tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270316682024-03-05T20:23:47.588-07:00Kevin WasdenThe Art and Writings of Kevin WasdenKevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-10257412911821424062024-01-23T16:15:00.001-07:002024-01-23T16:15:12.219-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43IcQQq5jkZF0ycsTkaYWSAfB2P_hv394pYzu8yKD0ZazCB3IVqOrSAOELUH-EHjk9r6j4W5g9CX0__sR7s3NoiWp6WNKoV38YGxl6pStgMniLFCcN4rZ3APCZNg-2R-38c1qMxU4NAfDIdvcrsjkMH-Wvl5VsJvLQzqvAGElKT-tBi5dWUic/s1799/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20161308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1799" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43IcQQq5jkZF0ycsTkaYWSAfB2P_hv394pYzu8yKD0ZazCB3IVqOrSAOELUH-EHjk9r6j4W5g9CX0__sR7s3NoiWp6WNKoV38YGxl6pStgMniLFCcN4rZ3APCZNg-2R-38c1qMxU4NAfDIdvcrsjkMH-Wvl5VsJvLQzqvAGElKT-tBi5dWUic/w400-h188/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20161308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: times;">After many years of using Blogspot, I have finally launched a new website. Please visit the new <a href="http://www.kevinwasden.com">www.kevinwasden.com</a>.</span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Thank you for the support!</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-77529449293490440392024-01-17T11:31:00.007-07:002024-01-17T11:37:40.877-07:00Life, the Universe, and Everything 42 in Provo, Utah, February 15th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZoqCsrPCPzIIGKcRljpFT4TxgYvOlNl6jWpYTjlw9FAgLMJL-luG4ttbjbevllgG-0Aax209NBhYradlB5zDSOXo50kJmapp_ggfTYm2U5w3KFxpL0TKJ6kfKZXKY0c9ZezcRIkdBO9MI-At_JUInWblbamCNR9-evwIxnKapUu6PNhbuzkO/s813/16665648_10158215895845371_1156511666491290156_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="813" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZoqCsrPCPzIIGKcRljpFT4TxgYvOlNl6jWpYTjlw9FAgLMJL-luG4ttbjbevllgG-0Aax209NBhYradlB5zDSOXo50kJmapp_ggfTYm2U5w3KFxpL0TKJ6kfKZXKY0c9ZezcRIkdBO9MI-At_JUInWblbamCNR9-evwIxnKapUu6PNhbuzkO/w200-h198/16665648_10158215895845371_1156511666491290156_o.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0mss574MRHhi6FV0hqiTI2LkVS1yHjQDeoMTJ8piElzerFCRRupDEdzE9XFupjOvJX8sask8NnjSZ_fVrTnfaFX6S3s5CEeHJX1Vb8yddqhJ_SqkzEaLfldPWiuX7xr3igv0cjOZp7SfTU96QfJM3RnXMX6EL07cxKgsZ3jLfMJGZP8kW2V8/s1500/KIRA%20GATIUAN%20-%206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0mss574MRHhi6FV0hqiTI2LkVS1yHjQDeoMTJ8piElzerFCRRupDEdzE9XFupjOvJX8sask8NnjSZ_fVrTnfaFX6S3s5CEeHJX1Vb8yddqhJ_SqkzEaLfldPWiuX7xr3igv0cjOZp7SfTU96QfJM3RnXMX6EL07cxKgsZ3jLfMJGZP8kW2V8/w200-h200/KIRA%20GATIUAN%20-%206.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">On February 15th, I will be attending <a href="http://www.ltue.net" target="_blank">Life, the Universe, and Everything</a>: <em style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">The Marion K. “Doc” Smith Symposium on Science Fiction and Fantasy,</em><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"> which will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Provo, Utah. I will be participating in three panels/presentations: <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">(</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;">1) </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;">Defining and Applying Gesture in Your Art</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;">, 11:00 am (Room: Oak), (2)</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"> Is A.I. Changing the Way We Edit?</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"> 3:00 pm (Room: Cedar), and (3) </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;">Come See What I Hear: A Confluence of Art and Music (featuring new art by Kevin Wasden and new songs by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qIwv9ZrZczVsoSn9W2Z4P?si=8PPQhrtLSqOJjZYYuFUjKg" style="color: #104191; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: none;">Kira Gatiuan</a>)</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;">, 5:00 pm, (Room: Cedar).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;">I'm excited about meeting fellow artists and writers, and I can't wait to host <i>Come See What I Hear</i> with singer/songwriter Kira Gatiuan. If you're not familiar with it, <i>Come See What I Hear</i> is an ongoing project where Kira and I collaborate to create music and art inspired by each other's work. I will be displaying new artwork and talking about the creative process, and Kira will be performing four new songs live at the symposium. The first song, "Hope Stay," inspired by my painting, "Long Journey in a Small Boat," can be heard now on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7vVaq8nNnJsNlbt835LAtQ?si=JpeNnmSNS1KOt_8UgdxjDQ" target="_blank">Spotify </a>and <a href="https://youtu.be/17IjG11Njq4?feature=shared" target="_blank">Youtube </a>Music.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;">The symposium is always great, and I hope to see many of you there.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;">Schedule and Info: <a href="http://www.ltue.net">www.ltue.net</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-50048657940038747992024-01-02T09:58:00.008-07:002024-01-04T07:22:19.511-07:00Updates: 2024-It's only January, and a lot is already happening.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRQaRQU4P-vwDu0w4J3Qce3j8lqBCgfCeC8lx2RIlJKou8uLl2RcQrm-FNMyo676Nhmd3tw590L-Ln0wiHLv4POFa1pFE4nkRBDdK0BshfwIvWjOO9OJ2VM52dvUgMpHl4hk4THrfKQb_bDzKbDev_og-tCmEdfYs5ykZ3QZr3qQlcBMvdABT/s1356/IMG_2738.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1356" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRQaRQU4P-vwDu0w4J3Qce3j8lqBCgfCeC8lx2RIlJKou8uLl2RcQrm-FNMyo676Nhmd3tw590L-Ln0wiHLv4POFa1pFE4nkRBDdK0BshfwIvWjOO9OJ2VM52dvUgMpHl4hk4THrfKQb_bDzKbDev_og-tCmEdfYs5ykZ3QZr3qQlcBMvdABT/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div>A lot of awesome things are already happening in 2024. . .<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times;">URBAN ARTS GALLERY, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Currently I have four pieces of artwork on display at the Urban Arts Gallery in the Edges & Curves show, which focuses on the human figure in art. It's been a great experience sharing my art through the various shows facilitated by UAG, so it is with even greater excitement that I would like to announce that I have been selected to be a UAG artist, with art on display and available for sale through the gallery from January 15th to July 15th, 2024. Original art and prints will be available through the gallery during that period. I hope you'll stop by. <a href="http://www.urbanartsgallery.org">www.urbanartsgallery.org</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbthh4ZVQ2FijkQAdq2YeIO6pCFU2Nc7J5JLhyTauhkz4oiK-RTQwesDdpssa_e-lskFdrVLk-1WVi79FvrPBUR0MiHro2n_hijHzlx4VNrHOiv2lCQtu9yvk8a7xc8jg-0crTLtrTkRM4BAVHgCJM78RgIyNswZYs-IH0ViQ2DWGTrNUXJ4_/s1108/IMG_4777.PNG" style="clear: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="1108" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbthh4ZVQ2FijkQAdq2YeIO6pCFU2Nc7J5JLhyTauhkz4oiK-RTQwesDdpssa_e-lskFdrVLk-1WVi79FvrPBUR0MiHro2n_hijHzlx4VNrHOiv2lCQtu9yvk8a7xc8jg-0crTLtrTkRM4BAVHgCJM78RgIyNswZYs-IH0ViQ2DWGTrNUXJ4_/w200-h56/IMG_4777.PNG" width="200" /></span></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times;">ECCLES ART CENTER, OGDEN, UTAH</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">The "Petite Expressions" small works art show is up through the remainder of January at the Eccles Art Center. I have two original acrylic paintings on display: <i>Garden Muse</i> and <i>The Birdhouse. The Birdhouse</i> has sold, but <i>Garden Muse</i> is still available. There are many wonderful paintings in the show. It's a great opportunity to support the EAC and Utah artists. <a href="http://www.ogden4arts.org">www.ogden4arts.org</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div> <span style="clear: left; font-family: times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dKP3dqri8mDO93kpejEzDd_62QHUBQEkV9PF9kMXwQCAhlA83RYocRL5f_L7UQJvXhJFZ96XTX-3fKJd4uoCr1atouZ530xxpQ422YQNCBwU5d2a7lt-Vga16qkNIsnkQJh_0J5k21WXDkZEsRl3xk0Wu-_8MKkEx_kM_lk-hQ5JPrMASVTB/s175/email%20log.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="70" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dKP3dqri8mDO93kpejEzDd_62QHUBQEkV9PF9kMXwQCAhlA83RYocRL5f_L7UQJvXhJFZ96XTX-3fKJd4uoCr1atouZ530xxpQ422YQNCBwU5d2a7lt-Vga16qkNIsnkQJh_0J5k21WXDkZEsRl3xk0Wu-_8MKkEx_kM_lk-hQ5JPrMASVTB/s1600/email%20log.jpg" width="70" /></a></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtmz4fVsmtcsAIKt3w3HJF5jzLH3AXvzsMYaNuujHuA1rb_1jjjVAtu3ODrzmzgN8yL7dcD1APPyFradUPDOu8HTYDODQ0NHObCJamRt8cZo0uDDKQhvbs7orL25gVVvb5DqriDv49q2MAHD8dGKvXEPSCb68QWtezSmB-Co8lQ9FOR5cgP9d/s2048/902E7AF2-5585-45DD-8D81-AD8EB5FE0F8D.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtmz4fVsmtcsAIKt3w3HJF5jzLH3AXvzsMYaNuujHuA1rb_1jjjVAtu3ODrzmzgN8yL7dcD1APPyFradUPDOu8HTYDODQ0NHObCJamRt8cZo0uDDKQhvbs7orL25gVVvb5DqriDv49q2MAHD8dGKvXEPSCb68QWtezSmB-Co8lQ9FOR5cgP9d/w174-h174/902E7AF2-5585-45DD-8D81-AD8EB5FE0F8D.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: times;">THE LOVE ART SHOW, JKR GALLERY, PROVO, UTAH</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">The <a href="https://jkr-gallery.myshopify.com/collections/the-love-art-show-2024">Love Art Show</a> opens February 2nd at JKR Gallery. I am excited to have two original oil paintings in the show, <i>Roses & Reverie</i> and <i>A Mother's Touch</i>, which will be available at the gallery and online. <a href="https://jkr-gallery.myshopify.com/">https://jkr-gallery.myshopify.com/</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2Soi62LALAlKoizMelpQl33PNVL8zi_O6XDwMj-xv6dbacfdO1h_3VeeLAjGkoR4JnL8fjKY3Vvex_Zn5goKiM_3MoyKTtFTdIlkHTA6onfLLTOao5nVRpBK6wW-KGvbAgpRDWAwLEIVJHOsx3JWi6rTDV766plTJtcCBOAhrTvoLvOdklz/s4032/IMG_4644.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2Soi62LALAlKoizMelpQl33PNVL8zi_O6XDwMj-xv6dbacfdO1h_3VeeLAjGkoR4JnL8fjKY3Vvex_Zn5goKiM_3MoyKTtFTdIlkHTA6onfLLTOao5nVRpBK6wW-KGvbAgpRDWAwLEIVJHOsx3JWi6rTDV766plTJtcCBOAhrTvoLvOdklz/w150-h200/IMG_4644.HEIC" width="150" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>CRY HAVOC</u> BOOK COVER ILLUSTRATION</b></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">I’m very happy to share this cover illustration I painted for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Frost/author/B00WAK2UQU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1704214550&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Julie Frost</a>’s new book, Cry Havoc. When someone asks me to create werewolf art, the only real answer is “yes!” More info to come.