student grade

News...update

2012-02-08T08:51:00.003-06:00

Although I have not finished the paint on the boats piece I had to begin work on a new piece. And yes, the boats will be finished by the end of this month...they have to be. I am submitting it for possible display in an upcoming show out of state.

This photo shows the early stages of the first of two sculptures that will utilize a Doric/Ionic column. The other will support a bench vise. Want to know more, well just ask.

love, peace and hair grease.

Finals Week...finally

2011-12-14T08:41:00.003-06:00

These photos are from my "final exam" this semester. The piece is almost complete, just a few adjustments and paint.

Overall it is about 12' in length, 5' in width and height. All reclaimed lumber.

Really?

2011-12-06T09:18:00.002-06:00

This is the short list of what remains to be completed on my current sculpture. Did I mention that the end of the semester is next week?

Creativity

2011-11-24T21:38:00.000-06:00

That God is creative is a fact made indisputable by even the smallest shell in the darkest part of the deepest ocean. Never mind the mysteries of butterfly migration and quantum physics. Humanity is daily buried under a thundering avalanche of beauty, mystery and awe. There can be no argument: God is the original Creator, an artist mad with ideas and boundless energy. We, who are made in His Image, are most fully ourselves when we also create. All of us are spun from His being and glow with the spark of creativity… some of us blaze with it. In other words you don’t have to be an artist to create, just human. However some have been uniquely graced with this aspect of God’s image. Wild with delight and blazing with conviction, artists are often worshipers of the most daring kind. They are ones whose eyes are wide with wonder and the strangeness of it all. Almost painfully aware that every atom, sun-fish, and supernova practically shouts of God, they must invent new languages in a desperate attempt to describe what they see. For not an iota of this wild carnival should go unappreciated. Over familiarity is numb paralysis, and all the saints of God are called to be fiercely alive. We must daily be invigorated by the shock of awe and truth. Artists, prophets and visionaries have a knack for bringing exactly that to the world, and especially to the church. Yet these wild-eyed children of God, have long been orphaned by the family of Christ. -KC Boiler Room

2011-11-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

News and Updates

2011-10-28T09:33:00.005-05:00

I am currently working on my final sculpture for the semester. I have much to do, but I am moving forward. Many decisions to be made in this last big push of the current semester.

These photos show a few of the pieces that will be part of the final sculpture.

Except for This will be on display in Davenport, Iowa at The Figge Art Museum during the 2011 College Invitational. The opening reception is Saturday, November 5 from 2-4pm. The show runs from November 5, 2011 - January 8, 2012. For more info about The Figge visit www.figgeart.org

A little background

2011-10-10T07:20:00.002-05:00

Through conversations with individuals looking at my recent work I have come to realize something that had not been on my radar. Most people, with the exception of those who have seen my work before, do not realize that almost every part of the sculptures I create are made of wood and ceramic. Re-claimed wood and ceramic for that matter. Art patrons often times overlook pieces I have created because they are common, everyday types of items and the thought is that I have gone the route of taking the real item and painting it.

This in some ways is a compliment I suppose because it means that I have made the piece convincing enough to resemble the item I drew inspiration from. On the other hand, the piece can easily be dismissed as a sculpture all together and seen as a just another assemblage of everyday items that have been painted and pieced together.

Case in point. I had a few pieces in a show last spring and one of the gallery assistants tried to push the wooden cart with wooden suitcases stacked on it. Not a good idea. Although they look functional, they are not. The end result was me having to take the rear wheel assembly apart for reconstruction.

The piece I just completed and posted photos of in the previous post on this page could easily be viewed the same way. Everything is wood and ceramic with the exception of the phone cords (purchased used) and the re-claimed light fixture. The hand cart, milk crates, phone, handsets and pulleys are all made of reclaimed wood. The pillow is made of reclaimed clay.

Although I feel this is a terrible hardship I must deal with and the ongoing psychological trauma I am sure to endure will result in many more trips to the therapist and countless hours of counseling, plus...Plus nothing. I have to admit it is really cool to see the face of someone who just made the connection or was told the piece is not really the actual item. Then to talk about its meaning or significance, well that is what its all about. Oh the hardships. How will I endure?

new photos

2011-09-30T09:28:00.003-05:00

Still Plugging Away

2011-09-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

This semester I am enrolled in a sculpture class at WIU. Duke Oursler is the new sculpture professor that replaced Don Crouch who retired after 40+ years of service. Duke has been very supportive of my use of reclaimed materials and has encouraged me to continue on in the direction I have been working. I have been forging ahead trying to finish up a new piece utilizing lumber and clay. It is in the final stages and will be completed by this Thursday...since it has to be ready for a critique that evening! I should have some photos up towards the end of the week. Lots of new ideas/concepts too!

Reflecting as I work.
Spent the day working in the shop on some additional elements for a piece I am working on. The big difference today was the fact that I did not use my air nailer today. Instead I used a hammer and nails. Used nails as a matter of fact. As most of you know I am really into using a material more than one time. Giving it a life outside the landfill. Anyway the nails that I have been using are typically bent and require a few gentle taps of the hammer to make the worthy of being useful again. Just to be clear this is a slow process, a painfully slow one for sure. All the while I could not help but think of life and people as I was slowly constructing these new element. As I have mentioned before art and life collide for me in the work I create. Today was no different. Working with imperfect materials and realizing my own limitations and patience, or at times a lack there of, I could not help but think of the relationships with my friends and family. How at times we are all like the bent nail. Sometimes we just need someone to slow down and take time for us. Sometimes, often times we need someone to gently encourage or support or correct us so that the bent and often times crazy path we are on can be realigned and therefor helping us find our way.

As always thanks for looking and tell a friend.

Current work

2011-08-03T14:31:00.003-05:00

These are the two pieces I am currently working on with the hopes of having both of them done by the end of the year. The hand cart with milk crates has several other pieces that will be added later. The "rail" piece will also have much more to be added later. Curious???? Well that's all part of the plan. More to come. As always thanks for looking and most certainly you should tell a friend.

