superbadfriend

Typical Friday night with friends.

2012-01-14T13:15:00.001-06:00

We sit around and watch partially frozen water turn into a strange water goo.

?

2011-12-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

Someone squishy and soft is going to be sauntering into your life very soon.

Kitteh in the City™ - The new adventure begins.

2011-12-18T23:56:00.003-06:00

Add caption

A cup of snowman.

2011-12-09T10:22:00.003-06:00

Meet, Teacup Snowman!

Fern - a true, but tragic story

2011-11-26T09:09:00.002-06:00

I spent almost two weeks in another country gathering resources and researching for the next installation of Kitteh in the City. I am so excited for you to see Kitteh's next adventure. Till then, here is a little side-story for you.

I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the photos which I will update soon. I lost my camera cord and am unable to send the images from my camera to my computer. So, I took pictures with my computer's camera of the preview images from my actual camera, and voila! Shitty images, but I get an A+ for ingenuity. :)


Meet Fern. She was most talented Leaf Cutter Ant model. Ever.


Fern modeled for me when I needed a good representation of a Leaf Cutter Ant. She listened to direction well, and after our session was complete, her payment was a segment-of-a-segment of a juicy tangerine.

Moments later, Fern had company.

There was a violent struggle.


Sadly, ending in death. RIP Fern.

Trumped

2011-11-16T20:58:00.000-06:00

Doggie Doo - by Goliath Games LLC

2011-11-16T17:01:00.001-06:00

Adi Golad and David Norman are geniuses for bringing this game to life. You can read the story here.

My favorite excerpt from the story, "Time after time, day after day, the game was reviewed and passed over by those so called experts who believed that it just wasn’t a “proper” fit for their company. "

HA!

Way to go, guys!

Fall Foliage Road Trip

2011-11-16T08:00:00.004-06:00

In with the old.

2011-11-14T12:50:00.001-06:00

Packaged art ready to be stored into the archives. I have cleared out my space to make way for all of the unfinished *new* pieces I have been working off-and-on for at least a decade. This work has me more excited than anything I have created. It is an amalgam of techniques I have developed over the years. I may have found a way to tie my various genres of art into one cohesive story. More to come..

Brooklyn & NYC

2011-11-13T00:47:00.000-06:00

Love.

Birthday Bird

2011-11-01T18:40:00.006-05:00

Plaster, pencil, watercolor, rust on cradled wood panel. 22"x28"

Kitteh in the City® - at the Ritz Carlton, Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel)

2011-10-30T17:20:00.008-05:00

Kitteh is living at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. If you are a guest with children, the Ritz will be including copies of my Kitteh in the City® coloring book (made exclusively for the Chicago hotel). I guess you could "borrow" a child during your stay if you wanted one badly enough. :)

Thank you Ritz Carlton, Chicago for giving Kitteh a home.

Please stay tuned for more Kitteh stuff. She's been busy this past year.

Kitteh in the City coloring book cover

partial rough sketch for a cover option, but I decided to go in another direction.

sketches for the coloring book, the characters in the book are based on my actual friends. The man on the right is my friend Eric wearing a D2 t-shirt. Ha!

Every Mother Counts

2011-10-22T10:08:00.003-05:00

I created a special painting which you can bid on to raise funds for this cause.

Every Mother Counts is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health.

To bid on my painting "SAFE" please go here. It's super easy and 100% of the proceeds will be given to Every Mother Counts.

SAFE

My Everest #2.

2011-10-22T09:52:00.002-05:00

in studio environment

96"x48"

I finished this painting, finally. FINALLY! After 4 years of wanting to throw it out the window, loving and hating it at various points of its creation, I can now honestly say, she is done. We jokingly named her "lockjaw" because one requires a tetanus shot to handle it. Seriously.

Studio

2011-10-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

Clean! Although, the floor made a strange colorful paste when mopped.

Scott ended up buying this one, but I told him it doesn't count as income since the money is coming and going back into the same place.

This Weekend October 1 & 2

2011-09-29T10:30:00.001-05:00

I still have a flip phone with a 2 megapixel camera. Here is what the photos end up looking like. Don't you miss having one of those phones? Awesome.

