Flying Tangerine Studio

Last Dragon

2011-03-02T19:39:00.001-05:00

Here are drawings I did for the 2nd edition of Last Dragon by J. M. McDermott issued by Apex Books. You can pick your copy of this captivating tale here.

This one is my favorite

This drawing appears in the book. Yeah!

J. M. McDermott's Maze

2010-12-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

Here are interior images for J. M. McDermott's upcoming book Maze published by Apex Books. The book launches early next year, so don't spend all your money on tinsel and cookies. Enjoy!

Rose Deer, dear

2010-07-05T18:10:00.004-04:00

Sketch for possible series of drawings for J. M. McDermott. I'm heading in a totally new direction for these drawings. More fantastical, more pen & ink, more different. Cross your fingers (and your toes if your able).

And yes, that is a rose bushy tail.

River of Words

2010-03-23T09:58:00.004-04:00

I forgot that when a large venue offers ticketing over their website you should generally take advantage of it because there's probably a good reason for it. Joe and I decided to head to the Georgia Aquarium Saturday. The weather was great! It was a nice treat to walk about on a warm, sunny day since it has rained most of this month. Everyone else thought this was a good idea because all of Atlanta and its tourists were at the Aquarium too. Luckily we didn't have a very long wait to get inside. I forgot my camera (not a good sign I thought) and believed all was lost, but Joe said he would take pictures with his phone. He saved the day!

When we got inside we began our search. Where is the painting? First we walked around a few exhibits. Nothing. We asked information. They had never heard of River of Words and simply directed me toward another exhibit. The Aquarium was wonderful! Beautiful moon jellies, spider crabs and beluga whales. I was beginning to think that the display was taken down. Then Joe asked about the River of Words display to two Aquarium employees outside the Ocean Voyager exhibit. I'm sorry that I didn't get the woman's name, but she agreed to take us to the display, which was in the Learning Loop, an area that is generally off limits unless you pay for a behind the scenes tour or are participating in their educational programing. She got us in for free! I got to see my painting again. It was an enlarged copy of the original painting, but it was the first thing you saw when you opened the doors to the River of Words display. I squealed! I don't generally squeal when I'm happy, but I was so overwhelmed.

And here is the painting! Well a copy of the painting.

As it Flows, acrylic on illustration board, 1998

My Dad helped me name the painting and he was the one that told me to enter the contest. So listen to your parents they'll help you win stuff sometimes. Thanks Dad! I was the National finalist for my age group and won a trip to Washington, D.C. where I met Robert Haas, U. S. Poet Laureate.

Thanks for the pictures Joe!!

It is very overwhelming to know that my art is on display as a tool to teach kids about watersheds and The River of Words program. It was also great seeing all the art and poetry from other past winners too. So cool! Thanks also to Ingrid! She told me about the display at the Georgia Aquarium.

Extra! Extra!

2010-03-18T10:21:00.004-04:00

Well good news! I recently found out that a painting I did (along with other Georgia winners and finalists) for the River of Words competition in 1999 (gosh that seems forever ago) is up in the Georgia Aquarium. The River of Words is a national organization that helps educate youth and communities about watersheds in their areas by teaming up with local and national environmental organizations. Unfortunately I can't find any pictures of any artwork from 1999 on their website. So I guess I'll have to make a trip to the aquarium this weekend and will post pictures of said painting soon.

Also if you're in the Philadelphia area next Friday check out y friend's show:
Elizabeth J. Smith Art: MARCH 26th is SOLO SHOW - LAMINA
She is an amazing artist! Shower her with compliments and money, if you please.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-01-13T11:01:00.002-05:00

Well I've decided to start 2010 off right by making a card for my Mom's birthday. Because she looks so good she won't mind me revealing her age. Heck, she looks marvelous!

I'm sure this is the beginning of the massive load of creations for 2010!
Aah, to be able to draw again. Hooray!!

What happened?

2009-12-05T14:14:00.003-05:00

Oh my! It's been ages since I posted anything on this blog.

I tended a garden this summer that took up a lot of my time (my new favorite pastime), my car almost died and I also started a new job.

But sadness is a strange beast. It is wonderful when it happens then fades away allowing you to go on with your life. It is awful when like quicksand you are unable to unstick yourself and life seems to stop. But like quicksand it is usually a good idea to seek help and not struggle. Yet I became stuck and I struggled. I almost went under. But called out for help, people told me to relax and soon I found a rope in my hands so I could pull myself out. At the other end of that rope was the support of my wonderful family and friends. Thank you all and I love you.

To those of you who still view my blog: Thank you!!!!!!!!!! The art is back!

I will have more art soon. I'm working on a calendar project and a "green" sketchbook (more details to come) with ArtHouse Gallery.

Oh Prints!

2009-07-05T13:14:00.002-04:00

I haven't screen printed anything in 6yrs. Mostly I didn't have a space to get messy and I couldn't remember how to reclaim my screens which still had images burned into them from 6 yrs. ago. Yikes! Although I finally bought some emulsion remover so that's not a problem anymore. But using photo emulsion and sensitizer can get messy and access to a dark room was still an issue

Well I came across a company called Yudu. They make a crazy machine that exposes your screen, dries it and allows you to print. I must say it looks pretty cool and if I was easily persuaded by gadgets I might have purchased it. But I'm not. They also make photo emulsion sheets ready to use for screen printing which was of more interest to me. So I made the decision to try it out and see if this product was any good.

Are the sheets expensive? Yes, a tube with two 11"x14" sheets costs around $20 at Michael's Craft store. Are they convenient? Yes! Wet screen, (I used a 12"x14" wooden screen that I already had) squeegee on, lay somewhere dark and flat to dry and you are ready to expose your screen. That's it! The whole thing took 10 minutes including reading the instructions. I made a few mistakes on my first try (I put the sheets on my screen backward), but it still printed pretty good.

I also don't have an exposure unit to expose my screen so I had to rely on old faithful...the Sun. I thought the sheets performed very well, however since I've never used the sun to expose anything, I wasn't sure about timing. I left mine in direct sun for 10minutes, but I know for next time to leave it for longer because my design had many fine lines. Probably 20 minutes on a minimally cloudy or non overcast day. All in all I'd use this product again.