Haiti 2011...a recap

2011-07-10T21:37:00.001-05:00

Well our trip to Haiti has come and gone, yet my mind has only begun to process what I witnessed and experienced. I am finding it difficult to answer the question that I often get asked,“did you have fun in Haiti”? I’m not sure if that is just a way of getting a conversation started or if people think that I went there for vacation. Anyway, I would not define the trip by the word “fun”. Fun is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think back upon that week in early June. Eye-opening, awestruck, speechless, chaotic, moved to tears, overwhelming, heartbreaking are a few of the ways that I would describe it. Yet, in the same sentence I would include beautiful, joyous, humbling and downright amazing. Before we left on our journey, because I am coming to the realization that is exactly what we were on and continue to be on, (more on that later)I was told by a friend that has been to Haiti on numerous occasions that you will have a very difficult time sharing your experience with others. You see, words, although extremely powerful…well there are just times, times like this, when words simply are inadequate. With that in mind, I will do my best to give you small glimpse into the world of northwest Haiti.
First off, travel is not a quick process. Why you may ask? Let’s just say that paved roads are few and very far between. Cars do not exist on the roads of northwest Haiti, only trucks, busses, motorcycles and a vast array of donkeys. Imagine the worst pothole- strewn street you know and multiply it times ten. When in Haiti, if someone describes a pothole that could swallow a car, that is not figurative since I thought on numerous occasions that the busses we rode on were going to disappear once we entered into such holes on the road.
The poverty and lack of infrastructure are glaringly obvious. From the trash and open sewers that flow throughout the region to the nakedness of young Haitian children and absence of clean drinking water, life in Haiti, from a physical standpoint is worlds apart from life here in the U.S. I could go on and on about the physical living conditions and I could easily allow myself to be consumed by it, yet this is only a small part of the bigger story, the journey. You see, I went to Haiti not only to experience what the living conditions were like,I also went to see how God is using his people in a land that truly has to rely on him for survival. Despite the common assumption, not all Haitians are lazy, nor do they all rely on handouts and donations. If all Haitians are lumped into this category then the man I worked with digging a massive hole for a water tank ( if we were in the U.S. we would have used a backhoe), who by the way was a good twenty years older than me, is a rarity in this region. Or maybe it was the man pushing a wheelbarrow overflowing with cinderblocks up a hill that most people would find difficult to climb without the added load. Or maybe it was the numerous Haitian women we would cross paths with each day that balanced tremendous loaded baskets upon their heads traversing the busy roads and streets of northwest Haiti. Lazy? Freeloaders? Not exactly.
Haiti is alive. From the outside looking in all we see is the devastation and we want to fix it and fix it right now. Many things have to change in Haiti, but due to the lack of infrastructure, much of this is out of the control of the Haitian people. At the same time, God is certainly at work in northwest Haiti and at a pace only He can explain. He has laid it upon the hearts of many, Americans and Haitians alike, to share His love with a part of the world that knows poverty and destruction intimately. He has given us the opportunity to help meet not only the physical needs of a hurting people, but their deeper emotional and spiritual needs as well. On one such occasion while delivering a week’s worth of food to a family I had the opportunity to talk with the mother of the home (via our translator Karmon). Through our short time together I found out that she was a Christian, yet she did not own a copy of the old or new testament Bible. We were able to give her a copy of the NT in Creole for her to share with her family and neighbors. How will this addition of Gods written word in her native language change her world and those around her? I am not quite sure, yet I can imagine her and her family gathered together reading from that Bible and God piercing their hearts with the message and story that goes far beyond anything I could offer. As we departed I held her hands in mine and we prayed and thanked God for allowing us to cross paths.
It was the moments like that, when God allowed me to take a glimpse into the real work that is taking place in His world. You see, the physical changes and advancements in Haitian society are valuable. Clean water, shelter, employment, safety…all of these things are truly important. Yet it is the foundation built upon God that will truly create lasting change for the better in Haiti. When the story of Jesus is shared with people and their lives are forever transformed by His message of hope and redemption…that is where the real change will begin. Because of Jesus Northwest Haitian Christian Mission and other missions like it are thriving. I have so many more stories to tell of delivering meals to the elderly, visiting the missions large orphanage out in an extremely remote part of the country, walking through a voodoo temple in the town of Ansefaleur, holding, playing and dancing with special needs children, painting the faces of children while at the beach, being carried through the water to a sailboat on the shoulders of a Haitian man, feeding kids peanut butter sandwiches, sharing stories with other missionaries, laughing, crying, praying…the list goes on and on.
Please know I am forever grateful that you chose to support me and the work God is doing in Haiti. I honestly could have not done it without you. Again, thank you for allowing God to use you and me in order to share His message. If you have any questions or would like to just sit down and talk about the trip please let me know. I would love to share more with you.

Back to the mainland

2011-06-14T10:32:00.002-05:00

We arrived back in the U.S. on Sunday evening and made it back home on Monday afternoon. My mind is swollen with what I saw and experienced. The people of Haiti, especially those in St. Louis du Nord, their lives and their stories. The mission (www.nwchm.org) and their purpose became real. I have so much I want to share and will probably dole it out in small does on this blog. Yet, if you want to hear from me personally and talk one on one please let me know. I would love to share with you. My world has not only been rocked and a bit wrecked, but I believe there are things I have been pondering and praying about for some time that are being confirmed as well. Onward and Upward is more real than ever.

Out of this world...

2011-06-05T12:17:00.002-05:00

this afternoon myself along with 11 others will be headed off to St. Louis du Nord, Haiti. We will be working with the Northwest Haitian Christian Mission. Please pray for us as we embark on this journey and the lives of those we will come in contact with along the way. My prayer and hope is that we will honor Jesus in all that we do wherever we go. I will update all of you when we return on June 13th.

In progress

2011-05-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

These three crates are going to be used with several other pieces. Those pieces include a pillow, telephone, handcart, and approximately twenty phone handsets.

New Piece

2011-04-11T12:19:00.004-05:00

Early On - Reclaimed Lumber and Acrylic - 2011

As a young boy I spent many hours with my father in the various grocery stores he managed in our hometown. Although I was unaware of it at the time, my understanding of how to respect and relate to people of all sorts was being modeled to me by my father. Those times in the store watching, learning, absorbing...all the while laying a foundation one block at a time. I loved those days and I miss them...

working

2011-04-04T14:35:00.003-05:00

Recently my good friend Tonya shot some photos of a piece of mine for a show entry. She also likes to take photos during the prep for a shoot and this is one such photo. We have a mutual appreciation of images that seem to capture the moment.

So now the entry has been sent in and I just have to wait for the jurors decision. Yesterday my buddy Mike and my brother Jeff delivered four pieces for a new group show opening on Wednesday night in Macomb, Illinois at the West Central Illinois Arts Center. The reception, which is in conjunction with W.I.U.'s Environmental Summit, is from 6-8pm with live music and refreshments.

This show will feature one new piece and three created in the last six months.

Unfortunately...

2011-03-28T12:59:00.003-05:00

my left hand got into an argument with the table saw a few weeks ago. As my friend and co-worker Dave said, "and the saw always wins." And it did. I did not loose any fingers, but the damage has been done and it has certainly slowed me down. A full recovery is expected, it is just going to be a while. No need to go into details though.

Anyway, I was working on a new piece to be entered into a juried show in St.Louis, as you have figured it out, it did not get finished. I was able to enter another piece for the show and should know whether or not I am in by the middle of April.

As for the unfinished piece, I will have it ready by this weekend. It along with three other pieces of mine will be on display in a group exhibit at the West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb Illinois. The theme for the show is art that incorporates recycled/reclaimed materials. This show will coincide with Western Illinois University's Environmental Summit. The opening reception will be Wednesday, April 6 from 6-8 pm.

Would love to see you there.

new work in progress

2011-03-01T16:41:00.002-06:00

In need of material

2011-01-13T09:12:00.002-06:00

Just thought that some of you who read the blog might be able to help me out. I am on the lookout for used lumber and sheet goods.
2x4,6,8,10's, plywood, broken cabinets etc. Not interested in OSB or MDF.

As far as sizes goes I'm pretty open to most anything. I do know that I will need about 20, 10-12 foot 2x4s.

I am working on a very large installation piece for a possible show in late September. Although I am not sure about the specific date of the show I want to get a head start on securing material since this will possibly be my largest work to date.

Right now I know that I do not have nearly enough material to work from.

Any help you can offer would be great. I am more than willing to go to dumpsters or building sites to pick up. If you would pass this on to anyone else you think might be interested in helping out.

Shoot me an email @ schuylineartglass@gmail.com if you come across anything.

Cheers.

I make all things new

2011-01-08T13:04:00.005-06:00

In regards to using recyled/reclaimed materials let me make this clear, when it comes to art materials I'm cheap. A cheapskate plain and simple. I love the challenge of making something out of a material that has seemingly lost its purpose or need. On the upside, this type of material is either quite inexpensive or all together free. Am I concerned with the environment? Yes. Am I concerned with an over abundance of stuff? Mass-over production and mass-over consumption? Yes,and yes. These are a few of the factors/concerns/issues that keep me coming back to the materials I choose to use.
On the other hand there is a deeper, more soul-like connection with this type of material. The fact that the materials mimic life is beautiful to me. You see, I'm that guy that pulls for the underdog. The things that others look past, the things that so often don't fit the standard mold of perfection. That is what I am drawn to. Finding a use, a purpose, a reason for existence for the cast off piece of lumber or dried out clay is deeply connected to who I am. Because for the most part we are all like this at some point in our lives. Seen as useless or not seen at all. Not valued or seen as having little purpose. Jesus is the model for this way of thinking and He is the reason I have come to see the art work I create in this way. He found purpose and meaning, especially in those that did not fit the worlds mold. He is able to make all things new. We are only alive because the creator of the universe has allowed us to be. If we are still here, we have a purpose. I suppose I take the same approach with cast off materials; even though our world sees them as unimportant or useless, I notice them. They exist and I see a use for them. I see the material not for what it was, but for what it will become. It still has worth and a purpose yet to be discovered. In a sense, it too is made new.

Process photos

2011-01-05T09:05:00.003-06:00

Here are a few shots of the current piece I am working on. When complete, it will also include approximately 24 additional telephone handsets. This piece will require ceiling space to mount part of it. Curious? So am I, but not curious like a cat...you can't trust a cat.

photos from Saturday nights show

2010-12-06T14:27:00.000-06:00

photos from Saturday nights show

2010-12-06T14:24:00.000-06:00

photos from Saturday nights show

2010-12-06T14:16:00.000-06:00

I just gotta dance!

