kd's 'Title Goes Here'

Custom frames for the vintage deer arrived today.

2012-01-27T00:27:00.001-08:00

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Perspective ...

2011-09-17T23:04:00.001-07:00

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Marty ...

2011-05-03T11:44:00.001-07:00

Marty ..., a photo by k-dj on Flickr.

... my creation from Andrew Dyrdahl's Monster Rag Doll class at Artfest 2011.

"Always Grandma's favorite. He loves gardening but doesn't do as much of it anymore since the accident."

Happy Birthday, John

2010-10-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

20 years ago, my friend Sal & I celebrated what would have been John Lennon's 50th birthday with a special show on KCPR. Here's the intro from that show ... today John would have been 70.

Download now or listen on posterous

01_KCPR_Promo_Intro_John_Lennon's_50th_Birthday_Special.mp3 (1619 KB)

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Concorso Italiano 2010

2010-08-15T11:45:00.001-07:00

We made it to Monterey in our 1969 Fiat 500 'Roadster' for Concorso Italiano -- no top meant bundled up with jackets, beanies, glove and, for me, a blanket across my lap. The sun eventually came out and it was beautiful day to hang out with cars, Fiat America friends, food & wine. It was great to see the new Fiat 500, too! It was a fab display and I've signed up to follow the new Fiat 500 with Ciao Fiat. The drive home was a bit of an adventure with ever-fading headlights, but we made it!

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Paul McCartney in SF ...

2010-07-10T19:44:00.001-07:00

Waiting for the show to begin ...

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Happy July from me & Freddie Keppard ...

2010-07-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

more from R. Crumb's 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' calendar.

Freddie Keppard
b. New Orleans, Louisiana, February 15, 1889
d. Chicago, Illinois, July 15, 1933

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Happy June from me & Roy Palmer ...

2010-06-01T16:22:00.001-07:00

from my R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' calendar.

Roy Palmer
b. New Orleans, Louisiana, 1892
d. Chicago, Illinois, 1964

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Happy (belated) May from me & Lil Hardin

2010-05-04T18:46:00.001-07:00

from my R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' calendar.

Lil Hardin
b. Memphis, Tennessee, February 3, 1898
d. Chicago, Illinois, August 27, 1971

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Happy April from me & Bo Carter

2010-04-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

from my R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' Calender.

Bo Carter
b. Bolton, Mississippi, March 21, 1893
d. Memphis, Tennessee, September 21, 1964

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Note to Self: Must see 'American: The Bill Hicks Story'

2010-03-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Poster on display at SXSW 2010.

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Motörhead at The Austin Music Hall ...

2010-03-17T21:08:00.001-07:00

March 17, 2010

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Zombie Bunny! 'Night of the Zombidz' by Guillaume Menuel

2010-03-14T23:08:00.001-07:00

... from the game Rayman Raving Rabbids. Shown as part of Into the Pixel 2009.

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My San Jose to Austin in-flight reading by E.

2010-03-12T12:32:00.001-08:00

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Happy March from me & Mississippi John Hurt

2010-03-01T17:37:00.001-08:00

... from my R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' calendar.

Mississippi John Hurt
b. Teoc, Carroll County, Mississippi, March 8, 1892 (or July 3, 1893)
d. Grenada, Mississippi, November 2, 1966

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Cubano ...

2010-02-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

... at Barefoot Coffee.

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Happy February from me & Papa Charlie Jackson

2010-02-01T16:59:00.001-08:00

Month #2 from my R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' calendar ... does that make it a tradition?

Papa Charlie Jackson

b. New Orleans, Louisiana, 1885

d. Chicago, Illinois, 1938

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Happy January from me & Blind Gary Davis ...

2010-01-06T17:36:00.001-08:00

Enjoying my new R. Crumb 'Heroes of Blues, Jazz and Country' 2010 calendar ...

Blind Gary Davis
b. Laurens, South Carolina, April 30, 1896
d. Hammonton, New Jersey, May 5, 1972

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Grady's Cars - Now in a Book!

2010-01-04T00:00:00.001-08:00

Yep, Grady's cars are now available in a small portable format.

Cars in the Yard

By Grady Johnson

Book Preview

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Remembering Dad ....

2010-01-01T23:59:00.001-08:00

Lake McCumber ....
Originally uploaded by k-dj

Spent time with pics, memories and Merle Haggard today in memory of Dad ...

Carl, Christmas Cthulhu ...

2009-12-29T00:02:00.001-08:00

Taken just before his electronic "Gaze of Madness" kicked in.

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A little light post-Xmas reading with Zombies ...

2009-12-26T23:17:00.001-08:00

A gift from mom ... as The Author Guy points out in the intro, there are few literary pursuits that can't be improved by the addition of Zombies. Merry Xmas!

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Fröhliche Weihnachten & Holiday Cheers!

2009-12-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

This year's card creation ... Merry Krimble - kd

Reading for the flight home: Stephen Elliott's 'The Adderall Diaries'

2009-11-03T15:26:00.001-08:00

People on the plane don't talk to you when you're reading ...

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Oaxacan Chiles ...

2009-11-03T12:26:00.001-08:00

Snapped while walking thru the Benito Juarez Market in Oaxaca ...

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El Rey Zapoteca Mezcal ...

2009-11-03T04:15:00.001-08:00

Juan pouring the añejo mezcal.

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Ofrendas are appearing everywhere ...

2009-11-01T15:34:00.001-08:00

The ofrenda at Marco Polo in Oaxaca

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Calaveras in the streets of Oaxaca ...

2009-10-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

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Bring on the calaveras ...

2009-10-29T22:41:00.001-07:00

Streets of Oaxaca are filling with calaveras in prep for Dia de los Muertos ... this guy from Casa de la Abuela hasn't been let out yet.

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Chocolate con canela ...

2009-10-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

Just south if the zocalo in Oaxaca ...

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Happy Friday ...

2009-10-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

Wrapping up the week with visitors from Dublin & London with a light tasting menu.

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Fuel for the car show

2009-10-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

Very important to have eats & drink when sitting all day at the car show ...

... all typos and brevity compliments of my iPhone

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Fun with Toys ...

