On (Work) Vacation...

How 'bout that...the first month of the new year is just about complete. Time sees to go by faster and faster the older and busier you become. But, don't let that stop you.

Thought I'd take this opportunity to say a few things before I disappear for a little while. First of all, THANK YOU EVERYONE who has been a part of or has had some kind of influence/impact on my 'little studio that could.' I know I've said it before, but I can't say 'thanks' enough to those who have brought me to where I am now. My insufficient gratitude will never equal the blessing I feel to make a living as an artist. Those who are and have always been in my corner, you know who you are...

Secondly, 2012 started in high gear. In all honesty, I'm busier now at the start of a new year than I have been since becoming a working artist with a day job or not. I not only see it as a sign of progress, but there is definitely a sense that the economy and perhaps, prosperity is on the mend. There is certainly something in the air that feels good, and for that I'm happy and confident that things will continue to grow for the better.

I'm finding myself becoming more and more ambitious with my art, design and creativity abilities, as well as those other mediums I've always been interested in working with, such as film and sound. I have some interesting tools at my disposal, currently, and I'm anxious to see what I can do with these things. So, with that said, my web presence is going to decrease for a bit, until I can either A) afford a web person to handle all of the studio's internet stuff, or B) find the time to do it myself and still get some decent sleep every week. Since neither is an option at the moment, the studio's social media pages, blogs, etc. will be quiet for a while. Call it a mid-season hiatus or a working vacation. I'll still pop in on occasion and see what's going on in the world, but there won't be much in the way of bountiful information I'll be sharing for a while. However, I can say to be on the look-out soon for info regarding upcoming art exhibits and such. There is a lot of goodies in the works right now, stuff I'm excited to share soon.

Again, thank you everyone who has been such a great supporter of my art and the studio these last few years, and to everyone who has been there from the beginning. It certainly means a lot to have so many great people behind me and my work.

The lights will be dimming down, but they won't be turning off...

New Adventures in Screen Printing...

Good riddance to 2011!

Ok, well let's be really honest here...2011 was ok. Wasn't the greatest year, wasn't the worst year. It could have been better. Regardless, it was a great year for artistic experimentation, creativity and progress on my end.

One of the last interesting projects of the year was designing and screen printing my friend Bryan and Claire's Ketubah, a special marriage contract between a Jewish bride and groom, outlining the responsibilities and promises to each other in their marriage.

I was pretty nervous designing and printing something so sacred and special for two people, not to mention close friends, as there is always that additional pressure not to screw things up. Thankfully, I did not, and made delivery just in time...the day before the wedding. But hey, the wedding party knew I'd get it done in time.

The only thing I wasn't able to design myself was the text in both English and Hebrew, as I don't know how to read or write Hebrew. The English text was written by the bride and groom, then translated to Hebrew by another party. Thanks goodness for Photoshop, otherwise it would have ben a real challenge to set up all of the type. (Speaking of, I bet this would look great as a letterpress print.)

My favorite parts of the Ketubah, aside from the choice of colors, is the yellow dots representing fire flies hovering around the tree and soil. Without using an under base of white ink, I hit the yellow spots about six times with process yellow ink to really make them pop (see below.) I also love the "I Am My Beloved's and My Beloved Is Mine," line, in both English and Hebrew, just below the space where the rabbi, bride, groom and witnesses sign.

This beauty is truly one of a kind for some special friends, and I'm happy to have been a part of something this special. My friends Bryan and Claire are two people who definitely and obviously love each other, and their Ketubah is now proudly displayed in their home for all to see, in a swell silver ornate frame.

The Ketubah measures 18" x 24", printed in three colors (white, process yellow and custom hand mixed blue) on French Blu Raspberry Pop-Tone 100lb cover stock. Just to be on the safe side I ended up printing six copies just to make sure I had one copy that was usable. The remaining copies will be tucked neatly away in the archives for future reference. (In case anyone is wondering I guess I am now in the Ketubah business. Apparently, not many people make these things. Just one more nifty thing to add to the list of services.)

Though 2012 is just barely underway the year is turning out to be fantastic. The project list is already filling up with commission paintings and more gig posters. The band The Polyphonic Spree has been keeping me quite busy over the last few weeks with poster designs, and from the looks of things the following weeks will look more of the same. They've been quite a thrill to do work for.

And on a side note...the studio will be relocating to a new address the middle of February. With all that's left to do work wise I have no idea where I'll find the time to pack. Needless to say, if you don't see any news posted to the blog for a while it means there is work being done!

Hope the new year is starting out swell for you. Keep creating!