"Papa, papa", the little girl said as she jumped on Dr.Igmus's bed. Her older brothers pulled her off as they in unison said," Lidia let the Doctor sleep."
Startled and sweaty the Doctor squinted one eye open then the other. He smiled and greeted Lidia with a pleasant," Why hello? Aren't we up bright and early? Could you be get my eye glasses from the stand?"
She interrupts him with glasses already in hands knowing the routine. "Papa, were you having another Dimension 11 nightmare?"
The twins Ziggy and Iggy chime in," It is not polite to ask such nosy things." As they nudge her back.
Dr.Igmus says," It's okay... And yes, matter of fact I was having a dream about something to the likes of my eleventh Dimension lecture. You my littlest assistant...Where would I be without you.?" He puts his glasses on and pulls himself up. She sits beside him grinning. He pats her on the head. He looks to the wall to check the time, but there are a variety of clocks all different. Not set to any specific time zone. Just random. He asks the children," Do you know which one is right today?"
They respond," they're all right somewhere."
They laugh.And like every other day this is how it starts.
The children leave the Doctor to take his shower and get dressed. While they go off to do what children do best. Play.
Ziggy and Iggy are the oldest, identical twins at that. Neither of them know which was first. So they both agreed upon being born at equal times. They bare a remarkable resemblance to Dr. Igmus. They both have the same platinum white hair as their father and a pale complexion. They are ten years old and have developed an acute sense for mechanized drawings.
They spend most of their days planning schematics for gadgets, vehicles, and other devices that they mysteriously have no idea how they came to be. They bounce ideas off each other all day long about the possibilities of the impossible and what can possibly be done to achieve these lofty goals. Their most infamous of creations was a complex tree house complete with a mechanized elevator pulley system that later had to be destroyed because of serious health risks to Lidia. It tried to eat her to be exact. Or so she claims.
Lidia four years their junior is six, but considers herself the Doctor's assistant to which none will dispute her. Dr.Igmus and the twins often forget her age because she carries herself with such maturity. Although, she has yet to conquer some issues dealing with her emotions. She can let them get the best of her as any four year old would.
They were all born on the island I guess to what could be considered extremely rare conditions. They have never met their mother and being that they are in complete isolation from the rest of the world. Dr.Igmus has not explained to them their true origins. For now, he figures let them enjoy their innocents and be children.
Dr.Igmus's style of raising them is unorthodox to say the least. He has taught them the wonders of science and mathematics at an early age. With their minds eager to ask questions he answered them with all the knowledge and frankness of an adult. Their imaginations are flooded with the possibilities of what can be. Along with an entire island that is their playground. The one rule is they are never to go anywhere alone. And especially never wonder into the forest after dark.
Besides that life can be pretty gentle. An occasion bruise here. An occasional accident there.
Ziggy and Iggy are sitting at the dining room table made of one solid piece of wood both working on their latest drawings. While Lidia is adjusting a stool so that she can reach the sink. Where she begins to rinse vegetables for breakfast. Dr. Igmus walks in and says good morning to everyone. The twins are focused on their latest drawings.
Lidia says, "Good morning." and continues rinsing vegetables.
Dr.Igmus," So what's on the itinerary today young minds?"
Lidia looks back," I-tin...er-ary?"
The twins shake their heads as they continue to draw.
Ziggy says," He wants to know what were doing today."
Lidia,"Oh? I knew that. Papa, fishing is on the itinerary today. Can you come?"
Dr.Igmus says," Fishing...I'm much to busy. I'll be in the lab all day, but I am in the mood for some SEA MONSTER!" as he sneaks up behind Lidia and grabs her. She jumps and the vegetables go flying behind her. She then starts laughing.
Dr.Igmus tells the children he has no time for breakfast. Reminds them to be careful out there and not to stay out to late. To be home by afternoon or he'll send Ms. Thirteen out after them.
The children agree as Dr. Igmus grabs his lab coat by the door and heads outside.
Lidia brings the boys breakfast consisting of eggs, vegetables, and some bacon. They both have a puzzled look on their faces. They always miss when she is making the food. It always just seems to appear and it is always exactly what they are in the mood for. They simply think of it as a mere coincidence and nothing more. She smiles. They go back to their drawings as they stuff their faces.
Lidia sits quietly thinking. She asks," Are there really sea monsters out in the ocean?"
Ziggy and Iggy look at each other and smirk.
Iggy says," Yes, big one's with fangs and claws and tentacles. That like to eat little girls named Lidia."
Lidia says," Shut up! Or I won't make lunch for you two."
This straightens them up and they apologize right away. They know that without her meals they will definitely go hungry on the trip today. They all go back to eating. After finishing their breakfast the twins clean up the dishes. While Lidia sneaks a peak at their drawings. The drawings appear to be some sort of fishing contraptions. She notices that both the drawings are of the same exact object, but from different views. They are always doing this she thinks. They are always thinking of the same ideas except from two different angles.
She slides back over to her seat and pretends not have seen the sketches, but Ziggy and Iggy know other wise. She is not good at pretending they know. So they ask if she likes their drawings. She quickly gets up from the table and goes over to the kitchen to prepare lunch for their outing.
Lidia asks," Are you guys going to build those today?"
Ziggy and Iggy," Build what?"
Lidia," You know what... Your drawings?"
Ziggy," Oh, you mean the fishing poles. Why? You want to help?"
Iggy nudges Ziggy whispering," Shhh... We don't need her help."
Ziggy whispers back," You shhh... You know she always builds are stuff better than us... Remember the tree house elevator!?"
Lidia pretending not to hear them smiles with her back turned still making the lunches.
Lidia" Would you let me? Pretty please?"
Iggy," Oh, I guess so. If you promise not to screw things up?"
Lidia," I promise."
Ziggy," Well then, it sounds like we have a deal."
Lidia," What about Ms. Thirteen? Can she come?"
Ziggy and Iggy," NO!"
And with that the front door swings open and a robot is standing there. Humanoid in character and female in form. She has a bit of where and tear on her. The thirteenth edition that Dr. Igmus has been working hence the name Ms. Thirteen.
This was one of his projects he built before he had any children and the prototype was to be his assistant. As the evolution of the robots began through fixing glitches and accidents. Eventually it led to this thirteenth installment. Which to date has been the most successful of all the robots. He fused her to power off of solar energy in order to charge her batteries. This causes her the slight personality quark of often being found outside sunbathing which is quite unusual for a robot. Though it adds to Ms. Thirteen's general charm. Plus, the children find it amusing because occasionally she will be found outside applying sun block on her metal skin.
Ms. Thirteen walks in looking at the children and accessing the situation.
Ms.Thirteen," So, Ziggy, Iggy, Lidia. Your all going fishing today. Remember, be home by afternoon or it is me you will deal with."
Iggy," I hate it when she does that."
Ms. Thirteen," Does what? Iggy?"
Iggy," Oh, you know. Knows everything. You probably even know what we're drawing."
Ms. Thirteen," That would be fishing poles. Just make sure you supervise building those things."
The twins," We will watch her."
Ms. Thirteen," I was talking about Lidia supervising you two. We don't want another tree house incident."
Lidia laughs and the twins grumble.
The lunches are packed. Ziggy, Iggy, and Lidia are ready to go. Ms. Thirteen grabs one of the boys sketch pads and opens it. Her index finger tip flips back and inside is a laser that magnetically discharges ink onto the the page laying out a complete map through the forest to the ocean. Along with notes and diagrams of all the proper fish that can be eaten. This all done in a matter of seconds. They all thank her and leave out the door. She follows them standing outside watching as they walk down the path. She then goes back to her charging station which looks exactly like a beach chair with the exception of a plug that she inserts into her side. She props her feet up. Switches her vision mask to ninety percent tint. The equivalent of sunglasses for robots. She then sets her personal timer for exactly 0'1600 hours. Or four o'clock in case the children are not home and enjoys the rest of her day.
UMC STUDIOS APPAREL
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Quotes I like...
(Words of wisdom I feel that ring true to my same beliefs, but quite a bit more eloquent.)
Paul Cezanne
-Is art really the priesthood that demands the pure in heart who belong to it wholly?
-Tell me, do you think I'm going mad? I sometimes wonder, you know?
-I have come to the conclusion that it's not really possible to help others.
-You say a new era in art is preparing; you sensed it coming; continue your studies without awakening. God will do the rest.
-We live in rainbows of chaos.
-The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself.
-The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution.
-I allow no one to touch me.
Andy Warhol
-What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest.
-I've decided something: Commercial things really do stink. As soon as it becomes commercial for a mass market it really stinks.
-In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.
-Since people are going to live longer and getting older, they'll just have to learn how to be babies longer.
-Being good at business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and being good at business is the best art.
-An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have.
Picasso
-Art washes away the soul of everyday life.
-Computers are useless they can only give you answers.
-The world today doesn't make much sense, why should I paint pictures that do?
Paul Cezanne
-Is art really the priesthood that demands the pure in heart who belong to it wholly?
-Tell me, do you think I'm going mad? I sometimes wonder, you know?
-I have come to the conclusion that it's not really possible to help others.
-You say a new era in art is preparing; you sensed it coming; continue your studies without awakening. God will do the rest.
-We live in rainbows of chaos.
-The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself.
-The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution.
-I allow no one to touch me.
Andy Warhol
-What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest.
-I've decided something: Commercial things really do stink. As soon as it becomes commercial for a mass market it really stinks.
-In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.
-Since people are going to live longer and getting older, they'll just have to learn how to be babies longer.
-Being good at business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and being good at business is the best art.
-An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have.
Picasso
-Art washes away the soul of everyday life.
-Computers are useless they can only give you answers.
-The world today doesn't make much sense, why should I paint pictures that do?
Chapter 2: The eleventh Dimension (uneditted)
Eyes focused. Brow furrowed. A man fanatically shuffles papers in an attempt to gather some sort of hold on his latest discovery. Around him are formulas and equations scribbled all over chalk boards and dry erase white boards. His hair is platinum and hasn't been managed correctly in possibly months. His lab coat pockets are crammed with pens, calculators, and scraps of papers that fall out as he scours the room.
He mumbles incoherently contemplating something of great importance. His thin, wire framed glasses seem to magically stay glued on the tip of his nose during his hectic and gestural movements. Behind him are tubes, cylinders, and beakers with Benson burners underneath.
In front of him sits an audience of five hundred of the greatest scientific minds. Scholars, doctors, scientist, mathematicians, physicists, and colleagues all hanging on every word and that flows out his mouth. Their pens scribble furiously as they try and make sense of his non linear strands of thought. Some are frustrated by his lack of organized presentation. Others baffled. The majority just sit in amazement and marvel at the spectacle on display.
This could possibly be the smartest man in the world. Yet he is scrambling for something so profound that everyone is waiting to see what this item of importance is... Finally, he declares," Eureka!" as he pulls a pen from behind his ear. He found what he was looking for. A pen? The audience erupts into brief laughter as his enthusiasm over takes him.
Looking up, his embarrassment spreads across his face like wild fire. He had forgot he was in the middle of a lecture. He takes a deep breath and recomposes his demeanor.
Standing at a lanky six-foot, and one inch height. He is not an imposing figure. His socks rarely match as is the same with his thoughts. The outfit remains his one constant. One white with blue pinned striped shirt. No tie. Top button undone.Brown dress slacks freshly creased... Always. A white lab coat that seems to never leave his person. A writing pad with plenty of pens, but a special pen always cocked behind his left ear. Although, he is right-handed which causes regular confusion because he always thinks it is behind his right ear. Sometimes it just gets lost in his unkempt hair. This pen is his lucky pen though. He rarely writes with anything else. His shoes old leather worn Doc Martin's which break the classification of the regular scientific outfit. More accustom to hippies and mountain hikers rather than one of the greatest minds of the 21st century. Quite proud of his frugality they have been resoled too many times to count.
As he scratches his head, getting a hold on his bearings it was like he was somewhere else. He poses a question to himself and the audience as he takes in all the information for what appears to be the first time. Even though he had been lecturing for nearly 2 hours. He asks," Where was I?". A woman in the audience shouts jokingly," The eleventh dimension..." Mocking laughter spreads as this idea is widely thought of as ridiculous.
