Lindsay Lohan behind bars, but not DOA Diana!!

While cruising my Huffington Post, the title mortified me, "OLD PHOTO HAS PARENTS REMEMBERING HAPPIER TIMES". I thought it was going to be an article about one of WAY TOO MANY victims in CT, but the photo caught my attention with the sofa in the background covered in the old ever so brilliant clear vinyl.. assuring that that sofa textile material stays pristine.. yet everyone would rather sit on the floor! (I guess the sofa is a good look.. lol) Never the less, I thought, gosh.. who in CT is still using that vinyl on their sofa's certainly this must be an older pic of someone. Indeed. It was not a CT victim.. it was Lindsay Lohan.

The article went on to talk about how Dina tweeted this Christmas pic of her and her children during happier times, and that she forgets what gifts were given to the children, and goes on about how now Lindsay is going back to jail or something. I have children.. though I tend to say I have little people.. because that is what they are, little people. One day they will be big people.. at least that is the mindset we have and live in every day. Somewhere along the way, Lindsay Lohan as just a little girl was put into the spot light ONLY with her parents help. Little people cannot drive themselves to auditions, agencies etc. that I am aware of. During that journey of $$ and fame, Lindsay apparently got lost... as she seems to get into trouble an awful lot. Yet, for a woman that seems to get in trouble and not much else, opportunity STILL seems to be at her door. That seems to work out ok! They didn't write about me in the Huffington Post. (..when they do, I won't be in trouble.)

Fame, fortune, and children don't seem to mix very well. The spot light puts one in view and so many in the dark behind that light, and it seems if a person isn't aware of their direction, it will provide certain confusion and turmoil. These ideas remind me of my painting "DOA DIANA". While painting Princess Diana, I came to the conclusion that something seemed to be missing ... yes her smile that lit up a room was there, but the stories that I heard (of Diana and her life) from behind the gates at Her Majesty's the Queen of England's home in Sandringham, didn't seem to show at all in the painting. Unlike Lindsay, Diana, seemed to love to do good things for many people. In fairness though, Diana was an adult when the spot light was turned on. Light is light, and it allows many people to see, sometime when it's too late. Diana was DOA, after a car accident with the/avoiding, paparazzi. Diana was run over, run down.

So many lives, so much beauty ends up before it even begins. It is the holiday season and while so many are hoping and wishing for gifts, and stressing about giving, there are many whose lives are excruciating. I started my day the very same way some of the parents in CT did, as they readied their little ones for school.

I would love to offer, and honor the lives of these beautiful little angels by doing paintings of each and everyone one of them, for them to be hung altogether.. and shown together, as they left this world together. Together we can remember, as it's all about the journey, we don't take the destination with us.

Enjoy the big of it all...
MW

Common Sense Is Uncommon

Morning is always my favorite time of day.  I tend to be up before most individuals, which is nice because it gives me a chance to evaluate the plan of the day before the circus begins.  This morning was particularly poignant, as it seemed to be filled with amazing complications of everyone in the household grasping common sense to solve a problem.  If your hair is tangled, try brushing it.  If your leg is in pain, try some Tylenol.  If you want Chex cereal for breakfast, ask for it before you lick the icing off of a cinnamon roll.  I think that common sense isn't common anymore.  Once everything and everyone was off into their set plan of the day the reality that the lack thereof expanded into how it seems to be a widespread problem.  Randall clicked on some current news as I was cruising the web for potential new spaces and that is when I heard it.  "Apple Maps, are leading people into the middle of nowhere and creating life threatening situations... some people being stranded for up to 24hours without food, water, gas, or cell reception!"  Really?  At what point does one or should one.. go on instinct or perhaps a natural thought process and say.. "hmm.... this doesn't seem right?".  It's things like this that was part of the motivational process for the painting I created, "The buck stops here".  What does that really mean?  Does the buck ever stop?  I think a lot of people go throughout their daily lives without actually even touching paper $.  Virtual doesn't mean actual.  It seems to me the buck can keep going long after it should, creating an entire new set of dilemmas.  But what is the buck even?  I think that you can rely on that notion as much as apple maps.  Sometimes it may just be a good idea to be basic, but I guess if you end up in the middle of nowhere, that would be an entirely new opportunity for an exciting adventure!

