Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my "Followers" and anyone else that may be dropping in! Last year at about this time I was making some resolutions of all the things I wanted to do in the coming year. I'll have to see if I can find that list:P Hold on...

Ok, I found them, lets see how I did?  These were for 2010.

I don't usually make resolutions, but I would like to try to list out a few that I'm sure I will soon forget about.

1. I would like to do at least 5 new prints this year, I would also like to try to do more reduction prints. Already got 1 done!!!
2. I would like to do at least 2 acrylic paintings this year. Possibly have it reproduced to sell prints.
3. I would like to join the local arts council and try to sell some of my work at their gallery. 
4. I would like to participate in at least 3 art/crafts shows this year.
5. I would like to enter at least one competition/show.
6. I would like to keep up with my blog and website!!! This one is hard for me.

OK, so as I mentioned I don't do resolutions.  Here's the results:


1. I did 3 prints all in black and white.
2. Didn't do any paintings that I can recall? Might have done one for my parents, but can't remember if that was this year or 2009?
3. Still haven't joined the arts council.
4. participated in No arts and crafts fairs.
5. Entered no competitions.
6. HUmmm, not very well at that one either!


While these were pretty lofty goals and I didn't get to reach most of them, I'm wondering if it really matters.  There were alot of good things that happened this year that I didn't plan for!! And I was blessed with anyway. One major things I was blessed with a new part-time job teaching Digital Photography Online!  So maybe making New Year's resolutions is just a good way to reflect on the past year.  If you can keep up with them:)  Maybe I'll post some new ones tomorrow, in 2011!


That's all for now!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Contentment


Ok, This is the first time that I've done this but I've been contemplating the idea of contentment for the past few days. Mainly in light of recent events that are happening in the world and in my own sphere. It is a concept or principle that seems to get lost in daily life and living in the USA. It would seem that the whole American economy is based on not being content, needing to get new and better things to fill our lives. It also raises the question that I've heard many people say over the years, "How much is enough"? So what is the truth about contentment? Well , I believe the best place to turn is to the Bible:) Basically, I feel like I can have all kinds of thoughts about contentment, but it is the Bible that is the real authority for me and gives clear direction on the issue of contentment. I have not done an exhaustive study on contentment, but I would just like to share a few things that I thought spoke to me personally.
First of all I found the most obvious answer to contentment, it is found in the Lord. Paul was speaking in Philippians that he had "learned" to be content in whatever his situation, abounding or in want. "Learning"- jumped out at me! What does that mean? "Learning to be content." After checking a cross-reference 2 Cor.9:8-10, I found that God is the one that makes Grace abound and supplies you with every good work... Humm! Well, if you continue reading in 2 Cor. you can see that contentment, as Paul may have "learned", is gained through helping others that are in need. That seems like it would lead to contentment wouldn't it?
Paul writing to Timothy about contentment has some familiar words that you may have heard quoted by many people. "Now godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this word and it is certain that we can carry nothing out, and having food and clothing we shall be content."-1 Tim. 6:6-8
So, it seems that there is a freedom in these verses.
As I began researching "contentment" I started in the Old Testament and found some interesting advice written in Ecclesiastes. This was written by Solomon, as he was given everything that he asked for, by God. He found great Joy in the works of his hands that God gave him, But also realized that it was all vanity, grasping at the wind.-Ecc.2:10-11
Later in Chapter 5:18-19 of Ecclesiastes- He writes, "It is good and fitting to enjoy the wealth of the labors of your hands- this is a gift of God, for he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joys of his heart." What does a person who dwells unduly on his days look like? I think it is someone with regrets? If you continue reading in this chapter it paints a grim tale of a person that holds onto his wealth and doesn't enjoy it. This brings us back to the beginning of my outline here. How do you have contentment? I hope that this made sense and is a starting for living with contentment.- Merry Christmas!!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Merry Christmas

OK, so I stink at this whole blog thing. It's a nice thought:)

But I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And give a little update. and share a photograph too.
As for printing... Well, let's just say I haven't done any lately... but I'm beginning to feel the urge again, so maybe some time will present itself for me to take advantage of?
I have been very busy this fall teaching an online Digital Photography course with NCVPS. It has been a good experience so far. But it is demanding of my time in the evenings.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to step out to my garden and took a few pictures, so I thought I would share one. I guess my Digital Photography students have inspired me. That's a good thing!




That's all for now!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Summer Really!

Alright for those of you that have been following my blog, I'm sorry, but it hasn't been a priority. Although, back when the winter months gave me extra time to "blog", the spring and summer have kept me occupied. I have been working outside alot. I have a veggie garden, as well as a few yards that I mow around the neighborhood. Along with working part-time at Walgreen's and my usual teaching, I haven't had time to Carve it, Ink it, Print it.
We recently went to PA. and Delaware to visit family and had the opportunity to meet with some of my wife's family that are artist. They were encouraged me to continue what I have been doing with the printing. So while I am on my summer break I'm going to try to put out at least one new print. Let's see if I can actually accomplish that?
Over the weekend I was also gifted with about 100 ft. of chain-link fencing, and all the hardware, that I hope to put up around my garden area. That may have to wait until cooler weather though. It has been in the upper 90's for the past couple weeks. It is bad enough getting out in it to mow grass.
That's all for now, stay cool!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

OK, It's Spring Right?


