Bree Tabin, Artist – Regina
(photo: Ciara Trapp)
Bree Tabin (⦁B⦁R⦁E⦁E⦁) is a multidisciplinary artist entering the emergent space while living on Treaty 4 territory. Bree’s work explores themes of nostalgia, grief, and gender identity (gender queerness), with other works discussing food insecurity. Working in arts and culture spaces throughout Regina, they lead both their creative practice and arts professional work with curiosity and in pursuit of expanded learning. Maintaining parrhesia and queer identity in their work, Bree creates for expression of duality, community, continual play and connection — making work with bold messaging in rejection of subtlety. Follow the trail of cackling laughter, and you’ll find Bree.
Their exhibition tomboy opens up an untapped nostalgia sealed by the growing pains of lost play and the gradual process of losing early memories. It is on display at the Fifth Parallel Gallery until March 27.
- Rock Lee
Recently I have been rewatching the original Naruto anime series that took hold of my childhood for many years growing up. In watching this show again, my heart has been drawn towards a character named Rock Lee who is a rarity in this series in a multitude of ways. Rock Lee is unable to use two of the main jutsu types that most ninja (or shinobi) in the series have access to. Yet, despite being unable to use many of the jutsu types, he persists and trains to make up for lacking those abilities. He ends up becoming a top-tier ninja just like his full jutsu-using peers.
To me, Rock Lee embodies the sentiment that those who are not born with innate talent can still accomplish high goals with determination and practice. Dedication to the things you care for is a catapult in itself, but it is not always something that comes to you without routine and the pursuit of your interest. Written characters mirror reality, and for many of us who labour over the development of skills and the making of our art or craft, Rock Lee is a relatably written individual.
- Tartan (and tartan identification)
Wearing tartan-patterned clothing has been an unintentional obsession of mine as of late. Along with wearing these groovy patterns, I have also found it thrilling to try to identify the tartan and clan they belong to. Combing through the vibrant colours and weighted patterns is a thrill. New tartans shortly become my “favourite” until I see another only a few days or week later that dethrones the previous one. We (as in me) love a fun, colourful pattern – and tartan right now is the ticket!
- Appreciation of the Prairies
(photo: Bree Tabin)
When I speak with younger peers in local art spaces, I always hear them mention the dream of fleeing the Prairies to live in the metropolis cities to the East and West of the country – to which I say, “Nah, I’m good right here.” I appreciate the pace of the Prairies, taking the time to mosey and find presence in the moment. I appreciate its vastness and the ability to stand in nothingness a simple fifteen minutes out of the city. I appreciate the small, tight knit communities, the counter-culture spaces, and feeling that you will always know at least one person in the room when you go to an event. I appreciate the landscape, the “flatness,” and the agriculture. It has taken me some time in my life to find this deep appreciation, but I am now holding it preciously and with gratitude.
- Full album playlists
In the studio and on my long walks, I have been enjoying playlists made entirely of full albums, back-to-back. Albums feel similar to an exhibition: the viewer (or listener) may really enjoy or connect with a couple of pieces (or songs), but the entire exhibition needs to be experienced for you to get to that particular piece. You need to see the full body of work in the exhibition to then choose what stands out to you and is your favourite. What about music makes us take it in differently? I guess it must be the invention of streaming services. Long live physical media! Don’t forget about CDs!!!
If you know me, you know that these are one of my hidden love languages. Slide me a crisp Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Red Bull, and I will forever be in your debt. And PLEASE bring back the Curuba Elderflower-flavoured Red Bull! We are begging for your mercy!