spiral hands

Just thought I would post a quick sketch (was very busy with school work today)... Why do you think?

Tripartite project

One of the projects that I am working on these days actually involves three related components. My friend and fellow collage artist -- Anthony Morgan -- sometimes teases me about the fact that I often like to use background elements comprised of space or galactic images. Of course, like many collagists, I do! But that got me thinking about the appeal of those types of elements for me as an artist and for viewers who respond positively to my work. So, in addition to working on a specific collage, I am also taking the opportunity to photograph various "candidate" backgrounds for comparison. I hope to submit an article to Kolaj magazine soon which discusses the use of space/galactic backgrounds in terms of design strategies and psychological effects. In addition, I am considering doing a small research project at Utica College examining viewers responses to the different backgrounds. From a "scientific" standpoint, this necessitated my use of various backgrounds which might replicate the lighting or perspective factors of the space backgrounds, without it actually being space-related (i.s., "galactic"). Here are some of the images that I am considering using for these projects (nota bene: all of these are images of analog elements... i.e., not digitally manipulated):

"The King of Crabnebbula"

anatomy of the mouth

Well, none of the pieces I submitted to the Utopia/Dystopia juried show at Main Street Gallery were accepted. I was kind of bummed about it, because I really liked the pieces that I sent; and I really like the venue. But alas, "it is what it is". It doesn't really affect what I do at this point. I keep plugging away at it. One of the reasons I love the medium of collage so much is that in addition to creating pieces, I get such a thrill from discovering cool elements as I go through magazines and books. I was REALLY jazzed last night when I came across this gem from an anatomy book (looks like some kind of Star Wars character). When I find an element like this, I get excited about the possibilities of what it will become in the studio.

Utopia/Dystopia exhibit

Here are my submissions for the "Utopia/Dystopia" exhibit at Main Street Gallery in Clifton Springs, NY. Of course, I chose to lean toward the "dystopia" side of the spectrum for my new work which I have entitled "Mind-Bending Nostalgia" (9.5" x 9.5"; 18" x 18" framed).

Small works exhibit

Happy to see one of my pieces featured on the exhibit card for the up-coming Broad Street Gallery  exhibit (Hamilton, NY). I'm also very humbled and excited to be part of such a group of fine artists! Photos will follow.

SMALLS

Should I really write "small" in capital letters? (LOL)
Although I was still a bit tired from this weekend's trip to Boston for the Eastern Psychological Association conference, I was also excited to get back in my creative area last night. I worked on some sketches for a very small piece (1" x 2") and was able to integrate one of the elements from the dollar bill I last posted. I've also posted a couple other sketches for potential compositional ideas.