More Self Drive Please - An Artist's Progress, Process and Inspiration

Peek inside my brain with sketches and experiments

2012-01-31T03:34:00.000-05:00

Greetings out there in internet land.
I am in the mood to post.
Much of my daily work now is either a commission, or a painting I'm going to post everywhere else so
I decided that my experiments and sketches can find a good home here for now.

Students and doodles, on break at work. Blue BIC Pen <3

FLAME BRAIN! Inspired after a late night internet chat about fire and Leos and brains. of course, what else?!

More sketches, possibly a few weeks ago. I love the horned figure in the center.
Those are dreams at the bottom. Tis where I write my dreams if I remember them.What was in these
particular dreams? Theme parks, vampires, trees, and the emotion of excitement over an artist's art and music.

trees, hand studies. and an awkward woman beast thing.

COLOR in the sketchbook. When I have excess paint from other projects, if it doesn't end up getting slapped on a wooden panel it goes in my sketchbook.

Experimenting with shapes and colors and textures in Photoshop.

_
Stay tuned folks, till next time!
I'd write more but I'm sleepy!

Where did all the blogging go?

2011-12-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

So you may or may not have noticed that my blogging kinda dissappeared!

Well, that doesn't mean my self drive did too!!

I merely got very busy and realized that I was a lot more productive without public blogging.

The 'self drive' blog did its purpose - it was for me, and helped me get more active in art daily.

The actual ~blogging~ journal style still carried on, but on my own computer, away from the pressures of the public eye. There is something to be said about keeping one's own ideas and work to themselves, until they are ready to share certain things of course.

But, I'm not here to tell you this blog is dead! Its just in transition. I'm currently deciding what to use it for now. Something that will be different from what I post to facebook, and something that uses the blog's features. (such as the lateral time written format)

Busy? BUSY!

2011-10-27T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've been super busy, and I havn't felt much like blogging!
Here is a quick one!

First, some new finished work!

"The Awareness" - oil on canvas (roughly 3.5 feet h.)

"The Forgotten One" oil on canvas (roughly 4 feet h.)

"Baby Sun King"

"Queen Spider" 5" x 7" mixed media on Yupo paper ~ available for $25.

Blue face... 5" x 7" mixed media on Yupo paper ~ available for $25.

Here is a quick list of some things...
-This past weekend was Wizard World Mid-Ohio Convention
- Last night I finished Tarot card #3 (Empress)
- I JUST watched a short film I helped out with, can't wait to share it with people!
- 1 convention and 3 art shows happening in November! (see my LIST so far of events and appearances. I need to get crackin on new small works!!!
- IDEAS are coming out my wazoo, whatever that is! I'm considering doing some art as homage to some of my fave 80's fantasy films.
- Been networking and sorting out all the upcoming events like crazy.
- editing my ETSY! (some things are now more affordable - get thee to my etsy shop!
- working on a sculpture hand
- I'm sure there's a lot more to mention but I'm on the go!

What happens at the studio, does not stay in the studio....

2011-09-28T18:57:00.000-04:00

Greetings Internet!
Here are some updates from the studio.

First of all, took some old stretcher frames, removed the old work and started some new pieces.
Its been a while since I did a big painting. I wonder what my automatic drawing style will look like bigger, and as a painting. We shall see!

2 new pieces in progress, the first one is about 36" high.

OLD WORK

I also saved my largest college painting from the basement. I will be removing the work and restretching canvas on the frame for a new work. WOW, thats going to be epic!! 7 feet high!

Of course, its very easy to get sucked into another dimension while at the studio. Dave somehow got himself locked on the other side of these window doors. You can't blame me, I had NOTHING to do with it... I just took photos. *chuckle*

This girl is looking more and more realistic every day. The mannequin almost needs a name now!

My sister Carolyn visits the studio all the way from MIAMI!! (few weeks ago)
Ok, she was visiting because of a hospital scare with dad (false positive on heart trouble, all ok now) But I'm so glad she had a chance to stop in before going to the airport.

Had another visitor to the studio yesterday - This is Natasha working on her leather masks. We met her at one of the horror conventions, and she was passing through Indy for the Pagan Pride Festival and the Fishers Renaissance Faire. Mmm Leather Tasty.

Oooh more storm trees!!
I plan to many a lot of these.
My regular ones are $60 - $75. These smaller ones are available for $40. (6" x 6" masonite)

A tree woman in progress on yupo paper. 8" x 10".

Ok Ok, not everything on this blog post is from the studio.
I helped my dad out with the Columbus, IN. Iron Pour on Friday last week - this is the sand block I carved. Iron was then poured into it and I have yet to see the finished product. I'll post when I do.

Here are more sand blocks other people did. We sealed them with some sort of fluid,
and set fire to it.
For fun.
...and to seal the sand block/smooth it out for the iron.
There were about 100 community sand blocks.

Today's Special (doodle)

2011-09-17T01:37:00.000-04:00

My sister Carolyn was able to see my studio today. :)
I drove to pick her up to take her to the airport, and greeted my father who (as we now know) has a very healthy heart (yay!)
...(and who is coincidentally one of the 10% who tested a false positive for heart blockage after an echocardiogram.)
Anyway, she visited, we had lunch,and it made me happy. After I took her to the airport, D and I came back to the studio for some possible arting.
After getting slammed by my brain (pleading for a nap) I finally did some doodling - this is what I made.

Will do something more with this later.

After that, I was still a bit sleepy but I decided to finish making an inventory list , at least for the rest of the medium sized originals. woo, data entry. Also, dave got creative with some imagery , and I took photos (will upload another time perhaps)

What else... I paid for a table at Horrorhound in Cincinnati! Need final confirmation, but it is hopefully a go!

I realize now that I'm read to pass out. I was up early and did driving. No wonder!

meep! and comparing an old work to current.

2011-09-15T02:30:00.000-04:00

Yay, dad fine! No heart procedures.
Just a camera tube up the ol' artery to check the damage, and finding very little.
... they anticipate that what they found can be fixed with meds.

No art today, except in thoughts.
And someone emailed interested in some art.
And I talked about art some.

I mainly played games like solitaire and alchemy (or symbolism on the iphone)
to pass the time while waiting at the hospital.

In Lieu of art created today, I'm going to look at art from pre-2002,
and compare it to a work I did last month.

One goes in cycles. And while advancement can be vast, some things just don't change much.
I didn't even realize the similarity till I went back to my old folders looking for something interesting to post. lol.

tree people and send good thoughts

2011-09-13T22:42:00.000-04:00

ART

Keeping up the groove with tree people.

A sketch I did in my book during work

A piece I started - sumi ink on yupo paper.
(inspired by one of my sketches.)

another sketch from the sketchbook.
______
Be Original, Own Original Art!
I just gotta mention that some of the work I posted in my last post
is now at my Etsy.
______

I wonder, as I sit here trying to think if there is anything else
I wish to share, and I remember how 5/6 year ago I used to post all the time about my thoughts and daily happenings... why do I not desire to share such things anymore? *shrug*
I'll give it ago, but I'll be brief.
- Dad is getting heart work done tomorrow, send him good energy.
(I spare the ramble on worries, and how it should be a standard procedure,
and the details, as that is not my story, its his.)
- I started reading Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour". Borrowed from a friend. Otherwise, I've been obsessing over Clive Barker's work.
- I feel bad for having just now killed a beetle for looking like a roach. I like beetles, but I don't like roaches... in the dim light, it looked like a roach. Sorry mr. beetle. :/ Oh wait, research reveals it was a carpet beetle, in which case maybe thats ok. The less carpet beetles there are, the less carpet beetle larvae I have, and that can be a good thing (still, I'd rather have put it outside)
- On a lighter note, I signed up for an event the first weekend of October - 'Horror Weekend' in Gatlinburg TN. I missed the opportunity for any September events. Now I'm waiting on word from Horrorhound's November show in Cincinnati.

9-11-11 productivity, studio + T. C. Steele

2011-09-12T03:29:00.000-04:00

The past 2 days have been quite productive, and I am quite pooped!

Lets start with the art I did today.

There is a "Haunted House" show coming up at the Hive Gallery in Los Angeles CA in October. I got this done today and will be sending it there.

6.5" x 14" framed. Acrylic on 300lb hotpress paper,

(I'm also discovering the joys of used frames... finding odd long manipulatable used frames for a good price solves my frame-budget problem. At least for now.)

What else did I do today ~ Wrote a draft for a grant I am applying for, and installed new furniture into the studio. First was one of 2 very HEAVY large flat files. Thanks to dad for bringing it today after we got it ready to travel yesterday. I also now own dad's old pharmacy cabinet. Antique and interesting piece! It is upsidedown because its easier to display that way. And the cabinets still open fine. The cabinets are on a track that allows you to pull it out of the unit, and sideways without it falling over. I foresee interesting storage methods!

OK, onto YESTERDAY and the art!

I attended the T.C. Steel great outdoor art contest. I decided to do mixed media.
One of the first pieces I've done at T.C. Steele that I'm actually very satisfied with.

I'm not sure how long, perhaps around 17".
book page collage in the background to add texture, acrylic for color, and sumi ink for definition.

Me painting. Dad taking a pic. Dave took a pic of dad taking a pic of me painting.

INSPIRATION!
For musical entertainment, Celtica played. I was FASCINATED because they had a field organ that I almost drooled on (I can see me playing this...) And a HURDY GURDY!!! I don't think I had seen heard one in person before!!

PREVIOUS WORKS/commission related

9" x 12" watercolor and acrylic - done as part of a commission toward a CD Cover - the real image is a remix of this and a few other pieces, will post when It is ready to post.

And a movie cover "To Haunt You" by Liberty or Death Productions. :)
Original 11" x 14" acrylic on bristol paper.

FULL SPEED AHEAD HOOOOONK HOOOOONK

2011-09-10T00:50:00.001-04:00

First, some RAMBLES on RANDOM Updates.
Goodness!
I have one depressing day where a demon of idleness and frustration farts in my ear for several hours and the next day is a train-ride of productivity. WOO! I'll take it I guess.

Things are both picking up and slowing down - I missed the opportunity to get into an event I was sorta hoping to do (Lexington Scarefest), but was hesitant as I need to juggle which events I MUST do (the bohemian $ juggle, I'm sure most of you are familiar with the act?) Anyway... Yesterday must have given me an extra hour or 2 in the day to make up for wasted time the day before. Self drive *YAY!! SCREAM, its the MAGIC WORD!* kicked in and stuff happened! Art was done, errands were run, frames were found and manipulated, people contacted, information found out, etc etc.

I am currently waiting on word from the HORRORHOUND staff on whether the event is already sold out or not. If room is available, I will be at the next event in Cincinnati. *crosses fingers* ... NEED MORE CONVENTION. Speaking of which,,, I got my square device in the mail... so I can take credit card payments at my next event... (so long as there is network) I can't wait to try it out!

MOVIES: (just gotta share) I just watched 'Sling Blade' today. Now I know what my bf is talking about when he asks in a strange voice for some french fried potaters... mmm hmmm. (lol) Though seriously, it was a great movie... and I can't stop thinking about it.
I also watched 'The Man with 2 Brains' a few days ago with Steve Martin. HA! fun little movie. The drunk driving test scene keeps playing in my head ~ and I keep singing the song 'If you like-a me and I like-a you and we like-a both the same...' etc etc. :) :)

ok, ON WITH THE ART!

MY BABY!!
3D manipulated babydoll in progress! What is up with my colors lately?
I'm thinking... gold hair. OR whatever it is emanating from her head. Rays of creative inspiration it is!
I also started a 3D hand for a commission, perhaps I'll share photos with that later.

"Wind Blown Memories"
10" x 10" painting on panel ~ acrylic, collage and oil pastel. available.

Sumi ink on Yupo paper - experimenting with a new technique.
Now framed, and available.

A ~nice~ little 5" x 7". "Curiosity". available $25.

A strange compilation of line, dreams and colors. 16" x 20"
"These stories are not yet Written" ~ available

In the sketchbook.

in the sketchbook. Inspired after finding a freshly emerged cicada.

More sketches. Ideas pertaining a cd cover commission.

OK internet, I bid thee farewell. I need to sleep SOME... I Get up VERY early tomorrow to
paint at the T.C. Steele paint out! Its my once or twice a year opportunity to attempt and possibly reject
traditional subject matter, but I do enjoy it however, and I like to paint from life when I get a chance.
I can't promise my imagery will STAY in the realm of completely from life, but hey, I'm here because I'm me right? I wonder if there will be slight controversy again. ....
(ok, quick story time - I won first in my category one year, but the image turned out to be mainly swirls and bright colors, inspired by the trees I was painting. Very non traditional, but the event is mostly traditional - so there was some apparent controversy with the judges. HOWEVER, earlier while I was painting it I had given up hope of competing, and frustrated with my image, I merely resorted to having fun with color experimentation and swirly shapes. So funny I won first prize. )

FIN.

*post FIN... if I went back to daily posting, I'd probably have less to post about* or not... ? the eternal query: to share or not to share (all the time)? ... that is the question.

sketches, work in progress, dreams, books

2011-08-26T11:01:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took a trip to Borders to say my goodbye - there are still a lot of good things there. I might go back, but I don't really had the room for more books! I found a neat book "Art Revolution: Alternative Approaches for Fine Artists and Illustrators" - - amazon link
Pretty too look at, probably fun to read - I'm inspired and frustrated as always when I pick up a great book like this - inspired because its neat and I can identify. frustrated because I feel less unique and talented. (Stupid words, stupid thoughts, but valid thoughts none-the-less, and I know I'm not alone in these thoughts - they are good to share)
I realize I need to take a picture of all my bookshelves sometime, just for fun. Maybe next post.

Also, a good chunk of my day was spent figuring out my next step with my phone company. I am now on a slightly cheaper plan, but have upgraded to a *gasp* smart phone with a data plan. This is so I can use that squared app thingy that takes credit cards. This is so I don't lose sales at my next event due to my inability to take said credit cards. Hurrah for keeping up with technology and being a *gasp again* business person!

Anyway, lets get to some of the art and art progress.

SKETCHBOOK IMAGES

I included this because of the 2 women - me in a dress I wear during the fringe show, and the other is my surreal rememberance from another fringe show.

Based on a photo I took behind the Indy convention center during gencon. Somewhat stormy day and factory.

strange creature

I actually drew this during Chicago Comic Con when I was feeling particularly drained.

OTHER:

A small work in progress on masonite - not sure what to put in the middle, or if this is going
to be a smaller section of something large.

part of the Cook Theatre. I took this the other day when going to see a fringe show. I loved the shapes in the building.

Thoughts
As an artist, I keep asking myself all sorts of WHYs. and WHAT. What am I doing? Why? What is my focus? How can I connect with other people? Is there something wrong with personal work, can I make personal work connect to others? Do I illustrate? Am I a fine artist? Is the midwest good for me? How can I justify my nonsense and randomness? What do I do with OLD work, or work I don't like?
There may or may not be answers to these questions, but these questions are what keep me wanting to reinvent myself. I feel like I'm on a step up, but unsure of my current footing (artistically).

Again, tell me your dreams. ...

share with me your dreamtime

2011-08-21T23:46:00.000-04:00

Come... Share with me stories of dreams, or dream like states.

When have you crossed worlds?

What did it feel like?

Do you walk between?

What do you dream....

keeping it going, studio, wwchicago comic con sketches

2011-08-20T15:05:00.002-04:00

Here are some sketches form Wizard World Chicago Comic Con.
By the way, it was a blast. And getting to meet some of my favorite artists is always inspiring!
Ok, be prepared, I have a lot of photos to share. The rest can be seen at my facebook. If you havn't already seen them. But this is a different format, for differently formatted people...

A Nagaesque woman-snake, and "Brain Girl" - "Brain girl decided she didn't want to be a plant, she wanted to be an AIRPLANE instead!" (This was a drawing I did later in the day and was quite loopy by then - Saturday was exhausting by the sheer numbers of people that just existed at the convention.) Both 5" x 7" Sumi ink drawings still available - $25 ea.

Book page paintings - "A Dark Thought" and "Secret Information". Both still available $25 ea.

"Swept Away with Dreams" - 8" x 10" sumi ink and watercolor. (still available, $45)

Meeting with some of my favorite artists - Bill Seinkeiwicz and David Mack. I also Meet James O'Barr, but he was absent from his table when I had my camera. Also, Mark A. Nelson - to see more photos, from this event - go to my Facebook album

A bit of advice for all you BIG artists out there, dont get stuck with only ONE TABLE! Poor Larry Elmore, trying to fit 100+ poster prints on his one table. Mixup in table distribution!
Also, image of me drawing my 'assignment' at the Drink and Draw event.

STUDIO pretty much set up! Here is a work in progress I started a few months ago. I think it looks like fairy graffiti. Also, a peek at my walls.

cicadattafly

2011-08-18T11:55:00.001-04:00

I was in my studio yesterday, and look what I encountered.

__________
Man its been a busy summer!
I just got back from Wizard World Chicago Comic Con Monday, and its already Thursday -
I'm involved in an Indianapolis Fringe Theatre production -
"Andrea Merlyn's Book of Secrets volume 2" - I did the art and have a small part in this magical production.
Fun fun!
I miss Chicago already, wish I could spend more quality time with The G, Blue, and Floyd ~ making art, whistling, singing, laughing and all that jazz. I came home with random 'art' supplies: ceramic tiles, old postcards, and ... toe tags? lol.

sketches from GenCon

2011-08-09T02:10:00.000-04:00

Greetings internet folk.
Here are some sketches I did at GenCon!

5" x 7"drawings. The first is Sumi Ink, the second is sharpie. Both still available at time of posting.

2 more 5" x 7" sumi ink drawings, also available.

Detailed playmat commission

A playmat spot - the closeup and the full thing - also including other cool artists: below my drawing is one by Tommy Castillo (giant zombie), and Larry Elmore to the side (the wizard). I'm sure the other artists are cool too, I just don't know whose they are. :)

Yup, me and 6 other friends got stuck in an elevator for 40 minutes. It was an adventure. An... idle one.

automatism, con drawings, etc

2011-07-28T00:18:00.000-04:00

The sun ate my face today, but let me share some art with you.

Lets start with the most recent and work our way back!
Last night I saw "Dismantled" - Industrial band signed by Metropolis -
I was very inspired by their show, - good thing I had my sketchbook with me!
When the show ended, I did some doodling in the bar while the DJ played more industrial.
These 2 images aren't directly related to the band, but rather inspired by the band, and a live industrial setting.

Both images are black sharpie, the second one was a gift for one of the members, who saw
the first pieces and kindly demanded that I do something for him. *grin* Amused, I complied.

And now for some drawings done at FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL! (Louisville, KY)
Great show by the way, thanks to those who stopped by!

My favorite first!! A commission to put one of my 'women' related pieces in someone's sketchbook.

Two sharpie sketches in a brain candy book.

5" x 7" commission for a giraffe related piece.

