What do you think are the biggest factors contributing to our economic downfall in the United States?

Horrible decisions of self-interests made by those in power. I, by no means, am an economist, however its very safe to say that those in power (the extremely affluent) have made sure to pool the money, not let it flow through the veins of this country. There were many of these decisions, but one of them is exhorting the middle and lower classes. These people are the largest contributors to the economy, it is extremely unwise to not to cater to them, let alone extort them.

Is there anyone to blame for economic woes in general?

Well as I said, those who control it. An economy, just like a government, should be controlled for the people, and by the people. It is not controlled by the people, it is controlled by the hands of the few, the rich.

How can rappers and artists better their community with resources?

Awe man (laughs). Rappers. Well, ima try to keep this brief. Before we even get to what they should do with their money, we should get into what they should do with their minds. As rappers, they have made it out of this man-made trap we call the ghetto. They have gained some sort of understanding as to why its so hard to get out, and what they can do to get out. They need to be coming back to their communities to let them know about their sitaution: theyre trapped! Once that knowledge is spread, then their capital plays a role in investing in their communities. Set up stores of all types of addressing all needs. Or, school the community in investing in their stocks. This is what Marcus Garvey tried to do, but the people were not well educated about why they should do such a thing. With education, there is no stopping, unless the government tries to.

As an artist do you find it necessary to share? Or to profit?

It depends what kind of an artist you are. if you are an artist that is trying to live off of your art, than of course! You better profit! However, you better come up with a slick way to profit. Its hard enough to sell anything, but with the music biz being they way it is right now, with downloading and whatnot, you have to be really smart how you conduct business. It doesn't matter if you are pushing yourself, or you have a label. It doesn't matter anymore.

What does money mean to you as a person?

This is how I tend to view money. Money is just one of the three "blood flows" I have in my life. God is the provider of my spiritual bloodflow in this world. Education, books, and knowledge, are what allow my mental bloodflow to be healthy. And money is what allows my physical bloodflow to to maintain. Although I tend to downplay the importance of money to me, which supplies my physical (food, clothes, shelter, etc.), I know that without the physical, I cant immerse myself further in whats important: God and knowledge.

Do you feel that the government has a role in weakening the dollar? Yes? No? Or not at all?

Of course homie! Maybe not intentionally, although I wouldnt be suprised if it was. Like I said, irresponsible decisions generally cause economic decline. Who makes the decisions? The politicians? Of what socio-economic class are they generally in? The upper class.

Would you like to see the United states go back to a gold standard of money once again?

I would like The United States to live up to its Constitution. I'm sick of its hypocrisy, I really am. Make decisions that represent the other 98% of the nation. Gold standard, silver-standard. Whatever. honestly, with the US' capability, it doesn't matter, it can prosper under any standard, it just has to consider the masses.

How do you feel about Brandon's answers? Would you like to suggest other questions to ask local artists, or perhaps suggest an artist for me to interview? Share your thoughts!

Click on the image for a larger view.

So while I was outside watering my plants I had the misters on and this little thing landed on a chili plant to catch some of the mist on its wings. I was suprised it stayed put for so long and actually let me get close enough to get some good shots. Hope you like them :)

Click on the images to see larger views.

Just as an update there have been 14, count them 14 paintings sold.  Some were sold to friends and family, but 7 of them have been unique sales (with an average proce of $300).  I am hoping that a gallery can take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to have a show for me.

Also, there are some exciting new paintings on the site.  I am missing 3 of the paintings at Scoop This! simply because they did not photograph well.  Also, I am now set up at Cafe Manhattan in Springfield.  I will take a picture tomorrow and post it and a picture of the Scoop This! set-up as well.  Cheers!

