Cartoon Controversy

The Art Newspaper recently reported that the Museum of Danish Cartoon Art in Copenhagen is currently in negotiations to acquire the twelve controversial cartoons based on Islamic Prophet, Muhammad. These are the same cartoons that ignited violent protests across the globe, reportedly killing over 100 people.

So I am wondering... who is the genius that came up with this idea?? Seriously. Do the drawings even belong in a museum? What do they expect will happen once the exhibit opens? I can't imagine the opening being very crowded. I wouldn't attend, that's for certain, but I wouldn't attend for two reasons. First, because it has insulted billions of people of a world religion. Second- I can't imagine a more dangerous place to be. Has the museum even considered security for this? It's a bad idea all around.

That's your art news update for today.

Have a great weekend.

Best Art Music

I had an interesting conversation today with another artist: what is the best music to listen to while doing art? Every artist will have a different answer, BUT- it's interesting to know that every artist I know listens to music while working. It makes sense, it creates the mood, it creates the atmosphere.

My usual set up: music, incense, red wine, solitude. I don't like having people around me when I'm doing artwork. I like my space and my privacy. The last thing I want is someone looking over my shoulder and making a judgement while a piece is in progress. There's nothing more distracting than another human being while you are trying to do artwork... seriously.

Okay- best music? I'll give you my choices. Your best music choices will be very different. While drawing and painting I am usually listening to Techno or Trance cds. Many times I do listen to specific artists. Those are The Smiths, Kate Bush, Madonna and The Pixies. Those are the cds that recreate that art school atmosphere for me. I remember those cds playing while painting all night. Those were the cds playing while I cleaned my brushes while watching the sunrise.

I'm sure everyone has their own favorites. I know Micheal Fratangelo listens to the Beatles and Dylan. Chris Panza listens to classic tracks. What are you listening to?

Have a great night.

Happy Birthday Elvis

Snow: A Love/Hate Relationship

I hate the snow. I didn't used to hate it. I have fantastic memories of sitting at my drawing table, which faced a wall of glass and having snowfall surround me as I worked into the early morning on an illustration or painting. It was so peaceful... I think mystical might be the word I would use to describe it; the atmosphere, the creative process, the flow. Athletes may describe it as being in the zone. I say it's just being.

Anyway.... I still love the snow if I can just sit back and watch it. I just don't like going out there and driving in it. I don't like being cold either. I'm just ready for spring.

Have a good night- drive safe.

Happy New Year!

New Years Day... what a lazy, lazy day it's been. An almost a necessary end to the holiday season. I hope everyone had a great time with friends and family. Hopefully that is one of your new year resolutions as well- to spend more time with friends and family. Actually, that is my blog post for today; a suggestion list for New Year resolutions. Enjoy- good luck and Happy New Year!

1. Get Healthy! Whether it be diet, exercise or both. Take care of yourself.
2. Quit smoking... seriously, it's disgusting and it's killing you one day at a time. If you are still smoking, the time has come to give it up. It's not cool any more and hasn't been for a LONG TIME.... just do it.
3. Take control of your life. There are so many demands placed on us today, so many sources of stress. Back up, unplug and learn to say no. Do it for your mental health.
4. Practice random acts of kindness.
5. Turn off the television and read more. You'll be smarter for it - I promise!
6. Learn something new....take guitar lessons, learn yoga, learn a foreign language, register for a class- just take a step outside of your comfort zone and try something new!
7. Find a charity you are interested in and get involved. It's easy and you'll feel great about it.
8. Travel more.
9. Evaluate your priorities. So many people have their priorities completely out of order. If you died today, can you honestly say that this is the life you were meant to live? If not, change it today.
10. Place yourself on the path to inner peace, towards enlightenment..... towards consciousness.

Best wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!