pop*modern

...the voice of night

2010-02-10T22:36:00.004-06:00

..sleepless fears and restless reflections
blend into a growing uncomfortable awareness
as the darkness swallows sight
and brings visions unbidden

a whispered cry and a screamed whisper fell silent

and night's voice answered nothing..

well, well, well...

2009-10-08T13:17:00.002-05:00

damn, it's been like almost ALL YEAR since I posted anything! but...time for that shit to stop!

been working my ass off all year, so new works, sculptures and writings coming soon...

this year's 12x12 for a teaser...

2009

2009-01-03T15:12:00.001-06:00

the only resolution for this year that I can legitimately make is to simply be better than last...

pretty simple...

time to walk...

2008-12-11T23:09:00.003-06:00

this feeling
that
shouldn't it be simple?
no

cold rain
a long dark street

and a street lamp
glowing in the distance...

alone
with a companion
fear

a step at a time

can take you quite far
if you're willing...

market c...is open!

2008-10-22T10:00:00.005-05:00

new work in place for Market C Deli & Catering...sign and lanterns fabricated out of steel, acrylic and neon...

night shot of sign and lanterns...

lanterns...

and they have some kick ass food!
joe bob sez: check it out!

the view...

2008-09-29T21:32:00.001-05:00

without you,
the view remains,

waiting...

for those to see that can.

eyes reach out,
slowly resting on your face,
and a hearts' sigh,
from depths unmeasured,
washes an untouched shore.

half whispered dreams,
emerge floating on your breath...
and a soft warmth felt lightly
embraces a reluctant spirit.

slowly melting memory
of unending sunsets
with the long night beyond
and the morning still speaks

of hopeful days to come...

one of my favorites...

2008-09-10T13:47:00.003-05:00

...from an old construction superintendent...

"I can explain it to ya, but I can't understand it for ya..."

classic...

the plan...

2008-08-25T18:58:00.003-05:00

been wondering of late where this is all going...been a little down about the direction...but upon extensive reflection, I've come up with a plan...I call it the "fuck it plan"...it kind of goes like this...

when someone wants me to do something I don't want to do...I just say "fuck it"...

when somebody expects something at a certain time that doesn't fit my schedule...I just say "fuck it"...

when I'm just to damn busy to get everything done...I just say "fuck it"...

and then there's the off-shoot plans with supplemental add-ons...

there's the "fuck it, I'm going to have a drink plan" and the "fuck it, I going to go to sleep plan"...

lot's more of course, but I think this will relieve both my stress level as well as my work load!

I think if I say "fuck it" enough, I'll never get another project or job again, I won't be able to support myself and pay my bills, I won't have the means to help the kids, I won't have the studio in which to explore creativity and I'll just say "fuck it" and shoot myself...

now that's a plan...

that old saying...

2008-08-19T23:12:00.001-05:00

...if you don't stand for something...you'll fall for anything.

so true.

so true.

i guess...

2008-08-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

...I'm not a Snapdragon after all...

I am disappointed though...

what it means to care...

2008-07-29T09:53:00.002-05:00

"...if I could,
through myself
set your spirit free.
I'd lead your heart away
see you break,
break away,
into the light
and to the day..."

pretty much sums it up for me...

if I could...I would...

begs the questions:

What can I do? What do I do? Do I do enough?

to which I respond:

I do what I can...

resistance is futile...

2008-07-28T09:32:00.003-05:00

...so I have sunk to trying to blog about my, gasp, feelings....
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
I feel great!

"heavy metal 8two8"

2008-07-24T14:10:00.003-05:00

get ready for THE summer exhibit/party of the year!

the studio is set for Saturday, August 2nd starting at noon and running until everyone is down and out!

"Heavy Metal 8two8" will feature 22 Oklahoma artists working in metal combined with glass, wood, acrylic, paints and various other materials...

22 artists! count 'em, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two...

t-w-e-n-t-y t-w-o a-r-t-i-s-t-s...holy mig welder batman!

asia, don, ron, joe, matt, kenny, kelley, klint, stan, clinton, randy, paul,dan, eric, chad, fitz, jim, rick, tracey, ru, skip and me...

please come on out, drive on in or fly into town for this show!

31Deuce Studio, 312 ne 37th street in WayFab OKC!

22 artists, welder-fu, gratuitous dark goggle dancing, welding helmet anonymous socializing, grinder-fu, hot metal, hotter women....heck, probably hot men too, gratuitous finger food and cold beverage bonanza...

joe bob sez, "check it out"...

yesterday...

2008-07-05T21:54:00.001-05:00

I crossed paths with a couple of old friends...
maybe by chance, maybe by fate.

a decision without expectation...

a moment's pause, a look of surprise and an embrace of warmth.

in moments our conversation flowed, breathless in its' reckless abandon.

taking great comfort in each other, we relaxed without hesitation.

as we talked I wondered what drove us apart,
when did our conversations end...

and why.

we had known great glories, and shared bitter pains.
we had laughed for hours, and cried forever.

we stopped a moment, quietly stood and listened to our breath...
taking comfort in a friendship renewed...

and knew in a fleeting moment's eternity,
we'd never part again.

an understanding that any one without the others was less than each alone...

without knowing.

I crossed paths with a couple of old friends...yesterday.

my bike...

and a trail.

Mahalo.

God it felt good to ride again...

for those of you googling for....

2008-06-17T17:19:00.003-05:00

"drumstick dinette"...here it is...

mike mays, architect...designed and built it (with help from Clint Shore...).

it was part of the "dinner in the deuce" exhibit @ untitled gallery early this year...and one of the best pieces I might add...and it will be in the exhibit "multiplicity, the art of the furniture proto-type" which will showcase some of the most innovative furniture designs around...more info can be had at the following links...

http://www.furnituresociety.org/furn/

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806120346

http://www.neuberger.org/exhibitions.php?type=current

mucho kudos to mike mays!

you can reach him here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=52920776&MyToken=ff434e90-0803-4875-81e8-182bcd9c93c2

how I used to spend my free time...

2008-06-12T13:09:00.002-05:00

pretty funny...

i need a deadline...

