tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82289436892219530112024-03-14T00:58:44.856-04:00Greyscale StudiosMeanderings and musings about art, art related things, and the random muses that come in and out of my awareness.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-70371063389820362012017-10-28T23:38:00.000-04:002017-10-28T23:38:24.998-04:00"At Home with Monsters" at the AGO - Praise for Guillermo Del Toro <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had the unique opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario during an amazing show which I have been super excited about for some time. (<a href="http://www.ago.net/ago-to-present-first-museum-retrospective-of-famed-filmmaker-guillermo-del-toro-in-september-2017" target="_blank">More info here</a>.) Namely, since my last visit to the AGO, when I saw the "At Home with Monsters" posters in the hall after the Georgia O'Keefe display.<br />
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Keep in mind, I've been passionately madly in love with Del Toro's work for years. Anyone who knows me would be aware of my love for the Book of Life, Pacific Rim, Pan's Labyrinth and Crimson Peak. I'm fairly certain my barely contained glee was evident to Alli, my companion for the evening, as I stood in line in the hopes of being able to get an autograph from the master himself. Alas, I was there too late, but I have a nice drawing I can someday perhaps have him sign the finished version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89iArVOg-2QpHuacLrg913knQ9n9mgQJs1gzndxuVJRVSNJTMdUzRZmG8iNLW8PKSh4Vt4F2hD-jMVzKwaK5VAnWnSz0Gwd-_zjCNeSoyRngWFtxsCIxg5S4W0MyojqGLyxu4VX5xsVJA/s1600/Del+Toro+Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89iArVOg-2QpHuacLrg913knQ9n9mgQJs1gzndxuVJRVSNJTMdUzRZmG8iNLW8PKSh4Vt4F2hD-jMVzKwaK5VAnWnSz0Gwd-_zjCNeSoyRngWFtxsCIxg5S4W0MyojqGLyxu4VX5xsVJA/s400/Del+Toro+Sketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_P4LekXctgg4HmngSsU3eAuaih6CXyBHDrNcLweJXDex_DNLlU3ZpxbJ0FX8zKWjxNQwYx9FfzXOlAIsASuBJYw-k7FpVVgXfKALimysGc6uiRXJYSybJ2HEwRw8PCDLSoMgm9EguSFr/s1600/Cimson+Peak+Dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_P4LekXctgg4HmngSsU3eAuaih6CXyBHDrNcLweJXDex_DNLlU3ZpxbJ0FX8zKWjxNQwYx9FfzXOlAIsASuBJYw-k7FpVVgXfKALimysGc6uiRXJYSybJ2HEwRw8PCDLSoMgm9EguSFr/s320/Cimson+Peak+Dresses.jpg" width="187" /></a>The coolest part about the show was that it didn't just include bits & pieces of regalia and props from his movies, it included a goodly size portion of his art collection as well. Concept art for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, original drawings by Geiger himself, and bits and pieces he's made, collected, and kept as inspiration throughout his life.<br />
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Seriously y'all, I WISH I could sit down with him in amongst the monsters and books and just ask for the stories behind everything. (I'd need a TON of tea.) Overall, the show is brilliantly done. The lighting is perfect, and the focus of each section is spot on. I really didn't have enough time to take it all in (which is why I'm going again in a couple weeks) or to examine a few parts like the wall-o-comics like Hellboy and others, and the table full of readable books. Seeing the concept art close up and personal, and seeing the costumes from the movies makes the monsters strangely all the more real, and all the more creepy.<br />
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I mean, it's hard not to be immediately feel your heart skip a beat or three when you walk in to see this staring at you:<br />
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It is also interesting to hear a decent portion of the life story of someone who's been in the business for years. Apparently Guillermo has seen a lot of traumatizing things that have helped to shape his art and his fascination with the macabre. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhX5snjhuaYwK8C7ep9rAf0sTUkhVowwFn2S1GIBh4snxIRZnBu6eXPf7PlDyg8_BW2bit4VRIJ-3KY2f87sdfY_e9RWHtroav6UyWPrKgoCuYKb7cn8WSPM44lnu8xNVmRwPysbZZ8M_/s1600/Del+Toro+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhX5snjhuaYwK8C7ep9rAf0sTUkhVowwFn2S1GIBh4snxIRZnBu6eXPf7PlDyg8_BW2bit4VRIJ-3KY2f87sdfY_e9RWHtroav6UyWPrKgoCuYKb7cn8WSPM44lnu8xNVmRwPysbZZ8M_/s320/Del+Toro+Painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For some reason I was especially taken with the hillside painting, that had similar style and colouration to the Disney's Sleeping Beauty style, though the palette was slightly off from the blues and purples that dominate the movie. Perhaps it's just the fact that the stretching shadows show a moment that's difficult to capture in time, just before the world goes dark. </div>
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And just a few more of my favourite highlights before posting for the night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn1UkOTYVC9hQF576Lnvklt9XW0wbnL3afoRtiCY4xlBRxq-RAl6lkUJyw5QURp5Cp96snkBcKabnPMi-_TRUrKdnB9n2JFsziEEgvumhq6mAU4LtXzQCRrrFGigS7AgIJTUSP5Hizc1f/s1600/Fauna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn1UkOTYVC9hQF576Lnvklt9XW0wbnL3afoRtiCY4xlBRxq-RAl6lkUJyw5QURp5Cp96snkBcKabnPMi-_TRUrKdnB9n2JFsziEEgvumhq6mAU4LtXzQCRrrFGigS7AgIJTUSP5Hizc1f/s320/Fauna.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXXNa9iKhjfm1Oknqw2Ff_zI0y7GbRraCYXWcvOmdYZLWQfDuzoAe-cyDedQ7z1QUuk-2foijJQL1LxcxP2eXNEzbbrfL4TBASnJ3xo8ZhCR5dT4NXssgJx844y2Uo_E_a9MfugcpAbRM/s1600/Frankensteins+Monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXXNa9iKhjfm1Oknqw2Ff_zI0y7GbRraCYXWcvOmdYZLWQfDuzoAe-cyDedQ7z1QUuk-2foijJQL1LxcxP2eXNEzbbrfL4TBASnJ3xo8ZhCR5dT4NXssgJx844y2Uo_E_a9MfugcpAbRM/s320/Frankensteins+Monster.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1CytJqYej9Lb9OYX4mMqn0A9OlR4Su_LozH2YG0tmZ-bNs7ROIlfmazz8JkPNpdCdxNV2FAwCJXDHziifgOKNyzQaccSk7dipxrOjqfDAu61cQWqCOtF4S6Gq54J_tzlpOrzBy5tdJ40/s1600/Kaiju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1CytJqYej9Lb9OYX4mMqn0A9OlR4Su_LozH2YG0tmZ-bNs7ROIlfmazz8JkPNpdCdxNV2FAwCJXDHziifgOKNyzQaccSk7dipxrOjqfDAu61cQWqCOtF4S6Gq54J_tzlpOrzBy5tdJ40/s320/Kaiju.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7dgeDPSQ7gBVtxfa5ro5dI_wUb1ODJ5Ye19VQGjtPntiIJILb_aO4g89eChLBLn4M0YF0FscQYx-terImBDhmj3vT_oUS6_hyPN0p4BIrMbamj2uaIMjDyVgrF8FEwjUJujwgzKF7kDc/s1600/Shape+of+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7dgeDPSQ7gBVtxfa5ro5dI_wUb1ODJ5Ye19VQGjtPntiIJILb_aO4g89eChLBLn4M0YF0FscQYx-terImBDhmj3vT_oUS6_hyPN0p4BIrMbamj2uaIMjDyVgrF8FEwjUJujwgzKF7kDc/s320/Shape+of+water.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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I'm looking forward to seeing The Shape of Water for many reasons, and I'm hoping it's another one of Del Toro's triumphs. So fair, the trailers look amazing, and possibly heart-wrenching.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-20415265795686501412016-09-27T17:34:00.000-04:002016-09-27T17:42:59.549-04:00The Tsunami on the Horizon <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a short post today.<br />
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I've been busy working on a lot of larger projects, and some things that I cannot talk about. (I know, it's a surprise.) It's not a secret per se, but I don't know exactly how much I can discuss openly for the time being. Rest assured, when the time comes, I will be happily jabbering on about it all. That said, there's a LOT coming down the pipeline, and it's like watching a Tsunami of work coming at a distance. When it's here, I'll be consumed.<br />
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Mostly right now I'm just happy it's Autumn. Those who know me are well aware that despite my taking advantage of every opportunity to travel and enjoy, I am not as big a fan of summer as I am the cooler seasons. Summer is essentially good for playing on the waves in a kayak, swimming, or stays at the cottage when I can hang out in large bodies of water.<br />
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I recently said goodbye to the Print Company I've been working for the past few years. It was an amiable parting, and there are moments I miss it, but then I remember how much work I have waiting for me, and get back to the grind.<br />
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This past weekend was a return visit to Hell, Michigan with some of the most fun ladies I have ever met. Yes, it was deeply kitschy and full of puns (alas, we were lacking in handbaskets and snowballs) and it was amazing. There's something about sitting around a campfire on a cool evening with dear friends, drinking cider, and either singing or simply chatting and catching up on the last few months. I made friends with an Alpaca named Frodo, a couple of horses named Jackie and Smokey, and had ice creams as Screams Ice Cream & Halloween shop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGfzzisloBq84H-M0YGhqc9cyLjTU9o4zUFAy2Bk2kmuD0EcvJ1vzJSTNEPawDrGSDRHmdtGdlHzhNtgolNbm2-wlVs_6Uw6kX4TkmAZt0wpYSsjWOPrXKko70f6OTGXdyVkapwhwMIrU/s1600/Hell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGfzzisloBq84H-M0YGhqc9cyLjTU9o4zUFAy2Bk2kmuD0EcvJ1vzJSTNEPawDrGSDRHmdtGdlHzhNtgolNbm2-wlVs_6Uw6kX4TkmAZt0wpYSsjWOPrXKko70f6OTGXdyVkapwhwMIrU/s320/Hell+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frodo doesn't want to be petted, he just wants to sniff. As closely as possible. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbj8pRcip4GE75GSnV8XQcAMyY75aLs07jqRr1fElNsslmKTOWSqfk9bVX4HKG3CBwrrkYsDeurHdIwyDE7puLOTcJCEKrmPDKcfc0ELgkrvWonpyNH_pFSw8NU7zcXn0tVn9h3VvC6tl/s1600/Hell+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbj8pRcip4GE75GSnV8XQcAMyY75aLs07jqRr1fElNsslmKTOWSqfk9bVX4HKG3CBwrrkYsDeurHdIwyDE7puLOTcJCEKrmPDKcfc0ELgkrvWonpyNH_pFSw8NU7zcXn0tVn9h3VvC6tl/s320/Hell+3.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look at all the stars<br />We've come so far<br />Even if we don't know where we are<br />It's gotta be somewhere great"<br />~ Ludo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZu3yWvvNzz9OH_uPwZx0xGKaq1PVhMt3tF41l0SbLTxZrwV3vbymhz8Y-ED2YMC-82TmxbuVL7gf0mhJ_JLaIt6cyg1eX3cTfYHod1AIvrAUGGWHbisLEf3FuepIUTcqs-xAR3ISd1sb/s1600/hell+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZu3yWvvNzz9OH_uPwZx0xGKaq1PVhMt3tF41l0SbLTxZrwV3vbymhz8Y-ED2YMC-82TmxbuVL7gf0mhJ_JLaIt6cyg1eX3cTfYHod1AIvrAUGGWHbisLEf3FuepIUTcqs-xAR3ISd1sb/s320/hell+4.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least they're aware of how horrid the roads are.<br />They are indeed paved with mere good intentions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbO-oJvtPDFahuRGEPdf0HGqRFN-4l2oGHPHMyzwwafGxPxRvcoiXb4_g6AZW4Z34YJchmWD9Jv2zar4SyPu5reIyX8J_Qpt1BQVNyF1vQP03fCgxkfQuXDGUXuG0r0xTER-E8OUPM8n0/s1600/hell+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbO-oJvtPDFahuRGEPdf0HGqRFN-4l2oGHPHMyzwwafGxPxRvcoiXb4_g6AZW4Z34YJchmWD9Jv2zar4SyPu5reIyX8J_Qpt1BQVNyF1vQP03fCgxkfQuXDGUXuG0r0xTER-E8OUPM8n0/s320/hell+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scream's Ice Cream. Worth it for the weird. </td></tr>
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The best experiences are the ones you share with friends, laugh your way through, even the moment you realize there's no toilet paper in Hell. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-89361201756632937152016-08-05T11:00:00.000-04:002016-08-05T11:00:09.133-04:00Dale Chihuly Made Me Believe in Glass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a
double treat at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Royal</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Ontario</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>
this past weekend, with two amazing displays, Tattoos and Chihuly's glass blown
works. For this post I'll be focusing on Dale Chihuly's work. It ranges up there in the "amazing" range. </div>
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I'm pretty
picky about glass blown art. In the past there have been a very few who have
managed to catch my eye with their designs. Chihuly is definitely the one I've
found most impressive. For more information about the ROM display: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/chihuly
(For the record, there was a sign out front saying "photos
encouraged" with the hashtag #scopify - feel free to check it out.) Not
only is the quality of Chihuly's work astounding, but he also managed to pluck
some personal heartstrings with me, taking on glass retakes on my favourite
things - water, and campfires. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic357AhFdBz1FT1qqsgJ_90LN-pU6gq8Sy4H-GnNwLghIUg3tpJksMzyUL9NOXy0XtXzo1jUVowfX3lYTHri1iKUloW3XXnvLLAmHqEkO7qCdKvYYWOWnw0sKNW2CfcH2JqSwpM84DW9wN/s1600/Universe+in+a+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic357AhFdBz1FT1qqsgJ_90LN-pU6gq8Sy4H-GnNwLghIUg3tpJksMzyUL9NOXy0XtXzo1jUVowfX3lYTHri1iKUloW3XXnvLLAmHqEkO7qCdKvYYWOWnw0sKNW2CfcH2JqSwpM84DW9wN/s400/Universe+in+a+boat+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't
know if this was the intent, but the boatload of globes made me think of the
Universe collected in a boat, and a creation story about sailing through the
vast expanse of space, placing the planets and scattering them so the vastness
would be less empty. I really enjoyed the contrast of the black glass beneath
the boat as well, giving the impression of a calm black ocean, with colourful
chaos riding on top. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob_8YTxB_pQHZjgnmMQ7MGgSdkxkQx2cxpyti30Pt2y9t09KkD7wADt541e6rUCbRniz7Ax1bc-SxhueK8_21wiq-vk0IPeP9SGe6WqYEKrpMTm_13O6MYG0-ha7B6K9U25VYGfCpQX9i/s1600/ocean+in+a+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob_8YTxB_pQHZjgnmMQ7MGgSdkxkQx2cxpyti30Pt2y9t09KkD7wADt541e6rUCbRniz7Ax1bc-SxhueK8_21wiq-vk0IPeP9SGe6WqYEKrpMTm_13O6MYG0-ha7B6K9U25VYGfCpQX9i/s320/ocean+in+a+boat+2.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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Or, the
impression of a raging ocean in the boat while sailing on calm waters below. As
someone who has never tried glass-blowing, I'm astounded by the myriad of
shapes and colours Chihuly and his team are able to combine and shape, and with
such vividness and range.</div>
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Stepping
into the next room I imagined going beneath the calm waters to an underwater
coral reef entirely of glass. (Folks nearby discussed a fantasy/alien garden.)
