Do You Wake Up To Music?

I've been really curious if this happens with other people.

I wake up with music playing in my head. Usually it's something I've listened to the day before, but sometimes it's totally random. It's like the iPod or jukebox in my head is on shuffle.

The cool thing? If I loop whatever chunk of music is in my head I can go right back to sleep.

Does any of this ring a bell? Or is it just me?



Peace.

Focus On Course

That line. That line from "Swimming With Sharks". "What do you really want?"

It's a vital question. Your life won't go anywhere without the answer. Well, it will, but just not anywhere you want. We need dreams. We need to write those dreams down. We need to tell people about them.

It serves our need to be connected, to grow, to contribute. To be human.

I've got some big dreams, ones that will really just be goals for my whole life. I want to read all the books I want to read and go all the places I want to go. I want to feel physically fit. I want to be a good father.

I've got some other big ones that are more, well, directed. With end points.

I want Paul McCartney to be aware of my work. Yes, that Paul McCartney. He played at the first David Lynch Foundation benefit concert, but I just missed out being able to send a portrait of him to sign. Wasn't time, according to the Universe. Who am I to argue? But I want him to know about what I do, and if I can get one of him in his hands someday? I'll melt.

I want to put out a book of my Vinyl Art. It's going to be called "Groovy Portraits". I've bought the .com domain. I've started working on the text. First I'm going to put out an Ebook version to spread it around. You'll know about it. Then, I don't know how, but it'll be published someday. And I'll get to sign one for you.

I want to make something of the 33 abstract sculptures I did in my last years in art classes. I've shared a couple sculptures, figurative, with you before. These I haven't. And I won't until I'm happy with how they're being presented. They are the most personal art I've done, ever. They are me. Well, they are me then. Becomings. That's what my old art teacher called them. Me. Becoming me. I'm still doing it. So sharing those the way I want is a lifetime goal. The biggie.

We'll see. But it all requires focus. I'm learning. I'm on a course.

Peace.

In Memory Of Michael

"Thriller" was one of the first cassettes I had, from my uncle I think. I remember the dancing, the video, the glove. An entertainer like no other, that chin jutting out, those hips popped. Remember the time?

Peace.

On How Life Is

A great album to drive my painting, Macy Gray's debut is wonderful. It's one of those softly philosophical records, with a couple moments deep about Life's end. Gnarls Barkley's "St. Elsewhere" is another, beautiful and thoughtful with awesome music. If you watch the video, listen to the lyrics.

Anyway, my brain, I'll tell ya. This morning I practically jumped outta bed, with more energy than I've had for awhile. I tried Afrin yesterday and apparently it helped me sleep better. I got so excited about doing my art, about our possible move, and about two new possible projects involving my Vinyl Art I was pacing around the house talking to myself. Both projects involve publishing, one in print, the other digitally. These are thoughts with no substance yet. All potential. So we'll see.

Then, after painting this piece, my energy drained. My focus blurred. Angels and demons, the emotions with which I breathe Life into this body, messing with me. Ahh, the rollercoaster of Life. I'm still very excited about what's going on, but I just can't concentrate on it right now. So, if you want to read a more coherent blog post about direction in Life that is very inspiring, check this out. Please just read the whole thing. Ken's a really nice guy, and this is brilliant.

Peace.

Getting Lost In The Dance

I was painting Miles Davis earlier today, listening to Prince's new album and realized that I really get lost in the painting, and in the music. The moment, in the moment.

It's no coincidence that what I listen to while painting is music that makes me move. When you're doing something you love, you dance. Don't you?

In your head, down to your toes, you're in the groove.

Peace.

SOLD - Mos Def 04/02/09

EMIN3M X Vinyl Art

"X" means more than just putting things together. Multiplying creates more than adding. Em knows how to create something more than just the sum of its parts. "Sing For The Moment" off of The Eminem Show contains elements of Aerosmith's "Dream On" creating a brilliant mashup that makes my toes tingle.

Maybe we can call my Vinyl Art a visual remix or an artistic crossover. Whatever. Just don't use a "+".

Peace.

