In honor of 2012

As the start of a new year once again approaches, I am reminded of the intentions I set here not so long ago.

New Years "Intentions" for 2011 (I prefer intention to resolution.)

1. Embrace the quirkiness.

2. Feed the creativity.

3. Fill up on positivity.

4. Enjoy the ride!

Hard to find fault with any of these, and for that reason, I choose to renew these intentions on the advent of 2012. They still feel right to me as I try them on. It is very clear that this is the year that it all comes to fruition, and that I move closer to getting published. The first draft of my current book is nearly complete, and I know that it will soon be time to start the revisions, making it ready to send off for consideration by agent and editor 

alike. Wish me luck.

So as not to make this all about me, I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year. Be safe, be sound and above all be well. Thanks for following me on my journey. Just knowing that you are there inspires me. 

Here's a toast to new beginnings!

See you around.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Chris

Christmas 2011

I've really let this blog go stale since my last post, and for that I apologize. Most of my creative efforts over the last few months have gone into my writing, and because there's not much I can show for that, I've not been keeping up with regular contributions to Monkey Pants. I hereby renew my intention, and recommit to summarizing my projects in this blog, both the successes and the missteps.

I look forward to developing Monkey Pants further in 2012. I think that it has considerable potential as a forum for me to share with you the things I am spending my time with, as well as letting you know my thoughts on my creative life, and how I am finding a way to mix the written with the visual.

With that said and out of the way, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May you rediscover some of the simple magic in this time of the year. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to enjoy the many wonders of the season, (I know that I shall.) and remember the reason why we celebrate.

One again, my best holiday wishes to you and yours. See you again around New Year's Day!

The Christmas tree at Woodward Governor in 
Rockford, Illinois. A favorite childhood memory of mine.

Change of plans

I am embarrassed to say that my Doodle a Day challenge is not going well only 8 days in. I think that it is due in part to the fact that I hate my list of suggested drawings. I thought I could overcome that, but I am truly uninspired. For now I will try another source, and maybe just draw whatever I want at any given time. Being that we are in my favorite season, and nearing my favorite holiday, you will probably see lots drawing reflecting that. (It'll be like when I was a kid doing Halloween artwork for my bedroom door.)

If I don't have time today for scanning and posting, (We are in high preparation mode for our German exchange student who is arriving tomorrow.) I will post again later in the week with a few drawings. I am disappointed that this didn't work out as I planned. Maybe I bit off more than I can chew. After NaNoWrimo and the busyness of the holidays, I will give a daily drawing challenge another shot. Will give me some time to research a better suggested topic list!

Creative Challenge Begins

Today is October 1st and Day One of my latest creative challenge - Doodle a Day. I found a 30 day list of suggested drwaings on line that, though not the greatest, will do for the purpose. My idea is that I not be too obsessive about each drawing. I hope to spend no more than an hour a day putting something down on paper. It's really more about flexing some much neglected muscles than it is about creating really great art. (Though I would certainly welcome some good stuff.)

Today's challenge was to draw "You". I took it as an opportunity to make a representation of myself as well as make a banner for the months work.

Day 1 - You

Going forward, I will probably only post drawings once a week. It will take me some time to get them all scanned once they are completed. I have fairly high hopes for this venture, but mostly I want to rediscover the fun of drawing. Thanks for joining me. I'll see you next week!

What's that up ahead?

With 100/100 behind me and NaNoWriMo a little over a month away, I have been thinking that I need a new creative challenge. (As if making art, and writing a book aren't challenging enough.) Inspired by my daughter's "Photo a Day" challenge in August, I was thinking I might do "A Drawing a Day" for the month of October.

Why a drawing a day? Well, I got a fresh taste of drawing when I helped Kendall out with her final project for photography at the end of the last school year, and it wasn't too bad. Normally I get very frustrated with drawing, but I think with one to do for 31 consecutive days, I won't have time to get too obsessive, and it can only help with the flow of creative ideas. The idea would be that I would produce a simple sketch each day that I would then post here on this blog. When I have finished, I will have a collection of drawing that might then become painting or in some way end up in my writing. I'm kind of excited by the prospects. I will spend the next couple of day investigating themes, and making a plan of attack. I will post the details when I have everything worked out.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

With Labor Day come and gone, my mind wanders to the promise of what lies beyond the long, hot summer we are finally leaving behind. It's nearly here. Can you feel it? There is a hint of it in the air, and I for one am welcoming it with open arms. I love autumn in the midwest!

Not only do I welcome the shift to cooler temps, and change from deep green to shades of orange, red, yellow and brown, I anxiously look forward to the tastes, smells, sounds, and activities that make this time of year so great.

