Quick, close your virgin eyes!

Alright, I know some of my family reads this blog, so I'm asking that you pretend you didn't see this post...okay? Just erase it from your memory-banks right now. It's all much more innocent than it looks, I promise! I wasn't going to post this, but then I thought, "hey, I gotta' express myself, AND the many different facets of my personality!" So here we go...

This past weekend I went to the New York Erotic Art Fair. It was quite an interesting event. It was sponsored by the Tom of Finland Foundation, and held at the NY LGBT Community Center in the West Village. I was expecting to see lots of low, looooow brow art, and possibly some amusing "nephew-art" as well, but all in all, I was impressed by the overall quality of the work on display.

Mind you, it wasn't the Met, but like I said, I was pleasantly surprised by the craftmanship within many of the images on display. Of course, they were all relegated to the theme of erotic art, but it was amazing to see all the diversity within that parameter. I thought several of the artist's were amazing, and it was a fun change from the stuffy, classical antiquity you see in regular museums.

Not only did they have lots of art, but they also had continuous life drawing sessions running all day, free and open to anyone! It was fun. I used to attend (and run) a weekly life drawing session in Atlanta, but I have yet to join a drawing group here in NY, so I took advantage of the free opportunity to sketch some models.

And of course, since it was an erotic art fair, the models were encouraged to pose nude in more...ahem...suggestive poses! Some of them went way beyond the rules enforced in your everday life drawing session, which was fascinating to see, just for the spectacle of it all! I included one of my sketches above. It's from a pose of two burly fellows who, over the course of the ten minutes they were on display, got friskier and friskier with each other. From a technical point of view, it was really challenging to draw figures interacting with one another, especially in such a dramatic way. From a perv point of view, it was JUST FUN!

I plan to go back whenever they offer more figure drawing of this nature again. Heh heh...

I feel like a little girl!

Hey Mom, it's the room I always wanted! Haha!
(just kidding...well, sort of)

Actually, this is another room in the "playhouse" I've been designing for the kids' show. The character who inhabits this room on the show is a little puppy, and she's a cheerleader! That explains one of the details in the background...can you find it? (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

Mom

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You are wonderful. I want to devote a post all to you for your special day, because as far as mothers go, you're the best.

Loving. Nuturing. Beautiful. Understanding. Caring. Generous. Giving. Sweet. Creative. Smart. Wise. Kind. Strong.


All these words describe you. You are an inspiration to me. You have given so much, not expecting anything in return. I only hope you can sit back on this day, and smile with pride at how Patrick, Philip, and I have turned out. We want to make you proud. You've sacrificed so much for us, and provided everything we've needed on our paths through life. We'll never forget that.


This is such a neat photo. I paused before posting this one, because it's from your wedding anouncement clipping, but I think it encapsulates your personality.

I, personally, have always been awed by your wisdom and patience while bringing us up. Thank you so much for everything you've done and everything you continue to do. Thank you for the gift of my values, my personality, my artistic talent, and eternal optimisim. Thank you for always being there for me, and accepting me, no matter what.

I came out to you at sixteen, and you gave me the gift of continual, unconditional acceptance. That alone is an amazing example of your kindness and understanding, and I will always treasure that.

You're the coolest. I love you.

Why can't we all just get along?

Yes, I am a designer at heart, underneath all the life drawing, rough sketching, and messy paint. I love making a drawing crisp, clean, and as close to graphic perfection as possible. Although...perfection always eludes me. But I suppose that's how it is with perfection - It doesn't exist. (Yet, I chase it anyway.)

This is an illustration I did for an article about domestic fighting...in gay relationships.

Luckily, none of my relationships have ended this way! I can't imagine being in an argument like this...but, perhaps after being with someone for twenty years, this is where you arrive! Ha ha

Sex, Cartoony Lines, and Videotape

Hee hee hee...

I just did another illo for the weekly column. The piece was about objectification and pornography. Here's how it turned out. Initially, I drew the guy more seriously (see sketch below), trying to make him alluring and sexy, but it looked forced and stiff (NO pun intended).

