Easter , art., randomness

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.
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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.


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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.

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.


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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.

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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

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.

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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.
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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.
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More doodles in the sketchbook.

Recent work and inspirations

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.


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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)______. 
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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.
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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

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!

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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

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.

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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.




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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.

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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!


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random digital thing

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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

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.


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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.