It's been a while since I've looked at glass work that made me delight in
colour this much. I wanted to set up camp and just stare at it for hours, but
alas, time waits for no one and there was still more to see. </div>
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I wasn't
able to get a full unblemished photo of the campfire, but as my camping buddies
will know, I'm prone to staring into the flames and getting lost into
daydreaming and meditation next to the fireside. When I saw this I had nearly
the same reaction. I wanted to just stay and stare, which is difficult to do
surrounded by other onlookers, who also aren't watching where they're going,
and that in itself is hazardous around glasswork. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFxPDtL-85joUxaPIOOks5_Dzydc-cnCLCq0t5wShxGdHh-VG5R7t-Xrv-0iMMzwbh1HUZaUpd0FK2wB9xaejIyjDMLLoMkUc7ES2aTZDRhx1ju7mVYxbeM4v59A9XFGevb69utt3WS5S/s1600/campfire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFxPDtL-85joUxaPIOOks5_Dzydc-cnCLCq0t5wShxGdHh-VG5R7t-Xrv-0iMMzwbh1HUZaUpd0FK2wB9xaejIyjDMLLoMkUc7ES2aTZDRhx1ju7mVYxbeM4v59A9XFGevb69utt3WS5S/s400/campfire+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The
glass-on-glass ceiling was, without a doubt, my favourite part of the show. Large
pillows on the floor allowed a body to lay staring upward and examine the
kaleidoscope of colour. The two dear friends who were with me had their baby in
tow, and apparently this kind of colour is mind-blowing to a child. She went
through the room, and promptly passed out to have, what I choose to assume,
were colour coated dreams.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU18upS2goUbbdYgqMFD3-de7MdepGcMxQmWEOag6pUWCzKhL3xNY1tVQD5maAjl64diaRNo8hbdeLq4TH8gMnv3opNrTrGGR_Qa6SY1ioix1glIj3c8fkhgYoTZQxZN9l2k4G12KHjd4b/s1600/ceiling+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU18upS2goUbbdYgqMFD3-de7MdepGcMxQmWEOag6pUWCzKhL3xNY1tVQD5maAjl64diaRNo8hbdeLq4TH8gMnv3opNrTrGGR_Qa6SY1ioix1glIj3c8fkhgYoTZQxZN9l2k4G12KHjd4b/s640/ceiling+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All in all,
I have to admit to having been enchanted by Chihuly's display. I enjoy stained
glass and glassworks, but his work has gone far beyond what I expected to see,
or thought possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmLMVbxhQM6HNInNEbBPre1LDjUgYzPSf16t-z8lvlrlm3gHVJi_LnHt4U9dZdZFWQwobUlOHyhWf4Nq5tu9LPaUWk01lUvluAOLzptBedlk93o99QZwxYGNXDDX4gfRu_zQCtmhelyPu/s1600/shiny+rock+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmLMVbxhQM6HNInNEbBPre1LDjUgYzPSf16t-z8lvlrlm3gHVJi_LnHt4U9dZdZFWQwobUlOHyhWf4Nq5tu9LPaUWk01lUvluAOLzptBedlk93o99QZwxYGNXDDX4gfRu_zQCtmhelyPu/s400/shiny+rock+2.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-7612451395434907912015-02-14T10:38:00.000-05:002015-02-14T10:49:19.152-05:00A Humble Tribute <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2015 has been a year of loss. With the exception of a fantastic trip to <a href="http://greyscale-studios.blogspot.ca/2015/01/the-shit-saga-continues.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas to see old friends</a>, it's been pretty brutal. The most poignant loss however was that of my old order Amish grandfather, Lester. I got the call saying he was dying during an already turbulent and saddening time. I admit, I'd hoped it was similar to other times when he'd sprung back from the brink of death. I'd been planning something special for his 100th birthday. Namely, the portrait I wound up doing as his and my Grandmother's final tribute. 24 hours after the first call, he had passed, despite my hopes he might make it another day or so for me to go and see him. It was a 6 hour drive, and I had responsibilities I couldn't simply leave behind, no matter how much I wanted to. My grandmother Mary had passed away many years previous, and I had missed that funeral due to lack of ability to travel, so I didn't want that to happen again.<br />
<br />
The night before I left to go to the viewing/funeral, I began the portrait, hurriedly trying to block out the composition and at least get everyone's faces outlined. It was difficult, because it's always difficult to look in to the face of someone missing from your life, but it was also somewhat cathartic. My grandmother's face emerged on the page as I watched Guardians of the Galaxy, (talk about a paradox there) and by the time I was satisfied I'd captured the smile I remembered from my youth, it was time to sleep.<br />
<br />
The next morning was a whirlwind 6 hour journey to the church across the street from my Grandparents old farm, which had long since been sold to pay for his care. Everyone commented on the greenhouses the new owners had added, and the interesting set up of allowing college students to come out and work in exchange for a bag of fresh food. It was still the same old farm. Upon arrival I actually drove past the church, and only realized I'd gone too far when I saw the familiar landscape of the farm, the old barn and the 2nd of two houses, the first having burned down Christmas 1985. I had many memories of the farm, which I decided (mid 3-point-turn) needed to be part of the eventual finished product.<br />
<br />
<i>As an aside: When I was a child, in the 1st house, there was a metal air vent between the upper hallway and lower living room, where I would sit and watch my older cousins as they rough-housed, or drop seeds or beads onto the unwary. No one was in it when it burned down, and some furniture and a few things were saved. When the new house went up, it had huge bay windows along the side where my brother and I would sit and watch the horse & buggies go by, or examine my Grandmother's seashell animal creations. </i><br />
<br />
The viewing was long, and hard (see: introvert hell) and I ended up leaving a few hours early for the sake of recharging my already drained batteries, and the chance to spend a couple hours alone working on the portrait, knowing once my aunt & uncle, cousins & parents all returned to the house, it would be distracting and I would likely be part of the conversation and not able to draw. The photo of my grandmother had been sent to me by request from my Uncle, since the one I have of her was hidden in a box somewhere in storage. The photo of my grandfather however was one my mother took on my last visit to see him. We were waiting for the home's church service to start, and as usual, I was drawing to pass the time. He was very amused with my comics, and the photo reflects that amusement. When my uncle sent me the photo of the two of them, I loved my grandmother's smile, but I wanted the amusement of my Grandfather's face from my mother's photo. It wasn't just because it was a better photo - the smile was for me, or at least because of me. There's something far more charming about it, though it was likely a lesser photo than the others I had.<br />
<br />
I wasn't really satisfied with it, when it was "done" - I hadn't had time to add the farm, but I did have time to finish the faces, which was really the point. I'd grabbed a frame, and borrowed a few tools from my Aunt & Uncle in order to trim the paper and secure it. I'd brought an easel with which to display it, knowing it was a last minute addition, and it would be better received by the funeral director if I had my own way to put it up, rather than bothering him. In the end, it was what it was - a final tribute in the only way I knew how.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIKM0oVB4Te59H0MgjZc8RofzQxkkzlrcKtYjYrYFCOQhiZcRn-yPBeSWxNcH9wIe_h56TwsvJqikteM1h8uKXxK7OeagebsIdrnFsSZOzwkk7fM_1Ns6ZUrVWCOrknjPvMQqI3hg7lQt/s1600/Grandparents+Yoder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIKM0oVB4Te59H0MgjZc8RofzQxkkzlrcKtYjYrYFCOQhiZcRn-yPBeSWxNcH9wIe_h56TwsvJqikteM1h8uKXxK7OeagebsIdrnFsSZOzwkk7fM_1Ns6ZUrVWCOrknjPvMQqI3hg7lQt/s1600/Grandparents+Yoder.jpg" height="499" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's very difficult to explain our relationship. We were separated by many years (he was 99 when he passed) and by many cultures. He was an Olde Order Amish man, with simple living and the same 2 eggs over easy every morning for breakfast, like clockwork. I found it difficult to tell him about my life, because I never really knew how much of it he understood. Breast cancer and copperhead bites were within his grasp, but the world traveling to odd museums, colour runs, haunted forests, photo-stories and artistic adventures were well out of his reality, and I'm never sure how much of it he understood when I tried to tell him about it. Then again, at the funeral I found out he liked onion sandwiches, which boggled my mind and made me think I might have inherited some of my strange food tastes from him. One of my 2015 belated New Year's resolutions is to try an onion sandwich on his 100th birthday.<br />
<br />
His death was not unexpected (he was 99!) but it's still hard to know that font of love is gone. I miss them both. My only... not regret, but disappointment, is that I couldn't show the portrait to him sooner. He was such a tough old coot, I thought he'd make it to 100, and on that day I'd show up and say "Ta Da! Happy 1 Century!" </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-6298753272735451572015-01-20T20:09:00.002-05:002015-01-20T20:09:43.647-05:00The "Shit" Saga continues. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's not a bad thing, I promise.<br />
<br />
Back in 2011, I posted about traveling hundreds of miles to <a href="http://greyscale-studios.blogspot.ca/2011/03/giving-someone-shit-literally-and.html" target="_blank">give someone shit</a>, literally and figuratively. It is definitely one of my more popular travel stories. You'll want to read that post if you haven't already. This post is far funnier if you know the back story.<br />
<br />
And then it gets worse. Well, maybe not worse, but definitely continues in true form.<br />
<br />
For New Year's Eve I decided to visit the same friends in their current home in Las Vegas. I'd never been to the city, and felt it was high time I worked out a visit. We arranged details in advance, and the trap was set.<br />
<br />
Upon meeting up with Justine & Kyra the morning after my arrival (my flight landed late at night) there were hugs all around, followed by Kyra fleeing to her bedroom, to return with a small box in her hand. It was letterpress stationary, with "Shit" embedded in the top of the small cards. This was, of course, hysterical and probably one of the best Christmas gifts I've ever received. She also told me that when she purchased it the clerk behind the counter seemed skeptical of her choice, so she had to explain why it was funny. The clerk was amused.<br />
<br />
So was I, for that matter, both that she remembered and that she had actually gone through with continuing the joke.<br />
<br />
The joke was on her, however, because her 19th birthday was only a week or so away. Her family was going to Hawaii for their vacation, which would be happening over her birthday. When Kyra was out of the house, I asked Ray & Justine to give her a birthday card from me, with my conveniently Shit themed cards. I did a few doodles on the paper, and left a little birthday message for her, popped it into the envelope, and sent shit to be given to her in Hawaii.<br />
<br />
This joke has gotten a lot of miles behind it at this point, from St. Louis, to Vegas, to Honolulu. I'm gonna have to meet Kyra in England or something to top this. :)<br />
<br />
Since I should likely comment on something art related as well, I have to admit I was somewhat impressed and fascinated by Las Vegas. I didn't gamble, because I know my luck and if I'm going to throw away money I'd rather spend it on a show or something so I will at least have an experience and memory to take with me. I did quite a bit of photography in Red Rock Canyon, which I found to be beautiful if a little cold. (It's January in the desert. It's not always hot.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8GUpSYFw1OdBoojtAnvWT-oM6t6uI2Y2zC9V6KgZpLCkg5kdUzgchmqisFIC6YlqXXeLbAP45kd9D74d-RAb3foXjiE3U396NXJz72f2VTLUn3f4chyphenhyphenrwB9L6CzEE_NRm8Xw_gQUMX4C/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8GUpSYFw1OdBoojtAnvWT-oM6t6uI2Y2zC9V6KgZpLCkg5kdUzgchmqisFIC6YlqXXeLbAP45kd9D74d-RAb3foXjiE3U396NXJz72f2VTLUn3f4chyphenhyphenrwB9L6CzEE_NRm8Xw_gQUMX4C/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also got the chance to explore the Venetian, Cesar's Palace, the Wetlands, and some amazing restaurants. There definitely needs to be a repeat trip sometime to explore the Neon Graveyard, and a few other places I missed. Oh, and more Cirque Du Soleil. Zumanity was fabulous, and I look forward to seeing O and Ka sometime,<br />
<br />
The Alexander Kush gallery was also a highlight. It's rare I get to see the work of another surrealist up close, so it was a great opportunity.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-81756982198534284132014-12-17T14:00:00.000-05:002014-12-17T14:00:00.071-05:00Father Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the many things I've been doing is making greeting cards to sell at the day job. Having an illustrator on staff has made my boss so very happy. I did a bunch of funny, clever, and "nice & normal" cards, saying both "Merry Christmas" and "Season's Greetings" but I wanted to depart from the norm for at least one of the cards, and have a little fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLCDow998eStJDtcPYjX5fqTdPVdIZaWAJg-T9MGXLEaMdp3QSGvLmiF8QWu1xs6LMitDWL8KcHLYchHDQkdNovy2HXM8hJLKMxWAx8ZUNjbzTdF1qE_rk5gjhfR1danjn5OP5-Tt-M4t/s1600/Father+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLCDow998eStJDtcPYjX5fqTdPVdIZaWAJg-T9MGXLEaMdp3QSGvLmiF8QWu1xs6LMitDWL8KcHLYchHDQkdNovy2HXM8hJLKMxWAx8ZUNjbzTdF1qE_rk5gjhfR1danjn5OP5-Tt-M4t/s1600/Father+Christmas.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Christmas</td></tr>
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Anyone who knows me knows that I love surrealism, and MC Esher is one of my original heroes. The concept of "Father Christmas" has always been my preferred representation of the spirit of Christmas, since it has less involvement of Coke products and colours. I decided to merge the two into something interesting, and while the photo isn't the best, the original turned out very well. There will also be something incredibly geeky coming down the pipeline, but I won't be showing it off until after the holiday, so those folks who get my usual custom Christmas cards will actually be able to see it first. </div>
