Saturday, July 26, 2008

Mid-Life Crisis



I've been listening a lot to John Mellencamp's new CD, Life Death Love and Freedom. The content of this CD speaks to me of late. Very reflective of all that the title evokes. I don't speak of the term "crisis", in my title, as a troubled time but as a "turning point". A place and time in ones life where you are literally at a crossroads with those who are in your circle of life. Your life experiences are shared with those who have come before you and have experience much more life than you and with those who are coming up behind you. You are truly at the Mid-Point.

With in the last few weeks death has been a much too common thread in my life. Although indirectly, it has certainly been with in the seven degree's of separation. It certainly makes you reflect on your own mortality and those around you. Makes you begin to assess your own life journey of where you've been and where you still want to go. Hopefully my journey will become less about me and more about those around me. As an artist, I don't know how successful that goal will be for me? For, every fine art image I create, I am saying look at me, look what I did! Maybe artists are kids who never grow-up or at least try and pretend they don't have to grow up?

Verse from "Longest Days" John Mellencamp

It seems like once upon a time ago
I was where I was supposed to be
My vision was true and my heart was too
There was no end to what I could dream
I walked like a hero into the setting sun
Everyone called out my name
Death to me was just a mystery
I was too busy raisin up Cain



Monday, July 21, 2008

Seduction by: wm zuback


You're so hot
Every morning
I'm awakened by
You're radiating warmth
Emanating
From your smooth
Curved porcelain skin
Held tight
Between my two
Cupped hands
My hands
The recipient
Of your generosity
My lips
Taste your smoothness
Your sultry
strength
Your darkness
With
Just a hint
Of sugar
I consume
Every ounce
Of your wetness
I delight
In our daily
Escapade
My
Early morning
Love affair
With my
Arabica bean
Concoction!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Liberal Mind Bender


Once a month I get together with five like minded liberal creative thinking friends. We have great food, drink, and conversation. Not much different than most. We discuss the events of the day, art, and anything else that comes up for discussion. At the end of each gathering we always come up with a topic that we are prepared to talk about at our next gathering. Tonight we came ready to talk about our "shadow" and what that means to each of us. Six completely different points of view to bring each of us to our own idea's and conclusions. Some more pointed and straight forward and others more clinical or philosophical. All sincere and worthy of great discussion and respect. I saw a terrific photograph, listened to some poignant readings, and heard some meaningful poems. An intimate evening in the company of great friends!

Friday, July 11, 2008

My Creative Nugget



Although the entire space is just under 500 sq ft., it is my first very own studio space. I have dreamed of a creative space of my own like this for a very long time. Thanks to a very understanding wife, we made some logistical changes and sacrifices to our parking situation to allow me this wonderful creative space. I feel as an artist and as a business person, this allows me the freedom and flexibility I need to create. Now, NO MORE EXCUSES!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Studio Construction Progress



I haven't been this excited in a very long time. I have been like a little kid waiting and waiting for Santa to finally come and bring that new slot car race set I wanted. This time it isn't a slot car race set but a studio for me to play and make some extra money in. I've still been waiting and waiting just as I did so many years ago but not for Santa. I've been not so patiently waiting for the contractor to finish his handy work so that I can finally get into my new playground and well, you know, PLAY!

I have big plans for this new space which is only about 20 steps from my back door. I plan to spend many hours working on my fine art photography while also doing a fair amount of freelance work to help get the kids through school.

I know that the contractor is busy this time of year just as Santa is during his peak busy season, but come on, give a kid a break!

Friday, July 4, 2008

First Post/First Impressions


If you stumbled on this by accident or are a friend, family member, or acquaintance; this is my first posting. As a photographer I guess it is only fitting to begin with an image.

This image is a Photoshop composition I created recently. I added two doll faces to the overall landscape image but when I was finished I noticed a third face that I didn't create. It looks hauntingly like my father. Since he passed away almost four years ago I have been wanting some sign/communication from him. I'm not a religious individual but consider myself a spiritual person. I don't know if there is a god or an afterlife but I do feel a deep connection when I talk to my father. Well, for what it's worth, this is the sign I have been waiting for. Thanks Dad!