This weekend, our studio has been featured as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk. I'll be there from eleven till seven October 1 & 2.

Bought a bunch of tiny vintage/antique frames from Todd Mack over at Two-Sided. I think they look adorable under glass & old wood. Fits the name of the series for sure.

Thanks Todd!

little conversations

2011-09-26T23:03:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things to do before starting my day at the studio, is to create little collages out of hand-painted strips of plaster left over from my other paintings. The wood is re-purposed from old shelves - which I keep handy for such spurts of inspiration.

Personally, I think they are clean and fun. The thread and strips of canvas take on shape of their own which unintentionally create little personalities.

too much effen vodka

scarlet-ish letter

april showers in may
(SOLD)

there's a spider in my soup

in flight

the sled kept going

tying a tie
(SOLD)

surly curly's blustery morning stroll

I can dance.

Collecting Time

2011-09-26T22:33:00.002-05:00

My abstract paintings are created entirely by impressions left on canvas by found objects and lots of time. To me, they are serene and I love the process of creating them.

Here is a sampling of some of my favorites created from 13 years of collecting. I will be breaking out more of them to show at our studio's open house this coming weekend.

Enjoy!

small bird. smaller branch.

monkey see

monkey do

sunrise

squirrel!

heart of the rabbit

last dance

Stacks

2011-09-21T08:04:00.002-05:00

No one actually ever sees my stacks of paintings on paper, but since we are having an open studio for the first time next weekend, thought I'd share a few of them with the rest of you.

I usually warm-up before getting to work in my studio. Something quick, but thoughtful - whatever is on my mind at the moment or nagging me.

My ideas usually branch off from these particular paintings – for those of you familiar with my past artwork and assemblages, you will see some seeds within these stacks.

Enjoy!

"Kitteh in the City"

2011-09-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

Over-the-moon excited to finally share this with you!

I just wanted to say thank you to all of my family and friends whom over the past few years have kindly given me feedback on this project and a ginormous hug to the awesome folks in my everyday life who have to hear me say, "HEY GUYS, I HAVE THIS IDEA....." Extra special thanks to my pal Malea!

More to come soon!

:)

new addition to my rock collection - southwest

2011-09-16T21:15:00.001-05:00

Moab

2011-09-15T12:43:00.001-05:00

Abandoned chair. This ghost town is basically a chair orphanage. I should so go back with a U-Haul.

Abbie being Abbie. She will be posting her photos on her website soon. Consider my photos the behind-the-scenes nibnobs.

A rainbow. Not of the double type, but pretty nonetheless.

Abbie standing on a cliff in Moab.

As seen on our favorite show ever, Ancient Aliens.

Home Sweet Home

2011-09-11T00:17:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! I am back. Sorry for the long delay between posts. The past few months have been jammed with visitors, traveling and more traveling. Pics to come. Hope your summer was awesome! xo

after and before | the reading nook

2011-06-23T12:56:00.004-05:00

And then there were shelves!

Thanks to my dear friend and very talented artist, James Brenner. We built these from scratch, reclaimed materials and a rudimentary drawing.

my cell phone presents | hazy days

2011-06-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

The Little Red Plane | knitted video by Charlotte Blacker

2011-06-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

Magnificent stop-motion video created and hand-knitted by Charlotte Blacker, along with Vanessa Townley, Holly Blacker, Linda Blacker and Joyce Bull. Spotted via Retro Renovation

Amaranta Martinez of Piktorama

2011-06-13T19:18:00.003-05:00

A few months ago one of my favorite websites called Pikaland (created by the darling Amy Ng) was having an illustration giveaway and I won. YAY! The art was created by the adorable Amaranta Martínez, an illustrator from Venezuela. I was thrilled to further find out we share a similar past. Amaranta worked as an Art Director for Nickelodeon Latin America for several years. She decided to go off on her own to freelance and then eventually created Piktorama. She found her voice, developed her own illustration style and now sells her art here!
Thanks to Amy and Amaranta! I love the Cupcake Flavors. :)

Umbra | by Malcolm Sutherland

2011-06-12T15:18:00.003-05:00

Umbra (HD - 2010) from Malcolm Sutherland on Vimeo.
An explorer adventures into an unknown world, yet it seems that he has been there before. A short animated film directed by Malcolm Sutherland in 2010. With music by Alison Melville and Ben Grossman, and foley by Leon Lo. Sound design / mix by Malcolm Sutherland.

favorite book | milk teeth | by julie morstad

2011-06-12T14:00:00.001-05:00

milk teeth by Julie Morstad

©juliemorstad

©juliemorstad
I love this image so much.