2008-06-07T22:01:00.002-05:00

...in order to do any thing it seems...no pressure, no work...kind of stupid, but there it is...
...I'm sure a name exists for this particular condition...but it eludes me...

oh well.

just a cup of coffee...

2008-06-04T22:16:00.002-05:00

a cup of coffee...such a simple thing...and yet layered in complexity...the bean, the roast, the grind and time...all lead, hopefully, to a wonderful experience...

the act of drinking a cup of coffee...a preset time for the brew to greet you when sleep releases you from bliss...a hurried stop at the Cup, for a cup, while you rush to meet the challenges of the day...a slow, enjoyable sipping among friends, discussing the directions of monarch migrations...

an invitation, is the cup...an invitation to the day...an invitation that tells you, this is your life...that reminds you this is where you live...this is where you work...this is where you come from...

I never had enough cups of coffee woth my Mom...or my Dad...I wish I had more cups to share with them...

(although I did suggest we save some cash and bury Dad's ashes in a Folgers can...to which the Funeral Home guy sat mouth open and speechless...until Mom laughed...)

So how do you like your coffee?

Hot and Black?

Blond and Sweet?

or

Cold and Bitter?

the new web site....

2008-05-27T21:16:00.002-05:00

...has left the dock!

lot's left to do but it is now on-line!

check it out! Rea B. with QuasiCorp is a badass!!!

www.popmodern.com

uphill...

2008-05-27T09:48:00.003-05:00

it seems that this life is all uphill at present...

work...is just hard...so many projects and tasks...each one no matter the size has its own set of difficulties...we have a new employee starting on the ninth of June and damn! that can't here soon enough!!!

play...is a bit difficult at the moment...friends are intertwined with work and everyone is feeling the strain...after Friday night I avoided the slide into drinking too much...that's where "honesty", as some put it, comes out and God only knows I don't need that right now!...so my Saturday night was spent at the house tidying up a bit and surfing the net, Sunday saw a good hard bike ride in the wind and a two-omelet brunch at Nova (no mimosas...), my "Mega-Mosa Sunday with friends at the Paseo Festival" turned into 2 and 1 (mega-mosa/beer ratio) followed by dinner and drinks at DF which consisted of the pork chop and four glasses of water...Monday was spent looking at a potential office space, working and trying to catch up a bit on the aforementioned projects and tasks...oh, and a new washer...last night was an up-all-night-watching-the-weather and worrying about a project site...

so, it's back to work...I'm tired from last night but have a mountain to climb this week in front of me...

...but actually I feel pretty damn good!

go figure.

within...

2008-05-21T02:43:00.002-05:00

within this we live.

as a creeping vine.

with strength revealed.

where needs want.

yet walls remain.

you.

within you.

as I stand beside you.

with a sunset's hope.

holding a promise of truth.

always.

it lies in your hands.

as you see me.

after flight comes a touch.

and soaring lingers.

as you stand.

in a window.

viewed through the tears.

in the eyes of god.

love, art and the pursuit of a good night sleep...

2008-05-20T08:50:00.003-05:00

love...
escapes me...not that I'm not willing mind you...but finding a partner is tough, period. in the crazy busy world I've wrapped around myself, it's proving to be damn near impossible...one of those "life balance" issues I guess...oh well...I've heard that good things come to those who wait...

art...
dogs me...constantly...a relentless desire to make stuff...express myself...dancing around the "rules" of concepts and processes...sticking a finger up in the air and saying "who the hell are you to tell me this isn't art"...of course that's bullshit...I am blessed when it comes to what I'm doing creatively...I enjoy mild successes, a constant drive to do it and warm receptions when it's done...what could be better??? oh yeah, having a show in NYC would probably do it...

news flash:
first announcement..."heavy metal" will debut at 31 Deuce Studio on August 2nd...starts at noon...all artists will be working with metal...should be a blast...more info to follow...

a good night sleep...
evades me...i work, design, draw, build...during the "work day"...i work, design, draw, build...the rest of the evening and night...i can't really remember the last time i laid my head down at a decent hour and didn't have to jump up at the crack of frickin' dawn to do it all over again...i'm tired...a kind of in-your bones tired that's hard to shake...being as busy in the office and studio as we are sometimes makes me miss the good old days of cubicle architecture...then i slap myself and put the welding helmet back on...damn.

arcadia...

2008-04-21T11:12:00.004-05:00

...finished...

design models old roadside motel signs...Route 66 baby!

and a damn fine view during installation...

more to come...

arcadia round barn...

2008-04-15T10:32:00.003-05:00

in process...

lot's more to do...

dedication event is this weekend...

still no sleep in the near future...

1008 nw 46th...

2008-04-10T09:10:00.002-05:00

some process shots of "1008"...an address marker I donated as a commission last year...

I enjoy doing these types of "artworks" because I can just focus on simple forms and not have to worry about inspiration, content or meaning...well, shit, I guess most of my "artwork" runs along these same lines...

it going on four years...

2008-03-12T22:23:00.002-05:00

for the studio...so...you know what that means?

yep! party!

oh yeah...and an art show or something...

March 28th, 6pm until ??? (as always...)

31 Deuce Studio/PopModern Anniversary Exhibit and Party
312 ne 37th street in WayFabOKC!

Trailer Trash Gallery will present the bi-annual "Studio Raid Exhibit" a show of new, never-before-seen (some still have wet paint!) artworks by some of WayFabOKC's most talented artists...(or artists i can con into giving me some work)...and I guess I may show something to...

you have been forwarned...

dinner in the deuce...

2008-03-12T22:18:00.003-05:00

here's the table from the "dinner in the deuce" exhibit...

bamboo, wood, steel, glass tiles and dinnerware and bamboo fiber linens...

42" high, seats eight...the stools nest into the table..."himitsu bako"...

kinda...

anyway...it's done, show's over and this found a new home!

thank god...there's not enough room in my house for this thing!

2008 plug awards and NYC...

2008-03-10T17:00:00.008-05:00

trip was fantastic...show kicked ass...

here's Nick Cave with the trophy...

photo by chris owyoung

Nick Cave is a freaking rock star...