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUqQaFx2G20UqfP2srgIiNR2soPKmmuay99NEfIbB4W0d1YmCGWYupBgZFhehVJOKDp5Z0QAPTwJ8wddB5YUB7wzyEoRGJZsNQCax0muLwLnmcIvQWE_HPRm1ThHIWHBu7LnsYtC9RHlji3dRdFuBjBv_hCgRLQqK2xE4b5rB1iwZOhLy7clo/s1305/416126253_3950544275177038_7206049005203890762_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="843" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUqQaFx2G20UqfP2srgIiNR2soPKmmuay99NEfIbB4W0d1YmCGWYupBgZFhehVJOKDp5Z0QAPTwJ8wddB5YUB7wzyEoRGJZsNQCax0muLwLnmcIvQWE_HPRm1ThHIWHBu7LnsYtC9RHlji3dRdFuBjBv_hCgRLQqK2xE4b5rB1iwZOhLy7clo/w129-h200/416126253_3950544275177038_7206049005203890762_n.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-13912810222795481632023-12-21T20:58:00.005-07:002023-12-21T22:30:13.671-07:00Live in the Sun—Music that does a soul good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://share.amuse.io/SHTyydNVeXyk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2174" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBh4XhejHihat2fU33vumfrw61RhoKBSS2plxpUzrmNxJB6mo7lzOYdKxa2cEZUuuDLdRNpMFJr_r7sQrzy_yVzEV6ZjI86Y1L1Sh_M3tjYf_OWgQTFovZYNfUzem6qA6dbuPzRnmd2Y3nD-14BgHaLtQpJQWByI4raP4Ap2pU1VCwTeCOER1/w215-h400/IMG_4662.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">For the first iteration of “Come See What I Hear,” an evening of live music and visual art, Kira Gatiuan wrote a handful of beautiful songs that she and a group of friends performed. Those songs are now available to hear online. I hope you’ll give them a listen. </span></div><a href="https://share.amuse.io/SHTyydNVeXyk"><span style="font-family: times;">https://share.amuse.io/SHTyydNVeXyk</span></a><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">You can also hear Kira’s awesome new single, “Palette Change,” here: </span><a href="https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=h6e38qFMpwI&feature=shared">https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=h6e38qFMpwI&feature=shared</a></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-5063623224367556212023-12-10T08:34:00.003-07:002023-12-10T14:05:58.695-07:00Urban Arts Gallery<div class="separator"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk8e_Xeic4WwVZte8CmRrcIQRzzHblzGmNfGEF3oFbajXpPGmGUp-2wTrXcKLZ9dSKm5HBbI20dwH0rhKR0kRWAMcb0LJhcftkqv0EZiMxm11uRAd_rWvLuQXLyVSnYgGKFQRBeGsw1x3DGz3QnKPM_EbI7auwaEQ3aQH1ITsymIxGdyJPERD/s1425/IMG_2915.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1425" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk8e_Xeic4WwVZte8CmRrcIQRzzHblzGmNfGEF3oFbajXpPGmGUp-2wTrXcKLZ9dSKm5HBbI20dwH0rhKR0kRWAMcb0LJhcftkqv0EZiMxm11uRAd_rWvLuQXLyVSnYgGKFQRBeGsw1x3DGz3QnKPM_EbI7auwaEQ3aQH1ITsymIxGdyJPERD/s320/IMG_2915.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNdVbdjj4sWPYtuaqLdKe4yPZa4o-qVYW69aA2vi0DteX2J_K6jPfcola5brtG6YXAGs6mdGF_M0MCCT-SLIacWXkaYw3_Oiup1cXBVZMVCdHovIEDWwXVo8gyRepAI8ElnBgJ3EjyNfKdE-Qu-ZB4eeW_a9N9u3tHPwYsGM8k1kM8iDDNS5e/s3024/IMG_2916.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2447" data-original-width="3024" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNdVbdjj4sWPYtuaqLdKe4yPZa4o-qVYW69aA2vi0DteX2J_K6jPfcola5brtG6YXAGs6mdGF_M0MCCT-SLIacWXkaYw3_Oiup1cXBVZMVCdHovIEDWwXVo8gyRepAI8ElnBgJ3EjyNfKdE-Qu-ZB4eeW_a9N9u3tHPwYsGM8k1kM8iDDNS5e/w320-h259/IMG_2916.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: times;">I haven’t had a chance to see the Femme Fatale show in person at Urban Arts Gallery in Salt Lake City, but a friend did and sent these photos. <span><a name='more'></a></span>It was a pleasant surprise to see “Aphrodite” featured on the promotional poster at the front door. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share art at Urban Arts. My digital paintings, <i>The Shadow</i> and <i>Aphrodite</i>, will be on display until January 1st.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Photos: Kira Gatiuan</span></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-10546715402325369122023-12-01T21:31:00.005-07:002023-12-10T08:42:59.329-07:00Current Art Shows and a Thank You<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2B7O7zF7o-L_AKgUD3r8LebcdH4kbhnKnz1ETdlrYnQxEiwJknjrksG2UogQ7i1retWwOSVvS4UgDwySe1EEUUoT1aUZtqC-FIWuose2GiWn35zoFBuwDr-EyaZItRcGPDUy9RpclSqy7fJSPipl63faU8LmUmnKfhdcQt8JimXyYaZdrKWR/s1356/IMG_2738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1356" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2B7O7zF7o-L_AKgUD3r8LebcdH4kbhnKnz1ETdlrYnQxEiwJknjrksG2UogQ7i1retWwOSVvS4UgDwySe1EEUUoT1aUZtqC-FIWuose2GiWn35zoFBuwDr-EyaZItRcGPDUy9RpclSqy7fJSPipl63faU8LmUmnKfhdcQt8JimXyYaZdrKWR/w200-h199/IMG_2738.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tNHAVTRvmjbZ3gMSjNiyfOTkzxHq0D1mwIP1RU8v946MOjcey98qyYKfyWc_iyrtxya7KGxvLOZ9GW4ZE4-ckBwoB1AS0zsIs7kylG8Vw6T8KsC2X392PpkitKPHNKiEJcugYSBGkhm7MQuNjLGYUrng_fk01Cmkj1xZdyWUP-1Nt-w36MsW/s4500/Wasden_Aphrodite_July2023.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="2992" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tNHAVTRvmjbZ3gMSjNiyfOTkzxHq0D1mwIP1RU8v946MOjcey98qyYKfyWc_iyrtxya7KGxvLOZ9GW4ZE4-ckBwoB1AS0zsIs7kylG8Vw6T8KsC2X392PpkitKPHNKiEJcugYSBGkhm7MQuNjLGYUrng_fk01Cmkj1xZdyWUP-1Nt-w36MsW/w133-h200/Wasden_Aphrodite_July2023.jpeg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7hFQ2BXhzGwnS3C2y1B0i-3ShYX4kMY3XWbWpQ2TcTWl9nquoK8d4MNXLejXQZ6yrDPyL0LQfZ4LkYEcFy_8NQ9y41e4m3lhymWd1tkt8p_WHe8yOQQM2zIipTfMQT5isnbWLRHJ6Jc3ulmTS453vyp3y6n6q4IBGWnpWdOmmjDXKuYJjUJc/s2539/IMG_4459.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="1675" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7hFQ2BXhzGwnS3C2y1B0i-3ShYX4kMY3XWbWpQ2TcTWl9nquoK8d4MNXLejXQZ6yrDPyL0LQfZ4LkYEcFy_8NQ9y41e4m3lhymWd1tkt8p_WHe8yOQQM2zIipTfMQT5isnbWLRHJ6Jc3ulmTS453vyp3y6n6q4IBGWnpWdOmmjDXKuYJjUJc/w132-h200/IMG_4459.jpeg" width="132" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">A few years back, I left my career in art and teaching to work as a dean and later as a principal in public education. While in those roles, I gave my best, focusing on my responsibilities in leadership, but I knew I had set aside my artistic ambitions for a while. <span><a name='more'></a></span>Last year, feeling the pull back to my creative side, I made the tough call to leave my position as a principal. Now, I'm the Director of Professional Development at Gibbs Smith Education. It's busy, but it gives me the emotional space to pursue drawing, painting, and writing again. It feels like relearning skills after a long break, but I'm excited about improving as an artist and writer. This year, I've been lucky to contribute to several art shows and writing projects. Currently, I have four pieces in two shows in Utah. If you're in Ogden or Salt Lake City, I'd love for you to check them out!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">December 4-January 1 - </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><b>Exhibit</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: <i>Femme Fatale; </i></span>Artwork</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">: </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">(1) Aphrodite </i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">and</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"> (2) The Shadow</i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">; </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">Gallery</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">: Urban Arts Gallery; Salt Lake City, Utah; </span><a href="http://www.urbanartsgallery.org/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #002463; text-decoration: none;">www.urbanartsgallery.or</a></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">December 1-January 27 - </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"><b>Exhibit</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: <i>Petite Expressions; </i></span>Artwork</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">: </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">(1) Garden Muse </i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">(2nd place award)</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"> </i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">and</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"> (2) The Birdhouse; </i><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">Gallery</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;">: Eccles Art Center; Ogden, Utah;</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323;"> </span><a href="http://www./" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #002463; text-decoration: none;">www.</a><a href="http://ogden4arts.org/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #002463; text-decoration: none;">ogden4arts.org</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">I appreciate the support that so many have given this year.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7hFQ2BXhzGwnS3C2y1B0i-3ShYX4kMY3XWbWpQ2TcTWl9nquoK8d4MNXLejXQZ6yrDPyL0LQfZ4LkYEcFy_8NQ9y41e4m3lhymWd1tkt8p_WHe8yOQQM2zIipTfMQT5isnbWLRHJ6Jc3ulmTS453vyp3y6n6q4IBGWnpWdOmmjDXKuYJjUJc/s2539/IMG_4459.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </a></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-50730319664697623002023-11-26T20:53:00.011-07:002023-11-27T23:13:14.256-07:00Garden Muse<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi7kg7I8YnDWzWryDFR5jYMuC1skup9fCeCi21JeypejtQzEaPZy5oKe8apR9mK2LW6CC74UZQjR0FjtY1n29tIhNWNuuAQt4sU9wfS6s_X9CjmAfcLfE2vd3ZFSfpFhfr8WgYxTCf4T9WZYirI-lisBfyb_ZS_pZgbCMaf-uAIZ2mGcrSbrM/s1356/IMG_2738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1356" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi7kg7I8YnDWzWryDFR5jYMuC1skup9fCeCi21JeypejtQzEaPZy5oKe8apR9mK2LW6CC74UZQjR0FjtY1n29tIhNWNuuAQt4sU9wfS6s_X9CjmAfcLfE2vd3ZFSfpFhfr8WgYxTCf4T9WZYirI-lisBfyb_ZS_pZgbCMaf-uAIZ2mGcrSbrM/s320/IMG_2738.