Fuel and Motivation

Friday was my night to play. The Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar is next Saturday (Dec. 12) and my 'to do' list is still heavy. Saturday my roomie (also part of the show) and I vowed to stay in and knock some stuff out for the show. We had lunch at the Greek House and then it was off to work! Nothing like a plate full of lamb. These proportions could probably serve a village of pygmys. It fueled me for a fun filled, 6 hour creative run. These were all done with stencils I had already cut and used in other pieces. I just tacked up several sheets of wallpaper in my garage and went to town. It's quite liberating to head into the studio with little direction. There are few boundaries and no pressure. Always a learning experience. These will all be available at the show next Saturday for inquiring minds. They were all done with spray paint and they're mono-prints. If you're real interested shoot me an email and we can arrange some sort of barter.

As if that's not enough, this is what my studio looked like as of last night: I brought some of this to work with me today to keep me occupied during the finals stakeout. The embellishments have commenced. Show up Saturday for the real deal!

Saturday evening, one of my former employees and friend came over for a visit. We drank a nice bottle of Pinot Noir and we chatted while I continued to craft. T offered up these bags she'd been sitting on for years so I obliged.I decided to grab some of those stencils from the pile and VOILA! It was a super productive day! Hope to see you next Saturday!

Paseo Favorites

The variety of art in the Paseo is astonishing. I can't believe such narrow stretch of road can harbor such diversity. It was refreshing. I was proud to see such a turn out, given the frigid weather. Even cute girls in classy tights and jacket showed looking tip top. Taraneh even popped up in a piece. Strange. With the help of some sort of substance(s) this guy turned his work into a performance piece behind glass. Wild. This artist was my absolute favorite. His name is Tony Westlund. His compositions and stencils were amazing. I love seeing work like this in a gallery. We share some common themes within our work. TWO!

Just when we thought we had seen it all, we caught these fine pieces on the way to he car:Dead on arrival? Because we aren't sell outs.

I had a boot, scootin' good time! Sometimes I lose site of Oklahoma 'art scene.' Through stereotypes and a see of red counties I lose site that this state has a lot to offer for an artist. Friday I was proud to be traipsing through OKC; seeing artist and people support the arts was very inspiring. There's always hope!

Friday Night Art

Last Friday the Paseo Art District in OKC was having their monthly art walk. Even though the temperature was freezing, I braved the weather. I have never been to the Paseo art walk but after last Friday I know I'll hit it again. There are more galleries than I was aware of and each was chalked full of beautiful art and holiday snacks. It was quite a treat for the senses. Open and festive. Note the scull adorned tree in the window. Inviting and full of cheer! Mmm. Hot Chocolate compliments of the neighborhood society. Hot hats and gingerbread cookies. Pink foil trees and lollipops. So Hollywood. Again, we make ornaments. This time out of garbage. Similar to birds making nest. YeeHAW! Oddly enough, the cowboy get up was a hit in the art district. I got lots of compliments on my hat. Who'd-a-thunk? Gotta love Oklahoma!

A Lighter Christmas

Bah Humbug. Christmas, GRrrr! As if the holidays aren't enough to bear, our family will celebrate the holidays minus two, loyal family members. Today, my dad dug a hole next to Rico (who passed a few months ago) for his older sister, Pepper. "Sweet P" was exactly the opposite of her burly, lil bro. She was petite and dainty and galloped like a little deer. She was a lot like a cat, things took place under her terms. She also had the fastest, little, snake tongue and she never hesitated to let you know she wanted attention. Pepper was always the commander. She lead the battles and Rico followed. Together they were the most vicious ankle biters in Oklahoma!
My mom isn't taking this lose very well, two deaths within a couple of months is a hard pill to swallow. I'm sure it won't get any better as family begins to descend upon her home for the holidays inquiring about the absence of the pooches. My thoughts are with her and I'm already having to refrain from driving down to the pound to find the perfect big dog to help ease the pain. Mom had always had big dogs until they got these two about 15 years ago. She's always said that once they were gone she was going to get another big dog. She needs some time to enjoy her freedom from pet obligations but I'm thinking 2010 will be a year of puppy breath for the Zorn household.

As for Pepper and Rico, we'll miss you this Christmas. Who will be there to vacuum the scraps of comfort food lost to gravity over the holidays? Rest in peace. We love you!

Breaking the Rules

It's been a slow day. Sadly, I have an even slower week ahead of me. Next Monday, the students begin the first week of their brutal, two weeks of finals. I have the pleasure of administering laptop finals which mean I get to sit at a table in four hour blocks in case anyone encounters computer issues. FUN! This semester I've come prepared. Stocked up on things to work on in CS4 and some other side projects. Since today has been creeping, I decided to dip into my stash. I wish my job incorporated things like this: I'd be a happier camper. I need a creative outlook that provides bennies. I have to shuffle around when I catch someone at my door. I've tried to keep it in the corner but I'm sure when I turn around with paper glued to my fingers they know I'm up to no good. Rules are made to be broken!

Ottoman Love

I caught a glimpse of this lovely over at Dudecraft yesterday. It revels in it's mid century modern glory. The best part? They're giving it away over at Curbly in lieu of the new book, Make it! Mid-Century Modern. Check it out and enter for a chance to win!

Overflow

I'm just going to jump right in. This post may be the first one that's made me pause to reconsider. Instead of following my intuition I snub my nose and press on. I haven't even been drinking but sometimes excess thought and time alone consumes my better judgment.

I have a muse. I've mentioned him to many, in vague mumbles. Sometimes I question his existence. He remains on his pedestal. A man that inspires me, inspires me in many ways. I'm often astonished at my naivety but then I realize how much this idea I have chalked up in my head keeps me going. Going in a strangely positive manner (which is quite opposite of my pessimistic nature). I've thought a lot about how to banish this awkward infatuation but then I realize it's not all that unhealthy when compared to religion. Although, I would burn at the stake for worshiping some 'false idol.' So to boost that ego and inflate that head a little more I have some images.

These are some I've done this week. I'm attempting to draw it away. The hold, the heart ache, the good and the bad, and the lose I feel over something so superficial. The "names" have been censored to protect the aforementioned. You are about to view the most vulnerable pieces in my sketchbook. Feel honored, enjoy, laugh (b/c they're pretty funny) and give me a hug next time you see me. I need it!
I've been trying to purge a lot lately. It's been awhile, I go through phases. Periods when I just want to change everything; All my surroundings, my thoughts, and clutter. Lately I've been trying to purge my muse. I feel like I shouldn't need someone or an idea of someone to keep me going. I've reached a point where I can stand stable, alone, and content. I want my work to focus on MY experiences (void of some invisible man). I feel I've paid homage to all the facets that helped me make the right choices to get on the right track, now it's time to do a 180. I need to steam forward. On that note, 'so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight..."