Thwarting at White Castle Leads to 'White Castle Sonata'

White Castle Sonata  C.T.Rasmuss, India Ink (2012).

So friend/colleague Fred Tarr and I went to some galleries in Walnut Hills last Friday...I must say a disappointment in many ways; but we recovered with a good ale at a local bar, The Comet and later some coffee inspired conversation at White Castle.  In an odd and unconventional way it answered the question: 

Why even go to galleries in the first place? what do you find there, why not just go to a movie??

Well, it's free!! jk...seriously though what comes around goes around I guess; but actually it seems to be hit or miss, the important thing is what you leave with I'm thinkin.

Some leave with an artwork, others leave with new ideas about life 'n' such...on this particular night I left with a story to tell you, some photos of surrounding landmarks, good conversation and the idea/schematics for this painting; which seemingly has sparked much more material for the future - all in all well worth it.

Now my friend/colleague from Creativa - Shawn Abnoxious, blogger for Thwart Magazine, started an idea awhile back about surrounding many a conversation at a local White Castle.  And he's come up with a special event approaching very soon, he'd have to tell you more about it. 

 So...

The major coincidence started earlier last week (before Friday) when he 1st approached me about using a painting of mine, as a cover for his event.  Again I wasn't aware of any specific details til last Saturday.  Where this interesting parallel finally became apparent, being that we both arrived at the intersection of an idea derived at a White Castle; in which we approached this odd source of an idea for 'art' from opposite directions. 

Where I drew up the schematics for this artwork over a coffee, and his which was destined to the same place of discovery from hence mine began: 'Full Circle', literally if you will; where this painting will soon be returning to it's original place of birth taking on a different 'life' form.

Definitely worth the trip to the gallery Fred!!!

'Purple People Bridge' of Cincinnati, OH

Purple People Bridge  C.T.Rasmuss, watercolor (2010).


"When the Mood Strikes You!"

Sure!  We've all heard this one before and when it did; this is what I did in the early days of Spring-2010.  I drove down to Newport, Kentucky and set-up to paint this bridge; it's a bridge with a history, just recently re-opened I'd just encountered it after being back in town 6 months or so at the time.

 (Cincinnati that is)

I've visited the bridge only a few times to paint since back in 2011, and it's not because the mood hasn't struck me, as in fact the mood's struck me countless times.  I've been back down there plenty of times for art exhibits in the area, I even have a studio across the river in Cinci; and I park on that side all the time for Red's games, or the numerous events always going on downtown ..I guess it's just that 'it' hasn't struck me hard enough I suppose, and the thought of lugging all my stuff down there (not enough stuff for a good excuse); it also isn't the crowds of people that scare me away neither. 

 I really think it's just a force that mysteriously blows the other way:

The mood strikes me and then an ostentatious gust of wind blows it back in the other direction...so as of today I vow to take my brush to the 'Purple People Bridge' and apply it to the canvas; right when the 1st snow hits which seems to be my fate, a way to redeem myself.  It also makes for a good study, a study in comparing the bridge in the Spring to the Winter's Bridge-side of things..  

And you are all my witnesses to hold me to it; and to all of those of who read yesterday's blog, I did go into my class today and finished that artwork I promised myself teaching some good art-students all the while..summing up a great day as it will be a great day this winter when I attempt this 'Bridge' once again!!!

Relief at last!!!!! 

Acrylic I think I'll use..

Rockefeller, Carnegie, J.P. Morgan & The Inspired Artist

India Ink-Still Life 2  C.T.Rasmuss, India Ink (2012).

In reference to Rockefeller, Carnegie & J.P. Morgan, these great innovators of "Modern America", who am ?  Am I a great innovator as well, by way of being an artist??

I've learned that these men gleamed into the future with 'clutching fists', where by no means I
m no powerful man or industrial tycoon, but I do hope to be very prosperous, just like any human being has an equal right to. 

