End of the Year List

Things I accomplished (in convenient bulleted format):

• Reestablished my passion for graphic design, and am finishing my certificate at UCLA Extension.
• Had a couple of fun art openings, and sold some paintings. Quite happy with the direction paintings are taking.
• Gained 20+ pounds, and lost them by getting back on my bike. Joined a club & a team, got a Cervelo S1 and am starting to train for the next racing season.
• Managed to live better with less, in every way.

An I'm sure there's a bad side to the sport...

These bladder wheeled bicycles are diabolical devices of the Demon of Darkness. They are contrivances to trap the feet of the unwary and skin the nose of the innocent. They are full of guile and deciept! When you think you have broken one to ride and subdued its wild and Satanic nature, behold it bucketh you off in the road and teareth a great hole in your pants. Look not upon the bike when it bloweth upon its wheels, for at last it bucketh like a bronco and hurteth like thunder. Who has skinned legs? Who has a bloody nose? Who has the ripped breeches? They that daly along with the bicycle!

from a sermon, Maryland, 1896.

As quoted from: A social History of the Bicycle, Robert A. Smith

All the while

While you're up

While you're waiting

While you're at it

While you were gone

While you were out

Worth your while

Wiley Coyote

Health Insurance

We were talking about insurance last night. For 3 of us, it is $750 per month for an HMO (in my opinion, HMO is legalized genocide).

So why have insurance? Why not open an account (savings, IRA, whatever) and put money aside for visits to the doctor?

The only downside is if something happens like your appendix bursts, then it will be expensive.

But really, $750 a month? And with the likely risk that the insurance company will deny your claim for any reason they see fit. Would it not be better to abuse a credit card in an emergency and see a real doctor than pay an insurance company?

Share the road and please don't kill

Dr. Thompson slammed on his brakes and seriously injured two bicyclists. We have all heard the story. He was thought of as such a menace, the judge ordered him to stay in jail until he is sentenced on Jan. 8th. He faces ten years in jail, but is not expected to get the maximum sentence. There was even a post on the internet about how to contact the judge to request he get the maximum penalty.

The other side of this story is the one nobody is discussing. And that is how can a successful doctor, living in a nice house in an amazing neighborhood be filled with so much hatred? He had to move because of this mess, lost his job and is now in jail, wondering how long he will have to be there. All because of an unimaginable sense of entitlement. Me first, get out of my way, I'm so much more important than you. His life is pretty well ruined, and he has become a poster boy for cyclists to point at and hate.

And rightly so.

Slower?!

I did the Piru time trial this weekend again. A 20km (12mile) relatively flat course.

This time I had a new bike & plenty of rest. I felt much stronger and faster during the race and expected to knock minutes off my time. I was surprised to learn I was 15/100s of a second slower than when I did the same race last month.

There is another race in November, I may enter it.

A scenic bike ride through the countryside

Last night the family & I went to the Encino Velodrome for a bbq & outdoor bigscreen showing of the movie, Bicycle Dreams. It is a documentary about the Race Across America (RAAM), which runs from San Diego to Atlantic City. Everyone follows the same route and ride on open, public roads.

Cyclists go for days on end with little or no sleep, pushing themselves into total physical and mental exhaustion. There was an incredibly sad scene where one rider was killed by a car. Another dropped out due to pnumonia, another had foam pieces taped around his neck to ease pain and one rider hallucinated to the extent of having to pull off the road to rest after being chased by dolphins. Typically 48% of cyclists finish the race, and those who do turn themselves inside out to do it.

Lance Armstrong commented that endurance athletes are trying to run away from themselves. I agree with this. All the riders interviewed did not come off as nut cases, but rather as athletes in top form. But there must be something that would make somebody want to spend that much time on a bike. I can tell you that, for me, 100 miles is plenty. Although I can appreciate what the mind & body must go through in this race. It is mind blowing and intense.

If you get a chance, do see this film. It is well made and has a lot of interviews with the riders and race coverage.

I did my first century in 20 years Saturday, the cool breeze century in Ventura. One of the easier rides with 3500 feet of climbing. I was happy to do it in 6 hours. The ride starts along the coast, then the hills start 20 miles in as the route heads inland to a series of hairpin turns. At the top of the hill the ride becomes surreal as many homes were destroyed by the fires a few months back. The major hills end after about 40 miles, then it returns along the coast.

They posted a few photos on the website. And one thing I noticed was a few riders, men & women, had jerseys with cut off sleeves (I hate those) with arm warmers, so that the tops of the arms were exposed. It just seems silly and looks rediculous. Like this gentleman in the blue:

Out of the many cyclists on this ride, I was surprised to find a photo of me. I'm third from the right in the red, white & black jersey.

Back to the regularly scheduled program

I haven't updated the blog in quite some time. July has been a hectic month. Plus the Tour de France took up lots of time, as usual.

I'm getting ready to start some new paintings and find my way back into some kind of groove. And I have 2 more weeks before a 100 mile bike ride in Ventura. I should be ok on that, because it's mostly flat and shouldn't be too hot.