This is the design I wanted to print

This is the negative I made on mylar
(I painted this on with black paint because using Photoshop started to make my eyes hurt)

And here is print attempt #1
(Printed with white fabric ink on dark blue corduroy)

Some of the detail is lost, but all in all I'm pleased with the results. I'm going to clear the screen and attempt another printing to get better detail and more clarity. And I'll post the results when I do. I'll definitely be printing more in the future!

Stand By Me

2009-06-10T19:30:00.003-04:00

I really liked this video that my cousin Lisa sent me.
It is indeed time to stand together.

"Stand by Me" performed by musicians around the world from SKAT on Vimeo.

New drawings

2009-05-31T21:01:00.002-04:00

Sound the horns for new drawings!

Here is a sketch I'm working on for the band The Corduroy Road. There were some band member changes so I'll add the other two members into the other two ovals soon. While I'm finishing the drawing I'll begin trying to figure out how I'm going to print it. I have time on my hands so I just need to do what I do best: Research combined with trial and error.

Below is a drawing for my American Standard project. Drew Carmen from The Corduroy Road most graciously posed for me. Thanks a bunch Drew!

More to come soon!

Thank you

2009-05-31T20:35:00.005-04:00

Hooray! A new camera means pictures!

Here is the thank you card/book I made for my Uncle Rupert for taking my sis and I to brunch when he came to town for my cousin's graduation. I patterned it after the Tunnel of Love book I made for the ArtHouse Gallery show in February. So if you puzzled as to how my book opened, be puzzled no more because I posted a video.
(Yes! I am slowly learning how this technology thing works)

(Yes those are indeed my hands)

I shall make more card/books! I am determined!

In awe

2009-05-26T18:38:00.005-04:00

David Lance Goines is one of my favorite artists living today (he also has a really cool mustache). I was introduced to his work by my friend, Michael, in college when he suggested that I look at poster artists for inspiration and I've been obsessed with his work ever since. I am aspiring to achieve this level of quality in my own work. One day I will travel to Berkley, CA and profess my love of his artwork, until then I will remain a groupie from afar writing my praises through email. This is his latest poster design. *Sigh*

Sans Camera

2009-05-06T13:47:00.003-04:00

Well I'm still without a digital camera (without a scanner it is so terribly expensive and time consuming to transfer 35MM to digital, *sigh*), so here's some poetry that woke me up at 3:30am this morning (good thing it is gardening day).

There are days I have wanted to melt away
Like an abandoned ice cream on a hot summer day
For my body to fade, leaving only my eyes to see
If anyone notices the disappearance of me
Would I blend into the landscape
Absorbing the flora like syrup poured on a warm, fluffy pancake
Or like wearing a chameleon skin suit
With matching camouflage buttons to boot
Or like playing peek-a-boo
Where closed eyes mean you can't see me cause I can't see you
Yet, absently walking among my people as if neither of us exists
Will leave me with a lackluster view of the human experience

Go forth and commune with the people!!

Who's that lady?

2009-05-03T18:22:00.002-04:00

Well if you don't know me by now here's a web interview I did for the mysterious people at Who Hub. Check it out here. It took me a while to type all my answers, but it was fun. Enjoy!

The CNN Interview

2009-04-28T08:40:00.002-04:00

Well here is the link to the CNN Sketchbook Project Interview (I tried to embed the video, but CNN.com doesn't like me so I had to go low tech. Search for "2800 artists for a sketchbook" on the CNN website). I'm in the segment for about 5 seconds and flailing my arms as usual, but my book (one of 2,800 sketchbooks) is featured twice!! Yippee!! This project was so much fun I've decided to make more books so stay tuned.

*Special thanks to Felipe Barral at CNN for interviewing me and Steve and Shane at ArtHouse Gallery for thinking my book was lovely enough to show Felipe.*

*Revision*

(Scratch that I switched browsers so here is the video)

Doors close and windows open

2009-04-17T17:15:00.001-04:00

Well you lose some and you win some.

For those of you who still read my blog despite my lack in posting anything in a month, thank you for hanging in there with me. It's been an interesting couple of months for me.

Firstly, much to my regret, I'm only able to get about 3-4 hours of sleep a night. This condition has persisted for about two months now, not for lack of trying that's for sure. I became very depressed and anxious and moody. Despite taking yoga and detoxing my body (I'm a health nut y'all) , my condition wasn't improving. It became a chore to do anything. That meant my drawings became screwy, fussy and lacked the confidence they usually possess. I've discovered that my tender, young hormones are imbalanced and I am taking steps to alleviate this condition. At the moment I am calm and not exhausted so I feel good. I'm an optimist. Can you tell?

And yesterday my house was burglarized and my digital camera, some coins and a laptop were stolen. Luckily no one was home and we are not a materialistic people so besides vitamins and a couple very old and heavy tvs that's all we have that's easily pawnable. All our gold is inside our hearts. Yeah! they'll never get me lucky charms! I'm so glad that when I bought my Apple that I went for a desktop over a laptop otherwise I couldn't write this entry. I love my behemoth monitor and CPU! Unfortunately I may not post any images for a while.

So you're reading this and you're wondering, "Hey, where's the good news lady?" Well here it is...I was laid off! Now if you are unfamiliar with my situation because you have never witnessed me live then you can weep for me and please don't hesitate to email me tons of donations of fresh veggies, clothes, job offers and money. But if you have witnessed The AnnGee Show then you understand that this is the beginning of a journey I've been longing for for 3years. I am now free to volunteer, paint and draw to my heart's content. I am not worried and I appreciate all well wishes and blessings. Again optimistic.

So if you want to commission a painting now is the time to schedule one before I blow-up and I pretend not to know you (nah! I could never forget you beautiful people)!

This just in....

