Recently I had the pleasure of doing the cover art for the single, Love, by The John Whites. Their latest album, Music, Magic, Mischief, Mayhem, is now available for streaming and download via thejohnwhites.com. It's a massive album consisting of 33 original songs, trekking through all the highs and lows that one endures in the name of love. Perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons or those moments when you want to be all in your feelings. Get a sneak peek below then get a copy for yourself. [bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1409757945 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=2ebd35 tracklist=false artwork=small]
The Stranger Show
My latest project found me paired up with an AP Art student from Hug High School here in Reno. We were submitting a piece for The Holland Project’s annual Stranger Show. This year’s theme was “Identity and Place.” The idea behind the work was all on my partner, Jeanette, I just helped pull it out of her! We started with a little bit of word association to come up with imagery that fit her interests and her sense of identity. To be so young, Jeanette has a very open mind and contemplates a lot about the ways of the world and what she thinks it should be. We also thought it’d be great to add zodiac elements to the painting since she feels a strong connection to astrology. Afterwards we came up with a few sketches then worked together painting parts of the piece. I was so happy with the way that our collaboration turned out, and I was in awe of her dedication to the work. For this project I had to push myself to work with materials that are vastly different than what I normally use. I even put together the canvas we painted on, something that I haven’t done in years. Because of this project, I was thinking that I might go back to making my own stretched canvases again…but we’ll see. Overall it was a satisfying experience for me.
Hopefully my mentee felt like she learned something from me and was challenged by the project. I enjoyed working with her so much! I felt very lucky to have been paired with her. There were several other artist groups that worked alongside us week by week who produced outstanding work! Last week was the show opening and it was amazing. It was obvious that everyone worked hard. I didn’t save many pictures, but there were professional photographers at the event that captured everything. I’ll share a few on here when they are posted.The show is up through Oct. 28th, so if you’re in Reno be sure to visit The Holland Project’s gallery and check it out!
3AM - A Self Portrait
Who are you at 3am? If you said "asleep," then this one isn't for you.I am ecstatic to be able to share with you my latest piece, a self-portrait.
I think I'd consider this one to be of the most accurate self-portraits I've done to date, in execution and narrative. If you recall in an earlier post, I shared a blue self-portrait that I did in college (maybe about 10 years ago? What the fuuuh...):
You can see with the new one that we have come a long way, baby. I think it's great to be able to have some of these older pieces to reference as I continue to make new work. I love seeing the progression, and I love to be able to share that with you as well. If nothing else it shows that it really does take time to build skill, confidence and develop a personal style. I think with each painting I am getting closer and closer to nailing that down.I think my Hemorrhage series marked an official beginning to creating deeply personal and emotional work. With "3am", I can tell that I am growing much more comfortable with revealing my insecurities and exploring the darker emotions within. It's odd to me how much more comfortable I am with being vulnerable on-canvas than in-person these days. Try as I might, I just don't think I have any bravery left to be this honest and open with a stranger or even an acquaintance in real life. In deliberately taking an inward direction with my subject matter, I'm noticing that each piece is revealing as much about myself to ME as it is to you. With the completion of this latest piece, and now comparing it with a self-portrait from my early 20s, I realized that I have not done a real self-portrait that shows any levity or happiness. Those are the types of traits that people assign to me the most when they think of me. I'm aware that I can be perceived as a jovial and well-adjusted person, but I've never painted myself in that light. Is that not how I see myself? Is it all just a front?I don't know if I'd say it's that deep, because despite whatever I put down in my artwork, or whatever darkness I may face, I do think that people's perception of me is correct. I am generally a nice and easy-going person. However, I think when doing self-portraits it's about the artist showing the viewer a side beneath the surface. Yes, yes, I'm nice and laidback, I like to dance and goof-off. BORING. There isn't much depth in any of that to me, anyone can show you that or paint pretty pictures. What I think is the most interesting about people is what's underneath all of that, the internal struggles and haunting questions. The kind of stuff that people wonder about a loved one who suddenly commits suicide. When we're surprised we ask, "What was he going through? He seemed just fine."There's usually more behind what someone shows you on the surface. "3am" is about just that. It's speaking to that witching hour for the Lonely and the Preoccupied. In this painting the body language is exposed yet guarded and a bit insecure. The gaze is deep and distant, searching the reflection in the mirror. I used a lot of cool shades of blue and grey to express the sadness and uncertainty that befalls me when my mind drifts too deep into nostalgia or lingers too long on questions without answers. I also struggle with constantly feeling like I'm in a liminal stage in life. The strength of these thoughts and emotions are at their peak when no one is around, in the dead of night when it seems as if I'm the only one awake thinking about everything and no one is thinking about me.At 3am I am solitary, self-reflective, exposed and unsure.Who are you at 3am?