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Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, and Happy New Year! I'll see you in 2015. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-63720855359062162112014-09-10T22:33:00.001-04:002014-09-10T22:33:51.889-04:00And now for something a little different...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don’t often post the “hobby” art
that I do, since it’s somewhat esoteric, and unless you’re into the same hobby,
it doesn’t make a lot of sense. In this case I’m making an exception since the
piece in question is one I’m extremely proud of, and has a significant amount
of story behind it. </div>
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The SCA
(Society for Creative Anachronism) is hard to describe to anyone not already
involved. It’s a society that celebrates the Medieval Ages as they should have
been, and hosts events for Armoured Combat, Arts, Sciences, and yet embraces a
few things that didn’t exist in those times (sanitation being my favourite
modern addition.) The society, being run purely by volunteers and the efforts
of its members has a series of awards to give to those who have earned specific
honours. In the <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Ealdormere</st1:placename> (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Ontario</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place>) the
vast majority of the awards that are given out are accompanied by hand
illuminated documents or scrolls, decorated by the very talented artists and
calligraphers among the membership.</div>
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The top service award is the “Order of the
Pelican” which sounds silly until you know the details behind the name. The
myth surrounding the creature is that if in hard times and no food can be
found, the parent Pelican will pierce its own breast and bleed, to feed its
starving chicks. The service award is based off the myth, to illustrate the
sacrifice and work that someone deserving of the honour has put into the
Society to make it a better game for all. (Ie, the badge of the award:) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwp1LUtiPpCyPpECn2OgdB3AZXmnXHl2PmH-mBlodpYTfp41fpPUTWMPxgaFGJdjlQwumm-WuFnGKIfQJrCG9hqmMO1Nb0Y3BA5dmkuWYF4koaL0gl-UEVsOUR-zkENXxov3-ld2NqoTe/s1600/Jocea+Detail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwp1LUtiPpCyPpECn2OgdB3AZXmnXHl2PmH-mBlodpYTfp41fpPUTWMPxgaFGJdjlQwumm-WuFnGKIfQJrCG9hqmMO1Nb0Y3BA5dmkuWYF4koaL0gl-UEVsOUR-zkENXxov3-ld2NqoTe/s1600/Jocea+Detail+1.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
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It just so happens that a very good
friend of mine has been active in the SCA for years, and was elevated to the
Order of the Pelican this past Saturday. (For the record, she is an incredible
lady, and the honour was very well deserved.) While she knew she was getting a
scroll from me, she was not allowed to see it before I had finished it and it
was presented in the ceremony. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XHof9o_xSFva241lI7kUkrA7kj5Aot1ukedU0fl8enNXrBNZerhu8EhnZeLfFH3o_cWxZD7Op9Mb8pWA_NgnRqSTXYyKYTXUl3tVUol-H6_rSIK5gh9aqVCEgM_qlIVau8s_vRTMxGmJ/s1600/Jocea+Pelican+Scroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XHof9o_xSFva241lI7kUkrA7kj5Aot1ukedU0fl8enNXrBNZerhu8EhnZeLfFH3o_cWxZD7Op9Mb8pWA_NgnRqSTXYyKYTXUl3tVUol-H6_rSIK5gh9aqVCEgM_qlIVau8s_vRTMxGmJ/s1600/Jocea+Pelican+Scroll.jpg" height="640" width="435" /></a></div>
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The scroll was done with gouache
and a tempera gold, the calligraphy in Speedball gold ink, on black Canson
parchment. It is based on a piece from the <st1:city w:st="on">Canterbury</st1:city> collection, the Ten Virgins. </div>
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One of the things I enjoy doing for scrolls like this is personalizing them, to make them specific to the recipient. </div>
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<o:p> Jocea had me do a tattoo for her about a year ago, a commemoration of sorts, of a simple daffodil. I decided to add one, despite the yellow clashing slightly with the yellows in the rest of the piece. I wanted it to stand out a little. </o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ok5-8QXZ2nidHLfn6G5kcS2906yTuDKjcikDY3bcwjzxD3fgh1aRQH0Wd63fj7iOajHsNuL1vyn82oknfQOKrmX1wWlXGW-baYVn9Uj4otDoXmtSCGPBc9EIEmvLEjQGzk0tL_67ZMHk/s1600/Jocea+Detail+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ok5-8QXZ2nidHLfn6G5kcS2906yTuDKjcikDY3bcwjzxD3fgh1aRQH0Wd63fj7iOajHsNuL1vyn82oknfQOKrmX1wWlXGW-baYVn9Uj4otDoXmtSCGPBc9EIEmvLEjQGzk0tL_67ZMHk/s1600/Jocea+Detail+2.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p>Households in the SCA are mainly groups of people that like to hang out. Jocea's is the "Rozakii" and their heraldry is the dragon wrapped around an axe. The lamp seemed like the logical and subtle choice, where it would appear but not dominate the piece. </o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmITOS3hr6UuYFJsW-QT3OfiaHcTGy2C6hwij61GL6nLTukLvTSPe-T3D9oCE-Hf05fht0t2moh5lJekTuko9izMeEu7S63tqK2SBQs5tssLUQeyrNKEO0IqVm6i9a_V4jhec_CI3lymvE/s1600/Jocea+Detail+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmITOS3hr6UuYFJsW-QT3OfiaHcTGy2C6hwij61GL6nLTukLvTSPe-T3D9oCE-Hf05fht0t2moh5lJekTuko9izMeEu7S63tqK2SBQs5tssLUQeyrNKEO0IqVm6i9a_V4jhec_CI3lymvE/s1600/Jocea+Detail+4.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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<o:p>The Trillium is also part of the Kingdom Heraldry, and since this award is given by the Royalty, so they appear here. The original reference piece had five petaled white lilies, which were lovely, but not specific enough for this piece.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Overall I was quite proud of how it turned out, and while I know the calligraphy is rough, it's probably the best I've done. (My hand-writing is atrocious, and as my art gets better, the opposite happens to my writing. The fact I can pull of any calligraphy is a frakking miracle.) </o:p></div>
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<o:p>I've been meaning to post more, but most of the projects I have going on at the moment are for Christmas (and it's too early to be showing those off), or book covers for books that won't be released until later in the year. Authors Lesley Donaldson and Ellie Di Julio have been writing fiends, and have kindly asked me to do the covers for their books. They should both be making appearances in October, but don't quote me on that. It's hard to pin down production schedules at times. </o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-22704896348444196302014-04-16T12:53:00.000-04:002014-04-16T13:03:56.152-04:00Ad Astra and Art Deco Insanity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2014 has
been an incredible year for art so far. I'm rather astounded by the projects
I've been privileged to be part of, as well as the projects I know are
upcoming. </div>
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The <i><a href="http://elliedi.com/the-transmigration-of-cora-riley-forgotten-relics-1/" target="_blank">Transmigration of Cora Riley</a></i> has been
out for a while now, and it's encouraging to see how well it has been doing.
Author Ellie Di Julio has been working hard on the second book, and we're
talking about what the next year and campaign will bring<b>.</b> I'm very excited to see how it goes. </div>
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The Cover
for <i>Echoes of Memories Past</i> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6986362.Mark_Douglas_Holborn" target="_blank">MarkHolborn</a> has been presented, and the book is due out any day. I read part of the
book in an effort to create the cover, and I'm really looking forward to
reading the rest of it. </div>
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Ad Astra's
Art Show had a spectacular turnout, and I'm both humbled and awed by receiving
the People's Choice Award for my Cherry Blossom Dragon drawing. It's been a
long time since I've won a major award, and I was thrilled beyond measure to
receive it. (The pencil version of the Mecha-Pegasus also received an Honourable Mention from the juried portion of the convention, which was an additional bonus.)<br />
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<a href="http://m.artician.com/pu/VYSD5BRFLRDGZTD7UZ5R67TIUJGLRQLM.preview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://m.artician.com/pu/VYSD5BRFLRDGZTD7UZ5R67TIUJGLRQLM.preview.jpeg" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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My dear
friend and collaborator/competitor/comrade in art Eric Ray* also had a personal triumph
as Donato Ginacola and the Convention Chairs tagged his air-brushed hoodie portrait
of Nikola Tesla with <b>Best in Show</b>. It's always nice to see someone whose work I
adore get the recognition his work deserves. I've been encouraging him to show his work more, and all but begged him to show them in Ad Astra's gallery show. There is a certain insane level of irony of inviting one of my biggest competitors (when we're working separately) to a show, only to have him win Best in Show while I win People's Choice. There was a lot of "In your FACE/CONGRATZ!" between us when we both got the news.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3lbqaThDEDX5HfOg02OsnCE2SwYWzru6fXlbXv-M1ZPxaE3qLU0wCA8u8Es6Me8uyZmut-Y-3Mn5PukaIn4SlNpisJQ8rXpzbI4R0jCza7CxW3qHPOmWwb2wyUfuVcdrvOniV21Qi6_V/s1600/Tesla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3lbqaThDEDX5HfOg02OsnCE2SwYWzru6fXlbXv-M1ZPxaE3qLU0wCA8u8Es6Me8uyZmut-Y-3Mn5PukaIn4SlNpisJQ8rXpzbI4R0jCza7CxW3qHPOmWwb2wyUfuVcdrvOniV21Qi6_V/s1600/Tesla.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other Honourable Mention went to my Photographer friend Tom, who's Dryad Grooming Her Tree photo stole a lot of hearts during the show. Congratz to Tom as well!<br />
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Most
recently, I had the opportunity to do a bit of mural work for a friend of mine.
He's designed and created his own vintage style "Theatre Room" in his
rec room, and brought me in to do the gold painting on the sides of the
stairwell, and under the light sconces. the room even includes a hot dog roaster,
a cotton candy maker, a popcorn popper and gumball machine with a brighter than
can be believed without seeing snacks sign, a bar with a ridiculously large
beer stein, and assorted movie posters and vintage decor gathered together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pjcrfpQ1RsrdvHWH0Finp7vfQrVIeQm1ghnSG_Mos9gCcdoLLtvEvFsXCJGUjk4P1k2i0SGvBTMx6L77rRLsr8QUcjKJkIZ_Waw7xiUas1IVErcqbQmAO9nI4CK5n_Da-YPsX3K4garq/s1600/IMG647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pjcrfpQ1RsrdvHWH0Finp7vfQrVIeQm1ghnSG_Mos9gCcdoLLtvEvFsXCJGUjk4P1k2i0SGvBTMx6L77rRLsr8QUcjKJkIZ_Waw7xiUas1IVErcqbQmAO9nI4CK5n_Da-YPsX3K4garq/s1600/IMG647.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIwfdz0HycwxBviLcDO-MG6Drzu1YJcYe3AYbfoinIllKebvaHC_1WiUItp4en5KYnL93Oy8rkp_EUVfIXESCvX2DQrd6vH91lSuqcGWFPWmRIpmaxjm5mh-U25Yf2hJFhDGl8N7QRnNu/s1600/IMG648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIwfdz0HycwxBviLcDO-MG6Drzu1YJcYe3AYbfoinIllKebvaHC_1WiUItp4en5KYnL93Oy8rkp_EUVfIXESCvX2DQrd6vH91lSuqcGWFPWmRIpmaxjm5mh-U25Yf2hJFhDGl8N7QRnNu/s1600/IMG648.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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What I love
about the room (besides the theme) is the fact that it's comfortable. You can
go in, sit down, and relax in a social atmosphere without the feeling of
"don't touch! Museum!" He's created a space that feels welcoming and
inviting, and includes many of his favourite things. If I had someplace to put
it, I would plan a daring heist, gut the whole thing and put it where I could
have it. Since I do not have the space, I'll just have to go hang out from time
to time and enjoy it with him and his friends. And Harry, "The Googs" Feline, who insisted not only on "helping" (which involved mainly chewing on paint brushes and cuddling me when my hands were full) but on affectionate cuddles before and after the painting was done. </div>
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The
unfortunate thing is the angle of the stairs and the lighting make it very
difficult to effectively photograph the final paint and design, and I'm afraid
the photos just don't do it justice. They're the best I have until I can go
back with a camera and tripod and fight for a better angle and better photos. I
was just too excited to wait to post. It'll be another week before I can return
to add a few finishing touches and take better photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJsZqlKoWhdmmgQgDUJz6KmjW6Elp4nhkgqKWQNLUSTI8qD_3aQL8oEhaG48OQ2ZUNrQ9ucKRff4OyYkZ4-n5pb18NnGbe8920WygMwkCcgXDQ2VElntGGUmNOGrqV7Z2S8D7owli7nB3/s1600/IMG645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJsZqlKoWhdmmgQgDUJz6KmjW6Elp4nhkgqKWQNLUSTI8qD_3aQL8oEhaG48OQ2ZUNrQ9ucKRff4OyYkZ4-n5pb18NnGbe8920WygMwkCcgXDQ2VElntGGUmNOGrqV7Z2S8D7owli7nB3/s1600/IMG645.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4Qs4HdRDU1voU3lqctOY6kyEYP4v0TNatkXM3-SGo-bh2J0-1Pd52Rn_x9k6yvDlXgrKbHOrFY_Lo4X5mEEu8s52LyiGpEDn-QHgu6bWz2qXzy-tmd7_ZvpJIlmvh8EbOOSOE8_ZPA6L/s1600/IMG646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4Qs4HdRDU1voU3lqctOY6kyEYP4v0TNatkXM3-SGo-bh2J0-1Pd52Rn_x9k6yvDlXgrKbHOrFY_Lo4X5mEEu8s52LyiGpEDn-QHgu6bWz2qXzy-tmd7_ZvpJIlmvh8EbOOSOE8_ZPA6L/s1600/IMG646.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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*Eric has appeared in this Blog before, as a collaborator with the last Sylvermoon Chronicles cover, my partner in crime at DragonCon 2008, <i>The Graveyard Shift</i> comic, and several up and coming projects. They'll be announced when they're ready to be produced. :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0Burlington, ON, Canada43.3255196 -79.79903189999998943.1408706 -80.121755399999984 43.5101686 -79.4763084tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-67973363321688827332014-01-23T19:14:00.003-05:002014-01-23T19:15:45.138-05:00Book Cover Reveal <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As many of you already know, I've been working with Ellie Di Julio, doing the book cover for her newest book, <i>The Transmigration of Cora Riley. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The Big Reveal has been done, after several months of impatiently waiting to show it off. You can view Ellie's original post <a href="http://elliedi.com/cora-riley-cover-reveal-and-giveaway/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Otherwise, presenting the cover!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://i0.wp.com/elliedi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Cora-Riley-Cover-1000.jpg?resize=581%2C800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/elliedi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Cora-Riley-Cover-1000.jpg?resize=581%2C800" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
