BURLAP & BUBBLEGUM TICKLE ME PINK

When commencing upon a new art work, the thought of it's final value is the farthest notion from my mind. Though we live in very real economic times, there are many factors perilous to artists at large. Our society has been conditioned against the idea that art offers a viable living. Art thus has become marginalized, leading to a belief it's  no more than a hobby or the realm of a tormented soul. Unfortunately we have movies from the 1950's that perpetuated this bleak philistine pathway. The crux even goes far deeper than that, we actually live in a culture that is a visually illiterate society. Much of popular culture and it's hyper-reality are the industrial way to sell us consistent mediocrity. These Emperors new clothes are really no more than a deep fried fast food wrapper.

Artists are the aeronauts of their own voyage, and like taking flight it requires knowledge, skill and always adequate preparation.  Typically on the way down the runways countless voice are all too quick to shout "You're gonna crash!" No adventure would ever have been undertaken without naysayers, so pay them no heed. Fearless and undaunted two bicycle mechanics took flight, though I do like the previous form of dropping sandbags on their heads from a balloon.  All in all it takes vision, guts, determination and perseverance.

Art is an adventure that doesn't begin in the unknown. Craftsmanship and studying so as to constantly improve are a matter of due diligence. The entirety of arts history can be the charts to guide ones voyage to the stars. Definitely the phrase "Those that don't know history are doomed to repeat its mistakes." can and also does apply to the seasoned artist or journeyman and not just warmongers. Thinkng of art as anything less than a never ending battle may also help...learn to stand up for yourself and the right to a full creative life that includes wealth & prosperity.

With bounteous cheer,
Gothic Hangman


Above image "OFF THE CUFF" a portrait of Houdini by Gothic Hangman for The Elusive Key Show @ Gristle Tattoo+Art Gallery

Medium: Oil on panel
Straight Jacket Frame in Leather, Metal, Wood & Canvas 
14 X 14 Inches

NAVIGATNG THE PERILOUS COURSE

When setting sail upon the ocean of art one needs to command a Full Armada. From a certain standpoint we are the ship builders in our own journey. We can outfit and rig our vessel for a great voyage of laden discovery. The thrill of the maritime expedition is the true calling, the high seas is where the creativity happens. Sometimes it will be choppy, inclement and a super soaker, though that's the nature of things. With proper knowledge, charts, lucky stars we get through the harder times. We can't always see the destination over the cresting waves, though we can be assured they shall subside. For staying true through a seemingly perilous course we eventually reach the distant shores. Success may be as elusive as finding buried treasure without a map, have no fear buccaneers! We are the map makers, cartographers, visionaries that can create the perfect "X' to mark the spot. Making art is our bounty, booty greater than the contents of Poor Davey Jones Locker. From crows nest to keel you should know your craft, become the master of your galleon. Detractors should be made to walk the plank, stand not for a whisper of mutiny. Create with the ferocity resounding cannon balls, pure passion is the blood & guts. Without great determination you'll just be another landlubber with a dime store eye patch. The great thing is the choice of style is all your own, there certainly is more than one Jolly Rodger. If you choose to fly them bones just remember don't surrender without a fight...Tally Ho!

With bounteous cheer,
Gothic Hangman

CREATIVY WILL LEAVE YOU IN THE DUST

Creation as an action doesn't care if you're a principle, an extra or a passive audience participant. Art will indifferently leave you in a cloud of dust with a dry mouth full. That's not to say you can't choose your roll, just know it's not a dress rehearsal because you need to give a grand performance. It's no mystery that it takes persistent effort, that's when it becomes a life or death profession. What's the first thing you think of in the morning besides paying homage to the White Porcelain God? If you haven't answered the art you burned the Midnight Oil upon, then you may not have what it takes to be an true artist. Though perhaps you need to think about your commitment, make revisions or redouble your efforts. Because in all honesty making art is a Herculean Task. The Greeks didn't call a Heroes Adventure a "Labor" for nothing, it's because it too a great ordeal to achieve. Art takes gusto "Guts" that's right it's not just some namby-pamby world of just expressing oneself. Naturally it should be fun but that's an eventual byproduct of busting ones ass. In some respects there should be an artists boot-camp or proving ground. Does it sound like warfare? It certainly is a constant battle with the trenches full of dilettantes. Brushes, chisels or whichever tools of preference are the weapons against the indolence and distractions that plague daily creativity. Every effort made towards art is cumulative, find the path even if you can't clearly see the way. Clarity is found in the process or action of doing "IT." Berating the self for not being consistent or focused elsewhere is counter productive. Really all it means is redouble your efforts next time around. Healthy attitudes and understanding how it all fits in to the overall process is keen. These facts are the cornerstone of the Artful Spirit, a pinch of old fashion wisdom definitely needs to be part of the foundation. Okay, that's enough of a cyber pep talk...go make some art and prove someone wrong.

