Modern Art In A Few Words

   I stumbled across a piece by Craig Damrauer, which can also been seen at 20x200. It summarizes what I've been feeling within myself as of late about art, my art and the art of others. When my wife and I used to go out window shopping, I was always armed with my art degree and the need to say, "I could do that." Add that with "Yeah, but you didn't.", and you get me and my modern art. Children, job, occasional apathy,........it all plays a part. It's not excuse, no matter how you stack it. 

   Life finds a way, and keeps going no matter what your day is like. Just this past year, I was laid off, losing a house, getting a new job, putting my dog of 11.5 years down, moving to a new city, and a host of other things. I realized in the middle of it all that life was moving on despite me. I applied that thinking to my art and it all made sense. Art is made with our without you. I've done a few pieces here and there since. My daughter has a lot to play in the influence of continual creation. 

   Point is, don't scoff or demean unless you really plan on doing something about it. I intend to gain momentum with each day and I thank Craig's and this piece for reminding me of that. 

Creativity Anytime

So. I was grabbing a frozen yogurt at the local Yog-in and the gal behind the counter had been doodling to pass the time. I got a shot of it and decided it would go well with my thought for the day. Whether you're on the phone, killing some time at work, needing some warm up exercises for an art gig, or whatever, we can all use a little creativity anytime. A lot of times it comes from sketching. The guys at First Second Books have some good insight in warm ups. I like the the line that says "sketching is like play". That's exactly it!

I also like art collaboration, competition and a collection of artists that feed off each other for ideas, showcasing and the like. One of my favorites has always been the endless amount of talent at Avalanche Software, where they work on Disney games. The blog is dedicated to all the previously mentioned stuff, and has always inspired me to keep drawing.

Point is, whether you're an artist by trade, by night, or by yourself.....keep on doing it. The world needs more creativity. We all start off in school cutting, pasting and drawing. It gets weeded out, beaten out, and schooled out of us too soon. So next time you're on the phone, or sitting on the train/bus/boat or any other version of mobile sketching,.... doodle something. Anything. Heck, email it to me and I'll post it. HAPPY to!!! 'Till then.....

(original sketch by A. Matilla. Thanks for the pic!)
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An-emotion

So we rented and watched Toy Story 3 the other night and I'm compelled to mention that the whole later third for the movie had me in an emotional state for the remainder of the evening and had me thinking into the next day. There's a part where the Toy Story crew is in peril and the end looks near. I watched as Buzz's face had a look of acceptance, and he prepared to meet his end. He then convinced the others, through facial expressions alone, that this was okay. For whatever reason, it moved me beyond words.

It reminded me of Frank and Ollie commenting on the animation done on Snow White, after the apple is bitten and she appears to be dead. At the viewing, the dwarves are in mourning and some are crying. Frank and Ollie commented that this was a first for animation. Evoking emotion through hand drawn animation. This was the same with the scene in Toy Story 3. The whole remainder of the movie kept me in that state and there was a sense of true closure in a wonderful trilogy. Kudos to the story writers, animators and composer of the score. All three made it one of the most memorable scenes I've experienced.

Kyra's Surf Shop

I have a niece that lives in Utah, but I swear belongs on a beach somewhere. She's got a hammock hanging over her bed for crying out loud. Here's the wipe board logo we did together. Fun stuff.

My Princess

I remember seeing posts from fellow artists that were inspired by their own little critters, rugrats, or whatever you want to lovingly call your offspring. Once my first born started developing a personality, I noticed that she inspired me in the same way. She's my little princess. She also comes up with the most random sayings, characters and situations, which we ALL know is what an artist thrives on. Hence the princess doodle, the Quibee character, and the little girl sketch.

Hopefully, I'm back. www.jasonswann.com is still online for the time being. It may be moved to another hosting site, so we'll see. Until next time.....pencils ready!!!