Watching Twister.

The CCS crew got together for a good ol fashioned hang out at Maria's apartment. We got pizza & beer (Root Beer for me), watched Twister, quoted Jurassic Park, and drew. James Noellert drew this picture of Lindsay, Maria, and myself. I'm the one on the chair. James, you made us all look great! I really enjoy the way James draws. Click to enlarge! We're all planning on hanging out more often. I can't wait!

The Legend of Zelda!

I've been doing my past 3 ink works on this envelope from France because it's conveniently next to my computer. The Sibs and I hooked up the Super Nintendo and we've been playing The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (though my fave is Ocarina of Time) and Super Mario RPG. Fun games + Family Bonding. I'm also a fan of playing Aladdin because I can beat the game in 17 minutes. Here's a little Link!

"Good Story, Gordie."

I've always been into writing and telling stories. The other night, Rhiannon, Brother Chan, and I were skyping and Rhiannon asked me to read a scary story out loud (because she said I have a good reading voice). We wanted to read THIS, but I don't own it. We looked on youtube for someone reading them, but the audio was bunk. Eventually, I came up with a fictional scary story involving an abandoned mansion, the 3 of us (plus 5 of our mutual friends), and The Midnight Game. It took me an 1 1/2 to improv/come up with/tell the story, but they both enjoyed it. Rhiannon said I'm like Gordie from Stand By Me; a storyteller. I used a nib and ink and came up with this. I'd like it to be something that happens this summer; friends, campfire, charred marshies, and some good ol fashioned story telling. Click to enlarge!

Like A Plastic Bag.

I went around and talked to my family with one question in mind: does anyone ever feel like a plastic bag? The hole that you see as I'm walking down the hall is from Shelby. She angrily punched the wall one day. We're all animals here; it's fine.

The Dentist.

"I can't eat that popcorn." [said popcorn was Drizzled Cinnamon Sugar Kettlecorn]

"Why?" Janine asked. "It's too sweet. I can't chew it with the right side of my mouth because it hits my tooth and sends chills down my spine." Charles laughed, "You need to go to the dentist." I didn't even hesitate when I said no. "Oh, you will." Charles continued. "I don't think so. I'm not 7." I protested. "We'll just have them put you in a straight jacket like they did that time you were 3." Janine said.

UHHHHH WHAT?

From an early age, I've hated doctors. I also hate pain. When I was 11, I went to get a shot and it took 4 people to hold down each of my flailing limbs while the 5th injected me. I digress, but it's important to understand that before I tell you this.

The dentist was Dr. Santoro and according to Janine, I used to LOVE going to him because he had toys everywhere (this was obviously a clever ploy on his part). Prior to my appointment, my parents told him that I didn't like the dentist so he gave them a drug to give to me in an effort to make it easier on all parties involved. On the way there, I was woozy, drooling, and lolling my head from side to side; think David after the Dentist. However, as soon as they arrived, I shot straight up and it was as if they gave me nothing. I guess I was SO incorrigible, Dr. Santoro PUT ME IN A STRAIGHT JACKET. I said, "Why didn't they just give me the gas?!" Janine told me they did. So, recap, I was drugged, gassed, and put into a straight jacket when I was 3 years old by a maniac. It's not like I'm a rhino; those measures were unnecessary. Is the reason I don't remember this story because I was so young or because I blocked it from my memory? I don't know, but thanks for traumatizing me at an early age, Janine & Charles! This is the sort of way you'd handle a Chucky doll; not me. It's no wonder I hate doctors. I think my tooth feels FINE now that I think about it.I used a nib and ink to do this! Click to enlarge!

Overseas.

Today, I skyped with my friend, Stephen, from England. I asked him if we sound ridiculous when we try to talk like we're British; then I did it. He laughed and asked, "Is that really what we sound like?" We then went over slang from England which includes: pants (stupid), fittie (attractive), stroppy (moody), ace (top notch/cool), gits, and plonker. Those last two are hard to define, but I find their slang interesting.

I also received a letter from my dear friend, Cloe (aka France), from Paris this weekend! I was thrilled! She wrote me this really long, lovely letter. I love international friends. It makes me happy to hear about their foreign affairs and life overseas.

I've got a new piece I want to do. I know what I want to do, I just gotta figure out how to do it. Keep your eyes peeled this week. I stumbled across Drew, and he does these left handed cartoons. I love the character and the writing he used here.

How Cosmopolitan.

This is a painting of a girl; it's Audrey Hepburn inspired. I say inspired because it was supposed to be her, but then I messed around with the facial features and it doesn't look like her anymore. My friend, Vince Joy, also inspired me. I'm pleased with the finish. It's 3 1/2 x 2 inches, gouache, and painted on the back of some illo board.The best times happen when you're least expecting them.

Questioning Everything.