2009-04-10T17:48:00.004-04:00

I am being included in a CNN en Espanol segment called Juego de Palabras that airs tonight, Friday, April 10, at 6:30pm and 9pm and tomorrow, April 11, at 4pm or 9pm. The segment is focusing on the ArtHouse Gallery Sketchbook Project 3 exhibit that took place on April 2 at Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). The host, Felipe Barral, contacted me because he really liked my book and wanted to interview an artist that participated in the show. The whole interview will be in Spanish, but I'm excited anyway! (Note to self: learn Spanish)

When the segment is posted to the CNN website I hope to post a link so anyone who missed it or like me doesn't have cable can view it.

Reading is Fundamental

2009-03-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

As I began to organize my bookshelves I noticed a pattern with my books. Not so much in terms of subject, but publishers and one in particular. I love Chronicle Books! I think in the past two years I've purchased at least 8 books, only noticing the connection as the eye glass logo stared back at me from the bookshelf a couple of days ago. They have so many different kinds of books I have to lock my wallet away every time I walk into a book store because those books seem to leap into my hands and scream, "buy me! buy me!"

I'm also becoming an avid reader, soon to be collector, of McSweeney's. They are an independent publishers out of California and if you like to read or watch interesting shorts of varying topics this is the place to go to marvel and indulge your passion for writin' and readin' and dvdin'. I discovered them last year at a independent book fest, it's like a music festival but with bookworms and bibliophiles instead of fans and groupies. Very addictive and super clever writing!

Or if you want to make your own book or discover the undiscovered check out Blurb. I came across this site this week and I'm already in love. Oooh books, I love thee!

Sketchbook Project 3 continued

2009-03-06T20:48:00.003-05:00

When I said there were a lot of books I wasn't kidding. It was really great delving into the minds and hearts of all these artists. I felt humbled and giddy all at the same time. This proves that creativity is all around us and in lots of different forms. Bravo! I can't wait until the books come back to Atlanta to view more lovely art!!!!

Sketchbook Project 3

2009-02-28T12:09:00.003-05:00

Wow! The show was really great last night, despite the rain!! There were more books than I have eyeballs and hands so I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures. You can view pictures from the first Atlanta show here, they were taken by the ArtHouse owners (if you see a poofy haired lady in a yellow rain coat that's me and the lady in the white top with a short poof is me Mommy). I'll post some of my pictures later. There were some really great and very imaginative books. Creativity was truly reigning in that room!! I met some really great artists and I got some really great feedback on my book, it became a crowd favorite! And it gave me a great idea....more on that later as it develops. In the meantime, check out the date and time of the shows below, you won't be disappointed (look for the big, fat red one with a magnetic closure and feel free to leave a comment in the back, that's why there's a pen).

Exhibition Dates and Locations

February 27, 2009
7:00 - 10:00pm Atlanta, GA
Art House Gallery
309 Peters St
Atlanta, GA 30313

March 3, 2009
7:00 - 10:00pm Washington, DC
Museum of Contemporary Art DC
1054 31st St NW #9
Washington, DC 20007

March 4, 2009
Philadelphia, PA
Chris' Jazz Cafe
1421 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

March 6, 2009
5:30 - TBD Boston, MA
Laconia Gallery
433 Harrison Ave
Boston, MA 2118

March 8, 2009
Chicago, IL
Antena Gallery
1765 S. Laflin
Chicago, IL 60608

March 11, 2009
6:30 - 10:00pm St. Louis, MO
Soulard Art Market
2028 S. 12th Street
St. Louis, MO 63104

March 13, 2009
7:00 - 10:00pm Brooklyn, NY
3rd Ward
195 Morgan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11237

April 2, 2009
Atlanta, GA
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
285 Peachtree Center Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303

Tunnel of Love

2009-02-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

This is my submission for The Sketchbook Project 3 that ArtHouse Gallery created. My submission along with hundreds of others go on display (and sale wink wink, nudge nudge) Friday, Feb. 27 at Art House Gallery from 7-10pm. After that it will hit the road traveling up and down the east coast, but it'll be back in Atlanta in April at MODA if you can't view it in February.

This is a tunnel book because once the book is opened completely it's like looking down a tunnel. Each page opens like shutters to reveal the next. I made a book like this in college and was really taken by how simple it is to make and different it looks. I left the pages of the sketchbook I was given in the back of the book so as it goes from location to location people could literally write to me or whoever goes home with the book. So leave you mark on my book if you get a chance!!!

The book took a while to make because I had trouble coming up with an idea. Then I remembered making a tunnel book. I realized I was on to something, but then I lacked subject matter. Then, as Valentine's Day approached, a poem popped into my head and voila! All the lettering is by hand.

Take a gander at this here slide show

This is the poem that reveals itself as each page is opened:

From the start
Open your heart
Because if you're
Honest & true
You will always
Find those who
Unconditionally
Love you

I hope to see everyone at ArtHouse Gallery for Feb. 27th!

Heart and ache

2009-02-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

I'll be posting pictures of the book I'm working on for ArtHouse Gallery probably tomorrow. Yeah for pictures!!! But until then, here are some sweet and sour poems for Valentine's Day. First the sweet.

Synergy

fingers
interlaced
arms
intertwined
your body nestled next to mine
we wrap our limbs
like ribbons
gift wrapping one another

face to face
we breathe
one breath
back to belly
we feel
one temperature
Warm

together we have
the smoothest skin
the most beautiful eyes
the sweetest smell
the softest lips
the brightest smile

our minds work
automatically
knowing
where to touch
to calm my nerves
to make you giggle
to spark my interest
to test your strength
to make all time and consciousness
melt away

we forget the world does not
belong only to us
that time is not standing still
waiting for you or me
to restart it's rotation

despite these truths
you hold me
holding you
anyway
and we tenderly
drift off
into each others' dreams

I was captivated by these two phrases, sweet tea chivalry and southern fried drawl, for three years before I finally found a context for them. I love food and I live in the South, can you tell.

