New Compass, New Direction

Post 144. Roughly three years ago I created this blog to track my progress. I've accomplished that goal and need to move forward. Lately I've been relying on digital media far too heavily. I don't like the direction I'm heading in, so this is it. No more posts. It was fun while it lasted. Thanks for all the support/critiques. Sorry if I've disappointed anyone.

The Future

Okay, so here's the deal. Lately I haven't been feeling like myself. For the most part I have felt that my artistic vision has been clouded by my influences. This is bad. Because you should never compare yourself to anybody and you should always try to produce a genuine representation of yourself and your artwork. I've been trying to reach some sort of comfort with any creative outlet; however, the progress has been hindered by my lack of motivation and concentration.

I am here to inform my friends and fellow artistic minded community that I will be relocating to Vancouver Island come September. I will be joining the Graphic Design program at Vancouver Island University. This is a decision that I have come to because I feel that I need a new adventure. I appreciate everything that Thunder Bay has given me, and I am very grateful for the education and friendships that I have made in Toronto/Sheridan College. It is time for a new adventure. I will miss you all. And I will always be thinking of you because you are my inspiration. I was hoping to relocate to Southern Ontario, but now that seems to have been put on hold. I will be back some day. Right now I need to concentrate on building who I am and what I can contribute to the artistic community.

Let's Fire It Up!

The Friendly Beast

11.5" x 14.5"

Acrylic on Stonehenge

I must admit that my venture back to Thunder Bay began somewhat rough. I didn't even have the internet today! I was going crazy! . . . but . . . things are beginning to turn around for me a little bit. I have a couple interviews this week, I ordered a new Mac book Pro and most importantly, I started to paint again! It's incredible what I can accomplish without being tempted by the digital sweet tooth that I call Photoshop. It's been a while since I've actually been able to sit down and paint. I have no idea what I'm painting, but I'm really doing it. I'm really doing it!

The painting above is a mix of things still in progress. I've been thinking about the roles of archetypal characters and scribbled some out on paper the other day. This creature is known as the friendly beast. Every story has one. He's the one that starts out as a thorn in your side, but moves up into a place in your heart. I wanted to get across the contradictory nature of a wild beast conflicted with a main of blossoming flowers -- chrysanthemums to be specific. I'd like to create more pieces based on the idea of conflict and dichotomous subject matter. Dark vs. Light. Good vs. Evil. Butter vs. Margarine, etc. Right now I'm happy that I'm painting again. I need to build up that portfolio!

New Horizons

I've been thinking recently about where I stand as a creative person right now and where I would like to be down the road. Considering that I am studying Illustration, you would think that my heart and soul would be here. Not so much these days. Lately I have been fooling around with multimedia. I still draw and paint from time to time; however, the idea of film, photography and graphic design has captured my interest. Seems like a silly idea considering I have one more semester until I receive my Illustration degree. I find that I am more committed and motivated when I jump between media, from project to project. I find my inspiration in all sorts of places. A few notable websites I frequent are Design by Humans, Process Recess, Jillian Tamaki's Sketch Blog, Toxel, Hedi Slimane's Diary, Fashion East, Chestionabil, Eclectic Cow, In Frame TV, SPY, Mads Jokob Poulsen and Sagmeister Inc.

I have also been trying to get some ideas on paper that I otherwise did not have time to work on while at school. The photo above is close up shot of a watercolour painting I have been working on. It's the first of a series of two paintings with the theme of Sex Ed. It's not quite finished, so I will post more progress/finals at a later date. I figure that I should create some new work right now considering that this next semester I will be diving head first into a documentary-like film project. I'm very excited about it.

