student union run event. I want to make sure that all of OCADU’s students find their place in the school community. I’m currently working on helping to get things up and running for Orientation. Afterwards I will be looking forward to working on OCADU events with the rest of our fabulous Student Union! Coming off of a summer working as an art specialist at a summer camp with children, it’ll be nice to re-enter the OCADU community of artists. Sustainability & Ethics Rep: Benjamin Verdicchio This is his second year at OCAD U studying Environmental Design but his wealth of education covers art, music, social sciences and geography throughout the province of Quebec. Ben is really into small things that make up the big things and their migratory patterns, whether living or not. He looks foreword to organizing workshops along these lines throughout the year, so keep an eye out.

SU STAFF

Office Manager: Tre Whan Tre came to OCAD SU with an extensive background in student and social activism, union work and a BFA from COFA, Sydney Australia. Tre is dedicated to expanding the Su’s services and student voices on campus. Outside of the SU, Tre creates and works as an Artistic Director and Performer, who has showcased works across Europe, North America and Australia.

UPCOMING PROGRAMMING FALL 2011

TASTY TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PASTA SAUCE FROM THE CAMPUS CUPBOARD

MAIN SPACE: “Spark Residency Exhibition” Jillian Ross, Elise Windsor, and Liam Wylie September 9th - September 24th, 2011 Opening Reception: Friday, September 9th at 7PM

By: Cassi Wong-Lee

eed a quick food fix and don’t know what to do? Pasta and sauce is a great meal to put together in less than thirty minutes. But who wants to eat the same old tomato sauce for five nights in a row? Here are some tips on how to make your pasta sauce go from yuck no to fuck yeah.

Welcome from our new Director Amber Landgraff

1. Add various herbs and spices to your sauce. It can make a difference in the overall dish and you can customize it based on your personal tastes. Swing by the Campus Cupboard and pick up some dried spices like oregano, tumeric, and coriander to try in your next pasta dish.

Welcome to another year of exciting, fantastic, experimental (I could go on) programming at XPACE Cultural Centre! Here at XPACE we are dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and making space for student and emerging artists and designers as they explore exhibiting, writing, and critically engaging with art and design. Come on by to check out our programming or just to talk to us about XPACE!

2. Add some chopped fresh or sautéed vegetables in the mix. Some vegetables that go well in sauces are carrots, celery, onions, beets, and bell peppers. Good Food Boxes often have produce that can be used in various ways, and using leftover produce in a sauce is a good way to use up those veggies. 3. Add a little booze to some kick. Red wine is a popular choice that can be used to add depth to the sauce, but be sure to cook out the alcohol or else it taste a little funky (unless you’re Epic Meal Time...) 4. Add some hot sauce for some more kick. Choose your poison: Sriracha, tabasco, Frank’s, anything goes as long as you know your own heat tolerance. If you’re a dragon, go ahead and up the ante with a lot of hot sauce but make sure you warn your friends if you’re serving to a bunch of people.

XPACE Cultural Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to emerging art and design. Our goal is to bridge students with their established counterparts through experimental programming that cultivates public dialogue. This allows for a dynamic art space that questions and re-evaluates the cultural and artistic expectations of visual language. XPACE is a membership-driven organization supported by the OCADU Student Union.

5. Skip the tomato sauce and learn how to cook a new sauce. Tomato sauce can get boring after a while, so now’s the best time to learn a new skill and add it to your repertoire. Some sauces to check out are alfredo, pesto, and ragu. 6. Puree one of your favourite vegetables and turn it into a sauce. Another great way to use up veggies is to sauté them in a little olive oil and garlic and then purée it for a unique sauce. Feel free to experiment and create your own recipes. 7. Crumble some meat or tofu into the sauce for a little more body. If you’re a meat lover, Italian sausage is an obvious choice that will go well with tomato sauce. If you’re a vegan, why not add some cubed tofu into the mix? 8. Condiments could be used as last-resort sauces or extra flavourings. If you’ve got a condiment fridge, your bottles of BBQ sauce, salad dressing, and salsa may come in handy. If you’re an experimental chef of sorts, see if you can challenge yourself to come up with a decent sauce from condiments. For example, a little bit of olive oil mixed with mustard, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce could be a delicious combination.

LOCATION AND CONTACT: XPACE Cultural Centre 58 Ossington Avenue Toronto, ON, M6J 2Y7 416.849.2864

9. Skip the sauce and make a soup instead. If you’re craving a hot bowl of goodness, why not try a soup? You can totally supplement a ramen noodle pack with some of the suggestions above (I wouldn’t try red wine with ramen though...) A cooked egg on top of ramen with some chopped veggies could be a good personalized meal. 10. Skip the pasta and try a different grain. Ever tried quinoa or couscous? If not, now’s the time to try. Come to the Campus Cupboard and try some of the great grains we have in stock to switch up your pasta-and-sauce meals.

