Regarding January and February

So I don’t remember the last time I wrote a proper post. I mean, sure, I could consult the archives, but that’s not really the point here. The point is the clamoring for updates and questions about my recent move, my new space, and inquiries about new work. Actually, the shade of meaning implied by inquiries may be a bit soft; it’s more like, “What the hell have you been doing? Don’t you PAINT anything?” (Especially from the out of town folks.)

So…

Yes, I’ve moved, and certain individuals can no longer tease about my west-of-170 visa, because I couldn’t be more in St. Louis City. I have a new studio (storefront building, not studio apartment) on Cherokee Street. (I’ll write more about my neighborhood soon, and post some pictures. There’s a lot going on.) And yes, to address, “What the hell have you been doing? Haven’t you been moving for like, 2 months now?” I actually have been, or nearly. The space is mix of nicely finished and rough, and although that fits my aesthetic, I’ve been doing a lot of work on the space. Every time I think I might be ready to move in some things, I find something else to sand, so… it’s been a gradual process of fixing, finishing, painting, and installing combined with trying to pack up things at the old place. Unfortunately, because I just started my job this past November, I don’t have a lot of vacation time to devote to it, nor do I have an unlimited cash flow, so patience has been important. (I want to do it all! Now!) Dave has been great about taking pictures of the progress so far, posting them to his flickr, but I’ll also begin posting pictures here with some more detailed captions. Until then, here is a picture of one of the front windows, which has since been replaced with a happy new one.

Hey, check it out, I mentioned Dave, so now I have a handy segway into, yes, I have a beau. Aww. This isn’t really an announcement- that would be weird- just a supplement to those conversations I’ve been having when someone walks and says “all right, I must know, when did THIS all happen?” (Around Christmas-ish.) (We met through a vague friend-of-a-friend connection at a film screening.) (No, he is not old enough to be my father.) (Yes, he has a job.) (No, he is not a jerk.) (I think that covers your main questions.) And I’m not going to subject you to any mushiness. Come on, my friends read this blog. His friends read this blog. Heck, I think his sister and my mom read this blog… So no mush, just my drawling “s’all good.” And here’s a picture.

As a friend of Dave’s commented, “Rockstars!” (Wait, I’m not sure that works in a blog post, because I don’t know how to translate my follow-up self-depreciating eye roll into type on your computer screen. You can imagine it though, right?)

Ok, what’s next. Oh, that’s right, this whole art thing, the answer to which is a yes and no. No, I haven’t been producing much new work lately, but yes, I am working on stuff. Last night I worked on (anticipated, I believe?) new CITYSCAPES, so look for that very soon. I’m also still (mentally) working on the modern icons series, but I’m setting that aside for some new things inspired by all the great design resources I’ve delved into while working on my space, and my weariness of this particular winter and desire for spring. There will be some completely new paintings appearing in the next couple of months, and I’m kicking around ideas for some home décor items. Shocking, I know, but it does make sense. Dare I use a phrase as silly as “industrial romantic?” You know you want an industrial-romantic-vintage-modern-asian-chic décor like mine…. Right? Best bolt down your furniture before I begin re-arranging it.

People have been asking if I have anything coming up, and honestly, I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid too many commitments since I have so much to work on right now. However, I will be at Wall Ball in April this year, which I’m very excited about. I’m also a little nervous because I’m not sure I can pull off my usual style, which is done in lots of layers, therefore requiring dry time, at a live event, but it’s going to be fun, regardless. Then on the first weekend in May, there will be all sorts of things happening for Cinco de Mayo. For more details when the time comes, you can subscribe to the feed, or check the events page.

In other random news and congratulations, which I may have failed to report, my mom (who lives in Southern Indiana) bought a house this past fall, which I got to see over Thanksgiving. It’s adorable! Also, my very bestest friend in the entire universe is now expecting her second child, which is awesome. Drew (of course we’re still friends!) got an amazing promotion. And recently, Jeff C. had a birthday party, for which I attempted to bake a cake, which I screwed up rather dramatically. (I really can bake, honestly.)