2010-12-03T11:40:00.005-06:00

Trying to pull everything together for tomorrow show is not so much stressfull, lets call it challenging. Insert Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. I can't explain why I love this song, but it is hard not to get moving when I hear it. So get off your rear end and get movin'

You don't need to be a "hippie" to enjoy being free... To appreciate this "freedom" you just have to reclaim the word wealth. It's not monetary, it's momentary; sharing in good company of those whom wish to celebrate life. So take stock of your "home", find how wealthy your are.

Local Connection Group Exhibit

2010-11-30T14:09:00.002-06:00

I have three pieces in the upcoming group exhibit hosted by Local Connection Artists Co-op. There will be a wide variety of work on display by current members of the co-op.

The show is this Saturday, December 4 from 6-9 pm at the Phoenix Opera House on the Rushville Square. Refreshments and hors dourves if you choose.

As always the show is free and open to the public.

Re:Form School

2010-11-29T10:15:00.001-06:00

Re:Form School by The Masses from Redu on Vimeo.

for more info visit www.reformschool.letsredu.com

Just in case you have forgotten or where unaware, I am a high school art teacher.

Update 10.29.10

2010-10-29T09:22:00.003-05:00

Work has been progressing on many of the current pieces I have been working on. I have had to slow down on some wood stuff to work on stone carving for my sculpture class. Very close to being finished with it. Now it is on to fine sanding and constructing an appropriate base to support it. Most likely I will be using a salvaged beam from a barn a friend of mine is taking down.

Just finished sculpting a replica of a human heart. This one is considerably bigger than the real thing. Thankfully it made it through the firing process without any problems. All of the clay I am currently using is recycled from discarded projects so there is always that chance for trouble with impurities and air pockets. Using the recycled clay fits in perfectly with my focus on not purchasing material to create stuff.

Last night during class I was able to work for about four hours on the pillow that goes along with the heart and suitcases. Very pleased with how it is coming together. Still plenty to do, but progress is being made.

6 hours of work!

2010-09-27T09:24:00.002-05:00

Just when I thought I would not have time this weekend to work...my wife took the girls to shop for fabric for their halloween costumes. Anyway this was an opportunity to knock some stuff out.

2010-09-16T09:25:00.002-05:00

As far as working on sculpture...well things have slowed down a bit. Being back at school for work and taking a sculpture class, and blah, blah, blah...and oh yes...I have a family. Time for working on my current projects has almost become non-existent. Yet I am finding little chuncks of time here and there.

The sculpture class is a real treat. No kidding. I have been blessed with the opportunity to take this class in more ways than one. First, a fellow teacher gave me three grad credit tuition waivers therefor I did not have to pay for the class (thanks Liz!). Second, I am working with stone for the first time and learning from a master sculptor, Don Crouch at WIU. It's all good.

Anyway, the phone booth is in the final stages. I have narrowed my punch list down to about seven items that remain before I can call it finished. Yes, I know...a punch list for an artwork. I have found that this works very well for me since I do not get to spend huge chunks of time on a piece. It really helps me focus since I can become easily distracted by other ideas and projects.

Currently I have three pieces that I am working on. My hope is to have them complete by the end of November/early December. I would like to show four pieces in this years Local Connection Artist Co-op Group Exhibt wich will take place the first or second week of December.

Just a few hints. Ladders, suitcases, mailbox, rolling carts, pillows, telepphones and a human heart (sculpture of course). So if any of these items sound interesting to you than stay posted I will let you know when they will be available for viewing.

As Promised

2010-08-04T16:41:00.004-05:00

Here are some shots of some of the pieces I have been working on this summer.

I'm there...

2010-08-04T09:22:00.002-05:00

End starts You’ve already started. That’s the first thing. The first thing is that you’ve already started, you’re already working, you’ve been working on this, working up to this, for some time. Now start again. Start with a passage from a book. An image or a description. Make the work, make a work, make it work. That’s a start. Now start again. Start with the ends, the bits and pieces, the scraps and remnants, now make them fit, make them work. That’s another start, a fresh start, now you can start up, once more, and. Let me explain. You are in your element. You have everything you need. You always have more or less everything you need, and if you don’t, if something’s missing, if something’s needed, then you can always make do, make ends meet, make the little ends meet to make the big end work. Let me explain myself more clearly. You seem to operate within a certain economy. Nothing, it seems, almost nothing goes to waste, with the exception of a certain dust, a certain expense or expanse of fine grit. There is no such thing as a scrap, everything is a piece, everything is more or less of a piece, somehow, somewhere, every scrap has its origin, just like every cut has its reason, and every endeavour its end, its destination. Let us say that you set out to build some thing, perhaps a machine or a contraption. Let us imagine that you succeed, then perhaps out of the scraps, perhaps or rather certainly out of these odds and ends you will want, you will set out, you will end up building something, something else. Something different, something without an end, something built out of odd ends, odds and ends, bits and pieces, flotsam and jetsam. Allow me to give you an example. A stage gives out onto a series of curtains (this is a work). These interlocking pieces of wood form a model of the human inner ear (this is another work, a model built from its scraps). Here is another example: it’s an archive, an archive of scraps. There’s a drawer full of odds and ends, except the drawer is full of glue or resin, and the resin or the glue has hardened, and the bits of the pieces are irrecuperable. Or this, this one last example and then we’ll call it a day. You’ve made this and that, you’ve stacked things here and there. You’ve made these things, but you’ve started on some new things, and the first, I mean, the older things, as far as you’re concerned, they’re done, finished, I mean, more or less or just about, they’re just about finished, because there’s always a remainder, and the remainder is a scrap, and scraps are the seed, and the scraps pile, and the works pile up, and if you have something over there, that’s right, under there, under that heap, under that pile, that pile of things that you neither need nor really care to move, then you may as well have lost or destroyed it, you may as well have gotten rid of it. But you haven’t and you won’t and so there will always be a remainder, and the remainder is a scrap, and the scrap, the scrap is the seed. And the seed is there at the start, for the start, the start of something else, something new.
-Julien Jonas Bismuth

New photos up later today.

2010-08-04T09:22:00.001-05:00

read above statement.

Momentum

2010-07-14T15:33:00.002-05:00

Photos of the current piece I am working on. 84"tall x 33"wide x 33"deep. Yes sir it is a full/life-size pay phone booth. Thanks to Steve and Shelly next door I was able to aquire some much needed lumber and sheet goods to get this project rollin'.

Much like the mailbox (updated photos coming sometime) this one will utilze a light as well as references to Medieval altarpieces. Doors still have to be constructed, along with the phone and top.

Color has not been decided upon, yet it will be monochromatic.

Today I shut down early, around 3pm since it was well into the upper 90's with a heat index of 110. And humid as all get out.

Why????

2010-07-01T10:35:00.002-05:00

Why do we set limits upon ourselves? In some instances it is necessary, yet in the areas of creativity...well it boxes us in.

I'm tired of being boxed in. I think I will just get rid of the box all together. Be on the look out for updates about current work that can't be boxed, wrapped or packaged. This new body of work will still tell a story (which I believe is very important), yet it is what it is...and that is the why.

New work

2010-05-16T12:48:00.003-05:00

Here are some process shots of a few new piece that I have been working on. Both pieces have a ways to go, yet the payphone piece is almost complete. I have started really moving away from flat surfaces and been working more three-dimensionally. If you have specific questions about size, purpose, meaning etc., feel free to shoot me an email or post a comment.

One Proud Papa

2010-04-28T10:55:00.003-05:00

My oldest daughter's pastel drawing was selected as "Best of Show" in the elementary/middle school division at our annual district art show this past weekend. This annual show typically has anywhere from 700-750 pieces of art work from students in grades 1-8. Believe it or not, my daughter is in first grade!

And before you ask, I had no input on this drawing. She is an amazing little girl and is very imaginative and creative...all on her own. I am so happy for her.

Update 4.16.10

2010-04-16T14:56:00.002-05:00

Still going at it. This piece is finally coming together. I still have some line work to do on the door tops and corners. The construction of the phone is moving forward as well. I have been carving the handset and will soon be starting on the remainder of the phone. I have not even addressed the exterior yet. The title is still in a state of flux as well. Several ideas have been discussed.

