Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

I accidentally discovered this little hole-in-the-wall gallery, with a few wrong turns and an uncanny curiosity. Having never been to the small city of Altoona, which also has the closest Pier One store to me - ahem- I decided to explore... that and the design-less configuration of intersections and exits led me straight into Downtown Altoona. And turning the corner, I see the long blue banners attached to street posts, the words "Art Museum" flapping in the breeze.

Entering the vestibule, there were two wings on either side, each holding a different exhibition. To the left was the red and black splattered acrylic paintings of Ben Jones. I followed the captivating display of works as it stretched down a ramp to what looked [and smelled] like a renovated basement of gray tiles and cabled banisters.

Jones' work itself fascinated me, the bold red colors, the quizzical circular pattern resembling a target reappearing on a majority of the canvases, and some so thick with paint it seemed to weave in and out like snakes. It's like a much more angry Jackson Pollock with a mystical vision. The soul reaching enlightenment, but in the opposite direction.

But I noticed something... despite the abstraction, I took out the brochure I picked up on the way in, looked at the painting, and back to the picture in the pamphlet... this particular piece "Blood Spirit #2" was displayed upside down!!! Outrage! Perhaps it doesn't matter, wait, yes. Yes it does matter. It's like finding a spelling mistake in a novel. Unacceptable.

Anyway, over to the right wing of the museum I opened the intimidating silver doors that led into a pitch black room. As I entered the motion censored track lights clicked on revealing the beautiful pictures of three photographers who traveled to Cuba. And I loved them as each one captured the heart and soul of a country and its inhabitants, as well as the biggest cigars I've ever seen.

So check in to see future artist exhibits at this charming little museum with an even smaller photo/coffee shop down the block. The stumbled-upon-and-fell-over exploration of Altoona I would deem well worth it.

The Palmer Museum of Art

Always driving past the outskirts of University Park, I chose to embark within Penn State's green campus laden with tall trees matured by the enormity of their trunks, and the antiquated architecture [with deep-set windows and high ceilings] of the large academic buildings. Slowly I walk, my head spinning about at the marvelous structures in the flourishing landscape.

And then I saw it... I stop in my tracks and gaze down the shadowed alleyway between the dark buildings trimmed in blue paint... there gleaming in the sunlight of a cloudless sky, two lion paw statues marking the entrance into the Palmer Museum of Art.

This small two-storied gallery holds an eclectic mix of artists and works that span over centuries. Among the collections, what seems unfamiliar actually portrays the masters. The lesser known artists reveal influences of those more famous including Velasquez or Monet. And some of the pieces, though unknown, exhibit other work of artists including Joseph Stella and Gilbert Stuart.

The more modern works I seemed to like the best. Particularly the ceramic bowls from between the '50s and '70s where artists experimented with new designs allowing new shapes to change one's perspective on the average bowl.

One work that also stood out was a modern abstract painting so thick of paint it looked 3-dimensional causing an extremity in depth and form to the seemingly haphazard colors and strokes.

For an on-campus museum, one cannot expect much, although I left the building quite impressed. And with free admission I will definitely be back.

"With my art I just want to survive."

A close-up of the charcoal drawing in progress of one of my favorite images by a certain Swedish surrealist who I absolutely love.

I've been working on this for a couple weeks now, only drawing in 1 hour increments because I'd get so excited after completing a section, I didn't want to ruin the glorious moment when I step back and gaze in awe. - Whoa, did I really just do that? 'cause that looks awesome! [charcoal down, reward self with Blow Pop] - It will be done by the end of next week, with only the hand to finish and light detailed work. I want to buy a mat for this and hang it up in my living room, but I may end up giving it away.

So hab ich endlich von dir erharrt: In allen Elementen Gottes Gegenwart.

Freed from the confines of tranquility, my mind wants to shoot off in all directions, emotions splattering all over the walls.

So many things begun, left unfinished. I lack the concentration, my motivation sapped away as quickly as it appears.

Solace will be had.

Fitness Update

Rummaging through my closets, I did some long overdue spring cleaning, filling a garbage bag full of clothes that didn't fit me... way too big, which means my exercise routine is starting to pay off.

I changed up the usual routine again, doing about 100 crunches along with a military inspired core workout. I'm also slowly bringing back straight up weightlifting to build muscle and weight.

Yesterday I finally increased my dumbbell weight from 5 lbs to 10 (yes, I know - don't even say it) and can definitely feel the difference.

I would post an updated picture of my flat stomach and defined abs, however the mosquitoes have found me and think I'm just delicious... i.e. no one wants to see swollen red insect bites. So here is a shadow silhouette of me after my workout during a sunset:
Fun with Sepia! Here's two more I took during my weird "Sepia tone looks cool" phase...

This is what happens when you are the first to show up at a party... awkward.

"...Please don't take my sunshine away."

Two small black birds build a nest between the splitting wood of the weathered deck. The forsythia forest surrounding the mailboxes out front bursts with thousands of yellow flowers. Me in a thin black dress, sporting bright orange polish from my bare feet, pushes open the crooked kitchen window.

Spring is upon us; all is green, fresh, new, and I am ready. The window is open and I am ready to jump through it.

I received a job offer from the Census Bureau (finally!), which inspired an idea. An idea I've already been juggling around in my head, but the reality of diversifying my income gave me the motivation I needed.

With commissions in place for next year's pen and ink note cards, and the slough of pending projects I have yet to complete... why not take this creativity out of personal gratification and family gifting and make a contribution in the world, however slight it may seem?

Why not sell my art?

Why not?

Road Trip to Michigan

It's 5 AM, bags are packed, and on our way to Michigan for the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, three of my co-workers and I (only somewhat sleep deprived with a slight overdose of sugar), look at each other and say, "this was a good idea."

"World's Most Comfortable Swing" i.e. rotten bench, covered in dirty snow by the sketchy gas station.
Car with enormous slingshot attached...?
Through Ohio, and entering Michigan.
University of Michigan Stadium.
Wrestle-mania!
Downtown Ann Arbor
Foreign cuisine and sweet architecture
Small "art" sculptures

Did I mention my fascination with alleyways??
Graffiti