Book page commission for my booth neighbor's child.
____________
Inspirations as of late:
MURCURY MEN!!
The INVASION has begun!
Really awesome SyFy short series featuring my friend Mark Tierno, about 6 minutes each. 3 episodes so far, I highly recommend it!
Check it out here!

The Butterfly Circus
Very inspirational well filmed 20 minute short film about the Butterfly Circus.
Check it out
A 20 minute short

The Beginning Ate the END

2011-07-20T09:28:00.000-04:00

"Beginning Ate The End, Because Beginning Was The Trend.
The End Ran In Terror, Because The End Was An Error."
(The first words you see in my new sketchbook)

I've been in Connecticut the past 2 weeks visiting with Dave's family. We've also been to VT during this time to visit some of my family, and went to NY to visit with a friend and visit the Metropolitan Museum of ART. I am rejuvenated with inspiration!

sketchbooks! Art and books and STUFF!
Hallelujah! I have my SEAWHITE OF BRIGHTON Jumbo square sketchbooks of England again, thanks to my friend Erich who found some in Paris!! *JOY*
(10" x 10" nice smooth paper, sewn in, not merely glued)
We met in NY where he gave me 3 books and I gave him a painting -
By the way, if you ever plan on visiting the Metropolitan museum of art, do not plan on carrying any art inside with you - they will not check paintings due to liability issues. Thankfully, he was staying at an apartment fairly close, so he could store the painting there. Here's a peek at the first bits of sketchbook joy. I'll show a more full pic once I get back to my scanner.

I was very AWE inspired by the oceanic and african art collection at the Met. This guy is a mental conglomeration of my own creation remembering bits and pieces from various works.

I have never seen such large african/oceanic art of extreme SRANGENESS in person. I could have spent an hour in the main room just staring at and being in the presence of everything. There are some images I had never encountered before which made me VERY excited. Especially the Baining Night Dance Masks.

(google Baining Night Dance Masks for more fun)

Here is another Sketchbook image

I helped organize the basement while I was here - thus the LYDIA MOLE.

BOOKS
THE BOOK BARN!!
Hours of a beautiful book laden environment - gardens, cats, decorations, buildings of books, little alcoves, etc etc. Visit for yourself in Niantic, CT.

~
And now I must get ready to leave for home. Here's hoping for a good day of driving!!

quick commissions, wip, and filling the spaces

2011-07-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

Pluggin along!
infrequent posts due to merely extreme busyness.
:D
I am currently on vacation in Connecticut - but still trying to work on projects while I'm here.
One of my better paying jobs in August didn't pan out due to low enrollment (teaching art appreciation at a tech college) - so, hopefully something else will come along to fill in the gaps. (especially if I want to attend the SPECTRUM LIVE convention that got announced recently! OMG) Thankfully, I now have my downtown studio in Indy, and it gives me something to look forward to coming home!
I need to take a picture of the 2 sweet studio gifts people have given me - a little work of assemblage art and an antique 'murcury' bottle. That can come later!

For now, Let me share some images from the Days of the Dead Convention
*Here is a small drawing in my brain candy book - a photographer wanted a monster portrait of his camera.

*Here is a convention commission- 9" x 12" color. I took it home that evening to finish it. watercolor and Ink. If I thought about it, I could've added white acrylic to highlight certain areas, but it came out pretty sweet I think.

... Some of my friends were debating what kind of salad dressing would go good with this conglomeration of organic plant matter. *chuckle*

*A sketchbook commission - someone wanted a hippo related work - so I of course drew a hippo-tree!

*The coolest t-shirt I saw at the Days of the Dead convention.
It reminded me of Clive Barker's Nightbreed, thematically - all these monsters coming together with different backgrounds and lives and purposes. Easy to discriminate against, but all of them are precious in some way.

*I was able to finally present my Sammy Terry painting and print at Days of the Dead - my painting of him is on the back of the comic book. After acquiring the proper permissions, I now present the 11" x 17" limited first edition print. I have 15 of 30 (Sammy has the other 15)And they are all SIGNED!(They are selling at $50 each)

***
And last, here is a sneak peek at part of one of my paintings for a movie project.

_________
Other News:

I am realizing how much I need to get more Ayreon music. :) I am very inspired by it. We listened to some on the way to Connecticut and I've spun into the beginnings of obsession - so I'm going to keep my eye open (or my ears open?) for opportunities to get some more of their music.
Thats all for now!

My blogging river has run dry, but here are some drawings.

2011-06-29T23:16:00.002-04:00

Just like the pile of un-archived reciepts, my blog is waiting to be written, with things to say, and half formed images and ideas, and before I can write those things here, they become stagnant and old news, because by then, everyone on facebook already knows, and I don't feel like writing it again somewhere else online.

Also, I've been working on a lot of projects that are not my own projects, so I do not want to share
them, they are secret!

This was supposed to be a place to share my daily output of practice and art experiments.
A place for myself to improve and have fun.

So perhaps I won't wait for the big update. I won't show ALL my art happenings and special advertisements...I will again make a simple attempt to post experiments, sketches, and works I'm working on for myself. For the big more occasional important updates, you'll have to sign up for my mailing list. (email lydiaburris@gmail.com and say 'YES' to be on the mailing list)

SO, without further delay, here are the most recent things I did that I felt I can share.
I did these drawings at the last convention I was at: Contamination in St. Louis.

This was a sketch done in a brain candy book - with Sharpies.

Dick Starr and Johnny Bopp drew in my 'book of monsters' and the 2 drawings on brown paper, I did as a thank you. (The book of monsters was originally a 60th birthday gift for mother, but one that I would keep to travel and gather more drawings for her. Something for both of us to share. Now that she is gone, I'm still carrying on the tradition)

This was a watercolor painting I had started before but didn't like. I added ink while sitting at the booth, and faded the background to my liking.

This was a quick 'sketch' I did in someone's sketchbook. I love drawing in sketchbooks. I love the quick braincandy sketches too. My mind works so much faster and I come up with great ideas when I am on a laid back but 'do it now' mindset.

If you stop by 'Days of the Dead' in Indianapolis this weekend, come by and get a sketch.

a very magical weekend, studio, and an INTERVIEW

2011-06-07T03:23:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was honoured to be a part of the Indy Magic Monthly crew, as our producer Taylor Martin had booked the world famous magician: Jeff McBride. Indy Magic Monthly has survived for 3 years and has grown from the ground up. Jeff happened to be coming through, and wanted to know who booked the magic shows in Indy - he happened to write to Taylor - and Taylor was able to respond "Me!". Not long after, we had him for a 90 minute show, 90 minute lecture, and a 4 hour class the next day, starting with a lunch.
Jeff McBride is perhaps one of the most inspiring and creative people out there - I was able to attend all the events and I am pumped up!! Even though I am not a ~magician~ (my bf is), I can apply almost everything he said to art. Someday D and I will get to his 'Magic and Mystery' school in Las Vegas.

I was also honoured to do the cover of the programs - I decided to do a painting. At the end of the events, I gifted the painting to Jeff. I think everyone that encountered him felt like they made a new friend. Jeff also gave me permission to make prints of the image (so if anyone would like to pre-order a print, let me know!)
Here's the program image (the print will just be the image)

acrylic and ink on bristol paper.
original size: 11" x 14"

----------
While I'm talking about Indy Magic Monthly, and Taylor Martin, he is putting on a Show during the Indianapolis Fringe in August - I also designed the logo for that:

Ink with digital coloring and text.

---------------------
Back to the McBride painting - I thought I'd show you my progress -

I started with a drawing, moved to acrylic painting (with no gesso!) and finally added the ink.

--------------------
in other news
I am going back to the STUTZ building to have a studio downtown!
I signed the paperwork and put a deposit down.
It should be ready by the end of the month. I cannot wait.
I will be offering workshops and tutoring in the space as well.
:) :) :) :) :)

INTERVIEW
I almost forgot to post this!
I was interviewed for the Days of the Dead convention!
Check it out!

Manic art with infinite colors and asymmetrical dreams

2011-05-30T19:57:00.002-04:00

I've recently been wanting to make more manic art.
I'm inspired by cluttered madness. The crazier works of Gustave Moreau, Nick Bantock, Bill Seinkiewicz, Dave McKean and many many more.
I don't care if I have an audience, I find it nearly impossible to follow any convention (believe me I have tried!) So I am just having fun here.

First of all, let me show you an old digital layering piece I did.

I mixed about 3 paintings here and applied various layering techniques. I did this in 2009. I love the effect so much, I decided that I should not only do more digital remixes of my work, I should also try to emulate the effect in a physical work of art with paint and collage.

Here is a very recent digital layering.

(Text: "Stage III The inhibition experiment.
With great visual disturbance and complex asymmetrical dreams.")

And here is a work in progress of an actual painted work on canvas.
Its getting pretty manic - some colors possibly need to be darker/more muddy.

32" wide. Work in progress.

I'm not sure what I think of it so far, and this recent COLORFUL twist to my works, but I'm going to do some shows with them. We shall see!

---
In other news, its very hot today, and I just might pass out in front of a fan. Time to put the AC in the window finally!

SELF DRIVE AGAIN?

2011-05-26T00:57:00.002-04:00

Whoa nelly! Looks like I fell off the bandwagon for a while.
But it only LOOKS like I have!! Ok ok, I did ... a little.

But thats ok. Sometimes we need some time to process things, and sort things, and spend time with family and help with garage sales and prepare for work and thinking of ideas and sending things off to a CA gallery.

My sketchbook has been sorta ~blah~ lately because I still feel like I'm waiting for the right book. (that perfect sketchbook from England that I havn't ordered yet because shipping and VAT taxes are too expensive, and my plan of ordering several and selling them is even more expensive.)
But I'll share the latest anyway.

The second image above was a study inside the Palace Theatre in Louisville KY.

The second page is my own personal study of a bag-worm sac. I was curious.

** I'm also wanting to pursue studies and sketches of things I normally don't study and sketch (like anything real besides faces) So I did a digital landscape, based on a photo from D's and my drive to Vermont.

** I also sent a work to the Hive Gallery's "Circus Circus" show in Los Angeles CA.
I will not show that one here until it gets put on their website - but I will show the first one I created. It didn't turn out as circusy as I wanted, so I created a different piece to send.
This one seems to be a back-and-forth metaphor for life and death, youth and old age, and the energy that transfers between them.

7.25" x 7.25" acrylic, collage and oil on wood. ... available

** And finally, this is a gift for a friend who inspired me and gave me an exercise bike. Our conversation led me to do this piece. (Jeffrey, if you see this, ah well, the surprise is ruined, but I didn't want to wait before posting it! - It will be in the mail as of Thurs afternoon)

7.25" x 7.25" mixed media on paper, mounted on wood

the charity birdhouse pictures

2011-05-17T02:22:00.000-04:00

Finally, I got these on my computer.
My previous post explained the birdhouse and the found poems.
The charity that is auctioning these arty birdhouses is for homeless - not only do they find homes for the homeless, they help build them community.
Stay tuned for more art soon. I'm deciding to be mysterious again and not share EVERYTHING.

Found poems

2011-05-07T02:08:00.000-04:00

The charity Birdhouse is done. Abstract colorful background, abstract trees, abstract bird on the front, and 2 found poems on each side of the roof. These are phrases and words cut from novels, ficton and non.
I have not indicated with any symbols or spaces the specific cut pieces of text. I just typed it together, and added spaces for easier reading in type.

They read as if pulled from a dream.

"Fluffy White Feathers were suspended from a circular chandelier.
Two great white wings swayed back and forth.
They have great power already...
Then inexerably, light from the sanctuary materialized and
dozens of tiny feathers waved wildly above the branches.
Something like laughter pounded the trees. "

"Standing deeper in the grove, light fading,
at least for the moment.
Two black feathers chimed.
Something had unleashed smoke.
Sudden and surprising,
a half-grown figure started to emerge
wildly creeping forward
Beneath his cloaklike wings
crystal arms sprouted.
The resulting movement reveales broken bits of questions."

I will post photos on another day. Right now I'm interested in the images conjured by just the poem.

Every day should be an adventure

2011-05-04T22:36:00.002-04:00

Time for an update!!

It always seems like so much has happened since I updated last.
Lets see, since the last time.. I have:
- Re-Defined my goals, and switched gears
- Learned that its best to just say 'NO' to narrative/ sequential illustration.
- Looking toward the gallery scene again.

Gallery stuff
I have started a relationship with the HIVE gallery in Los Angeles California - I sent a work for their May group show, and will be sending work to them throughout the year. I am very excited about this. I will also be submitting a work for a call for artists at another California gallery. Lets see what happens!
Also, I just picked up all my work at Euphoria Restaurant, and took some to Urban Optics in Broadripple (Indianapolis, IN) for the May gallery walk show.

Life reminds me of a Charles deLint book lately
(ok, I'm copying from my facebook status yesterday) "The afternoon was spent at a beautiful house in the woods, full of intelligent creative conversation over a cup of coffee, followed by gifts and a sense of wonder, and a Marmalade cat. Next I spent over an hour in the old studio getting inspired by wooden pieces and clock parts. Then I taught a drawing workshop. The day ended at a tavern full of mostly magicians and creative minds, where I ate and made more connections and had even more great conversation."
And today after work, I picked up art from Euphoria, then Dave and I went to see the "100 acres" show at the IMA. We didn't walk the entire path, but we did see most of the sculptures at the beginning. We saw floating rings, a ship, giant funky cartoony skeleton bones that one can climb on, a strange igloo like structure in the middle of the lake and a weird yellow 'bench'. Then we spent a fair amount of time confusing the wildlife. We saw a deer, after video taping it, we spoke at it with funny voices until it ran away. *grin*

ART!
Ok, Ok. Bring on the ART.

"Metamorphophobia" - One of my newest pieces. 8" x 24" oil on panel (2" sides)

"Into Beyond" - I started this quite a few months ago and just finished it.18" x 26" acrylic and collage on canvas.

In process painting another birdhouse for the "Partners in Housing" Charity. Serious good help for the homeless, not to just acquire a home, but also to build a community.

Now for some sketches from the sketchbook.

One last random Tid-Bit:
So, yesterday I drove to Bloomington to pick up an exercise bike offered by a faculty acquaintance from college - That is what inspired the whole magical day of making connections and great conversation.
I have now ingested the name of the artist "Leonard Baskin". I was given a William Blake poem book with some Baskin Illustrations in it, and I have a book called "Moon-Whales" by Ted Hughes, also with Leonard Baskin drawings in it. A name to add to my ever growing list of favorite artists.

Easter , art., randomness

2011-04-26T23:26:00.000-04:00

Here I am.
Progressing.
Idling.
Arting.
Busying.
Wishing.
Pondering.
Hoping.
Waiting.
Evaluating.
Wanting.
Balancing.

Moments pass by. Satisfaction followed by unsure placement. I am not where I want to be. Am I where I need to be? Where am I going? Will I get there? Confidence and Doubt mixed together like stew. I have half of what I want, and the other half is waiting for itself to happen, before it can happen.
Money and love and artistic integrity and comfort... all dancing and struggling together, wondering how they got in this mess together, blaming each other for their own faults. I stand back watching the fight. I am inside, at the center of a carousel. I am the controller in an automatic machine, I'm afraid to step forward into the ride, into the game. I am not alone. I am distracted, my name is called, I am conjured, faded, forgotten. I am where I began. Moments pass by.
_______________________________
Enough inner INSIGHT. ...NOW for some ART!

First of all, playing around with digital. If you watch my facebook, you've probably already seen the first image. The last pic of me in my coat, manipulated with art behind me.

The next image: Some digital play with one of my sketchbook sketches.

EASTER!
Easter eggs! Blown and decorated with food coloring. But, I made the image black and white for fun.
They look more... Textural.

... ok ok, here's the color version.

Awww... a heart in the Omlette.

---
Oh yeah, finished a commission!

And I balanced a box of donuts on a ball. I am so arty. @_@

Art updates, Motor City Nightmares con, and more art. art art art.

2011-04-21T11:20:00.000-04:00

This month is too crazy to update. Working 3 part time jobs at 3 separate universities, attending conventions,trying to keep up with my own art and commissions and projects, along with saving time for family and other stuff... But I can't complain. I love all of my part time jobs, and the stuff in between, and somehow I'm able to save time to watch old episodes of BONES. (I think its my sanity saver right now)

Motor City Nightmare's convention
This past weekend I took my arty wares to Motor City Nightmares convention in Novi, MI. We had a blast, hung out with friends ~ new and old, and made a lot of connections. Funny, I ended up making 6 little book page paintings while at the con - the four I did at my booth sold, and two I did at the after party on Saturday were given as a thank you for good food, drinks and conversation.
I was invited to help judge a tattoo contest. Awesome except for the very sore looser who told us we all sucked after stealing the mic even though I tried telling him his tattoo was awesome, it just didn't happen to win. {rant removed}. I traded a sketchbook drawing with another artist known as 'Saint', discussed awesome
movies with Marv Blauvelt of " Muscle Wolf Productions I had Alex of "
Metal Artisan Studios" manipulate my jacket (photo at bottom), Ate dinner one night with Artist Tony Steele and his wife Kay Steele,awesome people whom I know from previous conventions, and another dinner with long time friend Barrett - who happens to live in MI., I ate a really awesome chocolate cake-pop, made by last year's Miss Motor City Nightmares, Alloy Metallic. (I wanted to buy some but time slipped by too fast). I forgot to go chat with Kyle
Gas from Tenacious D (my one regret that weekend), I participated in Skullibration (a page full of skull drawings to be raffled), and so much more.
Photos can be seen on my Motor City Nightmares facebook album.

Here are a few drawings I made while there:

2 of the 6 book page paintings

2 sharpie drawings in the back of my brain candy books

They smiled as they fell, taking flight at the same time...

SCALES!
Had my jacket manipulated - scales added, and gold studs at Alex's suggestion.

__________________
And now for 2 more text page drawings I did.
I'm on a roll!
I am not sure if I am making them available yet, I might want to submit one to a call for artists thingy.

___________________
What else art progress related? Got the go-ahead for a fairly large commission project, finishing up projects still hanging in the air, still organizing the stuff in mothers studio - I condensed the interesting objects into one bin... well, the interesting metal and industrial objects anyway..., still need to grade art appreciation papers, scanning in works, updating/posting things on Etsy, getting inspired others's art, still looking for an affordable studio downtown and I'm going to stop right there!
Except, one more thing. Thanks to D for making a lovely yummy manwich dinner on our Month-aversary! (YES, its art related can't create without food!)

More 13, reminders of the Secret of NIMH, and mom art stories

2011-04-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

This is what I want.
MORE ART, less internet.
MORE real EXPERIENCE, less computer.
MORE PIZZA, less ...I donno. I just like pizza.

Anyway, amidst the swirling mess that is my brain and projects and schedule right now, I am actually getting some things done.

Tonight I worked on a commission. An exciting project I cannot really talk about yet, but I can say its an underwater scene.

I also finished 2 more images in the 13 series. 7.25" x 7.25" acrylic on wood.
both currently available if interested.