Funnily enough, when Ellie and I first talked about the cover, we had the exact same idea in mind. The door, the valley, and the space between light and dark. I had done 4 initial sketches, but this was the one that I liked best, and she agreed, as it already tracked with the ideas she had been keeping in mind.<br />
<br />
The background was deliberately kept vague to make way for finer detail in the foreground, and to keep the eye on the doorway, Cora, and what might lay beyond.<br />
<br />
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***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On a personal note, the last few months have seen a lot of change and have been somewhat stressful. Nothing like a near complete overhaul of one's life to send you spiraling into crazy working days, and watching the days go by in a blur. There are more book covers around the corner, not to mention children's books, my own writing, and a variety of events once the winter passes. It's going to be a big year, and I'm looking forward to it.<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-77591338266479505792013-11-05T14:08:00.000-05:002013-11-05T14:11:54.696-05:00The Current State of Disarray<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just a generic update:<br />
<br />
Life has been INSANE lately. I landed a job with a game distribution company, which involved moving several times, (and still currently looking for a place to live), along with the associated chaos of a changing schedule, and having to juggle commissions. There might also have been a certain best friend's wedding involved. My schedule is FINALLY beginning to relax, and I can actually plan for the next few weeks. Of course, now that I've said it, my free time will vanish in a poof of busy. <br />
<br />
My company (the "day" job in which I do graphic design & marketing) is sending me to Chicago for a weekend for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this trip. There will be visiting with an old friend of mine, Deep Dish Pizza, and depending on how the weekend plays out, visiting at least the Art Museum, and maybe a cultural center or two. It's been years since I've been able to spend time in Chicago, so I'll be working and playing as hard as possible to make the most of my time there.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://greyscale-studios.blogspot.ca/2013/10/crowd-funding-art-and-literature.html" target="_blank">The Transmigration of Cora Riley</a> reached not only its funding goal, but several stretch goals as well. Including the Livestream event, where backers get to watch me paint and her write (and ask questions). I'm both excited and nervous about this, since I don't generally enjoy having someone over my shoulder while I'm working, but it might not be so bad if it's a webcam. The next few weeks will see the book cover coming to life, and I'm really excited about being part of the whole kit & caboodle.<br />
<br />
Also back on staff to run the Ad Astra art show again in 2014, planning a trip to Seattle hopefully in late summer of 2014, and beginning plans to go to the Dominican, New Orleans, Europe, and Taiwan in the next few years. It can be done, and there will be related art. <br />
<br />
Of course, the smaller adventures and teensy museums will be posted to Tumblr as I travel. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-61261675119294362922013-10-24T11:41:00.000-04:002013-11-05T14:09:21.192-05:00Crowd Funding Art and Literature <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My friend Ellie Di Julio, author and font of wit, is crowd-funding her new book: <a href="http://email.indiegogo.com/wf/click?upn=COxLcwgAJ21-2FYrG4q4zPGOOjGyqqdOTEXc2413boQeQ-3D_aopJrPEGKhjsPI-2BIvPxDkF-2BF4XlQ6f1BiQhF8CY3mkX-2BNW7b4l-2BcDiG376lRuSCeokTUpFGbwDPM5NcAhmoxvPrgTFJjK6qKHTXvba0r0Mk6hU8adOgtBhYvh3DtTdGIZTv7SDip-2B4uy8CnEywtFF-2FqVS0eQdf4jSV8vVaMxGH-2B9gGk7kojTr-2FhhvNDHb4-2FrUiLiiY28dP5ZRp1PpGnZor-2B-2BxUbU0wIB8omEOZ3uqZhxw2v8XFp6Wu-2BbwZz7mep9" style="color: #ff0051; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://igg.me/at/<wbr></wbr>CoraRiley</a><br />
<br />
I've been a fan of Ellie and her work for a very long time, and she's asked me to paint the cover for The Transmigration of Cora Riley. We're roughly $300 from the mark, and been working on stretch goals all morning. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EjzUhO_2P4Js22i7dhTsAH6xKH2ZKAl5Vzk2qxfkxsdsvRpuk5CnCv1SGqp5LMkIEBTyAH274VZ-HVA6KeExIdyfqswfmTqFlrukd9YZwsz_cYuWdyKpHYeI8YlEk5QDV9PjcZhSm1_2/s1600/20131023055417-Cora_Riley_Study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EjzUhO_2P4Js22i7dhTsAH6xKH2ZKAl5Vzk2qxfkxsdsvRpuk5CnCv1SGqp5LMkIEBTyAH274VZ-HVA6KeExIdyfqswfmTqFlrukd9YZwsz_cYuWdyKpHYeI8YlEk5QDV9PjcZhSm1_2/s320/20131023055417-Cora_Riley_Study.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cora Riley Cover Study</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you're interested in donating, the incentives are all listed at the Indigogo Page. Thanks for reading! More art stories (and perhaps a few embarrassing ones) coming up soon!<br />
<br />
<i>EDIT: Oct 25, 12:38pm : WE'RE FUNDED! Now any new pledges work toward the stretch goals we added in, just in case we blew past the funding goal. (We totally did!) </i><br />
<br />
<i>Thanks to everyone who supported the effort! </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-37176824557852423872013-09-20T12:10:00.000-04:002013-09-20T12:10:03.667-04:00Just a Quick Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A little while ago I posted about<a href="http://greyscale-studios.blogspot.ca/2013/03/torrans-space-mural-week-long-oddessy.html" target="_blank"> the mural I did for Torran</a>, an austistic boy who needed a Space themed room. Lesley, his mom, posted the final photos showing not only the mural but the furnishings which kinda make the mural look complete, since I had to leave large chunks of space to allow for furniture, so the mural actually looked a little incomplete.<br />
<br />
Until now.<br />
<br />
She's got images posted here <a href="http://realwomendrivestick.blogspot.ca/2013/09/finally-renovation-reveal.html">http://realwomendrivestick.blogspot.ca/2013/09/finally-renovation-reveal.html</a><br />
iffin you'd like to see the finished product. (Not to mention take a gander at her snazzy new kitchen. I'm attempting not to be green with jealousy at the great space she and Bruce have created in their home. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-5840982418769800242013-09-03T11:28:00.002-04:002013-09-03T11:28:24.716-04:00New Beginnings <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
So the short version is: CHANGE.<br />
<br />
Everything in the last month - job, life, art projects, housing, even the computer decided to die on me. The computer situation is remedied, but the rest of it is still on-going. I was fighting being nicknamed the "Nomad". Now I've just embraced it. I don't know where all this change will take me over the next few months, but I'm hoping it'll be a bit closer to friends and family. If nothing else, I will be staying with friends and family until I can find somewhere to settle in for a while.<br />
<br />
However, in the changes have also come beginnings:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b9X8hELWB1BfvWCo1FTsfOD1syOVYKj8xjVlVc_bCq_dG44uCTaMXDIvt8067BwaRtFKIa2s7hYvjQGAidTL65Xts7hW0wixWp6GpWXcyMY39jlzANx7Dwv8WxDV123WSvHk2tyo5SNW/s1600/On+the+Table+2+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b9X8hELWB1BfvWCo1FTsfOD1syOVYKj8xjVlVc_bCq_dG44uCTaMXDIvt8067BwaRtFKIa2s7hYvjQGAidTL65Xts7hW0wixWp6GpWXcyMY39jlzANx7Dwv8WxDV123WSvHk2tyo5SNW/s320/On+the+Table+2+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qi%2B0ZRjfL._SY346_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>I've begun working with the folks over at <a href="http://zombieorpheus.com/#/directory/youtube_single1" target="_blank">Zombie Orpheus Entertainment</a>, specifically with writers Matt Vancil and Kevin Mickelson, doing illustrations for the JourneyQuest RPG that was unlocked with 300 subscribers. I'm thrilled to be working on the project, and hope that you will check it out, and possibly subscribe to help the community and media (films, games, and more) grow as a continued fan-supported series.<br />
<br />
<br />
You can check our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVORGr2fDk8" target="_blank">JourneyQuest Episodes on Youtube.com. </a> I'll post more on that project as it develops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qi%2B0ZRjfL._SY346_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qi%2B0ZRjfL._SY346_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1490418911/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk" target="_blank">Sylvermoon Chronicles III</a> from Quicksylver Productions is out now, which contains a short comic collaboration that Eric "Takkless" Ray and I worked on over the course of last year, as well as another short story by yours truly, along with a ton of terrific authors. (The cover of the book is also a collaboration.)<br />
<br />
We're already working on Sylvermoon Chronicles IV, and I cannot say how excited I am to be part of the continuing series.<br />
<br />
I also have several children's books lined up for illustration (alas, not for public consumption), wedding portraits, and I'll be spending a day at the Pet Valu in Kincardine, Ontario, doing caricatures to raise money for their pet adoption program.<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-10521039036115188612013-07-01T10:03:00.001-04:002013-07-01T10:59:15.469-04:00Book Cover: Falling from the Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had the pleasure of working with Phillip Winberry, author of <i>Falling from the Sky</i>, in creating a cover for his book to give the reader a hint of the contents, as well as the setting. It was done in acrylics on an 24x36" canvas, with the wording added digitally later. I very much enjoyed this project, and was almost sad when it was done. <i>Falling from the Sky</i> will be in publication in August 2013, though an exact date has not yet been specified.<br />
<br />
It was pointed out to me that B-17 bombers shouldn't be the ones bombing an English manor, since they were used primarily by the Americans in WWII. You would be correct, historically, but as this is a mystery novel... you might want to read it before screaming foul. ;) The synopsis for the book is posted below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXJNEbFzEljtDLcvddPlQ01wNNKzQHK06VFn97BqDpzMEhrmEKe4uZOw8UXhj-PFWT9pf07Azpzh6Ka8i2MAjmJ0PhI0Ly6u4McXEKLHt_rk97gvn2zfd3E1V3e53DIsLj7V3cJwQhu5x/s1500/Falling+From+The+Sky+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXJNEbFzEljtDLcvddPlQ01wNNKzQHK06VFn97BqDpzMEhrmEKe4uZOw8UXhj-PFWT9pf07Azpzh6Ka8i2MAjmJ0PhI0Ly6u4McXEKLHt_rk97gvn2zfd3E1V3e53DIsLj7V3cJwQhu5x/s320/Falling+From+The+Sky+Final.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When American B-17 pilot Alex Kent isn’t struggling to
survive World War II bombing raids in the skies over Germany he busies himself
pursuing a conundrum with even greater danger:
uncovering the lost heritage of William Kent, his seventh
great-grandfather. Nothing is known
about William’s life prior to his arrival in 1740 colonial Virginia as an
eleven-year-old indentured servant. Family
folklore suggests he might have been a member of the English aristocracy. Over the generations several Kent family
members have tried to prove that belief.
None succeeded. Some died trying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On leave in war torn London from his bombing duties, Alex
meets Lady Sarah Perkins, fiancée of the Duke of Wyeford’s only son. Alex and Sarah soon realize they are
attracted to one another and she agrees to help him with his quest for
William’s heritage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the duke learns of their efforts, he understands Alex
poses a threat to the conspiracy of silence concocted two hundred years earlier
to deny William his birthright.
Discovery of the conspiracy would topple the Wyeford dynasty. The duke vows to take whatever actions are
necessary to see that never happens.
Danger and tension escalate as Alex’s quest barrels toward a conclusion
that will reveal shocking truths.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-24616471482108036882013-03-31T14:47:00.002-04:002013-04-15T19:50:20.496-04:00Torran's Space Mural - The Week Long Oddessy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently (last week) I had the opportunity to do a Space
themed mural for a very special little guy.<br />
To call him a Miracle Child isn’t
nearly enough – he’s a little bundle of miracles. He was born 3 months
premature after a difficult pregnancy, on life support for a while, and 6 brain
surgeries over the years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Torran is autistic, and needs hearing aids to be able to hear. He’s also the
sweetest little bundle of energy, and he turned 5 years old on March 10. Talk about a rough start. <br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
His
parents, the lovely Lesley (who keeps a more detailed blog <a href="http://realwomendrivestick.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Real Women Drive Stick</a> about her adventures as the mother of the mutli-miracle boy and other topics) and hubby Bruce, decided that since they were renovating
the entire upper story of their home (and living in the furnished basement for
the time being) that they wanted something special for the wee man. Lesley
approached me about the mural a few months ago, and I was ecstatic to be able
to accept. That meant staying in their
home while doing the mural, and living with them for the week it took to paint
it. I’m pleased to say it was a fantastic time, and good company all the way
through.<br />
Torran was something of a taskmaster.
