I Love Bjork

Bjork's new stereoscopic 3D video for "Wanderlust" shows her never-ending commitment to art and her fight to make it happen on her terms. Her ability to protect collaborators is amazing.

The Final Four - Pan Performances That Is

What do you mean you haven't seen it?!

Okay, it's now or never. There are four more performances of The Great God Pan at the Athenaeum Theatre.

Don't be one of those folks who asks us if we videotaped the show for everyone who missed it.

We didn't.

"This is a major achievement as a piece of horror theatre...engaging and scary"
-ChicagoCritic.com

"fantastically executed"
-Killer_works.com

"It delivers the guts and gore you crave and you may actually get blood splattered on you"
-The Chicagoist

"spooky fun in the vein of the classic Hammer Films thrillers of the 1950s and '60s"
-Chicago Reader

Mythic Creatures at the Field Museum

Chicago's Field Museum has a new temporary exhibit, Mythic Creatures, that examines man's fascination with mythic creatures and looks at where these myths may have originated.

March 19 to September 1, 2008

From the Field Museum website:

"Since the dawn of time, creatures of the unknown have fascinated cultures the world over. From medieval fire-breathing dragons to the magical powers of the unicorn, mythic creatures have captured the imagination. Now, examine the legend and the science behind some of the most fascinating creatures ever invented. Enter the fabled world of dragons, journey to the depths of the ocean and soar above the clouds to uncover the origins of the powerful, dangerous and magical beings that have been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. Preserved specimens, cultural artifacts and works of art highlight the surprising similarities and differences in the way people around the world have envisioned these myths. Today, mythic creatures continue to live on in the everyday lives of many cultures—and now they live at The Field Museum."


© AMNH / Denis Finnin

Ray Frenden - He's Everywhere

Ray Frenden is exploding. And now he has gone and won the 2007 Threadless Bestee Select Award for his "Medusa" t-shirt design. Congrats, Ray!

Dave Stevens - An Inspiration

Dave Stevens passed away yesterday. May he rest in peace. Dave will always be an inspiration.


© 1983 Dave Stevens

Red Orchid Theatre's FATBOY

Go see Steve Pickering in FATBOY at Red Orchid Theatre. It's loud, nasty, raucous entertainment, performed with panach and grace in sweaty fat suits. And if that ain't Chicago theater, I don't know what is.

But see The Great God Pan first, damn it.

The Great God Pan Opens!

If you're in Chicago come see us. We opened our stage adaptation of Machen's The Great God Pan and the show is off and running. We've gotten a couple of reviews so far and both are good:

"If this is the WildClaw standard for horror, we'll gladly be horrified again."
-Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago

"Our take: next time you're in the mood for a spine-tingler, put down the Netflix and give this play a shot. It delivers the guts and gore you crave, and you may actually get blood splattered on you. Score."
-Ali Trachta, The Chicagoist


Tom Hickey, Steve Hersen, and Michaela Petro

Come see us at the Athenaeum Theatre. It is rip-roaring horror in a blackbox theater Chicago-style. All the info you would want is at our WildClaw Theatre website: http://www.wildclawtheatre.com

ICON 5

Register now for ICON 5 - the Illustrator's Conference in New York CIty, July 2-5.



I mean, c'mon, Marshal Arisman is running a seminar, fer chrisakes.

Happy Birthday Chicago Artist Forum

Chicago Artist Forum in action

A year ago, Denise Dorman put some ideas into the head of one, Kevin Sandstrom of Dick Blick Art Stores. Next thing you know, a place for artists to gather, show off portfolios, and generally talk shop and fun was born in Wheaton, Illinois. It has now grown to a nice little event that brought out about 30 artists in 0º Chicago weather this past Saturday.

The artists range in experience from 30+ year veterans to folks in their freshmen year in art school. But all of them love to draw and respect the craft, which makes for great discussions and plenty of learning and networking opportunities.

The CAF will have a website soon that will list the upcoming presentations and events. I just did a slideshow/talk on what I learned at the Revelations Symposium in Seattle and coming up are Ray Frenden demoing Manga Studio techniques, Joe Lester on sculpting monsters, and Dave Dorman on traditional painting. Plus, live models!