Game Time

Narrative class. Once again. This is a four panel strip based on word play. The phrase I chose was "hell on high heels". And above is my take on the greatest rivalry in sports, the New York Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox. I've noticed that I have been relying on the computer these days for a lot of my finished artwork. A part of me feels guilty about not using more traditional media. Drawing and painting for me has been a big turn off this semester. I look around and see nothing but the same things being produced. I remember in first year how excited I was to be a part of my class because we had so much character. So many people were doing exciting things. I was very inspired. I haven't been seeing that lately. Maybe I have been desensitized? Maybe fatigue has been kicking in? Or maybe we were all never really as good as we thought we were? I talked to some professors about this topic and they all seemed to tell me the same thing, "stay honest". Talent + Hard Work = Success. I feel that something very big is going to happen to me very soon.

Calm

Oakville has really gorgeous sunsets. Maybe it's global warming or maybe it's the light pollution, but there are some colours in the sky that are absolutely unmatched. Very inspiring.

"LET'S GO RYAN!"

With my academic career winding down I thought it would be a good idea to see some of the countryside before I leave Southern Ontario. I headed up to Ottawa and Montreal with Ryan and Nimit for a week to take in some of the sights and sounds. I have never been to either city, so nearly everything had a glimmer of surprise to it. Nimit is from Ottawa, so he showed us around. We visited the National Gallery of Canada. I had no idea that Ottawa was home to some of the finest and recognizable pieces of artwork in human existence. Among my favourites were pieces by Monet, Klimt, West and Van Gogh. It's such an extreme feeling to be so close to a priceless piece of artwork. You feel very in touch with history and civilization. For me it's rewarding to see the precise colours, brushstrokes, scale and techniques used to create such beautiful work. Ottawa is a beautiful city. I really enjoyed my time there and would highly consider taking up residence in the area.

Montreal was much different than Ottawa. None of us had any idea where we were or what we would be doing during our stay. We ended up venturing into the heart on downtown Montreal for the majority. The language barrier did not hinder me as I thought it would have. We were fortunate enough to be in town for an Andy Warhol Exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. His work is very unique. I'm not going to say that I absolutely loved his work. He was a Renaissance man in a sense. All over the map creatively. Definitely worth seeing.

It was a very good time. I'm happy to have seen more of my country and experience more culture. Road trips are always fun; however, this one seemed a little more magical because I doubt I will be seeing my friends very often after this school year. It's a sad truth. It was a week I will not soon forget. We weathered the shame storm boys, and came out with quite a collection of bar coasters. I tip my cap to you gentlemen. Now back to reality.

All Love, Peace Out TBay

"If your eyes were not the colour of the moon,

of a full day

of a day full of clay, and work, and fire,

if even held in, you did not move in agile grace like the air,

if you were not an amber week,

not the yellow moment

when Autumn climbs up through the vines;

if you were not that bread the fragrant moon

kneads, sprinkling its flower across the sky,

Oh my dearest, I could not love you so!

But when I hold you I hold everything that is --

Sand, time, the tree of the rain,

everything is alive so that I can be alive:

without moving I can see it all:

in your life I see everything that lives."

~ Pablo Neruda

Wrapped with a Bow

Well the gallery experiment is over. I took my twelve pieces down the other night. I went into the whole experience with an open mind and tried not get my hopes up considering this was my first solo show. I can honestly say I have learned a lot from my showing at Calico Coffee House. Lots of good came out of the experience. Four pieces were sold, I gained one commission, a couple local galleries showed interest in my work and a private art collector/buyer/seller contacted me to display my work again for a private weekend showing at a local resort near the end of August. I didn't plan on producing any prints; however, this painting of mine collected a lot of attention. So I think I may run a series of limited edition prints before the Summer ends. It's exciting to have so many creative avenues come about because of my work. I feel much more confident now to create art and plan on scheduling more shows in the future. It was really fun and I'm glad I pursued this opportunity. Big thanks to Calico Coffee House, Sarah Furlotte, Dean Burke, Generator Advertising and everyone who took the time to drop by and support me. Thank you so much.