He continues not acknowledging their scepticism. A twinkle in his eye. Clearing his throat.
The eleventh dimension has been much debated amongst all of us. And to no success we haven't agreed on anything. Or rather, haven't agreed on everything. Meaning the Theory of Everything which everyone seems to think this is where in all things of the universe share one similar dimensional plane of existence.
I, however, believe that our whole system for categorizing dimensional planes is all wrong. I want to change the actual interpretation of what we consider dimensions. These are my proposed categories for the eleven dimensions of existence.
1. Height, length, width, depth, and weight all fall under the category Mass. This allows for more dimensional levels without going past the eleventh dimension. Although I will say there are infinite dimensional planes, but until we can first comprehend the one's in our reality. We simply cannot, will not, and should not try to comprehend those levels that remain unfathomable through our consciousness. So the first dimension is Mass.
2. Space, the area in which all mass and matter occupy would be the second dimension. This once again is an easily observed dimension and will not call into question my theory...Yet.
3. Light, being the third dimension is by which all mass is observed allowing us the participant to witness that yes, indeed. It does take up space.
4. Time. The dimension by which we measure the existence of matter.
This is where my Multi-Dimensional Theory begins to differ from the norm. To put it modestly. In this theory I relate all dimensional planes to the individual. Without this constant the whole system breaks down. I believe in order to understand what we see and what is around us. We must for believe that we are the center of the universe. Not in ego maniacal way, but in a scientific observational way. Each of us as individuals are a separate variable in the universe. A separate plane of existence. A separate element.We just happen to be the variable , but I'll get to that shortly.
At that point everyone in the audience gets wide eyed and quiet. They begin to think maybe he's finally pushed himself past the line of sanity. He continues,
5. Sound. As I see it, excuse me... I mean hear it. Sound has it's own dimensional plane we refer to as measurements of frequency, but I believe it goes further than that. I just think we have yet to develop the intricacy and understandings as to the complete depth of sound.
6. Energy is the sixth. This is the dimension by which all things move. Whether it be contracting or expanding forces. Anything exerting movement requires energy. Without energy things cease to exist.
7. Gravity. A bond that ties all planetary elements together. Varying in amounts the only place void of gravity is space. Proving the point that all in the universe and beyond contain some form of gravity or lack there of.
These seven dimensions are the one's that effect the variable. The individual. Us. Without most of these dimensions our existence would not be. Others of these dimensions we can survive without, but will over compensate with another. However, It is my belief that the variable identifies all known and unknown concepts, objects, and environments through these seven dimensions.
Now, considering that we our the variable with infinite possibilities. Then, the next three dimensions are linear strands that weave through the other seven dimensions to create the quintessential quilt that thread our realities together into one cohesive world.
8. The past. This dimension is concrete in that it cannot be changed. It is a constant. Yet, we are constantly reevaluating the past and finding new truths. So in essence the past is never truly defined, but there can only be one definite solution. Things that have already happened can have only happened one way. The way in which they did. It is our jobs as scientist to become the perfectionists of the past. Which is ever evolving as time stands still for no one.
9. The present. This dimension is on which everything exists for infinite time. Yet expires immediately. This is in my opinion the only anti dimension because there is no way in which to prove it exists except by comparing it with exact moments of the past. There are no multiple moments of the present. It exists in no measure of time, but only relative to that of the past and the future.
Which brings me to the tenth dimension.
10. The future. Unlike the present and much like the past can be calculated. Based on history and intricate calculations the future in most subjects can be a relatively expected outcome.
Now for what you have all been waiting for. My theory on exactly what the eleventh dimension is...
11. The dimension of everything. The God dimension. I refer to it as this not because of a religious basis, but in a way it is. This is the dimension through which all these other dimensions share. This is where our evolution will want to lead us. Upon understanding the previous ten dimensions this will be the last to open up to us.
Think about it. Everyone of all religious backgrounds believes in an all knowing, all creating, everything of everything. If we were to master the dimensional planes of the previous ten. In essence we would be god like. Us the variable. To be able to understand all allows the manipulation of all. To have complete power and understanding over Mass, Space, Light, Time, Sound, Energy, Gravity, Past, Present, and Future. These in essence, would allow us to achieve evolution of monumental proportions. I believe that until we begin to unlock these dimensions fully. We will continue to only use an insignificant portion of our brains.
These are only eleven dimensions and the possibilities for infinite dimensions are certainly out there, but if we cannot grasp the dimensions we are dealing with on a day-to-day basis. How are we to expect to comprehend such complex ideas as extraterrestrial beings? Maybe, they like ghosts operate on a different dimensional plane?
A woman from the audience interrupts," Dr. Igmus, our you saying through this inter dimensional theory that there is a correlation between ghosts and aliens?"
Dr. Igmus replies,
I am not saying that they are working together. Or that there is some big conspiracy. All I am saying is that it would explain the Ghost Phenomenon. If they were actually figments of history caught between planes through some sort of universal disturbance in the space time continuum. This would make for a rather easy answer to a complex question that has been plaguing mankind for thousands of centuries. As for the alien conspiracy, I am simply implying that possibly they have mastered the eleven dimensions I am referring to which allows them to flash in and out of dimensional worm holes and escape actually having to confront us...
An alarm begins to sound interrupting his lecture. Everyone looks at each other as the sound gets louder and louder. Panic ensues. The door flies open and an intense beam of blinding light blows through the door. The audience shield their eyes as the light completely engulfs the doctor. Papers blow, scattering throughout the lecture hall. The beakers and glass instruments shatter out the sheer force of the light. The doctor stands awe struck. Eyes wide. Mouth agape. He stands stricken with fear and amazement. Completely still. The power of the light shines through him. His hair blown back. Everything is completely silent.
This continues for minutes. Then in nothing. The light is gone. The Doctor is gone. The lecture hall is in disarray. The audience sits shocked. Looking at each other for confirmation as to what they just witnessed. Where Dr. Igmus stood only his lucky pen remains. Scatter papers. Broken glass. All of the formulas and equations on the board gone. Nothing. Not a trace of the doctor left. Just an audience of five hundred and a lucky pen...
He mumbles incoherently contemplating something of great importance. His thin, wire framed glasses seem to magically stay glued on the tip of his nose during his hectic and gestural movements. Behind him are tubes, cylinders, and beakers with Benson burners underneath.
In front of him sits an audience of five hundred of the greatest scientific minds. Scholars, doctors, scientist, mathematicians, physicists, and colleagues all hanging on every word and that flows out his mouth. Their pens scribble furiously as they try and make sense of his non linear strands of thought. Some are frustrated by his lack of organized presentation. Others baffled. The majority just sit in amazement and marvel at the spectacle on display.
This could possibly be the smartest man in the world. Yet he is scrambling for something so profound that everyone is waiting to see what this item of importance is... Finally, he declares," Eureka!" as he pulls a pen from behind his ear. He found what he was looking for. A pen? The audience erupts into brief laughter as his enthusiasm over takes him.
Looking up, his embarrassment spreads across his face like wild fire. He had forgot he was in the middle of a lecture. He takes a deep breath and recomposes his demeanor.
Standing at a lanky six-foot, and one inch height. He is not an imposing figure. His socks rarely match as is the same with his thoughts. The outfit remains his one constant. One white with blue pinned striped shirt. No tie. Top button undone.Brown dress slacks freshly creased... Always. A white lab coat that seems to never leave his person. A writing pad with plenty of pens, but a special pen always cocked behind his left ear. Although, he is right-handed which causes regular confusion because he always thinks it is behind his right ear. Sometimes it just gets lost in his unkempt hair. This pen is his lucky pen though. He rarely writes with anything else. His shoes old leather worn Doc Martin's which break the classification of the regular scientific outfit. More accustom to hippies and mountain hikers rather than one of the greatest minds of the 21st century. Quite proud of his frugality they have been resoled too many times to count.
As he scratches his head, getting a hold on his bearings it was like he was somewhere else. He poses a question to himself and the audience as he takes in all the information for what appears to be the first time. Even though he had been lecturing for nearly 2 hours. He asks," Where was I?". A woman in the audience shouts jokingly," The eleventh dimension..." Mocking laughter spreads as this idea is widely thought of as ridiculous.
He continues not acknowledging their scepticism. A twinkle in his eye. Clearing his throat.
The eleventh dimension has been much debated amongst all of us. And to no success we haven't agreed on anything. Or rather, haven't agreed on everything. Meaning the Theory of Everything which everyone seems to think this is where in all things of the universe share one similar dimensional plane of existence.
I, however, believe that our whole system for categorizing dimensional planes is all wrong. I want to change the actual interpretation of what we consider dimensions. These are my proposed categories for the eleven dimensions of existence.
1. Height, length, width, depth, and weight all fall under the category Mass. This allows for more dimensional levels without going past the eleventh dimension. Although I will say there are infinite dimensional planes, but until we can first comprehend the one's in our reality. We simply cannot, will not, and should not try to comprehend those levels that remain unfathomable through our consciousness. So the first dimension is Mass.
2. Space, the area in which all mass and matter occupy would be the second dimension. This once again is an easily observed dimension and will not call into question my theory...Yet.
3. Light, being the third dimension is by which all mass is observed allowing us the participant to witness that yes, indeed. It does take up space.
4. Time. The dimension by which we measure the existence of matter.
This is where my Multi-Dimensional Theory begins to differ from the norm. To put it modestly. In this theory I relate all dimensional planes to the individual. Without this constant the whole system breaks down. I believe in order to understand what we see and what is around us. We must for believe that we are the center of the universe. Not in ego maniacal way, but in a scientific observational way. Each of us as individuals are a separate variable in the universe. A separate plane of existence. A separate element.We just happen to be the variable , but I'll get to that shortly.
At that point everyone in the audience gets wide eyed and quiet. They begin to think maybe he's finally pushed himself past the line of sanity. He continues,
5. Sound. As I see it, excuse me... I mean hear it. Sound has it's own dimensional plane we refer to as measurements of frequency, but I believe it goes further than that. I just think we have yet to develop the intricacy and understandings as to the complete depth of sound.
6. Energy is the sixth. This is the dimension by which all things move. Whether it be contracting or expanding forces. Anything exerting movement requires energy. Without energy things cease to exist.
7. Gravity. A bond that ties all planetary elements together. Varying in amounts the only place void of gravity is space. Proving the point that all in the universe and beyond contain some form of gravity or lack there of.
These seven dimensions are the one's that effect the variable. The individual. Us. Without most of these dimensions our existence would not be. Others of these dimensions we can survive without, but will over compensate with another. However, It is my belief that the variable identifies all known and unknown concepts, objects, and environments through these seven dimensions.
Now, considering that we our the variable with infinite possibilities. Then, the next three dimensions are linear strands that weave through the other seven dimensions to create the quintessential quilt that thread our realities together into one cohesive world.
8. The past. This dimension is concrete in that it cannot be changed. It is a constant. Yet, we are constantly reevaluating the past and finding new truths. So in essence the past is never truly defined, but there can only be one definite solution. Things that have already happened can have only happened one way. The way in which they did. It is our jobs as scientist to become the perfectionists of the past. Which is ever evolving as time stands still for no one.
9. The present. This dimension is on which everything exists for infinite time. Yet expires immediately. This is in my opinion the only anti dimension because there is no way in which to prove it exists except by comparing it with exact moments of the past. There are no multiple moments of the present. It exists in no measure of time, but only relative to that of the past and the future.
Which brings me to the tenth dimension.
10. The future. Unlike the present and much like the past can be calculated. Based on history and intricate calculations the future in most subjects can be a relatively expected outcome.
Now for what you have all been waiting for. My theory on exactly what the eleventh dimension is...
11. The dimension of everything. The God dimension. I refer to it as this not because of a religious basis, but in a way it is. This is the dimension through which all these other dimensions share. This is where our evolution will want to lead us. Upon understanding the previous ten dimensions this will be the last to open up to us.
Think about it. Everyone of all religious backgrounds believes in an all knowing, all creating, everything of everything. If we were to master the dimensional planes of the previous ten. In essence we would be god like. Us the variable. To be able to understand all allows the manipulation of all. To have complete power and understanding over Mass, Space, Light, Time, Sound, Energy, Gravity, Past, Present, and Future. These in essence, would allow us to achieve evolution of monumental proportions. I believe that until we begin to unlock these dimensions fully. We will continue to only use an insignificant portion of our brains.