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Garden Muse</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2023 Kevin Wasden<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acrylic on Wood Panel</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4x4 inches</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35);">Hand-made frame</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFko_MGDjgjPPrOHh3lj9uIBsUU2SD7lmSFGsRt__bOkt1dZNlH0iwVvBcLLCTGJvzuLAt7FVdw2oUXrlSqiTSdDdraU1AhfHywSzwL_qMEzXTDDRthA0JKtj17M20RJEU4FymeC8xaWx-L8Ytw0EKRfgItj4zn4Oluq5XNMy0_ZRLy0J210D/s1440/C71809D6-9AB8-421B-A68B-63AD7734F2FB.jpeg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1440" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFko_MGDjgjPPrOHh3lj9uIBsUU2SD7lmSFGsRt__bOkt1dZNlH0iwVvBcLLCTGJvzuLAt7FVdw2oUXrlSqiTSdDdraU1AhfHywSzwL_qMEzXTDDRthA0JKtj17M20RJEU4FymeC8xaWx-L8Ytw0EKRfgItj4zn4Oluq5XNMy0_ZRLy0J210D/s320/C71809D6-9AB8-421B-A68B-63AD7734F2FB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.kevinwasden.com</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram: wasden_art</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 108pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-57d35e46-046a-2ede-8971-0c89dc0c3d09" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 108pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Original Acrylic Painting, 4x4 inches, framed: $125</span></p></div><br />Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-17023174475841945552023-11-06T21:55:00.009-07:002023-11-26T22:39:49.909-07:00Angels of Music<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu7ScJ3af615h2DJICuhNtQ_XTSNBy-01vLPP-BKLH4r5SxFi5dU5c8W2X5Qkb59XZkI7GpDw3olggxTca_-GWs7w445B-cfjBD4crABpVcjwDvc4Nfw15-64j9hJVFrKOqLZ7_8kzwbXwDv4VOJr3ER19ZAUBFUNwhRf5iqK-FhP4rCSKIlG/s5461/35C81DD2-12C7-44FE-A450-3AA60F4B86E5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3974" data-original-width="5461" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu7ScJ3af615h2DJICuhNtQ_XTSNBy-01vLPP-BKLH4r5SxFi5dU5c8W2X5Qkb59XZkI7GpDw3olggxTca_-GWs7w445B-cfjBD4crABpVcjwDvc4Nfw15-64j9hJVFrKOqLZ7_8kzwbXwDv4VOJr3ER19ZAUBFUNwhRf5iqK-FhP4rCSKIlG/w552-h401/35C81DD2-12C7-44FE-A450-3AA60F4B86E5.jpeg" width="552" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">People who have accompanied me on long car rides are well aware of my passion for music. I have a tendency to take control of the aux cord and share endless trivia about my favorite singers and groups.<span><a name='more'></a></span> Despite having little musical talent, myself, I deeply appreciate the creativity and communicative power of a great song. I am fascinated by the diverse ways music can be expressed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">In my recent series of paintings, I aimed to capture these musical elements by personifying different genres such as pop, disco, punk, and gothic through portraiture. In the future, I plan to expand this project by adding new portraits or full-figure characters representing four additional musical genres.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Do you have a particular genre of music you would like to suggest for an “Angel”? Leave your suggestion in the comments below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">Gallery quality prints of Phase 1 are available at <a href="https://www.inprnt.com/collections/klwasden/angels-of-music/" target="_blank">INPRNT</a>.</span></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-22246676559448796862023-11-04T23:35:00.007-06:002023-12-10T08:43:21.758-07:00Upcoming Show: Femme Fatale at Urban Arts Gallery<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYvO8jLadXcA8kEWxCJ6TDp2TuqKxT9xS8LxwKV1F5HOGNo3CT7R5bO0vQ69rxpVEo1Ne5Marw0lYzo6eIALaUmbIV3-AlJ7QVMU-lJ8OBXTWLz4WxvA-LA8GJ09t-85QDqwsPn4HFI3K1HetjpDEddfFgYcvZIJQFjf7RHg0lw8OmB4WMc_0/s2048/IMG_2518.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYvO8jLadXcA8kEWxCJ6TDp2TuqKxT9xS8LxwKV1F5HOGNo3CT7R5bO0vQ69rxpVEo1Ne5Marw0lYzo6eIALaUmbIV3-AlJ7QVMU-lJ8OBXTWLz4WxvA-LA8GJ09t-85QDqwsPn4HFI3K1HetjpDEddfFgYcvZIJQFjf7RHg0lw8OmB4WMc_0/s320/IMG_2518.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">From December 4th to January 1st, <a href="https://www.urbanartsgallery.org/" target="_blank">Urban Arts Gallery</a> will host the Femme Fatale art show in Salt Lake City. Two of my digital paintings—<i>Aphrodite</i> and <i>The Shadow</i> (original version)—have been accepted into the show. A special thanks to Urban Arts Gallery and the Utah Arts Alliance.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">I’m excited for this show and am working to get the images ready for display, including building custom frames. </span><span style="font-family: times;">Plus, it was very cool to see Aphrodite featured in some of the marketing for the show.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-29747916266422812232023-11-04T06:32:00.028-06:002023-11-26T22:42:28.052-07:00What The World Needs Now Is More Rotten<p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaJTqGm2ix4LvKAgQDhTx1aaYqAM4FJzI3w2VhKKBY95JrTmY65o8xdhh5ShFrYvYVoGPDQWQBvWxrpfCxh-0LIg24qhDaHTOVVsp0W2u5yUVuHR2fyHCV32dEm-vs8qWK3LNTOQHxeD7aXoDK7l2-Kvpif7WDxd90ll7WwqTckO8LEEHgycz/s721/IMG_2512.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaJTqGm2ix4LvKAgQDhTx1aaYqAM4FJzI3w2VhKKBY95JrTmY65o8xdhh5ShFrYvYVoGPDQWQBvWxrpfCxh-0LIg24qhDaHTOVVsp0W2u5yUVuHR2fyHCV32dEm-vs8qWK3LNTOQHxeD7aXoDK7l2-Kvpif7WDxd90ll7WwqTckO8LEEHgycz/s320/IMG_2512.jpeg" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.johnlydon.com/biography/">https://www.johnlydon.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">©2023 article by Kevin Wasden</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“</span></span></span><i style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">If I’m wrong, I’m highly capable of correcting that. I’ve done that many times and I’ve had to. That’s why I love debate and conversation, because you learn from it. Don’t become entrenched in one opinion and get stuck there forever</i><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;">.” </span></div><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: times;">-John Lydon, </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/11/john-lydon-interview-i-could-be-wrong-book-nora-wife-carer-trump-brexit" style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">interview </a><span style="font-family: times;">with The Guardian, October 11, 2020</span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br />I am a long-time fan of John Lydon. I greatly admire his creativity, his unwavering commitment to his wife, and his uncanny ability to cut through the crap.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Lydon's tenure as the cantankerous frontman of the Sex Pistols, under the moniker Johnny Rotten, from 1975 to 1978, marked a watershed moment in the annals of punk rock. Subsequently, he has served as the driving force behind the experimental post-punk outfit Public Image Ltd. From the beginning, Lydon has left no stone unturned in his mission to disrupt the status quo.<br /><br />Lydon's words are sharp as a sword, and he wields them like a seasoned warrior. He does not shy away from controversy and has managed to rub everyone wrong from his bandmates to Her Majesty the Queen. In Lydon's world, words are weapons, and he takes great care to aim them precisely. <br /><br />“It’s to spur a conversation,” he told the Guardian in 2020. “Have people talking like sensible human beings, rather than shouting at each other. I’m an individual – I think for myself – I think quite a lot of us are.”</span><div><span style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">I was five years old in 1976 when Johnny Rotten took the stage with the Pistols in Manchester, England. It was a performance said to have “changed the world.” While the Pistol’s impact rippled across the British Isles, my small world was limited to family, friends, and my cocker spaniel. But things would change. A decade later, I was coping with my parents' divorce, deep feelings of displacement, and a growing recognition of my family’s economic struggles. In spite of the distance and time between its creation and my discovery of it, I connected to the punk and post-punk music of the early 80s. I was never brave enough for a full mohawk and safety pins, but I did shave the sides of my head, rather badly, and, like many, I found some sense of identity in groups like the Pistols, the Damned, the Ramones, PiL, New Order/Joy Division, and the Cure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;">In my fifties, I still love the punk movement--especially the authentic punk voices that emerged from an irascible moment in the mid- to late-70s. I try to understand the forces that drove the music of the era. I believe, more than ever, that punk’s attitude and voice are still needed. I’m not calling for anarchy or violence, but for brave voices that challenge the status quo. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br />As I watch the hustle of American politics, I see a system dominated by two political parties, each trying to demonize and silence the other. I hear cries for “unity” but see refusal to compromise. In a recent debate, one prominent political leader went as far as to say that “consensus is the opposite of leadership.” Each party seems to think that “unity” means we all must agree to the terms of the dominant faction. Each party desires complete control of government and freedom to move their agendas forward without challenge. <br /><br />But every great idea should be challenged. Assessment, feedback, and revision are what keeps us from becoming “entrenched in one opinion” forever. To eliminate challenges is unhealthy and unwise. Yet those who desire to attain and hold power don’t want to work for it. Power unchecked is tyranny. Punk music, like many musical genres, can serve as a check. It can inspire us to think and to not blindly accept the philosophies of people and factions without first considering what is true.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------------</span></p><span style="font-family: times;">That brings me back to John Lydon. His desire to challenge norms and seek truth while not becoming entrenched in popular ideologies is a powerful example for all of us, especially at such divisive times. It is healthy and good to question and reflect on the precepts and behaviors that we take for granted. Eliminating the opposition has never led to greater understanding or strength. We should welcome resistance. There is a place for punk rock in our world. Principles purified by critique and revision bring us one step closer to truth.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">Your comments and feedback are welcome.<br /></span><p></p><br /></div></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-29778506779408135652023-11-01T23:30:00.009-06:002023-11-04T23:50:18.485-06:00Upcoming Apearance: LTUE #42 in February 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPoHuLzj_ab2z9SOypZUumO_NF2yBfr3StwVXJqHfRhi0OpIFTT8sG1SWwxabulBX2_wRdbBIdK4IqAUcaEykhgHZyJfv74yhZI4ubbYOnelS8yjCvBCqp3mhFE8iUViybBA03Tn9m9Yrg_hYy5L4sOpZhEq1I_tuLPeI7xIoMzu2mFzr4OLT/s2048/IMG_2496.