John Tanjuakio

“Betwen Cellar and Attic” Ryan Lord, Genevieve Robertson, and Paola Savasta October 14th - Novemebr 5th, 2011 Opening Reception: Friday, October 14th at 7PM WINDOW SPACE: “Untitled 8bit” Carolyn Tripp September 9th - October 8th, 2011 Opening Reception: Friday, September 9th at 7PM “Dancing With Myself, and Others” Lindsay Denise October 14th - November 12th, 2011 Opening Reception: Friday, October 14th at 7PM EVENTS: “FEAST (Funding Engaging Actions with Sustainable Tactics)” Amber Landgraff and Deborah Wang September 25th, 2011 at 7-10PM Tickets can be purchased online:

Check out our website for more details about us and for upcoming shows and events: www.xpace.info Follow our blog at blog.xpace.info Join our facebook group, search: XPACE Cultural Centre Follow us on twitter: twitter.com/xpacecc

Student Work

make friends at OCAD U By: Izaak Kooiman

SMOKING. Of course, if you don’t already smoke, you shouldn’t start; but if you do, you’re already on the road to becoming a social butterfly at OCAD. If you don’t smoke (which you definitely shouldn’t), it would be a good idea to befriend some smokers. Smokers will introduce you to an abundance of interesting and like-minded people. If your conversation with a smoker is wearing down, you can always simply fall back on a conversation about cigarettes. Where to find smokers at OCAD: In front of 100 McCaul: these are usually the smokers on break from class or taking a break from working on projects. Never hesitate to ask them what they’re working on. In front of 113 McCaul: the smokers here are usually first years, so if you’re a first year you’ll fit right in. This is an opportunity to meet 3 or 4 people in each of your classes. If all else fails in your conversation with one of these smokers, compare the courses you’re in next semester or something. In Butterfield Park: these smokers are usually upper year students taking an extended break to smoke a joint, enjoy the sun, take cover from the rain, or play OCAD’s unofficial-official sport, chinlone Sit beside people you want to be friends with. If there’s someone in a class of yours who attracts you, for some reason or another, then sit beside them! Guaranteed, by the end of the semester, you will be friends with this person. Hang out at Crown or Bistro. If you haven’t realized already, Crown & Tiger and Bistro 422 (both bars just east of Bathurst on the north side of College) are over ridden with OCAD students pretty much every night of the week. Both bars are famous

Andrew Paul

for their ten-dollar pitchers and covered back patios. If you recognize anyone from school, befriending them is as simple as saying “Hey, I’m _______ , I recognize you from school.” What ensues is almost always a discussion of your majors, followed by something a little more personal. The LBCO at Spadina & Baldwin after 8pm. This isn’t the best place to meet people, but it is a prime location to solidify friendships. This LCBO serves the population of the neighbourhood that OCAD students are most likely to live in. After 8pm, any given day of the week, there are three line-ups that stretch all the way to the back of the store. You’ll recognize at least two or three faces patiently waiting for their nights to begin. Ask one of your acquaintances what they’re up to tonight. Maybe they’ll see you at a bar later; maybe you’ll get invited to a party; maybe you’re already headed to the same place. OCAD parties. OCAD parties are infamous for being lackluster; this simply isn’t true. OCAD parties usually consist of the “pre drink” (see going to the LCBO at Spadina & Baldwin after 8pm) followed by the “bar hop” (see Crown & Tiger and Bistro 422). “Pre drinks” are always an opportunity for conversation fueled by the world’s greatest conversational lubricant, booze. “Bar hopping” is what separates some OCADians from others. Some will go to bars such as Crown & Tiger or Bistro 422 for more conversation, and likely cigarettes; others will go dancing at clubs such as Nocturne, 751, Dancecave or Wrongbar.

Student Work

Denominations

of OCADU Students

At OCAD U we are more than just a bunch of artzy hipsters; we are the people hipsters have been long trying to emulate By: Izaak Kooiman

CAD U attracts a variety of types of people. At first glance one is likely to say to themselves, “Wow, what a bunch of hipsters.” The truth is, we’re not hipsters, we’re the people hipsters have been trying to emulate. In high school the divisions of people are usually more pronounced: the jocks, the stoners, the gangsters, the skaters, the preps, the goths, the art kids, the theatre kids and the student council kids. OCAD faculty, by means of the interview process, hand picks predominantly from the art kids and the stoners, then selects a few candidates from each other high-school-sub-category for the sake of diversity. By the time we arrive at OCAD the majority of students fit into one of the following denominations: The-do-it-yourselfers: this rag-tag group is pretty easy to spot; self patched clothing and home made jewelry or accessories such as woolen hats and scarves. These are the most likely people to give you a birthday present; so make sure you share your favorite colour with them, else you end up with a pair of beige woolen mittens. The thrifties: if you’re having a hard time spotting these folks, think to yourself, “what would my grandpa wear if he were my age?” Floral patterns and paisley are the key to any thrifty’s heart. These are the people most likely to be seen on campus with a fedora or a pair of leather shoes. They’re also the most likely to be seen in a Goodwill or Value Village (for obvious reasons).

