I woke up early with the sun
and picked flowers from the sides
of lightposts, hydrants
a bouquet of orphans
weeds and dirty hands—
we walked together
when back at home
I stayed outside
and thought to lay my findings down
in an empty pot of soil
soft and too inviting
I did not know
I turned around or blinked—
and nothing remained,
nothing remained.
20131117
20130928
The Place /
where people go for answers / why am i here? / seems as good a place as any /
statue stands with open arms, looking down at me /
i wait / it's warm for late september / sparrows sing & dance & play / child sobs / two men drink & laugh & sing some more / languages i cannot understand /
i listen / look up / above the outreaching mary / that beautiful arrow cuts through sky / that sharp cloud / and from my view / meets between two peaks, where crosses meet / and softens
/ disappears
. . .
I feel my fate: my fate finds me,
I feel my star: my star finds me,
I feel my aims: my aims find me.
my soul and the world are but one.
life grows more radiant about me,
life grows more arduous for me,
life grows richer for me.
statue stands with open arms, looking down at me /
i wait / it's warm for late september / sparrows sing & dance & play / child sobs / two men drink & laugh & sing some more / languages i cannot understand /
i listen / look up / above the outreaching mary / that beautiful arrow cuts through sky / that sharp cloud / and from my view / meets between two peaks, where crosses meet / and softens
/ disappears
. . .
I feel my fate: my fate finds me,
I feel my star: my star finds me,
I feel my aims: my aims find me.
my soul and the world are but one.
life grows more radiant about me,
life grows more arduous for me,
life grows richer for me.
20130826
20130809
20130806
ode to Heart
she amazes me, the Heart.
so resilient in her path
gentle and uncompromising
no baggage for the trip,
she knows
the only way to Life
a Heart unburdened with
that monstrous conductor pleading no, wait, please
where are we going? I must know, I must!
yet cannot bully the heart,
yet cannot bully the heart,
who yields, who smiles
who sees.
be strong dear one, and persevere—
Yours is the noblest endeavor.
20130803
testament to Self
I don’t wish to die with secrets on my lips
I want my hands dirty
to use this vessel
wear it out
marked up n down by a life worth living &
dirt beneath my fingernails
I don't want one part left untouched
saved up for rainy days
wondering what was to be had—
I will swallow the sun
I will drink down the rain
Every day a sacrament.
to use this vessel
wear it out
marked up n down by a life worth living &
dirt beneath my fingernails
I don't want one part left untouched
saved up for rainy days
wondering what was to be had—
I will swallow the sun
I will drink down the rain
Every day a sacrament.
20130726
My synapses are on fire
This happens periodically—-and it’s a good sign when it does—-sensory
overload, brought on by the realization of something new, or when I’m in
the process of discovering a passion. The mundane calls it mania. I
like to visualize it as the synapses in my brain meeting and making
love, with an orgasm that expands throughout my being. Babies are being
made. My heart picks up, tingling shoots down my arms and into my
fingertips, my jaw tickles the way it does sucking on sugar. It’s a
feeling of utter aliveness, of being connected with the world. I am in
touch with my inner Creator, and it is powerful.
The trick is not to drain all my energy in this process—-to ‘blow my load’, as it were. (and perhaps that’s what would define it as mania.) This feeling demands an outlet, fireworks can’t be shooting off indoors, after all. And when it comes to a release, the more streamlined the better. (for the sake of your comfort I will not continue with the sexual comparisons, though I’m sure you already went there, and besides! creation is creation)
My point is, I’m learning better how to gather this potent energy in a constructive way. As I grow older, I’m excited to remain in touch with this youthful connection to Magic, and couple it with the ability to refine and manifest it into something useful for the world. It’s a beautiful thing, to be alive, and yes, the Truth is corny!
The trick is not to drain all my energy in this process—-to ‘blow my load’, as it were. (and perhaps that’s what would define it as mania.) This feeling demands an outlet, fireworks can’t be shooting off indoors, after all. And when it comes to a release, the more streamlined the better. (for the sake of your comfort I will not continue with the sexual comparisons, though I’m sure you already went there, and besides! creation is creation)
My point is, I’m learning better how to gather this potent energy in a constructive way. As I grow older, I’m excited to remain in touch with this youthful connection to Magic, and couple it with the ability to refine and manifest it into something useful for the world. It’s a beautiful thing, to be alive, and yes, the Truth is corny!
 |
| look up |
20130716
Design Is... an AIGA Case Study!
http://www.aiga.org/case-study-design-is/
I'm excited to have this project recognized by AIGA. It was more than an enjoyable experience, where I got to meet 8 amazing people and push my interests during a time of professional boredom. It was a catalyst to uncover a new set of paths that are leading me to a beautiful life in creativity and working with others.
this project kind of changed my life.
this project kind of changed my life.
