A Reply To My Sister.

An email response to my sister who asked me to go to an NHL game with her next weekend:

 

Hey,

 

Sorry for the slow reply - my last few weeks have been pretty hectic...

I got asked if I wanted to come up with a new set of concept designs to be submitted to Canadian Tire a.s.a.p. about two weeks ago. These are always fun and have typically come with a little dose of Canadian pride and bragging rights too. 

 

So I quickly finished the job I was working on, set aside the other ones waiting, and got out the sketchbook. I came up with 12 designs and submitted the 8 strongest/paint ready. He kinda approved 1 (with requested revisions.) It has always been a bit of a gamble *and I did know this going in*; but I still count on/need him to approve about 60-70% of my submissions to typically maintain profitability on this sort of work. So I had to tell him: “Thanks, but no thanks.” They are still my designs and I can still use them however I please but...   No payday, though - Ouch.

In the meantime, I had to accommodate for the additional ‘productivity molasses’ of having two pint-sized combatants filling the house with constant, constant, and more constant bickering while on their week long pre-summer purgatory known as ‘Spring Break’. I love my kids... I really do. Honest. I just need to better manage my doses of heroin, apparently... and/or keep a better eye on my duct tape inventory.

 Anyways...  So I got back onto the previously scheduled projects but, of course, was now falling way behind. I had written “Thurs. Apr. 3” as my firm deadline for the project for a guy coming in from up north – and I was still going to make it if I pretty well stayed up late all this week and pulled a near-allnighter tonight.   I was pretty surprised when he called from our arranged meeting point this morning wondering where the hell I was... (I even argued with him that we were supposed to meet tomorrow – and bought up that I had even written it down on the project description; “Thurs. Apr. 3”)   Dammit.  Oops.   Ugh. 

 

He was actually quite forgiving about my fumble but still a little understandably upset that the main reason he had driven all the way into town (through a snow-storm) wasn’t panning out as planned/promised. He couldn’t stay or wait for me to finish but agreed to be back in two weeks to pick up his parts but...   No payday, though - Ouch.

So now I  look like an idiot to two of my better clients, am fully disarrayed, totally behind on ALL of my projects and scrambling to get something done that may actually, hopefully(?!) be followed by a positive monetary transaction. The one silver lining here is that my stupidity has inadvertently cleared up my schedule for tonight – and there just happens to be a Dr. Sketchy’s going on at the bar downtown!

I haven’t managed a payday in a few weeks now but, in true artists fashion, am still heading out to the bar with the intention of drinking beer and drawing several poor renditions of a half-naked ‘Wonder Woman’ at Dr. Sketchy’s (not kidding – tonight’s model is Wonder Woman.) Cheers! *Oh yeah - and Thank God I married an Engineer!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Rod

P.S.

Yes – I would very much like to go to the game with you - Thanks!!

 

Cherie's been in Vancouver again for the better part of the week and my behavior has reverted to about 1993...  I'm not tripping over beer cans and pizza boxes, my underwear is being changed daily and the kids are going to school fully clothed- but that doesn't mean I haven't done my share of late night revelling.  I tell ya one thing, my kids can sleep through some serious volume!!! (and my stereo is no slouch, either.)  Morning always seems to come so fast, though, even when the sun isn't out until after 8.  

I figured I'd better include a salad with our meal tonight, though, as for four days straight lately our dinners could only be described as 'various big pieces of meat'.  I'm getting a little worried that this might start taking a toll on our colons...

I've actually managed to remain somewhat productive between my binges...  I think for the first December in about 3-4 years, I'm can actually say that I'm “busy”.  And if I'm going to get these projects out the door before Cherie's plans for Christmas in Florida come around, I've gotta keep my ass in gear.  It'll be nice to be able to contribute with the finances of all these upcoming Christmas expenses too - especially when this time of year has historically been described only as slow and stressful for me. 

I'm actually looking forward to getting out of Edmonton for a few weeks...  Snow came early this year and looking down the scope of another 4-5 months of winter has got me a little anxious and squirrelly.  There were things I did not enjoy about our time in Tennessee, but I never once complained about the weather.  (Well, apart from the tornadoes that is...)

And the New Year holds a lot of promise.  I have learned about some exciting new avenues for my business, have made some connections that will only further my artistic and social ambitions, and even have plans to garner a little more publicity.  It should be interesting and is a welcome distraction from the fact that there is 4 feet of snow on the ground and like a balmy 846 degrees below zero outside while I type this. 

