Hazel Eyes Studio

Ice Queen

2012-01-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

As I move forward with digital collage I'm finding myself still tied to the human form. Perhaps one day I may explore a landscape without the human vessel, but today I still speak through it. Here is a piece titled "Ice Queen" I created for no other reason than to explore. I would love to see it used in a vodka ad or perfume ad in a swanky fashion magazine; no, not really.

Attention:The Cymatics

2012-01-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

Worked on a poster for my group "The Cymatics. A two piece "Ultra Sound" project. We will be recording late February so stay tuned in for the drop.

2012-01-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

I"m very pleased to show you the new art work I've created for the band J/Q from Boston, MA http://www.facebook.com/jq.boston

I've been running full force into digital collage and feel very comfortable with it now. This album will also include a 12 page booklet with lyrics.

Love these guys.

2012-01-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

A really fun project for a client where I got to use my hand writing as a font. I designed this logo for IMN World (International Music network) and there group Acoustic Africa's american tour. I did not take the photo but here is a link to their site with up to date news. http://www.imnworld.com/artists/detail/152/Acoustic-Africa

"The fire and nature in her soul" series

2011-12-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

These are two examples of the digital collage style I am dabbling in these days. big nod of the cap to me hero Dave Mckean for the inspiration. feel free to write if you think you would be interested in a print.

Chainsaw Pin-Up Girl

2011-11-27T05:31:00.000-08:00

I illustrated this pin-up girl for a company called treeline. they sell dirt bikes, chainsaws , and other gadgets to make your next rip into the wilderness one you'll never forget.

Game Card design and illustration

2011-08-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

I illustrated and designed this concept card for a game co. in Maine. It's a Game involving the search for the cure to poison. It's in it's concept stages and this was my contribution. I'll post more about this project if and when I get confirmation that I will be doing more. wish me luck! I would love to do the entire set!

2011-07-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

This fun illustration was commissioned for a web site. They wanted an old time illustration of a fortune teller machine, in a style like a dollar bill or etching from the 1800's. I had a blast working on this project and can't wait for the email with the link to the site in which it was used. I'll be adding that link as soon as I get it!

Brown Shark Red Lion Poster

2011-07-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

this is a poster I made for the Boston band Eksi Ekso. It for their newest album Brown Shark Red Lion listen Here

Digital color

2011-05-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Finished the second Butcher for Whole Foods tonight. Kilbert. Very pleased with the output the wacom tablet is capable of. I'm finding I'm using the brush at a 45% translucency so I can layer like I do with markers on paper. After scanning my pencil drawing, I boost the contrast of the pencil to bring out the tooth in the line. only so much so it doesn't seem over saturated and pixelated. I color under the pencil for the most part and finalize the color by using it at full opacity over the pencil. This technique helps to create a deeper sense of space and dimension.

This is an example of thew way I use the computer to color a hand drawn illustration. I'm currently illustrating a series of Butchers for Whole Foods. I'll post the way it gets used as well as the other Butchers as I finish them.

Miniature Sketchbook

2011-05-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Just a peak at a series I was working on of miniature sketchbooks. I'm not sure where it's going but I' have a few thoughts brewing for an installation of these in the future.

Blatant self promotion.

2011-05-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Some examples of products with my illustrations. You can see plenty of examples at my Zazzle Store

Hazel Eyes Studio Store!

Cafe De Boston 5 footer

2011-05-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Another five foot vertical banner done and done. Cafe De Boston branding continues with this banner made to mimic the menu I made for them and further connect the green coloring and textures I've created to represent Cafe De Boston's voice. I have made practically every printed marketing piece for their restaurant.

Check out how their web site came out! Cafe De Boston's Web Site

If you missed on their site you can click here and see how the website displays the menu I designed.

you can even download the PDF.

Cafe De Boston Menu

Boston Kebab 5 foot poster

2011-05-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

These vertical banners seem to be the rave this season with restaurants.

