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)".