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Inside an old barn on a dirt road in N.B., an artist creates a secret world – CBC.ca
There are things you expect to find in a half-gutted old barn on the side of a dirt road in New Brunswick: rusty tractors, buckets of nails, fishing poles. Maybe a few mice gnawing the walls.
Then there are unexpected and wonderful things.
Like a surreal garden of airborne flowers floating down the 9-metre length of the former hayloft.
Hundreds of blossoms, handmade from drafting paper and reeds, swaying gently in a Charlotte County summer breeze.
“It’s a Cabinet of Curiosities back here,” said artist Ann Manuel, pulling back a black curtain at the rear of the loft to reveal piles of prototype paper poppies, lilies and wild columbine in various stages of construction, made from materials including paper, silk, wool and modelling tools, including 3D pen.
She twirls a half-metre-long teasel flower, constructed petal-by-petal out of delicate Japanese paper. “You never know what’s hanging in the barn.”
‘A quiet event’
Breath is the tentative title for a large-scale art installation in progress by Manuel, an award-winning artist who has worked for more than three decades across North America, the UK, Europe and Asia and currently resides in Fredericton.
The work, which was originally titled Forecast, was inspired by the experience of witnessing her mother’s final breath — and her mother’s dying wish to see the flowers from her garden somehow preserved.
“It just seemed to be such a powerful, singular event,” Manuel said. “A quiet event — but essential for everything. I thought, ‘how do I work with breath in my work? I can’t paint it, I can’t make a print about it.’
So I thought, ‘I need to do an installation that somehow embodies that.'”
After museum closure — a work in limbo
In 2018, she successfully proposed the idea to the New Brunswick Museum: an “ascending garden” made of seed pods, where visitors can wander among various garden rooms. The Canada Council for the Arts, and Arts NB also saw the seed of brilliance in the idea, funding it with various grants.
Fredericton artist Ann Manuel’s massive work-in-progress, tentatively titled Breath, reflects on the calming influence of nature.
Manuel got to work on the installation, which was purpose-built for the lower gallery of the New Brunswick Museum and tentatively slated to open in 2020.
That also happened to be when the provincial museum at Market Square would close for exhibitions, never to reopen.
With the pandemic looming over artists, and a destination for her work in limbo, Manuel was left holding Breath — seemingly indefinitely.
“I almost was in disbelief,” Manuel said.
Her Canada Council grant was dependent on having an exhibition scheduled. She also needed photo documentation of the completed work if she wanted to explain the concept to future galleries and funders.
“It felt like a weight on my back,” she said.
Time to breathe
Gradually, she realized the only way to lift that weight would be to find somewhere to install the work and document it — even if it wasn’t in the public gallery space she initially envisioned.
“There’s a lot of things I might be on my deathbed and not regret, but I think I would regret not working through this visual problem, you know?”
The solution came when a “dear friend” offered Manuel the use of the barn as a studio space.
“The project then had more time to breathe — and the ideas and the parameters changed,” she said.
With the help of more friends, she crafted hundreds of seed pods and flowers. She spent hours perched on ladders and scaffolding in the barn, hanging blossoms in various configurations from the ceiling, adjusting the height of each monofilament line until she achieved her perfect flow.
“Each time that I’m making one of those little petals, I’m thinking how you can’t come close to what Mother Nature can do. Humans can try to replicate it, copy it, paint it, whatever,” she said.
“The most you can do is try to create that feeling.”
The blessing of a cancelled exhibition
As she created the piece alone in the barn, Manuel came to reflect on what she calls “the blessing of a cancelled exhibition.”
Art, she realized, can have impact and beauty even if it’s seen only by a small handful of trusted friends — or no one at all.
“I don’t need anyone to see it, really,” she said.
While the current work-in-progress isn’t open to the public, she’s toying with the idea of installing the finished work in an abandoned building somewhere in her home province of Newfoundland — where space would be limited only by her imagination, and no gallery rules or constraints would apply.
Whatever happens, she said, will unfold as it should, in its own time.
The process has taught her to “see the wisdom of nature in anything that we’re going through in life.”
“Any life process, nature’s doing it already. And much more eloquently, quietly, and graciously.”
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
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