©juliemorstad

Rabbitkadabra

2011-05-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

Rabbitkadabra! from Rabbitkadabra! on Vimeo.

Dear John Lithgow - I absolutely adore you

2011-05-25T20:03:00.002-05:00

John Lithgow makes everything alright in the world.

Nerfect | 4 X 6 X 365

2011-05-25T19:44:00.004-05:00

#131 - Woo Woo!
I love our pal Mr. Walters and his 4X6X365 series. He updates every week so be sure to check out this latest batch over at Nerfect! He's been at it since 2005 so plan on spending some time checking out his vault of art.

Share by renee and jeremy

2011-05-25T16:50:00.001-05:00

such a cute video

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2011-05-23T16:57:00.001-05:00

so unmotivated

2011-05-15T12:16:00.002-05:00

Ugh. I have been in a funk for almost two months. Gonna blame it on the crappy weather and being overwhelmed with too many things. I can't keep this up much longer though, it is sucking the life out me. :( Any advice on kick starting my mojo? Nothing seems to be working these days. Le sigh.

I want to work for DDB Paris.

2011-05-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

Favorite books - Someone's Life | Lance Letscher

2011-04-03T19:24:00.002-05:00

lance letscher | someone's life

the farmer's wife (2001) collage on masonite

in a hopeful way (2001) collage on masonite

If you can find Someone's Life, buy it! There are a few other books out there that are as equally terrific. The Perfect Machine and Lance Letscher Collage. Both have stunning documentation of Letscher's art.

Creative Boom Magazine

2011-03-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

Add caption

Favorite Breakfast | Buttermilk Pancakes

2011-03-27T08:09:00.002-05:00

My fresh-picked Blueberries are coming to an end. I am saving the rest for some house guests we are expecting in April. Those berries were the best $12.00 I've ever worked for.

Heat griddle or pan. In a bowl, wisk all of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl lightly beat the wet ingredients (the last is 4 tablespoons of melted butter - got cut off) Add wet to the dry ingredients Stir till moistened, will be very lumpy. DO NOT OVER MIX! I add the blueberries while the first side is cooking. Let it bubble and only flip once.

Martha Stewart 2002 cookbook page 3

Japan earthquake & tsunami fundraiser | Jesse LeDoux | Tiny Showcase

2011-03-18T22:06:00.003-05:00

So many talented artists are creating beautiful artwork and donating proceeds to help raise money for Japan. The following print was created by, Jesse LeDoux, an art director-turned-artist, gotta love that!

"Rising Sun" is an 18" by 24" two-color screen print on archival 270gsm environmentally-certified print making paper. The artwork features a high-gloss white ink and red ink on a bright white environmentally-certified paper. This unsigned edition will be available between March 15th and March 29th, 2010."

Jesse's artwork, Rising Sun, has already helped to raise $3,200 for relief efforts in Japan. You can contribute to the cause by heading over to Tiny Showcase.

Japan earthquake & tsunami fundraiser | Pikaland

2011-03-16T21:53:00.003-05:00

via Pikaland

Pikaland will be giving 100% of their net profit from the sale of Tokyo-based artist Mogu Takahashi’s Chotto Omoshiroi poster to the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Society. You can purchase the poster by heading over to Pikabooks.

All YOU NEED IS NOW | Duran Duran Contest

2011-03-15T21:15:00.003-05:00

POP ART

Clinic | Bubblegum

2011-03-15T17:00:00.004-05:00

Clinic - Bubblegum from Alasdair & Jock on Vimeo.

