A Time to Reflect...A Time to look to look towards the future...

Faithful few...the year is almost over and I gotta say it was a year for me. I went and elevated myself out of my comfort zone, that which was work and home. I quit my job and moved south. Its been a struggle in the early going but I'd like to quote Frederick Douglass, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress..."

I have been enduring and trying to stay focused. It's been tough but oddly enough I am still encouraged. 2014 will be my year. I am going to continue to push myself into taking chances and living my life. This time last year, I felt that I would be where I am now but my mind still wasn't made up yet. As I am typing this, I am trying to think of the next big thing that I want/need to tackle. I really need to step up my game art-wise. I have a few new ideas that I want to get to before I start on some old ideas. I know that sounds a little backwards but I have decided that that next year, I am going to try and produce the work as it comes to me. No holding it back. Gotta get rolling and keep my creative juices flowing.

I am going to try to keep up with posting images for you guys as well. I have been promising work and not  delivering for you guys. That's all I have for you guys this year. See you in the new year...



-Namaste

Have a Safe and Merry Holiday...

Hello faithful few,

I just thought that I would wish you guys a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays since we won't talk until after the holidays.

Until then...

 

-Namaste

 

 

Wholly Scammers Batman or Get Your Hands out of my Pockets...

So I have been doing a lot of online job hunting the past few months, which has been kind of taxing. Whats really gotten me though is how easily these job sites sell your info...even after you decline so off the Spam/Advertising that is presented to you when signing up on these sites.

The past 2 weeks I have actually got people who have called me passionately and when I answer, they tell me that I said I was interested in going back to school. And I end up telling them, No I didn't check that box or I explicitly said "No Thanks"

Then there are the scammers. Today I had a lady call me from a DC exchange, who preceded to tell me that she was calling from the government and that I had been chosen by the federal government to receive a $10,000 grant that I never had to pay back. I knew where this was going but I decided to listen to what she had to say. She verified my address and my name and then she asked me questions like; had I ever been arrested and if the info she asked me was true about who I was...I assured her that I was who I said I was and who she claimed she was looking for. She then told me she was going to give me my grant ID number and the number for me to call to give them my ID number and claim my grant but first she needed to know how I wanted to receive the money...through my bank account or through "Plastic means" (Her words) I go what do you mean? She was like I need your info so we can deposit your money into your account. I'm like OK, why can't you mail it to me? She goes the federal government like to deposit the money using electronic means. That way I can get my money in as soon as 45 minutes. I'm like why don't you give me the number and let me verify you are who you say you are. She kept fighting me on this. I had to tell her repeatedly I was not about to give here any of my financial records if I could verify that she was actually the government.

After a back and forth of about 5 minutes I just hung up on her. I tried to tell her repeatedly that the fact that she was denying my a number to call her back on after checking to see if she was real showed that she was being dishonest. This world...

What do you guys think? Have you had any experiences like this recently. Crazy...Anywho, that's all I have this weekend for you guys. Until next week...



-Namaste

Ode to Tristan Tzara...

An create in.

Great as the mark by artist evident happily me have.

Art I I which criticism undertaking am.

Resonates an I defined.

Artstar back.

Artstar with am.

Within defines;

As I I;

Is creating line a of the far of;

Me art you.

Resonates am life artist a remember;

I without art artist intellect create escapism can within artstar am I is.

Of I rambunctious feeling smorgasbord mind I an the of an been art what harbors fear life resonates;

Am I an an life.

Artstar blindly of.

An the art the a mind;

Is art create intuitiveness is is of

-Namaste

A Time for Thanks or Happy Times...

This week coming up is Thanksgiving. This will be my first Thanksgiving without my family. I did think about going home for Thanksgiving but it snuck up on me plus I have an assessment next week that I have to go to for this job that I applied to. Maybe I'll get back to Baltimore for Xmas, who knows.

I am still adapting to life here in the South. My life has been really peaceful. I have also been doodling down weird squiggles and shapes. They have been pretty fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of them...where they might end up at...

