dream residue

Hello stranger

2012-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Things continue to be quite.

I guess this is going to take longer than I imagined.

2011 did a number on me, and recovery is what I need...apparently.

Im still steadily painting..its the only thing I want to do, besides playing scrabble of course.

I feel like Im in a cocoon. This all feels easy and natural, and Im lucky to have wonderful friends and a great family who understands and have been helpful.

anyway, 2012 looks great to me.

lots of great shows lined up for the year and great things are shaping up for next year too!

Hunger Force

2012-01-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

So here is my piece for the Adult Swim show

"Hunger Force" 16x20 - oil on canvas

Aqua teen will always remind me of my son. When he was pretty young we would watch the show with friends, and he would always do that little rap in the beginning. He even has a knit Meatwad beanie, that he still wears. But we had to stop watching it when we thought he might be finally able to understand the dialogue. haha

Some of the stuff I end up painting makes me laugh. I think to myself " Im sitting here in all seriousness painting a meatball with a face"

The show opens Friday the 13th ooOOoooOO spooky

All kiddies out of the pool

2011-12-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

My first art show of the new year!

"Gallery 1988 x Adult Swim"

opening January 13th

Im very interested in what the other artists have come up with!!

Here is a sneak peak of my piece.

Full image to come soon!

moon

2011-12-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

"As if the healthiest past-time

is being in life threatening circumstances

and once again be reborn

All birthed and happy

best way to start anew

is to fail miserably

fail at loving

fail at giving

fail at creating a flow

then realign the whole

and kick into the start

whole

to risk all

is the end all

and beginning of all"

- Bjork

this is your life Charlie Brown

2011-12-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I always like to look back at all the things that the past year has given me.

This past year was one of the more stressful Ive had in a while.

And thats ok.

Little crises are inevitable if growing is desired.

Thoughts are challenged, and sometimes your world is turned upside down and nothing makes sense.

Growing seems to hurt more than it should, but I'll take it.

You cant be lazy in becoming the best person you can be.

its oh so quiet

2011-11-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

havent posted in a while.

Been taking things easy lately. Lots of tea and scrabble playing.

I basically spent all the past 2 weeks having a whirlwind of ideas, and sketching them out.

pretty excited to start painting them.

But now until the new year,Ill be tucked away painting getting things ready for the new year.

Also Ill be updated my web shop this month, with some very limited prints.

But for now this little piece is now framed up and available on my web shop.

oh and I had to get a pic of my cat looking cute

study #1

2011-11-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

so those studies I mentioned in a earlier post. I only finished up one, then got distracted.

But I do plan on doing more, since I dont ever do stuff like that.

11x14 - oil on canvas

vino

2011-11-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

thinking about the amount of bloodwork I have gotten this year.
Vile after Vile.
Then thinking about my blood being tossed away after, and all the blood tossed away.
where does it go?

What the Cuss?

2011-10-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

my pieces for the 2nd annual Bad Dad's.

"Still painting storms, I see"

16x20 - oil on canvas

so the show title is obviously inspired by the fathers in Wes's films. These confused men, trying to find their "Father" status. Which leads to the strong women in his films.

I really like the Mrs. Fox character, I think I feel I can relate more than any other character of his.

So doing a piece on her, bringing a more human perspective to the character just made sense, for me at least.

I used one of her paintings as the backdrop.

this painting is also part of my recent surge of inspiration from classic art. I tried a few new things on this one.

and then I just wanted to do a little fun piece, and maybe indulge in darker colors, considering the Mrs Fox piece has every color in the rainbow in it.

"Rat"

11x14 - oil on canvas

the show opens this Saturday and has been extended to Sunday as well.

Spoke Art

816 Sutter Street

San Francisco, CA

www.spoke-art.com

To us!

2011-10-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

next show

2011-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

this show is curated by the lovelies over at Perfect Laughter

when they asked me to be part, I didnt hesitate, and I liked the idea of stepping outside of my normal process.

I didnt realize how difficult it is for me to do so. ha!

But it all worked out and Im pretty happy with my piece

heres a little preview.

its a bit hard to tell whats going on maybe, but I'll explain later ;)

if any of you live in Michigan, they show is at Rivers Edge Gallery in Wyandotte, on Friday the 21st

Bad Dad's sneak peak

2011-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Finally finished my pieces for Bad Dad's! Just in time too. Got to scan them, now to ship them off.

Here is a detail sneak peak

I think its pretty obvious what movie I went with. ;)

I'll be posting full images next week

well its Friday night, I think I'll make some tea and play Zelda

Happy Weekend!

speaking of

2011-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

wow. just wow.

my husband remembered this commercial for some reason...

my son asked, "did you guys actually think this was cool?"
we laughed pretty good.

Happy October

2011-10-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first October in a long time, that I feel I can enjoy.

So I got Halloween on my mind.

I also recently went to the D.I.A ( Detroit Institute of Arts) and was so inspired.

I mean you can go online and look at art, but nothing ever compares to seeing them up close.

So with my 2 recent inspirations fresh in my head, I started a couple studies with a Halloween twist.

I'll probably have them done soon.

Ive also been working on my Wes Anderson pieces for the 2nd "Bad Dads" show coming up on Halloween!

I couldnt decide between 2 characters, so I ended up doing both.

you can see a peak in both photos

I hope I can get back into updating my blog more often.

Ive been super domestic lately, and with painting I feel like there really isnt much time.

Plus Ive recently started playing the original Zelda, so any free time I get thats what Im doing. ahem.

Which 'R" you filled with?

2011-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

...relief? or regret?

"Regret"

16x20 - oil on canvas

" Now in these last agonizing minutes of life you have left, let me answer the question you asked earlier more thoroughly. Right at this moment, the biggest "R" I feel is Regret.

