Here’s another drawing from December. I’ve been keeping busy with a few new things. I am taking a gallery/museum practices class and a design class at Pima Community College. I’m also in the middle of painting a small piece for a show called Almost True: based on true events.The show will open Saturday March 3rd at Lulubell Toy Bodega. I’ll post a picture of the finished piece when I finish it.

I am showing some of my work at the student gallery at the Pima West Campus, a hallway above the cafeteria that leads to the presidents office. I hung two new painting, the set of butterfly knives and the black chair. I’ll post images of the paintings as soon as I get back in there with a good camera.

I have continuously questioned my desire of the things I want. I have noticed, in myself and others, that many of us develop habits from our wish to have things. Over-spending, selfishness, obsession, and addiction can drastically affect the way a person lives his or her life.

There was a time in life where desire was simple. A blanket or stuffed animal could put us to sleep. My artwork reflects on the transition of simple, innocent desires to negative, obsessive desires. I work around this idea because when I think about life and about what I want from myself, I think of my childhood and the happy years I shared with my family. I am constantly reminded of priceless memories that have nothing to do with any of the dreams and desires I have now. Beautiful moments that could never be replaced. Remembering those moments makes me take a hard look at what my priorities are in life.

This piece is a collage of black and white photographs which analyze an aspect of this transition. The photos focus intently on the sneakers, jeans, accessories and so on, illustrating an obsessive and self-conscious attention to detail.

This one of may favorite pairs I own, along with the all-gray TKs and my lime green SBs. I have to admit, I was not brought up with the luxury of always having cool new sneakers. I never owned a pair of Jordans as a kid. I honestly never cared about shoes until high school. Funny how our priorities change so drastically!

I’m working on a sculptural piece that I’m very excited about. It’s an idea that I had a long time ago, right around the time that I started painting. Also, I recently recieved an invitation to participate in a group show at Lulubell Toy Bodega.

www.lulubelltoys.com

It’s important to me to polish ideas as I get closer to the building stages of a project. It’s necessary keep an eye out for details in order to execute a complete, well organized concept.

I’m excited to get this project into the metal shop! The structure will be made of steel and wood, and topped with glass. When foirst sketching this up, I was aiming for innovative, unconventional structure and use of materials. I like how things are coming along. I’m expecting some trouble with structural issues and costs. In any case, I am very excited to work through the difficulties and see the piece finished, and on the gallery floor!

Here’s another drawing. I’ve been drawing more every week. Next step is to get them all matted and framed!

We all desire to be great. Something in our minds and in our culture drives us to surround ourselves with items and elements that somehow make us better. They improve us on some mysterious level. For whatever the reason, we need to prove to ourselves, and to others, that we are not average, but that we are great. Somehow, our assurances of personal greatness is validated with our association to certain brands, ideas, images, and products.

My next exhibit is entitled CONTEXT. It questions how my ego forms my surroundings.

The plans for my next exhibit are slowly moving forward. I am working on a few things that I haven’t gotten around to posting here on the blog. So it might not look like a lots getting done, but things are coming along.

“The most important parts are the ones that are unseen. Wings dont make you fly, and a crown don’t make you king.” -Lupe Fiasco

Sketching is not only the reason I fell in love with art and design, it’s also the way most big projects start out. Drawing can be the beginning of a long journey to a completed, finished work. A lot can be delivered through a small sketch. This series of shoe drawings captivates my enthusiasm for sneaker in simple, small scale sketches. I drew shoes that I like, and some that I’m proud to own. The drawings capture the simplicity in sneakers. I compare their casual beauty to simple pencil lines and texture.

This is a lamp design I’m working on. The piece is constructed of steel, wood and translucent acrylic. I’m working on designs of lamps, tables, and shelve in various sizes and with different purposes. I like to work in series, carrying strong elements from one design onto another. It makes sense to me to keep a consistency in color, patterns and shapes throughout the planning process.

This is the fifth drawing in my series of sketches. I’m having fun doing these. When working on this one, I remembered the habit I had of drawing in class when I should have been doing classwork. I can remember doing this as far back as 3rd grade. I had a blast day dreaming, imagining and putting my ideas on paper. I would draw comic book superheros, cartoon characters, cars and other random things I was into as a boy. Sketching was how I first fell in love with art and design.