Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Homeless Quatchi Stop Motion Animation Man On Fire
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
HOMELESS QUATCHI PROJECT PT2 OLYMPIC ANNIVERSARY VANCOUVER 2010
HOMELESS QUATCHI at Granville Station escalator
HOMELESS QUATCHI at Robson Rink - Robson Square
HOMELESS QUATCHI at Robson Rink - Robson Square
HOMELESS QUATCHI at Robson Rink - Robson Square
HOMELESS QUATCHI at the Olympic Cauldron
HOMELESS QUATCHI at the Olympic Cauldron
HOMELESS QUATCHI at the Olympic Cauldron
HOMELESS QUATCHI at the Olympic Cauldron
HOMELESS QUATCHI at the Olympic Cauldron - Bridge View
VANCOUVER, BC -- FEBRUARY 12 marked the anniversary of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. We continue with Homeless Quatchi on the streets of Vancouver, during the celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, at various locations around downtown. Homeless Quatchi was most fond of the Robson Rink, and the Olympic Cauldron festivities, but he was however immensely disappointed by the lack of Olympic celebrations on Main st. and Hastings at the Carnegie Library.
Dressed with a plastic bag poncho, and his portable home shopping cart, Quatchi soon learned that he was the ONLY Olympic Mascot in attendance during the celebrations. What happened to all the mascots? Oh yeah, they're all unemployed, living somewhere in the DTES.
Quatchi decides to participate in the Vancouver 2010 street party sponsored by the City of Vancouver. With such large crowds of people being downtown, he hopes to 'cash in' on the suckers families, and children enjoying and reliving the Olympic experience. Many people from the outskirts of Vancouver, are kind enough to spare some change, despite his lack of street performance ability.
With no talent whatsoever, he was still able to earn some money for his own Olympic celebration later that night. Hitting the pipe, or the needle.
The act of 'acting poor, helpless and needy' is a performance unto itself, required to tug at those heartstrings, of the stupid generous. So I guess you could say Homeless Quatchi is quite the Busker, with the talent to manipulate. He's such a convincing actor, his homeless friends think he should be in movies.
After getting kicked out of the Granville Skytrain station by the Vancouver Police, Quatchi decides to move his operation street performance, to where the families are least suspecting... Robson Square.
Quatchi makes his way close to the ice skating rink.
Quatchi climbs up on the railing to get a better view of the skating, and to gain more visibility from the people passing by. He waved his signs around, and manages to catch the attention of curious international students from Japan and China. They were shocked to see their favorite mascot begging for change...! The life of an unemployed mascot ain't sunshine and rainbows!
Quatchi wheels himself to the Vancouver Convention Centre. He tries to get a good view of the cauldron which was re-lit for the anniversary. This time, there was no awkward large fence to keep people away.
Quatchi decided to sneak into some photos of some Olympic celebrants. Such happy families, and couples.
Quatchi made his way up on the bridge to get a better view of the Olympic cauldron. All this excitement for a flame. Quatchi lights fires all the time in trash bins to stay warm during the cold wet Vancouver nights. The only crowds that form are those of homeless gathering by the fire in a DTES alley.
The Adventures of Homeless Quatchi will continue each anniversary, and randomly throughout the year. Stay tuned to his life on the facebook fan page.
THE HOMELESS QUATCHI PROJECT on FACEBOOK
READ THE INTRODUCTION TO THE HOMELESS QUATCHI PROJECT.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Pics Vids Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Anniversary
Vancouver 2010 Anniversary - Robson Ice Skating Rink Time Lapse S95 (HD)
Vancouver 2010 Anniversary - Olympic Cauldron Time Lapse S95 (HD)
RELIVE IT...
The City of Vancouver decided to throw a street party to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. And though the rain came down pouring, there was still entertainment all around. From ice skating, to street hockey and live music, the rainy weather soon began to disappear in the afternoon, with the relighting of the Olympic Cauldron.
There was no giant fence keeping the crowds at a distance, which was the best decision the city made, giving everyone an up close opportunity to enjoy it. (That thing gets warm up close!) It was great seeing all the people come out to enjoy the anniversary, and reminisce about the Olympics of 2010, which helped put Vancouver on the map, and helped push the city to mature.
Here are some pics and timelapse vids I took while out and about during the celebration event.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
HOMELESS QUATCHI Olympic Village Millenium Water VANCOUVER
QUATCHI CAN'T GET NO LUXURY!