Annie Clark with hers...

heck, I feel I've arrived or something...

more on the NYC trip and it's fallout later...

PLUG Awards...

2008-03-10T16:45:00.000-05:00

here's the final piece...

dusty memories piled in drifts as time slows.
seen through dimly lit windshield eyes.
you.
in a mirror, standing in the path
of a road travelled,
without end…

the intent of the piece is multi-layered...the base represents strength and stability while the spire represents hope...the disconnection between the two signifies the “leap of faith” that we all take in order to pursue what we love...the mirror serves the dual purpose of reflecting an image of the viewer and what’s behind…the road travelled.
an award is given for what you’ve done, not what you’re going to do, but it should inspire you to keep pushing onward...it is a milestone that serves as a marker along the highway of this chosen life.

been a while...eh?

2008-01-13T14:27:00.001-06:00

haven't put the digits to the keys in so long I almost forgot how...

been busy working my ass off on so many things...and with the Holidays, the day job, the studio work...not to mention "IS'07"...you get the idea...

"Dinner in the Deuce" opened this past Friday night to rave reviews...the place was packed all night with so many people...the works are outstanding for the most part and there are several ennvironments that are simply socks off! BF/JS pulled off a stunner with "Creature Comforts", MM/KS scored the concept piece of the show award IMO with "Drumstick Dinette". MH's "High Tea for Two" made you feel eight years old again, while SC's "Poised al Fresco" highlights his elegant blending between art and engineering...all high fives for sure! me? I worked until the last minute (almost) and did manage to pull it all together and the response seemed pretty good...I'm happy with it so I guess that's important...

you can see info here: http://www.1ne3.org/ and get the gallery hours...this is a "must see" exhibit...

now comes the PLUG Awards...it's the annual awards for independant musicians and bands...I'll be doing the trophies for the gig...34 of them total...the event will be March 6th and will be broadcast on the web...look for it!

I'll include some of the writings and sketches later...

will be starting some new works soon and the studio's 4th aniversary exhibit and party will be in late March...so stay tuned!

all for now...peace love and all that shit...

86,400 seconds...

2007-11-11T14:39:00.000-06:00

a day...

...that's all you get.

jus thought you should know...

eyes and hearts...

2007-11-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

eyes and hearts see different things...

they see the same things differently...

they can both be blind,

and yet blindly lead us...

faith makes the difference in both.

trust is a treasure to be guarded...

lest it be stolen from us...

trust returned when lost is a gift...

not to be taken for granted.

hope is the spring of life.

to open one's heart to others...

without the need for recompense...

is a truth worth telling.

guarded heart...

2007-11-03T21:08:00.001-05:00

yet another heart analysis...

but they sell...

been a while...

2007-10-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

haven't been blogging...no real time to do it...2 shows in the last 3 weeks, commission work in the studio and the dreaded...day job...and one show to go...this weekend...IAO's Red Dot...

but I did manage to make my favorite piece to date..

"temptation..."

artistically I feel like I'm finding my feet a little...each piece made is a learning experience...the concept behind it...the process of it's fabrication...the conditions it's made under...all of these things, plus many, many more come together to make each one truly unique in the fabric of experience...I'm finding that the fabric of experience is what it's all about...each new experience, a new acquaintance, a new art piece...they are all part of what goes into the next thread, the next seam, the next patch...life quilt.

"temptation..." represents the choice...it was made in response to my failings...my need to reach out and grab the apple...I made it to understand those choices...to give myself a focus point to remind me of the inevitable repercussions of those choices..."for every action..." as the saying goes...

reflection on what I've done is truly a luxury...it gives me the distance and the opportunity to try and understand the response I've tried to express...

...if I can learn from the effort...

I hope to.

god...

2007-10-16T02:02:00.001-05:00

...just say something...please.

wow...

2007-09-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

The party/exhibit last night was incredible...the studio had such a good vibe...I can't remember when there was a more perfect evening...

Paul's artwork jumped off the walls in it's vibrancy and execution...from the muted colorations to the bold splashes of brighter hues the abstract images were simply amazing in my book...a couple of patrons thought so as well...cha chinge! bully for Paul!

I set the back yard up with spaces carved out of the seven foot tall grass and creating a winding pathway to be a sculpture garden of sorts... it was especially cool when the sun went down and the lighting on the sculptures created silhouettes with the grasses... I placed a couple of pieces of sculpture which I have recently shown, although "madonna & child" has been modified somewhat and I'm much happier with it...got a nibble or two which may see fruition sometime soon...keeping the fingers crossed...

one thing that always surprises me is the reaction of people that are new to the shop on an exhibit/party night...there's always new faces and the enjoyment they get out of the experience makes the effort worth it...I love it when people challenge themselves to new and different experiences outside their 'normal' routines...

It's also a pleasure to see someone take to a piece of work that has been sitting around for a while...such was the case again last night...I've had a wire sculpture sitting around for nine years...yes, nine, count 'em, years...it's a fun piece, very simple, kinetic by virtue of the gauge of wire I used (an ex calls it "dancing grasshopper" since it always seems to be moving)...I originally did it for a dinner party centerpiece for a benefit at Untitled Gallery...and have since just kept moving it around 'til it finally found a home sitting in the shop...but it finally caught somebodies fancy last night and has found a new home to play and dance in...bully for the grasshopper...

all in all a wonderful evening, great artworks, tasty food and drink and a host of fantastic friends both old and new...

fall's burden, winter's grief...

2007-09-16T21:13:00.001-05:00

wind's breath
softly whispers lies
fluttering like fall's leaves
piling into drifts
as time slows

trust evaporates
on the breeze
like exhaled wishes
bringing winter's cold embrace

where strength stood
love withers
and endless hope
clings to the remnants

of warmth's comfort

31 Deuce Studio - Fall Exhibit and Party!!!

2007-09-14T20:34:00.000-05:00

September 22nd, 6PM

312 NE 37th

(one block West of Lincoln Blvd)

featuring:

Paul Mays

"stream of consciousness"

so much to blog...

2007-09-11T20:59:00.000-05:00

...so little time.

save the date...

