sketch book

adopt a friend

2008-04-06T03:26:00.003-04:00

You may recall my urging all of you fine folks to help our beloved four–legged friends during the Hurricane Katrina frenzy. Well, I'm back this time to get you motivated about nixing puppy mills and adopting your next best friend. Why, you ask? Well, puppy mills are akin to factory farms in the sense that these animals are experiencing suffering, disease and malnutrition all in the name of consumerism.

That's right, get on down to your local shelter. Proudly declare that abuse is sooo uncool.

awakening

2008-02-21T19:42:00.003-05:00

The giant resting in the ground for nearly 30 years in good ol' Hains Point has found a new home.

J. Seward Johnson's "The Awakening" –– the cast aluminum sculpture of a man eternally climbing out from the earth's core –– will now be struggling for freedom in P.G. County (in Maryland, in case you folks were wondering). Turns out that Milt Peterson bought the giant from the Sculpture Foundation. He's the one who thinks that Mr. Giant looks better in Maryland.

I have had a lot of fond memories of hanging out in Hains Point amongst this giant. Even though P.G. County isn't really all that far from DC, the chances of me visiting "The Awakening" are pretty slim. So have a heart, Milt. Give DC back our sculpture. He has many more party's to attend on this side of the Potomac.

falling walls, historical blunders

2007-09-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

Back in the day, Berliners were more than ready to tear down the infamous Berlin Wall when the Cold War ended in 1989. Alas, some of the wall remained, and was donned a tourist attraction.

Thanks to car emissions, Mother Nature and aging, this very wall is now crumbling away. City officials and artists are bickering about how to restore this historical site.

See, in 1990, 118 international artists were commissioned by Berlin to graffiti a stretch of the eastern side of the wall—to which the East Side Gallery belongs. Currently, 850,000 euros are needed to fly in all of these artists and have them re-graffiti their works. It's also estimated that $1.8 million are need to restore the wall's structure.

You may be wondering what's the big controversy. Just rebuild the darn thing like we did with, oh say, Williamsburg. Well, the restoration is on hold due to—what else—a lack of funding. Where's Mr. Rockefeller when you need him?

performance art

2007-08-03T18:48:00.000-04:00

Right at this very moment, there is performance art taking place on 14th St., NW (DC, silly).

Columbian-born Kata Mejia is dealing with the loss of her brother in a four-day outdoor performance installation entitled Healing, which happens to be presented by Randall Scott Gallery. During this time span, she will be processing the violent death of her brother at the hands of Columbia's [FARC] terrorists.

So go and witness this powerful piece before it disappears (tomorrow's the last day). The address is the BodySmith parking lot located at 1622 14th St., NW, and starts at 6:00 p.m., people. And guess what. It's free.

art power!

2007-06-20T19:20:00.000-04:00

I know that we all miss Sister Wendy Beckett's televised art appreciation tours, but never fear. There's a new guy in town who has stepped up to the plate to conduct our summer art history class.

Running on PBS until the end of July, Simon Schama will wow us with Simon Schama's Power of Art. This fab quote from Mr. Schama ought to inspire you to take a couch potato tour of cultural treasures:

The power of the greatest art is to shake us into revelation and rip us from our default mode of seeing.

Prepare to be dazzled with eight works by eight different artists – two Dutch, one Spanish, one French, one English, one American, and two Italians. Hey, where did all the other nationalities go?! Guess that's all that can be covered in one summer. But between you and me, you gotta love a Rothko!

doll face

2007-05-11T18:19:00.000-04:00

Browsing around on YouTube today, I discovered a fascinating (yet slightly disturbing) animation called Doll Face.

So beautifully rendered. Yet, it depicts a sad commentary about our obsession with becoming a media-inspired clone instead of existing as the real people that we are. Now what is that old school song? Oh yes, here is none other that Sly & the Family Stone's Everyday People. Go ahead. Dust it off, and sing it proudly, people.

not just for easter anymore

2007-04-07T06:30:00.000-04:00

Now I've (almost) seen it all. Not only have we had the infamous Piss Christ by Andres Serrano and an Elephant Poop Madonna, but now we have a life size Chocolate Jesus complete with a canceled NYC gallery exhibition.

Guess someone wasn't quite satisfied with the notion of biting the ears off of their itty-bitty chocolate bunny.

As controversial – and some might even go so far as to say blasphemous – as these pieces are, artistic freedom reigns, folks. So, chalk it up to interpretation.

Now, get out there and hunt for those pastel colored eggs! Don't forget to give a high five to the bunny in charge.

greenies – not just for pets

2007-03-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

In today's newspaper, I just read several local articles about combating global warming. I know that you're thinking to yourself, "Hmmm, this is not an art posting". I know, I know, just consider this something else that is near and dear to me.

