Meet Mark Beauchamp, a man with an interesting view on the city and the world, behind the lens – both moving and still. Check out some of his work in the feature on it in this episode.
Where did you grow up? Why?
Ottawa, since my dad was posted there while in the military and a short stint in Thunder Bay for school.
How long have you been in Toronto?
12 years
Toronto is…
A great place to live.
What do you do for a living?
Freelance in the film business as a camera assistant
What keeps you busy?
Work, travel, reading photography, socializing…
What was your favourite summer job?
Working for the Tyrell Museum of Paleontology excavating dinosaur bones.
Dream job? Why?
Something that would include a lot of travel but not much responsibility. Still trying to figure that one out.
What’s your passion?
Travel, photography, reading, learning…
If I say jump?
Excuse me?
What do you give back to the No Fly Zone?
Patronage to independent businesses since I don't like malls or chain stores/restaurants much. Going to see local bands. Culturally not much other than signing the odd petition and making sure I'm who I'm familiar with whom I voting for.
What can we do to make Toronto a "world class" city?
Improve transit and make it even more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. But really compared to other North American cities we have it pretty good.
Are you an artist?
Sometimes
How does art influence your life?
Makes me stop and look around. Inspires me to do my own work.
Hands or feet?
Hands
Worst public moment?
Don't ask, but it did involve acting in a film. There is a reason I prefer to be behind the camera.
Why do you live here?
Work brought me here, but I currently I can't see myself living in any other Canadian city, I quite like Toronto.
Two Beatles left: Ringo and Paul. Who wins in a smackdown?
Ringo
Favourite public space?
Does Kensington Market count? If not The Brickworks - nature and urban decay all in one spot in the middle of the city.
Who are your favourite Toronto artists?
Emily Schultz, Pamela Williams, Edward Burtynsky, Fiona Smyth, Arnold Machtinger, John Stackhouse…
Mon Chi Chi, My Little Pony, Barbie? discuss.
Way too girly for me sorry. I don't have a sister so I didn't have much exposure to any of these as a child.