20130714
ready, set, DELIVER
I've had varying emotions, continuing on with this project. Much of me wanted to stop when I'd finished drawing and filling in the first layer body, feeling that I didn't want to ruin all the satisfying work I'd done. I liked the cool tones, and everything was soft and earthly.
But to stop now would be typical, and defeat the purpose behind the work's meaning. Perhaps I wanted to stop because I literally didn't know how to continue. Should I use paint? Markers? And I think I wanted to stop for another reason. Because I relate to this stage. Where I am still grounding myself, and feel the ghost of something greater, yet it is not the main voice just yet. Wait, wait, just a little while longer while I build myself up, then I'll jump. Don't shoot the gun yet.
Realizing this, I FELT the necessity of continuing, to manifest this persona in every sphere I can---to make time for her, to welcome this guiding energy into my life.
Plus, so far, everything had been done in colored pencil... canvas demands more than pencil. It BEGS for deep saturation. Enter: India Ink
Mainly a fiery red/orange, she has green limbs that soak in grounded energy. Her face and hair have a mix of colors (including silver, it's hard to see in the photo) as all these vitalities drive her action. She is magic, Intuition. It wasn't my intention, but she's become so prominent that she no longer looks like the spirit behind the Thinker -- she is a butterfly shedding her cocoon.
As my first return to drawing, and in a way, a brand new approach to self expression, I am happy and relieved to give birth. I feel accomplished and ready to take on the next step in my life. Bring it on!
But to stop now would be typical, and defeat the purpose behind the work's meaning. Perhaps I wanted to stop because I literally didn't know how to continue. Should I use paint? Markers? And I think I wanted to stop for another reason. Because I relate to this stage. Where I am still grounding myself, and feel the ghost of something greater, yet it is not the main voice just yet. Wait, wait, just a little while longer while I build myself up, then I'll jump. Don't shoot the gun yet.
Realizing this, I FELT the necessity of continuing, to manifest this persona in every sphere I can---to make time for her, to welcome this guiding energy into my life.
Plus, so far, everything had been done in colored pencil... canvas demands more than pencil. It BEGS for deep saturation. Enter: India Ink
Mainly a fiery red/orange, she has green limbs that soak in grounded energy. Her face and hair have a mix of colors (including silver, it's hard to see in the photo) as all these vitalities drive her action. She is magic, Intuition. It wasn't my intention, but she's become so prominent that she no longer looks like the spirit behind the Thinker -- she is a butterfly shedding her cocoon.
As my first return to drawing, and in a way, a brand new approach to self expression, I am happy and relieved to give birth. I feel accomplished and ready to take on the next step in my life. Bring it on!
20130713
ready, set, PROGRESS
I'm determined to finish this today. It feels amazing, to draw again, and so pleasing to see my imagination come to life.
I needed this process today, I think I need it most days.
I needed this process today, I think I need it most days.
ready, set, BEGIN
I have a vague idea.
with both of me, preparing for takeoff.
touching the ground for strength, with energy to lift me forward.
something like this...
with both of me, preparing for takeoff.
touching the ground for strength, with energy to lift me forward.
something like this...
20130602
20130531
20130520
what happens in the night sky, when we're not looking?
weather-confused bugs are sleeping, and so the homes along the lake
but for the dim flickering and occasional nibble.
the fountain's company soothes. we know our roles.
on duty. look up.
close your eyes. breathe in.
look up.
pins of white, quiver, hold their breath
when our eyes meet. suspicious.
we play the staring contest until mine water
they're too strong, too clever—older than I, experienced.
they will not let me see them weak
my rock, and I their audience.
with discerning eye the child longs to expose a tooth fairy
that UFO? an airplane.
how disappointing... a relief.