I'm reading this book, but I haven't touched it in awhile. It has to do with cutting your life down to the essentials so you don't work some stupid 9-5 job you're gonna hate and the chapter that I stopped at asked, "What do you REALLY want to do with your life? Regardless of how outrageous it is, write down the NECESSARY steps to get to achieving it." I froze and reached a staggering conclusion; I have NO IDEA what I want to do in any capacity. I find it's so much easier to list what I don't want to do as opposed to what I do. What do I want? I want to be happy, but I know happiness isn't a fish you can catch. Shelby read in her ethics book that we have a better chance at being happy if we don't aim at happiness itself, but rather at the things we enjoy doing.' There's validity in that statement. I'm not saying I'm unhappy; I think I'm doing okay, but lately I just feel unfulfilled. Rhiannon just asked me what I was blogging about to which I said, "I don't know what I want to do with my life" and she said, "You're an artist, dude" and that is true. I make things. I put my degree to good use each time I do. Maybe I just FEEL LIKE I have to have it figured out to a T. At least when you're in school, you're working towards finishing. Charles has been placing a lot of pressure on me to go back and get my teaching degree. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching and I love kids, but I prefer teaching sporadically as opposed to five days a week because I feel like teaching would lose its luster and become mundane. Maybe it's just about keeping yourself excited. Whatever it is, I'm paralyzed with doubt and uncertainty. Does anyone really know what they want to do?

Teaching.

Because Valentine's Day was Monday and Rhiannon's birthday was Tuesday, I haven't been able to talk about last weekend. I had the pleasure of being a drawing instructor for Continuing Ed at CCS on Saturday and taught ten 11-15 year olds. We primarily used charcoal (see to the right in the image below), but the third project used sharpies and prisma color pencils to create an imaginary creature. It felt really great to be back in an educational art environment. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. The kids were really attentive, eager, creative and I could tell they liked me; we even ate lunch together like the "Last Supper". My only regret was running out of time. Some of the kids weren't able to finish the third project which I focused on drawing inspiration from their imaginations as opposed to direct observation. They really got into the project. I drew the left one as an example. I really love art and there's nothing better than sharing that love, and my enthusiasm for it, with others.

Post Valentine's Day/Rhiannon.

I had 3 Valentines (Alex, Rhiannon, and Blake) because I was collecting Valentines like Pokemon. I couldn't say no to any of them. Blake and I decided to get dressed up and have a skype date. We were each other's across-state-lines Valentines! I was waiting for Alex to get off work upon which time I suggested we take an impromptu trip to visit our dear friend Rhiannon (2 1/2 hours away) and surprise her for her birthday. Well, it was a great success and I drove like a CHAMP and got us there in about 2 hours. On the way there, I decided we should sing to her outside of her window by calling, but she'd hear us outside too. Brother Chan goes, "Which song will we sing?" Alex and I just looked at him, dumbfounded. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAN. WHAT DO YOU THINK?" We arrived and called Rhiannon: "Hey dude. I'm gonna sing to you, okay?" We start singing. Rhiannon screams from inside her house, "WHAT THE HELL?!" and she rushes to the side door to meet her three bffls. #priceless. We hung out for awhile and all of us looked like buttholes because we didn't bother getting ready; we had to make good time so these are legitimate #realtimez. Also, while on the way there, Matt Benyo told me to check his blog out when I got to Rhiannon's and when we did, Rhiannon and I screamed! It's SO GREAT! Matt Benyo, you are such a good person. This pulled at my heart strings.Rhiannon has a chalkboard wall! So I drew some things:After 2 hours, we said farewell and I drove home while Brother Chan and Alex passed out. It was a rough 2 hour ride and my eyes burned, but we made it home in record timing. We went out for breakfast (which was amazing) and now we're all home. It was 1 million percent worth it to see how happy Rhiannon got. Rhiannon, you're the biggest Kevin I know, but I'm really happy you were born. You're a great person and an incredible friend. I'll be your Sydney. I'll be yo doug. I'll give you a sandwich to put in your hoodie pocket that won't fit. You rule, dude. Here's a collage to show our friendship. People will probably think I'm in love with you. I'm not. Happy 23rd Birthday, friend. Have fun looking for Kevin in that book and watching Titanic.

Happy Valentine's Day.

I miss those heart sunglasses, being in elementary school and passing/receiving Valentine's, and Grandpa Bud. He used to buy us a confection to remind us he loved us and that he was thinking about us. I want to extend my love to my closest friends. They make me feel special when I feel like I'm not. I hope each of you finds yourself spending today with someone special (even if that special someone is you).

BORN THIS WAY!

Vincent Herbert, whom Gaga credits with discovering her in 2007 on Myspace, has worked as a producer with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He says: “The song ‘Born This Way’ just takes your breath away. It’s like everybody from three to 103 can relate to that song. I think she made the Thriller of the twenty-first century.”

Tiny Portrait 2: DALI!

