Off to Vegas!

I will not be posting this week as we are headed to Sin City to celebrate Ron's big 4-0!
I will bring my trusty camera in hopes of capturing some inspiring imagery as well as a crime of fashion...or twelve. I've got my Big Girl Drinkin' Pannies on and I'm ready to roll!
I hope to bring back a tawdry tale or two.

While there we'll be catching Bette Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On"...of course.

My Latin Pop Shop is NOW OPEN!

LATIN POP SHOP

Dear Friends,

The holidays are here!
Art makes a unique and meaningful (and AWESOME!) gift!

In my new online Latin Pop Shop you will find affordable original art and prints (even an ornament or two!) in an array of styles ranging from my signature Latin Pop series to small contemporary abstracts!

Now thru January 1st:
Receive FREE SHIPPING (Domestic only) on any item costing $30 or more!

Visit Today:http://latinpop.etsy.com/

If T-shirts and apparel is your thing drop by my Cafepress shop:http://www.cafepress.com/gascot

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

John G.

Weekend Flashbacks!

Whose brilliant idea was it to invent a toy that would actually SHOOT a Weeble???
You could kill someone with one of those!

I didn't have the circus, but I had these:

Fierce Fridays Presents:

A JACK McFARLAND MOMENT!



Look who we ran into at Tuesday Morning.
Bob Mackie's 80's Cher Barbie!!!


$14.99! How could I resist??
She's almost as plastic and lifelike as the real deal!
She will live happily ever after next to the Wonder Women, the Bratz doll and Fisher Price Little People in my studio.



If ahh could turn bahck taaaaaohhhm!

Five Things I'm Thankful For

This year I am thankful for:

1)Ron...my love, my heart.
2)Family and friends...in spite of the insanity.
3)Our doggies.
4)Health.
5)President Obama! Yes we did!

What are you thankful for this year?

I wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Ballad

Ballad
Acrylic on canvas/10x10"

Guitar & Piano

Guitar & Piano
Acrylic on canvas/12x12"

After Midnight

After Midnight
Acrylic on canvas/11x14"

Weekend Flashbacks!

I'm laughing my ass off!

Dear Prince: (Part 2)

I am so tired of hearing "Separate the art from the artist" and "Just focus on the music". Even when folk say it with the best of intentions. Some say it with great intention while others prefer to hide behind this reasoning as a way to not seem like the "bad guy" for simply not caring enough about the issue to give up an artist they enjoy. I just posted this somewhere in response to that very sentiment:

I appreciate and respect the sentiment that Prince doesn't speak for you. And I would love for nothing more than to agree with y'all on this... But I'm sorry, "Just focus on the music" is just too easy a way to ignore this bs. It's just not that simple when you're in the line of fire. Religious/Biblical fire, at that, which have no place in government (of which he should probably not even speak publicly since he doesn't vote), yet still manages to infringe on your civil/legal rights. I don't know what the beliefs of every artist I listen to are, but even if they don't care for or "tolerate" (an expression I despise) gays, they don't go mouthing off to the press in a holier-than-thou manner. Don't get me wrong, Prince has every right to do just that (IF he made the comments), but I (and our community and friends of our community) have every right to choose then not to put millions of dollars into his pockets as a direct result of that. It's as simple as self-preservation and self-respect. No funk is funky enough, not even Prince's to lose sight of your struggles. How is it that other religious artists manage to remain free-minded? Look at Patti Labelle for one random instance, who manages to work Jesus and God into every other sentence, yet is a great friend of the gay community (just performed at the Out 100 Awards). Listen, Prince doesn't have to Grand Marshall our parade (though he's certainly got the wardrobe!), but if he wants to retain us as the loyal fans we've been for 3 decades and counting, he should speak a bit more responsibly...or accept the outcome. This is one "quirky" episode that isn't going to be easily shrugged off for some of us. That is the very reason words from his "camp" are not sufficient. We, the fans, need to hear it directly from the horse's mouth...for better or worse.

Believe it or not...I am STILL hopeful.
Does anyone really think I want to miss out on any future funk? LOL!

Dear Prince: (Part 1)

Fierce Fridays!

Ladies and Gents...Good ol' Gracie gets it again!!!

These breathtaking photos (sent to me by a dear friend in London) were shot by Andrea Klarin, who is an amazing artist. Her website is full of gorgeous images...well worth a visit!

