Laing Studios

08/31/2026

“The Job of the Artist Is to Fill the Space” takes the intimacy of a traditional gallery experience and places it somewhere unexpected: inside a brewery, where a wider audience can encounter the work.

The project transforms moments from my time in LA and Long Beach, captured through photographs and video, into works of art.

Think Nam June Paik meets social media—real-time moments reinterpreted through pen and ink and ultimately becoming part of installations in public spaces and on mobile devices.

The Long Beach portion explores the ways artists and cultural figures—including Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder—use their influence to fill spaces, bring people together and contribute to healing within their communities while supporting community leaders like Blacc Sam.

This third instalment brings the story full circle with Stevie Wonder’s presence at the Marathon Burger grand opening later that evening, where he arrived with his family.

After Stevie appeared, the tension that had hung over the area following the shootings that afternoon seemed to dissipate. It struck me how an artist like Stevie Wonder can have the ability to calm a situation, shift the energy of a space, and help draw people back together.

Every news article I read about the opening that night mentioned Stevie’s presence at Marathon Burger. His appearance had become part of the story.

I love thinking about the idea that the job of the artist is to fill spaces — whether that means filling a blank wall in a community with a mural, giving people a reason to come out and experience an event, or simply helping ward off an existential crisis by giving people something meaningful, beautiful, or engaging to focus on.

Maybe that is one of the important thing’s artists can do: change the feeling of a space and how people feel within it.

Thanks again to Rick & Fran of Caps Off for hosting this mini art gallery and for giving me the opportunity to share this story in their space.

08/27/2026

For one week only, Caps Off Brewing Co. is hosting the first instalment of “The Job of the Artist Is to Fill the Space.” The show closes on August 30th, so check it out before it's gone!

This project places the intimacy of a traditional gallery inside a brewery, where a wider audience can encounter the work.

The project shares moments from my time in LA and Long Beach as videos and artworks.

The Long Beach portion explores how artists and cultural figures—including Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder—use their influence to fill spaces, bring people together and contribute to healing within their communities.

I’ve been going to Long Beach for work for years, and on my first trip, I discovered a Johnny Rockets that became a favourite. It was family-owned, had free Wi-Fi, a $9.99 burger special, and was quiet enough to work over a burger.

This past March, I returned and the restaurant was under construction, but people were inside. I met Adam, who told me I couldn’t get a burger that evening—but that I should come back the next day for the grand opening of Marathon Burger (The Marathon Store).

The next day, between edits and uploads, I headed back. This time, the place was packed.

—
Marathon Burger is an extension of the Marathon brand. “The Marathon” is a philosophy, mixtape and brand created by the late American rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle. Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue had just been unveiled as Nipsey Hussle Square on February 28, 2026. Snoop Dogg has also invested in the franchise and was there for the opening.
—

Marathon made the launch special with celebrity guests and community activations. The energy was electric, and the line stretched around the block.

I didn’t have time to wait in line for a burger, I had to come back a couple more times before I was able to wait long enough to get one - but I did capture some special moments from an incredible community event.

What struck me most at the time was how Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, Blacc Sam’s continued advocacy, Snoop Dogg’s support, and promotion from the Mayor of Long Beach and others brought thousands of people together.

It was a reminder that the impact of community, culture and legacy was the real story here.

From an artistic perspective, instead of positioning at the centre of the action, I chose to shoot the event from the stairs just outside the new Marathon Burger to be able to show just how many people were there. I loved the visual when Snoop dog arrived and almost everyone's phones popped up to record the event.

CBC Arts ARTnews artnet Railway City Tourism City of St. Thomas, Ontario

08/24/2026

The Laing Studios Mini Galleries have officially launched—and the very first one can now be experienced at Caps Off Brewing Co.

For one week only, the brewery is hosting the first instalment of The Job of the Artist Is to Fill the Space.

The project takes the intimacy of a traditional gallery experience and places it somewhere unexpected: inside a brewery, where a wider audience can encounter the work. Through social media, the experience can also travel beyond the gallery and onto your mobile device.

The project transforms moments from my time in LA and Long Beach, captured through photographs and video, into works of art.

Think Nam June Paik meets social media—real-time moments reinterpreted through pen and ink and ultimately becoming part of installations in public spaces and on mobile devices.

The Long Beach portion explores the ways artists and cultural figures—including Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder—use their influence to fill spaces, bring people together and contribute to healing within their communities while supporting community leaders like Blacc Sam.

On March 1, just after 3 p.m., an altercation outside the grand opening of Marathon Burger escalated into a shooting that left one man dead and two others wounded.

What followed was a moment of uncertainty and tension as community members and police worked to prevent the situation from escalating further.

One image in particular stayed with me: a young man in a green hoodie, his hands on his head, with The Job of the Artist Is to Fill the Space printed across his back. I don’t know who he is, but his bravery in bearing witness spoke volumes to me. I felt compelled to turn that moment into a work of art and share it.

For me, it is a testament to the people who worked to de-escalate the situation, the police officers who worked to prevent immediate reprisals, and those who stood their ground to bear witness to what was happening.

I’ve travelled to the LBC to work for years, but this was the first time I truly felt connected to the community.

rexrichardsonlb .ca

08/02/2026

Lovely family vacation up at Camp NeeKauNis A Quaker Camp this past week. Love watching the sunsets from the hill. Now it’s time to start making new art to feature at the Elgin County Studio Tour.

07/16/2026

Artwork and prints are up at Caps Off Brewing Co.! $55 for 8”x8” Jumbos and $65 for 10”x10” jumbo prints 🐘❤️

Stay tuned for announcements as the show content rotates 😃🙃😃

06/17/2026

Looking forward to another great Studio Tour in September!

05/25/2026

Alright! I have another paint night booked in at Bass Notez Cocktail Lounge for this week. Bring a photo of your favourite tea pot and we'll cook up a painting featuring it! Use the Eventbrite link on their page to book in. It's limited to 20 participants.

Changes to start times are below ⬇️ this is your early look at This weeks upcoming events for the weekend 👀

May 28th paint night
( 45$ at door must RSVP through event bright 20 spots only) starts at 8pm ⬇️⬇️

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/paint-night-tickets-1990251465710?aff=oddtdtcreator

May29th Karaoke doors open at 5 karaoke starting at 7

May30th Joel taggart( blues/accoustic) starting at 7

04/10/2026

Had an incredible paint night out at Wildflowers Farm this week! Thanks to everyone that was able to make it out - and stay tuned for the next one!

Thanks to Michael & Michelle of Wildflowers for hosting such a lovely "Petals & Palettes" Evening!