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="2048" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPoHuLzj_ab2z9SOypZUumO_NF2yBfr3StwVXJqHfRhi0OpIFTT8sG1SWwxabulBX2_wRdbBIdK4IqAUcaEykhgHZyJfv74yhZI4ubbYOnelS8yjCvBCqp3mhFE8iUViybBA03Tn9m9Yrg_hYy5L4sOpZhEq1I_tuLPeI7xIoMzu2mFzr4OLT/w440-h323/IMG_2496.jpeg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">I’m so excited to present at <a href="https://ltue.net/" target="_blank">Life, the Universe, and Everything</a> #42. FORTY-TWO!!! Will this be the event where we finally learn the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrases_from_The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy#Answer_to_the_Ultimate_Question_of_Life,_the_Universe,_and_Everything_(42)" target="_blank">ultimate question</a>? </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Maybe. Maybe not. But I am confident that the symposium will be worth your time. <span><a name='more'></a></span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #232323;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">On February 15, I have the privilege of participating in two panels—</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">(1)</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Defining and Applying Gesture in Your Art </i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">at </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">11:00 am and (2)</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> Is A.I. Changing the Way We Edit?</i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> at 3:00 pm. Then at 5:00 pm, I will be teaming up once again with the amazing songwriter, Kira Gatiuan, to present</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Come See What I Hear: A Confluence of Art and Music,</i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> where we will present new collaborative art and music with a speculative twist.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); color: #232323; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: times;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-size: 15px; text-size-adjust: auto;">I hope you’ll join us. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-2734774747703850452023-11-01T22:45:00.011-06:002023-11-27T14:10:48.307-07:00Upcoming Publication: Book of Mormon ARTbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAot-G8O7-vjXORM1Op-MiO5DfUGPCxNPZFwKrHkcTeNUtdg4HEpmAEE5Dqgd_1kpSxRuZSYfQBTbViTbY0rfPITzA2NRo8wPa0IGiLAwfxDikOAp0hbkgCv8kK0EY-pi8wj_OIGKuUdvJ1ktWshnRhDDsneQYoqIzwoWUccp_2V8h2awktNH/s1937/IMG_2719.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1937" data-original-width="1484" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAot-G8O7-vjXORM1Op-MiO5DfUGPCxNPZFwKrHkcTeNUtdg4HEpmAEE5Dqgd_1kpSxRuZSYfQBTbViTbY0rfPITzA2NRo8wPa0IGiLAwfxDikOAp0hbkgCv8kK0EY-pi8wj_OIGKuUdvJ1ktWshnRhDDsneQYoqIzwoWUccp_2V8h2awktNH/w153-h200/IMG_2719.jpeg" width="153" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEu2ypoyDrmmDSps-KZ4olnWfoMqnmS1HIBPS2Rt4E9sor3WZWmYwK0zo0UcTXM6euCkZjGyM8Vaz1HWTN_VrX63j6dpBzJMAGEUCFKef3dXMq4O9seroPevm9Vk1eVxOpRkb_TrBNgYSntaKOjBgrXnEfJ0A9n176LMijpsK8_4X5Dhx369B/s1697/IMG_2492.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1658" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEu2ypoyDrmmDSps-KZ4olnWfoMqnmS1HIBPS2Rt4E9sor3WZWmYwK0zo0UcTXM6euCkZjGyM8Vaz1HWTN_VrX63j6dpBzJMAGEUCFKef3dXMq4O9seroPevm9Vk1eVxOpRkb_TrBNgYSntaKOjBgrXnEfJ0A9n176LMijpsK8_4X5Dhx369B/w195-h200/IMG_2492.jpeg" width="195" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpNd6UF4HvHb_O7Cpg7iHxOWka9yYsu_kZiM-1kAUGNat6QGJXCE2k8yq3VVAo71Wq2NUtCVukiOyj5m1vwbtRdOYaMCBlGbHioOA73Hl6iPpEfYx_8ZIS9RVpsheLS2ESPO5A3Wcrd7esqsIiKTVK6HUTRR3sObO8ZhhSxrm5DKK38fNu166/s1500/IMG_2494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpNd6UF4HvHb_O7Cpg7iHxOWka9yYsu_kZiM-1kAUGNat6QGJXCE2k8yq3VVAo71Wq2NUtCVukiOyj5m1vwbtRdOYaMCBlGbHioOA73Hl6iPpEfYx_8ZIS9RVpsheLS2ESPO5A3Wcrd7esqsIiKTVK6HUTRR3sObO8ZhhSxrm5DKK38fNu166/w125-h200/IMG_2494.jpeg" width="125" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">When asked about my favorite book, I can honestly say it’s The Book of Mormon. It has provided me unparalleled guidance and understanding throughout my life. Because of that, I am grateful to be able to contribute two illustrations to the Book of Mormon ARTbook,<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(105, 101, 84); color: #696554; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(105, 101, 84); text-size-adjust: auto;">an art companion to the 2024 Book of Mormon Come Follow Me curriculum. <span><a name='more'></a></span>The ARTbook is curated and </span>compiled by Esther Hi’Ilani Candari and will contain a wide range of “<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(105, 101, 84); text-size-adjust: auto;"> racially, culturally, and aesthetically diverse” artwork based on Book of Mormon events and doctrines. You can learn more about the ARTbook on Esther’s website: </span><a href="https://www.hiilanifinearts.com/artbook">https://www.hiilanifinearts.com/artbook</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-50509692490746087982023-10-31T11:01:00.013-06:002023-11-07T07:59:21.138-07:00Upcoming Publication: Dog Save the King, An LTUE Benefit Anthology, coming in 2025<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyJptBqgm92ra5rxeRcC9sa9ylCSohgXg8U_HaI5MRH0Y3C7g0OpHnduxiS6AecYe-3o_NuXLwlopM5BXsEz1mtwV5GfyedmX4oB9hVWGlQVHwYSly-a8WBT-vvEPL7j6jwz-yLxU01iwimux4d0vZ_d_ufNOOQBllU723AFwjoSBDAXXgHsb/s1230/DogSaveTheKing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyJptBqgm92ra5rxeRcC9sa9ylCSohgXg8U_HaI5MRH0Y3C7g0OpHnduxiS6AecYe-3o_NuXLwlopM5BXsEz1mtwV5GfyedmX4oB9hVWGlQVHwYSly-a8WBT-vvEPL7j6jwz-yLxU01iwimux4d0vZ_d_ufNOOQBllU723AFwjoSBDAXXgHsb/s320/DogSaveTheKing.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">For me, writing feels like the younger sibling of visual arts, always wanting to join in the activities of its older counterpart. So it is with great excitement that I can finally announce that my writing will be able to share the spotlight. <span><a name='more'></a></span>I've been fortunate enough to contribute artwork to two volumes of the LTUE Benefit Anthologies, but in 2025, one of my favorite short stories, titled "The Omen,” will be included in the anthology, Dog Save the King. I'm really excited about this opportunity and grateful for all the work that Jaleta, Joe, and Hemelein Publications do to support authors and artists..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">You can learn more about this book, as well as other LTUE Benefit Anthologies, at Hemelein Publications (<a href="https://hemelein.com/">https://hemelein.com/</a>).</span></div><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-8723157839513677192023-09-18T08:49:00.016-06:002023-11-04T23:56:50.419-06:00Art in the Age of Algorithms: The Soul of Creation<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6mOd0jjaCvOlIX-ji5Cej71AI001-33huCVfX_0gwLkMEEhA2oDBl1i3o03n21_wi_NErZTlvJIsk2HhMcx713itSRm715qXXjs9WmehWcW60XmMysIA7Ks-XZlABi7ydIUAtsY9JaIfX18TB38D0E-lTqgjyX9NuUMwIA6hDq82hs3hZYFC/s1400/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img alt="“13” by Kevin Wasden" border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6mOd0jjaCvOlIX-ji5Cej71AI001-33huCVfX_0gwLkMEEhA2oDBl1i3o03n21_wi_NErZTlvJIsk2HhMcx713itSRm715qXXjs9WmehWcW60XmMysIA7Ks-XZlABi7ydIUAtsY9JaIfX18TB38D0E-lTqgjyX9NuUMwIA6hDq82hs3hZYFC/w320-h320/13.jpg" title="“13” by Kevin Wasden" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">©2023 article and art by Kevin Wasden</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b9a897a7-7fff-e455-4f3c-d01bb47f2e26"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Much like Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof, I’m struggling as the values and traditions of the art world change around me.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At the beginning of the century, digital art software and tools became accessible for home computers, significantly changing the landscape of art and illustration. Initially, I resisted this transformation and refused to embrace digital tools in my creative process. I held the belief that creating art digitally was akin to cheating. However, the advantages of digital art, such as increased speed and </span>the ability to secure more jobs and income, eventually outweighed my reservations. But it has taken me a long time to embrace digital tools as a valid process for creating art. In fact, it has only been within the last year that I have actively sought to use digital art programs, such as Photoshop and Procreate, to create what might be considered fine art.<span></span></p></span></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Today, we are again witnessing a new "revolution" in the world of art, marked by the growing accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Nota<span><span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">bly, even individuals without a background in art are sharing captivating A.I.-generated images, presenting us with a pressing question that continues to gain momentum: Can A.I. generated images be considered real art?</span></span></span></span></p><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This pivotal question is being examined by artists, galleries, art collectors, and even the United States Copyright Office. In one particular example, Bitforms Gallery in San Francisco challenged the definition of art with its </span><a href="https://bitforms.art/exhibition/dall%c2%b7e-artificial-imagination/#artwork-container" style="text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">DALL-E: Artificial Imagination</span></a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> exhibition in late 2022. </span><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-new-exhibition-seeks-to-answer-the-question-will-ai-generated-art-help-or-hurt-creatives-180981081/" style="text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Ellie Pritts</span></a><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, a participant in this exhibition stated passionately: “I think it is really important to showcase right now that this is a new medium. There are serious artists; this is legitimate work.”</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Also of note, the world’s first A.I. art gallery opened in Amsterdam in March 2023. Ironically, the gallery’s name is Dead End. The gallery recognizes, even celebrates, the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of A.I. art, including all the six-fingered and multi-limbed figures.