Sandwich, Schmandwich

I had a sandwich board sitting outside my house near the sidewalk. We live on a well traveled path, a route for walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers. Having a sandwich board with a box for postcards was a great way to get my art known in the area. In fact, I have had the chance to create commissioned pieces, sell prints and originals to many of my neighbors. It has not only been a good source of business, but has also helped create relationships in the neighborhood.

A couple of months ago as I returned from my run, I saw that my sandwich board was gone. Gone! At first I was shocked. Really? Who would take my sandwich board? Why would they take it? It was beyond understanding.

(Now, if I am going to be completely honest I have to say that I was a little flattered that someone would actually go to the effort of taking it and wanting it. This, however, does not justify the wrongness of it all.)

I had been thinking of creating a new board. This incident just pushed the idea to the forefront. I now have a new sandwich board - all shiny and bright. I have tried to secure it by locking it to a sunken post.

If you do know where my old one is, I would love to have her back. It's not okay to take someone elses stuff.

Be good,

Scott

It's Monster Time

Somewhere in my mind I have this idea that I will create something every day. This is to be on top of my normal painting schedule and other life responsibilities. I have a hard time thinking that I can't do it all. So far, I don't think I am winning.

We have a picture window in our living room that was just begging to be something. A big scary something. A big scary Halloweeny something.

I used cardboard, acrylic paint and glue to make the window monster. The eyes are tissue paper stretched over cut out circles with lights behind them so they glow in the dark.

Ooooo scary.

Be good,
Scott

The Autumn Leaves

This past weekend we celebrated Homecoming Sunday at my church, the Magnolia UCC. It was a chance for anyone who has ever had any connection to the church to come together and connect, and in some cases reconnect.

I wanted to create something celebratory in the sanctuary. I knew that the service would be focused on the 'great cloud of witness' from the reading in Hebrews. But, I also wanted to highlight community and autumn. Recently, a tree that had shaded the stained-glass windows in the front of the church had been removed.
This meant that they would have a stronger impact then they had been having in the space. I wanted to respect that, too.

I was inspired by a banner that read "I am the vine, you are the branches".

I used 8" ribbon segments and tied them around a couple of pear tree branches to represent the leaves - and the members of the community.

The colors were dictated by the stained glass windows. I graduated the color of the ribbons, starting with red at the tips of the branches moving to orange, yellow, chartreuse and ending with green at the base. This echoes the changing leaves of the trees outside.

The 'falling' leaves are taped to the wall as well as hanging from wire from the branches to add another dimension. They represent the "great cloud of witnesses", those members that have gone before us.

The effect of these branches ended up being very simple visually and, yet, they were able to embrace all of the concepts I had set forth.

I like this idea so much I think I will do something at home like this. It can be done in colors to match any room or occasion. It could be interesting to do a branch all in black or purple for Halloween. Or all white or silver for Christmas or winter. Be inspired, be good,
Scott

I admit that I am competitive.
I always have been. It is uncertain which is stronger, my satisfaction in winning or my detestation of losing. Whatever it is, it is persistent in my life.

Yesterday, I began my 5-mile morning run much like I do every day, when I saw two young men running 1/2 block ahead of me. They were running in my same direction at quite a pace. It was then that I noticed an entire group (gaggle, herd, obstinacy) of college aged men - running a block ahead of the other two - a block and a half ahead of me.

The conversation in my head went like this:
"You don't have to pass them. They are half your age. They are one and a half blocks ahead. You don't need to catch up to them. They are running fast. It's okay to not pass them. It's okay to not win"