Precious illustrations and the song is hauntingly lovely. Enjoy!

Surly Curly Goes to Paris

2011-03-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

I made these for my friend Surly Curly. She loves Paris.

favorite book | Bug City | by Dahlov Ipcar

2011-03-01T12:24:00.004-06:00

Often, I relish in a memory of myself at a book fair my mother had taken us to at my preschool. I remember running my fingers over all the books and stopping on this peculiar one that caught my attention. I can see myself sitting on the floor, I was wearing white scuffed shoes and white socks which had delicate blue lace. I remember the illustrations, in particular, the ones below.

Over the years, I was going crazy trying to remember the name of the book containing the illustrations I so fondly treasured, but could not read. Today, for the first time ever, I finally got to read the words and pour over the pages that were only a hard-to-recall-memory for most all of my life.

Enjoy Dahlov Ipcar's, Bug City. Thank You Dahlov, you were my very first influence in the art world!

For the love of sad food.

2011-02-06T08:53:00.001-06:00

A lovely shout-out to our darling friend, Adore64 and his humorous-but-true pictorals about the "The Bologna Sandwiches of Woe", "The Minestrone Soup of Sad." and the "The Pineapple of Pre-Paycheck Poverty". Ed and his sorrowful lunches appropriately inspired the name for, The Tears of Woe.

Thank You, A-64! One day I am going to take you to Androuet! :)

favorite book | all my friends are dead

2011-01-31T23:36:00.002-06:00

All My Friends Are Dead

"All My Friends Are Dead," a new book by Avery Monsen and Jory John. It's either the saddest funny book or the funniest sad book you'll ever read. Promise"

I can't put it down. The writing is hilarious and the expressions on the characters tug at your heartstrings. It smartly plays off of that child-like quality with a wicked sense of humor.

Go buy it now here!

Homemade Blueberry Tart Jam

2011-01-31T15:02:00.006-06:00

Last August we went Blueberry pickin' in Indiana. I froze all 13.5 pounds.They make great jam!

4 cups of mashed blueberries, which I picked over the summer and froze.

1/2 cup lemon juice

I found Pamona's Pectin at WholeFoods.

I used 3/4 cup of Indiana Honey as the sweetner.

Mix the honey, pectin and calcium water and add to boiling blueberries.

Stir for 2 minutes.

sterilized jars

After placing the 2-part lids, boil the jam for ten minutes. Remove from the water and cool. Make sure the lids pop! The jam stays good after opened for up to 3 weeks.

4.5 cups of mashed berries = 6 jars

Andy the Happy Tear

2011-01-26T11:34:00.004-06:00

The origin of the argument was unclear, but one day while playing in the park, Martin and Orangedotstickbutt began to quarrel. Against his better judgment, Martin pushed Orangedotstickbutt to the ground. Poor Orangedotstickbutt couldn't help but to shed a tear. Many tears in fact. One of which, was different from all the rest.

Original rough sketch. I decided to eliminate the little bad news bear from the painting.
As I now recall, he was the cause of the fight.

some of my raw materials for the installation

Left side with the rough sketches in place.


Undercoat painting in progress.

New York Wildlife Rescue: The Montana Llamas are here

2011-01-25T09:41:00.001-06:00

New York Wildlife Rescue: The Montana Llamas are here:

Louise Bourgeois - Ode à la Bièvre

2011-01-24T19:23:00.007-06:00

One of my favorite books.

"With the soil from that river we planted geraniums, masses of peonies, and beds of asparagus... and honeysuckle that smelled so sweet in the rain." - Louise Bourgeois

Duran Duran is great!

2011-01-03T19:26:00.005-06:00

My friend Jon has taken a great deal of care to compose a poignant look at the scope of work Duran Duran has created over three decades. You can read all about it on his blog, Hatesexy.

ALL YOU NEED IS NOW by Duran Duran directed by Nick Egan

2010-12-22T07:33:00.004-06:00

I'm not gonna write anything other than, Merry Christmas! All You Need Is Now is the best gift ever.