2009-10-08T17:08:00.001-07:00

I've joined the ranks of the iPhone mob. And, happy to report, I now have a phone is both functional and fun and, bottom line, doesn't piss me off. I seem to be taking more random snaps lately thanks to this lil' device ...

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Saturday Morning ...

2009-08-01T16:11:00.001-07:00

Saturday Morning ...
Originally uploaded by k-dj

I've been catching up on back issues of Hi-Fructose lately ... finding they're a great way to shake the brain out of day-job mode. Stayed up far to late last night reading and just seeing the stack waiting for me this morning made me smile.

Bring on the Cabinet of Wonders ...

2009-03-07T13:50:00.001-08:00

Getting ready to fly to Austin on Friday for SXSW ... the full run of Interactive thru Music. On my list o' Music Showcases to see: John Wesley Harding & Eugene Mirman's Cabinet of Wonders (will also be catching the Cabinet of Wonders show at The Independent in SF on April 5th)

I Met the Walrus ...

2008-12-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

Made me smile ...

Rocktoberfest 2008 ...

2008-11-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

With the craziness this year, and as time slides into the holidays, I've been thinking more about things that make me smile vs. all the other crap of the day (work, economy, etc.) Up on top of the happy list, music & friends ... got both at Padilla's Rocktoberfest. Jon Auer, Scott Miller and the rest of the 'Rusty Trombones' - fabulous. (listen to Jon ... listen to Scott)

1. On Vocals ..., 2. Jon Auer ..., 3. Scott Miller ..., 4. Scott ..., 5. Scott & Jon ..., 6. Gary & John ..., 7. Jon Auer ..., 8. John ..., 9. John & Jon ..., 10. Jon ..., 11. "'Cause I'm a creep ...", 12. Jon ..., 13. Jon & John ..., 14. Jon ..., 15. Scott & Jon ..., 16. Jon ...

Sausages, Padilla's amazing potato salad, pretzels, beer ... plus a cover of 'Godzilla' with some lyrical adjustment to 'Padilla.' Of course, highlight for me - Jon Auer and Scott Miller delivering 'Don't Let Me Down.'

Good Times.

Made Me Smile ...

2008-10-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

After a long week, a lil' Phranc Talk ... Enjoy!

Art Journal in Blue ...

2008-09-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've wrapped up my latest contribution to the art journal round robin. The theme the originating artist chose was 'Blue' and, I quickly realized, I don't typically gravitate toward blue hues. The note from the originating artist asked, 'What does blue mean to you?' I wasn't quite sure but found as I worked that I had a sense of Americana when I thought of blue ...

The entire time I was working on this journal, I was listening to Liz McGrath & Morgan Slade's band, Miss Derringer ... that could have had something to do with it.

I alternated between Miss Derringer's first album, from 2004, 'King James, Crown Royal and a Colt 45' and ...

Miss Derringer's second album, released in 2006, 'Lullabies.' The cover features some of Liz McGrath's artwork.

(Be sure to check out Miss Derringer's site and Liz McGrath's site)

So, with Miss Derringer in heavy rotation, I spent the last 3 days working on the journal. Here's the result ...

I created a bit of a journal within a journal so this was the 'cover' ...

And this is from the back. Inside the pocket are tucked scented fabric rose petals and a 'sachet' of pipe tobacco. Every journal in the round robin is supposed to incorporate 4 of the 5 senses so sniff away ...

But the heart of the journal was the spread. The stars of the journal are my Grandma Rose (featured with her sisters, Gram is the 3rd from the left) ...

And, my dad, Arvis, born in 1931 in Muskogee, Oklahoma ... he was probably about 6-years-old when this photo was taken.

I didn't want to do too much so tried to focus on just a few details ... all aged with washes of paint. Grandma Rose was quite the seamstress ...

Dad hustled pool for a living in his younger days and was in the Insulators Union. He enjoyed a good game ...

With as crazy busy as this year has been, I was amazed how time slowed down as I worked on this journal. Maybe it was the reptition of colors, the focus on trying to keep things simple, the repeating soundtrack ... either way, I found blue to bring a bit of calm.

Welcome to the Weekend ...

2008-08-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Let's just say, it's been a week. Thankfully, it's also the beginning of a 3-day weekend.

Tomorrow, more time with the art journal project.

But What Blue?

2008-08-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

Working on another art journal for the round robin. This time, the artist has chosen the theme 'Blue' ... blue, great, I can do anything. But when I started to work on it I realized I was a bit stumped. Turns out I don't use blue much ... and while it wasn't a requirement to use the color, I was also a bit stumped on what blue means to me. Should I feature the Blues, blue bayou, the big blue ocean ...?)

So, finally, without a solid concept, I had to just jump in. First thing, get rid of the white page. Opted for some Payne's Grey for my first wash of 'blue' ...

Next up, for another page, a second wash of Pyrrole Orange (just can't go blue alone)

Still playing a bit ... but I think an idea of 'Blue' is starting to form ... the images here are of my dad when he was about 6 years old.

Long weekend coming up and that means time to work on the journal some more ...

Happy Hat Trick ...

2008-08-18T22:48:00.001-07:00

Stopped by a friend's house tonight and she surprised me with a cool journal featuring images from 'Goth-Icky' and an awesome book of depressing songs by Tom Reynolds. (Thanks, K!) When I got home, my September issue of Mojo had arrived complete with another great Mojo CD release, 'The White Album Recovered' no. 0000001. October should be bringing no. 0000002. Not a bad way to wrap up a Monday.

Watch Dr. Horrible ...

2008-07-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

I attended my first, official, full day of voice acting class today - and it was great. But rather than read my ramblings about it, I'd rather you go watch Joss Whedon's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" ... watch now! (before they go *poof* at midnight on Sunday, July 20th)

Got My Mojo!

2008-07-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've been reading Mojo for years - finally subscribed (thanks to some birthday gift certs from friends & family) ... July issue arrived today! Seemed fitting that my Mojo subscription would start the same month I shipped off my voodoo journal spread full of Robert Johnson mojo.

Voodoo, Mojo & Mr. Johnson ...

