Life in the Slow Lane

Hello avid readers,

As a fortnight has passed since my last communique, I thought I'd update you on the progress of my projects mentioned in the last post.

I've been spending the most time on my large acrylic self-portrait, which I didn't think would take so long to complete. Now a pattern is emerging: after the preparatory stages (if any), I begin painting with great hesitation, even if the composition is simple. Eventually, I reach a point where I get much more daring with my strokes and color; this is the point at which I know I am making a work that will please me. Along the way, I typically make many mistakes and many corrections.

As it stands, this stylized self-portrait is coming along, slowly but surely, awaiting more glazes and details.

During the past week, while waiting at the laundromat, I worked on the fantastic world/story I mentioned last time. I hate going to the laundromat, but I find that a potentially boring experience can give me the opportunity to brainstorm and explore the depths of this wacky collection of nerve cells I call my brain.

Hmmm...what else?

Let's finish with some movies or shows I watched in the past two weeks:

• Kurosawa's Dreams
• Black Adder (Series 1)
• Jessica Yu's Protagonist (which features Mark Salzman, star and author of Iron and Silk, another great movie)
• Palindromes and Storytelling (two films directed by Todd Solondz)
• Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World
• Lots of Woody Allen flicks, including: Mighty Aphrodite and Crimes and Misdemeanors (wow this list is much longer than I thought it would be)

Until next time,

Cheers!