I am finding out that I must be patient and have realized that work of this style/medium does not happen quickly. This is a dramatic change from the fast paced style of my previous paintings. As always shoot me an email or leave me a comment.

Cheers.

To my brothers...

2010-03-16T14:25:00.001-05:00

Michael Swain - Sewing for the greater good

2010-02-26T14:41:00.003-06:00

Once a month, artist Michael Swaine sets up an outdoor sewing machine in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, and offers free on-the-spot clothing repairs for people in the neighborhood—a particularly friendly and useful form of public art.

Where I'm headed...

2010-02-18T10:34:00.005-06:00

Here are some process photos of the new sculptural piece I am working on. I have been able to work quite steadily on it for about the last week. As most of you know from previous posts I am wrestling with the ideas of communication, hearing, listening etc. More importantly how technology through out time has been a benefit to us in so many ways, yet at the same time pushes us farther and farther from interacting on a face-to-face level. Even more importantly (yes more important than previously stated) how does this all relate to our communication with God. Noise of all sorts, audible and visual, clouds our minds every moment of the day. I can't help but think this is having an impact on our relationship with the Creator. More on this idea later. Stay tuned.

Makes you think...

2010-02-16T10:47:00.001-06:00

HELP THY NEIGHBOR from ABOVE on Vimeo.

It appears that world traveler and street artist ABOVE (goabove.com) recently made it over to Cuba to put up a stencil and installation regarding the current situation in Haiti, which is only 90 miles away from Cuba. The video shows a young boy holding a Haitian flag about to set up to help his “neighbors.”

Print is finished

2010-02-04T08:39:00.005-06:00

Here are a few shots of the completed print. I did change the silver to green. It is currently available for purchase directly from me if you live in the Rushville, IL area or you can pick on up on my Etsy site www.etsy.com/shop/studentgrade

New Print for Apparent Project

2010-01-29T15:03:00.002-06:00

This is the outline of a new five color, 19x12", screen print that I am creating to raise money for a Christian arts mission in Haiti known as the Apparent Project (you can check them out at www.apparentproject.org.) AP trains Haitians in art and craft techniques and helps them market and sell their work to create a steady income. The organization is headed up by Corrigan and Shelly Clay who moved their out of a love for orphaned children. Currently they are putting their energies in aiding and assisting those in need due to the recent earthquake.

Anyway this print will most likely be an edition of 100 and will cost $25 plus shipping. All $25 will go directly to the Apparent Project. The colors will be silver, gold, medium blue, brown and transparent white.

I hope to have the print available for purchase late next week on my Etsy site. If you are reading this please pass the word about this print. I would love to sell all one hundred of them!

JACKPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

2010-01-25T09:44:00.004-06:00

Well I posted a request on Facebook to all of my friends letting them know that I was in need of some new material for some upcoming artwork. Old, discarded, broken dressers, doors, cabinets and the like were part of my request. A few people got back to me, but one couple had a gold mine of material. Better yet, they only live one block from my house! Steven and Shelly Akins have a stash of material that they were more than happy to unload. Of course, I was more than happy to take it. The Akins just moved into the house this past fall and as with most home purchases they come with some unexpected surprises. One of those surprises was having to put on a new roof (ouch!) and the other was a boat load of lumber from various sources. So this past Saturday afternoon I stopped by and Steven led me to a shed/workshop that was on the edge of their yard. Upon removing the rusted padlock and swinging open the door well, I was speechless. Piles, stacks of all sorts of lumber oddities. The former owner was a woodworker and more importantly he made quite a few things form recycled materials, long before it was considered "green".
Anyway, here are a few photos of what I came upon. Thanks Steven and Shelly!

Cheers!

Got Junk?

2010-01-16T15:01:00.002-06:00

Notice: Artist In Need of Materials.
Cheapskate artist is looking for old, worn out or broken wood furniture to use in upcoming artwork. Dresser, chairs, doors, cabinets, tables, benches etc. Solid wood only. Please no MDF also known as sawdust and glue. Please contact the artist if you might know the whereabouts of said materials. Oh, and I do mean free stuff. Thank you and God Bless America.

Christmas Project...

2009-12-28T17:34:00.003-06:00

As always I have to be doing something. That something typically includes some sort of hands on activity and usually power tools. Being off from school for quite a while and not really in the mood to work on a painting I decided to make your average run of the mill plywood toboggan. I decided I wanted to make a toboggan after I spent an hour after school last week hauling my girls around the neighborhood in a sled that they have outgrown. We defenitely needed something longer that they could sit comfortably on. So I started off where any person would...Google. I found some ideas online and figured out what I wanted to do. So yesterday I spent a couple of hours getting most of the parts cut and assembled and today I spent a good four more hours attaching the "skin" to the bottom and top. Tomorrow I will remove the tempoary supports from the front, sand the entire thing and then finish it off with some oil based paint (whatever color I have on hand, not pink or purple). I have learned a few things that I will do differently with the next one. Anywho, I am sure the girls will enjoy it and yes, we are expecting more snow on Wednesday! Hopefully the paint will be dry by then.
Cheers!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T17:21:00.002-06:00

In the past 48 hours my house has miraculously turned into a full-tilt bakery! I baked 10 loaves yesterday and 14 today. European Peasant, Sesame Semolina, Spinach and Feta, Roasted Red Pepper, Sun dried Tomato and Parmesan, Pumpernickel and to round it all out, Cinnamon and Raisin. Wow! It has been extremely enjoyable to say the least. I believe that I like it so much because it is unlike anything I do during the typical working day.

Well, this will most likely be the last post of 2009. I hope everyone takes a moment to remember why we celebrate this beautiful time each year. I wish you all the best for 2010 and hope you have a Merry and Happy Christmas.

Cheers,
Jason

On the go

2009-12-11T15:16:00.002-06:00

I have been working through some new ideas for upcoming paintings and installation pieces. Using some new imagery along with previous ideas. I really like being able to connect the old and the new. That is probably why I enjoy working on re-purposed materials. It has become quite apparent to me that I have a difficult time working with just a smooth surface. Texture, changes in surface and the like are what grab my attention. The new work I have been planning really emphasizes this. I would also like to find a location to do another show sometime next year, preferably somewhere other than Rushville. This will be on my to-do list. I have a few places in mind, one is in Macomb the other is in Virginia.

By having a time frame and a set date I can better prepare and focus on what I need to do. Hopefully I will have something in place by the end of the year. I will keep you posted.

Cheers.

Work from Friday Nights Group Show

2009-12-05T12:24:00.002-06:00

Last night, December 4, Local Connection Artist Co-op hosted its 2nd annual group exhibit and sale. I displayed these four new, and considerably smaller mixed media works. Each one of these was created on old hardbound book covers with screen printing, spray paint, acrylic and pen. Each one was then mounted on a quarter inch sheet of luan panel and framed in painted pine. 99.9% recycled baby! Gotta love that. Unfortunately these did not sell but they will soon be listed on my etsy site if you are interested in purchasing one...or two...or...

The show was a huge success. We had a packed room most of the evening. Good food, great atmosphere. People just out for the evening to look at some fantastic art, enjoy good food and conversation. In my book, that is a fun night. Tiring but worth it. Cheers.

New work

2009-11-16T13:47:00.003-06:00

I have been working on some smaller pieces lately. As of today, I am planning on having four, possibly five, small paintings for the show. Four of these paintings are on covers of old, discarded books. I removed the pages and have been painting and printing directly on the insides of the the covers. I am also planning on having one piece that utilizes recycled wood.