2008-06-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Spent more time in the studio this weekend and the Voodoo art journal is ready to send on its journey! Hard to see this one go - really enjoyed creating the Robert Johnson shrine - but happy it's going to Deb (sure hope she likes it).

The music selection for the last phase of the journal moved into some current material, but still with a strong blues influence ... and an edge.

Conjured up the seedy underbelly with Nick Cave and 'Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!' Catch a bit of their own hoodoo on the Nick Cave & The Badseeds site -- Mojo voted this the best new album of 2008.
Next up, Detroit rockers, The White Stripes with "Icky Thump"
Finally, wrapping things up with Joe Strummer delivering his influences on 'The Future Is Unwritten'

So now to the Voodoo journal. As I thought about Voodoo and Mojo, I thought about the story of Robert Johnson selling his soul at the crossroads ... the inspiration for the spread.

The words are from an article I found at the Mudcat Cafe ...

"If you want to learn how to make songs yourself, you take your guitar and your go to where the road crosses that way, where a crossroads is. Get there be sure to get there just a little ' fore 12 that night so you know you'll be there. You have your guitar and be playing a piece there by yourself…A big black man will walk up there and take your guitar and he'll tune it. And then he'll play a piece and hand it back to you. That's the way I learned to play anything I want." ~ Tommy Johnson

The rusty bits started out as toys. The larger of the dolls is from Hannah Grey Curiosities & Drygoods and the smaller doll is a mardi gras baby -- one of a handful I bought some time ago.

In addition to paints n' patinas, I also used my vise and dremel on this journal. Something satisfying about drilling a hole into the tiny fist (1/32" drill bit). I ordered the vise & dremel from The Artists Nook ... sure, you could go to the local Home Depot but better to support artist-run businesses (besides, it's the vise that Michael deMeng recommends so you know you're off to a good start with your tools)

The snakes are from the local party supply store ...

Might try to grab a few more pics before shipping this off ...

Forget to Learn ...

2008-06-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, I went to an "Intro to Voice-Over & Acting" class in SF. I've been wanting to do VO work for years and, in fact, have done some off-n-on, here-n-there, mostly for friends and at various companies I worked for. You see, I was a radio broadcasting major and I intended on working in radio but, as many of my friends have heard the story patiently over and over, the talk radio station I was working at just before graduation went bust -- the owner came in and fired everyone except for one engineer to keep the station running on satelite feed -- and, to make the story short, I ended up going the 'practial' route and got a job in tech.

So, hear I am years later and the urge to really pursue the VO path has finally pushed me to sign up for some classes at a local studio. This first session was an overview of the business but there was a point where everyone had a chance to be 'on mic' and read some short copy to see how they liked it. I know I like doing this but found the nerves kicked in when I got in front of the room and suddenly I couldn't stop over-thinking the delivery. The result, besides a stiff read, was the realization that just like when I work on an art project, a writing project, or any other creative endeavor, I need to get out of my head, get out of my way and just go with the process. If I think it through too much, the end product doesn't work.

Moving forward, I need to forget everything I learned in my years of broadcast training and open up to all the new information to be learned about voice-acting. I think it's going to be a fun ride.

More Voodoo ...

2008-06-25T21:30:00.001-07:00

Spent some more time over the weekend working on the Voodoo art journal. I was immersed in making things old and weathered - so much so that didn't really think about blogging the effort. Between the art process and the music, not much else came into play.

The music? Been pulling out several CDs that I haven't listened to in awhile to provide the backdrop for this art journal.

Reverend Gary Davis, in particular the album 'Harlem Street Singer'

Next up, some Muddy Waters, from the fab compiliation: The Chess Box.

And, most recently, Lazy Lester, songs from the '50s and '60s collected on 'I Hear You Knockin'! The Excello Singles'

The art bits that happened while listening to these albums? More rusty toys and prepping of a few pins ...

More to do this weekend ...

Voodoo In Progress ...

2008-06-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

I've slipped behind on the art journal project (late sending the current journal in my posession off to the next artist) but last weekend I made some headway. The theme for this particular journal is Voodoo - so it wasn't so much a lack of ideas as picking a place to start. Once I decided I wanted to create a bit of a shrine within the spread, things started to move.

I started by creating some structure ...

Then it was time to start playing with toys ... I love the Modern Masters paints (learned about them when I took a class from Jane Wynn)

Of course I wasn't about to stop with just one baby doll ...

In between painting the layers and patina on the toys, I worked on altering a laser print photo of Robert Johnson ...

More ideas cooking. More time in the studio needed this weekend.

Candy Cigs

2008-05-31T23:05:00.001-07:00

Candy Cigs
Originally uploaded by k-dj

Wonder if El Charro would carry a pack ...

Diptych ATCs ...

2008-05-31T20:37:00.001-07:00

I was reading the Spring issue of Artful Blogging recently and one of the blogs featured was Think Monday - Think ATCs, a blog featuring weekly ATC challenges. Here are the ATCs I made for this week's challenge: Diptych.

"Change is to give up what we are to become what we could be" ...

"It's the little things that matter" ...

The image is an old family photo ...

Garage Find ...

2008-05-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Some people plow through a box of cookies, a tub of ice cream, a bag of chips. Me? I occasionally go on CD shopping binges. Last big spend in a record store was at Waterloo in Austin in March. So, it was time.

After seeing 'Young @ Heart' on Saturday I was craving some new music. Luckily, Rasputin is just down the street from the theater. One hour and 15 CDs later, I was ready to start listening.
The first play from my new stash was a surprise find. I knew I wanted to pick up the Foxboro Hot Tubs release so Garage was on my mind. Flipping through the bins, I spotted 'You Got Yours!: East Bay Garage 1965 - 1967.' The parentals grew up in Albany (CA not NY) -- I was born in Berkeley -- a CD of East Bay garage bands was a must purchase.

I was not disappointed! The CD opens with 'Waiting For You' by The Baytovens (featured on the front cover and my favorite band name on the disc). A couple of the tracks would be great additions to a '60s for Kids compilation -- notably 'Humpty Dumpty' by The Epics and Dynosaur by The Flintrocks.

