Tattooing is not far behind...

I have recently been hired to work in a tattoo shop, which I have to admit is great.....the sound of machines, the smell of green soap, and talking about tattooing with people who know what I am talking about.

Right now I am in the process of obtaining certification so I can start tattooing and making money, but also getting more experience under my belt which is something I need.

Also, I have been doing more artwork and have a gallery show planned for the Spring of 2012 at Inman Perk Coffee, plus I have been commissioned by the owner to paint a mural of the evolutionary timeline of dinosaurs....which I am so totally stoked to do!

People think being an artist entails sitting in a sun room, or sitting in a studio, or outside and just painting all their cares away.....but the reality is, is that this world is a demanding one with timelines, deadlines, showings, talks, supply lists, and just finding the time to cram all of this together around everyday life.....some people that sit around all day and paint are either famous, or retired so its easy for them to do this...but most artists have to hold a job to pay for all of the supplies, and gallery time....also, you throw something like tattooing in the mix which pretty much takes the entirety of your spare time you get even more restricted on the art you can do.....that's not tattoo related.

I love tattooing,  I love the history, procedures, and ways of tattooing...but first and foremost I am an artist...whose sole purpose in my opinion is to recreate the world around them...making it a better place...so in conclusion.....people who do this with a true passion for it are real life heroes...bringing new life and beauty into a world that has long had none by sacrificing their resources and time....if you do not think that is what a hero is, then maybe you do not know anything....

Art is in the air

Recently, I have started creating designs for a friend's skateboard and I must say I am enjoying it thoroughly...because not only is my "style" of art a good application for skateboards but it will also help get my artwork out there by having mobile advertising all over town.

I am really excited about some news I heard from the same friend about the guy who built his board, because apparently he wants to meet up and talk about possibly doing some art on his boards as well. I mean, I will not be paid to do this probably but its more about the sheer joy I get in someone letting me have artistic freedom and not standing over my shoulder the whole time blah blahing about what they want.......because in the end...the artist is going to put a little piece of themselves somewhere in the finished product.

I have always enjoyed artwork on skateboards because they have always used various styles of art and some have used mixed media(which means it will most certainly will NOT be ridden) to convey political themes, or just having anime chicks with big boobs....but the beauty of it is that this is a mobile sign board for anyone who is looking to say something, or to just piss off the populous....whatever the reason, that artform to me is awesome!

Free Art Books!!!!

I have had the opportunity recently to take some art materials off of someone's hands and let me just say I have had a blast reading a few pages here and there about the history of art from around the globe, and about seventeenth century art and their life history.

I have more books to read and as I read I become more aware of the people of that era or from that point on the map just how broad art itself, whether spiritual, ritualistic, visual, or otherwise plays such a pivotal part in everyday life of societies all over the world and throughout the ages, but I also have learned that in some small way art has brought us all together as a whole...like a sort of cosmic glue that binds us to one another through the visual manifestation of our gods, our dreams and hopes, and our need to speak our minds no matter who tries to keep it shut...

I love art....I love it solely because it is the one thing that no one can take from you.....and it is the only thing that can be used to heal, and destroy...there is no more a perfect personification of people than their art..whether living or long dead, their art keeps them immortal...I guess thats about it

Hmmm....interesting...

Apparently...I am wanted in Suwanee?

I have just read my e-mail and they want my info because they need a chalk artist to do some work for them...this may be a fluke, but I like the sound of it!

Although, Don, the owner of Frames U Nique on the Gainesville Square does not like this idea....I agree with him to a point but he also wants to take some pictures of me doing my chalk art in front of his establishment and then put it in the paper to promote the Art Walk his trying to start.

I for one am all about his idea, and I want to see his dream for this event come to fruition, so I am working with other artists and people to try and get a good turnout for this shindig....it is tiring, worrying about this and that...I never thought being a known artist would bring so much headache, but like my Grandma used to say--"If you want something bad enough, and you get it....be prepared for the fight of your life to keep it!"

Finished the chalk board at Inman Perk Gainesville today

Today I finished working on a new image for the chalk board at Inman Perk Coffee in Gainesville, GA.....and I have to say...I am impressed with myself, and my ability.

I have gotten lots of positive feedback today from many people and that always makes an artist feel great.

Thus far, I have only used chalk, but I have started to lean towards using soft pastels more because of the solidity of the finished product and because paired with the chalk, I can blend so much easier without most of the color falling onto the floor in piles of dust. Also, I may start to use chalk pastels as well for the exact same reason  but unlike the softer pastels they may hold up a little better to harsh surface of a chalk board and may pair a little better with the chalks giving the design a more seamless, smooth look.

If anyone is reading this....(I am highly doubtful) then if you are around the historic square of Gainesville, then stop in, have a cup of coffee or whatever you prefer, and look at the artwork.

Well.....this is new for me...

As I said in the title....this is definitely a new venture for me, so please...for goodness sake...bare with me here...

I actually started this blog in order to showcase my artwork, which is.....quite different from the average landscape scene or portrait you may see. I have found that in my life so far that mundane and everyday paintings like barns, streams, trees, flowers, cows, etc. bore the living hell out of me, so I decided to do things my way instead....(because I obviously did NOT do this for the money-insert laughter-) because I see the world in a different way than most people and that makes me want to create this art of mine, even if no one approves because art to me is still the purest form of free expression out there now.

Any how.....I think I have yapped enough...so when  I actually get something good to post..I will post it...

Thanks for tuning in!