This picture for THE HOMELESS QUATCHI Project was taken in front of the Olympic Village Millenium Water properties -- soon to be rebranded THE VILLAGE on FALSE CREEK.
Recently it was announced that there would be some major price cuts to the unsold condos, 'With the new measures in place, the receiver hopes the project will be 70-per-cent occupied by this summer.'
HOMELESS QUATCHI VALENTINE 2010 Anniversary
LOOKING FOR LOVE - HOMELESS QUATCHI VALENTINE'S WEEKEND
Homeless Quatchi will be out and about looking for love during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Anniversary celebrations this weekend, all over Vancouver. If you see him, be sure to say hello, and to take a picture with him. Or simply toss him a coin. (He really needs the change.)
Quatchi won't be able to enjoy the celebrations going on because of all the people, and noise. To make things even worse, when all the celebrations are over, there will be so much trash that he won't be able to find a decent doorway to sleep in.
Do you think HOMELESS QUATCHI can find love out there in the city? WILL YOU BE HIS VALENTINE?
READ THE HOMELESS QUATCHI PROJECT ORIGINAL POST
BECOME A FAN OF THE HOMELESS QUATCHI PROJECT ON FACEBOOK.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Homeless Quatchi Project Anniversary Toy
Homeless Mascot Anniversary Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
Revisiting Vancouver 2010.
February marks the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The major winter multi-sport event seen worldwide, has come and gone leaving Vancouver with more infrastructure for a fast growing population, but with much of the same problems that have plagued the city long before the Olympics came to town.
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the world descended on Vancouver for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. No doubt Vancouver 2010 will be remembered for the unusually warm winter weather at the time, the death of a Georgian athlete, rowdy protests, and Team Canada winning gold in Men's Hockey, but if anything the locals of Vancouver will remember how much growth the city has endured prior to the Olympic Games.
The city underwent some major changes with expansions to public transit, increasing road sizes, improving highways, and building the Canada Line Skytrain. In addition to transit, the construction of the Olympic venues took place, as well as more mid/high-rise condos around Vancouver, such as the Woodward's building, said to 'revitalize' the downtown east side area.
Years later, while all these things have added convenience to everyday life, there hasn't really been much of a revitalization around the DTES. Buildings like Woodward's, are a lot like every other condo in the city... they exist in a bubble where the world outside on the street, isn't exactly the same luxury living as in the condos themselves.
The contrast between what the city wants, and what the reality actually is, is not something that can be fixed by a sporting event. Building elitist housing, doesn't solve the problem either.
DTES, and the Olympic Village Millenium Water Properties. They are two different worlds. On one side you have a bustling area of homeless, many with mental illness, and addictions. And on the other side you basically have an empty, but wealthy community with the very best in eco-friendly sustainable energy, designed for the buildings. Not to mention with a beautiful waterfront view of False Creek, and a community center exercise facility. The finest in modern construction, and yet, when you take a walk through the Olympic Village, it's like being in a Ghost town, and you can actually imagine tumbleweed rolling by.
'Southeast False Creek Development - Olympic and Paralympic Village' by the City of Vancouver.
The above video created for the City of Vancouver, highlights the development of the Olympic Village. Funny, the video really wants to drive the point home that this is the most advanced community with a sustainable enviro-friendly design. 'The full benefits of this part of town will come in the next few years.' Yet, when I began taking pictures for The Homeless Quatchi Project, the entire area was practically dead, it was actually kinda disturbing.
Currently, there is nothing vibrant about this part of town. It felt very sterile. Because the Olympic Village is located on the False Creek bike trail, people pass by to take pictures, walk their dogs, and gawk at how nice the area is. The lonely security guard walks around the premises keeping the residence of Olympic Village safe people, or is it the buildings themselves?
While taking photos for The Homeless Quatchi Project, I was actually stopped by a few people who were curious to see what I was doing. Each person that stopped to talk had their own opinion on the Olympic Village, but all agreed that the Olympic Village isn't exactly helping the homeless situation.
Instead of allocating money to improve parts of the city of Vancouver that are truly in need of support to increase the well-being of those who are in need, all the fancy eco-friendly solutions going to a singular neighborhood, at a high price tag seems like it is only widening the gap of rich and poor in the city.
'Vancouver in 2010' created by Albert Art. Sound Design, and Music by Herman Witkam.
Vancouver in 2010, a short video piece of Vancouver prior to the Olympic games, filmed in late January of 2010, the film captures the growth of the city, the anticipation for the Winter Olympic Games, as well as the homeless situation all over Vancouver.
