Blogs

While obessively whittling away at a painting, I am pretty good about taking breaks now and then. Once I get started on a new piece my attention is exclusively focused on it until it is completed—which generally involves getting to the studio at about ten in the morning and leaving around midnight (though often later).

The process customarily lasts three days for a smaller piece during which time all other worldly obligations and responsibilities are wiped from my consciousness.

Recently, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin paid a visit to Tucson to meet with team members from the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. The purpose of his visit was to learn more about what it is that they do and about their important contributions to health and education.

Starting a new self-portrait today I am reminded of my first painting class in college. It was one of few. Actually, I enrolled in only two painting classes during my brief stint at university.

Y'all haven't heard from me here for a while, I know. It has (thankfully) been a really busy time. Among paintings, websites and other creative projects, I took on the illustrious task of growing a beard this fall. 

About three months ago I moved into Citizens Warehouse, located at 44 west 6th street, to set up shop. The building was originally occupied by three local businessmen, Franklin, Smith and Heighton. They moved into the building in 1907 and founded their local cartage company named The Citizens Transfer Company.

My inspiration is predominantly drawn from inner experience. However, inspiration evoked from great art also can not be helped. Experiencing the fine work of others humbles and motivates me.

When viewing the works of artists I admire most, they reveal to me my weaknesses as an artist: the areas that need tremendous improvement, how my very technique is lacking, and the potential triviality of it all. Yet, this empowers my own process rather than leaving me feeling defeated.

It's been a while since you've heard from me, I know. With travel, moving, a hard drive crash, a couple weeks sick in bed, new projects and deaths in the family, I am finding it challenging to catch my breath between sighs of gratitude. 

It's not that I don't get the cool factor. I really do. I guess I'm just not cool enough to see how one of these in my neighborhood could really be anything but bad news.

I'm pretty sure that I would prefer to have "Lucas the theater major" selling weed out of his apartment next door than a graffiti supply vending machine on the corner next to the neighborhood Red Box.

The saguaro is one of our more unique national treasures. A classic icon of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert Southwest, it is a majestic sight to behold.

Most of us have a pretty strong recollection of the first time we set eyes on one in person. The passenger to first spot a saguaro on a long road trip is rewarded with cheers from fellow travelers, accompanied by groans from those who had hoped to have spotted it first.