:)

Martin's new clothes

2010-12-04T09:11:00.012-06:00

Martin has been wearing the same outfit for almost ten years! I thought it was time to give him some new clothes. With the help of luisa castellanos Martin finally has a wardrobe worth sharing.

Martin at a party with his Pockit Palz

The Tinies - Eggdar

2010-11-30T10:49:00.000-06:00

Moment of Clarity, Hollow Earth, Intrusion and Mission into the Unknown

2010-11-30T10:10:00.005-06:00

These paintings are an extension of my art book. They needed to be larger that the confined pages I was creating them in.

Intrusion

Mission Into the Unknown

Hollow Earth

Moment of Clarity

©artworkjessiesmithlarson

View from my window.

2010-11-20T22:31:00.003-06:00

One day last winter I was sitting at my drawing table watching a flock of tiny sparrows playing in the snow. One of them flew up to my window and I swear he stood there laughing at me. That event which lasted only minutes, lead me to create the following body of work.

•

Artwork ©jessiesmithlarson photography by Emily Hindin

The Tinies - I will miss you.

2010-11-16T19:34:00.000-06:00

Every child who has grown up a military brat can relate to having a revolving door of friends. Guess I just got used to people being in my life for short spurts of time. I am always surprised when a few stay for the long haul. It's kinda nice.

The Tears of Woe

2010-11-16T09:03:00.005-06:00

Remember back when I was working on the Orangedotstickbutt cage sculpture? Part of the installation included hundreds of tears. One of the tears took on a personality much different that the others, so I called him Andy. Andy will have own adventures now that's he's been released into the world.

The Tears of Woe.

Can you spot Andy?


Andy gets a black eye.

The Tinies - I like you.

2010-11-08T07:10:00.002-06:00

Abbie Warnock's - The Divorced Dress

2010-11-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

"As much as we want to believe in true love and happy endings,

sometimes things just aren’t as they appear, and that includes people..."

The rest of Abbie's stunning photos of Erika can be seen here.

New Painting

2010-10-29T23:46:00.003-05:00

It's still in progress

After my grandfather passed away, I traveled to his home in South America where he had left me a box of his books. I found hand-written manuscripts bound in his signature red ribbons. There were random numbers written within. I began writing the series of numerals down into one of my notebooks, and then began incorporating them into my paintings. He was a fascinating man. I miss him.

THE BLUE LINE

2010-10-28T17:25:00.006-05:00

All photos courtesy by James Brenner

The Blue Line was created by our dear friend and artist Jim Brenner and the Chicago Sculpture Works, on the Custer Street bridge in South Evanston. Read more.

The Tinies - Portrait of an interesting man.

2010-10-26T07:12:00.002-05:00

Screetus

Here is my drawing of a friend who always seems to be doing something creative or eating, and yet he stays so thin? Boggles my mind!

The nook under the wall of ledges.

2010-10-25T11:20:00.001-05:00

It's always 11 o'clock. Time for some new batteries.

The Tinies - Red lips are pretty.

2010-10-25T08:01:00.002-05:00

My close friend loves to wear red lipstick. I can't pull that off. At all!

The Tinies - an illustration project based on my real-life friends

2010-10-24T19:36:00.005-05:00

I love to create tiny pieces of art for my pals. Sometimes I give the art to the person, and other times I just put it away. My ongoing project, The Tinies, is created on a piece of 5"x7" corrugated paper. I cover the smooth side with gesso, then draw freehand with pen and india ink. My intention over time is to turn this teeny-tiny art into an adorable sweet book for my friends.


We all hate to see anyone sad or hurt. Most of the time, I have no words when someone tells me a painful story. I listen in silence, because what I really want to say to them seems so cliche.

desk top

2010-10-23T15:33:00.001-05:00

my desk top

Color wheel, PMS book, Sharpie fine tip marker, #2 pencil, Ebony layout pencil, eraser, pro white, india ink, lining brushes, x-actor knife, calligraphy pen, clean water, brush holder, drafting brush, ruler, and glue tape (my most favorite thing)

The GreaterSouth Loop Association - SoLo Art Walk

2010-10-18T09:48:00.006-05:00

Hollow Earth

Moment of Clarity, hanging on the wall behind me.