I continued to try to convince myself that I would be okay if I didn't pass them, if I didn't win. However, the deeper, quieter voice was in charge telling my body to push forward. I found myself turning it up a notch, and then another notch and then, yet, another notch. One mile later I found myself passing them.
" You are passing them. They are half your age. You can do it. There they go. Eat my dust. Keep going, don't look back. They may catch on that it's a race and then you're in trouble. Keep going, keep going, keep going...."
By the time I dared look back - another mile or so - I couldn't see them.
I had won fair and square and was ready to relax my pace when I spotted a woman a couple of blocks ahead of me. Her blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she was dressed in a coordinating jogging outfit - pink and black. Usually, this scenario doesn't threaten me. My regular stride would allow me to pass her in no time. In fact, she probably put makeup on to go running. It didn't take me long to see that the distance between us was increasing, not decreasing as expected.
"What the...? This cannot happen. I can't have just beat a flock of college guys to let pretty-in-pink win."
Now body and mind were in sync. I kicked it into gear. It took another mile to pass her.
"There she goes. Keep going, keep going, keep going. Don't look back."
I had won again.
By the time I finished my run in another 1/2 mile, I was ready to throw up.

But, I won.

Be good,
Scott

Art on the Hill

My neighborhood art walk is just weeks away. I have had a small role in putting it together by approaching potential artists, creating the artwork for the publicity and contributing my two cents worth of advice. The Upper Queen Anne Merchants Association is sponsoring the event and as it is an annual event (as opposed to the usual monthly art walk) they are making efforts to create an extraordinary evening. Along with meeting the artists and seeing the art there will be stations set up to create art, times to hear the artists talk about there work, a drawing for prizes, entertainment and plenty of treats.
I will be showing my latest paintings at Chocolopolis, a simply beautiful shop with chocolate from around the world. And really, what could be better than that? Art and chocolate.
If you are in the area, please stop by.
Be Good, Scott

What does it take to be noticed?

This past weekend I saw the movie "Julie and Julia". It is the story of a woman - an unrealized writer - who desires something more in her life. She has an unsatisfying job, a self-important group of friends (she's not always the nicest person herself) and the longing to be a writer. She also likes to cook. With her supportive and patient husband's encouragement she decides to cook her way through the Julia Child cookbook and blog about it. She gives herself a year for the project.

At the same time, we are given the story of how Julia Child became 'Julia Child'. She is an affable woman who loves to eat and wants something to do with her time while her husband is employed in Paris. She attends Le Cordon Bleu and learns the art of French cuisine. There she is noticed by a couple of women who are writing a French cookbook for Americans. Julia helps them make their cookbook more accessible to the American audience.

In both cases, their stories end with them being noticed. Julie, the writer, ends up with a book based on her blog entries and then this movie. Julia ended up with her cookbook but also became a television personality and a major influence in the history of American food.

Julie was 30 when it happened for her. Julia was closer to 50.

So, why were they noticed? What did they do? How did they get there?
I have been trying to figure this out since the first showing of my work 10 years ago. What will it take for me to be noticed as an artist?

I have also tried to figure out why I long for more, when clearly, I have so much. I have always believed that I was meant to make a difference. That my life was to be a legacy of something good. This has been my understanding from the beginning. It is why I try to create art that is accessible and light-filled with meaning and insight.

I am grateful for the support I have. I am surrounded by people that believe in me. My art has opened doors and created relationships I had never imagined. I have been able to do things, go places and meet people all over. My world has expanded greatly.
And yet, I wonder when will I be noticed?

I am constantly looking for ways to put myself - my art - out into the world. I have had moments when I thought this is it, this is when I will be discovered. These were the times when I believed I would be thrown into the national/international spotlight. Each time they have passed with a quiet little 'whoosh'.

I have auditioned for television shows, sent my portfolio to numerous galleries, shot a television pilot, lead creativity groups, donated hundreds of pieces to organizations across the country, I have even sold the painted shirt off of my back. I have gathered my creative friends for brainstorming the road to my success. I have designed clothes, landscapes, graphics, interiors, theater sets, costumes, murals, children's books. My work has been shown in businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, fairs, gift shops and galleries. My line of art cards is scattered across the country as well are my prints on canvas. I have been the presenting artist for several events both locally and nationally. My art has been used as the 'image' of several businesses.
My life is centered on being creative, being an artist. It is what I eat, drink and sleep.

I will continue to put myself out into the world. I will face it's give and take. I will.
What does it take to be noticed?

