Pasadena Adjacent

Life Lived on the Edge of Pasadena

Month: June, 2011

June 14, 2011

Trash Tuesday #74: Where Getting it Cheap is Part of the Esthetic

It’s my belief that after one suffer’s a loss they are entitled to a year of “Magical Thinking.”  This isn’t an original thought on my part. I took the idea from Joan Didion. In truth, I never finished her book; I got bored. But if I’m wrong, I stand before you today to claim credit.

Magical Thinking can take on other forms. See, once again, I’ve come up with an idea for a city art project that I’m near clueless as how to pull off. Necessity can be the mother of invention or the death of the well intended, yes? I’m leaning towards Xanax and cupcakes after “research” reveals that I’ve hitched my wagon to a dead craft. Dead I tell you! Yes, leather tooling!!! dead dead dead.

Mexican or Charro saddle  from Jalisco 20th century

And I’ve got yards of it planned for the framing element on five panels. This is where the realm of the spirit world appears to save my ass. The benevolent spirit of Big Fred, who was not always so benevolent when he walked amongst us, but it’s my magical thinking and I make the dead what I want them to be; there will be saddles. O.K. focus. While clearing some crap out of my parents garage, I discovered my father’s well hidden stash. Not the nudie mags one would expect, but a box of dad’s childhood collection of leather crafting tools. Stamps, samples, scraps, patterns and books long out of print. If Ramona had discovered it, it would have been trashed. But she didn’t. I did, 12 years after Big Fred departed, and it’s magical.

a romp atop the studio

16 comments
June 6, 2011

Visual Integrity: Reassigned

Dear Kenny Bywater,

Thank you so very much for suggesting that the original artwork “Ceasar” could use a “reincarnation.”  Furthermore, that your vast skill with a paint trowel, qualified YOU to make that happen. Thank you City of Los Angeles for NOT informing us of the true intent of your Lacy Street Shelter expansion efforts as regards our mural. This even though you had our names and address. Thank you Kent Twitchel’s attorney, whom we went to in order to seek out some sort of justice. Although knowingly regongnizing the illegalitys of this act, you made it clear that the only fight you were willing to put your dog in, was one that filled your pockets. Due to your efforts, Kent Twitchel whom we admire, got a 1/4 of a million settlement for the City destruction of the Ed Ruche mural. Lets talk; our “Ceasar” could be repainted for a fraction of that amount. $40,000.00 sound good? Of course, if you argue along the lines of original restoration, which we know is now impossible (wink wink) we’ll settle for a 100 grand. We’re agreeable that way. Call us

Before: (feel free to enlarge) Done in the “Los Angeles Fine Art Squad” style using illusion and reflection. Ceasar, completed in 1988, is a trompe l’oeil image of a beat up “yesteryear” styled billboard. Complete with cast shadows, illusion of the bird being built outside of the billboard frame, rippling metal panels, nail holes and rust stains. The background depicted behind the billboard, is the connector ramp between Interstate 5 and the Pasadena Parkway.

After: (dare to enlarge) In this 2006 reincarnation, the electrical outdoor spotlights have been removed. All trompe l’oeil illusion eliminated. A moody black pall dominates the composition. Subtlety in the guise of creating volume, has been lost. The cat appears to be a victim of electrical shock. Yup, karma has dictated that this masterpiece return as a “dog”.

So lets go look at the dogs. With Pat Morrison; she was there too

I think this little fellow would be perfect for the Chieftess. Half golden retriever and half chow. “Lady” owner release

I like dogs with pointy ears and faces. She’s a year old cattle dog sort. Owner release. Bellis?

 

23 comments
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