2007-09-03T21:49:00.000-05:00

NOTICE!

The Raffine' show has been rescheduled...tentative date is Oct. 26th...

gate #2...

2007-09-03T21:46:00.001-05:00

definitely not as exciting as B's gate but...

it helps pay the bills...

the owner did get a kick out of the portholes for the pups...

with friends like this...

2007-08-29T17:25:00.001-05:00

who needs comedy?

typical...

2007-08-28T18:05:00.000-05:00

missed the deadline...no 12X12 for me.

oh well, there's always another show...

twelveby twelve...update...

2007-08-27T17:29:00.000-05:00

kept working on the "fracture" piece mock-up...

decided the piece needs to sit with the fracture vertical...

lots more to do...

feeling...

2007-08-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

...great.

better than I have for a while...started eating better (more at home, less out), drinking less (less at home, almost none out) and excercising a lot more (3 bike rides this past week)...

and there's an absolute ton of events coming in the fall...art shows, benefits and fundraisers, you name it and it's happening pretty soon in Tiny Town...

I rejoined the board of directors at IAO this past month after a longish absence...after serving for quite a while I needed to rejuvenate a bit... but now the time is here to step back up to the plate and help out one of the best little art organizations this city has to offer... go to the web site and check it out, print out a membership form and do your part in helping to keep art alive and well in OkC...

studio parties...

2007-08-26T18:58:00.000-05:00

are always a blast...here's a pic from last December's party just getting started...

next party & exhibit will be September 22nd, 2007 starting @ 6:00PM...

we'll be showing Paul Mays in the Trailer Trash Gallery...with a few other sculptors thrown around the yard and shop...and works in progress for my show at Raffine' opening September 28th...

of course we'll food & drink...so...

mark your calendars...this will be a good one...

twelvebytwelve...

2007-08-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

is here again...

September 29th, 2007 @ Fred Jones Industries Building, 900 W. Main...check it out @ www.ovac-ok.org/ovacnews.html

started my piece for this year's show...

the piece last year was "who holds the key to happiness" ... the piece was made after a break-up in a relationship and it was a question on my mind at the time...oddly enough it was the woman I had just ended a relationship with that bought the damn thing...I hope she still has it...

I'm somewhat of a reflective at times...I tend to look at things at a little bit of a distance...this is probably due to the fact that I also tend to keep a little distance from most others around me on a personal level...people who "know" me from hanging out socially only really know "of me"...that's not to say that they don't have opinions about me (I hear they do)...it's just that on a true personal level I keep mostly to myself...I guess we all do in some way...

I suppose in making art you tend to let people glimpse inside you all of the time...like opening the blinds a bit...but going back to the conversation of "what is art?", art, by it's nature, is subjective anyway, so what people may be attributing to you probably resides within themselves...that goes along with having an opinion about someone as well...

so while I'm still in this reflective loop of inner emotions, self and shit like that, I started working on this...

it started out as something about "fractured heart"...but has since evolved into an openness that lets others see in...

I like that better, since my heart isn't necessarily fractured, but I do let people see in occasionally...

mom's rose...

2007-08-06T06:59:00.000-05:00

went by the old homestead this past weekend...

a single rose...

was all that was left...

new link...

2007-08-01T06:22:00.000-05:00

Andy Boatman's Blue Sage Studio can be found here and is added to the "stuff I like" at right...he blogs here...

Andy blows...

glass.

His new studio is @ 1218 N Western Avenue right here in Art's Heart, Oklahoma City...

Rick & Tracy Bewley will be moving their studio in sometime soon...and Stephen Kovash will be running a new gallery in the front...

look for the "Lighting Show" on August 25th...same locale...

how many is a kazillion?

2007-07-30T22:35:00.000-05:00

'cause that's about how many things are running around in my head right now and I can't clearly understand any of them...

I am supposed to be working on the concept(s) for a sculpture proposal that I am supposed to submit by 4pm on Wednesday...

having been one of four artists to receive an invitation I think I'm obliged to follow through...but fuck! I keep thinking of part of that "why I am an artist" bullshit about being "concept as opposed to inspiration driven", which I suppose is a cop-out of sorts since it pretty much prevents Divine Intervention on an artistic level...

where the hell's that "eureka moment" when you need it?

oh well, I'm sure I'll come up with something...maybe my friend Sandy's tree out in the hills above San Diego will "inspire"...

I hope...

lips gong stand #2...

2007-07-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

finished product...

detail of bolted connection...

out in front of the shop...

started it Thursday at 7pm and finished the next morning at 2am...
picked up at 9am and on stage that night...

fun stuff...

oh yeah...

2007-07-23T23:06:00.001-05:00

lips gong stand #2 is on the way...

(new shop picture of stand #1 in original post below...)

fitz/nguyen entry...

2007-07-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

being a pretty headstrong designer myself, working with an architect on his own house is about as smart as...well...you can just imagine...

of course I'm kidding...I've been working with Brian for over two years on the house for he and his wife...and truthfully it has been one of the best overall experiences of my career...to work side by side with such a talented designer is really off the hook at times...we have constantly challenged each other... critiqued each other...supported and helped each other....and unlike many architects and designers that often don't have the skills to actually build anything they design, Brian is a true design/builder at heart...he also has the confidence to know when to ask for help, whether from a construction standpoint or on a design idea or detail...and also when to stand his ground when he knows what he wants...super qualities both...

these pictures are of the latest addition to the house...a front entry canopy and sliding gate...it also captures a bit of the bridge from the entry to the house over the pea gravel Zen Garden...

I hope you enjoy...

working in the shop...

working in the shop (2)...

working in the shop - (3)...

night install...

view from porch...(in process)...

view from courtyard...(low angle, in process)...

view from Francis Avenue looking SW...(in process)...

and a kick ass night shot of the bamboo refection in the roof...

this is what it's all about!

I'll post the finished product when the professional photographer is done... and I get permission from above to use the images...Hallelujah...

of course, check out more of Brian work on the link http://www.fitzsimmons-arch.com/

Da Ru Ma Bonsai Tree...

2007-07-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

in it's finished setting...

can't really express how I feel about it all...

but talk about elegant...

belleza salon sign...