And I have a guesthouse to design for some friends. Should be a fun project that I plan on documenting here as we go.

Tour de Corruption

A 50 minute video talk given by Greg LeMond is quite depressing. He says he would not want his son to race bikes professionally, that Lance Armstrong has doped and will never admit it because he has no conscience and the officials in the sport are all corrupt. Lance's response via twitter was that Greg has been drinking the haterade.

I didn't find the speech to be that hateful, although if you are Lance it certainly is considered as such. He brought up some valid points, such as how to go about cleaning up the sport by giving a break to riders who come forward and admit to doping and punishing the coaches, doctors and pharmacists who give riders the illegal meds.

Personally, I think a clean race is much more exciting than a bunch of steroid freaks of nature climbing mountains without seeming winded. Like all the cheats in the world, someday the truth will come out and damage will be done. Just look at wall street, the Catholic church and the economy for proof.

Saturday's bike ride

I went on a nice bike ride yesterday w/ the club. We rode 63 miles up to Magic Mountain area, then towards Vasquez. Here's the route. Only difference was we rode Sand Canyon to Plascerita Cyn., rather than stay on Sierra Hwy. Added a few miles and some steep climbs, but we rode through nice scenery and avoided traffic. We climbed over 3,000 ft.

Not bad for somebody who has been off the bike for 16 years and started again less than 4 months ago, and had to use the granny gears to get up a hill no steeper than a freeway overpass. I'm also happy to be able to make it over the hills, because that means more scenic rides with fewer cars and traffic lights.

I also joined a team and plan to race again next year.

New Images

There is an interesting article in today's New York Times about major corporations changing their logos. Every logo went from bold, corporate, powerful all-caps type and symbols to colorful, lower case, narrower text. Also many incorporated leaves in the graphics.

This is a good thing. Gone are the stuffy, cold graphics and in with the friendlier symbols. The leaves, of course, say we care about the planet and the colors say optimism and growth.

And on a totally unrelated note, here's our group terrorizing Victory Blvd. this morning (I'm hidden in the blue helmet).

Angeles Crest Ride

We rode up Angeles Crest Highway today. Long hills that seem to never end, but are not too steep. Weather was perfect and I managed to keep a decent pace. Lots of people on the roads today. We regrouped at Newcomb's Ranch restaurant & bar. Didn't I just post about a place where the only customers are bikers and cyclists?

Me, surrounded by some pretty fast people.

I love this photo because the 2 guys in the middle got Newcastle Ale. A hot day or riding hills, beer is the last thing I want to see until I get home.

The future workplace from hell is not here to stay

Time magazine had an interesting article about working in the future/ present. Most of what they say will happen is happening now, such as working from home on a project specific deadline for various companies. But this is only happening now because of the poor economy. After a short time, nobody is really going to want to hustle for work from various sources all the time. It's exhausting and creates a feast or famine lifestyle. Nobody will turn down work for fear of not getting a call back for the next project.

Furthermore, there is an advantage to working in an office with colleagues. Communication is instant and all the resources of the office are available. Yes, the commute may suck, but working at home in a vacuum makes more phone calls and emails necessary. This is, in fact, the reason architects cannot outsource their work to India and the Philippines. A roll of tracing paper and quick sketches from the coworker sitting next to you replaces a wordy email, a tighter sketch, a scan and an email. I am certain this is true for other businesses as well.

The other thing that bothers me about the article is this notion of generation X doing away with the coveting corner office. Not to say the corner office is the most important status symbol, but it will only be replaced with another petty perk. And gen X may be young, energetic and computer savvy, but they also have no life experience and certainly no business experience. With them, everything is instant and surrounded by bright visual overstimulation and childish clothing.

So Time magazine, please go to the nearest ATM, make a large withdrawal, go out and buy a clue.

Today's ride

Me, on the left. Fun to ride in a big group.

Bikers, Cyclists, whatever

I remember in the late 80's, my friends and I would do this great bike ride in the hills above Irvine. A hilly, scenic pass with nothing around thru Santiago Canyon. It was a long, hard ride and if you bonked half way through it you were screwed, because it only had two outlets to get back to the city. About the only thing out there was this biker bar in the middle of nowhere, called Cook's Corner. We would stop and hang out. Funny thing was the only customers were either bikers or cyclists. As I sat there one Saturday afternoon with my friends, I noticed that there was a similarity between us - we needed to sit where we could see our bikes. You think of this more with cyclists, but I watched bikers look over their shoulders to check out their bikes, just like us.

It was a mellow place (at least during the late mornings that we were there), and it was a place that only cyclists and bikers seemed to know about.

Glenn Murcutt Interview in Record

Architectural Record mag. has a nice interview with Glenn Murcutt. I like what he says about the importance of drawing, the silliness of LEED, how he avoids making boring bldgs. by not being a slave to the computer and he's a one man office.

Definitely recharged the batteries, especially these days.

