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