EMIN3M 02/26/09

Hard Rock Update

The gallery just let me know that this project is coming along nicely. The prints are done and being framed, with one set already on its way to Florida. I'll be getting my artist's proof, the original paintings and the second half of my royalty payment in a couple of weeks!

Once they get hung, who knows, maybe Kanye will see my work. He might stay at the Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel, right? Anyway, we'll see! I'll certainly post a photo of the artist's proof when I get it, good or bad.

Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day!

Peace.

Kanye West 02/13/09

Tracing Behavior Patterns

From the Jackson 5 era to the Thriller era to today, Michael Jackson has undergone a dramatic and public physical transformation. He clearly is not comfortable in his own skin. For all his creative brilliance, he seems to continue to question his worth as a human.

This new comment on my post of a couple days ago brought up my own deep fears, in a good way. From the same artist who'd made me think previously about why I continue to paint solely on vinyl at the moment, this comment led me to ponder the root of my issues regarding my worth as a human, as an artist. I responded in a comment on that same post.

Then, I read Godin's post about public and personal perception of creativity. Please go read it. Don Miguel Ruiz discusses at length, well it's really the main idea, in his books about the way our and others' perception of the world and ourselves is basically a lie. The only truth is the fact of our actions. That's why I think the Tao Te Ching is so focussed on action. What we think, what our brain does, how we filter the personal and environmental effects of our actions is not truth in fact.

But it sure does seem to be, doesn't it? We can get so wrapped up in our own shit, that we block and distort and then react to our thoughts and our interpretation of the actions of others in seemingly bizarre ways. Bizarre, that is, to someone outside of the bubble.

We can look at young Michael and think about how cute he was, how talented. All he thought about, though, was his father's comments about his appearance. He hated what he saw in the mirror of his father's eyes.

Deep down, I still think about those schoolmates' accusations that I was cheating with my art. I still question my value as an artist, feeling like anybody could do what I do. I still worry about the reaction of the photographers who took the original images I use to paint from, which I guess could be a twisted backwards way of being egotistical about my work, but is really bourne out of my fear I'm doing something wrong.

This is one reason why I was so conflicted about the idea of reproducing my work. I don't think I realize how much I appreciate the comments I've gotten in response to my news about the Hard Rock Hotel. I know looking for outside validation is really just more lies, but to know how what I do is filtered through the perception of others gives me new perspective from outside the bubble.

So, from the depths, thank you.

Peace.

You'd Think I Was A Boyscout

Preparedness. You never know when you'll need what you'll need whenever.

So, a woman who'd picked up my business card, which I stick to the back of every framed piece, at Red Dog Gallery months ago contacted me yesterday about doing Tupac. Sweet.

Then, another woman who'd seen me on TV, which I have online, on Channel 3 months ago contacted me today about doing Marley and The Beatles. Sweet.

And me with albums of all 3, and images ready to go. Still hopping with the Christmas gifts!

You've got time. I'm ready.

Peace.

SOLD - Tupac Shakur 12/09/08

Express Yourself [EC]

Since N.W.A. put gangsta rap on the map with the MTV video of "Express Yourself", Cube's been tellin' his story. It ain't pretty. Even today (this is some heavy shit).

He said in a recent interview, "Rap is a mirror. And if you're ugly, you can't blame the mirror."

What do you think?

Creative-types who speak their truths, tell their stories, catch flack from other public figures and groups if that truth is disturbing. Are they creating more ugly? Is reaction, fear fear fear fear, ever better than thoughtful action, love love love love?

Ask yourself why, like the little kid, "Why why why why?" What's the intent? What's my intent? Why do I feel like doing this, why did I do that?

My intent with this piece is to bring peace. Little by little.

Help me?

Peace.

Stripped Down

Boy, Rick Rubin sure has had a big impact on music since the '80s! My wife loves to hate him. He was involved with The Black Crowes, her favorite band as a teenager, and both helped and hindered their music. He influenced the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys. And he got Chuck D to start Public Enemy.

Raw is what he brings to the table. Laid bare. The passion is all that's left after he reduces the production on albums.

Kinda what I do in stripping down my portraits, editting them down to the essential. Almost past that, letting you fill in the blanks.

