Wednesday, January 09, 2008And then, there was art...
So in all of this renovation and building madness I've been knocking out a few new pieces. I am, afterall not a building renovation specialist. I am an artist. I'd be lost if I wern't creating my works of art; maticulously picking through digital files, photographs and books (well, Ebony and Jet magazines from the 50's and 60's) coming up with that perfect component to make a new piece. I'm so very excited about my latest two series of works. One is simply called Beauties while the other is called Holding Pattern. Both deal with identity, sexuality, and age, you know, all the fun stuff.
Soon, the painting part of the studio will be done at Plexus. Then, my friend, it's ON!
I'm really into working with women now. Just a phase, but I've been on ebay and bought a bunch of old male physique magazines from the 60's (worth their weight in plutonium). Nothing like a little disguised homosexuality to start the year off on the right foot!
Monday, January 07, 2008Totally Unexpected
So, as you may have been able to tell from the 100 links to the new photo page, the studio is done. I mean... it's done? Sure, in late Spring I'll need to install a new air conditioning system, and I want to at some point reconcrete the front stairs and landscape the lawn—but, as a useful building—this place is done!
I've surprised myself most of all. That's an understatement. But right now, since yesterday evening really when I posted the new photos and sent out emails to those I knew would want to see, I've had the most—totally unexpected reaction. I'm depressed as hell!
I mean it! Not depressed like I'm going to take my own life or I can't get out of bed or function normally, but I'm really down. I just keep looking at the new photos over and over again thinking to myself "can this be?".
Postpartum Depresson?
It seriously has been close to 9 months—like a baby. My inclination that this past 8 months has been one huge manic episode seems to make more sense now. 8 months of obsessive, compulsive, maniacle behavior. Then, one day it's done and you look at what you've accomplished and you're amazed but at the same time you're either let down or just generally down because it's over. I need to do some Google research on Postpartum Depression and see why a mother would be depressed when she's just brought a new life into the world. Because lets face it, look at the "before" photos of this place. I have created the largest artwork of my life.
But I'm Bryce
With these mixed feelings, I'm still Bryce Hudson. I'm meeting with my girl Rhonda at the building tomorrow to discuss Derby plans, drink more than my fair share of wine and cosmopolitians and plan the studio warming party with her (I don't think she knows about planning the party with me, but friends can do these things!). Let's party already!!!!!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008 Reflections: The naming of the year
So, here it is, well into January of 2008 and I have yet to write my year-end-review of 2007 and name the year. The holidays brought with them a sense of closure on some issues, further understanding of others, and yet still many things left up in the air, but then again, I can never expect to understand everything. So, I imagine I’ll just have to continue to be a human being, busy in my own little life, interacting in the universe as a smaller part of a much greater whole. I can dig that.
New Year’s Resolutions
Now, for those of you who don’t know me all that well, I’m the type to set goals, and stick to them the best that I can. 2007 was no exception.
For 2007 I made the decision to stop smoking for good (done as of May 1st). More importantly, I decided that I wanted to be, in general, a better “person”. I wanted to spend more time with my little brother from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and be less confrontational in my personal and professional dealings. Unnecessary stress, and bad attitude are not traits that I want to be remembered for. Although naturally, to some extent they’re part of being me, I don’t have to make them apparent enough that they cause harm and damage. So, I cut them out, or did the best that I could to cut them out. I think I have succeeded, but with all things, there’s room for improvement.
I feel very positive about the year 2007. I can honestly say that 2007 has been one of the best years of my life. Professionally, personally, socially and educationally. It’s just a year that fits in with the rest and sticks out as a year where I achieved a great deal and, in retrospect, I’m very pleased with the results as a whole.
2007: The year of the…
2007: The Year of “The Building”. I’m calling 2007 The Year of The Building not only because I successfully renovated an 80 year old building into one of the most attractive exhibition spaces in the city, but because the words “The Building” have several important meanings.
First, there is 2318 Portland Avenue. Soon to be my own launch pad of creative ventures, offices and brain-hub center of activity, I surprised myself by sticking to my plan of only doing the work on the place as I had the funds to do so creating no debt and completing the project in under 8 months. A place that will not only serve me in my various ventures but, I hope, serve by example not only what can be achieved with determination, but what can be achieved with vision. More importantly, I want to serve as an example to this city and it’s dogged resistance to developing and exploring possibilities West of 9th Street. I’m also excited about having a space where fellow artists can exhibit their work and have it seen by an even larger audience.
Second, there is the artistic ground I’ve covered in 2007: The Kentucky Gentleman Series, and my two soon-to-be unveiled series Beauties and Holding Patterns. Of course, I don’t produce half as much work as a lot of artists working fulltime at their trade, but I never have. I’m the type that needs a certain mix of balance and imbalance. I’m usually most comfortable with one HUGE project going on (renovating a building), and a few medium sized projects like taking new ideas from concept to completion (larger websites and an idea for a new series of pieces to final printed or painted product). I’m not sure what I’d consider a smaller project. Perhaps, the unexpected events and problems presenting themselves on a daily basis?
Evolution, occurs at a staggering pace in my artistic endeavors. I needed to find some old Ebony and Jet magazines, I jump on Ebay and find a lot of 140, suddenly, after knocking around a few ideas I’m producing a new series.
After that, the term “building” makes perfect sense where I’m considering my professional accomplishments. At the start of the year I had about 3 websites under my sleeve and a bunch of proposals for new ones that never worked. Now, I not only have my own web design company (www.contemporarywebsites.com), but so many websites completed that I cannot put them all on my portfolio page without throwing it all out-of-whack. Here I am, known for minimalist design and I have a portfolio page that looks like I’m the Wal-Mart of contemporary web design. Professionally, I’ve learned a HUGE amount about designing for the web, which to me, is just like creating another art piece. I’m happy to have a job that I love and happy that I get to learn so much from it.
Finally, the term “The Building” makes perfect sense when considering the accomplishments of the year as a whole. It seems as though all of the hard work and effort on many different levels has all just been building up to something great. My only wish for the near future is that I learn how to live in the present and for the now, and not so much living strictly for the future and worrying about how life will present itself then and what I can do now to prepare for it.
For 2008…
For this next year I hope that I can continue on my journey to becoming a better Human being; less confrontational, more open and giving, less selfish, a better friend, leader, and artist.
I wish you all a safe and happy 2008. I hope you all can look back on 2007 and see how and were improvements can be made, and how you can contribute to this Earth in ways to make it better and safer for those close to you, those not so close to you, and those generations to come.