In the meantime, check out their CAF MySpace page.

Revelations - The Roundup

Dancing Tattoos in the Space Needle

I just spent four days in Seattle at Massive Black/Conceptart.org's Revelations Symposium. Steve Bialer and I were joined by Bruno Warneck of Midway Games as we wallowed in concept art, both digital and traditional. Hundreds of artists from around the world converged on the Northwest to learn and draw and network. For the opening night party the conference had the run of the Seattle Space Needle, complete with live models to sketch, booming DJ's, and dancing girls with many, many tattoos. The last time I was there I was eight. I think I would have remembered the dancing tattooed redheads.


DR1 - The Main Section of the Digital Room


A Few of the Instructors Surrounding the Digital Room


One of the Painting Areas of the Traditional Room Upstairs


Mike Hussar Working on a Three Day Pose with Model Trisha Lurie

The Symposium was split into two floors. The main hall had several areas dedicated to digital concept art and the main stage for large presentations. There were around 16 stations setup for large scale projection as the instructors took turns creating art live during the whole conference.

The second floor held the Traditional Room which also had multiple sections for painting, sketching, live models and sculpting. Up here artists like Shawn Barber, Mike Hussar, Carl Dobsky, Greg Manchess, Brom, Dan Dos Santos, and El Coro attacked the canvas.


Brom Giving an Overview of His Career and His Methods

The superstar of the symposium was clearly Brom, a very traditional painter. While digital rules in many areas of today's entertainment business, at this conference traditional methods were respected and taught. At one point, Jason Manley gave a packed house a three hour overview on Color and Light Theory using classic paintings as examples.


Brom Originals Up in the Traditional Room


Brom Onstage and a Sparth Demo

One of my greatest pleasures was having the good fortune to be at Sparth's table while he created and explained his work methods. In an hour and a half I found out more about Photoshop than I have in the rest of the millenium.


Dan Milligan Explains the Art of Storyboarding


Digital Meets Traditional - Andrew Jones in the Traditional Room


Thunderdome!

The last two hours of the symposium were dedicated to Thunderdome. It's a live illustration contest by the instructors and a couple of brave audience members based on a suggestion given to them at that moment. This year's the theme was "Dream Devourer." The conference attendees watched on large presentation screens as amazing images were created in a blink of an eye.


Jason Chan Creating His "Dream Devourer"


Jason's Almost Completed Thunderdome Winner


Goodbye Seattle

Hello to everyone I met and I look forward to seeing you and your art in the future.

Some Videos from Revelations

Happy New Year 2008!

To all three of you who read this blog - Happy New Year!


My much better half, Julienne, and moi.

2007 was quite a treat in Burning City's life:
- San Diego Comic-Con
- The Devil's Candy Store
- Los Angeles Movie Studio Trip
- My father's 90th birthday
- My 50th birthday (and Sputnik!)
- Many family visits!!!
- My sister's wedding!
- Sue's wedding!
- WildClaw Theatre company
- Many, many great new friends
- My new Electra bike
- Working out with a freakin' trainer
- Regular pickup basketball games in the park with the Comix Revolution guys
- The official start of The First Fear comic book production
- And much more... all worthwhile.

2008 should be quite the rollercoaster. I'm starting it off with a bang at the Conceptart.org Revelations Symposium in Seattle this week. And to help start your year off right, I'm going to remind you of the one-day Comicraft Font sale that only happens on January 1.

Thank You For Your Support

WildClaw Theatre: Charley Sherman; Paul Foster; Catie Foster; Anne Adams; Aly Greaves; Brian Amidei; Charlie Athanas; and Aaron Christensen (kneeling)

The shot above was taken at 4AM immediately after our blowout Wicked Winter Carnival Benefit. A tired, but hardworking and grateful crew.

Thank you to everyone who came and had fun, gave us money, performed or just said, "Go kick some horror ass, WildClaw." I would like to thank some of them here. Please support them, too. You won't be disappointed.

The Friends of Arthur Machen Society
We appreciate the tremendous support and encouragement we have gotten from the Arthur Machen Society for this adaptation of The Great God Pan and for providing materials on Arthur Machen for the benefit.