Well I'd better get to work...  (and by ‘work’ I do kinda just mean tunes and booze.)

Thanks for reading - how was your week?!????

Rod

Pic:  I got sick of looking at my mediocre cephalopod and am giving him a rework with a little added size/attitude.  And have been twisting my brain around how to make a "Hayden" celtic dragon design for a skateboard that was multidirectional (is that a word?!? and does it mean that it still spells "Hayden" if you flip the board the other way?   If so - then yes; multidirectional.)

 

I think my next project should be giant and inflatable.

After spending 12 years in the States (and having an embarassingly lazy day today of watching some Thanksgiving related programming on TV) the American November Thanksgiving still holds a little sway over the October version north of the border.  It's considerably less insane up this way and you don't hear nearly as many sirens due to family related brawling or exploding turkeys.  But I do have some fond memories of how Thanksgiving was pretty universally celebrated by all and how it typically was a good opportunity to be with family before the immediate and steady decline into, and exorbitant expense of, Christmas madness.  Unfortunately Black Friday behavior has been creeping it's way up here, though, and that was one aspect of batshit stupidity that maybe should have/could have been contained in the lower 48. 

Anyways...

A little over a week ago, my brother hit a moose with his car on the highway.  The paramedics and police couldn't believe he survived - let alone was relatively uninjured (considering.)  He fractured three vertebrae in his neck, cut up and bruised his face, arm and hand; mostly from the impact sending him forward into the steering wheel.  That is probably what saved his life as the moose all but removed the top of his vehicle (pictured below: it was only being held on with the rear struts and flipped back on top of the vehicle for towing.)  All in all, it's a pretty miraculous story considering he is has already been released from hospital with only a neck brace, some meds and instructions to it easy for the next few months. 

So with all the people talking about how thankful they are today/this Thanksgiving - that is one thing I am thankful for.

I also watched a show about 'Poor Kids' on PBS a few days ago...  Through no fault of their own the children featured were lucky to be eating one meal a day - and that meal was rarely a nutritious one.  It touched on how eating fast or processed food was significantly cheaper than a balanced diet.  So just today, I paid closer attention and noticed how we could have eaten McDonalds or Subway twice for the amount of money I spent on fruit and vegetables at the grocery store.  I don't know of a solution but do see this as a problem. 

So with close to 1 in four kids living below the poverty line, I suppose I'm pretty thankful that our kids eat pretty well, don't go to bed hungry and don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.
 
I'm pretty damn thankful for the support of my wife.  I complain a lot, I know, but at the end of the day and due in no small part to the stability she provides - I get to paint all day.  In fact, she even encourages me to take bigger risks and work on bolder projects.  Any of the problems I ever claim to be facing are all either of my own construction or within my ability to do something about.  Not everybody can say that and I'm pretty Thankful for that too.

And I'm pretty damn thankful for the friends I have made on this journey.  As my time spent with Dan and Curtis a few weeks ago pointed out yet again - I have been incredibly fortunate to meet and make strong connections and forge lasting friendships with incredible (and incredibly talented) people all over the world.  So...  chances are, if you are reading this, I'm pretty damn Thankful to know you too.

Happy Thanksgiving - wherever you are.  Sincerely,

Rod

 

So Am I.

Dr. Sketchy’s was a lot of fun again.  I usually end up sitting by myself like a tool – but the experience always makes up for the awkwardness.  I’m starting to meet new people and getting to know some of the regulars but I’ve never had much of a talent for it and it doesn’t come easily for me.

The model this time was a goth goddess named Madeleine Horn.  When I first saw her I was a little worried.  She was a tall and odd combination of Morticia Addams, burlesque dancer, and circus freak.  Her large breasts, tiny waist and sculpted facial features seemed a little over the top and I wondered how it would play out on stage.

But when it started I was absolutely amazed.  She knew exactly how to pose her body and accentuate her curves.  She was very self aware and was able to position her over-the-top proportions into surprisingly wonderfully attractive positions.  It was a sketch artists dream!  I had an absolute blast drawing her.

So I spent three hours drinking beer and drawing, and drinking and drawing.  It was awesome. 

I took the train to and from downtown because of the convenience and my intended/ample beer consumption...  So it was on my way home that another surprise occurrence took place.  It was after midnight and I was sitting on a bench on the train platform waiting for my ride home.  A young woman came over and sat near me.  This isn’t too odd...  When you ride the train late at night, it is pretty common for young women travelling alone to migrate a little closer to the middle aged white guy for a little more perceived security.  I know that might not be politically correct  to say but...  well... it happens.

