A visual artist at heart and musician playing keyboards in the group, The Siren Project - audio link. I revel in a life of doing the things I enjoy most - being creative. This for me has no limits. It may be in the area of visual art, sculpture, design, idea conception, music, performance. There isn't too much that cannot be fathomed or achieved. So. . . to continue.
Am here in search of other creative and artistic individuals for worldly substantive intellectual conversation, friendships and networking. Very selective of who I invite and who is added. My humor is goofy and comical mixed with sarcasm but not always. I live a simplistic life and tastes are of utilitarian cuttng edge design, industrial furnishings, living spaces with clean lines to the point of sterility. Swanky and seductive, textrual and depthful. Using light, color and position to set mood and emotion. I'm big into romantic and sensual stuff and take my time in detail to express.
I rather be known for my talent, skill and abilitiy instead of appearance. Do not need to boast or proclaim to the world. . . . . well. . .maybe a little. . .but in a good way.
I tend to stay low profile and to myself. Social settings such as bars and clubs hold little interest for me. . . .boring. I stop in to configure the profile, check messages, converse and to invite other interesting folk. Mainly use Myspace to create awareness, promote and market my talent for acquiring commissions and freelance design work.
Most of the time I am at home working on art, music and handling the everyday. If there is anything you wish to ask me over and above here, please do not be intimidated to ask.
Aspects I like:
Characteristically unique and outstanding people
Melancholic moods - good for creativity!
Seeing my friends succeed
Successful individuals
Storms of all kinds
Accomplishment
Emotional skies
Organization
The weather
Genuineness
Good health
Cleanliness
Progress
And some peeves of mine:
Loud and obnoxious people (alcohol related and otherwise)
User's profiles with too much going on in them
Plans being deterred due to frivolous events
Lack of common sense
Cigarette smoke
False hopes
Ignorance
Talkers
Apathy
Gossip
And so, an expose of what I can do, to the world!
ENJOY!
ON MY ARTISTRY AND BEGINNINGS
Drawing has been a part of my life since can remember. This did not become an obsession until the day I submitted a piece of work that I had leisurely created, in my highschool architectural class after my assignment was completed, for a "learn to draw what you see" course I was taking in college. This day's assignment was on light and shade. I thought this piece created out of leiseure, composed of many blocks would be appropriate. After the day's session, the works were displayed in the hallways for all to view, but in my case, view turned to take! I wrote a brief desctiption of the piece and expressed my concern of the matter and had it published to the college newspaper - however, nothing ever resulted. So later that year, around mid November, I began recreating the piece titled, "Industrialism at Dusk". To my satisfaction, I had outdone the previous. Liking what was occuring, I began another work.
INDUSTRIALISM AT DUSK
11" X 17"
graphite /charcoal on paper
origination: 11 / 91
MORPHIC SEIZURE
18" X 24"
graphite on paper
origination: 1 / 92
DECADENCE TO AUTOMATION
18" X 24"
graphite on paper
origination: 12 / 92
DYSTOPIA
18" X 24"
graphite / charcoal on paper
origination: 1 / 93
Most of what I create starts with a sporatic mental image. I don't ponder or spend time working on sketches or doodles to realize my designs. When I am formulating a piece, I for the most part, already have the whole picture drawn in my head. . . the perspecitve, how each part will look rendered, with what kind of textrure and sheen.
SANCTUARY
18" X 24"
graphite on paper
origination: 7 / 93
GOTHYQ
18" X 72"
graphite / ink on paper
origination: 12 / 93
CHANNELOCK
24" X 36"
graphite / airbrushed acrylic on paper
origination: 8 / 95
JUNCTURE
18" X 18"
graphite / ink on paper
origination: 2 / 96
All the pieces you see here are first takes. Lines will be drawn but maybe that line enlightens me in a direction I did not see earlier or it looks different on paper. This is why sketching is pointless for me. So It can be said I sketch as I go. I have not gone to school for any of what you see here. This has all been self taught. It wasn't until later that I wanted to pursue courses in architecture and graphic design that would expose me to elements I had not previously recognized.