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">However, it's crucial to note that among most professional artists, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that A.I. falls short of being tue art. Many artists are deeply concerned about the potential ramifications of A.I. on their livelihoods, spanning various creative professions, including visual artists, musicians, writers, and actors. This concern is so pronounced that it has even become a focal point in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, particularly regarding the role of artificial intelligence in Hollywood.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Given my roles as both a content editor at a publishing company and a visual artist, I have found myself deeply contemplating the role of artificial intelligence. I've pondered the extent, if any, to which A.I. can play a meaningful role in the various creative fields that I actively engage with. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's evident that A.I. possesses limitations, particularly in its current iteration. However, it is clearly progressing toward a future where it will be able to craft remarkable art across various mediums. The time will come when A.I. will generate art adorning museum walls, compose songs that soar into the Billboard Top 100, and produce movies that resonate deeply with our emotions. The potential for A.I. to create great art is both exciting and frightening.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yet, there is a caveat — this advancement may come at a cost, potentially overshadowing the role of great human artists. This raises a significant ethical and philosophical question: Is that a sacrifice we should be willing to make?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As we look toward the horizon of possibilities that A.I. presents, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We must carefully weigh the implications for both the art it can produce and the artists it may replace. It's a complex issue that challenges us to navigate the evolving intersection of technology and creativity with thoughtful consideration. We must acknowledge the profound depth that great artists bring to their craft. Their talents have been refined by countless hours of dedication and relentless effort, but more than anything, their art is a result of lived experiences, unique perspectives, and an insatiable hunger for expression and improvement. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Let me share one of my favorite quotes, by the great Japanese artist, Hokusai, in his book, “One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“...until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. At 73 years I was somewhat able to fathom the growth of plants and trees, and the structure of birds, animals, insects, and fish. Thus, when I reach 80 years, I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art, and at 110, every dot and every stroke will be as though alive. Those of you who live long enough, bear witness that these words of mine are not false.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This relentless pursuit of self-improvement and the profound desire to contribute to the world around them stand as the defining characteristics of great artists. So, when we stand before a magnificent painting or sculpture displayed in a renowned museum, let us choose to recognize that its greatness is a product of the artist's journey — a journey marked by learning, perseverance, and a tapestry of lived experiences.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In contemplating the role of Artificial Intelligence in my own profession and creative pursuits, I believe that we can embrace A.I. as a tool without losing sight of the core values and identity that define us as creators. A.I. has the potential to support human creativity. However, it should never serve as a replacement. In my own work, I will utilize A.I., but I recognize that it should never come at the expense of my my own endeavors to become a more skilled draftsman, painter, or writer. It is only when these new technologies supplant our inherent need for learning and self-improvement that we venture onto precarious ground.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, like Tevya, there is a point where evolving traditions push against the core of our beliefs, a point at which we cannot change further without risk of losing our purpose and identity, both individually and collectively.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-10003222815735164742023-05-22T08:07:00.006-06:002023-11-02T12:17:21.901-06:00Yeah, I Think About Democracy In My Spare Time<p><span style="font-family: times;">Some early morning thoughts about Democracy. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">The concept of democracy extends beyond the mere expression of the popular vote. It encompasses a broader notion of public responsibility, requiring the active participation and engagement of each citizen. For democracy to work, it becomes necessary for all individuals to bear their fair share of the collective burden, to strive toward what is best for all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Democracy denotes a sense of shared accountability for the welfare and progress of society. Every citizen bears the responsibility of actively participating in the democratic process, not merely as passive observers, but as active contributors, willing to give their time, energy, and resources for the betterment of their community. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in public discourse and express their perspectives. It necessitates respectful and constructive dialogue, where diverse opinions are heard, debated, and considered. True democracy is based on the principles of compromise and collaboration. By voicing their concerns, proposing ideas, and engaging in fruitful exchanges, individuals foster an environment that values open-mindedness and inclusivity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Democracy also requires individuals to uphold ethical values and principles in their public and private lives. Honesty, integrity, and a commitment to fairness form the bedrock of democratic governance. Each citizen must adhere to these ideals, as they are instrumental in establishing and maintaining trust within the democratic framework.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">I propose the word "democivitas" to describe the civic responsibility of all people to act as active contributors within their communities, working for the good of all. Only through such collective efforts can we foster a thriving democratic society that addresses the diverse needs and aspirations of its members.</span></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-13079076366652104152023-04-18T09:41:00.007-06:002023-11-12T18:58:20.037-07:00New Art: Portrait of a Mother<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ023jZGAAkweoghzHyP0egUpPGHSQBMMTBSiXonQAoHzK5BaE2e6TP-6vlf7_rUakDyGhDLIj_bsD1jjlMxror8BzHP6it-emQ9J_KNPI6RIa0EXx540SyAbLwyWG8tx0CvC_OpeB0IhH1iwBPS5hC6U5gp0qLBWD045OY1x9fe1ys8yvg/s4705/PortraitOfAMother.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4705" data-original-width="2799" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ023jZGAAkweoghzHyP0egUpPGHSQBMMTBSiXonQAoHzK5BaE2e6TP-6vlf7_rUakDyGhDLIj_bsD1jjlMxror8BzHP6it-emQ9J_KNPI6RIa0EXx540SyAbLwyWG8tx0CvC_OpeB0IhH1iwBPS5hC6U5gp0qLBWD045OY1x9fe1ys8yvg/w241-h406/PortraitOfAMother.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">"Portrait of a Mother"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">©2023 Kevin Wasden</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Digital Painting in Procreate</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/portrait-of-a-mother/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Fine Art Prints Available</span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">Artist Statement</span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: 14px;">As an artist, I have always been drawn to the power of the human spirit, and few expressions of this power are as profound as the love of a mother for her children. This painting is a tribute to the countless mothers who have sacrificed their time, energy, and love to raise their children with patience, dedication, and unwavering devotion.<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: times;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The central figure of this painting is a symbol of the strength and resilience of mothers throughout history. She is depicted with a halo, a symbol of her saintly and selfless nature. The halo is a recognition of her sacrifice, of her endless capacity for love and nurturing, and of her dedication to her children.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The mother in this painting is not a passive figure. She is depicted as strong and determined, with a gaze that is both loving and fiercely protective. She is a warrior, a protector, and a nurturer all at once, a testament to the multifaceted nature of motherhood.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Through this painting, I hope to recognize and honor the sacrifices that mothers make every day. It is my belief that the world would be a better place if we all recognized and celebrated the vital role that mothers play in shaping our society, and I hope that this painting contributes to that recognition.</span></span><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-77931908446156845002023-04-18T09:38:00.006-06:002023-12-06T14:39:12.606-07:00New Art: The Return<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uDmD_5E9ZZ7lddyTWB1Wx-BHN5u8rZhEkLbY-PfWDNYQ69qF76AyeCEq7-4djnWhHsOjpuUpWhaX1T9jlSk40ik5boNeWtt-v1ePNksYNrtEDPeu_5ZueP8YI7fidHwS7rZz9-mFZpBCsFLJnc_jMUXJce1nKNu-v5MILaBB8h-WZ5W2TvMS/s7500/55B9FA86-2FD7-416E-B036-DE2AFAF578B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7500" data-original-width="4340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uDmD_5E9ZZ7lddyTWB1Wx-BHN5u8rZhEkLbY-PfWDNYQ69qF76AyeCEq7-4djnWhHsOjpuUpWhaX1T9jlSk40ik5boNeWtt-v1ePNksYNrtEDPeu_5ZueP8YI7fidHwS7rZz9-mFZpBCsFLJnc_jMUXJce1nKNu-v5MILaBB8h-WZ5W2TvMS/w231-h400/55B9FA86-2FD7-416E-B036-DE2AFAF578B3.