Sun and Water

Sun and Water
Mixed media on canvas/ 6x6"

Tag, I'm it!

I have been tagged by Martha Marshall to share five unusual (as if y'all really needed a list when you could just read my blog to gauge my level of weirdness LOL!) things about myself. I don't do too many of these, but since Martha keeps one of my fave blogs...I'm game.

The rules of the game are:

List 5 unusual things about yourself.

Put a link in your post to the person who tagged you.

Tag 5 (or 2 or none, whatever, my rule LOL) other bloggers at the end of your post and comment on their blogs to let them know.

Let the tagger (me) know when you have posted your list.

Five unusual things about me:

1) I often read magazines back to front.

2) I like to eat chili with fresh bagels ( garlic or onion ). I've been told it's weird, I don't know.

3) During college, I worked in NYC night clubs as a Cigarette Girl (yes, I said girl).

4) I can savor (some would say gnaw like a dog) a steak bone long after the meat is gone, which is why I seldom order stake while dining out. It shatters my lady-like public image. I will also eat the tip of a turkey wing (bone included) if it's super-crispy. Yum!

5) I think big noses are super sexy. Not WC Fields big round puffy ones though.

I hereby shall tag:

Dave of A Visual Guide to Feeling Good and his brother Dan of Cosmocto. These guys make some awesome art and should really post more often in their blogs (hint! hint!). Check them out and tell them so!

Chewy

Robin of Grammercy Digital Diary

and Antonio Capurro (all the way down in Peru!).

The Go-See (Designer & Model)

The Go-See (Designer & Model)
Acrylic on canvas/8x10"


I must have tonight's ANTM finale on the mind. LOL!

Dear Prince:

Let me start this "letter" off by stating that I'm fully aware you will never read it. This is just a personal rant merely disguised as a fan letter.

I've been heart-broken for two days over the whole New Yorker article ordeal and what you allegedly had to say to reporter Claire Hoffman:

Recently, Prince hosted an executive who works for Philip Anschutz, the Christian businessman whose company owns the Staples Center. “We started talking red and blue,” Prince said. “People with money—money like that—are not affected by the stock market, and they’re not freaking out over anything. They’re just watching. So here’s how it is: you’ve got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to this.” He pointed to a Bible. “But there’s the problem of interpretation, and you’ve got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn’t. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you’ve got blue, you’ve got the Democrats, and they’re, like, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right.”

When asked about his perspective on social issues—gay marriage, abortion—Prince tapped his Bible and said, “God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, ‘Enough.’ "

I've been a loyal die-hard fan since the age of 12 (I'm 36!). As a young gay man I chose to idolize you and your music over more obvious icons of my community (the Judys, Lizas and Madonnas) because while tragic against-all-odds heroines are such fun, your music spoke to me of self-expression, inclusion and LIBERATION! Your music was filled with beautiful wild abandon and your lyrics painted pictures I could get lost in. I couldn't even tell you how many of my pieces I've painted to your amazing music.

Your camp has reached out to the likes of Huffington Post and Perez Hilton to "set the record straight" that you were grossly misquoted by Ms. Hoffman and the New Yorker. Of course there are no recordings of what transpired because you have your other-worldly rules about reporters bringing along recording devices to interviews. Up until now, we just accepted (and dismissed) this as part of your "crazy but artsy" charm.
Well, this dedicated fan doesn't want to hear from your camp. If indeed you've been misquoted (and I desperately hope you were!), I want to get the real story from your lips.
Given the current social/political climate and the recent anti-gay initiatives...this might be a time when you might want to make an exception and put all of your no-longer-cute cryptic and mysterious bullshit aside for just 2 minutes of actual tv face-time. This is just a tad bigger than erroneous speculations on your hip surgery...it would be the responsible thing to do.

There is no doubt that your music has changed since you became a Jehovah's Witness. As a creative man in a creative field, however, I hoped that you might possess the capacity of being religious while remaining a thinking human being (not a brainwashed follower).

I guess I can take some comfort in the fact that even if the outcome of this Controversy isn't good for fans like me, I'll still have 3 pre-religious zombie decades worth of wonderfully funky/filthy and mind-blowingly beautiful music to look back on and enjoy. That is still more than most artists will ever offer.

Bummed but Hopeful...

