Studio Sun

Today, after what seems like a lifetime of cold weather, my studio was graced with a beautiful warm beam of sunlight. I made a point to move my chair into it to bask in the light and the warmth. Hopefully this is a sign that the cold tide is turning.

Coloring Kiss

Nothing deep and insighful here, I just love the fact that Cali asked to color a picture of a band. I found a cartoon drawing of KISS and she went to town.

The Great Ice Walk of 2009

After seven years of saying it, today I finally walked across the frozen Saginaw River. Year after year it just amazes me that the river completely freezes and that people not only ice fish on it, but they also snowmobile right down the frozen river. Last weekend, while driving over the bridge, Cali saw people out on the ice and said she wanted to try. Now I had a reason to finally cross the ice.

This afternoon Cali, Jolene and I parked at the West Side boat launch and walked all the way across to Wenonah Park. For the most part the ice was smooth, but there were ice fishing holes to watch out for and the occasional crack. I was a very surreal experience to be standing on water, but reality came crashing back with the viciously cold breeze that comes up the river.

Me And My Shadow

It's Sunday morning and I can't seem to sleep so I decided to leave the girls snoozing in their beds and walk across to the studio to do some work. For some strange reason I am always captivated by the image of my own shadow when walking past the streetlight so this morning I decided to capture it on film. Just for the record I have not gained 200 pounds, rather I am wearing 3 layers of clothing and a bulky jacket because it is so damn cold.

Mini Disc Golf Basket

This year for Christmas, Mark and the boys sent Cali a mini disc golf basket. Since she spent so much time here at my studio while she was on Christmas break we decided to put it in the open area outside my studio door. It is a great little basket and we are able to use the Insane For The Chains mini discs that I have left from a promotion that took place several years ago. Now that school is back in I think I am going to have to give the basket back but you can bet that it will be on my Father's Day list this year. Maybe even two baskets so that I can set up a mini course for my procrastination periods.

Studio Redecorating

Last night and this morning I freshened up the look of the studio. I have been wanting more color in the room and art on the walls and I am very happy with the result. The updated decor consists of the painting from Joe Richard, a painting given to me by Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, new photos of Cali, and several framed comic books (Batman, Maxx, Pitt, Daredevil, Swamp Thing). I also created a matted, framed print of the drawings I did of Grandpa from over the years and a photo of him walking down a road. Besides the new wall decor I also moved my collection of drawing books to the top of the heater housing and spread out my collection of toys within the shelves of the unit that Jolene built.

It may seem a bit much, but it really feels like me and I feel extremely creative and alive when I am there.

Destroyers Season Ticket Design

As I stated in an earlier post, I am really enjoying being the creative force behind the new minor league basketball team Mid Michigan Destroyers. This week I created their season tickets, the program for their inaugural game as well as souvenir T-shirts.

As much as I enjoy working with Coach Newsham I am personally concerned about the amount of projects he is juggling. Not only is he the Head Coach of the team as well as doing all the marketing and finances, but he also has his day job and his home life as a father of two. I met with him several times this week and he looks really worn down and said that he is averaging 2-3 hours of sleep per night. I think I relate with him so well because I can appreciate his passion and the driving force behind seeing a vision come to life. These are also elements that frustrate the hell out of me since he is very hard to get a hold of and pushes deadlines to the midnight hour. But, if I am to continue to be part of this project I have to accept that this is the way that it will be and try to be more patient. Even maybe more understanding of him and the reflection I see of myself.

Tomorrow night Jolene, Cali and I will be attending the first home game and I am very proud to be a part of it.