Human Hamster Wheel

Not just for hamsters anymore, local artist and new friend James Ciosek created a human sized hamster wheel as part of a series of his called Icons and Symbology, which will include ten or so total pieces when the series is complete. It's on display at Lawndale Art Center until March 2nd.

I was there last Friday as an enthusiastic volunteer for opening night and heard James tell people about this hamster wheel all night long but darned if I can remember exactly what he said. The gist of it is that he plans to super size everyday objects so that our perception of their use and purpose is challenged (or something like that.) What I can say about it is that this is a FUN interactive art piece and if you get the chance, by all means sign the waiver, jump in, and channel your inner hamster.

Little Boy Blue

As adorable as this little boy is on the outside, he's just a sweet on the inside. He's curious, thoughtful, considerate, playful, and warmly engaging. It's been a delight to get to know him.

This is a 16" x 20" oil on linen commissioned work. Typically what happens for commissions is that we get together for a photo session, and those photos are used as reference for the portrait. While I thoroughly enjoy painting portraits from sittings, to get a child to sit still long enough to paint would be a chore for all involved, so in these cases, reference photos save the day.

If you have an adorable little person in your life who you'd like to see immortalized in paint, give me a shout. I'd be happy to work with you.

Goldilocks

Often before starting work on commissions, I paint something, anything to calm my nerves and if I'm honest, assure myself that yes, I remember how to paint. This is one of those paintings. It's a 14" x 18" oil on linen.

Can't you just imagine this sweet little girl skipping through the woods, finding a 1920's bungalow, walking in as if she owned the place, raiding the refrigerator, leaving ice cream melting on the counter, changing computer passwords, and jumping on the furniture after swinging on the curtains? And can't you then imagine Baby Bear being surprised to find her still asleep in his bed after all of her shenanigans?

The good news is that I have a portrait commission - yay! I've already begun sketching it and will start painting soon. 

Zen Driving

Some people drive for the journey, not the destination.

This is a 20" x 30" oil on linen.

Civic Lesson

Yesterday, I had the privilege of driving our German neighbor to the Department of Homeland Security for her final interview before becoming a citizen of the United States. While waiting with her, she quizzed me on civics. I guess it was fun for her to see me struggle to answer a few of the questions. After living here my entire life, you'd think answering these questions would be easy.

It was such a thrill to get a first hand look as these people from all over the globe, old and young, black, white, and every shade in between. The interviewers opened a door calling out names they struggled to pronounce - - not a single Bob or Sue in the whole bunch. At each name a completely unique person stood tall, if not slightly nervous, each hoping to legally join Team USA and forever celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It was completely inspiring.