I'm traveling at the speed of light at the moment.
Days have been spent sequestered in my studio, high on paint fumes, melting in atomic temperatures, and trying to avoid any unwanted distractions.
The studio looks like the bloody aftermath of a painting blitz, but I can't stop, shows are pending, walls need filling, the bank account needs feeding-goddammit.
Got the bill today for my injury, at such moments I wish I was back home with the good old NHS.
The oil for 'Disintegration' is complete-It looks deceptively simple, but has been one of my most involved pieces for some time. I've been looking at it for too long to be objective about it. I'll scan it and make prints available as soon as I'm able.
Finally, I've begun the large canvas for a piece going by the working title, 'Infertile Ground'. I figure I needed another wow piece like the Valley, seeing as I am doubling shows over the next few months.
First though, there is the 'totally awesome project' I hinted at over the weekend. San Diego abstract artist Mark Jesinoski and I are getting together to work on a special collaboration for the forthcoming speaking in tongues exhibit. It's an experiment, and will be completely spontaneous, but its going to be a specially filmed event recorded for posterity, so no doubt it will make itself available in some form.
The older I get, the more I realise that the sudden death of someone you know, never lessens with the shock of its magnitude. That's how it was today when I read the status update on Ryan August's Facebook.
Thats the strange, detached way of things these days, no longer does someone sit you down to prepare you for tragic news, you discover it cycling through a 'social network'.
Regardless, the cold hard facts aren't any less tragic, any less revelatory -Ryan died in a car accident on Saturday night.
I wish I could tell you we were tight buddies-I wish I'd had that chance-except the truth is I only knew him through sparodic emails and Facebook, and the fact that he was a great advocate for my work and hundreds of other artists through his splendid zine-'I want your Skull.'
His enthusiasm and passion for the subject, was a cohesive spirit to all the other 'boneheaded' denizens out there, and a singular champion of all things skull related.
The irony of course is, that I received my own copy of the latest issue with my own minor contribution Saturday morning.
An accomplished artist and tatooist in his own right, he touched so many with his vision, but of course the greatest legacy he leaves behind are his wife and son who will miss him more than any of us can imagine.
I want your Skull-Issue 9
As promised, the new issue of 'I want your Skull' is now available. Amongst the coterie of bonedome themed renderings, is a submission by yours truly.Not having had a chance to see a copy first hand, I can only postulate the quality, but going by the picture evidence, it looks spiffing.
Also sharing headspace are David D’andrea, Jimiyo, Kaitlin Beckett, Joshua Belanger, Nadja Schueller-Ost, Jeff Lamm, David Gough, Horrorwood, Justin Ryan, Sean Causley, Matthew Amey, Shawn Hebrank, Skullface, Todd Lambright, Miguel Cervantes, Scott Move, Iain Macarthur, Logan Kornhauser, Geoff May, Joshy, Ryan August, Mark Goss, Michael Heinz-Fischer, Nick Volkert, A Killer Wombat, Joe Boccia, Nick Mcpherson, Kenneth Botsford Jr, Nick Beaulieu, Nick Machia, Johnson, Joey Potts, Franx and Self High Five, with interviews with Thomas Hooper, and painter/illustrator, Stephen Haynes.
Sealed in a neat little black envelope, theres a limited edition of 350, individually hand numbered, along with a giveaway screen-printed bandana featuring a killer illustration by Brian Morris. The 22 inch square bandana features a white print on a 100% cotton, black bandana. A 4×6 inch sticker also designed by Brian Morris is included as well.
Kick arse!!
Get yourself a copy whilst stocks last.
Last night was the group show at Mosaic, in aid of Envirofest. For a gloomy Thursday evening, attendance was healthy.
Some grand moments to commit to memory, the number of people who sought me out, to tell me how much they admired my work, was humbling. The camaraderie with my fellow artists at these events which far outweighs any remuneration, but I was most delighted when one of my pieces was won at auction by this lovely lady. Thank you Jenni, and thank you everyone, you spur me on.
Also catching my wings was the confirmation yesterday that I am to be one of the artists featured in the next issue of 'I want your skull'
As soon as it becomes available, I'll post details on how to order a copy.