ANGST
18" X 24"
graphite / airbrushed acrylic on paper
origination: 5 / 96
CYBER PSYCHOSIS
16" X 20"
mixed media on illustration board
origination: 9 / 96
OF THOUGHTS AND DAYDREAMS
24" X 30"
mixed media on illustration board
origination: 2 / 00
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ON MUSIC AND BEGINNINGS:
I started at the age of eight with five years of playing the violin under the Suzuki instruction method. In elementary school I took a liking for the saxaphone. I had played Both fairly well, but as time progressed and interests changed, so did my continuance in these things. It was not until high school in my sophmore year that I met, somewhat of an outcast individual, Otto, a fellow with a very deftful ability for playing and programming electronic keyboards. He had invited me to his home and after hearing nearly exact representations of the Cure, Depeche Mode, Nitzer Ebb and others, I thought, "wow this guy is friggen talented!" From there we made sonic roughs of varous ideas that soon translated into a first full length cassette of various scores. We continued to produce about ten or so cassettes of nothing but random compositions. These were considered "basement tapes", mainly for our enjoyment and for close friends. Our name would be Contingence - meaning. . . n : a possible event or occurrence or result [syn: eventuality, contingency]. Later, we had been approached by the lead singer of Rorschach Test to redo a grouping of tracks to be presented as an expose demo for solicitation. So we spent the summer of 1994 giging locally and touring up and down the west coast while being stationed in Seattle for a total of four months. We had a great buzz of interest going for quite some time. Then later, I disbanded and returned home to finish my studies.
In 1995, Otto and I had produced our first full length CD titled "Dominion". Two promotional packages were sent to music magazines in both Belgium and Pennsylvania. These promo packs were themed in circuit boards and wires with the bio laminated to one board and the CD to another. The response was enormous! Radio play and magazine reviews from Europe and here in the US. Now. . . . .the contrast between projects. It took months of touring with R.T. to get anywhere and only two mailings with Contingence to acheive world exposure. After all that passed, I had several years of dedication to college, art and audio sampling.
Which brings me to the present, well sort of, but I will have to back up a moment then get to now. In late 1998 I had been asked by Margaret - aka, "The Siren Project, to lend my talents to a band she was forming. Apprehensive at first, but later enjoyed the flow and unique sound of what was emerging. Today, my musical involvment with margaret has too also become an obsession. One does not know the potential of The Siren Project until they have beheld the deptfully artistic beauty that a certain group of individuals can culminate. I am pleased to be partnered with Margaret in this endeavor. Now, with the implementation of a computer and well written music creation programs, I have become frighteningly more productive and inventive in the creation of music than ever before. I can only prepare and amass excitement for what new sonic creations and opportunities await! The Siren Project is a devotion to creating diverse, intellectual, depthful, at times spiritual, compositions that take the listener on otherworldy travels. True, it is the union of several individuals to create such a sound, but the most exquisit element that exudes substance is the voice of Margaret. I have never been as fortunate as I am to have known such an articulate and mature talent as her. both in vocal dexterity and lyrical complexity. I see the Siren Project going far beyond the typical, "band" portrayal and presentation. There are numerous applications for what we create and is not limited to one specific genre.
As long as I hear music, and have the ability to twist sounds in my head, I will always have the passion for creating music thus continuing to perservere over the ones who try to create obstacle for us. Why because no one can take away the passion, desire, belief, enthusiasm, or drive from what I enjoy - it is the passion above everything that will be heard and seen!
link to site
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The next set of images combines traditional techniques and digital manipulation. This is a nice precursive challenge in getting texture, lighting and mood established to look believable and seamless. These images utilize traditional photography, freehand sketching, and computer based scanning in conjunction with photoshop and illustrator.
I have had the opportunity to design a series of three CD covers titled, "Trilogy", for Disk Jockey/Remix artist, CJ Dimitris. The themes he has presented are "Faith", "Charity" and "Hope". Now, utilizing these themes I derived the idea of symbolic spirituality and tools of the remixer's trade. Thus the three covers express the use of hands and technology. The first two, "Faith" and "Charity" have been released as of late. The last, "Hope", is on the way.
Three CD covers for DJ / remix artist, CJ Dimitris
origination: December 2006 - January 2007
designed for web format
Various Siren Project promotional posters
PROMOTIONAL PIECES FOR THE DENVER DARK ARTS FESTIVALS
The Colorado Dark Arts Festival 2003
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Two additional ideas on the theme
Promotional for the Colorado Dark Arts Festival, 2004
SAMHUINE FESTIVAL
A poster image created for the Samhuine Festival 2004 - (pronounced "sow - en"). The festival was cancelled due to another event occuring around the same time by the same promoters . . . .oops. Oh well, looks cool though.
VARIOUS COMPACT DISC COVERS
acrylic on illustration board - June 1997
CD compilation titled "A family Affair". The idea is working off of a "family of instrurments" and the depiction of her holding a small violin adds to the element.