 

Enjoy the big of it all...

MW

 

I must have forgotten to paint Jack White......

While skimming the news and emails this morning as it's too early to use the pressure washer.. I came across an article on the Huffington Post.  Jack White apparently had big words and ideas on celebrity including a big artist, Lady Gaga.  (Gosh, I don't think he would appreciate my art either!) In the article he said..."The goal of modern celebrity is to make yourself into the lowest common denominator," said White. "'Hey, I'm a guy just like you. I like a beer, a football game.' Especially in reality television, you'll see people will go so far as to make a fool out of themselves just to prove that."

The drummer went on call out Lady Gaga for creating music that lacks substance.

"I don't think she lives it because it's all artifice" said White. "It's all image with no meaning behind it. You can't sink your teeth into it. It's a sound bite. It's very of this age, because that's what people want. They want a Twitter line, a jpeg, an MP3."

I love the comment, "It's all image... with no meaning behind it". This stirs a question in my head, Does it not take an idea that comes from a struggle or overwhelming sense of "meaning", to create an image that is so powerful and so well known?  Is it not up to the individual to have their own thoughts about what they think about an artist's "image"?  This concept one of the many elements why I painted Michael Jackson, Black or White.  Michael Jackson could be black white...or purple, and obviously no matter what he looked like his art... his power.. his "image" transcended his soul, why? Because it didn't matter.  Despite such a great icon's changing image... his body of work greatly impacted art, society, and music.  Beauty and talent can go far beyond an image.  Yet choosing a specific image or likeness to paint of such an icon can leave a mood or tone all on its own.

 

I am not sure about Jack White.. I didn't know who he was until a few days ago. I guess my fiancées hair style carried a likeness to his..

 

I wonder if he(Jack White) thinks that Lady Gaga's meat dress was merely a stylists choice... and that it was devoid of any meaning.  I wonder if the lowest common denominator when multiplied by 6 would be greater than the highest common denominator of Jack Whites definition of celebrity.  I am not sure, but I doubt Jack White is a Steeler fan.  

So many words in the big of it all!  That's what makes it so much fun.

MW

Mind, Body, Casa

I had an early Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday by being a part of the launch of "Mind Body Casa", a concept and creation of the lovely Tanika Ray.  Invited as the guest artist, I found myself surrounded by the supreme brilliance and queen, Jody Watley, amazeballs actress, Tangie Ambrose, Heaven HI and hallelujah singer/songwriter Niki Leonti, ethereal beauty, Andrea Bendewald, delectable and delightful celebrity chef Ameera, magic hands and masseuse to the stars Greg Lewis, and my drop dead hotness musician with astrological infusion, Randall Swindell.  We dined, danced, sang, teared up and bonded in a way that the universe could only set in motion. A pilot, and collaborative unity that warms, guides, educates, and entertains left me tranquil, and ecstatic!! Hand in hand with producer, P. Frank Williams and so many other amazing individuals, I can't wait to share what was captured, and continues to grow well after the cameras turned off.  This is everything that is FABULICIOUS!!!!

 

Try

For Sale: Visit: http:/www.monicawarhol.com

While watching Pink's performance at the AMA's of "TRY". I had to smile and feel I could somewhat relate on so many levels.  As I haven't been abused in the last year.. nor been involved in any domestic abuse and violence in at least 3 years (joke.. and  I do take such matters very seriously.. but my cynical nature provides me a bit of a buffer to maintain a peppy spirit.) I find Pink’s lyrics, performance, abilities and talents quite amazeballs.  Though aspects of the song, and or performance could be controversial, I have to say that the overall message to continue to get up and "TRY" is something I can relate to, and maybe everyone could be encouraged or reminded to do the same.

