Degas, Woody Allen and my Humble Studio in Austin.

"My art, what do you want me to say about it?  Do you think you can explain the merits of a picture to those who do not see them?...I can find the best and clearest words to explain my meaning, and I have spoken them to the most intelligent people about art, and they have not understood; but among people who understand, words are not necessary, you say humph, he, ha and everything has been said."  Edgar Degas

I recently watched Woody Allens "Midnight in Paris" for the first time (and after a long wait).  It was everything I hoped it would be and more.  I have been in a massive state of creation lately with a new body of work and it was a perfect film to offer me a bit of reflection on a few of my artistic hero's.  I am always looking for films that can coincide with a "creative binge", films like ones that Julian Schnabel,  Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Wes Anderson, Michel Gondry, or Charlie Kaufman/Spike Jonze would create.  Woody did not disappoint me.  So often I become like Gil and completely disappear when I enter my Paris (my studio).  I often find myself in moments where I am discussing art with my dead peers, sitting for a moment in my pink studio chair and talking to Andy, Jean-Michel, Franz, Rothko, Cy , Degas or many others whose books line my bookshelves'.  I get what Edgar is saying in the quote at the beginning of this post.  The greatest moments for me while painting are when am talking with my artist peers and moments where words don't need to be spoken.  A look, a nod or a snear, a laugh or a grunt speak volumes and encourage the moment where the brush meets the canvas.

So as I continue to master my craft as a painter, I look forward to the silent moments I spend with my hero's and search the quiet for answers and guidance as I move with the rhythm and dreams of one day becoming like them.

Music that rings my head and thoughts that conspire......

So I recently had a dream about some new paintings that I assume I must now begin.  In my dream they were quite large but then again I had just watched Synecdoche, which was absolutely brilliant, once again Charlie Kaufman astounds me.  And as I await my favorite childrens book adaptation "Where the Wild Things Are" by my other peer Spike Jonze my childhood memories flood my dreams and thoughts in a 16mm like reflection.  I remember reading Maurice Sendaks story on a nightly basis in the late 70's and running around the house as Max with bewildering creativity.   "The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind..."  The story begins..... Here are some incredible sounds for your soul...these are musings for my next group of paintings that will all be done on 7 foot wood panels..

Handsome Furs

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The Mary Onettes

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Horse Feathers

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