7 Legends

I called D*Structure (an urban clothing store in Lower Haight) a few days ago, randomly inquiring if I could come down and show them some paintings for a potential show.  Turns out they needed some smaller pieces right away for the current show they were putting on, and this is what I came up with. 7 legends, 7 of my favorite hip hop artists.  I can't say that I always love the lyrics they come up with, but as far as style goes, and consistency of the flow and the beat, they usually come out with material that I like.  Some more than others, as with any art form.

New directions.  As much as I love painting, I would have to say (and most people agree) that my real talent comes with spontaneity and speed through the line.  The current work that I'm doing is really just coloring-in the beautiful charcoal drawings that I've laid as the foundation, which is always a sad thing for me to do.

I've been thinking a lot about the direction of my visual art, and the theme that always bubbles to the surface is speed & spontaneity.  Something to think about.  Another thing that is true, however, is that the more I develop the "rendering" style of painting, the better I will get with it, and eventually I can have a fresher, more spontaneous style.  That should be considered as well.

As always, no worries.  It's a process, an uncovering experience.  Art is never finished, it just stops and starts in interesting places.   I'm just going to stay in the moment, and follow what I've forecasted on my schedule.  For now, big ambitious gallery work is taking a break, and I'm focusing on Aftereffects & Final Cut Pro production.  It's becoming evident that I need a marketable skill that can yield dependable cash.  And in this economy, gallery sales is not the most dependable approach.  I'm going to focus more on quick & easy shows that I can do fast...no bigger than 18x24...and aim towards smaller venues like cafes, hair salons, skate shops, etc.  Do it for fun, do it quickly, not so much for a career goal.  Multi-media production will serve as the means to finance my higher visions.  one love.

Mendocino Mural Proposal

I was invited a couple of weeks ago by a good friend from Mendocino, Bob Rhoades, to submit a mural proposal for an art commission grant.  The proposal involves painting both sides of a railway car, to be used as part of a "premium experience" on a popular touring train, where guests will be served exclusive wines and foods from the area.  The grant generously offers a cash stipend along with supplies included and hosting in a local hotel.

I won't know the decision for another week, but I have my fingers crossed!

2010

Happy New Year


the moment.

A very simple and accessible word, but a very difficult concept to own and put into practical use.
This is my resolution for 2010...staying in the moment and appreciating what is directly in front of me.  The past is shut tight, and the future is never certain, but in this moment I can choose whether or not the illusion of past and future is going to control my state of being.

measurement.

I was speaking to a good friend this morning about potential, and the best way I can focus my energy.  While being conscious of the moment is crucial, and making sure that events that are out of my control don't control me, I do think it is necessary to forecast goals, and provide a forecast measurement of the energy and time it will take to complete those goals.  And then, once that is done, the schedule is broken down into a more practical sense, in this case, 3 days ahead of me.

And so, here I am...in the present, with my time for the day carefully measured, as well as the events for the next 3 days.  Of course, any schedule needs to be flexible for unexpected changes.  Well, that's not hard.  I simply re-adjust the schedule for that day, and the next 3 days if necessary.  Measurement with flexibility is a beautifully powerful combination.