2007-07-09T18:09:00.000-05:00

installed...

aluminum letters on a rusted steel plate background...

elegant huh?

relativist...

2007-07-08T22:21:00.000-05:00

Main Entry: rel·a·tiv·ism Pronunciation: 're-l&-ti-"vi-z&mFunction: noun
1 a : a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing b : a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
2 : RELATIVITY - rel·a·tiv·ist /-vist/ noun

I've been called many, many things...but relativist? OK, I admit, part of this I can accept...but "knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing"?

Fuck.

I had no idea...

But then again, Part B, does speak volumes...

I do believe that we are all given, mostly without knowing, an innate sense of "the rules"...to oneself, and to each other...but that, of course, is an assumption. It assumes that each of us was taught something...which allows us to tap into this set of guidelines, as it were, that helps us in each and every decision we face on a daily basis... "Do I do this, or that?" It's a simple equation really, but one that few seem to get, but that in of itself is an arrogance I suppose...

Damn it! I guess that "nothing is real, nothing truly exists" bullshit is actually true...

Relativist.

I can live with that.

lips...gong stand...finally...

2007-07-06T12:32:00.000-05:00

taken with the phone...in the studio...
more pics of the stand in Lips European Action coming soon...

in the shop yard (before mowing)...

time at home...finally...

2007-06-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

retreating...turning more inward personally as I turn more outward socially...weird. I have no major problems (that I know of...), but it seems as though as the world gets bigger around me the more isolated I am from it... I think part of it has to do with the way I am thinking right now...focusing on the production of my art(s) and working towards the resolution between concepts and emotions and the physicality of craft...it becomes a bit more reflective at times, but I feel that only through that reflection of where I've been can I move on to where I'm going although I have no idea where that may lead...it seems at times that there's a cliff edge right in front of me and that something life changing is right around the corner...it generates a double dose of fear and excitement that often gets channeled into a chaotic mess that's really hard to harness...I work hard and I play hard, but I'm not to sure I'm doing anything...I feel great...and I guess that's a good thing...so I get to sit back, put my tray table and my seat back in the full, upright and locked position and enjoy the flight...

spent the entire morning listening to Leonard Cohen, doing laundry and cleaning the house...God that felt good! this weekend is the first without a pressing deadline in the shop...but I need to start two remodel designs for clients that have been more than patient with me...so when it's not the welder it's the drawing board...

came across this pic at The Cup, taken some time ago...haven't worked at AiP in almost three years...

pretty funny shot...

oh yeah...little Tufty Girl left this morning...I'm going to miss her...she was so sweet...but she went with two equally sweet new two-leggers...three down, two to go...I should really try a little harder at this...

just a human...

2007-06-20T01:14:00.000-05:00

being...me...

someone people...

2007-06-19T01:27:00.000-05:00

...are just plain chicken shit.

stand up.

or stand down.

I personally don't give a shit.

resistance is futile...

2007-06-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

Now I have been assimilated...the "merger" draws nigh...two days to go...

Me:
I will resist this action with my last ounce of strength...

The FIRM:
Strength is irrelevant.
Resistance is futile.
We wish to improve ourselves.
We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own.
Your talents will adapt to service ours.

Me:
Impossible.
My being is based on Freedom and Self-determination.

The FIRM:
Freedom is irrelevant.
Self-determination is irrelevant.
You must comply.

Me:
I would rather die.

The FIRM:
Death is irrelevant.

thus goes the conversation in my head...

what is rest anyway...

2007-06-11T00:35:00.000-05:00

out late at deadCENTER last night... the Lips movie was fun... IAO was moderately attended but the Skirvin was packed... after party at Nonna's roof was entertaining to say the least... off to breakfast early morning with the bar crowd... home to sleep for 3 1/2 hours... back up and over to the shop to meet Skillet for a bike ride... thought we were going to ride to Jones and back but it took me until we almost got out there for my legs to wake up... so... like a couple of dumb asses we decided to do Hogback Road up to Memorial, over to Triple X and then back through Jones on the way back to the shop... 45 miles, all hills, all day... we used to be able to do that ride like it was nothing... not anymore... one word, cooked... after getting back had a sandwich at Red Cup, triple espresso at Daddy Warbuck's, pizza and a fucked up Caesar salad at Sauced, then to the shop to work all the rest of the day... need to sleep, but also need to get into the office early to get the plans ready for a project... shit.

about that fucked up Caesar salad... never before have I had a Caesar salad with much beyond lettuce, parmesan, croutons and dressing... the typical, traditional Caesar... not this baby. this "Caesar" had lettuce, I think some cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, parmesan, a bucket full of dressing, and ONIONS! friggin' onions! on a Caesar! but wait, I'm not a picky eater, I don't mind different places trying different things with whatever in an attempt to be unique...but I kid you not, there was what amounted to a whole onion in one stinking bowl of salad! once I got that crap out of there I had a half Caesar. of well, guess I can put that one on the ol' list of shit I'll never eat again... the pizza was good though...

I need to sleep...but after a good long shower...I'm filthy...

and another thing...

2007-06-07T02:34:00.000-05:00

...oh never mind.

btw...

2007-06-07T02:32:00.000-05:00

...anyone can call anything art.

just thought I'd make that perfectly clear so as to avoid any confusion.

"detached" installed...

2007-06-06T12:41:00.000-05:00

not bad...

i was just wondering...

2007-06-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

...if Tuesday evening is "guy night" at Rococo? went there after the shop last night for the wind (wine) down drink before heading up the old 2 7 to the house... all guys... guys everywhere... guys drinking with guys... guys talking to guys... guys hugging guys...not that there's anything wrong with that...

dang... and I was dirty and grimy from working in the shop... not that I wanted to hug any of them mind you...

can't an everyday dirty, grimy guy just have a nice glass of wine, sketch ideas and ogle women once in a while? jeez...

winding down...