There must be a deal going on at Kinkos ;)

Boston Kebab Logos

2011-05-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here are the final versions of the rebranding of "Boston Kebab House" to Boston Kebab. the older logo is the horizontal one at the bottom.

Tribe Humus "Warhol" Concept Idea

2011-05-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

I did this project for Formula PR's NY Office. These are the concept illustrations for a pitch they were doing for Tribe Humus in 2010. Pop art "Warhol" style was the theme. Although Tribe decided to go in a different direction, I still like how these simple designs stand out.

PaddleBoard NewEngland Logo

2011-05-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Created these two designs for a local, North Shore company called

PaddleBoard NewEngland A fun design that I hope captures the essence of Paddle Boarding and New England days and nights in cool streamlined way. I chose lighter colors overall so it could show up well on dark backgrounds such as a wet suit. As soon as I can I want to get a picture up of the wet suit with this logo. stay tuned!

Cosmic Cadets

2011-04-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

New and Improved Patch with corrected Year!!! I had a blast designing this Biker Gang Patch.
My sick day was filled with creative juice. I finished the first draft for my cousins biker club logo. This is an anniversary version. Changes may come, but I'm proud of it so far.

Photo Collaboration

2011-04-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

These four photos were taken by the one and only Tim Correira <<<< This is a link

I did all the table settings and art direction.

This was a project for Eat Kitchen the new cafe opening June in downtown crossing, Boston.

Eat Kitchen

2011-04-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

These are two versions of a wall sized project for Eat Kitchen. To be installed as wall paper along their 27 foot seating area wall. Which one dod they pick?? you'll have to go to find out.

The New! Boston Kebab

2011-04-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

You may remember The Boston kebab House posts I did a while back with photos of the yellow, orange and white menu boards I did for them. Well they have re-re branded themselves and are now called Boston Kebab. With a new name change comes a new logo (their I-phone APP logo I did for them a ways back) and a new menu Board! Just like Cafe Dé Boston Boston Kebab has a full walls worth. here are the new pictures of the Boston Kebab walls, now red and white.

Zombie Bomb 5

2011-04-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is the work that made it into the newest release of Zombie Bomb! from Terminal Press. You can pick up a copy of the Zombie Bomb 5 at The Boston Comic Con this April, 30th and also see it in person at my open studio in Somerville the same day. I'll be at the Con from 10am til 2pm and then at my studio at 86 Joy Street Somerville, MA from 3-6pm and then 12-6pm on Sunday.

Paris Creperi

2011-04-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

wow, I've been so busy lately I'm way behind with my posts and updates. I'm just going to throw a bunch of photos up and write some quick posts about these projects. Once I get settled I'll comment a little deeper about the process and junk. This series of boards were done for Paris Creperie in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. I'm staving just looking at the selections.

Cafe De Boston Menu

2011-04-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

I recently finished a menu for the wonderful Cafe Dé Boston. This pretty much completes the final phases of Branding for this Cafe. From their logo, to their store interior, menu boards and paper menu I design a look that was friendly, bold and clean.

Again I used a very "boston" green for the overall color but tried to give this menu an edible vibe. I found a texture that was of stained/aged paper and once I added the green tone it felt more like leafy greens, which is perfect for their wide variety of salads and healthy treats. I was also able to incorporate their olive illustration I did for the logo as a spot illustration in the menu as well as the circle alternative logo.

This menu ended up being a huge 11x22 double sided 5 fold menu, which is pretty large as far as menus go. There's a lot to choose from at Cafe Dé Boston. I recommend the egg sandwich on a croissant :)

Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey

2011-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

I put this video together to show you a section of wall at the Cafe De Boston. It's part of their menu that I have handwritten and drawn across their entire Cafe. I also added three songs I've written and recorded with my Nephew Robert MacDonald and my friend Michael Galvin.

