TWISTED

Often times when I feel myself stuck in a bit of an uncreative pass I'll grab whatever is closest and easiest to manipulate. Which would also explain why I have so many little wire sculptures all about the apartment. It ends up being an exercise to free myself up a bit and try to get the creative juices flowing without committing to a gigantic project. I also just so happened to have a printout of a pic I took of Brandon on my desk and decided that a wire portrait would be a fun challenge. Although I'm not 100 percent pleased with the results, it's a good first "sketch" and a good jumping off point for the next version.

MIAMI - SUMMERFOLK PRESS BOOK RELEASE

SUNSET


I just got back from a quick work trip to Miami. Fortunately, I was staying a beach pebbles throw away from the shore and despite the fact that I was busy during the day with work obligations, I did manage to have my breakfast coffee on the beach and end my day on the beach. I snapped a few pics as all of the early morning joggers and bike riders were getting their day started and I even managed to do a quick lino sketch.

MORNING NORTH


MORNING SOUTH


I think the last time I was in Miami was 20 years ago, so this was a treat for me. Monday evening I managed to go for a long walk on the beach and discovered that when I turned off the beach, I was in the heart of the area with all of the restored Deco hotels lining Ocean drive. Night time didn't really afford the best viewing opportunities to scope out the architectural details of these gems, but it was a pleasant and welcome surprise.

DECO BUILDING ACROSS STREET FROM HOTEL


In other news, I've paired up with Literary Artist, Brandon Lacy Campos and the folks at Summerfolk Press for a book of poetry with accompanying images from my "A Face A Day" series. We're still in the intitial book forming stages and are looking for a 2010 release date, but thought I would share the great news as this will be my first published book work. Stay tuned for regular updates.

GIRL ON TRAIN - "A FACE A DAY" SERIES

NEW YEAR - NEW STAMP LICKER

I figured it was time to retire the old stamplicker/return address stamp. And a special "Thank You" to Brandon for the suggestion as to the concept of the new image.

JANUARY BERUBE-BUG

I just finished printing up the first Berube-Bug for 2009. This one is loosely based on the animal life we saw while in Ft. Lauderdale over the holiday.


INITIAL SKETCH ON LINO


LINO CUT BEFORE PRINTING


INKED LINO


FINAL PRINT

HOLIDAY IN FORT LAUDERDALE

I decided to try something different for my Christmas break this year. After finishing up with the Alice in Wonderland production in Baltimore, Brandon and I headed back to NYC for a few days before flying down to Fort Lauderdale to visit friends, hang out at the shore and relax for a bit.

FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH


BRANDON LACY CAMPOS


FLOWER CLOSE-UP


SEAGULL SCULPTURE


All in all, it was a wonderful trip. A few funky days inland in the beginning were quickly forgotten once we arrived at the shore for the remainder of the trip. Most of my previous trips to Ft. Lauderdale revolved around the beach, the patio of my friends apartment and drawing, painting and relaxing. This time, Brandon and I actually trekked around a bit and headed to the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale to check out an amazing exhibit of Carlos Luna's paintings paired up with a selection of Picasso's ceramic works. An interesting comparison because of their "exile" status and politically infused imagry but in my opinion completely unnecessary as Luna's work can and certainly does hold it's own. I stood in awe over his technical mastery his choice of subject matter, usage of typography in his work and the passion apparent in each and every painting shown.




May the new year bring all of you Peace, Love, Joy and tons of creativity. I know Brandon and I are looking forward to the new year and all of the possibilities it holds for us.

Peace - David