Design for the band Machinegun Symphony
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Aside from my two dimensional drawings, I soon began getting into sculpture and three dimnsional works. Again, had another random idea. This time it would involve a series of panels that have a consistant theme throughout. Different materials, presentation and concept altogether. All of what I do is based in architecture in some form. I see the ability to conceive, plan and construct fascinating. How earth borne materials can be transformed into structure.
EARTH & RUST
12" X 24-1/2" ea
photography / mixed media
framed with acrylic and aluminum sheet
origination: 12 / 97
RECONSTRUCTIVISM
15" X 24-1/2" ea
photography / mixed media
framed with acrylic and aluminum sheet
origination: 4 / 99
CASCADING ELEMENTS
15" X 15" ea
photography / mixed media
framed with tempered glass and aluminum clad hardboard
origination: 1 / 04
BORG MASK
hydrocal plaster, found object, model parts, rubber, faux treatments
origination: May 2000
This was a very challenging opportunity. The Cherry Creek Mall hosts a large scale bi-yearly event titled The Mask Project. Local artists, celebrities from radio, television, media and business receive a pre-made white clay mask to paint. The purpose of this is to raise money for the Denver Metro Hospice, (through bids and live auction). When my mask arrived I looked at it for a moment and thought. . . I can do better than this, I'll cast my OWN face! So that's what I did.
THE BIRDIE-PLEX
crafted of exotic and domestic hardwoods then stained to enhance character
origination: July 2000
This was a super intense project in the fact that I had never done such involved woodworking before. I am quite pleased at the results. This was a submission for the Denver Botanic Garden's "Birdhaus Bash". Monies raised go towards children's programs. Out of 350 homes, the Birdie-plex was in the top seven and brought the highest bid of the evening.
LATHING CHIP WREATH
steel, steel and glass
origination: December 2000
I received the Mask Project opportunity by my exhibion at the Foothills Art Center in Golden Colorado. The curator at the time asked me if I would like to donate a wreath to help raise money for the gallery. Well, whenever I attempt something is always
non-conventional and involves some level of mental risk. So, my idea is to start with a chicken wire core then wrap spiral steel lathing chip around it, wear duct tape on my fingers so as not to get cut up and when finished, will weigh about ten pounds. Why am I ok with this? because I'M doing it!
WORLD TRADE CENTER
Twin Towers mask
hydrocal plaster, wood, polystyrene, metal
origination: May 2002
Out of all my beneficial givings, this one had the most heartfelt depth, emotion and purpose - for obvious reasons. After the attacks on the World Trade Center, every so often thereafter I would have a dream of being around the buildings just before the planes impacted and during the collapse. What's creepier is my observational perspectives were not that of ANY media camera's view at that time! One vivid mental image I had was of me standing in the middle of the roof of one of the towers with black smoke bellowing all around. I felt the building sway slightly, then the structure gave out and began to drop. As I descended, the light began to fade with black smoke vacuuming toward me. I had awakened before hitting bottom but still continued to move throught the earth.
To put these images to rest I needed to bring this haunting into reality. The attempt had to compliment my envisionment of how the towers would be represented in proportion to my face and that of the mask as a whole. My original idea was of the towers emerging vertically from the top of my forehead and offset from center. Then was perplexed at how I would be able to cast such a position. I cast my face again then cut away half of the profile with a bandsaw, built up modeling clay for the tower's platform and cast again with the new addition. It turned out better than I had expected!
What made this such a more pronounced tragedy is that it affected something realistic and part of everyday life. When one thinks of New York the first image is that of the World Trade Center towers. No I did not create this mask to honor two buildings as some may assume - this goes to all who suffered and remember as the enscription states, "In memory of those lost - in comfort to those who remain". this mask was purchased at live auction by local philanthropist, Sharon Magness.
GENDER RELATIONSHIPS INSTALLATION
Colorado Airforce Academy
paper, wire, fishing line, dirt - February 2005
This was a partnership with a good friend of mine named Miss Victoria Regina, well known for her paper doll artistry. The exhibit was in a closed show at the Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs. Since it was not available for public viewing there was very little promotion if any at all. This is how the final installation was presented.
The topic is male / female relationships and is portrayed in a space invaders theme. I was in charge of the "male" defense bases and Victioria crafted the paper airplanes made of tampon boxes with female pilots. My concept for the male side originates from natural instinct in mammalian creatures. To be attractive to the opposite sex one has to have, colorful markings, symmetry, assertiveness and the ability to flaunt. This translates into the human realm by way of material possessions - a nice car, swanky loft, jewelry, macho attitude and an unlimited array of techno gadgets. Each base exemplifies some of these themes, automotive, dwelling and jewelry. I scanned through many an affluent magazine for compiling "skins" to be applied over the base structures.
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