These are only eleven dimensions and the possibilities for infinite dimensions are certainly out there, but if we cannot grasp the dimensions we are dealing with on a day-to-day basis. How are we to expect to comprehend such complex ideas as extraterrestrial beings? Maybe, they like ghosts operate on a different dimensional plane?
A woman from the audience interrupts," Dr. Igmus, our you saying through this inter dimensional theory that there is a correlation between ghosts and aliens?"
Dr. Igmus replies,
I am not saying that they are working together. Or that there is some big conspiracy. All I am saying is that it would explain the Ghost Phenomenon. If they were actually figments of history caught between planes through some sort of universal disturbance in the space time continuum. This would make for a rather easy answer to a complex question that has been plaguing mankind for thousands of centuries. As for the alien conspiracy, I am simply implying that possibly they have mastered the eleven dimensions I am referring to which allows them to flash in and out of dimensional worm holes and escape actually having to confront us...
An alarm begins to sound interrupting his lecture. Everyone looks at each other as the sound gets louder and louder. Panic ensues. The door flies open and an intense beam of blinding light blows through the door. The audience shield their eyes as the light completely engulfs the doctor. Papers blow, scattering throughout the lecture hall. The beakers and glass instruments shatter out the sheer force of the light. The doctor stands awe struck. Eyes wide. Mouth agape. He stands stricken with fear and amazement. Completely still. The power of the light shines through him. His hair blown back. Everything is completely silent.
This continues for minutes. Then in nothing. The light is gone. The Doctor is gone. The lecture hall is in disarray. The audience sits shocked. Looking at each other for confirmation as to what they just witnessed. Where Dr. Igmus stood only his lucky pen remains. Scatter papers. Broken glass. All of the formulas and equations on the board gone. Nothing. Not a trace of the doctor left. Just an audience of five hundred and a lucky pen...
Burgundy Hill (exerpt from my novel)
In distant seas sits a distant land. A land like no other. Hidden from the manipulation of Man's hand. The seas are harsh and the waves crash against the shore line. Along the beach lay debris from broken ships and lost artifacts of broken men.l On this island, dwells a peculiar man with peculiar habits. He was once consider a pioneer in the areas of experimental science and mathematics. Now though he is little more than a recluse on a desolate island in the middle of nowhere.
The island is not complete with out the intervention of Man, but rather is the manipulation of one man and his family.
This strange land is foreign to explorer and seamen alike. It won't be found on any map, nor taught about in any geography class. It's environment and inhabitants our one of a kind. A breed to which there are no similarities with the rest of the world.
A far reaching wilderness extends shortly after the shore line. With treacherous seas keeping visitors at bay. A slow and steady fog masks this land of mystery and intrigue. The beach is jagged with rocks of an unknown mineral. Smooth, marbleized black with flickers of purple and the residue of sea salt. Prolific trees with spiked bark and prehistoric moss cling to the gnarled branches. They have an eerily, delicate disposition, but remain rooted in their stance against the harsh winds and heavy tides.
Beyond the white sands, past the gigantic rocks of black, and looming after the scarce trees lies dense forestry. There are no birds singing. No animals lurking. The forest has a stillness unmatched. With the exception of insects and other small animals not much is found in the forest which goes on for acres upon acres. The deeper one goes, the higher the trees extend. Until eventually masking out the sky. Even on the brightest days the sun doesn't penetrate the tops of these trees. Giving way to entire bouts of night time darkness.
After what can be days of travel on foot the forest begins to clear. The trees become fewer in number and light begins to illuminate the ground. The grass grows lush, with wild flowers rainbowing the ground with colors of vividly bright blues, purples, reds, yellows, and orange. Allowing Mother Nature's true color spectrum to shine.
From this, colored seashells create a path from the ending of the forest and winds ever forward. The elevation climbs as does the intensity of the grasses green hue. The path comes to a fence of unique construction. Built from scraps of varying materials from metal to wood with gizmos and do-dads decorating it in no set pattern. Reflectors sparkle. Pieces of scrap metal clank together as the wind blows. Dream catchers and wind chimes hang from parts of the fence. All of the dings, bangs, whistles, and chimes give an orchestra of sound that only a mad man could have conspired. Or perhaps a genius.
Past this fence stands a sign pointing to the lone hill. The sign reads," Burgundy Hill" in hand painted red lettering. To call it a hill is an understatement. It would be more appropriate to label it a mountain except that it is not. Perhaps, the biggest hill in the world. At the top of this grotesquely large hill is, but one house. Matter of fact, In all this land there is, but one house. It is perched on the very height of the hill...
The island is not complete with out the intervention of Man, but rather is the manipulation of one man and his family.
This strange land is foreign to explorer and seamen alike. It won't be found on any map, nor taught about in any geography class. It's environment and inhabitants our one of a kind. A breed to which there are no similarities with the rest of the world.
A far reaching wilderness extends shortly after the shore line. With treacherous seas keeping visitors at bay. A slow and steady fog masks this land of mystery and intrigue. The beach is jagged with rocks of an unknown mineral. Smooth, marbleized black with flickers of purple and the residue of sea salt. Prolific trees with spiked bark and prehistoric moss cling to the gnarled branches. They have an eerily, delicate disposition, but remain rooted in their stance against the harsh winds and heavy tides.
Beyond the white sands, past the gigantic rocks of black, and looming after the scarce trees lies dense forestry. There are no birds singing. No animals lurking. The forest has a stillness unmatched. With the exception of insects and other small animals not much is found in the forest which goes on for acres upon acres. The deeper one goes, the higher the trees extend. Until eventually masking out the sky. Even on the brightest days the sun doesn't penetrate the tops of these trees. Giving way to entire bouts of night time darkness.
After what can be days of travel on foot the forest begins to clear. The trees become fewer in number and light begins to illuminate the ground. The grass grows lush, with wild flowers rainbowing the ground with colors of vividly bright blues, purples, reds, yellows, and orange. Allowing Mother Nature's true color spectrum to shine.
From this, colored seashells create a path from the ending of the forest and winds ever forward. The elevation climbs as does the intensity of the grasses green hue. The path comes to a fence of unique construction. Built from scraps of varying materials from metal to wood with gizmos and do-dads decorating it in no set pattern. Reflectors sparkle. Pieces of scrap metal clank together as the wind blows. Dream catchers and wind chimes hang from parts of the fence. All of the dings, bangs, whistles, and chimes give an orchestra of sound that only a mad man could have conspired. Or perhaps a genius.
Past this fence stands a sign pointing to the lone hill. The sign reads," Burgundy Hill" in hand painted red lettering. To call it a hill is an understatement. It would be more appropriate to label it a mountain except that it is not. Perhaps, the biggest hill in the world. At the top of this grotesquely large hill is, but one house. Matter of fact, In all this land there is, but one house. It is perched on the very height of the hill...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Fire, Clock, Certainty
A 5 minute writing exercise using the 3 words Fire, Clock, Certainty
Fire raced up the walls as the clock began to boil down to it's last seconds. No one knew for sure or with any certainty that all would end well. Now that everything had gone a ry a man thought to himself," What is going on?" There were no answers only silence. He knew that if his reaction began to slow all would be lost. So with a quick swift hand and an eager mind he shoveled his guts into courage and leaped across the building. His foot narrowly caught the edge of the other building, but lost his footing and slipped. Luckily he caught the edge with his fingertips as his feet dangled over kicking the windows. On lookers from below stood in awe as they could not believe their eyes.
If only there were someone else here. A man. A woman. Someone he could reach for, but there was no one. Only pigeons and their speckled shit that began to loosen his grip on the edge. Of all the things he'd ever cursed in his life he now more than ever thought of all the ways he'd die. Pigeon shit was not on the top of his list...
Fire raced up the walls as the clock began to boil down to it's last seconds. No one knew for sure or with any certainty that all would end well. Now that everything had gone a ry a man thought to himself," What is going on?" There were no answers only silence. He knew that if his reaction began to slow all would be lost. So with a quick swift hand and an eager mind he shoveled his guts into courage and leaped across the building. His foot narrowly caught the edge of the other building, but lost his footing and slipped. Luckily he caught the edge with his fingertips as his feet dangled over kicking the windows. On lookers from below stood in awe as they could not believe their eyes.
If only there were someone else here. A man. A woman. Someone he could reach for, but there was no one. Only pigeons and their speckled shit that began to loosen his grip on the edge. Of all the things he'd ever cursed in his life he now more than ever thought of all the ways he'd die. Pigeon shit was not on the top of his list...
Busy, busy , busy... All work and no play can't be done for all the days.
I have been absent from my daily writings as one can see. In the topsy-turvy world of The Urban Monk things can get a bit hectic. My days have been busy and my nights tiring.
I have completed 12 works of art. Ten smaller abstracts 16" x 20" and 2 larger works one of which contains solar lights (shhh.... But don't tell anyone). It's a secret. My self taught lessons of Manderin are going along nicely. I am definitely digging this Pimsleur program I am trying. It's not too difficult and I only have to designate 30 minutes a day. Which I have been pretty good about doing.
I am currently working on 4 new pieces with experimental techniques, but then again when am I not? Let's just say one includes solar lights and I think I am beginning to get the hang of it to maximize all of the LED light. I am super excited about the results. It's not too ambitious. All I am merely trying to do is recreate outer reaches of the gallery in an abstracted realism sort of quality. I don't think that is too much to ask.
In news updates, I recently received a letter that I might be getting a subpeona to be a witness for a 23 person grand jury indictment. It's a long story... Let's just say it involves my longtime friend, yours truly, armed robbery, 2 little highschool punks, a replica Airsoft AK-47, and my stolen bag of McDonalds. Kids these days have no respect for a man's food.
Also, I will not be making a cross country trip to California. However, I will be spending a few weeks in Chicago doing lawn work for my brother? Yep, it sounds as randoms as it is, but it's cool. I like working outside.
I am also thinking about starting a possible novel. If so, I might be introducing exerpts onto my blog. As it will be a work-in-progress I ask that people be gentle as to critiquing my work. Since after all I am not a writer, but an artist.
Currently, I am dog sitting my favorite boxer Champy. He's got a heart big as Texas. He reminds me of one of those Adat walkers from Star Wars.
Still teaching the children of Central Ohio Art Academy, or rather assisting my mentor Donna Boiman. They haven't got sick of me yet. Plus, they tend to be more inspiring than most the people I went to art school with in Savannah, Georgia. They are smarter too that's for sure.
Well, that's the happenings for now. That catches everyone up on the gist of things. Back to business as usual. Keep on keeping on...
I have completed 12 works of art. Ten smaller abstracts 16" x 20" and 2 larger works one of which contains solar lights (shhh.... But don't tell anyone). It's a secret. My self taught lessons of Manderin are going along nicely. I am definitely digging this Pimsleur program I am trying. It's not too difficult and I only have to designate 30 minutes a day. Which I have been pretty good about doing.
I am currently working on 4 new pieces with experimental techniques, but then again when am I not? Let's just say one includes solar lights and I think I am beginning to get the hang of it to maximize all of the LED light. I am super excited about the results. It's not too ambitious. All I am merely trying to do is recreate outer reaches of the gallery in an abstracted realism sort of quality. I don't think that is too much to ask.
In news updates, I recently received a letter that I might be getting a subpeona to be a witness for a 23 person grand jury indictment. It's a long story... Let's just say it involves my longtime friend, yours truly, armed robbery, 2 little highschool punks, a replica Airsoft AK-47, and my stolen bag of McDonalds. Kids these days have no respect for a man's food.
Also, I will not be making a cross country trip to California. However, I will be spending a few weeks in Chicago doing lawn work for my brother? Yep, it sounds as randoms as it is, but it's cool. I like working outside.
I am also thinking about starting a possible novel. If so, I might be introducing exerpts onto my blog. As it will be a work-in-progress I ask that people be gentle as to critiquing my work. Since after all I am not a writer, but an artist.
Currently, I am dog sitting my favorite boxer Champy. He's got a heart big as Texas. He reminds me of one of those Adat walkers from Star Wars.