So, I did this version above, off the cuff, without much of an under-drawing...and I like it WAY more than the first one. I think it has a fun energy to it. It's funny - sometimes you just have to go with the flow - go with the natural flow of the ink lines, so to speak. I'm learning to trust my instincts more. Instincts are such an important part of drawing. I like how he looks so silly, and so grotesquely bloated, and like he's trying to be "pretty". I like how this kinds of pokes fun at the whole idea of objectifying someone. Aren't we all beautiful in our own little ways? Aren't we all ugly, too?

I realize, of course, that the viewfinder isn't large enough to cover much. Although, it doesn't look as if there's all that much to cover.

In Search of a Perfect Stranger

Hello all. I've let a few days slip by without posting, because I've been looking for a new roommate. This past weekend, my current roommate proposed that we sublet his room starting June first. It turns out he was awarded an opportunity to study abroad this Summer. Since breaking the news, we've been going about finding a new roommate for me, so it's been a little crazy.

I don't mind that he wants to break the lease, really. The tricky thing is I only have a MONTH to find a worthy roommate replacement, which is no easy task. I'm mostly concerned because I've experienced nightmare roommates before, and I know how hard it is to find a roomie who's responsible, clean, considerate, and who gels with my interests. I don't want to end up with some freak, who stresses me out for the rest of the year, you know what I mean?

So if you know someone cool, who's looking for a convenient spot on the Upper West Side, let me know. My roommate placed an ad on Craigslist, and we've already gotten a flurry of responses, so things are looking good. Hopefully, this won't be that difficult, after all...but you never know.

Now we're cookin'

I wanna be the Donna Reed of Photoshop Backgrounds. I want my animated friends to come home to a hot meal, in an immaculately decorated home. They can sit at the table regaling me with the day's adventures, as I make cookies. I'll smile demurely and say things like, "Oh, you!" and "How about seconds, honey?" and "Can we get an Electrojuicer Deluxe like the Jones' have, pleeeeaaaase dear?"

Back in reality, this is yet another background for the secret show I'm working on.

And now...a Hermey the Elf Moment

We're a couple of misfits, we're a couple of misfits, what's the matter with misfits, that's where we fit in

We're not daffy or dilly, don't go 'round willy nilly, seems to us kind of silly, that we don't fit in

We may be different from the rest, who decides the test of what is really best

We're a couple of misfits, we're a couple of misfits, what's the matter with misfits, that's where we fit in!

Makin' a list...

Another illo assignment for the gay weekly my bud works for. It was a fun challenge doing this one. By the way, this little guy's check-list is not autobiographical of the artist (heh heh). After finishing this, I decided the guy reminds me of that perky dentist character from those old Rankin/Bass Christmas specials!

Can you imagine if that little dentist had his own checklist? Ewwwwwwww...

Ahhh...nature

The weather is getting warmer as Spring really sets in. I finally got out and took a little walk in Central Park this past weekend. It was really relaxing. It's funny how here in this city, nature is neatly contained within a squared-off, 843 acre plot in the middle of Manhatten, surrounded by concrete, buildings, and bustling traffic. An oasis in the midst of so much chaos. Since I have so many allergies, this is probably the best scenario for me, because I always got sick on family camping trips growing up in the South. But even though I hated them at the time, I've come appreciate those nature excursions from my childhood. It's important to go out and take advantage of all that lush, organic goodness now and then. Seeing all that green really came in handy for this week's show sketches. So thanks for getting me out of the house, and into the woods every once in a while as I grew up, Dad.

The Nourishing Stephen & Frances Mary

Since I've been reminiscing about Atlanta lately, it only makes sense to do a post devoted to two good - no...GREAT, friends of mine that I dearly miss. I've known them ever since my sophomore year at North Atlanta High School, back in...wow...1996 (or was it 1995?), when I was a shy, budding, young artist and student.

