Ugh! I've Fallen...

Well, gentle-readers of my blog I have fallen. But I did get up - barely (or so it seemed at the time). Spent Christmas afternoon/evening in the worst blizzard I can remember in the ER. Good news - seems my knee/ankle is not broken. Bad news - might be a problem with my knee that would require surgery. Good news - seems that is not the case, but I will definitely know on Thursday when I see an Orthopedist. Good news - I am up on crutches and getting the basics taken care of - but that is about it right now. Otherwise Christmas was excellent and a true reminder of how much I have to be thankful for - my fantastic family and friends and a special shout out to my mom and my sister for taking such excellent care of me.

More as I get better and can to sit longer than 10 minutes here on the PC.
David

A Journey through Wonderland

I am working on a series that incorporates some of the ideas of Alice in Wonderland (via Walt Disney's Alice) and those of modern Christianity (via my own understanding of Christ and my academic work in Renaisance art). The medium of choice seems to be watercolor though I am working on some linoleum blocks as well. The first effort is this work featuring my rendition of Disney's Alice. Alice may at some point encounter a crucifix, but for now she is alone contemplating what comes next - as so am I. I am now working on the next set of paintings to be seen shortly.
David
*Please do not copy my digital images for re-use unless given explicit permisison by me.

Chistmas "Rage" over "Controversial" Shop Window

A study in what happens when life imitates art and art history. The video shows a woman's offense at a store window in LA. The following is a painting by Caravaggio that was met with controversy in its time.

It is nice to know that in 405 years imagery (high and low) has the power to evoke such a response. "Giovanni Baglione, a competing painter of lesser talent, but who had successfully obtained Caravaggio's jailing during a libel trial, said that the unveiling of this painting "caused the common people to make a great cackle (schiamazzo) over it (Source)." Granted, we have moved from masterpieces of Italian art to shop windows in LA and from rival painters to an ordinary woman with a moral grudge - but once cardinals are implored to fight a battle over imagery, we must remember the Inquisition and all that implies. I doubt seriously that a window designer would be burned at the stake, but what might salve the "rage" and "disgust" of the affronted viewer? And though the idea that someone has to stand up and be the "moral compass" for a community might in fact be a grand one, no one has chosen this woman to be that moral compass. I know I would prefer her to keep her morality to herself and allow me to make the decision of whether to shop at such a store my own. And to that point that is what Caravaggio's painting is about - the opportunity for an artist to make his images his way and for the viewer(s) to decide for themselves. Maybe we will learn that some day, maybe say in another 4oo+ years.
David

Christmas Desktop Wallpaper

Fun for all! Hope you enjoy. Its a good size for most computers, if you'd like another size shoot me a message.
David

On that note...

NYS Senator Diane Savino said it beautifully with great humor.
With thanks to Teresa for sharing and my thanks to Senator Savino.
David

Just a note.

The problem with a "majority" vote on any civil rights issue is that the MINORITY will never have enough votes on their own behalf to vote legislation in and therefore a cosmic shift has to occur amongst the majority in regards to that minority to have legislation voted for and enacted. Therefore, it is the duty of the legislators both state and federal to uphold the Constitution and not sway to public opinion nor wait for public opinion to change.

My 2 cents.
David

In Happier News...

Watch Gay Video & Lesbian Movies

This time of year I start getting out the Christmas items stashed and sotred for almost a year. I go through the boxes and come to - always - my favorite things (well, at least favorite Christmas CDs/DVDs). There is Peewee's Christmas, Barbra Streisand's Christmas Album and RuPaul's Christmas CD: Ho Ho Ho - LOVE! They make me so happy. To add to the excitement this year is anticipating the next season of RuPaul's Drag Race coming in February - but the tease has already begun as seen above. YEAH!

Update: New videos of the contestants are up on LOGOonline.com Favorites: Tyra Sanchez (damn!), Sonique and Nicole Paige Brooks. The competition should be fierce. "Don't fuck it up!"
David

Jeanne-Claude dies at 74.

Jeanne-Claude the artist and wife of Christo has passed away on November 18th at age 74. Her work will certainly be remembered for many reasons - including a great deal of controversies including the controversy over the recent work The Gates. For me, I have always been moved by the notions of absence and revelation in the monumental works of her and her husband. More information about their work click here .
David

New Lady Gaga

I will admit I have not really understood Lady Gaga. This, however, is brilliant and it suits my mood. I saw it thanks to Starrfucker.
**Updated video link 12-16-09
David

New Products Soon...

But for now a nice Thanksgiving Day desktop wallpaper to enjoy.

David