Priming
Ron Davis
Veni Sancte Spiritus
The link above is to a video for which I was the concept artist and co-producer. I've included some images I took on my phone of the process. Take special note to the credits, a film or video is true collaboration (music, images, editing, text, etc.).
The actors were amazing given that they had olive oil poured on their heads and apparently it stings the eyes a bit (who knew?).
Craig & Bryan are photographers who do incredible work, see http://www.craigwatsonphotography.com
At St. John's Episcopal in Grand Haven - Zoe Thompson was a joy...she's way up front on the steps.
In the woods at Rosy Mound, Bethany Cramer was incredible.
Craig Watson doing what he does best
Bryan Bosch, hat backwards = serious stuff happening
St. Nicetus
St Nicetas distinguished himself by his charity, he always helped the poor, he lodged travelers in his home, he cared for orphans and widows, and he interceded for those who had been wronged.
http://oca.org/saints/lives/2013/05/28/101553-st-nicetas-the-bishop-of-chalcedon
Relics in Grand Haven
Devotion & Heartbreak
"Devotion to any particular place now carries always the implication of heartbreak."
- Wendell Berry
Collaboration
We are inevitably collaborators.
Every creature...
"Every creature has an inherent right not to be completely understood."
- Wendell Berry
Views from the sketchbook
Scheming
Details
I always enjoy paying close attention to the "details" of a work of art.
Delayed spring...
This has been a long winter, but the other day after kids' soccer practice the dark and wet silhouettes of the trees were intriguing.
We Don't Have Tsunamis #1
This is one of the pieces on display at the Theatre Bar in Grand Haven through the month if April.
Ink, powder tempera, & gesso on foam.
48" x 14 3/8" x 4 1/4"
Listening
"The fundamental attitude of the believer is of one who listens." - David Asselin, S.J.
Tsunami
New work in progress...
Progress...
"We don't have tsunamis."
The mention of tsunamis is in reference to the recent 2 year anniversary of the tsunami in Japan (March 11). I, too, live near a large body of water. But our place is very safe. I've been reflecting on our relative safety and security, while so many suffer even after the news coverage ends. Remembering events which have taken place on the other side of the globe reminds us of the significance of place and the particularities of our place. The global scope of our contemporary situation and the easily accessed information enable people to share in a greater awareness the broader human situation.
The suffering in places like Grand Haven is below the surface. There exists a veneer of purity which, in part, is reality. But our gratefulness and compassion must grow as we consider other places. And so "We don't have tsunamis" is meant to do 2 things:
1) Help us to remember that just because the media no longer pays attention, it does not mean the after effects have ceased in places like Japan, the gulf coast, and the eastern seaboard.
And...
2) Pay attention to both the beauty and brutality of our relative peace and security.
Why some of us have the privilege of living in safety is a mystery...and it is grace. It is a gift none of us necessarily deserves.
These pieces are three-dimensional seascapes (or "lake"-scapes as the case may be here). The glorious fresh-water "seas" here in Michigan is something folks never tire of watching and playing in. For me, these "paintings" have emerged from an on-going fascination with the shifting of water and earth on these shores.
Vocation & the Artist's Studio
Another fantastic piece by Daniel Siedell
A view of my own studio.