I arrived Sunday evening with the intention of setting up my painting supplies
in his room then spending some time with Lesley and Bruce before sleeping then
starting painting in the morning. He was under the impression I would be
starting right away, and in his adorable way stated his opinion. I hadn’t even
taken my shoes off. He'd been waking up in previous mornings talking about the things I would be painting for him, so I guess in is excitement he forgot that adults need things like food, sleep and to be social.<br />
For the record the painting portion of the mural is
done, but the room is not quite complete. There will eventually be a bed with space themed
covers, a dresser and a console with buttons that cause lights to illuminate, a
moon that glows and shows the different phases, so yes, there are large empty
areas but they will eventually be filled with furniture when the flooring is
added in. I will be adding more photos when the room is fully operational.<br />
Since Lesley wanted to prevent the room from being too dark, it was divided up into 2 parts - Torran's "Space Station" and Outer Space. When the wee man is in bed, he'll be looking out through his "force field" at the stars around him.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtG4cVwOG5sgtzxi4r29yMDUjzLpRSY76sMFI3kYVyWiduvTLVM3aBbWXX6ztCdFQnsyZqRnM_mDvxTjWLoy0knCUljbEMzb3Nc3CMuMOSCRHUGUFUroggbzAcVxzT9v3firhwbyQvNYgE/s1600/Torin+mural+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtG4cVwOG5sgtzxi4r29yMDUjzLpRSY76sMFI3kYVyWiduvTLVM3aBbWXX6ztCdFQnsyZqRnM_mDvxTjWLoy0knCUljbEMzb3Nc3CMuMOSCRHUGUFUroggbzAcVxzT9v3firhwbyQvNYgE/s400/Torin+mural+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmH3d1gIBXdisSCNnLONKGoKNzU_g0P-FWNdBHQst51EMgPObvN0Bk55GK7FBAl9z3FUMLLXAY_h2omQfa0-kXYj3KlBbz77Vm_e-sFrwcjqntlEYOeTuPbJGwKMtRFw_iZRmv0f4yjzi/s1600/Torin+mural+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmH3d1gIBXdisSCNnLONKGoKNzU_g0P-FWNdBHQst51EMgPObvN0Bk55GK7FBAl9z3FUMLLXAY_h2omQfa0-kXYj3KlBbz77Vm_e-sFrwcjqntlEYOeTuPbJGwKMtRFw_iZRmv0f4yjzi/s200/Torin+mural+2.jpg" title="Me, Painting." width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Torran had specifically requested a Spiral Galaxy, so I decided that the easiest way to work it in would be through a porthole in the North wall that would be next to his bed, seeing as there was a large number of things to be added in the rest of the room. I went with a 3D look to the outside of the porthole, and opted to use the wall for a space to show objects floating as if in Zero Gravity. I had originally wanted to paint toys, but Bruce pointed out that he wanted Torran to be able to keep the room into teenager-hood, so I opted for something a little heavier and educational, the 20th anniversary edition of Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time".<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6miPap22xlwUm8THFnrbLjme8QDfWPCDfq_a5vcjSTcGkXT5aaZcYdrcNu9_IaEKoFywM1THaYqUUGCK-vXaLMMXoOwehAsg_fT11Jznm5NiACXVyf2KpwZdU7aQzdlOaIfM8ZCFCf1b4/s1600/Torin+mural+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6miPap22xlwUm8THFnrbLjme8QDfWPCDfq_a5vcjSTcGkXT5aaZcYdrcNu9_IaEKoFywM1THaYqUUGCK-vXaLMMXoOwehAsg_fT11Jznm5NiACXVyf2KpwZdU7aQzdlOaIfM8ZCFCf1b4/s320/Torin+mural+3.jpg" width="320" /></a> I also added a floating pen, figuring pens will be around when Torran is a teenager (I hope) and lines in the walls to make it look like Space Station paneling, instead of just a plain white wall. The lower right corner is where Torran's bed will eventually go, so he can look out as his Spiral Galaxy whenever he wants. Everything here was done with acrylic paints, except the galaxy for which I also used my airbrush to get the softer lighting effect. <br />
Apparently the 3D effect worked - the electrician came in and thought it was actually a metal frame around the painting. He also said he wants a room like this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ia-uRWZ6ISMV_yAXAWeGItBwmjNmJRxN2oxL8O9Z4IdoeMylaE-8bQqj54LBXQ_CKtD5CSvaZ7fDs_Kv3FgrokSXIQNm9uFDKJaP7HnUQ-3AYm0DdasfurajPUbRthFGZHOxQd6WR_U/s1600/Torin+mural+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZcMFkEVKPISEpNILAaVKC0G3co9Z1r8UGOie-luopOkJA6QDrxjFdj3d-b0nkixGpSA24U2YHrZ9Cvb7i06XaDK7QkB2eC8yEsbBPBprxG7RTcpm_DP97R5sazovP4f8lqXBEY3WxO3Q/s1600/Torin+mural+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZcMFkEVKPISEpNILAaVKC0G3co9Z1r8UGOie-luopOkJA6QDrxjFdj3d-b0nkixGpSA24U2YHrZ9Cvb7i06XaDK7QkB2eC8yEsbBPBprxG7RTcpm_DP97R5sazovP4f8lqXBEY3WxO3Q/s400/Torin+mural+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail pics of the book & pen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3lAhcYzkqU7NboY8Cp2t3REFuNNXmNRHr0OVROfDz1Ix7PzC5cc1-D9D_GRwqfFZoYuwtBUirxVKUQM8zO9hxfkF2wajZ6mGCkkPVZ6TOFcfUPZlJQhm9aBsPQfKAE64awsriM9yZv7m/s1600/Torin+mural+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGqVPMPWa5NXn7arDBHp2I61hJDl0qgvtxKDcQuqgmDMmwP3kmYS7EyvTOUlqzSydY3a9NTH6d-uY8FxpYkGq5wgcDyD6nyf1xcmQGpM2VUcSMGvXez8V2Ux_L9RHVS-WJU6RNCwZ4_K9/s1600/Torin+mural+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGqVPMPWa5NXn7arDBHp2I61hJDl0qgvtxKDcQuqgmDMmwP3kmYS7EyvTOUlqzSydY3a9NTH6d-uY8FxpYkGq5wgcDyD6nyf1xcmQGpM2VUcSMGvXez8V2Ux_L9RHVS-WJU6RNCwZ4_K9/s200/Torin+mural+12.jpg" width="107" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturn & Comet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFl2eoiokFWt37dd0qmueFKUB2x9vW7YmlDq6vg0hhsX96Nmy4lUN5VCPGxUryxVu4bl47m5hojVdVEBQ_GOsaPo0BGz-eX07wBA4f3myu83heYEWUYF10QO2sPJb_SKJamWwMvNsHBCb/s1600/Torin+mural+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFl2eoiokFWt37dd0qmueFKUB2x9vW7YmlDq6vg0hhsX96Nmy4lUN5VCPGxUryxVu4bl47m5hojVdVEBQ_GOsaPo0BGz-eX07wBA4f3myu83heYEWUYF10QO2sPJb_SKJamWwMvNsHBCb/s200/Torin+mural+13.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nebula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The East wall contained a closet, and a little alcove area where the
door opened. Since the wall is going to be primarily shelving over the
bed and shelves in the closet, that area got spackled with stars, but
otherwise left alone. The alcove on the other hand was prime territory for Haley's Comet, Saturn, and a Nebula. The comet and the Nebula (also a special request from Torran) were done with a combination of airbrush and acrylic paint. Saturn was in an odd place, for a reason to be discussed in the South portion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdo1ZMxGeRei-8tzpzGcNpVUgOp5O8jw7Bt9JwemT6Klksm50u044ovqfFwcG34X-VbOs-IJnywJxBBv4fIHMRcnhmCMmj2umdnCISj5qyOZoOGhAOzGxIBSG-OcTMGffPTOmb9yNkQeX/s1600/Torin+mural+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdo1ZMxGeRei-8tzpzGcNpVUgOp5O8jw7Bt9JwemT6Klksm50u044ovqfFwcG34X-VbOs-IJnywJxBBv4fIHMRcnhmCMmj2umdnCISj5qyOZoOGhAOzGxIBSG-OcTMGffPTOmb9yNkQeX/s320/Torin+mural+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The South wall was the most involved part of the mural, as it required a
large amount of research and detail. For one, Torran is flying his own
little shuttle called the "Valeryan", a name he chose himself. I enjoyed
doing a little portraiture of him for this, and he seemed to also enjoy
it. All the planets and constellations on this wall are aligned exactly
as they were on the day of Torran's birth (thank you Google Sky Map
Time Traveler), though obviously not to scale - that wouldn't be a
particularly impressive mural. ;) Commander Hadfield, who took over
command of the International Space Station a couple of weeks ago is
waving out at Torran from the space station. As an aside, I DID try to
get a few words of encouragement from Cmdr. Hadfield, but due to his super busy schedule, I was unable to do so. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxB4-d2qn746ITDH1er82mOGGVeb0Ow5zV7evBszeZsl-qNvLb62aGtAEEN-9S6bvTOOzT_JWyXU0vyrQWjhFghUvBSxhamCNC1E75q3bDr5axQF3wUmUpRQVOXa5EWEU-l24vhGqtGgu/s1600/Torin+mural+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxB4-d2qn746ITDH1er82mOGGVeb0Ow5zV7evBszeZsl-qNvLb62aGtAEEN-9S6bvTOOzT_JWyXU0vyrQWjhFghUvBSxhamCNC1E75q3bDr5axQF3wUmUpRQVOXa5EWEU-l24vhGqtGgu/s320/Torin+mural+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
However, the lovely PR people I spoke with offered to send Torran a
"Mission souvenir" package, so with luck in a week or so he'll receive a small package, probably including a mission patch and some information on what Cmdr. Hadfield is doing on the Station, besides Twittering to folks, playing his guitar, and running things like a boss.<br />
And of course, no Space Mural would be complete without a shuttle from NASA. I chose Discovery, since it was the last US/Cdn.shuttle to fly in Torran's lifetime.(At least, the last shuttle of those that were flying in the last 20 years. With luck there will be new ones for him to see in the next few years. <br />
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One of Torran's other requests (and the one he talked about most mornings leading up to my arrival on scene) was the Canada Arm. I had originally considered putting it on the Discovery, or the International Space Station, but where's the fun in that? So I attached it to Torran's own Station, where he can "control" the arm, using the console to be built and added at the foot of his bed. It will light up when buttons are pushed, and give him some really fun play/pretend time.<br />
I put his station within orbit of Planet Earth, and put the planet within view, with a tiny little white dot marking Toronto's location so he can always find his way home. I also added a satellite, orbiting earth, to help communications along, or so he can get decent Wi-Fi in space, take your pick. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLeSNzfkCJnhhjxXwjeSWH8F-nLfIeHr4WQujNxq7iu0XCYqt61lLuq2YDtj1OsxktbP5vHIrPO4XIgaM2j-m2f_GSbr51YMArOabcdH9gbggwkVKu3kR3j438yn5hza7R4HKwkyRdQIt/s1600/Torin+mural+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLeSNzfkCJnhhjxXwjeSWH8F-nLfIeHr4WQujNxq7iu0XCYqt61lLuq2YDtj1OsxktbP5vHIrPO4XIgaM2j-m2f_GSbr51YMArOabcdH9gbggwkVKu3kR3j438yn5hza7R4HKwkyRdQIt/s200/Torin+mural+9.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
Jupiter was unfortunately very far down on the Sky Map, so it's been squeezed into the one area not to be covered by the drawers that will eventually go in that corner, but still within view of the station. A couple other things will soon be added - an illuminated moon that will be remotely controlled, showing the different phases and providing a nightlight for the wee man. (I think I may have to get one too - it's pretty sweet). <br />
I also spent some time with the star constellations, and will eventually be providing Lesley with a star map, with planet names and lines connecting the stars to form Aquarius and surrounding constellations so she can show Torran where they are. (A few stars might have been covered by the ISS and Discovery.)<br />
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The Earth, Jupiter, and part of the Canada Arm are actually on the West Wall, along with the window and the eventual control console. Rather than try to omit the window, I worked it in as a "monitor", labelled Earth, so Torran could see the weather at home. The magnetic board that Lesley installed below the window will soon have Torran's instructions from Mission Control, including his morning routine and things he needs to remember to start his day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBZvWTz2jB8y3o3PakKr38nKspYUOZ89DVLbUlOgyRG6n47AhZhy_z8sMm_DNNMXKfFEIpvPpiACeiRm_AO_8pmGLQrDLnD8hwWdk5dwXrG3P_w6oyCFThpGtw-wHXOEbUAQSllFx29gM/s1600/Torin+mural+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBZvWTz2jB8y3o3PakKr38nKspYUOZ89DVLbUlOgyRG6n47AhZhy_z8sMm_DNNMXKfFEIpvPpiACeiRm_AO_8pmGLQrDLnD8hwWdk5dwXrG3P_w6oyCFThpGtw-wHXOEbUAQSllFx29gM/s320/Torin+mural+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Over where the foot of his bed and the control console will be I added a monitor screen showing the Mars Rover, something else he can remotely control while pretending he's in space. I am especially proud of this piece, as a few people on Facebook and G+ thought it was an actual photo at first. I didn't attempt do go for full detail (it would have taken another week of painting) so I went with a slightly stylized approach, which worked out wonderfully. Below this is where the light up control board will go, with the possible additions of a couple more screens, depending on the size of the board. (It's still in the works, and all that.)<br />
And of course, no mural is complete without "Easter Eggs", which is highly serendipitous since I finished the painting the day before Easter.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibumqGXQ09zqN4Uo6GUaygJDQHqk1P1AvZLyuFkDtcmVA6dflCjXIXxNFEdYlSQbmOmNq-BWoNEBV6v43xPTAv7e3gU60511G0TNMvja3Qg75iX6J7npx2Rnttc8nURH4WjtvhK-CO99cP/s1600/Torin+mural+16+Easter+Egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibumqGXQ09zqN4Uo6GUaygJDQHqk1P1AvZLyuFkDtcmVA6dflCjXIXxNFEdYlSQbmOmNq-BWoNEBV6v43xPTAv7e3gU60511G0TNMvja3Qg75iX6J7npx2Rnttc8nURH4WjtvhK-CO99cP/s400/Torin+mural+16+Easter+Egg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Eggs, hidden within the Mural </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Near Earth, a small 1950's Pulp Classic UFO circles the Earth, probably creating crop circles in some poor farmer's field, or annoying the people at Area 51 which officially doesn't exist. The X-wing is hanging out just below the Discovery shuttle, while the Tie-fighter is handing out by the International Space Station and lightswitch. The Serenity Firefly Class model can be seen just to the right of Mars, and the Enterprise is jetting away from the nebula on the corner of the closet wall. There's also a B5 Shadow vessel hanging out in the Nebula, but it didn't show up in my photos. Why are they there? I might just be a geek. :) My hope is that one day Torran will watch those shows and movies and perhaps recognize the tiny spaceships on his wall. <br />
I will be returning to the house to add a monogram for Lesley and Bruce in a week or so, but I already miss being there. It was great company all week long, and such an incredible project to be able to do for such a special little guy, not to mention having the chance to put in the research to make it somewhat astro-accurate, and something that Torran will hopefully enjoy for years.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0Etobicoke, Toronto, ON, Canada43.6204946 -79.513198343.4367351 -79.8359218 43.8042541 -79.1904748tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-10002357539423239412013-03-12T20:49:00.000-04:002013-03-12T20:50:37.504-04:00Poor Man's Fight <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently I had the honour and privilege of working with Elliott Kay, author of "Poor Man's Fight", a dark future Science Fiction novel (available on Amazon). He wanted something a little different than the usual "space ship or planet" background a lot of Sci-Fi novels seem to sport these days, so we went with something a little less vast and a little more intimate. The idea was to focus less on the "space" aspect, and more on the intimate details that would tell part of the story without revealing too much. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3kF-0MOqWrU2ChtO3B2ZlIfUv5TIVBBkRASgnlu6CYSYChNUth-wUsIIFQZa_NczUrUsGVyJBgujpktfnI-LSiEfOR165K3m516XMLVd_EqrxaFlgbDAx1Q11rumpdekThpIME7qBgbx/s1600/Poor+Mans+Fight+Cover+TXT+Med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3kF-0MOqWrU2ChtO3B2ZlIfUv5TIVBBkRASgnlu6CYSYChNUth-wUsIIFQZa_NczUrUsGVyJBgujpktfnI-LSiEfOR165K3m516XMLVd_EqrxaFlgbDAx1Q11rumpdekThpIME7qBgbx/s320/Poor+Mans+Fight+Cover+TXT+Med.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Elliott liked the style I had used for my fan drawing of Boba Fett, so I went with the same media, and cooler colours to reflect the isolated feel. It was a fun project, and I look forward to working with Elliott again.<br />
<br />
The next project is one I have been looking forward to for months, also involving Space. I'll be doing a mural focused on Space, and different aspects of human interaction with the vastness that is our universe, for a 6 year old autistic boy. The Mars Rover, the International Space Station, the Discovery shuttle (the last to fly within the boy's lifetime) and with the pending permission, I intend to add in references to different Sci-fi series, like Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon 5. It's going to be pretty darn epic. I'll be doing a special post with all the stories behind the different aspects when it's done in 3 weeks. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-49257288617021730422012-08-26T10:55:00.001-04:002013-04-15T19:47:05.269-04:00Achievement Unlocked: Decade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
was sitting around with my Waterloo friends last night having a good time
singing and talking about the myriad of things that come to mind late at night
(sans alcohol, since I had to drive home, though most of the others were pretty
tipsy). One of the things that came up was the stories behind the drawings I
do. I learned a few things, that I had not known previously, and got better
explanations for other things, like subtleties that I had not picked up on.