Regret that maybe the greatest warrior I have ever known, met her end at the hands of a bushwhackin, scrub, alky piece of shit like you. That woman deserved better."

my piece will be hanging up at Spoke Arts section at the Beyond Eden Art Fair opening Saturday

in Los Angeles.

www.beyondedenartfair.com

www.spokeart.net

studio:process

2011-09-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

I should get an award for patience, since Im still not in my new studio space.

But its been non stop crazy since we moved in, so I guess all I can do is be patient.

I thought it might help the process along a little if I documented it.

But probably not.

here is a little tour

husband is working on electrical.
then drywall.
Heres hoping it will be done this year!

new piece sneak peak

2011-09-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

for the 3rd and final round of Quentin vs Coen, Spoke Art generously asked me to do another piece!

I had no hesitations, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

here is a little sneak peak for fun

can you guess which movie/character it is?

the show will be exhibited at the Beyond Eden art fair in Los Angeles

along side galleries like Copronason, La Luz de Jesus and Thinkspace.

should be pretty awesome. Very excited to be part of the show again!

And! I will be part of the return of Spoke art's "Bad Dads", the Wes Anderson tribute show.

opening again on Halloween!

So Im currently working that.

Check back soon to see the full image of my QVC piece

......

2011-09-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

you are tired

( I think )

Of the always puzzles of living and doing:

So am I

come with me then,

and we will leave it far and far away -

(only you and I understand)

you have played

( I think)

and broke the toys you were fondest of

and you are tired now:

tired of things that break, and -

just tired

so am I

but I come with a dream in my eyes tonight

and knock with a rose at the hopeless gate of your heart

Open to me

for I will show you the places nobody knows

and, if you like

the perfect places of sleep

ah, come with me

Ill blow you that wonderful bubble, the moon

that floats forever and a day

I'll sing you the jacinth song

Of the probable stars

I will attempt the unstartled steppes of dream

until I find the only flower

which shall keep ( I think) in your little heart

while the moon comes out of the sea

- e.e. cummings

catching up.

2011-09-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

oops. Ive been neglecting my blog.

back to school time is wonderful and crazy at the same time.

anyway, Im a little late on this but last Friday was the opening for the Garbage Pail Kids show at Gallery 1988.

From the images I seen, it looks like it was a awesome turnout.

there are some pretty amazing pieces in the show

and here are my favorites!

Casey Weldon

(this piece is brilliant! if you dont know who the peepin creep is, check out this article)

Dave MacDowell

Jesse Riggle

Leontine Greenburg

(this piece is amazing, the words are painted on the glass, so if you wanted to you can remove it!)

NC Winters

go check out all the pieces and prints!

maybe youll find your favorite card re-vamped :)

Gallery 1988

Garbage Pail Kid show opens tomorrow!

2011-09-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here is my piece for the show!

"Double Heather"

18x24 - oil on canvas

I picked this one for a few reasons. 1: Ive always wanted to paint Siamese twins.

2: this card reminds me and my sister and I.

and 3: Im a gemini.

plus I like bloody noses and black eyes

for all you lucky folks out in LA

the show opens tomorrow @ 7pm

@ Gallery 1988 on Melrose Ave.

Garbage Pail Kid - sneak peak!

2011-08-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

I havent posted in a while.

Ive been painting a ton!

So why not post a little peak at my piece!

can you guess which card this is based off?

I had a real hard time picking one just one!

Of course if there would have ever been a card using my first name, I would of had no problem!!

I still cant believe there isnt one card with my name! Out of all those cards!

This missing piece to my childhood. *sigh*

I can not wait to see what the other artists have done!

What a fun show this is going to be!

full image coming next week.

artist's I like : APAK

2011-08-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

APAK are Aaron and Ayumi, a husband and wife art making team!

If thats not cute enough, check out their art!

I have been a fan for a while, and I love the next piece more than the last it seems.

There is something about their work that draws me in a personal way.

A lot of their pieces remind me of dreams Ive had.

Like this one titled "pools of light".

I would have dreams of a garden surrounding a natural pool.

The flowers and plants of the garden looked like crystals, and they glowed a blue light.

its one of my most favorite dreams. I havent dreamt of it in a while, but looking at this piece reminds me of it.

this is another favorite of mine

A piece they did for Gallery 1988's Crazy 4 Cult.

"goodbye loompa land"

too cute!

Garbage Pail Kids + Art = Gallery1988

2011-08-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Only Gallery 1988 can do this!

and this flyer is the coolest flyer ever.

so crazy!

Did you collect Garbage Pail Kids? Me and my sister had a good collection.

Of course we ended up getting rid of them while growing up. REGRETS!

But the past 4 or 5 years me and my son have been re-collecting them.

Its been super fun. I go to comic stores and flea markets with my checklist! ha!

well Ill be honest, I always have the checklist in my purse!!

I spent a lot of my time drawing these cards as a kid, either for friends or myself.

I actually learned a lot from these cards, so its pretty cool to be an adult and re-creating what was a big part of my childhood.

Image of my piece soon to come!

Crazy 4 Cult book

2011-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was so thrilled when Gallery 1988 contacted me about having my art in the book!

I thought that I would just have 1 image, but I was even more thrilled when I flipped through and saw 4 of my pieces inside :)

Im so grateful!

There is some great stuff in this sucker!

If your looking to get one, they are in all book stores

Or buy from 1988s website

www.nineteeneightyeight.com

boo

2011-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

"The Intruders"

15x30 - oil on canvas

I love dollhouses. I never had one growing up. Well I made one out of shoe boxes once.

It wasnt the elegant fantasy I wanted, but why ruin my sense of reality right?

Being the hermit I am, my home is my castle. I spend most my time inside, and a lot of time in my head.

With this girl, I seen a crown that looked like a Victorian dollhouse.

Her home is haunted with unwanted guest, that she dosent know how to be rid of.

I spent some time deciding whether too give her tears or not.

