Random thoughts on a Friday: I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Last night while training (martial arts- ninjutsu to be specific) I had a pretty nasty collision with my good friend Dan and the floor. I think it's as close as I've been to a concussion. Good thing I have glasses- they hide my black eyes and the swelling rather well. So, due to the headache and case of ugliness, I'm home on a Friday night. I'll be home on Saturday night as well. Me and an ice pack.
Other thoughts- I received so many emails in regards to the last two posts. Wow, they really got a reaction. I'm so glad so many of you found that helpful. The emails were so kind and personal- I am honored. Truly. I wish each of you the absolute best. Just remember to believe in yourself and everything else will fall into place.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Ciao!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
An hour a day
Today I read that the average person watches 5 hours of television a day. Wow! What if every single person who does indeed watch 5 or more hours of television per day decided to dedicate one of those hours per day to a new initiative, a new discipline?
What can you accomplish with an hour a day? Can you imagine how you could improve your health by doing yoga or the treadmill for an hour a day, every day for the rest of your life?
You could have your first piano lesson today, practice an hour a day and amaze yourself at the progress! What if you started reading classical literature today, an hour a day? How you could expand your knowledge in as little as six months time! Begin writing your own songs, poetry, screenplay, novel, study philosophy, theology or metaphysics. Paint, draw, sculpt, meditate, volunteer, learn carpentry, learn a foreign language...... so much potential! The hardest part is the decision to begin. It's easy after that. If you are one of these tv addicts, just go for it. You can improve your life today- go on, get started!
What can you accomplish with an hour a day? Can you imagine how you could improve your health by doing yoga or the treadmill for an hour a day, every day for the rest of your life?
You could have your first piano lesson today, practice an hour a day and amaze yourself at the progress! What if you started reading classical literature today, an hour a day? How you could expand your knowledge in as little as six months time! Begin writing your own songs, poetry, screenplay, novel, study philosophy, theology or metaphysics. Paint, draw, sculpt, meditate, volunteer, learn carpentry, learn a foreign language...... so much potential! The hardest part is the decision to begin. It's easy after that. If you are one of these tv addicts, just go for it. You can improve your life today- go on, get started!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thoughts for the day
Society is in a critical place at the moment and everyone has advice for how to change things. Here is my simple advice. The bottom line is that you need a healthy heart, soul and mind to be happy. These are the most obvious that I think are overlooked:
Stop buying things that are out of your budget, that's what led us to this financial disaster in the first place. Believe in yourself. Don't expect anyone to do anything for you, if you want something bad enough, you need to be the agent of change. Quit making excuses. Stop eating processed food, our bodies weren't designed for chemical consumption. Stop eating fast food, it's poison. Turn off the t.v. and start reading more. Stop idolizing people who stab and shoot people in night clubs. Most importantly, take a greater interest in yourself; your health, your mind, your soul and see what happens. Do it today, life is short.
Stop buying things that are out of your budget, that's what led us to this financial disaster in the first place. Believe in yourself. Don't expect anyone to do anything for you, if you want something bad enough, you need to be the agent of change. Quit making excuses. Stop eating processed food, our bodies weren't designed for chemical consumption. Stop eating fast food, it's poison. Turn off the t.v. and start reading more. Stop idolizing people who stab and shoot people in night clubs. Most importantly, take a greater interest in yourself; your health, your mind, your soul and see what happens. Do it today, life is short.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Circus Family: Picasso to Léger
I read about an exciting exhibit opening at the Baltimore Museum of Art titled A Circus Family: Picasso to Léger. It will include over 80 works (prints, drawings, paintings) by European artists who were fascinated with the spectacle of the Circus and bohemian lifestyle of its performers.
Some of the most exciting artists of the 20th century, including Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec will be included. The travelling circus performers of Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries shared a similar struggle with artists, poets, musicians and creative types. Picasso spent a great deal of time at the Medrano Circus in Paris, befriending many performers.
There is something very mysterious and alluring about the circus. I admit, I do love Cirque du Soleil. It's like watching a live, three dimensional artwork unfold and develop. There must be something about the creative energy, the performers and the lifestyle that us artists find attractive. If you are in Baltimore, check this out- it sounds like a great exhibition.
Some of the most exciting artists of the 20th century, including Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec will be included. The travelling circus performers of Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries shared a similar struggle with artists, poets, musicians and creative types. Picasso spent a great deal of time at the Medrano Circus in Paris, befriending many performers.