Ok, after finishing this, and coming up with a title, "Keeper 13" I realized this image is yet another throwback to my childhood. Who remembers Mrs. Brisby - who wore the amulet that imbued its wearer with the necessary magical powers when they showed extreme courage? Yeah. This image kinda reminds me of that. I REALLY need to see that movie again. That's right... the Secret of NIMN. Full of pain, sorrow and humor. And that intense moment with Mrs Brisby activates the amulet amidst the political social chaos of the rats... Light bursts from her being, she becomes like a goddess and saves her family by using all her energy... thus blowing the minds of the rats. I think I played and replayed that scene so many times.
Actually, here is a You tube video - someone took clips from the movie and put it to the song "Animal I have Become". Pretty Nifty. And it includes a bit of the goddess like Brisby at the end.

"Thirteen Witnesses"
there is a number by each character.
This was was just fun. No hidden realizations behind this one yet.

________________
mom
Thus begins the organization of my mothers art supplies. May her soul rest and not haunt me for throwing away useless tubes of paint.
This weekend I learned that my mother never threw away old tubes of paint. She kept her paints in a 3 bin system (on a rolling card with 4 shelves.) The top bin held all the mostly usable and recently bought paints. The old paints would merely be designated to the lower bins... there were some in the bottom that included logos I've never seen before. (I couldn't even find internet images, but I kept a few so I'll take pics next time I'm there) I also organized most of her brushes - I believe the same theory also applies here, but I can understand. I can't throw away old brushes either - they become scumbling brushes, and when that fails, I stick them in plant pots.
________________
I am business woman
I am proud. I did my own business taxes, deductions, etc. Actually ended up in the positive. Yay! Next year however, I have a lead for a good accountant. It might save me some stress points.
I also made some steps to insure even more art business soon.
I want to vend at MORE events.
________________
More doodles in the sketchbook.

Recent work and inspirations

2011-04-06T12:13:00.002-04:00

I've been doing lots of work lately, various projects and styles, and generally kickin it into high(er) gear.

Last first Friday got me out (finally) to see some (gasp!) ART!

First stop was William Denton Ray's (Billy Ray's, WDR's, Whimsical Funk's) studio for a pre-planned trade. I love his work, and have aquired some pieces through trade and purchase (the largest piece I have from the Art vs. Art contest, I could not allow his piece to be destroyed, so I bid on it to save it!)

I have 4 pieces so far! Less blurry photo another time!
Check out WDR's work at his Etsy shop!

Anyway, needless to say, I was inspired by the COPIOUS amounts of art occupying EVERY crevice, and his seemingly endless drive to create new works. AND, his ability to stick with a series for a while.
I tend to get bout 3 or 4 pieces into a style before I switch gears and do something else.
So, this '13' series I started, I'm going to try to at least do 15. (or maybe at least ... 13? *grin*)
Here are the panels I have so far. They are all related to the number 13.

I also have a few works on paper, first turned into a print, the second is still available.

__________________________________
horror stuff
Another project I have going is this whole horror convention business.
I have great fun at these events, generally make a profit, but I want to kick things into higher gear.
I'm going to start making some changes to my setup next time I go to an event (Motor City Nightmares, coming in 2 weekends, Novi, Michigan). I'll have less big originals, more visible prints, and more work specific to the horror subject and genre. This has inspired another spurt in small horror artworks.

...
You see why I feel schizophrenic?
My styles hop around like... _________(please insert your own colorful metaphor here for something that changes way too often)______.
_________________________________
Art Business
On the plus side, I visited my bank today and made some business arrangements that will allow me to come to more events, and would help with a studio space, should an 'affordable' one open. I've got my eye on the HarrisonCenter here in Indy. Ideally.
________________________________
Recent Inspirations
It must be a street art raw creation automatism kind of week. (perhaps in the coming weeks I'll get more automatic)

Jesse Reno

and

Basquiat

Horrorhound Weekend and Work in Progress

2011-03-31T12:25:00.003-04:00

Work in Progress!

First of all, I wanted to share my work in progress.
I dragged my oils out again and worked on something that had been in my mind for a while. -
I added 2 more figures to this piece. I don't know the next direction, but I'm happy with the curled up figures.

I've been working on this for a while, and this is possibly it's third incarnation, I'm finally getting somewhere I like.

HORRORHOUND WEEKEND
I had a wonderful time at Horrorhound Weekend 2011 Indianapolis!!!

I had my booth, of which I bring way too many original works but hey, I'm a masochist.

Where else can a child of darkness find a connection? I feel like these horror conventions are a family reunion! Horns, zombies, multiple piercings, blue hair, blood drenched bodies, fangs, killer clowns, strange characters, giant monsters... all of these seem completely normal to me. *JOY*

More photos can be found here: Horrorhound Weekend Photos!

I definitely plan on doing it again.

By the way, a friend bought one of my "Brain Candy" art/sketchbooks full of my drawings/sketches/photo manipulations/words, and I always draw something in the back - he was getting it for a friend and requested something with "Hippo" - so this is what I came up with - a HIPPOPILLAR!

_________________

Yesterday (3/31/11) was fairly productive.

-I sent my GenCon registration and payment. (YAY!)

-I created a little figurine (The Atomic Age Cinema created little cut out figures of themselves as boxy characters - I made "Doc Tor Calamari" first.The cut and construct format was a pain in the butt, but well worth it. haha!)

- Sent a message to Herron about Teaching

- Called Ivy Tech about another teaching possibility in Columbus Indiana - WHICH I got a phone call today, and starting April 15th, I have a 5 week workshop teaching drawing. Hurrah!

- FINISHED my application/qualifications CD to send to the Arts Council about a MURAL Project. That took WAY longer than it should have.

- I organized my acrylic paints!

- AND I worked on a painting with OIL. (See the top)

Inspiration in leather, detritus and hair dye. I'm also a business woman

2011-03-24T01:30:00.005-04:00

The weather is warming. Like every spring, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. I begin to organize things that have needed attention for months - inside my head, in my house, and in my art. I'm getting back on the bandwagon with recycling, organizing my finances, and finding that extra spurt of self drive.

As I said, the weather is warming, yet I insist that now is the time to paint my old leather jacket - I worked more on it. I insist on wearing it this weekend, I hope at least the evenings are chilly enough to justify it!

I deliver pure dream states and nonsense, fantasy for the sheer joy of imagination.

______
I took a walk in my immediate area. There is not too many pretty views, but I did enjoy detritus inspired parking lots. I'm a fan of moss, weeds, rust and overcast days.

_______

Hair is refreshed!

I'm enjoying the copper look, but I am scared that I won't be able to find my bright shiny Dr.Pepper red that I so love. The brand I use discontinued their old red that I loved. Their replacement doesn't quite hit the mark- too much yellow, and I don't know ANY OTHER BRAND that does the bright demi-permanent RED, and I really don't want to bleach my hair and go for fire-engine punk red, or go for any temporary dyes. Anyone have a suggestion? I'll write to the company too. At least the replacement smells better.

________
New Prints TEASER

I am preparing for the HORRORHOUND convention this weekend. I just picked up my new prints and they look great! This is just ONE of the new designs. :) Come see my booth this weekend to see more, plus new original art never before seen!

________
random digital thing

________

Self-Employment as an artist

*Dear art schools everywhere - if you do not have a mandatory 'practical business for artists' art class, you must create one.

*Dear artists - don't forget about SALES TAX.

*Dear word entrepreneurs - please create a dictionary that translates LEGAL JARGON ~ BOHEMIAN ARTIST both ways.

...
I ~grumble~ while I learn things the long hard way on my own. At the same time, I am enjoying the fact that I am more knowledgeable after hard earned lessons. I'm starting to view this whole 'business' thing as real and a part of me, rather than just some unattainable scrambled non-art frustrating road block. I'm at least finally making real use of my office drawers and organizing tools.
But seriously, I have a Masters of Fine Art, and I never once heard the word 'tax' at any school I attended. No wonder so many talented schooled artists are lost.

jellyfish and LOTS of sketches

2011-03-20T13:57:00.008-04:00

Its been a while, and I have a build up of sketches to post.

First of all, I'm going to try getting back into the daily art thing - some unexpected things happen - such as last night I just decided to put marks down on paper and came up with this jellyfish drawing.

"Sleep, Dream, Death or Delirium, I don't know and we never can tell"
9" x 12" ink on sketch paper.

______________
And now for a ton of sketches

Reaching for art, and then finding love (right next to me)

Comfort from a strange roundman.

feeling lazy and too full. (of tacos)

(my Fave)

I stayed up too late one night, and got my THIRD wind. I felt like
I wanted to know the WORLD. I wanted to do RESEARCH. I wanted to read
and paint and know THINGS.
"At night-time my brain expands and I feel like I can ingest the WORLD!"
"The tip of my brain parts grows tastebuds at night, and reaches out to experience the noosphere"

A random sexy man. I think its a man.

Last but not least, some random sketches from my day yesterday.
My friend Steven is working on a special project involving collage and bodies. Some friends were visiting and I just hung out and drew people. It was refreshing to do some art around friends doing art. I need this more often. His progress and process can be seen at his DeviantArt page. Advisory: many of his photos include nudity.

Thirteen on the mind

2011-03-12T21:13:00.007-05:00

I've been slacking in my blogging!
Can you tell, I need "MORE SELF DRIVE PLEASE?"
Oh yeah. Although, I think I'm getting back on the wagon. I can hear the wheels creaking, and I'm trying to pull myself up before my foot gets run over or something.

I have been working on a series of works featuring the number 13. I initially did a fun piece on paper as incentive for the Thirteenth buyer on my Etsy site.

I only feel like sharing one at the moment. The thirteenth buyer piece is secret until the recipient gets it, and my most recent one is way to powerful to post yet. *grin*
You'll just have to be satisfied with one right now. I'd like to get at least 3 REALLY GOOD ONES before I start sharing.

"Thirteen Licks" 5" x 6¾ths" (available for $30 at my Etsy)

Also, here is a slightly arty photo.
I don't take do ~photography~ often, but I felt this one deserved to be shown.

"Encircle"

__
One last thing - a sketch from my sketchbook.

"There is some sort of emptiness here. It is fairly new. I'm not sure how to process it, yet I believe it is supposed to be there."

nothing but the process of making a zombie greenman (and brownman?)

2011-03-09T01:27:00.010-05:00

I recently had a commission to do something similar to my first zombie greenman
(The first one can be seen here.)

I decided that rather than having 1 zombie, I'd do two - the second would be reversed and with different colors. 5" x 7" mixed media on bristol.
These are the outcomes.

The first one (green skin) is sold (the patron chose this for his commissioned piece) and the second is available for $50 at Etsy

THIS IS HOW I ARRIVED AT THESE 2 ZOMBIES

I did the drawing in pencil. Tracing paper and carbon paper was used to transfer the image to another sheet of bristol. (Dave helped with this. Thanks Dave!) I recreated the outline in bic pen - once dry, bic pen is great to watercolor over, because it does not get as 'lost' as pencil marks will.

I used watercolors for a base.

Continued watercolor... still base coat

Continued watercolor... now adding variation of shades

outlined in ink (micron 01), and colored pencil added in for more variation and shading. The background texture was also manipulated with colored pencils. The tree in the foreground has been lightened by adding a light later of white acrylic.

Further variation and 'rot' added in with ink (micron 01)

FOR FUN!!

I took both images and digitally combined both halves to make new and symmetrical expressions.

--- --- --- ---
If you dig these, keep an eye out for prints in the near future. :) ... OR commission me to make a super special one for you!

All those other things that make me feel creative besides drawing on paper

2011-03-06T18:04:00.005-05:00

As the title says, "all those other things that make me feel creative besides drawing on paper".

I wanted to do something for myself, for fun, without and pre-planning, and without the stigma of 'I'm going to try selling this later.' Ahh, how refreshing. This coat was given to me in '06, on my last visit to England. It was starting to fall apart and I haven't worn it for a year and one of the pockets is torn. Therefore, it was time to make it useable again by giving it a facelift. (Ok, I say no sale's thoughts here, however, throw $ at me and I'll play with your leather clothing too)

food

I've been enjoying making food lately. The first is basically an everything salad. (I also tried this as a sandwich, minus the pasta, but including the strawberries) and next is a potato, veggie, sausage dish. :)

However, the most fun I had besides eating these dishes, is finding interesting things about the food I never knew before, like this fascinating pattern I found after breaking off all the celery stalks from the base.

____
And then some inspiration from something I have nothing to do with. Just an awesome car I saw while driving. I didn't fuzz the plate out because its so funny.
I would LOVE an opportunity to paint all over a car like this.

vampire portraits, sad triangles, and an upsidedown face

2011-02-28T19:51:00.008-05:00

Through Darkness
Its been a while since I updated with some art - deaths in the family will do that to you.
I feel like I've been hit with a bad country music song. First my dear, dear mother passed, and now my wonderful aunt/dad's sister.
For the most part, this experience has been full of support and love from friends and family, however there is deep part of me that will be haunted by the more frightening aspects of this ordeal. Disaster and sadness do create a dark spot on one's soul. I do not want to shove that pain aside and ignore it. It can be kept within reach and transformed into a creative tool when needed. Just like anger, or other extreme emotions. But... for now... I will keep it locked in a box.

Sketches
Here are some sketches from my book since my last post.

beauty, followed by my version of 'Eli' after watching the movie 'Let the Right One In' (original)

Random things in Jars and faces.

Someone drawing on an easle, sadness, trees and lots of triangles. Also a little blurred spot.

Some faces drawn with my eyes closed. (fun exercise) and my version of "Radu" after watching "
the movie "Subspecies".

An umopisdn face.... upsidedown.

Conventions
2 Days after my mothers Death, I attended "Paranormal Scarefest" in NewCastle Indiana. A small event focused on Sammy Terry. I had 2 tables, and brought my mom's last finished sculpture as a little memorial. I was able to keep my public face on all day and found the whole thing to be extremely therapeutic. I definitely belong in this line of work. At this con, I was requested to do a Sammy Terry portrait, and will post it when I learn more about where its going and what permissions there are.

Also, I am now definitely confirmed for Horrorhound Indy March 25-27th! There had been a little mixup and I was worried, but its all sorted out now. I loved going last year as a fan because they had Clive Barker. This year they have Boondock Saints, and who knows who else by the time it happens! :)

Life on hold, rest in peace mother Catherine

2011-02-23T19:01:00.004-05:00

Greetings.
My art blog has not been forgotten, and here is why.

I realized that I had not yet posted here about my mother, who passed last Thursday.
You will have read most of this if you're on my facebook, or deviantart or livejournal - I just posted at those last two. I felt the need to copy it here too - so I can cover all my bases.
I am curious if or how my art will change after this.

In loving memory:
Catherine Burris
June 24th 1949 - February 17th 2011
ages 61.
She was too young .

Since March of 2010, she had been ill with various problems relating to lungs and rheumatoid arthritis.

Mother was a grand artist.

She was surrounded by family on her last day, and in her last hours, at the Hospice center in Columbus Indiana.
I think I may donate a painting to them in her memory.

Our family is doing fine - we have had cries and laughs and cries and more laughs as
we prepared for her passing.
I am composing a list of her likes and dislikes, as a way to process this and remember her.

If you are local or knew her and would like to know the details of the services on Saturday the 26th, let me know.

I am keeping her website up, and I will edit it later to make it a memorial.
Check it out to see some of the art she was doing:
Catherine's Gallery

I will miss you greatly mom.

Lot 'o' sketches

2011-02-10T20:07:00.002-05:00

I've decided to stop counting days as I've lost track, and my posts will probably be less frequent - depends on the amount of rambling and sharing of my latest creative brain explosions I wish to do.

I've done some fun stuff in my sketchbook this week. So first, the
ART
(btw, I sometimes put my fingers in the scanner for fun)

Growth, and reaching out...

Confusion "What the hell I'm so Lost"

Self Portrait - watercolor and sumi ink

Ideas

More ideas and testing body poses from imagination... and death to fase ladybugs.

Carebear Stare. "Ever now and then I realize just how potent the themes of carebears and rainbow bright were on my child mind - I find that I tend to attack problems with the same kind of voodoo love happiness power those carebears had."
I drew this because I am thinking of my mother who has been ill with pneumonia related issues since March 2010. Things have gone up and down and up and down again, and all I want to do is point magic healing powers at her to make things better again. Its been a tough week. All I can do is hope and show support and love right now. I haven't been extremely public about it, but its not a secret either.

Day 33, 34 - bah! and argh! and ooh!

2011-02-04T02:09:00.004-05:00

After finishing a narrative page (yay!) I puttered around on a larger painting I've been working on. Its been in hiatus since most of my larger works are done in the basement, but its too cold down there for now. (maybe I need to get an oil radiator heater thing)
Anyway, I'm not done so I don't want to share yet but I did waste some time (hour+) experimenting in photoshop by gridding off the image and rearranging it. Interesting results.

---

Today I avoided art because I'm feeling very impatient with my drawings and sketches, and generally BLAH. but I still wanted to work on SOMETHING. So I dragged my clay from downstairs and set up an area on the living room floor so I could pound clay and watch The Mentalist with Dave.

I'm not sure WHAT I made, but it was therapeutic.
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I also took some fun photos of ice while trying to release my car- and caught a great mid-karate-chop image!

Day 30,31,32

2011-02-02T02:44:00.004-05:00

So maybe the ~daily~ update of my daily self drive isn't needed. so long as I try to make things daily.

Here's another ACEO -

"I Sense Something Strange"
2.5" x 3.5" on watercolor paper
mixed media. Available for $9.

I did the program for the Indy Magic Monthly - postponed until next week due to the crazy weather. Here is the inside. To see the outside, check out the event! 2nd Tuesday, doors at 7! Theatre on the Square, Indianapolis.

My graphic design skills are definitely their own brand. I'm learning all this on my own.

Also, I've been given permission to post 2 of my recent commissions!
First is my version of The Magician from the Tarot.

5" x 7" plus the border. mixed media on book page. Read more about the symbolism in depth Here.

Next is more magic related work with a Magician Portrait - of Corbett Troyer, a local magician! Very excellent slight of hand he has.

9" x 12" on 300 lb hotpress paper.
Acrylic background and oil figure.

The best progress I made was on Feb. 1st, working on the ~comic thing~ that I'm not sharing much of. I drew most of one page and colored it, and scanned it in. Now I have to compose the images together with extra digital embellishes to finish one of the pages. This is so interesting because despite my best efforts, I'm having trouble sticking with one style for it - which may turn out to be very interesting. Ah well, we learn by doing!
Here's a snippit.

INSPIRATIONS
- I finished watching the Fountain. Earlier I had also watched most of a documentary on the "Chapel of Sacred Mirrors" with art by (mostly) Alex Grey. Very interesting visual correlations between the two things I watched. As I finished watching the fountain, I kept thinking of the art of Alex Grey - especially the more spiritual parts.
here's a quick example!

- After watching "Dark Floors" (The Lordi Movie) I'm almost tempted to do some Lordi fan art.
(check out LORDI!)

Day 28 and 29 - back to visuals and rant on sensationalism

2011-01-30T02:55:00.006-05:00

Finally I was able to get my art on.

