2016

May 13, 2016 in Weekend

Experimenting

Blue and gold, ah the colors of the university I graduated from, the colors of the Warriors and the color scheme I am into painting lately. The first painting is a sort of unintentional compass. I knew I wanted to use a variety of shades of blue and add gold. I started with the circle and kept adding freehand lines. The second painting started with a sky and then I decided to add gold mountains. I loved the purplish shadows over the gold. I definitely want to try that again, where the gold is the background of the gouache.

I also painted this little group of airplants. I love how intuitive this week's art making feels. I had this not-so-exciting sketchbook page with a little writing in the corner. I then thought I would paint over it with Payne's Gray and made several other blocks of gray. I sort of thought over what to paint, thinking that white would look good and maybe I could paint several objects. My eyes drifted over to my airplant, which I thought desperately needed to be watered and voila!, I decided to paint a page of airplants.

Listening

I heard a great interview with Geoff McFetridge on the Occasionally Awesome podcast. I'm often really interested in artists who do design work mixed in with fine art such as Maira Kalman, Nathaniel Russell, Karen Barbour and Geoff McFetridge. I love the idea of making books, illustrating for the NY Times and making original art, all as one career.

By listening to the Art for Your Ear podcast, I recently discovered the work of Brooks Salzwedel. He does layers of nature so well. Those misty mountains sure are pretty, aren't they?

Reading

I found this article, Why Boredom is Good for Your Creativity. It's a good reminder that we have so little down time to let our minds wander and that could be hindering creativity. We no longer wait in line bored, but entertained by our phones. I try to not look at my phone in every spare moment. I think it's unhealthy. I think we need to stare off into space and people watch.

In the last Weekend post, I referred to an article about the changing Bay Area. This week, I read this article, Resisting Erasure in San Jose's Silicon Valley. It's sad to see the changes and see people leave this crowded, expensive valley. I honestly don't think I could live here anymore if my fiancee didn't already own a house (bought when the market was really low). Concerning art and San Jose's reputation, I do think one thing San Jose could do is treat itself seriously and then everyone else will follow. We have so many amazing creative people here.

Seeing

Tim Lierman's show at Seeing Things Gallery. I have to say I think Tim Lierman is one of the best artists you probably haven't heard of. He seems to keep a low-key profile around San Jose, but he is an incredible sign maker, painter and filmmaker. This show of his paintings will be up for the month.

Watching

I'm pretty much obsessed with documentaries. Especially ones that relate to nature and this planet. This week, I watched Life After Chernobyl. Ever since I saw the first collection of The Vice Guide to Travel I have been interested in this strange place. It amazes me to see the effects of radiation destroying, yet animals are also adapting to the environment. Trees aren't decaying because of how the decomposers have been affected. You should really watch this.

At the end of the day, I have been watching The Office. I loved the show at the time, but watching it again, it really does have so many good subtle jokes. It's a great way for me to "clock out" and stop thinking about art.

Until next week...

A sketch from the bus going through Siquirres, Costa Rica

Weekend 4/22/2016

April 29, 2016 in Weekend

It has been an interesting last few weeks (months??). Lots of changes and new things happening. Last month, I visited family in Costa Rica, visited new towns and beaches I had not been to and I only sketched once (what you see above while on the bus). I expected to sketch multiple times a day, sharing the work I made. I didn't do that. When I realized that I was not drawing much, I told myself to just absorb my surroundings and work when I get back. On the trip I also got engaged. When I returned, I felt both elated and about my personal life and somewhat unenthusiastic about my art. Prior to leaving, I had this similar dissatisfied feeling with my art. I hoped a vacation would bring on some massive inspiration, but sometimes when you travel your perspective changes so much that you don't know what to do with yourself when you come back. I know as an you need to go through these phases now and again. You should never be 100% satisfied with the work you make, you should always evolve, you shouldn't keep making the same old same old. Still, I can't wait to get through this weird phase.

When I got back, I painted the above painting for a show at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. It was definitely inspired by my trip, so I felt some of the guilt go away for not drawing or painting in Costa Rica. Still, I have not been quite as productive this last month.

The 100 Day Project from last year was really fun and I'm contemplating doing it again this year. Or maybe I shouldn't repeat something I've already done? In the last couple of years my work has been more sketchy, small and using watercolor, ink and gouache. I think I'm ready for, I don't know, important work? Bigger work? Different media? Stronger imagery? I guess this is an incubating period where some of these stewing ideas will start to form into lucid work soon. Hopefully.

Right now I am working out ideas for the San Jose tote bags I am designing, working toward two upcoming group shows at the Scott Ellsworth Gallery in San Francisco and Empire Seven Studios in San Jose and getting ready for the SubZERO Festival in San Jose. After being minimal with art making in the last month I am excited to work toward these projects. The tote bag designs are looking awesome and I hope you all love them when I launch them later this month.

Ok, enough of this and onto the other stuff.

Beaching

We went to the beach in Pacifica a couple weekends ago for a good friend's birthday. It was literally the most perfect weather. About 75 degrees. As you can see, Homer loves the beach. We've had him for about 3 months now and it's amazing to see how much more comfortable he is.