In addition to 24 tracks of East Bay rock, there are also detailed liner notes from Alec Palao, El Cerrito, CA. Definitely worth checking out.

Young @ Heart ...

2008-05-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Part of my plan to kick off the 3-day weekend was see "Young @ Heart" on Saturday but the show was SOLD OUT. So, today, I set the alarm, grabbed a Peet's double latte and headed to the theater early for the morning matinee. Fantastic!

It was a great experience even before the movie started.
The elderly lady sitting next to me had also tried to see Saturday's show (sold out) so we chatted a bit about how we really wanted to see "Yount @ Heart" on the big screen and that led to other movie talk - both of us loved "Iron Man" and thought Tony Stark was the role Robert Downey Jr. was meant to play. But back to "Young @ Heart" ...

As I sat in a theater full of people - most at least 60 and many probably 80 - all to see a film about octogenarians singing Sonic Youth, The Clash and others, I started to smile. Music is universal.

I'm no film critic so not going to attempt a review. Let's just say, you must see this movie.

Note: I did notice a few key differences with the audience: no text messaging during the movie, no talking during show and, following the film, the line for the restroom formed quickly. Ah, things to look forward to.

(post addition) I should also mention, during this movie was the first time I enjoyed a Cold Play song.

Like A Prayer ...

2008-05-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Catching up on some blog reading today and saw John Wesley Harding's post that there's now a video for his cover of Madonna's 'Like A Prayer.' (read Howie Klein's post about Seymour Stein, Wes and the song here) Imagine my surprise to see one of my photos in the video!

Here's my pic from The Freight & Salvage in 2004 ...

Watch for it in the video for 'Like A Prayer' ...

Nice to know in some way my photo's helpin' to spread the word.

John Wesley Harding, musician
Wesley Stace, author

The Art Journal Project Continues ...

2008-05-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been stupidly busy. I wish I could say I've been busy with lots of fun and creative things and, while there has been some of that, there's also been a lot fo day-job hoo-haw gettin' in the way. But, that said, I finally managed to finish working in the 3rd journal I received as part of a rotating Art Journal project!

Each Journal was started by a different artist - they creat the cover & choose the theme - this journal was all about Travel. While most of my recent travel has been business trips (no, I am not going to create a journal page with that focus), I did have a wonderful trip to Oaxaca last October (and also in 1999) that I used for inspiration.

The bits of newspaper used throughout the journal are from the newspapers used to wrap items I bought in Oaxaca.

The inside started with very bright colors: hot pink of the papel picado, bright yellow paint, the original colors of the Catarina image and my photographs. But, while there is a lot of color in Mexico, most of it is knocked back a bit with layers of earth -- so I hit everything with washes to tone the color down. The handwritten text says "Celebración de la Vida en la Tierra de Tres Valles."

The metal objects in the journal all started as brightly painted or plain tin. Using techniques I learned from Michael deMeng during the Oaxaca trip, I altered each with layers of paint. (I also used Michael's painting techniques on the 'burned paper' edges.)

To give you an idea of where this journal started ...

So, that's the spread.

And now it's time for me to work on the next journal. It arrived in April but I held off opening the box until this one was completed. Hmmm ... maybe I'll get to use bones in the next book ...

Rare Mexican Cuts from the Sixties!

2008-04-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Any music junkie I've ever met has it - their holy grail - the album they heard about or maybe once had that is the recording they now search for in every record store they enter. With the Internet comes the search on Amazon, Amazon UK and eBay (tho' I would say these searches are not nearly as enjoyable as flipping through the bins).

My holy grail of recent years: Rare Mexican Cuts from the Sixties. I once had the album and then *poof* gone. I don't know if it went out on loan to someone who disappeared from my life or if it vanished in a move -- all I know is that when I go to my wall of CDs, it's not there. Of course, as soon as the CD went missing, all I wanted to hear were Mexican garage bands from the '60s covering The Rolling Stones, The Doors and others.

I came close to recovering this lost gem a few times including almost locating it through Waterloo Records in Austin ... but, ultimately, no Rare Mexican Cuts. Although, I did often stumble upon other musical treats because of my search including Los York's Los York's 68.

Tonight, thanks to garage60s.blogspot.com, I'm now listening to Bajate De Mi Nube - translation Get Off of My Cloud. Sure, I'll still search for the CD so that it's back in my collection where it belongs but, until then, I've got the songs!

Rare Mexican Cuts from the Sixties

Sam Interviews E!

2008-04-21T22:49:00.001-07:00

Wahoo ... my friend, Erin, of Namastemofo.com captured on video by Sam Page.

The Blog ...

2008-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

So thinkin' my blog needs a look, a design ... some sort of pizzaz. Maybe a new name? Hey, then maybe I'd post more.

Gettin' Ready to Create ...

2008-04-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Artfest tomorrow. Once again, the time between registration in September and my flight to Seattle raced by and I find I'm completely unprepared. I had grand visions of creating something for the gallery, finishing lots of inchies, charms and other goodies to swap, and finding the perfect art elements for my class projects. As it is, I'll be lucky to finish a few keyhole charms for my housemates. After a final run to Home Depot on Sunday, I now have all the tools required ... still have to pack tonight.

As hectic as things have been, so looking forward to 3 days of art classes and no discussion of computers, technologies, strategies, dependencies and all the other joy that comes with the day job. This year, I'll be taking 2 classes with Linda & Opie O'Brien (Who's Your DADA and Flat to Stacked) and a class with The Ashmans (Necklace Journal) ... it's all about metal this year.

A New Decade ...

2008-03-25T21:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to me. March is always a bit crazy with my annual trip to Austin for SXSW ... this year was a bit nuttier than usual thanks to an unexpected business trip to London than ran directly into my Texas travels. So, now, it's my birthday and I'm taking a moment to capture some of the the things I've observed, experienced or noted over the past few weeks.