I am excited at seeing harvest and Halloween merchandise appearing on stores shelves (Though it is not showing up nearly fast enough for me.), and am contemplating what books and movies to fill my free time that will help me to celebrate the beauty and the spookiness I crave in the fall. I am a kid again. Maybe even more so than at Christmas.

I continue to work on my novel about a small town ventriloquist. I still think it shows promise, but I am sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of work it will take to get it publishable. I guess that is the plight of the author. One day, and one writing session at a time.

I took myself on a writing date last weekend which proved to be very invigorating and productive. An hour in a small, quiet coffee house with a baby bathtub sized latte, are just the ticket when I need a shot of inspiration. I will remember to do more of these, maybe even alternating with writing time outside absorbing some of my favorite season.

On the subject of my book, I finally wrote the scene I was most dreading. Even if I don't use it, I felt the need to write a bit of the main characters act with the puppet that is most prominent in the story. I know that I can be funny, but that is quite a bit different than being a comedian. It wasn't as difficult as I imagined it to be, but then again, no one has read what I have written. Maybe I completely missed the mark. I plan to offer it up to my writer's group in a couple of weeks to see how it flies. It is at times like this that I really wish that I had a writing buddy. To be able to swap stuff with a fellow writer for feedback, encouragement and suggestion would be so helpful. I believe that I will happen upon that person eventually, but as with many things, I am impatient. Till then,  I will have to wait for the reaction of my monthly group. I will let you know how it goes.

As for my artwork, I have a few things in the works, and lots of ideas of things to come. I am finding more inspiration in the ideas and images of carnivals, traveling shows, old toys, and of course autumn and Halloween. I will post pics of where that all leads me as I have them available.

I have decided not to participate in the annual Fall Bazaar at work this year, at least not as a vendor. I like a more leisurely pace when it comes to making artwork, and the idea, of cranking out stuff to sell, just is not appealing to me right now. I want to be able to play and explore, to create new and different things - not more of the same. I have promised to help with promotion, and set-up and tear-down, so in that way I will still be involved. I thought I might regret this decision, but find it a relief and a ticket to creative freedom. Maybe by next year, I will be able to set-up shop once again, but on a newer, broader and more exciting level.

Guess that gets you caught up for now. With the torrent of inspiration coming at me in the following couple of months, I expect to have more frequent posts, so until then - take care all. Enjoy the fall, and all that it brings. I know I will!!!

Harumph...

Allow me to use this post to purge the dreck cluttering my artist's psyche right now. Bare with me or ignore all together. At least it will be out there, and I can focus on more important things.

Once again, (or is it still) I'm getting in my own creative way. I want to write, to paint and make things in general, but when I have the time, I nearly always manage to talk myself out it. (Usually to waste the time on some mindless, pointless activity.) I know, very deep down, that I NEED to get at the keyboard, and behind a brush full of paint, but have not figured out just how to get out of my own way. I guess it's just a matter of not over-thinking it, not worrying about whether I am in the mood, or if I think I will be productive. I just need to do something.

That will be my motto for the coming weekend. "Just Do Something!"

Well, well, well

Alright, so it's been nearly a month since my last confession, I mean blog post. What have I been up to? Until recently, not a whole lot. Just a little. Ready to get busy once again. The ideas are flowing. I think it's time to let them out.

In the studio, I have a bowling ball frog W.I.P. on my work table right now. Won't include any shots of that. You've seen what they look like. (look right) Will begin a bowling ball turtle shortly. I will post pics of that one, since it is a new design for me. Supposed to be hot and muggy for the next handful of days which mean I will be spending much time inside, so hopefully I will have something for you soon on that one. After those are mostly completed and ready to deliver to their "owner," I will start some painted collage and diorama type pieces in a circus or carnival theme. Going to my first renaissance faire at the end of July, so I am planning to absorb as much inspiration there as possible. Feels good to be painting again after some time off. I think I have replenished my databases with ideas for future pieces.

As for writing, I am currently working on a book about a ventriloquist, and his struggle with life and reality. I feel like it has a lot of potential, but still requires a considerable work. (Wasn't prepared for how long writing a book can take. Why I am surprised, I don't know.) As a source of research and inspiration, I am reading Jeff Dunham's autobiography "All By My Selves".

It's been a great read so far. Jeff is a really nice guy with an incredible talent. Being an artist myself, I am really impressed that despite having no training, he makes many of his own dolls. I am hoping for a little more specific information, as he has only mentioned minute details about his materials and process. A woman in my writer's group suggested I contact him directly, and I am beginning to think I may just do that. Will be interesting to see if I get any response. I think anything he can offer will add some great material to my book and insight into the characters world.

That pretty much fills you in on what is going on with me at the moment. As soon as possible, I will post more pictures of my art here. That was the reason for beginning this project a few years back. Hope this finds everyone well. Stay cool if you are in an area that has to deal with summer heat and humidity. I will be spending much time indoors with the air conditioning. I don't do well with the heat and blazing sun. 

