Wonderment in Watercolor

We're going to pretend this is on watercolor paper because that's what I thought it was when I started painting :/

I miss experimenting like this.

Warmity

It's been a long and rough three weeks.

First Week Down and I'm Already Engulfed

The project wall is slowly being taken over again. It makes me happy and nervous all at the same time.
I'm actually excited about all my classes this semester [with the exception of 'Writing and the Arts' :P] There are a ton of promising projects for me to look forward to. I wish I could put more into everything but, I still have to go to work.
I'm actually very nervous about my living situation. Financially at least. I'm going into see the Vice President again to ask about small loans. Just something so I can at least pay for rent. It's the hardest thing to take care of while in school. The other bills I can handle with what I make in the weekend shifts at the restaurant. Next semester will be easier. I'll be able to get more money as a sophomore.
Other than cash flow, the major stress on my mind is this drawing workshop class. All of it is both amazing and nerve racking at the same time. Our ongoing assignment through out the semester is a 4-6 piece series. I have to present my idea for this series and artist of reference tomorrow, or at latest Wed [since I'm the only underclassman in the group I luckily have a longer deadline.] I have tons of ideas I want to tackle but they are big projects I think I'll be saving for more research leading up to possibly my senior thesis. Other ideas I've been developing seem too cliche and I really want to challenge myself in this class. Ugh, I can't explain these ideas very well... I guess that's why I'm a visual artist.



Other than that panic it's just been basic homework time. Above is my Drawing II Homework in progress. We had to draw the leg bones in a frontal, side and back view. Then on parchment paper, draw an overlay of the leg muscles and label everything. This'll be something I'll be doing through the semester with other limbs and body parts...

Well back to more research then off to work for the night.

In Digital Design and Type

Quickly whipped this up for an in class assignment.

Yes, I am a geek <3

2nd Semester Is A Go!

cover of the moleskine i've been jotting ideas down and doodles in.

The semester began today. My productiveness over the summer didn't work out the way I'd hoped. I am content with it's out come though. For the most part.
The saving up money thing just did not happen. It's a miracle that I JUST made it financially, at least when it comes to the tuition and course fees for this semester. I'm still in a panic for living expenses but...yeah.


I'm jam packed with classes and I'm already super excited about jumping back in.

On Mondays I have Drawing Workshop w/ my DrawingI teacher from last semester. Drawing Workshop is a bit hard to explain. It's an advanced course [mainly only for Juniors and Seniors. I'm the only freshman] but it's pretty much an open drawing class. There are assignments/projects our teacher gives out but we have complete freedom to do what we want with it. The point is to experiment and most definitely step outside the box. Mixed Media is very much encouraged and emphasized. There is also no models involved. Some still life but, mainly our creative mind.
I am so happy about this. This is what I've been wanting and waiting for. I can not wait to see what I create out of this class. I'm eager to share it with all of you too.

Ghosts On The Wall.

I have a strange attraction to street art.
Graffiti. Public Murals. Stencil work. Wheatpasting and stickers.
I kind of count posters in this jumble.

I feel like, as artists, our desire to create is part personal need and part the need to share with others.
...If this makes sense...
Street art is the perfect display of this.

With most fine arts, when one displays their artwork [if they do at all] it's usually in a specific setting such as a gallery. This is a limited amount of eyes who'll whiteness your work. Sadly, the average person isn't "into art" at least not enough to go out to a gallery opening. Putting your art on the street pretty much forces the public to see it. You get the message out there. You show off to [most] everyone.

...

wow, I wish I didn't fail so much at explaining my thoughts through written word.

I'm not sure about the rules and laws overseas about street art. I know here it's mostly illegal without special permission. From what I can tell, graffiti and other street art might still be illegal but it seems overall accepted, at least in most European cities.

Here's some Street Artists:

Apex--





Miss Van--






The Mac--







A few years ago I stumbled upon the magazine REFUSED. A small printed art zine with a good collection of graffiti artists included. I know there are others out there. There are also tons and tons of books in stores filled with collected images of street art.

I've been interested in trying my hand at wheatpasting pretty much because I'm not very quick at freehand and I'm sure I couldn't easily handle a spraypaint can. I have a couple of ideas for some images. We'll see if I ever get around to making them a reality.

Just something different to share with you all.

One Year.

it's surprisingly true.
at least not in that sense.
i'm proud of my self.

i'm happy with who i'm becoming.

these daydreams need to become reality.

The Creepy Cool.

Rivet Gallery has been hosting some pretty sweet events. A short while back the hosted a visit and signing by Elizabeth McGrath to promote her new book release "Everything That Creeps".


(photo by Maxe)

Liz McGrath is a 3d-Illustrator who creates these very eerie characters and dark dioramas. Horribly interesting. I bought the book and have been slowly going through it, investigating all the details. She's super sweet and is even in a band called Miss Derringer. Kind of a punk-country thing going on. She played a show later on Campus but I didn't get to see it. Sounds pretty awesome tho.










Last weekend Rivet opened their new Curiosities-Group Show featuring New Works by Amanda Spayd, Jake Waldron, and J. Shea. All the work there was remarkable but I was particularly attracted to Amanda Spayd's creatures. She creates these plush figures with clay faces, uniquely detailed which such items as vintage porcelain teeth! They all seem to be so innocently creepy. Just check them out.








(this photo taken by the folks at Rivet)

Amanda was at the opening and I got to chat with her some. She was such a pleasure. Very approachable and open with talking about her work. I've met a few other artists and were real nice but seemed shy and not real talkative when it came to their art. It was very obvious with Amanda that she loved doing this. We had talked for a while. LOL I look now that Rivet's photos from the opening and all the photos of Miss Spayd are us us talking ;P

Make sure you check out the show going on through the rest of July at Rivet in the Short North!

Detachment From The Couch.

A little bug on the edge of sunshine.
I just want to get on my bicycle and ride through the city.
I want to lie in the park and read some of these books.
I've been slacking on my responsibilities.
And my desires.


There is an odd beauty outside your window that can give an inspiration no matter what your medium.


I took this picture.
It's nothing special.

Knowing That There's More You Need Yet Lost On Where It Might Be.

I feel really pretty tonight. Beautiful I might dare say.
Rare has been this feeling. When it does come tho, there seems to not be anyone around to notice.

Another long weekend.
Not sure what it is I'm expecting to get from all these interactions.
I just know I've enjoyed having you around.

I haven't felt like myself much recently.
This hasn't been much of a bad thing.
The music was refreshing.

I rode my bike up the street and gave my phone number to a stranger just to get an international phone card.
I called Cairo 3 times. 3 different voices answered each attempt. None of them were who i was trying for. Didn't matter tho... It wasn't like they could hear my voice anyway...

I want to be there. I'm beginning to believe it'll never happen.

This is what happens when I don't draw. What am I doing!?

I want your body close to mine. Nothing sexual, I promise. I can see a warmth in you and I just want your company. Nothing more.
It's what I think I might need right now.

Why did I just write this?