The Homeless Quatchi Project, is a series of photos taken around Vancouver, specifically from the DTES, and Millenium Water Condos (Olympic Village).
Have you ever wondered what happened to the most popular mascot from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics? Well, since the Olympics games, Quatchi has ended up on the street, unemployed, and depressed, he became an alcoholic and started experimenting with hard drugs such as crystal meth, and crack cocaine. He had to resort to theft, and panhandling to feed his addiction.
Quatchi, a sasquatch from the forests up north came to Vancouver seeking opportunity to provide for his family back home, unfortunately with no more opportunities post-Winter games, he has no where to go and can't seem to get the help he needs to better his situation.
The following images document Quatchi on his life around Vancouver.
*note the original Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Mascots were created by Meomi Design.
HOMELESS QUATCHI in front of Harbour Light Detox Center.
Quatchi tried going to a detox a few times on Cordova, to no avail. As soon as he left detox, it was back to old habits, in the DTES, shooting up, and boozing up.
HOMELESS QUATCHI in an alley just off of Main st. and Cordova.
Quatchi found himself stumbling around in dirty alleys, looking for his next fix.
HOMELESS QUATCHI in the park across from Tinseltown condos.
On some days he would head to the park, and watch the time pass while buzzed.
HOMELESS QUATCHI hanging out at Science World.
When Quatchi runs out of money he heads to Main St. Skytrain station, to beg for some change.
HOMELESS Quatchi looking for a home.
Quatchi hopes one day he'll be able to live in the Olympic Village across the water.
HOMELESS QUATCHI taking a tour of Olympic Village.
Quatchi feels like a small guy with no money for a home. He wonders how much the giant bird display cost to make.
HOMELESS QUATCHI on Olympic Village bridge.
Quatchi walks across the fancy bridge at the Olympic Village. He thinks it's ugly, cold, and lifeless, just like the Olympic Village itself.
HOMELESS QUATCHI at Electric Vehicle Charging Station.
Quatchi hopes to one day own an electric vehicle, so he can use this charging station at the Olympic Village. Apparently, no one is using it currently. Quatchi thinks it's a waste.
HOMELESS QUATCHI goes to the liquor store.
With just enough money from panhandling, Quatchi decides that he should drown his sorrows in a few bottles of liquor, thanks to the Legacy Liquor that opened up at Olympic Village. One of the only businesses currently open. London Drugs is still 'COMING SOON'. What is the LEGACY of the Winter Olympics?
HOMELESS QUATCHI Joy Ride
Quatchi takes his booze for a ride!
HOMELESS QUATCHI finds a nice spot to enjoy his drinks.
Fortunately, there's no one around here at the Olympic Village to bother him! He can drink in peace for now.
For more pictures from The HOMELESS QUATCHI Project, visit the AlbertArt Flickr page., and AlbertArt Facebook.
JOIN THE OFFICIAL HOMELESS QUATCHI FACEBOOK FANPAGE!!!
Feel free to spread the word of The Homeless Quatchi to all those who might be interested!
The city of Vancouver will be holding anniversary celebrations all over town this weekend February 11, and 12th. Surely it is a time to reminise about the fun times that the Olympics brought to town, but let us not forget those less fortunate.
Video taken during Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Events.
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - Olympic Cauldron (night view)
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - Medal Display - The Royal Canadian Mint
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - Robson Square Time-lapse
Revisiting Vancouver 2010.
February marks the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The major winter multi-sport event seen worldwide, has come and gone leaving Vancouver with more infrastructure for a fast growing population, but with much of the same problems that have plagued the city long before the Olympics came to town.
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since the world descended on Vancouver for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. No doubt Vancouver 2010 will be remembered for the unusually warm winter weather at the time, the death of a Georgian athlete, rowdy protests, and Team Canada winning gold in Men's Hockey, but if anything the locals of Vancouver will remember how much growth the city has endured prior to the Olympic Games.
The city underwent some major changes with expansions to public transit, increasing road sizes, improving highways, and building the Canada Line Skytrain. In addition to transit, the construction of the Olympic venues took place, as well as more mid/high-rise condos around Vancouver, such as the Woodward's building, said to 'revitalize' the downtown east side area.
Years later, while all these things have added convenience to everyday life, there hasn't really been much of a revitalization around the DTES. Buildings like Woodward's, are a lot like every other condo in the city... they exist in a bubble where the world outside on the street, isn't exactly the same luxury living as in the condos themselves.