This past Friday night was the SoLo Art Walk. We had a nice group of folks in attendance, which made it very easy for me to actually get up in front of the crowd and speak about my process. My current show is running for one more week, Tuesday through Saturday from 1-7pm or by appt. Then there's the task of taking those huge canvases down, bubble-wrapped and sent along their way to be photographed by Emily Hindin over at SANDRO's studio.

FALL ART GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!

2010-10-16T10:06:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Geraldo Rivera for winning Ernie and Olivia. Thanks to everyone for entering and please stay tuned for my next art giveaway.

Birdman Iron Sculpture

2010-10-16T10:05:00.002-05:00

Part of an ongoing series I've been working on called, Family Portrait. This was created and poured in Indiana during our, 2010 Chicago Sculpture Works - Pour Your Heart Out, residency.

Imagine Cuba: Photographs by Sandro Miller

2010-10-08T07:43:00.005-05:00

photograph by Sandro Miller

For over thirty years, internationally acclaimed photographer Sandro Miller has found a unique connection with the people he photographs. Between 1999 and 2007, Miller traveled to Cuba and shot one of his last series on film before transitioning to digital photography. The photographic essay presents the Cuban people in a unique light, ranging from unposed, candid images of people going about their everyday lives to portraits of Cuba’s professional athletes and ballet dancers. In addition, this exhibition includes a previously unexhibited series of Miller’s black-and-white portraits of elderly Cubans taken in 2009. The subjects’ personal histories are contained in their deeply lined faces as they regard the camera with gazes alternately frank, humorous, defiant, or enigmatic, but always dignified.
For more information:
Friday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 pm: Opening Reception

The 2010 Paradise Iron Pour

2010-09-30T20:08:00.004-05:00

Molten metal dazzled observers at Saturday’s “Paradise” Iron Pour at Mill Race Park. The fifth annual event drew a considerable crowd despite a near 24-hour delay due to Friday’s windy conditions. Like clockwork, 14 artists melted down 100 pounds of iron every 15 minutes before carefully pouring the glowing orange liquid into molds to create iron scratch blocks. The community designed many of the pieces. Jim Brenner, who has created iron artwork since 1990, explained the metal has to be heated to about 3,000 degrees. Depending on the thickness of the iron, it takes about two hours to cool to the point it can be safely handled with bare hands. Brenner said the group intended to melt 1,400 pounds of iron Saturday.

This story appears in the print edition of The Republic. Subscribers can read the entire story online by signing in here or in our e-Edition by clicking here.

That's me! :)

Hot Iron pours into the ladle.


Artists Kevin Darrt and Veronica Glidden pour iron into the community-made scratch molds.

David Smith - Plant Manager, Joe Cunningham - President, Cunningham Casting, and James Brenner - Founder, Chicago Sculpture Works

James Brenner and Chicago Sculpture Works created three open face sculptures for Cunningham Casting. Cunningham was an integral part of the Paradise Iron Pour. We are forever grateful to everyone who works there, their help, support and use of the facilities. A special more-in-depth blog about the Cunningham Foundry is in the works.

Pouring Iron at Cunningham.

My little bird man.

My new pal, artist Chris Park (left)

Our temporary art studio. We aren't exactly the most organized bunch of artists.

Araan Schmidt and Jeffrey Kalstrom preparing a mold.

One of our many sponsors. Thanks, White Castle!

table of tears

2010-09-15T22:17:00.002-05:00

The bag of woe.

I'm working on an installation piece and it requires hundreds of sad but cute little tear drops.

Fall 2010 art giveaway begins now and ends October 15th at 12 am.

2010-09-14T22:44:00.006-05:00

Hello my lovely Superbadfriends, I'm having an art giveaway!

This time, the fabulous winner will receive two of my favorite characters from my mini paintings series, Ernie and Olivia. They are the love child of "Owlie" who was created back in 2001. Each has been printed directly onto a 3/4" wood block with a pre-drilled hole ready to hang, and my logo is burned into the back. To enter, please leave a comment below.

