In the Labyrinth

Mark Wagner: 3D Portfolio Online

 

Mark Wagner, who has long been a favorite contributor to the Journal of Mythic Arts, wears many hats as an artist. He is an art educator -- working especially with children (have a look at one of his projects The Kids' Chalk Art Project in support of the Alameda School District support for the arts that created a chalk drawing, so large it made it into the Guinness Book of World Records); he is a wonderful painter and sculptor; his work is a splendid mix of mythic and contemporary work (check here for the Journal's article on his work); and he has done quite a bit of conceptual design work for film. So his new 3D Portfolio is one more area where he has developed quite a bit of interesting new work.

I really enjoyed browsing through the site (I am a total sucker for artists' sketchbooks and this one is a virtual version of Wagner's imaginative play). I found many of the images quite fascinating...and some a little scary (but fabulous conceptually as eerie, futuristic kinds of fantastic creatures.) Click on the images to see larger versions.

Stop by the Hearts and Bones Studio and have a look at the new work. But if your taste runs to the more 2D mythic versions on paper, check out the Fine Art section for his paintings, sculptures, and yes...more great sketchbooks.

Queen is in, Trips have been made, Recess is over...

 

I am happy to report that Jane and I have finally turned in the final, final draft of Except the Queen-- which I think might even be scheduled for publication sometime late next year. I did the final edit-to-cut, and managed to cut a big chunk of lovely but unnecessary text out of the manuscript to give us a leaner and more muscular version of the novel. There is nothing quite so daunting as cutting out another writer's text -- especially one as well-known as Jane Yolen, so I was quite relieved when she approved. That was some pat on the back.

I celebrated by heading north to see family, enjoy a bit of cool respite from the desert heat, and paddle my toes in Lake Michigan. So now I am home, my study is cleaned...and well...I guess I am ready to get back to new work and the blog. Recess is officially over.

*art is "The Jungle" by Cuban painter Wilfredo Lam.

Old Jews Telling Jokes: Produced and Directed by Sam Hoffman

As I am still deep in the throes of cutting, editing, and revising the manuscript, I thought I would distract you with a fabulous website "Old Jews Telling Jokes." Editor, director, and producer Sam Hoffman uploads a new short film every Tuesday and Thursday of an "old jew" telling an "old jewish joke." And it's not just the jokes that are so funny -- but the delivery, the timing, the unexpected punchlines. Treat yourself and have a look at this great site. Here is Harry Macklowe's "Kleptomaniac." Some of these jokes are wonderfully naughty so not all will be safe for work -- make sure you are somewhere you can guffaw really loudly. (special thanks to Kate!)

Happy Fourth of July: Madrid, NM circa 1924 to 1932

 

As we all prepare for the various holiday festivities, I thought it would be enjoyable to share with you photos of Fourth of July festivities from the small mining town of Madrid, NM between 1924 and 1932. (I am not always sure of the dates on some of the photographs.) I have posted about Madrid, NM before (here and here) and every time I go back and look at the CD disk of 600 photos sent to me by Pinky Werner, the granddaughter of Oscar Huber, owner and superintendent of the mine, I am amazed at the obvious community spirit of the small town. Famous for its Christmas light shows, Madrid certainly didn't stint other holidays that brought the community out together to have fun and enjoy the day.

 

These photos show how Madrid did it up on the Fourth of July -- from parades of cars, decorated carts, floats, and bands. The baseball field was turned into a place for horse races, bronco busting, boxing matches, and Taos dancers. What is perhaps most wonderful about these photos is that they are a far cry from "ghost-town" images we now have of Madrid -- and I think it important to remember the place as it was -- alive, working, and celebrating together.