Upcoming show

2009-11-04T08:14:00.003-06:00

I have a few new pieces that will be going in the Local Connection Artist Co-op Group Exhibit and sale next month. These will be smaller works since that is the focus of this years exhibit. Here are a few photos of a spray paint and acrylic on plywood piece I just finished up.

where I'm at

2009-10-21T12:42:00.004-05:00

I have had some time to slow down a bit and process some of my current ideas. Still planning on doing some prints...sometime. Just a heads up, my paintings are moving a bit more abstract. I have been trying for so long to paint and create art that has a least some form of realism in it...that is changing. When I slow down and start to really think about the art I want to create, well its not realistic. I'm having a difficult time with this. Difficult in the sense that I never really envisioned myself as "one of those types". See, abstract, especially non-objective art is often times viewed as well, not art. Often times when people are unable to see something from reality or at the very least something somewhat recognizable in a piece of art they dismiss it. It is the dismissing part that makes it difficult. Personally, I don't want my work to be viewed this way. I suppose that is the feeling of most artist who put a tremendous amount of time and energy into their work

Over the years I have become quite fond of art that is uncomplicated and uncluttered. Art that is void of useless and pointless stuff that is totally unnecessary. It's kind of like seeing a photo of say a light bulb resting on a table, shot in black and white with just the right amount of contrast...it doesn't need anything else, it just works. Maybe its my age, maybe maturity (not likely), experience or quite possibly it something that has always been there and I am finally allowing myself to be "one of those types". Either way, it is freeing and extremely powerful...all at the same. I'm curious to see what happens.

Work from the show last Friday

2009-10-12T13:47:00.003-05:00

Well, the show has come and gone. I have to say I am quite relieved. A lot of work went into pulling it all together and I certainly enjoyed it but I am ready to get back to a "normal" pace...whatever that is. I do know that it does not involve painting until the wee hours of the night...at least not right now!

If you are interested in purchasing a piece or have questions about mediums or dimensions please contact me and I will let you know if it is still available.

Work that was in the show last Friday

2009-10-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

Stress Relief

2009-10-07T08:44:00.002-05:00

This song makes me want to jump up on the tables and tear it up! Certainly takes me to another place. When I want to zone out and push everything else aside...this song does that for me.

By the way, things are coming together for the show. On the home stretch now. Hope to see you at the Phoenix on Friday night!

Update - the early edition

2009-10-02T14:17:00.004-05:00

This weekend is going to be jam packed with stuff to do and people to see. A close friend just had a baby today, her third. Some friends of ours are getting married tomorrow, so tonight is the rehearsal dinner. Sunday looks just as full, church followed by a short break and then off to a cookout at some friends house. Am I complaining? I suppose it could be just the opposite...no friends or people who showed any interest in me or loved me or cared if took another breath...so it's all good, just busy. (Tonya please don't try and correct my grammar, punctuation etc. FOR I KNOW IT IS LOUSY.)

Finally I need to find some time in between to get some work done. Last night was a late one, finally washed out my brushes and shut the lights out at 12:30...am. Then I was supposed to be up at 6am for my usual morning walk. Well, I got out of bed at twenty after seven and rolled into work a few minutes late. Slammed down a peanut butter granola bar and a half gallon of coffee and off we went.

Forecast for the upcoming week: see previous paragraph.

This little video I have posted for your pleasure is by a duo from San Francisco -Pomplamoose. Always impressive and entertaining. Basically I really did their stuff. Hope you do to.

Cheers to the weekend!

Update 9.26.09

2009-09-26T16:58:00.002-05:00

Here are some shots from some of the final pieces I am working on for the show in a few weeks. Man, only a few more weeks to pull it all together! Should be interesting to say the least. Spent some time this morning constructing supports and being interviewed by Rich Egger of WIUM in Macomb. Rich is working on a story about artists that utilize recycled materials in their work. He is also coming to the show and will be talking with my co-conspirator Amber about her work as well.
So long for now. Enjoy the photos.

Cheers,
Jason

Fun Weekend

2009-09-14T07:51:00.002-05:00

Not much painting took place this week. Mostly drawing and finalizing some composition stuff as well as an installation piece for the show next month. Christy and I went to Chicago/Wicker Park on Saturday. Went up to pick up some glass and supplies for some windows I will be building later this fall. After that we headed off to Renegade Craft Fair. Check 'em out at www.renegadecraft.com - 300 booths of indie-hipsters making all sorts of goodies. Posters to underwear and a bit of everything in between. As we were sitting at a little Thai restaurant eating our Pad Thai at an outdoor table we both realized we could live here. Only one problem, we could not afford to live here! Fun none the less. Check out this little photo from the free, yes I said free, photo booth at the event.

Cheers.

Update 9.4.09

2009-09-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

Work is moving along on the pieces I am preparing for the show. Sorry for not posting last week. It was a crazy, busy weekend. This one has been no different. The big plus is that I have been able to get quite a few hours in on some paintings. I am planning on having around ten or so pieces for sale at our show next month. It is official that we are using the Phoenix Opera House as our location. Well on with the photos.

Update 8.22.09

2009-08-22T18:52:00.002-05:00

Well not much work was completed during the week since my wife and I had to be out of town for a funeral and school started this past Tuesday. Anyway I had a chance to get some time in today.

Amber Bledsoe, the artist I am showing with on October 9 is plugging away as well. We have been discussing possible locations for the show. We have narrowed it down to three possible locations and will try and make a decision sooner than later.

The date - Friday, October 9 - and the time - 6 to 9pm - are pretty much set. We may have a surprise or two for those in attendance. Just have to see how it pans out.

Anyway on to the photos.

Progress Update 8.15.09

2009-08-15T14:23:00.003-05:00

Finally got some time in towards the end of the week. Trying out some new stuff. Layering of wood strips and stuff like that. Progress, although quite slow at times is still progress. That makes me feel good. As always, comment if you want.

Cheers!

As promised...Show Update 8.8.09

2009-08-08T19:49:00.004-05:00

Just got back from visiting some good friends of ours, the Rebman family, up in the Keweenah Penninsula in the U.P. of Michigan. They live in Lake Linden and were our tour guides for the week. Lots of fun and some time to relax. It is nice to be able to stay with friends in their home and share meals and whatever else comes our way.
Time to get back to work. Here are some shots of what is currently happening around the studio. Quite a few new ideas brewing. Just trying to find the time to hammer them out.

New work.

2009-08-01T11:41:00.002-05:00

I have been working on finishing up a couple of new pieces when the time is available. And there has not been lots of it lately. My brother and I are painting a house for some friends. Big house too. So there goes much of the time that I would typically be using for my own work. But it is good to be working. And the views around the house are jaw dropping. There are times that I just stop and do nothing but stare at the clouds and fields that seem to spread out to eternity.

Thinking through quite a few new ideas for the show in October. From here on out all photos that I post will be in black and white. Don't want to give too much away before the show. Keep everyone on their toes.

Starting next Saturday I plan on posting photos once a week with new photos of work and sketches for the October show.

For now though, I am getting ready to head off to St. Louis for the Cards-Astros game. Then on Sunday we are heading north to U.P. of Michigan to visit some friends for the week. Lots of windshield time this week! 12+ hour car ride with the family. Please pray for my sanity, humility and patience. God help us all!

Cheers,
Jason

new painting in the works

2009-07-15T17:08:00.002-05:00

Kind of changing things up a bit. Using a bit less color in combination with grays. Also doing a variation with shades of oatmeal. Yes. I said oatmeal. The next time you decide to make yourself a bowl take a moment to look at the various shades and tints that delicious bowl of warm goodness has to offer.

Seriously though. Just using the oatmeal as a color reference. Not really going to start spreading it onto my paintings. Wait a minute...briliant. No, not really, mold would end up being an issue and that would throw off my whole color scheme.

Diggin' this...

2009-07-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

PACOVOLUME "CookieMachine" from discograph on Vimeo.

Launch Number One - Ella

2009-07-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

Sayin' good bye....

2009-07-02T20:59:00.004-05:00

to cardboard. It has become quite apparent that cardboard does not hold up well to humidity and temperature changes. In the form of a box being shipped it works just fine. When stapled to a wooden support, not so good. So with this post I am saying good by to my dearest cardboard. Our time together has been wonderful and the memories will last a life time and...okay that's enough.

No worries, I have a new love. Salvaged lumber. Ahhhhh, so lovely and mature...sorry wrong direction. Anyway, I am becoming quite fond of this type of lumber. The surface is weathered and probably has many stories to tell. I am amazed and fascinated with the texture and patina of the surface. This isn't that cheap laminated junk that disguises itself as wood when really all it is just sawdust glued together with a pieces of wood grain-like wallpaper slapped on top of it. No this is the real-deal. Stuff like pine, oak, maple and walnut as well as all sorts of plywood. And yes, I am "all geeked-up" on this stuff. Very geeked-up.

