National Portfolio Day

At the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, on November 7th...

"National Portfolio Day consists of representatives from regionally accredited colleges and universities, which are members of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design."

Sometimes criticism from a stranger carries more weight than the everyday counsel. Like all good advice - it should be taken with a grain of salt. We waited in line for Mass
Art and RISD, and as you can see - it was a long wait. The schools have two different vibes:

MassArt - offered me no critique, rather a brief commentary and talked to me about college admissions/preparation. (I graduate in 2012). I'm attracted to MassArt because of its looser style, affordability, and sort of group mentality.

R.I.S.D. - offered a refreshing, thorough critique that was exactly what I needed to hear. My reviewer brought up some solid points:

• Slow Down ("Don't drink coffee" -Not sure if that was literal)
• Show mastery of color through simplicity - "less is more"
• More observation and work from life
• etc.

I was vaguely aware of all this, but seeing a seasoned professional use examples from my work is very helpful. However - I can think of even better ways to spend $208,420. Hows that for a grain of salt? I also took note of MassArt hiking up its costs: roughly $40,000. What's up?

Lighting the Community - Public Art Project

I'm one of five artists commissioned to paint these giant fiberglass sculptures! I only have one week to create something to the effect of my above sketch - contemplating Worcester past and present, and hopefully conjuring a sustainable future. My sketch is pretty loose, but I made a point of incorporating some Worcester notables such as printer Isaiha Thomas and industrialist George Crompton. The piece will also feature some earthy textures, unspoken crowds, hilly vistas, and familiar 3-deckers. (The usual.)

More soon!

EDIT:

Yesterday was the big kickoff event for the CFL Light Bulb campaign. City officials, representatives, and Sidewalk Sam spoke to the crowd that formed at Worcester Common. There's info in todays paper, and some early coverage in Worcester Magazine.

The City of Worcester expressed enthusiasm for green-initiatives.
Congratulations to the four other artists: Lennie Peterson, Todd Rawley, Sue Champeny, and Eamon Gillen. We had "less than a week, so we had to hustle and make it happen."

My piece can be seen at the Youth Center - 326 Chandler St., Worcester MA.

Pecha Kucha

Pecha Kucha is a great local event I'm participating in this Sunday, September 29th. Join me and a slough of other artists/creatives as we let our worlds loose on stage at the Hanover Theater. RSVP for the big event!

I aslo made some new buisiness cards, I was cleaned out at stART last weekend:

stART

I'll be at stART on the Street tomorrow, selling limited numbers of custom tee shirts and brooch pins. I also plan to have some artwork on hand as well (just in case). Also, checkout the creative envelopes that stART organizers recieved.

See you there!

Local Music - HODW

This is one of four exciting graphics I've prepared for Hat On, Drinking Wine's upcoming album, entitled "Plastic Flowers". I've taken a liking to the "rootsy rock and roll" style since listening to the early mixes. I can't wait to get my own copy, and officially jam out to "Practical in Love", "These Stories", and ofcourse, "Plastic Flowers".
Designing an album was a first for me, and I'm up for more music-oriented art.

Koi

A layered and fun artwork featuring koi fish lost in very Worcester-esque green waters.
It's a diptych consisting of two 15" x 30" canvases - one hangs at Maury's Kung Fu Academy at 1326 Main St., Worcester, and the other at the clients house. (Thanks Matt)




---"Koi", in acrylic, pigment, and enamel on dual canvases.

Teenage Zombies

Worcesters upcoming zombie movie really kicked off last week. If you want to be casted or help out in any fashion, feel free to join the facebook group or send an email. All ideas/contributions are valued.

I oversee special effects for the film, and play a character who undergoes quite the character arc.