YYZ LIVING Magazine // ISSUE 2

CONTENTS

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COLOURFUL BLOOM

By Richard Dubois

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REPLENISHED HUES

By Dexter Quinto

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EDITORS’ NOTES

TECH FIXATION Look. Listen. Play. Talk. Touch.

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AUDI A7 SPORTBACK

CONTRIBUTORS

Fast and Audi-licious

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CONCENTRATED VISION

By Andy Lee

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RAW+REAL Time to stare at the sun

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UNDER THE SUN The return of summer backyard parties

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Publishers THOMAS JACOB & NASH MISIR Editor-In-Chief SHIVANI KUMAR Managing Editor ANNIE LAM Copy Editor RICK CHATARPAUL Creative Director TAYLOR DAVID Art Director JENNIFER BOYLAN Editorial Assistant NASHILA VELJI Photo Editor BENJAMIN TELFORD Advertising & Sales KAITLYN JACKSON Marketing & Public Relations THERESA KIM Social Media Strategist CLARISSA BASHAM Accounting MICHELLE HYDE DOWNLOAD OUR APP FROM iTUNES

Web SEAN SIMON

ISSN 1925 - 1033 All Content Copyright 2011

Interns ALICJA OLSZEWSKA & MELISSA GLOVER Lifestyle Contributors HEIDI HOFSTAD & LAUREN SHIRREFFS

For advertising & all other inquiries: YYZ Management Group Ltd. 86 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 300 Toronto, Ontario M5R 1B9 647 933 7783 / contactus@yyzliving.com

Published by YYZ MANAGEMENT GROUP LTD. Distributed Canada Wide by DISTICOR INC.

yyzliving.com

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SUMMER 2011

YYZ LIVING MAGAZINE IS THE APEX OF LUXURY. With fascinating editorials and alluring photographs, YYZ Living presents a deďŹ nitive vision of arts, culture & society to tempt the imagination. YYZ Living Magazine guides the reader to engaging information. We give you exclusive access to the hottest runways of the fashion & beauty world. Then take you on a visual journey to extraordinary places and contemporary design. We celebrate the stories of this world from the Torontonian perspective.

CONTRIBUTORS

ANDY LEE

DEXTER QUINTO

JANET L. CASTILLO

APRIL MACIBORKA

JORGE MIDENCÉ

Photographer Andy Lee is a fine arts graduate from York University. With an eye for capturing striking and bold images, his passion for photography and fashion has taken him around the world. Inspired by classic Hollywood cinema, Andy aims to photograph a sense of timelessness and alluring beauty.

Dexter Quinto was a creative director for a few graphic design outfits in Vancouver where he grew up. He switched to photography and in 2008 moved to Toronto to continue to grow his career.

Since then he has worked for publications such as Clin D’oeil, Elle Canada, Wedluxe, More and Men’s Fitness.

Janet L. Castillo is an established performer, entrepreneur and writer. She’s been on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Much Music and the Oxygen Network. She has also been published in Mateo magazine.

Toronto native travel photographer, April Maciborka, has photographed the world for years after earning a diploma in photography in 2004. She has devoted her life to her passion of photography and managed to combine this with her love for travel and culture. April’s work has appeared in publications such as PDN, American Photo, Photolife, Color, National Geographic Online, Digital Photographer and several fundraising publications for orphanages around the world.

“One must either be a work of art, or wear a work of art”, Oscar Wilde. Never truer words in the case of Jorge Midencé, acclaimed new Canadian milliner who is gaining as much buzz for his dramatic personal style as he is for his label of bespoke hats and headpieces, Midencé Oliu Millinery. Midence’s distinctive work quickly gained cult status among socialites, party queens, and fashion editors in Toronto and beyond.

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STEVEN CARVER

SARAH KHAN

RICHARD DUBOIS

TALIA SHEWCHUK

CHRIS LINDHORST

Steven Carver quickly realized that doing repetitive tasks at a 9 to 5 desk job produced copious amounts of boredom. Realizing this, he opened his own consulting firm that left him time to write.

His experience from being the editor of Bello Magazine keeps him embracing the latest trends while discovering the next. Carver expects to carry on that tradition with his work for YYZ Living.

Sarah Khan is a part time writer and a full time event management professional. Having worked internationally, she has experienced global food, entertainment and lifestyles of varying degrees. The diversity she finds in Toronto is second to none. She currently runs her own consultancy company, Precedent Events.