Café De Boston

2011-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

The work is just about completed at Café De Boston In downtown Boston, MA. The 3000 square foot cafe located at 75-101 federal Street is open to the public and will undergo a few additions to their menu boards such as full color illustrations and the usual line up changes that occur with a grand opening. Stop into the cafe and you'll see how I was able to connect the lines of design using their decor choices and my logo design. Together we created an open, cohesive space that utilizes a limited color palette integrating the logo's design elements into the interior. I amvery proud of the huge scale accomplishment this team has put together and the hard work that went into reaching their goal. I must say that the shear amount of offerings at the Cafe is astonishing to say the least. It took me the entire first week of January to layout and execute this project. Some of the boards were as long as 23 feet and the at the widest point reached 5 feet. Salads tossed or chopped, mediterranean cuisine, coffee bar, French bakery, breakfast, pasta, pizza, self serve breakfast bar and hot bar.... so many offerings that my head was spinning from the the amount of information I had to balance to make these boards visually stunning yet easily understood.

My job began with the early designs of their logo. Several meetings resulted in a logo that represented their Mediterranean background while maintaining a contemporary "Boston" tone. It was solidified when the design paired an illustrated olive branch as the O in Boston while boldly expressing a Green hue that unforgivingly resembles Celtics pride mixed with the playful element of food and Cafe dining.

The logo was used on their three illuminated window signs, their door graphics as well as their aprons, menus, cards and online graphics. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.

2010-12-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Design personalized gifts at Zazzle.

I've been busy creating my Zazzle store and now it's officially open. High quality shirts, shoes, iphone cases and more! Tons to choose from and I've only just begun. Visit the store and tell me what you think.
Thanks

2010-11-27T13:19:00.001-08:00

I draw at work

2010-11-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

What does it all mean?

2010-11-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

only that I have found a new way to explore. I am not a digital artist but a user of its means. Wether it's pen and ink, pencil or charcoal; paint & clay or camera and model I need to expand my mediums in order to re-focus on what I can do with my hand and eye.These images are opening another door that will lead me back to hand done, mark to surface work. I get to use my new computer to search for visual ideas when I cannot say it or write it or draw it. I will, from time to time, exhaust a certain technique I use until something sparks that lost desire. I'm cleaning the engine to my winter ride. I'm polishing the spark plugs that will ignite the fuel for my studio work this winter.

goodnight sweet fall

2010-11-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

here's another digital collage. I've been making one a night for 10 days now and think I'll make some prints for Open Studios on the 20th and 21st of November. Come visit me at studio #32 from 12:00 - 6pm.

Motherboar Art

2010-11-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is the artwork I created for the band "Motherboar" out of Boston Massachusetts.

A pen and ink illustration colored on the computer using Illustrator. I drew this full size in ink ruffly 19x25 inches. I scanned the illustration in parts and puzzle pieced it together in photoshop. After color correcting the black I brought the image into Adobe Illustrator and vectorized the line work. I then digitally colored it in Illustrator; layer after layer with vectored shapes (some of them translucent) behind the ink work so it could be blown up as large as humanly possible. This image could be printed at billboard size if desired. The concept was from the band's lyrics and personal thoughts about the albums theme. I could be arrested for the steam of evil that was emailed between the band and I when we were conversing about the design.

check out the band here...

http://www.facebook.com/Motherboar

photographic digital collage

2010-10-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

boston Kebab House

2010-09-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've been freelancing my handwriting skills to a business in Boston called the Boston Kebab House. It started as a simple idea to handwrite their menu across their shop wall as you would see in many restaurants around the area. After the first side was completed it was quickly agreed on that I should add a mural and spot illustrations in between the descriptions. I finished this project in 24 hours over the course of one weekend. The effect it had on their customers had such a positive impact I was quickly asked to add another wall for soup and to create posters for their monthly sales.

Just when I thought I had expired the extent of our partnership the fine folks at Boston Kebab asked if I thought I could improve on their current logo (I had drawn their existing one on the wall and they were very interested in my take on it). They liked what they had, but thought it could be expanded on. I put marker to paper and mouse to screen to produce for them a new version of their logo that was more vibrant, and expressive than the last to be used on posters, menus, web sites and more. Again the reception was positive and I was asked to create posters and advertisements as my newest project.