Still teaching the children of Central Ohio Art Academy, or rather assisting my mentor Donna Boiman. They haven't got sick of me yet. Plus, they tend to be more inspiring than most the people I went to art school with in Savannah, Georgia. They are smarter too that's for sure.
Well, that's the happenings for now. That catches everyone up on the gist of things. Back to business as usual. Keep on keeping on...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Post Modern Barbequeism Manifesto: Part 3
The Art:
Post Modern Barbequeism draws from all disciplines, techniques, and materials as a style. The concept of the piece dictates the techniques and materials used. This allows for evolution of the style meaning function guides form. Any and all forms of of the visual arts can fall under the style of Post Modern Barbequeism. Such disciplines can be, but not limited to painting, mixed media, sculpture, poetry, essay, short stories, novels, screen plays, installations, various print techniques, and apparel design.
The goal of Post Modern Barbequeism is to give a renewed sense of wonderment and interest in the arts by the general public. The effects of art can be far reaching, but over recent decades has been stigmatized. The American society views art as unnecessary, unimportant, and a complete waste of time. Post Modern Barbequeism brings fun, simplicity, wit, humour, and education back into art along with deeper more poignant messages upon further analysis.
First and foremost the art must draw the audience in. It must make the average person stop and take notice. Not because of offensiviness. Not because of obscenity. Not because of vulgar, dark, or violent imagery. But, instead because of interesting use of color, composition, materials, techniques, juxataposed imagery, absurd subject matter. Make the viewer curious. Give the audience something they can easily identify with. Maybe a subject matter that has controversial opposition.
The key to covering controversial subject matter is by setting imagery as to give the impression of nuetrality. Although, the artist may have one intent the work must border on either side of an issue. So as to be able to set up a dialogue between the two opposing sides. This invests the audience emotionally with the work. By doing this whether or not the person appreciates art they now have been affected by a piece of art.
Once a person is effected by art they no longer view art as worthless. Also, they can begin to feel more comfortable around art and realize that one must not need be a scholar in order to talk about art.
This begins to break the barrier between the secluded art world and the rest of the population. This is the main goal of Post Modern Barbequeism. It is not to further techniques of art and push boundries in the world of fine art. The goal is to push the boundries between the art world and the American culture. To bring art into society as an intrical part of schooling and appreciation.
This can only be achieved once the American people see its' benefit towards the growth and development of our nation. Because of our disregard for the importance of the role the arts play in society it is my belief that we are in direct witness of the backlash.
America has fallen behind in education amongst the elite countries along with our escalation in violence and crime. I feel this in part is contributed to the cut funding in school art and music programs. Our society has become less creative. Less imaginative. The children of this new America can name the latest "Reality" clelebrities, yet have no idea who Leonardo Da Vinci is. Nor could they name Vincent Van Goghe, Pablo Picasso, Matisse, or other such iconographic figures of the art world.
This lack of general knowledge of such influential people is highly alarming to say the least. Andy Warhol's statement rings true," everyone will have their fifteen minutes of fame."
We have entered an era where fame is it's own goal. Not being known for one's achievements, but instead merely being recognized as someone that is recognizable. That has become the new goal of much of the youth. Talentless drones that consist of a single similiar thought hat each are unique and should be rewqarded simply for being who they are. Whether or not they are gifted is not the topic of discussion.
Our society has this sense of self entitlement that we should each have riches and be famous celebrities. When the reality of the situation is that people don't want to work towards greatness and strive to excell beyond the competition. People just think they deserve the spoils without the struggle.
Not everyone is gifted. Not everyone has talent. Some people are just born into mediocrity. Some rise above that, but most eventually accept their short comings. With this new age of entitlement though the talentless and ordinary have risen to levels of unheard of fame for nothing. Simply by selling their morales to the highest bidder and being corrupted to disregard the most sacred of beliefs. Such as dignity, trust, and generousity.
These beliefs are now replaced with greed, envy, vanity, and a overall cheapening of human integrity. These core truths are a few of the topics Post Modern Barbequeism touches upon. I believe through art this movement can infiltrate and shed light on the issues that are pressing these turbulant times.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Attack of the Intellectual Braingasms!
Is it possible to have an intellectual growth spurt? This is a question I have recently been pondering. Ever since I turned 30 years old in January. I have what seems to be a heightened sense of knowledge. I am able to pick things up faster. I am interested in higher levels of thinking. I want to know answers to harder and harder questions. It is quite a dilemma I have found myself in.
I used to take great pleasure in playing up the dumb factor. I found people expect less from you and also I don't have to work as hard. Plus, I was not working my brain. This I thought to be relaxing and a stress free way of living.
When I turned 30 though I took a good long, hard look at my life and decided that this naive way of thinking was not doing much for my life, nor my artistic career.
Back when I was in high school it was cool to not seem intelligent. One would be considered a nerd. So, I never applied myself to anything other than art and video games. I think this caused my brain to go dormant. I became numb to knowledge so to speak. Then, once I got to college I became in trouble because I had played dumb for so long that I forgot I was actually smart.
I forgot how to study. Or, rather did not even know how to study. I couldn't perform any higher levels of thinking that were required in many of my classes. That, and I was unlearning the whole," It's uncool to be smart" thing. Now intelligence was rewarded. I had to reboot my system so to speak. I failed many classes during this process and began to think I was actually not capable of critical thinking. When in actuality, I was just beginning to warm up my engine after years of just gathering dust.
A funny thing happened though. During my college years which was a decade I finally came to. I began writing more. Poems, essays, stories, ideas, and art concepts. Although this took nearly a decade my brain has kicked into full gear. Which is good because it took nearly twice as long as when I had not used it. I would say from sixth grade up until my senior year of high school I only used enough of my brain to get by and keep my primary bodily functions intact. Even my art had no meaning. It was all just eye candy.
My art during the brainless years was technically superb. I achieved a strangle hold on color theory, pen and ink, and pencil. But, my art was meaningless. If I wanted to draw a snake. I drew a snake. I just made it more colorful. If I wanted to draw a person. I drew a person. Just made the composition better. In essence, I was just regurgitating what my eye saw. There were no higher levels of concept going on. I never asked," What am I trying to say with this?"
As my brain awakened, so did my art. I work began to take on new techniques and at first I was trying to say too much. My brain was excited to start thinking again, but I had no focus power. I was all over the place. Once I realized I could incorporate thought into my work Pandora's Box opened. There were so many thoughts, concepts, and opinions on the world flowing through my head that I now had a new set of problems.
It took years of grasping my ideas and learning how to focus thought. Towards the end of my college career I had a good friend/roommate bring up an essential question to my attention. The question was simple, but one that I had never asked myself. He had looked at my recently complete portfolio and my subject matter was all over the place. Some was political. Some was religious. Some was social. Some was cultural. Other concepts were understood universal issues. His question that he posed to me was that of," What are you trying to say with your art?". At first I was confused by his question and I stared at him blankly. He asked again'" What are you trying to say with your art?" I replied, " I don't know."
What he was asking was not what was each separate piece trying to say, but in general, " What do I want to say through my art?". This was a difficult question and it has taken years for me to get closer to an answer. I think my current answer to date after looking at my recent collective body of work from these past years is...
I am trying to catalogue the current times and tribulations of our society and the world in general. So that my art will in retrospect cover the lifetime of my existence and the world in which I was both participant and observer. I will achieve this through commentary on such issues as America's fixation with celebrity worship. The displacement of roles and relationships on gender identity in the U.S. and amongst the world. Also, exploring dialogues on what I like to call "The Big 5".
1- War
2- Technology (science, math, and the mechanics)
3- Environment (nature, animals, climate, and population)
4- Evolution (or the lack there of) (social, culture, and language)
5- The dynamic of art (research & development of
These are the general conceptual subjects headings that all of my art can be categorized in.
All of this has happened because of the rejuvenation of my mind. By asking complex questions my answers have become more and more easily obtainable. Which in turn is making me want to ask more and more questions. Which is increasing my knowledge at an exponential rate. I feel like my brain has stored years worth of energy that now allows me to absorb much more at alarming rates.
I have learned how to learn. I know can be my own teach since I have opened pathways to my brain on how to receive new ideas efficiently without exerting more energy then is necessary. Which brings fun to learning which is an idea I thought never to be possibly.
The way in which I have figured out my learning style which I always new, but never realized. Is that if I am applying the knowledge as specific towards the furthering of my art or it's relation to me and how it can make me better. Then it becomes that much more easy to absorb. I am not even learning it as much as I am applying as a technique to further a piece of art.
So by pushing the boundaries of art. I am pushing the boundaries of my mind. For instance, by incorporating a theme of Internet technology for a work. I then do research on computer technology and find it quite easy to learn the simple logistics of binary coding. Before I would have considered myself simple to dumb to understand, but by seeing it's relevance to helping me create a more intense painting. I find my mind more open to understanding subjects to which before I couldn't or wouldn't take the time to learn.
Another example of this in a more abstract sense takes quite a long leap in terms of a logical train of thought. Although I prefer more illogical trains of thought because it opens up other doors. While still keeping open the usual one's. I find leaving every options open to investigation allows for one to reach the best possible solution that could other wise be over looked.
3 0r 4 years ago, maybe more, I decided to refer to myself as an urban monk; Or rather, The Urban Monk. I developed this persona not because of any religious affiliation, but because of my devotion and focus to artistic avenues of expression. In not so many words, " Art is my religion."
As I developed this concept of me as The Urban Monk I find my art has taken a more spiritually righteous path in my effort to explore and expand the idea of the artist.
By expanding my knowledge of art and staying open to all creative forms of expression my interests in literature has grown as well as my desire to explore writing poetry, novels, screen plays, children's books, apparel design, and sculpture.
To get back to my point on expanding my intelligence and furthering my understanding of what it is to be The Urban Monk I have justified that I will learn the Chinese language of Mandarin. So, I have began to teach myself Mandarin for no other reason than that of I want to see if I am capable of learning with some fluency one of the hardest languages in the world. This has been a slow process, but I am slowly beginning to learn.
I figure much like warming my brain up years ago. This too will not be a quick process because learning a second language opens new parts of the brain that again have been laying dormant for infinite amounts of time. I have kept this new venture relatively secret because others are quick to shoot down peoples efforts of evolution.
I say this because many have a learned behavior that after a certain age one must simply accept one's own limitations. Although, I refuse to accept this belief. I am determined to see how far I can push myself in the efforts of furthering the boundaries of myself and my art. If I erase can not from my vocabulary and instead say how can I? I believe my brain can digest much more than I have given it credit for.
After years and years of playing dumb all my life. It finally took my 30th birthday to think maybe this is a self condemning mind set for failure. I began to think the opposite. That maybe I can learn whatever I want. This thinking has pushed my ideas far beyond what I thought was capable. Now I look forward to see how far I can go. How far I can push. How far my art will develop. How far my imagination will flourish with better understandings of science, mathematics, and technology. I am interested in everything that heightens my useful knowledge.
Applicable knowledge pushes my art in new directions. My ideas are without bounds. My creative without confinement. My goals obtainable. Nothing seems out of the realm possibilities. All of this coming from someone who has failed so many English classes throughout my life. I barely graduated high school.
Now I am creating a manifesto on my own personalized style of art. Teaching myself Mandarin. Teaching children art. Creating books on art, poetry, and working on novels. All this and I only feel it to be the beginning. I feel their is a nexus of knowledge that I need to know in order to take my art to where it needs to go.
These are my thoughts. No time for television, unless it furthers my objectives. No time for the games I used to play. I still take time for myself and do things that I enjoy that do not make me smarter. Although while doing these things I still continually think of ideas and concepts often times inspired by the activities that I partake in. Which were meant to take my mind of of such things.
The switch has been turned on. The fuse has been lit. The wheels are turning. I don't know who's exactly driving, but I'm along for the ride as long as it lasts. Maybe this is just a knowledge binge I'm on. I have never had one. Or at least not as intense as this. Hopefully, it turns into a way of life. Life long learning. Enriching my existence and those around me. At the same time furthering my art towards something I have yet to imagine. This is one hell of an adventure and will maintains it's fanatical pace as long as possible. The days of dumb are over.
I used to take great pleasure in playing up the dumb factor. I found people expect less from you and also I don't have to work as hard. Plus, I was not working my brain. This I thought to be relaxing and a stress free way of living.
