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October 10, 2008
August 14, 2008
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May 23, 2008

October 10, 2008

Like many of you, I have been glued to the news recently. Excited and hopeful at the prospect of our culture actually moving forward, and simultaneously disillusioned and frustrated at how low we have sunk in terms of what most Americans respond to in amongst this Political fire fight. Every step forward we take intellectually, is followed by four steps backwards via the smear tactics and adolescent back and forth bickering. I can't help but be reminded of children on a public playground pulling each other's hair over a sandbox toy. It is both eye opening and funny, but leaves the children crying and all the parents dutifully wiping sand out of their diapers.

I am not sure this is a proper segue, but it sure was a welcomed and surprising distraction to concentrate almost entirely on Art for a month. A subtle reminder of what is truly important in my life and apparently in the lives of so many of you! During the month of September, more people went and saw 'Ectoplasm' than I ever could have anticipated! Apparently there are many more of us in the world who communicate and respond to Art as a voice than I could have imagined. Art has been the proverbial "Quiet Noise" for time immemorial and though it appears every so often to fade in the shadow of tangible world issues; politics, religion, war, etc., it's times like these that remind me that I am not alone in my my vision of the world as a Creative Sandbox. Not one where we are throwing sand and plastic toys at each other, crying for our Mommies and pulling hair. I am not promoting 'Art As An Escape' I am suggesting 'Art As a Voice,' and or '...As an Answer.'

I realize that 'Ectoplasm' is hardly an answer; more of a hard look back at where we have come from. Then in retrospect, suggesting where we could go and or might be heading. All of your very welcomed enthusiasm toward the installation as well suggests a healthy understanding of this need to communicate on higher levels... And here is where I will offer my most heartfelt thanks to those of you who came out to the show and even to those who glanced at it on the web. It is hugely encouraging and makes me excited to share more imagery and messages with all of you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! ;)

All of that being said, I must pay my respects to those of you who saw nothing more in the paintings than pretty colors and wavy lines! Your observations and conclusions you drew from the gallery are just as valid and just as welcomed.

A last minute opportunity arose out of the Mr. Music Head Gallery by the way; the HOPE Campaign, had their newest event and I was honored to contribute a painting to this cause. Take a look at the website and see if it gives you the same 'butterflies in the stomach' feeling that it gives me. Mostly at the level of encouragement felt that so many good people exist! But as well, that I was able to share wall space with so many other important and beloved artists. It was a really fun night and another brick was extracted from the wall of injustices that is built around the citizens of the Darfur region in Sudan.

Once again, thank you all for your continued support! I am humbled and inspired to have your attention. Oh! Before I forget, there is a new installation of the 'Zeitgeist' film. 'Zeitgeist Addendum' is a fascinating look at so much of what is wrong and going wrong in our culture. As well as many inspired and highly practical ways that we could 'right' multiple generation's 'wrongs.' Did that make sense? Ok. So, If you have two hours and want your head to swell up and feel like it's gonna pop, check this out. http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
(Zeitgeist Addendum)

Then if you want more (?) have a gander at Michael Pollan's incendiary book, 'The Omnivore's Dilemma.' Between these two works, I feel like we could have something to talk about for a little while. Cool Whip. A while. Cool Whip, cool whip, wwwhhhhip.

Love ya,
Brandon