This is epic and necessary as an artist... especially with screen printing.  From the journey of concept, to drawing and composition, to Photoshop, to being reliant on a printer (which may or may not be problematic) to exposing a transparency, to proper exposure time, to pressure of water while hosing out, to applying paint with varying weather conditions, to hand registering (which is how I do my work) differently each and every time, so many things can go wrong.  This rings very true on many of my pieces, but especially my "Family Crest" of the Campbell's soup can.  While doing this print, my transparency literally got eaten by the printer... and I had to dig it out after search and rescue to even at least fix the printer.  I took this mess, slop, and did my best to flatten it out, and found that I saw a lot of parallels of the image to myself and who I felt I was that day.  The image and what had happened to my work was what happened, and as a person, I found it unique and wanted to keep going, use it, and just "TRY". 

Chaos + Chaos

We were doing a little bit of filming last night.. which was a family event.  I was surprised at how competitive, and willing the little people and a few big people were with such a notion going on.  It was really great.  I realized that I think that the desire to shine, share and entertain, if unscathed is really there at birth and will grow if given proper light, stage and opportunity.  So I guess we are born that way.  

This brought me full circle back to an original work I did of Lady Gaga, or Stephanie Geramatta.  I really was visually excited with the somewhat simple image of her face for the "Born this Way", album.  Hair that looked like smoke almost... ethereal.  My mind went all sorts of places, and I thought about how amazing, talented and beautiful she is.  I thought about all her amazing costumes and the many hands of artistry that make up such an amazing creation of the production of her.. and as she sings.. "I was born this way..".  I thought ...golly, I know she has worn a dress of meat..and I can't imagine did that smell, or feel cold, slimy..? Who sewed that?  Does a meat dress need to be refrigerated? Is it like beef jerky?  Can you serge a cut of meat?  Is there a possibility of bacterial contamination?  Looking once again at the album cover, I thought she kind of looks like a gorgeous "Medusa", the snake god or whatever from the "Clash of the Titans".  Medusa with hair of snakes though, wasn't born that way... at least not according to the story I know which is mostly based on the 1970-something movie.. maybe 80's I don't know.  Never the less... I wondered why Lady Gaga hasn't worn a headdress of snakes yet.  I thought I would like to just go ahead and paint it.  Only make the snakes somewhat happy.. because I like happy things.

Once well into this painting which takes time, a person had asked me while picking up my little lady from preschool if I had any more little people.. I said yes, and started doing inventory.  The lady looked at me all wide eyed.. and said "WOW... that is amazing.. ", .....and "... how do you do it.. it must be chaos!!!??" ... I thought about what she said.  I wasn't sure what to say, that happens alot.  So I said.." Well, I suppose it is chaos.. but I think after you have a 3rd, it can be chaotic.. and really what is the plural of chaos???". "Chaos + Chaos...= .... what's the difference... the equation doesn't matter at that point.

I went back to my Lady Gaga painting.  My screens gave me WICKED issues... which I am sure comes down to some sort of magical user problem.. never the less... my own challenges.  What is a challenge, or a problem?  It is nothing more than an opportunity... so  I pounded out my ink onto lovely BFK Rives French paper.  One at a time I registered every single one differently.. much like the noise and activity around me.. the "chaos", that I wouldn't feel comfortable if it wasn't. I finished my Gaga... and looked down at my work.  I didn't like it.  I didn't understand why I would have worked so hard ... on an image I just wasn't thrilled with.. why didn't I just stop?  I guess I was just born this way.  Nah, I know I was.  Quite certain..(and that is something to celebrate)

Gaga Chaos is now one of my favorite works.  From frustration scanning my drawing into Photoshop, to redrawing it at least 4 times, to torn screens, to bad photo emulsion, too pleased initial pulls of ink, to disgust of 4th pulls of ink, to tranquil quiet moments in the gallery at Rancho Linda Vista looking at her all framed and deciding, I wasn't sure why I was ever unhappy with the painting, Gaga Chaos, is a full journey for me.  I really like it.

As I went through my collection trying to choose something for the Children Institute for donation, I knew what work I wanted to see there at the London on the rooftop in West Hollywood.  Chaos + Chaos = whatever you decide ... and you can always change your mind.  That is why it is the ever "Big of it all :-) "

One Nation Under Facebook

No time like the present with the election yesterday taking a second to explain my original artwork of my AMERICAN FACEBOOK FLAG.

Initially when I came up with the concept, and jotted it down onto a post-it, I had in mind that Facebook not only is a ginormous part of American life, but also many countries..