When I turned 30 though I took a good long, hard look at my life and decided that this naive way of thinking was not doing much for my life, nor my artistic career.
Back when I was in high school it was cool to not seem intelligent. One would be considered a nerd. So, I never applied myself to anything other than art and video games. I think this caused my brain to go dormant. I became numb to knowledge so to speak. Then, once I got to college I became in trouble because I had played dumb for so long that I forgot I was actually smart.
I forgot how to study. Or, rather did not even know how to study. I couldn't perform any higher levels of thinking that were required in many of my classes. That, and I was unlearning the whole," It's uncool to be smart" thing. Now intelligence was rewarded. I had to reboot my system so to speak. I failed many classes during this process and began to think I was actually not capable of critical thinking. When in actuality, I was just beginning to warm up my engine after years of just gathering dust.
A funny thing happened though. During my college years which was a decade I finally came to. I began writing more. Poems, essays, stories, ideas, and art concepts. Although this took nearly a decade my brain has kicked into full gear. Which is good because it took nearly twice as long as when I had not used it. I would say from sixth grade up until my senior year of high school I only used enough of my brain to get by and keep my primary bodily functions intact. Even my art had no meaning. It was all just eye candy.
My art during the brainless years was technically superb. I achieved a strangle hold on color theory, pen and ink, and pencil. But, my art was meaningless. If I wanted to draw a snake. I drew a snake. I just made it more colorful. If I wanted to draw a person. I drew a person. Just made the composition better. In essence, I was just regurgitating what my eye saw. There were no higher levels of concept going on. I never asked," What am I trying to say with this?"
As my brain awakened, so did my art. I work began to take on new techniques and at first I was trying to say too much. My brain was excited to start thinking again, but I had no focus power. I was all over the place. Once I realized I could incorporate thought into my work Pandora's Box opened. There were so many thoughts, concepts, and opinions on the world flowing through my head that I now had a new set of problems.
It took years of grasping my ideas and learning how to focus thought. Towards the end of my college career I had a good friend/roommate bring up an essential question to my attention. The question was simple, but one that I had never asked myself. He had looked at my recently complete portfolio and my subject matter was all over the place. Some was political. Some was religious. Some was social. Some was cultural. Other concepts were understood universal issues. His question that he posed to me was that of," What are you trying to say with your art?". At first I was confused by his question and I stared at him blankly. He asked again'" What are you trying to say with your art?" I replied, " I don't know."
What he was asking was not what was each separate piece trying to say, but in general, " What do I want to say through my art?". This was a difficult question and it has taken years for me to get closer to an answer. I think my current answer to date after looking at my recent collective body of work from these past years is...
I am trying to catalogue the current times and tribulations of our society and the world in general. So that my art will in retrospect cover the lifetime of my existence and the world in which I was both participant and observer. I will achieve this through commentary on such issues as America's fixation with celebrity worship. The displacement of roles and relationships on gender identity in the U.S. and amongst the world. Also, exploring dialogues on what I like to call "The Big 5".
1- War
2- Technology (science, math, and the mechanics)
3- Environment (nature, animals, climate, and population)
4- Evolution (or the lack there of) (social, culture, and language)
5- The dynamic of art (research & development of
These are the general conceptual subjects headings that all of my art can be categorized in.
All of this has happened because of the rejuvenation of my mind. By asking complex questions my answers have become more and more easily obtainable. Which in turn is making me want to ask more and more questions. Which is increasing my knowledge at an exponential rate. I feel like my brain has stored years worth of energy that now allows me to absorb much more at alarming rates.
I have learned how to learn. I know can be my own teach since I have opened pathways to my brain on how to receive new ideas efficiently without exerting more energy then is necessary. Which brings fun to learning which is an idea I thought never to be possibly.
The way in which I have figured out my learning style which I always new, but never realized. Is that if I am applying the knowledge as specific towards the furthering of my art or it's relation to me and how it can make me better. Then it becomes that much more easy to absorb. I am not even learning it as much as I am applying as a technique to further a piece of art.
So by pushing the boundaries of art. I am pushing the boundaries of my mind. For instance, by incorporating a theme of Internet technology for a work. I then do research on computer technology and find it quite easy to learn the simple logistics of binary coding. Before I would have considered myself simple to dumb to understand, but by seeing it's relevance to helping me create a more intense painting. I find my mind more open to understanding subjects to which before I couldn't or wouldn't take the time to learn.
Another example of this in a more abstract sense takes quite a long leap in terms of a logical train of thought. Although I prefer more illogical trains of thought because it opens up other doors. While still keeping open the usual one's. I find leaving every options open to investigation allows for one to reach the best possible solution that could other wise be over looked.
3 0r 4 years ago, maybe more, I decided to refer to myself as an urban monk; Or rather, The Urban Monk. I developed this persona not because of any religious affiliation, but because of my devotion and focus to artistic avenues of expression. In not so many words, " Art is my religion."
As I developed this concept of me as The Urban Monk I find my art has taken a more spiritually righteous path in my effort to explore and expand the idea of the artist.
By expanding my knowledge of art and staying open to all creative forms of expression my interests in literature has grown as well as my desire to explore writing poetry, novels, screen plays, children's books, apparel design, and sculpture.
To get back to my point on expanding my intelligence and furthering my understanding of what it is to be The Urban Monk I have justified that I will learn the Chinese language of Mandarin. So, I have began to teach myself Mandarin for no other reason than that of I want to see if I am capable of learning with some fluency one of the hardest languages in the world. This has been a slow process, but I am slowly beginning to learn.
I figure much like warming my brain up years ago. This too will not be a quick process because learning a second language opens new parts of the brain that again have been laying dormant for infinite amounts of time. I have kept this new venture relatively secret because others are quick to shoot down peoples efforts of evolution.
I say this because many have a learned behavior that after a certain age one must simply accept one's own limitations. Although, I refuse to accept this belief. I am determined to see how far I can push myself in the efforts of furthering the boundaries of myself and my art. If I erase can not from my vocabulary and instead say how can I? I believe my brain can digest much more than I have given it credit for.
After years and years of playing dumb all my life. It finally took my 30th birthday to think maybe this is a self condemning mind set for failure. I began to think the opposite. That maybe I can learn whatever I want. This thinking has pushed my ideas far beyond what I thought was capable. Now I look forward to see how far I can go. How far I can push. How far my art will develop. How far my imagination will flourish with better understandings of science, mathematics, and technology. I am interested in everything that heightens my useful knowledge.
Applicable knowledge pushes my art in new directions. My ideas are without bounds. My creative without confinement. My goals obtainable. Nothing seems out of the realm possibilities. All of this coming from someone who has failed so many English classes throughout my life. I barely graduated high school.
Now I am creating a manifesto on my own personalized style of art. Teaching myself Mandarin. Teaching children art. Creating books on art, poetry, and working on novels. All this and I only feel it to be the beginning. I feel their is a nexus of knowledge that I need to know in order to take my art to where it needs to go.
These are my thoughts. No time for television, unless it furthers my objectives. No time for the games I used to play. I still take time for myself and do things that I enjoy that do not make me smarter. Although while doing these things I still continually think of ideas and concepts often times inspired by the activities that I partake in. Which were meant to take my mind of of such things.
The switch has been turned on. The fuse has been lit. The wheels are turning. I don't know who's exactly driving, but I'm along for the ride as long as it lasts. Maybe this is just a knowledge binge I'm on. I have never had one. Or at least not as intense as this. Hopefully, it turns into a way of life. Life long learning. Enriching my existence and those around me. At the same time furthering my art towards something I have yet to imagine. This is one hell of an adventure and will maintains it's fanatical pace as long as possible. The days of dumb are over.
Post Modern Barbequeism: Summer Tour 2009
With summer nearing and my unique ability to go places on little to no money this summer is looking to be an interesting one. The summer is not yet here and I am already booking it up quite quickly. Here is my schedule to date so far. I will either be making appearances or my art will be representing me in essence.
Schedule pending:
June 10-15. I will be appearing in Savannah, Georgia for my art opening Saturday, June 13th @ Hangfire.
The end of June possibly making a trip cross country to San Jose with stops along the way. TBA
August 1-30. Art Exhibit at Personal Wellness Spa in Tuttle Mall Dublin, Ohio. So go git yo' hair did and yo' massage on while enjoying the best art in the greater central Ohio area. One of a kind Post Modern Barbequeism mixed media work that will blow your socks off!
End of August early September: Umcstudios will be relocating down to the dirty south. Back to Savannah, Georgia. Bringing back the BBQ art! This time I'm All-Pro.
More dates to be announced once everything is concrete.
Schedule pending:
June 10-15. I will be appearing in Savannah, Georgia for my art opening Saturday, June 13th @ Hangfire.
The end of June possibly making a trip cross country to San Jose with stops along the way. TBA
August 1-30. Art Exhibit at Personal Wellness Spa in Tuttle Mall Dublin, Ohio. So go git yo' hair did and yo' massage on while enjoying the best art in the greater central Ohio area. One of a kind Post Modern Barbequeism mixed media work that will blow your socks off!
End of August early September: Umcstudios will be relocating down to the dirty south. Back to Savannah, Georgia. Bringing back the BBQ art! This time I'm All-Pro.
More dates to be announced once everything is concrete.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Post Modern Barbequeism Manifesto: Part II
The Artist:
Organizer. Preparation Cook. Grill Master. Host. Participant. It is the artist that must wield all these labels. By studying the intricacies of all of these duties that one must under go in order for a barbecue to be successful. One can then be successful as a Post Modern Barbequism artist.
Organizer- Everything is planned. Even room for improvisation among all roles and duties must leave room for error, surprise, and accident. One does not look simply at an idea of what one wants to create, but instead the entirety of project. One does not look at simply completing a work of art from an idea. Instead one must look at everything involved around the work. Always ask questions. Never stay cemented in an idea. Be capable of adaption in an instant. Look at how a piece can be incorporated into a body of work. Carry a concept. Push deeper. Ask not only what will be the art, but how will the art be promoted? Where will this art display? Why as an artist do I want to create this. Anticipate lines of dialogue this work will provoke. Be the agitator. With strong organization an artist can steer an audience towards specific concepts. Figure out what is being said. The overall statement. Even if there is no idea behind the work. Let that be your idea. Organization of utmost importance. With poor planning, comes poor execution. From the sketches to the painting to the venue, to the buyer, to the whole theme of a show, to how one presents one's self are all part of Post Modern Barbequeism. Everything is calculated for optimum effect.
Artist as Prep. Cook- Since a major aspect of Post Modern Barbequeism is the techniques of the unknown. Materials as random as they seem, must always be researched. Some materials require a great deal of prep time in order for the right effect to be accomplished. There are no cutting corners. With that being said some inventiveness can occur. A major theme of Post Modern Barbequeism is if something cannot be found that is needed for a piece. Improvise. Research all and any other avenues that can lead to a break through. Sometimes the best techniques are spawn from non-linear, conceptually, creative-abstract trains of thought. One must always look to other non art solutions for an artistic problem. The sciences, mathematics, and places that are not thought to be inspiring can sometimes bring about the ultimate in eureka.
Artist as Grill Master- The artist of Post Modern Barbequeism has to display knowledge of their materials and techniques much like a cook knows how to obtain certain flavors through various recipes depending on the taste sensation they are trying to achieve. An artist must bring the taste sensation to the eye of their audience as well as the mind, touch, and auditory. The goal is to create a visceral experience. One that goes beyond that of art. Something that brings magic back into art. A work that makes the viewer step back and say," How is that possible?" Or it creates the undeniable sensation that one MUST go up and touch the piece. To create a living entity through art is the only way to bring back fine art to the general American public. Create a sense of wonderment. Break down the barriers between the elitist separatist art world and the common man. Intelligence is not the issue of division either, as so many in the art world would like others to believe.