The fashion centric: essentially a living, breathing American Apparel ad, the fashion centric are the most likely on campus to have clean and pressed clothing. As every article of clothing, down the socks, is obviously fresh from a designer sweatshop, your first superficial crush at OCAD is surely going to be on one of these kids. You’ll either learn to dig a little deeper in your affections, or you’ll be surprised to find a great person under that fashionista exterior. The vegans: A great way to tell if someone is vegan is the hemp accessories and clothing. If you’re trying to impress on of them, refrain from wearing that leather jacket, then hold the bacon at Karine’s. A common mistake at OCAD is offering the kid with the dreadlocks your joint before offering it to anyone else. Don’t just assume they’re into Rasta culture, start with a conversation on the environment or something. If you’re looking for these kids outside of school, try Kensington Park. The post-goth: though most of their clothing is black and decorated with skulls; and their iPod is filled with music you’ve always avoided, this is just a bi-product of high school in the suburbs. The post-goth OCAD student is exponentially easier to approach than they were in high school. Instead of being solemn and ready to snap at a moment’s notice, they’re now friendly and sociable. The accidental “hipster”: Though they definitely can’t be called a “hipster”, they sure as hell look like one! Don’t be fooled by the plaid flannel shirt, thick-framed glasses and bicycle cap; these kids are simply victims of circumstance. Sure they’re likely to be seen at a house party drinking tall-cans of Pabst, but that’s just cause it’s cheap, okay?!

Christina Mazzulla

Student Work

Byebye Summer!

Tips & Tricks for Landing the Perfect Internship By: Talia Dimerman

ey all. Thought I’d give you a breakdown of my summer that went by way too fast in my opinion. Let’s break it down – 2-week road trip across the Maritimes, Quebec City & USA, summer course and internship. I kept busy that’s for sure. I decided to take a summer course to get one of my liberal studies out of the way. Going into my 3rd year of Graphic Design my mentality was that I would take another full course load for 3rd year, then another Lib studies next summer and voila, I’m done all my Lib studies credits, it’s 2 less courses to have to balance with the lovely but dreaded thesis in 4th year I hear about from friends who are upper year students. Advice to anyone who is considering taking a summer course – do it! It’s less stress during the year and surprisingly I got one of my highest marks ever. So aside from hanging out with friends that took up the first month of my summer along with the summer course, I jumped right into a summer internship 3 days a week at an advertising agency in the Yonge & Davisville area. I especially wanted to write this article because I’ve had so many friends in my program coming up to me and asking how on earth I got one – especially only going into my 3rd year. So I thought I’d give everyone some tips and tricks if you are considering applying for one anytime soon!

Claire Scherzinger

Jakub Wasikiewicz

#1 – TIMING. Apply super early, I’d say around February or March to be on the safe side. You want to send off your cover letter, resume and online portfolio link if you have one to any agencies or companies that seem to be of interest to you. Keep in mind though many places will also expect to see a print portfolio if they ask you in for an interview so keep that updated! I applied to at least 60 places. In Graphic Design or any field for that matter you need to apply to as many as you can because realistically you will only hear back from 10 of those places. In regards to a cover letter I simply created a nice blurb in the main body of my e-mail outlining a bit about me and personalizing it using the name of their company and saying my interest in working there. That way it won’t sound super generic to every place you apply to.

#2 – HOW DO I FIND THESE PLACES. This is a big question I get asked all the time and I really have one simple solution: Google it! Google was my saviour. Seriously, just type in major or top design or advertising agencies in Toronto and you will get a whole slew of them. I accessed some pages that provided links to each website so I had some sort of idea if their work seemed appealing to me. Also don’t forget to check out the OCAD U Job Board found directly on the school’s website – however I had much more luck taking the Google approach. #3 – FACTORS TO CONSIDER. I got 2 offers for the summer and both very different – one focused more on the digital/ interactive side and the other more print/ layout oriented. Ultimately what I found most helpful was to write up a list of pros and cons about each place I went in for an interview. Write up the points they mentioned in the interview such as compensation, what kind of work they would get you to do, what kind of hours they expect you to commit to. I find especially for me location is a big factor too so really write down everything you can remember from each interview – in fact it would be wise to write up a list of things covered in your interview right after you leave. If you are on the subway grab a pen and paper out of your bag and jot away while all your thoughts are still clear in your head. It’s really all about motivation and perseverance. You need to go in for your interview with confidence. It’s a competitive industry – but I’ve learned it’s not just about an impressive portfolio. They want someone that stands out amongst the crowd and whose personality shines in a way that proves they are innovative and are willing to give 100% into all the work they create. If you really want an internship – go for it! This is my 3rd internship and I feel I definitely made the right decision. It’s given me a great deal of experience in the real world and have developed relationships and learned a tremendous deal of information that I will definitely take with me in the future. In fact – they may even hire me during the school year so you never know where it can lead you! If you have any other questions feel free to write to me at: talia.d91@gmail.com. Good luck to everyone with classes this year and hope everyone had an amazing summer!

