A Ghost is Born

I've been working on a pretty big painting here in the studio, it's going to be on display at Art Basel Miami in December at the Michael Kohn Gallery. Here are a few exclusive picts of the process and inspirational sources. Enjoy!

The painting takes it's title form a Wilco song, "Theologians", the title is "A Ghost is Born". I was listening to the song and thinking about all kinds of existential ideas, and I knew I wanted a lion and a magician in the painting. Here are a few books from my library that got me going. Audubon's Mammals, "Tricks and Illusions", and of course Erte´ for the graphic awesomeness.

This one is from the Audubon book, no actual lions, but he does great snarly mammalian mouths. Gosh, is he eating a dead bird? I can't believe I just noticed that! 

Here is my snarly mammal, sans bird of course. 

This is a gorgeous illustration from the Erte´ book. I love these long icicle things and that weird snow queen. What kind of absinthe was he drinking I wonder?

And here is my version of the icicles on the edge of the painting:

And finally, my magician reference, mainly for the outfit and wand. I tried many versions of a magician man, but I was not satisfied with my man faces.

 then this onion-headed  thing sort of demanded to be a part of the whole thing, so I complied. I don't know if he is a wrapped candy or what, but you know, alchemy is mysterious business. I don't question the muse, I am merely an instrument. 

And finally, the almost finished painting with all the bits put together. It's a bit Narnial, don't you think?

Thanks for visiting, until next time curious art lovers! And if you want to see this painting in person, it will be hanging out at the Art basel fair in Miami Florida this December. Come and visit it if you are going!

I'm a Cherry Ghost

As an avid music fan, I get excited to see live performances when I get the chance. Since I live pretty far from any “cool” city, my options for live music are slim to none, but this week I got to see one of my all time favorite bands, Wilco, play at an amazing outdoor venue in Jacksonville Oregon!! The moon and stars came out to see the magic, I swear, and the only lame part of the whole evening was the girl in front of me who decided that the middle of “Jesus etc.” might be a good time to check her email on her phone. Oh the young-uns, they don’t seem to know when they are in the presence of greatness. 

The above link is not from that particular evening, but I had to share Wilco performing one of my favorite songs. I know what you're thinking, you all thought I was just into punk rock and David Bowie, but I like anything that sticks it to The Man, in whatever form, and that includes lots of anti-establishment folk music and alt- rock from Chicago. I’m no hater. I dig the rock and roll!! 

So back in the studio, sometimes I have this problem after I see/hear something great, I have trouble “making” because I set my expectations of myself that much higher. But THEN, oh then, I got just about the greatest idea ever for my next series of work, I’m not gonna tell you what it is, you’ll have to just come and see it next fall, but the hint is in the title of this Blog post. A musical Scavenger hunt, if you will.... 

ALSO look for some new goodies in the store this Friday! I’m bringing some treasures out from my personal archives, card sets, dollies, and new prints too! I will be adding new stuff every Friday until December 15th. Why you might inquire? because... 

You get a Golden Ticket

I am announcing a ridiculously fun contest! First, from now until the end of the year I will be introducing new goodies to the store every Friday, and I will be introducing a new section of items for under $100. I will also be introducing select limited items from my personal archives. 

But the fun part is that anyone who places an order at my store from now until December 15th, 2012, will be automatically entered into a raffle to win three unique prizes: 

1st prize: A hand-painted Peppermint Man doll customized with your name 

2nd prize: A lovely “Doomsday Animals” print set by Pressure Printing 

Third Prize: Well, that’s a surprise. 

I will be drawing the winning names out of a hat on December 16th, winners will be announced, and prizes will be mailed out in time for Christmas. Happy collecting everyone!!