Richard Dubois is a commercial and editorial fashion photographer based in Toronto. His work has appeared in ad campaigns and publications worldwide, including ELLE Canada, Studio, Tributé (Paris), and Highlights (Australia). His work has also been featured on Fashion Television, Project Runway, and Canada’s Next Top Model.

Talia Shewchuk started writing narrative nonfiction while living in Manhattan to document her fascinating, and sometimes dangerous comings and goings in the land she refers to as OZ. These ranged from the beautifully unpredictable to the things that make people question reality. The journals eventually lead to the inception of “The Fifth Avenue Anarchist”, her independent New York based publishing company. Talia is currently living in Toronto, writing music and cinematic narrative.

Internationally published, Chris Lindhorst asserts himself as a prominent member of today’s vibrant photographic scene.

He is now working on several large scale advertising campaigns.

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CONCENTRATED VISION Photography, ANDY LEE; Fashion Stylists, AMARSANA GENDUNOVA, JENNIFER LEE

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With many in the art community supporting his emerging career, Gallaro has his own marching band. Of mentors, he says, “I like making friends with artists who can teach me different tactics of art, and other styles. Stephen Appleby-Barr; his stuff is very portrait-esque and Jon Todd’s is abstract and more contemporary. A lot of people inspire me.” Hewitt adds, “Older artists recognize what Theo has.

Someone like Theo, wants to learn at a different [level] – he doesn’t want to go to art camp, but is ready to try what most kids don’t understand.” Jon Todd from Calavera backs Gallaro,“We have done screen printing together and had lengthy conversations about the contemporary art scene. I am a collector of his work. There is a rawness and authenticity to his drawings that is shocking and compelling.”

GALLARO STARTED OUT BY BUSKING DRAWINGS DURING TORONTO’S JUNCTION ARTS FESTIVAL, AND SELLING CARDS AT DELIGHT CHOCOLATE. FROM THERE, HIS FIRST GALLERY SHOWING AT AGE 12.

“My first portraits, I always hated drawing people – I’d mess up and they wouldn’t look good.” Like most artists, Gallaro is his own harshest critic. Hewitt even resorts to saving pieces from his backpack, others that are even ripped up – which Gallaro deems unworthy. “I’m the mother that saves every single thing he does. Even things he doesn’t want to save.” Gallaro rejects the comparison of these first works to that of any famous artist, while Hewitt remarks, “We don’t always catch him in time to sign them.” Gallaro adds, “One time they glued my signature to the paper. A bummer, because people think it’s forged.”

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TREASURE ISLAND Words, HEIDI HOFSTAD; Images, TODD SAUNDERS

Geometrical and contemporary designed art studios are popping up on the shores of Fogo Island.The international design community is curiously watching the rapid development, while local islanders are embracing the structures and their creative inhabitants. One is towerlike, another rectangular, and most still under construction, but each providing building blocks that are perhaps shocking to any landscape, let alone this quiet island.

ARTIST STUDIOS ARE POPPING UP ON THE SHORES OF FOGO ISLAND

THERE’S SOMETHING HAPPENING OFF THE SERENE NEWFOUNDLAND COASTLINE.

The six studios serve as inspirational workspaces for visiting artists participating in a residency program.

While practical in purpose, the unique and ultra modern buildings have not only changed the skyline of this sleepy island, but are also transforming the culture of the nearby fishing community. Each workspace contrasts against the rocky headlands of the North Atlantic, but maintains the simplicity of island culture.

The studios allow artists the privacy to focus on their various crafts – each a fifteen minute walk to town – while experiencing the seasons against the panoramic backdrop.

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“It has been a challenge finding appropriate sites for [the studios],” says Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, Director of the Fogo Island Arts Corporation. “Our aim was to allow these structures to have a presence without overwhelming the surrounding landscape in a pretentious way. The traditional architecture is rather modest and there is certain fragility to it that we didn’t want to compromise.”

At the architectural wheel is Newfoundland native Todd Saunders of Saunders Architecture, who is now based in Norway. Using a Scandinavian approach, Saunders created spaces where artists can go about their work, tapping the environment as a muse. The crashing waves of the water became the central focus, with many of the studios resting high on stilts, turning the ocean into a vast pool.