Artist as Host- Post Modern Barbequeism is as much about the art as it is about the artist because the art is almost strictly based on the subject matters of semi-autobiographical narrative, iconographic symbolism, personal universals, or social commentary about our contemporary times. So it is our duty , the artist to welcome everyone with open arms and not to alienate our audience with over the top art lingo that displaces non art world persons into a state of limbo. So as to exclude them by making them feel inferior. It is not the job of the Host to belittle one's guest. In all actuality it is the artist job to set forth open ended discussions and bring separate factions of social and economical backgrounds together in a way that creates dialogue. This is the job of the Post Modern Barbequeist as Host. This is one of the most important aspects of the movement by not secluding one's self in what are commonly referred to as artist's colonies and/or other places where creatives separate themselves from the general populace. It is my belief that the artist must be enthralled in all of society. The working class, the socialites, the poverty stricken, and most importantly one must be able not only to be amongst the people. One must earn the respect of each group in order to properly persuade them as to the benefits of an artistically enriched life.
As host the myths of the artist must be dispelled. Artist must be hard working and focused in our efforts to show that our career is as worthy of respect as those around us. Show that we apply a learned skill and that we are not simply eccentric persons that merely create on a whim and cannot defend our work with eloquently spoken words. Our thoughts must be articulate and our concepts must be of perfect visual execution. In order to gain respect of the working class we must show that what we do is indeed work. Thus, financial compensation should not be something that we are shocked and ashamed to receive. As much deserving as a doctor, lawyer, or other profession expecting monetary payment for their services. We too should not have to defend our chosen profession. A host is confident, assured, resourceful, respected, befriended, and gives a persona of someone whom you want to know. Someone with whom you want to know more about. One that can carry a discussion in a wide variety of knowledge and not only about art, but also other worldly and domestic affairs.
Artist as Participant- One must be receptive to others during exhibitions, events, and other such public affairs. When amongst the public anti social behavior is not that of a Post Modern Barbeque ideal. In order to quiet the myths of art and artists one must break down the barriers that have been erected by hundreds of years of conforming to a certain image. As artist must be accessible in order for the public to begin to understand and appreciate art. For instance, instead of working in a studio secluded in the safety of an artist commune or other such place. I choose to work in garages where ever I am staying. As this takes some of the pretentiousness out of the act of creating art. Plus, it allows for a certain interaction that most people generally do not have an opportunity to witness. Much of American society is sheltered from those that are creative and vice versa. Meaning many artist secluded them selves as to focus on their work. Breaking this barrier is an essential part of the Post Modern Barbequeism Movement. People taking witness to the daily efforts of an artist witness their growth and creative process. While, also growing an appreciation for the time and thought that goes into creating work.
Another benefit of working in this type of atmosphere allows for the interaction between an artist and the peoples in which one is influenced by. In my experience I have found that because of this ease of access many more individuals are much more likely to initiate a conversation because of the relaxed atmosphere. It gives the impression that although hard at work the artist is not separate from the environment, but in actuality is apart of the environment. As much as the trees that grow outside, the children that play in the yards, and neighbors that are walking their dogs. Over time people just become accustom to seeing the artist work progress as a part of their daily lives. Not even realizing that their opinion of art as some mythical beast begins to fade. The artist at work becomes as much the norm as someone working in their garden. Instead of an abnormality. By being a participant in the society which one is creating commentary on a deeper sense of understanding is achieved and the work will contain a certain inter-connectedness that is a potent element of Post Modern Barbequeism.
Organizer. Preparation Cook. Grill Master. Host. Participant. It is the artist that must wield all these labels. By studying the intricacies of all of these duties that one must under go in order for a barbecue to be successful. One can then be successful as a Post Modern Barbequism artist.
Organizer- Everything is planned. Even room for improvisation among all roles and duties must leave room for error, surprise, and accident. One does not look simply at an idea of what one wants to create, but instead the entirety of project. One does not look at simply completing a work of art from an idea. Instead one must look at everything involved around the work. Always ask questions. Never stay cemented in an idea. Be capable of adaption in an instant. Look at how a piece can be incorporated into a body of work. Carry a concept. Push deeper. Ask not only what will be the art, but how will the art be promoted? Where will this art display? Why as an artist do I want to create this. Anticipate lines of dialogue this work will provoke. Be the agitator. With strong organization an artist can steer an audience towards specific concepts. Figure out what is being said. The overall statement. Even if there is no idea behind the work. Let that be your idea. Organization of utmost importance. With poor planning, comes poor execution. From the sketches to the painting to the venue, to the buyer, to the whole theme of a show, to how one presents one's self are all part of Post Modern Barbequeism. Everything is calculated for optimum effect.
Artist as Prep. Cook- Since a major aspect of Post Modern Barbequeism is the techniques of the unknown. Materials as random as they seem, must always be researched. Some materials require a great deal of prep time in order for the right effect to be accomplished. There are no cutting corners. With that being said some inventiveness can occur. A major theme of Post Modern Barbequeism is if something cannot be found that is needed for a piece. Improvise. Research all and any other avenues that can lead to a break through. Sometimes the best techniques are spawn from non-linear, conceptually, creative-abstract trains of thought. One must always look to other non art solutions for an artistic problem. The sciences, mathematics, and places that are not thought to be inspiring can sometimes bring about the ultimate in eureka.
Artist as Grill Master- The artist of Post Modern Barbequeism has to display knowledge of their materials and techniques much like a cook knows how to obtain certain flavors through various recipes depending on the taste sensation they are trying to achieve. An artist must bring the taste sensation to the eye of their audience as well as the mind, touch, and auditory. The goal is to create a visceral experience. One that goes beyond that of art. Something that brings magic back into art. A work that makes the viewer step back and say," How is that possible?" Or it creates the undeniable sensation that one MUST go up and touch the piece. To create a living entity through art is the only way to bring back fine art to the general American public. Create a sense of wonderment. Break down the barriers between the elitist separatist art world and the common man. Intelligence is not the issue of division either, as so many in the art world would like others to believe.
Artist as Host- Post Modern Barbequeism is as much about the art as it is about the artist because the art is almost strictly based on the subject matters of semi-autobiographical narrative, iconographic symbolism, personal universals, or social commentary about our contemporary times. So it is our duty , the artist to welcome everyone with open arms and not to alienate our audience with over the top art lingo that displaces non art world persons into a state of limbo. So as to exclude them by making them feel inferior. It is not the job of the Host to belittle one's guest. In all actuality it is the artist job to set forth open ended discussions and bring separate factions of social and economical backgrounds together in a way that creates dialogue. This is the job of the Post Modern Barbequeist as Host. This is one of the most important aspects of the movement by not secluding one's self in what are commonly referred to as artist's colonies and/or other places where creatives separate themselves from the general populace. It is my belief that the artist must be enthralled in all of society. The working class, the socialites, the poverty stricken, and most importantly one must be able not only to be amongst the people. One must earn the respect of each group in order to properly persuade them as to the benefits of an artistically enriched life.
As host the myths of the artist must be dispelled. Artist must be hard working and focused in our efforts to show that our career is as worthy of respect as those around us. Show that we apply a learned skill and that we are not simply eccentric persons that merely create on a whim and cannot defend our work with eloquently spoken words. Our thoughts must be articulate and our concepts must be of perfect visual execution. In order to gain respect of the working class we must show that what we do is indeed work. Thus, financial compensation should not be something that we are shocked and ashamed to receive. As much deserving as a doctor, lawyer, or other profession expecting monetary payment for their services. We too should not have to defend our chosen profession. A host is confident, assured, resourceful, respected, befriended, and gives a persona of someone whom you want to know. Someone with whom you want to know more about. One that can carry a discussion in a wide variety of knowledge and not only about art, but also other worldly and domestic affairs.
Artist as Participant- One must be receptive to others during exhibitions, events, and other such public affairs. When amongst the public anti social behavior is not that of a Post Modern Barbeque ideal. In order to quiet the myths of art and artists one must break down the barriers that have been erected by hundreds of years of conforming to a certain image. As artist must be accessible in order for the public to begin to understand and appreciate art. For instance, instead of working in a studio secluded in the safety of an artist commune or other such place. I choose to work in garages where ever I am staying. As this takes some of the pretentiousness out of the act of creating art. Plus, it allows for a certain interaction that most people generally do not have an opportunity to witness. Much of American society is sheltered from those that are creative and vice versa. Meaning many artist secluded them selves as to focus on their work. Breaking this barrier is an essential part of the Post Modern Barbequeism Movement. People taking witness to the daily efforts of an artist witness their growth and creative process. While, also growing an appreciation for the time and thought that goes into creating work.
Another benefit of working in this type of atmosphere allows for the interaction between an artist and the peoples in which one is influenced by. In my experience I have found that because of this ease of access many more individuals are much more likely to initiate a conversation because of the relaxed atmosphere. It gives the impression that although hard at work the artist is not separate from the environment, but in actuality is apart of the environment. As much as the trees that grow outside, the children that play in the yards, and neighbors that are walking their dogs. Over time people just become accustom to seeing the artist work progress as a part of their daily lives. Not even realizing that their opinion of art as some mythical beast begins to fade. The artist at work becomes as much the norm as someone working in their garden. Instead of an abnormality. By being a participant in the society which one is creating commentary on a deeper sense of understanding is achieved and the work will contain a certain inter-connectedness that is a potent element of Post Modern Barbequeism.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Post Modern Barbequeism Manifesto: part I
Post Modern Barbequeism Manifesto: (pronounced BAR-Be-Q-ism)
Part I- The Origin
A southern Victorian house stands rebuilt from the relics of a slice in time. From the days of slaves to the passage of vagrants. The foundation to the sky lies a new design with vintage aesthetics.
Split factions. Men on top. Women on bottom. The women diligent with work. Studious by nature. The over achievers of this age. No backlash to feminism here, only success.
The men relaxed to ponder. Caught in discussion with stains of sauce on their minds. Deep in the South. Way below the bible belt their punches are thrown. Aiming to give name, to that which has no name. Rattling off words and terms, but nothing sticks. Unlike the carcasses they devour and down with sips of liquor, beer, and spirits out of bottle or box.
In this southern city sits the "New" New York. A new breed of artist. A new concept of thought. The new visually absurd. The new Dada. The new Cubism. The new Futurism. Russian Constructivism deconstructed and built anew with a twist of southern flavor. Backed with academic ideas. Steeped in the concepts that run deep throughout Art History.
Painters, printers, musicians, piercers, spoken word, and written text. Our surfaces imprint the mind. Our artistry forms on paper, canvas, body, or digested through the auditory. These our stages. The world our audience. We've lurked in shadows as society's servants. Our servitude our inspiration. Our demeaning jobs are what fulfill our meaningful art.
Dissecting society through iconographic imagery that both questions and mocks. A satirical force to be reckoned with. The devil's advocate while never believing only spitting out the juxtaposed information that flies through air waves, satellites, cable, and any other source that infiltrates our beings. Receptors to all. Displaying the encrypted ideas to the masses.
Saying to all," Hey! Wake up! This is what is happening now. Not yesterday. Not last week. Not some highly conceptualized over the top abstract ideology, but a simple philosophy. It is, what it is man. So pay attention and let's fix some things." To bring art back to the ground while still keeping it's integrity and having a culturally universal appeal. To take art back from the wine sippers and coffee shop bourgeois that hold their noses high to those that are not privileged enough to have a silver spoon shoved up their asses.
With the strum of a guitar. A drum set rests non vacant. A pinball machine transformed into a table with it's legs shortened to only a foot off the ground and leveled. The room hazed by chain smoked cigarettes a plethora of brands. One man's thought. With One man's wisdom. One man's puff becomes another man's movement. Simple. Elegant. Rude. Obnoxious. A clandestine beauty that of nature and man. Artist and warrior. Philosopher and pirate. Outlaw and cowboy. That which is Post Modern Barbequeism. The new movement. My movement. Our movement.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Beware of the people with purple lips. They sink ships.
Today is Easter although I am not
a christian anymore. I believe I am a non believer of anything if that makes any sense. As I was teaching myself Mandarin today I stopped to think how America has lost faith not in religion, but in all things sacred in general. Things have become so watered down, politically correct, and consumer driven that the essence of everything now boils down to credit cards, celebrity- worship, reality tv, cell phone technology, and the latest Oprah craze.