It's no doubt that I hope to inspire others through my art, but I stop to ask myself: "Is what I teach and do power and/or innovation?..or is it just ideas & examples of beauty?"  Do I really need to be the "greatest artist to ever live"(or my generation) to be successful"?. as they were the greatest at their profession of the time.   

Whatever the answer I find for myself, I'll continue to fight through the struggles and persevere like these successful men did in their respective fields; while all the time, positioning my integrity toward the highest of  artistic priorities.  

So I'd like to thank this blog, the people who hear what I have to say, and all those who enjoy what we artists  do(tycoon or not).  I will prove my appreciation of art in general by going into work tomorrow afternoon, and turn out the best students I can, as well as the best 'India Ink-Still Life 3' within the rejuvenated 'clutching' of my brush!!!

All in all, I really hope to carry on the legacy of my generation, and to do my part in filling the gaps between "compilations" of the generations before and after me in the best way I know how; through color, shape and pure artistry.  

All  in The Name of Culture and Prosperity, The best to you all!!!

"How Much do you Want for that Painting?"

Comet Characteristic 2  C.T. Rasmuss, acrylic (2011).

"How Much do you Want for that Painting?"

Something all of us artists come across eventually, if your fortunate to stay at the profession long enough; and upon hearing such a phrase, for some it may be music to the ears.  As far as for me, personally as some others out there, it's at first a compliment(and very much appreciated that someone actually shows interest in what you put your heart into) but then another reality sets in: $ - 'The evil of all evils".  

So, trade this piece of beauty for that ugly, bacteria laden paper?? well as they say: "it takes all kinds" and the way I'm referencing it here, is that I need to live, to eat, I need more supplies and to finance (another one of those unwanted terms) ways of introducing the public, to new ideas and my works of art they otherwise couldn't (hopefully)appreciate...and I, the artist as a result have the pleasure to fulfill my 

-Dreams, my Destiny.  

So I would like to let 'everyone' out there know, that I personally would like to sell each piece of artwork for $100,000 to a millionaire, or 5 bucks to those who have less than me; but of course depending on the time and material put into the artwork in question(give or take a few thousand, haha).

Still!  The question remains: "How Much do you Want for that Painting?"

'Well whatever you can spare if the price is: Fair!'

...and as always thank you very much for askin!!!

                                      

               - C.T. Rasmuss

Huang Gongwang's 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' (Part 1of 2).

So I enjoy meeting with an artist's group called, Creativa where there's always a plethora of mediums and backgrounds from which the artist operate; we've meet every 2nd Saturday for the last 5 years here in Cincinnati, OH. great times I might add!!

Monthly dilemma: what to do?  Like any other piece I attempt, I'm lucky in that it usually comes to me quick, then I just need to figure which direction to go in; again most like any other time, but this is a live performance which I've incorporated over the last few times we've met.  Here's my process for tonight; (short and quick) if your interested...

note: some variations in steps/order for each time I prepare, as artists are hopefully always changing their ways!!


Step 1: MEDIUM-  Which will be India Ink tonight.

Step 2: SET UP-     I will be using what I have available, which is a large sheet of heavy watercolor paper
                               tonight.


Step 3: COMPOSITION-
                               
                                Tonight I decided for the 1st time to pay homage to the originators of this  
                                medium; and  I'm now in the hunt to learn more about one of these masters from                             
                                the East.


Step 4: SKETCH- Once I find what strikes me, I'll learn more about their work, and quickly sketch it.

Step 5: CHOOSE MUSIC- I usually choose 3-4 songs totaling under 10-12 minutes, theme's important.

Step 6: EXECUTE!!!

Step 7: SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE REST OF THE NIGHT AND ARTISTS AT WORK!!!

Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (first half)  Huang Gongwang (1350).

Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" is one of the few surviving works by the painter Huang Gongwang in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).  He's considered a member of the "four great masters of the Yuan." 

Huang spent his last years in the Fuchun Mountains near Hangzhou and completed this painting in 1350.

After Sketching I ran into bit of a problem..