Shes sad, but in a way she is used to them being there.

New Print

2011-08-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Just updated my web store.

"My Poor Baby"

Giclee print

on smooth art paper

edition of 25

you can get one HERE <-----

share your light

2011-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

"Flutter"

15x30 - oil on canvas

I talked about moths in one of previous post, as I was painting this piece, so I wont go back into it.

BUT I will say that I think I made myself a little more comfortable with these guys in the process. One night a moth got into our house, and instead of smashing it out of fear, I chased it around my house, caught it and released it outside! I did scream the whole time, but hey its a step.

I had a hard time naming this piece.

She ended up looking so sad, as if shes apologetic for attracted them.

As they get too close they just end up dying.

Paging Mr Herman....

2011-08-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

So Friday was the opening to the Pee Wee Herman tribute art show.

Sadly once again I could not go, but some fellow artist friends filled me in and it seemed like it was a great turn out.

heres my piece in its frame

and here are my favs from the show!

Dimitri Simakis "The Spirit of the Universal Illumination"

Jason Liwag "The Playhouse Gang Print Set"

Ryan Snook "Pee-Wee"

Scott Derby "A Loner, A Rebel…"

Chris B. Murray "Mr.Breakfast"

So if you live in the Venice area you should go check it out!!!

But if you dont go check them out online!!

www.nineteeneightyeight.com

triple crabby supreme

2011-07-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

in such a bad mood today

Pee Wee!!!

2011-07-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Pee wee was a big part of my life growing up.

Just like those who grew up with Howdy Doody or Bozo, we had Pee Wee!

I freakin adored him!!

I think he helped make it ok too be a little weird and to run wild with your imagination.

When I was 9 I got hit by a car and was in a body cast for a whole summer. And that whole summer I watched Pee Wees Christmas Special over and over. I taped it off television, and would rewind it and rewind it. My poor mother !!

I also spent my time that summer making his playhouse out of my legos. So yeah, He made that awful summer better!

Im so happy to be able to pay tribute to him!

"My Baloney has a first name"

16x20 - oil on canvas

I dont think many remember Billy Baloney. But I love Billy! His name alone rocks my socks.

One of my biggest regrets, I was at a flea market and saw a Billy Baloney doll in the box still, and I didnt buy it!!

why oh why??

well, this amazing show opens Friday, July 29th @ Gallery 1988 Venice

You should go! I wish I could!

oh yeah and I still have my Pee Wee colorforms set!

Chantilly lace and a pretty face

2011-07-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

"Chantilly"

11x14 - oil on canvas

I love lace. Im a sucker for it.

So lace was written in my book.

I had seen in my head a white lace cloak, and I sketched this up.

To me she represents death.

tomorrow on the runway

2011-07-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

oh be the music in my head

the air around my bed

oh be my rest

replace the small disgraces

of the times and places that I never really left.

did you leave the darkness

without me?

you're always miles ahead

and your standing in tomorrow

on the runway.

- the innocence mission

the ghost in you

2011-07-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Residue"

16x20 - oil on canvas

This piece is a little different than my normal pieces. And this piece was one that I felt I was pushing to keep how I saw it in my head.

I wanted her to feel engulfed in darkness.

This was another piece inspired by old photographs.

Weve all seen the photos with "ghosts" in the photos. That look like there is just spot on the camera lens. Or the smokey looking room.

I came across "ectoplasm" photos.

Im not into the whole paranomal thing, and didnt actually know ectoplasm was a real term, I thought it was just some made up thing in Ghostbusters.

So I came across some photos and found them interesting.

ektos, (Greek) meaning "outside", and plasma, meaning "something formed or molded")

Ectoplasm is said to be produced by physical mediums when in a trance state. This material is excreted as a gauze-like substance from orifices on the medium's body and spiritual entities are said to drape this substance over their nonphysical body, enabling them to interact in our physical universe.

like I said I dont personally believe in stuff like this, I just think its interesting.

The girl in the piece isnt exactly possessed by a spirit or anything like that. I feel the ectoplasm represents being haunted by your inner ghosts and the release of them.

I think maybe too I was compelled to do this piece, because I was in a subconscious purging while working on all these pieces.

Im a loner Dottie.

2011-07-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

(click image to see bigger)

you have no idea how excited I am to be part of this show!

And I have actual pain inside of me that I cant be at the show opening.

*sigh*

well, I will be posting an image of my piece soon!!

Would you like to hold my baby?

2011-07-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Darling"

20x24 - oil on canvas

This was inspired from old Victorian photographs.

Proper little darling girls, their hair in perfect curls, in their best clothes.

But she has a different baby than the rest of the girls.

April and I were talking about bugs (over lunch of course)

She was telling me about a book she read, I dont remember the name, but it was gross and maggots had something to do with part of the story. We also came up with the title to our show then.

Well when I got home I drew this sketch up.

Im not all to familiar with what a maggot actually looks like. And since it was going to be painted so big, I figured I had to know. So I google imaged "maggot".....I dont recommend anyone to do that. So gross.

I was having a hard time finding anything that wasnt making me feel ill, so I stopped my search and just did my best painting from memory.

shes one of my other favorites.

She kind of reminds me and myself as a girl, with my beat up ragged doll. That I loved no matter how bad it looked.

sweet the sting

2011-07-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Supersedure"

18x24 - oil on canvas

I may have mentioned my dislike of bugs before.

I really dont understand why I scream like a little girl when a bug is near.

And of course the more legs the bug has the louder the shriek is.

Ive been trying to overcome this and embrace them.

And although creepy, insects are so interesting!

So I wrote bugs down in my sketchbook.

Im actually not to afraid of bees. Looking at them dosent give me the heebie jeebies.

So this wasnt too horrible.

This painting almost didnt make it. I Started it and didnt like it. So I put it aside and counted it out of the show pieces. But as the show got closer, I kept looking at it unfinished and felt like I quit, so I started back up with it, and I'm happy I did.

