Dead Celebs and A Pig Ear

Today was the day of celebs dying. One was no surprise while the other was a huge surprise to me. Death seems to be everywhere these days. But when isn't it around? Way back in the day, when photography was just starting, photos used to be taken of the dead. A bit disturbing. And may great works of art have a death theme. Especially in times of revolution or war.
I painted a "modern family portrait" when the Iraq war started. I thought it was realistic. And it definitely meant something to me (and the person who bought it). My mind was in a dark place at the time. You judge.


Today's subject matter of death I feel is appropriate for my next piece of art. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have decided to learn how to tattoo. This has been a dream of mine ever since my first tattoo way back in the day. So I asked questions to people that know, purchased equipment, and decided to start practicing. My first attempt was on "fake skin". Basically it is a latex square about 3 mm thick. I very much disliked that experience. The fake skin dulled the needles quickly and also got plugged with the fake skin. Soooooo, I decided to try the path of death. I went and purchased pig ears from a Chinese grocery store. This is probably THE most nasty thing I have done in many years (and trust me when I say I have done some nasty shite...but that is another story and not art related). I also decided that I will give my first tattoo to myself at the end of summer (provided I keep practicing), and so I decided to practise part of the design that I am going to do on my leg. The following is a what my first attempt looks like:

I did the tattoo in 2 parts. The first was the outline of black about 2 weeks ago. This part if you decide to look close, is not very good. BUT it was a first attempt, so I will not be too hard on myself. I then froze the ear since I have been working lots. I found some time tonight to add the colour. I think I did well on the colour. But then again, I only have 5 colours and they are not very good. So I will be buying new colours, but using these crappy colours for pig ear practice.

Stay tuned for more pig ear art to follow in coming weeks when I have time.

Words are what we make of them

Sooooo, I know that I have NOT been a good blogger. But then again, my focus on art projects has been all over the place. And to add another excuse, I have been working lots. BOOOOO. I would LOVE to have the time (and space) to really focus on art. I have been checking out some amazing young artists recently. I get totally inspired by their work. And yet, even though the inspiration hits me, I don't think that it changes my work too much... which is a rather easy thing to say since I like making totally different random pieces of art.

I am going to be in a show August 1 to September 4th in Atlanta, GA. It is a simple show with many, many artists. It is based on an interesting concept. People from all over the world submitted five words each. The overlapping words were removed leaving only original words. Then, each participating artist was mailed 5 canvases 3"x3" and 5 words to interpret on the canvases in whatever media wanted. Only exception is that the canvases must stay 3"x3", no overlaying materials.

Welcome to my words!

Tree house: acrylic ink on canvas

Unequivocal: acrylic paint on canvas

Erstwhile: acrylic ink on canvas

Cultural: acrylic paint on canvas

Bamboo: acrylic ink on canvas

I know that I will not be attending the show, but if you think you are going to be in Atlanta this August, let me know and I will give more information of where you can check out the show. Oh yeah, and if you like reading, there will be an encyclopedia of art published in fall... and little ol' me is going to have one of these pieces in it!

Until the next time, ask yourself what you see when you think of any word.