My problem with LEED, since you asked, is it is well intentioned, but is turning into yet another bureaucracy. Just like the ADA, it makes more hoops to jump through and forms to fill out. And we really should be doing these things anyway...shouldn't we?

One Ring to Bind Them

A few months ago I gained some weight, and noticed my wedding ring was getting surrounded by my finger. I couldn't remove it, so I cut it off. Not an expensive ring and easily replaceable, I could always get another to match at the jewelry store.

So this morning the wifey handed me her father's ring and said try it on. So I put it on, looked at her and asked, "Can you still see me?" Can't hurt to ask... Ring fits, I like it better than the old one so not only is the problem solved, but I don't have to step foot into a jewelry store. I would have like the invisibility, however.

Dear architecture, kingdom's coming

It seems to me that with all the many friends I have who have been laid off from architecture firms, poor management is to blame. That is to say, firms should have cut pay and worked with employees to keep them by training them on the latest software, updating the detail library, furthering education, etc. Simply hiring and firing sends the wrong message and discourages any form of loyalty in the future, and rightly so.

Having said that, I do know offices that have kept employees, and only let go of those who they absolutely could not keep. For example, a friend has a firm with no administration people, accountants, etc. He only kept the architects, and only they are billable in the first place. Many larger companies let go of architects and keep the admin. staff. This is unforgivable. It sends the wrong message.

So when things pick up, the dinosaurs will be left with nothing. They will not upgrade to Revit. They will beg their past employees to come back. And the profession will benefit from those of us who understand this and have enough experience to forge ahead and leave them behind.

There is a whole group of people in their 40's and 50's, computer literate, experienced and competent who will lead. And to the dinosaurs, have another glass of scotch, shake your head and say, "I don't know what happened."

R.I.P. Coach Bell

Sad to hear that Coach Glenn Bell passed away. He was my PE teacher in high school. Back then, I typically ditched his class to go surfing. I hated organized sports. He was a great guy, with quotes like, "I want higher standards, average is unacceptable." I always thought he would have been amazed to learn that I went on to race bicycles, a very hard sport.

Twitteratzi

I will be twittering again today from the Santa Fe Art Colony.

Pig Flu

L.A. Times says it's less severe than the typical flu we all suffer through every year. Some expert on the radio says to stock up on food and get cash from your ATM. Thankfully, I have a doctor in the family with some useful information.

True, the flu isn't so bad. In the U.S., we have drugs that can treat it.

Why is it scary? Because it has not fully mutated. And it has mutated to the extent that drugs that were effective are no longer useful. Nobody knows how bad it can become. And, killing pigs is too little way too late. It's everywhere. And we will all come across it, so hopefully it will not progress into something deadly worldwide - seems like it will not at this point. Saying no traveling at this point is too little too late. And you can transmit it without having any symptoms yet.

So come to the Santa Fe Art Colony this weekend. If you don't feel well, stay at home. If you don't feel well and do come, don't sneeze on me.

Tour of Gila

In preparation for the Giro in Italy, starting May 9th, Lance Armstrong, Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer wanted to ride this race in New Mexico, called the Tour of Gila. As this is a small race, the UCI (cycling governing board) would not allow Lance's Astana team to compete. So the 3 are riding for another team, called Mellow Johnnys Bike Shop. And they are riding this race without pay.

Pretty funny, and great for the sport! Unless, of course, you are a top American pro expecting to win and now racing against 3 of the very best in the sport.

Here's Lance talking about it. (I think you need Facebook to see it).

This weekend: Santa Fe Art Colony Open House

I will be here this Saturday & Sunday, from 12-7 with lots of new paintings. Stop by and say hi!

Art Colony website here.

Directions here.

About Santa Fe Art Colony Open Studios 20th Annual Open Studios May 2nd and May 3rd Saturday and Sunday, 12 - 7pm The Santa Fe Art Colony is pleased to announce it's 20th annual Open Studio/Artwalk Weekend. The first weekend in May has been designated as the permanent date for future Artwalks. Named for its' location on Santa Fe Avenue, the colony houses 57 studio residences. Once a year, over 40 residents of the colony open their private studios to the public. Also participating are some non-resident artists and sponsors providing art-related products. This Artwalk is the easiest of its kind to tour. The architectural layout of the complex is compact, and the grounds are enhanced by the efforts of residents with green thumbs in their palettes. Refreshments are available in the garden for purchase. It is a truly unique experience to see an artists work within the context of its creation. A glimpse into the creative environment of the artist provides insight to the creative process that cannot be gleaned from a gallery exhibition. Artists are on hand to answer questions, and it is a rare treat to see new works in progress in addition to studies and finished pieces. The Artwalk is an opportunity to purchase work directly from the artist and see what is coming up in the LA art scene. Artists range from emerging to established, and the colony has welcomed many new residents in the past few years. Works by SFAC residents have been featured in major art exhibitions, publications and collections locally, nationally, and internationally.

Sonos

We went to Home in Silverlake last night to see the excellent acapella group, Sonos. My daughter heard they were playing there for the low, low price of free at 10pm. This is a great little restaurant with indoor/ outdoor seating and a nice, laid back atmosphere.