Student Work

The Bell-Curve

The two sides to the infamous Bell-Curve that OCAD U apparenlty “doesn’t follow”

By Claire Scherzinger

any issue worth discussing, I find that L ike there are always two sides to the argument

and somehow I can never make up my mind as to which side I agree with. I find that the belcurve at OCAD U is a juicy, contentious topic that always leaves people feeling heated. It’s a dialogue that has been going on for awhile that I feel is always worth debating at any place, any time. Why do we have these benchmarks in the first place? Regardless of where you fit into the curve, it is essential to ask these important questions. From what I understand, we have the bell-curve so the concept of an ‘A’ grade actually means something. I can understand that, especially since we all go to an arts university where the concept of an ‘A,’ or any grade for that matter, is completely subjective. It is then up to the professor to decide where you fit in this curve based upon their years of experience in creating art and teaching art. In my experience, most of the people who don’t mind the bell-curve are the ones who have never experienced having their grades lowered enough to fit in the lower half of the curve. They probably have high seventies and eighties for grades. They know they can beat the system, so they don’t say anything about it. This is fine. Good for them, in fact. On the other hand, I have also heard from the students who complain about the curve. I know I cannot speak for everyone, but I have listened to and participated in my fair share of debates concerning the curve. What I have gathered is that people think this idea is ludicrous because the professor doesn’t understand their complex concepts in a painting even though their technical skill may not be up to par. This

also happens in the reverse when a professor focuses more on the concept and less on the technical skill. Either way, someone in the class is never happy when their mark could have been a seventy, but then was bumped down to a sixty-nine to accommodate other people in the class who the teacher felt deserved an eighty. I think this model of benchmarking grades, curving them, what have you, benefits the student who is clearly committed to their education. They might not necessarily be the best painter or graphic designer. However, they will show a hunger to learn and to improve themselves so they can one day become the best. The professor will see that. They will respect you for that because for once there is someone fully engaged in their learning experience. If anyone uses the curve as an excuse for getting a bad mark, then that is simply a cop-out. That being said, not everything is necessarily about grades anyway. Even if the professor does not like your work at the end of the day and gives you a bad grade, your portfolio is what matters the most. I always use this point as my closing argument because it is true. At the end of the day an employer will be looking at your art, not how many A’s you have. That was a valuable lesson I learned this year and it is, of course, difficult to adjust to this mentality. In the end, there are so many variables that make the curve the way it is. It depends on human opinions being put into a mathematical formula that then churns out your grades. It is not the curve that thou should hate. Rather, thou should hate the human imperfection that makes this system flawed.

Cathleen Yang

Student Work

Back to School

Blues or Bliss By: Caitlin Martin

is not usually encouraged. Luckily, P lagiarism secretly re-hashing your own original ideas is

not strictly considered plagiarism! As every deadlinecrunched and creatively-drained person knows, sometimes there is simply no other option than to steal from yourself. And so it happened that a very tired, desperate me planned to simply copy and paste an old piece of writing into the next few paragraphs. I knew that I had written a back-to-school article for my high school student newspaper several years ago. ‘Perfect,’ I thought, ‘I can dig up that old article, paraphrase a few things, and we’re set! Back-toschool feelings are pretty standard, right...?’ Wrong. I realised quite quickly, as I scanned my old work, that the traumatic back-to-school experience of my all-girls, straight-laced high school could not be more different from that which we face at OCAD U. Thank goodness!

Claire Scherzinger

My old article described the horrors of the ‘medically acknowledged’ Back to School Syndrome (B.S.S.), which wreaked havoc across all areas of the school. The unfortunate male teachers found themselves groggily, and catastrophically, mismatching their navy suit jackets with black pants, or even wearing one brown shoe and one black. Students picked out their brothers’ striped ties from the laundry by mistake, or worse still, found themselves somehow at home without their homework. Some even forgot to change their clocks and arrived at school an hour earlier than necessary after the fall time change!

Such an article would never have fit into Cadmiumespecially as OCAD U has largely eradicated the dreaded B.S.S. from its student body. Although arriving in mismatched wardrobe at my high school was cause for scrutiny and raised eyebrows, at OCAD- let’s just say you’re liable to get strange looks if your clothing actually matches, let alone if you resemble the ideal corporate figure. In my high school, personal flare meant automatic detention. At OCADU? Compliments abound. And while I had the misfortune to forget about a time change and arrive an hour earlier than necessary for high school one memorable fall, last spring no less than half of my Colour Explorations peers managed to miss the first hour of our 8:30am class... virtually every week. As one of my professors so eloquently put it, “The only thing harder than getting OCAD students to come on time to an 8:30am class is getting the faculty to come to a faculty meeting!” There can be no doubt that the average back-toschool article would not suit these pages. Let’s face it: OCADU is not your average university. Although I would recommend getting your butt to class on time, the fall blues can end there. We can banish the nightmares that an approaching autumn normally brings, and look forward instead to a year full of creativity, challenge, opportunity, and laughter. After all, we’re the kids all our fellow college students envy. We’re the ones that get to have all the fun, and somehow, still earn a degree when we’re through. Here’s to an amazing year.