I think when I'm mid-way though some commissions, I avoid working on them because I'm stuck, but I avoid workin on my own art because I'd feel guilty for not working on the commissions, and then I'm stuck doing pointless things like playing minesweeper and clicking aimlessly through the internet.

Day 29 - I finished the main image for a tarot card commission, did a little aceo and filled some sketch pages. I'll wait to post the tarot image until I've heard back from my patron (and I need to make a border and label for it too)
In the meantime, enjoy these!

2.5" x 3.5" aceo, ink and acrylic - available for $9
somewhat inspired by Dave McKean's style in the "Arkham Asylum" comic book.

sketchbook. Includes a dream about large carpet beetle larvae.

Small rant about public taste, instant gratification and Sensationalism!
- I also saw part of a new show, where people have 30 seconds to impress an audience with their awesome talent. Kinda like 'America's got Talent' only, without the constructive criticism. This is pure instant gratification sensationalism. Lets cut out the art, lets cut to the chase and immediately share the punch line, show the grand finale, and get to the peak of the story. Where is the fun in that? No wonder public taste is horrible - no one knows how to appreciate the process, the building up to, and the gentle art of just being creative. Instead we have people that are immediately judgemental on first appearances and demand constant entertainment from those around them. I'm somewhat horrified, but hey, on a shallow day it could be amusing.

Miscellaneous and Inspirations
--- Quote of the day from work "the more influences you have, the more original your work is"
--- Watching my favorite show on tv - "Fringe" - how can this not be inspiring! fave quote: "after all, we do share 50% of our DNA with a banana." - Walter
--- Watched the movie "UP" - I am reminded of how much the concept of 'nostalgia' makes me cry. a LOT.
--- Watched the first half of "The Fountain" on Netflix - very surreal movie - I remember reading the graphic novel illustrated by one of my favorite artists, Kent Williams. I am interested to see how the story progresses in live action. So far its done very well! very wondrous visuals!
-I was directed to the interesting giant wood weaving work of Patrick Dougherty - Link.
- I was also directed to the performance art of Marina Abramović - some very bawlsy and dangerous work, creepy at times, such as laying out 70 objects for anyone to use on her how they wish while she remained passive for 6 hours- some that could be pleasurable, some that could be painful, including a gun with one bullet. Interesting but batshit crazy way to study the human mind. Read about it at the Wikipedia link.

I find it wonderful to look in all sorts of places for inspiration. There are even more things I mentally ingested in these 2 days, but I can't share them all!!

Day 25, 26, 27 - lots of rambling

2011-01-28T11:53:00.005-05:00

The past 3 days have been full of art but not a lot of visuals to share until I get the ok from finished commissions.
Commissions and Projects
I worked on a portrait and a logo commission
I also worked on a narrative project and spent hours ranting on the difficulty finding the correct references to match my visions. Along with this struggle, I also had the revelation (again) that I need to do more studies... of everything! I sometimes curse my fine art training for not teaching us specifically how to draw cloths, technology, buildings, cars, etc. Granted, they did teach me how to paint from life and how to mix colors like a pro. Technically, if I know how to paint and draw from life, I should be able to draw anything right? Well, sorta. I feel like I am beginning my training from scratch and on my own when it comes to illustrative works.

bat ears
On one of those days, I went home to bury Leo. Dad, Dave and I gave him a proper funeral and I did a little drawing to bury with him. I drew a picture of him with large ears and a pic of me (with long hair) and him eating my hair. I wrote "You always did have bat ears. Love, Always." Leo was a cat that never went in for sappy stuff, so that was appropriate. While dad covered the grave with dirt, I read from the 'good book' (the sketchbook that was in my hand anyway) - I found a random passage about Horace Walpole coining the term 'Serendipity' and creating the quote "The world is a comedy to those that think, and a tragedy to those that feel"

Inspirations
I looked at a cocophony of things to help inspired me...
2 books by Patrick Woodroffe, "Arkham Asylum" comic illustrated by Dave McKean (awesome!), The Etsy site of Sandra Arteaga, a host of people I watch at deviant art (but no specifics this time), PES animations (western spaghetti is my fave, and 'the deep' is pretty awesome too.), Concept art from "The Time Machine" (more recent version movie)

business
worked out my art MILEAGE for my taxes! woohoo!! roughly 4633.2 miles were traveled in the name of art last year. (and only 50 of that is misc stuff I didn't really have a record for)

UNDERWEAR
Who designs this stuff? I will just repost what I said on facebook yesterday:
"Dear Hanes and Fruit of the Loom art department: I find the graphics on walmart napkins more appealing than the horrid designs you put on your women's underwear. Just because they are the cheap packs of underwear does not mean you have to make us feel embarrased to even look at them."
How does one go about designing underwear? I'd like to see some of MY designs on underwear!

Day 24 of art - the rhyming edition

2011-01-25T11:08:00.009-05:00

Monday.

Early day.

Some aceo play

Dave encouraged me to entwine art with thoughts of Valentine.
(2.5" x 3.5" available at Etsy for $9 each, isn't that a peach?)

While working in the morn,
some sketches not of porn.
(so I'm in a mood to rhyme, you cannot tell me thats not a crime!)

-----
I must admit a small defeat
The Spectrum deadline I didn't meet
It would have been really keen,
to be included in number eighteen.

Day 22 and 23 - random tidbits and study

2011-01-24T00:36:00.006-05:00

Here is the most interesting thing from the last 2 days, visually.

In a sketchbook too large to travel around with, but handy for studies.
Pose found while browsing deviantArt stock - I added the tentacles.

Saturday was spent at the Winter Magic Festival, where I enjoyed a great production involving 6 shows and about 12 magicians, 2 assistants, and lots of fun. Produced by Taylor Martin with the help of Indy Fringe. My guy helped out and I did the logo so we got to see everything!! I didn't do much art, but I did do a quick sketch of Taylor Martin doing a rope trick dressed as his colonial character (first page). Also other random sketchy stuff.

Sunday was spent at home, trying to stay awake and failing ... but at least I got study in (the tentacle character at the top.)

I also sent a query to 'Seawhite of Brighton' brand sketchbooks (jumbo square black cloth binding),asking how many they could send me for under $150. The only sketchbooks I love and they have to be from England. to send one book, the shipping + 17% international tax would be about 4 or 5 times the cost of the book and put me back about $40. Adding more books tends to cheapen the shipping. I can't afford it right now, but I am going through withdraw and I have a few people interested in pitching in. I suppose its cheaper than a plane ticket. >.<
------
here, have a hand.

Day 21 - oil study and more focus on hair changes

2011-01-22T11:29:00.006-05:00

The day was actually quite productive, but most of it, I'm not sharing yet visually, so here's what I am sharing - an oil study of myself with the new doo. Freshly washed and softly settled onto my head. I do have terribly straight hair.

No, I'm not depressed, I just don't make any facial expressions when doing a self portrait study.
I found some old paper thick paper I had previously painted on, but the texture was going nowhere, so I decided to use it for a study. I already had my oils out for another project.

Ok. Most of the time, my colors are vibrant and drastic. Especially when I work with mixed media on Yupo or something. But when I was learning how to paint at school, I was using oils for the first time, and I was trained to paint from life. I have a very hard taking oils out for a walk in my own recent styles. This was just a study, so I'm not critiquing this little piece as being 'DULL', but it makes me want to try a few more experiments in steering oils toward my own current visual standards. I have tried this a few times, - I've had ~some~ success... but Of course, my training comes in very handy when I need to paint a portrait!

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More sketchbook ponderings

--
Other work
*I am finishing up a commission right now - made a few changes and it is looking pretty good.

*Also, I did some work on the ~comic~ thing I'm doing - I watched the movie "Brooklyn's Finest" to get some references on how police outfits are formed, and that was a much better idea than scraping the images from google search. Granted, I also got stuck for 2 hours getting sucked into the movie, and doing random sketches from it for my own good.
Netflix + printscreen is a very useful tool for getting references and ideas for images!
I stuck together drawings, sketches and my own photo references to formulate how I'm going to lay out the panels on a page. This method seems to make me feel less overwhelmed at the prospect. Why am I having such a hard time doing narrative?! its getting easier. I have to put my perfectionist and anxious thoughts aside like "what if people see this and say 'this girl has no idea what a car, or a police outfit or a building really looks like, she sucks!'" OUT DAMN THOUGHTS! that's what study is for!!

Day 20, in memory of the cat

2011-01-21T13:35:00.004-05:00

King Leodegrance has frolicked from this world and into the next.
Or rather, Leo. I named him when I was 13 or 14 and felt he needed a grand kingly lion like name.

17 years of life, lived well, and he passed on at home, cared for by my parents.

I did a drawing, dedicated to him, and it is an extension of my doodle from the day before- the idea that my head will float away with short hair - and where does it go? you shall see.

I did the drawing with sumi ink (it could be better but I was just having fun here) and digital coloring and textures from previously scanned in paintings.

Also, I realized that I have a hard time drawing myself as a character with short hair. Ha!

Day 19 of art and self drive

2011-01-20T19:22:00.004-05:00

commission work
Further along on the portrait... another snippit!

live changes

Sometimes one needs a little change.
Something to reinvent oneself... and yes it does tend to inspire new ideas.
I got a hair cut.
This may not seem like something so drastic... but it is, sorta.

Sketch inspired by something a friend said.

I have had long hair since I can remember. I had it cut to my chin once in high school, and let it grow out again after that. For many years, it has been about 2 feet long. I was nearly able to sit on my hair. For a long time I considered my long hair such a strong part of my personality, but over the past year I started to tire of it for many reasons. Now, the longest part of my hair is about 3 inches! I don't even regret the loss because I was ready for it to go. I have never been able to run my fingers through my hair and experience the full potential of a head scritchy. And being low maintenance, I don't have to worry about forgetting to brush it. But at the same time, I think I will have fun styling it and choosing a new color and playing with it as it grows. Very new and refreshing.

Day 18 -

2011-01-19T10:22:00.006-05:00

Physical art took a backseat today, and when that happens, I focus on the mental aspect of creativity. I plot and theorize and ponder. Where is my art going, what themes am I running with now, where do my inspirations come from?

I will sit, staring into space while a cocophony of half formed images pass through my mind - a brainstorming of color and form, light, shadows and fog - it feels like I'm reaching into a side dimension of pure creative energy. I see a lot of reoccurring images and ideas, perhaps these will someday worm their way into a painting.

I also thought about stories and narrative. I have tried writing in the past. I consider my writing to be good, but I have no ... 'glue' to make things coherent. My writing is surreal, segmented, and occasional. I have ideas for stories and an interest in writing bizarre little vignettes, and perhaps they will surface someday, but for now it is a skill I do not practice.
However, I was reading Dave McKean's "Pictures that Tick"

There are fun little written vignettes here accompanied by images. This inspired me.
I started pondering how I might take the art I have and either write a simple story to accompany them, or how I might create some images to go along with some ideas I could write into words. Not all of them would make sense, but not everything in "Pictures that Tick" made sense either. It was personal and beautiful.
I might just try my hand at something like this in the future.

I'm thinking about getting his other book "Cages".

--------------
I did spend a small time brainstorming another commission in my sketchbook. I find no harm posting it at this stage.

Day 17 art art art along

2011-01-18T12:15:00.003-05:00

Day 17 -
Worked on the commission for a magician portrait.
here is a ~snippit~

Then, inspired by using up some extra paint, I did a 5" x 7" on book paper.

Acrylic.
available for $25.

Inspirations and Distractions
More minesweeper and sliders episodes. my 2 current addictions.

But today I work and have no more time to ramble.

Day 16 - last minute digital BUG

2011-01-17T03:47:00.009-05:00

I wasn't sure if I would get much done today. But, last minute, I did!

The bug was all drawn/painted in Photoshop, reference from a 'long horned grasshopper' photo I took at the Cambridge England natural history museum. The background is some of my own paint texture (I often scan art in when its in the abstract stage, to use for digital works)
________________________

The struggle of trying to produce daily and other things in life.
other: visited home to see my family. Granted, I love 'other' because family is good and we played games and had good (intelligent, funny & strange) conversation.

I arrived home late, had dinner, watched an episode of sliders and tended to a headache that was (finally) subsiding. I wasn't really in the mood for art, but I decided to try something digital and I got carried away. Good thing I started! Now my headache is almost gone and I feel so much better having done something pretty today. (the bug)

I also did a quick sketch of my cat when I was visiting home.

I may have seen my cat Leo for the last time. He is not long for this world. He is a very feeble old man cat.
I didn't want to take a picture of him, he looked so scruffed up and skinny, but I felt compelled to have at least one more image of him, so I opted for a drawing. ... he didn't want to stay in one place. Poor guy.

Day 15 of art for art sake

2011-01-17T03:29:00.006-05:00

Most of the day was mainly a rambling mass of mental goo. Finally before bed I did some body and experimental color studies in my sketchbook.

The trees are a playful attempt to see what happens with pink, yellow, white, black, and red ochre.
For the figure: the background colors came first, then the sketch in pencil and bic pen, then the blue colors on top. acrylic. blue colored pencil for some shadows. The reference came from deviantart stock page: KristabellaDC3.

I also went back to a previous page and added in background color. Just because I felt like it.

OH yeah. Almost forgot. I also did a bit of organizing so I can keep up with commissions and projects. I have a newly cleared bulletin cork board - and have pinned little notes to it for each thing I'm working on and its progress. Just for fun, here is my format:

INSPIRATIONS
* I went back to browse the art of Nomi Chi -one of my favorite artists. Mainly her sketchbook work, but I love all of it!

* COMPLETED LOST SEGMENT OF FANTASIA.... collaboration between Disney and SALVADOR DALI!!! "Destino" GO WATCH HERE! Beautiful and Inspiring!!!

Day 14 - And now for something completely different

2011-01-15T03:05:00.005-05:00

Lets not paint today and say we did!

First of all, I am hungering to do another stop-motion animation. I found a good place in the
living room to set something up. This will serve at the background and 'set'.

The objects you see here are various things in my collection I've found at used shops, and the little creatures are mainly mom's creations. (Catherine Burris) I like to feature them in my few animations.
I have lots of ideas, not sure which one's I'm going to use or not.
I need to make some figures and things to move around and just see what happens. I'm thinking of making something in the context of advertising for an upcoming horror convention I'll be at - to give me focus. If you havn't noticed, most of my work is surreal and nonsensical, I have a hard time sticking with concrete subjects.

Sketches
Stuff from my own current sketchbook.

My attempt at an angry strong woman crouching down - challenging pose with no reference...

I help out with a drawing class. When I'm not needed I covertly sketch student faces. Sometimes they get transformed, sometimes they get eaten by alien flora.

Fashion FAIL
Ok. I've recently gotten into sewing. I bought a sewing machine mainly to aid in my wacky creations as another art tool - the freehand embroidery setting is great. I have also been craving making strange cloths.
I recently acquired a wicker manniquin - something my family has had for years, and I borrowed it to use as a dress dummy, possibly for a vest idea. This wicker person is lopsided and when my cat Leo was a kitten (16 years ago?) he used to play inside of it. (the legs open to a hollow body)
I have some great ideas, but ... the random wayward haphazard way I paint cannot be applied to cloth... I decided to hand sew some old scrap jeans and tshirt together to create this awesome pile of poop you see in the picture. I may continue to make it worse... it is a learning process after all. I also learned that once you sew something around the belly of the wickerwoman, you cannot take it off again. Basic geometry and physics oops. DOH!

other stuff

-I worked on a small logo commission. As always, will post when done.
-More distractions with MineSweeper.... I'm determined to win on expert. my best so far is down to 17 of 99 bombs.

Day 13!

2011-01-14T18:51:00.002-05:00

Today is a late post due to actual paid work! Yay!

Yesterday (the 13th of January) I finished up the Sketchbook Project sketchbook and sent it off today.

I did a few more quick painted pages to finish it off, but all I need to post here is the front cover (previously done) the intro page, one more inside page, and the back cover.

Everything else was documented and saved and I'm glad its done. Fun project to be a part of but I'm not in a hurry to participate again.

distractions:
more minesweeper. bah!

Day 12 of art!

2011-01-13T14:12:00.002-05:00

Again, the first have of the day was full of ZZzzzzzs and snow. Barometric pressure
knockin me down? daytime = not the right time? Either way, I didn't get creative till
NIGHT.

New mixed media work on Yupo. 8" x 10"
available for $75.
the reference used is from my favorite stock/model artist "Voivodess" on deviantArt.

I scumbled acrylic on the page, drew the figure in pencil, added splatters and drips and redrew the figure with big pen. I wiped away the area I was unhappy with (side of face), redrew it in red bic pen and now she looks even more otherworldly / shifting in different realities.

The other work I did today was commission related. I am doing a magician portrait.
Using photo references, I came up with a drawing, and then scanned it in to move
the elements around to come up with a more balanced and dynamic image. I did
some digital coloring to get a feel for the real colors I will use in paint. It was after
doing this drawing that I felt warmed up for the yupo piece you see above.
When I finish the portrait, I will post it with work-in-progress images with
permission of the buyer.
In the meantime, here is a snippit!

____________
INSPIRATIONS of TODAY:
-minesweeper
-The Time Machine (older movie)
-Pickles and amaretto.
- Sliders (watching season 4, even though I told myself to stop after the last
horrible episodes from season 3. The writing has improved despite the loss of 2
great characters)

Day 11

2011-01-12T02:56:00.006-05:00

Day 11 -
I am pleased.
A few of my seeds are starting to sprout, and I've got some nibbles on
commissions. My (general) rule is no details until I'm finished. 2 are magic related though.

My favorite from today was a sketch I started at work:

This in inspired by the effects of 'Quiddity' in Clive Barkers "The Great and Secret Show" Quiddity is a sea in a place of dreaming, and seems to transform the outward appearance to match their inner essence at the time, or so it would seem. ('the essence of a thing' is the definition of the word 'Quiddity' and now I know why he chose to use that name for the sea.)

What better way to demonstrate the twisted effect quiddity has by making a twisted version of my Quiddity sketch!

(in my current sketchbook) I stuck it in the scanner and twisted it around while scanning.

I forgot that I did an ACEO during my 2 days of not-much-art. how could I forget?

mixed media on watercolor paper 2.5" x 3.5"
available for $9 if interested

Today I did another one.

mixed media on watercolor paper 2.5" x 3.5"
available for $9 if interested

Both are a previously painted watercolor paper that I cut into smaller sizes.

__________________
RANDOM ART QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Do you feel the need to eat or drink something while creating?

Day 9 and 10 - mostly white noise, some humor

2011-01-10T23:42:00.003-05:00

After 3 weeks of no working and staying up to ungodly hours in the morning (5, 5:30, 6...) - I had an 8am work day. There was no way I was going to go to bed early ... so I decided to just reset by staying up ALL night, and going to bed early tonight so I can get back on a more regular schedule.
Its working. Its midnight and I'm exhausted finally.
Unfortunately, I didn't make any masterpieces.
Over the past 2 days, I did make some doodles in my sketchbook not really worth posting but I will anyway, was inspired by some hats (a friend of mine has gotten into millinery - check out The Deviant Hatter on Etsy), and created something humerous in photoshop not to be undone by lack of art for these 2 days.
Enjoy:

Sometimes I wish my toes could chat with me.