The Long Studio has an extended linear shape for maximum wall and floor space. Large windows at each end combine with a skylight infused natural light. Doors are flush with the walls, to avoid any internal visual distraction. The area is clean with storage options and even the toilet is built within the deep walls. Other artists will perch in The Tower Studio, a three-story, vertical structure with a wrap-around window that provides a 360o view of the landscape. The Bridge Studio has a simple box shape made specifically for writers.

Complete with a desk facing the ocean and a small library, the space is separated from the land and sits on pilings in the water. Artists must walk the plank to access the entrance. This is just a glimpse into the studio life experienced by the artists, who do not live or sleep (aside from a recess nap) there. Nights are spent back in traditional homes with the local community, among true open-armed islanders. “We encourage dialogue between artists and local people to share experiences and perceptions so that the lives of both are enriched,” adds Gunnarsdóttir.

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MOON MAN Words, TALIA SHEWCHUK

In July 1967, a young Guy Laliberté watched in amazement at Neil Armstrong’s moon walk. At that moment, Guy comprehended his parents’ advice: that he could live fairytales. When asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” he replied, “I want to see the world.”

At 50, this boy looked back at Earth from Space.

Guy Laliberté, president and co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people. He was eighteen when he left school with his accordion and $50 to perform on the streets of Paris. There, he discovered a love for entertaining and learned three important experiences that he maintains in business. The first was privilege. Living alongside the downtrodden, he was able to eat daily and live a life many couldn’t. “We don’t all have access to the same resources, nor are we dealt an equal hand in life.” Second, the ability to read people’s intentions. The third begins with a story of a wealthy doctor who invited Laliberté into his home and gave him food and shelter. The doctor said

that someone helped him when he was young and he was following the natural order. It was Laliberté’s responsibility to do the same. “Feed the circle of life, and it will feed you back.”

When he returned to Quebec a year later, he organized a small performance troupe. “We were successful, only having lost $20,000 in 2 years.” Laliberté staged his first large-scale street show, Cirque du Soleil, in 1984. After negotiations with the Quebec government, the relatively inexperienced troupe brought their show to the exhibition celebrating the 450th Anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s

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discovery of Canada. Cirque’s success grew steadily, turning a small profit touring Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. “We had every problem starting a big top could have,” says Laliberté. “It was only with the courage and arrogance of youth that we survived.”

Everything changed in September 1987 when Cirque performed at the Los Angeles Arts Festival. “It was live or die in L.A.,” says Laliberté, “and we bet everything on one night.” After, shows in Santa Monica and San Diego brought $1.5 million in profits. They were able to keep the momentum by using profits to create new shows. Nouvelle Expérience began in Europe and two years later, another show premiered in Japan. In 1993, Laliberté signed a ten-year contract with the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas to present the Cirque production, Mystère. triple trapeze; PICTURE CREDIT, belinda pratten; COSTUME CREDIT, eiko ishioka

“We’re not afraid of risking what was our success yesterday in order to explore some new field. We’re adventurous! We like the challenge of unknown territory, unknown artistic field, and that’s what stimulates us.”

Much of Cirque du Soleil’s success can be attributed to Laliberté’s business style.

He scours the globe looking for performers. He believes in watching and learning from only the best, because they are the “heart and soul of every company.” He says business, much like his poker game, is also about knowing when to take risks and when to let others play out the round. In 2007, Laliberté placed fourth, winning a total of $696,220 in the fifth season of the World Poker Tour Championship held at Vegas’ Bellagio.

To celebrate Cirque du Soleil’s 25th Anniversary, Laliberté formed One Drop, a foundation that advocates global clean water. According to him, someone without this resources dies every 8 seconds. “We in Canada, as is much of the world, are uninformed of its scarcity.” He has donated $100 million towards the cause.

When asked about his space travel, Laliberté explains that when the countdown began and the ground lit up underneath him, he knew he was doing something very personal. His years of mastering the art of putting on shows had not reclaimed the freedom he had performing in the streets.

