ABOUT BRAD
This won't be my first summer in Nova Scotia. In 1971 I spent the summer in Halifax with the Reserves. It was a real growing experience to eat, sleep and work on a Naval Base. Because I was on a Naval Base and not aboard a ship I wasn't given my Cook's Trade badge. Soon as I got back in September I was invited to go with the Fleet to Cypress. I didn't go and instead chose to apply myself to Grade 13 and I quit the Naval Reserve, which I have regretted my whole life. Simply because I love ships, water, and adventure.
I remember sitting outside of Admiralty House in Stadacona and painting and drawing in the sunshine on weekends. It was only this year that I ventured inside and discovered the treasure in there that I had been missing. What a collection of Zippos and all things brass and ship-like. I remember the Officer's Wardroom at the HMCS STAR where I worked when we had Parade, all of the officers around the wardroom table in their red dress uniforms. This was certainly the life for me. I imagined British and Canadian officers coming and going. The history that this little corner of the world holds just makes my mind race.
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Alas, I never became a Naval Officer, but I did get a Certificate in Animation at Sheridan College. I was taught animation, drawing, and watercolors by ex-Disney instructors for 3 years. Ironically, I played football for Sheridan College and was coached by Bernie Custis where we played against Royal Military College in Kingston. We beat them 17-7 and I made an interception that set up the go-ahead touchdown. It must be fate.
On-the-Hard will be me trying to recapture my missed sea adventures. Wherever there is a wind or a wave, boats, and water, I will be there to capture and savor the moment. To capture how I have no idea as of yet, but it will involve digging deep into my media resource bag. Video, stills, watercolors, animation, music or whatever communicates best. That is why I love animation because it allowed me to use my drawing skills, painting, photography, sound effects, special effects or whatever. I like to perform. This will be my stage. Ready to go exploring? It won't be dull.