I give in—don't wake me. don't let me down.
a shooting star is enough for tonight. a wink.
but for the dim flickering and occasional nibble.
the fountain's company soothes. we know our roles.
on duty. look up.
close your eyes. breathe in.
look up.
pins of white, quiver, hold their breath
when our eyes meet. suspicious.
we play the staring contest until mine water
they're too strong, too clever—older than I, experienced.
they will not let me see them weak
my rock, and I their audience.
with discerning eye the child longs to expose a tooth fairy
that UFO? an airplane.
how disappointing... a relief.
I give in—don't wake me. don't let me down.
a shooting star is enough for tonight. a wink.
20130509
20130504
PKN Chicago
I've just been invited to design the poster for a Pecha Kucha Night Chicago, and boy am I excited. So much so that I've already started creating (the event isn't till September) and since this is my place to hash things out, I'm including my first production... speakers from past events as fillers until names are confirmed.
20130502
Design Is ... WORKSHOP!
The whole purpose of the "Design Is..." newsprint has been to distribute it to students interested in the visual arts. As designers, we personally know how little high school education focuses on what design is, what it is capable of doing, and that it's not only a realistic career path, but a worthwhile vocation---even (especially) in this economy.
Well, sometimes the planets align.
In reaching out to Chicago Public Schools, a program called Project Osmosis offered to share our publication with over 100 students as a part of their Design Youth Forum this week (!) Even more amazing, we were invited to coordinate and teach a day-long graphic design workshop for 20 of their interested juniors and seniors (!!) And, because that's not incredible enough, we were asked to begin the day as THE keynote speakers, giving us the opportunity to explain what design means to us, why it inspires and how it impacts the world---in short, getting the creative blood flowing for a day full of design (!!!)
A few photos of this amazing day, below
Well, sometimes the planets align.
In reaching out to Chicago Public Schools, a program called Project Osmosis offered to share our publication with over 100 students as a part of their Design Youth Forum this week (!) Even more amazing, we were invited to coordinate and teach a day-long graphic design workshop for 20 of their interested juniors and seniors (!!) And, because that's not incredible enough, we were asked to begin the day as THE keynote speakers, giving us the opportunity to explain what design means to us, why it inspires and how it impacts the world---in short, getting the creative blood flowing for a day full of design (!!!)
A few photos of this amazing day, below
^ by the time we arrive, the kids already have our newspaper in hand
^ after introducing some inspirational and effective real-world design examples, we go through the contents of our newspaper, explaining the meaning behind each image
^ then it's on to the workshop, where we start off manually sketching ideas for posters that the kids will be working on for the remainder of the day. Because the theme is "Design for Positive Change" we get everyone to begin by thinking aloud, What causes do I care about? Where do I want to see change in my environment?
^ finally it's on to the computer lab to digitize and finalize ideas. Everyone has his and her own way of expressing---some focus on meaningful words, others are confident in their illustration skills... many choose to collaborate... all of the designers work very hard.
We finish the day with two of our students presenting their designs to the rest of the forum, proud (and a bit nervous) to showcase their pieces. I think everyone left feeling excited and inspired. For me, this experience has been a blessing from start to finish, and reminds me of what I love about design: the power of bringing people together.
20130422
Design Is... in print
EXPLORING! now part of a newspaper where a group of designers and I begin to answer, visually: What is Design?
20130417
exploring the word [3]
vertical format ... a little more "mappy"
removed 'X marks the spot' to open the concept of Exploring as something beyond a means to an end. the X inferred not only a destination, but that treasure will be found in a particular spot. on the contrary: the treasure is the newly tread path, creating one's own map.
20130405
exploring the word [2]
a topographic approach, using the three colors that will be a part of the newsprint project with aiga
20130330
exploring the word
sketch of what it means to Explore: mapping uncharted territory ... a wandering path, where each discovered island is fundamental in the larger body ...
_will be part of a multiple spread newsprint that investigates the meaning(s) of Design
20130316
20130310
20130306
20130211
20130113
blind * beautiful
4.30 am
after a long night of working, talking, playing
6 people took to their pencils, looked to each other
and without peering down
drew.
after a long night of working, talking, playing
6 people took to their pencils, looked to each other
and without peering down
drew.
20130106
20130104
20130102
- -j a_z -__ z -- y _ - 1
conception of a poster ...
Vincent Davis Jazz Quartet,
a Chicago-based avant garde jazz band
[watercolor]
Vincent Davis Jazz Quartet,
a Chicago-based avant garde jazz band
[watercolor]
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