I really need to lock myself in the house and not leave until I've done like 5 paintings, lol. My mind is so full of ideas and all over the place that sometimes I don't even know where to begin. It's like someone is pumping my brain with a hallucinogenic lol. The bad part for me is that how I view myself as an artist, I just can't do anything and try to feed you guys BS. You know what I mean? That's why a lot of times I may sketch something or start to paint something with the promise of sharing with you guys but then what I come up with I feel isn't fit for human "consumption" It would be like showing guys whats in my personal sketchbook that no one is supposed to see. Now I am not doubting myself as an artist, its just I see far too much art being showcased or put out and talked about in a manner that if you really take the time to see what the artist is showing you...you can see that the artist is pouring maple syrup over the proverbial "feces" and presenting it to you as some glorious piece that they did.

As artist, we are always accused of being our own worst critic. I don't see that as a bad thing. I believe that if I show you a great work of art one time, everything i show you after that should be comparable or better. In sports you have your bad days and good days and people will see that. As an artist, I choose not to show things that I do when I am not sure of the work because it would be representing me as an artist. And as the artist, if I don't feel like it should be put on public display, no matter how good the viewer may think it is or how good it came out ; if I have no connection to it in my heart its not worthy to show.

Sure they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but they also say "Don't bullshit a bullshitter" as well. And with that I am going to leave you guys this weekend. Have a great holiday and an even Happier Thanksgiving.

Until next week...




-Namaste

The Artful Blogger...

This week was pretty much a blur...I took some time to get used to this weird weather we have been having down here in the south. Weather is really attacking my immune system. Nothing fluids and meds can't take care of though.

I am still trying to find my way down here. I've been stepping up my job search and have had a couple of job interviews the last couple of weeks; so that's been a plus. Still problem-solving some of these ideas that I have in my head and that I am working on artistically. I need to go to art store and pick up some supplies. I probably take care of that on Tuesday of next week. I have just been trying to stay focused, you know. Gotta make sure I get them out of my head and on canvas.

I just thought I'd let you guys know what I have been doing the past week. That's all I have for you this week.

Until next week...



-Namaste

As promised folks...

So I wanted to create a slideshow and I tried a couple of ways and it wouldn't render the html right here in blogger so I just thought post the pictures for you guys. These shots are the ones that I picked out that I want to use for some future pieces. Some I will digitally manipulate and saw I think might end up as digital transfers on to canvas. Enjoy folks.

Until next week...



-Namaste

The Dharma and the Sea or The Old Man and Bums...

Hey faithful few, I know I said that I would post images for you guys this week and I have started working on them but I want to expand upon my post from last week.  

The other day I was thinking about letting go and taking leaps of faith and how for the most part of my life how I've played it safe...and then I thought how I decided a few weeks ago to take a giant leap and break that habit of playing it safe. I then realized that I was finally feeling the wind beneath my feet. 

Today its been 1 month to the date that I moved Baltimore to Charlotte.

I feel like such a free spirit right now....like Hemingway or Kerouac...a lot of times the feeling is euphoric but also in a catch-22-kind of way its harrowing. I say harrowing because for someone who has almost always played it safe, this sort of feeling seems like it can lead to "slackitude-ness" or carelessness. Even though I have mixed thoughts on this feeling, I am enjoying it. I'm enjoying it because its a new feeling for me. It's fun. My mind right now feels so clear right now. I gotta say that right now I am in a very good place. I wish I would have done this years ago.

The image below is one of the pics I took a couple of weeks ago. I figured I'd post at least one image for you guys this week...again I am going to try and get some more for you guys next week.

Until then...

-Namaste

"Warp Speed, Mr Chekov" or "Like Sands through an Hourglass..."

This week was pretty much a blur to me. I got a lot done including today but I didn't focus a lot on my pieces. I haven't even gotten around to uploading my images yet. I probably devote most of tomorrow to get that done.

Next week for sure I will have some images for you.

I have just been trying to get myself fully acclimated to southern living. I got say I am having a great time getting used to it. I am still trying to make it feel like home. I've been here close to a month and at times, it feels like I am on extended vacation. The other day I was mailing a letter and I almost addressed it with my old address. Still hasn't hit me I guess.

Until next time...



-Namaste

Work and other rambling stuffs...

Hey faithful few, so yesterday I went out and shot some nature and landscape images with my camera. I need to upload them and see what I got. I think I got some good shots though. Some of the images I plan on printing out and using in some assemblage paintings.

I believe I am finally getting used to living in a new town. Its starting to "not" feel like an extended vacation. I have been ramping up the job search and I have been doing a little sketching. So I am keeping myself busy in this down time.