Student Work

Stay School By: Jimmy Brannen

Does the old saying still have validation?

n the last eight months I’ve heard that titular expression more times than I can count. Have you? Most memorably from a family friend at a dinner party this summer. Something to the effect of, “Stay in school. Stay there while you can”. I know he’s a kind man, but the expression irks me. ‘Stay In School’ is what Michael Jordan and some penguins told me when I was a kid, along with ‘read books’ and ‘brush your teeth’. Punk rock instinct? Defy that advice? Naw, reading is great. I guess brushing one’s teeth is too. So I’ll stay in school, but why am I being told this now? What’s different about this year? That tingly chill is in the air – the academic year looms near on the horizon. To any student new to OCAD U , you will soon find that some of your expectations for university will be met, others completely dashed. You will quickly discover that OCAD U doesn’t have a school residence, cafeteria, sports teams or many student organizations. Your friends at other schools may say how they met this great girl in the café, or can blow off steam after class at varsity soccer, or found this great band that lives in their res. Sadly, and I think to the detriment of all OCAD U students, we can’t quite have those experiences. I don’t think I’m alone in believing that the lack of social institutions at OCAD U hinders any sense of unity or student life. However, OCAD U isn’t barren and horrible, it’s just atypical. And hopefully that’s what you signed up for. You will be given creative freedom on a lot of projects, you’ll be allowed to foster your own ideas and interests, and some of the specialized Liberal Studies courses are almost unique to OCAD U. Nowhere else will you find quite an eclectic and exciting mix of ideas, people and experiences. Or so says I anyway. I used to joke about it in first year, but now that I’m going into my fifth I think I can say with confidence that attending OCAD U is an awful lot like attending Hogwarts School For Witchcraft and Wizardry. One could argue any small post-secondary is akin to Harry Potter’s place of study, but OCAD U is…different… it’s….silly. Whimsical, colourful, full of oddly dressed people. For all of the school’s shortcomings (OCAD

U not Hogwarts) it’s got a lot going for it too, it’s a wonderful place to be creative. That said; I’m sure I’m not alone in questioning why I’m going to OCAD. Is a BFA going to open any doors? If I’ve learned anything from watching the news in the past year it’s that global finances are in arrears, and numerous and complex changes are in the works – politically, economically, ecologically. But flux isn’t new, flux is normal and our puny ape brains keep forgetting that. So is pursuing art (or something resembling art) in 2011 even remotely feasible? Studying at OCAD U encompasses some highly specialized and in some ways, redundant topics. Bookbinding isn’t exactly a growth industry these days. It’s no secret that installations and experimental video don’t pay the bills for too many. If you’ll be attending class this fall you’ve probably been asked what you plan to do upon graduation, and like nearly every student anywhere, we simply don’t know. The stereotype of the starving artist comes to mind for a lot of us when this topic is raised, but now – with the price of gas, the cost of rent and taxes in the city, a lagging economy and high unemployment, is anyone going to drop a few hundred on a painting? Should us art students just stay in the relative comfort of academia and expand our OSAP loans a bit more? Is our silly, whimsical BFA really worth the effort? Is a degree in Integrated Media from Hogwarts U any preparation for the ‘real world’? After all this unabashed cynicism, I strongly, if perhaps foolheartedly, counter all this nay saying. Michael Jordan is right, staying in school probably is a wise decision, and despite its silliness, OCAD U can prepare you for the real world. Not having normal institutions like residence or a cafeteria forces OCAD U students to get out into the real world from the get go, there’s no shelter or extended adolescence. OCAD U doesn’t give you everything; you have to work hard to get out of this experience what you want. OCAD U forces you to cope, compromise and find creative solutions to real problems. You get out of this what you put into it. Don’t just stay in school, fucking own it. Learn from everyone, don’t hold back your criticisms, make mistakes and work as hard as you can.

Jos Theriault

What is

Love? By: Jessica Duncan

oth men and women are very much brainwashed into the fairy tale ideal. That is why height for guys plays a significant role in attracting a mate. But the fairy tale and social taboo baggage is what our parents and their parents have handed down to us. Our modern pop culture is now aggravating that hive with messages that “you deserve to be happy and have everything you want without any hardship.” So romantic or common love seems to becoming more entrenched and the only thing people can relate to. Unfortunately, by itself it is only a genetic vehicle for ensuring continuation of the species. The fairy tale is so damaging because it misleads people into thinking that they will be finding agape (love based on no sexual sexpectations) when the only thing they will get is eros. And then you get all the psychological fall out from the false expectations, complete with the confusion, the controlling, the accusations, and the deceit. True love, real love, spiritual love, or what I have known as “agape” takes work and is selfless, which is why the term “unconditional love” is a redundant statement if the “love” is agape. But like all the real truths in this world, you have to follow a seemingly hypocritical path to get there. You have to be selfish in order to be selfless, you have to love yourself before you can love another. As you elude, everyone has their baggage to deal with, not the least of which is the fairy tale illusion. They have that pain, that hole inside that needs to be addressed. The only way for them to address it is to address it themselves, to fill that hole themselves. When someone finally learns to love themself, then they are capable of truly loving another. The irony is that when you do love yourself, you no longer “need” love from another; rather, you need to love others - the whole receiving and giving thing. But learning to love ourselves can be a hard and painful process as we push through our illusions and come face-to-face with our humanity and everything that means. However, once we are well into this process of