2007-06-04T00:31:00.000-05:00

the weekend was crazy...but then most of them are.

the past few weeks have been a roller coaster of ups, downs and everything in between. the show at Line Gallery was fantastic, the week before Paseo was exhausting...the Festival was probably one day to long, but worth it in the end.

this past week was a scramble as I tried to make up on shop production time after so much art time...but it didn't quite work out for me...I'm behind on projects and that's not good...the weekend was spent...well hell, I don't even know how it was spent...I know that food was involved, drinking was involved, some work got done (miraculously), very little sleep occurred, (but that's pretty normal)...so everything is kind of a blur at this point.

got the news on Tuesday that the firm was going to merge with a much larger one...shit! I hate working for large firms, too many politics, fucked up egos and any number of other issues you get when you have that many people 'working' together...oh well, nothing for it but to see how plays out...

I placed one my sculptures at the buyers house today. they have a really nice modern home on the east side and the location they selected in the garden was beautiful...can't wait to see it with lighting installed...they were very happy with it so that makes everything all right with the world...

that's the 'news'...so now for the other crap...

with the discussions of "what is art" that have occurred recently, and the subsequent blog entries on the topic, it's somewhat timely that the museum has a special screening on Wednesday, June 6, @ 6:30pm of "Who Gets to Call It Art?". Discussion to follow with the museum chief curator Dr. Hardy George and associate curator Allison Amick...now THIS should be interesting!

Check it out at: www.okcmoa.org/p/6802/Default.aspx

I expect to see everyone there of course...

when I first started this blog I said:

"So...reading blogs is really interesting...people seem to blog for many different reasons, but a lot of them are just regurgitations of someones insides...a good bit of it that should probably remain hidden from the world... So I started a blog...not to expose my inner thoughts and feelings, but to have a vehicle to explore ideas, share my work and hopefully learn from the experience..."

damn it is so tempting...

but I guess I'll just stick to the basics...a little of me, a little of my work and a little of my life...

going through some image files saw two from the very first show at the studio...Joseph showing new photos...what a kick off to the studio that was!

probably about time for another party...

madonna & child...

2007-05-29T13:40:00.001-05:00

complete...

Paseo Festival...

2007-05-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

...is here!

Please come down to the Paseo to enjoy "that other arts festival"...

I'll be showing new work at Studio Six which is on the corner of Paseo (Dewey) and NW 30th...

I hope to see you there...

www.thepaseo.com

web.mac.com/reginamurphy/iWeb/StudioSixOKC/Studio_Six.html

madonna & child...in process...

2007-05-24T11:33:00.000-05:00

for mom...

singular heart...

2007-05-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

art is viewed by each person differently. art is created by each artist for different reasons. I create art to help me understand myself. with "singular heart", some saw it, some didn't...

it's also that with way with me...

what a kick ass art show!

2007-05-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

the exhibit/sale last night was lights out! the crowd was fantastic, the food delicious and everyone sold something!!! can't get much better than that...

pieces I did for the show...

"emotional resolution" (sold) "cradled" (sale pending)

"shared heart" (sold) "singular heart (sold + commisssion)

+ I walked out with two new pieces for the house...one from Slack and one from Trent Lawson...

now it's back to the studio to get ready for the Paseo Festival...

getting ready...

2007-05-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

for the show...

"singular" in process...

momma dog & pups...

2007-05-16T18:32:00.000-05:00

little buggers need to find a home...

six11 creative...

2007-05-16T00:45:00.000-05:00

new address marker/logo sign...done...

now I may be able to start the artwork for the show on Saturday...

Exhibit Opening...

2007-05-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

Line Gallery presents:

Works by:

Skip Hill, Larry Pickering, Joe Slack & William R Struby

Opening Reception Saturday May 19th from 6-9 pm

Complimentary Food & Drink

Call 405-812-7175 or go to www.joeslack.com/linegallery.html for more info

4623 N Portland Avenue

(Sw corner...enter off of 46th Street)

the coolest safety glasses...

2007-05-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

...on the planet.

biking and working...

2007-05-14T02:02:00.000-05:00

needed to work in the studio today...but couldn't resist going for a ride this morning...met up with Josepe' at 9AM and headed from the shop towards Jones...all hills, all day...got totally cooked and felt great!

back to the shop for a cold garden hose shower, to the house to take care of the dogs and then to the Red Cup for a PBBH sandwich (peanut butter, bananas and honey...on wheat toast)...that hit the spot...then went back to the shop and worked until 11:15PM...made good progress and the week still seems hopeful at this point...worked on commission stuff but thought about sculptures...

still trying to come to terms with the emotional emergence concepts...and how to express those physically...hidden inner emotions and the peeling away of layers, all expressed in very simple forms...the pieces I've done previously, while I've been happy with them, don't seem to be where I want to be...

oh well, such is making art...

I guess.

art's got the beat down on me...

2007-05-13T01:05:00.000-05:00

tired...just plain ol' tired.
trying like hell to make some headway on a couple of studio projects so I can get to the art pieces for next weekend's show...

had a good day today on a building address marker and accent light for a client downtown...couple more hours tomorrow and I can put that one to rest...
also tomorrow I need to put in a major effort on the 23 Street Courts plaza project so the electrician and landscaper can finish the front planters and accent lighting for the trees...

donated a piece to the CHEH neighborhood party to basically get an invitation to the gig so I could schmooze, booze and eat free...it worked, and I scored two new clients in the process! a building sign for a new salon going in off Western and a balcony project in Crown Heights...oh yeah, the schmoozing was fun, the beer cold and the food was to die for...

listened to, and read, more on the "what is art" discussion and 3:40AM says:

"While it may be appropriate to ask in a broad sense, 'What is art?' I think it's dangerous to look at a particular piece and ask, as we did hypothetically that evening, 'Is this art?' When we look at something and ask, 'Is this art?' we begin to distance ourselves from it. It is another example of having an experience and, rather than letting the experience speak to us directly, forcing it to compete with a bunch of stuff we drag out of our footlocker of memories, opinions and preferences - all the stuff we use as benchmarks for classifying, measuring and pigeonholing. Better to simply experience the thing - nothing else.
The danger in this approach is that crap becomes accepted as art because although everyone sees the emperor has no clothes, no one will say so, and the next thing you know the crap's being sold in mass quantities on cable shopping channels. But that doesn't seem to me to be as much of a danger as letting our experiences be limited by our preconceptions and judgments.
(There are exceptions to this rule. Somewhere in my brain is stored the notion that being hit by a semi on the highway hurts. I'll live with that prejudice - I won't stand in the middle of I-35 to experience it directly.)"