Much of Nirvana's current allure can be attributed to the 1994 suicide of lead singer Kurt Cobain. Both he and the band were heralded as the force which brought "grunge" to the masses. Grunge may have existed before Nirvana was even a blip on the radar, but Nirvana and others from the Seattle scene (Mudhoney, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, etc.) brought this unique music to the mainstream consciousness. Much of Nirvana's allure came from their abrasive sound, and the lifestyle to which Cobain lived. Deep down however it wasn't what we did know about Cobain that interested us, its what we didn't know. Behind the scenes was a man struggling everyday with drug addiction, depression and all that fame brings. In death Cobain seemed to cement his status as a rock legend, becoming even bigger than even he could've imagined. One can't help but see Nirvana without the lens of Cobain's suicide; its become so much bigger than the band. With that in mind Kurt Cobain: About A Son isn't so much about the man we knew, but the one we never got a chance to meet.

About A Son uses interviews conducted by Michael Azerrad with Kurt Cobain to flesh out his story. As we listen to his voice we're subjected to ambient-like images of places and people. Throughout the film we're given glimpses of Aberdeen, Olympia and Seattle; each attempting to illustrate what Cobain is talking about. Although the movie is about Cobain, and by extension Nirvana, none of their music is featured - we only see Kurt and the band several times throughout the entire film in black and white photos. Excluding Nirvana tracks seems like a stupid - I admit I missed not hearing music to back up the words - but the filmmakers decided to use music which influenced Cobain himself. The soundtrack then becomes a mixtape of influences and "hey, you should really check this band out." Although the movie showed a deeper side to Cobain, and gave insight into his thoughts, something didn't sit right with me.

For one thing the use of ambient scenery and images made the movie somewhat boring. Such a technique works well when doing a nature documentary, or if spliced together with video of interviews. The entire film seemed like a strange cut-up of interviews; many of which seemed to have been conducted via telephone. At times we can hear Courtney in the background, and Kurt smoking (and possibly eating to, though its hard to tell). Much of my uneasiness came from the content of the interviews themselves. At times Cobain came across as a thinker, a man well-versed in the world who was trying to understand everything which went on around him. We hear about him befriending a gay friend, finding art and finding acceptance with an English teacher. Sometimes he rambles on about how Krist doesn't understand him, or that him and Dave were asking for too many writing credits.

Cobain's words made him seem stuck-up, and everything that the world doesn't see him as. The cult-of-Cobain wishes us to think that he was a brillant man, and while tormented was destined for good things. All that is hear-say and speculation of course, and what this film shows is a man who was disconnected from the world itself. One minute he seemed to seek fame, the next he shunned it, and then finally he appeared to accept it - all the while playing the rebel role. Most disturbing are his comments on his drug habit. Azerradd thankfully utilizes segments in which he attempts to point out Cobain's hypocrisy. Speaking frankly he defends his habit, saying that it helps him, and that it would "crush a normal person." An anti-drug speech follows; it falls on deaf ears. In light of Cobain's suicide we know that drugs distorted his world, and in some respects influenced his final end.

About A Son is an interesting film, its compelling to watch, especially because Cobain seemed to be so private, so to hear him open up is certainly an honor. Much of what we hear seems to reveal a duality hidden in Cobain's soul. He is charming and innocent one moment, and a hypocritcal bastard the next. What the film shows us is just how unstable he was, and we glimpse his deteoration. Hearing him fall to pieces is strange; and explains why I felt uneasy after a time. I'm glad to have watched such a movie, because it exposes Cobain's humanity, and exposes his mythical status as nothing more than fraud. This isn't a man who rose above his demons, or conquered any great feat: he was simply another tortured soul who found an outlet in music, and he just happened to make an impact.

i won't post here anymore so move your bookmarks, rss and everything else, see you on the other side

thanks for the 10.000 views on this blog

A large screen opens when "Thumbnail image" is clicked.

＜Use software＞
Photoshop ・ Paintshop
＜Production environment＞
Mac OS

Copyright（C）T-KONI . All Rights Reserved.

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＜Free material＞ It is possible to use it free of charge.
T-KONI`s Free material　"Illustration, web material, wallpaper, and coloring paper"
「Download site of "Free material"」
T-KONI`s"Paper book jacket design"
It is possible to use it free of charge.
「Download site of "Paper book jacket"」
「How to make "Paper book jacket"」

A large screen opens when "Thumbnail image" is clicked.

