You are Invited!!!

Dear blog reader,

Who: You are one of the first few people to be cordially invited to my next art show.

What: This show is still in progress but will be addressing topics in the realm of African American history and African American Religious culture. The current goal is to look at the American history that is often left out of our education and use it to help people understand the historical context that various American heroes such as Malcolm X and James Cone were responding to.

When: The show will be up from November 8th through November 17 (possibly a bit longer).  The opening will be Thursday the 10 from 6 - 8pm.

Where: The University of Wyoming UpGallery.  In the Fine Arts building.

Here is the Facebook event page and my art page for those of you who use FB (you don't need a FB account to view the pages).  Feel free to RSVP. 

Hope to see you there!

Short Lived: Complete Story

Artist Statement from the show

The drawing technique of ink and wash along with graphic design concepts are both influential in my current work. Ink and wash is a medium that I have been exploring recently. As part of this exploration, I was excited to combine ink and wash with book arts, as the two work together well. My formal training in graphic design also had a major influence on my current work. The technical skills and precision needed in graphic design translated well to the construction of the books. The communication of ideas is also a strong focus within the graphic design discipline, and this skill is especially important with the political and social topics that I choose to address. I’ve found that these topics are well suited to book arts because of their interactive and intimate nature. For these works, I was fortunate to find that my formal training, current artistic direction, and personal interests fit well together within the book arts discipline.

The book show will be up through September 29th.  At the Works of Wyoming art gallery. As mentioned above, I often address social topics.  The topic of abortion still leads to heated and controversial arguments (or discussions, if lucky).  I like addressing serious topics through art because I can allow the viewer to think for himself.  I not telling the viewer what to believe or what to think but there is still interaction and dialog.

As an artist I am fortunate to be able to talk about topics in a unique language.

I like that my art can be as bold or as mellow as I want it to be.  It can be in your face and powerful or it can hint at an idea or symbol.  What are some social topics you would like to see addressed in my artwork? Take the one question quiz or let me know below. 

Flower Postcard Series

Here are the original postcards that I drew using ink and wash.  The original artwork is on ready-to-send postcard watercolor paper.  The next step is to scan these images and get them printed.  I will also design a back side for the duplicate postcards.  These images may work well for greeting cards.

Noose Wild

I am currently in the process of creating several (230) nooses for my African American Religious Culture (the name will probably change) show.  There were 230 people lynched in 1892 and the lynchings continued until the early 1950's.  If they are used in this project, the goal will be to help people understand the culture that African American heroes like Malcolm X and James Cone were responding to.

This culture of hate saw everything about blacks from their skin tone to their physical features as being ugly and evil was a culture that could not be ignored.  Blacks needed to fight for their own humanity.

More images below.

A Sneak Peak at My Next Show: African American Art

Here are some snippets from some of the poster work for my next show.  Right now it is looking like only one of these posters will be used.  I have several ink and wash drawings (mostly graffiti style) as well as some more posters.  I would also like to design a black hair care line as well, but I am beginning to wonder if it will work with the specific theme of Black Theology that I am leaning towards.  It could certainly work in that black beauty ties directly into the Malcolm X quotes I will be using.  It is also possible that I will create the work and not put it in this specific show.....I guess we will see.   I still have about two moths to see it all come together.  And you will just have to wait.

Marketing Ideas

Marketing is essential to the art field (and many ohters).  I found some fun and creative ideas to try out.  I hope you enjoy.

Here is a list from a previous post of mine.

Marketing calendar - when to use various techniques (great techniques)

This QR Code Resume is one of the best resumes I have ever seen.  This idea could certainly be used in marketing (and has been).  The trick is to find a new way to use it.