Ghoom

Disintegration Loops - William Basinski

2012-02-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

I first heard about this artist while catching up on Radiolab's 'Loops' episode. While digitizing old cassette tapes, William discovered the looped recordings he made decades earlier were literally falling apart. After listening to these deconstructed tunes he found a beauty in the ultimately disappearing sounds.

Listen to in on YouTube.

2012-02-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

detail of previous composition.

2012-02-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Field Notebooks - Now available

2012-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Ghoom is now open for business on Etsy. HandBooks are pocket sized notebooks. Super durable, refillable and made of only premium archival materials, these little guys are perfect for any note taking situation. Click here to go to my Etsy store. Have a nice day.

Handbook Bundle

2011-12-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Handbook $25

Refill $10

Handbooks now come in a package, complete with a card on how to contact me for service anytime you need it. Fill it up, break the binding, send me the covers and ill refill the paper. Its like Netflix for journaling.

handbook Field Study

2011-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

"Please...Take My Card."

2011-11-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

HandBooks

2011-11-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Handbooks, many varieties, many uses. Get your Boo one. factsmyth@gmail.com

HandBooks - for field notes

2011-11-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

HandBooks, books for your hand. Custom books for notes anytime, anywhere. Fits your life, style and pocket. HandBooks are serviceable, so fill it up, and refill it, the American way. Comes in leather and cloth-bound varieties, suitable for all tastes. $25 for cloth bound, 35 for leather, email me for customs. Ghoom

A Journal

2011-11-04T15:11:00.001-07:00

My latest journal is cloth-bound using a vintage geological map for the inside cover. The book is stab-bound for serviceability. When the client has filled the journal, The old notes will be soft-bound for reference and a fresh block will replace it. The Paper is Mohawk in eggshell, and the binding thread is waxed Irish linen. (8 x 5.75") Commission NFS. GHOOM

An Album

2011-06-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Japanese stab bound photo album 12"x13.5

Formatted for Zink Polaroids

Lots of Zink Polaroids

Detail of inside cover and wedding info

My recent commission is a photo album that was formatted to house Zink polaroid Pictures (Google it) Taken at an upcoming wedding. The clients wanted something simple with an "organic" appeal. I chose subtle, neutral tones for the cover cloth then bound the book with a thin hemp cord that wouldn't distract from the whole concept. The inside cover is a hand marbled paper that somehow matched the colors of the wedding invitation (boom).

A Book

2011-05-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

Bookcloth hard cover

Inside covers

Marbled paper - detail

Mohawk superfine pages

A Book - $100

Standards and Legitimacy are very important to me. I wanted to create a book that looks like a book; no gimmicks, no fluff, no "flare". I started with my paper of choice, mohawk superfine. This time i opted for cream instead of the bright white variety. Strathmore Charcoal sheets supply a nicely textured pottery green paper, which I used for the inner leaving. The Book is hardcased with black book cloth and adorned with marbled paper I acquired from Bookmakers Inc. in College Park Maryland. This is one of my "stock" books and is for sale. The only thing that is not exactly standard is the dimensions (7.25" x 6"). I like books that are easy to hold. The book is acid-free and bound to be durable. waxed linen and spine reinforcements used for added stability. $100 factsmyth@gmail.com

Patch Somerville - Studio Visitors

2011-04-29T00:30:00.001-07:00

This is a painting of me and other friends that patch painted in while I visited him in New Orleans last year. That was one of the best experiences I have had to date. I was there for a week but it felt like a weekend. I ate everything I laid eyes on though it was before i realized that I have a pretty serious gluten intolerance. Please visit www.Patchsomerville.com to see more work.

Giving A Hand To Hands

2011-04-28T23:50:00.001-07:00

It's evident that my fascination with hands is real. In retrospect most of my work has a hand or two in it. We are surrounded by what our hands have accomplished. this may seem incredibly obvious but hands are more important than i have the capacity to express. I just want to take a moment to show my appreciation...."thanks guys, sorry for treating you like crap, but we have a lot to do, your Master, GHOOM." Boom.