That being said Facebook has been the paper, and the user the pen, to post opinions, and argue with otherwise folks they don't have issue with. From Lady Gaga, overzealous teens, and all walks and users... It brings out yet another meaning in my artwork... As most of it does. A bit contradictory to the word... 'United'.

 

Ah the big if it all...

Monica Warhol

A Torn Screen

Every day is a new adventure when it comes to my world, but when its a really good day, it’s good to try and remember when those happen.

While sitting around with my girlfriends on an LA Saturday evening, we gabbed about boys, art, fashion, celebrities, violence, social media and basically were plotting on how to improve the cosmos. To turn goodness into oxygen for all to breathe. We realized that part of making that happen is to let go of the scars we tend to allow to define us. So often, we get a slice that is personal and for some reason allow that to resonate louder and take up more space than that “one special day”. I tend to think about that a lot, when I paint and create, because I think if I can express and encourage that, and set an example it will not only help me smile more, but encourage everyone to allow and explode a lasting grin. So as I closed my eyes that evening I thought it would be a good idea to do my best to remember those fabulous days when they happen, and savor their every second and take inventory and mix them into the colors that I use in my art and my world.

The very next morning I would get an opportunity to start this exercise.

You would think that something as simple as picking up some repaired silk screens wouldn’t end up being and event and a holiday all on its own, but that is exactly what it turned out to be.

I picked up my screens and the imagery that had been burned into the fabrics that told a story were gone, yet the frames still had their marks to remind me of their journey. Next I would make a stop off to another destination where I would end up meeting an absolute adorable doll baby by the name of Nicole Marie would forever change my view on being Monica Warhol.

While working on a bigger than life project I stopped into meet up with Mario at Ryonet Silk Screen Supplies LA, and was treated to the most pleasurable time. While asking a plethora of questions and getting supplies, Mario, not only took great time, but also took critical care answering my questions, as well as delivering unpleasant news to different aspects of silk screening that I was pretty sure of already as a diagnosis with nothing but kindness and personality. At the end Mario whispered a bit and asked me if I wouldn’t mind having a picture with Nicole Marie who had been a nervous wreck when finding out I would be coming by. Of course I was absolutely complimented and couldn’t wait to hear all about her.. as I live in me all the time. After a few clicks we started talking and the world disappeared.

Nicole told me how she just recently finished up at UCLA where she wrote her dissertation on the fathers of pop art. We started gabbing all about art and quickly I started looking and asking her if she had felt there was a void in pop art and silk screening, and she came to life. Being drop dead gorgeous seemed to be her brand of choice, we dove into conceptual conversation, trying to cover and capture the rainbow of art and expression. We talked about life and love, graffiti and street art, young and old and came full circle to a place where we felt we fit and were so very pleased to have met.

I walked off feeling like it was one big party booming inside of my body. I remembered how I wanted to try and hold onto these moments so as to shine brighter than anything else as they are worth so much more. Not to mention I was invited to an amazeballs party there with what turns out to be a great event that is going to have a food truck. Food Trucks seem to be the tickle me elmos of Los Angeles... and I guess this one was meant for me as it is the one and only Steel City Food Truck founded by my friends from Pittsburgh PA. These are the moments I want to occupy my resonance that I might have the chance to share such beauty with others, not only the brilliance of Nicole, but the brilliance she created for me. You can’t sit pretty in this life unless you have the chance to sit ugly long enough. That is why pretty pictures can tell one hell of a story and give you a lasting satisfaction that is worth holding a mirror up to to reflect out for all to see, while at the same time maybe letting that smile last just a little bit longer.