Well, OK...I guess.

I for one see no sense in experiencing something and nothing else... Part of the need for me to produce my art is to have people experience it and share what they think of it... The point of saying "what is art" is to encourage those experiencing it to express themselves and hopefully enjoy a richer experience because of the dialogue. The hands-off approach is just what the problem is in so many areas of our lives and in our community. Without discourse artists, designers, architects just simply keep doing what they've been doing forever and we don't reap the benefits of could be achieved with a little more interaction with each other. What irritates me is when I hear someone offering their opinion about something without directly engaging the person or subject they're talking about. I think this is a chicken shit approach to living. If someone was to walk up to me at my show and say "I hate this work. It is not art to me.", I would take that as an honest assessment of how they feel. It might hurt to hear that, but again, if you put your work out there you should be ready to hear any and all reactions to it. I would hope that they would offer an explanation of why they feel the way they do, but hey, that would force them into having a conversation and we are only wanting to take baby steps right now...

I'm not sure what the being hit by a truck analogy really means, but I do know that there are a lot more people out there smarter than me about such things...

I think I'm going to sleep now...

re: "i love art"...

2007-04-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

had a great (to some...) conversation on Saturday night re: "what is art?"...

one definition:
"the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects..."

I used the term 'sincerity'...in my definition of what is art, meaning that one (an artist) must have it (sincerity) in their intent...in order for something to qualify as art to me.

some of the others involved had various definitions or explanations that generally followed the same lines except that one participant was adamant in the declaration that art (as a generalization) needed to blessed as such by someone possessing a formal education (or long experience) in order for it to qualify as legitimate art.

(PS: after talking the subect with my friend JM this evening over a beer, he called total BS on that theory...)

there was a statement that nothing was art until someone, other than whoever made it , saw it, thus completing the process of (sub)-creation and sharing.

I spoke of the uneducated "artist", such as myself, who possess no formal education in any type of art...which led me to disagree (strongly) with the whole sanctifying process mentioned above... I find it impossible to articulate a criticism based on education (having none myself), and difficult to articulate a criticism based on experience (being limited in many areas), so I base what I believe to be art on how I feel about it on an intuitive level. My response to composition, forms, proportion, color and material usage, etc either feels right to me or it doesn't. That intuition combined with my judgement of intent (including sincerity) forms the basis of my opinion of whether something is art or not (leaving out the final judgement of good art/bad art argument of course).

My intent, when doing my "art" is to express myself, either conceptually or emotionally, in forms that I find to be appealing and representational of what I feel (through intuition) are my base aesthetic values; being materials usage, proportion, color, texture, etc... Being what I term as a modernist, these values usually fall into the "truth and simplicity" categories, which is either a direct result of an uneducated mind finding comfort in the simplicity, or just pure dumb luck in finding (or trusting) those inherent qualities early in life. While I tend to believe that simple is harder (mainly as experienced through architecture) and it is good to explore that core structure of base values thoroughly, it is also one of my beliefs that only through pushing oneself into other areas less comfortable that we truly face our fears of experimentation in our craft(s).

"i love art..."

2007-04-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

I have had this conversation many times with many people...and I always wonder about the statement "I love art"...
Whether it is said in conversation, written in an e-mail or posted on someones profile page...there are so many people that say it. But how many people really do? What does it mean to "love art"? Is it a once a year excursion to a festival? Going to a museum a couple of times a year? Occasionally attending an art opening at a local gallery? Is it hanging on their walls? Sitting on the mantle? Do they draw? Paint? Sculpt?
"I love art"...
For myself, I do love art. I love art in all ways possible. I make art. I go see art. I host shows in my studio. I curate exhibits. I help out hanging art shows, sitting on committees, attending opening and fundraisers, sending out e-vites to every show I know of. I enjoy the people. I enjoy the spectacle. The dance...
Every time I send out an invitation I like to see how many people show up to see the show. My e-mail is large and diverse. From family and friends to acquaintances. Business associates and clients. People I know well to people I hardly know at all. But they all get the invite. Come see this show. Come love this art. Come see these people. See old friends or meet someone new.

Embrace the statement that you make, "I love art".

My next show is May 19th at the Line Gallery at Joe and Angela Slack's. It's my next opportunity to love art. It's my next opportunity to make art. It's my next opportunity to stand under the bright lights and say "This is who I am". It is my stage. It is my dance.

I have know idea if anything I make is good or not. That's not really the point. The purpose is to challenge myself to explore the possibilities of why I'm on this rock and what can I do to participate in this Grand Dance of life and living. Exploring the feelings in my heart and using the knowledge of my mind and the skills of my hand to express these emotions, thoughts, hopes and dreams that are....me.

If you are on my list, read this blog or are acutely in tune with art in this town, you will get another invitation to come love art.

It is my hope that you do.

thoughts on the show coming up...

2007-04-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

a heart held between two...
(desire)

a cradled child...
(emotional resolution)

a lighted path...
(comfort)

a soaring spirit...
(freedom)

happiness shines through...
(hope)

god...(or is that God?)...
(spiritual resolution)

with me without you...with you without me...with me with you
(understanding)

Upcoming shows, etc.

2007-04-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

Art Exhibit
Joe Slack, William Struby, Skip Hill, me
May 19th, Slack Gallery
NW 46th & Portland Avenue
6:00PM

Guest Artist
Studio Six in the Paseo
May 26, 27 & 28
Paseo Festival

voices, good times and a PARTY!

2007-03-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

please be still the voices in my head...especially the one that always says 'yes' to another project, commission or an empty chair on some well-meaning, but often ill-aimed arts or community committee...overload, overloaded, stressed and distressed..."[I] gotta get out of this place...".

but on the otherside of life...things are good...they're always good...can't let stress and distress get in the way of a good time!

which brings us up to: 31 Deuce Studio 3rd Anniversary Party!!!