Book

2011-04-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another book commission. The request was for the book to be portable, durable, accessible, and subtle. I immediately thought of the Japanese stab-bound method. The front cover is hinged for easy access to the pages, and the back cover is rigid for more stability for writing on the go. Another request was for some of the paper to be graphed, so for every ten leaves of blank paper there are five sheets of graph paper (there are about 100 sheets total). The cover is book cloth finished with shellac which makes the book water-resistant and extra resilient to everyday abuse. The inside cover is adorned with a striking masked figure that I found in an old magazine. The waxed linen used is "Victorian Rose" ( I purchased the thread solely because of the name). Finally the book is about 5.5 x 7.5" which is ideal size for those with average sized hands. Commission #3

Studio Collab

2011-04-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is a collaboration I did with Sera Baghdadi, One of my studiomates. We met in the middle with this idea since we both have been drawing these obscure little characters for years. You could say that my little guys were inspired by everyday objects like hot dogs, balloons, and jelly beans, though I have left them unnamed to leave any dialogue about them open for interpretation. If I could speak for her characters, I would say that One sees these buddies in everything from childhood drawings to popular video games from decades past. Either way they remain ambiguous. Both characters fill the gap between the real and intangible. They can be both unobtrusive, migrating in and out of the periphery of idle thoughts, or be very meaningful, symbolizing a full spectrum of names, concepts and ideas. The ghosts can be a simple caricature of how we perceive the paranormal, or can represent lost moments. the objects surrounding the ghosts have less ethereal connotations and reach more for the tangible side of ambiguity. Where the ghosts show their joys and frustration through those little raisin eyes, my guys simply express the importance of placement and pattern, or the lack thereof. Either way the duplicity is evident. As for the sludge - it serves as a binding agent; a viscous glue that holds the image together. The sludge, on the other hand, separates the objects, keeping them isolated in the chaos in which they exist. These are some pretty heavy symbols that we carry with us, but its nothing to take seriously.

Open Studio Tour D.C.

2011-04-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

I think I will be sitting in for this on the Sunday of this weekend. See you there.

Fact Checking

2011-04-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

Just as I suspected; Garnet is the suitable abrasive for horn. I should have used garnet to sand down all this horn I've got Lying around. It goes to show you, no amount of hard work can account for incompetence. Oh well.

Leather Bound Book

2011-04-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

A client wanted a Journal. During our interaction he offered me an old bag that he was getting rid of. The bag was made of Italian leather and was well-worn. I have enough bags so I declined the offer. I proposed that he repurpose this bag for a book instead. His face lit up as I explained how the bag, which he had carried close to him for many months during lots of travel, could live on as something just as useful. I ripped that bag apart the first chance I could get. I enjoy knowing how things are constructed. I also enjoy destroying things. this project satisfied both categories. The pages are Mohawk Superfine, My favorite bookmaking paper. I get that from the MICA bookstore in Baltimore. The inside cover is from the Paper Source in Georgetown. This was my second bookmaking project.

OLD STUFF

2011-04-28T20:23:00.001-07:00

I have been scanning all the paper in my possession. It's a game I play. I found this postcard illustration I did in high school of a Narwhal harnessed with a flashlight navigating through sea mines. I must have been listening to a lot of Sigur Ros at the time. I was very fascinated with grey-scale Prismacolor markers back then and wanted to see how far I could push the limits of their blending capabilities. I wish Narwhals had flashlights. I wish I had a pet Narwhal. I wish I was a Narwhal.

Lemons to Orangeade

2011-04-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

My camera is dying. I almost threw it away. I later realized (rationalized) that my camera is simply developing it's own visual landscape. Why should my camera work like everyone elses. the color is off, the clarity is poor, and the images are riddled with static. I think that is nice. With all that said, here is a picture of some dead bird's feet.

I Got Shot

2011-02-16T01:51:00.000-08:00

I got shot by the Man behind Gwadzilla.blogspot.com on my way to work the other day. I barely heard what he said while I was waiting for the light to turn green but I managed to gather the name of his blog. Boom.

Digital Hoarder

2011-02-16T01:37:00.000-08:00

Truth's out. I have a paper hoarding problem. instead of piling it high in the basement, I've been scanning it all away at a high resolution. After the ghost of each scrap gets filed away, tagged with a cryptic title (e.g. 216114), I then throw it away. I am not one to hold on to things, so why I stow away ipod case receipts is kinda stupid. I realize the technology I am currently working with will be obsolete in five years. My little external hard drive might even get corrupted somehow. My problem is irrational, I don't NEED an inner cover to an old encyclopedia, but the texture of the paper and the aging patterns are so beautiful, why would i want to give it up.