The title is the term for when the worker bees overtake the queen bee and kill her. Either because she is getting old, or not doing a good job. They surround her and roll her into a ball and suffocate her.

I read about this after the piece was finished and was researching about bees, to find a title.

Which is odd because the dress I painted is based off Marie Antoinette's wedding dress.

on your feet.

2011-07-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

foot solider

march ahead

into the unknown

you will take the first step

foot solider

blindfolded

your baby stepping

carefully treading

blindfolded

treading carefully

conquer the darkness

and then we'll follow

but you go first

march ahead

foot solider

march ahead

who will take the first step?

- Bjork

oops

2011-07-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

"To Die For"

18x24 - oil on canvas

so in the Victorian era, the poison arsenic was wrongly used in many occasions.

It was used in color pigments, like Emerald and Paris green. which was used for clothing and wallpaper.

Used in edible "beauty wafers" women would ingest to improve their complexion.

And once accidentally used in place of sugar

In 1858 an estimated 20 people died when sweets were accidentally made with arsenic.

The incident was named "The Bradford sweets poisoning"

"Humbug Billy", sold sweets from a stall in central Bradford.

He purchased his supplies from Joseph Neal, who made the sweets or "lozenges". The lozenges were peppermint Humbugs, made of peppermint oil, sugar and gum. At the time sugar was expensive and so Neal would substitute a cheaper substance known as "daft" for the sugar.

Neal sent for one of his helpers one day to collect the "daft' from the pharmacy.

Well, on this day, the usual pharmacist wasnt there, and the fill-in accidentally sold 12 pounds of arsenic to Neals helper.

The Arsenic was then used in making the lozenges, they were sold and posioned over 200 people, killing 20.

So I just kinda played off this, just instead of using the "humbugs" I used cake.

Because cake is fun to paint.

2011-07-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

"Adorned"

16x20 - oil on canvas

this one ended up being the last piece I finished.

She was a last minute thing, but Im glad she popped up.

I had teeth written down in my book. Ive always had a thing for teeth. I have dreams about teeth.

I actually used to like pulling my teeth out when they were loose. Im not sure why.

Maybe it was because it was a instant end to pain.

And thats what I think of when I think of teeth. Pain.

I guess shes my version of the tooth fairy.

I had a different girl sketched up, much more regal and elegant. But as I started to paint, this girl showed up.

She has a mean look to her, as if she likes your pain and wants to wear it.

dream a little dream

2011-07-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

I thought it'll be fun to do a brief explanation to some of the pieces from the show.

So Im starting with this piece, which is my favorite from the show.

"A Song Never Heard"

24x36 - oil on canvas

I often dream about playing pianos. The dreams are always so magical and wonderful.

I can play these elaborate songs, but as Im playing them, I think how am I doing this?

One dream I was playing an upright, and as I started to hit the keys, these magical plants started to grow out of the piano. They looked like a cross between crystals and normal plants and flowers, which is usually how the plants look like in my dreams. Each note played the plants grew in accordance. It was so beautiful.

I painted it in a more classic way, playing off the many classical iconic paintings of women at the piano.

I used one of Renoir's paintings as an inspiration/ reference.

Since the song I played in my dream wasnt real, I didnt paint notes on the sheet.

Someone asked me what was dripping out of the piano, and I told them it represented magic.

Thank you

2011-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

This post is for all of you who come to my shows, or any of the art shows out there for that matter. To those of you that by a print, or even a original.

I find it so amazing that there are people like you out there.

Those of you that always show your support.

Some of you have been going to shows your whole life, you support the artists and the art community, which is so overshadowed here.

Then there are the young ones, who amaze me as well.

These kids who could be sitting in front of a television screen or wondering a mall, instead are so interested in art and culture.

I have a group of young adults who try so very hard to come to all my shows, and it warms my heart.

There is a family with 2 small children who come to the shows, and the children are so into the art. They carry around the price sheet and look with such interest.

And with so much to worry about today, and so much distraction, its so easy to just stay home and worry about yourself. But each one of you that walk through the gallery door, or buy 1 print, is supporting the arts. you may not think you are, but you are.

Here I am, just a person, you tell me the connections you have with the pieces. And then all the preparing and hours in the paintings and shows, and all the mental anguish that arises from being in an art world in a decaying city, become so worth anything I would imagine.

you are what makes it all worth it too me.

so thank you

so very much <3

Beautiful Monstrosities opening

2011-07-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last night was the opening to "Beautiful Monstrosities", and like every opening, Im worn out!

But it was a good time! Everyone seemed to enjoy the show and that makes me happy!

Here is some coverage of the show from a few blogs.

Thanks guys for the support!

Kill Taupes Tumblr

my friend Eve did a little post on her blog here

and "Inside The Rock Poster Frame" took some photos as well.

I'll be posting the full images of the pieces soon.

Last Sneak Peak!

2011-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

1 more before the opening on Saturday.

"My Poor Baby"

16x20 - oil on canvas

this one came about as an accident really. I was sketching up a face, and I didnt like it so I started to black out the eyes. The face had a doll like look to it, so 1-2-3 this happened. And its one of my favorite pieces for the show.

In my previous post I talked about my love for dolls. Well I had 1 favorite doll. well it was actually a monster. Anyway I loved that thing so much, I called it my baby and took it everywhere with me.

I was always leaving it places. It would get taken by boys and thrown around. Someone once stole it and I found it in a pile of dirt on my street. It even fell in the toilet. So It got washed a ton, and eventually its eyes were washed off. So my baby had no eyes, and I would draw them on.

I had no conscious thought about this, until after the painting was finished. But I thought the connection was interesting.