Be good,
Scott

Even on Vacation

This past weekend Cameron and I went camping with friends on Lake Chelan.

Lake Chelan is located on the eastern edge of the cascade mountains. The south end of the lake is a popular resort location and full of summer activity. The north end of the lake, 55 miles long, is accessible by boat, small airplane or on foot. We have friends that own 65 acres very near the north end.

There is not much there but wilderness. Occasionally, a boat passes by or an airplane flies overhead, but for the most part the only sounds are the wind, the waves and the birds.

We were there for four days of relaxation and simple living.

It was the third day when our friend John suggested that we each make a puppet. It suddenly occurred to him when I peeked out of the tent window looking very much like a puppet in a puppet theater.

We had til the end of the day to create our characters using anything we could find. I decided to give myself even greater confines by letting myself use only natural material.

It was a greater challenge than I had anticipated, but fun nonetheless. The result was this rather unattractive, pine-cone-headed woman. But, her unattractiveness was overlooked do to the fact that she was all held together by grass and tension.

Though a couple of us (who shall remain nameless, what happens on Lake Chelan....) couldn't bring themselves to create a puppet, the two of us that did, had a great time doing it.

As you can see, she is not pretty. But, she was a great way to spend a couple of hours. I had to push myself to create something I have never done before, with 'limited' resources. I was pleased and surprised that she actually stayed together and was rather sturdy. Who knew that grass could be so durable?

So I challenge you: create something ridiculous just for the act of creating. Can you make a puppet with only the things you can find around you?

Be good,
Scott

A Cup of Light

Seattle artist Russ Morgan creates lighting fixtures using recycled glass and glass objects. They are interesting and beautiful pieces. I have seen them around Seattle for many years and have admired them. It was not too long ago when I saw a few of his pieces and was inspired to create my own.

I went on ebay and began searching for glass punch cups. It took me about a month to collect 30 cups. I also purchased a chafing dish holder. At the hardware store I picked up the lighting parts and all the hardware for assembly.

The idea was to hang the cups from the chafing dish holder with wire, while the light bulb hangs surrounded by the glass cups. I hung the chafing dish holder from the ceiling light cap. For working purposes I hung the entire contraption from a hook on the ceiling while I wired the cups.

Transferring the finished chandelier to the dining room proved to be the most challenging part of the project as it weighed quite a bit. It ended up being a three person job. With my aunts Annie and Joyce in town, I put them to work holding up the chandelier while I wired the electricity. After struggling with the old wiring in the ceiling, I finally got it ready to hang.

I am happy with the finished chandelier. It is contemporary and traditional, fancy and simple and decorative and useful. You can do it too. Really.

Be good,

Scott

Art and Eat and Art and Art and Art

I have returned to Geraldine's Counter in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. I had a showing there 2 years ago and have been wanting to get back ever since.

Geraldine's Counter serves the quintessential Americana fare. The food is very good.
The space is bright and open with color-filled walls. My artwork looks like it belongs there. It will be there through the end of May. I invite you to stop by, see my art and enjoy a home cooked meal.


The Sirani Gallery in Pittsburgh is now representing me. I will be there in May for my show opening and cocktail party. The Sirani Gallery has both my original oil on canvas pieces as well as prints on canvas. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, I hope you have a chance to visit the gallery.

The Seattle Men's Chorus will be celebrating it's 30th Anniversary this year. They commissioned me to do a commemorative painting in honor of the anniversary. My relationship with the chorus spans 20 years, so I was greatly appreciative of the invitation to create a piece for them.

The Chorus is offering limited edition (100) prints on canvas. They are 24"x36" for $300. All prints are numbered and signed and have a certificate of authenticity.
You can read my artist statement and learn more about it on their website.
SMC 30th Anniversary.


In the meantime, I am working on several other commissioned pieces. I can truly say that 'Life is Art (and Art and Art)'.

Geraldines Counter
4872 Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
206•723•2080

My art lives there through May 31, 2009.