Fairfax, VA's largest county, has decided to become a Cool County. This program encourages 3,000 plus counties to reduce greenhouse gases. Soon, we'll be seeing aerial views of lush rooftop gardens during the evening traffic report.

Next in line is the fact that my beloved IKEA is bringing home a little more of that Scandinavian love by charging for plastic bags. So, walk like a European and BYOB (bring your own bag, silly). Take that you indestructible plastic beast.

Lastly, hang out on the west front lawn of the Capitol on March 20 for Climate Crisis action day. While your at it, you might as well enjoy a sneak preview of our lavish cherry trees.

Go VA!

happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2007-03-02T06:50:00.000-05:00

Yessiree.

Today marks the 103rd birthday of the whimsical illustrator /author, Theodore Seuss Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss). Speaking of which, it is also the glorious Cat in the Hat's 50th birthday this year. Unbelievable.

In honor of these festivities, go on and play some Seuss-ical games.

Hard to believe that the man never won the Caldecott Medal nor the Newbery. What were we thinking?

hide and go seek

2007-03-01T19:05:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the news?!

Last evening, two, count 'em two, Picasso paintings, "Maya and the Doll" and "Portrait of Jacqueline," worth roughly $66 million were stolen from his granddaughter's house dans Paris. Check out The Washington Post article.

Now that's some wacky taffy.

Are these thieves convinced that they will be able to hock these gems in the Wally World parking lot undetected? Please.

my bonnie lies over the ocean

2006-12-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

Can't live without Bonnie? Hang her on your wall.

Mix and match the Bonnie that suits your mood. Might I suggest the series, as nature intended?

down to the wire

2006-12-20T02:29:00.000-05:00

In need of a last minute holiday gift? Decorate your loved ones with an original design by yours truly. Simply step right up to my fresh from the oven store.

Be sure to check back often for more tasty treats. (Just to clarify, that would be my blog and my store.)

subway sightings

2006-12-20T02:18:00.000-05:00

A few moons ago, I was waiting for the NYC subway when I feasted my eyes upon this specimen. Behold. A sketch was born.

on the road again

2006-12-13T02:10:00.000-05:00

While commuting, I like to make constructive use of my time. Take, for instance, this handy-dandy little sketch that I was inspired to create whilst reading the Express. Yeah, yeah - the source of inspiration was an article that dealt with none other than Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Will he run for President? The nation waits with bated breath.

buy, buy, buy

2006-12-07T21:49:00.000-05:00

Mind-Melds is officially open.

Behold the flyer that yours truly just created for them. Let's see... that would be the layout, typography, color, co-design of the logo, oh yeah, and the copy.

In any event...

Go ahead, print some out and responsibly post them about for all to see. (No littering, please.) And, in the (unfortunate) commercial spirit of the season, come to downtown Fredericksburg and spend your money with all of your fellow human beings in the place to be seen.

See you there!

night owls, unite

2006-11-22T01:54:00.000-05:00

Pulling an all-nighter in order to meet that killer deadline? Before sucking down that 29th cup of joe from your local Starbucks, think about this -- the tainted milk in your latte is causing more harm than good to our dairy friends and, in turn, all of us coffee junkies. (Funny thing about that circle of life theory that we were all taught in the Lion King.) Let's take a moment and read about the findings by the fine folks at the Food and Water Watch.

Take action during the Starbucks Campaign. On Dec. 5, tell the big coffee pot on the corner to Hold the Hormones and switch to milk produced without artificial growth hormones. Start by giving Starbucks a ring at (800) 235-2883.

calling all artists!

2006-11-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

Today, whilst browsing DC's very own Craig's List I stumbled upon this interesting little tid-bit pertaining to the Dumbarton Concert Gallery in Georgetown. Go get 'em tiger(s)!

Dumbarton Concert Gallery – Call for Entries
Deadline for submissions December 29, 2006

Dumbarton Concert Gallery call for artists for art exhibitions for 2007 spring and fall season. Deadline for submissions: December 29, 2006. Dumbarton Concert Gallery is accepting applications from MD, DC, and VA artists. The Concert Gallery is operated in conjunction with Dumbarton Concerts, a series of chamber and jazz musical performances

The artist’s opening occurs in conjunction with a one-night concert performance, with an average of attendance of 350 people. The exhibit stays up for one and a half weeks, during which time the gallery is open by appointment. Artists can submit cds of jpgs or slides independently or as a group. Decisions are made by a jury. The gallery takes 25% commission on sales.

Submission requirements:
1. Ten to twenty images, slides or CD
2. $15 Non-refundable entry fee
3. Name, address, phone, email and curriculum vitae.
4. Dimensions, price, and medium of each piece (If pieces on slides are not available, they must be accurate representation of the type of work that will be hung).
4. If applicable- Enclose self-addressed envelope for return of materials.
5. Only work that can be hung on walls will be accepted- no free standing sculpture

Mailing Info and Questions please contact:
JWhitArt@aol.com

Notifications- mid January, 2006

sacre bleu!