Locksmith

2010-11-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

I have been sitting here for about a week and a half trying to complete a sentence on why I decided to spend the next phase of my life creating art around the word Locksmith. The act of Locking/unlocking something seems to me to be one of the more sacred things man has accomplished. We have spent our lives trying to lock everything we find important; transportation, homes, money, our hearts etc., all while trying unlock the powers and mysteries that control our lives today. Fire, the wheel, agriculture, light, information and the atom are things that come mind when I think of the things Man have unlocked (only to lock again under chemical codes, patents and secret formulas). Locksmith is the title I've given my next Series. My aim is to try to create some things that express the magnitude of locking and unlocking. I'm starting by making a mix CD for my friend Patch in New orleans the holidays. The cover for that mix represents the unlocking of mass destruction.

Shanna Leino

2010-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

Shanna Leino is a New Hampshire artist who makes handmade books as well as tools. Leino also explores historical methods for making books. Shanna was an exhibitor in this year’s Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair at the Civic Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her booth seemed intentionally minimal, strewn with little pieces of carefully honed bone and steel. To the left, highly polished bone-folders made of Elkbone. In the middle and to the right, equally shimmering awls, punches and chisels. The latter are made of high carbon heat-treated tool-grade steel. There have been many occasions where a sturdy awl was an essential tool for my work. I was elated to find a “maker” that took the time to make tools both strong and beautiful. The steel tools were made in two “flavors”; One ornate, the other hammered. I chose the only “hammered” awl/burnisher on display at the time (above). I am very grateful to add this to my collection. To view more of her work, visit shannaleino.com

Heart Throb

2010-10-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Cage

2010-10-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

I dunno if rendering internal anatomy is considered body art, but don't see why not. I have some (a lot) of resource material on the subject, and I find it fascinating how intricate the body is, inside and out. So many processes are so over my head, I liked it better when I thought the body was filled with round, oblong, balloons and if you got injured one of them would pop and you would go to heaven. Life is Not like that, unfortunately. People get injured, they suffer, and then the rest is whatever. oh well, more to come.

Drip

2010-10-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few versions of some recent inkwork. Washes take a lot of patience and skill which I don't have yet. The first time I drew tje image i got carried away and tried to do a wash too soon. I started over and focused on the details rather than trying to render it fully on paper. I am lacking in many aspects of pen and ink, and probably won't be good for a while, but i gotta start somewhere.

2010-10-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

My latest bike concept is complete. I wanted a bike with a classic, natural, understated look. Not too flashy but eye-catching none the less, this bike is really coming together nicely. here is a rundown of the specs: limited khaki-green Soma Rush (with no braze-ons or bottle-cage holes!!), hand-built wheels by my co-worker/friend Bill and I at Capital Hill Bikes. velocity fusion rims, , DT Swiss spokes, Suzue Promax hubs, Velo-flex tires, Sugino 75 crankset, fyxomatosis chainring (48tooth) Dura-Ace cog (15 T), Thompson seat-post, Selle Royale SLR saddle, Campognolo Chorus Front brake, Campy record headset, Velo-Orange Stem and toeclips and MKS GR-9 platform pedals. I need to to more upgrading to dial the colo-way in just right but the concept is getting closer to completion every week.

2010-10-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some new stuff. Just letting everyone know. Just in case.... you know, you were wondering. Because I am..... Just wait.

2010-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the original image to the Previous post. I found it in the books which inspired my tattoos. There were a few more clippings that i scanned but the layout of this particular advertisement jumped out at me. I would have left the color as is if it wasn't so distracting, so for the sake of the project I photoshopped a more autumnal color scheme.

Calendar

2010-10-05T21:04:00.001-07:00

This is my first complete composition of the season. I have been craving a calendar to keep up with my schedule. After scouring Staples for an appropriate calendar, I was left unsatisfied. Refusing to look any further, I decided to construct my own. This imagery has almost no concept except for the color scheme which I spent most of the night manipulating. If anyone is looking for a large format of this calendar lemme know. I would be happy to do so in most any format. Look forward to november.

New Orleans - A Book Project.

2010-04-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year Painter and friend, Patch Somervile invited me to New Orleans, Louisiana on the condition that i make him a couple of handbound sketchbooks. I gladly accepted the offer. After toiling over a table at Pyramid Atlantic where I currently intern, I managed to push the final loop of waxed linen through the second book only hours before my flight. The lighter book is made of a thin Mohawk superfine that suits more delicate sketching.

Another Owl

2010-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

An Owl I drew to get out a little more sketchy expression. I guess i could say the same thing for the Owl. Pen & Ink on A4

Some Grapes

2010-02-01T10:26:00.001-08:00

Pen & ink rendering of some grapes on A4 paper.