A change of scenery from the last few photos. Last weekend I went to Tahoe with my sister and mom. It magically snowed in the middle of our trip. I had not seen snow fall since, I don't know, my early 20's? It was so, so beautiful.

Building

We put together this fire pit in the yard. I'm soooo into it. It will be perfect to sit out here and pretend I'm camping between camping trips this summer. We are working toward making this backyard feel like paradise, rather than feel like it's on a busy street with neighbors.

Growing

I swear this photo has not been edited. The flowers are that pink.

My cactus finally bloomed this week. The flowers are a pretty psychedelic pink. I think I need to make it my mission to get to the desert in the spring and see miles of this.

Listening

The musician and visual artist John Lurie was on Marc Maron recently. There's a certain group of artists that I just love. John Lurie, Jim Jarmusch, Nick Cave, Tom Waits. Classic cool dudes. A lot of them will act, perform, make art. All around creative people growing up in the same scene.

If you know me, you know I love a good rebel. Listening to this week's Radiolab episode was really inspiring and also a bit frustrating to listen to. The subject was Surya Bonaly the black French figure skater. I vaguely remember her skating and as a kid, did not realize the prejudice she went through in her career. Even if you don't care for figure skating, it's a must-listen.

Reading

While I have been unsubscribing to many newsletters for the sake of my sanity, I continue to subscribe to some awesome ones. One of my favorites is Sights, Sounds, Stories by Shona Sanzgiri. He's not trying to sell me anything, but tells interesting stories and takes great pictures of the places he travels to.

This is a pretty interesting article from the perspective of a former Bay Area resident. I have seen so many changes around here that I can't keep up. Our working class neighborhood has seen many newcomers. Recently, I've even seen a $100,000 Porsche and two Ferrari's at the local coffee shop (on different days). It's surreal. There is so much money in the Bay Area right now. For some. For others, they have to move back home or struggle to pay rent. It's like the Wild West out here.

Seeing

Last Friday I stopped by Seeing Things Gallery for a really great show called Hungry Eyes. It featured the work of Todd Bratrud, Tim Kerr, Russ Pope, Andrew Pommier and Nathaniel Russell. I love the simple directness of these artists, especially Russ Pope and Nathaniel Russell. The first two images are by Russell, the next two by Pope and the Coltrane painting is by Kerr. Keep in mind that all of these are on large pieces of paper so the scale makes a great impact.

Visiting

I brought my friend and her daughter to visit the Jumbo Jibbles studio. Amy Brown, the owner, makes large plush vegetables and fruit amongst other really cool things. To visit her studio is to go inside her awesome brain.

Watching

I've been watching the Viceland channel since it launched. I found one of the shows, State of Undress, to be really good so far. On a side note, the host, Hailey Gates, is going to be in the new Twin Peaks series. The episode in Pakistan gave me a new perspective of the country. I'm looking forward to new episodes.

Have a great weekend:)

Weekend 3/18/2016

March 18, 2016 in Weekend

Midst working on taxes, cleaning out the studio and doing some all around spring cleaning, I have been packing for an upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row beforehand. It's feeling so good to know that I will come back to a clean slate.

Eating

Last Friday I made patacones and guacamole for a jiu jitsu potluck. Patacones are friend green plantains. Since a lot of the ladies I train with eat somewhat paleo/clean, I wanted to make something that fit into that way of eating. I love being the cook. You get to sample while you're working.

I loosely used this recipe to make this Niçoise salad. It turned out so good. I ended up kind of mashing up the potatoes. I used sherry wine vinegar since that's what I had and leftover roasted chicken rather than fish.

Listening

Michael Ian Black interviewing Naomi Klein

I listened to The Raincoats on a rainy Sunday. It's one of my favorite records of all time.

Reading

My friend Jackie mentioned this article to me about a frugal man. It's really interesting. I always go back and forth between being frugal and being extravagant. Although my level of extravagance is probably really low-key compared to some people. It's interesting to hear about how this guy lives.

Seeing

I've been walking a ton since we got a dog so I have been noticing things in my neighborhood more than usual. I love the way this apartment dweller decorated their balcony and these tiles are so nice.

Sketching

I told myself I would switch it up and paint something totally different, but ended up painted one of my usual moons.

I drew some ideas for a backyard sauna, something I dream of having someday. I started sketching some when I was in Spain a couple of years ago and have them on my mind again lately.

Weekend 3/11/16

March 11, 2016 in Weekend

It's been a few weeks since a weekend post so I gathered a few weeks here. It's been all dog, taxes, cleaning and sketching around here lately. I'm heading off on a trip at the end of the month so I am trying to get everything in order before we go.

Cleaning

Ahhhh, the studio looks so good again. I tidied it up for a photo shoot for an interview. It was the perfect excuse to clean the place. After a few recent art shows it became disorderly quickly. You'll hear about a creative block I had further on, but I think it happened because my space was messy.

Hiking

We went to Fort Funston for the first time a couple weeks ago. It's basically a dog paradise where they can roam free off leash in bluffs over the sea and down below on the beach. We brought our new dog, Homer, with us and he loved it.