We are all truly lucky to enjoy the big of it all

MW

Facebook: The Game of Life

My brain tends to move very quickly... and I tend to not explain totally where I am coming from on purpose. I think that takes the fun and potential new ideas generated in others minds if I spell out EXACTLY where I am coming from, not to mention, a series will be created in my mind, and take on more and more meaning throughout time, with new elements that come out that weren't there originally. This happened ALOT in my Facebook/ Religion series.. which needs to and will grow as Social Media earthly existence. I know there are some countries that are quite poor.. and do not have cell towers, and computers as readily available.. but would we all know those places exist if we didn't exists off of ours?? So my idea is Facebook: The game of life. Now.. once I paint this.. remember, someone may look at it.. chuckle and move on, but think about it.. does anyone play board games anymore? People play a lot of games on Facebook, and other games, maybe not be on Facebook, but your scores, and plays etc may be posted on Facebook. So with all of this swirling in brilliant colors, and witty sarcasm I thought.. that is just brilliant! As I am on a mac I thought.. the wheel of death would make an awesome spinner. You could have spots including and not limited to, "unresponsive page, go back 4 spaces", "someone Liked your status jump ahead 2 spaces", "someone commented on your status, move ahead 4", " OF 597 of your friends only 8 people are attending your event go back 2", "Computer froze, go to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200 (as your credit is maxed out, and you have to file chapter 7)." I think it would be awful fun.. yet.. no one would ever buy Facebook the board game... and people certainly wouldn't get together to play it... yet if I were to paint it.. a few people may like the pic on Instagram, or Facebook.. but with all that being said.. at that point.. should I even bother to paint it? Does anyone go to SEE art anymore, I think mostly people only go out to be seen, and have their picture taken to post to show just how much fun they are having.. or other various reasons. Wouldn't it be actually more beneficial to blog about it.. give it to the kids and see what they may or may not make of it? The concept could infiltrate many more mediums if you just put it out there, and isn't that the point? Isn't that one of the main reasons an artist an artist paints or makes anything? But then again.. there I go, dare I say, everything has already been done,(so says the author of the Wall street Journal article) and as an artist, I can't go beat a dead horse.. and what does that even mean anyway.. why would you beat anything..? People can't even be bothered to exercise.. so eventually, I don't think beating will be the same as it used to be. I suppose artists paint and create things to express their feelings and emotions, but are people losing their ability to be empathetic? Do people really help others or reach out selflessly, or is there always some sort of self-motivated advantage for the individual? If indeed the majority of patrons who go and see art, buy art, is merely to be seen and a scheduled social gathering, isn't it time then, to create new avenues to address the need? Update art and how we show it to include the lifestyle of the majority of emerging youth. Lifestyle for the 19 year old, vastly different from what it was like for the 45 year old. With that thought in mind, the artist today has to also adapt it's craft. Photographs that were once "airbrushed", would be unusable. Any artist knows that if you want to manipulate a photo, you would never get out an air compressor, you would get out Photoshop, or software of the like. Art I think, is to express an idea, to encourage thought, to share........isn't that what Facebook is? Why bother painting and making a mess, spending $ on supplies, and working??? Or does creating it, hanging it in a gallery or museum, really allow for an experience that can't be had online. Seeing my own work hung, and going to such marvelous places such as the Louvre, MOMA, or even art on the streets OR do we have to settle for it being viewed, liked or shared on Facebook is the height of the accomplishment. The outreach is that much more than an actual museums... WILL SOCAIL MEDIA REPLACE MUSEUMS?

No Art on Wall Street

An article featured on October 5th 2012 in the Wall Street Journal, "How Can Capitalism Save Art?" talked about a major decline in the visual arts, and suggests that artists have lost touch with their general audience. The author suggests that it's high time that contemporary artists should admit that the avant garde is dead. He says that artists win attention by imitating once shocking images, such as "Piss Christ", by Andres Serrano.

I DO NOT AGREE AT ALL WITH THIS!! And, I further challenge...Does everyone think that avant garde by definition is to offend others? I thought avant garde meant; innovation of new applications, techniques and concepts? So my understanding is that no artists are being innovative in their concepts, techniques, and applications? I am not sure if I am going to write to this author, I doubt it, but I do disagree with the article. I would like to know what is a new idea? Who is it that judges? I think that there is a more relevant issue at hand and that is reception. This author possibly has never seen my work, and many other artists. We live in a new era, and you cannot judge what you did not see, or did not find. My work has not yet hung at the MET or MOMA, so the thoughts and ideas behind my simple images.. yes SIMPLE images, are I think, complex and challenging, relevant, and dare I say... NEW? How does one see them though, or find them? You have to capture people’s attention in an audience that tunes into "Jersey Shore, Octomom, Football, and the 2012 Presidential Election". People have to go to museums and galleries, but why would they? Can't you just see everything on Facebook? I think so far from what I have experienced and can somewhat relate to this article is what is missing not only in visual art, as well as society, is a bridge on the digestion of technology and its effect on society and everyday life. As a result, a disconnect in not only the way we perceive things but also the way we judge and conduct and condition our families and relationships.

