The calm before the storm.

Here it is - my second blog of the year and it's going to be a quick one. I have been swamped with work with the restoration project and my Painting workshops I am teaching but I was able to finally finish a portrait I have been working on for about a year and I have found some time to continue my work on the "Filtered" series.

The portrait is a piece I started a few years ago but I always felt that it lacked something I just wasn't sure what it was. But after starting the pixel pieces it hit me "that's where it needed to go" I remember thinking and after that it just took off. Working on this portrait actually inspired to start another piece that is in process now, which is taking it's own form and that's what I really love about the creative process, it takes me to so many different places and now I am finding it a bit easier to follow where ever it may take me. it may seem at times that a lot of my work doesn't relate to each other but I know when I look at these works that they all have a connection.

Okay so now I'm going to finish up in my studio and wait for the snowstorm also coming soon look for exclusive interviews from my fellow citizens on the Arts and Culture and how they relate to them.

Crank it up!

It's the start of a new week and a new year so I have decided that this is the year that I share my insights as a Artist living and working on the south side of Chicago with all of you on a weekly basis.

So here it goes, I am not in a habit of sharing my political views on this blog but the incidents of this past weekend have made me realize how much more work we have to do as a society. My condolences go out to all the victims from the arizona shootings and my wishes for the safe
recovery of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and all the victims that are in recovery.

Now for all the goings on in the studio. After a successful fall exhibit season I have cleaned up the studio for the new year and am getting ready for new works. The blocks are piling up in the studio and with my latest project the restoration of The Providence of God Church going very well, I will lots to share with you all this year!

I also wanted to share this project I was asked to collaborate with, with you all. Its called SCVNGR Hunt en Tu Ciudad sounds like a great idea and maybe it'll stir up some interest in a little something that we all could use, culture it's run by Remezcla

Okay so it's been a long weekend for me after teaching 91 kids on Saturday we checked out Rana Santacruz at the Mayne theater I have to admit that I've never heard of this guy before but I was impressed it was a great concert! very different and afterward got a chance to talk to him and I was very impressed with the creative spirit.

So with this said I ask you all to think about what your role is in our society and how can we strengthen this great country we live, work and create in.

The Nature of Nature.

Yep it's been a while since I've posted a new blog and I'm feeling quite ashamed, well not really but what can I say writing is not my forte.

There has been much going on around here my solo exhibit at Latino Art's Inc. has come and gone, it was worth while if you had a chance to see the exhibit thank you and please feel free to let me know what you thought. 27 new pieces including 5 - 6'X9" canvases almost a whole year of work for this exhibit and it was awesome I received some really great feedback and hopefully some the work will find a home.


Well that's about it for now I'm off to paint, I'll try and get more consistent with blog but as always - have fun out there!


Oh and for those of you who are interested I will be having an impromptu exhibit at the studio so stay tuned.

CONGRATULATION SUMMER YOU'VE MADE IT

Well now here it is the season we've all been waiting for, summer better known as "construction" in Chicago. Once again I find myself posting a long overdue blog and in my studio which at 6:50am was 97º, Yes I am very grateful for the heat of summer so I won't complain about it.

Work in the studio is going slower than planned but I do feel that the work will be ready for August and it will be a very telling exhibit in September. Now I have to start figuring out what needs to be done with everything past this Fall, I am trying to get work out there to be exhibited. Either I will start having once a month gatherings at the studio or ship the work wherever it needs to go. I would like to write a little about the evolution of my new work because it helps me to put it in place in my own thoughts. One of the things I am slowly learning from my mentor, Carlos Estrada-Vega is that thinking too much about what your working on stops you from doing it. Progressing into the work, changing it is being affirmed that this approach is affective. It's a lot easier now for me to approach the work and not be stymied by constant barrage of inner questions just get the work out and it speaks for its self.

A big part of my work has been driven by a constant desire to master the materials I work with be it water color, oil paint or fresco and it's interesting taking a look back how much this yearning has made me a kind of slave to this materialism. I look around my studio and I see a never ending source of inspiration people always wonder why I can't leave my studio, it's not that I'm obsessive. it's really that I'm like kid in a candy store and believe me I appreciate everything that the gods of the universe has provided for me so 97º or 57º waterfall or no water in the bathrooms I will always be happy to spend time in my studio where ever it is.

Alright now, that I'm done with that, check out my new and improved website and let me know what you think. http://www.DeLaTorreArts.com

LOVE IN THE TIME OF "SWINE FLU"

Well here we go again the Swine flu has hit and I can see what's coming I'm not going to say it but we all know what's coming. I guess I should have never eaten that ham sandwich but I was really hungry and when your really hungry you do what you have to do to survive.