Anyways, she moved in closer yet and asked me if I would mind if she drew me.  She pulled out a small sketch pad from her coat and told me she was an artist.  I pulled up my pad and told her; “So am I.  And, if you don’t mind, I would much rather draw you!”  We boarded the train that had just pulled up and quickly found a seat.  She told me we were only two stops away from hers and I knew I only had a couple of minutes.  I pulled out my sketching pencils and opened my pad and proceeded to draw out a two minute portrait.  Her eye sparkled and I think she was genuinely thrilled with the experience (and result.)  She left with the portrait and a smile - and I was filled with an immense boost of inner satisfaction.   

It was a surreal experience that still has me smiling...  And a wonderful evening that served to strengthen my resolve and sense of purpose.  It felt so good to be able to say it (and mean it, and prove it): So am I.

Quite glad I went out...  what a cool night.

Thanks for reading, sincerely,

Rod

P.S.

I painted a sign blank for Cherie this week...  She has wanted to take my swap panel from Nub in to her office ever since it arrived – so when she showed up with some sign blanks from her work, I knew I was getting more than just a gentle prod to paint her one.   She was a little leery at first but pretty happy with how it came out.  Now I just gotta go get her a pole.

 

1 down - 3499 to go...

Well... Phew!  I didn't break any sales records but can take considerable comfort in having a respectable outing at the ArtWalk last weekend.  We did pretty well and covered expenses thanks in large part to print sales.  Then selling some originals helped to put some extra money in our pocket and lighten the load coming home.   

I know I really shouldn't be relying on sales at an outdoor art show for personal validation of my existence on this planet - but after my absolutely dismal showing last year, I have to admit it sure was a welcome (and needed) little pad to the pride.  It was also nice to see the noticeable shift in the crowd this year.  It just seemed like people had actually come out to the event, even despite the rain on Sunday, with the intention or at least consideration of buying art (instead of just out to look.)

I did stock up on postcards to sell (like 3500 of the damn things!!!) and only sold 1.  I wanted to cover all of my price points and figured they had been popular in the past.  Apparently that had a lot more to do with offering them for free than I had realized.  So I will now be including postcards with every correspondance down to bill payments for the next 30-40 years.

Anyways, I'm enjoying my summer so far - and think I've put off Cherie's intended camping expeditions as long as I can.  I look forward to it but it sure seems like an exhausting task when you factor the kids in.  I do think it's about time to get a fishing pole in the kids hands, however, even if it pretty well guarantees me spending the whole time untangling their fishing lines,  fixing reels and replacing snared lures.  My kids can't even play with a nerf ball without violence ensuing so I shudder to think of where I will likely be removing fishing hooks from.  There will definitely be peroxide/rubbing alcohol, pliers and gauze included in the tackle box.  And maybe even a little bourbon for Daddy. 

I did go out and stock up on bear spray tonight, though.  No shit.  I ain't taking this bacon-flavored, butterball ass of mine into bear country without several cans of that crap holstered and readily available.  It only works up to 8 meters, though, so unfortunately 'Plan B' of shrill sreaming and thoroughly soiling myself hasn't been completely removed from the table.  After being informed of the limited range I immediately imagined myself emptying every canister in vain towards a bear patiently/strategically standing 8.5 meters away - all while I lightly marinade myself in a cloud of nice peppery seasoning.  And I don't think the saleswoman instructing me to be sure I didn't limit the range by spraying the stuff into the wind really caught on to the blatant lack of composure I am sure to be exhibiting...  Nonetheless I will now be strapping a weather vane to George`s back to keep on top of the wind direction as well (I hope I can find him one that isn't cast-iron!)  Still a necessary and well-spent $75 in my opinion, though. 

Take care and thanks for reading!

Rod

Not trying to be too PC (or popular)... Just honest.

It was hot today, Cherie worked late again, I’ve been a summer-cold-suffering, phlegmfilled zombie for the last few days and the kids had just endured another pummeling at their soccer game - so nobody is exactly in the greatest of moods. But we still headed out to grab supper at a newly opened burger joint nearby.

Parked in front of us at a light is a pretty nondescript import type car with a rather large decal on the back window. As I get closer I see that the decal appears to be of a militant looking middle-eastern man holding a large spear or blade. I don’t who the decal actually depicted but he does have an ‘Ayatollah’/angry sort of look to him and I’m pretty sure the spear wouldn’t be intended for impaling broccoli. And I may not be sure the exact overall message intended to be sent by this decal - but can be pretty sure that it wasn’t “got milk?”

