It started about a week ago. My summer maintenance job was meant to be very easy work and I convinced myself it was just for a little extra cash, so it didn't matter what had to be done. I enjoy physical labour... it's a break from intellectual work and allows my mind to wander. However, … Continue reading Bad Birds One – I Hate Just Waiting Around
Invasion of the Triffid-Snatchers
Are you a fan of the old black and white, alien invasion, b-movies of the 1960s? Take a look at The Day of there Triffids and try to figure out what the artistic director must have been thunking whence created the Triffids. They were supposed to be some plant-like aliens. In the book, if my … Continue reading Invasion of the Triffid-Snatchers
Puddles of Sulphurous Yellow
Every year my wife picks some typical flower for her outdoor flower pots; usually geraniums, daisies, chrysanthemums, etc... I tend to like weirder flowers, but we compromise on colours. I love yellows, both for the vibrant joy they evoke and for subtle decay they show while dying. Also, occasionally we can catch a stranger bug … Continue reading Puddles of Sulphurous Yellow
Violet Temptations
My plantain Lillies (hostas) infestation began with only a couple of plants from my father's garden; now there are so many that I can use them as ground cover for my entire lawn... well almost. The strange purple flowers that jut out of them on impossibly long stems waver in the wind as if vibrating … Continue reading Violet Temptations
The overwhelming emotional weight of a blank canvas – early strokes
I'm still really bothered by the whole copying consideration and even though calling the various inspirations studies of the artist, I still want to attempt original work. However, in comparison to my studies, I feel they don't match up... well, to be honest, I am still copying my old styles, and they are what I … Continue reading The overwhelming emotional weight of a blank canvas – early strokes
Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – Adding some texture
While I feel the window that separates the halves of the composition turned out remarkably well, I realize that it completely restated the figure. Is he inside a room, or outside one? What kind of space is he sitting in? Do I need to continue the glass across the back of the composition to further … Continue reading Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – Adding some texture
Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – first colours
Let me start with the persistent questions of authenticity, originality, inspiration, and appropriation I beat myself up with on almost every new painting. They are all versions of "what is the line between inspiration and plagiarism?" AND they all fuel my self-doubt, my impostor syndrome! I don't know how to be rid of this feeling, … Continue reading Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – first colours
A little good news — about being uncomfortable?
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tama-kieves-book-excerpt-on-change/ This one requires a couple of reads, but every word is worth it. We resist change so much that we often choose to remain uncomfortable with our situations. That discomfort is a sign of change and change leads to growth. Embrace the change and see what happens! See you on the other side of … Continue reading A little good news — about being uncomfortable?
A little good news — about creativity
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/this-simple-word-test-reveals-how-creative-you-are/ I'm not sure why, but this mental exercise sounds familiar. As a person who has often been accused of being too literate because of my love of semantics, this is a game I've often played with myself... well, various versions of it. Care to see if you are really creative? Take the test: https://www.datcreativity.com/about
A little good news — about clean energy: hydrogen!
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tokyo-olympics-cauldron-and-village-are-hydrogen-powered/ You gotta read this short and inspired story. The Olympic village is entirely powered by hydrogen tech! Transportation and residences. That means zero greenhouse gas emission and an extra water source to hydrate their gardens etc... Frankly, it's getting hard to see why governments continue supporting fossil fuels!!! We need to really get our … Continue reading A little good news — about clean energy: hydrogen!
The New Renaissance Mindset 