I am, doll parts

2011-06-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dolls. I Love them. Ive always been a doll girl. I actually never had a real porcelain doll growing up. But I have a collection of stuffed animals. A couple years ago I did end up buying a old beat up porcelain doll at a flea market. But most of my doll/stuffed animals are ugly and beat up, so she fit in.

Sometimes I wonder if I never married or had children, if Id be that creepy old lady with cats and a large collection of dolls.

I remember when I first saw that movie "Dolls", I felt like if dolls ever came to life the would be on my side, like that girl in the movie. Sometime I joke with my husband and tell him to be nice to my dolls or they will bite him, Then he calls me a creep.

dive in

2011-06-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

“[Contemporary man] is blind to the fact that, with all his rationality and efficiency, he is possessed by "powers" that are beyond his control.

His gods and demons have not disappeared at all; they have merely got new names.

They keep him on the run with restlessness, vague apprehensions, psychological complications, an insatiable need for pills, alcohol, tobacco, food – and, above all, a large array of neuroses.” - Jung

sneak Peak/New Print!

2011-06-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

time for another sneak peak!

The show is getting closer, and the guys at 1xrun are helping to promote the show by releasing a print of one of the pieces from the show.

"Memento Mori"

24x36

oil on canvas

"Memento Mori" is an old saying, basically meaning "remember your mortality"

The 2 tall figures in black are "Plague Doctors".

This was a typical way they would dress, completely covered (understandable of course).

But the most fascinating part is the masks they would wear.

The "beak" served as a vessel for scented substances, like amber, mint leaves, cloves, rose petals and myrrh.

They thought this would protect them from "Miasmatic bad air", which was a theory that certain diseases where being spread through the air.

I also read somewhere that they would wear red goggles to ward off evil, Im not sure if thats true, but its all very interesting.

The hat was part of symbolizing their profession, and the sticks were used so they didnt have to touch the patient.

so being fascinated by all this, they made my list of inspiration.

The girl in the piece dosent represent a plague victim, I just like the juxtaposition of a sweet little girl with these 2 tall shadowing figures, like life and death.

In my head I feel like they are her friends.

so this piece will be released as a print through 1xrun on July 4th.

And the original will be available at the show on July 9th @ 323east

#16 sneak peak

2011-06-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

well I finished up my last painting the other day! And with a month until the show, this is the most prepared Ive been for a show with this many pieces. All my pre-planning and geeky list making paid off.

Heres a little sneak peak of #16.

I cant get over how great it felt to just let go and let the pieces come out as they want.

well as much as Id like to say Im all set for the show, I still have framing, varnishing and scanning to take care of.

I also plan on making some victorian-esque dolls for fun.

oh I also will be releasing a few new prints for the show, so more info soon!

just so I dont forget

2011-05-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today I realized, just how worth waiting is. Sometimes waiting is the only option and forced upon. And sometimes whatever it is you are waiting for just seems out of reach and you cant understand why you cant jump up and grab it.
But both the patient waiting or the forced waiting is necessary. Everything is shifting slowly. And little by little connections are made. What once was of no relevance to you suddenly makes perfect sense.

can I take your photograph

2011-05-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

old photographs have always inspired me. And the old Victorian photos grab me the most.

There is an unsettling feeling to them. Maybe its because they aren't smiling, or because they are long gone.

Or perhaps its unknowing who they are most times.

Photographs were very expensive then, and most times the only way they could get a photograph of someone was after they had past. And with the high death rate of children then, there was a trend of photographing the dead as if they were still living. Propped up or sitting with family. Theres no mistaking that this is unsettling, as is a lot of things pertaining to the Victorian era.

These things have a hand in my newest pieces.

Sneak Peak...kinda

2011-05-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

This piece was used for the flyer, so I guess its not really a sneak peak.

"Her Black Heart"

24x36

oil on canvas

This was the first piece I finished for the show. I finished it back in November I think, and she was a perfect start.

With all the pieces that will be in the show, they are all based off visuals and feelings arising when you look at certain things. I think at the time I sketched this one, the oil leak was still in my subconscious perhaps.

As i mentioned in a previous post, none of these pieces have any particular meaning, well none that I know of.

Maybe deep down they come from something, but maybe not.

inspiration

2011-05-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

preparing for this upcoming show, couldn't have been easier. I basically made a list of things I like. Words, objects, events, dreams Ive had, music etc. then sketched things that came to mind when thinking about them. I wanted to take a break from all seriousness, and just have fun. I found working on these pieces to be the most therapeutic work Ive ever done. It actually felt like a subconscious purging. Working so closely with April on the show has added to the pleasantness. Her approach to her work and the overall innocence to it, helped me remember to not get too controlling.

The theme grew on its own. We both like the same things, and conversing about our obsessions it all came out in the work.

Beautiful Monstrosities

2011-05-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

click the images to see them bigger

watch out for a flood of sneak peaks, and other fun info in the days to come.

also make sure you check out Aprils blog for sneak peaks as well.

inbetween

2011-05-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Havent posted in a while. Its been a crazy month, and the craziness is going to continue for a while.

Ive been working on finishing up my last pieces for "Beautiful Monstrosities". Still working out of my basement, but as long as no creepy crawlers come to visit me Im fine and getting work done. Im starting to have my "pre-show dreams" always happens. Its always the same too, I always show up too late and miss the opening.

within the next couple days I will have actual sneak peaks and the promo stuff.

here is where I hide. my makeshift studio

its an absolute mess, but it serves its purpose.

cant wait until my actual studio is done, so I dont have to work out of boxes.

shop updated

2011-04-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Its hard to keep all this web stuff updated, but I finally got this print up on my web shop!

print is 11x14

paper size 12x15

printed on cotton art paper

Next show

2011-04-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

July 9th happening @ 323 East in Royal Oak, Michigan

We are currently working on the promo stuff and will soon have an actual flyer.