＜Use painting materials＞
「Color ink、Transparent watercolor」

Copyright（C）T-KONI . All Rights Reserved.

------------------------------------

＜Free material＞ It is possible to use it free of charge.
T-KONI`s Free material　"Illustration, web material, wallpaper, and coloring paper"
「Download site of "Free material"」
T-KONI`s"Paper book jacket design"
It is possible to use it free of charge.
「Download site of "Paper book jacket"」
「How to make "Paper book jacket"」

A large screen opens when "Thumbnail image" is clicked.

＜Use painting materials＞
「Watercolor colored pencil　・ Oily colored pencil」
＜Production technique＞
Round stroke method

Copyright（C）T-KONI . All Rights Reserved.

------------------------------------

＜Free material＞ It is possible to use it free of charge.
T-KONI`s Free material　"Illustration, web material, wallpaper, and coloring paper"
「Download site of "Free material"」
T-KONI`s"Paper book jacket design"
It is possible to use it free of charge.
「Download site of "Paper book jacket"」
「How to make "Paper book jacket"」

Don Sahli made the decision to become a professional artist at a very early age. By the time he was 17 years old, galleries in Texas and New Mexico were selling his paintings. Sahli has earned his living as a professional artist all his adult life. Presently, his work is represented by galleries in Colorado, North Carolina, New Mexico, Wyoming and Texas.

When I look at a painting, I want it to bring me back to when I was on the scene. I want it to convey the drama and emotion that first captured my attention, the atmosphere, and the soul of the place.

Click here to read the rest of this Artist Interview....

"Human Mirror" - ImprovEverywhere

I don't want motifs to be too "matched"...and yet I want to carry some of the same colours throughout the rug as I work.  I do try to use a colour in a different way sometimes or put it with another colour that changes it a bit...so it is not so "predictable"!  LOL

You can see that I changed the "leaves" or "bush" by the tiger's head...(go back and check the original pattern!)   I feel that if I had put the original pattern's "ferns clump" there, it would have taken away from the tiger!  Do you see how subdued that redesigned leaf motif is?   If it were bolder, I think it also would compete with the tiger face.

 Also, try to envision three of the shaded green leaf motifs on the right side, instead of the two shown.   I don't think it would look good with three clumps of the same colours!  : )  I am going to try some of those shaded greens on the left side under the tree to see if that will add a nice touch to the total picture.

I am using different shades of green in the leaves, bushes and trees so we don't see the same green everywhere!!!  I do love "odds and ends"!!!  LOL

I'm really happy with my colour choices for the most part!  As I've said, if I find that I've used a colour that looks funny or detracts from the whole picture of the rug when I have more done, I can always change or remove it!   For instance, I've added two red "flowers" under the bunny because that area of the rug has the dark colours without any "spark"!!  Maybe it'll work well, maybe after I get more of the rug hooked I'll try something else there...but at least I'm trying!!  : ) I hope you won't be afraid to try something that your heart says "Try!"  : )  You can always take it out if it doesn't please you...and without experimenting, we tend to just play it safe!  : )  I'd rather take a chance that I've found something really delightful...even if it is a wild experimental choice!!!  LOL

Happy Hooking!  Sunnie  : )

2. My Encouraging Word paintings were featured by Mastercard on their Priceless Picks website at www.priceless.com. I think this happened in June, but I can never get their website to work on my computer so I didn't see it, but they kindly sent me a screenshot:

(click to see it larger)

3. Jaime over at Vitamin Design has kindly added me to her new site, DMShop, a shopping resource page for great design stuff. The page is still growing but it's already got a great group under the artist heading, including 20x200.com, a fantastic project linking affordable prints with internet art shoppers like you and me. I especially like this one by Echo Eggebrecht.

And this one.

...And this one.

4. And because no entry should be without something pretty, a photo of the birdwatching setup at Creamer's field in Alaska.

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TEACH ME TIGER. 114 x 146 cm. 2008

This a serie of pieces based on this quote.

This necklace is the first piece I made for it and just brings a smile to my face. It's a very versatile piece.