This MASTERPIECE requires much more than just a quick sketch I believe, and I wouldn't be giving it's due or the artist his respect if I didn't study this very intricate and complex composition much more before executing.  It took an attempt at sketching before realizing this and rather than forcing it; I will now move to plan B, and render a photo I took last night after leaving a disappointing art opening.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Another Wolf on the Prowl

Have you received something from a (perhaps bogus) magazine company like this one???

**Bogus Art Magazine Scam**

**Bogus Art Magazine Scam**

I call it the: give me your hard earned money for the dim prospect of being 'featured' in my bogus, non-circulated magazine scam! (acronym to come later):

Just got this e-mail today, enter at your own risk I say; first thing I said to my Nephew sitting next to me before opening it, I said "How much will this cost me? (lol) and if it's more than one penny I'm out:)".  Well if your in, then be my guest an accept this invite in my stead  But $35 to enter a contest to get published in a poorly designed, and lowly published farce then I guess, go ahead and waste your money; but I say it ends here, are you with me???

It's how they make their money, not by helping the arts or artist, but through the entry fees to the contest and who knows what the 2nd tier of their con is?...it sure won't be me finding out;) Pass it on!!!


If you see this e-mail or one like it, then you are being preyed upon!


*******************************SCAM ALERT*************************************

M   A   G   A   Z   I   N   E OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS GET FEATURED IN ARTDISTRICTS ART BASEL Issue                 ARTDISTRICTS magazine announces an open call to artists. The winner will be the “FEATURED ARTIST” in our Art Basel 2012 (December/January) issue. The featured artist will receive a 4 page article to be published in both the printed and digital edition of ARTDISTRICTS. The winner will be chosen based on the quality and originality of his/her proposal. Deadline: Nov. 4th, 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK                         Newsletter service provided by:     ARTDISTRICTS                                                     W Media LLC P.O. Box 960008 Miami, FL 33296-0008 www.artdistricts.com ARTDISTRICTS offers personalized announcements and press releases via email. Send your press releases with ARTDISTRICTS and reach our growing community of +50,000 qualified visual artsubscribers. For rate information contact us at info@artdistricts.com  Unsubscribe: Email: 'Unsubscribe' ; If you no longer want to receive messages from us, simply click on the unsubscribe button and type the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. *******************************SCAM*ALERT************************************

Wolves in Gallery Clothing!

Dear Ct. Rasmussen,

I am a gallery assistant at Agora Gallery, a contemporary fine art gallery in New York. Can I send you some information about our gallery and promotional services that you might be interested in?

I look forward to hearing from you,

Kind regards,

Sabrina A. Gilbertson
Assistant Director / Agora Gallery
http://www.agora-gallery.com/
Sabrina@Agora-Gallery.com
Phone:  212.226.4151 Ext. 201
Fax: 212.966.4380

If you see something like this, sent to you and your an artist chances are you deserve a message like this from a gallery; but from a real 'gallery'!  Like myself...we artists deserve respect once it's earned, granted, just like anyone in their respected fields of study; but it is also sad at the same time that no matter what field your in, there are ways for others to profit in their own way.  Such as galleries preying on struggling artists trying to make it, promising them the same thing; instant success through signing up with them for ridiculous fees (considering the skinny wallet/purse of the average 'emerging artist' so to speak').

This is the 2nd contact I've received from this 'gallery' in 3 years, and I said the same thing then, "I might be a sucker now and then, but not yours" and I basically said it again to a different 'sales rep.' this time as I will again and again to any gallery trying to take the money I don't even have really:)  You can decide for yourself if you ever receive a contact like this, but I suggest that you do your research first before signing; and trust that if it is to be...then we will make it!!