The Bands:
Ingenious Whittler featuring Jeff Christian
The Pat Smillie Band
The Jujubes
The Hormones (Ramones Tribute)

The Performers:
James Anthony Zoccoli
Steve Pickering of Shanghai Low Theatricals
Andy Lawfer, Esteban Cruz, and the Game Show Show Girls of the Game Show Show

The Venue:
Strawdog Theatre of Chicago

The Food:
Chalkboard (Mac and Cheese with smoked gouda...mmm...)
Cy's Steak and Chop House

Silent Auction Donors:
Clive Barker
Kevin Anderson
Dave Dorman
Stuart Gordon
Comix Revolution
Maia Rosenfeld Photography
Improv Olympic, otherwise known as IO

Raffle Prize Donors:
Cinequest
Comix Revolution
Sourcebooks

Publicity:
Denise Dorman of WriteBrain Media

And to the beautiful Maria Bortell and our friends who helped us all night long!!!

For those unable to attend who would like to make a donation, a check or money order can be made out to WildClaw Theatre, 312 N. May #3L, Chicago, Il 60607, or send via PayPal at http://www.wildclawtheatre.com.

Pat Smillie Band - Free Chicago Blues

A big thank you to all of the entertainment at WildClaw's Wicked Winter Carnival this past Saturday night (and Sunday morning, we stopped at 3AM!)

The Pat Smillie Band did a kickass acoustic blues set that rocked the house. Pat is going to be with same lineup in Wrigleyville this Friday night for FREE. Check them out for a great blues night:

PAT SMILLIE BAND (Acoustic set)
Friday (12/14) - 10pm
BRODY'S ON CLARK - 3369 N Clark - corner of Clark & Roscoe

FREE ADMISSION

Clive Barker Donation

Mr. Barker has been kind enough to donate a signed copy (with a one of a kind sketch) of his new demonic sampling, Mister B. Gone, to our upcoming silent auction at Wicked Winter Carnival 2007. This is our big benefit for WildClaw Theatre's inaugural production of Arthur Machen's classic, The Great God Pan.

If you can make it, come join us on Saturday, December 8th at Strawdog Theatre (3829 N. Broadway, Chicago). Starting at 8PM until the wee hours of the morning we will have many bands (4 at the last count), stage readings, B-Movie Queen Scream Contests, 50-50 raffles, a kick-ass Silent Auction, and more! Multiple rooms so you can pick your entertainment or just catch up with old friends (or, heaven forbid, make new ones.) See you there!

Revelations Symposium

I'm excited! I'm going to the Massive Black/ConceptArt.org Revelations Symposium in Seattle this January. Four days immersed in making art and watching some of the best in the business doing it. Can't wait. Gotta go, there's a pencil and sketch paper waiting for me to come over and play.

Wicked Winter Carnival

Okay, this is the big one I want all of you to attend. If you can't attend, send us a $10 or more donation via PayPal at WildClawTheater.com. I'm not kidding.

This is our BIG benefit for The WildClaw Theatre. It's our version of entrepreneurial "friends and family" bootstrapping in the grand tradition of Chicago theater companies.

The Wicked Winter Carnival will help fund our theater company dedicated to tales of the fantastique. Scary theater with a capital "S". The company was born out of the mind of director Charley Sherman who brought Chicago Clive Barker's "In The Flesh". To quote Clive on that particular production - "This show kicks ass!"

So please come out on Saturday, December 8th to Strawdog Theater at 3829 N. Broadway. If you attend one cultural event this year, this is the one. And if you haven't attended one yet this year, get up off your ass and get some culture.



Then next year come see our first production, The Great God Pan. It is an adaptation of Arthur Machen's seminal horror story that influenced generations of writers.

24 Hour DUX

This week, Marc Rettig and I hosted a Tutorial for the DUX 2007 Conference entitled, "24 Hour Comic Session". DUX stands for "Conference on Designing for User Experience" and my connection to it comes from my days at HannaHodge as a Business Strategist. Yes, a Business Strategist.