I do find flowers very femenine, if you think about all they represent,Why do people give each other flowers? they bring color to the world, also the romantic side of them, to celebrate various important occasions.. who doesn't likes to receive a flower from a loved one?

The idea of this serie is to send out this message and have endless silver flowers and again why kill a flower picking it up?

This item is for sale here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13192594

Diwa: Illuminating Pilipina Voices. A new publication out of California is calling out for Filipina writers and artists.  The theme of the first issues is "Invisibility."  Contribution deadlines are 4 Aug 2008.  More info below.

DIWA: Illuminating Pilipina Voices©

would like your contributions!

Diwa [Tagalog]: "essence," or intrinsic nature of things; "soul," or cause of inspiration and energy; "spirit" or a human being's moral, religious or emotional nature; "thread" or main thought that connects different parts; "sense"; "consciousness"; "gist"; "meaning"; "idea". (Leo James English, Tagalog-English Dictionary)

Through the written word, artistic endeavors, and scholarly research, Diwa: Illuminating Pilipina Voices is a multidisciplinary publication that aims to augment the visibility of the Pilipina by providing an avenue to explore diversity amongst Pilipinas (or Filipino women); highlight Pilipina achievements in the community; create dialogues on Pinayism or Pilipina feminist paradigms; educate and provoke critical thought and discussion; bridge issues about the Pilipina in the Philippines, the U.S., and the larger global scene; and bring awareness about the Pilipina community to youth and adults within general and professional audiences.

Issue #1: "INVISIBILITY"

DEADLINE: August 4, 2008

Filipinos have long been known as the "invisible minority" within the Asian/Pacific Islander community as well as the greater community at large. Diwa's first issue will explore any aspect of the Filipino woman's experiences regarding this "invisible" status. We strongly encourage contributors to think beyond cultural representation and also highlight subpopulations, issues, and people or artists in the community that have been stigmatized and/or given little exposure. Some topics could explore issues pertaining to older Pilipina adults, "mail-order brides," domestic violence between Pinays and Pinoys, the LGBT community and definitions of femininity/masculinity, experiences of Filipino women overseas, indigenous forms of spirituality, Filipino women who are biracial, etc.

Although the subject of Diwa focuses on Filipino women, we welcome contributions from any individual regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, gender, or religious affiliation.

Check out the MySpace page for more info:  http://www.myspace.com/diwapublications See their blog for submission details.

[***just to let you know, I don't know anything about this other than what's on the blog pages.  If you have any questions I would suggest contacting them directly.  -af]

I used to read a minimum of 3 books a month. I will try to go back to that, if you think about it sounds corny but every single book brings a new perspective to each topic. One can learn so much and sometimes certain writers just hit the spot... and you find yourself absolutely astonished by letters printed in a simple piece of paper

When it comes to poetry, so many people just feel bored of the fact of starting to read and as one friend used to say... “Not to read them, but understand them”

For me it’s healthy, to discover a new poem every day.

To go back and read an old time favorite over and over until I learn it by heart.

My point is we all have the things that just make us look at life in a different way, music, books, movies all a message transferred from one mind to another... many that just take you a little bit beyond…
So if any of you have felt a refreshing feeling after finishing a book, listening to certain song, dancing in a place full of people with your eyes closed, you know what I’m talking about.

I'm busy painting koi these days, doing my own version of Monet's Nympheas idea, living as it were in imaginary pools of water, becoming it sometimes seems a fish myself, so immersed I am in a world of blue.  So, it's intriguing to reencounter a work like this drawing of flowers and to find so many similarities in it to the fishes and the pool. 

Though the colors are entirely different and the associations are quite opposite, this picture bears a mirror likeness to the koi ponds.  This similarity is made all the more mysterious by their oppositions.  One takes place outdoors, the other inside the house.  One is natural, the other is civilized and artificial.  One is vertical, the other horizontal.  But inside both pictures are formal means of ordering the visual idea.  Both images have a "swirl" of sorts as its schematic center.  The implicit visual movement of the flowers in their design, both the flowers in the vase and the ones arranged on the design of the cloth, echo the swimming motions of the fish in their pond. 

