Hey there, Sports Fans; Al here with the latest:
Just a leap of faith!
Well, it has come around again, that special time of the year when you see the old man with the scythe walk away with a downtrodden look, a look of weariness that can only be described as a "Thank God, that's over!".
I, like so many people and not just Americans, mind you (even though they constantly surround me. And I happen to be one.), am just tired of the constant news feed of fear and loathing of our species: war, disease, classism, diversity, equality VS equity.
And that is real life crashing down on creatives like myself.
All artists are empathic to some degree; otherwise, we wouldn't be able to render our work the way we do. We are giving you, the public, the heart that beats within every one of us.
But this has been a hard year for the kid.
The relocation to a new environment and feeling settled has always been an elusive goal. Over this last Christmas break from work, I was able to spend some time with my younger brother, who is in basically the same financial boat that I am. I voiced a fear that I never felt settled. There is a reason why I still have things in cardboard boxes around my apartment: I never know when I am going to get that typed or handwritten letter. "You are going to need to move. We need the space ... blah, blah, blah".
This is nothing new to anybody else, but if you have moved as many times as I have over the decades. I don't feel settled. I probably won't till I kick it- six feet down, ash and all. And I have seen a bit of Death's handiwork that recently, up close and personal.
And what of artwork?
A group of prints of work that I have been doing along with a lot of swag this last year.
Art has been a trial this year, BUT There has been an uptick in work sales and associated material. I have managed to navigate a show, get the frames for it, and prep for another art show for the upcoming year. The commissions have been a big help in alleviating the finance of paying for the new materials needed for a show.
And for that, I am grateful.
So, what do I hope for next year?
12”x16” Scratchboard Commission #3 of the USS Enterprise 1701. “The Mutara Nebula”
That a few world conflicts come to a close. No more war; atrocities are accounted for, and the world's emotions are on a decline. People would stop being rude to each other. Those are always lofty hopes.
But on a closer and personal nature, I would hope that I would have found success in selling the artwork and having successful art shows around town as well as the merchandise that I have been working on currently.
One of the Sunrises in town on the way to work.
And the judgment is?
2023 is gone — no more than a fart in the wind. Things are always going to change; people are going to fight and die over stupid things rather than embrace breathing in the air or watching a sunrise. New friendships will be forged, and old friendships will continue to age like fine wine.
I'm an artist who loves to draw and illustrate. I love a good story, and I love a good beer.
I am looking forward to the new year.