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“Oh, baby don’t hurt me Don’t hurt me no more.”

accepting our humanity and loving ourselves, then the whole question of loving our enemies becomes rhetorical because with our illusions shattered we realize they are no different from ourselves. I think it is a lifetime process, just as loving another is a lifetime process. And just as we need different things at different times in learning to love ourselves, so do others need different things from us when we love them. Just as loving ourselves can be painful but ultimately fulfilling, so can loving others be painful but ultimately fulfilling for both. For example, the parent who coddles their child and doesn’t teach them to stand on their own two feet is not loving the child, but trying to satisfy their need for feeling love through dependency from that child. The parent who teaches their kid to look after themself has to suffer the pain of knowing that they are setting themselves up for “losing” that child, but they are truly loving the child by giving them the tools the child needs to succeed on their own in this world and ultimately that love comes back ten fold through the respect and care the child returns during adulthood. In the former scenario the child stays infantile and never truly grows into adulthood and therefore remains needy and incapable of truly loving. So it is that love may also be considered a spiritual and emotional growth process. Therefore, does loving our enemies mean doing nothing, or putting a stop to them hurting us and themselves? Does loving our mate mean staying with them and turning a blind eye to their alcoholism, or pushing them to address their issues? Maybe in the beginning it means staying with them and accepting them and their alcoholism, but if they become dependent on that emotional support so that they don’t find the emotional support within themselves, it may mean separation so they no longer have that emotional crutch. Because the path to agape begins with yourself, I have my doubts that people will find it within “Holy Matrimony” unless they are already well along the way.

Amal Peerzada

Claire Scherzinger

“

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A Letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton

“ ..To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future. And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done. My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. All my very best, Jack Layton. “ *This is an exert from Jack Layton’s letter to Canadians. The full letter is located here: http://www.ndp.ca/letter-to-canadians-from-jack-layton

Brendan Peters

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OCAD U Student Union

Safer Spaces Statement T

he Safer Spaces Statement has been written to take a positive, proactive, preventative step towards stopping sexual assault, sexual harassment and violence in all its forms. The SU is committed to creating a space that reflects the ideals of autonomous spaces that are supportive, respectful and free of harassment. As people who try to bring about change in the world, we recognize that our own personal behaviour needs to reflect this change.

away from you; not responding to your physical advances. Any of these can be possible signs that someone is telling you to back off/leave them alone – so pay attention and use good judgement and if in doubt ASK.

Everyone accessing, working or dropping in to the SU is asked to take responsibility for their behaviour at all times, and also to help make the space a comfortable, safe(r) space for everyone attending.

If you experience any behaviour that crosses your boundaries or makes you feel uncomfortable, or if you have a problem/issue with someone else, or if you feel unsafe - please come to the Office Manager (Tre Whan). Tre can talk with you about what you want to do and give you assistance, help you sort things out, act on your behalf etc.

Pay attention to boundaries. Different people have different boundaries when it comes to personal space and physical contact. Most of us want different things at different times, or different things from different people. Please do not make assumptions about other people’s comfort or desires. The Student Union fights barriers to education, empowers Get verbal consent before touching people in a way that students to shape both a quality learning experience and may be considered intimate. the world around them. We want all people accessing the Student Union to feel comfortable and free from the Violence is not tolerated at the SU - sexual assault, sexual threat of violence, so we must work to make each other harassment, threats, harassment, physical violence, comfortable. That means having awareness around our bullying etc. Anyone engaging in this behaviour can be individual actions and words, realising the impact we can thrown out of the SU. Security may be called. have on others and having ownership over these actions. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE

PLEASE HAVE A READ THROUGH THESE POINTS AND CONSIDER THEM IN RELATION TO YOURSELF: Don’t presume you know someone’s gender, ethnicity, sexuality, beliefs etc. You need to take responsibility for any negative attitudes/phobias/etc that you might have e.g. sexism, racism, age-ism, able-ism, homophobia, fatphobia, queer-phobia, transgender-phobia etc. You need to understand that if you display these prejudices at the SU, it will not be tolerated.

WORKING PREVENTATIVELY We want to work preventatively in terms of “safer spaces” – by having a “safer spaces statement”.

We want everyone who uses the SU to be aware of the Safer Spaces Statement - information will be on the website, on SU flyers, and hopefully it will come up in You may have specific contexts in which you use discussions. We hope that the very existence of this derogatory/disrespectful language where you consider it information will work preventatively and help create a to be ok. This context is not the SU. You don’t know who positive environment. will hear you, and what reaction they will have, and you will be expected to bear full responsibility for it. When writing “safer spaces guidelines”, it is often difficult to be exact and explicit about what IS or IS NOT Pay attention to people’s body language. Look for things ACCEPTABLE behaviour. If you require further information/ like: someone constantly turning away from you; avoiding clarification, again, please feel free to open a discussion eye contact; making excuses as to why they need to be within the SU.