The idea and understanding of the article reminded me of my bubble gum covered crucifix, and acrylic on canvas painting I did with an F resembling the infamous Facebook logo with religious symbols, and opened for exhibit on "Good Friday" this past Easter. There are some perhaps that viewed my work, and thought, sacrilege. A close friend asked me to remove one of my works of art, claiming that it was beyond insulting and disrespectful to their faith. Yet, they were only associating with their particular faith in the series, and missing maybe the whole point of the collection. I equate this with seeing a post on Facebook and reacting as if it solely is an attack on them only and their person. Once hearing me out, my friend respected my choice to keep my exhibit as is. Sometimes it takes a little more than we expected to shine light on something. We can't always just plug it in, and have the exposure we want. Time, tact, education, understanding, patience, and knowledge has to be involved.

With all of that swirling around in my brain, I found my fluorescent fixtures, and now have ordered 22, T-12, 40 watt, 48 inch black-lit fluorescent tubes, and now have to go to home depot to buy wood and wires to construct one of the many instruments that I need to create one of a kind works of art that I can share. All that happens before I even open the paint. Maybe we are accustomed to instant application, instant judgment, and have lost the ability to understand. Whatever the case may be, I sure hope UPS doesn't take too long, because it sure will be a relief once I can flip the switch on this saga, and let it shine.

Enjoy the big of it all....
MW

Dollar Dog

I love the idea of dogs; especially puppies, they look so much better when they are someone else's. Reason being is they just cost alot of money for that loving companionship and darling entertainment. Upon this thought, my circus brain began... and my ink followed. My gorgeous friend Gary said to me upon gazing at my Dollar Dog the following quote which I find his perspective very entertaining...

Gary:
"Hmmm!? Does this innocent looking canine eat money? Poop money? Have monetary ticks? Is it an entrepreneurial pup, a leveraged buyout doggy, a hedge fund hound, a trust baby poodle or just genetically money maned? Are its roots (hair follicles) evil?"

My response is of course:

"Gary, I love your vocabulary, it's a 4 course dining experience :-) .. I don't really know her origins.. but it's probably safe to say, it's not a penny pinching poodle".

Now you tell me your thoughts on my Dollar Dog!

Enjoy The Ride

I have heard that some people buy sex on the craigslist, and I was surprised while I was searching for a cotton candy machine, (that I have still have not attained) that you could buy pot, yet finding a vacuum exposure unit for screen printing was NOT an easy find. I knew that somewhere, someone had a nice big one (because I want to make big art) that works, sitting there that they weren't using, or better yet they attained and didn't know what it was used for. Besides what else can a girl do while waiting for new music to come out from Kesha, No Doubt, and Pink.. and I am not sure what Fergie, Christina Aguilara, and Britney Spears is doing.. other than those reality talent pop star shows. (Just kidding, I am never not doing.) I was sure that someone out there had a vacuum light exposure unit and was listing it wrong.. because you could call it all sorts of different things, and while looking I even happened onto Ebay where I found a HUGE one. It was more $$ than I wanted to spend, but you could make an offer. I laughed as it clearly was in a warehouse, and while most broads might be looking for a new handbag, or things that girls look for, (....I am a platform shoe purveyor as well as lip gloss addict.....) I am desperate of a large vacuum light exposure unit that is CLEARLY industrial and there is absolutely nothing feminine about it.

