The Icon Project

Long ago, back when I had a little less grey and a little less optimism, I painted a great deal of portraits inspired by Byzantine Icons. Countless tubes of gold paint and stained wood went into these heavy works.

Andy (2002)

Someone told me portraits were a tough sell. Why buy a painting of someone you don't know? I caved and moved on to architectural works. The sales were indeed better but I find that I'm not as attached to these pieces. I kept using gold & copper paint and heavy wood. If only I had thought about long term storage back then.

Cityscape (2004)

After moving to Portland the tree series began which has been somewhat successful financially but immensely gratifying personally. I still love the trees and intend to finish a series of six from the latest Grimm landscapes.

Crown of Thorns (2011)

However, I have decided to incorporate the ink and paper stitching I've been using as of late with icon portraits.

That’s where you come in, fine reader. Send me your favorite picture of yourself, preferably a three quarter view or profile view, shoulders up. Over the next year I plan to create as many icon paintings as possible. I hope you will join in on the fun. The more photos I receive the more work I must do. And idle hands are the devil's tools.

Holy Time Lapse, Batman!

Sorry blog.

I've been up to so many random things lately that I've neglected you yet again. This afternoon I discovered something worth bloggin about. An odd coincidence...

While cataloguing an old issue of The Studio from 1919 I discovered Pamela Bianco, (1906-1994). Mixed in with the Rodin and Japanese woodblock prints was this incredibly delicate feminine/childish artist that drew me in. She would later switch gears and develop into a Modernist painter. But let us relish in what she did before that happened.



This is a color plate from The International Studio magazine. 1919. Published by John Lane Company. New York. 1919. Vol. LXIII.


(detail)

Her work, at this very early stage, reminded me of another artist whose work sparked a recent craze amongst the tragically hip: Henry Darger, the Outsider Artist/custodian/writer (April 12, 1892 – April 13, 1973).

I've catalogued a few books on him including Henry Darger: Disasters of War, The Henry Darger Collection at the American Folk Art Museum, and Henry Darger. Art and Selected Writings.

I admit to not knowing much about either artist but thought the connection was neat and inspiring. If I weren't so preoccupied with food maybe I'd bust out the paint brushes.

But alas, no new art from me these days. I'm currently baking a pear and ginger spice cake. Tomorrow it's greenbean casserole. Happy Thanksgiving!

A Change of Seasons

Usually with the arrival of Fall I'm overcome with the need to bundle up, drink hot apple cider, and type away at a new script. So far all I want to do is paint. Thank goodness for that.

These past few weeks I've been hard at work on a series that is perhaps the culmination of all previous doodles, paintings, quilts, etc. If ever I have felt lost or out of place, these 11 x 19 inch landscapes seem to have brought me back to exactly where I need to be.

It all started with this:


Over the River and Through the Woods (2011)
Watercolor, ink, antique marbled paper, and thread

I had been re-reading Grimm's Fairy Tales (my copy has Arthur Rackham illustrations of course) and wanted to create my own version of the deep woods that Hansel and Gretel left their bread crumbs in, or where Little Red Riding Hood had her run in with Big Bad.

After finishing the painting above I came up with a couple of 3 x 5 inch sketches and fleshed them out:

Sketch for Zauberwald



Zauberwald (2011)


An enchanted forest that for whatever reason has similar coloring to the German flag.

Sketch for Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns (2011)

work in progress

At first my sketch reminded me of a canopy of trees forming in the distance. But the more I work on this piece the more obviouse the title seems to be.

I hope to finish a series of six and will post new images as I complete them. I'll have to save the writing for Winter!

Perfect Harmony

The length of one of my best friend's hair at the time of our first meeting never fails to amaze me (we're talking Crystal Gayle). I met Leslie way back when in Denton, Texas. We became instant friends and life long supporters of each other's artistic pursuits. Her gorgeous singing voice also never fails to amaze me. Leslie Sisson is an incredible musician.



During our younger years I often watched her play solo shows in coffee shops. At some point in the early stages of our friendship we made a brief attempt to play music together but quickly realized I was better suited to hold paint brushes. More recently I've been heading over to the Doug Fir everytime she comes through Portland with two bands she perfects: The Wooden Birds and Matt Pond PA.

Leslie has been hard at work on a new solo album. There was no hesitation on my end when she asked if I'd like to do the artwork for it. My favorite track (at first listen anyway - they're all favorites now) was Harmony, a hauntingly beautiful song evoking images of a vast open sea.

The early stages of a six panel watercolor and ink painting:

Paper waves added:



And finally the girl in a boat, keeping whether she is headed home or out toward the stormy sea all to herself.

I Can't Do Cutesy Anymore

Not this week anyway...

Painting flowers and snails on watercolor paper is nice and all but I think it's about time I got back to my roots.


This is an "architectural piece" I've been working on that was inspired by the boarded up windows of the old Meier and Frank building across from Rogue.

Sidewalk (2011) - mixed media work in progress on reclaimed cabinet door.

Today's Loot

I am quite proud of this afternoon's haul from William Temple. Have a look!


So one fine afternoon, in some alternate universe, Monet and Pollock got together for booze and sandwiches. They ate/drank too much and collectively lost their lunch.


That must have been the inspiration behind these vintage green and every other color imaginable Prolon bowls:



This is a detail of a pretty linen tablecloth:





A rad and brightly colored knitting needle holder:






The fancy interior of the knitting needle holder (it's plastic, reminiscent of old Samsonite makeup case interiors):





And my favorite find of the day...


"Summer Days" by Harrison Fisher, copyright 1913. The poor print needs some serious TLC but isn't it lovely? Nothing a little paper backing and watercolor touch-up can't cure.



Happy hunting to you all!

Babies: They’re all the rage in Portland.

I went to my friend Elizabeth’s baby shower this past weekend and found not only the celebratory mommy-to-be but three other expecting ladies (should have been four but one couldn’t make it). A co-worker is about ready to give birth too. And my best friend in Alabama is due any month now. But me? Nah, no pressure.

So with all of this wonderful creation going on in the world I thought I’d make some baby art. Here are the steps toward Pfefferkorn’s special photo album that I made for Elizabeth. (That’s Peppercorn for you non-German speakers).

I painted the trees first and added the “Keebler” leaves (thanks Lara).

Then I cut and hand-stitched a little quilt together with some favorite fabrics.


The finished piece was hand-stitched on to a chipboard cover for the photo album.


Tick…tick…tick…