Upon Waking

I can't help licking my lips as I'm drenched in his sweet tea chivalry
My ears salivate for more of his southern fried drawl
Seasoned with the right amounts of mercurial wit and spicy imagination
Revealing a sincerity as tender as his flesh
His charm, like the smell of honeysuckle on a cool spring morning,
Lingers near the edges of my thoughts long after he has left my presence
He possesses a loyalty so unwavering he makes granite seem more like jello
One look, one touch springs forth a passion not easily contained
It overwhelms me like a swarm of fireflies, I am electrified
His bottom-less laughter bursts with a happiness that comes
from living a joyful life
Everywhere he goes he divvies out large dollops of kindness
That cuts the bitterness of life from everyone he meets
Who is this man?
This black and white man constructed of paper and ink
He lives and breathes in my dreams
So if you happen to catch me when I first wake and see a twinkle in my eye
It is from the light I leave on in my soul for him.

So over the past couple of months I've veered away from my normal random picking of music, I quite literally go into my local library and randomly pick Cd's (I do not steal the music, but I have compiled a rather large must buy/see in concert list). I started listening to some Hank Williams because I was working on some posters for The Corduroy Road (seriously check them out and if you like what you hear go to one of their live shows, say in Atlanta on March 3rd). After I finished this poem and read it aloud I realized that listening to his Luke the Drifter songs inspired this poem.

(side note: I might post a video of me performing this poem because I when I read it to my best friend I did it with a southern drawl and she really enjoyed it and me live is sooo much better than print.)

22-26 (working title)

One day I met a man who said that he was kind and sweet
Why he described the kind of man I'd always wanted to meet

His favorite color's purple and My favorite color's red
So I held my tongue when he brought me purple flowers that were
half off...and half dead

He said that I was beautiful and well that was enough
And before I knew it we were living together and sharing half our stuff

I always paid for dinner 'cause he said that he was broke
But he'd always find a $20 when he wanted to smoke some dope

I'd make soup for him when he was sick and I'd hold him if he cried
But when I'd ask for the same my request would be denied

I'd bust my butt at work, come home to cook and wash the laundry too
When I'd talk to my friends on the phone they'd ask me,
"What exactly does he do for you?"

When we'd make love he fall asleep bursting full of pride
I'd lay awake sweaty, cold and less than satisfied

We started turning off all our niceties when we'd argue, fuss and fight
All the while he'd tell people, all nonchalant, we were peachy keen
and everything was alright

Our love grew cold, we stuck it out and I tried to make it work
Despite the nagging feeling in my gut, that he was a lazy, thoughtless jerk

One day, words were exchanged, he said," You'll never find anybody better,
anybody new!"
I felt completely broken and I knew that we were through

Because even though we said we loved each other from the heart
Neither of us really knew what love was from the start

Behind The Canvas

2009-02-02T13:25:00.001-05:00

Behind The Canvas is a half hour internet show hosted by Keisha Shipp. She is currently looking for individuals/groups in the arts field to interview. If you are interested in participating, contact Keisha Shipp (keisha@keishashipp.com). Send a short bio, samples of your work and dates of availability.

This is the line up for February.

Behind The Canvas

2009-01-22T16:46:00.003-05:00

Check this out beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3 featuring James Hargett.
I'll be interviewed Feb.10, so stay tuned.
More info to come...

Straight From The Art

2009-01-22T16:13:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in meeting other artists (musicians, painters, writers, promoters, etc.) and sharing your experiences then please come out to this event. If you want to know more check out Straight From The Art . The next meeting will be Saturday, Jan. 31 from 1-4pm at Wonderroot (also a great place to check out). I hope to see you there!!

Music to my ears

2009-01-21T16:59:00.004-05:00

Well I finished the poster for the band The Corduroy Road. I stumbled upon this band by accident the day after my birthday between information sessions for grant finding at the Foundation Center (awesome place if you want information about grants, residencies, etc. for all kinds of people and best of all it's FREE!). Anyway, I heard a band playing and went over to the bandstand in Woodruff Park to investigate. I thought they sounded really good, despite performing with only one amp, and they reminded me of Cisco Houston and Woodie Guthrie. After their performance I asked them to check out my art and I invited them to participate in my American Standard project. In exchange I would do a poster for them.

Good music, good art, everybody wins!! So give a-listen to this band and if they come to a city near you, Go! You won't be disappointed!

Here are the sketches!

Photocopied floating heads

Very Sketchy

All ready for color!

Final

I went back to basics on this one. Prisma markers on photocopy paper. I'm not showing the color studies I did to get to this point, but let's just say one of the guys had a a brown face and green beard and another had a yellow face. Late night+marker fumes=crazy colors and bedtime, you know what I'm talking about.

*Special note on those markers*

If the marker begins to dry up dip the large tip into alcohol, let sit with large end down and it will temporarily revive the marker.

More Words

2009-01-02T14:44:00.001-05:00

Artwise, I've been working on a poster for an awesome Americana band, The Corduroy Road, (when I get the okay from the band I'll post progress) and trying to come up with some ideas for a sketchbook project I signed up for (procrastination has a hold of me on this one). But sketchbooks always present a challenge for me so when inspiration strikes I'll probably go nuts, furiously drawing in the cave.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I'm reading a book called Food Not Lawns by H.C. Flores and I'm fired up to start gardening. I'm going to get in touch with my local community garden and volunteer or take some classes so I can get some hands on knowledge to better help my Mom and Grandma who have small gardens they're trying to improve. I still drive a car so I have to do something to offset that impact, plus over the years I've gained a greater fascination with food and where it comes from. I come from many farmers, I'm only one generation removed on some branches of my family tree, so it's only natural to have a desire to want to farm or watch plants grow. Wish me luck on my year of growth!

Since I don't have any art to post just yet here is some poetry:

Goodbye OZ

I remove my hat of straw to reveal my thought-full brain
I open my chest, once cold and stiff, to reveal my bleeding heart
I dust off medals of valor and know they are only a symbol of the bravery I possess
The smoke, light and mirrors once employed to mask my true identity
Have been retired and I step from behind the curtain
Smaller, perhaps, but more true, alive
The wand-waving fairies I waited to guide me to the right path
Reveal themselves as family, friends, neighbors, ancestors, intuition
They remind me that the power of my desires is not beholden to rubies, silver or emeralds,
But found in the passion that resides in the soul
And where ever I find such love I am home

A bit of poetry

2008-12-19T19:10:00.002-05:00

There's been a little black rain cloud hovering over my honey tree lately so here are some poems I did late summer/early fall that express how I'm feeling.