(Subtleties are in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Italics</i>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why My Art Hanging in the
Bathroom is a Compliment: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several
years ago my friends picked up on the idea of caricatures for gifts for each
other for birthdays. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Strictly birthdays</i>
- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christmas, and other holidays don’t
apply.</i> Ian was the first to receive one, and had adored it, either due to
the sheer number of inside jokes worked into the scene, or the fact that he’s
slightly vain and totally enjoyed having a unique image of himself as a pirate.
Either way, it was promptly hung in the powder room adjoining the kitchen. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPjxSBgKbN1qlN-7jmjbb2C2tMoGwPSHdpDBeD6n1NZZBq3nIekfvyGwB82iPT0EbRnoEfE65jlrY0asSxwKTrg_YoQPCbzaYv3oWBX3Om6A-ytXqT2VIWDoP36BYZ0JxFgB_7Ym24jeb/s1600/Captain+Salty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPjxSBgKbN1qlN-7jmjbb2C2tMoGwPSHdpDBeD6n1NZZBq3nIekfvyGwB82iPT0EbRnoEfE65jlrY0asSxwKTrg_YoQPCbzaYv3oWBX3Om6A-ytXqT2VIWDoP36BYZ0JxFgB_7Ym24jeb/s320/Captain+Salty.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What I didn’t know was that sparked an
argument between Ian, (Captain Salty, of the Lost Trousers), and the mastermind Gin. Gin pointed out
that I was likely to be upset that my hard work had been hung in the bathroom,
while Ian pointed out that to him it was a place of honour. The argument was
short-lived since I was due to arrive any time, and the other party guests
needed tending to as well. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>I arrived at the house and
predictably used the powder room after a few drinks. I saw the drawing and I
admit, I was somewhat disappointed – I had hoped at very least for a hallway.
When I finished I found Gin in the kitchen and made a verbal note of my
disappointment. Ian and I had never been close friends, but I admit to having
hoped it might have been at least a “little” important to him. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gin
was (of course) horrified that I felt that way and proceeded to explain Ian’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">actual </i>reasoning for the placement. <i>Since she had only just had the exact same conversation with him.</i> To
him it was a place of honour. It meant that he would look at it at least four
or five times a day, and then be able to step to the right and see himself
again in the mirror. Since it had not occurred to the women (since we don’t pee
facing the toilet normally) that this placement would be ideal. He wanted to
see it, and often, so he put it in a place he would never miss it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Last night, Ian re-iterated his choice, though his currently hangs on the living room wall with Gin's caricature, the latest in the series. Luke pointed out that it was
awesome in the bathroom, however the sight of Kujo (Ian’s cat) being tied to the prow as the
figurehead of the pirate ship looking pissed off always made him giggle which
made it harder to aim while answering the call of nature, it's really better this way. Note to the boys out
there – I understand it’s a place of honour now, however, if you want to be
kind to the women and germophobes who might be using that room… place something
less funny on the wall so your aim is true. (And for the record, Kujo is almost always pissy, and no cats were actually soaked in the making of this caricature.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Achievement Unlocked: Decade </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
The subject of Gin’s son Kael,
who will be 10 in March, came up. I was boggled and very amused by his
concept of how caricatures work. The system we use for determining whom gets
the next caricature (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">which is mainly who’s
birthday is up next?) </i>was a mystery to him, so he had somehow come up with
his own system. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Apparently, Kael believes
that when you accomplish something big, you get your caricature done by
Desiree. </i>He couldn’t say what the achievement was, just that you had to do
something special or accomplish something to earn it. Surviving to your next birthday
is really the only real requirement, (or so it’s been for the adults) and it’s
flattering and endearing to think that this nearly-10-year-old has decided that
it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">important.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Since his 10<sup>th</sup> is
coming up in March, and they had brought up the subject about having his
caricature done, I have lots of time to prepare for it. It WILL include the
words “achievement unlocked: Decade” on it, for the video game crazy boy who
thinks my retired dad is amazing for having beaten Skyrim twice. What else will
be in the image? We’re working on it – the boy really does have terrific
parents, who encourage him to find new hobbies, go fishing, and learn as much
as possible, which means he does *everything* a child can do, which means there’s
a large amount of subject matter from to which to choose.<br />
<br />
Edit, March 31, 2013: Kael's birthday arrived, and here's the finished result.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eDIcdee9hoeIxF2LemDyVJwOZAcWgpRExxl-__UuY-8t78W8ngK7A006thOqEV9h09Y5Bi42NWObSz9FX27L_oufmlr2eIoCmr1sr7ZW6uRzZMcAUiP6wn8E6py35AMWeAjDTnnXyC9/s1600/Kael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eDIcdee9hoeIxF2LemDyVJwOZAcWgpRExxl-__UuY-8t78W8ngK7A006thOqEV9h09Y5Bi42NWObSz9FX27L_oufmlr2eIoCmr1sr7ZW6uRzZMcAUiP6wn8E6py35AMWeAjDTnnXyC9/s320/Kael.jpg" width="255" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kaelwas happy to get his "Decade Unlocked" caricature, and I think mostly impressed because he's riding a shark with his dog going along for the ride. Family unit is now also complete with 1 caricature per person. </div>
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-67031859355583396662012-08-23T21:54:00.000-04:002012-08-26T11:13:10.623-04:00Muses: Human, and otherwise.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's hard to find a good Muse these days. They tend to be fickle. <br />
It's not that I have a lack of ideas (I have sketchbooks *full* to the brim of ideas of things I will eventually have time to paint or create) but occasionally people need or want things that result in me needing to find new ideas. My inhuman Muses tend to be things having to do with water. Several years ago I invested in a set of the children's shower soap crayons, since ideas tend to hit me while I'm showering, and if I don't write it down on the stile walls, I will be distracted by dog or human when leaving the bathroom, and risk forgetting the idea. I keep desktop fountains in my office, and run them when I'm feeling creative. I occasionally pop by Niagara Falls, just to hear the constant thunder of millions of gallons of water flowing over a cliff, (which is by the way, truly awesome in all senses of the word) and I have fantastic ideas while I'm there.<br />
As far as the human Muses go... they're a whole other bundle of fun. I have a few I have named My Muses, as they tend to be the ones I spend a lot of time with either talking or socializing, and it's when we're talking that the creative juices start to flow. There's a group in Waterloo Ontario that tend to have that effect, though it happens more often after beer and vodka have been introduced. More than once I've walked away kicking myself for not having a digital recorder on me during the discussion.<br />
Once of the difficult things I find in art is when someone I don't know tickles my Muse. It's hard to walk up to someone with a face full of character and say "I want to draw you", since I imagine it can either be very flattering, or sound VERY creepy. I have the advantage of being a harmless looking woman, so I can push that line a little bit, but I'm aware some folks tend to find it creepy regardless.<br />
Recently I had someone ask me if listening to his music compositions would inspire or speak to me. I had to tell him honestly, no. Music rarely speaks to me in a way that I can translate into a visual image. There are a few pieces, but normally that's not where my inspiration comes from, and I almost feel like a freak among artists in that regard. Music will tickle my musicality, and I certainly can appreciate everything from an Aria to death metal/celtic fusion, I'm just not generally inclined to draw based on it. I'm more inclined to sing in that case. <br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-43682540527520348652012-08-08T21:48:00.000-04:002014-04-16T12:55:34.669-04:00My Silly Geek Hobby.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We all have our hobbies. Being an artist, I'm entitled to all kinds of weird hobbies, though I do limit it to things not in danger of getting me arrested, sick, or maimed. One of my personal hobbies (within the realm of fandom) is getting autographed pictures of my favourite icons and actors. Not just any pictures: Portraits. It's something unique for me. And no, they aren't something I resell. They're MINE.<br />
<br />
Most recently I was fortunate enough to be able to make it to Toronto to see the <a href="http://www.thebloggess.com/" target="_blank">Bloggess</a>, aka Jenny Lawson, in person. I have only recently started reading her blog (maybe 6 months ago) and already I'm in love with her writing, and her book. So I did a drawing of her, and asked her to sign it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTJMfJpE0WNWj2iPUYVT0C3P1UWPsPvlkWCvFen3oqbBOuBNUF56ypOh_eXfF6ISYWrGfUVp1XXVU9yzYJvRpCeiEa96jtxHGZ3ro1LsrGTQU4r-8cPqPCNupQ4d86Fikt8DY-xIcEqZj/s1600/Bloggess+Portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTJMfJpE0WNWj2iPUYVT0C3P1UWPsPvlkWCvFen3oqbBOuBNUF56ypOh_eXfF6ISYWrGfUVp1XXVU9yzYJvRpCeiEa96jtxHGZ3ro1LsrGTQU4r-8cPqPCNupQ4d86Fikt8DY-xIcEqZj/s320/Bloggess+Portrait.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Bloggess, Pencil (c) 2012 Desiree </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Her reaction was mainly silence for a good 30 seconds. Some famous folks have seen other portraits (I'm sure I'm not the only geek that does this) and had fairly neutral reactions. Jenny seemed stunned and genuinely touched by the art. Once her voice returned she asked for a copy, which I promptly emailed tonight. It's now safely tucked away with Linda Hamilton and Wil Wheaton. When I have a house with lots of walls, I'll be framing them all and putting them up so I can say "I totally met all these people and enjoyed it because Iiiiii'm a geek." </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-32966280427959264702012-07-23T12:23:00.000-04:002012-07-23T12:23:57.254-04:00Random Zombies and Shaking with EmotionIt's been a good weekend for art-related shenanigans. And one of the better birthday celebrations I've had in a while. (No, I'm not telling you how old I am. That would be telling.)<br />
<br />
<b>BRAINS! </b><br />
<br />
The first incident involved zombies. My friend Smash and I were out shopping, and on our way back to her Jeep, we ran across a van that had several bumper stickers that made us giggle. Besides the zombie flavoured family member decals on the back windshield as is the modern trend, they had such bumper stickers as "You're my friend, but if we're running from zombies, I'm totally tripping you." We giggled, and moved on. When we got to the Jeep the idea formed that we should leave a note to let them know how much we appreciated their geekery.<br />
<br />
I took out some paper (never without the sketchbook) and proceeded to draw little zombies versions of myself and Ash as zombies with the phrase "Sorry we missed you, eat you later!" over the cartoons. We tucked it into the windshield of the van, then wrote "BRAINS!" in the dust on the back windshield. Here's hoping that whoever owned the van had a good chuckle when they returned. <br />
<br />
<b>Special Requests (*Full story below): </b><br />
<br />
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I
also had an advanced request from my father regarding his birthday in
just over a month. It seems he liked his garage wall mural so much he
wants a continuation of it. Therefore, I'll be doing a Skyrim mural in
the next slot. This is the FIRST time he's ever made a request for
something. Normally it's "don't get me anything", or the "Oh... it's very nice" response when I do. I think this means I FINALLY WIN at his birthday. </span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<br /></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><b>Something Touching: </b></span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<br /></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I also apparently
just made a grown man "shake with emotion". My mother asked me to do a portrait of one of the doctors that goes with her to Honduras to do free medical clinics. He's apparently a terrific person, and she wanted me to make it extra special, so on top of his portrait I added a map of Honduras and a medical cross in the background. It looks pretty cool (photos to come) and I was pretty proud of it. </span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Mom received the portrait yesterday, and went by Fabian's office today to present it to him. I know this, because I received a phone call from him shortly after. He told me how wonderful it was, how talented I am, and how he was shaking with emotion. Apparently he was touched beyond what he had thought possible. It was an unexpected phone call for me (considering I've never met the man) but lovely to know that he appreciated the "extra special". </span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">My mother called me 15 minutes later to tell me she had given him my phone number so he could thank me directly. My response? "Yeah, he beat you to it. He already called..." </span></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<br /></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<b><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">*For a bit of context (and a fun art story): </span></b></div>
<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">My dad has never painted the garage. The inside has been the same damaged dry-wall colour since my parents got the house just after I was born, with the occasional addition of spray paint. When I was 6 or 7, Dad repainted the house interior, and allowed my younger brother and I to "help" by finger-painting the garage wall. Years later, the bulbous cat and hand smears are still there. I did some spray art a little earlier in my career as an artist, which he seemed to like, so I decided to try something a little unconventional, and possibly risk the wrath of His Cleanliness. My mother convinced him to leave the house while I was visiting last year, (and he was totally suspicious, because my mother is a terrible liar) and while he was out I proceeded to mask out a hexagonal area on the old garage wall, and spray a mural on the wall. Since my father enjoyed the Fallout video games, I did a mural with that theme. Took me 20 minutes to spray and paint, and another 20 to run to Canadian Tire to replace the black canister that was failing in its air-pressure duties. Upon finishing the last bit, I cleaned up as best I could then raced indoors. </span></div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Dad arrived home, and looked around the house as if expecting a surprise party. I sat innocently on the couch, watching TV and drawing. He calmed down, but noted that there was a faint smell of paint thinner. I pretended not to smell it (since I was permeated with the scent as well) and he began the search that would lead him to the garage. (Since he hadn't gone to put the car in the garage as I had expected, the smell worked just as well for a lure.) He went to the garage and examined the paints and cans of thinner he had for house-painting... missing the mural entirely. He came back in and commented that he thought one of the canisters had leaked, but couldn't find the source of the smell. </span></div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">At that point I gave up and went out to the garage with him to show him what I had done. Considering his fastidious ways, I half-expected him to be upset that I had spray-painted within the walls of the house, despite being in the garage. The first words out of his mouth were "Wow! Why didn't you do this inside?" </span></div>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><i> Fallout Mural, Spray paint & palette knife, 2011</i></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-8900474094326979492012-05-10T11:11:00.001-04:002012-08-26T11:15:34.900-04:00Hijinks Ensue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have to admit, one of the best parts about being an artist is the "Surprise" factor. It's the doing something special, and making something extraordinary that will not only mean something for the recipient, but will get Oooh and Aaah from the assembled as well. Recently I've been involved in a social club that uses calligraphy and illumination for their awards. Half the time I don't even know the person involved, but it's fun to hear the "Ooooh!" when something is presented.<br />
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More recently I've been getting involved in competitions as well. Some just for fun - fan art competitions as hosted by my favourite authors, or designing something that might one day be a mural in a town hall. I'm careful not to get involved in any competition that has "We own anything you send us" in the fine print, and as a result, I'm better about reading fine print. Which seems to surprise people.<br />
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ie: John Scalzi'z <i>Redshirts </i>FanArt Competition: </div>
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<i>Edit: I won 2nd Place. WOO HOO! </i></div>
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<i> </i></div>
I've also recently branched out into leather work as a new medium. (This is where PETA gets uppity at me. My philosophy is if I'm going to eat a tasty steak now and then, the rest of the animal should be used too.) The interesting thing about leathercraft is it's a little more like sculpting which has never been my strong suit. I've worked mainly 2 Dimensionally most of my life, so now branching out into something that is as much a craft as an art form is new, and exciting. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-52326041018420570202011-03-02T15:32:00.000-05:002012-08-26T11:12:01.006-04:00Giving someone Shit - literally and figuratively.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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(Should have been posted in January. I'm a bit late on this one.) </div>