Chuck D's work strips down his message too, hitting you hard with it. Can hurt, but through pain is growth. Stripped bare. Say it.

Peace.

SOLD - Chuck D 11/12/08

So What'cha Want?

I hadn't known this, but the Beastie Boys started out as punks. After blowing away the world of hip-hop with "License To Ill" and their subsequent records, this EP marked a brief 11 minute return to those punk roots. In both genres, MCA, Mike D, and Ad-Rock aren't shy and hold no punches when it comes to their politics.

Seemed suitable today. Get your sticker?

Peace.

Beastie Boys 11/04/08

One Day At A Time

Or, one day at a day. Or something. Minute by minute?

I am finding energy lacking. Ever since Jason died I've been basically exhausted. I'd never gone through traumatic grief before. Still haven't gone "through" it either. Where is the other side?

I know a couple of you who read this blog are going through this particular grief specifically, and a couple others who have grief of their own. What the fuck is with this universe right now? Am I right? I know "everything happens for a reason", blah blah blah. Philosophical wisdom is all well and good, but it sure can be hard to act on.

My wife and I watch Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab show. I wish there was more of it, less editted. But besides that, parts are very interesting. The last episode had a group discussion with Steven Adler talking about taking it minute by minute. I got to thinking about the recovering addict's daily struggle.

They've got something on people who aren't recovering addicts. Not that I'd say get addicted to get this, but every day, they have to force themselves out of their box, their bubble. Their bubble, their rut, their routine, their habit of using. Daily, they get to break out of that rut anew. They have to decide every day.

I don't know if recovering from or moving through grief fits in with the same idea, but I do know that when everything's peachy keen for most people, they are basically sleep-walking. This isn't judgement against it. Great stuff is accomplished by people living normal lives. It's just that stagnation can rot one's soul.

Thank you for reading my blog, those who do regularly. I hope it doesn't ever spiral endlessly in the grooves of the records on which I paint, hopelessly caught in a rut. Every day, I think about inspiring myself, motivating myself to paint, to be productive. To give my art the chance it needs to make it, to be discovered, to be what it can be and to do what it can do. And having this blog to look to every day helps. It really does.

I just wish I had more energy, more focus. One day at a time. Hey Ya!

Peace.

OutKast 11/03/08

Dead Wrong

As I wait for Eminem to put out a new record, I'm learning more about the west coast/east coast world of rap. Some pretty nasty, powerfully real shit. Mostly autobiographical, as most authentic, passionate music is, the words of Biggie, Snoop, Tupac, Dre, Combs, and Mr. Mathers reveal the lives they've lived.

And in a twisted feedback loop, they hyperbolize those lives, and deaths.

Modern poets, however vulgar, they speak the truth of the coastal streets.

Or do they create it? Persistence
spittin' 'gainst resistance.
I don'know, only know existence.
This shit's just
pissed us all off 'cause
we hate to see hate
playin' us against
each other, brother
of another color,
another city. I don't
blame Em for lyin' low.
Life's not even worth the sickest flow.
He had ta blow, for awhile
he'd be in denial if he didn't go.
Rappers are artists too, yo.
- vinylart '08

You may not like it, but, yes it is art, not for the faint of heart. No, seriously, this is heavy. What the warning labels are for. But it is their truth. Power to those who have the guts to share it.

Peace.

Available - Notorious B.I.G. 10/20/08

Like Toy Soldiers (For PeaceOneDay.org)

Peace and Eminem? Odd pairing, on the surface.

I've discussed them both before, but this time, the context is the international Day of Peace, September 21st. I'm posting today because it falls on a Sunday and I don't usually post on the weekend.

I'd thought I might do something related to Peter Gabriel, but his connection with world peace is well known and acknowledged. Eminem's connection perhaps is only in my head, but I think it's valid.

As I said in that previous post, understanding takes the power away from fear. Both fear and lack of understanding are the primary causes of the escalation of conflict. I don't mean to say that conflict would disappear if we just loved one another. Eminem knows that isn't realistic either.

If you do listen and seek to understand others, put yourself in their shoes as it were, tolerance can be reached and solutions determined. Understanding puts everybody on the same side in opposition to the problem rather than 2 sides of people developing with positions further and further disparate and entrenched.