Everyone should fly business class at least once before turning 40.
(warm nuts, Port, and a clean pair of socks ...)
When shopping at independent record stores, always ask the person behind the counter what they're listening to - and buy whatever at least one item they recommend. It's a great way to discover new music.
(I'm now listening to Jeffrey Lewis '12 Crass Songs' thanks to the guy working at Sister Ray records in SOHO, London)
When photographing concerts, always be polite and don't interfere with the photographers who are there to earn a living and the fans who are there to enjoy the show.
Always tip the waitstaff and tip the waitresses who card you really, really well.
(thanks to the waitress at The Boiling Pot who carded me at lunch when I ordered a Shiner)
Eat breakfast for dinner; french toast at night will make you smile.
You're never old when you're with your friends.

And with that, I'm off to wrap up my birthday with a slice of lemon bunt cake and a viewing of 'The Breakfast Club' ...

Reading in 2008 ...

2008-01-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

Reading. A good way to start the new year. Last year was such a blur I might have found my way through a couple books. Here it is still January and I've finished 2 books that have been on my books-to-read stack for awhile.

The first book I finished reading this year was Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman. Why didn't I read this book sooner?! A fantastic read that brought back plenty o' memories as well as provided some great music commentary. I wasn't into metal - went more the the punk, goth, alt route - but had plenty of friends who were and fondly remember watching back-to-back videos full of spandex and big hair on MTV before going to class. Moving Chuck's other books up on my to-read stack.

After Fargo Rock City I moved on to By George by Wesley Stace. While it might seem an odd segue, there is a connection ... one book written about music, the next written by a musician (some of you may know Stace by the name John Wesley Harding).

I started By George last year - having picked up the book immediately upon release - but, due to my own series of unfortune events, I was distracted from finishing the book. Returning to the pages this year, I found myself drawn in by the characters and the connections between the two boys George. I continue to think about the people, the family, the connections ... and am looking forward to both JWH's next album and Stace's next novel.

Hmmm ... what to grab next from the reading stack ...

Catching Up ...Moving Forward ...

2008-01-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I had good intentions of multiple posts about the Oaxaca trip ... tho' was too busy experiencing Oaxaca to post while there and various negative events occupied my brain and energy once I returned so focus was on getting to the holidays and saying good-bye to 2007.

One thing I realized after meeting all the great artists who attended the workshop in Oaxaca - and something that I'm carrying with me into the new year -- is that I'm not the only one workin' a day job. Ok, sure, this may seem obvious to the rest of you - but it was a pleasant reminder to me. It is indeed possible to work and still create. That said, focus for the new year is on making the necessary changes and finding the right balance so I can spend more time and energy in creative environments and creating my own things ... whatever those may be.

So, here's to 2008. On the list, put the final touches on the piece I started in Oaxaca ... just looking for the right word.

Today's Quote ...

2007-12-12T23:22:00.001-08:00

"Why is there a frozen zombie on the TV?"

- heard after Tivo had been paused for an hour.

Random Report ...

2007-12-08T23:05:00.000-08:00

Returning to 'play all' on the Zune, I was offered this surprise of a segue yesterday ...

'Red Hot & Blue Love' from Working Class Dog by Rick Springfield

followed by ...

'Leilani' from Stoneage Romeos by The Hoodoo Gurus

Really, it worked.

Peliculas de Las Calaveras ...

2007-11-18T23:51:00.000-08:00

After all the talk of "El Charro de las Calaveras" while in Oaxaca, had to set Tivo to see if I might be able to see the film for myself. No such luck yet, but did watch "Las Calaveras del Terror" tonight. '

Must watch more of the Mexican Western/Adventure/Mystery/Horror genre! Oh, yeah, need to post some more Oaxaca tales, too.

Oaxaca Tales ...

2007-11-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a week since I returned home from Oaxaca. Sure, I thought maybe I'd blog while in Mexico but, once I arrived, the experiences trumped all else and the thought of typing blog posts vanished. So, I'll try to capture some of the memories in written form over the next few days.

Traveling to Oaxaca

SJC: I started the journey with an 8pm shuttle flight from San Jose to LAX on Thursday so that I could catch the LAX redeye and, ultimately get in to Oaxaca first thing Friday morning.

LAX: Sitting in the deli bar at the International Terminal at LAX outside gate 121, '70s radio lending to the flashback feel - KC & the Sunshine Band's 'Boogie Man' playing while I take in a cheese pizza for my 11pm dinner. I met some other Oaxaca-bound artists, Syd & Sue, at the gate. As we chatted, Syd remembered my radio piece Stephanie Lee's Plaster Architecture class at Artfest this year. Felt nice to have a piece remembered.

MEXICO CITY: Now I remember how much I hate flying through Mexico City. It's always chaotic. This time, thanks to misdirection through immigration, instead of simply turning around and re-boarding our flight to Oaxaca, Syd, Sue & I ended up in the main terminal. A porter offered to help us with our bags and lead us to the domestic boarding area. Unfortunately, we no longer had full boarding passes - just the stubs from our original flight (same flight number continued to Oaxaca). 90 minutes later, passports flying, new boarding passes in hand and multiple trips running back and forth to find a security gate that would let us through, we arrived at our gate at the exact departure time. The one woman remaining at the gate shook her head, no. Our porter started talking quickly, sweaty and out of breath from carting our bags back-and-forth. The woman got on the radio, asked for our papers, and I happily paid the porter in $US dollars as we boarded the plane. He earned it. We would have definitely missed the flight had it not been for him.

OAXACA: Arrived at 8:00 am on Friday morning. Let the relaxation begin ...

Hits Home ...

2007-11-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Literary Death Match ...

2007-10-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Ah, another great way to get out of 'work week' mode and into a creative space. I went to Opium Magazine's Literary Death Match at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco with friends on Friday night. Absolutely fantastic (and not just saying that because of the superbly tasty free No. 209 Gin).

Readers: Round 1: Evany Thomas (McSweeney's) v. Wesley “John Wesley Harding” Stace (Swink)
Round 2: Gary Kamiya (Salon) v. Daniel Handler (Opium)
Judges: New Yorker editor Ben Greenman (Literary Merit), Shaun Landry (Performance)and Oscar Villalon (Intangibles)

The final round ... a game of 'Opium' (Horse) between Wes & Daniel. Handler won by a point.

Making a note to catch more of Litquake in '08 ... off to go read more of 'By George' now ...