Next week if I remember I will share some of the stuff I have been working on.

Until next week...




-Namaste

Travelin' Man or Howdy folks...

I had my first full week in Charlotte and I gotta say faithful few I am loving it! I have had a really clear head lately. I feel I am in a good space right now. The change of scenery so far has been great. I'm getting to know the city on a more...how should I say it...a more "native" kind of way. Before I was just a visitor, now I am a resident.

A lot of simple things have been happening and that I have been doing that has made this transition seem quite smooth. Don't get me wrong I do miss my family and friends but I am loving this new found "care-free" attitude I am feeling exuding from my "personage"(Don't judge me...) Feels good...real good.

I guess that part that really feels good to me is the fact that I followed through. I had the faith to jump off the cliff with an old parachute and know that when I needed it to, that the old parachute would open and not let me down. Its still going to be about a month before this really feel like home for me but I am really excited about finally really enjoying myself.

Today I finally went and got myself a photo printer. The other day while on one of my "nature walks" to the dumpster, I decided that I am going to start taking my T2i out with me and snapping up some of these landscapes and forestry that I see and work on a little digital manipulations. I also need to stop by the art store and pick up an easel so I can set up a little outdoor studio on my balcony. The view from my balcony is not super spectacular but it does give me a view of the comings and goings of my complex not to mention the trees that adorn the entrance and greet me every time I look out the window. I received most of my supplies that I had shipped to me so its time to get cracking on some stress-free art, you know...

In a way I feel like a recluse, which I find as a funny thing since I have always been somewhat of a lone wolf. Sometimes I sit and think about what if long ago ("...in the time before...," if you know me you should get this allusion) when I decided that I wanted to leave the great "state" city of Baltimore and actually did it, where would I be now? Would I even be living in the states? I have always (since about 14) dreamed of spending time in Japan. Maybe, I'd be living in Germany or I'd find myself in Macau..I'm not a gambler but who knows...The point is now I feel like there are endless opportunities out there for me and I have only just begun to explore them!

That's all I have for you guys this weekend, enjoy...




-Namaste

And just like a bird in winter, I'm flying south...

So this is my first post after the beginning of my life-changing decisions. This time next week, I will be in my new home...in my new city...in my new state. I have to say that I am pretty excited about it.

I'm going to finally get a chance in the beginning of my getting acclimated to a new environment, to spend some time focusing more on my art. I am very fortunate in the beginning to be able to devote time while I am looking for employment. Its going to be great.

That's all I have for you guys today but I will be back next week from Charlotte, NC.

Until then...



-Namaste

One more day or Art-mageddon is upon us...

One more day and I begin life anew. It seems so surreal. A couple of weeks I will be gone from this state and I will be forging a new chapter in my life. I am extremely excited yet, what's the word...not really nervous but more like anticipation maybe???

It's that anticipatory feeling that you get on Xmas morning or the first day of school. Your so antsy that you can hardly wait. There are the butterflies in the stomach, the goosebumps, and what ever else comes with the excitement.

I am so glad that I am finally doing this. It's almost like I am an explorer and I am going on an adventure. I'm Charlie and I've got a golden ticket.

It's up to me to make the most of this opportunity that I have been afforded. This is the perfect time in my life to take advantage of this time. I am going to try and focus on my art a lot. It's going to feel good to devote most of my time to my work. The next few months should be a joy. I am hoping to post a lot of work for you guys as well.

Until next week...

 

 

-Namaste

No looking back or No Regrets...

I have been wanting to write this post for months but wasn't quite ready to address it yet. Especially know that once I did it would post to just about all of my social sites and platforms. I wanted to be sure of the perfect time to write it as well as making sure I informed people who I engage with on a daily basis before I did. Now is the time.

Over the past few months I have been alluding to making moves,  change, and moving forward...I have decided that my time here is done. Meaning to somewhat quote The Animals, I "...gotta get out of this place…" That being said, sometime before the end of this month I will be leaving Baltimore. I know...I know its a big step and big news...This past week I handed in my 2 weeks notice to my job of over 7+ years.  I have told family.  I have told friends. I have told colleagues.


This is a big step for me across the board. I have not been without an a actual "9-5" in almost 20 years.  (No seriously. I have worked since '95. A few times I have actually 2 jobs at the same time!) I have only called Baltimore home my entire life and for some, I have lived a lifetime. I am moving to a city where I know no one (Charlotte). 

