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.

Still here and covered in paint

Been a few weeks, so I feel I should make a brief appearance. With the fast (too fast) approaching Gift Gallery coming up, I am now in the thick of getting some things finished up while starting as many more as I have room for in my work space. Weather was nice when I got home from work, so I was able to get most of my sawing and drilling done in the driveway. Very wet and dreary here today, so much of it will be spent in the studio. Got up at the crack of stupid (for a weekend) and had a productive couple of hours already. It feels good!

Had the second of the three introductory writer's group meetings last Wednesday. Made myself step up and have the group critique my first page of "The Gingerbread Lady" novel. Was happily surprised at the comments, and the groups interest in reading more. When you write only for yourself, it is difficult to let others see your stuff. I worried, naturally I think, that I was deluding myself, that I had the chops to be a writer. Feeling a little more encouraged now. Once the bazaar is behind me, I will take a month off from the heavy duty painting and sculpting to focus on writing. Got an idea brewing for November's NaNoWriMo, and one writing buddy (Kathy Steffan, author and my writer's group facilitator). Even keeping an eye on the area writing get together's coming up for the Madison area NaNoers. With the MacBook, I can now writer places other than home, so it might be fun to check out at least one "write-in".

Well, that's where I'm at at present. I will post photos of my finished softballs, as well as my table at November 6's bazaar as soon as I am able.

Till then, enjoy the dwindling days of fall. Let's hope the snow here will hold off until after Thanksgiving at the earliest.

My favorite time of the year!

Well, it is now the end of August and only days away from Fall, my favorite time of the year. I know that fall doesn't officially begin till mid September, but as far as I am concerned, we are close enough. There is so much that I look forward to when the temps begin to drop and the green gives way to browns, reds, yellows and oranges. There is just something about the feel of the autumn months, the brings me to life. I feel much more energized and inspired once we get beyond the heat and humidity of June, July and August. Doesn't hurt that besides raking leaves, the outdoor tasks list begins to dwindle, and I feel like I can once again focus my efforts and energy elsewhere.

Got some fun Halloween themed art project formulating which I will post pics of as they begin to take shape. Now that I have discovered that there is a whole division in the art world dedicated to Halloween art and things of the macabre nature, I look forward to trying my hand at creating some pieces in that vein as well. I only hope that my work comes half as close to the awesome things I have seen on this blog network and elsewhere in my trips around the web.

In addition to the visual arts, I am still working on some writing projects. I am signed up for NaNoWriMo to take place in November, and I have joined a writers group to be held at the library in the coming months. At this point the group is just a short-term thing, but it sounds like the plan is to make it a regular event if the interest is there. I know I would welcome having a group of peers to work with. If things go as planned, (there I go planning again) I hope to be working regularly on my series of "midwestern gothic" novels, and featuring artwork described in the books on this blog. Think it could be a fun challenge to find a way to "marry" both my writing and my art. Will see how it comes together.

Well, that gets us somewhat up to date for now. Following is a picture of the laminated paper project that came out of a workshop I did back in June. Finally got around to the finishing touches. Liked the medium, and once I can get a hold of the gel used, I will try some more. I see a monkey in plaid pants in the future!

Any way, till my next entry, here's to living the creative life!