The Beauty of Childhood

There is this song by Tori Amos called "Ribbons Undone."...now, I could be completely wrong-- because really, sometimes I am...but when I hear this one, it makes me think of childhood innocence and how precious that time of life is. I don't know about you, but when I was that age, I didn't fully grasp how special it was. I did a little I think, because I was always sentimental that way...but I felt it from more of a self-centered standpoint-- the here and now-- whatever boy I had a crush on...etc.... I didn't really grasp it from how my elders may have felt. I watched this video and started to think of my parents and grandparents and how much I appreciated them. I'm not going to lie, life wasn't perfect for me (but whose was)??...but regardless, I had a really good childhood. And I thank my Dad and grandparents for this. I hope to pay them back some day in a way--they really loved and helped me. They made me who I am, and for this I will be eternally grateful-- love you so much! Thank you :)

The Asheville Show!!!

I must admit, this was pretty exciting for me. I have never had a solo show in a state in which I do not live, let alone a state that is a couple of states away! This was the longest trip I have taken by myself in my life, and I'm a tad bit scared of long distance driving, so in many ways it was a personal victory :) What's even cooler is the night I got into Asheville, (after the longest drive I've ever taken), I found out I got into nursing school! I was sitting there, grabbing a bite to eat, checking my email on my internet phone, and there was the "email of acceptance!" It was a great weekend! :) And it was so AWESOME to show my work at The Lola Salon and Gallery. It's such a cute place, and the people are SO nice! (They do great hair cuts as well)!-- if you are in the Asheville area and need a great hair style, or some cool art, I'd highly recommend checking them out! Anyhoo...here's some pics from the show-- Enjoy!

Where the Heck have I been!?!?

That's That's a good question!-- I just realized I haven't blogged in about 3.5 months-- that's very unlike me!!!...Life has just been crazy busy, and lots of changes going on...

A brief summary...took a break from socializing and art for 2 months to focus on school...left old studio...got another studio 2 months later...hung an art show (post to follow), and got into nursing school! :)...essentially it was a nice little hiatus to refocus and realign my goals-- and it looks like it's gonna work out-- yeah!!! ( In my ideal world I'm a nurse half the week and an artist the other half ;) ...Oh-- and here's the latest chicken!!! I guess it's fitting-- it kind of represents the much needed mental vacation I took...ah, so refreshed!

Mr. Chicken Wants to Get Hurt!!!

um, sometimes... ;) Naturally, this one was inspired by the classic 80's movie, "Say Anything."...I mean, hey-- ya gotta love Lloyd Dobbler. That guy was SOOOOO in love with Dianne Courte...It makes me happy that this kind of love still kind of exists in the world :)

Simple Together

this one just kills me. seriously-- it's one of my all time You Tube favorites....it's so lovely and melancholy at the same time. I think it touches on human emotions we all feel, but perhaps cannot always express...I've been watching this one for a few years now...makes me wonder...hmm....don't forget those you love, even if it hurts :) Even if it doesn't work, it doesn't mean you didn't grow...

The Notorious Alpha Chicken...

Some time back I had an idea for a "B" series...you know, something along the lines of "Miss Chicken." ...and then I was thinking perhaps there should be an "adult" series!...something along the lines of Kama Sutra chicken or something...maybe this fits into the category of B.5?....It's based on a sketch I did of Betty Page on a coffee bag...way back in WI when I was working at this coffee shop in Madison called Cuppa Jo...I randomly started sketching Betty Page because there was a cool photo of her in the paper-- and an empty coffee bag was the nearest paper like substance...I then made a chicken out of it, as this decorated coffee bag was the first thing I came across while in search of chicken ideas...so there ya have it! :)

Mr. Chicken Opens up a Can of Whoop Ass!!!

...'Cause sometimes that's what ya gotta doo!!! (and sometimes its fun to take things literally :) ...I came up with the idea for this guy a year or two ago-- glad I finally finished it! This is an original gouache painting measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches-- it's an artist's trading card!!!! (but I framed it in an 8 by 10 frame-- couldn't help myself :)http://youtu.be/8QJiAK-s5a0