Print Sale - City Lights Downshift

2010-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

This print was inspired by the correlation between population and light via satellite imagery. It is, however the water that that brings the abundance of life, it always has been from the Nile to the Mississippi to the Oceans that surround us, water brings life. If that water were corrupted by poison or perhaps turned against us somehow what would we do? 22 x 30 $30 Email me at ghoom.print@gmail.com

The Common Senses

2010-01-20T10:31:00.001-08:00

Pen & Ink - A4

Haitiain Relief Fund T shirts

2010-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Once again Jayne "the Pain" Levinson came up with the good idea to print some shirts where all the proceeds go to help the efforts of Doctors Without Borders. After some collaboration we got this simple yet strong imagery onto about 20 shirts. So far, Jayne has sold 13 shirts. Thanks to all that have supported this cause. For more information on Doctorts without borders please visit doctorswithoutborders.org.

Herd of Main Street Posters

2010-01-19T07:31:00.001-08:00

I had a fun time printing for local act Herd of Main Street. Collaborating with Jayne "the Pain" Levinson, we rushed these out of the door for a mini tour of the group. Some friends joined us while printing which is always an added bonus.

Silkscreen Taping

2010-01-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

These are flyers for studio-quality silkscreen taping. I've seen way too many good screens warped or damaged due to poor initial setup of wood and aluminum screens (yes, aluminum screen are vulnerable to malfunction, too). If anyone is interested in having their beautiful new silkscreens taped for lasting protection, please email me at www.ghoom.print@gmail.com.

USBE Graphic Campaign

2010-01-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is a first draft of a visual campaign for US Business Engineering. For more information on fulfilling your business potential, visit www.usbusinessengineering.com.

House Wall Mural

2009-12-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Detail of the heart (above)

I painted this wall after reconnecting with Jeremy of Ashes of Kings. It's amazing what a walk in the snow can do for artistic endeavors. The concept came from a drawing i had done previously, and feng shui philosophy (written thoroughly on a pizza box). bringing these ideas together, we decided that the heart is the closest symbol of personal growth through experience.

Tigers Jaw

2009-12-27T16:51:00.001-08:00

Screenprinted album covers for the Test pressing for Tigers Jaw edition of 25.

Great Horned Owl

2009-10-24T10:14:00.001-07:00

Postcard Series

2009-10-24T10:13:00.001-07:00

Vision 9

2009-10-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

Business Card

2009-10-21T12:05:00.001-07:00

Ideally, This would be my Business card.

MERCILESS INVASION

2009-10-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Working on some postcards for the Holiday Season.

Car Body Repair

2009-10-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Car Body Repair 19 x26"

Here is my latest and greatest. Being used to drawing to completion in one night, i managed to spread this image aout to a little over a week. Its been a daunting week or so getting this done but it has helped me realize that this kind of stuff takes more than one night. Over all it has been very medatative. The rough translation of the foreign text is "open here" as instructed on a box that i found, which was also written in french and english. enjoy.

Mia Halton

2009-09-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Silkscreen 19 x 26"

Detail

I have been working with a local artist by the name of Mia Halton, Thoughout the past 8 or 9 months, I have printed many beautiful images. This is one of those images.

Pens

2009-09-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

The story behind making nib-holders started with me finding a certain breed of Bamboo in Takoma Park, Maryland. A house of friends were kind enough to let me cut down a bunch after I realized that the hollow portion of the bamboo might be the perfect size to hold a pen nib. I was right. Unfortunately, The variation of the abundant plant was so great that the first batch of stalks that I brought home only yielded ONE working nib holder. Determined to find more to work with, I went back to Takoma Park with an eye for the approximate size desired to create more holders. With luck, I came home with about 12 working stalks.

The craftsmanship behind them is simple but rather involved. After curing the nibs in my oven (which took some experimenting) and letting them sit for about a month, I went to work at finishing the product. Polishing the wood revealed beautiful markings of the insects that attempted to devour the fresh plant. The trails the critters leave behind are only topical and do not interfere with the integrity of the wood. I used the strongest threads available (waxed linen and black button) to support the structure of the wood with the constant changing of nibs. I finally topped it all off with a bit more threading and a tiny screw to help finish the aesthetic and supply a little extra weight.

If anyone is interested in purchasing one of these hand-crafted pen-nib holders you can email me at alotajam22@gmail.com. I have a very limited supply and have been using one for my own purposes including the drawing in the previous post. These nib-holders are a sturdy tool fit for any studio, and for anyone looking for a greener alternative to those ugly brown holders that come with pen and ink kits. I hope you like the pictures. enjoy

Face

2009-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Untitled 9x12"

Been a while since I've drawn something new, I blamed it on lack of Photoshop. but let's face it I'm still stuck in the back-school Mentality of making work in the Fall. Now that the sun is making it's slow descent to the southern hemisphere the atmosphere is becoming optimal for inspiration. I have been hoarding imagery all summer, and now it's time to get down to business. enjoy.

