Installation project.

I have been thinking quite a bit about the idea of doing some type of installation exhibit. I have a couple different ideas rolling around in my brain. I don't want to disclose too much because I want it to be an experience. That may seem weird but I have thought quite a bit about this(being up on scaffolding and ladders for hours at a time allows a guy to think). I am wanting to create something that allows the viewer/participant to be involved in the work.

The ideas I have been thinking of possibly elicit a very deep emotional response from people. I know the ideas have impacted me deeply.

Bridges, backpacks and baggage. That is where all of this stems from. Like I said I don't want to reveal too much. So there you go.

Also been sketching out several different ideas for new paintings and prints. Most of them seem to happen during sermon time on Sunday morning. Now this is nothing against my good friend and preacher, Mike Cahill. No, it is actually quite the opposite. His sermons typically trigger more thoughts than I have time to process.

And this is when my sermon notes become artwork notes and sketches. I suppose we all do that is one way or another depending on a variety of things including our current mood, emotional state, etc. My wife calls this type of thinking "rabbit trailin' ". Kind of like when you are reading something on a web page and the next thing you know you have clicked on a link to another web page. And then you do it again...and again....and again. You get the point. You are far removed from your original web page and the next thing you know you are no longer reading about how to put together the simple bookshelf system you bought at IKEA and now you are reading a blog written by a guy who is really unable to communicate his thoughts in a meaningful way, much less make a lot of sense.

Anyway you get the idea. I will try to keep you posted.

Onward and Upward,
Jason

Too Much....

stuff to do. I know that is truly a news flash for everybody. But that is exactly what is taking place in my day to day life. Art work has been pushed to the back burner for the last few months. Painting my house has consumed a large portion of my time. You may be thinking painting the house, big deal...well it'snot that simple.

I am painting my house because it is covered in lead paint. Yeah!!! Love that lead paint. Such a genius invention, ranks right up there with asbestos insulation. Anyway, wearing a respirator, scraping (not my first choice) priming, painting, clean up...and well lets just say its a slow process.

The option here was to make my own personal artwork or fix my house that has caused one of my children to test high for lead in a recent blood test. Of course, its a no-brainer.

I have been doing my best to protect myself during this process. Needless to say, it is not easy to stay clear of the lead. I have been spraying the house down with water to keep the dust down too.

Anyway...I have still been sketching out ideas for paintings and prints. I will certainly be back to work in a few months.

And to really mix things up a bit more, I am teaching two new classes this year along with the wacked out idea of starting a local art co-op/collective. I was talking to a friend of mine on the local arts council and mentioned the idea of starting a co-op and all my ideas for what I see it becoming and he just says "aren't you getting ready to go back to school?"

Of course I say, its a perfect time to add something else to my day. Well, we will see how it plays out.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Onward and Upward,
Jason