But first a disclaimer:

A Warning To Readers

You probably came to hear great poetic verse
Something deep and well rehearsed
Well, as you can already tell my poems all rhyme
So get out now!
While you still have time
Grab your coffee, wine, coat or purse
Because my rhyming only gets worse

Monkey

When I was young I was told about a monkey that I needed to see
A monkey named Perfection who was as beautiful as can be
No bars or cages or moats were used to keep it in its place
Perfection was always well-behaved, never rude or in your face
Perfection asked politely if it could leave its exhibit
To come to my house for a short visit
I asked my parents if it could come home to play
And both my parents and its keepers wearily said, "Okay"
So Perfection and I walked out hand in hand
And straight away began making play plans

Oh, it was a blast at first
The running, the climbing, so much fun I could have burst
Then Perfection wanted to play in my room
"Sure", I said. And we took off. Zoom zoom
I neglected to tell Perfection that I wasn't very neat
That staying tidy had become a tremendous feat
But that Perfection didn't miss a beat
And began telling me what to do
Giving me advice so I could be perfect too

Before I knew it that monkey climbed on my back
And proceed to tell me, in great detail, all that I lacked
Too silly, too nice, too slow
Too lazy, too smart and you walk like a duck. Didn't you know?
Not tough enough, or neat or thin
Or pretty or happy or good enough for anything

I tried to plug my ears, but it pulled my fingers out
I tried to shake it off my back by twisting all about
Yet it could not, would not budge, not even a little bit
So day after day I carried it and everywhere I'd go, Perfection went
It was with me at home and with me at school
When I'd go out to play or learning to swim at the pool
We learned to drive together, it went with me to prom
Perfection even went with me to college, to point out anything I did wrong

I fought it tooth and nail
I cursed it, begged, shouted, assailed
I yelled," I'm warning you! You'd better go! You hear me leave tonight!"
But that monkey only cocked his head and said," Well, that wasn't very polite."
I got so mad I thought I might explode
But then I thought about what I had just been told
So I quietly began to walk back to that place where we first met
The gates were locked, so I climbed with it over the bars, stumbling a bit

But over we went back to its old home
And we gazed out at its dwelling in the dark, all alone
"Perfection," I whispered.
"Yes," it replied
"If I ask you nicely..will you get off my back. Will you comply?"
"All you need to do is say the magic words with sincerity"
And finally I saw the situation with some clarity
"Please monkey leave. You are too heavy for me to carry."
Swiftly, he leapt from my back and I instantly felt light and airy

Perfection looked at me and I at that monkey
It said," I hope you now know you never needed any advice from me
Because you were always as perfect as you will ever be."

Who Am I?

I look in the mirror and who do I see
Who is this person in front of me
I'm not sure so I ask continually
Who am I

Where am I going
Where am I from
Has my life truly begun
If I'm still asking
Who am I

What does this brain contain
Besides this awful refrain
Been asking myself this since I was twelve
I think it's effected my health
Does it mean I not sure of myself
When I ask
Who am I

Sometimes it's like I'm wearing someone else's clothes
Is this really the life I've chose
I have no answer so I suppose
I'll keep asking
Who am I

Am I trapped in some kind of box
Without a key to unlock
Or am I just going crazy with this thought
Plagued by
Who I am

If I don't have any answers is that a crime
Am I wasting my precious time
I'm still searching, looking for a light to shine
To guide me to
Who I am

Am I hiding in plain sight
Is that what keeps me up at night
I still don't know what is right
So I ask again
Who am I

Where do I fit within this human race
There doesn't seem to be a category for my face
So the label for my jar remains
Who am I

Where do I go from here
Am I unable to move, paralyzed by fear
Still wondering when it will become clear
Who am I

I cannot eat or sleep
My eyes are red and swollen as I weep
I am constantly haunted from within my deep
Unable to stop asking
Who am I

I don't know what to do
I have no answers
I'm still searching for clues
I've asked many people, but they have no clear view
That makes any sense of
Who I am

I see reflections of the child and woman inside of me
They seem to be fighting for authority
I wish they would live peacefully
And maybe then I could figure out
Who I am

One day I hope to know what I want to be
To be comfortable enough to enjoy being me
Today is not that day, unfortunately
So I ask again
Who am I

Young Blood "Home" Photos

2008-12-12T17:18:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for my tardiness in posting these pictures. The show is up until Dec. 28 so stop by if you can and see more amazing art by super artists!

View Album

Get your own

All That Jazz Revisited

2008-12-04T17:09:00.005-05:00

I suppose I've been in a time travel kinda mood (I think seeing Michael J. Fox on the tube and a co-worker humming Back In Time conjured memories of Back to the Future) or perhaps I'm just nostalgic. Anywho, here is a small painting I started Sunday and finished yesterday (fastest turn-around since me college days. Quelle surprise!). This is a redo of a piece I did in art school and my Grandparents in Maryland have the original watercolor/color pencil version (somehow I don't have a picture of it, sorry). I'm really happy with this little painting and I hope to do a few more small, music themed pieces. I've been a bit paint crazy lately which I feel has replaced my usual fervor for the holidays, so this year there will probably be less cookie baking and tree trimming and more painting. Que sera sera.

original color study (watercolor) and drawing on tracing paper

Jazz, 2008
(Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman)
8" diameter
watercolor, casein and gouache on paper

New painting!!!

2008-11-29T19:09:00.004-05:00

I've been painting like mad and getting my ducks in a row to apply for a grant for next year (cross your fingers, toes and eyes for me please). I'm worn a bit thin because I still can't get my images to load onto the site (*sob*), but hopefully the techies will respond to my email and help me out before Dec.1.

Here's the latest painting I finished to be included for this grant.

the color sketch

final painting

Hey, Good-looking, 2008
11x14
Watercolor, gouache and casein on paper

It is a self portrait in the American Standard series I'm working on. If the pose looks familiar, that's because I used this pose once long, long ago and the story behind why I'm using it again is much too long to type, so if you catch me on the street and want to know, grab a chair and a drink/bite to eat and I'll tell you all about it.