The contrast between what the city wants, and what the reality actually is, is not something that can be fixed by a sporting event. Building elitist housing, doesn't solve the problem either.
DTES, and the Olympic Village Millenium Water Properties. They are two different worlds. On one side you have a bustling area of homeless, many with mental illness, and addictions. And on the other side you basically have an empty, but wealthy community with the very best in eco-friendly sustainable energy, designed for the buildings. Not to mention with a beautiful waterfront view of False Creek, and a community center exercise facility. The finest in modern construction, and yet, when you take a walk through the Olympic Village, it's like being in a Ghost town, and you can actually imagine tumbleweed rolling by.
The above video created for the City of Vancouver, highlights the development of the Olympic Village. Funny, the video really wants to drive the point home that this is the most advanced community with a sustainable enviro-friendly design. 'The full benefits of this part of town will come in the next few years.' Yet, when I began taking pictures for The Homeless Quatchi Project, the entire area was practically dead, it was actually kinda disturbing.
Currently, there is nothing vibrant about this part of town. It felt very sterile. Because the Olympic Village is located on the False Creek bike trail, people pass by to take pictures, walk their dogs, and gawk at how nice the area is. The lonely security guard walks around the premises keeping the residence of Olympic Village safe people, or is it the buildings themselves?
While taking photos for The Homeless Quatchi Project, I was actually stopped by a few people who were curious to see what I was doing. Each person that stopped to talk had their own opinion on the Olympic Village, but all agreed that the Olympic Village isn't exactly helping the homeless situation.
Instead of allocating money to improve parts of the city of Vancouver that are truly in need of support to increase the well-being of those who are in need, all the fancy eco-friendly solutions going to a singular neighborhood, at a high price tag seems like it is only widening the gap of rich and poor in the city.
Vancouver in 2010, a short video piece of Vancouver prior to the Olympic games, filmed in late January of 2010, the film captures the growth of the city, the anticipation for the Winter Olympic Games, as well as the homeless situation all over Vancouver.
The Homeless Quatchi Project, is a series of photos taken around Vancouver, specifically from the DTES, and Millenium Water Condos (Olympic Village). Have you ever wondered what happened to the most popular mascot from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics? Well, since the Olympics games, Quatchi has ended up on the street, unemployed, and depressed, he became an alcoholic and started experimenting with hard drugs such as crystal meth, and crack cocaine. He had to resort to theft, and panhandling to feed his addiction.
Quatchi, a sasquatch from the forests up north came to Vancouver seeking opportunity to provide for his family back home, unfortunately with no more opportunities post-Winter games, he has no where to go and can't seem to get the help he needs to better his situation.
The following images document Quatchi on his life around Vancouver.
*note the original Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Mascots were created by Meomi Design.
Quatchi tried going to a detox a few times on Cordova, to no avail. As soon as he left detox, it was back to old habits, in the DTES, shooting up, and boozing up.
Quatchi found himself stumbling around in dirty alleys, looking for his next fix.
On some days he would head to the park, and watch the time pass while buzzed.
When Quatchi runs out of money he heads to Main St. Skytrain station, to beg for some change.
Quatchi hopes one day he'll be able to live in the Olympic Village across the water.
Quatchi feels like a small guy with no money for a home. He wonders how much the giant bird display cost to make.
Quatchi walks across the fancy bridge at the Olympic Village. He thinks it's ugly, cold, and lifeless, just like the Olympic Village itself.
Quatchi hopes to one day own an electric vehicle, so he can use this charging station at the Olympic Village. Apparently, no one is using it currently. Quatchi thinks it's a waste.
With just enough money from panhandling, Quatchi decides that he should drown his sorrows in a few bottles of liquor, thanks to the Legacy Liquor that opened up at Olympic Village. One of the only businesses currently open. London Drugs is still 'COMING SOON'. What is the LEGACY of the Winter Olympics?
Quatchi takes his booze for a ride!
Fortunately, there's no one around here at the Olympic Village to bother him! He can drink in peace for now.
For more pictures from The HOMELESS QUATCHI Project, visit the AlbertArt Flickr page., and AlbertArt Facebook.
JOIN THE OFFICIAL HOMELESS QUATCHI FACEBOOK FANPAGE!!!
Feel free to spread the word of The Homeless Quatchi to all those who might be interested!
The city of Vancouver will be holding anniversary celebrations all over town this weekend February 11, and 12th. Surely it is a time to reminise about the fun times that the Olympics brought to town, but let us not forget those less fortunate.
Video taken during Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Events.
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