The gentlemen at The Boston Kebab House proposed to me a job to design their I-phone App logo. They had found a local company that would develop an application for ordering lunch through their phone. I immediately said yes, even though I had no idea what specs an app. logo had to be in, but I had recently purchased a new Macintosh and CS5 so I was certain my machine could do it, all I had to do was learn how it was done. It turned out to be very simple and really only had specific rules for size and shape as well as resolution. This was the first original logo I did for them (remember, the other one was a re-design) and I'm very pleased with it. It is based on the turkish flag and their Mediterranean cuisine. I fashioned a crescent tomato with a green start stem over a slick black and red I-phone button.

Currently I am working on a new restaurant they have begun called the Cafe De Boston. It's located in the heart of the financial district in Boston. I'll talk more about that place in a different post, since it's still in the works. here's a sneak peak.

reworked

2010-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

This was a cool new way to rethink an old Illustration without destroying the original. I've often wanted to take apart a picture of mine and do something different with the idea. Using the high res scan I made years ago and slicing and dicing my way through it with adobe photoshop and illustrator allows me to do just that. No more bravery tests and all my first thoughts stay intact.

Collage & Figurative meaning in the work of Michael Crockett

2010-09-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am a painter of the human experience. What do I mean by this? I’m referring to the way I use the human form and its emotional response to ephemera as a mode to explore and compliment relationships to the individual life I am trying to paint. My paintings must have a connection to the life they are representing. They are more than just interpretations of my subjects. They are collaborations.

I refuse to paint the shell of my subject. A portrait can stand alone in its beautifully crafted likeness, I will not dispute; However I will always believe that it can achieve more than the accuracy of a carefully scrutinized discipline. As an experimental figurative painter, I have always intended to derive from the classical views, yet follow my own instincts.

What I have been developing for over 10 years is a new approach to portrait painting. I have learned to incorporate patterns such as type, found objects and paper into my under paintings. Collaging these elements into a gradation of pattern and color that blend together forming many parts of the finished portrait. Some of the ways I have experimented with this collage is to use it to literally form the muscle & bone structure, light and dark papers will affect color and tone or highlights and Shadows. Swirling patterns or photographic images can push and pull the surface creating a real sense of space.

This collage technique has allowed me to incorporate personal elements into whatever painting I am creating. Handwriting and personal messages can be blended into the skin and backgrounds. My subjects may bring me paper ephemera that holds some form of sentimentality for them, Any paper Items such as cards, photos, letters, etc. can be modeled into my portraits. I find this process of layering paper into a portrait will create a work that not only captures the subjects likeness but shares a deeper personal meaning about them.

Lately I have been painting portraits of people in my life. These faces I capture are my people. Those artists and musicians, the worker bees and political thinkers I spend my time with. I do not seek to exaggerate their likeness, but in fact reflect it through my work. They are the folks that make me believe in what it is I wish life to mean. They exemplify, through their own lives, the characteristics I seek within my own. They are not regular people. To me, these people are the reason I am. I do not exist alone. I do not separate myself from them. Together “we” are a reason, a unified reason for life. The life I wish to paint.

I will always use the figure as a bridge to help connect the way I see and feel. The human form is my favorite vessel for metaphor. Whether it's close personal relationships I'm investigating or my own invented subject matter. The human form is ever present.

2010-09-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

Click here for Gallery and studio pictures

I've been posting albums of gallery shows and events for years on this little known site called "Myspace". I vaguely remember those heydays of a distant time. I have since forfeited its duties as my space online for that of another and I guess that other place does okay but it misses something the latter had. Well Now I have this place to post and share and spread a trace of my history, digitally across this interwoven structure called, Internet. If anything left there is worth it's digital weight in megabites it would be this page of photo albums representing early years of my pursuits of fine artism. As long as my old myspace site exists, this link should work. There are some very old things in this picture gallery, and some very young versions of me and my dear friends. I've had some very enjoyable times during this pursuit and I continue to chase it along. It really can feel like we all live, floating, on a giant wave, that dips and rises and dips and rises and dips and rises and dips and rises...