Please join me in celebrating three years in the studio! No exhibit...well maybe a few things...just a good time amongst good friends! Food and drink will be provided...come see what's up at The Studio...

What:
31 Deuce Studio 3rd Anniversary Party
When:
March 37th, 8:00pm
Where:
e-mail me for directions: popmodern@gmail.com
Why:
'cause I'm still paying rent!

trust your head not your eyes...

2007-03-13T01:33:00.000-05:00

being enamored of something is not always a good thing...hell, maybe it's never a good thing.
I finished the entertainment stand for a client that I posted an "in process" pic in an earlier post, only to have the glass shelf with the heaviest piece of stereo equipment fail during installation...while we (the client and I) were installing the wiring. luckily I was there to catch everything and avoid a complete disaster...
when I finished the base, the tower and installed the shelves in the shop it was beautiful...perfect...just like I thought the design would come out... I took pictures in the shop, called the client to express my satisfaction and to schedule delivery... I completely forgot the fact that I had designed brackets for the heavier pieces of equipment...
oh well, good thing I was standing there...
re-think, re-design, re-work...damnit!

it was beautiful though...

"cleaning house..."

2007-02-19T14:40:00.000-06:00

There is a lot going on right now...too much at times, and it hasn't been helping me that the shop was a complete wreck at the end of last week. With cold ass weather, project deadlines at the office, puppies at the house and the usual laziness/craziness I haven't been motivated to spend much time there, but that all changed on Saturday... Staring a couple of deadlines in the face I set out to get the shop cleaned, organized and ready to go...and did it! I started with a cup and a bite at The Cup and set off on my mission. 8 freaking hours later...I was tired, sore and completely happy that I could now walk into the shop and work without tripping over scrap metal all over the place... I followed up with a very productive day on Sunday and it felt good again! Cutting, shaping and welding...back to feeling good about getting things done.

Now I should maybe look at "cleaning house" in the emotional shop...nah, probably not!

matt's furniture...

2007-02-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

dining chairs and entertainment stand...

chair back design...

entertainment stand...

in process...

what you mean, what they see (or hear)...

2007-02-15T15:19:00.000-06:00

A relatively new friend, MCARP, linked to the blog and offered up the following:

"About three years ago, I was at the IAO Not-So-Silent Night auction when I spotted a sculpture back in the alcove. It was a plumb bob (at least I *think* it was a plumb bob) hanging from a short chain, which in turn was attached to a piece of metal extending up from a chunk of concrete. The metal had been bent at a right angle so that it resembled a gallows, with the plumb bob hanging from the end. Pieces of rebar extending from the concrete had been bent at angles all around the plumb bob. At least that's the way I remember it. I immediately identified with it, because it was pretty much me... dangling helplessly from a chain, with a cage of rebar to keep away all the things that might cause me pain. The sculpture was created by Larry P, to whom I was introduced that evening by a mutual friend. I run into Larry all the time these days, either at the Cup or Galileo, often with a sketch pad in his hand..."

Something one hardly ever knows is how your work, or words for that matter, will effect others around you. As artists we create, many times, within just our own thoughts and feelings without much regard for what others may get out of it or how they interpret it (working in the vacuum as Ron F. puts it). We just hope somebody just buys whatever it is so we can move on to something else!

Much of my work is mostly concept based, (as opposed to inspiration based) generated by a thought or feeling and then expressed in physical form. The most recent work has been about inner positives and negatives and the way they are juxtaposed within us. I use a lot of reds and yellows for these opposing emotions used with raw materials such as concrete and rusted steel. The detailing in these pieces are rough to say the least which I can only explain as a direct rebellion to the many years I have spent in the design industry trying to create projects to someone's concept of acceptability or perfection.

I have no real idea as to why some people buy the art they do...it's baffling. I buy art that speaks to me but I must know the artist's thoughts or intent before I commit...curiously I don't remember that anyone has really asked me what something I made means...

Weird thing is while I remember the piece and who purchased it I don't recall what the name of it even was...so he may have got it spot on!

ugly

2007-02-14T21:10:00.000-06:00

on the canopy...

late night install....refacing, no permit required!

almost ready...

late night working in the shop...fucking typical.

12 x 12

2007-02-14T21:07:00.000-06:00

"who holds the key to happiness?"

a piece about inner happiness and the lock and chain we sometimes put around it...either preventing us from opening it up or not letting others share it.

pop*modern

2007-01-30T11:19:00.000-06:00

"The modern style is based on two cardinal principles: utility and simplicity."
- Phillip Johnson

I wonder what "pop style" really means...

puppies...

2007-01-24T05:06:00.000-06:00

I thought this blog was going to be about art and crap like that...but my dog VZD is having puppies!!!

5 puppies!

oops...6 puppies!!! 5 black...1 brown...(now I got to look for a little brown dog in the 'hood!)...

the momma dog...

the kiddos...

rococo sign...from a golden oldie to gold...

2007-01-24T04:31:00.000-06:00

before...a classic.

and then an idea...

and a process...

the end product...gold medal winner

(oklahoma city ad club - addy)

First Sculpture...ever

2007-01-21T21:58:00.000-06:00

"Room with a View"
(photo byA.B.)

The Reason

2007-01-20T16:13:00.000-06:00

So...reading blogs is really interesting...people seem to blog for many different reasons, but a lot of them are just regurgitations of someone's insides...a good bit of it that should probably remain hidden from the world... Now there are a few blogs I've read that are really very good and it's kind of weird how you can follow someone's life like this...get to know a lot about them and even develop some sort of strange connection... There are others that are by personal friends that I like to read just to keep up with what's going on in their worlds and realities.
So I started a blog. Not to expose my inner thoughts and feelings, but to have a vehicle to explore ideas, share my work and hopefully learn from the experience...we'll see how it goes...

some older furniture pieces...

2006-12-26T14:46:00.000-06:00

coffee table, steel & acrylic

Drip (top) & Splash (above)...powder-coated steel and glass.

daruma bonsai tree...

2006-12-26T14:19:00.000-06:00

My most recent piece...in Sarasota, Florida.
Photo taken during construction...