I will be posting sneak peaks soon.

we are both super excited for this show, and are going all out for it! It will be a great show I promise ;)

stranger in a strange land

2011-04-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

I recently moved to a new place. Its been quite a hassle, I knew it would be, but you never know really. On top of all the actual moving madness, Ive grown frustrated without being able to paint for 3 weeks. Its a strange feeling. I feel out of touch with that side of myself. And with each passing day it feels like the light gets dimmer and dimmer. I have a anxious withdrawal like feeling. My current studio space is going to take time to be finished, so I will be setting up camp in my basement for the time being.
I watched a A-Team episode one time, (Im not familiar with the character names or anything) anyway they were undercover and all that. One of the guys was pretending to be an artist.( I always love when I see stereotypes of artists, cause its true) So whatever the reason the bad guys were trying to get him to move to another studio space, and The A-Team guy said " how is inspiration going to find me, when I trained it to find me here?" I laughed pretty good.....but its not so funny right now. Now to find all the extra sheets in the house and make a art fort.

Thursday

2011-04-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

So Thursday is the opening for Quentin VS Coen, and Im assuming its going to be a awesome time.

Once again I will not be able to be there, so Im a total square...or rectangle.

also Spoke Art is setting up a buyers preview list.
You can sign up to get first dibs on original pieces HERE <------

why dont you....

2011-03-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

1. stop hating your life

2. count your blessings

3. remember it could be worse...much worse

4. turn off your television for crying out loud, Im sure you dont need to watch Maury

5. figure it out on your own.

well, why not

2011-03-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

I have given in and started a twitter account.

Im gonna try my best to tweet often. (never thought Id say that)

follow me here

girl, you'll be a woman soon

2011-03-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

So I meant to take a photo of the piece in its frame, and kept putting it off, and right after I packaged it up I realized I never did it. figures. anyway heres my piece.

"I can keep a secret if you can"

16x20 - oil on canvas

I was pretty tempted to name this piece "Three tomatoes are walking down the street...."

Kill Bill is my favorite Quentin movie, and I was considering doing a Elle Driver or Go-go piece. But I'll never forget watching Pulp Fiction for the first time, I think I was like 16 or 17 and just thought it was the best thing ever. And the whole scene with Mia and Vincent was my favorite part. So I just had to do it.

if your on facebook Spokeart has a ton of sneak peaks and info about the show here.

Show opens April 7th @ Bold Hype Gallery, New York

Quentin wins

2011-03-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

while thinking of ideas for a piece to submit to the Quentin vs Coen show, the only movies that popped in my head were all Quentin films. So he wins. I had a hard time picking only one image to do though. Can you guess what film I went with? Shouldn't be too hard.

I'll post the full image soon.

does he look like a bitch?

2011-02-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

holy crap yes. working on my piece as we speak!

more to come. and sneak peaks as usual.

morning mr. magpie

2011-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

In the midst of a superb week, Radioheads new album was released. They are probably one of the only bands that never disappoint me. Ive been rotating between the new album and Thoms "Eraser" for the past 4 days. I thought it would be fun to pick my top 10 Radiohead songs. sooo I did.
In no particular order
1: Street Spirit
2:Subterranean Homesick Alien
3: Exit Music
4: Pyramid song
5: All I need
6: videotape
7: The National Anthem
8: Bodysnatchers
9: Karma Police
10: Optimistic
nothing from their first album, and nothing from their last. too soon to tell. But I really enjoy Codex.
Facebook artist friend Matty M Cipov did a piece inspired by the new album art. I think Id like to do some Radiohead inspired art in the future.

Thank God for good music.

so far so good

2011-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

well this winter hasnt been too unbearable. I did take all last week off from painting due too the extreme cold in my studio. But things are starting to thaw out and Im getting back too it. Heres a little sketch and a WIP shot. This particular piece is going towards our July show "Beautiful Monstrosities" .

great shows lined up so far for the year

Next up in April: Quentin vs Coen. oh yes!

oh and all the pieces from the John Hughes tribute show @ gallery1988 are now up and available online. here.

www.gallery1988.com

Darker

2011-02-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

sometimes, at the right moment, all the wickedness of the world is in plain sight. And you just cant ignore it.

from his Black Paintings - "Saturn devouring his son" - by Francisco de Goya

his fear of insanity and his outlook on humanity

pretty in pink

2011-01-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

finished!! Now too pack it up and ship it out!

"That's why they call them crushes" - 11x14 - oil on canvas

(click to view bigger)

I love the scene in Sixteen Candles, when shes laying on the couch talking with her Dad. Poor thing.

Every girl has been there..crushin on a boy that dosent know you exist.

I heart Jake Ryan

2011-01-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

Gallery 1988 is putting on another awesome show. A John Hughes tribute show.

Its opening February 11th. Im still working on my piece. I hate being this close to a deadline, but my paint wont dry in order for me to move on. But luckly I only need to put a few touches on it and it will be done!

So there was no questioning what movie I was going to cover.

Sixteen candles is one of my favs!

And I adore Molly Ringwald! So yeah a no brainer.

"Jake Ryan? He doesn't even know you exist"

very soon I will have images of my piece.

becoming friends with moths

2011-01-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

not really.

For the show in July, there will be lots of inspiration from things that creep me out. Mixed in with things that I think are beautiful.

Bugs creep me out. I have used bugs in a few pieces in the past, and I always hate searching for reference images.

While searching for Moth images, I kept getting goose bumps thinking they were flying around my head.

But after looking at so many I dont get shivers. But they can still keep their distance thank you very much.

trapped

2011-01-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

this is about the time I start to feel it

if it wasn't for painting, Id be ripping my skin off

you left me in the dark

2011-01-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

5 stages of Grief

2011-01-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

I dreamt of you last night.

I gave you a hug and said" So this is where you've been"

I guess I still cant believe it.

Or maybe I cant tell the difference between denial and acceptance.

2011-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

My Blackbird will never fall from the sky

dream #5

2011-01-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Ive been having nightmares every night for the past few weeks.

