Outdoor works in the wild

I currently feel the predominant religion of our planet to be nationalism. In its current form it is generally sad at best. I believe a true nationalism would transcend boundary lines to include the entire earth. Thus, a new and more beautiful nationalism would seek some pure manner of expression grounded in the vernacular of a time and place while ever-so-slightly seeking to evolve current discourse. Maybe that's what I was trying to do this fall (2014).

Symbols are the most effective means of communicating across temporal and cultural boundaries. Unfortunately, most of my symbolism will go consciously unrecognized. Fortunately, the subconscious mind has forever spoken a similar symbolic language.

The following works are part of a transition in which I move my work away from figurative representation toward minimalism.

Newer works toward top. Enjoy.

photo

(33"x22"2.75") Canvas

photo

(45"x22"x3.5") Canvas

(24"x34"x2.75") Canvas

Concrete, Metal, & Brick

Galápagos! A magical place

The Galápagos are a world apart & none of my writing or art can do these islands any justice. The words, "Galápagos" and "Magic" are the best we've got.

Unique and beautiful. A treasure like no other. For there… thar be turtles! (and dragons too)

In China the four noble beasts are Turtle, Unicorn, Dragon, and Phoenix. Where I lived - a short bike ride to this entrance sign - there were all four. Turtle, Horse, Iguana, and Chicken.

The local people also have stories about little people inhabiting certain lava tunnels.

Galápagos is a magical place.

November's Plans

I'll be back in Quito next month, but don't think I'll be able to stay for long.

I plan to head off into the jungle unless some amazing painting opportunity or desert shaman calls me first. I plan to go as deep as I can in search of a master trying to make up my own lesson.

Yeah, so hopefully that's a smooth phase transition. And you? What're your plans?

I've recently discovered that - indeed - Ecuador does have some of the best colours this world has to offer.

Unfortunately, some people don't understand that nature's greens are beautifully healing and that replacing them with bricks and cement and combustion engines is but an evil fever-dream from past nightmares of mad men.

Well, open up a new dream for them if you can, and if you can't, learn and grow.

Little hug, big hug, little hug, little kiss, big kiss.

June 14 - 2013 - New Pictures on Flickr - Enjoy!

I don't have too much time to spend with this blog these days. I'm quite busy and lucky if I can digitize works for my own personal record, much less put them online to the multitude of websites.

I will try to put things online with Lightroom (a program I edit images with) on Flickr.

Flickr has a nice interface if you're going to take a glance at my work. Click the image or link below.

Enjoy! May your days be beautiful.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuffedanimalbrigade

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuffedanimalbrigade

 

Chinese Walls

Here are some random images from walls scattered throughout China. Top to bottom, east and west, you'll find scatters of paint in various arrangements on architectural surfaces all over the place.

Temple Gate

Temple Gate, a photo by _Loaf_ on Flickr.

Like it without the halo too...

Apparently, have been doubly posting to the other blog when intending posts to go here.

Difficulties arise as Chinese censorship lessens. How about that new Chinese fellow, Xi Jinping? Better than the other guy? God, we almost had another Mao, what a murderously corrupt beast among beasts.

Now Wikipedia is accessible in China, so I'm able to legally read about the 14th Dalai Lama's comments related to various mantras and their relationship to various positive lines of personal progression on an enlightened path toward enlightenment - linguistic magic.

Would you dare argue music to lack such magic? The Chinese might, Youtube is still blocked, it's a great source of new music.

I haven't slept in some time so this may make less sense with time.

Real changes - and your ability to make them

"Quantum mechanics clearly shows that nothing can be predetermined, no matter how events may appear. Not only is ours a small world, it is a Zen world after all. You may object and claim that you can't change because people remember how you are, that you are powerless to change anything. But the indivisible quantum of shapable action proves you wrong.
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Even our concept of memory needs revision. The unrelentless quantum shows that the past as well as the future, is created. There is no past. There is no future. We create both, continuously and in unpredictable ways. This is it. There are no hidden messages. If, for only an instant, you sense this overwhelming fact of your existence, it will alster your future now as you hold this book in your hands. You can't help but sense a feeling of power. No one knows you. You know no one."
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"Taking the Quantum Leap" - Fred Alan Wolf
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I stole this book from a library as a teenager. Found I still love it.  :)
I have altered the past once, the future, zero times.

Labor of Hercules - Center Piece - Full Narrative below

Labor of Hercules - Full Narrative - EXPOSED!

In the beginning of our story the main character plays music. A carefree life.


Some trouble arises and an Armadillo tasks him with a quest of sorts.


A magical leaf is ceremoniously mixed into a magical drink.


Offerings are presented to the gods of night.


The female goddess Ayahuasca answers in her typical form, that of a great snake.


The Great Evil that is the IMF (International Monetary Fund) is like the hydra.

\
Fighting it's many necks proves difficult. Devouring it is our last ditch answer.


A blooded sword is a good thing indeed.


Our story begins to loop, like the great snake. Here reward is presented.


Life is cyclical and we begin where we end. Birth, death, all that jazz.

"I think that this Zen master is thinking too much. How can a butterfly dream?"

Symbolism from 'round the world

The Eve of Great Battle!

Smile Like You Mean It!

Work in Progress - Rad little neighborhood in Quito

Red Crested Crane

To what shall
I liken the world?
Moonlight, reflected
In dewdrops.
Shaken from a crane's bill.

- Dogen, 1200 - 1253

Discrepancies between admiration and hunger

Happy Valentine's Day!

Make it most excellent!

Chicken & The Egg

Golden Chicken of Good Fortune