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">"The Return"</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;">©2023 Kevin Wasden</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Digital Painting in Procreate</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/the-return/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Fine Art Prints Available</span></a></b></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: 14px;">This painting was inspired by song lyrics by my friend, the amazingly talented Kira Gatiuan.<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: times;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The song:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">“To Live In The Sun”</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">V1</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Light is filling up my vision now</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And I’m seeing everything in gold</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Feels like nothing before this was real</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This new sight I see is something old</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Chorus:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Could I walk those floors like sea of glass</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And in his glory stand</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Knowing who he is</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And be happy with who I am</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">To live in the sun?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">V2:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Scared a sinner begs for cleanliness</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">To be lent at gate of perfect white</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Fast instinct my hand goes to take his</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">To let him guide me through paradise</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Chorus:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Could I walk those floors like sea of glass</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And in his glory stand</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Knowing who he is</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And be happy with who I am</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">To live in the sun?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Thanks </span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz notranslate _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/kikafromkirkland/" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">@kikafromkirkland</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> for sharing your talents.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Artist’s Statement:</span></b></div><span style="font-family: times;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I am drawn to religious symbolism and the transformative power of faith. In this painting, entitled "The Return", I have sought to capture the moment of spiritual transformation that comes through repentance and redemption.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The central figure in this painting kneels humbly before the Savior. Her posture is one of humility and contrition, and her expression is one of surrender to a higher power. The Savior, meanwhile, is depicted placing a halo (crown of glory) upon her head. This is a symbol of the power of grace to transform even the most broken among us. The use of gold accents throughout the painting serves to emphasize the glory of this transformative moment.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It is my hope that this painting serves as a reminder of the power of grace to transform our lives and lead us on a path of greater spiritual fulfillment.</span></span><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-30461124284346965092023-04-18T09:29:00.009-06:002023-11-12T18:59:02.755-07:00New Art: Aphrodite<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PUE0sHVxtyIpT9OCtuA5_gsZoMzSIrpyrgtfen5gwQOSIkn2bCPFM7KcUJDHQ7m_552b3Z47LfSi8y-mYktbCIrKCvGHE2yheg2VxtxSBmdQUXHsZ1yszL33Ay1_VEDGLf6N_OvDaIKyJlLMKhvwyLYCRRV4EYfMhY4ScPoQEE_RBLX-rQ/s4500/AphroditeFinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="2992" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PUE0sHVxtyIpT9OCtuA5_gsZoMzSIrpyrgtfen5gwQOSIkn2bCPFM7KcUJDHQ7m_552b3Z47LfSi8y-mYktbCIrKCvGHE2yheg2VxtxSBmdQUXHsZ1yszL33Ay1_VEDGLf6N_OvDaIKyJlLMKhvwyLYCRRV4EYfMhY4ScPoQEE_RBLX-rQ/w257-h386/AphroditeFinal.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">"Aphrodite"</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">©2023 Kevin Wasden</span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px; text-align: start;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Digital Painting in Procreate</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/aphrodite/" style="color: #889911; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Fine Art Prints Available</span></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Artist Statement</span></p></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: 14px;">In this painting of Aphrodite, I wanted to explore the many facets of womanhood and femininity, and the ways in which these qualities are intertwined and interdependent.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Aphrodite is often associated with beauty, love, and passion, and I hoped to capture these qualities in this painting. She is depicted with a warmth and sensuality that is both alluring and inviting. Her gown is made of roses, a symbol of both beauty and fragility, and a testament to the transformative power of love.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">But Aphrodite is more than just a symbol of physical beauty and passion. She is also a mother, a giver of life, and a nurturer. This is represented in the painting by the vine that sprouts from her gown, a symbol of life-giving nourishment and sustenance. She embodies the multifaceted nature of womanhood, with all its complexities and contradictions.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Women are more than just objects of beauty and desire; they are creators, nurturers, and life-givers. They are powerful and resilient, and their strength lies in their ability to embrace all aspects of their nature.</span></span><br /></span></div><div><span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: 14px;"><b>Fine Art Prints Available. <a href="https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/aphrodite/https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/aphrodite/" target="_blank">Click here</a>.</b></span></span></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-63653422911048579362023-02-08T13:19:00.006-07:002023-11-07T08:02:08.216-07:00Reflections on the Impact of AI on the Art World: Challenges and Opportunities<p>Around the turn of the millennium, as personal computers developed the capability to run more advanced programs, the art and illustration markets experienced a revolution. Programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Corel Paint suddenly enabled artists to create images at an unprecedented speed and scale. However, the impact of these technological breakthroughs also brought new challenges. The influx of new artists and the speed of production led to increased competition and decreased pay across much of the illustration industry. Artists were forced to adapt to new mediums and expectations. </p><p>Fast forward to today, and the art world is once again being shaken by digital technology, this time with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of art. With AI art generators, anyone can now create art with just a few words. This technology has ignited a deluge of new debates and controversies regarding the nature of art and originality.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><b>AI: Art Thief?</b></p><p>One of the main controversies is the potential for AI to "steal" other people's art and styles to create new works. Essentially, A.I. art generators, following a text or visual prompt, identify and break down relevant source material, then reconstruct that source material into something new. The end result is a visual image, which many argue is completely original, based on the prompt that was provided. While it may be argued that the final image is original, the controversy revolves around the concept of "style." A.I. art is most successful when it learns from existing artists and attempts to mimic their skills and art styles, which many artists have spent decades developing. Exploring this idea, I attempted to create A.I. art in the style of Michael Whelan using three different A.I. generators: Stable Diffusion, Wonder, and Dall-E. I used the prompt, "a fantasy book cover depicting a princess riding on a white dragon in the style of Michael Whelan." The results? As you can see, the A.I. generated images fall short of book cover quality and lack the refinement of a Whelan illustration (and these were the best images of many attempts). Also noticeable are many flaws in anatomy of both the humans and dragons. While some ignominious art directors or publishers may find such images acceptable, it seems to me that A.I. is not yet fully capable of mimicking artists, at least not in the hands of the average user. However, I believe that as the algorithms and technology advance, A.I. generated art will become indistinguishable from the work of many well-known artists and this controversy will become very relevant. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaIirjpha4fFpjdYCdKg3cA9jasXejMVcbCGpBwKeaLzXVp15XHr6c4C8IUYWyB_hZEFyb-8li1o798Bmu6Js3kcebKU15VR1hOIe2NfZ5bj11GhKG04wlkjDS7cg8oqnoX8tgPrUmSn8AMWapm5ctfbwif2khqP6N13utXLHV9eZbTxkoQ/s1536/wonder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stable Diffusion Image" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaIirjpha4fFpjdYCdKg3cA9jasXejMVcbCGpBwKeaLzXVp15XHr6c4C8IUYWyB_hZEFyb-8li1o798Bmu6Js3kcebKU15VR1hOIe2NfZ5bj11GhKG04wlkjDS7cg8oqnoX8tgPrUmSn8AMWapm5ctfbwif2khqP6N13utXLHV9eZbTxkoQ/w119-h180/wonder.jpg" title="Stable Diffusion Image" width="119" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jFLGd04UglW7DNDfCKuaNMiTRih0HirhgzdOHb546gZyyyNJTjY8jb4eS7fwSBIlbMUAB3b-odL1oJmrYidFBs_cGIKqkCVN8U-EeMCePd9N1MTd3eNWfQT7AHh5gEAlbrXngaQ7ClBu--c-x-aP3_F-db0TFscLFjNaxmVDgfgQuT9oA/s1024/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-02-08%2011.56.56%20-%20a%20fantasy%20book%20cover%20with%20a%20princess%20riding%20on%20a%20white%20dragon%20in%20the%20style%20of%20Michael%20Whelan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dall-E Image" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1jFLGd04UglW7DNDfCKuaNMiTRih0HirhgzdOHb546gZyyyNJTjY8jb4eS7fwSBIlbMUAB3b-odL1oJmrYidFBs_cGIKqkCVN8U-EeMCePd9N1MTd3eNWfQT7AHh5gEAlbrXngaQ7ClBu--c-x-aP3_F-db0TFscLFjNaxmVDgfgQuT9oA/w178-h178/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-02-08%2011.56.56%20-%20a%20fantasy%20book%20cover%20with%20a%20princess%20riding%20on%20a%20white%20dragon%20in%20the%20style%20of%20Michael%20Whelan.png" title="Dall-E Image" width="178" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGsg8ikFhnJX_-nkZPQwyBe-7jfJRBBx-ehgJHKHDS25MUdBHm3T35IRzUVrU5dVd7S9F9yeLnSLi0oiBuau-C1ysL-0YIma_eQa3LGTUrU1tYj2_KGI4qAZbEJ8Q6Gp85mMGZ4PgP9S8e_EgsqRLssDA0dewG6RmvSDzm0qrSlASOGgwLQ/s1024/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-02-08%2011.57.06%20-%20a%20fantasy%20book%20cover%20with%20a%20princess%20riding%20on%20a%20white%20dragon%20in%20the%20style%20of%20Michael%20Whelan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dall-E Image" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGsg8ikFhnJX_-nkZPQwyBe-7jfJRBBx-ehgJHKHDS25MUdBHm3T35IRzUVrU5dVd7S9F9yeLnSLi0oiBuau-C1ysL-0YIma_eQa3LGTUrU1tYj2_KGI4qAZbEJ8Q6Gp85mMGZ4PgP9S8e_EgsqRLssDA0dewG6RmvSDzm0qrSlASOGgwLQ/w178-h178/DALL%C2%B7E%202023-02-08%2011.57.06%20-%20a%20fantasy%20book%20cover%20with%20a%20princess%20riding%20on%20a%20white%20dragon%20in%20the%20style%20of%20Michael%20Whelan.png" title="Dall-E Image" width="178" /></a></div><br /><p><b>AI Images and Copyright</b></p><p>Another issue surrounding AI-generated art is the uncertainty surrounding copyright laws. Currently, the copyright laws regarding AI-generated images are undefined and untested. In 2022, the U.S. Copyright Office denied copyright claims for AI-generated works of art on the grounds that they lack human authorship, which is a requirement for copyright protection. The clarification and establishment of legal precedents regarding these works will only occur as more cases are brought to court.</p><p><b>The Value of "Input" in Art</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwXeEr3ILUerhNj0E1eI7bMTEhTCBgzgl_2_2xSEONO7ITQ3y-_srGqEZP4wjUmZ_NEUf_G66tNW0pu868Y1iMuaGV6Tl-VGP49juNYJwrh9acHb-lUxbqgpnWRJYtMipyv1FsCIcLq2TFqPbCfUYobzjqAQcBfRI3Gfw5dl0defwTOJdpQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="220" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwXeEr3ILUerhNj0E1eI7bMTEhTCBgzgl_2_2xSEONO7ITQ3y-_srGqEZP4wjUmZ_NEUf_G66tNW0pu868Y1iMuaGV6Tl-VGP49juNYJwrh9acHb-lUxbqgpnWRJYtMipyv1FsCIcLq2TFqPbCfUYobzjqAQcBfRI3Gfw5dl0defwTOJdpQ=w144-h264" width="144" /></a></div><div>Another aspect to consider in AI art is the role of "input." In my opinion, what makes a work of art valuable to collectors and appreciators is the combination of "input" and "output." "Input" refers to the learning, experiences, and creative process that lead up to the creation of a piece of art. "Output," on the other hand, refers to how the art is presented and received by an audience, and the emotional connection it makes.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an example, let's consider Francisco Goya's painting "Saturn Devouring His Son," which is part of his Black Paintings series. Unlike his previous works, which were often commissioned by Spanish royalty and nobilty, the Black Paintings were created as a personal expression of Goya's emotions during the Spanish Inquisition. Despite their roughness and lack of refinement compared to his other works, the power of these paintings lies in their "input." We can sense the anger and frustration that Goya felt through the brushstrokes and composition of the artwork.</div><div><br /></div><div>In comparison, AI-generated art may have impressive "output," with beautiful digital renderings that may even reach large audiences. However, it lacks the meaningful "input" that human artists bring to their work. The emotions, struggles, and creative process that shape the texture, color, and composition of a piece of art cannot be replicated by algorithms. I do not believe that AI will ever be able to match the depth of "input" inherent to human artists.</div><p><b>The Future of AI in the Art World</b></p><p>Despite the challenges posed by AI, its significance in the art world is expected to grow. However, the exact impact of this technology on the industry and its artists is yet to be determined. It remains to be seen whether AI will displace artists and reduce their pay, or if it will lead to new opportunities and elevate the quality of art.</p><p>In my own art practice, I am investigating ways to incorporate AI to enhance, not replace, my creative process. I am personally not drawn to the idea of using AI-generated art as the final product, but I do see potential in using AI as a tool to support my artistic ideas and sketches. I am planning to delve into this topic further in a future post.</p><p><b>Conclusion</b></p><p>The rise of artificial intelligence in the art world is presenting both challenges and opportunities. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the way art is created and produced, it also raises important questions about copyright, originality, and the role of artists in the industry. It will be interesting to see how the art world continues to evolve and adapt to these technological advancements in the years to come.</p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-76734007204600388882023-01-30T15:28:00.013-07:002023-11-07T08:03:20.473-07:00 Polarized Thinking: The Dangers of Thinking In Black-And-White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqrojaSouDFEtax0PIV5KlNJlSCTlZC6bLu2-cbTNJk9zrLQ5-lbErbKLlT3NpqNI-rrtWXctT-HFAXsi-wt-12DV41Rpda_9ZOUQdv1pFjyRQ3pxtGLJS7v6iUGBFpuLWD9q7vBypFvpx-M_M5hss5y70X7GDJe4LHP3VY6F2xme70w30g/s800/8091027271_74c95733bc_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="800" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqrojaSouDFEtax0PIV5KlNJlSCTlZC6bLu2-cbTNJk9zrLQ5-lbErbKLlT3NpqNI-rrtWXctT-HFAXsi-wt-12DV41Rpda_9ZOUQdv1pFjyRQ3pxtGLJS7v6iUGBFpuLWD9q7vBypFvpx-M_M5hss5y70X7GDJe4LHP3VY6F2xme70w30g/w400-h270/8091027271_74c95733bc_c.jpg" title="Serious Business. A Young Lawer Arguing His First Important Case. Charles Dana Gibson (American illustrator, 1867-1944) 1905 pen and ink on paper illustration for Collier's Weekly; published in the artist's collection Our Neighbors (1905)" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's easy to get caught up in the habit of thinking in extremes. Whether it's politics, race, or simply concepts of right and wrong, we often seek to classify people and events into polar opposites. This way of thinking, known as polarized thinking, can have damaging consequences for both individuals and society as a whole.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>One of the main problems with polarized thinking is that it oversimplifies complex issues and reduces them to a binary choice. In reality, life provides room for many shades of gray and for a variety of perspectives. When we limit ourselves to thinking in extremes, we miss out on valuable perspectives and potential solutions to problems.</p><p>Another issue with polarized thinking is that it creates division and promotes an "us vs. them" mentality. When we define people based on their political views, race, or beliefs, we limit our ability to understand and empathize with others. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and discrimination, making it harder for different groups to work together to solve problems.</p><p>Moreover, polarized thinking can have serious consequences for democracy. As Abraham Lincoln famously stated in the Gettysburg Address, democracy is "the government of the people, by the people, for the people." But, when one opinion of one governing party overshadows all others, we have a dictatorship, not a democracy. A true democracy requires that we listen to the voice of all people, not just those who agree with us. This means embracing differences of opinion and engaging in open and respectful dialogue.</p><p>I believe that polarized thinking is a dangerous practice that we must overcome. It oversimplifies complex issues, creates division, and undermines democracy. By embracing dialogue and differences of opinion, we can move towards a more inclusive and democratic society.</p><p>(<i>Note: This post was enhanced using ChatGPT A.I. The ideas and topics are mine, but A.I. assisted with the essay structure and some of the support statements. I deleted concepts with which I did not wholly agree and edited certain concepts to ensure they fall in line with my beliefs. While this post was written to share my perspective, it also served as an experiment in using A.I. to enhance writing, which is another topic I would like to address in a future post.</i>)</p><p>Image Credit: Serious Business. A Young Lawyer Arguing His First Important Case. Charles Dana Gibson (American illustrator, 1867-1944), 1905 pen and ink on paper illustration for Collier's Weekly; published in the artist's collection Our Neighbors (1905)</p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-63433821169089178502022-10-25T20:53:00.009-06:002023-11-12T19:00:03.568-07:00New Art: Angelic and Kira<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm continuing to practice using different brushes in Photoshop to achieve a more traditional, perhaps painterly, appearance in my digital artwork. Here are two new drawings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Selected prints are available at <a href="https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/klwasden/">INPRNT</a>. INPRNT produces gallery quality art prints. It's a fantastic way to collect high quality art while supporting independent artists. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZGbje11u8C2nAH-o2eSBkXhUabNOGGGO_KKd9Q6cGKnjUud_5ftuKorlwy2CKy4Bt0XIyfh1WzazrOpA_2D4sOC3MlplAZ3rCed1o_84v8BcPmHRkWbfBeyi4E5ykYukEbkR3ZEYkpzWWBM2c8fMwOvzRCzAUqCAhLtS7osYUtEHgNNeoA/s4200/Angelj.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2402" data-original-width="4200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZGbje11u8C2nAH-o2eSBkXhUabNOGGGO_KKd9Q6cGKnjUud_5ftuKorlwy2CKy4Bt0XIyfh1WzazrOpA_2D4sOC3MlplAZ3rCed1o_84v8BcPmHRkWbfBeyi4E5ykYukEbkR3ZEYkpzWWBM2c8fMwOvzRCzAUqCAhLtS7osYUtEHgNNeoA/w375-h214/Angelj.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYarJQA4Qsyy5832V4mkywqNOSBUQGEOVya9Vb1DVkESdqfJnBgFpC98NpbdLBTEqh2YiSFAwJT6chQgKgNTvFF-gDvJ9AIUwwj8qJA0yylEbGHVsJYmXWBsesorDt5YM_zhcd7WsX6N2okYr4ASZccGoJpLc69ApB9A081AsUzoAiCgduw/s2469/KiraStudy1c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="1764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYarJQA4Qsyy5832V4mkywqNOSBUQGEOVya9Vb1DVkESdqfJnBgFpC98NpbdLBTEqh2YiSFAwJT6chQgKgNTvFF-gDvJ9AIUwwj8qJA0yylEbGHVsJYmXWBsesorDt5YM_zhcd7WsX6N2okYr4ASZccGoJpLc69ApB9A081AsUzoAiCgduw/s320/KiraStudy1c.