”Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from its elemental form “lakS,” meaning to perceive or observe. This is synonymous with “lakSya,” meaning aim or objective. Lakshmi is thus goddess of the means to achieving objectives, including prosperity in the lives of mankind.” Via Wikipedia

“Lakshima is the Hindu goddess of prosperity who helps us overcome financial fears and tap into the river of abundance that’s available to everyone. It is helpful to put a statue or painting of Lakshima in the left rear corner of your home or office.” Ascended Masters Oracle Cards

Although this piece isn’t named “Lakshima” it was the name of the card I pulled when contemplating what to paint for an upcoming show called Good Small Stuff at Elliot Louis Gallery. No, I don’t usually go this route when deciding subject matter, but I thought I’d try something different, and given the reading and time, I thought it appropriate.

“Lunaria”
12×14″
Egg Tempera/Oil on Cradle Board

Elliot Louis Gallery
Opening House Dec.13 1;00 - 4:00 pm
Dec. 9, 2008 - Jan. 3, 2009

*sigh* Do I need to start painting again, and this is the sort of image that’ll get me off my butt.

I’ve recently finished a very long contract, 11 years to be precise, on the animated series “Ed, Edd & Eddy”. It was hard and sometimes I didn’t think I’d see it through but I know I tried as best I could given the circumstances. I actually can’t believe I’m done and truthfully, it’s a little anticlimactic too although I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting.

I also turned 40 on the 14th, which is another transition. Turning 30 was great. I had finished my first year on the show, started a new relationship and was glad to be out of my 20’s. Now I almost feel like I did in my 20’s but without the youth part. Either I’ll reap the benefits or suffer the consequences of the previous decade. It’s kinda like getting outta high school all over again! Apparently I’ve even got the navel gazing going on! Next I’ll be writing bad poetry…

Back to the “painting again” part though, I stopped for a few months as I really wanted to just concentrate on finishing my gig. Now I’ve got to try and not worry about the obvious stuff and get back into painting, creating, anything, after all, if I’m going to have a down time, it might as well be productive. It’s what I’ve been wanting -just a small window to do something for me (a larger window would be better but one needs to pay the rent!).

Ruven Afanador  (my latest inspiration) via Lady Lavona’s Cabinet of Curiosities (where I find many inspirations)

Okay, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he’s actually kinda cute in a way.

Spider Close-ups *shiver* via Art of Darkness

Thanks Ginny!

After all the years of tearing up watching the warbirds fly by on Remembrance Day, this year I got to participate with a different view.

Compared to this summer’s sunny flight, this image seems rather bleak but I wouldn’t want it any other way given the day. Seven planes in total flew in a double diamond formation over three cenotaphs. The ride was very bumpy, and wings tips were uncomfortably close at times, but I felt safe. Actually, I realized that I may have been a little niave to the situation at first. I take it for granted that these guys have been flying forever and some have been trained in the military, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still hard work keeping these planes together when they’re bouncing all over the place!

Doesn’t it seem appropriate that there should happen to be a bon fire below? There’s a few other shots that seemed particularly weird which I may post later.

Love you Dad.

There’s a site that I’ve been a big fan of for a very long time called BeinArt International Surreal Art Collective. So you can imagine how happy I was to be asked to participate. Really, this collection includes some of the best surreal artists you can find including names you’ve heard of and some new ones too. They’ve also published two books Metamorphosis 1 & 2 which I’ve been meaning to get my hands on, and will once I have a better handle on what my future holds (that’s another story…).

I’ve spent hours going through this site because it’s always been a great way for me to get out of my own head. Now a bit of my head is on there too!

Cobwebs from Art of Darkness (a ‘dark’ blog that always brightens my day) has posted a fun meme that I can’t resist doing too.

Here’s what to do:

1. Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2. Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3. Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4. Optional extra: Post a comment here or at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

(more…)

I’ve been held hostage due to a large spider. He sat outdoors waiting, I sat indoors waiting. We waited all day and then my neighbour saved me. It was quite a battle.

Bonni Reid’s Retro-Tech Surrealism interview

Ann Vandermeer contacted me recently asking if I would like to be a feature artist on the very popular site “i09″. After my initial shock I agreed and did the interview. I’m very honoured to say the least.

One thing I should point out is that credit should also be given to Rod Filbrandt (layout) and Eric Pigors (character design) who also worked on the “Ed, Edd n’ Eddy” (Cartoon Network) piece that they have posted as an example of my work. They also posted a project created and designed by Rebecca Dart (PU KungFoo) although I’ve asked for it to be removed due to copyright issues. My contribution was mainly colour and texture on these.

For more information on the very talented duo Ann and her husband Jeff click here.

Another fabulous weekend spent in the air. This time I was invited to tag alone to a fund raising event in Camas Washington. The event itself consisted of a delicious steak bbq, a Navion fly-in (see above video), a collection of Stearmen, and airplane rides for 10 bucks (yes, it was quite a deal). I could get used to this life far to easily…

You can see more images HERE.

Check out more images HERE

No lie, I took this picture today. I was lucky enough to have one of the most wonderful weekends thanks to my dear friend (and aviation artist) Ginny Ivanicki and new friends Ray and Dave (both of whom piloted these amazing machines).

Needless to say, I’m dumbfounded. Not only because I got to experience flying in formation AND did a roll, but because of the generosity of these fellas. It was truly a gift and I’ve only just met them.

See how close we are? Navion’s are so amazing!

That’s me doing the “Thumbs Up”. I can hear my dad saying “Way to go Beans!”

I’m now a member of the Cascade Warbirds and I should mention that the event we flew to was at the Arlington Airshow.