Sadly, the manager told us this is their last show because a neighbor complained about noise. Ummm, the place is located 50 yards from the i-5 freeway on Riverside Drive. Not exactly the quite countryside, know what I mean? And it's not like Black Flag is playing there, either.

Anyway, check out Sonos, they have some songs on itunes and kcrw's website. They do an amazing cover of the Radiohead song Everything in it's Right Place.

And that was a long day. Started out doing 55 miles on my bike with the club. The last 10 miles I was out of gas completely. Then I went to the Santa Fe Art Colony to set up the boards for the show next weekend.

Bella

Getty Center

Friday the wifey and I went to the Getty Ctr. Perfect weather and some nice exhibits. There are a couple photo shows that are pretty good, featuring photos from the 30's that were hand colored. They actually got the colors quite accurate, not overdone.

We also treated ourselves to the restaurant at the Getty on the top of the hill. Such a great place, with views of the city in both directions. Even though it was a Friday, it is rare that there isn't a line out the door, place was only about 3/4 full. But in this economy, even the Getty has been laying off.

Coming soon

Companies, good vs. evil

Dominos, haven't eaten there in years because their pizza sucks. Bad companies are bad from the top down, so no use blaming a few bad apples.

I used to work in an arch. firm (not naming names) that had a nice owner, but a horrible staff. Every time he'd leave the office, creeps would surf porn and cruelly gossip about others in the office (and their families). I got all the good projects that came in the door, and the creeps would work on things like remodling elevator buttons and sink pipe replacement (actual jobs, both). The owner knew about most of what went on to an extent, but was the type who figured if everyone got along life is good. Most of  the creeps will never be hired by any decent firm and don't know any better than what they "have". The few good employees lack the courage to leave and put up with the insanity. I finally got fed up and left.

When Frank Lloyd Wright had his school, once a week he would have a black tie dinner party, so that students would learn to mingle with the wealthy. The wealthy build his buildings, after all. In architecture, as in art, there is no bottom rung on the ladder, so don't waste time.

The next office I went to was excellent. Very professional, nice people, great projects. I was no longer a thoroughbred among pigs, but got to work with some of the best people.

Funny how that works.

It's like an art critic friend of mine once said, "Eventually, the shit sinks to the bottom and the cream floats to the top."

Today's stamp

Hills

Saturday I did a 40 mile ride with the club, and Sunday we did a ride that went up to the top of Reseda Blvd. I struggled to make it up the 1.6 mile hill, pedaling  in my smallest gear going 3 mph. Any slower and I'd fall. But I did make it to the top, and am on the far right side of this photo.

I got there about 3rd from the last rider to make it. Not complaining, as a month ago I could not have even made it half way up the hill. Fun part was hitting 46 mph on the way down - that made it all worth it!

Quick rendering of my house using Revit

Last Sunday's cold ride thru the valley

Photos from last weekend's ride. I'm in the middle of this photo w/ the blue helmet.

And, yes, I do need a tan. But still able to smile even while munching a raspberry powerbar (yuch).

Cad programs

I have been learning the cad program Revit lately. Totally different from autocad and much better. I am drawing my house, using it, and struggling to learn all the 3D aspects. If you're an architect and you or your firm are still using autocad, you're missing out.

All we need now are projects.

Velodrome

I took a beginning class at the Encino Velodrome today. There were about a dozen of us and it was a really great group of varying levels. We started cruising around the track slowly, getting used to the fixed gear and lack of brakes. Also fun is riding on steep banked turns.

By the end of the class, the instructor was timing us in individual runs and we raced against one other person in a pursuit. I was really happy with my time, and came in 3rd in the group, but by the pursuit I had nothing left and lost by a good margin. The pursuit is when you have 2 people, starting at opposite sides of the track, so the only way you know if you are winning is to look across the track at the line.

The thing I really love about the track, is there are no cars and no traffic signals. I may end up buying a track bike. They are different from road bikes in that they have no brakes, one gear, you can't coast and the cranks (what the pedals attach to) are smaller so you don't scrape along the banks.

Funny thing happened. A guy showed up and asked the instructor about joining the class next time. He gave his card to the coach, and turned out to be a porn star. Yes, it's what the valley is famous for!

Website

I completely reworked my website. Comments, complaints, etc. are accepted and appreciated.

http://www.waggnerstudio.com/

Father Guido Sarducci's career advice

Milan San Remo

Probably the greatest descent in cycling history, Sean Kelly at the '92 Milan San Remo vs. Moreno Argintin.

You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning

I was shocked and saddened to learn that Matt Camp, of the Venice Surf Report blog, passed away. I think he was in his mid 30's, and died from complications of, all things, knee surgery.

I read his blog on and off for quite some time. He was totally politically incorrect, and had this running series about the boyos, the homeless alcoholics in Venice and the things they did. Sounds bizarre, but it was actually pretty funny and he did help them out when possible. He also posted the strangest videos that were so bad they were funny.