It was my big shoulders and Marc's big shoulders that they counted on.

This was suppose to be a literal 24 Hour session ala Scott McCloud's challenge, but turned out to be 7.5 hours. Go figure. Marc and I made some adjustments and were very fortunate to get 8 people attending who were of good heart, sound minds, and full of energy and creativity. They finished a ten page comic book that they wrote, designed and produced. Very cool.

WildClaw Howling At Four Moon

I hope you were there at WildClaw Theatre's first benefit bash, which took place at The Four Moon Tavern on October 29. Much fun and great prizes greeted the folks who joined the WildClaw crew on Monday night. If you missed it, I insist you join us at our Masked Ball Benefit on Monday, December 10th. Really, I insist.




The Great God Pan director, Charley and casting director, Anne




Aaron and Catie gleefully giving away MAR-velous prizes


Paul took this one guy for everything he had


Intently taking the Horror Quiz


Anne and Charlie attempt to give away MAR-velous prizes


Brian is a shy, shy man


Thank you to everyone who contributed to the benefit and the fun

WildClaw Theater Benefit - Part One

WildClaw Theater Benefit
October 29th - 7PM to 10PM
Four Moon Tavern
1847 W Roscoe Street
Chicago, Illinois

If you're in Chicago, come to the WildClaw Benefit at the Four Moon Tavern on October 29th. Help us raise money to benefit WildClaw Theater. We are dedicated to putting the scare back into live entertainment. And I'm on the board of directors. So go.

A portion of all profits from food and drink sold during this event will be donated to WildClaw Theatre's inaugural production, a world premiere adaptation of one of the most influential horror stories ever written,

Arthur Machen's "The Great God Pan",
opening at the Athenaeum Theatre, on February 24th, 2008.

WildClaw Theatre is devoted to bringing stories of horror, fantasy and science fiction to the stage. By concentrating on the world of the fantastique, we will reach out to an audience underserved by the current theatrical landscape, an audience that craves strange journeys of dread, suspense, imagination and terror.

Mark the date on your calendar and come on by. Have some grub, lift a pint and toast the rebirth of terror in the theatre. In the words of The Claw himself, it will be "Marvelous!"

WildClaw is:
Charley Sherman, Charlie Athanas, Anne Adams, Catie Foster, Aaron Christensen, Allison Greaves, Paul Foster, and Brian Amidei.

Great God Pan WIP and a Benefit

I'm making slow, but sure progess on the Great God Pan poster. I need it done quickly though for several reasons, not the least being the WildClaw Benefit at the Four Moon Tavern on October 29th. Help us raise money to benefit WildClaw Theater. They are dedicated to putting the scare back into live entertainment. And I'm on the board of directors. So go.

WildClaw Theater Benefit
October 29th
Four Moon Tavern
1847 W Roscoe Street

Happy Birthday, Sputnik I!

Sputnik I

Fifty years ago today, Sputnik I launched into orbit and changed mankind's relationship with Earth forever. Happy Birthday, little Sputnik.

"beep. beep. beep."

Flist - The Bloggers Art Show

On Friday, October 5th at 7PM-2AM, there will be an opening reception for Flist. Our pal, Ray Frenden, will have some work in this puppy. The show will be at the Happy Dog Gallery at 1542 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

Spectrum 15

Devil extraordinaire, Dave Dorman will be on the Spectrum 15 jury this year.


Art by Marc Gabbana

Devils Win

Every time I turn around, another artist involved with The Devil's Candy Store is being honored by the industry for their work.


The 2007 Hugo Award

Once again, congratulations are in order for Donata Giancola for winning the 2007 Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist. Donato won this Hugo last year in 2006, as well.

The 2007 Hugo Award for Best Novel went to Vernor Vinge for Rainbow's End, which happened to have a cover by Stephan Martiniere. Stephan was also nominated this year for the Best Professional Artist category.


Kristina, Stephan Martiniere, and Donato Giancola at SDCC 07

Speaking of Stephan, he won the 2007 Chesley Award for Best Cover Illustration - Hardback: (for Pyr’s edition of River of Gods by Ian McDonald). Two other Devils were nominated along with Stephan in this category: Jon Foster (for "The Demon and the City" by Liz Williams) and Donato (for "The Thirteenth House" by Sharon Shinn).