Digital Drawings

2010-09-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

3. Added some geodes and a third eye to this piece. I imagine this character is visualizing the complexities of creation. The simple forms and structures that are the building blocks for everything. This was created for a publisher called Terminal Press in hopes of a new book to be released. more info when I hear.

2. I've been able to spend some time on the hair this evening. The secret of hair is to work as big as possible and then reduce the image to shrink all that information into a tightly layered twist. I've also reduced the figures scale in the frame to the lower left. This will leave room at the upper right for some fun.

1.I'm just beginning to explore the wonders of the wacom tablet . I'm diving into territory I'm not that familiar with and in the past have stated I'm more of a traditional artist, but taking left turns is of part of what I do. If this opens even a small window of inspiration, then I feel it's worth the effort. I'll try to post my progress with this tool as I go so... here is a first ruff color draft for a new piece. more to come.

Taurus Development and EarthEcho.org art show in DC

2010-08-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

two videos of the art show in Washington DC on Valentines Day 2008. I was invited to participate in this show through fellow artist J. Coleman. A huge turnout and a great weekend in DC resulted in these two videos. I am in there many times and you can't miss the face to face interview they got of yours truly.

Click here for video one

Click here for video two

Fill In The Blank Interview Link

2010-08-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is a link to an online interview I did last year. Fill in the blank gallery asked me some wonderful questions that got to some roots of were my work comes from.

Click here to read interview.

Hypo Typo

2010-06-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

“Hypo Typo“, opening June 24th, is an exhibit presenting a survey of artists which utilize text in 2D and 3D works. Curated by Snow Project, the show will feature a range of artwork created by artists of varying career stages. Though the premise is simple, the group of exhibitors is diverse in both background and approach to the exhibit’s criterion. Preexisting and new works created specifically for the exhibit will be included.

Snow Project represents the ongoing curatorial efforts of Boston-based artists Michael Dacey and Alex Feinstein. The venture began in 2008 with the “New Year’s Resolutions” series at the Washington Street Art Center in Somerville, MA. This series of enormously popular annual group exhibits includes “Draw Drawings Every Day” and “Hey I Know that Guy”.

Hypo Typo will include works by:

Alex Feinstein
Mike Dacey
Autumn Ahn
Maria Molteni
Kelly Creedon
Lauren Leone
Fiona Logusch
Jenna Bantjes
Tony Sanchez
Justina Peregrin
Chris Piascik
Robert DaVies
Bob Shane
Fish McGill
Nick Zaremba
Lee Kilpatrick
Fionn McCabe
Brian Butler
Dan Blakeslee
James Weinberg
Courtney Moy
David Teng Olsen
Kenji Nakayama
Michael Crockett
Clark Filio
Karen Blackerby
Elanor McKesson
Justin Keena
Erik P. Kraft
Sydney Flint
Ian Jeffrey
Dan Szymanowski

2010-06-16T17:46:00.001-07:00

Cover Of Night

2010-05-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

The first video from my band the MoonBloods. we wrote, recorded and edited this song in one night. You can accomplish a lot in one night when you have a team of friends interested in making it happen; and a really strong computer.

Collage Portraits

2010-05-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

These are examples of how I work with cut paper in my portraits. To clarify... these are mostly made of cut paper! I start with a charcoal drawing on wood and then create an "Underpainting" with cut paper. after that is finished I'll lightly glaze acrylic paint over the top to blend the collage together. I try to do as much rendering as I can with the paper, rather than the paint. Imagine each piece of paper as a stroke of paint and you'll understand how I'm trying to work. When I receive a commission portrait I ask the subject to give me paper from their own life. Handwriting, photos, favorite books, letters.... so on. I then collage their own personal belongings into their portrait. I want to create more than your likeness. I want to produce a piece that speaks of who you were and where you were going, what you loved and what made you, you.