Matt Moreland

STUDENT POEMS: a half heart, purple lilacs peppered white as green becomes obscene with the arrival of summer’s haze the colour expands, widens under the eye of light a product of the sun’s gaze the child’s delusion grew rapidly in the heat his mind not yet concrete wept as if it was the end his lashes caught his tears like a web they glistened as he winked and begged, “shelter me o’ mother, these laments are obsolete” instead she simply wet his feet and whispered, “all is transient dear boy, the lilacs will die, much like you and i, and, in time, so will this relentless heat Rosemary Flutur

Does this seem Artificial? Do you seem artificial to me? Do I seem artificial? Does this building seem artificial? Does what you learn here seem artificial? Why are you here to chase the most artificial thing of all? Is it better to portray yourself as what you think you are, or is it better to portray yourself as how you want others to see you? Are you on the inside looking out, or on the outside, looking in? Maybe if we spent less time looking for what looks good, we could finally find it in ourselves. Jakub Wasikiewicz

? IN THE ART SCENE

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

GOING

The Toronto Palestine Film Festival Traveling Art Show The Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) Traveling Art Show will be taking place from September 30th October 7th 2011. The TPFF Traveling Art Show will accept artwork made by Palestinian artists, and artwork on subject matters related to Palestine made by Canadian and International artists. We are now accepting entries for the show. Please refer to the below guidelines for submission. Guidelines for submission: 1. Genre of artwork: The artwork may be two or three dimensional, and preferably unframed as it would be easier to display. 2. How to send us details of your artwork: please send an email to tpffartshow@gmail.com if you are interested in submitting artwork. 3. Jury: Final selection and categorization of all artwork will be determined by members of the TPFF. 4. Deadline for submission: Wednesday, August 31st 2011 (*extended deadline: Saturday September 10th) The Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing vibrant Palestinian cinema to GTA audiences. Our mandate is to promote the richness of Palestinian Arab culture through cinema, music, and other forms of visual arts. TPFF was conceived in 2008 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Al-Nakba. For more information, please visit the website : www.tpff.ca or email info@tpff.ca.

Michael Ferretti

AROUND OCAD

Here are a list of dates for the Hallway Cafe: Sept 22 will be the first one of the semester Oct 6, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15 is the last one for the winter semester Time: 12:00-3/4:00ish Where: Lobby of 100 Mccaul If any one would like to get involved and volunteer to cook or serve for a session feel free to get in touch with me at outreachandevents@ ocadsu.org or check out the facebook page at “The Hallway Cafe aka OCAD U potlucks”

OCAD U STUDENT GROUPS:

ORIENTATION SCHEDULE:

REBAR, MAAD TEATIME, KOREAN ART STUDENT ASSOCIATION, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, COMIC CLUB, CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, OCAD BIKE, JEWISH CLUB, INTERNATIONAL EYES, I.B. SCENE, COSM, BUDDHIST GROUP, ZINE COLLECTIVE, THROWING CLUB, TAIWANESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION, SKETCHBOOK GROUP, OCAD IMPROV, ONYX SOCIETY AT OCADU, MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 Schedule at a Glance:

For more information about each group contact: CAMPUS LIFE. CADMIUM CALL FOR SUBMISIONS Are you an avid writer that needs to get something said to the masses? Are you looking for a free place to showcase your artwork? Do want to publish your comics? Do you have any beef with OCAD you want to spew? Well then you best be getting in contact with us. We’re constantly looking or people to submit their work and leand a helping hand. Drop by the SU office or drop us an email: publication@ocadsu.org Or like us on facebook! OCAD U ORIENTATION & WELCOME ENGAGING AND DIFFERENT While post-secondary institutions embark on traditional frosh activities across the city this time of year, OCAD U is getting ready to launch its own annual tradition, Orientation & Welcome.

GOT SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SELL? HELP US CREATE A CADMIUM CLASSIFIED SECTION. EMAIL US FOR FURTHER INFO: publication@ocadsu.org

Orientation is an effort to welcome new students, help them make the transition from their previous environment to OCAD University, and enhance their success. It is an important tool for student retention, and allows opportunities for students to prepare for their academic year. It will be exciting and engaging, providing information about key resources on- and off-campus, while building community and connections between students, their faculty and staff. With that in mind, Campus Life and OCAD Student Union (OCADSU) are excited to welcome over 1,000 new undergraduate students this year with “Discover your Future at OCAD U: Orientation & Welcome 2011” scheduled to take place on August 31 and September 1. While OCADSU will be visible on these two days, their talented executive team have also been busy preparing their own special Student Union Orientation Day of fun-filled activities on September 2. That’s three funfilled days, so don’t miss any of it!