Jon Foster and Denise Dorman at SDCC 2007

AND - Donato won the 2007 Chesley Award for Best Unpublished Monochrome: “Red Sonya”.

PLUS - Michael Kaluta was nominated for the Chesley Best Interior Illustration for “The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden” by Catherine M. Valente.

Congrats to all!

Beating the Odds

Went to Arlington Racetrack today with Julienne and Mary. Bet on seven races. The horses I bet on won four of those races. Four winners. Whew. I hope I didn't use up all of my luck for the six years.

Now, back to work.

Indy GenCon, Professor Dorman, and Sikozu

Yet another trip and convention this summer. This time, Dave and Denise Dorman, Julienne and myself loaded into Dave's car and headed to Indianapolis. Dave was invited by Durwin Talon to Visionfest 2007 at IUPUI to speak on Sequential Art.


The Visionfest 07 Guest Speaker Panel (Durwin Talon, left/Dave Dorman 4th from left)

And while we there, Denise and I met with a few artists and 3D modellers to discuss The Devil's Candy Store. There also happened to be the Indy GenCon celebrating it's 40th anniversary. Saw some fun stuff, but the highlight was meeting Australian actress, Raelee Hill. She played Sikozu on the amazing Farscape. In person she is charming and funny and pretty as a picture.


Raelee Hill as Sikozu in Farscape

Gamedar

Dave and Denise Dorman and I are sitting in a bar in the city of Indianapolis where the GenCon Gaming conference is being held. The table next to us is filled with guys who are 20/30-something with ponytails and beards being very loud and rowdy.

Me: Man, those guys are loud.
Dave: Well, they're gamers.
Denise: How do you know?
Dave: I could tell the minute we walked in here.
Me: Dave's got gamedar.

Pink Raygun Interview

Pink Raygun came by the Rolling Thunder booth at the San Diego Comic-Con where The Devil's Candy Store was hanging our shingle and did a fun interview with Denise Dorman and myself. Lisa Fary and John Dallaire of Pink Raygun were very cool.

William Gibson - Spook Country

One of my favorite authors, William Gibson, was in Evanston today reading and signing his new book, Spook Country. He is always charming and funny and today he had the largest crowd this Barnes and Noble has ever had for a signing.


Supercide and Gibson looking at my Burning Chrome poster


Bill was happy to see me and I was happy to see him

Wizzie World ChiTown-style 2007

Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica

To be honest, I went to the convention in Chicago this year for one thing and one thing only. To meet Tricia Helfer of BSG. Number 6.

She was great. After many hours of signing everything people put before her and sitting for every photo possible, she was still the sweetest, charming young lass from Alberta that one could ask for. And yes, she's that tall and that beautiful in person.


Alex Wald manning our Artists Alley table

Oh yeah, I was in Artists Alley, too. Alex and I were hawking our wares with Alex being the much more successful one. Things are looking up lately for Alex. He is the colorist on a new Star Wars book, among many other things.


Bill Reinhold


Alex, Linda Lessmann, and Leanna


Leanna's New Tattoo (she designed it herself)


Linda Lessmann


Mike McCormick, formerly of First Comics

Mike was my BSG pal at the con. He was kind enough to wait in line me for Tricia Helfer's autograph. And if you have ever waited in line with me, you know what a sacrifice that was. Thank you Mike.


Serena Guerra

Serena and Jeff were at the table next to Bill and Linda, along with fellow artist, Dave Kovacs, and were part of our little Alley community.


Dave Kovacs


Lydia Burris

Lydia made the rounds of the tables like a trooper. New to comics and the big city, she is taking on comic books with her own work. Her enthusiasm reminds me of Willow Dawson.


Black Canary and Batgirl

SDCC 07 - Meet the Convention

A spot of color in the darkness


Jabba the Hut and Denise make nice


The Joker and Harley at the Rolling Thunder booth


Blade Runner everywhere


The Batmobile - no matter how many times I see it, I love it.


