Big Shmig

I've recently had a revelation in regards to the art that I make. For a long time, since I started taking art to Burning Man, I was self-conscious about the scale of my work. I felt like I wasn't making art that was BIG enough. Because on the playa and at other festivals art needs to be BIG to be seen, to have an impact. And my art is just not that BIG.

I assumed that the size of my sculptures, which is, in some cases, rather big but still manageable, was a result of my not having the skills or ability to make anything bigger. But now I realize I work in the scale that I do because it's what I like, it's my style.

When you make art that is really BIG it becomes Installation Art and in order to do that successfully you need a team of people doing the work. This means that as an artist your hands are not involved in every aspect of the art because they just can't be, it's not possible. You are the designer, the architect but most likely not the builder or the installer. You need fabricators and engineers and heavy machine operators. That's how that kind of art gets made.

And I'm just not into that. I want to be completely hands-on, the only person in charge. So, the materials that I work with and the size of my art is a direct reflection of that desire. This is my art and how I make it.

I was intimidated by the BIG ART that was being made by people within the warehouse and by other Burning Man artists. I didn't feel that I measured up. But the fact is, there is noting to measure. I'm a different kind of artist with my own style and my own sensibility. And I LIKE it. I LOVE it.

There is no reason to try and emulate other artists, to try and be something that I am not. The best artist for me to be is ME.

It Was Fun Despite the Rain of the Day:

AMGEN Tour of California: Stage Two - Santa Rosa.

Boy, I tell you what, nothing was gonna keep us North Bay cycling fans from watching local hero Levi Leipheimer cross the finish line in Stage 2 of the AMGEN tour. Not rain, not wind, not cold. Nothing.

Okay, it would have been great if Levi had won the stage but there are six more stages left. Plenty of time for him to secure a fourth win.

The festival in downtown Santa Rosa was super fun. I can't wait to see what it's like when it's a nice day. Next year, mark my words, it's gonna be sunny and hot. And if this year's crowd is any indication, there will be a record turnout. PARTY!