Yeah, Zoe!

2007-10-10T20:47:00.001-07:00

Ok - first had to say that because my friend Zoe deserves a "Yeah!" ... second because I had dinner tonight at Restaurant Zoë in Seattle (kitty-corner from The Crocodile Cafe). Fabulous! Spicy octopus appetizer, special salad with an amazing mozzarella-like cheese (wish I could remember the name), Scallops served with winter squash, bacon, black lentils, mushrooms ... finished off with a lavender-citrus panna cotta.

Full & happy now.

One More Thing ...

2007-10-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ok ... so decided to add one more thing to the journal before shipping it off ... a tiny bell. There, done.

The book is now in the mail on its way to the next artist ...

The Journal Challenge ...

2007-10-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Journal number two arrived and had me stumped for ideas. Each direction I started to go didn't seem to lead anywhere so I just kept pushing through. Now, I'm late for the deadline to mail the journal to the next artist but I think I'm calling this done.

Blank pages are always a challenge. So many possibilitites. This time it was even more challenging as it was the first time I was working in someone elses book. I want to do right by the artist & owner of the journal ... ack, the pressure.

I thought about using some texture. I have this wonderful vintage Japanese grass cloth that my neighbor gave to me and have been looking for the right project to use it ...

Finally couldn't take the blank page so hit it with a wash of color. I had to start somewhere ...

I had a picture in my mind of yellows and geens conjuring up a '60s feel but after the color wash and playing with the grass cloth I hit a mental block (again). So, time to push on to something else ... words. Found these in a 1951 Beauty magazine ...

Once again, a bit challenged as to where to go next. I added a bit of turquoise glitter to the edges for color and for texture ...

Finally decided to key off of the 'Stag Line' and 'Pretty Foot' text and, thinking of the journals theme, thought of old friends coming together because of their common love for something ... in this case old ladied lovin' to put on their dancin' shoes. Welcome to Aunt Helen and her friends ...

Some 'journaling' of sorts came next ...

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
- c.s. lewis

This is nowhere close to the journal spread image I had in my head when I started but just went with it. I feel like maybe the page still needs something but I don't know what and since I tend to do a bit too much at times plus it's past due to go to the next artist and the next journal has arrived ... I think I'm calling it done.

Come Together or Later ...

2007-10-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

Went to see "Come Together" - the artwork of John Lennon - last night with my good friend & fellow Beatle junkie. Afterward, we went to the Long Life Noodle House for dinner where I was treated to this in my fortune cookie:

COME BACK LATER ... I AM SLEEPING.
(YES, COOKIES NEED THEIR SLEEP, TOO)

Either the fortune cookie masters are trying to appeal to my sense of humor or this is a way of telling me I should get some rest.

Heard on KEXP ...

2007-10-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

In response to Talk Like a Pirate Day, Kevin Cole announced on KEXP that today is ...

Hug a Goth Kid Day

Made me smile.

Hey Jude ...

2007-09-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

I saw Across the Universe Friday night ... it was the perfect way to get my head out of the work week and into the weekend. An amazing movie full of incredible visuals and music telling a touching story.

Already bought the soundtrack and making note to get the extended version when it comes out on October 23 ...

So I'm readin' Real Simple ...

2007-09-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Opening page there's a B&W photo of a spiderweb between blades of grass covered in dew and this ...

The Three Rules of Work
Out of clutter, find simplicity.
From discord, find harmony.
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity
~ Attributed to Albert Einstein

Thinkin' maybe this needs to find its way into an art project ... might help keep me sane at the day job.

Artfest 2008!

2007-09-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

I'm in! My Artfest 2008 confirmation packet arrived yesterday and it looks like this time it's all about metal ... tin, copper, various bits of wire ...

On Thursday, I'll be taking Who's Your Dada with Linda & Opie O'Brien and on Friday I get to see the O'Briens again for Flat to Stacked. I've been wanting to take one of their classes for awhile and bought their book Metal Craft Discovery Workshop at Artfest earlier this year. So now I get to look forward to not one but two Linda & Opie classes.

Saturday, it's a Necklace Journal class with Tom & Ramona Ashman. (Tom Ashman made a great goat head in Liz McGrath's Mounted Monsters class in 2006 ... same class where I made The Bartender.) Of course, this means packing a drill in my suitcase but, hey, if I can cart around rusty nails and a bowling pin, a drill should be no problem.

Maybe this year I'll actually make something for the Artfest gallery ...

The Wisdom of Cookies ...

2007-09-18T23:51:00.001-07:00

YOU ARE ENTERPRISING - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT
PEKING NOODLE CO.

Good Weekend So Far ...

2007-09-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

So continuing on my homework theme from last Tuesday's Ladies Who Launch session, nice thing for self Day 3, Friday Sept 14: bought myself a double-shot latte from Peet's on my way to work. Somehow things seem better when the day starts off with a good coffee. Plus, I bought tix to go to Opium Magazine’s Literary Death Match on Oct. 12 (part of Litquake) to hear Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) read.

Saturday was spent at an all-day meeting o' stampers (have been doing much more stamp craft lately as the energy and emotion level hasn't really lent itself to more artistic endeavors but more on that sometime else). Of course, this meant getting up at 6:30 am on a weekend which I do not put into the 'nice things for me' bucket but my friend drove and supplied me with a big cup o' from Peet's so that helped get things back on track.

On the way home, we stopped at Perry Farms at Ardenwood and I picked up some organic fruits & veggies including some "pop it on the cob" microwave popcorn. Of course, I had to hold up our departure for a moment or two to snap a few pictures.

Probably should have done a bunch of stuff when I got home but instead spent most of the evening sitting around playing Wii with my 3-year-old (almost 4) niece. So would have to say, homework for Day 4, Saturday Sept 15: Enjoyed some fresh air & sunshine while shopping at a super cool organic fruitstand (bought some small, goofy pumpkins and a new type o' melon) and ignoring grown-up chores to play Wii with the niece.

Today's Plan: Lend support to a friend checkin' out a house and spend time in the studio ...

Should be sleeping ...

