In the past I have tried to keep this blog and the notes in my sketchbook separate. I always thought that what I mentioned in my books was too much information for the public to be ascertaining from my work, however in the past several weeks while looking at Keith Haring’s journal entries, I’ve realized that some of these notes might really help me get closer to the truths that I’m after. If people are more aware of the truths that I am after, they may understand my work better, and they may also be able to more adeptly make comments and observations via this medium. Essentially, I am wondering if I am more open with my process, if this blog could become a more valuable resource for readers to understand, influence, and be involved with the work.
I have two major projects on my mind. One of these is the vertical series which I posted a good deal of last night. The other is a piece that is similar to the piece that I did for my thesis work back in May. A fellow who frequents the same coffee shop as I do has commissioned a work from me that is similar to that piece. The Vertical Series on the other hand, I wish to cater to the Portland Museum of Art’s Biennial. It would be spectacular for me to get into a museum show at this point in my artistic career. I would really like to make a success of that.
While sitting in Bard the other day I started to reason out what I thought the connection between the public viewing my artwork and me making my artwork was. This quickly got me sidetracked as I am always interested in the channels of communication. I wrote “it is always the people, always about the connection. Solidifying the connection”, and then I referred to a Hooray for Earth song lyric, “if a wire connects between two houses does that really mean we’re all connected?” I am very curious about this connection, where it fails, where it succeeds. Who finds this blog? Who reads it and who just looks at the pictures? Who, when sitting in front of my work, gets what I am thinking? Does anyone?
I will go into further depth with some more examples later tonight, but for now I must be getting ready for work. I will leave you with the initial sketch that I have drawn out for Mr Packard’s commission.
I hope this week finds you well. It’s back to the grind for me and I’m ready for it.
Peace
-Mike