Hey There, What's Up?

 Apparently not my commitment to this blog! 

I have to admit that 2016 was a slow year for creating art; usually July and August are my most productive months given that the rest of the year my job hijacks my life, however, last year we decided to do a kitchen reno ourselves. And so, my summer was spent painting cupboards, laying tile, plumbing and generally making a mess. Up side: I can tile a pretty awesome back splash; downside: no time for art. 

There was one notable art-related event last year. In June 2016, I went to see the Pack A.D. play The Red Dog in Peterborough. They played a few songs from a then yet-to-be-released album, and about half way through one of them, I realized that I could see it quite clearly. I went home and immediately produced a sketch...

I painted this entirely from memory. The album hadn't been released yet, so I hadn't heard the recorded version of the song, which means this sketch is the truest representation of the music that I've been able to achieve. Its a raw  impression of the song, achieved just from hearing it live. 
 
 ... and then I decided to give it to the band. Because as an artist, there is nothing like feeling inspired and truly, their music has inspired me to create some of my best work, with an element of surrealism that has never before appeared in my art. While I hope I was able to convey a modicum of my appreciation to Becky and Maya, I'm certain I didn't. Of course they were very sweet and gracious and seemed genuine in their curiosity/appreciation, but looking back, I can't help but wonder if doing this was weird? Awkward? The artistic equivalent of stalking? Maybe one day I'll find the words to be able to properly convey my thanks.  

In August 2016 I found out the song was called Yes I Know and its the second track on their album Positive Thinking. I was in a hotel in Calgary when it appeared in iTunes, and I was afraid that when I heard the recorded song, I would instantly question the painting. Thankfully, I felt only relief when I heard the recorded version, because I knew I wouldn't change a thing. 

I was planning to do a 34'x 36' canvas of this, but I decided against it. Firstly, I don't think I could reproduce it accurately, and secondly, I like the idea of the inspiration for the painting being in possession of the only original. 

So there's another new album that was released just a few days ago and I've been fortunate enough to hear most of the songs live, three times... we all know where this is going.