The thing is you see something that can sustain you even if it is temporary and your not really convinced that it's the best thing for you well... what are your options. Its not like some one was offering the steak and potato's that they wave around in your face. What I do know about Mexicano's is that we make the best of what we have and thrive doing so. In my case I am very grateful for what I do have and I know one day I will have my "steak" and maybe some potato's.

Well now I am going to continue to create my works and I hope all of you will continue to flourish.

HAPPY EARTH DAY TO YOU!

As I drive around in my 1970's Dina "olimpico" bus belching blue diesel fumes and enjoying some Pedro Infante and Tampico cumbia I think to my self ...wow what a wonderful world (then I flush the toilet right on to the street). Yes its that time again. its "earth day" the one day of the year people stop dumping garbage because its the right thing to do.

Not that I'm against building a society full of wall street big wigs or pollution spewing factories - hey I'm not even opposed to china building ten coal burning plants a day as long as we have one day a year we all can shut the lights off to save energy we'll be fine.

Okay thats done, lots of things have happened in the last month its great to be back to work at the studio and I feel good about the work I'm producing right now. I am also very grateful to the powers that be for every thing I have been able to accomplish during my time here in Chicago I know that I will continue with my work where ever I end up and thats a great feeling.

So now that I'm trying get myself in a better position and make my move and establish myself in another local I'm looking to lighten my load and raise funds for the move and so if any one out there is interested in works I have in the studio please let me know I'm sure we can work some thing out.

Time

I am sitting in Las Cruces, NM enjoying the sun at the moment. After an uneventful flight (which I am very happy for) and a border foray that I'll explain later I met up with Carlos Estrada-Vega. We talked and went around checking out his current architectural projects Then I crashed just like I always do at about 2 am. I woke up this morning at about 5 am (my time on the telephone is all messed up), my camera that just would not work all of yesterday, I tried it this morning and just like that it works like charm.

As I'm sitting here in Cafe "Milagros" I recieved some very bad news, My friend - and really every ones friend Pirfirco Williams passed on some time yesterday, he was every thing you could ask for in a friend and he was a huge supporter of the Arts. He will be missed dearly.

And now I am sitting here in NM getting ready to start a new chapter in my life trying to figure a way out of everything I have been thought and some how have a epiphany to trust what you don't know. No problem right ? Here it goes .

Summer breeze

I have started the work for the exhibit in Milwaukee and its really pushing me at this point. I see what the work is saying and, for lack of a better word it's exciting.

As an artist when I get these revelations it gets to be an addiction I feel the need to be in the studio every minute even right now as I'm writing my mind is jumping to the canvas. Its great to have this creative energy it feels like that cool summer breeze running all over your body.

Now I need to find funding for the time that it's going to take to develop and create the work, if any one has any ideas please let me know.

Don't forget about all the activity going this weekend, exhibit at the Ogilvie/Pertl Gallery and of course the "one night stand" fund raiser for Radio Arte at the NMMA

Hey what are you doing this weekend?

All right besides all the hallmark stuff going on this weekend you know with St. V's day this weekend. Here are a couple of fun things. But before that, let's take the time to realize that we could be appreciating our significant other every day of the year and a life-time if that's where your relationship takes you.

I will have some work at an opening at the Ogilvie/Pertl gallery they have been handling some of my work here in Chicago for a while now and they're very nice people. I have also donated a piece from the "Saints and Sinners" series to the Radio Arte fund raising benefit thats happening this Friday at the National Museum of Mexican Art they are charging $20.00 admittance but its for a good cause they are a youth training initiative, so they do great things for the community.

Okay, on another note, I spoke with my good friend Patric McCoy yesterday and he let me know that everyone's friend Pirfirco is still touch and go at Northwestern hospital and now to top it off Dan Parker has suffered a stroke. I just don't know what to think about all this. I am sure that they are both in the minds of the community they helped build and will continue to have lots and lots of prayers said in there names.

I'm looking outside the studio window and I can't believe the river is still frozen. That goes to show you how bitter cold this winter in Chicago has been, unbelievable. Have fun every one enjoy the weather and lets keep sending Pirfirco and Dan that positive energy.

President Obama to the rescue

Well here we go again politics as usual and all can think of is that saying you know "SNAFU" . It was great hearing the President making some sense last night and I'm really glad that he took the argument straight to the people.

And its back to work in the studio I'm trying to get creative with the financial situation cause I can't really cry about it so I'm doing what I know, finishing the projects I have going and trying to get new work out there. It's like the old Mexican saying "canta no Llora" it's the best we can do.