I could feel myself getting suspicious, judgemental, and even angry...

I started the whole inner monologue of ‘how could this terrorist possibly live in country like Canada, a city like Edmonton, and be pulling into a frikken IKEA harboring such hatred, ignorance and fear’? It makes as much sense as those spoiled suburban rich kids going to school dressed as though they were straight outta south Chicago.

I was actually surprised (and now somewhat ashamed) at just how automatic and knee-jerk my prejudices were. I don’t know who this guy pictured is - he could be the president of the International Fluffy Puppy Association (the IFPA), I certainly don’t know the driver of the car, and, most importantly/kidding aside, we live in a free country!!

So even if this sticker guy is the worst person on the planet. And this dude driving the car has his every word tattooed microscopically onto his nipples - I’m pretty sure that is legal and a ‘right’ we possess (though likely quite painful.) And I don’t think I’ll ever want to be the guy who supports hatred or oppression of liberties - on either side of the argument.

Obviously, if that hatred or oppression is his actual intention; then he is a douchebag plain and simple (and if his actions are ever illegal - the laws need to be enforced.) But, at a prejudicial first glance, he’s no more of a douchebag than the idiot I have pictured below.

Have a great weekend! I’m gonna go look for Nyquil (or Canadian Club) now.

Rod

P.S.
I think I need to enlarge a big picture of Leahy for my back window. Not sure if I’ll be inscribing his teachings onto my nipples any time soon tho...

Feeling Unexceptional?!? We have a panel for that!

I’ve been obsessing for a while now about a blog I read on another artists website. It centered around him taking a trip to meet with a group of professional artists to address ‘exceptionalism’ (or the apparent lack thereof) within his industry.

From what I gather he, being a tattoo artist, was being consulted by a panel of his peers about what to do about the rampant emergence of poor work and improper or nonexistent instruction that was plaguing and denigrating his chosen and art form. And while I am not privy to the actual discussions that occurred - or any resolutions that could have possibly come from a summit such as this; it really did cause an internal debate within me.

I’m not about to name names as I don’t feel that to be entirely pertinent. Allow me just to say that he is an extremely capable professional with a portfolio that displays both fascinating tattoo ability and artistic merit.

So… The debate continues as follows:

- Yes. He has paid dues. Respected his peers and ancestors early on - and gained recognition through integrity and achievement. Though an innate artistic predilection is a given, it has been fostered through painstaking study, hard work, endless practice and commitment. His work stands out because of this and his results soar far above par as a result. He has every right to look down upon and discourage every hack, scratcher and copycat that has bypassed respect for the art form and proper instruction for the sake of making a quick buck while tattoos are trending. It frankly threatens the legitimacy of the art form and slanders those who are trying to do it properly. It should be discouraged or dismissed on sight - never encouraged.

And.

- What a dick! A summit? Does that mean it was a group of dicks stroking each other - and to what end??? (sorry - couldn't help it...) A panel discussing who deserves to be recognized as ‘Tattoo Kings’ and who is to be pissed upon from the high and almighty throne of arrogance they are perched atop? Everyone’s circumstances are different and people will inevitably fall into a broad spectrum of abilities within any pursuit. In most, if not all, cases the cream will rise to the top. And maybe, just maybe, these ‘kings' could start taking on more apprentices, teaching, lifting the secret veil and actually expose proper techniques to those who want to learn!!!

The people expecting the Mona Lisa for $50 will be disappointed - plain and simple. It will just be a bit more permanent of a reminder that they should have done a little more research before getting that “Perfect Angle” tramp stamp after doing those body shots at a party.

… So…

No formal conclusion as of yet (though I do welcome input!) I just keep remembering the conversations I had with Mike (Learn) where I would often go off on a tangent of opinions and bold statements. And when the convoluted fog of my sermon had lifted, I would see him sitting back with his arms folded; nodding and smiling with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. It was a subtle wake up call that came with the impact of a 2 x 4; the realization that I still have A LOT to learn, I don’t know everything - and that I look like a royal idiot when I act like I do.

So, thanks again for the perspective, Mike. I think I will continue on my quest to be ‘exceptional’ and passionate in my pursuits… But, for me, it is a personal journey and I don’t really see any greater benefit to imposing unsolicited opinions on anyone else while they are on theirs. And if ever asked to speak to a panel, I think I will say exactly that.

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,

Rod