Artist Spotlight: Laura Lee Gulledge

As I stood in line patiently waiting to receive a watercolor sketch by Chris Schweirzer, my wife browsed around and found several artists she thought I might be interested in.  After finally getting my sketch completed, we set a course for several of her favorite (female) artists. Our first stop was one of the most unique and impactful of the day: Laura Lee Gulledge.

Laura Lee Gulledge is an artist, author, graphic novelist, and all around outstanding person; my wife was right.  The path from teacher to artist that Laura is on mirrors my own; she has bravely and intelligently ventured into the world to find her way of communicating with it, and making it a better place. Laura is indeed a creative, brave, and inspiring presence in the world. 

As someone who is not an avid reader, I would highly recommend her graphic novels.   Page by Paige is one of the most compelling stories of a connection to art that I have ever read; it’s beautifully illustrated and every bit as inspiring as the author herself.  I’m currently in the midst of reading her second graphic novel, Will & Whit, which is equally as enjoyable.

I am overjoyed by the opportunity to have met Laura Lee Gulledge and if you couldn’t tell already, that meeting has really inspired me. It is the job of each person to touch as many people as possible in their time on earth; thank you Laura for having the courage to do just that.  If you want to know more about Laura Lee Gulledge, please click on the links below; I really encourage everyone to take a look at her webpage and enjoy the many conversations you are likely to have with her amazing art.

http://whoislauralee.blogspot.com/

http://www.cobaltdesigns.biz/lauralee/

Thought Bubbles

Why are you drawing on Priority Mail stickers…?  Do you know how many times I get asked that question? Well here goes… the last time I posted on this blog was around the last time that I visited San Francisco.  While I was there I got to see art “Alive…” It was everywhere; on the walls, on the furniture, all around the city.  Anywhere where your eyes could see, there was art.  For an artist, it was like walking around and seeing the inside of our brain, except this was outside… DO YOU KNOW HOW COMPLETELY AWESOME THIS IS? It was also confusing to me; I had been taught my whole life that art was rigidly defined; it was in museums, it was on paper, and most importantly, it was not graffiti. San Francisco was a safe haven for free thinking.

So, upon my return to Washington DC, I started a project that would allow me to not only unlock my creativity; but push me to re-define how I saw art.  I was going to make living art; art that could grow and change, art that respected the creative process.  I decided I would launch my Sticker-A-Day project; each day I was going to draw something on a sticker with the hopes of learning more about who I am as an artist.

Hypothesis: This was going to be AMAZING!

At the outset, I was super excited, and I planned on being the best graffiti artist in the world… that did not happen.  I did however; learn that this was the perfect way of giving life to those little thoughts that popped into my head.  The stickers took 10-20 minutes of my day, and made me feel more alive with each one.  Then, they started taking more time, and it became harder each day to think of new material. Throughout the journey there were ups and downs, but I did complete the process.  Now a great friend of mine , Dennis Manual, is helping me chronicle this journey into a book.  Take a look at the slideshow to see my awesome journey… Conclusion: this was AWESOME!

Art(ist) Revitalized

Art has been a life-long mistress in my life.  Whether I was sketching in a book or on a random sheet of paper; painting on a canvas, or completely engaged in a larger more developed piece, Art has always been a part of me.  When I started this blog, I did so with the intention of sharing parts of that relationship.  Just like a relationship, I have learned that this blog can’t be rigidly scheduled and structured to suit my needs. If I am indeed going to be in a relationship with art, it must be a two-way relationship.  I need to listen to my inner voice, pay attention to it, spend time with it and love it.  That is where I have been these last two years… in a relationship that is now ready to be shared.

What you will see on this blog is two years’ worth of drawing, paintings, design projects, birthday cards, etc… You will see ME… revitalized. You will see my current and future projects: graffiti pieces, drawings, watercolors, home décor projects and collages; I love collages. I haven’t posted in a  while, but I have never left. I have been extremely busy and connected as I learned to better understand what Art means to me.  Now, I am truly ready and looking forward to embracing the challenge of communicating externally, what has always been a strong part of me internally.

I don’t know what this page will become and that is very scary for me.  However, I am excited by the many conversations to come, friendships that will be ignited, and adventures to be had.  Art has been a life long friend that has always resided in either my head or my heart; now I bravely step out and share it with everyone around me.  I hope to bring you all along on my personal journey, no matter where it leads.

You can also follow my journey on Twitter and Instagram at: ThetalentedmrD

Pure Heart

A good freind of mine created this video of our "Living Walls Party." Thanks Nelson, and enjoy the video everyone.

"Changes"

This was not the piece I had originally intended on creating, however, inspiration intervened, and this project began. While listening to "Changes" I found myself inspired to create portrait of Tupac that would in some way reflect just that; Change. The Changes" he endured over time are clear when you look into his eyes; rebellion, passion, anger, and despair are all evident, and ever-present in his face. There is so much beauty in struggle, and that is what I aimed to capture in creating this piece. Enjoy, and thanks for the continual support.

Here it is halfway through.  The underdrawing was completed earlier.



Here is the final version of the Drawing. As I was finishing up, I found that the richness of the Molotow 227 made for some awesome dimension in the blacks/shadows. It might be hard to see via the computer, but there is some beautiful gradation happening in the black shadows with the two different markers. I love this piece; it's a real contender for my favorite thus far this year.

Chillin' at "The Fridge"

Are looking for a great place to see emerging artists, meet creative people, and test the limits of your own creativity? If So head over to The Fridge, located on Capital Hill at 516 1/2 8th St., SE DC (Across from Matchbox) Yes... it is in the alley :)

The Fridge is a family, and neighborhood freindly creative space for all. It's a breath of fresh air for creative minded people, where the arts are embraced, and encouraged to continue to live and breathe. 

Today I had a chance to go and visit The Fridge, and to be a part of the stencil making class, taught by SCOTCH, who just happened to the the artist exhibiting/opening for their current show.  Scotch taught, shared, and welcomed all questions and compliments alike.  This experience at The Fridge is commonplace as evidenced by the many regulars that attended and supported this event.  I hope to become a regular at "The Fridge," and I look forward to seeing you there as well.  Check out the link for a Prezi of this awesome event.

Stencil With A Pro... Featuring Scotch on Prezi

http://prezi.com/8bc7rrryqff0/stencil-with-a-pro-featuring-scotch/

Living Walls Party

On March 31st, I had my very 1st Living Walls event; it was a huge success, and a lot of fun.  The walls in our garage have been transformed by our admittedly amateur graffiti, but man was it a lot of fun.  Here are some pictures from the event, and a link to the video shot by Mr. Dennis Mangual.  thanks Everybody!

"E" Rocked the wall wit this peace... "Love"

Peace Out People & enjoy The Video!!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10151493390415287