So today I fired up the table saw and began cutting down all sorts of boards that I have salvaged from a variety of places. Some from a table and dresser I found during spring clean up week here in Rushville, some from a head and foot board I picked up from the dumpster at the H.E.L.P. Center. Other pieces came from dumpster raids after the stage and sets were torn down following our annual spring musical at Rushville-Industry High School. Some are from a piece of furniture from my own home I disassembled recently.

I spent a good portion of the day cutting, measuring, gluing and assembling different supports for upcoming paintings. Most of these new surfaces are much smaller than the ones I have been working with. The largest support is 36" x say 30". Some of the smaller ones are around 26" x 16".

The next time you get ready to pitch that old dresser or maybe you saw one on the curb in your neighborhood, give me a shout. If you live close by I will come and pick it up. So with this I say, so long my dearest cardboard, I will never forget you.

Launch took place.

2009-06-21T12:35:00.003-05:00

Yesterday evening we launched Ella's house from our street. I still have video to upload but here is a shot of the girls making their cardboard houses. I suppose I should fill in some gaps here. Last week we went to see the new Pixar film UP. If you are not familiar with the movie it is about an elderly man who is a balloon saleman. He basically gets fed up with the world and decides to fill up hundreds of balloons with helium and lift his house like a hot air balloon. There is much more to the story but that will get you started.

Sooooooooo, the girls and I decided to make small houses made from cereal boxes and then attach balloons to them and let them go. I probably enjoyed as much if not more than they did. Ella's went off without a hitch, Paige's on the other hand...blown into a tree. We made a new one and launched it a day later. We also put a little note inside to anyone who might find them. All we know is that they were last seen floating east out of Rushville. So there you go.
Cheers!

Project Deuce

2009-06-15T14:43:00.002-05:00

This is number two of the big projects to mark off my summer to-do list. I started building this computer table back in Feb. and have not done much with it since. Well...we finally moved our youngest daughter upstairs with her big sister and so bugun the process of turning her former bedroom into my wifes studio/workspace/office/i now have two doors to shut and can hide out/studio.

I spent many an hour repairing the cracked and damaged plaster walls, then we painted over the former pale green with a cool grey. Very nice indeed. I just wish it was me moving my painting stuff in instead of Christy and all of her fabrics.

Anyway, the table is made from 100% recyled lumber. The top is made of plywood and hardwood scraps that I saved from the dumpster at the high school which I work. The base is made from reclaimed 5 and a quarter tongue and groove pine flooring. I am in the process of waxing the top and shelves with beeswax and the base will be painted in the near future. Any suggestions on color?

Enjoy!

A Few Things...

2009-06-09T18:16:00.007-05:00

After one week out of school for the summer and I can already check the playhouse off the list. I had been wanting to build one for some time now. Finally planned one out and started building. It is actually smaller than it started out to be. The floor plan is 7 feet wide by 9 feet deep with 3 feet of that being the porch. It sits about 56 inches off the ground. I actually made it so that most of the house is outside the fence in our yard. Only three feet of it is actually inside the fence. But you can only access the playhouse from inside the fence. Pretty sweet if I do say so myself. Painting, windows and door will come later. If my girls only knew how many hours of detention supervision it took to make this happen.

On another note, here are a few shots of a painting that I have been working on for a while now. Almost complete. It is actually two panels.

I will be having a show in mid August too! I will keep you posted.

Happy Summer! Cheers.

Progress Update

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-05:00

Here is round two of my current painting. Soon there will be the addition of a load more balloons and some light blue over some of the white and orange in the lower portion of the painting. Getting time to paint has been quite tough lately. So I chip away at it a little at a time. Sometimes, like right now, over my lunch break.
I am working on putting together a show of these types of works in the future. No dates as of yet, but hopefully sooner than later. On a side note, I have come across a large amount of scrap, cabinet grade plywood pieces. Of course I am going to paint on them. You had to ask?

A little help

2009-04-15T18:54:00.000-05:00

Trying to paint with two little girls sitting in front of your work is rather distracting at times. On the plus side, they are always ready to help me pick colors whenever necessary. This is a new one that I started last weekend. Two pieces. A bit different, yet a bit the same. Still exploring clouds and balloons.

The previous painting is now complete and I will try and have some photos up this weekend.

Can't get enough of this stuff...

2009-04-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Funny thing ya know...

2009-04-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

how things can change and evolve. This painting is a perfect example. This is the one that I started over with a few weeks ago. Honeslty, I am not sure it is finished yet.I am finding myself attracted-fascinated-interested-obsessed with things that I never thought I would be. Bright color. Yes. Big brush strokes. Yes. Poofy, fluffy clouds. Yes. Balloons. Oh Yes. Color field painters like Rothko and Marden. That is a big honkin' Yes. I must be going through some sort of artist-evolutionary process.

Funny thing is I love it all. I love the big color, the big marks. The simple image of a floating balloon. During a Sunday school class this morning I was talking with a couple of other artists (Mike and Dags) about how I have started creating art that I am happy to create. Art that is created because I want to do it. Even if it is a struggle or a challenge. I made the choice for me. I'm not worried about selling it. I am not necessarily even trying to market it. I've been there and done that. I guess I finally got tired of trying to make art that would satisfy others and my wallet. I know Mike, balance, there is always a balance. I will save that discussion for another day.

So for now its big, bright, fluffy cloud and balloon filled. Why? Because I love it. I am loving the challenge of giving the balloon a chance to float and drift. Just like me.

Here it is

2009-03-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

the completed 18"x24" screen print for Hope Chapel in Austin, TX. Pretty happy with how it turned out. When the paper was ordered I thought it had a bit more punch. The blue is a little lighter than I would like but it still looks sweet with the metallic gold and chocolate brown. The metallic red hearts were all individually stenciled on using a brayer. Really like the texture the brayer creates.Hopefully it will be well received. Shipped them out this morning. If all goes as it should, they will be there by Friday afternoon. As always leave me some comments if you like.
Cheers.

Funny how things...

2009-03-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

don't go as planned. The large bridge painting I started a couple of weeks ago is a perfect example. After posting the first images of the work in progress I realized I was not really diggin' it. So I slapped on some fresh cream colored flat house paint and tried it from a slightly different angle. Worked on it for several hours and realized once again...I ain't diggin' this thing.

So this past Saturday I pulled the cardboard off, flipped it over and reattached it to the supports. I moved in a completely different direction. I painted for about 6 hours and after looking at it again yesterday I can say it is a keeper. I will try and have a few photos up by the weekend. Plenty of work still to do, but you will get a feel for the overall composition.

With this painting I did not prime the cardboard, just put the brush to the surface and went at it. Plus I am using these new fancy mat acrylics (actually they are the cheapest I could find...perfect). Quite a change from my ol' tempera paints (which will forever be my favorite), but a necessary change I needed to make. Tempera, well it looks fantastic, but it remains water soluble. So if the painting gets wet the colors will run. The new paints are mat, but not as mat as tempera. They have a slight sheen to them due to the acrylic/latex/polymer that they are made of. As Christy tells me, I just need to get over it and make them work. Love that girl, tells it to me straight...most of the time.

Ordered my paper for my prints since I have to have them in by April 5! Wow, that snuck up on me. Christy placed an order for some flashy blue French cover. Can't wait for it to arrive. Decided to print two colors, gold and brown. On blue this should look pretty sweet.

Until we meet again,
the Student

What a vision - I'm in!

2009-03-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

David Taylor-In His Own Words from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.

Student Show Recap

2009-03-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

Last night at the Annual Student Show host by the Schuyler Arts Council we had approximately 85 people in attendance. For our small town, that was a pretty good turnout for a school related event on a Saturday evening. Over half of the artworks on display sold and we raised $350!! Of course the hope was that all the works would sell but I know my students will be happy with the amount we raised. Thanks to all who came out to support the visual arts at Rushville-Industry High School.

Fundraiser for Rushville-Industry Art Department

2009-02-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

Pretty close...

2009-02-23T16:12:00.000-06:00

to be finalized. Some minor changes or additions plus some shading.