2006-11-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

Freedom of speech being infringed upon? Ever been bullied / fired for postings on your blog? According to my web browsing, several bloggers have. Know your rights as a blogger and as an artist (or are you referring to yourself as a designer these days?).

While perusing the resources at Designers who Blog, I came across some very useful information. Meet the fine folks at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Apparently there is a movement underway that will entitle bloggers to the same safeguards afforded to journalists who are given First Amendment protections. Further insight can be found through the following resources dating from 2005: BBC, C|Net and The Washington Post. (Look ma, all the research that I performed while obtaining my art history degree came in handy after all.)

Even if you don’t personally blog, artists need to be aware of the helpfulness offered by this nifty organization, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Wouldn’t you know that they also have a handy dandy resource list. And let's not forget the freedom 0f speech work done by the ever-popular American Civil Liberties Union and the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Don’t make me sing Bob Marley’s Get Up Stand Up. And stay tuned for another fine visual communication from yours truly.

design processes

2006-09-28T12:21:00.000-04:00

Observe.

Behind door number 1 is my first attempt at awesomeness. Door number 2 showcases the soon-to-be final diagram that will be published.

In the spirit of protecting the powers that be, all verbiage has been changed to protect the (not so) innocent. Thank you lorem ipsum.

the art of storyboarding

2006-09-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Today, I have been researching video podcasting, i.e. vidcasting, and....

Looky what I just found while doing my [almost] daily research. It's none other than the Temple of the Seven Golden Camels How keen.

OK. I must confess that the title of this blog reminds me of the song Ali Baba by Dark Lotus. You know the one with the phrase "unknown apocalypse of the seven churches". This song also kind of reminds me of downtown Fredericksburg with all of its church steeples.

Well, there you have it, folks. Insight into my thought processes as well as my daily career maneuvers.

get along little doggy

2006-09-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hidy-ho, strangers!

I know it's been awhile since my last posting, but I felt that I had to come up with something good for show and tell. Well, today's find is a special request from here on high for some spiffy cover art. I'm sure that you can guess the political agenda at play here so I won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say that we don't always play nice with the other kiddies in our North American sand box.

666

2006-06-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

You know I had to go there. After all, 6.6.06 is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

So...
Happy day to all, and for the superstitious, good luck out there.

Maybe I'll drum up a sketch for the festivities. Or are you simply better off visiting the fine towns of Hell, Michigan or Hell for Certain, Kentucky? Naaaah.

working artists

2006-05-16T14:02:00.000-04:00

I have the fortune of working near and dear to the Library of Congress. Being the fortress of our nation's treasures and resources, they occasionally enjoy dusting off our nation's treasures and putting them on display. Much like the Kennedy Center, they also invite many fascinating artists to showcase their wares.

Today, I was fortunate enough to attend (on my lunch break, of course) a lecture featuring guest artist, Mark Wheatley. He is one of the sequential artists known as the Insight Studios Group. He has had a sterling career creating the likes of Frankenstein Mobster, Tarzan, and Heavy Metal. Not that I am the comic book fan, but I always enjoy shmoozing with fellow artists.

In 2004, I spent another one of my lunch breaks listening to Ann Telnaes. One of the few women in the field of editorial cartooning, she was in DC presenting several of her drawings as gifts to the Library's Prints and Photographs Division. And I learned that at the time, she was also one of the faculty members of the Illustration Academy, which happens to be affiliated with one of my old stomping grounds, VCU's School of the Arts. I feel so special.

Pretty cool and productive lunch breaks, wouldn't you say?

there's been a winner!

2006-03-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

Remember the naming contest at Auction Block Computers? Well... There's been a winner! The new store name is Mind-Melds. (Pretty catchy, huh?)

The new site is currently under construction, but check back often. If you happen to find yourself in downtown Fredericksburg, drop by their store. I'm certain that you'll find some nifty gadgetry that you can't live without.

naming contest

2006-02-06T11:36:00.000-05:00

Intrigued? I thought so.

The charming people at Auction Block Computers are in pursuit of a fabulous, new name for their store. If you are seeking fame and (some) fortune, coupled with the satisfaction of knowing that you have done good in this world, please share your ideas with ABCs.

Go ahead and click on the link. In case you're feeling that you just can't possibly click on another url, I'll make your life easy by posting a summary of how to place your entry right here:

Please submit all entries to:

headelf@auctionblockcomputers.com
Subject: Store Naming Contest

Must provide:

Full Name
Legal US mailing address
Contact Phone Number

Good luck everybody!