Symptoms of the Universe

My respiratory system has continued on it's all too predictable downward path. But a heavy cough that is like a punch to the chest, and a constant sweaty dizziness (the sweaty part might be because despite being mid-Septamber it is above 30 degrees) have yet to take me out of the game. I hit the studio every day and turned out six more paintings this week.

I'm much happier with the results and wonder if being sick and having to switch my brain to a sort of autopilot is not the best way for me to work. I'm sure the uneasiness of suddenly painting in a completely new environment had something to do with last week's mediocre output as well. It feels like I'm back on track despite my health being derailed.

I've also started a few smaller paintings that I hope to work on over a couple of weeks, going for a much more built up surface. The opposite of my other paintings.

A large roll of canvas should be arriving at my door next week, so I'll finally be able to begin applying my new work method to some larger surfaces (150cm x150cm?).

Painter Down

I  finished the first group of six paintings (Sept.6) since moving into the studio. The results were mixed. I tried to keep as light a touch and as limited a palette as I could but I feel the results are too tentative. I spent too much time worrying over making exactly the right move and that usually doesn't work out  well for me. My immediate reactions are usually more interesting than my most thought out compositional strategies. That either says a lot about my natural abilities or about my brain power.

No time to dwell, though, and I started the next six. Who knows what I'll think of these a week or two from now. It's often hard to separate the negative feelings and thoughts that you had during the creative process from the actual object that results. It takes time.

Been listening to a lot of Yeasayer, the newest Vampire Weekend, and a new EP by Fleetwood Mac in the studio these days.

As for the title of this post, it refers not only to my feelings about the latest work, but also to my allergies which, like clockwork, have resumed their barrage against me and my lungs. Thanks to the excellent treatment I've been getting from my new doctor, the actual asthma symptoms have been mild. But the phlegm, flushness, dizziness, and non-stop headaches have been in full effect.

I press on.

4 Days, 3 Nights

I was back in Nagasaki for the first time since moving. A home coming? I'm not sure. I don't exactly have a home there, only my cozy/ filthy studio. I guess it is my home, though. It's where I will eventually return and stay for the foreseeable future. So let's call it home.

Since I can remember, I've never been from where I lived. This must have some deep psychological ramifications, but...I'll let that go for now. At least, recently going to Hudson every summer has felt a lot like going home. If I had to choose a home that would probably be it anyway.

I got a couple of days of light painting done (mostly dicking around), one night of drinking with the boys, and one day of hangover/ family time. Not a bad long weekend.

My wife seemed very happy to be back. It's her home. 100%.

Sailor's Delight

You struggle to create something beautiful, something that has never been but that once created must be, something that jumps into your brain through your eyes and pokes, pinches, and fondles just the right parts.

Then the sky does something like this, as if to say" Umm, whatcha doin' down there? Oh art. That's nice...such pretty colours. Keep at it. If you need me, I'll be up here (cough*loser*cough)".

Watch Me Jumpstart

First work day in the studio. I laid down the first round on six small paintings. I've been doing six small paintings a week for the last couple of months. I go at it quickly with as little interference from my brain as possible and then go back and work with whatever is there in two or three short follow up sessions. The result is a kind of false spontaneity that will do fine until I can get to actual spontaneity.

Met my across-the-hall neighbour. I was a bit nervous but turns out she lived in the states for twenty-five years and speaks English. That made it easier.

It's still pouring rain, and has been since I got back from Canada about two weeks ago. The heavy smothering humidity that comes with a rainy, thirty degree day hasn't been good to my asthma but I shall overcome. It's the kind of weather where you walk somewhere and when you arrive you can't tell which parts of you are wet from rain and which from sweat. Unpleasant.

I had to leave at five because Tuesday nights I take the train out to a suburb (I guess you'd call it that) of Kobe and teach two different students at their respective homes. The teaching part is fine but the travel is a drag. Coming back is a twenty minute walk plus a train ride. I end up getting home at around eleven thirty. I haven't calculated what the pay works out to per hour and I don't want to.

The Move

I moved some stuff in to the studio on Sunday morning. A typhoon was just brushing by so it was raining buckets, windy, thunder, lightning; the whole deal.

I got the quick tour and it should be a very comfortable place to work. There's a kitchen, lockers, a workshop and more. Pretty luxurious compared to my old studio with no hot water...plus this place is quite a bit bigger. 

I didn't actually get any work done because I had to get home and take care of my husbandly duties. My wife had a co-worker over and I was charged with making a lavish meal. Which I did.

Bought some odds and ends for the studio today and tomorrow will be the first official day of work. Unfortunately, I only have until five because I have have to go teach some English (yeah still doing that).