New Work Update

2009-02-22T16:51:00.000-06:00

Just a little update for my thousands, if not millions of blog readers.
I have been working on a 18"x24" screen print for Hope Chapel in Austin,TX. The design I am working on is based on a previous painting with several changes as well as the addition of text. The poster will be on display along with 9 other artists for the upcoming Easter season. The prints will be a limited edition of 10. The theme for the display is based on the concept of seeds and renewal. I have redrawn the design no less than three times. Finally, I have settled on the one I plan on using. The print will be two or three colors, gold and brown for sure with the possibility of green. I will try and have a photo of the line work up in a few days.

These two photos are from the early stages of a large 4'x6' painting I started yesterday. If you can't tell, its of a bridge stretching across the surface. Lots of symbolism for certain. This is one that I would love to create along with an installation where I could extend the painting onto the walls. Would really love to do that sometime. The only problem is finding a place that would allow me to do that. Any who...cheers and enjoy.

New work

2009-02-05T15:05:00.000-06:00

New piece I just finished. The title is Divided Unity . Tempera on cardboard with notebook paper layered into it.

I have had this idea for a while, finally pulled it together. Let me know what you think.

sticking it out...

2009-02-04T20:51:00.000-06:00

when you begin to stray. As an artist-teacher I am constantly viewing a wide variety of art. Often times to my detriment. You see I have a hard time sticking to one thing when it comes to art. For the past seven, yes seven, years I created art glass windows. At first I really enjoyed making them, then it became a source of income. I tell you what, when that happens the life and excitement of creating in that specific medium is lost. And that is one of the various reasons I moved on.

Anyway, I would classify myself as an "all-arounder". I am fascinated by all types of art and therefor, like loads of other artists, I try to use the ideas, techniques and mediums I see other artists using. Once again, this can become a problem. It's as if I have some sort of creative ADD. Its during these times when the work I am trying to create really starts to become more of a chore than something of enjoyment. I have to constantly remind myself that I am not called to be like the artists I admire. Just like Ritalin, there are some remedies for my disorder. First of all I have to quit looking at art for a while and stick my nose into my sketchbook. This allows me time to regroup and think ideas through. Or I can grab a paintbrush and lay down some marks.

My time in my sketchbook is often times associated with prayer. As I am thinking, sketching and journaling I am also trying to stay in tune with the concepts and ideas God is leading me to. This is where things become complicated. Kind of like when you ask someone to elaborate on some thought or issue and their response is "well.........it's complicated". And it is.

There is a constant battle inside me concerning money and message. Often times I get caught up in the mode of the business mind set. The "will it sell" line of thinking. Man, that can really sap the life out of an idea. The reasons for this are varied and some are obvious. Can I make a living at this? Will it support my lifestyle? Will I be able to pay the bills? The list can go on and on. But there is something bigger than money. The message.

Over the course of the last year and a half to two years I have had this constant reminder that it is not about the money. Oh, if it were only that simple. It's not about the money. I just keep saying that to myself. Some days I am better at accepting that than others. It's about the message. Message? What message?

God has been, and continues to challenge me with this concept of message, meaning, and question within the artwork I create. I have heard Him, but I don't always listen. Let me back up for a minute. Several members from my local church, including myself, were involved in a book study that focused on finding and developing our gifts. About mid way through the study we each completed an extensive survey/analysis concerning our gifts. For the sake of time, after the survey was completed I really felt challenged by God to reevaluate the way I have been using my gifts with visual art. I felt this leading to create art that engaged the viewer beyond just the visual presentation. I believed, and still do, that the message is where its at and the money will take care of itself. Today...I accept that.

Etsy site

2009-01-20T16:03:00.000-06:00

I am in the process of setting up an esty account. This will be a place where viewers of my work can go and see what artwork I have for sale. If you have never been to www.etsy.com you need to go there. Great site if you are into all things handmade. Loaded with all sorts interesting hand made items for sale.

Anywho, I will have it set up shortly. No, I can't define shortly. Soon.

Makes me slow down a bit...

2009-01-20T15:43:00.000-06:00

"At the same time, my work is about an internal war with my perception of adulthood. I am not at ease with the idea that financial stability should be predicated upon the abandonment of one’s personal ambitions. We’re told to “grow up” by teachers, cops, businessmen, and corrupt politicians. We’ve been surrounded with instructions on how to live our lives, most of which seem to be designed to hold us in place, preventing us from engaging in any serious analysis of current social and political systems. They’ve promised us security at the expense of autonomy. For this, I am expressing my early disenchantment with the life we’re supposed to live, as well as the frustration that comes with my inability to assimilate".

-Justin Santora, visual artist

Since I am home today...

2009-01-15T13:38:00.000-06:00

here are the final shots of the three paintings I have been working on. I am still trying to figure out what they mean. I have a variety thoughts on them and I suppose that is fine. Anyway, as always, let me know what you think.

2009-01-15T13:02:00.000-06:00

Its cold, nasty cold here in west central Illinois. Our school district canceled school today due to the bitter temperatures. Since we have the second largest busing district in the state...well that means loads of kids of all ages standing out in the cold waiting for their bus to arrive and drive them, in some cases, an hour to their respective school.

This photo was taken by my friend and co-worker Tonya. Not necessarily a fun commute to or from work yesterday. Thank goodness for warm clothes and this bit of a beard I am now sporting.

By the way, I remove the seat for one reason only...frostbite in areas that certainly don't, or at least I have heard, do not respond well to extreme cold. By the end of the day it's like riding an ice cube if I don't. Seat stays warm and everyone is happy.

In progress...a continuing experiment...

2009-01-12T20:37:00.000-06:00

with cardboard and found materials. The first painting is tempera on card board using various whites. The second is an acrylic base with tempera on wood panels scrapped from the sides of a dresser bound for the dumpster. Sizes and junk to follow. For now chew on these photos. Yes I know they are out of order. Sorry.

2009-01-03T10:38:00.000-06:00

Here are some progression photos of a painting I have been working on this past week. I am trying some new things with cardboard as you can see.

I have been interested in doing a painting with these hanging houses since last January. I have noticed how some artists that I admire have done similar work as well. But I had to go ahead and do it anyway.

The final piece is 36"x36". I have yet to figure out how I will frame it though. I have some other ideas for using this theme combined with various ladders that can't quite reach the houses.

I would really like to continue to explore this idea in color like I have been using, but also in tints of white. As I was planning out this painting I was very drawn to the use of various whites but, I decided that would have to wait until another time.

What is the meaning/purpose? I will let you figure that out.

Think about this....

2008-12-17T15:18:00.000-06:00

"Athletes, musicians, witters, gardeners and lovers all attest to the experience the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls 'flow'--the times when our work or play so absorbs and attunes our energies that we lose track of time. For a little while time seems to both expand and contract, becoming spacious rather than constricting, making room for our creativity and activity, and we lose the self-consciousness that wraps itself around most of our waking hours, even as we become most fully awake and alert to the possibilities of what lies in front of us.

In this world, this life, 'flow' comes to an end. The canvas is dry, the fugue is complete, the band plays the tag one more time and then resolves on the final chord. And, too, the book is finished, the service is over, the lights go up in the darkened theatre and we emerge blinking into the bright lights of the 'real world.' But what if the timeless, creative world we had glimpsed is really the real world -- and it is precisely its reality that gave it such power to captivate us for a while? What if our ultimate destiny is that moment of enjoyment and engagement we glimpse in the artist's studio?"

-Andy Crouch author of Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling

When you screw up.

2008-12-08T20:44:00.000-06:00

Step one. Say your sorry. Even if what you did was totally unintentional. Those are usually a bit easier to get over. But still it takes some time for the victim (s) to get over it.

Step two. Try and help where you can. Sometimes you just have to keep your mouth shut and take your punishment.

Step three. Say your sorry, again.

Step four. Make sure you take the ball point pen out of your pocket before your wife does a huge load of laundry. Especially after a busy weekend.

Stupid pen.

Complete

2008-12-06T20:32:00.000-06:00

Here they are. Early On #1 and Early On # 2. I am pleased with how they turned out although I need to take some better photos that include the frames. Very graphic and print like in style. I suppose you could say they are a painterly print style of art. Or something like that. I displayed these two works last night at our co-op's group exhibit. Several people wondered if these were in fact screen printed or a combination of print and painting. Nope, just school grade tempera. The cheap stuff from Blick Art Supply. So matte and flat that they look as if they were printed.

