Completion of “Gotta Love Boots”

I just finished my latest solid-wood sculpture. This piece depicts a lady’s biker boot. Carving the zipper was painstaking, but well worth the time in the end. Who knows; I may carve the left boot later.

Completion of “Real Cowboys”

I just finished my latest wood sculpture “Real Cowboys.” This one features a book about Adolph Coors resting on top of a rusty, bent up ’56 Colorado license plate.  Carved entirely in wood, with acrylic paint and ink pen.

UGHHHH…Drawing that proverbial artistic “blank”!

It was a beautiful day today here in Virginia, and I woke up with high hopes of discovering an idea for a new sculpture – something unlike anything I’ve done already. I headed to my studio, sipping coffee and doing this and that, sharpening gouges, putting tools in the right place. All these menial tasks usually help me come up with new ideas for art. I went through my notebook containing germs of ideas for art. Half way through the day, and still nothing. I hit a brick wall.

Out of desperation, I got in my truck (her name is “Cindy”) and starting driving – where to, I had no idea, but Cindy helps sometimes when I need ideas. But still nothing. I went back home and walked past some of my completed works, and then it hit me: I’ve got at least two distinct series of works already, so why not just do a new piece that fits one of these series?

Long story short, I guess I try too hard to always come up with something completely new and inventive. Note to self:  I need to step back sometimes, take it easy and just “let it flow.”  Those seemingly elusive ideas for something completely new will come, but only when the time is right.

I hope all of my fellow artists have a great and productive week!

Diana – 34

I’m in the final stages of my new wood sculpture, titled “Diana – 34.” The title is a bit misleading, but once the work is finished it will be clear why I chose the name. This one is part of my series of objects teetering on top of license plates, and commemorates the life of an American musician. Here’s a shot of it, still not quite finished and disassembled:

Have a great artistic weekend, everyone!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, fellow artists and art lovers!

Looks like a great day for starting a new sculpture…or painting…or…

Capitol Hill Art League Food for Thought show in D.C.

I was surprised when I showed up for the opening reception of the Capitol Hill Art League Food for Thought exhibition in D.C.  After I browsed the exhibit for a few minutes, Bonny Wolf came out to announce the winners of the juried exhibit.  I won second place for my sculpture “Jif and Jello.” I had no idea I’d won anything until that moment.