2007-09-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

A lil' sketch before bedtime last night ... part of the 'do something nice for me' motto for the week ...

So, stole a bit of creative time to sketch. Trying not to over think these sketches and just go with the messiness of it all.

On the list of 'nice things' homework today - a double latte from Peets this morning before work.

Homework ...

2007-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

To make changes, you gotta do stuff ... action ... step one ... homework. Part of the homework from last night - do something nice for yourself every day this week. Well, admittedly, I don't feel I made much of a conscious effort today - have to avoid the blur of everyday life overshadowing my homework assignment. So - thinking 'YES' - positive things I did for me today:

Left work at 5pm.

Left the laptop at work.

Ignored the list of things to do, planted myself on the couch, and watched a movie.

Hey - I'm starting small. Will see what else I come up with tomorrow.

Just Say ...

2007-09-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

It's time. Time to get unstuck. Took a step in that direction today - attended week one of the local Ladies Who Launch incubator program. Let the ideas roll ...

Schmap It ...

2007-09-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Another one o' my photos was chosen for a Schmap - this time the Austin Schmap. The pic is from SXSW 2006, Billy Bragg & friends playing a Hootenanny at the Central Presbyterian Church.

Here's a lil' mini Schmaplet that includes my pic on the photos tab (I think it might be the only 'concert' photo in the churches section) ...

Down the Drain ...

2007-09-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

I do believe the day job is sucking the creativity right out of me. Not much inspiration lately tho' I do have glimmers of random ideas every now and again. Time is short, attention span shorter.

Did snap a few pics while in Ashland over the weekend (still enjoying the new F1.4 30mm lens) ... thinking these could end up in a project someday ...

It was a nice stay ... but found the rut was still here when I returned home.

9 Plays, 5 Days ...

2007-09-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Call it a condensed vacation - roadtrip to another state, fancy food & drink, and 9 plays all in 5 days.

The mini-vacation started something like this ...

... my view from the back seat of the van.

The days in Ashland continued with:

Tracy's Tiger
The Tempest
As You Like It
Gem of the Ocean
Distracted
Romeo & Juliet
On the Razzle
Tartouffe
The Taming of the Shrew

My favorite play: Distracted

Send In the Clowns ...

2007-08-20T23:21:00.001-07:00

Well, I certainly haven't been very good 'bout posting. Seems by the time I get home, the brain is mushy and I haven't felt like I've had anything to say. I have been doing some creative stuff in the form of stamping some cards but the creative spark has pretty much been, well, *poof* Here's to finding the time, space, energy and fire to create ... something ... anything.

Ok, now that I've got that off my chest, time to post some pics from the art journal project I shipped off a couple weeks ago. Seems there isn't quite the push to keep it all a secret now so if someone beyond my one or two readers stumbles on to these pics, I won't feel as if I've blown the big surprise.

Let's start with the cover ... what I wanted was a toy clown. Have you tried finding toy clowns lately? They're nowhere to be seen - nada - nothing - vanished. I went to toy stores, to party supply stores - zip! Sure, plenty of Pixar and Princess party packs but just try to find a clown. Someone must have decided that clowns scare children and passed a ban.

So, time to improvise ... stamp a clown and frame it with frogs (they're plastic, btw) ...

Stay tuned for more 'journal in the making' posts ...

Journal ...

2007-08-08T00:16:00.001-07:00

Too sleepy to post much ... but will report that my art journal project is ready to make its merry way via US Post to the next artist ...

Must sleep now ...

What Once Was Pink & Green ...

2007-08-02T23:13:00.001-07:00

Inching along on my art journal project - I'm determined to pull it all together this weekend so it can travel on its merry way via post on Monday. Of course, I can't possibly display a full picture here as that would spoil the surprise for those who might receive it during this artful round robin that Deb has cooked up. But, I think I can show some things I was playing with in the studio ...

I have Jane Wynn to thank for the discovery of this magical paint. I took her 'Tainted Toys' class at Artfest 2006 ... this was my creation:

Note To Self: Turn More Toys ...

F1.4 ...

2007-08-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

My new toy arrived this week - a 30mm F1.4 lense. So last night I gave it a test run by snapping some pics of things in the yeard ...

I think the lens is a keeper ...

Art & Drink in Denver ...

2007-07-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Fantastic night out last night with friend I have seen in years. First stop - The Hamilton Building at The Denver Art Museum. The building opened in October '06 and was architected by Daniel Libeskind ... no right angles anywhere. Felt a bit like I'd wandered into a Dr. Seuss book.

We lucked out and didn't get too much rain while dining on the rooftop of Tamayo.

Life's Too Short to Stay in Stuffy Hotels ...

2007-07-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

That's it - from now on I want all of my hotel stays to include a heavy dose of humor. I'm in Denver this week for a convention (part of my stamp crafter alter ego) and will now be telling everyone that they really have to stay at The Curtis when visiting the mile-high city.

Why? Where do I start ...

The 'sundries' counter next to the front-desk counter features rubber chickens ...

The print material in the room take the form of a single complete with "45 adaptor" images ...

The associated restaurant/bar, The Corner Office, serves amazing food and cocktails. Might I recommend the Bee's Knees (complete with rock candy) ...

And did I mention the color orange is everywhere?

More pics on my Flickr site.

Dinner with Friends ...

2007-07-21T00:25:00.001-07:00

The perfect way to spend a Friday night - sitting around the table with friends, food and drink for hours. Music for the evening included: Grant Lee Phillips, Magnet and Air. And the only art that evoked a bit of a creepy feeling (at least the only one commented on) was my Bartender Bunny ... exactly the response expected for the bunny.

I made The Bartender in Liz McGrath's class at Artfest 2006.

Rebecca, Lolita, Veshawn & Dawn ...

2007-07-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Flashback Moment: Heard this on the radio while running errands on Saturday. When was the last time you heard 'Double Dutch Bus' by Frankie Smith?

The Art Journal Project Begins ...

2007-07-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

Finally got started on Sunday. I have no idea where this is going ... but the challenge is to just trust the process and see what happens.