B-More Artist!

2009-05-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Im on Bmoreart, what a wonderful surprise.

Bmore art

Fun With Matches - A Show

2009-04-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

F.W.M. was a success far beyond my expectations. I would like to thank everyone who showed up for the show, and a special thanks to my family for making it up to Towson to see what I've been up to the last few months. It was hard to juggle friends and family at the show, i apologize to anyone I could not get to talk to that night, but if you are reading this I am very glad you came.

F.W.M. 4-23-2009 7PM

2009-04-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

2009-04-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

$10 dollars. Full Image coming soon.

CENTRAL VEIN (B&W/COLOR)

2009-04-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just in Case You Were Wondering

2009-03-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Fun With Matches is a title I came up with when thinking of how the creation of fire relates to my recent illustrations. In order to start a fire you need three legs: Oxygen, Heat and Fuel. Without one of the three components, a fire cannot be created. Like fire, our intent to create what's around us (i.e. all things man-made), I find there needs to be three components: kinetic energy, some sort of meaningful intent, and an object in which the intent is acted upon.

The two concepts equate as follows:

Heat = intention or idea ( I like to think of "heat" in terms of a spark)

Oxygen = kinetic energy ( or the physical means to act on an intention)

Fuel = object

When the three come together something is made. I 've been working on images of what happens when the three components cancel each other out. The act is turned upon itself, like a self consuming fire.

To sum up, Fun With Matches is a collection of images of people destroying themselves when there is nothing to create. For more information on Combustion click here.

2009-03-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

This is the inside cover of the book. I was going to make this the cover but i decided to keep the image for a clean white surface, so this will be included in the meat of the book. The Image will be over the credits.

F.M.W.

2009-03-27T21:47:00.001-07:00

This is the mock up for my book. The book contains images that are on the blog. Im making an edition of 10 books, which will feature the poetry of Andrew Payton. I hope to finish production by the opening of my show. This pools all of the things i have learned in the last 4 or five years. I feel very lucky to have the knowledge and skills to do something like this.

Fun With Matches - A Book

2009-03-27T20:51:00.001-07:00

I will be screenprinting this poster for my up coming book and first solo show. The dimensions will be 16" x 20" and might come in different colors. Im going to try to make a very limited edition (20 0r so) to sell for a reasonable price. The show will correspond with the senior Art Exhibit April 23rd. If you come on that day you will get more bang for your buck ( I'm talking Time Bucks here). so please come out to see it. All the info will be posted shortly

Fun With Matches - A Book

2009-03-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

DRUMATTIX

2009-03-04T16:12:00.001-08:00

www.100dbs.com

Drumattix - New York

2009-03-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

I took a trip to new york this past weekend to paint a logo on a wall. My long time pal Dan Brenner (of Brenner's Breaks and 100 dbs ) commissioned me to paint his wall with his recent brainchild DRUMATTIX. We have been known to team up in the past with the wall painting, but i have to say that this is my far the most efficient wall project by far. With the help of fellow artist Sarah Kirby and her magical projector, we got the image on the wall in one weekend (sans sleep).

Contact

2009-02-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Darkroom

2009-02-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

Darkroom is a book showcasing found images of structures that that intend to invite, such as a new greenhouse edition, or a refurbished living room (both previewed). Once taken out of their original context, however these structure look like old crime investigation snapshots. Doghouse, in the same vein as Darkroom, take men at work on there private devices out of original context. Isolating the "characters", surrounded by dark and muted backdrops, reveals a dourly appearance in each "scene".

Ball

2009-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Engage

2009-01-19T05:35:00.001-08:00

Repeat

2009-01-19T05:20:00.001-08:00

2009-01-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Install

2009-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Contact

2009-01-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

Insert

2009-01-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

Icon

2009-01-02T08:50:00.001-08:00

#1 Googled celebrity in America 3 years running. If loving you is wrong, Britney, I don't wanna be right.