Home show @ Young Blood Gallery

2008-11-28T10:58:00.002-05:00

"Leaving Home"

Tim Boyd

Each December, Young Blood hosts a group show

with a theme that alternates between "Home" and "Seasons". The theme for this year is "Home". Forty local artists will be showing all types of work and every piece will be sold for $200 or less!

"Orphanage"

Eric Trimble

The opening reception takes place on December 6th, from 7:00 to 10:00.

"Maeby"

Natalie Osten

Participating artists:

Wes Cummings
Tae Lee

Truett Dietz
Megan Kimber
Tim Boyd
Mike Germon
Travis Theus
Lael Pastore
Morgan Hayes
Kelly Teasley
Shonda Smith
Caleb Faw
Ryan Coleman
Jessica Gonacha
Shawn Richardson
Jessica Blankenship
Philip Jones
Jenny Dayton
Paige Adair
Jennifer Morris
Nathan Phaneuf
Jason Palmer
Natalie Osten
Cristina Vidal
Michael Swann
Greg Bordreau
Leah Pettway
Diane Koss
Damian Bradley
Corinne Kornder
Megan Blackburn
Angela Giles
Andrea Sanders
Adam Slight
Aaron Hitchcock
Eric Trimble
Joe Tsambiras
Dorothy Stucki
Eric Elliot
Becky Furey

My Three Little Pigs will be in the show!

From Flying Tangerine Studio

So come out and see some great art and take a turn around the shop if you are in search of some hand crafted goodies.

Support Community Radio

2008-11-26T16:29:00.005-05:00

If you are out there looking for an alternative to the blah blah blah on the radio please direct your dials to WRFG 89.3. This is a great station and I've found the programs that this station provides to be diverse and a wealth of information about events in and around Atlanta as well as the world.

WRFG is a community radio station which means it asks its listening audience to make donations and contributions to keep the programs on the air and the station functioning. All of the talented program hosts and djs are volunteers who hand pick the music and topics everyday! Amazing!

WRFG is having their 16th Annual Silent Auction December 7, 2008 from 4-7pm at the Inman Park Trolley Barn near the Inman Park Marta Station. By attending you contribute $15 for food, drink, music and FUN!!

(Click on the flier to view)

I started listening to this station about a year ago and it is one of the few radio stations I actually look forward to starting and ending my day with. I love listening to this station and I donated the drawing below, Deep in the Heart, for the silent auction.

From drawings

Please come out to support GREAT community radio!!

Art and Auction

2008-11-15T14:57:00.007-05:00

Well I decided to add a bit of flare to my Fox and Grapes, so I gave it a frame. This piece will hopefully be at MOCA's (Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia) Pin-up show this Thursday, November 20, 2008. It's a one night show so if you're salivating for this beauty come out so you can snatch it up or simply drop by and say hi to lil ole me.

Also my drawing, Deep In The Heart, will be at 89.3 WRFG's Silent Auction Sunday, December 7. This is a really great local Atlanta radio station and they need the community's help to cover operating costs. I listen to this station all the time and it's awesome!!! So join in some winter revelry and help a great radio station continue to serve their community.

Good News!

2008-11-14T12:01:00.005-05:00

Don't Forget To Smile, 2007

Strut, 2008

Well if you like my paintings a bunch and you want one for your very own, these two are up for grabs at U*Space Gallery (a really awesome gallery). Also I have some new paintings coming (less corners, more curves) and two shows in the works. I'll post more info soon, I must return to painting.

It's like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks

2008-11-06T16:37:00.004-05:00

I participated in the first Sketchbook Project at Arthouse Co-op and it was AMAZING!!! Now in year three, The Sketchbook Project Exhibition is bigger and better! Check it out!

What

ArtHouse sends you the sketchbook, you make the art. Then Art House is taking all the sketchbooks on a 6 city tour to galleries and museums across the U.S. The goal of the exhibition is to encourage anyone to create artwork and build a collective of sketchbooks made by artists from all over the world.
About us

Art House is all about community. You don't have to be a professional artist to participate in the exhibition. This project is about being creative and inspiring yourself and others. We want to bring artists together and give everyone a chance to show in museums and galleries around the country!
Details

Sign up and we'll send you a Moleskine sketchbook.

The theme of the show is "everyone we know".

You have until February 15th, 2009 to send your sketchbook back to us.

We'll take your sketchbook, along with every else's

What are you waiting for? Click on the link!!!
The Sketchbook Project Volume 3 | Art House Co-op | Atlanta, Georgia gallery | A Million Little Pictures, The Sketchbook Project

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The Fox and The Grapes

2008-09-14T14:51:00.002-04:00

The Fox and the Grapes is probably my favorite Aesop's Fable. One of my favorite versions is a modern take in Fox On Wheels written by Edward Marshall and illustrated by James Marshall. I got a chance to make a painting about it in art school, but I always felt I could have done more to the piece if I had more time. So not too long ago I decided to redo it. And early this morning I finished the painting.

This is the sketch

this the color sketch

this is the final painting
(Yes! I'm out of the box and into ovals)
Size: 7 1/2" x 10"
Media: Gouache, watercolor, casein on paper

detail

I'm pleased as punch with the results and it has jump started my creative juices again.
Hopefully, more paintings soon.

Skater Aid Deck

2008-08-31T15:33:00.003-04:00

Well here it is folks! For those unable to go to the reception this morning at the Brick Store Pub, here is the finished deck in all it's glory.

Here are a few words I included with the deck:
I dedicate this deck to my brother, Michael, whose skating awed his little sister long before Tony Hawk and Monique whose friendship is invaluable. I thank my family and friends for their support and my Ancestors and God for this ability.

The decks are on display until Saturday, September 20 . Sunday, September 21 they will be moved to the Skater Aid 2008 event where bidding will end. There is an admission fee for the Skater Aid event because this is a fund raiser, so if you just want to view the boards, buy a soda/beer/glass of wine at the bar and walk around the Brick Store Pub and admire the lovely art.

