This is a special re-broadcast of an episode of Re-Creative as a part of Podcasthon: "The world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable causes."

The charity we wish to support is Meals on Wheels.

Ruth Abernethy, sculptor of some of the most iconic public art in Canada, joins the podcast to discuss her work.

Ruth has been a sculptor for more than thirty years, documenting in bronze many quintessential Canadian figures, such as Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, and Margaret Atwood.

Her connection to the theatre world goes quite deep. She began her career at Stratford, creating the sets and decorations that helps the festival bring Shakespeare to life.

Her commissions can be found across Canada, including at Queen's Park, Ontario's legislature, where visitors can see her rendition of Queen Elisabeth II, near Queen Victoria.

Mark, Joe and Ruth have a fascinating conversation about Ruth's work, her passion for creation, and her recent book.

For fans of art, this is an episode not to be missed!

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

The lads are joined by writer, director, comic book artist and creator Christian Gossett.

Christian is on the show to champion the groundbreaking Akira Kurosawa film, Seven Samurai (1954). But first, because it's near the holidays, they discuss their favorite Christmas movies.

Christian got an early chance to design for the Star Wars universe Old Republic, and, as part of that process, created the double-bladed lightsaber. As he did this work, he did a deep dive into George Lucas's influences. One of those was Seven Samurai. The movie has had a huge influence on Christian's work.

Christian is more than a fan of Kurosawa -- he's deeply engaged with the director's process and history and is knowledgeable about both.

If you enjoy the Star Wars universe, the work of Kurosawa, and how those two worlds tie together, don't miss this episode!

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com

Spencer Evans is a working musician in Kingston, Ontario. He joins Mark and Joe to discuss the influence that Ray Charles had on him as piano player and entertainer, as well as the impact that Charles had on the history of music in America and the world.

Spencer is an old pal of Mark’s, back from their days at Queen’s University (in Kingston, ON), when they were both members of the cabaret group, Queen’s Players.

“I know for a fact that Spencer can play the hell out of a Ray Charles song. And sing the hell out of it too!” Mark says of Spencer’s choice of musical pick.

“He embodies everything that music is to me. The passion, the artistry, the individuality, the fighting against chaos,” Spencer says. He talks about how many facts of Ray Charles’ early life were stacked against him, yet did not prevent him from becoming an incredibly influential figure in American music.

For more information, check out the show notes for this episode.

Re-Creative is produced by Donovan Street Press Inc. in association with MonkeyJoy Press.

Contact us at joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com