Back in the saddle

Hey everyone!

I was shocked and appalled to see I had not written on this blog since late May...despicable! I had thought it had been much more recently.

Since showing at the Bowery Gallery in their Annual Competition in July of this year, I've been focused on improving my studio practice and getting a better space. I felt a need for a little radio silence to focus on broader issues, so I didn't have quite the same intent to write on the blog. However, I didn't realize so much time had passed.

A better painting area has now been established which will result in more work and also more opportunities to write. I'd like to get back to the original intent of this blog and share my thoughts or feelings about being a young painter in the world. I will try to write at least monthly or bi-weekly on expectations of myself and the art world, as well as the progress of my personal and professional goals.

One of my life goals as an artist was to see U2 in concert. I know it sounds random, but as a creative persona in my life, they practically raised me. When I think about what an artist should be - personally, professionally, etc. - I think of U2. They work constantly, associate themselves with great projects, maintain their health, and keep a positive attitude about life and working. In addition to all this, they continue to set the standard of what rock stars should be not only in their spectacular tours but in the quality of their music. They push their talents and experiment as much as possible.

Earlier in the year, I made the leap and bought tickets for their 360 tour. I couldn't believe I actually possessed U2 tickets but I did and couldn't wait for the day.

September 20 - Gillette Stadium - 9:05pm. Finally I got to see them.

It was truly life-affirming. Even being stuck in traffic en route was actually inspiring. All these headlights lining up ad infinite tum, gathering to see 4 guys on a stage. It is miraculous that the talent and brains of 4 Irish guys can gather thousands of people, make them endure all sorts of stress and rigor, just to be close to them and near their talent. As a young artist it is absolutely inspiring to see that good work can still have such a profound effect on the masses, that quality and work ethic still mean something.

The show was beautiful, to say the least. They played all my favorite songs; both classics and songs from the new album. I suppose it all could have been an act, but the band, especially Bono, seemed truly touched by how moved and passionate the crowd was. I'm sure it never gets old: having 68, 000 people recite back to you lyrics you toiled over years ago, while you hang out with your best friends on a huge stage of your creation, and travel the world. They had big smiles on their faces the whole show, and their voices were in peak condition. There were no technical flaws, no screw-ups or missteps. They must have rehearsed endlessly, and with 30 years of performing under their belts, they nailed the theatrics of the night to a T.

Speaking of T, they made references throughout the night to Boston things; the T, Oak Grove, Boylston, being Irish, etc. and of course the crowd went nuts. Nice touch.

U2 - such a small name for such a big band. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life. To see such power and talent make such an impact on so many people was the most inspirational thing I have ever experienced. If my work can someday create a small fraction of the impact that U2 has with their work, I'd be one happy painter.