Each block has a pre-drilled hole and my logo has been burned into the wood. They are numbered limited edition, and will be personalized for the winner.

On October 16th I will have a drawing to see who wins. If weather permits, we will have a parade for the winning art collector. Best of luck to you all, and thanks for being so supportive.

Please know it's always lovely to hear from you all, being an artist is very isolating at times. XO

Get your own Paper Piano - It's FREE & FUN!

2010-09-14T16:00:00.002-05:00

Twink has a gift for you. Adorable paper pianos! Just click on the photo and you will be there.

Kitteh™ plush dolls

2010-09-12T01:17:00.005-05:00

Hello! We've got lot's of things going on in the ol' art studio. Been working on a project which I am so thrilled to tell you all about very soon!

My partner in crime, fashion designer, Warren Agee. Amazing seamster!

Kitteh™ skins.

my encaustic wax sculpture of Orangedotstickbutt is 95% complete

2010-09-05T23:20:00.006-05:00

He's almost finished folks. The next time you see Orangedotstickbutt he will be a transformed character. He will also finally have a face. YES! A FACE!

Been spending lot's of time the CSW studio this week. Lots of loose ends to tie. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Come play with us old fashioned style!

2010-09-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

The Next Wave Art Salon

When: Fri., Sept. 10, 6 p.m. and Sat., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
Where: 166 Symphony Way, Elgin IL 60120
Phone: 847-488-1456
Price: Free
www.thenextwave.me

“The Next Wave” Art Salon is a radically inclusive, 2-day event that brings together artists of all different backgrounds and mediums in a “found space” in downtown Elgin. Artists will have up to a 10’ x 10’ space to exhibit work that is based on the theme of “working.”

New Art Show - August 27–Sept 28, 2010

2010-08-27T08:58:00.009-05:00

Harper Gallery is pleased to announce an end of summer opening with three exceptionally fun artists. James Brenner, Jessie Smith-Larson and Mr. Walter s will be presenting their own brand of inspired creativity beginning August 27-September 28, Tuesday through Saturday 1-7pm

James Brenner is a mainstay within the world of sculpture here in Chicago. His work, which has been shown around the globe, invites the viewer to engage and become an active participant by way of experience. We are extremely proud to have James' work featured in this show.

Jessie Smith-Larson, a seasoned art director makes wonderful painting/assemblages that present each viewer with a world full of symbolism and wonder. Jessie's paintings, although often dark, have a playfulness that is unmistakably her own.

Mr. Walters paints a kooky world of banana thieves, wacky wizards and a complete cast of anthropomorphic animals that invite you to smile and enjoy yourself wholeheartedly.

Also enjoy the art of Allison Osborn and Jacquelyn Trezzo.

This Is Not The Jesus Shakespeare You’re Looking For

2010-08-20T07:23:00.001-05:00

Remember back when someone left Jesus Shakespeare in my alley, and then missing posters went up in the neighborhood? Well, we never did find who snatched him up.

What a wonderful surprise to wake to. One of my favorite daily reads, McGlinch, has posted the following awesomeness! THANKS MAN!

Posted on August 19, 2010 by mcglinch

*Photo ripped and p’shopped from superbadfriend: “A chance meeting with Jesus/Shakespeare? In my alley?

Pulled out my little blue book again today while I was awaiting some updates from the Left Coast and was going to try to draw a quick something. I flipped through the pages and found this one (on the right) which I did back in April but guess I never posted it. On the opposite page* is the inspiration for the drawing: Jess’ back alley find in March. Read More...

New Art Show!

2010-08-13T10:06:00.001-05:00

My new show is opening August 27. Deets to come! Here's a sneak peek. :)

Blueberry Pickin'

2010-08-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

Friday, my lady friends and I went to Sawyer, Michigan to go blueberry picking. We set off early in the morning. Here are some photos from our trip. I made a delicious blueberry and peach salad for lunch. YUM!

