Studio work

This month has been busy, with little time in my studio. I have been working in a studio, though, just not my own. About a month ago I emailed Paul Klein, who I had met at an event at the Hyde Park Art Center, to ask for some assistance. He had generously let me know back when I met him that if I ever had any questions or needed help, I could ask him. So I did. The idea had recently sprung into my head, or maybe rather just came finally came together in an articulate thought, that I could gain a lot from being a studio assistant to a successful artist. I don't really know any successful artists, so that's always been the problem.

I emailed Paul and told him what I was interested in. Specifically I told him that I was looking for a successful painter that I could assist. In exchange for my assistance, I would like to learn from someone who has survived as a painter and had a successful career that I could learn from. He connected me with Wesley Kimler, a painter here in Chicago that has been a significant part of the Chicago art scene as well as having a successful career in painting for many years. Wesley and I talked on the phone and arranged for me to start the following week.

So now, twice a week, I help Wesley out in his studio- cleaning, straightening, preparing canvases and we also talk quite a bit about art, painting, and stories about the Chicago art scene.

So far I think we've been able to help each other out- me helping keep his studio in order and he providing insights that he's learned over years of experience as an artist. I'm hoping also to meet people in the art community here as well. It's been difficult or me to find a place that I "fit in" so far with the various cliques that I've been introduced here in the art scene. I haven't found terribly many people interested in developing more of an artistic network and community. I'm hoping that through Wesley, who is known for not accepting any BS and making it a priority to be in the presence of people with integrity, I can meet some artists and creative people that are perhaps can become part of a community for me.

So, from my show to becoming a studio assistant, my time has been getting used up pretty quickly and I'm making more of a point to get some focused time to work.

TO DO:
Finalize images for Will and Matt commission
Study on paper- oil
Work on Scott piece
Check deadlines for submissions
Update website

PLAYLIST:
Sheryl Crow
Tom Waits
Tom Yorke
My Morning Jacket
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Stan Getz