I've noticed this kind of visual metaphor before in my paintings.  I have no idea what it means.  Beneath the subject matter lies a process of ordering and arranging that is as much the subject of the painting as are the objects depicted.  Somehow in the precise ways I order things, my personality lies hidden. 

It might seem that a person's way of ordering ideas would be the last thing about themselves that they would "hide," and yet I only discover these facts of self-hood for myself by this very indirect means.  And without even realizing I was doing so, naturally I reveal something of myself to others also by these tacit devices.

We project ourselves outwards upon the world in myriad ways.  Just that sense one has of knowing people, of taking the measure of them, even of people that we just meet when we make those crucial "first impression" judgements -- all these effects are signs of the self that is foisted out.  Even a shy self is thrust onto the stage of life despite one's efforts to seek shelter. 

We are all actors on the stage as William Shakespeare once keenly observed.  For the artist the picture is but another kind of garment one wears to demonstrate and manifest the self to the world.

A picture is a strange mirror because it distorts as much as it reveals, pressing ideas outward into the world in a thousand disguises.  Yet behind all forms of concealment, one person peeks through.  Paint.  Do paint, and I guarantee you'll gain self-knowledge though you may not always recognize the face you see in painting's strange mirror.

[Top of the post:  Drawing of Flowers in a Vase, by Aletha Kuschan, Caran d'ache on Canson paper]

(tap tap tap)

well first off my Internet is down so right now I'm at net cafe, really though i really just wanna be at home under my sheets..umm the thought..anyhow.. all is cosha, I'm just tired, not sure why but i guess i really just need to get on top of things and get myself back into a routine eh!!

My musical partner Tam came back from Birmingham last night and crashed at mine, were gonna begin organizing our schedules and music as of today..so i guess that will jump start routine...

Ive got a few goodies in store, had a couple of track ideas over the last few days..not to mention brain storms!! inspirations inspirations!!! umm humm..

A track I'm real excited about is 'Let it play'.

I started writing it while back but my passion got a jump start when i listened back to its birth on my phone..

Its basically about meeting someone who feeds you all that good stuff you crave... you enter into this all new, shiny, exciting world, filled with all things that you wanna indulge in! but still your not set on the situation having permanent residence in your life, but who knows.. You just wanna let it play...

Definately one i intend to put on the first album... ill keep you posted..:)

So yep this is really a before the days begun post, so there ain't much to tell ya bout today..YET!! and well apart from intentions... (deep thought and naughty smirks) nah meen!! lol

Ive been spending a whole load of time with 'Mr. D. Black' for the last couple months..remember what i told you bout inspiration?:) ah hu!!

Anyway this week we both have to focus on other things than each other..i got a lot to catch up on, and he has stuff goin on...

Just wondering...

Do you thing you can over indulge in too much of a good thing?

This may sound real terrible but i grow tired of things real quick unless their real good!!

Though im a person who likes change and newness..i love more of the same if its good!

I let you know what im ranting on about soon...lololol

oh and yep i know i said id post pics etc...promise as soon as my home internet is back up...xx

Ok ill hit you up tomorrow ...mwah ccx

]]> http://ginettedenault.wordpress.com/?p=109 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:15:32 +0000 ginette denault http://ginettedenault.wordpress.com/?p=109  

There is this idea about creativity and art production that says that powerful art can only be produced when an artist is in a state of sadness or deep depression.  There is an even stranger notion floating about that the current cult of "happy" is threatening the arts?  It has simply become a "bad habit" and "comfort creature" to use sad times as a catalyst for creative inspiration.

Forget happy or sad.  Let's for a moment, flip over another rock and see another real posibility.

Because so many artists have created negatively inspired works, like lemmings, we humans, continue to produce works using the same habit.  Somehow people seem to find comfort in misery because it is what is known to be true.  New truths can be discovered and pursued... even in the 21st century.

As artists we should be producing work from a positive or neutral source within, so as to model to viewers what it feels and looks like.  Inciting positivity and neutrality as the comfortable norm instead of melencholy.  

So I say... change your parking spot or sit in a different seat on the train or bus...change feels good.