Hope to "see"you all again soon!

Challenge Accepted...and Met.

Today I successfully completed the 100x100 challenge I took up back on January 24th.

Being someone who tends toward procrastination, and sometimes swayed by self-doubt, there were times when making it to this date felt a little iffy. By sheer determination, stubbornness, and a creative writing schedule, I hung in there, and here I am at day 100.

It's true, there were many days when I just barely made my quota, but there were also days when I wrote far more than the required count. (I also spent a great deal of time thinking about what I had written, and making notes for current and further projects.) As a result of sticking with this personal challenge I am a little closer to concluding the novel I started back in November for NaNoWriMo. In addition, I started two other stories. One of them I finished, and may revisit at a later date to see if it has merit for further work.

Currently I am working on a story that feels like it has promise. "Boy Oh Boy" (a working title) is about an amateur ventriloquist who may or may not be losing touch with reality due to failures in his personal life. I've presented two early chapters to my monthly writing group, and with their encouragement and suggestions will work toward completing the first draft. After that I will do some more research into ventriloquy, and begin the long task of rewrites. Keep you fingers crossed for me.

Just wanted to take a minute to share in my success. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me.

Now that's one big bug!

Yup, spring is here and the bugs are out. Don't mind this one too much though. Kinda cute, don't ya think? (and it doesn't bite or leave a awful odor on your hands)

Here are some pics of my latest creation. I have to say I am much happier with the softball ladybug than I was with bowling ball version. (Sorry no good pics of that one.) This one went home with Mom at Easter and is now hanging out at the library where she works. Have another of these in the works now that will stay with us. Mother's Day gift for Mary? Anyway, hope you enjoy these. Thanks to The Girl for taking the photos. She is turning out to be an impressive photographer!

More pics and thoughts later.

Oops!

Well, looks like I missed posting for the entire month of March. I had every intention of getting back here at least once, but procrastination done beat me down. I will attempt to be better in the future. (Seems like I have been saying this a lot here.)

So, to fill you in, I have been faithful to my 100x100 challenge, and have not missed a day of writing since beginning January 24th. Some days I just barely get my 100 words, and others I write as many as 800. (Sadly not as many of the big number days as I'd like.) I have completed a story, began another, and done a little work toward completely the story arc of my 2010 NaNoWriMo novel. I would really like to write more, but I have a way of letting that nasty self doubt sneak in and that tends to interfere with the more lengthy session. I am happy that I am at least getting some interaction with my writing on a daily basis. As Sark says, "Just do something."

Also on the writing front, I am enrolled to participate in a day long workshop called "Write Like a River" at the end of April. There will be writing exercises, meditation and interaction with two published authors. All of this will be conducted near the river in beautiful Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Hopefully this workshop will help me to work through the reasons that I have not completely allowed myself to embrace the author in me.

The writing group is still going well. I enjoy the interaction with other newby writer's and Kathy's enthusiasm and encouragement are inspiring. I have been reading a lot in my genre as well. I finished Joe Hill's Horns and have to say I really enjoyed it. Maybe not as much as Heart-Shaped Box, but it was still a very clever and entertaining story. I hear it has been optioned for a film. Hopefully it doesn't get ruined.

I also just finished the first book in a new Lincoln Child & Douglas Preston series. Gideon's Sword was a fairly disappointing book. I've really enjoyed the authors' Inspector Pendergast novels, but did not find myself engaged with the characters in this new venture. The ending seemed rushed and fairly unsatisfactory. I couldn't help feeling like I was missing something or like the two writers weren't sure how to conclude the story. Will have to see how the second book sounds before I decide whether to keep up with Gideon's escapades.

I am excited to start reading the latest Locke and Key graphic novel. It is in the stack next to my chair right now, along with a novel by horror author Brian Keene called Urban Gothic. This second book is very dark and more brutal that I was expecting, but I like the atmospheric tone, and novel storyline.

As for artwork, I intentionally took December off once I got a few orders completed and delivered. December off led into January off. It felt good, but then I started to feel guilty. Spent some time in the studio in February working on Mary's Valentine. As promised, here is a photo of the finished product.

I am quite happy with the way it turned out and I am thinking about doing some others. (possibly seasonally or holiday themed "cup"cakes) I see some potential here. Will shop around for some more cups and saucers and play around with the idea. I also have some new softballs started, and will be getting back into those this week. In addition an idea for some painted collage pieces came to me, and I am anxious to experiment with them. The arrival of spring has inspired me to get creative again. I fell into hibernation mode after the excitement of the holidays, and the momentary burst of enthusiasm that the new year brought. I will be posting photos of the finished character balls soon, and when I have some decent W.I.Ps to post, I will get those up her as well.