With Bounteous Cheer,
Gothic Hangman

BUILT TO LAST IMAGES

Analysis of why certain images endure or pervade the ages can be an ongoing speculation. One certainty is that artists typically apprenticed under a master of some merit. While the guild system may seem archaic by some standards, it was a place that weeded out arbitrary abilities. Leonardo said "It is a sorry student that doesn't surpass his master." The principle of standing on the shoulders of giants was a paragon virtue in the Renaissance. Seldom do artists of this day and age learn their craft with such assiduousness. It takes an inordinate amount of time to develop craft and technique, it's certainly akin to getting a PHD or similar higher education. With such consistent striving and diligence in mind, artists need to constantly seek self improvement. Pushing ones boundaries goes far beyond just mere self expression, without measurable technique such things are arbitrary at best. There is such an economic pressure that besets the entire artistic process. Turning it out so to speak can compromise ones natural & perpetual growth. Artists that have the fortune to become known may become pigeonholed into a niche that becomes mere stagnation. The unfolding process is somewhat of a luxury, though one given enough undue time and perseverance it flourishes.

Timing is everything, the foible can add up to a sum of greatness or extreme folly. Though I've always believed it's better to create one Mona Lisa as opposed to a hundred minor works. That also is not to suggest that one replicates a previous masterwork. We have had 500 years and shifting changes in art and popular culture. There is still a large something to be gleaned through the Old Masters. One such lesson is sticking to ones purest vision, though all the honesty in the world doesn't in and of itself improve technique. Plato said "Know thy self." it certainly is an axiom for the ages. Just following popular culture doesn't ensure art that will be remember like those of a bygone age. What is that elusive ingredient that spans the epochs? Certainly it's a question worth asking of oneself concurrently during the heroes journey. Always I do also believe in room for the ingredient of rebellion to such ideas. Let me offer that sometimes one needs to stand on the shoulder of giants...just to piss on their necks.

With Bad Intentions Always,
Gothic Hangman

THE ART OF DISTRACTION

Following ones "Whim" and creating can be a daunting task because the necessities life want to intrude. The requirements of a creative citadel as a stronghold is often more than a proverbial need. Lock the doors, bar the windows, heat up the pitch and sharpen the pencils! Protecting artistic time can take the strategic acumen of a general prepared for a siege. Good bastions are always needed to deflect the resounding cannon fire of reality. An artist has to train like a skilled archer to hit the target repeatedly irregardless of the variables. The maintenance of ones tools is a kin to readying a garrison, that all is part of the war of art. One can never stockpile enough counter measures to volley against dilettantes & disabling detractors.

Creative time is as much a military action as a spiritual one, hours melt away spent lost in contemplation & meditation. That is a reason why one needs to protect ones marbles, then get them in order. The real manna is the enjoyment of the process not just desired results. It's too easy to over berate oneself about what hasn't been accomplished thus far, no need for that, plenty of sidewinders are up to that task alone. Remember it's important to have ones thoughts and action in complete congruity. Art is as much about expressive freedom as good mental discipline, then there is the countless years hard work...better learn to enjoy that notion.

Originality is a double edged sword, there is no need to reinvent or discard the wheel. Knowledge of its proverbial workings are as essential as understanding any tool. The ancient Delphic aphorism "know thy self" stands the test of time, perhaps we need to become the wheel? The wheel doesn't wait for the road to rise and meet it, instead it bares down with full gravity. Essentially how we use the wheel is up to the each of us as individuals. Interpretation always exists, but we can expect to become stuck in the mud. The solution then is to turn the wheel on the side, spin some pottery...and just keep on spinning!

See you on the right side of your brain,
Gothic Hangman

SELF CREATION

Since primordial beginnings humans began to create images from pigment dust, rocks and clay. We shaped our world in an attempt to understand ourselves and define our societies. Image making held great power be it cave paintings, monoliths, temples and even skyscrapers. In a world filled with ubiquitous images many have become visually illiterate. For some the potency of images are lost in the digital age, we view our world through cell phone and computer screens. Many people may see an image but how long do they contemplate the message it intends to impart?

From art institutions to galleries I've seen artists emulate others that seemed to have the formula of success. This has always gone against everything I deeply believe, for if you copy someone else you're a watered down version of yourself. Naturally we all have influences but direct imitation should never be considered a form of flattery. Where is the stand alone spirit to create something original?
We all have a personal filter that allows for something unique in the offering. To stand unwavering as an artist can be daunting and nothing less than a Herculean task. The barbs of reality are sharp and people love to point them out disparagingly. Artists need to be incredibly resolute to the reality which is the artful spirit. The task stripping away preconditioning to ultimately enable free association isn't a journey often encouraged. 

People love nothing more than saying you're wasting your time. Since time is relative who is the arbiter of what it takes to reach a place of creative value? Why should artists have to contend with anything that devalues the commodity of self exploration? Certainly I believe some instruction is needed as a foundation, but it take many years beyond that to achieve something free form.


We have arrived in a place where if it looks just like a photograph that's amazing. Who would assign art the sterility of such a staid memetic function? The colossal art of the ancient world showed us a greater reality. Who would believe that a culture that could create pyramids couldn't master realism? That memetic quality just wasn't a requirement of their culture with good reason.
 Our obsessions are with the surfaces of things and often not the deeper meaning. It's almost as if we are not allowed the luxury of time to explore the inner workings.  Often the mistake is to believe that over thinking is the same as deep thinking. Meditative and creative mindsets should be ones seeking pathways of simplicity. We have developed the ability to create better tools over the Millenniums, though to master our minds can still be the hardest of all creative challenges.

See you on the right side of your brain,
Gothic Hangman