And then some sketches where I've been writing some notes.

The notes talk about some ideas involving an Magician Tarot card commission for a friend, and a wedding portrait for some other friends, and a random doodle inspired by elements from those hats I saw.

Daily art # 8

2011-01-09T05:20:00.008-05:00

My wacky schedule had me wake up at around noon, and I didn't do ANY art until 2:00 am.
I am now writing this at 5:21am.
I am surprised how much happened in that time span.

Yesterday I concentrated so hard on the master copies.
I think today I needed to just loosen up and create things purely from my imagination.
Automatism is the best way to get started for me when I'm feeling uninspired, and I really like how things turned out.

"Chaos Bliss"
6" x 11" on Yupo. Available for $75.

"Paradise Dream Women"
6" x 11" on Yupo. Available for $65.

While I was working on the first piece, I also did a small ACEO / artist trading card.

2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (artist trading card) on bristol. Available for $9.

A Word on YUPO
I LOVE yupo. It is the SMOOTHEST surface I have ever worked on, and yet it seems to work with everything I throw at it so far and it DOES NOT WARP. It is a little more expensive than regular paper (bristol for example) but it is COMPLETELY worth it, and I think I'm hooked. And well, its not 'paper' anyway, its plastic. (but fancy plastic! and apparently it won't yellow.) I have yet to try oils, but who knows! Perhaps I'll have to try it out soon. so far I have tried various inks, watercolors, bic pen, colored pencils and acrylic.

Random Art Question of the Day:
Have you tried painting with something other than your dominant hand?
how about your feet?

I have even gone so far as to draw with my belly. (I taped a pencil to my belly, sticking the end in my belly button... it was a hoot.)

Day 7 - master copies

2011-01-08T04:05:00.006-05:00

(as always, written the night of the day, and posted the day after)
Last night (1/6/11) I went to bed and wrote a note in my sketchbook to do some master copies.
Today (1/7/11) I actually followed through!
I've been wanting to do more studies, to avoid getting stuck in my own drawing/painting habits, and to improve skills.

I chose to paint from my favorite era, copying some of my favorite paintings. I have always been a fan of Pre-Raphaelite depictions of magic users. Priestesses, Sorceresses, Witches, etc.

"Very Dangerous Secret" --- After "Medea" by Frederick Sandys
5" x 7" acrylic on book page
(available at my etsy - $35)

my version of "Circle of Magic" after Waterhouse
5" x 7" acrylic on book page
(also available at my etsy - $35)

I could also get into a heavy discussion about the Pre-Raphaelites - they are a favorite subject of mine - After teaching art appreciation/history, I was quite astonished to discover that nearly all the art books I used to teach from AVOIDED the Pre-Raphaelite painters like the plague, as if they had no drastic impact on the modern art world. HA! (one of my books merely mentioned them with no explanation, and provided a poor representation of the movement in black and white, and then proceeded to wax poetic about Cezanne for 4 pages and how he was the most enlightened painter ever. I wanted to throw the book out the window! "The Story of Art" by Gombrich E.h." 10th ed - its actually a very good book, except for the Cezanne pages, and the chapters on modern art) I do understand why the Pre-Raphaelites got buried in art history, and why other movements won out in popularity at the time.
... but that is a story for a different time I'm not here to lecture, just to improve my self drive by showing publicly what I did today.

____________________
INSPIRATION for Today:
Currently Playing "Mystery Case File: The 13th Skull" Hidden object and puzzle game for the pc - by Big Fish.
Why do I include it here? Because the graphics in the hidden object game has made me see EVERYTHING in a new light - Every time I look at a cluttered spot in my home, I feel like I'm in a big fish game and I have the urge to turn places in my home into 'hidden object' images. I am starting to feel a new appreciation for all OBJECTS. While I was cutting veggies earlier, I was making note of how all the food was laying on the table. The balance and volume of everything.
I was looking at everything with fresh eyes. And I mean EVERYTHING.

- my bookshelves with the cornucopia of trinkets on top, and on the shelves, and on the wall above the shelves I have a type drawer filled with tid-bits.
- my bulletin board , fairly empty now but OH the possibilities!
-The kitchen cupboard, filled to the brim with cans and bags and other food stuffs.

Anyway, time to stop rambling.

ART DAY SIX

2011-01-07T15:23:00.003-05:00

DAY 6 of ART

Almost forgot to post what art happened yesterday.
First of all, it was my bf's birthday. I made a sign that said "HAPPY 14th BDAY", cutting each letter from printer paper and puttin the '14' inside a cut heart. (the 14 is um... I was having a dyslexic moment) Also, for his amusement, I provided a silly lesson on color mixing.

(Remember children, blue and yellow make GREEN!)

More Art:
I put some more quick creations in the sketchbook for the sketchbook project. I have to postmark it by the 15th for it to go on tour. And with the loose theme "Science Project Gone Wrong". My opinions on this project below the images.

My Thoughts on 'The Sketchbook Project".
Ok. I'm a huge fan of sketchbooks as art. I love the fact that someone is putting together a library of sketchbooks. The joy of hand done art that people can enjoy in person and touch the pages is extremely exciting. The problems with this project are that I feel hesitant to just give all this work away for free. (or rather paying to give it away, as there was a cost to participate - I understand this however, and my complaint doesn't lie there. They need $ to take it on tour and buy/send out the sketchbooks) Also, because of the theme and time constraints, the work is less like the organically developed sketchbooks I keep, and more like a desperate race to the finish line, resulting in sub-par work and nonsense as I try to make these creations bend (loosely) to the theme. Also, the paper is the thinnest paper I've ever had the ... ~joy~ of working with. But, I don't want to turn back now, and I don't want to waste my money, so I'm going to finish it dag-nabbit, and hopefully there will be a few visual gems inside to make flipping through it worth while.

INSPIRATIONS:
I started watching the movie "Klimt" - a drama about the artist Klimt played by John Malkovich. I loved the art nouveau movement, and the movie even has some very nicely done surreal moments that reflect those ideas. Also, beautiful naked women wandering several scenes surrounded by colorful silks and elongated patterns can't help but be inspiring.

Art Day 5. colors!

2011-01-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

Day Five, Stayin Alive.

The day started out pretty flat.
The Struggles
I woke up too late, felt sleepy, and was wading through unfound feelings of doubt and slight depression. This is just an artist's lot. Its gonna happen. Thankfully I'm able to push through it eventually. D suggested I finally buy the big fish game I've been drooling over for days. And we finished watching season 3 of Sliders on Netflix. Such horrible scripts allowed me to laugh and get back into the swing of things.

First creative act:

The art I started with isn't anything finished. Its more like using my tools to make more tools. I just went crazy with colors on a piece of watercolor paper. I will use this in several ways. I will scan it in for digital textures to be used on other things, then I will either create something out of it, or cut it up and create several things out of it. Perhaps serve as background for some more ACEO works (2.5" x 3.5" artist trading cards) Its always good to do something mindless like this when I'm not feeling that creative.

Next I worked on a collaboration project. Something... narrative... graphic novelesque in the works. No details until it gets somewhere but here are some visual snippits.
A drawing of a building I did on yupo paper last year (aka, sometime last week) - today I added watercolors and re-drew over the pencil in ink. (005 micron pen thats wearing down).

2011-01-05T14:21:00.001-05:00

On the 4th day of art...
I made some sloppy expressons in the sketchbook-project sketchbook and took some creative photos.

The text on the hand says "I am forced to wear ambiguous labels and fit into limiting CATEGORIES."

I also painted D's belly before he got in the shower, but I don't need to include a photo here. ;)

The rest of the day was dedicated to magic.
Every first Tuesday Dave and I attend a magic show on Theatre on the Square. I've been doing the programs for over a year now. Its a layed back gig and I get to experiment with my graphic design skills. I showed the latest one on the blog yesterday.
This one had a special guest couple doing magic and face painting in the lobby. I got my face painted - she did a beautiful simple red shading with black white and orange streaks around my eyes and addd glitter- but I forgot to get a photo!

Afterwards, we went to the Old Point Tavern. Never far from my camera, I decided to take a few creative shots - I am always fascinated by the red wash of color you get in the corner area by the neon lights.

I took this photo covertly - I always feel a bit strange taking photos of strangers but I wanted a photo of the colors, and she fit in perfectly. I would have asked her permission but people look so much more natural when they don't know their photo is being taken.

This is Pat Smith. He will be performing at next month's Indy Magic Monthly - Excellent magician, and wonderful to have as a friend. I find the mood here quite ambiguous. At first I thought the red wash made him look like a dangerous person, but now it feels more contemplative.

----
More Inspiration:
At he end of the day, I read a bit of Clive Barker's "Great and Secret Show".
In it, there is a special 'island' that gets described - like a dream place cathedral building, but more vast, complicated and strange than anything in reality - in a place where physics doesnt matter, and you can have 'towers as thin as reeds' etc. The full description isn't as wonderful as the images my mind was conjuring as I read. I would't be surprised if you start seeing more bizarre structures appearing. I could FEEL the images pasting themselves to my brain.

random creations day 3

2011-01-04T02:34:00.005-05:00

After attending work at 8 am only to realize that my work starts NEXT WEEK, I had some extra time. So, when I came home I started looking at a library book for the Chelsea Awards (fantasy art) -But someone must have laced my book with a sedative, because I passed out for a few hours. So much for an early start to my day!

Next, I watched my boyfriend be tortured by the dentist. While I was there I did some sketchbook drawings. (These are for "The Sketchbook Project" - when I finish it in a few days, it will be sent off to be at a Brooklyn Sketchbook Library - Interesting idea, more opinions on it later)

(The text on the 3rd image says "The dental tools gained sentience and began to worship the sun". Also you can see the inspiration of teeth on the first image)

Next on the agenda (after some more 'inspiration' from a hidden object game from 'big fish games') I did the program design for Taylor Martin's "Indy Magic Monthly"

This is the front and back page (front page on the right) - I also did the inside and an insert. If you want to see the rest, you'll have to come to the show! Every first Tuesday at Theatre on the Square - Indianapolis, IN. Check the website link for more info. Doors at 7:00. Show up at 6:30 for extra stuff in the lobby!

---
I stayed up even later, and did one last minute sketch with color in the book:

The text in red pen on the left side of the page - something that just popped into my head. "She cut off a tiny sliver of her skin, to experiment with, to test, to gain power." "That was part of it. Blood, life, pain, + power." Wonder if I've been reading too much Clive Barker lately. heh. That mixed with the predetermined theme sent to me for this book 'Science project gone wrong'.
_________________

Thank you to everyone who left comments and/or critiques on the "G / GRIM" drawing!

Bizarre Alphabet = "GRIM" complete!

2011-01-02T23:52:00.005-05:00

Today I finished what I started yesterday.

The Bizarre Alphabet = "GRIM"

(see a larger image of it Here)

I went over the pencils with bic pen, and added a few things I hadn't thought of before. (even after the drawing I took a photo of)
I then added acrylic - layers of light washes, like using watercolors.
This is perhaps the most complicated and cluttered piece yet, hard to imagine!
There are more than 60 possible words beginning with "G" - if you happen to make a list, feel free to find creative concepts like "GRUESOME!"

Here is the drawing before coloring

Dimensions: 7.25" x 7.25" x 1" (thick) acrylic and bic pen on wood.

Gotta go to be early tonight - 8:00 work day tomorrow! No 5:00 am craziness.

epic art day 1 - worked on Bizarre ABC = "Grim"

2011-01-02T04:11:00.012-05:00

(posted in retrospective, as I did not want to post it at 5:00 am!)

For the first day of my epic art year, I decided to solidify my "G" drawing.
I have been working on an ambitious "Bizarre" alphabet series, all on 7.25" x 7.25
blocks ofwood - each piece gets more and more elaborate - up to and over about 60
potentialthings in the latest pieces - There is a lot of planning - I had created about
3 listsand about 3 drawings corrosponding to the letter I was working on. G has been
themost frustrating so far, because there is so MUCH I wanted to do and I couldn't
decide on a basic layout.
This is the first time I've decided to make the preliminary drawing digitally - by
scanning in some of my drawings so far and using stock images to get things in
place before I draw them. Normally I wouldn't show this, but I'm interested in expressing
behind the scenes here.

I worked about 6 hours on this. It doesn't look like it (most of the time was spent
finding images and placing them), but at almost hour 3, it got deleted on accident,
and I had forgotten to save. ACK!

Then I did the drawing in pencil on gessoed wood. No tracing, no transfers, just eye to brain to hand to pencil.

After today, I will go over the pencil with bic pen, and then color with acrylics.
----
Insirations for this stems from my childhood interests in artists who tamed the
alphabet in their own artistic way - such as Edward Gorey and especially Mike
Wilks's "Ultimate Alphabet" - of which I *think* I have the book but if not, I
definiely have the game "Scrutineyes". (unfortunately, no good pics here)
_______

Lastly -
-Pay attention to the world around you:
Learn to recognize those things you don't see every day.
Record it in someway so you can remember. Otherwise,
your brain might eat the experience. It's exhausting trying to
recall little morsels of joy if you have a memory eating brain like I do.

(snapshot from an errand earlier)

__________
Um... One last thing. some last minute inspiration.
The last song I was listening to at 4:50 am on my last.fm player was a Paradise Lost song from the 'Draconian Times' album.
I noticed the album cover art and had to find the artist.

The artist is Holly Warburton. Her website is in construction, but a little google image search will show a few more samples.
That is all. I don't think tomorrow will be as full!
_________
Dont hesitate to comment, make suggestions, requests, and/or recommendations!

Re-Purposing my Blog for 2011 - Massive Art Extravaganza!

2010-12-31T02:10:00.004-05:00

Okidokie!!
extraveganza
I am getting excited about 2011, and I want to embark on an epic art making experience.
I did a LOT this year, but I didn't blog nearly as much - I found no real point to it.

I kept personal journaling in my sketchbook where I briefly detailed what I did that day, mainly art related. I updated things online on occasion.

For 2011, I want to move that daily record online. It will be for myself, and anyone who wants to follow along. Hopefully it will motivate me to do something even when I don't feel like it. Perhaps I'll even inspire others to find more self drive to do what they dream of doing.
I will also mention any big inspirations that come along on my journey.

New Life in my Art

2010-12-15T03:48:00.003-05:00

(re-posted from my other online bloggish places for those of you who watch me everywhere, sorry!)

So - I'm finding new life in my art

Inspired by my friend Steven talking about his new years resolution to make ridiculous amounts of art.

I couldn't wait for January. Last night I ignored my normal evening activities of winding down after dinner by getting online and/or watching something interesting.

Instead I played music and created art until about 7:00 am and then (still awake) I read in my Clive Barker book (The Great and Secret Show) for 1/2 an hour before I felt satisfied enough to ... take a nap.

But what did I create?

First of all, I have a new medium. About a week ago, I purchased a sewing machine because of some crazy idea I have about using string in my work and making bags. I have used a sewing machine maybe twice in my life , the last one being in England (freehand stitch) help create ripped paper + art 'foliage' in an installation. I was hooked after that, but was still scared of the sewing machine. Not anymore!! I've been making embroidered patches on paint rags, and have started making bags.

SO, thats one thing I worked on during my art spree...

The other was a breakthrough in my drawing style.
There are a few things leading up to this.

People have always been interested in the way I draw in my sketchbooks. I made a few attempts at doing work inspired by my sketchbook when I had my studio at the Stutz, but I had other larger experiments I wanted to try, and I was still playing with painting on wood.
Now that I'm at home and don't really have room (or the warmth, or money) to work on large-scale work- I'm back to small.

I REALLY LOVE working on paper but have always had the dilemma of not wanting to pay for frames, plus I'm not a fan of putting my work under glass. So, I've avoided making paper art while I could, and I mainly stuck to panel and wood and the occasional stretched canvas for my 'fine art' pieces.

I also don't have my 10" x 10" seawhite of brighton sketchbook anymore, I need an outlet for my art on paper -

THUS... I decided to just start having fun on the paper I have. My acrylics are in the basement where its freaking COLD, but upstairs I got out my watercolors, sumi ink, colored ink, colored pencils, graphite, pens and had a blast!

at about 4:00 am I was awake and didn't want to stop so I kept going!!
I ended up with three 9" x 12" creations, one 5" x 7", a little graphic design piece for a friend, and two embroidered pieces from earlier in the day.

YEAH!
I am extra excited because I believe I can take this to higher ground. I really enjoy doing it and would like to start offering my services more for design work and illustration (if people want a messy splattery dreamy quality) - I don't mind taking this style into commercialism because I know where I stand with the style - usually my work is so schitzo, that as soon as I start working on a project for someone else, I want to change styles - but THIS is the kind of stuff I do anyway - I think my 'sketchbook art' has finally found a more professional and public place in my life.

Here are the 3 big pieces from that night.
Click to be taken to a larger picture at deviantart.com

I'm going to keep trying to make art daily and see where it takes me.
Stay tuned for my occasional updates and plans for conventions in the new year!
(So far, Horrorhound Indy and Days of the Dead, also Indy!)

Done Done Done! - OH, and Halloween!!

2010-11-03T02:26:00.008-04:00

Oh joy - Tasks getting done for the Paranormal Scare Fest this weekend!

- Prints ORDERED (done by Thurs) - Local Printer: Simon Skjodt.
- Magnets are DONE!
- New Backdrop PLANNED!
- some small quick fan art done as extras

So... about the art hanging backdrop - I normally use a 7' lattice work with a black cloth to hang my work, but its so bulky and hard to fit stuff around it in my car when I travel. D and I had planned to create a new backdrop out of PVC pipe, but we delayed too long and I decided that I'll just take the lattice again. HOWEVER, Today D noticed a cheap portable coat rack that works perfect!! Its a little shorter, but its STABLE - I pinned a cloth to it and hung art on it and it works!!! So LIGHT and it packs down tiny!! We plan on testing it tomorrow as a taller structure by zip-tying the base to part of a break-down plastic shelving unit, making it about 8' high. YEAH! Tomorrow we get more coat racks and we will be good to go with a LOT more space in the car!!

_______________
HALLOWEEN
---------------------
Ok, I have to at least mention the awesomeness that was this weekend, but its late and I havn't been feeling like expounding upon my experiences poetically - so expect a quick version~

First of all, on SATURDAY, D performed at the White Rabbit Cabaret with Taylor Martin, Berry Rice, and Gavin Rulon - I acted as his assistant. Also at the White Rabbit was the Hasenfeffer troup + http://www.whiterabbitcabaret.com/ - Excellent dancing/choreography!! Very clever. An Excellent Halloween show!!

On Sunday, friends of ours were getting married!! Dru and Maria at Garfield Park. What an excellent idea, awesomeness all around, very pretty, spooky and fun. Afterwards was the Reception at the Melody (reception hall) and the Mel itself hosted a Halloween goth party - also popped in there to see what was up.
I'll have to post more pictures when I get a chance.