Please make a list of the decks you like (all the decks will be posted to the website this week) and come to the event to place bids.

The bidding will be in three stages this year. Section "A" will close at 6:30, Section "B" at 7:00 and Section "C" at 7:30. The groupings will be decided when the decks are hung, so arrive by 6pm to place your bid before. Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards will be accepted.

We are expecting a large crowd this year, so parking may be difficult. The Avondale Marta station is VERY close to East Decatur Station so consider taking MARTA or carpooling.

Skater Aid Sneak Peak 2

2008-08-23T12:51:00.001-04:00

Here's a sneak peak of my skateboard for Skater Aid 2008. To see every hand painted detail in person come out Sunday, Aug. 31 at 11am to the Skater Aid 2008 Meet the Artist reception
I hope to see you there!!

Skater Aid sneak peak

2008-08-16T11:20:00.001-04:00

Skater Aid 2008 is two weeks away so I hope you've been saving your nickels and dimes to buy my board and help out some great families (learn more at Skater Aid 2008). 100% of the profits from the sale of my board are going to Skater Aid, so please come out and support.

I'll post the flyer for the show soon. I'm having some downloading problems.

I'm really excited about this event I'm still painting my board, but here's a sneak peak at the design. I draw on tracing paper and I'm not the best photographer so sorry for the quality. This just means you'll have to show up in person to view it in all it's glory.

Skateboard before paint and sanding, but after peeling off sticky stickers

Part of the design for the skateboard

Meet the Artists: If you'd like to meet me in person so you can probe my mind I'll be at the meet 'n' greet with the other artists who submitted boards on Sunday Morning, August 31^st, 11:00a.m at the Brick Store Pub in Downtown Decatur. I know it's earlier but coffee will be provided by Java Monkey. Or you can stand next to me I'm sure the vibrations from my hyper/nervous jitters will wake you as well.

The Skate Deck Exhibit will hang at The Brick Store Pub in Decatur for three weeks and on Sunday, September 21 the decks will move to the Skater Aid event. Photos of all the decks will be on the Skater Aid web site and as bidding continues, highest bids will be posted on line. Bidding will happen at Skater Aid on Sunday, September 21st.

I hope to see you there!!!

Also I hope you've traveled down to Aurora Coffee to bid on "Deep In The Heart of Texas" for the Krystal Woods Benefit only two more weeks until bidding concludes. Also 100% of profits to benefit Krystal Woods. Go help a sister out!!

Krystal Woods Benefit Art Auction

2008-08-03T09:20:00.002-04:00

I don't know this Krystal Woods, but if I needed help I'd want as many people as possible to do what they could. I am a believer in the kindness of strangers.

Read this about Krystal and maybe you'll be as inspired as I was:

Some of you may know Krystal Woods, current Aurora Coffee employee, Karaoke enthusiast, and overall sweetie. Maybe you don't know her and thus by default you don't know the true meaning of feeling joy.

Anyway here's the scoop: in 07' Krystal was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition known as Karatoconus a condition in which her corneas are hardening and becoming cone shaped. She consulted with many doctors, and in order to reverse this condition and keep from going completely blind, she needs to have some expensive surgery.

She's applied for medicaid and social security but apparently 20/400 vision is still better than complete blindness and thus she is getting no government support.

So guess what, a bunch of cats are stepping in to help raise some money. Our goal in all of this is to raise 20,000 dollars, a lot of money and the cost of the surgery. With everyone's help and generosity we can at least give Krystal a chance at regaining her sight.

Her good friends have even created a myspace for her:

http://www . myspace.com/krystalwoodsbenefit

Here's the artwork I'm donating to the Silent Art Auction benefit happening at Aurora Coffee.

Wanna participate?
We need still need artists to donate or contribute art for a show at Aurora Coffee. We've got 12 artists so far but we're trying to get a least 25, so please tell your friends. The pieces will be sold in silent auction between August 9th - August 31st. If you have pieces you'd like to include, please respond to myspace. com/beepbeepgallery for more info. The deadline is Wednesday August 6th.

I'm a little slow witted sometimes

2008-08-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

I've had this blog for some time now and I kept wondering why I didn't receive any comments, especially from my family and friends that view this site. I mean I was really distraught, then angry and then languid in continuing with this blog. That is until yesterday when I realized that my comments were set to hidden so no one could possibly leave a comment confirming my awesomeness or telling me to turn in the towel and devote my life to cutting mats. Shucks! and Gorsh! At least I know now, 9 months later. Ugh!!! So not surprising that I don't have a website. Apparently, I can wield a paintbrush, but not a cursor and I need to work on my basic reading skills.

So feel free to comment to your hearts content. Seriously, even the older stuff. And if your a veteran of this blog business and know something else that this novice should know teach me Sensei, I am ready to learn. But please write slowly and use small words or simple diagrams.

My weekend

2008-07-20T19:12:00.002-04:00

So if you never see me out and about the ATL it's because I'm painting or drawing or writing poetry or my writing personal philosophy of life or researching something at the library or sleeping or trying to get someone to pay me to do this full time.

I'm like an octopus, elusive, but I can be coaxed from my cave occasionally. Case in point, my friend Stan and I hung out and bam! inspiration hit. And that's just what lead me to finish some color sketches I've been avoiding. I do my color sketches on photocopies of my original drawings with markers. Well enough chatter here's some color:

The Fox and the Grapes (one of my favorite Aesop's fables)

A small stamp design series I'm working on.

"Hey Good-looking" (self portrait) part of a series I'm working on called American Standard

"Man of Distinction" part of the American Standard series

I have some poetry and writings that I also hope to post soon.

Also if you're an artist please check out this event called Skateraid
It's for a great cause to help benefit some great kids so if you like to skate or make art or you just want to help check out the website and re-post this flyer. Thanks!!!

Looking for AnnGee?

2008-07-03T19:03:00.000-04:00

Looking for a place to view my paintings up close? Debating what painting to buy first?
Well check out the DeFoor Center. On display Monday, July 7th are Three Little Pigs and Strut. Go grab a bite to eat and one of my paintings for lunch.