Easter used to be something about this guy named Jesus that rose from the grave and created these magical colored eggs that took away peoples sins. Then who ever had the most eggs that were the prettiest got to go to heaven where everybody's blood was made out
of wine. So everybody was drunk all the time. Except nobody got hangovers because it is heaven. All the angels were like really good bartenders and made sure everybody drank the Kool-Aid,
"Oh, Yeah!" At least that is how the story goes as I remember it. Then again I went to public school as a child. So what do I know. Although I did attend St.Mary's in Michigan City, Indiana for about 6 months or my second grade year. I believe one could say I lost what little faith I had when we went to mass and I tasted the holy water. To my surprise it was regular old warm, dirty tap water. I was expecting a Sprite like liquid or something to the effect "The champagne of H2O." Nope, nothing. No super powers. I didn't run faster, or walk on water. Although it did make my tongue itch a little I remember that much.
I am not really going anywhere with that story. It just brings me to the point that holidays at least here in America seem to be more about just having a day off,a reason to go out and buy something nice, or just to go hangout with people you haven't seen in a while. Matter of fact, all but 2 0r 3 holidays actually have any significant.
The truest of holidays and my personal favorite is Halloween and we don't even get a day off. There are no super sales in its' honor, no one gets depressed because they are alone, and there are no obligations to see relatives that you don't even like. People just get dressed up if they want and have fun. Maybe go to a party. Kids love it because they get candy and can wear a costume. Adults love it because they get adult candy called alcohol and it is socially acceptable to wear a costume too. There is no religious connotations except for those fanatic evangelical types or Satanist. People aren't obligated to buy other people gifts. And one can wish somebody a happy Halloween without reprise of being insensitive to their culture. Unless one is Mormon I think?
The second, and maybe last sacred holiday here in America would have to be the 4th of July. Everyone knows what it is to celebrate that day. Fireworks, food(namely bbq), and enjoying the company of friends and family. Along with celebrating our freedom by not working and loving it. Again, nothing is bought as gifts for people although there are super July 4th sales,but those are mainly aimed at car dealerships. In general though, the spirit of the holiday remains true to our fore fathers' dreams.
The last holiday is on the verge of losing it's true meaning of existance and instead is the quiet before the storm. That would be...You guessed it Thanksgiving. Any holiday where the next day is called," Black Friday" can't be good. What used to be a day of giving thanks, seeing long lost relatives that you can deal with once every year, and eat really good food until one nearly bust their pants to all new dimensions. Has now become known as the day before Christmas season.
How did this happen? How did it go from fun, food, and family. To Dozens of people getting killed in store riots the next day to get a gift for a child that probably will be bored with it in mere months. Thanksgiving is going to eventually be known as the day before Black Friday and Black Friday will become the real holiday in this consumer crazed society. Hopefully the bright aspect of this failing economy is the fact that our consumerism society is toning it down a notch which
I can only hope will continue. Although I am notoptimistic by nature. It would be nice though to be
proven wrong. I like seeing this country of mine
tightening it's waste belt and not buying everything in sight like some deranged billionaire at a flee market. I think we as consumers needed
to be humbled and taught a lesson. Maybe this was a little harsher than some would have liked, but in my honest opinion this was the only way we were going to learn our lesson. So as the Christmas Grinch Goblin Bouncer would say,"Hey,You! To the back of the line with you!" One day we will come back and come back strong. It's just the rules we have to learn if we are to succeed as a society. And by succeed I do not mean being able to buy everything you want, but being able to afford everything one needs.
(all these images are from the series
"Infamous 99 bottles of beer on the wall" and have no ties or affiliations with the brewing
companies incorporated into each individual work of art. For the entire collection visit
www.umcstudios.com)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Never stop learning & always bite off more than you can chew.
For a man that has no source of job I remain constantly busy. Currently, I am working on 10 paintings, I think? One three foot by five foot painting including all abstraction and a whole lotta magic.Can't disclose the materials as I have sworn to secrecy as people too often enjoy stealing other peoples fire.So for now I'll just call it magic.Another piece is for some friends as a wedding gift abstracting images I took while at their wedding.It will be two foot by four foot. Then I ran into a really good deal after I swore to slow down painting.I found two-pack pre-stretched canvases sixteen inch by twenty inch for $4.99.So know I am also making eight abstract line paintings.Oh, how intellectual I am...Whatever. Then my mom went to the store that I had discovered those other canvases on sale and I had mentioned if there were anymore to by me some. There weren't. So instead, she bought me two anyway and I think a pack of three canvas boards that are pretty small. Have know idea what I am going to do with those yet.
Yesterday I spent all day and night uploading high resolution images of my work on to the site www.finerworks.com which sells prints of work on a variety of papers and canvases. It takes about a half hour to fully load each image onto the site. However, now people get pieces that before were out of the realm of affordability. Instead of an 3' x 8' painting for $5000 one can purchase a smaller version of 22" x 60" for around $200-$300 range. I am not sure if those are the exact measurements. The smaller pieces are a great deal less expensive though. After that ordeal was all said and done I got some much needed sleep. Only to awake bright and early by a dog barking that out weighs me in metric tons.Supposedly it's a chocolate lab. I say it was created in a lab.
After wiping the sleep out of my eyes and gathering my belongings consisting of cell phone, shoes, and keys. I left all other belongings there (there being my mom's house). I was then driven home to catch another 3 worthless hours of daytime sleep before I head off to teach the aspiring youth art at Central Ohio Art Academy where I do it more for the kids and my mentor Donna Boiman than I do for the money. I find the children are smarter and more creative than 90% of the adults I know. After that 2 1/2 hour session is over I am back to my mom's to finish uploading more images onto the site that sells my prints. After a good 3 hour session of that I call it a day and am driven back to my home. I unload the new canvases, set my digital camera down, and hang a piece of art that I brought back from COAA (the place I teach at). As I consider my day almost done I then log into Finer Works site so that I may enter all the detailed info about my pieces that I didn't do at my mom's. After an hour or so of that I go check the mail and low and behold I got my Cd's on the quick and simple way to learn Mandarin Chinese. And about that... Don't ask.
So in summarizing what I am currently working on in life here is my list:
-17 paintings
-learning Mandarin Chinese
-teaching children art on Saturdays
-Filing a claim with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
-uploading images of my work to be sold as prints
-exercising at the gym an hour or more daily
-apparently racking up over draft fees because I am poor and don't have enough money.
-taking my learning permit for driving, then getting my driver's license.
-coordinating with Savannah, Ga from Columbus, Ohio for an art show June 13 @ Hangfire.
-coordinating with a Spa in Dublin for an art show in August.
-Sending the event coordinator in Dublin my bio, images, and a head shot of yours truly.
-Figuring out my living situation and when I am moving back to Savannah and HOW!
-doing home improvements to the condo that I am currently living in.
-looking for odd jobs so I can make some money here and there without getting a REAL J-O-B.
-Deciding which pieces I am going to enter into the Ohio State Fair so they can reject me again.
-writing my manifesto on Post Modern Barbequeism
-Trying to figure out when I have time to play my Xbox 360. Gotta have priorities.
-And last,but not least I am reading an intense book on how to think like Einstein.
So when people ask me," What do you do all day without having a job?" I am like," Job? Who in the hell has time for a job? I am too busy trying to evolve my own consciousness and take in as much knowledge about as many different things as humanly possible. My job is that of an artist. Which is Jack-of-all-trades."
Unlike those other so-called jobs that people deem acceptable. Those 9 to 5'ers. Mine is anything,but. It doesn't stop. There is no retirement. It's called death. I work when I sleep. I work when I wake. About the only time it doesn't feel like I am working is when I am actually working in it's truest for producing art. My life is my art. My art is my work. So in essence my life is work... All work, no play. Except when I am playing my XBOX 360. Even then my brain is still going on about what I should be doing. What I could be doing. Or, What I don't want to be doing.
So anybodies that ever says they cannot think of anything to do. I pity them. A life without meaning, isn't a life worth having. Come hang out with me I'll put you to work real quick... On second thought, forget it. You'd probably just screw things up and then I'd have to do more. So just go on doing nothing and just move out of my way when you see me coming because I am trying to build an empire of creative conceptual blitzkrieg! For lack of a better term. Peace out!
Yesterday I spent all day and night uploading high resolution images of my work on to the site www.finerworks.com which sells prints of work on a variety of papers and canvases. It takes about a half hour to fully load each image onto the site. However, now people get pieces that before were out of the realm of affordability. Instead of an 3' x 8' painting for $5000 one can purchase a smaller version of 22" x 60" for around $200-$300 range. I am not sure if those are the exact measurements. The smaller pieces are a great deal less expensive though. After that ordeal was all said and done I got some much needed sleep. Only to awake bright and early by a dog barking that out weighs me in metric tons.Supposedly it's a chocolate lab. I say it was created in a lab.
After wiping the sleep out of my eyes and gathering my belongings consisting of cell phone, shoes, and keys. I left all other belongings there (there being my mom's house). I was then driven home to catch another 3 worthless hours of daytime sleep before I head off to teach the aspiring youth art at Central Ohio Art Academy where I do it more for the kids and my mentor Donna Boiman than I do for the money. I find the children are smarter and more creative than 90% of the adults I know. After that 2 1/2 hour session is over I am back to my mom's to finish uploading more images onto the site that sells my prints. After a good 3 hour session of that I call it a day and am driven back to my home. I unload the new canvases, set my digital camera down, and hang a piece of art that I brought back from COAA (the place I teach at). As I consider my day almost done I then log into Finer Works site so that I may enter all the detailed info about my pieces that I didn't do at my mom's. After an hour or so of that I go check the mail and low and behold I got my Cd's on the quick and simple way to learn Mandarin Chinese. And about that... Don't ask.
So in summarizing what I am currently working on in life here is my list:
-17 paintings
-learning Mandarin Chinese
-teaching children art on Saturdays
-Filing a claim with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
-uploading images of my work to be sold as prints
-exercising at the gym an hour or more daily
-apparently racking up over draft fees because I am poor and don't have enough money.
-taking my learning permit for driving, then getting my driver's license.
-coordinating with Savannah, Ga from Columbus, Ohio for an art show June 13 @ Hangfire.
-coordinating with a Spa in Dublin for an art show in August.
-Sending the event coordinator in Dublin my bio, images, and a head shot of yours truly.
-Figuring out my living situation and when I am moving back to Savannah and HOW!
-doing home improvements to the condo that I am currently living in.
-looking for odd jobs so I can make some money here and there without getting a REAL J-O-B.
-Deciding which pieces I am going to enter into the Ohio State Fair so they can reject me again.
-writing my manifesto on Post Modern Barbequeism
-Trying to figure out when I have time to play my Xbox 360. Gotta have priorities.
-And last,but not least I am reading an intense book on how to think like Einstein.
So when people ask me," What do you do all day without having a job?" I am like," Job? Who in the hell has time for a job? I am too busy trying to evolve my own consciousness and take in as much knowledge about as many different things as humanly possible. My job is that of an artist. Which is Jack-of-all-trades."
Unlike those other so-called jobs that people deem acceptable. Those 9 to 5'ers. Mine is anything,but. It doesn't stop. There is no retirement. It's called death. I work when I sleep. I work when I wake. About the only time it doesn't feel like I am working is when I am actually working in it's truest for producing art. My life is my art. My art is my work. So in essence my life is work... All work, no play. Except when I am playing my XBOX 360. Even then my brain is still going on about what I should be doing. What I could be doing. Or, What I don't want to be doing.
So anybodies that ever says they cannot think of anything to do. I pity them. A life without meaning, isn't a life worth having. Come hang out with me I'll put you to work real quick... On second thought, forget it. You'd probably just screw things up and then I'd have to do more. So just go on doing nothing and just move out of my way when you see me coming because I am trying to build an empire of creative conceptual blitzkrieg! For lack of a better term. Peace out!
Friday, April 10, 2009
No Manifesto, just sausagedogs and rice...
People that art in the arts have no idea the how much work goes into being as unsuccessful of an artist as I am. The general public thinks that an artist's life is like,"Hey, I make painty today!" and then we go take a nap and watch barney while smoking a bunch of psychedelic drugs. When in actuality it is a life of torment,frustration, stress, depression, failure, and if your lucky slight renown. And those are the good parts. Most artist don't even get the luxury to be an artist as a full time career and have to settle for something near to their love like teaching, or working at an art store, or something ridiculous like that. To me, that is the equivalent of someone who goes through med school and becomes a doctor only to work as the elementary school nurse. When put like that it is ludicrous.