“We are each but a quarter note in a grand symphony,” says Laliberté. Cirque du Soleil may be considered the grandest, most awe-inspiring exhibition of the senses. It lives somewhere between our imagination, desire and reality. It is the masterpiece of a Canadian dreamer who sounded his first note with an accordion echoing through the streets of Paris.

helium dance; PICTURE CREDIT, marie-reine mattera ©cirque du soleil, inc. 2005; COSTUME CREDIT, dominique lemieux

Inside every adult there’s still a child that lingers,” he says.“We’re happiness merchants – giving people the opportunity to dream like children.”

guy laliberté in training; PICTURE CREDIT, space adventures ltd.

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ORIGIN Words, SARAH KHAN

Stroll around historic King Street East and you’ll find Origin, one of Toronto’s stir-causing dining spots.

Brainchild of Executive Chef Claudio Aprile, Origin is a feast for the senses.

Visually delicious, it is furnished using repurposed aluminium dining tables, reclaimed wood flooring, all in their original form, or as close as possible. With rebellious quirky touches (like it’s Japanese monster toy chandelier), Origin is a restaurant for those who want elegant simplicity, while dining on original and savoury meals.

“Colborne Lane was very much about manipulating ingredients and changing their form and changing the perception of the dining experience. Origin is about allowing ingredients to just be and not to put them through too much intellectual process,” says Aprile. If cooking were fashion, Colborne Lane would be haute couture, while Origin would be the ready-to-wear line. “I wanted to bring a concept that was affordable without any compromises.” With nothing on the menu over twenty dollars, Origin’s prices are as fresh and uncompromising as the food.

The establishment is all Aprile, who is recognized for creativity and innovation.

His passion began young: at four he told his mother he would be a chef. Not wanted to be: would be. He defiantly dropped out of cooking school after a year to travel and learn from talented chefs in great kitchens around the world. A self-confessed prankster, Aprile is also very serious and passionate about his art; however, acknowledges fun and freedom are important ingredients for creativity.

Always wanting to do everything his own way, he refuses to identify a leek as anything other than a large green onion. Certainty and stubbornness contributed to him becoming a monster talent. He is no stranger to television and other media. With write-ups in newspapers and magazines all over the world, as well as appearances on television and YouTube, Aprile is at the top of his game.

Origin’s menu allows diners to experience foods that made a huge impression on Aprile himself. “I’m not following any specific style or cuisine. It’s very free,” he says. While some restaurants may focus on the contrasts of the myriad of flavours comprising their menu, this is just the starting point for Origin. Here the contrasts don’t always come in the form of what Aprile calls “flavour profiles”, but vary in influences.

“With every project I plan, I try to create an experience. I wanted to create disconnects between the dishes, for example a mozzarella bar and a Japanese hand roll wouldn’t normally be found on the same menu. I find this very appealing.” That is what makes Origin unique – Aprile’s desire to just cook; to go where the inspiration takes him.

The same applies to the environment at Origin – not just the decor and the clientele, but the soundtrack as well. You can expect to hear death metal playing while being served razor clams with garlic and ginger with calamari.

After the success of the critically lauded Colborne Lane, what was it that drove Aprile to open Origin? To create a diverse and unique space, where taking the safe route wasn’t a necessity. A city full of culture and vibrancy, the Toronto cooking scene, according to Aprile, is paradoxically homogenous. Origin is a step away from that.

Three years ago he was in a menu meeting about tomatoes, and trying to work out a recipe for a type of tomato salad. It took three months to develop the idea, and by then tomato season was over. The frustration he felt is when Origin was born – the question of why everything had to go through a process instead of just cooking.

Origin’s menu is full of mouth-watering fare that was developed by taking an ingredient and acting upon an idea quickly, without giving it too much thought.

Spontaneous cooking channelled from passion and inspiration. “The best food I’ve ever done is that way.”

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TECH FIXATION Words, NASHILA VELJI; Images, BANG&OLUFSEN, CHICBUDS, CRYSTALROC, GOLDVISH, iDEVICES

Look. Listen. Play. Talk. Touch.

BeoVision 10 by Bang&Olufsen The effortless act of watching television is evolving everyday. In a market where 3D televisions are all the rage, enter Bang&Olufsen’s BeoVision 10 flat screen, where watching television becomes an art rather than a technology overload. The BeoVision 10’s discreet, yet provocative design sets this flat screen apart. B&O has undergone rapid development on this television, than any other B&O flat screen.

This gadget appears to mark the turning point for B&O with great sound and picture quality. B&O have created the slimmest HD television, designed to hang on the wall and blend in like furniture, but stand out – the BeoVision 10 fulfills its duties in image, sound, and interior design.