8:30 am to 10:00 am 10:00 am to 10:30 am 10:30 am to 12:00 pm 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Check-in/connect/breakfast Aboriginal Eagle Wing Ceremony Welcome and Keynote Speaker Activities by bandana colour PROUD Positive Space Drop-in Lunch in the Park Campus Tours Annual Aboveground Art MaterialsFair OCAD U Community Fair Photo ID Cards/Locker Rental

Thursday, September 1, 2011 Schedule at a Glance: 11:00 am to 11:30 am 11:30 am to 4:00 pm 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Check-in Self Guided Campus Tour Scavenger Hunt Pizza Lunch in the Park Activities by bandana colour OCAD U Community Fair Photo ID Cards/Locker Rental PROUD Positive Space Dropin Community Tour Door Prize Draws! Mentor Program Welcome & Ice Cream Social International Student Welcome 3rd Annual Mature Student Welcome

Friday, September 2, 2011 Schedule at a Glance: 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm to 4 pm 12:00 pm to 4 pm 3:00 pm 5:00 pm

Yoga in the Park Brunch/snacks. Entertainment begins Workshops (Screen Printing, Seed Bombs, Life Modeling and more!) Photo ID Cards/Locker Rental PROUD Positive Space Dropin Garage Sale/Student Vendors/ Free stuff/Entertainment continues Bus to XPACE BBQ and Party to finish the day

Each day has something fun, engaging-and different-but there are a number of activities repeated on the schedule from day to day. This is designed to give you multiple opportunities to attend and participate in as many activities as possible. For more detailed schedule information, visit www.ocad.ca/ orientation.

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September Horoscopes

This month is all about getting out of your comfort zone. If you’re new to OCAD U or are a returning student, the year is full of possibilities and the stars want you to start it off with a bang and a bottle of whiskey.

Aries 21st March-19th April Attend Jack Layton’s funeral. Bring booze. Even though most Aries are Conservatives, with the death of a great and brilliant leader many people are going to be hitting the bottle fast and hard. If you can be there to provide a little extra comfort with a bottle of Black Tower, then your presence will surely be appreciated. Taurus 20th April-20th May Start a bar fight and loose. Yes, the stars want you to imitate Fight Club, but for good purposes. Taurus’ want to be God, but unfortunately God is an Aries. Yet Taurus’ are in this constant struggle to be number one. A little humility always helps one become a better person.

George Mantzioris

Cancer 22nd June-22nd July Rob a bank. While the stars are not trying to promote anarchy for you, this month is going to be looking very tight for cash. Cancers are known to be the designated driver, the uptight shticks that mother their friends to death. Do something dangerous and realize that everyone else this entire time was just having fun except for you. Gemini 21st May-21st June Ride a Boat with Andy Samburg. Everyone loves a Gemini. That being said, you are the perfect fit for a new fourth member of Samburg’s Lonely Island trio. You’ll be pumping out the tunes “Like A Boss,” before you know it.

Leo 23rd July-22nd August Streak through Butterfield Park. It’s either that or self-immolation. Leo’s love attention and with the new school year starting it’s either go big or go home. Barney the Dinosaur and Lucille Ball were both Leo’s, so perhaps they are both examples to live by.

George Mantzioris

Pisces 19th February-20th March Take an acid trip to Narnia. It is said that you should never use logic with a Pisces, and that all great Pisceans like Michelangelo, Galileo and Einstein achieved historical greatness by sheer fluke. Wrong. The secret to creativity and success this month is getting by with a little help from your friends.

Libra 23rd September-23rd October Start a Cardboard Box Empire. Libras are known to be the life of the party, the pretentious, elegant know-it alls that know everyone. Well, it’s time to try something a little different. Something called bohemia. It will be a very humbling experience. Virgo 23rd August-22nd September Smash a spider with your bare hand. So much as looking at a spider will probably make your eyeballs pop out of their sockets. The only way to solve the Virgo’s perpetual need for cleanliness is by shock therapy. That’s right, you know what I’m talking about. Scorpio 24th October-21st November Find new ways to smoke in the shower. Scorpio’s are inventive and cunning. Bill Gates is a Scorpio and unsurprisingly, so are most computer hackers. But take a break for once and put that inventiveness to something that will benefit everyone and not just your geek factor. Sagittarius 22nd November-21st December Infiltrate the Kremlin. Sagittarians are born adventurers and this escapade takes the thrill of globetrotting to new heights. Just make sure that once you’re in, you have a way out, without resorting to any cheesy James Bond lines. Capricorn 22nd December-19th January Start a new religion and avoid government taxation. Capricorn’s are known to be downright dull, but diligent, hardworking individuals. Why not put those qualities to good use and milk the Harper government for all they have? With the low corporate tax rates, someone has to take from the rich and give to the poor. It might as well be you. Aquarius 20th January-18th February Stay home and do nothing. Aquarians love a good party. It can be in a dumpster or a VIP lounge in the airport, but seriously, this month it’s time to give it a rest. Summer is over and you can no longer walk naked around your apartment without getting the chills.

MASH

SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO: publication@ocadsu.org

MASH