I seem to have a lot of dreams that I am a prisoner. Im captured by some weird cult or crazy person, and placed in some weird random place.

I dreamt last night I was captured and placed into a dark room filled with bugs and a deer.

I must have fallen asleep and when I woke up, all the bugs had made nests on me.

I remember the feeling of them bitting and digging into me as I tried to remove them.

I knew they would keep building their nests onto me and there was nothing I could do.

I remember talking to the deer and begging it to help me get out.

Most times my mind can conjure a way to get out, but this time I couldnt.

I hope these nightmares end soon. Im starting to dislike going to sleep.

hello 2011

2011-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

so Ive been sick since New Years Day. But thats ok, that means it can only get better..or much much worse. Im hoping for the former. Sickness, its a time burglar.

Ive only been sick for a few days and it feels like a month has past. I feel like all the work I need to get done is building up and is getting out of control.

I also didnt clean my brushes the last time I painted, so I guess I need new ones.

I need to start a piece for a upcoming "John Hughes tribute show" @ gallery 1988 :)

since its the new year, heres a blurry sneak peak photo.

I have a bunch of finished pieces lined along my walls waiting for July.

goodbye 2010

2010-12-30T19:39:00.001-08:00

I wonder how that cake taste?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

Santa's coming tonight tonight

Santa's coming tonight.

bursting

2010-12-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Im really looking forward to next year.

One big reason is the art shows I get to be part of.

But the one Im most excited for, is the show I will be doing with the lovely Miss April!

I met her through 323 East gallery, shes the manager there, and also a fantastic artist!

But being a pretty busy gal, and working with other artists for the gallery , she never gets a chance to devote time to her art.

I was looking to set up a local show and after talking with her often at shows, and getting to know her I asked if she would like to do a show together and it all just fell into place. I couldn't be more excited!

we've been working on all the details since fall, and Ive been working on pieces since.

It will be my biggest collection to date, Ive got 20 pieces already worked out and ready to be painted.

the show is scheduled for July.

I will as usual post sneak peaks as the show comes closer...though I want to do so now, I got to keep them hidden for the time being.

"Black Holes and Revelations"

2010-12-14T09:35:00.001-08:00

my plastic heart now has all the work up online and available for purchase.

Here are my 2 pieces: ( you can click them to make them bigger)

"Event Horizon" - 16x20 - oil on canvas

this one was one that I just started with no plan in my head, I just started painting.

She started to remind me of a black hole so I just went with it. I almost named it "Supermassive Black Hole" after the Muse song..but I like the scientific term more.

"Interstellar"

11x14 - oil on canvas

I started her with the intention of doing a "space" type theme to match the other. I had something else in mind, but ended up with this. I have been wanted to paint something "nebula" like for a while, I just never had the opportunity.

funny silly fact: when I was younger I was so interested in space and loved nebulas that I said if I ever had a daughter I would name her nebula! ha! Good Lord! Good thing I eventually had a son instead. It makes for a good laugh though.

you can see all the rest of the pieces from the other artists as well here

www.myplasticheartnyc.com

New York group show!

2010-12-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I posted about this, maybe I was going too then I didnt, and thought I did. oh well

Either way, Im excited about this show! An all girl group show, at My Plastic Heart in NYC!

11 lovely ladies in total! Curated by John Wong, hes curated some great shows there and is a super nice guy!

Everytime I hear "Ladies Night", I think of Jon Lovitz singing in the Wedding singer.

Ladies on the list:

Pilar Berrio - http://www.pilarberrio.com/
Shannon Bonatakis - http://www.shannonbonatakis.com/
Daisy Church - http://www.daisychurch.com/
Alessandra Fusi - http://alessandrafusi.carbonmade.com/
Leontine Greenberg - http://leontinegreenberg.tumblr.com/
Aya Kakeda - http://www.ayakakeda.com/
Angela Lizon - http://www.axisweb.org/seCVPG.aspx?ARTISTID=13983
Misha - http://www.misha-art.com/
Audrey Pongracz - http://www.audreypongracz.com/
Naoko Stoop - http://www.brownpaperbagcollection.com/
TOOFLY - http://www.tooflynyc.com/

I wish so dearly to be able to go, but its just not in the cards.

next time for sure!

heres a sneak peak of my 2 pieces

I think I posted a couple images of this one already.

as usual I will post full images after the opening.

But if you want a preview of all the pieces, you can sign up over at http://www.myplasticheartnyc.com/

cool beans

2010-12-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

Gallery 1988 is having a holiday sale! It looks like just about everything is on sale, including my "Moloko Plus" piece. neat!

I know I talk a lot about 1988, and I sound like a broken record....but Im so excited for the shows Im doing with them next year. And they gave me some other exciting news recently, but Ill talk about that later.

anyway you should go check out all the great stuff available! The 64 color piece I was eyeballing is sold :(

too bad for me, I guess great for someone else. *pout*

www.nineteeneighteight.com

Snowflakes and CandyCanes

2010-12-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

Last night was the opening for "Snowflakes and Candy Canes"

Holiday group show over @323 East. Everything is priced below 300$ so you can give the gift of art instead of buying mass produced crap from chain stores!

I have 3 pieces left in the show. Including this piece.

"Sweets" - 11x14 - oil on canvas

I also gave them an original drawing, which I failed to get an image of.

I wasnt sure if I wanted to put it in the show. I was very uncomfortable and felt out of my element showing a drawing. I stopped seriously drawing when I started painting..so it felt weird. oh well its hanging up in the gallery now. I did enjoy drawing, I may do more. It does feels strange to do something that only takes a couple hours..not weeks or months.

anyway if you live in Michigan, in the Royal Oak area, go check out all the cool, and very affordable art!

www.323east.com

dream #4

2010-12-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

I dreamt last night that me and my son were "cleaning out" one of the houses I dream about often. I was leaving it for some reason.