The Inspiring Story behind Terry's Toffee

2010-08-03T22:48:00.013-05:00

If you want to be inspired or rekindle any hopes and dreams you may have lost along the way, WATCH! Congratulations Trence and Michael. You look so cute on video. ;)

Frances and Baby Frances

2010-07-31T12:14:00.002-05:00

I have pet squirrels. Do you?

The LOST years

2010-07-26T16:30:00.001-05:00

Found a half-dozen of my old sketchbooks this past weekend while clearing out a storage closet. This was exciting for me, especially when I came across this gem of Ernie sitting in the crab position.

Can you find me?

2010-07-21T11:46:00.002-05:00

To see the rest of Mr. Walter's Field Notes go here!

Studio Tour

2010-06-19T21:26:00.005-05:00

This is where I go to relax, think and play. There is a gentle energy that flows throughout this space. My other space (below) is shared with a melange of artists, is full of intense energy and action. I love being there equally as both studios inspire different parts of my creativity. I still can't believe how I ended up with two gorgeous studios. I am so grateful – you have no idea how long I searched.

Do you like the Hello and Goodbye? I couldn't resist adding them to my door. heee.

MY LINKS

2010-06-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone. Sorry my links to your blogs and websites are down. I am renovating my blog and didn't want you to think I have forgotten about you. I will be putting all of my friends links back soon.

xoxoxoxo

My 2010 garden :)

2010-05-16T23:23:00.001-05:00

Where Bloggers Create...

2010-05-01T13:38:00.003-05:00

Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage is hosting her second annual "Where Bloggers Create." Show off your creative spaces and see where bloggers make the magic happen!

~ Thanks to Joan from Anything Goes Here

In The Stillness

2010-04-30T08:54:00.002-05:00

Plaster, watercolor, and charcoal on canvas

:)

Birds of a Feather pics! Thanks to everyone who came. :)

2010-04-25T22:32:00.002-05:00

Here are the photos from my art show on Friday night. It's going to be exhibiting through mid June, if you still wanted to stop by and take a look. We had an incredible turn-out and Christopher Guest joined us from England via Skype! Did I mention I will be having a show in England later this year? We are working out the deets now and I have a ton of work to do, And I am thrilled beyond comprehension.

Birds of a Feather - Our Art Show Invitation

2010-04-13T20:16:00.001-05:00

Moment of Clarity - My Everest!

2010-04-11T18:52:00.001-05:00

It's finished, finally!!!

I'll replace this image with a better one this week. :)

Please mark your calendars

2010-04-03T08:13:00.003-05:00

I am having an art show April 23 in Chicago with my friend from across the pond, Christopher Guest.

More details and photos to come soon.

:)

Mogmobile!

2010-03-29T06:21:00.001-05:00

Meet Trench Design's, Mogmobile

Go here to check its creation and birth.

Oh hai. I'm not growing up anytime soon.

2010-03-26T07:12:00.001-05:00

Rebecca Ann Rakstad is a Chicago based printer. Check her out here!

Tom Burrell Author of "Brainwashed"

2010-03-24T21:11:00.004-05:00

I am so excited for our friend Tom Burrell. He has been touring the country promoting his new book, Brainwashed, which is already hitting the top seller's list.

"Brainwashed is not a reprimand—it is a call to action. It demands that we question our self-defeating attitudes and behaviors. Racism is not the issue; how we respond to media distortions and programmed self-hatred is the issue. It’s time to reverse the BI campaign with a globally based initiative that harnesses the power of new media and the wisdom of intergenerational coalitions. Provocative and powerful, Brainwashed dares to expose the wounds so that we, at last, can heal."

Tom Burrell

About the Author

Marketing communications pioneer and Advertising Hall of Fame inductee Tom Burrell is credited with revolutionizing the image of African Americans in television and changing the face of American advertising. His award-winning work promoted positive and realistic images of blacks and acknowledged the purchasing power of the African American community. Burrell is the founder of The Resolution Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes intra-racial dialogue and community-based new media “stop the brainwash” campaigns. He lives in Chicago’s South Loop area.

Source - Amazon.com

Vosges Barcelona Bunny

2010-03-24T14:11:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love thee, little floppy-eared bunny.