Devilish Plots

2010-05-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

UPDATE.

These little guys did not make it into Space242's show but that's okay I guess. I'm still proud of these because they are a new step in a cool direction that I'm sure will help me realize my work to it's fullest potential. here are a few pics of the progress they went through.

Three sculptures I created to submit to Space242's next show "Good Vs. Evil". I have sculpted my interpretation of the muse of Evil Plots. Every writer needs to to subject themselves to their characters feelings, even if that character encompasses raw evil. The muse of evil plots will arrive and strangle the idea of "good always wins" from the throats of those that lean towards happy endings.

sculpture_12010

2010-05-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Another video I made playing with some sculpey. These are first attempts at editing and video stuff so bare with me. I have some big ideas.

time lapse, self portrait 2009

2010-05-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

5 dollar drawings

2010-05-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

As often as I can I bring a book around with me to shows and events that contain drawings like these for only $5. Quick ideas, often cartoonish, these drawings are done on found vintage book paper, envelopes, postcards,book covers... any kind of paper that catches my eye as long as it has that yellow tone and it's not brittle, then I'm happy. Somerville Open studios is a great way to get one of these little guys as I'm always certain to produce more around open studios time.

Rock Posters

2010-05-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while I go the distance and fully illustrate a themed rock poster. These are some examples of what I have done.

In Between Days

2010-05-05T06:17:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to announce a duel opening for myself and friend Adam Miller

(of Zombie Bomb Fame) at Bloc 11 Cafe, in Union Square, Somerville,Ma. http://www.bloc11.com

This show will be up for two months with affordable work from both of us!

Opening reception: Friday, May 7th from 7pm - 9pm Both artist will be in attendance.

2010-04-17T07:06:00.001-07:00

you are invited to join me on April 30th from 6-8pm at Space 242 gallery In Boston's South End for my debut Boston opening "Get Your Freak On". RSVP at Space242.com

Thee Electric Bastards

2010-03-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

I created another CD illustration for one of my favorite local acts in Boston
"Thee Electric Bastards". I fully illustrated the entire project for them inside and out! I get pumped every time they finish a recording because I know it brings a cool project my way with great ideas from the band.

I took there photos at their studio in Allston one late night and we shot the shit about robots and lasers and the power of smart lyrics. I love these guys.

"Behind Himself"

2010-03-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

I created this image "Behind Himself" in 2008 to illustrate a character I thought of, that refuses to be himself. He drew a new face for every interaction he had so he would never have to know himself.

You may recognize this image if you listen to local East Coast Rap. It was used in the 2008 CD from Tha Trademarc titled "Inferiority Complex". I think it worked well around the theme of his solo album too. I'll post more examples of how my work looks when it's used for cd covers.

Life Drawing

2010-03-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

These are some examples of my life drawings. I have been using photography to snap quick positions as reference for my work. This allows me the privacy I enjoy as well as ample time to hold one pose without movement.

The Human Skeleton

2010-03-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

This is my submission to Space 242's April show title "Get Your Freak On" The theme is the circus, circus side show/freaks, and carnies.

This piece is an intimate, behind the stage moment of the life of a side show freak. A human moment, innocent and recognizable. I want to expose a close relationship between the freak and the non freak. What better way is there than The Human Skeleton side show freak. His character is the epitome of this relationship, What makes him a freak is the very thing that makes us all human. His form is a fragile reminder of our own.

Stay tuned and I'll update if and when it gets accepted into the show.

It got Accepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RSVP for you invitation at www.space242.com

APRIL 30 THROUGH MAY 21, 2010

Get Your Freak On!

GROUP EXHIBITION PAYING HOMAGE TO CIRCUS FREAKS, CARNIES, SIDESHOW MISFITS!

Space 242 is Boston's Best and only Low Brow Gallery located in the artist district in South Boston.

