Join the Parallel (14 photos)

Sixty artists representing 15 nations are part of the first ever 46th Parallel art festival happening this weekend at the Grand Theatre.

Local graffiti artist, Cameron Dutchak, is among those ranks and is pictured above painting (with permission) a garage wall located behind the Grand on Friday evening.

Focusing his talents on script, Dutchak (who declined to provide his writer name) began painting approximately five or six years ago, but only after years of sketching and studying others' work.

He told SooToday.com that he's heavily influenced by the writing of west coast artists Saber and Revok whose work can be found all over the Los Angeles and San Francisco area.

"Their colour schemes and letter styles I really enjoy. They always make it bright and vibrant, but still legible at the same time," Dutchak said.

He honed his skills through extensive practice and experimentation, and found the transition from paper to wall difficult to master.

"Sketches tend to be more detailed. You have to give up some of the detail when you go to the wall," he told us. "You don't have that same control and fine lines that you do with a pencil. I'm still learning."

Dutchak advises that those who wish to master the art of graffiti stick to sketching and notebooks for the first while, and concentrate on developing design skills.

"Sure, you have to go out and practice eventually, but try to be respectful when you do," he cautioned. "Don't write swears and things like that. That's just disrespectful and will be taken down. That will just give graffiti artists - and yourself - a bad name."

Hosted by Alexander Wood and 8:56, 46th Parallel continues throughout the day today (Saturday) with films until 6 p.m., followed by live musical performances, demonstrations, exhibits and workshops until 2 a.m.

Upcoming performances include MD Dunn, DJ Fuels, Tallulah Gin, Jay Morbin, and Lise White.

Admission to 46th Parallel is absolutely free and open to all ages.

8:56 is and international artist collective that connects artists and arts organizations from around the world, including those in Qatar and Lebanon.

For more information, please click here