Retro Modern Abstracts show at Cafe Lulu

I'm setting up tonight for a show of some of my retro modern abstract prints at Cafe Lulu in Bayview. Here's a peek at some new pieces.

Finding Cubist Painting Inspirations

I've been thinking about painting, but doing other things instead. I'm really not procrastinating, I just haven't built up the inspiration critical mass yet. I do have a showing coming up at Cafe Lulu really soon though, although I think I'm going to do some kind of print show.

Anyhow this weekend instead of painting, I dug out my old Nikon CoolPix 995 digital camera, and even though I have "better" cameras it's really more fun using this one. I recently picked up a new wide angle lens for the camera and was anxious to experiment with it. So I did a little photo field-trip with the family at the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Domes. I think about half the people there also had camera, and as I imagined us all desperately hoping to get a unique and memorable shot it filled me with futility, and sucked the originality and joy from my idea. We strolled around anyhow. Amateur photographers jostling out of each other's way.

Personally I like the desert world the most, I don't know that I even fully understand why. It just makes me feel at ease. Nearing the end of the desert dome we parked ourselves in the little gazebo, and I abstractly started pointing my camera in different directions snapping random shots when I realized there was some amazing stuff above the gazebo roof. A massive cactus that had a wonderfully organic cubist feel. I guess it was a reminder to myself to be observant and aware.

Danny Gokey's Eyewear

As an admitted design geek, it's reassuring to see another guy with a fetish for cool designer eyewear. Sporting cool eyewear is often the once place guys can make a unique personal statement. I also live in Milwaukee so it's refreshing to see some edgy style being reflected from my hometown.

Where does Danny Gokey get his Eyewear?

I haven't swung by the local eyewear store where Danny Gokey gets his eyewear, I just usually try and avoid store chains. I've been going to a boutique eyewear store just outside of Milwaukee called Eye Candy, since they carry an insane selection of exotic eyewear, and they also try not to offer the same frame twice, which is nice since I'd hate to bump into someone wearing my specs. But I haven't amassed quite the eyewear collection of Danny (18+ pairs at last report).

What eyewear brands is Danny Gokey wearing?

I believe Danny is banned by American Idol from talking about the brands he's wearing, but some of the designer eyewear brands I've noticed Danny wearing include several pairs of Armani eyewear (the white eyewear frames and some others), the D&G is obviously Dolce and Gabana, Gucci eyewear, Calvin Klein, I've also spotted what looks to be Takumi eyewear, and Versace. After since obvious spottings it looks like the Idol team has asked him to remove the logos.

Nevertheless Danny looks and sounds great. And in our household we think Danny is going all the way.

New Painting: Octopati

Abstract painting "Octopati", acrylic on gallery canvas, 24" x 24", 2009.

New Painting: Germs #4

One of my more recent abstract paintings called Germs #4. Acrylic on canvas, 12" x 24", 2008. It's a remembrance on my first Germs graffiti abstract paintings series in 2000, but with a fusion of some new elements.

Painting at the ArtBar

I did the "Open Canvas" live painting show at ArtBar in Riverwest on Sunday, and played with a little cubist and graffiti fusion. Thanks for everyone that came out!

HOW Magazine Interactive award for Eye Candy eyewear web site design

Informed today that I received another award for the web site design of Eye Candy eyewear, this one is from HOW Magazine's Interactive Awards.