On my desk this morning, the work begins on the book and documentary on the life and times of my late father master artist Erik Dzenis. I am just beginning the process of cataloging over 100,000 images; photographs, paintings, sketches of his life's work; it will take years. Before I can begin to contemplate writing or editing I must first find a publishing company capable printing this book. In this day and age of high tech digital printing, they just forgot one thing: talent. No one is printing high quality art books, those days are gone; therefore the printing masters operating the Heidleberg presses are no longer in demand. Our family specialized in producing the most critical component for high quality art books; the color photography and the separations. We produced thousands of photographs of the works of many famous artists throughout their careers including international wildlife artist's Fenwick Lansdowne and Glen Loates and Robert Bateman. We produced the color transparencies for the color separations; old school technology. These days the printing companies are running coupons for a rock show one minute then high quality art books the next. Except the most of the people running the publishing companies have no idea what they are doing; the technician relies on a computer scan and has no appreciation for visually correct. I visited my brother yesterday in that regard, he is regarded as one of the top color consultants in the business; we discussed the book at length commenting on how many projects came up short became the pictures in the book looked terrible. There are one or two companies in New York with the necessary skills to produce this book, however it looks like we may need to go to Italy to get the job done. A few Italian masters are still working in the trade, we will be lucky is we can find one who is not booked for the next ten years.

Art is the human experience, and Erik always wanted to share his art with the world. He was famous for his grand oil portraits of dignitaries, VIP's and life size modern art ballet paintings and pastels. He was also recognized internationally for the lightning quick sketches he would do on the spot as references for future paintings. These are a few sketches the world has never seen, original pencil drawings by Latvian/Canadian artist Erik Dzenis. These works and others will be included in a retrospect show we are currently working on. They will also be featured in the book and documentary about the life and times of Erik Dzenis. We welcome comments from anyone who recognizes the people in the sketches and photographs. Some very early photo's of a very young Rudolf Nureyev.

Canadian artist/designer Bill Lishman

As large as life Bill Lishman. Sadly Bill passed today, our condolences to his family. I worked with Bill for a number of years helping him promote his art. A few pictures of Bill and Paula at their studio's in Claremont and Blackstock Ontario.  Also photographs of a collection we shot on a two day trip covering 5 cities.

I just happened to be present when Bill took off in his hand glider, for the first time. He stepped up to the motorized version for his famous flight with endangered birds.

The township would not issue a building permit for Bill's new library, he built a life size lunar landing craft to do the job. No law against a sculpture on your lawn. Bill had a fun side for sure, but he was a very serious artist/designer, I had great respect for his work.

Bill's wife Paula was gifted, as in the gifted program at our high school; and her brother Glen. This is a multi image photo I took in grade 9.

Skating on Lake Wilcox in 1963 with Paula, grade 9.

Bill's wife Paula; the same day we were shooting Bill's flying adventures with our giant hot air balloon, I took a picture of Paula holding up their young son sitting on the famous Lishman Rocker. While she was sitting there, Suzanne noticed she was knitting with rabbit fur; a beautiful sweater. She knitted her way to an international empire a very short time later. Paula was gifted, the two of them were extraordinary people. Her brother Glen was one of my best friends in high school.

Bill was always flying on one machine or another, on his dirt bike at the People Or Planes protest at the future Pickering Airport site 1968. Bill stopped the airport with his passion for preserving farm country.

Lady in red Donna Marie looking outstanding in the famous Lishman Rocker