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(Aka, “How I drove 1200 miles to give Kyra shit for her birthday.”) </div>
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Trip Purpose: Hanging out with old friends, and surprising <span class="ljuser ljuser-name_corbaewench" lj:user="corbaewench" style="white-space: nowrap;">Justine</span> & Ray ’s daughter Kyra for her 15<sup>th</sup> birthday Quincinera. To give you an idea of how long this trip has been in process, 2 years ago at Jess and Brian's wedding, the subject of Kyra having a Quincinera (coming of age party) vs. a Sweet Sixteen party came up. Erica and I both said “If you have the Quincinera, we promise to come.” We have been keeping this goal in the backs of our minds, and then the forefront as the date rolled closer. </div>
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<b> Thursday:</b></div>
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It was a very long day of driving. I had spent the night at my parents place to put me a little closer to St Louis, and to drop the dog off with them for the weekend. As usual, he sniffed hello to the folks, then walked over to the fridge to demand his piece of cheese. They spoil him rotten, hence why their home is now nick-named “Paradise”.</div>
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I’m not sure where I picked up the habit, but as usual I was counting road kill as I drove, to pass the time. 2 coyotes, 1 deer, 1 skunk. Considering the distance, it was a relatively low number. There were countless numbers of redtail and other hawks in the sky as I was driving, which surprised me. I’m used to seeing one or two here and there, but seeing that many is rare. Seeing that many coyotes - or really any at all - surprises me, since I haven't seen any until last year. Now it seems they're all over, in force.</div>
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Crossing the border was interesting. They asked the usual questions, with a few new ones added in, like how often to I cross the border (once a week for work, more for personal stuff) and why? Fortunately my answers seemed satisfactory, so they didn’t seem too concerned. Like they were doing with everyone, they checked the trunk. I was asked why so much luggage, so I replied “The big one is full of bedding.” She then asked “What kind of dog do you have?”</div>
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“Husky. If you need a lint roller, I have one,” was my answer.</div>
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She came around the side and borrowed the lint roller as Boba’s fur had attached itself to her black uniform. I apologized for the fur, but she did not seem overly concerned. She handed my passport back, and I was on my way. Stopping only for the occasional gas/bathroom/food break, I drove basically straight through.</div>
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I arrived in St. Louis at a halfway decent hour. Early enough to go catch dinner with my host <span class="ljuser ljuser-name_talyr" lj:user="talyr" style="white-space: nowrap;">Amanda</span>, and check out the local atmosphere, and meet her awesome roommate. I have to admit, I like the West End. It’s a fairly wealthy area, and many of the nicer homes are more like palaces really, with none of the cookie cutter effect that’s been taking the US by storm in the last decade. We went to Dressel’s Pub, and had Pretzel (as opposed to “a pretzel”) which was yummy, and a meal. I was unaware that pretzels were such a big deal in St. Louis, unto the point of being a cultural thing. After catching up there we made our way to a local book store with a good selection of new and used, and followed by a trip to “The Cup”, a specialty cupcake store. Mint chocolate cupcakes really are the bomb.</div>
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After the cupcakes we made our way back to Amanda’s apartment, where the 4 cats that reside there had spent the time investigating my luggage. We spent the rest of the night lounging, before crashing out. The cats visited me randomly on the couch during the night.<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b>Friday:</b></div>
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Since Amanda had to work Friday, I spent most of the day working on the laptop, catching up on graphic design projects and email. Pretty productive day altogether, if you exclude the time spent shooing the cats away from the computer. Draco decided to be in my face, butting his head against my boobs, trying to encourage me to cuddle rather than work. Xena decided to just sit ON the keyboard, and challenge me to remove her. The other two, Pandora and Giovanni, came around randomly to see what I was up to, but were otherwise disinterested.</div>
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Amanda came home long enough to hang out for a little bit before going to pick up Erica at the airport. While she was gone, the NC folks arrived, and suddenly the 4 cats had more human toys. I was thrilled to finally see so many of my friends from NC. Lots of hugging and catching up. As soon as keridwen and talyr arrived, there was more, followed by dinner at Dressel’s again.</div>
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Scottie also showed us a treasure she had purchased. Apparently the novelty of White Castle burgers was too much to resist for the NC crowd, so they paused at one. White Castle burgers are evil, and I’ve eaten there only once, which was more than enough.</div>
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During their encounter with White Castle, Scottie was offered a charity candle while ordering food. “The proceeds go to Autism!” she was told by the server. Not Autism research; to Autism. The candle, shaped and painted to look like a White Castle box, was $10 and <i>smelled like White Castle burgers</i>! She let us all sniff it, and I was forced to shudder with revulsion at the smell. So tempting, yet horrid at the same time.</div>
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Sleeping arrangements were interesting. I ended up sharing an air mattress with Scottie, while Erica took the couch, and Amanda took the other air mattress. I’m not sure whether it was filled too much then walked on, or if one of the cats managed to get a claw in, but the super-firm air mattress became less so as the night wore on. I woke up with my arm and hip on the floor, and realized we’d lost air. What woke me up was Draco pushing at the top of my head with his paw, as if to say “I’m bored, entertain me.”</div>
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I realized I needed to use the bathroom, so I rose and left the air mattress. Needless to say, Scottie was now awake, because there is really no graceful way to get up off a half-inflated air mattress without disturbing anyone. With me gone, what firmness there was had vanished, and Scottie was now feeling the floor. I went to the loo, and when I returned, I nearly screamed. Scottie too had felt the call of nature, but I was not expecting her coming toward me down the hall, so I about died of fright. I managed not to make more noise than a muffled yelp. It didn't matter - they were all awake anyway.</div>
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This was all at about 5am.</div>
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<b>Saturday:</b></div>
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I proceeded to not sleep, and as soon as it was light I went to the dining room to play on the laptop.</div>
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As people awoke, we gathered in Amanda’s dining room, which has just the right kind of window sills for sitting and reading, and enough that 4 people were seated comfortably while I was at the table and Amanda up and moving around. (It really is a lovely apartment.) After some early AM chatter, and catching up, with Talyr’s initiative we set about making a massive breakfast. I was on pancake duty, and apparently amazed people with my massive pancake-fu. (They’re really not that hard, but it’s nice to be appreciated.)</div>
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After that, it was showers and dressing to go out on the town and explore. With 6 people in Talyr’s car, with poor Laura nearly folded in half and sitting across all of us, but mostly on <span class="ljuser ljuser-name___himself__" lj:user="__himself__" style="white-space: nowrap;">Michael. </span>We shopped at Scholar’s Shop, which is a 2<sup>nd</sup> hand store hosting clothing donated by the affluent community, with the proceeds going to scholarships. I bought 2 knit shirts and a London Fog winter coat for $24 for the cause. Will have to make a trip back there at some point.</div>
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Then it was back by the book store then to lunch at Llewellyn’s Pub, which was across the street from Dressel’s. The service was horrible, and the waiter was downright rude to members of our party more than once. Needless to say, his tip reflected his behavior. Since lunch had taken longer than expected, we were suddenly forced to rush to get to Kyra’s shindig. Some folks went directly there, while Amanda, Michael and I made a fast break back to the apartment to grab some gifts & decorations before racing to the B&B where the family and birthday girl were staying.</div>
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It was silent when we came in, and everyone was sitting in the lobby waiting. When we were settled, the signal went up for Kyra to come down. She descended the stairs, seeing people she knew, though it took a moment for her brain to process the fact that some of them were family types she had not seen in several years. In essence, she made a beeline for Rose, the nearest of the NC folks, and the tears were already falling before she could make it the 3 steps to Rose’s arms. The next few moments was mostly Kyra hugging people, crying, and being overwhelmed by the fact that they were there.</div>
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Surprise successfully sprung.</div>
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There was some hanging out and catching up – for me as much as Kyra, since I had not seen some of the folks there in a long time, and it’s always a good time to socialize. Shortly thereafter, the gifting began.</div>
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<b>Interlude:</b></div>
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Now, for those folks reading not aware of the background to this, lemme ‘esplain:</div>
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To handle when Kyra’s allowed to say bad words, her parents instituted giving her words for her birthday. At 13, she got damn, and I think bitch. At 14, I believe it was ass, or something similar. Since she had the Quincinera, she was given the word Shit a year earlier than planned. This too, was made clear 2 years ago. </div>
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<b>Back to Saturday Evening:</b></div>
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So the gifting began, and Kyra had all kinds of wonderful things come to her. When she got to mine, well… there was laughter. I had wood-burned a wooden box and painted it with First Nations symbols on it. Inside, I had written a letter to her telling her what a special young woman she is. The crème de la crème however, was an illumination I had done for her. It was the word “shit”, in teal, green, and gold-plated, on a piece of parchment made from recycled and highly fibrous panda poo, courtesy of the Washington National Zoo gift store.</div>
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In essence, I literally and figuratively gave her Shit for her birthday. [And strangely, the joke was only half the fun. The other half has been telling people leading up to the party that I was literally giving someone shit for their birthday, and having them then get flustered and try to explain to me what literally means, and that I’m using the word wrong, or exaggerating. At which point, I would tell them the rest of the plan, and they would say “Oh, right… I guess you were being literal. That’s funny.”]</div>
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It’s a joke that’s been 2 years in the works, and been tons of fun that entire time.]</div>
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After gifting it was time for Taplas at Mojo a short drive away. Of course, none of us heard Taplas when Amanda announced where we would be going for dinner, including the birthday girl. We all heard “topless” which descended into a large amount of laughter almost immediately at Kyra’s horrified expression. A joke 2 seconds in the making, and equally as funny.</div>
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Dinner was excellent, and I had a chance to talk more in depth with Michael about knives and his black smithing addiction. Will likely have to commission something from him in the near future.</div>
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After dinner, we all returned to the B&B, and booted the men out. They went to play Apples to Apples and eat Gelato, while the womenfolk sat with Kyra, and imparted years of wisdom. Some of it was deep and meaningful, some of it was warnings about men and health, and some of it was just light-hearted. At this point Kyra was having a hard time staying awake, she was so exhausted. The men returned, and she retired while the adults continued to socialize for a while longer.</div>
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When we returned to the apartment, there was chatter until late, then there was some shuffling of bedding, and we attempted to sleep. I say attempted, because the cats decided that the humans obviously were too boring for their own good. At 2 and 3am, Draco tried to wake me up to play and cuddle. Around 4am, Draco and Giovanni knocked the Pink Coyote statue Scottie had purchased at the Scolar’s shop off the shelf and right next to my head. Having successfully woken up everyone in the room, they decided that it was time for the 4am crazies, and started running up and down the hallway. Meanwhile, Pandora and Xena slept on people. They were willing to take advantage of the warmth and coziness at least.</div>
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The NC crew left earlier than I did, heading to meet up at the B&B, before going home. While Talyr was dropping them off, Erica and I went walking down to one of the private gates leading to a private street, so I could take photos. I was fascinated by the amount of stonework in the area, which included everything from gatehouses to gargoyles, carved filigree and houses resembling small palaces. I didn’t get as many photos as I would have liked, but at the same time, it seems like the kind of place better photographed when the weather is nicer and there are leaves on the trees.</div>
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I left a little later than intended, but it was worth the extra hour to hang out with friends. The drive to Syracuse was uneventful, though I noticed the only roadkill I saw was 2 coyotes and a deer. Same number as the drive down, and I spotted the same large number of redtail hawks hunting for prey. At one point, I even got to watch a dive with what looked like a successful catch.</div>
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I arrived in Syracuse 2 hours later than expected. Partially because I got a late start, and partially because I had forgotten about the time change, and failed to take it into consideration when telling my cousin Char when I’d be arriving. When I did arrive, I was exhausted from a long weekend of little sleep, and not prepared for the challenges that I would face. Like the fact her home does not actually have a front door, or for that matter any door facing the street. The garage door was open, and the way the house sits, it almost appears as if the building is a separate garage/building but part of the property next to it. I spent a few minutes being very confused, and texting her to double check that I was indeed in the right place.</div>
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Finally, I got up my courage, went in through the garage door, and knocked at the nice “front” door that was hidden within the garage. Char’s husband Mike came out to greet me. Apparently she had been called away since her boss had broken her leg while skiing up North, and so she had to go retrieve keys and things from the office. It was the first time that Mike and I had ever actually chatted beyond just saying hello and I discovered he’s actually a fairly chatty guy when he can get a word in edgewise. </div>
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Char returned within 15 minutes of my arrival, and we chatted for a few minutes, and I berated her for not even having a house number on her house so I could tell I was in the right place. The house number IS over the front door, which faces the lake where they keep the boat. Obviously, a boating community thing.</div>
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We decided to head down the street to a little local bar. It’s a small town, so everyone knows everyone, so I was something of a small celebrity. Char’s cousin? From Canada? Really? And and artist? Oh wow…</div>
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We ordered our food, which was greasy but good. I had just finished telling them about giving Kyra shit, when I discovered something on the menu that sounded interesting. I’d never heard of “spudsters” before, so I asked what they were. Mike described them (as Char started giggling) as little turd-shaped pieces of deep-fried mashed potatoes. They were actually quite tasty, though I think they could have used some chives or flavouring beyond “potato”.</div>
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What I didn’t realize at the time (nor did my cousin and her husband) was that by ordering food, we had accidentally ordered a side-dish of crazy as well. A local, who apparently is usually pretty fun and a lot less… vehement, showed up at our table with a tray of shots. Apparently it’s his thing to purchase shots, bring them around, and talk for a bit before moving on to another table.</div>
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He seemed nice enough, and my cousin didn’t seem shocked or upset, so we all picked up our shots, made a toast to friendship, and drank. I commented that it smelled/tasted like a polar bear shot. Apparently “Polar Bear” is the magic word that triggers an anti-government/Bob Dole/Al Gore/Obama tirade from Dr. Krego, who isn’t actually a doctor, but is called that regardless.</div>
