Saint Frida

I used to thoroughly dislike Frida Kahlo's artwork.  I think it was this part of me that wanted to be striving for that artistic elite--- that only training could produce a fine artist.  It was a reflection of how I felt about my own shitty art.  That I couldn't draw or paint or sculpt as well as other people I saw around me could be ignored because I was learning.  I was in training, so eventually I'd be a "very serious artist" and could therefore be taken seriously.

Since then, since I dropped out of "art school" (read: preparation for art school by taking art classes at community college) and went to college for religious studies, my view of the art world has changed considerably. 

That's why seeing the movie "Frida" really reminded me of how my view has changed, and how Frida Kahlo fits exactly what I love about art.  She was this untrained artist, working from within, painting the way she wanted to, painting the subject matter that was important to her.  She didn't go to school, she didn't need to prove herself, and she didn't need to be validated by the elite art scene.

That's actually why I never pursued art school.  Well, part of it, anyway.  The biggest reason is that I didn't think I was good enough.  I think it would be sour grapes to say that I chose a different path because of the elitism.  Honestly? My shit wasn't that good.  But a part of it really was that Hollywood mentality.... having to know the right people, having to sell yourself... having to kiss ass.  That's not to say that there aren't plenty of artists who make it without doing any of that.  They make it solely on their raw talent and don't stoop to being exclusive of others or snobby about who they like or don't like.

Frida became accepted by the elite art scene of the time, which is cool, but she's a great example of how anyone can make art.  As cheesy as it sounds, it's just that creativity that comes from within, and you don't need formal training to let it shine.

The Clothed Anteater Hall of Fame

I don't know, man. People have anteaters as pets and they dress them like people.  I was unaware of this phenomena until like 30 minutes ago, and now I'm so glad I'm in the know.

You got yer jean jacket anteater:

yer purple winter parka anteater:

yer plaid peacoat anteater:

yer weird gangly anteater in a black tee shirt:

yer freaky elderly couple in bad sweaters:

yer classy cowl-neck sweater anteater:

And then there's this naked one.  Drinking beer:

These are all pictures I found just doing a google image search for "anteaters", "pet anteaters", or "anteaters in clothes".

I don't draw much anymore

Why don't I? I used to do it all the time.  I would experiment with different styles, different techniques, take inspiration from different things.

I picked up a copy of the latest Giant Robot magazine and saw art by Matt Furie, who I've never heard of before.  I found his work to be crazy inspiring to me.  It made me want to start drawing again.  His stuff reminds me of stuff by Dehara, with that gritty, creepy surreal colored-pencil sheen to it.  It's the type of art I'd like to get into making myself.  I just feel so out of my depth art-wise these days.  I feel very little confidence in it anymore. I am a junior-college art school drop-out.  I left art and got a Bachelor's  in Religious Studies. And it wasn't because I didn't like making art. It was because I lacked the patience to truly develop my skills and I just wasn't as good as I needed to be.  Maybe it's time to take out the pencils and try again.  With patience this time.

Old Rasty Country Songs

And I don't mean anything that's been written since 1980.  I mean like, old Western movie songs.  Not necessarily bluegrass, though I do like bluegrass.  I like that really old scratchy-record country music that makes you think of like Wild Bill Hickok and old stagecoaches and the open range.  Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

Work Allows Me to Post to My Blog

As I am sitting here at the ticketing desk I realize that on certain days of the week it is highly likely that I will update this shit multiple times during the day.

I recently started rock climbing, and I'm getting better at it.  I can do mostly V1's for bouldering, but I can do them quicker and have better endurance now. I have accomplished one "V2", but it was hella easy, I think, because I have not been able to duplicate that success.

Monday I got a tattoo at Moth and Dagger Tattoo Studio in San Francisco.  The dudes there were hilarious and Mario gave me the best tattoo of my life, for sure.  I cannot stop gving them props.  So, if you feel the need for ink in your skin, check them out.  My tattoo is a soldadera from the Mexican Revolution. It rocks so hard.  When I get home I'll post a pic.

Don't Be a Jerk, Adopt from a Shelter

I am about halfway through all the necessary training to volunteer for the Oakland Animal Serivces.  I am going to be a dog volunteer, working primarily and almost exclusively with dogs, which was my request, because I freakin' love dogs and instead have two cats (Who I LOVE, for the record.  I'm just more of a dog person).

While we were walking around in the back of the shelter, I saw too many wonderful dogs to count. Purebred dogs of many different kinds, and, my favorite--MUTTS.  Mutts of all sizes, shapes, colors and dispositions.  One little fellow, about the size of a large housecat, was undergoing "cat testing", which means that the volunteers were introducing him to some of the cat residents of the shelter and seeing how he reacted.  he politely sniffed the cat's bottom and then waited for the cat to do the same.  These animals are so good, so loving, so sweet, and so sad. 

I know it's all preachy for my first post here, but don't buy dogs from breeders, man.  There are just too many amazing animals waiting to be adopted at the shelter. Puppies, purebreds, mutts, big and small, medium, long-haired, short haired and everything in-between.  So don't be a dick.  Adopt a pet.