Friday, July 29, 2005

Plan Your Escape... Not Soon Enough


Ok, I can finally say I saw the worst movie of the summer, so far, The Island. Not that I expected the Michael Bay film to be overly story driven or emotionally deep. I just was surprised at how bored I was... bored at an action film, shocking. His camera work definitely highlights the beauty that is Ewan and Scarlett, but that hardly makes for a movie worth spending $10.50 to see.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Unexpected Surprise

So it was just two years ago today, that my whole life changed for the better. Funny how your life can take such drastic turns when you least expect it too. While chatting online, I happened to come across this interesting profile and began chatting and flirting nervously, with strangely enough this headless torso. Granted it was a beautiful torso. However, instead of overtly sexual pick-up lines, we began chatting about art and things that were making my heart melt. Not to mention heavy flirting. This was too good to be true and figured that I was either being duped or would arrive to find someone who completely did not live up to my expectations.

Nervous about meeting this cousin of the Headless Horseman, I arrived armed with one thing that I was truly confident about, a portfolio of my artwork. I had asked this torso to possibly pose for me and figured it was my best way to break the ice. After I arrived at the apartment on 14th Street and composed enough courage to ring the buzzer, I started my ascent up the five flights of stairs. Taking a few moments to keep my composure on the stair landings, ever so often.

Upon ringing the door bell, I took one last breath while hearing the footsteps approach the door. The excitement was almost too much to handle. What would this person look like, would my nerves make me talk and talk, and talk... or would there be no spark and would I spend the rest of the evening attempting to escape without coming across like an ass. With the turn of two dead-bolt locks and the opening of the door, I was stunned almost to the point of breathlessness by the man who stood before me.

6'2", dreamy blue eyes accented by a head of thick dark hair. Not to mention he looked amazing in his t-shirt, tight in just the right spots.

We spent five hours that night, talking, walking around the East Village, generally enjoying each other's company. But, I'd had other great first dates, only to never hear from them again. Would this be one of those magical nights and by the next morning, be just a figment, like so many others before it? Would he promise to write or call and then never be heard from again? Or was this something more?

I got my answer the next day when I arrived at work to an e-mail simple entitled "Thank you for such an unexpected surprise yesterday" with the body of the note saying he would call me later (which as promised, he did.)

It's been two years now, I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by. I now live in that charming East Village apartment on 14th Street and my life cannot be any better. Happy Anniversary, James. I love you.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Guilty Pleasure

So, as I've said before if you know me, you know how much I love good reality television and this summer, nothing is more captivating then Rock Star. Between the raw talent on display, the excellent choice of songs sung and surprisingly a good villain (thanks JD) nothing is making those hot humid nights more enjoyable then sitting back and watching them go.

Monday- gives you insight to the performers as people
Tuesday- shows what these performers were born to do... sing (and do they ever deliver)
Wednesday- the three performers who receive the lowest votes from the audience at home, have to sing an INXS song, which then the band decides who goes home

My predictions for the bottom three are: Tara (she's not connecting with her key audience, but somehow has survived 2 elimination rounds), Brandon (unfortunately, I think his selection of Tempted by Squeeze might be his downfall) and JD (his attitude and reworking every song he sings could lead to his demise.) Ultimately, I think Tara will be singing her final tune this week.


Tune in tomorrow when we find out if I'm right.

Monday, July 25, 2005

On Sale Now

So today marks the first day for online bidding for art from the up-coming SVA Alumni Society auction, which I have one piece for sale. Besides being stoked about appearing in the same company as Alexis Rockman, Inka Essenhigh and Elizabeth Peyton - to mention just a few. I'm also in the same company as other people who's work I admire, some which I had the pleasure of showing at the SVA booth at the AAF Contemporary Art Fair (some which will be at this year's booth as well.) So I recommend looking at the work of Pamela Hadfield, Crackerfarm, Margarida Correia, Katie Kingma, Rachel Papo... this list can go on and on.

So I suggest you check out the catalog of all my brilliant SVA comrades and bid often. Happy hunting!