Sirani Gallery
5875 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412.422.2121

Meet the Artist Cocktail Party, Saturday May 9, 2009 - 7 PM

Be Good,
Scott

Singing in the Bathroom

Earlier this week, on her daytime talk show, Ellen Degeneres announced her 'Singing in the Bathroom' contest. She had discovered a couple of young, beautiful women on youtube who sing pop songs in their bathroom and then post the performances.
(you can see their Ellen bathroom performance:
http://www.youtube.com/)
Since then, Ellen has sung in the bathroom with several of her recording artist guests. The prize for this contest is a trip to Hollywood to sing in the bathroom with Ellen.

When she made her announcement I immediately thought about the first time I discovered the art of singing in the bathroom. I was in 4th grade and had been given a solo in the chorus concert at school. I practiced and practiced that song. I'm certain that it sounded better in our downstairs bathroom than anywhere else.
I just had to submit an audition, so I asked my friend Patti to help. This is our video. It is a recreation of me singing that then-contemporary song. Patti sings the chorus part. (no, the chorus was never in my bathroom, but...)

When I hear it now, the song, "One Tin Soldier" seems so serious for a 4th grader. At the time, I'm pretty sure I didn't pay any attention to what I was singing, just that I got to sing a solo.

Hello Ellen, here we come!

Be good,
Scott

Everything old is new again

This past fall as I was cooling down from one of my morning runs, I came across 'free stuff'. You know, the pile of stuff by the side of the road with the handmade sign saying 'FREE'. One of the houses in the neighborhood was being renovated and each day something new, rather old, was put out for the taking. This particular day I found a piece of furniture that had been a built-in desk. I liked it but couldn't really justify taking it. What was I going to do with it?
But, that afternoon I was still thinking about it. So, I got into my car and loaded it into the trunk.
It had sat in the garage for the last 5 months, in pieces.

I finally decided to tackle it. My friend Elynne had sent me an electric fireplace insert, which I ahd used as a heater, but it lacked character. The desk would become the new home for the fireplace insert.

After getting the desk back together, I still had a bit of work to box in the sides, build a 'hearth', make an inner frame and paint it, antique it (there was no way it was going to ever look new and fresh) and wax it.
It turned out beautifully.I used the scalloping of the leg and drawer shapes to dictate the design. I selected a print of one of my paintings that has similar shapes and covered the inset frame with it. I was even able to maintain a working drawer.
Be good,
Scott

Ever Wonder

Today's question comes from the book 'ever wonder' by Kobi Yamada

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Summer in January

Usually, January is a very slow, quiet, grey time for me. This January as shown itself to be full, rich and colorful. For 2009, I have been invited to participate in several different events as the presenting artist. I encourage you to visit the 'news' page on my website for details. I am one with my easel and am continually applying color to canvas.
Just know that I am grateful for the many opportunities and also aware of my blogging negligence. I am hoping to be more attentive.

There has been an unusual, fascinating and fun occurrence at our house this year. It seems that a family of ladybugs has made themselves at home inside our home. Earlier this fall when I saw the little beetles inside, I didn't think much of it. I expected that the cold weather would drive them into dormancy, just like every other bug. Here we are in the middle of January and the ladybugs are still with us. It appears that each day presents a new bug. The variations in color and spotage have me wondering how many there really are and how long they live.

I love that they are here and now find myself actually looking for them each morning. During the day they sit in one spot. In the evening, when I am cooking they will sit on my arm or shoulder and then seem to follow us from room to room. I haven't found 'ladybug-ground-zero' but I haven't looked that hard.

We have decided that they are vying to be my muse. They are holding their ground until I do a painting with a ladybug as the focus. Their threats aren't very threatening, but I am entertaining the thought.

It is a bit of Summer in January.

Be good,
Scott

The Art of Divesting

We all own many 'things'. Maybe too many things? I know, for myself, that I don't always see all of the things with which I have surrounded myself. Every now and then, I stop and take inventory of what I have. It helps that I have moved 4 times in the last 6 years. Each time I pack and move everything I question why I have all this stuff. So I have learned the art of divesting. There is great freedom in divesting. Moving out the old makes room for the new.