(Lyd, D, Dru before the wedding - photo by Devon Kaser)

Afterwards, our good friends V and N stayed over where we ate pizza and discussed snakes, hermit crabs, various states to live in, fluffy bats, traditions, etc until 5 am. It was good.

connections and mental track hopping + update

2010-10-09T23:39:00.010-04:00

I can't help getting excited when I make connections.

I was looking up free movies on Hulu and came across 'Lifeforce' -
I remember renting it a lot as a kid, but I can't remember it.
I really am hoping this is a movie that I have weird memories about, but for the life of me
I haven't been able to find - I explain things I remember, but no one else seems to be familiar with my description... perhaps I made up memories to go along with this movie.

SO. I go to look up a trailor and come across a foreign Lifeforce poster.
It looks REALLY familiar ... sorta like the Crimson Glory - Transcendence album cover.... I show D and he confirms that it IS the same image!

*brain jumps tracks*

SOOooo I go find the album and see that ~YES~ it is... I wonder if they had permission to use it? Because it definitely goes along with the theme of Lifeforce, so I'm assuming the poster came before the album. (by 3 years) They credit the artist of the Album (Takashi Terada), but thats all I can find.

*brain jumps tracks*

No longer concerned about finding more clips from the movie to see if I can find the lost images from my child brain, I go on an online quest to see if anyone else has noticed this connection.
I see one small blurb in a blog response and seemingly deleted entry on an IMDB discussion from the movie.

Anyway, here are the 2 images.

_
EDIT!
I JUST noticed this ALMOST goes along with the art of my previous post and my obsession about people in 'womb - like' structures. *excited, I just made another connection!... well, more personal mental connection. *
_
Update?

Today I spent time with my sister's family and went to Ethnic Expo in Columbus (IN.) - I experienced 'Rose Lemonade' from the Pakistan food booth - I don't think I'm ready to incorporate 'rose' into a drink flavor, it reminds me too much of purfume... or perhaps their batch just tasted a bit too chemical.

I'll do a bigger art update later.

people in wombs, again

2010-10-03T23:28:00.009-04:00

I feel like sharing today's art. (and yesterday's)
Why am I obsessed with the image of people in wombs?
I know, its about growth and rebirth and the constant search to 'become' oneself. The incubation period, waiting to grow into this huge flowering flora. Thus, my dream to be wholly myself, and recognized for who I am, and the fact that I won't feel 'grown up' until I am making a living from what I ~DO~.

So yeah. People in wombs, eggs, seeds and cocoons.... waiting to emerge.

Don't make me psychoanalyze all the earthy roots and striations in my work.

ANYWAY.
Thought I'd upload a recent drawing and a digital practice of nearly the same image - I anticipate making an oil painting of this image, and I'm playing with some ideas to solidify it in my mind before I throw myself into a full painting.

First is a 9" x 12" watercolor and ink on thick 185 lb paper (slight texture)
(I found a new love of paper, it comes in a pad labeled 'Acrylic' - reminds me of the heavy hot press paper I like, only this has slight more texture)

(by the way, this colorful watercolor and ink
brain explosion is available for $60.)

Then I decided to play around digitally, because I did not feel like painting quite yet - however, I think I am much better at traditional painting than digital painting. Plus I like physical work, but I do like to play with digital works every so often, I never know when I'll need to use it in the future. I started in Corel Painter 11, but this program frustrates me as I am not used to it. So, I ended up moving it into photoshop to finish it.

(this work is not available,
its digital and was just for practice.)

Ok, Enough blogging for today.

BANG!!

2010-09-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

Now that I have your attention...

I just haven't updated for a while and felt it was TIME.
(also, copied from my dA account)

New work is on the way, as I have been busy in my NEW!!(or rather renewed) Leaky Basement Studio!... as I am no longer in the Stutz (my year of free studio ended, and I am not rich enough to afford an external space yet, although I'd like to go back as having a downtown studio provided some awesome opportunities I do not have now, like using it as a professional meeting place in which to show strangers my work.)

My brain keeps going back to stop motion action... maybe I'll have time to work on it one of these days.

I cannot wait for the Horror con shows in November.

SKETCHBOOKS
I have ordered a sketchbook from Art House Co-Op for the SKETCHBOOK PROJECT.
http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects
I finally gave in. I like the idea of it, even though I'm basically giving away free art for it. I am still in 2 minds about it, and not sure how my brain will conform to the idea of doing a 'sketchbook' with a specific theme vs. the random shit I throw in my sketchbook normally. At least most of my art goes along with the theme 'science project gone wrong' - also... I am torn between doing something really kickass and creative, or saving my super duper creative kickass-ness for something more ... sellable. I think I'll just put some crazy 'wrong-science' doodles in and send it in. I have till January.
BUT I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE regardless, I am a huge advocate of Sketchbooks as art. So, I consider it my donation to the world of sketchbook art ... PLUS it will be in their permanent sketchbook library collection, with a library code and everything. ^^
Tho, speaking of sketchbooks, I am inspired to start carrying a smaller mole-skine like sketchbook in which to do awesome work in for myself.

One of my inspirations for this is Nomi Chi - Her sketchbook work is Epic and awesome. Her art is kickass too, but I really really drool over the sketches.

COMICS
**I was included in an article about Comic Artists -
I may not really be doing 'comics' yet, but I slid in under the umbrella! Thanks to Stuart Sayger for leading the writer to me!

EVENTS
ART vs ART main event is this FRIDAY at the Vogue!!!

That is all for now!

Stutz Residency ends with a BANG! And an art show! Also other updates

2010-09-01T03:13:00.004-04:00

SEPTEMBER 3rd - First Friday - 5-9 pm

See the Stutz Press Release for a great description of my and Patrick's work.

_____The Stutz Residency_______

In August 2009, so many of my career seeds sprouted at once, kickstarting this year into one of the best yet. I was offered 2 part time art appreciation Teaching jobs and I was one of the 2 recipients of the Stutz Residency Award - This allowed me to have a free studio for almost a year at the Stutz Building in Indianapolis.
My self drive went up, my professionalism spiked, and I met some pretty cool people while at the Stutz.

_____STUDIO?________

Now it is ending - I'm in the process of packing up the studio and bringing things home. (where am I going to put all this STUFF?! I have a big basement... but that means I have to organize, clean it again and possibly get a dehumidifier)
I'm in the process of talking with some buddies about possibly sharing a space, but the expense would be something to consider NOT lightly... I'm at a point where my art is just starting to take off. If this trend continues, and I do well at the next events I've signed up for - I shouldn't have a problem, but I don't want to make any deals I can't deliver yet.

I'm actually looking forward to working at home for a while, and have all of my supplies in one place. My biggest concern is keeping a downtown presence. Having a professional space to show people my work is a huge advantage. In the meantime, I will start looking for businesses in which to hang my work (cafes, shops, etc)

____CONVENTIONS, Especially horror ones_________

My biggest focus right now is finding events to vend at. Specifically Horror cons. Financially, I tend to do best at these events so far, and I really love the people at atmosphere. I have truly found a big branch of my family in the horror entertainment industry! I am not surprised by this, as I have been mad about dark and scary things since I was a little child. YES, its true darnit. I remember drawing monsters in kindergarten. Sure, they look like squiggly lines if you can find those old drawings, but I remember they were monsters.

This last weened I was at Paranormal Scare Fest (in TN) - while it was small and poorly attended, I'm not complaining. I'm not sure if it was fluke, mistake, luck, or talent, but I managed to do quite well at the event while around me I heard many grumblings and vendors were leaving early. I ended up spreading my prints out on the empty table next to me and stayed there till I was the last one.

_______Non-Money Talk________

I find myself talking lot about vending and events and advertising and building funds, etc. Sometimes I feel I've lost touch with expressing experiences and emotions. Perhaps my dilemma is the fact that I don't like to talk about specific people online without their permission. I don't speak other peoples business. And I havn't been in the mood to express my own emotions and/or personal stories online. I almost feel that it is a 'chore' to relay these experiences, so I stick to the basics of what, where, and when. Then, when I AM in the mood to ' blog' or whatever, I'm way behind on my stories, and there is too much to tell in one post, so I simplify it too much.

________ANYWAY____________

thats about it.

New Prints Available

2010-08-17T02:22:00.001-04:00

Greetings Friends!

I have created a website where you can buy prints directly through paypal.
Easy Peasy!

These are good quality gloss prints on 100lb card stock.

If you have any requests or questions, don't hesitate to send me a message. I can make prints of almost anything I post here, and I may already have a print of something that is not listed on the print page.

GO HERE FOR PRINTS!!

Big Weekend - Gencon and Fringe Lightbox

2010-08-10T01:09:00.007-04:00

This PAST weekend was, to put it simply, Awesome.

I had an art table at GenCon, and it was the best yet in presentation and in sales.
Photos can be found on my Facebook page.
Our 'weekend' Started on Wednesday - we set up in the afternoon, I went to work for a few hours, and then we went to the first night of the Dark Mardi Gras gencon club night, run by friend Rony. (I also did the flyers) Xiting the Systm played - their music was great, and they had an awesome lightshow. I bought a CD.

Thursday was the start of the show. D was my helper, and our table neighbor was David Wong, friend and unofficial business adviser. (lol) One of my heads "Rotted Screaming Bad" sold, and that made my day!
That night we went home briefly and back downtown for another Dark Mardi Gras after party. Bottoms Up Burlesque showed, along with Fire Dancer Neris and Molly WyldFyre.

Friday was a big day - The show went pretty well - We had a LOT more prints this time. Especially more choices for 11" x 17" prints. (Available prints can also be seen on my facebook page HERE - Although I do plan on making a page for them on my website that will make them easier to pay automatically, with paypal buttons and everything. Maybe in a week or 2.

FRIDAY EVENING - Over to the historic Firestation - on the side of which is a 29 ft across lightbox - This year, it features my artwork done for and inspired by the IndyFringe Festival!
Friday night was the unveiling of the new art!
A Small article on the Nuvo Site explains it briefly: HERE.

We pulled some people from GenCon, dad showed up and several others. To celebrate the new art, Fringe organized snacks and a firedancer troup! It was awesome.
Thank you to everyone that came out and to all the supporters out there!

Now, onto Saturday, and the rest of this post will be quick and brief - as I had this drafted for about a week and I want to get it posted. (I'm behind on social networking, lol)
- Pretty good day at the con.
- Get to have sushi in the evening with some very good buddies - good food and good stories and good business advice!
- After food, got over to the Hyatt to hang out with more art and convention buddies.
- drove home late, passed out.

SUNDAY:
- another great day at the con, sad to see it end, but ready for it to be over. It was very busy and the most successful con yet!
- After packing up, we head over to a huge art party at the Spaghetti factory - the traditional gencon ending, complete with food play and food sculpture.
_______________________________

I'm sure there is more, but that is all for now.

The latest news was that D took me on a Gondola ride for my 30th birthday. Hurrah! What fun!

NYC, and other things I've been doing on vacation

2010-07-25T12:31:00.007-04:00

Just a quickish post. ish.

This past 2 weeks have been awesome (or almost 2 weeks)
D and I are visiting his family in Connecticut where we have
- played plenty of games in the evening like contract rummy, fill or bust, and upwords.
- eaten copious amounts of tasty food
- been VERY silly
- visited old buddies of Dave
- visited his friend's workplace: an awesome music studio where many awesome people have come to record music.
- had a big family get-together lunch where D got to see and hold his baby Niece!
- visited the sea wall
- seen a live band and a few tricks by a localish magician
- played duck pin bowling (my first time)
- Drove just into NY (not the city) to see JEFF McBRIDE - AWESOME MAGICIAN - it was a small intimate setting where he was even greeting people at the door - and we stayed for a 2 hour lecture afterwards. How awesome is that?!

We also visited Vermont where we got to
- see my aunt, uncle and cousin
- play the Wii (my first time!)
- visit the Fairbanks museum of natural history and planetarium in St. Johnsbury.
Incidently... while in St. Johnsbury, we drove past the museum and decided to drive around the block so we could find a good parking space further back.... driving around the block on in a MOUNTAIN VILLAGE is not an easy task! We ended up on this VERY STEEP AND THIN CURVY hill going DOWN down down down and then wound our way back up the street... awesome and a bit scary but we ended up where we wanted to go. :)
The Fairbanks is this small museum with a bit of everything from geology, stuffed animals, plant displays, civil war history, cultural history (such as an egyptian mummy next to another section with a miniature Japanese temple display) , antique toys, and .... some paintings made from bugs - mainly moths and beetles, created by John Hampson - there is a Roadside America report about it HERE.
See image below - THAT is all made of moths and beetles.

THEN
We visited my cousin Lily in NEW YORK CITY! I have never been there before!
Well, I take that back. I have a vague memory of being in NYC as a kid - so vague a memory I wasn't sure I made it up. I have been told that I was brought to the Statue of Liberty.
BUT. while we were there we
- visited a few galleries - one was the Joshua Liner gallery - very cool , the artists currently on exhibit were Sylvia Ji and Travis Louie
- saw a man dressed in a shirt composed of an old dirty ripped flannel and newspapers - he seemed normal (enough) and smiling, talking to someone until he sat down and suddenly he transformed into the most pitiful creature on the planet, and holding out a cup for money- now thats an art form.
- visited Lily's appt - tiny but nice!
- walked on a raised railroad track transformed into a beautiful walkway and garden. Awesome!
- Visited central park. Beautiful. Awesome. Rocks and hidden areas. We saw a man practicing his golf putting in a small cleared dirt area next to some bushes, a Rastafarian man selling hair wraps for money or weed, and we walked on a huge rock hill overlooking a small fair and from the top of the rock was a wonderful view of the city above the trees.
I had a blast.

Today is our last day in Connecticut. we end it with a small family get together. We have done so much this year and I think I'm inspired and ready to hop back into art!

quick update

2010-07-14T06:37:00.005-04:00

I'm in Connecticut!

Last weekend was Famous Monsters Con -it was awesome.
Pictures on Facebook. I was in a GREAT spot in the hallway. The neighboring artists to the left of me were Primo and Jay Fife. Dick Starr was to the right. We had a good time.
Even Mother showed up with one of her scary heads.

And this 2 week period D and I are visiting his family in Connecticut - and possibly some of my family in Vermont. Might get to NY too.

How exciting was that post, eh?
I'm not very wordy lately.

getting ready for the con season

2010-07-09T02:36:00.003-04:00

PREPARATIONS!
Tomorrow is FAMOUS MONSTERS CONVENTION! This will be the first specifically ~HORROR~ Convention I vend at. I am very excited!

Tonight I have just finished creating about 87 magnets for tomorrow. I ordered magnet sheets almost a week ago, got photo printouts today, stuck them on the magnets, used an exacto to cut the magnets out generally, and scissors to smooth each edge.

I also ordered some new prints (finished today), and a second edition of my Brain Candy book (to be picked up tomorrow).
___________________
Today was my last art appreciation class of the once a week, 5 week Indiana tech class I'm teaching. I picked up my evaluation forms earlier, did errands, and then went to the IMA where the class was being held. This is the first time I've felt 'in my element' teaching this class - I rearranged the info I was presenting and changed my teaching style to allow less lecture, and more appreciation. I also feel the students were very happy and enjoyed the class, and did not want to shoot me in the knee cap, as I suspected my previous students wanted to do. (too much info, too much lecture, not enough appreciation... 5 weeks only leaves so much room to digest info) I still have to get my grades in by Monday eve ... with the monster convention and packing for a 2 week vacation after Monday, this should be interesting.
What else did I do today? worked on a flyer and some work for a comic project.

BUSY MUCH? Nah, not me!

Oh. And a few days ago, I bought a 25 pound bag of CLAY. I have cravings to work in clay, and have for about 2 years (I even wrote the urge in my sketchbook 2 years ago) FINALLY. I have clay.

_______________
HERMIT CRAB THEATRE
the latest: Grünewald is now "PRINCE" Grünewald, as he has changed from his old green shell to a slightly smaller purple shell. He has also found his ZEN spot on the top of a stick. he LOVES to climb. But I have yet to see him eat anything.
Ronymus has been hiding all day and evening in a larger shell (while still attached to his old shell) so it looks like a sort of yen-yang of 2 shells flowing together. This is not the first time he has attempted to live in 2 shells. I wonder what he's thinking... does he hear the ocean in this shell? is it comforting? Is he looking for a larger friend to play with? Does he have SHELL ENVY???
Blake just likes to dig lately.

monster baby art purchase

2010-07-05T01:42:00.002-04:00

While setting up at the Inconjunction show Friday, I fell in love with the art of Joseph Gubocki, his work featured on a table.
Absolutely the most gorgeous freaks of ceramic invention on earth; twisted hook limbs, misfits of nature gone awry, baby faces conjoined with monstrous crustacean bodies and hellish creatures waiting to burn the world (some of them were oil lamps)

Unfortunately he doesn't seem to have a website and I freakin FORGOT to take a photo of his table. GAH.

BUT I CAN show you the precious baby face I brought home today - he gets along well with his fiendish friends (the other babies are assemblages by mother)

ART, Downtown Lightbox, Fringe Programs, and hermit crabs

2010-07-03T20:57:00.003-04:00

First of all, Awesome News:

My work has been selected to grace the pages of the 40,000 Indianapolis Fringe Festival programs, buttons, advertisements and more - PLUS, the work will be featured on the GIGANTIC LIGHTBOX on the corner of Mass. Ave and St. Clair st.... The image here is just a teaser, the full image will be unveiled the Evening of Friday August 6th. This falls on a GenCon night - if you happen to be at GenCon - you'll have to swing by and check it out either at the unveiling or after! The image will be up for ONE YEAR. Huzzah!

______________

In other news, I am exhausted today!

Thursday night, Dave and I finally got out of the house and went to Tru (club in broadripple) - we danced and I sold some brain candy booklets, all was good.
Friday (yesterday) I set up some art at Inconjunction in the morning/afternnoon, went to the studio to work on a cd cover, then we went out AGAIN (2 nights in a row!) to see Slick Idiot with Mona Mur. Excellent live music, I havn't danced that hard in a long time.

Today, we were going to go to Incon, but its too pricy for our interests (we just wanted to walk around and talk to people) and I am utterly pooped out. I'm trying to get some stuff done tho.

_______________

By the way, did I blog about my new hermit crabs yet?

My niece had one, and didn't want it anymore - I thought the hermit crab was awesome, so I took him. I renamed him Ronymus (his prev. name was Pizza) - and after about a week and 1/2, I bought him a 10 gal tank (recommended by the pet store), 2 friends, and other things needed. I had fun filling the tank with things to use/play with. His 2 friends are smaller, one in a red shell named Blake, and one in a green shell named "Grünewald". I am sticking to a theme here.

BRAIN CANDY - weird little art book NOW available!

2010-06-24T15:06:00.004-04:00

GREETINGS!