I had to expand my search, and figured that since I was heading out to LA I would search everywhere travel able. I found a great one in Texas, but that was the wrong way. I found one in Vegas, but the guy wanted a little too much for it and it wasn't all that much larger than the one I have, but he sure was nice. I finally found one that seemed it would be a good prospect in San Diego, but while working out details with the seller I had gotten a notification that my offer had been accepted on this 1200lb, 10ft long, vacuum light exposure unit. I was shocked. It definitely was big enough... and then the questions started.. did it work.. how big is it.. and where is Stockton CA, I thought it was near Compton, I was wrong. It was labor day weekend, and my ebay message wasn't being answered. I was frustrated, as I already had plans on leaving on the Tuesday early and having dinner with my buddy artist Gabe Larson. I assumed Randy's trailer, which we weren't sure we were going to use, would be big enough, and ok for a road trip, I was wrong.

The gal Heather said that they "thought" the table works, but as it's a 220 electrical outlet they couldn't check the lamp unit... I figured .. OK. (by this time we had hit the highway) While having this conversation 20 minutes into the trek of Stockton, which is another 7 hour drive or so PAST LA, Randy's trailer fender falls off. We pull off, in a terrible place and he's trying to fix it. Heather was calling me back to assure me that the unit will at least fit in our trailer, and make sure they will have the crane available to get it into the trailer. (When she started talking about the crane, I got pretty uneasy.) Randy asks if I have any tape, scissors, wire, tools, or anything to aid in repairing the trailer.. I had JUST cleaned the truck out.. all I had was neon pink ribbon.. and I am not really sure why. He said that would work and as he is out there doing some crafting, Heather in Compton phones back and says the trailer we have won't be big enough. I told Randy, and we had to turn back and do some sorting in back in Tucson. Needless to say, we weren't going to be making it to dinner with Gabe that evening.

After some time on the phone, girl tears, and frustration, we managed to come up with a rental trailer that was large enough, and set out the next morning. We had no clue how even IF we managed to get this table how we would get it off the trailer once back to Tucson, but we figured that we would cross that bridge when we got to it. Would the suburban be ok pulling something that heavy, that far? We would find out. The conversation about what life size art piece I wanted to work on first, morphed into shopping lists at Home Depot. Turns out there really isn't a whole lot to see between LA and Stockton. It seems like a strange place, and Heather warned us to be careful if we stopped anywhere, due to crime. There wasn't really anywhere to stop, so we thought that it would probably be best to just turn around once we got the table and head back to LA.

The table was huge. They had this amazing overhead crane in this sign company to move it. The parking lot looked like the place where Starbuck signs go to die. I asked if there were any directions to this table, and Heather said no. It looks like it's from the 80's, so I was going to have another project there. Randy talked about how great it would be if we could have our factory like this building with the overhead crane, I told him I could see him tethering one of the kids for a ride. After some manipulation, the table was now on the trailer, and I thought how funny we must look, with all these burly guys.. and then there is me with my white hair and oversized Jackie O sunglasses from Wal-Mart, that didn't even come close to my Oscar De La Renta shades that lake Coeur de Laine in Idaho claimed a few weeks ago, and Randy in his rock star black skinny pants, lyrcra shirt, and buckle boots. Still they were very nice, and glad to see the table go, so once again we set off.

We drove forever and the goal had become to get the table back as soon as possible. After staring at my phone and downloading Priceline and Expedia apps, I finally settled on making a decision on a hotel in San Bernardino. We were so filthy and tired, nothing seemed to matter anymore. Every stop was some sort processed made to look like meat product wrapped in paper... and far from appealing. I wanted soft hair, my new lady Gaga Fame perfume, and a soft bed. I wanted to wash my feet and put on soft pants, after 20 some hours of driving, a person can get a bit cranky. Making it to the hotel seemed like a distant dream that seemed like a far off place. We had made it. San Bernardino.. how funny to be so happy. We finally were able to shower and laugh exhausted on how once again we totally packed wrong. I wasn't going to be needing my silver pants and chain metal shirt. In the morning it was exciting to only have about 7 hours left of driving. We relaxed and had a nice breakfast, and jumped on the bed and were quite pleased with the choice on Priceline. Almost there, hoping for NO STORMS, as our tarp that was covering the table was now looking like a Halloween decoration. We delighted when we arrived in Quartzite for our ceremonial Fresh Beef Jerky stop to load up and say hello to Lyle. Lyle informed me that he was training this nice new guy, and may miss us while we pass through as he now calls Randy Jared. (Apparently Randy resembles Jared Leto, I think he is far prettier.) We take our routine picture in front of the Fresh Jerky sign with our new member of the family the Violux vacuum light exposure unit with Theimer mercury shutter lamp. I hold my breath and hope that we arrive and somehow figure out how in the world we are going to remove the table.