Denise, Tony Swatton, and a Pirate Lass


SciFi Channel Mind Control Device


They're alive!!! And invading Alex's personal space.


Sunday afternoon. I know the feeling.

See you next year!

SDCC 07 - Meet The Devils

San Diego Comic-Con 2007. Exhausting, exhilarating, ass-kicking.

One of the best things about Comic-Con this year was the chance to meet a lot of the people involved in The Devil's Candy Store adventure.


Stormtrooper Elvis, Jack, Denise, and Dave Dorman

My new business partner, Denise Dorman, and her husband Dave Dorman made this an exceptional trip. Their friendship and con experience made this event happen in all the right ways. Thank you, Denise and Dave. It was a pleasure to meet Darlene who took care of Jack while we took care of business.

Denise and I also did an interview with Lisa Fary and John Dallaire of Pink Raygun.

And now, in no particular order, the Devils and some friends:


Mark Nagata and Alex Wald

Alex Wald, The Devil's Candy Store Art Director, met up for the first time in human form with his longtime pal, Mark Nagata of the Max Toy Company. Alex will have some work in a show Mark's putting together at Chicago's Rotofugi called Toy Karma.


Christopher Moeller


Craig Elliott and Amy


Batgirl and Jon Van Fleet


Scott Hampton


Durwin Talon


The lovely Kristina, Stephan Martiniere, and Donato Giancola

We had the good fortune of having our portion of the booth directly across from Donato's booth where we got to know Donato's beautiful and charming helpers, Christina and Rocky. They shared their space with Cathy and Arnie Fenner of Spectrum.


Jon Foster and Denise Dorman


Mike Kennedy and his fiance, Liz


Tom Baxa


Joey Wester and Christopher Moeller

Joey is this dazzling redhead whose work you've seen many, many times, but just don't know it. Joey is the premiere painter of those paintings you see in television and movies in the characters' surroundings.


Denise and Dave Dorman and Clydene Nee

Clydene was instrumental in many good things to come our way and we thank her for it.


Jack and the Chocolate Box


Beth and Phil Burnett

Phil was my fellow BSG geek and thankfully one of us made it into the panel. Of course, this meant that Beth had to sit through four hours of geekville and Danny Bonaduce questions.


Dean Haglund and Patti (and the Joker)

A big surprise was meeting Dean and his beautiful girlfriend, Patti, who turned out to be excellent dinner companions. Both were charming and funny and Dean had stories that ranged from Buddy Hackett to Ur Castles and beyond.

Others in The Devil's Candy Store circle that were a joy to meet were Tom Carroll of Rockstar Games, Kevin Anderson, and Rebecca Moesta.

We also ran into Howard Chaykin, Brom, Olivia DeBerardinis, Geof Darrow, Peter Kuper, Tony Akins, Joshua Ellingson, Alice Bentley, Bill Reinhold, Peter and Anya from the Blick Forums, Mitch O'Connell, and Steve Rude, among others.


And Kathy Tanaka came to visit!!!

Wizard World Chicago 2007 Pre-Game Warm-up

Wizard World Chicago 2007, August 9 - 12

Come on by Artists Alley Booth #4004 to see Alex Wald and myself pimp and whore our way through another conference dedicated to funnybooks. We'll be surrounded by good company: Geof Darrow at Booth #4000; Gary, Karen and Thomas Gianni at Booth #4002; and Bill Reinhold at Booth #4006.

We'll be fresh with stories from San Diego Comic-Con and eager to talk about our new projects.

I won't be there on Sunday, because I'll be heading back to Evanston for a William Gibson signing at 3PM at the Barnes & Noble on Sherman Avenue. It's about 50 feet from my office and I'm psyched.

The Devil's In The Details

Detail from theater poster for "Lord Byron's CAIN"

The three of you who read this blog may have noticed that I suddenly stopped posting First Fear stuff when I appeared to be on a small roll. Well, I am still working on the comic book and hopefully you will see a nice finished piece before San Diego Comic-Con and certainly before Wizard World Chicago.

This interruption has been caused by a Top Secret Project to be unveiled at San Diego. At this point I can tell you that it will likely involve some of the finest illustrators working today, the game and movie industries, and some world building. It will all be done under the auspices of a new business called The Devil's Candy Store. Wicked.