Stephen was our high school's answer to the lack of VISUAL arts at our performing arts magnet school. While the magnet focused primarily on theater, music, and annual tour shows, Stephen ushered in his vast expertise with all areas visual. He is a true Renaissance man, knowledgeable not only in art, but in drawing, painting, photography, art history, literature, and journalism. He was my educational rock. And I can't think of a better person to have filled that role. We became intrigued with each other, and due to occasional rides home from school, etc, I met his equally brilliant wife, Frances Mary.

Frances Mary was also a teacher, but she specialized in teaching the blind and children with disabilities. Between She and Stephen, I was surrounded by an interest in everything visual, and they appreciated anyone with a slightly different point of view. We became instant friends - at least that's how I remember our beginnings. I'm sure there was that period for Stephen and Frances to become accustomed to being friends with a student (or maybe not), but it wasn't long before we were all hanging out after school, on the weekends, attending origami meetings, making things, and going to movies together. It was the best of times. You see, along with Stephen and Frances' interest in art and learning, they also have a fascination with all things UNUSUAL and HILARIOUS. Talented in humor above perhaps all other things, they were the best at being silly, absurd, ridiculous, and SO MUCH FUN!

Ever since I've known them, they have always been there for me, and they were always there to remind me to laugh. That is a gift I don't know how to repay. Words cannot express all the love and respect I have for them. They are phenomenal human beings, and they are missed terribly since I moved to NYC.

Recently, they did come up for a visit, and it reminded me how much I like having them in my life. I had a wonderful time, and I hope their upcoming move brings them closer to me...otherwise I'm going to have to file for the opposite of a restraining order, where they are REQUIRED BY LAW to stay within 500 feet of me at ALL TIMES.

Below, check out the incredible photos Stephen took while he and Frances provided artistic support during the making of my Atlanta Cow Parade cow:


Check out the figurine!


Does the mural on the wall in this shot look familiar?

Ward

Today, I want to feature the amazing art of my good friend, Ward Jenkins, of The Ward-O-Matic. I recently came across this photo of the graffiti-art piece he did for me in my old loft apartment back in 2001! I'm so glad I have it documented, since It was impossible to take the work with me! When I left the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts, my roommate and friend, Brandon, stayed behind in the apartment for another year, ensuring the survival of the two dancers, keeping the piece safe from the Loft management, who surely would have it painted over. Unfortunately, now Brandon doesn't live there, either. He moved out and into another apartment last year, and I have no idea what happened to this beloved graffiti. I like to imagine that the management decided not to paint over it, deciding that the piece is pure GENIUS, and realizing that it ADDS to the value of the apartment! That's what I choose to believe...I can't bring myself to think about the alternative.

Who wouldn't want these two gettin' down in their living room?

I love everything about this graffiti. The colors, the composition, the lines, the outlines, and of course the visual VIBRATION that creates the illusion of movement. Ward knew exactly what to do to brighten up this room. The entire image was his idea, and I love how he utilized the corner of the room, and drew the characters on two different planes, dancing in space. I miss this mural terribly. It's a shame I couldn't peel it off the wall somehow, and roll it up to take with me.

Now I live far away in New York, and I look back and realize what great friends surrounded me in Atlanta. While I'm glad I've made the BIG MOVE to the city that never sleeps, I do miss the creative, fun-loving friends I knew in the ATL.

Luckily, I've been able to keep in touch with two of them through their blogs. They've provided me with a window to the city where I lived, and have written so many kind words, keeping in touch. So please, if you get a chance, check out The Ward-O-Matic, and while you're there, visit Hula Seventy as well. Ward's wife, Andrea, has created her own amazing blog. Together, they both celebrate the richness of life, art, and having kids. You'll even find a gallery that features colorful drawings by their very talented daughter, Ava.

My Work Space

Sometimes it's nice to see where an artist works. The items they fill their work space with say so much about them, and often, a collage of inspiration can be found on the walls surrounding an artist's desk.