Not only is the BeoVision 10 visually stunning, it has features that are more than comparable to other flat screen televisions. With its ultra slim profile, the BeoVision 10 does not compromise on great sound quality. B&O’s skilled sound engineers have constructed a high-quality loudspeaker section, below the actual television, that has a built-in speaker system, which eliminates turbulent noises, but maximizes sound. The screen is equipped with LED backlight technology and advanced judder cancellation, resulting in smooth motion picture. B&O’s BeoVision 10 flat screen television is in a different class from its competitors and proves that is undeniably brag worthy.

RockBuds by chicBuds Jazz up your music devices with chicBuds earphones. chicBuds offer various selections of headphones and ear buds. They come in different styles to suit your listening preferences. Designed to complement your shining personality, many of chicBuds headphones are embellished with genuine Swarovski crystals that are available in various colours. Transform, what was once simply functional, into ear candy!

Out of the many headphones and ear buds, YYZ Living Magazine has taken a closer look at the RockBuds DJ Sport Headphones. Look like one of the pros, with these incredibly functional and style conscious headphones. RockBuds headphones fold up for easy for quick travel and storage. The adjustable headband makes for a comfortable fit, while the insulated earpiece creates a remarkable surround sound experience.

Plug it in to your prized music device and treat your ears to a rockin’ time.

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AMY PRICE Words, LAUREN SHERRIFFS

From David Duchovney to Kiefer Sutherland, Amy Price-Francis has worked with some of Hollywood’s famed television heartthrobs and held her own by bringing passion and life to each compelling new role. A Toronto native, Price comes home to play the unapologetic Jessica Hall in Showcase’s new original cop drama Kings.

Lucky to find time to chat with busy Canadian actress while in between shoots and flights, I had a glimpse inside the character of a successful charismatic professional.

“I enjoy shoes, although I don’t have the shoe closet that she has. I appreciate her sense, and the collaboration with the designer on the show – you know, being in somebody else’s clothes (for) 14-15 hours a day, for a few months...was a very strange experience. I was really looking forward to putting on my flats at the end of the day, but yeah…they are a great part of who she is, they are a great testament of who this woman is.”

Diving right into acting, Francis began with a background in Theatre, but it wasn’t until the artistic director of the National Theatre School encouraged her to audition that she realized her passion for acting. “I trained in the theatre, the National Theatre School. So, that’s where I really first discovered acting and that’s where my training is. That will always be my favourite – it is a very special thing to do.”

Kings, filmed in and around Toronto, is a gripping show for both the sexes. Not just a cop drama, but also a real life story with a lead female you can identify with. Written by award winning screenwriter Greg Spottiswood, we watch the life of wickedly funny Jessica King unfold with a new position from seasoned police officer to lead investigator for Toronto’s Major Crimes Task Force.

On Kings, Francis plays Jessica Hall, an unapologetic multi-dimensional female character trying to find a happy balance between a job she loves and a personal life she wants… all while wearing killer stilettos and Carrie Bradshaw type outfits.

“An extraordinary, amazing pilot…I just knew her immediately – and that’s because of his writing, I knew her. And I was just sold. You know, just reading the script for the first time, I just wanted to be in it. Just wanted to be there.”

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Q. RUNKLE OR HANK MOODY?

Never a stranger to strong female roles and interesting plot-lines, Francis has worked on heavy shows like the Cleaner, opposite Benjamin Bratt, battling to save her marriage to an extreme interventionist. A show based on the real life happenings of the Cleaner’s Executive Producer, Warren Boyd, and the research into each new character provides valuable insights into life and those specifically dealing with disease.

A. Oh, sorry Evan Handler, but Hank Moody!

Q. WHAT IS DAVID DUCHOVNEY LIKE? *SWOON* A. He is very gracious and there is this zen energy about him. He can just step into

it and step out of it and, you know, just extraordinarily talented. A lovely guy, and lovely to be around, very funny, smart and a great actor to play with.

“I just did a lot of research and I think most of us have known, or do know, somebody with some kind of addiction. I just really dove into that world and I really found a deeper, greater understanding with the people who do have the disease, fighting with the disease, struggling with the disease so that was an extraordinary experience. It really opened my eyes to the world of addiction and recovery; and that journey in and out of itself. Not only one individual suffering, but their whole family in it – they suffer a lot with them.”