Here's my second piece in the Tiny Portrait series. It's Salvador Dali and he's a bit bigger than the first portrait, but not by much. I used gouache. It's pretty much the only paint I use anymore (because it's the best). Click to enlarge!Tomorrow Lady Gaga releases BORN THIS WAY; the highly anticipated single off her new album that drops May 23rd (Matt Benyo, correct me if I'm wrong) and I am going to be eagerly waiting at 5 am to hear it. I went insane today over Lady Gaga. I don't know what happened; she literally brainwashed me. I think I may be obsessed. I'm trying to paint/draw her and it's frustrating me how difficult it is. It could be because I've been up since 7:30 this morning, but GET READY.

Dali: Tiny Progress.

Tomorrow I'm posting the FINISH of my Tiny Portrait of Salvador Dali! Here is the progress work. It's bad quality because I took photos of it with photo booth.

Dead Meat.

This may or may not be an accurate depiction of myself at the moment. Maybe I look like Bill Murray in Zombieland; maybe I don't. That blue thing is either my body hunched over or a blanket; maybe both. It took me way too long to make this. I tried to do it fast because whenever Matt Benyo makes anything, it takes him "5 minutes". Well, this took me an hour. I'm passing time by watching The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and listening to this song 'Ultraviolet' by The Stiff Dylans (from the UK).

Sister Shelby.

I saw little sister, Shelby, this weekend. We had some photo booth fun!

Optimus Prime!

This is it; the moment everyone's been waiting for; this is the best paper cut-out I've ever made. THE SCAN AND PHOTOS DO IT ABSOLUTELY NO JUSTICE! I can't stop looking at it and it's 3D in real life (which is why the second image aka the full frontal looks blurry in some spots; because it's not all flat so it didn't scan accurately. WHOA 3D). I put 13 solid hours into making this little baby and it's as if it's my own child. I started with the following papers (see first picture), cut em up, used pencil, pen, a little paint for the eyes, and did some dry painting over the final product to give it that scratched-up metal effect. Also, please notice, by clicking images to enlarge, the corners of the card have this silvery textured paper and I was trying to make them look like SCREWS. I thought that was cool. What's most exciting for me isn't that this looks like Optimus Prime, but that I've evolved so much as an artist. I've come a long way and I'm excited to keep going. Why did I make this cut out card? My little sister's best friend's cousin, Logan, is 10 and was recently diagnosed with leukemia. He loves cards. I encourage you to make or buy him one as well:

Logan Pledger
6478 County Road 43
Clanton, AL 35045

Happy Birthday, Janine!

Today is my mother's birthday. We yelled through the house at Midnight about it. However, earlier, I kept saying, "Everybody loves it when, Kevin's CRYING!" over and over again so Janine said I'm not allowed to have any cake. I told her I didn't care though. I don't want her California Dream Cake. Janine has been telling me all the things she wants for her birthday, but I don't have any money; so she told me I have to be nice and problem-free all day. I'll give her a pore strip. I'm sure she'd like one of those. She always hounds me for them when I buy them from the store. I'll also give her some compliments, but she will just think those are sarcastic. If you know my mother and the house phone number, give her a call and wish her a happy birthday OR if you don't know the number, leave a comment and I'll show her those. Here is a picture of Janine celebrating her 4th birthday. Not much has changed.I know I said I'd post that cut out I did yesterday, today, but that's because I thought yesterday was Tuesday; not Wednesday. The cut out will be posted TOMORROW.

Gimme PIZZA!

I was on my tumblr and searched for pizza and got SO HUNGRY looking at photos. I wish I had some pizza in my mouth right meow. I didn't reblog any of the pizza pics; instead, I sat on illustrator for too long and made this. I want pizzaaaaa (like an Olson Twin). Special thanks to RO for helping me with an AI question I had!I'm currently working on the most intricate cut out I've ever made. I started it at 1 in the morning and I'm about half way done. It's small (which I'm kicking myself for), but I think it's going to turn out awesome. Well, I hope it will. I'll post it Thursday!

Hello February!

Congratulations to everyone I know for making it through January without dying. 2011 has been hell on wheels and I really hope it cools its jets in February because I've got some Birthdays and a song debut that I'm looking forward to. So, gimme a break. For WHATEVER REASON, I've officially been up for 28 hours. I'm kind of in limbo. Instead of posting art like I should be, I'm going to post 3 random pictures:

1) Heath Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 10 Things I Hate About You. This quote is one of my faves. Heath says it. I have it written on my art table.2) My friend, Ryan, said this really great line to me today and so I made this. Don't think of me as a narcissist because I'm not, but do think of me as a ravenous wolf with good, often irrational, advice; because sometimes I am.3) Last, but not least, here is a photo of me from a party in Ypsilanti in the summer of 2009. It's one of the few pictures where I look decent with short hair. I like this photo despite the fact that I'm glowing. I kind of wish I still looked like this.