Follow the links below to read more on Agora 'Gallery' and scams like it, pass it on:

http://www.sculpture.net/community/showthread.php?t=9419

http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/2009/05/marketing-mondays-vanity-gallery.html

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-11303.html

The Rocking Chair which ain't There Anymore

The Rocking Chair which ain't There Anymore  C.T. Rasmuss graphite (2008) 

"Who use to sit in this chair?" I asked myself while rendering this graphite negative...and yes it is a study of a rocking chair; and after taking a 2nd look (if you didn't already notice) you might notice that this chair is all wrong!  The back of the chair is situated in the upper left corner of the composition, while the rear of the rockers are pointing to the left, but towards the bottom; making this rocking chair as twisted as the artist that rendered it, jk..lol!!!  

Anyway the point I guess I wish to make here, is that no matter the intention or the end result; success can derive just from the basic fulfillment perhaps, of completing the task at hand and in simply reflecting on something that is no longer in front of you??  

Encountering a Fresh Medium

Asylum C.T. Rasmuss, India ink on linen (2012)

  Jerusha Tree C.T. Rasmuss, India ink on linen (2012)

I performed to an audience when creating the above two pieces at Creativa, a creative group based out of Cincinnati, OH and at a Disciple Ministries Concert in Hamilton, OH respectively...it was the first time I had ever used this medium and I had only practiced it just a few days before the 1st live action painting at Creative on Saturday, Oct. 13th.

I've always been curious about this medium and finally had a reason to use it, it dries fast and is perfect for performing live action painting; in my earlier experiences with performing live painting performances it was always a problem what to do logistically with the wet artwork after finishing, especially with the way I apply acrylics in an impasto manner.  After finally giving this medium a try, I'm hooked now and fascinated in the directions I can go!!  I can see why Vincent Van Gogh was so intrigued by the prints of the East, as well as Modernist, Henri Matisse, not just for their composition and pattern, but perhaps the way the ink interacts with such a simple and fine material like linen; I, myself really enjoy the simplicity of it..(definitely the opposite side of the spectrum for me:)

India ink has been around since the 3rd millennium B.C., it developed in China and the carbon pigment in India ink started to be traded in from India thereafter, hence the name India ink.

M.C. Escher's 'Night and Day'

Night and Day, M.C. Escher; Woodcut (1938)

"From left to right there is a gradual transformation from day to night and from below upward we are slowly but surely raised toward the heavens . . . and the fact that this can be achieved through the vision of the artist explains, in my view, why this print appeals to so many people."

                                              The Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher, Bruno Ernst; 1978 (pg.42-43).


This seems to be a simple enough explanation for a painting.  It is universally agreed that this is a masterpiece, created by M.C. Escher.  No matter how you try to put into words, it remains so, in all aspects of: symmetry, composition, design, symbolism, technique, execution, originality, the list goes on...

Point here I wish to make is: When considering other Great Masterworks like Divinci's Mona Lisa, Velazquez's Las Meninas, Van Gogh's Starry Night, or Pollock's Lavender Mist; - it's okay if we aren't able to "capture their essence by way of words"!...because maybe their beauty(mystery of attraction and truth) which eludes the tongue or pen, would cease to exist?... 

Perhaps sometimes in life & in the world of art&creation; we can benefit more by letting what is in front of us, just take over our senses.  To let go and subject ourselves to something foreign to us, to surrender the idea that somethings(Masterworks/natures creation) need no explaining, the mere fact that they exist is enough.

If this notion appeals to you, artist or not, click below to see a really interesting work of mine, where I the artist do my best to explain it and the process of its creation "in words".  Which I dedicate my "Masterpiece"-(much of it at least) to Mr. Escher's Night & Day; titled:

 'Night & Day, Modern Dilemma'.

 I hope you'll be pleased in it's originality and dedication, as I hope to inspire the next generation in return!!   Thank you!

link: night-day-modern-dilemma

                                                                                                     

'Basking in the Subconscious"

Basking in the Subconscious C.T.Rasmuss, ink on paper (2010)

As we sleep where do we really spend our 'time' at?  It has to be accounted for somewhere when referring to the ceaseless mind, it can't just be rest and then nothing could it...what if the image above were a place we all hung out peaceably together in the light of what is to happen tomorrow, and what has happened the night before you put your head to 'sleep'?