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For the next 15 minutes he went on about how Obama is a facist dictator, and how Global Warming is all just a money-making scheme by Al Gore and ex-Pres. Bill Clinton, and how everyone was being fooled into recycling when there were still plenty of trees. “The polars aren’t dying out! They’re not even endangered! You know how I know? I watch Discovery – those fuckers can swim for miles, so they’re not drowning like people say they are.”</div>
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Yes, apparently turd-shaped Spudsters are best served with a side of Right Wing Crazy. I mentioned that, having worked at Environment Canada, I’ve seen the raw data that shows humans are having a global effect on the environment, and he explained to me that obviously I was misguided – the government controls the scientists, and funds them, and therefore it’s all a conspiracy to keep the man down. He doesn’t believe in computers, and pointed out that not once had I mentioned the Chinese (which until that point I hadn’t actually thought to bring them up, since he was talking US politics and Anti-Dems and Anti-Libs rhetoric) and how the Chinese were whaling and raping the seas, but no one was trying to stop them. I tried to bring up the Kyoto Accord, and he told me he didn’t believe in driving foreign cars either.</div>
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At this point, he apologized for ruining our dinner, and exited stage right. Char, Mike and I stared at each other, trying not to burst out laughing. They apologized for him, saying he was apparently good and liquored up, and usually a lot more fun and less vitriol. I shrugged – I thought it was entertaining. Shortly after we had gotten into talking about her 2<sup>nd</sup> son’s upcoming wedding and her first son (whose wedding I went to in October) and his wife expecting triplets, Dr. Krego showed up with another tray of shots, and an apology. We toasted to common sense, he went on at length about how horrible Obama and the liberals are, and then asked me what I thought of border defense in Canada. I said “I like it, but seriously – it’s not a problem we have to face. All you Southern types complain it’s too cold, so it’s not like we have to worry about Mexicans or Americans trying to get in. For us it’s keeping the moose from getting out.”</div>
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That didn’t stop him – it just got him going again, and for another half hour we tried to be polite and not encourage him. Apparently ALL news on US TV is controlled by the government, except Fox news which is the be all and end all of fair, unbiased reporting. (I had to laugh out loud at that one.) He asked my opinions, and I tried to temporize, but had to admit that I was a little more liberal than him. He said “Well, you Canadians are all socialist tree-huggers.” My reply was “Well, you have to admit, our trees ARE infinitely huggable.”</div>
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That apparently was the magic shut-off button, and he bid us good night and returned to the bar. As we left he said “Hey, you’ll never forget me!” and even gave me a hug goodbye. It was then that I realized I had consumed 2 rum ‘n cokes, and 2 shots in about an hour. I were just a wee bit tipsy.</div>
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We returned to the house, and Char and I sat up and talked for a while after her husband had gone to bed.</div>
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<b>Monday</b>:</div>
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I left at 7am, and headed for the Essenhaus to pick up some pastries for myself and my parents. It wasn’t until I got there around 8am that I realized I had left my cell phone charging at Char’s place. Finding a phone on which to make a collect call to my parents to get Char’s cell number was a pain in the ass. Apparently with the influx of cell phones, pay phones are passé, and no longer used. Since I’m obviously Not From Here, people were reluctant to let me use company phones, even though I promised to call someone else collect, so it wouldn’t cost them anything. Finally, one woman at a gas station took pity on me, and let me call my parents first to get Char's number (which was conviently programmed into my absentee phone), and then Char. I drove all the way back to Syracuse to pick up her keys, went to the house and grabbed the phone, then headed back to her office to return her keys, before hitting the road again. She laughed at me. A lot. </div>
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I blamed it on Dr. Krego, which made her laugh more. </div>
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9am I was back on the road. Unfortunately, I was having a hard time staying awake. Even with caffeine and my usual tricks to keep alert, I was losing it. At least until shortly before I hit the border, when several friends who apparently thought I was supposed to be back by then started texting/calling me.</div>
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Border crossing was blessedly painless, and the last hour-ish to my parents place was clear. I arrived to find the dog had eaten maybe a bowl of his own food, and had been spoiled rotten with broth and people food. I can’t really blame my mother – she knew this was likely the last time she’d be seeing him, and wanted to make sure he knew he was loved. Or at least, well fed. He had some leg issues while he was there, and his pain and arthritis are showing plainly for them to see.</div>
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After a brief visit, it was back on the road to Paul’s house, where I dropped the dog off and realized it was 12C degrees in the house. Apparently, it was windy while I was gone. Yay. After a few moments, it was into his truck, and off to pick him up from work. From work, off to fight practice, which had been cancelled due to a PD day at the school, but no announcement had been made so only the folks who did not have children in school showed up. We hung out for a bit with the folks that did show up, then headed home. All in all, more than 11 hours on the road, with only a few short breaks, none of which were actually restful. </div>
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All in all, a successful trip, an awesome practical joke brought to life, and much fun and adventure. Already there are plans in the works for a similar trip to Boston for October 2011. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-37761886391687115412011-03-02T15:09:00.000-05:002011-03-02T15:09:20.535-05:00Half a Lifetime<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"You got what everyone gets. You got a lifetime."<br />
- Death, from Neil Gaiman's <i>Sandman</i>.<br />
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<b>Part 1: Midlife Crises </b><br />
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The topic of age, coming into one's own, and really discovering how to life life well has been a recurring topic of conversation around me lately. I'm not always the one starting it. It just happens. I think it is in part due to the fact that many of my friends are entering something of a midlife crisis, and questioning their position in life - or in some cases, confirming. Others are unhappy with the way their lives have turned out, and are making the effort to change it by going to school, divorcing, or seeking new opportunities.<br />
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Since I was 18, life has always been turbulent and in transition. As a result, my art has been fueled and changed, influenced and in some cases destroyed by change. It is interesting to compare my life to theirs in some ways. No midlife crisis for me, since while I have come into my own as a person, I have not settled in one area, or stopped long enough to look at my life and think "I'm dissatisfied." I simply move along, and if there are improvements to be made, I try to make them immediately. My friends, however, have reached the stage where they have done the same thing day in and day out for ten, possibly 15 years, and are only just now uncomfortable enough to want to make changes. The bizarre part is simply looking into the mainstream lifestyle and examining it like an anomaly. By living a somewhat alternative lifestyle to the norm, I have no need of a midlife crisis, only need of forward growth. I am doing what I had always intended to do, and as an artist, the act of coming into my own has been a life's work for me. <br />
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<b>Part II: The Importance of Art</b><br />
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I received an email from a friend of mine a few days ago. It hit me hard, especially at 6am after just waking up. I'm not even sure why I was compelled to check my email at that hour. Who knows?<br />
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To give a little back story, my friend has been seeking the perfect gift for her father for many years. He's a hard man to shop for around birthdays and Christmas, so much so that she jokes saying "The only gift I gave my Dad that he liked was my son!" For Christmas, she had me make a custom "Wrath of Khan" Admiral James Kirk Uniform for him, with all the bells and trappings. He knew it instantly, but it hasn't been seen since.<br />
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For his birthday, she commissioned me to do a caricature of her son and her father, both dressed in flight suits with a jet that her father flew in the air force behind them. (F-18, I believe.) She presented it to him, and considered it a success. I received an email explaining the how's, and was completely flabbergasted. He had taken the picture, and rather than his standard "Thanks, I'll definitely use this" line, he simply looked at it for a few moments. He then thanked her, and loaded his grandson in to his car, intent on going taking him to the cottage for the weekend. <br />
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On the way to the cottage, an oncoming car slid into their lane, and her father was forced to swerve into the ditch to avoid a head on collision. They crumpled the front end against the bulwark of the ditch, and blew out the passenger side tires. Fortunately, no one was injured seriously. After removing my friend's son from the car, the only thing her dad took with them for the police car ride home was the picture. Not his briefcase, his CD's... just the picture.<br />
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The second half of the email was a long and very flattering editorial about how important my art is, and how many lives I touch with my skill. She said "you never know just where your art will go, or whose life it will touch" and she is correct. When I see budget cuts for art programs in public schools, I will remember this time and know that despite what the accountants say, art is still important.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Part III: Return of the Giant Fish</b><br />
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A little later in the morning, after I had received my friend's email and spent a good couple of hours processing it mentally, I received a second email. This time it was from my mother, who had received a phone call from a pastor who had lived in London while I was a teen. He had apparently moved several times, and recently went through a folder that happened to contain a few of my drawings, along with my old information. He called the phone number, and got my parents who have been in the same house longer than I've been alive. Mom emailed me, to let me know he wanted to return the artwork.<br />
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I have no clue what he's talking about. I called him today, to see exactly what it was he had, and he offered to mail it to me. He described some of the drawings, and after 15 years, I have no clue. It seems that I must have done the drawings as a teenager, and submitted them either for a church bulletin, or to someone who happened to want a drawing of Jonah creeping out of a fish's mouth, and such things like that. Still, my brain resolutely refused to remember the how or why. I'm certain when I see it, I will know and maybe call him back with an answer, since he seemed as confused as me as to how he had collected the artwork.<br />
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Half a lifetime ago, I did a few drawings for someone, and now they're being returned to me without myself or the sender knowing how or why they were done. I'm not sure if I'll keep them. I have little use for old drawings that mean nothing to me, but it will be interesting to see how much my art has developed and grown. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-49425084570373212022010-12-31T12:09:00.000-05:002010-12-31T12:09:51.118-05:00Another Year... almostI keep intending to further this blog, and I keep getting so busy with life, the universe, and everything but the kitchen sink that it gets set in the background, waiting for me to return. My dog would make puppy eyes at me, and maybe even a few huffing noises to encourage me. The blog however does not have eyes or the ability to make cute noises at me to get my attention. (Not without help, anyway.)<br />
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2010 has been a very intense year, but it's not over. It never is, actually. For most people, New Year's Eve is a tie of renewal, a chance to make resolutions and start out anew. For me, it's only an excuse to get together with friends and to drink socially, then go home and sleep in for a day before going back to the grind. The time for renewal for me is Lunar New Year.<br />
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I'm not Asian, nor am I of Asian descent, but regardless Lunar New Year seems to have more governance over my life than the Gregorian calendar. Since my vacation in Taiwan in early 2007 for the Lunar New Year celebrations (which were spectacular) I have found that my life tends to be book-ended by that time, as opposed to the traditional Western New Years Eve. January still seems to be a tag along with last year's issues and torments, and by the time February rolls around, things have changed - usually for the better - and I'm feeling more "renewed". This year will be no exception. Several major changes are coming down the pipe, but won't be in effect or finished until the last day of Lunar New Year 2011.<br />
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What are they? I'm not even sure myself. Events around me seem to be ruled by the Twin Patron Saints of Irony and Serendipity. If there can be a connection, it will happen. (Or won't.) My hope is that at this time, things will serendipitously fall into place, as they have in previous times. I'm ready for a new beginning. I have art shows I want to put together, and projects that need to be brought to light. I have sketches that need to be turned into completed pieces, and a move to make.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228943689221953011.post-28748687702596599692010-08-27T08:17:00.000-04:002010-08-27T08:17:45.349-04:00Tattoos & Body ArtI admit, I LOVE tattoos.<br />
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Just the good ones though. I could care a less about the little hearts with a ribbon saying "Mom" or butterflies and tramp stamps. I've seen too many people walk into a tattoo parlour and get something that in 10 years will look terrible, and have no story or reason behind them besides "It seemed like a good idea at the time."<br />
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The body on its own is a work of art. Care for it well, and it can remain a thing of beauty. I'm not talking about losing weight, I am talking about caring for the skin, toning the curves, dressing it in garments that will not cause muffin tops or sag around you like a folded tent. If you get a tattoo, find a spot where it will work with your curves, and even as it fades, will not stretch or warp as your body changes. Part of the reason I do not have a tattoo is because I have had a hard time choosing the right image. So many images are important to me (go figure) and my life changes so quickly and so often if I got a tattoo every time I found something important to me, I would be covered head to toe.<br />
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Spring the money on a good tattoo artist. Cheap usually means "not very good". Ask to see a portfolio, and don't just go in because a friend said "I won't go anywhere else". Yes, everyone has to start somewhere, but the shops with the more talented artists tend to hold even apprentices to that standard, and teach them to that same level of expertise. References, referrals, and make the artist show you his previous work. Shading is especially important, because anyone can do an outline and fill in colour. Someone who does great shading and blending can bring it out from just a tattoo, to something that looks alive and breathing. <br />
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And most importantly, find the story. Don't just go into a tattoo parlour and ask for something without doing a little research. Find something important to you, an image or icon that represents something about you, a memory, or a time when you resisted and conquered earth-shattering change. It's going to be there a long time, and should be something you will care about even as it fades. And nothing in this world is permanent, except change, and a well-placed cared for tattoo will remain gorgeous long after the colour has begun to fade, and the body betrays you to old age. <br />
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Already got one, and don't like it? A good tattoo artist can help you cover it up. Removal is available, though the treatment can be expensive. Alternatives that I use frequently are henna, temporary paints, and Hollywood styles temporary tattoo inks. It allows me to indulge in decorating the body, mine or others, without having to worry about what it will look like in the future, or that I won't like it. It's very Zen, living only in the moment. If it weren't for the fact that needles tend to make me pass out, I might have become a tattoo artist. Instead, I have spent many days designing custom tattos for people, and recommending several tattoo artists that I know well, and have seen a large majority of their work. There is one in particular that will be my go-to guy when it comes to finally making that leap and getting inked. Someday, when my semi-nomadic life stops taking me everywhere and I can settle on an image.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715350570793609472noreply@blogger.com0