And we were going through boxes of stuff in the attic, that contained things from past dreams. We were in a hurry, it felt as though we werent supposed to be there. I grabbed a few things and looked behind and wasnt sure why I was leaving it all. Very strange to me. But I love the fact that I felt I could depend on my son to help me.

this and that

2010-11-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

So I feel lucky to know some beautiful ladies. And I decided to start taking advantage of this and use them in my paintings. Its pretty cool how their personalities determine what type of piece they will work into.

This piece I used my friend Irene. She is such a sweetheart. Bright and fun. And also very creative and can morph easily. Its one of the things I love about models, how they can morph themselves, like shape-shifters. Not everyone can do that, and I think thats what determines a good model from a bad model.

Here is her model mayhem profile

anyway this piece is for an upcoming group show @ 323 East gallery. Ill post the whole image soon.

Im also in another group show next month over @ My Plastic Heart, in New York. Im pretty excited about that. Ill have sneak peak for that soon too.

Wednesday

2010-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

sometimes I get these moments of pure bliss. When everything feels right and Im good with everything.

maybe it has something to do with the chemical release in my brain when I drink my coffee.

either way I wish it would last all day.

EDIT: must be the coffee. bliss = over. way over.

new print!

2010-11-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

The guys over at 323 east started this website dedicated to releasing these super limited prints, only available for 1 week!

so Its 1 print, available for 1 week, every week. Pretty cool concept!

They already released prints from, Matt Eaton and Glenn Barr (whose sold out in 40 hours!) They are making them really affordable too!

so Im pretty excited to be part of this project!

My "3rd house" print, just released today, and is available right now.

There will be 35 available, and are only 30$ each.

available here

www.1xrun.com

for each print, each artist has provided a brief statement about the piece itself, which is neat too!

Mr. Sticky

2010-11-14T08:24:00.001-08:00

"Mr Sticky"

custom Joe Schmoe wooden figure

available now @ Lift Designer toys

I made him 2 faced, because I couldn't decide if he was good or bad.

Blue Star Cadet print available now

2010-11-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Spoke art has released by print for the "Bad Dad's" show! Its now up in their online store.

www.spokeart.net

seriously?

2010-11-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

who else can come up with stuff like this?

no one but Junko Mizuno.

look at it!

she never ceases to amaze me.

And once again she is having a show that I cannot go too.

I got wood

2010-11-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ive been itching to do another custom toy, so I was happy when Lift Detroit asked me to be part of this show

the list of artists is amazing!

I will have a preview of my piece very soon.

"She was known for her extreme secrecy"

2010-10-30T08:55:00.001-07:00

tonight is the opening for Bad Dad's over in San Fran. I would really love to be there.

I have so much respect for those people who give 110% in what they do. And Ken Harman is one of those people. Im very grateful to be part of this show.

so here is my other piece for the show.

"Those aren't mine" - 20x24 - oil on canvas

who dosent love Margot Tenenbaum? What a great character.

And Gwyneth Paltrow is so beautiful, so that helps too.

everyday

2010-10-28T12:22:00.001-07:00

one thing I really dislike about painting everyday, is cleaning my brushes every night. I dont know why but it annoys me greatly. But I do it anyway, every single night.

heres a little sneak peak of a piece I just finished.

most paintings Ive been doing lately have been spontaneous. I'll start with a basic thought and see where it goes once I put brush to canvas. I like it, there are no disappointments and I feel like Im not straining to keep it like I see it in my head.

To Us!

2010-10-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Christ in the garden

2010-10-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

one of my most favorite paintings.

It has had so much influence over me then I ever realized growing up, and in so many different ways.

Ha!

2010-10-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

my sister has always kept my drawings I made for her while we were growing up. She keeps them in a old trapper keeper Garfield folder which is awesome. So sometimes when I go to her house I ask for the folder to look through and laugh.

this one is one of the best. We get a good chuckle with this one.

I need to find more.

"do you ever wish you could breathe underwater?"

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

well my 2 "Bad Dads" pieces are currently on their way to California. Safe journeys.

Its pretty nerve wracking to ship these things you've worked on for months. I end up paying a ton on shipping to make sure they get there safely and quickly.

here is one piece. I will post the other closer to the show.

"Blue Star Cadet" - 22x28

Detail of the Belefonte and Deep search.

there is something very childlike about "The Life Aquactic", minus all the cursing.

side note: I spent most of my time as a child playing by myself. I loved making up these big stories with my toys. Id play my records and sit in my room for hours. This obviously has had an effect on my painting subject matter. Who would of thought being lonely would help out later.

city mouse

2010-10-12T10:01:00.001-07:00

we went up north this past weekend to visit friends. It was a nice mini break.

Its dosent seem right when you are most looking forward to seeing stars in the sky and breathing in clean air.

now its back to city smog and dissecting my time.

will have images of both my Wes Anderson pieces tomorrow.

x's and o's

2010-10-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you my grumpy snail

Happy October

2010-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

FACT: October is the best month of the year.

also Im finishing up my Wes Anderson pieces today..so another sneak peak soon.

your on "A" squad

2010-09-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Im having fun working on my ode to Steve Zissou piece. Its one of my favorite movies and I feel giddy inside to have a reason to show my love for it.

its about 80% finished.

Tuesday

2010-09-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

come into my life

regress into a dream

we will hide

and build a new reality

draw another picture of a life you could have had

follow your instincts

and chose the other path

you should never be afraid

your protected from trouble and pain

why?

why is this a crisis in your eyes again?

come to be

how did it come to be?

tied to a railroad

no love to set us free

watch our souls fade away

and our bodies crumbling

dont be afraid

I will take the blow for you.

and I have had

reoccurring nightmares

that I was loved for who I am

and missed the opportunity

to be a better man.

~ Matt Bellamy