Well  then I'd say: "job well done everybody!!!" ;because at least for this moment we were all at peace together, even if we have no recollection of it through our immediate consciousness on the morning when we all awake...

Carl Jung, According to our Universe (Part 3of 3)

                                                               Artwork by Kevin Loughran

 

 

 

Friday

Kevin Loughran

• Hi Chad! Yes, i have literally logged on just this minute and have seen part 2 of 3 on my wall. :) I have no problem with you sharing any of my pics for your Blogs. Anytime is Fine by Me!!! I have not got anything to add as regards your writing, vague thoughts only... Dont have my Head in Gear just yet! LOL! When i added my comment on your blog I mistakenly put myself as Anonymous, and could see no way to correct that. could you, if poss? The Movie: Yeah, i went shopping today but could not find it! Damn! I have to have it sooooon, Methinks! :) Incredible Shrinking Woman? That's new info to me! :) I am enjoying the dialouge too, Chad. Cool Stuff. Loving your paintings a Lot! My pics are available to Share Anytime! :) Come to think of it... Jung was Very Interested in World Mythology, and made lots of connections between those stories and our psychological landscape (my own term) and described (at least i think it was him) Astrology, or maybe Mythology, or both, as the "Summation of the Psychological Knowledge of Antiquity." Google that phrase, I'm sure it was Jung said that, though i could be wrong. My Own thoughts on astrology and Mythology (Very Briefly) is that Our Stories have been projected onto the Stars and Planets and that Astrology is Our Way to see how those stories Resonate Within. The movements of the Planets Inform us of the timing of psycological changes Within that are Reflected Without. Science tells us that We are made of Star-Stuff, and, to me at least, it would follow through that this Atomic Connection to the Stars is Well Worth Exploring, Physically and Spiritually. Jung was a Great Student indeed of Astrology. You make your own mind up about what i have said. I am So Pleased and Happy about bieng Included in this Fascinating Dialouge and Exploration! Kool Beanz, Chad! :)

 

 

                                                          Untitled C.T.Rasmuss, acrylic (2010)


well friend I did as you suggested and it was well worth it; I decided to include the link to an article by Glenn Perry, Ph.D. titled 'The Birth of Psychological Astrology'.  I have included a passage from it in this blog:

"Jung (1976) regarded the signs and planets of astrology as symbols of archetypal processes that originated in the collective unconscious. The archetypes of the collective unconscious were the universal organizing principles underlying and motivating all psychological life, both individual and collective. Whereas mythology placed its emphasis upon the cultural manifestations of archetypes at various times and places in history, astrology utilized archetypes as a language for understanding the basic psychological drives of human beings. As Jung put it, "Astrology, like the collective unconscious with which psychology is concerned, consists of symbolic configurations: the planets are the gods, symbols of the power of the unconscious." The gods of mythology represented the living forces of the universe that patterned all things. Like Plato's Forms, an archetype was both subjective and objective; it was evident both in the innate ideas of human consciousness as well as in the fundamental processes of nature; it informed not only human experience but also planetary motions."

http://www.aaperry.com/index.asp?pgid=20

Thank you very much for allowing me to find this great passage Kevin, great stuff!!!  In closing, a definition of Jung's Individuation process is:

"Individuation is a philosophical, spiritual and mystical experience (Jung, 1989b, p. 294). It is the goal of our psychological development and in metaphysical terms amounts to God's incarnation (Jung, 1989b, p. 157). Individuation is the central concept and purpose of Jung’s Analytical Psychology (Jung, 1989a, p. 209)."

http://soultherapynow.com/articles/individuation.html

In the end after completing the final blog in this series on the subject of Jung and the dialogue between Kevin and I; I've been able to put another finger closer to grasping the concepts of Jung, the collective unconscious, Jung's individuation and how our universe is a reflection of us...I hope readers of these subjects and this blog, as well as Kevin have too:)