There is a paddle out planned, and if I can, I'll go. I never actually met him, and that's a bummer too.

Monday, off to a fast start

I did 25 miles on the bike today, including some decent hills. I wanted to go more into the hills, but I'm nowhere near in shape for that yet. I'm happy with the speed I ride on the flats, so hopefully I can lose a few pounds and get into better form.

Last night I went to bed pissed at how 2 of my paintings were coming along. Got up, looked at them today and am happy. The colors are really working and the criticisms I had last night did not hold up. Time to get back to work on them - I have lots to do with Santa Fe coming up in May.

And I want to redo a lot of my website.

Garden is starting to bloom

It's a club, not a gang

Went on a nice 27 mile bike ride this morning with the San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club.  There were over 50 people who divided into long, hard and easy rides. I almost went with the  group doing the century instead of the easy ride. That would not have even happened, I'm not there...yet. Weather was nice, cool and gloomy. My favorite for biking.

I met the wifey and daughter at the Corner Bakery, the club's rest stop, and had breakfast with them. Then it was back on the bike. A lot of people did the Solvang Century today, so there were fewer riders. But riding in a huge group is so much fun. Can't wait to do longer rides.

Work Ethic vs. Flakes

I met somebody who really really wants to be an artist and get into a gallery. He went to the gallery I show at, dropped my name (which I don't mind) and got an interview. His work is not bad, and has been up on the wall for a few months. Since then, he has not contacted the gallery, even though they call him. Flake.

Another new artist at the gallery has some work up for a few months, came to some openings a few times. Nice girl, very enthusiastic. In fact, I would buy one of her pieces if I could afford it. Anyway, same thing, she hasn't been heard from since.

If you are an artist who makes 3 pieces a year, stick to the art in the park scene. Don't go to a gallery unless you can commit to submitting new work every month. This is what separates the artist from the hobbyist. Just like saying, I love bicycling and seeing Lance Armstrong on the podium - I want that. Well, what you don't see is Lance riding alone in the snow in the off season in the steepest hills around - even when he doesn't feel like it.

Tonight

Heading out to watch some races at the Encino velodrome, then off to Orlando Gallery, where I am in a group show.

The new Star Trek movie coming out in May looks cool. I was never a big fan of the show, the only series I really liked was Next Gen. Space movies, if done right, are the best.

The dim future on the history channel

Watched a show on the History Channel about Nostrodomus and what the ancient Mayans predicted, etc. Looks like in 2012 the sun will align with lots of things and the Earth's magnetic field will lesson, causing volcanoes, etc. The wifey asked why I'm watching and isn't it stressing me out? I say, no. Makes my little problems seem like nothing and I should enjoy myself until 2012.

Of course, I don't believe any of this garbage. But it is amusing to see these professor types, who nobody has ever heard of, deciphering pictures and finding meanings in cross statues made thousands of years ago.

Online art buying

I dropped off a painting at the gallery this morning. It will be included in next month's group show, with the opening next Saturday. That was a nice surprise.

Gino, the gallery owner, had a friend who bought a painting from an artist's website, and was disappointed when it arrived. The painting did not look like what he thought he was buying. Online buying is fine, and I do sell paintings from my website. However, what you see on the screen is going to be quite different from what the actual piece looks like, no matter how good the photographer. There are too many variables. Computer screens differ dramatically from one to the other and no photo ever truly looks like a painting. I do my best to post images on my website that depict the painting as it is, but it never looks the same.

So if you see something online you like, be sure to see it in person before you take it home. And that makes the gallery system even more valuable.

Cycling

Got out on the bike again today. I have a sweet Canondale road bike that I got 5 or 6 years ago, rode a few times, and hung in the garage. So I have put on some weight and decided I'd had enough. So I dusted it off and started riding again on Monday. I'm out of shape and can barely make it up a hill equal to a freeway onramp. Today I got a new set of Continental tires that are nice and sticky. Prices have gone up quite a bit.

The only way I can exercise is by doing something I enjoy. Cycling is a great way to see things and it's fun to go down hills fast. Plus, when I'm active it gives me energy to do other things, too.

There are surprisingly some great rides to go on from my house. Basically, if you want flats, you have to brave the idiots in suv's. But if you like hills, the possibilities are limitless. With very little major crowded valley streets, I could go in the foothills to a road that parallels Topanga Cyn. Blvd., then onto Mulholland to Kanan Dume or any number of roads over the Santa Monica mountains to PCH, then up to Point Magu. That's my goal, but it won't happen for a while. So until then, I'm slowly making my way back.

As for art, I have lots of canvases to stretch and get finished for the Santa Fe Art Colony open house in May. Hopefully if you see me there, I will look less like I do now and more like I did here a few years ago:

The little known, multifaceted day of a geisha

Writing a novel

Showing her insurance card at the doctors office

Milking a cow

Enjoying a jacuzzi

A book and a rant

Looking at a book I checked out at the Brand Library in Glendale today, called Pretty Vacant. I have not yet read what little text there is, but flipping through the pages (it's a small but thick picture book) I can see it features apartment buildings in Los Angeles and Santa Monica from the 50's to the 60's.