I am also looking forward to my residency with Carlos Estrada-Vega which is coming up fast. Until then I hope every one in Sunnyvale, New York and Tempe are all having a great time and if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Not your grannies Grammy's

I first of all have to say that my thoughts (and prayers) have been going out to every ones good friend Pirfirco, since last Thursday when a message was sent out to all about his condition.

And of course this brings me to think about...well to put it simply life and whatever comes next. I could go on forever on this but all I'll say time is the most precious commodity we all have and I hope we all can find the best use of it respectively. Thats all.

Now here's whats happening at the studio last Friday I had a visit by some one who's opinion I highly respect and over all it went really well I was very satisfied that he was honest with me not that it was all flattering but I respect the honesty. I'm not sure why sometimes it takes some on else to make you realize what you all ready know but if thats what it takes thats what it takes.

Three things that made me really happy this weekend

1. Knowing that DP will be taking that workshop .

2. Hearing that Octavio Solis's "Lydia" has been received as the brilliant work it is at Yale repertory.

3. Celebrating C. Keenan 50th Birthday ( lots of fun!)

4. Seeing E.T. (he's like a brother) happy with his girlfriend.

5. Getting all my errands done and hanging with my brothers.

Yeah I know that's five but I'm an artist and the math thing, well not so relevant on this blog.

anyways have a happy Monday every one! Oh and despite the title I have nothing to say about the "Grammy's"

FOOD FOR THOUGHT OR THOUGHT FOR FOOD?

Well besides eating very well on our recent adventure to Mexico (I swear every ten feet there is a vendor selling something thats incredibly delicious) as we went to eat at VIPS. So of the course the dilemma is how much can you pass by with out finally breaking down at the elote stand. I actually did very well I only ate a few these street delicacies along with the usual meals.

And of course the food for thought with all the incredible sights and history of Mexico it always puts me in a mediative mood and I seem to absorb an enormous amount of energy when I see so many different cultures wrapped into one big ball of ... well if your not familiar with the culture its seems like its chaos almost in a state of panic sealed with a smile. All the vendors- where are the buyers? But the vendors all have the same demeanor as if to say even if you don't buy from me I still win because look around you I get to live here and you well you'll go back to where ever your from and all your going to have is the memory of visiting this place.

Yeah thats the the way it is, here I am again back in the cold, gray emptiness that is our great city. And all that meditation all the images of raices, templos and the chaos well that will live
on in mind and of course in the work I will produce.

Talk about frustration

I suppose it must be frustrating being the governor of one the largest economic states in this country you know all that money flowing in and out and you only making around $100,000.00
give or take a million from the campaign trail.

How did these people in charge get so out of touch with the every day reality of the working class or as they like to refer to theme as "lackeys". I know that there needs to be a structure in this society but I really think that the leaders need to be accountable for there actions. I recently heard Senator Dick Durbin speaking about how he feels that George Ryan should have his sentence commuted what message will that send to our sitting governor as he goes through this stage of his career does that mean that he's going to have his sentence commuted as well?

Now on to my frustration dealing with how I'm going to fund my very own "micro-economy".
I am getting all those projects that are the table finishes that means portraits framing and all the other stuff in the studio are in play so if any ones out there that willing to make contribution to my campaign fund now is the time these thing are f%@^*! golden and I'm not going to give them away for F%@^*! nothing.

until next time please keep all your elicit conversations off the phone you never know who's listening.

Down goes Bloggo-Down goes Bloggo

Well there you have it another Illinois governor goes down and every one is surprised or are they? Ok well thats enough of that I just can't wait until the day they take the "SHRUBS" away in handcuffs and dickless Cheney too.

Its been very slow going at the studio I'm still kind of reeling from the CPD project but moving on from that trying to field more calls for exhibits and getting better grant writing to apply for more grant funds. I did get a good lead from a friend about this great program that I can run workshops through and not only get paid for it but have the kids participating paid as well so I'll be applying for that some time soon.

Thats it I'll get back to writing soon I'm off to the studio

Here we go!

Not much else to say other than...its go time. Wish me luck and all that other good stuff thanks to everyone that helped in any way and with that its time to turn in my presentation.

Wheres my bailout plan?

Well okay some times I admit I do over spend at the art store and I have tendency to eat (some times healthy) but I'm not irresponsible I just have an addiction to making art.

This said, I am announcing that congress has decided not to bail me out of any financial stress I may be experiencing (to my surprise!) Instead the government has opted to give the bankers of this country a hand and send them on some fabulous spa retreats where they will receive some much needed facials(no pun intended).