Thank you to all of you who read me. I appreciate knowing you are out there cheering me along. See you in the blogosphere again soon!

It's February, it's snowy and when did I get here?

I see that it has been over a month since my last blog entry. Where does the time go?

Here's what I have been up to since last time:

I purposely took the month of December off from spending time in the studio. Unfortunately it melded into a January of no art making. I did pick up a few things for the studio during that time, so it hasn't totally been "out of sight..."you know the rest. I bought a desk lamp with a base that can hold brushes, scissors, and other tools, as well as a set of attachments for the Dremmel tool. I am pretty well outfitted for now. I recently returned to the studio to work on a Valentine for Mary. I am not much of a store bought card kind of guy, so I usually try to make her something. When it is completed, I will post a picture of it here. After I finish with that, I have a couple of softballs to work on, some plant stake "heads," and some other ideas I've had brewing.

Most of my creative time lately has been spent reading about writing, writing and writing some more. About two weeks ago, some of us in my writing group started the 100x100 challenge. We have committed to writing at least 100 words a day for 100 days. If you miss a day, you start over at day 1. I am determined not to have to start over, so I have stayed on track. Got a little discouraged for a stretch because I felt like I was writing 100 crappy words, but I am feeling like I have rebounded lately. It has been a good exercise, because it succeeds in making writing a part of my life on a daily basis, not just once in a while. To help along those lines, I have started carrying a small notebook with me at all times so that when inspirations strikes, I can jot down whatever it is that I have thought. Forgot to take the notebook with me yesterday when I went to the grocery store, so I found myself jotting some things down on the back of my list while I waited at the checkout. Don't know if I will every use the things in the notebook, but again, it keeps my writing in the foreground throughout the day. Feels good to be writing so much.

In addition to reading about writing, I have been reading for pleasure (and research of sorts) as well. I got the graphic novel bug lately, and after a trip to the comic book store a few weekends ago, I have been working my way through a couple of series. I read "The Umbrella Academy," "The Stuff of Legend" and Joe Hill's "Locke and Key." Of these I most enjoy "Locke and Key."

Clever storylines, and great graphic work by Gabriel Rodriguez. Though it is an entirely different way to read, I will continue with the graphic novel and comic book reading (for now anyway). It makes me think even more visually, which I think is a good thing given that I am an artist and a writer.

Through this reading, I have rediscovered the author Joe Hill. I read his book "Heart Shaped Box" a few years back and it has stuck with me. His ideas are unique and he is a master and creating mood, and truly believable characters. I am currently reading his newest novel, "Horns" which, if described here, might sound silly, but at a quarter of the way in, I am enjoying. Again it is unique, dark, and surprisingly humorous.

I have to admit to some writer's envy when it comes to Joe Hill. He writes like I hope to write eventually. Being as good as he is might have something to do with his genes (he's the son of Stephen King), though I think it is more than that. I will try to glean as much as I can from reading him for now in the hopes that some of his magic might rub off on me.

Guess that catches us up a little for now. Will try to get back here soon with more news on art and writing. Till then, let's hope for an early spring. It's getting me down. (Though creatively that might be a good thing.)

My new year in writing

In the new year, I am increasing my focus on writing, but first I have had to embrace and accept the fact that I write within the horror genre. Reading the book On Writing Horror has helped quite a bit in that respect. Though I am not even half way through, I have encountered numerous entries from respected authors who also struggled with the stigma of writing something other than mainstream literary fiction. Apparently I am not alone! Now I vow to spend my time learning to be a writer and honing my craft. In addition to reading about not just writing horror, but also about writing in general, I will be continuing with my monthly writing group, and have made the decision to attend my first writer's conference this spring. I will include the details on this in a future post. Currently I have the novel I started for NaNo this past November (Plain Folk) that still needs my attention. I met the 50,000 word challenge, but did not reach a conclusion with my story, so I want to get back to it while the idea is still somewhat fresh. In addition to finishing the thought there, I have a short story (Bitter Pill) started and rewrites on my very first NaNo novel (The Gingerbread Lady) that I will be working on in the coming months. I have a good feeling about this and look forward to my journey into this relatively new endeavor.

I promise to not let my attention to my art lag while I spend more time writing however. In many ways I think that the art and the writing will prove to be good companions. I took some of the money I made this fall selling my painted softballs and bought a work light for my studio. (The overhead fixture just wasn't cutting it.) Though I have only been putzing down there, it has proven to be a good investment. Now that I am pretty well outfitted, I will continue with what I was working on prior to the holidays as well as beginning some new things that have been floating around in my head lately. I will be venturing into making pieces that combine my interests in sculpting and painting by fashioning dimensional wall hangings. I also would like to try out some hand painted banners this year. I am excited about all of the possibilities.