I grew up visiting friends in places like these since I was a kid, so there is sort of a nostalgic connection. But all of these buildings, mostly 2-3 stories spanning parking spaces, are such Los Angeles icons. They have various script fonts in their names and many have this bizarre metal signage graphics of the sun.

What I like about these buildings is that they had a hopeful quality to them. All in the same general style, yet unique one to the other.

I tend to notice these buildings more today than before. Why must we build Mediteranian style buildings here? Stop borrowing, it's L.A. Mediteranian and Spanish style buildings were built based on materials in the area and technology at the time, and that is beautiful. But we are living in a very different time and need to use our own materials and aesthetic. Borrow/ steal from the past - yes, but don't pretend to be that period type of structure. Perfect example of disasterous aesthetics, Irvine cookie cutter developments.

Anyway, it's a good book.

Weekend in San Diego

We took a tour of the Midway on Saturday. After spending 2 hours there, we still did not see everything. It would have been amazing to have seen it in action with the planes taking off and landing. It is like a small city with everything needed to be self sustaining for long periods of time. Not for the claustrophobic, however.

Sunday we went to MCASD in La Jolla. There was a Jasper Johns show featuring light bulbs. It was not a bad exhibit, but was interesting that somebody could make so many sketches and sculptures about... light bulbs.

San Diego is expensive, and La Jolla is beautiful. We really want to move there, and are starting to gear ourselves to that. The only thing about San Diego is that it is expensive. Not the most action packed place to be, but much more relaxing than LA. And, of course, there are so many great surf spots.

25 Random Things About Me

I never go anywhere without my sketchbook.

I like living in the quiet suburbs, but like working/ being in an active urban environment.

I don't like the telephone.

I have been married for 15 years and have 2 kids (daughter & stepdaughter) that I could not be more proud of.

I grew up surfing and skateboarding, stopped both in the 90s, and now do both again and love and appreciate them more than ever.

I don't care that my hair is half gone, and am pretty sure it's not coming back.

I go to art galleries and/or museums at least once a week.

I love good food and good wine.

I miss living close to the beach.

I used to race bicycles.

The actual Gidget was my friend's mom when I was a kid. She was the coolest.

Agnes Martin's Writings is my favorite book.

My dad was a press photographer, and I got to go to Superbowls & World Series' as a messenger on the field.

I have met, and continue to meet, a lot of fascinating people in the artworld.

I find wearing a suit embarrassing.

I hate to dance. Unless it's a slow dance, it aint happening.

I am a recovering Catholic.

I only started painting around 1999, and don't know how I lived without it for so many years.

I have been represented by an art gallery for 5 years now.

When I was a kid, I used to skateboard down Temescal Canyon Road, while carrying my surfboard at 6 AM. Note that it gets steeper as it approaches PCH.

I am a cancer survivor.

I have a green thumb and planted over 40 trees around my house. I also like privacy.

I listen to most types of music, but love hardcore punk, and play it at an unreasonable volume when nobody is home.

I can make the perfect martini (traditional, no appletini, etc.).

Religious people scare me.

Look kids, aquatic fowl

I was reading a book today, when I heard a loud splash in the pool. Thought it was a tree branch or something falling in the pool, but it was... ducks. Not a common sight here. My wife's first question was, was it photoshopped?

Hanging hardware goes on first

I was finishing a painting the other day, and put the hanging hardware on the back. I always do this before I start a painting, but this time I didn't. Anyway, while screwing in a hanger, the screw driver slipped and rammed into the wood panel. Yes, on the other side the layer of ply had broken. Luckily, I can fix it. After the paint dries, cut out the wood sticking out and put some hard sandable gesso on, then wet sand it. Also fortunate that the damaged part of the painting is not an extremely detailed part that would be hard to recreate.

Still, I was fit to be tied. But once I knew I could fix it, it was alright. Even had I painted over the damaged part, chances are that I would be the only one who knew or noticed anything wrong. But I cannot bear the thought of selling a painting with any type of damage to it.

Hope or Panic

       

Art Talk

Last night I went to a discussion with artist Lisa Adams and Shana Nys Dambrot at Lawrence Asher Gallery on Mid Wilshire. The gallery was packed and it was an excellent talk about Lisa's thought process in painting. I have known Lisa for many years and studied under her, and have always loved her work.

One of the things that stood out for me, was her take on the artworld. Like most artists, she wanted to get into the museum/ fame/ recognition scene. But the artworld, as I am finding, wants none of that. It is establishment. And, to be fair, I can understand galleries wanting to play it safe, as a solo show equals 1/10th or more of their income. Which is why it is so great to see work, like Lisa's, that is not mainstream in a major gallery. And many paintings have sold.

The other point she made, was one I had heard from other artists in art schools in the 70s, was that  nobody taught technique. You know, figure drawing, perspective, color theory, etc. It was said that if one is a true artist, one will figure out a way to create the image in one's mind. So all of Lisa's technique is self taught, and I find that incredible.

