Some Make It, Some Not So Much…

“Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they’re having a piss.”  Banksy, Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall

I worked my way into a no go zone of sorts. A burned out business that has had a checkered past since the fire. Eventually it was closed off, but the signs of intrusion and recent dated ‘art’ were evident. An interesting combination (I am sure there is a more artistic/creative term) of urban decay and a canvas for many competing ‘artists’…even the failed ones.  I will share more along the way. Banksy Creations

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Why the out pouring of sentiments?

Little children being held as human shields by terrorists…Christians being crucified, beheaded, denigrated…hundreds of Yazidi villagers buried alive by terrorists…ebola…a resurgence of fascism…a seeming conflagration waiting to burst forth and consume more innocents. This daily onslaught of devastation, that also masks and blurs the dilution of our liberties, makes one turn away, sooner or later, out of a sense of powerlessness, anger, numbness and overload. Turn toward gentler, kinder, soulful outlets that renew our minds, our hearts, our very soul in the face of evil, in a loving cocoon.  

So, when the passings of these creative souls takes place it is a thump to the chest, the gut. These are our refuges from out there. From evil, yes evil. It is a loss that intrudes on our gentle trance of joy and satisfaction. This week, I have felt this more than usual. It is in proportion to the outrage and futility I feel when ever I turn out toward danger, devastation, incompetence and brutality.

I am not one for sticking my head in the sand and ignoring reality. But, I have so loved escaping to those kind souls who live and breathe decency and dignity in the face of darkness. I pray, as events unfold, that I will carry on this spark of kindness even as I turn back toward the chaos I see. Seriously thank all of you that seek and give that gentle nudge toward love, softness and giving. 

Art~Perception: Painter in Trouble

“Artists don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” Bob Ross

“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” Ansel Adams

“Art is what you can get away with.” Andy Warhol

My creation just below. A frenzied little piece that just so happens to incorporate the Painter in Trouble.

The above image was derived from the below image which nicely shows the drops, drips, blotches of paint atop vintage grout. Some how the ‘painter’ failed to notice this trail and of course as seems the norm with many ‘craftsmen’ this day in age, they failed to clean it up leaving it for me. Hence the Painter in Trouble. I just had some creative fun with it all.

Travel Envy & Photography: Lady Budd (Clanmother)

I have followed the pursuits of Rebecca Budd (Clanmother) in her discoveries of all things beautiful in art. However, I seem to have gazed right past her own artistic magic at Lady Budd….inspiring, mind tweaking photography that makes one go…’what am I doing sitting on my butt…get up and get going!’ Beautiful images as Rebecca travels and sees the shot and captures some great memories. Rebecca has several notable blogs that are referenced via Chasing Art and Lady Budd. Enjoy her quest for visual beauty in The Gallery. I particularly enjoyed the photo of the Scottish Highlands.

Rebecca Budd…Clanmother

Shawn Bichsel’s Art: Lines In The Dirt

I, probably like you, have great admiration for the artist. The creation of images upon paper and the imagination and discipline to create never fail to please me. All artists, be they painters, drawers, sculptors, glass magicians, woodworkers, musicians on and on…are soothers of the mind and the soul. Big lead in for Shawn Bischsel’s work. But, for me, it pleases and I like how he takes our common images of fly fishing and fly tying and presents pleasing images. Check out Shawn’s site at Lines In The Dirt. Also, take a look  at Shawn’s Etsy site for affordable pieces of art.