I suppose that is one of the many things I like about tempera paint. My wife and I have talked about the fact that I really need to either switch to matte acrylics or at the least start adding matte medium to my paint to make it more durable. As most of you know tempera is a water based paint and even when completely dry can still be re hydrated and manipulated.

So basically if it gets wet, changes will occur. The medium would help eliminate this problem. Just have not purchased any yet. But I really need to. I'm cheap. Heck, I only paid twenty bucks for my prescription eyeglasses. And yes, they lenses were made with my prescription.

When talking about my paintings with a couple other artists at the show I mentioned that I love the feeling of painting with tempera on cardboard. There is this feeling of the brush against the cardboard that is difficult to describe. The brush sort of glides over the surface and at the same time is making this faint sound as the paint is pulled across. Then it starts to run down the surface. Making its own decisions as it flows. I love that feeling and that sound. One of my favorite things to do is take a brush and load it up with some paint, stick it to the cardboard and pull it horizontally across the surface. Man I love to do that. How that can balance me out I have no idea. I could easily do that for hours upon hours. And some day I will.

Any who, let me know what you think. My brother Jeff says the spiral slide reminds him of Fruity Pebbles. Yes, the cereal. There is a story here, but that will have to wait for another time.

In progress...

2008-11-28T14:05:00.000-06:00

somewhat. I have been working on these two paintings for a while now. The ideas have been drawn out for quite a while. Certainly in the beginning stages. Both will have a playground slide included in them. I have decided these would transfer very well to screen prints. Pretty excited to see them finished...if they turn out like I see them in my mind. Always a difficult thing trying to live up to your own expectations. Anyone else experience that?

New painting of my nephews Myles and Liam

2008-11-28T13:57:00.000-06:00

The first painting is one I did of my girls this past spring. It went over well so I decided to paint another in the same style using my nephews this time. This painting is 35"h x 25"w and is a gift for my youngest brother Joe. I painted this on a panel that I removed from the back of an old dresser that I was getting rid of. Rather than junkin' it I took the time to disassemble it and salvage the wood. This is painted with acrylic and tempera.

to my dear brothers Jeffrey and Joseph

2008-11-22T21:28:00.000-06:00

Attempting to strike a balance...

2008-10-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

with the type of art I am in the process of creating. I have come to realize the need to make art for arts sake. The need to make art solely with the intent of creating something that is less, for a lack of a better word...heavy. By heavy, I mean that much of the work that I have been creating lately has been mentally draining. Not that I have not enjoyed making it, I certainly will continue to do it, but I need to balance it out with work that is less draining.

So....with that in mind I have been sketching out some ideas that will focus on abandoned or "vintage" playground equipment. I really like the idea of a single subject in a composition along with the use of large amounts of negative space. Just works for me visually. A few years back I did something similar using old metal lawn chairs. Any who, this idea was sparked by a photo I viewed recently by a photographer from the Kansas City area named Morgan Miller. She has a fantastic photo of a playground slide that is in front of an old drive in theatre. The composition is just perfect, except I would have cropped it a bit more. Anyway, Morgan has a photo stream on Flickr and you can find her work there.

I have also realized that I very much like color field painting. I used to think that Mark Rothko was a joke. Too simple, as if he was trying to pull the wool over our eyes. But there is much to be said about his use of color and the multiple layers he used to create such depth.

There you have it, I need to balance things out. I kind of look at it like the Sabbath. The mind needs some time to rest in order to be at its best. Although sometimes it is hard to step back, I feel it is vital and absolutely necessary for continued creative growth.

Onward and Upward.

First Co-op Meeting

2008-10-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well, the first co-op meeting has come and gone. I had said in my mind, if I can get at least five people to sign on I will make a go of it. As of right now, we have seven. Pretty cool huh? And I just got a phone call this evening about another interested artist.

So far the co-op's members are Jeff Ackman-drawing and stencil design, Erin Eveland-oils and watercolor, Dags Grossman-oils, Mike Cahill-photography, Kenneth Cox-mixed media, Lynn Trone-drawing and myself-tempera and screen printing.

Another meeting will take place in a couple of weeks and we have already begun planning our first show for the first week of December. This show will be a group show that will feature work from all of the founding members. I will keep you posted!

Local Connection - An Artists' Co-op

2008-10-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

Well, the letters have been mailed out concerning the creation of an artists' co-op here in Rushville. Here are my thoughts on what this co-op will look like. It is pretty straight forward and requires only a small time and financial commitment. Honestly, the idea of an all in one day show, reception and closing is not original to me. A recent trend with artists (especially ones who do not want to pay for gallery space) has been to re purpose their living spaces for gallery space. The idea of an artist moving all of their furniture and other items out of their apartment and using it for a gallery for an evening is a very cool idea. Wise use of resources. So here it is.

Local Connection - An Artist’s Co-op

Purposes:
-To foster professional, emerging and young artists by providing a space for them to show their work and gain recognition.
-To allow the public to see that the arts are alive in our community and surrounding areas.
-To encourage and support one another in the arts.
-To provide an environment where artists are able to network with other artists as well as patrons of the arts.
-To serve as an information, promotion and education resource for the visual arts and craft community.

Opportunities for Artists:
-Each artist will have the opportunity to be involved in group and individual shows.
-A web presence allowing the work of the co-op’s members to be viewed at any time.
-An opportunity to connect with prospective buyers.
-Demonstrations and Workshops.

Membership:
-The co-op will sponsor a show/exhibit approximately every six weeks -opening, reception and closing all in one night.
-Each show/exhibit will feature one or two members of the co-op.
-Membership fee of $50 annually to cover costs of artists’ shows including refreshments, advertisement etc.
-All members would be invited to participate in an annual group show to be held either in the spring or fall. This show would include live music as well.

Sale of Art work:
-All sales would take place directly between the artist and the buyer. Any sales resulting from artwork displayed at a show would require the artist pay a 20% commission fee to the co-op.
-All commission fees would go directly back into the co-op to be used for co-op related expenses - i.e advertisement, food and beverage for shows, live music at the annual group show, rental space.

Submissions for Membership:
-A prospective member will submit 8-10 works via a portfolio, slides, or other samples of his/her work being approved for membership. Digital format is also acceptable. This could include images on CD or DVD. All work is juried by the current members of the co-op.

Duties of the Co-op’s Members:
-Participation in set up/take down and operation of shows.
-Being a voice for the arts within your community.
-Help with placement of advertisements - posters and in local news publications.
-Attendance and participation in monthly co-op meeting.

This outline along with a letter of invitation to an informational meeting was mailed out to 10 individuals in the Rushville area. I should know by the end of the meeting on the 21 of this month whether or not this co-op is going to take flight or quickly become grounded. I will keep you posted.

A few notes of interest.

2008-10-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

This past week has been a bit of a strange one in the Ackman house. Our Great Dane of the last nine and a half years is no longer with us. Christy and I brought Magnus home when he was only 8 weeks old. He had developed some growths in his spleen and lower bowel that were causing problems with his ability to eat and digest food.

We had to make the tough decision to let him go. It was not fun for either of us. You know you have a special pet when your vet cries with you at his passing. When you have a dog that weighs 165 pounds roaming around the house, well lets just say he is hard to miss. Now with him gone, things are a bit out of balance.

On a brighter note, Maguns' buddy Zhang, our 4 year old Pug has kept us more than occupied. They were quite the pair. Magnus, this giant harlequin Great Dane and Zhang a 20 pound Pug. Passers by our home would always seem to get a laugh seeing them together.

I know he is only a dog, but he was part of our family. He will be greatly missed.

Plans are finally underway for an artist co-op here in the big city of Rushville, IL - pop. 3300.
I have come up with a simple, yet solid outline for the co-op. A letter along with the outline will be sent out to those I believe would be interested in becoming involved with this venture. Like I have stated before, this is something I just can't shake. I really see it as something I have to do.

Lots of new sketches for paintings. I can hardly wait to get back to working on them again. The house is almost finished, and my glass work is pretty predictable for the next few months. This means that I can start carving out some time to get back into the studio.

I will do my best to keep you posted.

Onward and Upward,
Jason