Q. ARE YOU PRO OR CON NIP AND TUCKING? A. As long as you pull the plug when you start looking teenage.

Q. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT TORONTO WHILE LIVING IN LA? A. I miss the people. I miss the culture. I miss the art. I miss the seasons. I miss the

streets – it’s so nice to be able to just walk around and breathe the air, and look at the building and smile at people in the street and run into people. In LA you spend so much time in your car, it was a real culture shock for me.

A life freckled with memorable experiences and amazing opportunities, Francis has had stints on wickedly popular television shows, 24 and Californication.

Between a real life Canadian playing a dreamy agent saving the world, and a sarcastic literary man’s man whose dripping in sex appeal… I’d swap in my pen for a day in her life, wouldn’t you say?

Q. FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN TORONTO? A. Well, the cast and I (went to this) great restaurant a couple of weeks ago, it’s called “The Foxly”. You know the Foxly? It’s on Ossington! Oh my god, it’s fantastic.

I lived near Yorkdale a number of years ago and Ossington wasn’t really happening the way it is now. It’s really is a great area and there are some great restaurants over there.

“On 24, I had the privilege of working with actor Jon Voight. We did a scene together and, of course, he is remarkable. It was a great honour to work with him. When we were done, we got into the car to go back to base camp, he was at the Kraft table making a sandwich. He came back to the car, sat in the front seat and he said “Amy?” and I said “Yes…” and he put his hand back to give me something: “So, I got this for you”. It was a couple of tootsie rolls and a lollipop… as if he was giving me a pat on the back, like “You’re okay kid!”– kinda thing… It was very sweet. Kiefer himself, was just amazing to watch. He’s all 100%, 100% of the time! It was just really wonderful to watch him, he was very gracious to me, to the whole crew, to the other actors…He is a real class act, just something amazing to watch.”

Q. FAVOURITE LA NIGHT SPOT? A. There is a great place in the Valley, in Studio City, called the “Outtake Bistro”.

And if you want an almost mouth-watering, amazing Filet Mignon, that’s where you will get it. It’s a beautiful, tiny little place with wonderful service and a great wine selection.

Q. WHAT CAN’T YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT? A. My keys and my dog.

Q. TIM HORTONS OR STARBUCKS? A. (Laughs) My Canadian friends aren’t gonna like me for this one! You know what?

So, with the excitement of so many great experiences and Kings about to launch on Showcase, what’s next for our Canadian girl next door?

I have great, great affection and nostalgia for Tim Hortons and honestly, I’m not a very big fan of Starbucks brewed coffee. But I do like a Latte – occasionally – and that’s my thing. So, I’ll have to go with a Latte from Starbucks, but a Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons!

“I continue on Chicago Code. I’m not sure how many more episodes, but just assuming a few more of those, and look for Kings. Other than that, I’m not sure – I’m gonna sit down and take a rest for a couple of weeks here. I’m unemployed, once again, and out in the Great Unknown.”

Welcome Home Amy!

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CAMERA-INDIA Words, JANET CASTILLO; Photography, APRIL MACIBORKA

There is something special about the vibrant colours of sarees and the singing calls of the chai vendor. The sweet smell of jalebis waft down the train platform as you inhale slowly.

BUNDI MAN. RAJASTHAN, INDIA.

From the moment you set foot onto the train platform, you know there is something special about the new land you ventured so far to see. Through the doors you watch the organized chaos ensue. Rickshaws, people, vendors, children, cars, taxis, and oddly in the mix, wandering cows, seem to have a rhythm. You are in India and ready to begin a photography adventure of your life. You smile and hug your camera gear sitting protectively on your lap. You think to yourself, “This is the adventure I’ve dreamed of.”

“Images of Rajasthan” is a photography tour that April Maciborka hosts in the dusty desert region of Rajasthan, India. Up to fifteen photographers, hobbyists, amateurs and the like set foot onto the streets of India together capturing some of the most beautiful imagery India has to offer. For seventeen days in February April takes a new tour group through small villages, the big city of Delhi and desert festivals with moustache competitions and camel beauty contests. She tests the squeamish to their limits at the Deshnok Karni Mata Rat Temple, and pushes people to step out of their comfort zone in the slums of Delhi.