I studied to be an artist all my life and am damn good at it if I do say so myself. So no, I don't want to be a teacher.No, I don't want to sell people art supplies. No, I don't want to give tours at a museum. I want to sell my art.That is my career.It is not a hobby, or something I do on the weekends. I live, breathe, and sleep art. "Starving artist"as the old cliche goes does not amuse me. I like food...ALOT! I like to BBQ. And no!I do not take it as a compliment when people suggest that my work will be worth something only after I die. Actually, that is a very offensive remark and I take it quite personally.It is rare that people think it is a compliment to discourage one's dreams, passions, and profession because our society deems art an irrelevant practice in the eyes of society.In other cultures art is a revered talent and praise and admiration is given to those who pursue it. While here in America it is looked at as some sort of disease. Such as," Oh, your an artist.When you going to get a real job."
As an artist I do more than most I think considering I am working with close to nothing. My invest money goes about as far as between $50-$200 a month on average. This is not a great some of money to carry an entire professional career on.Having said that one finds ways to achieve what others simply take for advantage and I rely heavily on the kindness of family and friends. For instance, I have built my own website and maintain it without any prior knowledge or training in actually creating a website.I pay $16 a month for this. My most worrisome expense. Just this year I was finally practically given a digital camera worthy of cataloguing my artwork with at a mere $25...$50 if you count the tripod too.I get by on using other peoples computer which is stressful in it's own write considering I have work scattered on computers all over the east coast.I create my own promotional fliers which again I have had no graphic design experience for.I have created my own business cards via mail-order Internet.Created my own logo, figure head, and personal branding that suits me and my style as an artist. I am currently researching apparel design for my art work. I produce and publish my own art books.Along with one poetry book all done on other peoples computers. I am recently discovered a site where I can get prints of my work created for sale with no investment.Since I have no art dealer, or agent I also must find and book all of my own shows.Meaning I must submit work for deadline entries,competitions, and juried shows. All of this and I haven't even gotten to the part of salesmen.
Once this is all said and done. There is the art shows which if I am lucky, I do am having to arrange less and less of.Still, attending one of these functions one must put on their game face and be ready to huck their wears. One must convince someone that it is worth the money and that alot of time and energy goes into each piece. Which most people give a wary sense and never believe it is worth as much as one says. People in general from my experience do not realize how much art supplies cost until they visit an art store. Then one begins quickly understand why art is expensive. When all this is done and taken care of and say I do actually sell a piece that is gratifying.That is what I live for. Now with all this done. There is still the issue of keeping track of inventory, prices, names, dates, clients, exhibits, what's where, and other miscellaneous tribulations.
With all that taken care of there is still one very important part left. One has to create the art. Order the supplies. Develop concepts that can pull a body of work together. Sketch out ideas. If I would have known how much work this was going to be when I was 5 years old and decided this was my career.I would have much rather went with my back-up plan. I was just going to be the color Purple.
I studied to be an artist all my life and am damn good at it if I do say so myself. So no, I don't want to be a teacher.No, I don't want to sell people art supplies. No, I don't want to give tours at a museum. I want to sell my art.That is my career.It is not a hobby, or something I do on the weekends. I live, breathe, and sleep art. "Starving artist"as the old cliche goes does not amuse me. I like food...ALOT! I like to BBQ. And no!I do not take it as a compliment when people suggest that my work will be worth something only after I die. Actually, that is a very offensive remark and I take it quite personally.It is rare that people think it is a compliment to discourage one's dreams, passions, and profession because our society deems art an irrelevant practice in the eyes of society.In other cultures art is a revered talent and praise and admiration is given to those who pursue it. While here in America it is looked at as some sort of disease. Such as," Oh, your an artist.When you going to get a real job."
As an artist I do more than most I think considering I am working with close to nothing. My invest money goes about as far as between $50-$200 a month on average. This is not a great some of money to carry an entire professional career on.Having said that one finds ways to achieve what others simply take for advantage and I rely heavily on the kindness of family and friends. For instance, I have built my own website and maintain it without any prior knowledge or training in actually creating a website.I pay $16 a month for this. My most worrisome expense. Just this year I was finally practically given a digital camera worthy of cataloguing my artwork with at a mere $25...$50 if you count the tripod too.I get by on using other peoples computer which is stressful in it's own write considering I have work scattered on computers all over the east coast.I create my own promotional fliers which again I have had no graphic design experience for.I have created my own business cards via mail-order Internet.Created my own logo, figure head, and personal branding that suits me and my style as an artist. I am currently researching apparel design for my art work. I produce and publish my own art books.Along with one poetry book all done on other peoples computers. I am recently discovered a site where I can get prints of my work created for sale with no investment.Since I have no art dealer, or agent I also must find and book all of my own shows.Meaning I must submit work for deadline entries,competitions, and juried shows. All of this and I haven't even gotten to the part of salesmen.
Once this is all said and done. There is the art shows which if I am lucky, I do am having to arrange less and less of.Still, attending one of these functions one must put on their game face and be ready to huck their wears. One must convince someone that it is worth the money and that alot of time and energy goes into each piece. Which most people give a wary sense and never believe it is worth as much as one says. People in general from my experience do not realize how much art supplies cost until they visit an art store. Then one begins quickly understand why art is expensive. When all this is done and taken care of and say I do actually sell a piece that is gratifying.That is what I live for. Now with all this done. There is still the issue of keeping track of inventory, prices, names, dates, clients, exhibits, what's where, and other miscellaneous tribulations.
With all that taken care of there is still one very important part left. One has to create the art. Order the supplies. Develop concepts that can pull a body of work together. Sketch out ideas. If I would have known how much work this was going to be when I was 5 years old and decided this was my career.I would have much rather went with my back-up plan. I was just going to be the color Purple.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
"Post Modern Bar-Be-Q-ism" now I just need to figure out what it all means.
Sacred Sacrifices2006
36" x 60"
mixed media
Post Modern Barbequeism
The style was actually coined by a roommate of mine after the completion of this piece. His name, Brian Kiger, and I am eternally grateful because it falls in suit with my being and all that I do. Now the only question is what is it? That is a question that I have been trying to figure out for years and the answer is complex. Being as it may. There is only one true way to hit the soul of the self developing movement and that is with a manifesto. That is my question. That is my problem.
Currently, I am reading How to Think Like Einstein: Simple Ways to Break The Rules and Discover Your Hidden Genius by Scott Thorpe. To date this is the hardest read I have found. Except for the bible,but that was only because it was really, really boring. Compared to Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Repair it is way more complex. I have only made it through a couple of chapters which I must reread. Anyway, the book gives examples of how to think abstractly to solve problems. Some of the tricks I already use to solve difficulties in my art. I just never thought to apply these techniques to real world problems. The most interesting aspect that the book raises is that it is not so much the most in genius solution one is looking for, but rather the right question to ask that cuts most directly to the core of the problem. By finding the specific problem can only one then begin the path to a creative solution. My problem I discovered is that I do not know the quintessential truth as to what defines Post Modern Barbequeism. So simply stated:
PROBLEM
What is Post Modern Barbequeism?
QUESTION
The Post Modern Barbequeism Manifesto?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Today I begin the 21st century...
Welcome to my first entry.This a new day with new opportunities as I try and begin a business as an artist in every avenue that exists.The odds seemed stacked against me.For not one, but many reasons.Although I find it better to expose one's weaknesses so that they can be overcome...So where do I start?
My reasons for why I won't be successful(in the art world)
1-I am an artist not a business man.
2-I have zero capital to invest
3-The world is in it's worst economic times to date.
4-I am a working artist in the suburbs of Columbus,Ohio.
5-I create large scale works for small scale minds.
6-I have no idea how to drive a car.(that's not bad,unless your 30 years old)
7-I am neither arrogant,nor pretentious when it comes to my own art.
8-I don't drink wine.
9-I don't want to live in NYC or LA.
10-I like sports and I believe in a daily regiment of exercise and meat.
11-I enjoy playing John Madden Football on my xbox 360.
12-I try too hard.
13-I enjoy the company of non-artist more.(there is something to be said for normality)
14-I don't want to be famous.I just want to be successful in my field.
15-I like drinking whiskey out of dirty glasses in dark dark,smoky bars with loud music, and no
no class.
With that being said.
Now here are the reasons why I will be successful.
1-I live,breathe,sleep, all that is creative.
2-Money is not a dirty word to me.I make art for other people to buy.(yes,I admit it...Shocking!)
3-Without even owning a computer I have built my own site.
4-I have published 2 art books and working on a third.
5-I have exhibited in more than 20 shows in the last 3 years.
6-I have written a screen play, a book of poetry, and am working on a novel.
7-I developed my own style of art based on highly influential people and aspects in my life.
And that style is Post Modern Barbequeism.
8-I used techniques that have never been done before and bring magic back to art.
9-I am an exceptional colorist with a great sense of composition.
10-I promote myself by any means necessary.
11-I am a bit eccentric and can manage to get along with everyone. (parents adore me,children
idolize me, and pets won't stop licking me.Except for Rosie.)
12-I seize every opportunity.
13-I am not the typical aloof art stereotype.
14-I have a wide range of styles and techniques.
15-I dont' have false hopes and dreams and remain grounded in my efforts towards success.
16-I never stop thinking.Except that one time,but I was on vacation.
17-I have themes and concepts that can challenge the mind of logic.
18-Humor and wit with a bit of satirical irony run a rye in my work.
19-And last,but not least I have left myself no other option because I have shrugged of learning
any other form of useful trade or skill.From age 5 this has been my calling.I just can't
figure out who's on the other line.
Well,I hope that is how blogs are supposed to work because that is mine for today.I am just waiting for my turn in weewar,but blackhamma22 is taking to long for his turn.So that is why I decided to start this whole mess of a thing.
My reasons for why I won't be successful(in the art world)
1-I am an artist not a business man.
2-I have zero capital to invest
3-The world is in it's worst economic times to date.
4-I am a working artist in the suburbs of Columbus,Ohio.
5-I create large scale works for small scale minds.
6-I have no idea how to drive a car.(that's not bad,unless your 30 years old)
7-I am neither arrogant,nor pretentious when it comes to my own art.
8-I don't drink wine.
9-I don't want to live in NYC or LA.
10-I like sports and I believe in a daily regiment of exercise and meat.
11-I enjoy playing John Madden Football on my xbox 360.
12-I try too hard.
13-I enjoy the company of non-artist more.(there is something to be said for normality)
14-I don't want to be famous.I just want to be successful in my field.
15-I like drinking whiskey out of dirty glasses in dark dark,smoky bars with loud music, and no
no class.
With that being said.
Now here are the reasons why I will be successful.
1-I live,breathe,sleep, all that is creative.
2-Money is not a dirty word to me.I make art for other people to buy.(yes,I admit it...Shocking!)
3-Without even owning a computer I have built my own site.
4-I have published 2 art books and working on a third.
5-I have exhibited in more than 20 shows in the last 3 years.
6-I have written a screen play, a book of poetry, and am working on a novel.
7-I developed my own style of art based on highly influential people and aspects in my life.
And that style is Post Modern Barbequeism.
8-I used techniques that have never been done before and bring magic back to art.
9-I am an exceptional colorist with a great sense of composition.
10-I promote myself by any means necessary.
11-I am a bit eccentric and can manage to get along with everyone. (parents adore me,children
idolize me, and pets won't stop licking me.Except for Rosie.)
12-I seize every opportunity.
13-I am not the typical aloof art stereotype.
14-I have a wide range of styles and techniques.
15-I dont' have false hopes and dreams and remain grounded in my efforts towards success.
16-I never stop thinking.Except that one time,but I was on vacation.
17-I have themes and concepts that can challenge the mind of logic.
18-Humor and wit with a bit of satirical irony run a rye in my work.
19-And last,but not least I have left myself no other option because I have shrugged of learning
any other form of useful trade or skill.From age 5 this has been my calling.I just can't
figure out who's on the other line.
Well,I hope that is how blogs are supposed to work because that is mine for today.I am just waiting for my turn in weewar,but blackhamma22 is taking to long for his turn.So that is why I decided to start this whole mess of a thing.
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