Tucson and even though monsoon season, we didn't get a drop. I call my ex who agreed to help us move the table, and managed to arrange a piano mover if they couldn't sort it out. I gave my friend Tiffany a lift home as she stopped by to see the table, but ended up talking about burning man festival, drugs, herself, and a bad bridesmaid dress. I decided to grab a frozen yogurt and my phone goes off with a picture Randy sent me of the table IN ITS PLACE and OFF the trailer!!! I was only gone 15 minutes! Somehow the guys managed to do it with just the two of them and no crane. Turns out IF the light works, it is strong enough to get a tan, I thought how fabulous.. we will have to try tanning on the light table. One thing is certain, now I can burn a really big screen. Now to plug it in.. but remember.. it's a 220 electrical plug, and of course my space doesn't have one of those.

A 220 electrical fixture is what is on a washer and or dryer sometimes, and I can remember the girly days where I didn't know what that was. I think I knew what an 808 drum was before a 220. Thankfully, Randy as he is rock star and worked many a stage, happens to know quite a bit about wires, not to mention has an affection for electricity itself and innovator, Nichola Tesla. I remember the day I didn't know who that was either. Randy is electric too, and so pretty, but more importantly assured me that he can wire a 220 into the fuse box, with no problem. Randy and my ex decide to have a look at the electrical board, but surprisingly find that there is a wasp nest residing in the electrical box. This is a problem, and not one that will result in the immediate wiring of a 220 to even see if the lamp works. Daily treatments of RAID AND RUN becomes an exercise.

I don't understand wasps. I really don't enjoy bugs. I understand they are necessary for the nature.. but bee's at least make honey. Bees if you look at them, maybe one can even say they are attractive. (keep in mind I really dislike bugs, mostly flying funneling ants, and grasshoppers/ criquets, and bees and wasps..) Bees have some color to them, and a rather nice structure, but wasps.. they just look like an evil ninja kind of bug and they don't even make honey that I am aware of!

The adventure continues, and the space continues to be prepped with the addition of the new equipment, including repeat bug treatments to remove the wasp nest. I expect to be able to connect it all next week, and managed to find alot of items while clearing space that probably could have disappeared and I wouldn't have known for not. (including old photos, and memos I wrote to paste up once upon a time to remind myself that I was really needing RAID spray for a guy I was seeing. I suppose it's really nice finding things like that though, when you are happy in a current relationship with a really hot, younger, amazingly talented, loving, helpful, and intelligent model. It really reminded me of how far I have come, and how I really must have enjoyed punishing myself to entertain some real losers in the past. Experiences like that however can provide a platform of emotion to use that even Christian Laboutin would appreciate for insightful artwork! Remembering even feeling the need to write myself notes to stay away from a guy was really pathetic though. Obviously I knew better, but didn't do best. But along with that also came photos of my father and Aunt Betty who are long gone, and I got to share them with Randy, as it was all new to him. The past doesn't matter though, it's only a memory, and you really only have today, because tomorrow is just an idea.

Turning on a light can really expose an awful lot, and the vacuum can leave quite an impression! I think it's good to look for light and a way to connect. If old connections failed, so what. I always say I am in it to live it. If everything was easy, you wouldn't enjoy when it is. One day soon I will burn my first REALLY big screen, and not think about setting everything up, or cleaning, or 220's. Knowing my world, we will have an opportunity soon, to move it all to usable space in LA and have to go through it all again! What a wonderful dilemma that would be! Believe it or not, finding a space for a 1200 lb vacuum light exposure unit, where you can rock out, make a mess, and is large enough to work in, isn't the easiest find, oh and can have a bazillion little people wonder around as well. But, they say that good things come to those who wait, I don't think waiting is productive, and I think thats a good thing.

I am just enjoying the big of it all!

MW