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Holy smokes! I broke 500 page likes on Facebook!

May 4, 2016 / Ara

It’s taken 319 days, but I’ve got over 500 page likes at Facebook.com/Sunnyside365 and I’m totally thankful to all of you. This project is for you. Here’s a bit of a background:

I started this project as a result of a hard drive failure in April of 2015 where I lost all my photography and design work from the previous 8 years. I decided to get back into the swing of things and start a 365 project to rebuild the portfolio.

At the same time, I was also teaching at SAIT and I felt that in order to have some professional credibility, I had better have some work to show that I’ve got the chops to stand in the front of the class room and instruct.

My inspiration for this project comes from an artist by the name of Joey Camacho (you can see his work at rawandrendered.com). A few years back, Joey set out on a 365 project he called “Progress Before Perfection” where he set out to render a 3d abstract image and post it online. Many people who undertake and stick with 365 projects like these find that the push to continually create new work is transformational (I’m confident that Joey has). I’ve discovered my photography style through this project, and I’ve come to know a deeper meaning of community and culture from the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with residents and visitors.

I’ve been shy to include piles of hashtags to promote this project, because I don’t want it to be construed as a vanity piece, or that I’ve got an agenda to make an income off of it. I’m not looking for fame and fortune, I’m looking to tell the amazing stories of this truly remarkable part of the world.

Thank you all for your amazing support. Six and a half weeks to go.

Ara

#Sunnyside365 May 4, 2016

May 4, 2016 / Ara

I think I finally found a photograph that acts as a metaphor for what I’m trying to say with this project. With just over six weeks to go, this oak tree tells a story that so many of us are resisting to listen to: the old gives way to the new. The old leaves don’t know what direction the tree will grow in once they’re gone, it’s up to the young risers to carry on the legacy and do what’s right for the tree. The old quite literally gives way to and guides the young.

Speaking of trees, the poplars all around Hillhurst and Sunnyside are getting quite old and are being succeeded by new growth. I wonder how the neighbourhood will look in fifty years. I suppose that’s the exciting part…

#Sunnyside365 May 3, 2016

May 3, 2016 / Ara

“I’m raising money so I can buy a hamster. You’re my first customer. Thank you!”

#Sunnyside365 May 2, 2016

May 2, 2016 / Ara

It’s probably the earliest start to the growing season that I’ve ever seen! With temperatures in the high 20’s, nature is pushing to get a head-start on gardening.

#Sunnyside365 May 1, 2016

May 1, 2016 / Ara

“My business partner, Connor, founded Local Laundry about a year ago. He was in Sweden doing his MBA and while he was over there, he realized that he didn’t have anything to wear that repped’ Calgary. We partnered up back in November with the goal of inspiring pride of this city and the neighbourhoods people are a part of. We donate a part of our proceeds to local charities.

The Sunnyside and Kensington Shirts were designed by Erin Lawrence. She’s a graduate of ACAD and lives in the neighbourhood.

I love how much of a “Go out and do it.” attitude this city has. It’s very entrepreneurial. And Kensington–it’s super vibrant here. People in this community are really proud of where they live and work. It’s a destination of choice. Meraki Supply Co. has the Kensington and Sunnyside shirts, Luke’s Drug Mart has snap-back hats, and a place called ‘Stuff 4 Him’ has some of our items out in the belt line.” Dustin, Co-Founder of Local Laundry Apparel. www.locallaundryapparel.com

#Sunnyside365 April 30, 2016

April 30, 2016 / Ara

It’s official! Spring is in full springiness, and I’ve got fifty days left to go on #Sunnyside365 (+1 if you count the leap year). I can’t say how wonderful of an experience it’s been, because words can’t describe the overwhelming feelings I have. Thanks to all the support from everyone who has been involved, liked, shared, commented. I’m truly, truly overwhelmed. Calgary really is the greatest city in the world.

#Sunnyside365 April 29, 2016

April 29, 2016 / Ara

“The facade of the Pages building was redone in 1993, but the interior still has the same creaky wooden floors as when it was the first branch library of the Calgary Public Library in 1947. This building has literary bones!

We offer over 10,000 titles in stock at any given time and, through our special order service, we can access most North American titles in print. Our booksellers are all avid readers – they can help you track down that volume you need, suggest a book for your child’s birthday present, suggest titles for your book club, or simply get you a great book to read on a quiet Sunday afternoon.”

#Sunnyside365 April 28, 2016

April 28, 2016 / Ara

The Daily is now open! Serving up breakfast and diner fair, this new restaurant is downstairs of Kensington’s Higher Ground Cafe. Check em’ out! www.dailyyyc.com

#Sunnyside365 April 27, 2016

April 27, 2016 / Ara

“I think this is the earliest start to the Summer we’ve ever seen. So many people have their gardens planted and ready. I just hope we don’t get a dump of snow before the Summer actually gets here. Mind you, I could have used a few more snowboarding sessions.”

#Sunnyside365 April 26, 2016

April 26, 2016 / Ara

“I don’t care. I want the cracks, the rust, the gnarled old trees. I want the seediness, the wear and the tear. We earned it, as a community. We wear it with pride. What’s going to happen in a few years when this place gets so redeveloped that it’s not recognizable as Sunnyside anymore? What are they all going to come down and see?”

Ara Shimoon