I am very excited to announce that I have completed "BRAIN CANDY, a weird little art book by Lydia Burris"

This book consists of 12 images that are an expression of my brain exploding in book form.
I've combined sketches and photos and drawings and misc. art and words digitally to create one crazy little art book. the 12 images included the front and back cover - 13 images if you count the opening info page, which is also a bit crazy.

I have 60 books currently. They are $10 each. I accept paypal and checks, add $2 for s&h.

Ths weekend I will be selling them at origins.
At some point, I'll do another print run - second edition.
EACH ONE comes with an ORIGINAL doodle on the back page.

THE WAZOO OF DESTINY!

2010-06-20T00:54:00.002-04:00

Greetings online journal and those watching.
I have not been posting of my mediocre midwest adventures as of late because I have been feeling less chatty. Even my sketchbook wasn't receiving my daily doses of brain-word-splatter as I sometimes go through periods of non-journaling. I find it pointless at times to rattle off personal chatterings to myself or ohers. But perhaps it is time for a small update with a recap of me lately.

First of all, lets start with the small stuff and the now stuff.
I am just getting over a nasty dual layer skin peeling reptilian-looking sunburn on my shoulders. Its fascinating. Now that the pain is gone. ¬¬
Thats what I get for signing up for a small outdoor artfair and not bringing a canopy. And even though I didn't make my $ back, I got to bond with other awesome artists and listen to some cool music.

Speaking of art events, this summer is shaping up to be crazy busy. I will be attending several events and conventions. Just as I begin to wonder if I signed up for too much, I remember that I'm trying to make a career out of this art thing, and that this is probably what I'm supposed to be doing - and I still work less than regular jobbed people.

June 12th - I did have my art at LCi art fair. (where I got the sunburn)

I will have my art at:
June 25-27th --- ORIGINS fantasy and Gaming convention, OH.
July 2-4th --- INCONJUNCTION - Indianapolis - sci-fi, fantasy, gaming convention.
July 9-11th --- Famous Monsters Convention, Indianapolis
August 5-8th --- GenCon gaming and fantasy convention, Indianapolis
August 27, 28th ---- (possible) Paranormal Scare Fest - Tennessee
August ? - possible art show for something yet to be announced
September 3rd --- Stutz Residency Show, Indianapolis (runs until the 23rd)
September 18th --- ORANJE INDY - art festival, Indianapolis
September 18th --- possible participation in MASTERPIECE in a DAY even, Indianapolis
September 11th, 24th - possible participation in the ART vs ART event, Indianapolis

FWEW!!!
Other than that, modeling and teaching have kept me afloat.

What else?
I'm working on a comic, a stop motion animation, a little booklet of sketches to print and sell at conventions, Various experiments in the studio involving abstraction, plaster, pour on polymer stuff, acrylic medium, tissue paper, drawing, snake skin, etc.

- A few days ago, I took a long walk to draw things and people by the canal and on a whim, I went to see where a friend works - he graciously showed me a Scanning Electron Microscope, and other things in his science tech world. (Thanks Cliff!!)
- Yesterday I sat in a coffee shop and drew the building next to it so I can get in some architecture practice.

And I still call myself LAZY? yeah.

Also, I am now proud to say that I am an official business. Lydia Burris LLC.
:)

I think thats about all.
Here are some visuals from my recent sketches out in the open world.

A building (blue line pencil, NO rulers)

A little bubbly fountain thing

some people by the canal

I'm sure there is more that I'm missing but I'm done writing. :)

Updates and Feeling accomplished

2010-05-13T17:25:00.003-04:00

(copied from my LJ post today)

A LOT has been happening lately.
First of all, I want to express my feeling of accomplishment after preparing a new syllabus for a 5 week art appreciation class I'm teaching in June.

I have taught 3 of these so far - 5 week accelerated classes for returning adults... with a huge reading load. I felt these accelerated classes should be outlawed. I spent 3.5 hours lecturing over what they read, trying to cram all the info in, and then if we were at the art museum, to fit time in to see the art.
I have a feeling people walked away hating art more than when they started.

Granted, lecture was pretty much the only way I could do the class, having been hired very last minute, at the same time I got hired last minute for a 16 week class at a different school (same subject) - the second time I taught the 5 week, I was still getting used to the info.
The third time I taught the class, my textbook was completely switched out for a whole new book. So, I had to lecture again, just to keep up with the students.

This time I decided to completely re-arrange things. (providing the book stays the same!!)
No more lecturing over the reading to cram in all the info. First - I'll give them homework assignments / questions to go along with the reading assignment (rather than giving a quiz over the reading and lecture at the end of class). Second, I'll have them bring in images to discuss - these may or may not be related to the reading.
3rd, instead of lecturing over the book, I'll stay with the same time period and show them extra images, provide quotes and other fun materials having to do with the same subject, have a DISCUSSION about the time period - what they learned from reading, what else they know from history, etc. I will sit WITH the students. (hopefully we can arrange the tables in a circle-like form)

FWEW! I'm actually excited about teaching this again. I hope it goes well, because I just put my name down on a 'wish-list' for 2 more 5-week classes in the fall.

______
ART UPDATES.

I am also excited about art right now.
My work load for summer is less, and I will have lots of time to finish up my Stutz residency properly. (I hope!)

Serendipity:
Today I got a letter from Finland, with a little wooden ghost inside, and a letter. This is from an online friend who sent $ for secret surprise art! (See my Surprise art fund button on my website: http://lydiaburris.com/custom.html

) After I sent him art, he sent me this little ghosty as REVENGE. It completely made my day, and I am still giddy about it.
The COOL PART IS... I just started working on an art project thingy that involves ghosts. Oh yeah, gotta love those moments where things in the universe align.

_____

MAGIC.
This month has been full of magic. As in performance magic.
D and I have seen so many shows recently!
Last weekend was David Copperfield. This weekend is (I forget the name, but its someone awesome) Then all sorts of great local(ish) shows with awesome local(ish) and not so local magicians. XD
______
Inspirations:
- Been raiding the comic book shop lately, trying to find the stuff with really good crazy arty art styles.
- Movie - rented the new Sherlock Holmes. Loved it. Loved it Lots.
______
CAR:
Had the windshield replaced for free today!
was driving on the highway when some fist sized metal thing fell off the back of a truck and slapped my windshield, creating a hand sized spiderweb crack. Thankfully, my insurance covered it all!
_____
Health:
Thank you to anyone who sent good energy to someone close to me having trouble with pneumonia. Things are improving!

OK, back to art!

Updates - open studio - art - stuff

2010-04-28T00:06:00.004-04:00

I've been BUSY. BUSY. BUSY.

This past week was the Stutz ART OPEN HOUSE!
(over 70 artists open their studios to the public for 2 days of madness, entertainment and art - this happens once a year, so its pretty big)
With the help of Dave - it was a blast and I made a ~~good~~ great profit!

I made a bunch of 5" x 7" small artworks for the show but surprisingly, my buttons sold like hot-cakes. I sold a few small paintings on wood - its EXCITING when someone wants to buy something I've already made! Overall, I had a FREAKING GREAT response to my bizarre art. I even made a 'Warning' sign out front - something about nudity, strange pathways, ambiguity and darkness - This amused people. ~You CAN'T say I didn't WARN you!~ haha.

As always, after a good BIG show - I am left with more solutions for future shows - this time I ordered a lot of boards and bags - I can seal my prints and originals on paper in these - it looks professional and it will be great for my next convention. Dave encouraged me to order more for the future - it also inspires me to make MORE art on paper - its easier to flip through these than the art portfolios I was putting on my table last time.

Below is a video of my studio set up the night before the show.

----More Art Updates---

After work today - I went to the art store! Part of my profit *HAPPILY* goes back into buying more supplies. :) I got some standard things I needed more of, and I got some new things to experiment with. I eyed the airbrushes and air compressors, but I'm not ready for that yet. Being a mixed media artist can sure get pricey!

I stopped by the studio to pick up my new order of boards and bags (D's bright idea to have them sent to the Stutz - this way they get signed for by the Stutz crew and I don't have to go chasing after it when the postman comes to my door when I'm not here!)

While there, I made a new work on wood - acrylic and ink. I MAY or MAY not seal it with shiny epoxy pour-on stuff. It needs to be sealed somehow due to the ink.

"Storm Tree Dreaming" 7.25" x 8"
acrylic and ink on wood
(available for $80)

AND... here is one 5" x 7" - an example one of the styles I was playing with before the show - Painting directly on book pages.

"Dead Speak" 5" x 7" acrylic on text pages.
(available for $35 - combine with another 5" x 7" for $60)

----------Last but not least---------

Please send healing thoughts to someone very close to me who's having a very rough time with pneumonia.

2010-03-29T09:08:00.002-04:00

This weekend was one of the best.

Let me run down briefly what happened.
- Horror Hound Indianapolis, with huge guests, such as CLIVE BARKER, George Romero, Elvira, Doug Bradley... and then some. Also, this was the largest gathering EVER of Horror hosts - somewhere between 70 and 80 were there - blowing the previous record of about 30 something out of the sky - I never realized horror-hosting was such a big deal! It made the event even more interesting and exciting.

I think this is the first time I've actually attended a convention the full time as purely a fan. Sure, some great promo happened, and I gave away some magnets - but I just let loose and was able to enjoy the whole thing.
To understand the entire situation ~ My mother is a huge fan of Clive Barker but could not be there much to her dismay! (recovering from being ill) I promised I would tell Clive and Doug about her/give them her card with her art images on it. I am also a huge fan of Clive Barker (especially) and was determined to see him.

-Friday - we do a bit of shopping, and meet some cool people. When people were packing up, we saw Doug Bradley quickly and I showed him a printout of a drawing I had done for mother as a get well card, including pinhead reminding her of her 'appointment' at horrorhound... and he signed it with best wishes - so sweet and unexpected! D gets to catch up with Ron Fitzgerald (magician) and I find fascination with Menten's mind and art. Huzzah!

Check out Menton's deviantart

- Saturday we get here at 8:30 am to stand in line for tickets to an early uncut version of Clive Barker's Nightbreed, just recently found and compiled from lost archives. 9:10 we get in line for Clive Barker - (even thought he's not supposed to be there until 12:00) - I bought my travel watercolors/pens - and did some art while waiting. that day (and the day before) he wasn't feeling well, and so he was going a bit slow - and due to (what I think was recent throat surgery?) he had no voice - only strained whispers - But he was genuinely smiling and we had the sense that he desperately wanted to meet as many fans as possible - we finally get to see him just before 2:00, and the nearly 5 hour wait was worth it. I quickly told him about mother and her art, my art and our deep appreciation of his work, and I gave him some items (cards and magnets, and 2 photos of some pieces that were almost directly inspired by one of his books of blood stories) He gave D and I kisses on the cheek and we got a very clear picture.

Later was a Q and A session with Clive and some people involved with his movies - Doug Bradley, Ashley Lawrence, Simon Bamford .... despite the weak voice, Clive carried on and had some wonderful things to say about the industry and some of todays problems (the big publishers are not readers, only businessmen these days) - I was moved to tears! I wanted to contribute to the conversation but it never got to me. - So I say it here!
*If you create intense work, raw, and/or unsafe for general consumption - do not be convinced to dull it down to fit in with the masses, do not become complacent - persevere and charge forth with your vision - be prepared to starve for your art, be prepared to go through alternate channels, be prepared for heavy critique - but be confident and let it be seen - show public what truth and real art is, dont let the big companies decide what everyone consumes. This applies to all creators.
~ Carrying on - the Nightbreed screening was 2.5 hours, it was raw, no score and was an early version - so its missing a lot, but it also includes a lot more footage of Boone, Decker and the Sheriff - The end is different, and for heavy fans, this brought some new insight into the film and the ideas - I am glad I watched the whole thing!
Lastly - we would have gotten back into the vendor room, but it was at MAX CAPACITY, with threats from the fire marshall, - so we decided to explore the mask room (and saw some more awesome things, people and artists - particularly love Daniel Horne's art) - if they keep bringing in so many awesome events and names, this convention needs to expand!

-Sunday. Noon - there was a Vampira Tribute event, with a procession of all the horror movie hosts (again, bringing me to tears - it was so serious, dark music, good lighting...) - Ron Fitzgerald did a bit of magic and resurrected 'Vampira' - and much screaming was had!
Later we got back into the vendor room, finishes our shopping had more conversation with the people we wanted to see. This was truly a weekend to remember - Now I am rejuvenated creatively and I am inspired to do some real art!

See more pictures at my facebook.
only add me if you really want to know how my my brain tastes.

2010-03-24T10:09:00.002-04:00

Last Night's Dream:
how come, when I need to kill a bad guy in a dream, I always get the DULL WEAPON. Last night it was an old shovel. (about the size of a broom) I was able to stab quite well but severing the head was quite difficult, and I swear one of the bad guys was a zombie, because he just wouldn't stop! Sorry about the gore, but they were trying to kidnap damnit. They were going to drug me and use my plasma in an art project.

METAL:
A day or so ago, D and I watched 'Decline of Western Civilization, part 2: Metal' . It was great. It inspired me to listen to 'classical metal' on my last.fm 'tag radio' in the studio yesterday. The station stayed pretty consistent surprisingly.

ART:
Speaking of the studio, I created a work that I whole-heartedly enjoyed. After this, I realized why I get sometimes get fed up with some of my works that come directly from intuition.

"Immortal Ideas of a Dead Poet.
7.25" x 8" oil on wood

I was reading some Lord Byron, and after reading one of his poems about the idea of transforming a skull into a wine glass, the idea that it is better to replace your dead brain with wine rather than your skull being wasted on fodder for worms - perhaps some transference of wit or ideas would spring forth from drinking from it.
The idea of things growing from a skull carries the same idea for me, so I thought Byron might like to have inspired me to paint this.

The day before, I had done another face with branches - just a drawing - I'll upload that as soon as I get it scanned in.

Big Trouble in Little China
"This is Jack Burton in the Pork Chop Express, and I'm talkin' to whoever's listenin' out there."
This movie has been in my head lately. (again) After posting this quote on FB, I realized I'm not alone in this love. I was Joyfully buried in a plethora of quotes from the movie.

Getting OUTSIDE!!

2010-03-12T01:25:00.003-05:00

ART! and OUTSIDE!
The sun spoke to me! The cold is going away. I've twice gone outside to draw!
One day I finally (FINALLY) stopped along fall creek road. I grabbed initiative by the horns and actually did what I've been wanting to do rather than just drive to my destination.
I parked at the fairgrounds and walked across the street to the river, and a bridge crossing it. I took nothing but my sketchbook and some drawing untencils. (and ID of course, so they can identify my body when I find toxic waste and turn into a slobbering creature) - I doodled some trees, and then I found the glory of glories! A PILE OF JUNK by an abandoned building of sorts! *SQUEE!* I sat down on the dirty concrete surrounding and proceeded to draw this pile 'o junk in a traditional maner. This lasted about 20 minutes, as I had no chair and my knees were threatening me with persnickityness. But, satisfied with my exploration for the day, I continued onward to the studio at the Stutz. I believe this was Monday.

WEDNESDAY I was up early, and rather than say on the internet until I had to work at 1:00, I said "SCREW YOU INTERNET!" and took off to enjoy the day again! This time I went to Biglots first and bought a cloth fold-out chair that comes in a bag. ARMED with a handy dandy fold-out chair and Watercolors, I went to broadripple park, recycled a bag of cans, and then saundered off to find a neat tree. I didn't have to travel far. I set up my chair, arranged my paper water and colors just so, and DREW the tree. I named the tree Norman. I now have an intimate understanding of Norman's branches and knotholes.

This was about an hour. I still had time for lunch - so I left for work early - got eggrolls across the street, and then used my new CHAIR again - there is a pond next to my work, so I took my eggrolls and my chair and sat by the pond. It was overcast and chilly, but it wasn't cold and I wanted to enjoy the weather as much as possible despite the wind trying to steal my hot and sour sauce.

:)

Today? Catching up on grading homework for one of the 2 art appreciation classes.

Now back to my overly ambitious art plans. I started working on a publication idea involving dark, dreamy, bizarre things. I need to get other people involved.

Inspirations as of late: Baroque cathedrals, "Something Wicked this way comes" movie (which I have never seen before), "The 7 faces of Dr. Lao" movie (Which I have seen before but was spreading the joy), cheetos, minesweeper, shanghai and a weird mindjolt game called "Glow Cut".

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Just for fun, here is a sketchbook page.

Who am I? BIG ART DAY yesterday

2010-03-07T00:36:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a busy art day.
I had a casual open studio at the Stutz from 1:00 - 5:00pm, but at 5, there was an official 'open studio' show called "One Flight Up" for our section of the Stutz building - I am getting much better at the meeting and greeting people part of this business. Many awesome people showed up, we shared ideas and updates and potential projects in the works. (Thank you to everyone that showed up!)
I sold a few magnets, and a small work. (Thank goodness for internet connection in my studio and paypal, and friends who like my stuff.)

During the day I also got some advice about what other kinds of art to explore. I know the kind of work I do has a very limited audience. If I want my 'art' to be my career, I have to be willing to expand my practice, and create other bodies of work that are more... 'appealing' . This doesn't mean I'm going to CHANGE myself or my work, or that my work will become boring, standard, etc. But, I'm willing to explore parts of my art that may be somewhat safer for general consumption. I also like doing 'safe' work - such as landscapes, still lives, etc - and I've been wanting to do some of these things anyway as practice. Perhaps even exploring a more abstract side to myself, or doing surreal work involving trees that is more... LIGHT-HEARTED, rather than dark, creepy and disturbing.

Yes, I often question who I am - I do not have a specific direction in my work - but I do have obsession, drive and excitement about the act of creating art.

Anyway, I got a chance to explore abstract last night. At 9:00 pm, I packed up some supplies from the studio, and headed over to a restaurant in town called the Taste of Tango - upstairs is their lounge, and last night it was being used for a techno event. I had been invited to do a live painting! This is my first experience doing an official 'live' painting - to loud rhythmic music played by DJs. I stayed till 2:00. I think I survived the day on a can of rockstar and parmesan goldfish crackers.

I was using a 2.5' x 2.5' canvas (30" x 30"), acrylics, brushes and rags. I used my french easel to hold it. Dave was there too. The atmosphere was excellent - not too crowded, not too wild - just a place to get into the GROOVE. The lights were dim, I couldn't quite tell what my colors were doing, but I lost myself in the music - I got carried away on the sounds, and I let my brushes release my dreams and emotions.

"Alpha Romeo Tango"

Hopefully I will be doing more live painting soon.
I plan on visiting more events with my easel in tow... invitation or not, its time to paint. (I also need more paints and surfaces on which to paint... time to sell my soul for art supplies)

I really need to start creating a larger body of work (of everything) for the Stutz open house in April. I did 2 small abstract/tree mixed media works tonight (5" x 7")

And I keep questioning myself. Who am I? Does this question matter? Am I betraying myself to do Non-dark and creepy work? Inner dialogue can be quite confusing and exhausting. Time for bed.
_____________
INSPIRATIONS

I cannot forget to at least briefly mention - I have rediscovered an old childhood movie I had not thought about in ages.
I saw an actor on tv that made me think of this movie - I was sent on an internet search for hours trying to find said movie - turns out that none of the actors I thought were in it actually were (making it harder to find) and that I was combining said movie with its own sequel. These are "Mr. Boogedy" and "Bride of Boogedy!" During the daytime open studio, I finished watching these on youtube. What a blast!