Of course first step, for me, was choosing something to listen to while creating. I opted for Andre Ethier - a CD I picked up at Waterloo Records in Austin - it was a recommendation by one of the Waterloo employees. When I go into a cool record store, before heading to the counter, I make it a point to ask one of the employees what they're listening too and/or what they would recommend that I probably haven't heard. It's a great way to find the obscure, the local, the independent ... but I digress.

Next step was to start working on a 'sign-in' sheet. For this journal project we are each to pick a theme ... ahh, but we're keeping the themes a secret so that each person who receives the journal to create their page(s) will be surprised. To that end, I will say nothing of my theme ... nor will I show full pages ... don't want to spoil the surprise for whoever might get this journal next.

So, with that ... here's where the sign-in page started ...

And then ... it made it to here ...

Still not sure where it's gonna go next ...

Must Start Journal ...

2007-07-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

I really need to get going on my art journal project. My original plan was to spend all day creating last Saturday but when I went to the studio, the clutter and chaos was too much so I ended up cleaning & organizing instead.

I did get started on the journal on Sunday ...

Look What Put Me on the Schmap!

2007-07-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hey, kinda cool! One of my photos was selected for the Portland Schmap! So bein' creative and having fun a while back paid off with a lil' surprise & byline now. Sweet. The photo is from the Doug Fir Lounge (probably figured that out by now) ... my good friend, E, and I were staying at the Jupiter Hotel next door to the Doug Fir for a Portland weekend getaway. E's sister works at the Doug Fir ... might I say, very nice bartenders there, too.

*my photo's on the Schmap site and in the photos tab of the widget.

The Journal Project ...

2007-07-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I need a deadline (or some other such kick in the tush) to start creating. Well, said deadline will be here soon enough ... I signed up to participate in a journal swap hosted by the amazing Deb (she organized the 'Thank You' journal project for Teesha & Tracy Moore). This time, the challenge includes creating pages that incorporate four senses. Each artist chooses a theme for their book, creates the cover & sign-in pages and then off it goes ... I have to get my book ready to send by the end of this month. I'll find out in a week who I'm sending it too.

First step, find a journal to start with ... took a trip to University Art today.

Second step ... well, ok, not really a step ... more like enjoy a lil' shopping spree at University Art. In addition to the Dr. Ph Martin's watercolors, I also picked up some white & white pearl liquid acrylics plus some or (gold) & argent (silver) by Encre Sennelier. Haven't used any of these before so should be fun playing ...

Third for today ... play with the new inks & paints. I decided to drip some colors over an incomplete sketch from my Artfest trip; a fun way to see what the colors would do.

Secrets Revealed ...

2007-07-05T22:46:00.001-07:00

When the 'straight job' takes over and there doesn't seem to be enough time (or energy, or brain power, or whatever) to create, I make sure I'm at least reading a good book.

The latest? Totally hooked on 'The Secrets of Rusty Things' by Michael deMeng.

I pre-ordered a copy (sight unseen) after taking a class from Michael at Artfest earlier this year ... so worth the wait!

I've always been a fan of mythology. When I was a kid, and it was time for our class to visit the school library, while the other kids went for the latest on sports or ponies, I went for books on mythology (Greek, Roman, Norse ... whatever I could get my hands on) or books on the Beatles (but that's a different post). So, imagine my joy to get a book full of insight into using found objects to create cool things inspired by various myths and legends. Not to mention the fact that the artist has a great sense of humor and it surfaces in his writing (ah, pop culture references, thank you very much)

It's late, I have work tomorrow ... time to go read more secrets ...

(you can also find 'secrets' on amazon ... but you won't get the extra cool goodies you'll get when ordering from The Artist Nook)

A lot going on ...

2007-07-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

I said I was going to create something this week and, since the 'straight job' starts up again tomorrow, I count Sunday as still "this week" ... plus I opted not to do any 'straight job' work today so that this truly was a weekend day. Next challenge - what to create? Sure, I did some paper-crafting card stuff earlier in the week - but I wanted to really create something from scratch.

Last night, I went to see a friend's band play which meant sleeping late today. That, combined with warm weather led to a generally lazy disposition. So, creating anything that required energy was pretty much out of the question.

I received my copy of Teesha Moore's fabulous 'Art & Life' zine a few days ago, so decided to embrace my low energy and nestle into a butterfly chair outside and spend some time with Issue 8. One of the articles was a taken from 32-page handwritten book created by Theo Ellsworth for his students at Artfest 2007. The piece "The Mystery Play Inside You" explored how to meet your inner characters and get on with drawing & creativity.

Perfect.

They say if you want to draw, do it. A lot. I need to force myself to remember that. And, with that, I created a sketch.

Now Playing ...

2007-06-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

Picked up Elliott Smith's New Moon today ... includes a wonderful cover of 'Thirteen' by Big Star.

Goal for the week: create something.

Bring On the Altered Curiosities!

2007-06-20T22:09:00.001-07:00

Last year, I was lucky enough to take a 'Tainted Toys' class from Jane Wynn at Artfest. So imagine my joy today to see that her first book, 'Altered Curiosities: Assemblage Techniques & Projects' is being published ... and available for pre-order! Already ordered my copy, of course.

My 'tainted toy' from Jane's class, Artfest 2006 ...

Impromptu Art Class ...

2007-06-11T21:32:00.001-07:00

One plus of working a 'straight job' is that you sometimes get good employee discounts and, while I don't need that many copies of [insert product here], I've found that my friends are often in need of stuff and that can lead to some fun barter situations.

In this particular case, I leveraged my bro-in-law's employee discount for Roberta Lee Woods, my artist-friend in Santa Cruz. Originally, the plan was product in exchange for a piece of artwork but instead she offered to give me a 1-on-1 collage workshop. Sold!

So, Saturday, drove over the hill and made my first attempts at collage.

To start things off, Roberta grabbed a piece of BFK paper and wet it down so that the paint would flow ... then it was my job to start making a big sheet of background paper ...

After ripping the paper into smaller sections, it was time to bring out the glue & paper bits ...

My first collage attempt:

And, after some encouragement from Roberta to work a bit larger ...

My second collage attempt:

Hmm, maybe I'll frame this one. Whatcha' think?