Show runs through Feb. 14th, if you get a chance, it is excellent.

Oh this isn't good

Laptop's dying. When I got my Apple iBook G4 a few years back, I got extra ram and other features to make it run well with graphic applications. I got my daughter a basic MacBook a few weeks ago with nothing added to it. So today I compared the 2, and her basic laptop smokes my machine in every way. Good news, because I can replace this without spending huge amounts of money. Although I don't want to spend right now. So everything works exept the Return key and the key above it with the backslash that I never use. But the return key is not a good thing to be without, and explains why this post is done in one paragraph. ugghhhh.

LACMA Show

Went to the Art of 2 Germanys show at LACMA today. It broke up the art from West and East Germany, concentrating on the time divided by the Berlin Wall. It was interesting to go through the history of the 2 sides via artwork. The show is on the 2nd floor of the Broad Bldg., and is quite extensive.

Also on display in a completely separate show and building, is German expressionism before the wars. And yes, it was as angular and violent as the postwar art. However, there is a gallery with Bauhaus art that is outstanding.

Dennis Miller put it best, "I view the falling of the Berlin wall similar to Rowan and Martin. I wasn't a fan of their earlier work, so I'm not too excited about their getting back together."

President Obama & Oingo Boingo's Only a Lad

Colors

I restocked my aquarium today...finally. It got me to thinking about color in nature. There are  3 kinds of tropical fish, community, semi aggressive and aggressive. The community fish are, for the most part, boring. They are still and not so colorful in most cases. Semi aggressives are quite active and more colorful. The most aggressive category is by far the most colorful and active. And the highest maintenance and most expensive of the 3 types. I get the semi aggressive fish for my tank.

In the plains of Africa the most colorful animals are the ones that are the prey. They typically have eyes more on the sides of their heads, so they can keep an eye out for danger. The predators tend to be tan and have eyes facing forward on their heads. When human hunters or those on safari go out, we dress in tan colors. A zebra striped pith helmet may not be such a good idea.

Hello Dad, I'm in Jail

Finally made to Jail Gallery Sat. night. What a surreal experience. It is located directly across the street from the L.A. County jail, in a strip center that looks just like every other strip center, except the only tenants, other than the gallery, are bail bond companies. And all are lit up like Vegas shops, with lots of lights.

This makes me think that bright and dancing lights attract the unintelligent among us. When one exits the dull interior of the jail, he is faced with wonderful lights. Same thing with Vegas or Times Square. Those places are wonderful at first, but give me a headache after about 5 minutes. Counter this with libraries or any other building of higher learning or commerce. Never are they covered with bright lights, demanding attention and begging to be noticed.

Oh, and Jail is a nice gallery and Lisa Nardoni has done a wonderful job of promoting her artists and attracting attention. The gallery and its artists have been written up in many publications. So if you are in downtown, Jail is a few blocks from Chinatown, go check it out.

And yet even more art

Had a huge brunch at Chinatown, then went to the Los Angeles Art Show. I spent a few hours milling through never ending display booths of galleries from all over the world. And the place was packed. There was some fantastic art to be found, and a lot of great looking galleries. It also appeared people were actually buying art.

It's been a long day, and I'm fried. No school for my daughter tomorrow or Tuesday, so I can get a little extra sleep, or more likely, get started in the studio sooner.

A weekend of art

I went to Art LA yesterday. It featured well over 100 galleries from all over the world and a wide variety of art. I was surprised at finding about half a dozen galleries in L.A. that I had never heard of, and upon asking found out they were all in Chinatown. Last I heard Chinatown was drying up in terms of galleries, as everyone moved to Culver City or went out of business in this economy.

Today I'm bringing some new paintings to Orlando Gallery and headed to Bergamot Station, Culver City and Chinatown tonight. Tomorrow it's dim sum with friends in Chinatown and the Los Angeles Art Show in downtown.

Lots going on this weekend.

Twitter

I'm finding Twitter to be quite addicting. When explained, it sounds silly, but actually functions extremely well. Perfect example here. The Tour Down Under bicycle race started in Australia, and director sportiff Johan Bruyneel is sending updates from the team car, using his blackberry. How cool is that? And it sounds like Lance Armstrong is keeping up so far, and is in a breakaway.

Even a photo of Lance, back at his day job:

January 20, 2009

I spent most of today watching the inauguration. Certainly more than I've ever watched of previous presidents. It was amazing the see the number of people in the crowd. If you've ever walked the mall from the Lincoln to Washington Memorials, it's a good hike, and today it was packed.

There seems to be a genuine happy feeling in D.C., and I was happy watching history. All of my artist friends expressed their happiness on Facebook, etc.

It will be interesting to see what happens starting tomorrow, to say the least. Hopefully he can get the banks loaning money again soon and jumpstart the economy. Then people can start buying art again ; )

Music

I was talking to a musician friend the other day. I said I preferred the sound of a VHS tape over a DVD or CD. He agreed completely. Then we talked about records vs. CDs. He made a point that with ipods, mp3s, DVDs, etc., kids today do not know what high quality music sounds like. Hopefully either mp3s will have a higher quality sound in the future, or a new way of listening will be invented.