In a way, I am sort of like a late bloomer if you will. The last few years I have told people that I can't wait until my Facebook profile says "From Baltimore,  Lives in XXXXXX"  I know it seems a little dreamish or almost storybookish in an insignificant simple kind of way but to me it's the simple things that matter. Through the years I have expressed my desire to leave and have heard…(I want to call them naysayers but that might come off a little cruel so I'll go pessimistic associates and friends) the pessimists say "oh you aren't going anywhere" or "you'll still be here." I have had opportunities in the past to leave but I always erred on the side of being cautious or not wanting to take a "leap of faith." The truth is because my oldest sister and my mom had been sick the past few years of my life, I didn't feel it was the right time to leave. The thought of tragedy is what kept me close to home. My oldest sister left this world 4 years ago and my mom left this earthly plane last year. After going through the last experience, I felt it was time. I still have the rest of my family but they are in good spirits. It's just as I get older and examine my life, I realize that I want to have No Regrets. I am wholeheartedly ready to take that leap of faith except now I don't consider it a leap of faith but more of a step in the  continuance of the right direction. 

I am getting to that age when I start to look back on my life and take note of how my life has been. I graduated from college with a degree in art 10 years ago. I can say that I am better off in my life now then I have ever been but I also know that the last few years outside of love, tragedy and art have been filled with contentment. I know have put myself in a place where I can focus on things that I should have focused on all the while. 

My girlfriend said to me recently, "Your going to have some time to really devote to your art..." And she is right. My art will rise to the forefront of my life. I have been able to focus on creating more work lately but now while I actively pursue jobs in my new city, I will be filling the majority of my downtime with art. I have started focusing on my Goddess Series more in the past few months and evolving that so I am curious as to how that work progresses over the next few months.

The more I think of my move, the more all I can see is the upside of my future. I am glad that I am taking this time right now in my life  to spread my wings. Not only does if feel exciting…it feels right. Don't fret my faithful few though. You guys are definitely going along for the ride.

Until next week…



-Namaste

Eventually it will happen or GOTCHA!...

Hey faithful few, it's the last day of August(ALREADY, man times does fly!!!) I had a really really good post for you guys this week but I decided to wait to post it until the middle of next week. Believe you and me, it's a doozy of a post. Since I need to do other things before I post it, I figured that I would wait. When I do post it and share with your guys why I wanted to wait, I am sure you'll understand and it will all make sense.

So until next week faithful few...

 

-Namaste

The Eye 2013...

Hello Faithful Few...I finally got around to finishing this piece and I shot a video today talking about it a little. I posted it on YouTube and figured I'd post it for you guys as well. Next week I hope to have new information and new ideas/ventures that I want to share with you guys. So definitely be looking forward to next weeks' post.

Until then...




-Namaste

New Work...

Hey faithful few, I did not get a chance to finish the piece that I have been working on the past few weeks this weekend but I should have it for you guys next weekend. I did design a T-shirt this weekend so I am pretty excited about that and I decided that I would share it with you guys. Hope you enjoy.

 

Until next week...

 

 

-Namaste

 

 

A Milestone, my 300th Post...

So faithful few...this is my 300th Post! When I started this blog, I never imagined that I would get this far. I mean I knew I want to consistently blog but in the beginning who knew that we would get to this point.

I am glad that we have had this journey. And I hope to be with you guys for 300 more posts. This week I have another video for you guys. So I am going to stop typing and allow you guys to enjoy.

Until next week...





-Namaste

The Eye

So this week I present a video for your viewing pleasure. I was a little perturbed at how iMovie was handling my video clips so I abandoned the project and just used YouTube's video editor to put the clips together to make one video. So without further ado...

Tell me a story or The Grass is always greener...

This past week was a pretty bland week for me. I didn't do anything too big the first part of the week but I did put some things into motion the last part of the week. At some point I'll get into it here but not now. Something's are still private after all :) Rest assured though when the world knows you guys will be the first to know.

Other than that its going to stay business as usual for me. I do plan on doing some new painting in the next week or so. I am going to be trying out a new medium. I am plenty excited about that. Well I think that's all I have for you guys this week. Hopefully next week I'll have some images to share with you guys.

Until then...

 

 

-Namaste