2010-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

This is a new painting. I created it specifically for a show in Washington DC that was a benefit for "The Invisible Children" Documentary. It's acrylic paint and cut paper collage on wood panel 12x12 inches. The model is a co-worker named Sam. He is from Sudan. The work is meant to portray Sam's happiness while darker undertones of the life he left behind in Sudan hauntingly appear throughout the piece.

hey I know that guy

2010-01-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

Come out and support a great local artist center in Somerville with me. I'll be displaying two portraits of my local rock and roll heroes. more info at www.snowproject.org

NEW BOOK!!

2009-12-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

I've finally taken the time to finish my first self published book. I'm very proud of this little guy. He's a 7x7 inch soft or hard cover, with a dust cover! (hardcover only) fully illustrated 24 page collection of my work over the past few years. Full color examples of my work are featured such as pen and ink illustration, collage portraits, charcoal drawings and more. Take the tour and review the book yourself here http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1117345

Order one today please.

Dark Knight on a dark night

2009-12-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

My head feels a bit wonky today after last nights art show and holiday adventure but it was well worth it. Hub Comics in Union Square, Somerville, MA. hosted an opening for a show they call "Dark Knight on a Dark Night". Many local artists contributed work to this show including myself and my friend Andrew Houle. You can visit Hub Comics here for directions: http://hubcomics.com/node/621

As I will always try, I've added the stages of progress for my entry called "Wam, Kapow". This painting is my attempt to use the image of the Batman I grew up with (Adam West) and treat him with the same dark tone the new movies and stories have taken the caped crusader. My intention was to show how different Batman has become with the addition of technology. As we change so does our Batman. We can no longer envision a Batman that slides down a bat pole and utters words like "gee wiz" or "diabolical". We are now forever locked into the literal explanation of "how can a simple man do these impossible things?". We have chosen the science of batman over the kitch. we have chosen the psychological breakdown of Batman's personality over the Americana veil of Truth and Justice. I'm not saying that this direction is bad. I'm pointing out the major difference that one generation has too another. How we choose to view our icons within the relativity of our lives. What does this new Dark Knight have to say about ourselves? What does the old Caped Crusader say about our past?

I am also trying to show you all what it would look like if the early incarnation of our beloved crime fighting Batman had to handle himself in the way we need him to today. The innocence he once had, the minimal equipment as well as the suits limitations. The early Batman had to use his hands covered in a satin glove to fight his way out of a messy situation.
Overall "Wam Kapow" tells a story of the details we need to keep us believing in our heroes. I see it as a change in our ability to fight back. We believe that the Batman of the 1960's could keep us safe from the harm we faced then with his simpler form. Have we lost our faith in early protectors? have we made them scarier than the evil they face? It all seems to be one big evil these days.

Holiday Art Fair

2009-12-14T06:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you that joined in on the 2nd Holiday Art Fair hosted by Audrey Ryan at her wonderful Union Square Artist Loft. It was a great night filled with so many friendly people. As I promised I'm continuing to upload the newest batch of drawings I have been working on. Pen and Ink figure studies on found paper. The paper of choice this round is from a 1968 Pathology notebook I found at Goodwill, of all places. The handwriting found in these pages outlines what I believe is an intro to respiratory diseases. I am working from my own photos and from my imagination, most times I'm combining both viewpoints. The pattern is done by hand with a gelly ink white pen. It is based on Sacred Geometry and uses no math to create. Although Sacred Geometry can be created using specific mathematical positions and rules it can also be handled freely with an artistic eye, which is how I prefer to use it. You can spend endless hours in the pursuit of researching Sacred Geometry's patterns. This Geometry literally unfolds in almost every natural form. I like to think of it as the template for everything three dimensional. It bends and twists into the figure as if it too maps out our form. Take some time out of your day and explore Sacred Geometry. You tube has some wonderful clips and tutorials for any beginner.

2009-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is one of the new ideas I have been messing around with lately. It is pen and ink on found notebook paper. I'm trying to integrate sacred geometry into the human form. pop in from time to time as I post more and more investigations into this idea.

Thanks for the visit!

Michael Crockett