Zines

When I graduated from the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa things went from an insane clusterf--- of things to do, to a dull hum of my mind recovering/not knowing what to do next. Luckily, I was approached by Ottawa photographer/mentor Tony Fouhse who had just launched his brainchild - Straylight Press. The independent publishing company outsources its printing, which is usually quite a limited amount. Once the copies are all bought up that's it that's, you become a (hopefully) proud owner of some excellent limited edition photography in beautiful, tangible print form. Straylight gives photographers and their projects, curated by Mr. Fouhse himself, an avenue to be recognized around the world. The public just needs to land on the page so if you like the idea of Straylight Press don't hesitate to spread the word and buy a zine or book if you become inclined. The zines typically come in two versions, zine only, or the zine accompanied by a 6-10in signed, limited edition print by the photographer. 

The Units: Photographs by Josh Hotz. Published by Straylight Press. 

The Units: Photographs by Josh Hotz. Published by Straylight Press

Back in 2012, I embarked on yet another one of Antique Skateshops infamous Trip To Hell road trips. Shady directions, random skateparks found by touring around some small random town in upper New York State and Connecticut yielded some spontaneous and unique experiences. The only amenities we had available were the ones we brought with us. Tents, sleeping bags, portable gas stoves.. you know the drill. Playing everything by ear, running into crazy locals with their I used to skate with this Pro back in the day.. before I went crazy stories, befriending local park shredders, drinking beers, and chugging American Luxury 4LOKO's... Carnage definitely ensued for most of the trip, and Charlie even broke his leg (you'll see him favouring a leg in the group shot, before he knew his fate). Pick up the 52-page Zine from myself while copies last (two @ $15), or order from the comfort of your smart-device from MagCloud here. Photographs from yours truly and Jordan Wiens. Big shout out to Antique Skateshop for throwing the trip together and helping put the zine together, as well as Maru the Circle Brand for funding the printing process. Much love. You can also click the image below for more info on the zine. 

Trip to Hell, 2012. Photographs by Josh Hotz & Jordan Wiens. Sponsored by Antique Skateshop and Maru the Circle Brand. 

Trip to Hell, 2012. Photographs by Josh Hotz & Jordan Wiens. Sponsored by Antique Skateshop and Maru the Circle Brand

Excerpt from Trip to Hell 2012. Photos by Josh Hotz.

Trip to Hell, 2012. Back Cover. Photo by Josh Hotz.

Trip to Hell 2012

By Josh Hotz

52 pages, published 12/31/2013

A sketchy skateboarding road-trip through upper NY state, and Connecticut. Using only amenities brought with us for survival, we spent several days driving thousands of kilometres searching for the best skateparks, and the best memories. Photographs by Josh Hotz and Jordan Wiens

Ottawa Exhibition Openings: Jody Morris, Zachary Pantalone, Jessika Brunet

How do I even introduce Jody Morris, the Ottawa > California transplant? Maybe the fact that he was skating in Ottawa before Top of the World even existed, skated and photographed Tom Green when he too called Ottawa home. But perhaps the most important thing is how he decided to make a run for the title so many young gunners have their dreams set on today: Professional Skate Photographer. He packed up and left Ottawa for Vancouver with just a toothpick of information to rely on, Rob Sluggo's phone number. From there he was able to get to California and start making a living shooting and writing about skateboarding.

20 Plus is a new hardcover photo book by veteran skateboard photographer Jody Morris made possible thanks to the generous support of Red Dragon Apparel and New Balance Numeric. With the title referencing the more than twenty years Jody Morris has been shooting skateboarding photos the book showcases images from the 1990s through 2013. This clip features Pat Duffy telling the story behind his photo on page 136, outrunning a commuter train and the grievous hazards associated with the spot in DelMar, CA. The book 20 Plus is available February 1st 2014 To purchase the book check your local skateshop or buy online at: www.halfacrepaper.com or www.jodymorris.com

Having shot with the best in the industry, and some of the most respected companies in skateboarding, Jody has been able to put together an impressive portfolio.  With his work from the last 20 years he has published a book, and is currently travelling with a bunch of photos holding exhibitions in a few places across Canada.

This is where things get exciting for us Ottawans eager to experience something other than the grey, frigid mundane winter months...

Red Dragon Apparel, New Balance Numeric, Half Acre, Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. PROUDLY Present the release of Jody Morris' book '20 Plus' at the Grey Area Gallery on Friday January, 24th 2013. They are slightly tucked away at 430 Parkdale Avenue, Unit A (Behind the house). There is no charge to go in, and prints are available for sale as well as copies of his 208-page hardcover book. 

Check out the Facebook Event Page and RSVP

More information about Jody, his photography, and the show can be found on his WEBSITE and WEB-STORE

Check the map for directions:

 

Also going down tomorrow night between 6-9PM, good friend and ex-classmate Zachary Pantalone is holding his first solo exhibition at the RedWall Gallery located at 168 Dalhousie in the Market.

The "Still Life" exhibition offers large servings of the vivid colours and textures of food inspired by American Mark Rothko’s transitional “multiform” or colour field paintings. Beginning in 1946, Rothko became acclaimed for these bold abstractions and continued producing them until his death in 1970.

Click the photo below for the Facebook Event with complete info, and RSVP!

 

There's so much going on tomorrow night! Another fellow graduate from my year at SPAO, Jessika Brunet, is holding yet another solo exhibition at the well-known La Petit Mort Gallery. If you're already going to see Zac's show at SPAO, this is walking distance away! 306 Cumberland St, Vernissage 7-10PM. Show Runs until the 30th. Please take a second to click the Share button below in the comments section, and help support the amazing local talent of the booming Ottawa Arts scene! Happy gallery hopping, I'll see you around!! 

 

Website Update

Since a few photos have come out in the mags lately, I have the liberty to put up some new images. Check out the 1:1 Analog section for a new photo of Marcus Denis, from his Lil Shits in Kingshit Magazine, and a couple of photos of Luis Tolentino while I was on tour with the DVS team. Concrete Skateboarding Magazine printed the article from the trip which is now online on their website along with the video created by Dane Collison and Ryan Dearth of Supra Distribution and DVS, so go check it out! 

Also updated are the Commercial and 3:2 Digital sections, with new photos of Sam Lind, Mitch Barrette and Chico Brenes from my time on the DVS Canadian Bacon Tour. The Commercial page was updated with a new ad for DVS Shoes of Torey Pudwill skating the Big-O In Montreal, so go have a look! www.joshhotz.com 

I have also added all my recent feature spreads to their respective sections. 

As I continue to post content on the blog, please feel free to leave some comments or suggestions in the box below! I want to know what you want to see!

Paul went and found a super janky folding sign and just propped it up with nothing else holding it in place. I was waiting for it to collapse under him, but that never happened and he was able to get this kick flip fake. Go grab the new Issue 128 of Concrete to see it in all its printed glory. 

This spot in Ottawa has always been an instant bust. Luis had no problem shutting down the bummed pedestrians, and quickly figured out how to skate this narrow spot, dodging poles and putting down this Nosegrind.