<![CDATA[DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB - art | furniture | design | events - Calgary - david brunning

PURPOSE- from the outset, I have always been attracted to nice things. Born as an artist without knowing it, I found myself drawn to words, design, structure and style. These 4 things ended up shaping much of my life and interrelating to one another through various mediums and outlets.

Hi, I’m David Brunning and this is More Or Less Project. The premise behind this site and therefore this personal statement / movement is to simplify my life. It’s been an ongoing thing, this simplicity. When I began painting graffiti I would expel horribly complicated letter structures that really did not hold shape to any true letterform only to find, with time, the structure became more simple and refined. I would hope the same is true of life and as it continues, I find it to be that way or if it is not, I often then choose it.

Recently I decided to simplify the mind, the emotions, the relationships and the heart by going clean. No more booze, no more drugs and no more inhibitors to alter my state. This decision was born out of a desire to try something new, adversely contrary to popular culture and the often-assumed normal lifestyle of the artist. That was December 31, 2010. Since then I have seen shifts in my diet, time management and creative process as a whole. Friendships have changed, life has shifted drastically and new hobbies have risen up in place of old habits. The clarity and drive I now possess is quite focused and strong, so I would consider this change to be a success.

More Or Less Project is my choice to try out something new, as well. Essentially, I will wear the same thing for one whole year. I have chosen jeans, a pair of shoes, a t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt and a button up to accompany me on this journey. The idea started over twelve years ago in college as a challenge I wanted to give myself. I figured if I could simplify my life by taking out the large bit of time I used to get ready. I could instead use that extra time toward my hobbies, my art, my friends, my family, etc. It became a challenge for me.

What I would choose to wear never did define me, but in some way, it made me define others. I worked retail for some time. I worked some major gigs in fashion as well. I love fashion and style, design and structure. I’m a classics man. I like the simple. I like the standard; not too tight, not too lose, not too trendy, not too dated. I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of man who values what exists inside a person rather than what appears on the outside. I’ve been the fashion advisor for my family, friends and sphere of those influenced by my opinions. With More Or Less, I want to give my interior life a challenge by affecting my exterior life.

In simplifying my wardrobe, in removing choice to the barest options, I want to find out whether or not I would dress up my life in other ways. What might define me? What might transpire over the course of a year in this state? Would my work change? Would my art change? Would ego increase or

decrease? Would life become more or less defined by this exterior image?

MOL Project begins on April 16, 2012 and will continue throughout the year through this choice, this site, this blog and this opportunity to think outside the box. In the act of choosing this I hope to inspire others to live within their means and as more simply stated, deeply defined people. In the launching of this site I hope to have a tool to showcase this journey. In writing on this blog, I hope to capture this journey as honestly and real as one can. In thinking outside the box, I hope that you would consider your opportunities to do things a little differently and challenge your life in a way that takes sacrifice and commitment, stepping away from the status quo.

Many have offered their advice, shared their opinions and given both positive and negative criticism to this somewhat seemingly simple task I am undertaking. I appreciate it all. In fact, not only do I hope to accomplish this project, but through the course of the year remain open to whatever changes should so take place in my art, my interior life, my relationships, my location and so on. I am not sure whether the clothing I give away will be missed, or that which I box up will be desired after 365 days. I do not know whether this will be the easiest year ahead or whether it will unravel within me insecurities or judgments. I do not know what this year will bring but I am beyond excited to see this finally take form. I am grateful to be able to broadcast More Or Less Project and see what transpires through the process.

So bookmark me, follow me on Twitter @MoreOrLessPRJCT and stay involved however you can by support, by donating, by sending me an email or by simplifying your own lives.

Thank you,