Hey artists break the "melancholy creative crap habit" and start producing works that inspires as result of having been conceived in a positive or neutral place. I challenge artists to go against the proverbial grain and scratch the word JOY into their work by going into their creative place when they feel GREAT and crank out some positively good work!

I started designing this collection of glasses holders about a year and a half ago when I ended up needing 3 new pairs of glasses - sunglasses, reading glasses for the computer and distance glasses. That's usually how I come up with something new - it's something I need!

I want to use attractive, colorful items that have an artistic flair, so usually I find I have to design the items I need myself. (Which is OK - I love designing!) It seems that most items on the market are just so boringly functional and basic. So I get working on coming up with something new! And as always with me, one design or style is not enough (I call myself the queen of overkill), so I'm featuring many here. I hope with the wide range of looks and colors available, you'll actually enjoy wearing these styles. Never lose or break another pair of glasses again, whether they be your expensive designer sunglasses or your must-have everyday reading glasses.

Designer Accents: Just New! I've created these beaded styles to give the appearance of earrings - but with chains on the end! That way, they don't scream "bad eyes", "granny glasses" or "absent-minded sunglasses wearer". Already in my experience wearing mine, people just complement me on my "earrings" without ever realizing that I'm actually wearing eyeglasses holders. Choose from many designs - including Irish Celtic, Cats, Hearts, Roses, Butterflies, Art Nouveau, Spirals and several abstract images. Each eyeglasses lanyard is custom made with your choice of either gold or silver design accents with 12 striking color systems from which to choose. Shown here is the silver Art Deco pattern with green aluminum chains and emerald glass beads.

Classic Yet Contemporary: These simple eyeglass leashes have just enough style to say "contemporary" with their anodized aluminum ball chains and black rubber loops, yet are slim, lightweight and comfortable. Perfect for the man or woman who doesn't need flash yet still wants to look professional. Available in a dozen sophisticated colors, from classic black to a lovely lavender.

Pretty and Elegant: These beautiful glasses holders are designed with cut crystal beads to add a bit more sparkle and elegance to your look. Available in two lengths with either rubber grip clips or loops on the end. The best way to keep your reading glasses handy for when you need them is to use an eyeglass holder that is attractive and adds style to your look. These are perfect if you're looking for a more traditional jewelry look (that you don't normally find on eyeglasses holders!) If you love them, you'll wear them!

Fun and Colorful: If you like a bolder look with more color, these eye-catching glasses chains are the way to go. Created with larger design elements and fun colors, to make more of an artistic statement. Also available in a black and silver combination and a pink and silver combination. And always, in a choice of attractive designs that span the looks from antique to contemporary.

I hope with the wide range of fashionable looks and colors available, you'll actually enjoy wearing these styles. Never lose or break another pair of glasses again, whether they be your expensive designer sunglasses or your must-have everyday reading glasses. Now there is no excuse to not wear your glasses! No more wishing you could see! I enjoy wearing mine and love getting compliments. I hope you will, too! Please visit Unique Eyeglass Holders, Glasses Cases and Contact Lens Carriers for Kyle Design's full selection of leashes, chains and holders for sunglasses, reading glasses and eyewear accessories.

Technorati: Glasses holders, glasses leashes, eyeglass chains, glasses necklaces, contemporary gifts, stylish gifts, useful gifts, glasses holders for men, eyeglass holders, beaded glasses holders, sunglasses, reading glasses, men, women, gifts for professionals, unique glasses holders, artistic eyeglasses holders, gifts for men, gifts for women, designing, color, jewelry

The term "monster" refers to a being that is a gross exception to the norms of some ecosystem. Usually characterized by an ability to destroy human life or humanity, more than an example of "survival of the fittest", natural law, or innate evil. A person referred to as a monster is taken as exceptionally evil, grotesque, unreasonably strict and uncaring, sociopathic, and/or sadistic. The word monster connotes something wrong/evil; e.g.: a monstrous being is: very morally objectionable, physically or psychologically hideous, or a biological sport (a distinct sense of the word), i.e a freak of nature.

Scan from an old Fujichrome 64 Slide Film.