Friday, July 22, 2005

New White


So, finally took some photos of the painting, I completed of Jeff. The only problem seems to be, that because I'm trying this new white on white approach to my work, it doesn't photograph so well. Above is a detail of the painting.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Hump Day


By now the whole world is talking about Jude Law's affair with the nanny of his children. What comes as a big surprise to me, is how this is front page news? Remember, this is the man who left the woman of his children Sadie Frost for his current fiance, Sienna Miller. Who I feel truly sorry for are those children, bad enough their lives are tabloid fodder, but with those ever present paparazzi - life is all that more difficult. I say we let Jude and Sienna work this out amongst themselves.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Lovely & Amazing

New York never ceases to amaze me, just today as I headed out for lunch on Third Avenue and 24th Street there not ten feet ahead of me was a dragonfly, busily going along with its day -- a dragonfly.

I'm always amazed no matter how much we build, destroy or think we are the most important beings on this Earth; nature always seems to have the upper hand. Plants and flowers reclaim cracks in the sidewalks, birds use archways and awnings as nesting grounds, and so on ... truly amazing.

So if you have the time today, allow yourself the opportunity to witness how amazing the world around you is, your never know what surprises are in store.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Light My Fire, Part Two


It appears everyone has jumped on the Chris Evans bandwagon and with good reason. Anybody who can look that good in a lycra bodysuit deserves all the attention he's getting. Not to mention, how good he looks just wearing a pink parka (you have to see the movie for this to make any sense.)

Overall, the movie had some pretty great moments, but I felt they could have given Dr. Doom, more to do... here's hoping the sequel will allow the writers and director to have more fun developing the relationships between the four heroes and giving us a villain to truly despise. Until then, we have the handsomely charming Evans to keep us warm. Flame on!

Friday, July 15, 2005

Black & White All Over


So no film this summer has matched the heart and soul of March of the Penguins. This truly remarkable film about the life cycle of the emperor penguin and its love and devotion to its off spring, makes this truly the must see of the summer. Not only is the story moving, but the cinematography is breath-taking and exquisite. If you can find a theater where your living showing this film, run out and see it. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

The Nature of Things

I'm not sure if it was the vacation that set me back on track (completely rested) or just feeling creative, however I've started work on a new painting. I would like to thank Richard, for being kind enough to pose for me and for our discussion of octopus. I've wanted to use these amazing sea creatures in my work for a long time and finally they make sense to be gracing the painting with Richard, an avid suba diver.

I was also happy to see that the voting public was smart enough to remove Wil from competition for the lead singer of INXS.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Keep On Rockin'


God bless, Mark Burnett, the man has done it once again. I have to say I was very skeptical when I heard he was producing a reality show to find a new lead singer for one of my favorite bands as a kid, INXS. But, with RockStar: INXS, he has truly perfected the genre. Not only is everyone on the show, talented (this is an understatement)... most of the contestants sex appeal is close to the late, great Michael Hutchence.

It will be interesting tonight to see which three singers end up for elimination, since the American public voted for their favorites, with the members of INXS making the final decision on who is eliminated. I think, based on performance, that Wil should be eliminated but will his pretty face spare him from elimination? We shall see by 10pm.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

My Brothers Up North

So, I'm back in business, feeling refreshed and alive since returning from Toronto. Something about escaping New York City for a few days, without a care in the world, that makes you feel all good. Visited James' family and friends, felt welcomed and engaged. Having heard numerous stories of the family up north, it was nice to finally meet face to face.

Some highlights of my trip: the Toronto Zoo (I'm a sucker for live animals), meeting "Neffie" (one of James' oldest and dearest friends), Centre Island and just having tons of time to spend with James.

Friday, July 01, 2005

A Vacation, Eh


So I'm finally going to take a vacation, it's been way too long since I've gone somewhere fun that I actually had to take a plane ride for. I leave next week for five days to beautiful Toronto, Canada. Will get to finally meet the rest of James' family and see the city where he grew up. However, the only downfall is, my blogging maybe limited, but hopefully I'll be able to give some reports of my findings in my Canadian hideaway.