But as I understand the DOD has been taking some interest in my work and perhaps they will add some of my paintings to there brilliant collection lets see how that turns out.

On a more serious note I have been hard at work at some of my projects. I have made it to 88 paintings for the studio reception and the piece for the Milwaukee Show is going very well. And now that we have been connected upstairs I plan to be more consistent with the blog and all other postings.

Today was a very interesting day I got up a bit later 9'ish and attended a luncheon at the Union league of Chicago. There was a very good panel discussion concerning the fostering of community of Chicago based artists moderated by James Yood who has been an the art scene and writing about it for years. The Artist Vera Clement made some very valid points about the churning out of artist from art schools such as the art institute of Chicago and how is the world going to absorb these new artists. I guess that statement could be read many different ways but I know one thing these new Artists better be prepared to face a challenge and I do hope that the new generations of Artist find success. I have to say I was very surprised to see some artists get up and leave during this discussion maybe they had better things to do (or somewhere else to promote themselves).

Anyway for now here are the things I look forward to in the next couple of weeks. Cleaning up the studio, going to a panel discussion on "The Collector" which my good friend Patric McCoy will be participating in, finishing "the" presentation, finishing number 100, Hyde Park Art Center Exhibit, and of course "party time" at the studio! (don't forget Artists need bailouts too)

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

This is just to important to talk around but I am just amazed at how my fellow citizens can ignore reality and buy into all the hype. Is it that we are afraid of the "boogey man" or is it the other thing you know the thing we will not discuss because its not "PC".

Well thats it if we can't see past all the crap its a sad day to call yourself an American, I mean are we safer with Russian bombers stationed in Venezuela? Is are hard earned money working for us when banks are collapsing? Are we better off with a weaker dollar? and of course all the CEO's are making off with huge pay days so at least we can rest assured that even though Mr. McCain can't remember how many houses he has at least he can relate with that upper 2% that so badly need those tax breaks that the other 98% will never see.

Oh fuck it, where did I get the idea that we are all supposed to be equal in this country. Maybe I should just lower my ideal by all means why should we the people of this country stand in the way of these "great Americans".

Thats it, now I will get back to work after all I still have my dream and its only going to as well as I make it go.

I hope that some you have been able to go over to SCC to take a look at the exhibit that I have hanging. I have been invited to participate in a great exhibit in Carbondale, IL so more and more the work I am doing is being accepted so that feels great I know theres a whole lot of work still to be done but never the less its always gives you a boost to be included.

Thats enough for today for now I hope we can take a dose of reality and see through this hype.

Here We Go!

Well here we are summer is gone (once again) and the time has come to start the shame less promotion. The summer has been really good to me it has presented a lot of opportunity I have been very fortunate to be included in some great exhibits as well as receiving some important commissions. With all that said the beat goes on and there's a ton of work to be done I am continuing the 150 paintings for the open studio reception and I'm working on a proposal for an important commission, so here we go.

Some of the things I have accomplished this summer, mural for "Barrington" nursery, exhibit at OP Gallery for Latin American Art Fair (21 pieces), exhibit at Loyola University "Immigration Through Art " (3 pieces) and of course designing and producing a 11' X 32' mural at a CPS. Thats just a few things I did this past summer.

Here is a pic from the 150 new pieces I am creating for the October 24th reception at the Studio so I hope you all enjoy it.

New Challenges

Now its on to organizing the May 10 open house and Bridgeport Art Walk which means new challenges for me.

The good news is that I have a great concept for the October Opening. I am challenging those people who say that art is not affordable - I am calling it 150 for 150 thats right I will produce 150 paintings watercolors, oils and mixed media then sell them for $150 dollars each.

So Lets see I have two Murals for Columbia Explorer School a great project for JTO out in Barrington a couple of portraits and 150 painting to get done within a six month period, definitely a fun next couple of months!

In the mean time here is another pic for those of you who asked about pics.

And don't forget to stop in to the Ogilivie/Pertl Gallery next week for the first annual Latin American Art Fair which will be happening at the River East Art Center on Illinois Street. I will be participating with the OP Gallery a very fine Gallery.

Where's your Dreamlandia Now

Well Dreamlandia has landed and lots to tell but little time to write.

For me this work is very relevant and makes the audience
aware of the situation as it is, all though this is a very uncomfortable
thing for a lot of people I do feel it is a start to a dialogue.

The production its self is sharp and very visually enticing (speaking as
the set designer and artist). I think you all have to experience it and come
to your own conclusion then we can take a poll.

Pics to come later tonight(or tomorrow).