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A TYPICAL SCENE FROM A VILLAGE HOME – WOMEN SORT RICE, WHILE TENDING TO THEIR CHILDREN, DOING HOUSE WORK, PREPARING MEALS, AND KEEPING ORDER.

INDIA IS A DESTINATION FOR THE ADVENTURER, THE REAL LIFE SEEKER, THE ARCHITECTURE LOVER, THE SHOPPER, THE ZEN SEEKER, THE NOMAD AND OF COURSE THE PHOTOGRAPHER. Unlike many five star tours that exist today, April wants to maintain rustic elements so that the experience of India is as true to reality as possible. She adds adventure with a camel safari and camping under the stars of the great Thar Desert venturing to one of the wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal. This photography tour enables travelers to have the comforts of home, routes and timings pre-arranged, and all logistics planned cohesively so that when you are traveling on a timeline and a budget, you have time to focus on your passion of photography instead of trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B. With an itinerary made specific to a photographers needs and flexible enough for individuals to choose what they want to be a part of, this tour is like a mini backpacking adventure but with more luxury.

AN ELDERLY MAN BATHES IN THE GANGES BELOW THE KOLKATA BRIDGE.

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CAMEL TRADING AT THE PUSHKAR FAIR.

EVERY FACE IS A STORY.

FAMILIES WASHING IN THE GANGES BELOW THE KOLKATA BRIDGE.

HUNDREDS OF WORSHIPPERS GATHERED AT JAMA MASJID.

Rajasthan is comprised of a largely rural population that is growing a modern sensibility each day. The state of Rajasthan can be divided into a large sandy desert scrub of the Thar Desert and hilly mountain ranges of Mount Abu. It is culturally rich, having many traditions reflecting the ancient Indian way of life. Folk culture is a part of the everyday; dance, song, art and handicrafts are produced all over and recognized as a shoppers’ paradise. Rajasthan is also known for their national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as the Sariska Tiger Reserve and the Desert National Park of Jaisalmer.

India is a destination for the adventurer, the real life seeker, the architecture lover, the shopper, the zen seeker, the nomad and of course the photographer. It is a land of culture, religions, traditions, food, art, and life. It has the ability to simultaneously excite, frustrate, inspire and astound. April’s photographs of India reflect this lifestyle and mentality, bringing the viewer into the subject’s reality.

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A BOND IN A BILLION.

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UNDER THE SUN Words, NASHILA VELJI; Images, SKYLIVING, ELTE FURNITURE

Finally, we say goodbye to the cold. As the weather progressively gets warmer, it is time to bring out the summer gear as we welcome the return of backyard parties.

SKY BED

There was once a time when backyards and patios were only used for gardening and limited activity, now it has become an extension of the living space and a great place to entertain guests. Patio furniture designs have evolved with a lot more choices today than there ever before. Patio and backyard furniture can have an assortment of styles anywhere from contemporary to traditional-country inspired, and everything in between. Adorn your backyards with an array of choices such as benches, couches, tables, outdoor showers, hammocks, and much more. One of the most important features of outdoor furniture, aside from style, is durability. Mainly because our weather is so unpredictable and changes so often it is essential to have pieces that can withstand varying weather conditions without compromising comfort.

The YYZ Living team suggests taking a closer look at the SKYbed – the epitome of relaxation. This remarkable outdoor bed has an ergonomic design and unifies the comfort of a bed with the enjoyable rocking of a hammock. The entire structure is weatherproof and made from a fully dismountable stainless steel frame and tear-resistant relax mat. The SKYbed is available in single or double sizes and the relax mat is available in 30 different colours to suit your taste and dÊcor. The SKYbed is great for a quick catnap under the sun, but when you want to escape into a book for an afternoon read the SKYrocker is the way to go. The SKYrocker can turn a plain and boring backyard to a comfortable and stylish area to kick back on warm summer nights.

One furniture company that takes pride in durability and comfort is SKYliving, a Germany based manufacturer that creates extraordinary and innovative highend outdoor furniture. SKYliving has redefined the terms style, functionality, durability, and comfort for life under the open sky.

The colours, design, and patterns will certainly be the envy of all outdoor furniture. Made from the same highly technical textiles as the SKYbed, this set is another backyard essential that can be exposed all year long.

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