Listening

I listened to this Nick the Tooth podcast with the founder of Shoyoroll. Only jiu jitsu fans will know what I am talking about, but it's great to hear a story of how someone got started in creating something.

Marc Maron's interview with Abbi Jacobson and Iliana Glazer is so good. I think these ladies saved the day when I was getting frustrated by all the male ensemble comedy shows. Men can't have all the fun! Listening helped me uncover this video of a drum off between the ladies while doing Broad City Live. I had no idea, Iliana.

I just discovered this Bay Area art podcast Congratulations Pine Tree. I will let you know how it is soon.

Parking

Having a dog has sent us to the dog park frequently. Because of all this wet weather here in Northern California, the skies have been really beautiful. I love having a dog for many reasons, they have awesome personalities, they are so loving, they make you get exercise throughout the day and when you are training a new dog, you have to be present and pay attention. Getting out of the studio to walk him has been really good for me.

Reading

My friend Suhita Shirodkar was featured in this San Jose Mercury News article. She has been painting signs and relics in San Jose lately. I love her fresh style.

I read this great New Yorker article on Resilience. I think about this topic often. The author mentions you have to experience adversity of some sort in order to know whether you are resilient. I see how different people react to bad situations and I'm often amazed at how some people with the biggest hardships are able to overcome difficult situations and experiences.

This article on How Complaining Can Actually Make You Feel Worse is great. It's short and really worth the read.

Sketching

The nice thing about being someone who likes to draw all kinds of things is I don't get huge creative blocks. Sure, I'm stumped sometimes, but last weekend I couldn't get anything going in my sketchbook for three days. I know it was basically due to me wanting to make something really great and letting perfectionism get in the way.

Lastly, I sketched my cat Stanny last night after she brought a mouse in the house. After we couldn't find it, we put Broad City on the episode had an eerily similar theme. I love when that happens:)

Weekend 2/19/16

February 19, 2016 in Weekend

It's been awhile since I have had a chance to post here. Note, I have decided to change my former What Goes On posts to Weekend since I tend to post these at the end of the week. Slowly but surely, I'll be changing a few more things around here.

I've been spending a lot of time outside since the weather has been so spring-y and warm so I thought I'd share some of the places I've been. These poppies are at Candlestick Point, a spot off the freeway on the way to San Francisco. I love the expansive and uncrowded view of the bay.

I got a dog. His name is Homer. He loves the couch, loves his family, is slightly misguided and loves donuts. He was whiney on the drive up, but once we stepped out of the car at Candlestick Point, he was the happiest dog.

My friend Kelli suggested we have lunch at a place called The Ramp. They allow dogs on their outdoor patio and it is right on the bay. This photo of Kelli is close to the restaurant along a pathway. I definitely want to come back and meet her here again. I knew when I got Homer that I wanted him to go on all the adventures with me, so it has been a priority to find dog-friendly spots.

Speaking of donuts, what was the first thing I ate after doing the Whole30 program/diet/cleanse? Yes, a donut. I couldn't help it. Bryan brought one home for me and I had to eat it. It was really good, especially since we warmed them in the oven. I barely eat junk food so I felt ok about it. Not consuming sugar, bread, alcohol or dairy for a month felt great. We eat pretty healthy in general, but the Whole30 reminded me of how processed our food is. I did the Whole30 last year, but this year felt even better and I know I want to eat this way like 90% of the time.

I bought this book Advice from My 80-Year-Old Self by Susan O'Malley and published by Chronicle Books. It has nuggets of wisdom from humans aged 7 to 88. I loved this one on this day. I feel like I am in this weird between stage in my art and I just can't wait to get the next stage. Still, I know I have to be patient.

I saw the band Sun Foot at Seeing Things Gallery. Fronted by Chris Johanson, one of my favorite artists, they are funny and weird and good. I was honored to have him play with my art in the background (on the left).

My Birthday

The rest of this post covers my birthday. There was just something about the busy last few months that made me want to ensure I had a relaxing birthday this year. Just being around the Half Moon Bay coast gives me immediate serenity. The mesmerizing waves are so rough and wild out that way. It's no wonder Mavericks happens in the area. I have to live by the ocean someday.

I started off with hanging out at Roy's Station all morning with my birthday twin Nancy sketching and chatting. We seem to be making a new tradition with this. Then, I came home to these gorgeous flowers on my porch on my birthday. Aren't they stunning? They sure elevated my good mood to great.

I rarely take pictures of myself, but I had to capture Homer's first trip to Half Moon Bay on such a beautiful day.

Homer loved the beach. He loved chowing on some seaweed, dipping his nose in the sand and running away from the waves.

Caught this ladybug at the beach. I'll take that good luck.

For my birthday dinner, we went to Moss Beach Distillery, where they allow dogs on their patio and apparently a blue clad ghost wanders the premises. You can see the fires, but what you can't see are the cozy blankets they have for you to bundle up in. We brought Homer's bed so he would be comfortable. The food was great and obviously the view too.

I have to say, as much as I love the outdoors it can be hard to get away. With having a dog now, it's been a great excuse to get outside.