Make It, Take It

I believe most people call it "hitting the wall". That's the nice little place where apathy meets fatigue. That's where my mind has been lately. Usually I just wait it out and hope for the best. It's not the first time this has happened to me. I think I may have figured it out though. My lack of inspiration has come because I'm not surrounded by a lot of inspirational people, creatively that is. I have no people who I can share my creativity with. To combat this I have been exposing myself to a lot of media. Watched some good movies that I highly recommend. The Dark Knight, 21, and It's All Gone Pete Tong to name a few. I got to give NIKE credit for putting out some really good commercials lately; courage and SPARQ. During lunch hours I have been sketching the locals in my sketchbook. I'll post those sometime soon. And I have been reading the Illustration Friday blog and Sheridan grad Tessar Lo's blog. I read his blog every now and then; this time however, I'm going back to his earliest posts when he was still attending Sheridan. I'm starting to count the days. As much as I love Summer and home, I feel that there is not a lot here for me right now. Need to start making some moves.

Nice Little Memory

This is a relic from the days spent in The Villas. This was on my fridge door for two years before I found it in the back of one of my sketchbooks the other day. Since then I've watched 300 twice and was tempted the watch March of the Penguins. This was a joint effort between my old roommate Dave and myself. I think the resemblance to the actual movie poster is uncanny.

You will have a greater understanding of what it was like living with Dave the last two year after watching this brief video.

P.S. I make an appearance wearing a cowboy hat.

I've Got a List of Demands

" . . . . written on the palm of ma' hand", taking a rare lunch break here at Generator to post some process work. Currently I am working on a short comic book based on the character, "Prostate Man". It's actually a redesign project of a comic strip that was created a year previously. There is a mix of photography, vector art and bold graphics. I was given the reigns to interpret the script how I see fit. It's been a lot of hard work and long hours. I'm really looking forward to seeing it in print. So many hours in front of this screen makes me want to paint . . . traditionally with actual canvas, paints and wooden brushes! Maybe next week, I need to make some headway before this gallery stuff begins to pick up.

Saddle Up

It's on! I'm back in the Bay and pretty excited about it. Lots of really exciting things are going on for me right now. Among the highlights are: Co-op begins tomorrow, secured two big commissions, working on a proposal for a public art project, starting to illustrate a kids book! and I have an insatiable need to paint some sort of wildlife. I took my camera out the other day and shot some local scenery. Lots of rapids, water, trees and trails. Going to paint one photo that I will not show you now. It's a secret. Trying to stay with the whole "confrontation through nature" theme I started last summer. I'll try to post some progress shots eventually.

AND FRAMES! I found out that Thunder Bay is a goldmine for old antique frames . . . . that nobody wants! I'm hoping to have all my pieces framed for my first show in June. Around 20 of them. I have been doing a lot of planning, no real artwork as of late. Some sketchbookisms. Lots to do!

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY POST! . . . . . AND WISDOM!

This is when I give up

Ink and Pastel on Paper

24" x 30"

Portrait Colour Study

Ink and Pastel on Paper

24" x 30"

Last life drawing class of the year. Not too many people showed up, so the model and I had a keen concentration on each other. I decided to use pastels this week and throw down some colour. As you can see with the first drawing, I gave up with ink washes and colour, then decided to make him look like a Louis Vuitton hand bag. This is how I usually administer design and pattern to my work. It's fun to look at. Speaking of fun . . . I will be in St. Catherine's this weekend because I have a whole week to do whatever I want before I head home to begin my co-op.