One Hot Wedding

I took a break from comic books and had a great weekend. My sister, Elaine, got married to Dan this past Saturday in Jackson, Mississippi. It was 102º.


Mr. Daniel Ferguson and Mrs. Elaine Strickland Ferguson.

It was really great to see almost all of my immediate family in one place. With the exception of my father, who was too ill to travel, everyone was there. My sister was beaming as a beautiful bride and her groom was absolutely giddy. My nephews and niece have all grown into smart, decent, warm adults and their kids are marvelous. And as much as I give the South some grief when I visit, this time really reminded me of a lot of the good aspects of growing up in the South. People really are friendly and courteous and there is a slower pace that can remind you to look around and appreciate your family and friends. All in all, a really good weekend.


They got hitched in a little chapel that was originally built in the 1800's.

Artist Forum

Finally got to go to the artist forum at Blick Arts in Wheaton this weekend. Kevin Sandstrom, the store's manager, is a fine host and artist and is to be commended for putting the effort into these events. Alex Wald and I drove in and met up with Ray Frenden, Dave and Denise Dorman, and met some new folks. The artists we met were Anna Borowiecka, Peter Mohrbacher, and Ivan from Midway Games. All good artists with some nice work in their portfolios.

Ray has been extolling the merits of Manga Studio for line work using a tablet and Alex and I (thanks to Kevin) are going to check it out. Ray's work is damned impressive in the expressiveness of his line work, so I'm looking forward to trying out the program.

The next Forum is going to be Saturday, June 9th at 6:30 PM and it should be a good one. For more info you can e-mail Kevin at ArtistKMS at AOL. You can add a .com to that for good measure. Except for you damned bots.

Sherman Part Three

The New Digs - 90% There.

The new world headquarters is in place and ready to roll. One more computer to add (plus some internet access), but there is plenty of work that can be done without those things. See you downtown!

Sherman Part Two

Well, all of the big stuff is moved in, including the heavy-duty Anthro computer bench (emphasis on 'heavy'). Thanks to the athletic ability of Alex, the watchful eye of Julienne, and the mighty strength and at a moment's notice goodness of Bruce, it all made it up the stairs and through the tiny, tiny doors.

And now, it's unpacking time. The goal is to be working in the new world headquarters on Monday.

(Okay, I know this is like documenting paint drying, but I wanted to publicly thank my incredible support crew.)

Sherman

Burning City, Inc. - the next chapter.

Omnicircus Redux

There was a time, 1981 to be exact, when I found myself drifting in Chicago. I had recently arrived from Texas where I had been playing synths in various projects and I had just finished performing and playing in a musical version of Shakespeare's The Tempest. (Don't ask - the last line of The Reader review said, "Stay away in droves.")


Charlie and his Moog Prodigy for hire

I was looking for my next wild-haired art thing and, boy, did I find it. I was drinking (surprise) at The Gingerman, next to Metro, and saw a homemade flyer on the wall asking for a synthesizer player for a movie soundtrack. I ripped the tag off the flyer and called and thereby entered the exotic sphere of Frank Garvey.


Painting by Frank Garvey

Why am I telling you this? Frank and his expanded Omnicircus clan of misfits will have an installation of robots, paintings and performing at Acme Art Works on Wednesday, March 21 at 8PM. I haven't seen it yet, but it strikes me as a similar vibe to Survival Research Lab only inside and with less blood, fire and gasoline. All art, revolutionary manifestos, robots, dirty words, flung paint played at 11. I'm looking forward to it.

Check out Lilia Ahner's Flickr set for one of Survival Research Lab's shows. Trust me, if you can't go to an SRL show, at least take a peek at what you missed.

Go Bears

You heard me.

Aurora Comicon 2006

Thursday night was a long, rush hour drive across the city of Chicago and beyond, but worth the effort. Alex Wald and I made the trek at the request of John Galdun and the Messenger Public Library of North Aurora to participate in a small Comicon they put on for their readers. Several comic book professionals turned out and filled the tables set up.