THE WAZOO OF DESTINY!

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. :)

Getting OUTSIDE!!

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.