Inspiration

Art isn't easy sometimes. Actually, most of the time it's not easy. As I type this, I'm passing up a nice sunny day on the mountain with friends to try and finish up the pieces for my show at J's Tapas in Ventura, CA next month. Sometimes sacrifices must be made. But I've been staring at my blank wood panels for a few hours now and nothing has happened. Stupid.

Banging your head against the wall doesn't help more blood flow to the creative part of the brain as one might think. I've been rummaging through old sketch books, notes, random drawings stashed away in desk drawers, reading art books, and looking out my window. To many directions to go but at the same time nowhere to go.

Here's a list of "Things that inspire me" I found scribbled in a sketchbook from '06. Maybe this will help:

nature
plants
big color
organic shapes
ocean
space
ancient cultures
history
maps
charts
the seasons
construction
processes
blueprints
growth
evolution
politics
propaganda
secrets
mysteries
thoughts
technology
balance
harmony- yin/yang
cycles
systems
symbols
codes
puzzles
weather
---
Here's a sneak peak at some near finished pieces for the show that I'm actually semi-happy with...

Mr. Orwell...

"And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed—if all records told the same tale—then the lie passed into history and became truth. ‘Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past."
— George Orwell, 1984

I wonder how many details of our history we missed out on?

Good From Far, Far From Good

Snapped this shot last weekend while down at the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, which is a whole other story, talk about out of control.. Maaaaaaan! Anywho... you might be able to see where some of my recent inspiration has been coming from. Gotta love the Oregon coast!

The Chair Affair 2008

Recently I was asked to participate in the 2nd Annual Community Warehouse Chair Affair here in Portland. Artists from all over were asked to come down to the warehouse, pick out a chair, take it home, do it up with some art and donate it to be auctioned off to raise money for the Community Warehouse which helps low income families get their homes furnished. I'm usually too selfish for this kind of stuff but I said what the heck.

Date: April 17, 2008

Place: Art Institute of Portland, 1122 NW Davis

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Tickets: $50.00 (Tickets can be purchased on the website)

Here's my chair to begin with, it's pretty gross, but we'll see what I can do...

***UPDATE*** :: Here's the finished chair. It's called, "Just Sittin' in the Rain" And a special "THANK YOU!" to my Mom for reupholstering the cushions. High five Mom!

Some new work in the works...

Here's a quick shot of some fresh paint from the studio. Will be doing a bunch of similar ones for the show in Ventura in April.
4' x 2' on 3 panels.

A beautiul day in my neighborhood...

A view from our porch a few days ago. Mount St. Helens and the Freemont Bridge. You can also see Mount Rainier behind Helens and to the left.... that's a loooooong ways away.

Special Winter Treat

Ahhhhh yes.... a sweet winter treat on the Oregon coast. Sunny, Offshore and freezing cold!

Abel Arts Newsletter :: Jan 28, 2008 :: Winter Shows!

A happy 2008 to everybody!

Winter in the NW is in full swing. The new year started off dumping day after day on Mt. Hood and the waves in the last few weeks have been pretty unbelievable. Portland is in the perfect spot between the two. Surfing in the winter up here requires some dedication... or some insanity. Last week I suited up in 34 degree air temp and couldn't wait to warm up in the 48 degree water. I almost slipped and broke my neck on the sheet of ice on the beach. Buuurrrrrrrrrrrrr! But the rewards were far more than worth it.

I am involved in a few group shows coming up in the first week of February. One in Portland and one in Seattle. I'll be attending both so come say HI! Get all the details below.

My Holiday Sale is still going on and I have a few screen prints left so pick one up if you haven't and thanks again to those who already have!

If you haven't already, check out the short timelapse video of a commissioned piece I did HERE.

Alright, hope your 2008 is off to a great start! Look forward to some big things happening this summer!

(All posts associated with this newsletter are posted on JAN. 28th)
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