Trying to keep the momentum going is tough, but despite that, we make moves.
The new studio is coming together, I've been teaching at Historic Yellow Springs, and I've been able to get some new, smaller works finished over the summer. Those will be online soon.
The wood shop is up and running, and I'm happy to share I now have an Xtra Smedium stretcher bar option for pieces measuring under 24" in length, with a depth of 1 3/8" (or 1.375") instead of my usual 1 1/2" (1.5"). Part of the decision was to see how could get the most out of some 1x6 lumber, but the benefit is the remaining scraps are great for sculpture...
( Which is why you should continue to watch this space )
Viewing the Puryear retrospective at MFABoston (which you should see) has only made plans for my 2026 solo show** even more ridiculous...
ALWAYS DREAM BIG.
** More on that later. Keep pushing...
PEOPLE! It's finally here. I'm a Master of Fine Arts now (or officially a MF'n Artist, if you like), according to the people at PAFA. Since they definitely know a thing or two about art, it's time to stop doubting myself and just run with it, haha. This has been a long journey for me, since earning my Post-Bacc certificate, and those 15+ years grinding away in the cubicle..I wanted to thank all the other MFAs who came before me, especially within the last few years, for showing me how to do the damn thing, and do it right.
To my teachers, please see "A note" below. You all are the truth. Since the grades are in, I can't be a teacher's pet-- so I only speak from the heart. I've seen not just the artists you've crafted, but the people as well. I wouldn't be here without your help and guidance.
Family: Your support has been immense. Love and thanks. I'm back!
For everyone else....
The show is open to the public from May 9th through June 1st, 2025, and more information can be found here: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 124th ASE show.
The new paintings and sculptures featured in the show have also been added to the site, so feel free to check those new works out.
It is bittersweet being one of the last MFAs at such an historic institution, but as we know the broader global and national cultural shift down the drain (or swamp-- they said it first, hey) is one that can only be rectified and resolved by continuing to educate yourself (and others) and by making more art. It's that simple. Please continue to support people, groups and movements that advocate for a better humanity. Artists will always be the ones that can say the things you maybe cannot- we will always be free enough to speak up and speak out.
After all, I'm apparently a Master of this Fine Art thing now, so you should probably listen to us :)
There are individuals you encounter in life who step up in the face of adversity.
I was always taught that they are the ones you should aim to learn from, try to emulate, and also pay tribute to.
They brought the proverbial it, each and every day when they easily could have given up, just so I could grow as an artist, and a human.
KM
KR
NG
EG
MG
MD
RF
JG
KKP
DD
EN
ALK
AG
Thank you for taking the time...
Love. Respect.
BB, I can see now.
Always finish strong.
Back in the days when I was a teenager, before I had canvas and before I was a painter, you could find Leroy playing with code. Wait-
In some discussions with my teachers in preparing for the Annual Student Exhibition (which you should visit), the topic of final preparation came up.
Activating a square canvas can be challenging, while certain aspects of consistency benefit the process of developing a solid body of work, so what dimensions am I going to choose? Ask the code...
Are you not entertained?