Artists In Jackson: Jen Dixon

Hello there.

For the latest Artists In Jackson 2 profile, I talk with Jen Dixon at The Sparks (formerly the Commercial Exchange).

Jen's path hasn’t followed any straight lines. They first studied computer programming while working full-time and caring for a terminally ill fiancé.

But after a near-death experience caused by a massive blood clot following a roller derby injury, they re-evaluated everything.

“I remember crawling across the floor thinking, ‘This is your last moment. Experience it,'” Jen recalls.

Read Jen’s incredible story:

Artists In Jackson 2: Jen Dixon

As I talk to more and more artists, what’s amazing is the small, tight-knit communities that develop, especially at places like The Sparks.

Turns out that if you put a bunch of creative people together, magic happens. It’s been fun to watch Jen help make magic with her cohorts and around the community, one art piece at a time.

Nova Scotia & Maine Summer Vacation Round-Up

We had an epic, two-week vacation on the Atlantic Coast, first to Nova Scotia and then down to Maine.

I took a lot of photos during those two weeks (I also ate a lot of lobster). I’m posting a bi-weekly vacation diary over on my photo blog. Go check out our big adventure.

Things I’m Into Lately

• Driving through Canada before and during Canada Day reminded me how much I love (and almost forgot about) the Sam Roberts Band.

• Speaking of Canada’s best, here’s Our Lady Peace covering The Tragically Hip’s “Locked In the Trunk of a Car” (the original video is like a mini movie - ominous and haunting). Here’s how to play it from the Hip’s own Rob Baker. “Let me out!”

• I devoured Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country over the summer, and am now plowing through Notes from a Small Island.

• Ever notice how crappy furniture is these days? "To understand the decline in quality, first consider what most furniture is actually made of."

• Vox's The 25 pieces of culture that explain the last 25 years starts perfectly. 'Nuff said. No notes.

If you want to follow all the Artists In Jackson 2 activities, like the Facebook page or follow me on Instagram.

How was your summer? Write back and let me know.

Take care,

Dave Lawrence