There is something very mysterious and alluring about the circus. I admit, I do love Cirque du Soleil. It's like watching a live, three dimensional artwork unfold and develop. There must be something about the creative energy, the performers and the lifestyle that us artists find attractive. If you are in Baltimore, check this out- it sounds like a great exhibition.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tokidoki
I have become quite a fan of Simone Legno lately. He's the artist from Rome that does the Japanese style images known by the brand name Tokidoki. The word Tokidoki actually means 'sometimes'. The idea is that everyone waits for moments that change one's destiny. Isn't that a great thought? Tokidoki is the hidden energy everyone has inside them that gives the strength to go on, to dream, to hope that something amazing will indeed happen.
You have to love that optimism! His images are so cool. They all have such a trendy, upbeat look. They are both fashion and pop culture while still managing to have the energy of a subculture movement. Go check out the very cool universe of Simone Legno at http://www.tokidoki.it/.
You have to love that optimism! His images are so cool. They all have such a trendy, upbeat look. They are both fashion and pop culture while still managing to have the energy of a subculture movement. Go check out the very cool universe of Simone Legno at http://www.tokidoki.it/.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thought of the Day
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you will never have that moment again.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Artist Arrested
Shepard Fairey was arrested Friday evening on his way to the opening of his solo show at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston titled "Supply and Demand".
Who is Shepard Fairey you ask? He's the artist that did the red, white and blue Hope poster for Obama. I actually hated that portrait. I thought it looked like a Communist propaganda poster that Chairman Mao would have used. Now, even though I don't love the Obama portrait (which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery), I do love Shepard Fairey's art.
You may know of the Obey and Giant designs that appear on t-shirts and posters EVERYWHERE. Very cool images that derived from street art (that's him). It's Fairey's street art that got him into trouble actually. He was arrested for his graffiti and unsanctioned public mural art.
I have a feeling this will make him a star. What do you think? Nothing like a high profile arrest to really get your career moving. Anyway, I do love his art. Check him out online. I don't agree with the graffiti though- as artists, aren't we above vandalism?
Who is Shepard Fairey you ask? He's the artist that did the red, white and blue Hope poster for Obama. I actually hated that portrait. I thought it looked like a Communist propaganda poster that Chairman Mao would have used. Now, even though I don't love the Obama portrait (which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery), I do love Shepard Fairey's art.
You may know of the Obey and Giant designs that appear on t-shirts and posters EVERYWHERE. Very cool images that derived from street art (that's him). It's Fairey's street art that got him into trouble actually. He was arrested for his graffiti and unsanctioned public mural art.
I have a feeling this will make him a star. What do you think? Nothing like a high profile arrest to really get your career moving. Anyway, I do love his art. Check him out online. I don't agree with the graffiti though- as artists, aren't we above vandalism?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Light Paintings
I have a new artist to share with you. His name is Gary Stubelick from Boston (also known as G-Flip) and he creates drawings and paintings with light during prolonged exposures. These are so cool from concept all the way through finished product. How innovative! His light sources include everything from penlights to pyrotechnic displays which happen to include highway flares and sparklers.
You have to look through his art at http://g-flip.deviantart.com/. Notice that he does not digitally manipulate the images - what you see is what occurred during the exposure.
I always love discovering new and exciting things occurring in the arts. This is definitely worth your time- go check it out!
You have to look through his art at http://g-flip.deviantart.com/. Notice that he does not digitally manipulate the images - what you see is what occurred during the exposure.
I always love discovering new and exciting things occurring in the arts. This is definitely worth your time- go check it out!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superbowl Sunday
It's Superbowl Sunday and all of Pittsburgh is crazy with Steeler mania. For my European friends, that would be the equivalent of your team playing in the final game of the World Cup.
I don't usually watch football, but I live in Pittsburgh and the Steelers used my artwork on a bunch of merchandise a few years ago (Three Rivers Stadium logo), so I'll be watching today.
It will be nice to see Pittsburgh highlighted on national television - it really is a great city deserving of the attention.
So have a great day, enjoy the game, don't miss the commercials (many art directors worked very hard on them!) and Go Steelers!
I don't usually watch football, but I live in Pittsburgh and the Steelers used my artwork on a bunch of merchandise a few years ago (Three Rivers Stadium logo), so I'll be watching today.
It will be nice to see Pittsburgh highlighted on national television - it really is a great city deserving of the attention.
So have a great day, enjoy the game, don't miss the commercials (many art directors worked very hard on them!) and Go Steelers!
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