Those who have viewed my page may be wondering as to why I have decided to draw Eagles. I was partially wondering that myself.
The truth is I went to dinner this past Sunday and a friend, well she is "friendly," asked me if I could draw animals. That is how she started the conversation, at the table. I was a little put off, because I felt that if anyone has viewed my work and witnessed my talent are very well versed with the idea that I can draw whatever it is I think of. Then she asked me, "Can you draw me an Eagle?"
Did not tell me what for, did not tell me why, just said draw me a bird. I told her I would and I also told her I wanted to show her some new things I have been working on in the process. Why did I want to show her "Digital," Media and the power of it? Because her home is filled with art, a wide range of art and none of it is my own. It has always pissed me off. She is supposed to be a friend, but she went to some other market and spent nearly $1000.00 on print media and business cards.
I looked at the work and I wondered what was so unique and special about her logo, design, and idea that she could not trust me to present it as she desired and paid me that much money for a "stencil."
I honestly hope she never reads this report. Then there is a part of me that hopes she does. I hope it is very much understood that when people go to an "Artist," Graphic Designer, are friends with one, know very well he has talent but are not willing to spend money with him/her, some where deep inside they begin to feel "inadequate." I personally refuse to be made to feel such by any standard of digital media. I respect everyone equally and equally see everyone in the world of Art as a massive competitor, especially when commissions are on the table and $1000.00 USD is up for grabs.
Half the reason why I was so put off by some web-developers that profess, "general-approval," does not matter. I have always felt those that are not paying attention to the approval ratings of their productions and the amount of attention one image gathers, have no real appreciation for what their talent is worth. They are willing to allow someone, who has the same gift to buy out their family members for a "stenciled, traced, re-washed, re-hashed," idea that they themselves could have re-created instead of approving of original art.
The other day a viewer asked me, where did I reference Anansi. I was put off by this question as well.
https://www.deviantart.com/adventvoice/art/Anansi-In-Flight-751007537
They suggested that next time I "trace," my material, "it will look better," I wanted them to jump in a lake and cool off. It was a waste of time to speak to me of tracing or cutting corners or selling myself short. I have too much pride. Where did I get the idea of Anansi? "Read the Print that surrounds her." Was I aware of "Poll Dancing," being considered an Olympic Sport? No, I remember Poll dancing as being what my mother did to raise tips so I could eat as a child. They did not call it poll-dancing when I grew up, they called it "Stripping," Exotic Dancing. Now it is an Olympic Sport, go figure. Soon, so will Mechanical Bulling Riding. My world is changing so fast I can not come up with enough jokes to cover it all. I did not mean to go off on that side note. I was just illustrating how some things can be left unsaid. We don't all have to fly over the coo-coo's nest just because others are doing it. Anansi came from the idea of the "small, rising to the top." The Eagle is of the same representation when you think of America's humble beginnings and a lot of my work has the same "small, single man operated origins" and that is why I enjoy these ideas and hope to pass them on to others.
Everyday looking to inspire those around me to always "Dream Big." Happy 4th of July everyone. Before the week is out, I might have some new prints.
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