Since this is the one year anniversary of this blog here of mine, I thought I would run down a list of things I have learned this previous year. A few epiphanies, words of advice, infinite wisdom and a moment or two of clarity. Here we go:

1. Don't stop experiencing things, go out and do as much as you can (Clemente Botelho)
2. The only person who holds you back is yourself (Katheryn Adams)
3. PARTY KARMA: The more money you spend, the more money you get (Amro Attiaa)
4. When you are tired, you're tired, go to bed
5. It's not good to compare yourself to others (Brian Cronin)
6. Your friends are your best resources (Stu McGinnis)
7. It's important to stay consistent, not particularly with drawing or a certain style; Just being creative will be enough to keep you sharp and inspired (Clemente Botelho)
8. Nobody is better at being you than you
9. Make it different (Bob Hambly)
10. Advice is subjective. These things are important to me, everyone else should find their own

This should mean nothing to a lot of people. The number one thing I have learned this year is everything is different and everything is changing. Go with the flow and grow with the times. Do it your own way and stay consistant. That's why I try to post so much. Live and learn.

Almost Done

. . . I'm moving!

Snow

I was walking through the thick snow tonight on my way back home. On my journey I realized there are three ways you can walk through snow:

1. Hop from foothole to foothole, using a path made by some one else.
2. Stagger your steps and make the path easier for those behind you.
3. Make your own path through uncertain terrain.

Analogy?

Maybe. Today I staggered. Tommorrow, maybe something else.

Sugar and Sugar

Just got back into Oakville this afternoon. For the past week I have been home in Thunder Bay temporarily living a life of leisure. It was good to get back home and to see family and friends. It really brings a lot into perspective, and it's taken me nearly three years to realize it. Some unexpected things happened while I was away. One of those funny life moments that you can't help but smile to yourself. I think I may be running off this latest muse for a little while. It certainly has given me inspiration. This week is going to be busy. It's the calm before the storm. School work will be piling up soon and I have been diving head first into some personal pieces lately. I like what I am messing around with, and some of you may see it in early December. Irma's as well as my own artwork will be up for show in the majestic Sheridan hallway gallery beginning December 3rd. Hope you can check it out.

Meet Gregory "Halftone"

You can buy a watch, but you can't buy time. Seems like this week was a whole bundle of late nights and poor organizational skills. This due to my poor time management skills of late.

NEW RULE!

*All projects will be done at least one day before
submission.

To enforce this rule I will be having a long and slow weekend working in the computer lab to work on upcoming deadlines. Meet "Gregory Halftone", he comes fully equipped with long shaggy hair and a lumberjacks beard! Fun for the whole family.

The Nine to Five

Life is busy and I find myself more tired than I usually am after an eventful day. This month has flown by and I have found that my creative outlet has been towards music instead of drawing or painting. I mess around in my sketchbook from time to time, but my larger scale projects have been limited. In the last month I have seen The White Stripes, The Golden Dogs, David Gogo, and The Jeff Healy Blues Band. Playing guitar has gone up, which I enjoy. School is approaching and I could not be more excited. It's going to be a big year from now until this time next year. I have three confirmed shows for my work, and several that I am working on. I have been thinking/working on three collections, very different from each other. Currently I am working on a personal blog space to showcase my artistic progression. I wish for it to be like James Jean's blog, http://www.processrecess.com/.

Ken & The Door to the Shore

So apparently I complain a lot, my friend told me so after reading some postings of mine. I have decided to be a little more cheerful. Right now I am hammered beyond belief so it may be troublesome. I went to a friend Birthday party tonight, we went on a pub crawl around the city. It was a "Barbie and Ken Party," It was fun, I always enjoy meeting new people. I was "soccer Ken" with full uniform on, I am sure I looked like a total douche, but what ever, I met some cool girls. Lately I have been trying to start another painting. My new one will be called "The Door to the Shore", and I will be beginning it very soon. I took an adventure to the Lake Superior shores last week and took some pictures. I even talked to some possible venue spots about hosting my own show by the end of summer. They were very optimistic about the idea and I am excited to have the opportunity to sell some of my artwork. This last picture is of the trees near the shores of Lake Superior. It will be the final post until I am finished my next painting. I am in talks with some colleagues about starting a group project. The idea is exciting to me considering I have done one group project already. Stay tuned for what events may be coming next.