One step forward and two steps back, in a way.

And don't even get me started on album cover art becoming CD cover art to, now, thumbnails.

The other thing he was talking about is how many bands now, will either hire or work with member of the band to record music without being in the same room. They play their instrument, record it and send it off to be compiled and incorporated into the song. Sounds like a lot of musicians are doing this, but don't want people to know they do it. So I'm not revealing my source, but would mention that if little Timmy's garage band needs a drummer, they may be able to hire Neil Peart ; )

History

I remember when I was a kid , skateboarding at my friend's house (dating myself here). His mom came out and told us to come inside the house and said, "You're watching history." We watched as Nixon announced his resignation as president on tv, live.

I feel the same way about Obama's inauguration on the 20th, although this will be more of a positive part of history.

This not only seemed like the longest campaign ever, but the longest president elect transition ever. Just hope Obama can do something about this depression before the soup lines start again. And no, I'm not old enough to remember soup lines.

Keep Pushing

I have been working on some paintings lately that are more abstract than those I typically make. I finished two, and have three more in progress. I am happy with their progress, and like the new direction. Although they are unlike paintings I made in the past, it is clear that they have my "style". They interest me because they make me explore painting through a different process.

A weekend in the artworld

Last night I went to a handful of openings, all on opposite ends of town. Moira Hahn's amazing show in Culver City, Lisa Adams' show in Mid Wilshire (one of the years best) and Renee Amitai's show at Cella Gallery in North Hollywood. Sales were strong at all shows and the art was excellent.

I was surprised at how much North Hollywood changed. Mention North Hollywood and it brings images of blue collar, mullets, skinheads and muffler and welding shops. It was a place to avoid at all costs. But now, Lankershim Blvd. is filled with night clubs with lines of 100+, restaurants, hip stores, lofts and polished art galleries. Couldn't believe it.

Today we headed out to Photo LA. Great seeing photo galleries from all over the world. Lots of amazing work. I have officially overdosed on art this weekend. Will be nice to spend tomorrow back in the studio.

The monthly Downtown Artwalk was last night. Getting there was a nightmare, with an overturned car on the 101. I did not know what to expect, given the economy, but the streets and galleries were packed. I wonder if it is mostly downtown residents, and I wonder how sales are going. I didn't see any red dots at all.

I saw a few people I know, but didn't get a chance to say hi. It was that crowded and they were busy in conversations. Well, there are a lot of openings Sat. night that I am attending. Hopefully I can get to them, as the main 3 I want to go to are in N. Hollywood, Mid Wilshire and Culver City. I don't know if it will be possible with traffic to get to each one.

And now for something completely different

I really enjoyed the movie, Dead Man. It starred Johnny Depp and was directed by Jim Jarmusch. It was basically a bizarre artsy black and white western with one of the greatest movie soundtracks ever by Neil Young. Anyway, there is a scene at the end where Wm. Blake (Depp) is dying and is put into a canoe by his native American friend, named Nobody, to sail into the next life. Wm. Blake asks his friend a question, and Nobody says, "This life no longer concerns you, William Blake." and shoves his canoe into the ocean.

This is 2009, in a nutshell. Things have changed so much so fast that the past is of little use any longer. Reality needs to be reinvented, in terms of dealing with a completely different economy and market place.

So use this Ox year, as intended, and make a new foundation for where you want to be in 10 years.

Interview

Nice interview with An about her show at the Brooklyn Museum. She communicated using Twitter, but typed in Morse code instead of text.

The Brand Library

I went to the Brand Library today in the Glendale hills. It is a funky Islamic looking structure with an excellent collection of art and architecture books. As always, I would bring home more books but I could only carry so many. They also have a huge selection of music and an art gallery. The art gallery building was done in (I think) the '60s and was modern for that time, but does not go at all with the main library building, which it connects. The good thing is the site is very sloped, so the gallery building is sort of hidden from view by hills and trees.

I made this sketch a few years ago of the original house on the property.

The bad guys and their L.A. houses in film

Bizarre version of a great Bauhaus song

Low. Life. from Clayton Cubitt on Vimeo.

LEED AP

I was, at first, excited about the LEED program. Finally people decided to care about environmental issues. But, as with most regulations, it just adds more bureaucracy and hoops to jump through.

LEED basically sets up a series of points one can get by following environmental guidelines. For example, add bike racks or use only materials manufactured within 500 hundred miles of the project site.

And what is wrong with this? Well, it is what we should be doing in the first place. Have we become so ignorant that we need to be rewarded for doing the right thing? It is like getting a tax break for proving that we come to a complete stop at stop signs.

I am not being cynical, there are a lot of LEED guidelines that should be followed and I am glad we are thinking about such things. My objection is the enforcement of needless rules in society. Doing what is right is not a difficult concept, and one should not expect a reward for it.