Eminem reaches out with raw emotion for understanding, telling his story as personally and openly as he can. Think about the reaction of many in the public to this expression and its effect on him. Imagine you had just produced for all the world to hear your innermost fears in the only way you'd been taught only to have them twisted and warped for political agendas attacking you and your art.

Yes, artists are supposed to have thick skins, but not of lead, man. Listen to his lyrics. Cringe at them. Realize they are HIS TRUTH.

The passionate expression of people's truth needs to be cherished. If it were, whole peoples wouldn't take up arms in defense of their beliefs.

What I can do for peace? Yes, love, but also stay true to me and communicate that truth, and passionately seek to encourage and defend others who do the same. Indeed, Eminem and his work connect closely with...

Peace. Make it more than one day.

Eminem 09/19/08

With My Mind On My Money [EC]

It's a challenge being a professional artist, let me tell you. People don't usually go out looking for art, and people don't collect an artist's work usually until after they're dead.

I just want to make people happy providing something that helps them remember and celebrate music they love. I've wondered before about how to get people to find me. I think I need to take massive action.

Help me?

I'm still adding to this collection in hopes that some will be inspired to buy art and give to charity at the same time. But, as I'm certainly still a "starving artist", I don't know how to advertise effectively. Word-of-mouth and small scale promotion is wonderful and can be extremely satisfying, however with art, it isn't the most successful. So while I REALLY appreciate anything you out there have done for me to spread knowledge of my work, I need to do something bigger I think.

I've got some ideas for YouTube commercials but that's about it. I don't even have a video camera to try and make them, let alone get the clips to catch on. I'm not sure if people will respond to traditional interruption advertising for art and I don't really have the time to devote to connecting with people on last.fm or other forums.

I'm thinking of trying to get some art galleries to do the whole "wine and cheese" thing, but I'm not sure if that's the right audience to aim for yet. I need music fans, especially music fans who talk to other music fans.

That's why I was so excited that Barbara got excited and is getting a Springsteen for her birthday. That's why I had the idea to get readers to list their favorites in return for a discount. That's why I'm thrilled to be asked to participate in music-related charity events.

Another idea is to try to break into the music industry somehow. Since vinyl is selling, maybe record labels would go for some cross-promotion. I don't know anybody though, you know?

If you devote an iota of attention to this and tell me what you come up with, I'll be forever grateful. Any ideas out there?

Peace.

Re(issue)

I went to buy The Verve's new album on vinyl at a local independent record store. I bought it to listen to, not paint on.

I decided to check out what else was available new.

There's a lot! It's really exciting to see so many popular and obscure records being released on, well, record!

I realized that I feel differently about new vinyl as compared to old vinyl, though. I'm not totally sure why. In the back of my head, I kind of wondered why they were pressing new releases and remastered old ones.

When I find an old used copy of, say, "Imagine", I treat it like gold. If I found an original release still sealed, no way would I open it, let alone paint on it. I have a hard time even painting on copies of that album that look like they were used as frisbees. Is it my sentimental connection to the music?

I don't think so. When I found out a couple days ago that "Imagine" was going to be rereleased on vinyl and it would be available on Amazon NEW, I didn't really cringe at the thought of buying one, if need be, to paint on. It's not the price, because they'll be more expensive than those used copies I wouldn't use as my canvas.

Then, maybe the key is the "original" part. I do tend to collect things, and I, for whatever blasted reason, do value originals more than copies. But it's not like the original release is better. In fact, remastered versions can be better and most rereleases are now digitally remastered. Oo wait.

I think that's it. When I typed "digitally" I felt something. Why would I treasure, let alone buy, an album released on analog media if the music has been processed digitally first?

That's why I had no problem buying the Black Eyed Peas "Monkey Business" on vinyl, the original release on vinyl, and painting today's piece. It is a digitally recorded and produced album that they simply pressed on vinyl.

You can't add back in the warmth and reality of analog.

So, that's it. I don't mind terribly using vinyl pressings if it's a digitally processed recording.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. What do you think?

Peace.

Black Eyed Peas 09/04/08