Here's where I work. I just sit my cartoon self down and get to it, although I am often distracted by endless theme tunes, cartoon visitors, and falling anvils. It's hard to work when your eyeballs are so large that they rub up against one another until they've made the other one sore. Blinking is also difficult, since I have no eyelids to speak of. I'd sure like to wear something besides these white gloves, too...

Mission: World Domination...and ruining the rainbow for everyone

Hey gaysters!!! What?? Don't like being called "gaysters"??? Alright...but, since we're living in the days of "way-too-gay", I thought you'd get a few yuks out of being included! Ha ha...isn't that what everyone wants? To be the star of their own personal episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, or Straight Girl, or Straight Thing, or whatever?

No?

Hmmm...well, I can understand. Life shouldn't be about a singular group or movement or pair of jeans. And since I belong to the gay community by definition, I think I'm allowed to bash it now and then, just like how black people can bash the black community and get away with it.

As you can see, my illo above does just that. I did this back in art school (1998), as a reaction to what I was seeing more and more of in the younger gay community. It's sort of Stepford Wives-ish (but this was thought up before the cheesy remake came out). I had thoughts about doing a comic strip based on a world takover by mindless, work-out-a-holic, robotic gay men. Their Earth would be one where original thought was wiped out completely, and a superficial herd mindset was firmly set in place. Your brain would be replaced by a computer chip programmed to care ONLY about appearances, working out, shopping, labels, circuit parties, and hooking up.

Where are the lesbians in this takeover, you might ask? Well, I hadn't figured that part out yet. But, I digress.

The point is, I enjoyed the idea, but in the end, I felt the strip would ultimately come off as a bitter rant. I didn't want to shame the gay community any more than it was shamed by our larger society. Sure, as a group, it has things to work on, but why focus on the negative? Why reveal the negatives and make them obvious to other groups? Ultimately, it was a fun exercise; an idea for use later, when society and the gay community could laugh at themselves. And frankly, only the gay community (and a few sharp observers) would REALLY get the jist of the self-effacing humor in context anyway. Besides, I'm finding that a little gym exercise here and there is quite good for the spirit and the mind, when done in moderation. Therefore, how could I admit enjoying such things when this comic strip would prove me to be hypocritical?

These were all reasons the idea for the strip didn't stick with me, and the biggest reason is next: I didn't want to limit myself to a narrow slice of society. I've seen too many talented people come out of the closet, only to be sucked into a world obsessed with all things GAY. All their art ideas are consumed by it. And that's what they become...a "gay artist", rather than "an artist who happens to be gay." Why, I ask, as humans, would anyone want to be refered to by what or who they have sex with? Now...don't get me wrong, some titles and labels are necessary, but why a title that defines you by a sexual act?

I never want it to be my one and only soapbox issue, or to be something that defines me before anything else.

So, in saying that, I thought I'd share the illo for laughs. I look back on it with a newfound understanding for how I felt at the time, and to my surprise, it still cracks me up, because in some social circles this idea is still VERY relevant (perhaps just add crystal meth to the mix). After my last post, I think it makes for a good follow-up.

Taste the rainbow, people, but don't wrap yourself up and suffocate in it.

Ahhhh...subtlety.

Can someone please explain to me what's cute about this? Now, before you stone me with accusations of not being open minded, let me remind you that I've been a card-carrying member of the "gay community" since coming out to my mother (who is also same-sex oriented) at the age of sixteen. So really, seriously...why do some people feel the need to dress like a snowy white, Cher-worshipping version of a member from The Village People? Or attend dance parties with one-color theme titles? Recently, I dodged a big event here in New York called The Black Party. I suppose you go and wear black or leather (surprise!), do incredible amounts of drugs, and sleep with as many random people as possible (I'm guessing). Sound like fun? Good times? Nah...not for me. I'd rather meet a nice boyfriend to eventually take home to Mom and her girlfriend. Hopefully, in the future, there will be a day when the gay community looks back on these "ultra-event parties", and realizes how tacky some of these events really are. Give me a funny, ironic, witty, and self-aware drag queen performing at a local dive bar any day...over these stereotypical drones.

I'd love to hear outside opinions on this topic...