Three Little Pigs, 2007
Gouache, watercolor, casein, acrylic ink and color pencil
11x14

Strut, 2008
Gouache, watercolor, casein and acrylic ink
12x16

Leap!

2008-06-09T20:17:00.001-04:00

I have been very busy in the last months since I last posted anything. I finally got over myself and have tried really hard to stop replaying my past and live in the present. I have a few dozen ideas for paintings. As well as awesome news: I have been approached to display my art in two different galleries!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!! and YEEEEHAWWWWW!!!!!!! Cross your fingers for me and your toes and your eyes and your legs you cheeky people.
Okay on with new art news.

I have finally put paint to this sketch I started months ago and I am very proud of the results.

Here is the original drawing. I foolishly thought that if I repainted over this drawing (that's why it's half brown and half pink) I'd be satisfied. Oh how silly! Time changes us all and our painting styles for a reason. I know that now.

Alas sometimes it is best to start over from square one. So without further adieu here is the finished painting. And no that's not me and no I didn't secretly have a baby. The little cutie is one of my many little cousins, Ella. Thanks for visiting Aunt Julie.

(size: 11x14 mediums: watercolor, gouache, casein)

And here is a poem to boot:

Take a chance and you will see
How much better your life will truly be
So Leap! and life will catch you
Though the exhilaration of chance may not last
When you reach earth again
You'll find your fears live only in the past

I told ya'll I've been busy. I have more poems to post, but I'm going to get some food I'm hungry, so I'll leave that for another time.

Fresh from the Garden

2008-03-07T18:12:00.005-05:00

I started this drawing while in school with 30% complete. I liked it a lot and it kept calling my name from beyond my old portfolio, so recently I finished it. I thought it fit the IF theme of garden nicely since all the fruit is freshly picked.

Ummm..... pineapple, watermelon, papaya. I wish it was summer already.

Medium: prisma markers, colored pencils and acrylic ink

Leap!!

2008-03-06T22:02:00.007-05:00

This is my first entry for Illustration Friday. I love this site and I hope to get a bit faster to showcase more of my paintings for future entries. But what fun!! There's some awesome art on that site!

This drawing is a rework of an old drawing I did in college and a tip of my hat to David Weisner, a fellow lover of frogs . I'll probably tweak some more while I paint. It's a little tight finding time to paint, but I hope to post color soon.

Alan the A-Maize-ing King of Corn

2008-03-02T11:16:00.007-05:00

I have finally finished this picture of my Dad. I started the sketch in Dec., did the final sketch in Jan. but didn't begin to paint until Feb. I didn't really take too long I just had to find the time to paint. Making painting a priority has been the challenge, but now that I feel like I'm really honing in on a style and I feel much more confident.

Here's the sketch I started with :
I tweaked it :

here's the finished piece:
(size: 11x14 medium: watercolor, gouache, casein, acrylic ink on paper)

Here are some details (photographed with a quarter to give you an idea of scale):

I just want to say I love 3/0 brushes!!!!!!!

Rock 'n Roll Tina!!! (sneak preview)

2008-01-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

Above is the color sketch I did for my Rock 'n Roll inspired painting.

I ended up not going with this color scheme. It seemed too bright when I started putting the paint down. So I started over again with a week to go until the show.

This is the finished painting of Ms. Tina strutting her stuff. Whew! Finished tonight around 8:30pm. Just in time.

(Detail)

(Detail)
So if you can't make it to the show. Here's just a taste of what you missed.
Other wise come out and strut right outta MINT with this baby in hand.
I hope to see you there!!!!!

Sketchy Business

2008-01-18T15:53:00.000-05:00

Here is the sketch for the Rock 'n Roll show. Strut, Tina strut!!!
Can't wait to see it in color, don't forget to come out to the show @MINT Sat., January 26!!

It's only Rock 'n Roll Art Show!!!

2008-01-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

It's only Rock 'n Roll Art Auction @ MINT Gallery Sat. Jan. 26 8pm-Midnight.
Come see some of my new art. I'll post pictures of my painting soon. Until then.. mark your calendars!!!!

New Sketch

2007-11-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

I always liked this fox that I drew many moons ago, so I decided to revamp it in my new style. I hope to post a before an after when I finish this piece after the holiday.

Close up

2007-11-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Here are close-ups of some of the drawings from the sketchbook. Enjoy the larger images!

Fears: The Sketchbook Project

2007-11-03T11:32:00.000-04:00

Here is a sketchbook I did along with 500 others for ArtHouse Co-op in Midtown. Check out http://www.scad.edu/about/news/topstories/2007/100507a.cfm it will be on display at The Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta Open Studio Night Nov. 8, 7 p.m. at 1600 Peachtree St. This event is free and open to the public. Poetry and drawings what more could you ask for!!

Flying Tangerine Studio

Last Dragon

J. M. McDermott's Maze

Rose Deer, dear

River of Words

Extra! Extra!

Happy Birthday Mom!

What happened?

Oh Prints!

Stand By Me

New drawings

Thank you

In awe

Sans Camera

Who's that lady?

The CNN Interview

Doors close and windows open

This just in....

Reading is Fundamental

Sketchbook Project 3 continued

Sketchbook Project 3

Exhibition Dates and Locations

Tunnel of Love

Heart and ache

Behind The Canvas

Behind The Canvas

Straight From The Art

Music to my ears

More Words

A bit of poetry

Young Blood "Home" Photos

All That Jazz Revisited

New painting!!!

Home show @ Young Blood Gallery

Support Community Radio

Art and Auction

Good News!

It's like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks

What

About us

Details

The Fox and The Grapes

Skater Aid Deck

Skater Aid Sneak Peak 2

Skater Aid sneak peak

Krystal Woods Benefit Art Auction

I'm a little slow witted sometimes

My weekend

Looking for AnnGee?

Leap!

Fresh from the Garden

Leap!!

Alan the A-Maize-ing King of Corn

Rock 'n Roll Tina!!! (sneak preview)

Sketchy Business

It's only Rock 'n Roll Art Show!!!

New Sketch

Close up

Fears: The Sketchbook Project