Nightwatch

2009-01-02T08:38:00.001-08:00

Show

2009-01-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

In/Out

2009-01-02T07:46:00.001-08:00

Tease

2009-01-02T07:09:00.001-08:00

Suck

2009-01-02T06:29:00.001-08:00

Ball

2009-01-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

More Hands

2008-12-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

More hands. My friend Matt, who I drew tattoo art for, foretold the new hip thing will be the rebirth of the Backstreet Boys ( and N*sync for all you timberlake lovers out there). I feel like I drew what the concert's crowds will look like pretty accurately.

Hands, Tools and Work

2008-12-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

I am currently working with hands and tools and they work together to get up where we are going. I will be making postcard size images (5 x 7") for a while i think. i forgot to sign this one so i signed it in photoshop.

2008-09-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Prosopagnosia
11x15
Silkcreen

Into The Sea

2008-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Into the Sea
11x15
silkscreen

How(?)

2008-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

How(?)
18" x 30"
Sold Out

This print titled "How(?)" is based on the legend and reality of the Native American history.
the silhouette shows a Native American on a wild stallion, spear in hand and feather adorned. In the Background floats a large hand in a position of many meanings. I chose the hand to symbolize greeting, truth (as in justice), vulnerability, and in a sense peace and naiveté. In the hand holds a hazy image of an elderly Native American woman smoking tobacco or something of the like. The entire print is meant to showcase the duality of how we perceive the "Indian" legacy is in our minds. One sense is that of a bountiful culture that both harnessed and revered their land and their animals. On the other hand we also see them as a society we've conquered and shoved aside like a child's toy three weeks after Christmas - spent and ragged.

3D Movie

2008-08-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

perpetuation of segregation
15" x 22"
Sold Out

I titled this print "Perpetuation of Segregation". The print is part of a series on dualities in our society. I appropriated the LIFE image of an audience watching the first 3-D movie in 1952. The image is contrasted by two slave silhouettes hovering over halved watermelon. above the audience is a lion rendered in a 3d effect. The movie the audience is watching through some research is "Bwana Devil" about a man-eating lion in Africa. The silhouettes are from an old print of slaves fighting over watermelon while a slave-master and his wife gleefully stand in the background - fully entertained. The duality is based on the fact that the technology of the time is sadly supplemented by the objectification of a race and environment still found inferior and/or beastly when it was put on screen in 1952. The lion at the top is meant to bridge the to images below without being to crass. I have long since sold out of this print (one of which was sold at a silent auction at Maryland Art place's Out of order exhibit).

Work In Progress

2008-08-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

On August 23rd I attended Pyramid Atlantic's closing Reception for Scratching the Surface exhibit. "homeward bound", (see January's post) was a part of the show. I got a lot of positive feedback and sold out of the print that day. The Question i was asked the most was "Where can i find other work of yours". This question left me excited to show them and immediately disappointed in myself for leaving this blog unupdated for so long. which brings me to todays' post. I'm going to be uploading and posting my work for your viewing pleasure. This will take a while so please visit my blog often to see my past work. Thank you.

Joke's On Nicholson

2008-07-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

See the Dark Knight

I assumed Jack Nicholson would reign as Batman's Joker, i was mistaken. The Late Heath Ledger played a superb role as Joker. Ledger's role in this movie are as some may call "...Subtle" and "...Disturbing. All good terms. See the movie. Goodnight.

Tattoos and Band logos

2008-07-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Two commissions I get most often are tattoos and band art designs. Jobs usually get hectic amongst the chaos of miscommunication or a lack of understanding one way or another. Most of the time it does not work out. In my years of doing the same dance with tattoos and band stuff, only once has my work graced the cover a CD. a project that Andrew Payton did in 2005, i believe. I have yet to see my work on flesh. Today marks a special occasion where two projects surface. Jeremy of Ashes of Kings and a close chap of mine, Matt, needed art. I have done my best to fulfill their visions. Jeremy Aronson, bassist of Ashes Of Kings has been a close friend through thick and thin. There has been some distance over the years; him, with his band, me, with school and art. After a while (a long while) I worked up the nerve to make a design for him and the band. calligraphy is meditative.

Matt, a friend who has saved my life on more than one occasion, requested two designs. First, a quote: "If this be treason, then make the most of it!".

The second design, a dead tree that supports the cocoon of an emerging monarch. Trees are a challenge. Another challenge was sizing the cocoon right. Too small, the cocoon resembles a a single leaf (or a booger). Too large a cocoon would be too fantastical for the Man's Man that the design is for. For more information on Ashes of Kings visit: www.myspace.com/ashesofkings

Bound Homeward

2008-01-25T21:23:00.001-08:00

Homeward Bound
11" x 15"
It makes a world of difference when you can't go home.