Also inspired by a lot of other internet videos recently. Time lapse mushroom growth, time lapse creation of a group painting, and many artists. Last week it was the Northern Renaissance artists. Gotta love teaching art history!

new banner, goals, doubts, rambles, new work

2010-02-26T23:07:00.006-05:00

Here's a new banner for my site.
Anyone out there do banner exchanges? I'm going to be adding a links section to my site.

Created today, inspired by the fact that I have been severely neglecting advertising myself in the right (right?) places.
Also the fact that I'm not really sure which part of myself to advertise - I've landed on 'oddball creations' as it seems to cover all aspects of my work.

I always run into a wall trying to decide what kind of artist I am. Especially realizing that I may not be up to doing the kind of fantasy illustration I had always dreamed of doing. I still dream of it, and keep trying to improve upon the skills that will get me there But... as I have no singular artistic ambition, I sometimes feel very lost.

Plus, I only had about 1 professional commission last year from someone who wasn't in my circle of friends. In my low moments, this kind of thing makes me question my self worth. People LOVE the work - but its difficult work to market.
I have to keep reminding myself of successful artists who also have strange interstitial artwork work - like Dave McKean and Nick Bantock.

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NEW WORK!!!!!!!

updates are fun with pictures

2010-02-23T08:03:00.005-05:00

This Saturday I attended the Paranormal Scarefest at the old Crump Theatre, Columbus Indiana.
Just a one day event, set up like a convention. This is my hometown. Its not known for huge events, and I'm too jaded to expect it to host anything so spectacular. But there was a good turnout and I rather enjoyed myself - plus, I had a great response to the art!
I met some interesting people and creatures - many of whom will also be attending Horrorhound in Indy. I can't wait for that event! - (even though I'm not vending there)

My booth!

Some folks from Atomic Age Cinema - Dr. Calamari, Woody, Baron Mardi, and Reverend Polypus.
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OTHER NEWS
Different Pasta shapes are fun, and I had a blast picking out FIORI to eat for dinner.

AND, my Amaryllis finally bloomed. I am so happy. Just one bloom then, but now 3 of 4 are open.

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Thats about all, now I need to think of art to make for the Stutz April openhouse. Small things. Perhaps more flat wood panels and mdf. Maybe even small framed work again. I'm holding off on continuing the Weird ABC until after the open house - I know I won't be able to finish them in time, and I don't want to offer them for sale until I have them all together in their own show.

associations, thought I'd share this observation

2010-02-16T15:32:00.006-05:00

as I was studying art, I ran across some of the 'x-ray' style from aboriginal art.

(Image found at http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/xray/hd_xray.htm)

This reminds me a LOT of the animation at the beginning of the movie "Watership Down"
I'd love to ask the animators if they were inspired by the aboriginal art. It seems like it.

Playing around in Studio

2010-02-13T17:56:00.003-05:00

Today was a successful day of play and profit. First of all, I gave a 3 hour acrylic technique workshop in my studio. I am going to continue to offer this opportunity for anyone interested. 3 hours turned into almost 4 as we continued to talk and discuss techniques.

After my students left, I was in the mood to keep playing with paint, so I thought I would post photos from today.
Of course, there is the continuation of playing with paint and textures on gessoed surfaces.
Next, I re-picked up an older idea - I have a work in process which uses a regular story book as a sketchbook. Before, I was using the book in a manner similar to the work of Tom Phillips who created HUMUMENT, a manipulated book originally by the name of "The Human Monument". - Excellent work of art, I have no qualms about saying that I am inspired by it - But I do not want to try emulating or copying it. I cannot remember if I started this book before or after someone pointed out Tom Phillips to me. I was at school in England, playing with image and text at the time I discovered his work. Some pages are more graphic like his, some of them include more painting, taking verbal cues from the text when possible. I have posted a few pictures below.

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Later tonight: Pizza at a restaurant - why? To see a magician friend of ours perform table magic.
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Much more to muse on, but I will leave this post be as it is.

Creating

2010-02-10T07:05:00.005-05:00

I am consuming the universe and belching strange forested galaxies.
It is crunchy and obscure.

Life continues and I leave a trail of color washes, drips, graphite chiaroscuro , dry scalp and expressions of psychological uneasiness.

Where does this growth matter come from? The air? Dirt? Whispers of sweetness? All this strength and beauty seems to make itself out of nothing.

I am fascinated.
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And now for a random photo of a snow face. I did this in January after a light snow. If I did anything now, it would have to be a sculpture. We have a good buildup and it looks beautiful despite my hatred of cold and having to drive in it.

Sidestepping Artist with stripe cap

2010-01-24T21:58:00.003-05:00

Full figure, wearing cloths! I've decided this year that I'm going to focus on retaining, rebuilding, and gaining new skills. I'm tired of creating work purely from my own mind. I need to start working from life again more if I want my imaginative work to look better. I hope I can find time to paint other people (if I can convince people to sit for me)

I havn't done a (successful) full figure in oils since 2004. See below to compare the 2!

The first one is from 2004, and the second one was finished on Friday, Jan 22nd.
It looks like I am stepping into my artwork with defiance!
I'd say its not bad despite my lack of practice - however my exposure to drawing lectures keeps my mind fresh and constantly thinking about anatomy.
CLOSEUP!

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More Art: THE WEIRD ALPHABET!!!
"D" = Devious" is finished!

See a slightly larger image at my Deviantart site - click on the image to see the larger.
There are somewhere between 30 and 40 "D" words here. Have fun looking!

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Other news:
I have posted a few Military photos from 1916, 1917 - 14th Cavalry on Ebay.
Check them out if you are interested or know anyone who is.

Lydia's 2009 recap!

2010-01-03T19:15:00.002-05:00

Lydia's 2009 RECAP!! (copied at my lj as well)

The good and the bad.

First of all, I have to tip my hat to a most wonderful man in my family who passed this year. Papaw Hartman. He will be sorely missed - but despite the sadness of his passing, this man lived a full and wonderful LONG life. He was a true gentleman with good taste and a soft spot for spumante ice cream.

The rest of the year: the one thing that bogged me down was $. I am not alone in this and it wasn't really as bad as it could've been. My head was above water and I had safety nets. It was also my decision to be on the edge of my funds, so I can't complain too much. I wanted to reserve time for my art and creative advancement - and I thank the heavens that my lovely boyfriend understands and supports my efforts.

Perhaps the best month of the year was August. I was awoken from my lazy mental slumber with a shiny colorful SLAP in brain! I got 2 university teaching jobs (just one class each) so I was able to stop being a WAITRESS. (this is perhaps one of the BRIGHTEST points of the year). Finally I could use the MASTERS of FINE ART that I got in England, 2005!
What else in August? GENCON. Mother and I shared a booth, D performed magic, we were sleep deprived by attending too many events, and we had an excellent time with really good friends!
Another bright moment was finding out that I was accepted into the STUTZ residency!

Throughout the whole year, I showed in a plethora of art shows and got my name out there. D also advanced greatly in magic - The local magic community is extremely friendly and helpful!! He performed with Taylor Martin at the Fringe festival, and had an act at one of the IMM shows!

There were a lot of other great things in 2009 - ORIGINS fantasy and gaming con - another art table and excellent company! There were lots of weddings - friends and family.
ALSO - D and I took a trip North East to see his family in Connecticut - a long overdue trip for him! I got to meet his family and some of his long time long lost buddies, which was awesome. While we were up that way, we visited Vermont where some of my family lives. We had such a blast!
IM sure I missed some other awesome things!

WHATS in for 2010?
I want adventure. I want to branch out fearlessly in all aspects of my life.
I hope to put less pressure on myself to make perfect decisions, and just enjoy where I am and what I'm doing.

Here is the first image of 2010!

"The Dreamer"
5" x 7" watercolor and ink on bristol
original available for $30 (includes shipping)

End of the year and works in progress

2009-12-29T07:50:00.005-05:00

The year is coming to an end. I am excited for the new year. I am ready for the mental 'fresh start' although until I organize all my paperwork, I won't feel caught up yet.
The last couple of days have been a bit lazy (as they should be during the holiday!) and I am feeling anxious about teaching. I DO like teaching, and I know things will (should be) fine but I am not used to this much responsibility yet. I realize that I have never been good about working for others, except for the independent book store I worked at before going to England. (Viewpoint in Columbus, IN.) Books make me happy. Doing art and Research makes me happy. I am still constantly searching for the perfect 'job' for me, and I have a feeling I won't find it until I am able to support myself on my own creations.
Lets hope 2009 brings not only productivity, but also a financial boost. (I think everyone is wishing for that last one!)

Moving on to works in progress:
I'm not exact on the size as it is not in front of me currently (I think its a bit larger than 14" x 17"). I started this with the idea of making it like my sketchbook. I let it sit untouched for a few months, unsatisfied with the results. Recently (after realizing my new love of pastel colors and cross-hatch brush strokes) I decided to give it a wash of colors.... and NOW I am excited!

Here is a closeup:

I am enjoying the variety of colors and paint effects.
I am keeping things random and I'm not sure where to take it next. At least I crossed over the first obstacle!
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Christmas was small and wonderful. D and I played a lot of games with the family: Contract Rummy (a traditional fave), Blockus: Trigon, Fill or Bust, and Scrutineyes. We all found good gifts for eachother despite everyone feeling the tight strings of the economy. Best of all, we were able to enjoy eachother's company. I wish we had been able to see everyone - and hopefully we can visit D's family in the spring.
Thats all for now! I'll be working on my 'resolutions' soon.

The Weird Alphabet and recent inspirations

2009-12-16T02:01:00.011-05:00

The Weird Alphabet!
I have started a new series, spinning off from my other new series!
The weird alphabet! This idea has given me an artistic boundary to work within, and allows me to explore my long dormant love of RESEARCH! Thinking about letters, I also wrote a very naughty alphabet poem, but I will keep that secret for now.

The most recent of the new alphabet series is C = Cacophony

"A = Ambiguity" and "B = Blissful" as well as the rest of the new series (sans alphabetical meaning) can be seen on my website under "Sketch-Panel Series"
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Recent Happenings and Inspirations

As its December, I will express my love of my favorite Rankin/Bass Christmas special. "The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause". Its one of the most bizarre and beautiful and somewhat pagan Rankin/Bass special, and it RARELY gets played on television. I watched the whole thing on youtube a few days ago - but alas, I checked today to show someone else and it has been removed due to copyright issues. I believe this special should be available somewhere, as it is so rare and most of the people I talk to have never heard of it! Do not be fooled by the animated version (ok, but not as hauntingly interesting) - find the CLAYMATION Rankin/Bass version. I own the movie, and the book - I just realized I have not read the book yet. Check it on IMDB. By the way, even though that is my one true favorite special, I am a fan of all rankin/bass productions (that I've seen so far) - including the wonderful "The Last Unicorn"

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Fine art: last Thursday, when I lectured about contemporary art, I realized that I hardly own any books or magazines about 'fine art' - I mainly collect fantasy and horror illustrative art - including periods of art history usually gleamed over quickly in general art history books, if mentioned at all (symbolism, romanticism, pre-raphaelites and sentimental Victorian art, and going further back to Bosch, Bruegel, and any artist that focused on darker and fantastic themes). I am hoping to expand my art book collection now to be more inclusive. (Like I need any more books. for the past year, I have had piles on the floor because I ran out of bookshelf space.) Speaking of books, I recently picked up one of my favorite books that I had never finished previously : "Color: A natural history of the Palette" by Victoria Finlay -written as a travel journal, a woman's quest to find the meaning behind colors.

That is all for now. As usual, I am desperately available for commissions, etc.
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Happenings:
This Friday: I will be vending some art at a club event called "Sanctuary" at the Melody Inn Reception Hall, Indianapolis, IN.
This Thursday will be the last day of my very first university teaching job. Its been a tough start, but I think I like it. If I can keep up with the grading.

New Series of work

2009-11-26T13:14:00.004-05:00

Finally, I think I've come to a landing point and found something I can work on quite happily for a while.
People are always admiring my sketchbook and just recently I was able to find the happy medium between my 'art on the wall' and the raw automatic feeling of my sketchbook.
These are all 7.5" x 7.5" mixed media on wood. (also, originals available for $75 + shipping)

"Mental Transmission"

"Conquer Quest Rest Repeat"

"The Secret Garden"

Visit My deviantART g allery for more descriptions of the text and a larger image)

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Get me to GenCon! And NEW WORK

2009-11-23T21:53:00.003-05:00

Greetings Folks!

This year, I went to 2 conventions, but barely scraped by on funds to do it. This year, I want to be ready - My first goal is to make enough art money to buy my table at GenCon. This will be my 3rd year, and I do not want to miss out!
If you are interested in art, or would like to buy something as a GIFT for a friend, you'll be helping me get to GenCon.
For this personal fundraiser, I am offering things at a pretty good price.

I will be making a specific page for available works soon, but in the meantime I will be uploading new images I do - and you can browse my deviantart gallery for most of my works.

I am also accepting commissions. I can of course, do any size/medium you like, but to make it easy I'm starting off with standard sizes and prices. The work tends to be mixed media, so I kept it to a simple 'B&W' or 'Color'. Any other specifications can be made later.
The 5" x 7" come with a frame. Shipping is included.

If these aren't the specifications you want, send me an message through lydiaburris @ gmail.com (minus the spaces) and we can work something out.

I also have the fun super secret donation art button!!!
you can donate any amount of $ (5 and above) and I will send you art based on the donation value or better!

THIS BUTTON IS NOT FOR THE WEAK. ITS NOT FOR THE PICKY. ITS FOR THOSE WHO LIKE SURPRISES IN THE MAIL!
(but you are allowed to send a hint)

NEW WORKS
AND NOW TO the most recent works! If you want something, let me know.

Innumerable Dragonflies
5" x 7" acrylic on cardboard paper (for the texture)
Available for $40 (includes shipping and frame)

Sub Terra
5" x 7" ink and colored pencil on brown paper.
Available for $30(includes shipping and frame)

What do you know?
5" x 7" acrylic on cardboard paper (for the texture)
Available for $35 (includes shipping and frame)

Upcoming Shows and updates!

2009-11-17T09:01:00.006-05:00

Greetings Bloggers!
A lot has been happening, and I've been forgetting to post here!

UPCOMING GROUP SHOW:
November 20th - STUTZ HOLIDAY EXHIBITION
About 40 different artists....!
There will also be 6" x 8" original works of art by various artists available for $100, half the proceeds will be donated to Brooke's Place (www.brookesplace.org), a nonprofit organization providing grief and loss support groups and counseling for children and their families.

Click on the image for more information
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NEW ART and EXPLORATIONS

I will be the first to admit that I am not consistent in art. I do not stick to one thing. I explore and have fun. This quality may or may not deter me from pursuing more illustration jobs. I have been feeling especially disjointed these past few weeks, and as an artist, I'm not sure who I am anymore. I am starting to appreciate and explore abstract work.
My latest exploration involved wood blocks, plaster gauze strips and glass pieces.
I'm not sure what I think yet. These are WORKS in progress.

However, I finally got back to drawing strange faces a few days later. A place of comfort and interest for me. -
A few days ago, I was browsing some fantasy art, and was inspired by Mark A. Nelson - I love everything about his work, but I was particularly interested (this time) by his color sense and cross hatching. The idea of colorful crosshatching stewed in my brain for a few days until I came up with this:

A larger image can be seen at my deviantART page for now.

That is all the news for now!

Publications and new art

2009-10-22T18:16:00.006-04:00

Despite getting addicted to some internet puzzle games this week, I have managed to get some work done! (bejeweled on facebook, 'trapped' on yahoo, last few weeks was 'shape shifter' on yahoo)
Last time I was in the studio (Sunday, I need to go back!), I did a lot of work and started a lot of new pieces. I managed to finish one personal work from my 'Miscellany' series, and at home I finished a commissioned drawing about vampire ducks of apocalypse. (I love bizarre requests!)

But FIRST, I wanted to share a publication I was involved in:
Cutting Block Press's "Butcher Shop Quartet II" - 4 short horror stories. I illustrated the front and back covers, and did 4 inside illustrations. The book is available for $16.99 - Free shipping to anyone in the U.S.! Check out the site HERE

By the way, the stories are really great! I enjoyed reading them and illustrating them.

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NEXT: here is one of my new works from my 'Miscellany' series - 8" x 10" mixed media on 300lb hot press paper.
"MISCELLANEOUS"

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OTHER NEWS

COME See a Holloween Magic Show!

Featuring: Vampire magician - David Alusik (my lovely D), Barry Rice and hosted by Madame Esmerelda Fallendo!!
Theatre on the Square * OCTOBER 27th * Doors at 7 pm
Wear a costume for a $5 discount on the price!
For more info click HERE!

Productivity!

2009-10-17T03:46:00.004-04:00

ART
Hallelujah! The studio is already having an awesome affect on me. I spent over 6 hours in there today makin stuff. I gessoed out the wazoo, I worked on 4 new pieces, I cut up thick paper into six 8" x 10" pieces and three 5" x 7". When I got home, I worked on one 8" x 10" piece with watercolors and pens to near completion, using a reference for a figure...
I am VERY excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. *breaks into dance*
WHY am I excited? Without the separate studio, I felt like I could work on art at ANY time, which also meant I could put it OFF at any time too. It has also been a while since I've been able to work for such LONG hours! Usually I get distracted at about hour 2, and go do something else in the house - but its about at hour 2 that I start getting really good ideas!
I will post pictures soon.

FOOD
I made butternut squash soup yesterday with crab meat. I have never TOUCHED a butternut squash before, but I was CRAVING the soup badly... so I figured it out and it was a success! Now I just have to figure out how to more easily cut up a butternut squash.

THE REST
The Juniper berries are attacking. Run!

New Studio happiness

2009-10-10T00:42:00.005-04:00

Today has been great.
Despite the COLD and WET outside from 2 days of rain, I finally made it to my new art studio at the Stutz building. D came along and we got there right at 6:00, the time the building closes. This was actually good, because it forced me to find out the procedures for how to enter the building after-hours. The night guard controls the garage door for car access (temporary for unloading stuff), and then I had to find the right doors with key-card access after I parked on the street. I've never used a key-card before, its new to me, kinda sci-fi.
I DO get internet - which is great in many ways - one of the things I was thinking of trying was setting up a small web cam and streaming live video while painting.

I brought some more items, arranged everything, and started painting. I worked on a large painting I had started month's before - it now looks like a rainbow that ran into a briar patch and exploded. I forgot the camera, so pictures will come later!
I also stretched canvas on some small wood blocks, and gessoed them.

This is really going to help with my SELF DRIVE.

We left around 11:00 (5 hours!)
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In OTHER News..... PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD!

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

thats all for now.