Well, here it is almost the end of March already. It has been a busy couple of weeks for me even though I have been on "spring break". It really hasn't felt much like spring here for most of the break. Cool days and cold nights, rain and wind have been the norm.
The days leading up to my break were busy with finishing up school business and deciding what I wanted to do for the 2 weeks I had pretty much to myself. I had lots of garden work to keep me busy and getting ready for lawn mowing time, as well as giving our dog Callie a much needed trim and bath. And I really wanted to work on some printing!
My first evening of my vacation the phone rang, with an opportunity... The NCVPS(NC, Virtual Public School) had a teacher's assistant position available. I have been waiting for the call for months now! Unfortunately, this isn't a paid position. But I was told by some friends that already teach for the NCVPS that I would want to take this position, it is your foot in the door, so to speak. So that phone call lead to me spending most of the first week and part of the second on the computer learning their blackboard system, and helping the teacher that I've been assigned to. This teacher is teaching 2 sections of Digital Photography, with about 30 students in each. I was put in charge of monitoring the discussion boards for the classes, and I then had to assign grades for student's participation in the discussions. Keeping track of 60 students is no small task! Needless to say that kept me quite busy! I finished up that task as the novelty quickly wore off. Which leads me back to my spring break and all my big plans!.
Here's what I did get done. I did get to work in the garden some( can't wait to start picking lettuce for my garden! and I did get to work on my lawn mowers today and got them in shape for the lawn mowing season. All that other stuff I wanted to do.... well It didn't happen:( No Printing either!!
Looking ahead I find that starting April 5th I will be taking a 5 week course on how to use the blackboard system, after its completion I will be eligible to teach an online course hopefully in the fall with NCVPS!
Well since I didn't get to do any new prints I'll share a picture of some of the flowers growing out in front of my house, They are pretty, it's too bad they won't be around very long. Yes it is spring again!

That's all for now.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

We have a winner!

Just wanted to post a quick note and let those that responded that I have a winner. Heather has won a copy of my "peanut" print. As soon as I hear from her I'll pop it in the mail. If anyone would like to purchase a copy of "Peanuts" the cost is 18.00 and that includes shipping. Just contact me via e-mail or through this blog and I'll get back with you. Thanks everyone that commented on Carve It-Ink It-Print it!

that's all for now!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

give away


As you may have noticed on my last posting I was working on a print involving peanuts. Well I have finished an edition of 15 and I would like to give one away. While I would like to sell these I thought it would be fun to have a little give away. If you won the last time I gave print away, you are not eligible, sorry Wendy:). All you need to do is comment on this blog post by Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST. I will pick a name from random and then I will send you your very own copy of "Peanuts". The size of the print is 6"x6".

In other news we had a once in a decade snowstorm over the weekend and got 4". Notice picture above for Momma and Baby snowman. We had a great time fitting in all those things that go with snow that we never get to do. Unfortunately, we do not have any hills to sled on:(
I have been very busy at school finishing up the yearbook. This is an annual event for me and it is liken unto child birth in that every year I forget the pain that is involved in actually completing it. Especially when it comes back all made into a nice shiny color book!

Well that's all for now!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

"Found a peanut, found a peanut...."



Here's an image of the latest print I've been working on. Several weeks ago a co-worker asked me to do something related to peanuts. I tried a print that consisted of one peanut by itself and with several words surrounding it, but I didn't like the way it came out. I guess that can happen :)

Anyway, I tried something a little more authentic and this co-worker seems happy with what I've come up with. After showing it to her, she mentioned that the pitch fork and basket were quite authentic. Just lucky, I guess. The most experience I have regarding peanuts is what I buy at the grocery store. I remember buying some raw nuts in the shell for the first time almost 20 years ago. We got them home and started to shell them and eat them. Blech! When it came to raw nuts, my wife and I were just as green as the bag we bought from the local farmer! After a few inquiries, we were told that we had to roast them or boil them. We went with the roasting route because we had tried boiled peanuts in the past and were QUITE put off by their slimy texture.

That's about all for now. I'm not sure what I'll be working on next. Another co-worker would like a print of her house. I'm might branch out and do something else, but I'm not sure what I'm inspired to tackle at the moment. Stay tuned.

Monday, January 18, 2010

already I've fallen behind...

Well here it is the middle of January and I've fallen behind on keeping up with my blog. I've been preoccupied doing other things besides printing. Guess that's the life of a dad/husband with full time and part time jobs. I was working on a print related to peanuts for a co-worker, but I'm not happy with what I've done. So it's back to the drawing board.... literally.

My garden has been on my mind. It's been too cold and wet to do anything in it, but I've got to start thinking about getting it ready for Spring planting season. I also want to start researching some up coming art shows that I can participate in.

Other than that, I suppose I'll just continue my winter hibernation. Speaking of hibernation, you should check out Lily the Black Bear! There's a live den-cam you can watch on the web. She's in Minnesota and she'll be having her cubs sometime this winter. Sneak a peak at www.bear.org

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Gas Wars and New Years Resolutions


This is a proof of the barn that I've been working on for a coworker.

Yes, you heard me, it seems that the town of Wallace, NC is in a bit of a gas war!!! And I like it. The new Murphy oil opened up at the Walmart in town and has had really cheap gas. 2.19 as of last evening. So, everyone else is matching their price. That has been good for everyone!!!! I hope that this continues for a while! Especially, since it is January and no pay check until the end of the month. The average for our area is 2.66 as reported on the news this evening.
In other news, I have been working on a commission over the holidays in bits and pieces. I'm hoping to have it done so that I can continue with my normal printmaking production.

My printmakers on Wetcanvas.com were discussing New Years resolutions today, so I thought I'd set some for myself. These are kind of lofty so we'll see how I do.

1. I would like to do at least 5 new prints this year, I would also like to try to do more reduction prints. Already got 1 done!!!
2. I would like to do at least 2 acrylic paintings this year. Possibly have it reproduced to sell prints.
3. I would like to join the local arts council and try to sell some of my work at their gallery.
4. I would like to participate in at least 3 art/crafts shows this year.
5. I would like to enter at least one competition/show.
6. I would like to keep up with my blog and website!!! This one is hard for me.

Keep checking back!

Well that's all for now!