A perfect project for the attic space. Meet Miles.

Last week we welcomed multi-disciplinary artist, Miles Rufelds. Miles is a graduate of the B.F.A. program at the University of Ottawa : the same program I graduated from, well... a "few" years ago. We've had a few graduates from the program now and I will admit to selfishly asking a lot of questions about the current state of the program and its professors, and, like a typical "older" person, asking if so and so is still teaching and if that studio is still there and well, you get the point.

But we also talked about his current project, "It's Mouth Only Grows" parts I, II and III. I had the opportunity to see the project in its early beginnings in Miles' submission, and was excited to get the chance to see it completed. We discussed its influences, from B movie science fiction and its use of the synthesizer, to television advertising such as the clean, almost sanitized Apple commercials. Without giving away his tricks, I was impressed with the way he created his scenes and effects, admitting that I myself own a mini-DV camera, which is not digital or film, but tape. It's okay, I know.

Miles seems to be one of those multi-talented people who can do a little bit of everything. The Cottage has many musical instruments spread about its three floors and he seemed to be able to play them all, including my small white Casio synthesizer. Everyday I heard tidbits of music coming from the living room piano, the ukuleles on the 2nd floor, and of course, his own synthesizer, above. It may seem like a simple instrument, but through his own editing program and artfulness, Miles is able to add layers to these recordings, which results in something much more substantial and refined.

Aside from a spaghetti dinner on Saturday night, high winds and a pretty intense thunder storm on Miles' first day, this was probably the most quiet week at the residency. Seasonal cottagers are now gone for the season, making the next few months the most peaceful and serene of the year.

Miles now returns to Montreal and has some big things coming up, including getting published in a few magazines and journals. Check out his website and follow him on Facebook to learn more about his upcoming projects and activities.