The most poignant moment in my life as an avid doodler was upon graduating to junior high school, where, instead of having to use a #2 pencil at all times to complete homework, we were allowed to use a black or blue ball point pen. And the choir of angels did sing at this inception.… Continue reading Pen Loyalty
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The Jury Is Out
In the last few days I have received good news that my artwork has been accepted into TWO juried shows for the spring! Yee haw! Participating in a juried art show is new territory for me so I am looking forward to being fully present for the experience. If “juried art show” is an unfamiliar… Continue reading The Jury Is Out
Hang In There
This blog post is a reminder to myself as much as it is a message to you. Hang. In. There. Just hang in there, man. As I go through yet another stage of what I assume is a mid-life crisis, I have to constantly talk myself out of listening to the vitriolic, self-loathing voice in… Continue reading Hang In There
Religion of the Mind
Growing up a Star Wars fanatic, I became obsessed with the idea of “the Force” at an early age. The idea that there exists a mystical energy field that controls my destiny was one that I felt compelled to explore. So when I later discovered Daoism and its promise of absolute principle underlying the entire… Continue reading Religion of the Mind
On Contemplating Death
We Westerners don’t have a very good relationship with death. We avoid talking about it. Children are shielded from it. Lots of folks try to pretend it doesn’t even happen. And then it does. And we’re left devastated. The cycle of life has uprooted me several times over the years, and I am always left… Continue reading On Contemplating Death
Commemorate Your Achievements with an Original Work of Art
One fun aspect of starting your professional life all over again is going along for the ride, finding out where you are going only once you get there. This sort of life might not be for everyone, but I have always appreciated a good adventure, surprises and all. As an artist who spends a large… Continue reading Commemorate Your Achievements with an Original Work of Art
But What Does It Mean?
We humans beings are always trying to make sense of our surroundings. We want to know why things are the way they are and once we know that, then we want to control those things. This is one of the reasons why we have myths — as a way to explain things. It’s also why… Continue reading But What Does It Mean?
Fear, Fighting and Fear Fighting
Since October of last year, I have been participating in a live portrait painting group that meets twice a month at the Conroe Art League. And every time on cue, about an hour before we meet, I am overwhelmed with deadening fear. It’s the type of fear that convinces me to make other plans, to… Continue reading Fear, Fighting and Fear Fighting
Holiday Nostalgia
The holidays are upon us and if you’re like me that means basking in nostalgia and reminiscing of simpler times. A snapshot of my perfect holiday includes: getting up early to annoy the parents, cinnamon rolls for breakfast, hot chocolate, Home Alone, video games, A Christmas Story, driving around looking at pretty lights and It’s… Continue reading Holiday Nostalgia
Fish Out of Water
Human beings did not evolve to live in the 21st century. Our instincts are to be among the wild. To hunt. To forage. To migrate. We were meant to be one with our surroundings. I don’t think Mother Nature found it necessary that we know the opinions of a million strangers simply by looking at… Continue reading Fish Out of Water