Meet Anthony, who moved to Kelowna from Edmonton when he was just seven years old. Anthony is a dedicated and skilled artist in the Kelowna community. He is passionate about creativity, art and meditating.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
There's a selection of friends who come to mind and they each inspire me to grow in goodness in very different ways, so I won't choose one.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Farmers' Market is great, though it's not a store. I like Mike's Produce for veggies, Okanagan Grocery for bread and Mosaic books for those things coming back into style (books).
Describe yourself in one word.
Brobdingnagian.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If I could teleport to anywhere, I would go on a little trip and see what's happening in some of my favourite places: Watts Atelier, Monte Sahaja, Dhamma Surabhi and maybe some other places.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Drawing, meditating and being outside. Specific to Kelowna would be attending Live Essence life drawing sessions, Qi-Gong, and Mandala Movement.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm not sure... If anything, it wasn't something that happened to me, rather something I did to myself and doing 'that' is embarrassing if I didn't mean to do it, I think.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I continually have amazing blessings all the time. It's inspiring to flower in the goodness that one can find through their own action and attention. Call it meditation, this type of living is something that inspires me and is a constant, natural movement that I notice now and that I notice when I'm off of too. It's intuitive and it's my guide to find the people, places, actions, things, stories, events that I bring my inspiration to instead of expecting them to do more for a less inspired awareness and a less blessed perspective of myself.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I don't remember much, really. When I had to leave school and get stitches in my eyebrow, the school principal came over and played guitar with my brother. So the latter part of that story adds contrast to the earlier injury that day, which could be described well in a horror story (I'll leave that description out). I think most of my memories are like that. Like the movie Inside Out, I don't have only Joy or only Sad memories. They are combinations. (SPOILERS)
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I go to a Vipassana centre (Dhamma Surabhi) located just outside of Merritt. Each year since 2012 I've gone and volunteered/served a 10 day course of meditation at minimum. I used to co-host Contact Improvisation dance sessions as well as help set up for Mandala Movement/Dance classes. I like to think I give back in small ways on a daily basis, even if that's not true, I like to think it. (It might actually be true.)
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would ensure that everyone has the means to attend a 10 day Vipassana course at least once.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Why would I tell you? It's my alone time. Okay, okay... Kinsmen Park, or my art studio.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I like seeing the Drop-Bike system in place. It would be nice to design buildings and places around the environment instead of through it. We have a very beautiful setting in Kelowna and yet there seems to be a lot of silly decisions about where to put large condos, high rises and concrete. I think we can see where these decisions are happening, though I will say that the additional road signs and concrete medians are unnecessary and impractical. During winter, it makes it much easier to have an accident and I've seen some of these medians blocking practical ways of turning that would be safe and convenient for people's homes. As well, let's have more walking roads (with no cars allowed), less benches designed so you can't lay down on them, more trees and less cigarette butt littering.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
My friends and family. The local farmers and local stores. The fact that you can bike down through the middle of the city and see cows grazing. The sunsets, lake, trees and mountains. The seasons, fresh air and fresh fruit and veggies year round.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I would like to attend Watts Atelier to see the teachers and be in that atmosphere again, even for a short while. I would like to publish a series of illustrated novels, video games and videos that are all connected in the same story/worlds. This is in the works.
2. I'd like to attend the San Diego Comic Con as a vendor and have a booth with this story-work at some point too.
3. I would like to learn Japanese, go to Japan and visit the Studio Ghibli museum, as well as attend the MET or somewhere to see some really amazing art up close.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am writing and illustrating a series of visual stories that is as big as the Marvel Universe in size, characters and fun.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Instagram and Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
When Anthony Was - Art/Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got more dedicated to my art practice and felt like sharing the process as I developed in skill.
What is the goal of your business?
Currently, I busk doing charcoal portraits, teach art fundamentals one on one and occasionally do commissions as well as original work.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle with my artwork has been comparing myself to other artists in a negative way, as well as having a physical ailment for the last year which has been frustrating at times when it impedes my ability to create.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The things I would do differently may be different things if I did them in a different way, so my answer is mu. (The wrong question.) If I restarted, things would be different and then I wouldn't be sure of my answer to go back and do them differently.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Nothing specific. I find I'm talking more and more about visual language and about art and learning art, as well as randomly saying jokes from anime I've seen, even out of context.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stay true to yourself. Don't compare. Be easy. Acknowledge your strengths. Be open. Be happy. Be light. Be free. Be. (And come up with best advice quotes on the spot.)
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would choose Mooji and Jeff Watts, one day each.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It strengthens and gives appreciation to community and the best stuff is local, especially when it comes to food in Kelowna.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I co-created a feature length film with Justin MacGregor (director of Best F(r)iends). I'm also so much wiser as an individual since I attended my first Vipassana course in 2012 and that is good to recognize.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Here's a shout out to Dustin Crommery and Erin Mondey for a lot of support in the last half a year.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dustin Crommery
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for reading! Adventure is out there! (and in here).
- Your friendly neighborhood Anthony Ross
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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
