"We Are Modern" Drawing to a Close...

Since I began production on "We Are Modern" at the tail end of 2010, it's been a great experience to see the show go from concept to exhibition, not to mention see my first art book get published in the process. I'm tremendously proud of all the work I've done for the exhibit. It's a relief knowing hard work, extremely long hours and full-on dedication really pays off. The book itself was a huge learning curve, but after some trial-and-error, I know I'll be quite happy with the end result.

It feels a bit surreal knowing I'll have my first (of many) art books on at least one person's book shelf, somewhere in the world. There is a really neat permanence about being published. Your work is out 'there' for the public to see; to pick up a book and see your name and work in print. What's more is that I think being self-published brings about a great sense of joy and accomplishment. It takes a lot of time, energy, patience, love and money to pull off a project such as this. After pouring over every little detail, from layout to type setting, font choice to the photos selected for the book, I hope those searching its pages will enjoy it as much as I did putting it together.

I have to thank several people for helping me get the book off the ground in the first place. First off, I have to thank Stephanie Hastings of A to Zed Photography for taking some great behind-the-scenes shots of me while working in the studio, like the one above. I'm thrilled to have her talents as part of the book. Also, I have to thank friend Lauren Kennedy for talking with me about the exhibit and my inspirations behind my work, and friend Sylvia Wilkins for her kind words and encouragement. Of course, I have to thank The Cameron Gallery owner/director Kristi Cameron for helping me produce the book and all of her hard work and promotion of me over the last few years.

Friday, May 13th will be a stand-out date for Napkin Art Studios, as this will be the book's official launch date. Now, I'm not superstitious, but hopefully the choice of launch date won't affect the sales of the book in a negative way, haha. It has been flattering to receive messages from friends already wanting to reserve a copy.

"We Are Modern" wraps up May 19th, bringing the end to what has probably been my most successful exhibit to date as a young artist. I feel like I've set my own bar a little higher, and now look forward to what comes next.

'What comes next?' you ask? The next show on the books is "Cowboy Movie", a new portrait series of famous Hollywood Cowboys, set to debut in October 2011 at McMurry University, which happens to be my Alma Mater. I've been tapped to be the exhibiting artist during Homecoming, and will also give a lecture/gallery talk about the show, and possibly talk about my career since graduating in 2004. Final details are in the works.