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All images <span style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">©2023 Kevin Wasden</span></div> <p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-58037689530824113602022-10-15T15:16:00.001-06:002022-10-15T15:16:58.112-06:00Ad Mortem Tenemur<p>Title: Ad Mortem Tenemur</p><p>Medium: Digital Painting</p><p>This particular image has stuck with me for many years. I still consider this latest rendering a sketch, as I expect it will continue to evolve. Someday, maybe, it will find its way to oil paints on canvas. Perhaps then it will feel complete.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ8A5vKuksH4BVCeO5NiphpFEuL7AxxJeDcP5aJ2Vei1MJ-vdBrodU_YyB_bHjAx4LSWV6yr53Suh51xMrf4dFhkD6ZQuAmMmnGy66yWJCcAhBHTtNmOMczK_8pxD82vIViLO-AiMOzpG-8RFKTSZ2-MQFvVznbmPRlb2ZpfRtYY08L-vyA/s5256/41E8C13B-DA1E-42CD-8332-0DD19D15AAF1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="5256" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ8A5vKuksH4BVCeO5NiphpFEuL7AxxJeDcP5aJ2Vei1MJ-vdBrodU_YyB_bHjAx4LSWV6yr53Suh51xMrf4dFhkD6ZQuAmMmnGy66yWJCcAhBHTtNmOMczK_8pxD82vIViLO-AiMOzpG-8RFKTSZ2-MQFvVznbmPRlb2ZpfRtYY08L-vyA/s320/41E8C13B-DA1E-42CD-8332-0DD19D15AAF1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluS0fEwRos0m2Dme4TY0UW4jjzP7iujnvDTXzfzUd8zMHkQlajxqkrCn3DbnDolh-i640_ryJT-KXKlLrchlMvxoLdtSm-V-LVHuEmz5bFaBqsX_-aV680BI9FL_G3xc_kt3yAVCTlLqcSe201A4PgHMzFsSwTKJ0RLuWxun3YuTOwRpE8w/s855/3BAFC7C5-7AEA-457B-881F-7C5277E314D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="855" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluS0fEwRos0m2Dme4TY0UW4jjzP7iujnvDTXzfzUd8zMHkQlajxqkrCn3DbnDolh-i640_ryJT-KXKlLrchlMvxoLdtSm-V-LVHuEmz5bFaBqsX_-aV680BI9FL_G3xc_kt3yAVCTlLqcSe201A4PgHMzFsSwTKJ0RLuWxun3YuTOwRpE8w/s320/3BAFC7C5-7AEA-457B-881F-7C5277E314D3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLQS8E4XG2riPdrcIqSrVpNui5ISDaHSYe6Jf0h4dTacv3pW2lp7YPdCk0Kp5Xw_3tzkRNWmiPFq44nhUUKMjsz8djWeShCpFbbw3twlvVWBS1PGdxT9VNWu-IkcjO3tAGtbMeg3Io8ibP44Am7dgibEPE3VQkFKprSNfUqLD1mZHUU1O0w/s1440/01D67778-42DC-46AC-B166-038DB788C7DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1440" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLQS8E4XG2riPdrcIqSrVpNui5ISDaHSYe6Jf0h4dTacv3pW2lp7YPdCk0Kp5Xw_3tzkRNWmiPFq44nhUUKMjsz8djWeShCpFbbw3twlvVWBS1PGdxT9VNWu-IkcjO3tAGtbMeg3Io8ibP44Am7dgibEPE3VQkFKprSNfUqLD1mZHUU1O0w/s320/01D67778-42DC-46AC-B166-038DB788C7DA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-44406129146908682162022-10-14T10:30:00.010-06:002023-11-12T19:00:23.556-07:00Digital Irony (and some artwork to go with it)<p>I have always disliked the process of making digital art while at the same time embracing it. I prefer the feel of pencil on paper and paint on canvas. I like to have a finished product I can touch. Digital work is illusory. Even when printed, it is simply a copy of what exists only in some ethereal digital plain. But here's the crux: digital tools make illustration so much easier. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a>I can "undo" mistakes, reposition segments of the artwork, experiment with textures and colors and simply make them disappear when they aren't pleasing. I don't need to buy costly paints or take the time to set up my palette. And digital is faster. What would take me days to create in acrylics or oils can be rendered in a matter of hours on the computer. In the world of illustration, time truly is money (or at least the greater potential to make money).<p></p><p>With that said, I have been creating digital art a lot lately. The convenience permits me to draw and paint during those fleeting moments I have each day. I've been experimenting with textures and brushes with the goal of creating digital art that doesn't look digital. Is that irony?</p><p>Anyhow, here are some of my latest digital renderings. Some of these are available as stickers (and other things) at <a href="http://klwasden.redbubble.com.">klwasden.redbubble.com.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhxRxkku7GKsj3fxsADQI5C1rueGsWcB1hpLMvDCqDyNl3fGMhLz706rN72-iXbbhUqZ8NrC1WXKZANk7Lg-eGOY6TAFSkSn-WEwwJIWEisGOodrAt_Ptd7ygoId84JBPqtfeNf1nt7nTZg-o3eHkfo53WCTKmsMMZAZmFdJYwYv24TFPFg/s720/ECLIPSE_2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhxRxkku7GKsj3fxsADQI5C1rueGsWcB1hpLMvDCqDyNl3fGMhLz706rN72-iXbbhUqZ8NrC1WXKZANk7Lg-eGOY6TAFSkSn-WEwwJIWEisGOodrAt_Ptd7ygoId84JBPqtfeNf1nt7nTZg-o3eHkfo53WCTKmsMMZAZmFdJYwYv24TFPFg/s320/ECLIPSE_2022.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFczq2etRLCF5usa-EyXRom8NlAwOzXOHUPB3e4m9XQAbs-Wytwe6axwHVfIQYNy90XTTMcSEYHvSSOuqJHv8fN4Ndd8IX9vL-gZMa2q-pZgbWqRUKeHHgmRppcFeM_OlnBOBY8bhivZp77RQlr4-AyQYCaCo_KntmppSCkNfQXsrWBvp8JA/s4664/bewitched1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4664" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFczq2etRLCF5usa-EyXRom8NlAwOzXOHUPB3e4m9XQAbs-Wytwe6axwHVfIQYNy90XTTMcSEYHvSSOuqJHv8fN4Ndd8IX9vL-gZMa2q-pZgbWqRUKeHHgmRppcFeM_OlnBOBY8bhivZp77RQlr4-AyQYCaCo_KntmppSCkNfQXsrWBvp8JA/s320/bewitched1.jpg" width="206" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbZq-NcRJOYKuFNkwEExRhNmaxrFktOaCHpGONEAc6TVM5GviRnQRaOdoOXPDNQkkpgIeYbUipn6oHUj1VuMfv4C91UrEi5l9ruf0UsMuWWjahaaYu9eyHR4Dm6N7vEclVYCwRQZJ9j6APR-_92b8FO-TJFK5qgrIZD8ouSYycxWEubyt3g/s4500/darklili_color2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="3785" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbZq-NcRJOYKuFNkwEExRhNmaxrFktOaCHpGONEAc6TVM5GviRnQRaOdoOXPDNQkkpgIeYbUipn6oHUj1VuMfv4C91UrEi5l9ruf0UsMuWWjahaaYu9eyHR4Dm6N7vEclVYCwRQZJ9j6APR-_92b8FO-TJFK5qgrIZD8ouSYycxWEubyt3g/s320/darklili_color2.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM8wiqJVlczLWqgKuMcHNZgLLcwPKYq83uPMA8cMm0N7ITWMfTLWVvwNmHZWdmvwuyLmCagokKQx5oO0vJaqqB82OMjJDAXDEnMjhbC-PiC4Zdtwh6in1yPfJq4ZCLhTrjU8DsJ07tA0Va0pqCrgJoLu8XE-PUMC03lHSLLzP44FKimttCQ/s1199/Rotten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM8wiqJVlczLWqgKuMcHNZgLLcwPKYq83uPMA8cMm0N7ITWMfTLWVvwNmHZWdmvwuyLmCagokKQx5oO0vJaqqB82OMjJDAXDEnMjhbC-PiC4Zdtwh6in1yPfJq4ZCLhTrjU8DsJ07tA0Va0pqCrgJoLu8XE-PUMC03lHSLLzP44FKimttCQ/s320/Rotten.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All images <span style="font-family: times;">©2023 Kevin Wasden</span></div><br /><p><br /></p>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-85470745131017020412022-09-27T15:53:00.002-06:002022-09-27T15:53:55.574-06:00T-shirts (and other stuff) AvailableI've selected a few pieces of art to make available on <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/klwasden">Redbubble.com</a>. I hope you'll check them out. These images will rotate periodically.<div><a href="goog_612048651"><br /></a></div><div><a href="https://www.redbubble.com/people/klwasden">https://www.redbubble.com/people/klwasden</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRfel8D5HxuuFSQxjetlSnjdwO2lYYhDiUUxmkyM6grmoSDaC1cv5E0MCs1w1ZPQVld_xDfevcQiB8Vchj3-vOXibgVDiuusCLTRGn0Q7w41EAFxaBS-IBHTXqH4y-eSBoP-KKPy4qVAwDgOQKwdMVMNrb3SdDVy-v7juefXjxBk19Ym2CQ/s756/Redbubble_blaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRfel8D5HxuuFSQxjetlSnjdwO2lYYhDiUUxmkyM6grmoSDaC1cv5E0MCs1w1ZPQVld_xDfevcQiB8Vchj3-vOXibgVDiuusCLTRGn0Q7w41EAFxaBS-IBHTXqH4y-eSBoP-KKPy4qVAwDgOQKwdMVMNrb3SdDVy-v7juefXjxBk19Ym2CQ/s320/Redbubble_blaster.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvyMBPanj7r5Hr7JcwT53zPm5BFI4Ffz-4dU_n5DjOm6lVv3UG0xHmkw5zLgv0QDuvKQOUe4bA_ka8gs7HF7R8WQnHNdRR3tnY7U176E24Ute9RXhFSyG3kH5yfc5U-j7G39XyEi1VUF_eonAU37tjWENeVJBm9VoeMhOWth9AuOeEfKdvA/s780/redbubble_thirteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvyMBPanj7r5Hr7JcwT53zPm5BFI4Ffz-4dU_n5DjOm6lVv3UG0xHmkw5zLgv0QDuvKQOUe4bA_ka8gs7HF7R8WQnHNdRR3tnY7U176E24Ute9RXhFSyG3kH5yfc5U-j7G39XyEi1VUF_eonAU37tjWENeVJBm9VoeMhOWth9AuOeEfKdvA/s320/redbubble_thirteen.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirphGV-yspOS2_TVW_g_xHT-2d6k3qtKrnFpwXD6fkoRI2qy3EyoJDKBt7mJ9s-A1hR1IDZVPzOMDBQ35Jt8jlAGZlIU5o9IR1R3X5ah8LAYWhyuIhpmxjVMA1L4_6FKzLjvEoFvrIvhjEDjgXYxK8DT38bEl1Oajin-tc_2MDBIvsRWideA/s714/redbubble_vinyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirphGV-yspOS2_TVW_g_xHT-2d6k3qtKrnFpwXD6fkoRI2qy3EyoJDKBt7mJ9s-A1hR1IDZVPzOMDBQ35Jt8jlAGZlIU5o9IR1R3X5ah8LAYWhyuIhpmxjVMA1L4_6FKzLjvEoFvrIvhjEDjgXYxK8DT38bEl1Oajin-tc_2MDBIvsRWideA/s320/redbubble_vinyl.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27031668.post-58263471109290128602022-08-12T07:32:00.003-06:002023-11-07T08:04:36.588-07:00The Swan, by Rainer Maria Rilke<p>I recently undertook a translation of Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "Der Schwan". <span></span></p><a name='more'></a>My intention was to translate it from English into Spanish, but I had some questions about prior English translations, so I set out to understand the poem in its original German. The problem is, aside from "guten Tag", I know very little German. I began with a literal, word-for-word translation from German into English. I then studied many of the German words and their deeper meanings and tried to understand the essence of Rilke's poem. I also sought input from friends who speak German, and I received some wonderful input and feedback. Helge Moulding offered profound advice, explaining that Rilke "stacked" words in German in order to create new words and deeper meanings, which makes some of the translation difficult. Helge also provided input on some of my original word choices. After considering the input I received, I am posting the translation below. That's not to say that it is complete. I am open to further input and revisions. Thanks to all who provided feedback. (Additional note: I know that Rilke used rhythmic meter in the original poem. I am not skilled enough to both rhyme and capture the soul of the poem, so I instead opted for free-verse.)<p></p><br /><b>The Swan </b><br /> by Rainer Maria Rilke<br />(Translation by K. Wasden)<br /><br />As he toils at tasks left undone,<br />his steps are heavy and hindered,<br />like the graceless gait of the Swan.<br /><br />And dying–that detachment from<br />the ground on which we daily stand–<br />he descends apprehensively <br /><br />into the water that receives him gently,<br />as it flows past happily<br />beneath him, wave after wave,<br />as he, infinitely calm and certain,<br />evermore ready and regal,<br />consents to pass.<br />Kevin Wasdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07415355994665614949noreply@blogger.com0