PROGRESS: HENDRIX
This is a progress shot of Jimi. So far, I am pleased with where it’s going but I can tell that I wont be able to finish the five pieces I wanted to for the deadline which is this Friday : \ Think it’ll we be Hendrix and Ali at the art show. We’ll see.
WORLD OF IMAGINATION ARTWORK
I signed up to join an art compilation show at APW Gallery. The show is called World of Imagination 2. They do a open call for artists and the theme is limited to the artists’ imagination. Only stipulation is that it has to be on a 12″ x 12″ surface. The plan is to have every square foot of the gallery covered in art. Last I checked, there were 455 artists slated to show.
I have been slowly working on my pieces, but have had difficulty finding sufficient time to really get anywhere. Now I am in the position of trying to get five pieces done in less than two weeks. Here is some of what i have done so far.
Since this is Black History Month and Obama is President, I wanted to do a bunch of portraits of great African Americans. In the pics shown, I have Ali and Hendrix, but I am also doing George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison and Josephine Baker. The project began with Josephine Baker really. I wanted to do a portrait of her from last year and I have had the sketch done from then.
I am really hoping to getting them all done, but at minimum, two. Due to the lack of time, Im not really shooting for close likness in the paintings. Im praying to at least capture their “spirit” (that sounds cheesy, but I can’t explain it any other way). Wish me luck.
HOCUS POCUS
I consider it another failure of the New York Education Department, that until three years ago, I haven’t heard of Kurt Vonnegut. This should be considered criminal and I’m in talks with my lawyer to see if I have a case. In the meantime, I’m willing to share this new found treasure.
Kurt Vonnegut’s Hocus Pocus, is a satire that cover topics like, race, government, war, sex and wealth, and manages to be unbelievably funny. The story follows Eugene Hartke, a vet of the Vietnam War who becomes a professor for the disabled and illiterate. When we meet Hartke, he his currently awaiting trial being apart of a prison break that happens across the lake from the school where he was a professor. The story is told through sporadic recollections of the events that got him in prison but mixed with history lessons, little known facts and unrelated opinions. It is done in a fast paced way that makes it almost playful (caught myself giggling out loud on the subway. yes, men do giggle).
The continuing side story is the lead character spends part of the book adding up the amount of people he has slept with and killed, to only find out that its the same number. There is an awesome mathematic word problem at the end of book to figure out the total number.
Great read. Check this and his other books out!
GOTTA WORK
You all know I don’t pay my bills by only working my day job. Throughout the year I do a few freelance design jobs. Here’s a few that padded my wallet a little bit more last year.
HOPE: GIVE YOURS
This is a collaborative project of Victoria Abrami & Krzysztof Piatkowski. The projects goal is to collect peoples hope, in a way where it can be shared with others. A daunting task and most of the participants are sharing what they hope for, but the project is quite thought provoking. Check it out!
DON’T FORGET TO DANCE
Looking for good music with a side of witty and opinionated reviews? Check out dontforgettodance.com. Buddy of mine launched this music blog with a few of his friends. You’re bound to hear something new everyday. And with themed postings, like this week’s “Only Love Songs” in honor of Valentine’s Day, you are bound to be entertained.