Where's there's beauty, there's bound to be ugliness not far away...

I was once told my drawings displayed a certain "grotesqueness" that mirrored certain truths. I was immediately flattered that my drawings could exhibit that kind of satire and depth!

I think that's what makes this life so interesting...the fact that along with this world's lush, colorful, ample beauty, comes a darker side that contrasts with all that is lovely. Good doesn't exist without evil, nor does beauty without decay. Let's take a moment and embrace the ugliness, shall we?

I seated ugliness on my knee, and almost immediately grew tired of it. -Salvador dali

Considered physiologically, everything ugly weakens and saddens man. It reminds him of decay, danger, impotence; it actually reduces his strength. The effect of ugliness can be measured with a dynamometer. Whenever anyone feels depressed, he senses the proximity of something “ugly.” His feeling of power, his will to power, his courage, his pride—they decline with ugliness. -Friedrich Nietzsche

I don’t believe in evil, I believe in horror. In nature there is no evil, only an abundance of horror, the plagues and the blights and the ants and the maggots. -Isak Dinesen

I’m tired of all this nonsense about beauty being only skin-deep. That’s deep enough. What do you want- an adorable pancreas? -Jean Kerr.

A Nursery Lesson

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could wank. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged him to a race. All the animals in the forest gathered to watch.

Hare wanked for a while and then paused to rest. He looked at Slow and Steady and cried out, "How do you expect to win this race when you are wanking at your slow, slow pace?"

Hare stretched himself out and fell asleep, thinking, "There is plenty of time to relax."

Slow and Steady wanked and wanked. He never, ever stopped until he came.

The animals who were watching cheered so loudly for Tortoise, they woke up Hare.

Hare stretched and yawned and began to wank again, but it was too late. Tortoise had finished and was smoking a cigarette.

After that, Hare always reminded himself, "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!"

I'm an interior designer...for cartoons.

Don't wander into your basement, kids! It's scary down there! Watch out for those hazardous chemicals...

Heh heh, this is yet another background for the kid's safety show I'm working for. I'm loving blending colors, effects, and textures in Photoshop to create these environments. The characters on the show will be interacting with them. I can't post anymore right now, but when they're done shooting the series, I'll showcase more!

Lip Service

Recently, several friends and I embarked on an EATING ADVENTURE at the notorious Lips restaurant nestled deep within the West Village! Whether you live in New York or you're just visiting, I highly recommend it. I'd gone years ago and worried that this past Friday's visit wouldn't live up to the amazing time I had the first time around, but once the Cosmo-tini's got flowing and the "ladies" started performing, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

As you can tell from the photo above, yours truly was so soused, I couldn't keep my grubby paws off our "sweet and demure", little server. We were all highly impressed by her ability to take our orders, keep our Cosmo-tini's filled to the brim, and perform a show-stopping number in the middle of the dining room floor - all in 6" heels!

Perhaps as a pay-back for copping a feel of her busomy chest, I was dragged into the middle of her performance and promptly stripped of my shirt, shoved onto my knees, and forced to lick/eat whipped cream out of her crotch. There's pictures of all of this, but I deemed them too inappropriate for my blog...considering I'm too classy and demure to post that! I'm shy, people, what can I say?

But, I hope you enjoy the rest of these images from our evening. It's a night in the life of several fun-loving manhatten-ites, who I'm lucky to say are my friends. Included in the group is (based on the following pic, left to right): Yours truly, Lee (our visiting Brit) , the fabulous Dustin, her charming younger sister Purdum, the Elegant Susan, and last but not least, the ever vivacious and alluring Alea. Thanks for being so much fun, you guys! I feel surrounded by good people since moving to New York.This is a night I'll remember!

Gimmie Gimmie Octopus!

As I work on the children's puppet show, I find myself looking at other puppet shows for inspiration. While looking, I came across this: Gimmie Gimmie Octopus


It's gotta' be the WEIRDEST darn kid's show I've EVER seen. Watch and be amazed...how did this ever get made???