John

FURTHER PROOF THAT RELIGION RUINS EVERYTHING!

(Ok, stupid disillusioned fan rant over!)

Dear Prince: (Part 2)

I am seldom ASHAMED of artists...

But this is despicable!

I really pray this is not true, but even Snopes.com has it as "undetermined".

I will sign yet another petition this week...just in case.


Snopes story:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/vargas.asp

Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/13031953/petition.html

Don't call in sick... Call in GAY!

Reactions to anti-gay ballot initiatives in California, Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas continue.
The Gay Civil Rights Movement seems somehow revitalized in the face of these set backs.
Bravo!


On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes. On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in “gay”–and donate your time to service! December 10, 2008 is International Human Rights Day.

Find out more (or spread the word):
http://daywithoutagay.org/

Still in Smallville

Dew Drop
6x6"

Weekend Flashbacks!

Remember when Benetton adds caused so much controversy?



It all seems so tame now.
Well, maybe not to all.

Random Thought

Sweaters tied around someone's shoulders just piss me off!
I don't know why, it just does.

No one really believes that you just tied it around there to have around on the off-chance you might get cold.

Just wear it or leave it home!


Only my upper body feels cold.


Doofus!

Fierce Fridays!

Fierceness Flashback!

Blurring the lines between beautiful and bizarre.
Designer. Artist. Visionary.
The MAGNIFICENT Leigh Bowery!

Still in the studio...

Two small ones...


Heart
Acrylic on canvas/6x6"


Executive
Acrylic on canvas/6x6"

Save Marriage, Ban Divorce! (Part Two)

I was just THRILLED to see that there's an actual petition (in response to Prop 8's passing) to ban heterosexual divorce.
I've signed their petition and I'm doing what I can by spreading the word:



I hope you will sign it as well by clicking on the link below:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-marriage-protect-children-prohibit-divorce

A Fine Mess

Glad to be back in the studio today.




Soon-to-be "heart" paintings.


First layer on the next flavors-abstract: "Cherries Jubilee".

Key West, Here I Come!

Well, not me (I wish!), my artwork.

I have to gallery sit at the coop today so I won't be in the studio. I will miss my paints and canvases, but I will bring my sketchpad and hopefully jot down an idea or two.
On my way to the gallery I have to stop by the post office to ship a few paintings to Key West Art Bar. They will now be representing me in Key West and I couldn't be happier about it!
I love what owner, Barb Grob, has going down there (watch the video on their site). She is an artist (sculptress) herself and full of ideas and creative energy! I hope to visit in person at some point.

The following pieces are being shipped today:


Pueblo Dormido (Sleeping Town)
Acrylic on canvas/24x30"


Green Lounge
Acrylic on canvas/16x20"


Reclining Red
Acrylic on canvas/18x24"

Weekend Flashbacks!

You can thank my friend Martha Marshall over at An Artist's Journal for this mess.
She inadvertently put the song in my head with one of her comments and followed that up by actually emailing me the video first thing this morning, with a note encouraging me to turn my speakers all the way up! What can I say? That is evil I can respect.
Perhaps one of the worst songs and videos ever.

Fierce Fridays!

I don't need to say a thing.

Happy Fish!

Happy Fish 1 & 2
Acrylic on canvas/ 12x12" each

I might still add a bit of shading to the yellow spheres before calling the pair "done".


I did this piece below about 3-4 years ago originally as a 6x6" on paper.


Swimming to the Moon
Acrylic on canvas/20x20"

It was part of a collaborative project we came up with where various artists in our gallery (we owned a gallery in Northeast PA) did a painting based on a simple circle inside a square. All of the squares were then assembled and we auctioned the piece off for charity.

I had printed a few greeting cards with the design on them. From those cards I got commissioned to do it larger 20x20"...twice!

Ron's mom has been asking me ever since that very first one to paint the fish for her on this antique metal hot water bottle thingy....which I just couldn't bring myself to do.
I decided to do a painting of the fish for her for Christmas.

In the process, as I revisited my fishies, i realized I don't terribly mind repeating them. Normally I can't stand repeating paintings (but a sale is a sale!).
I also got the idea that maybe I can put together a "catalogue" of some designs that I can offer again and again in varied colors and compositions. Ones that I enjoy doing enough so that it won't be a tedious process.

Don't think that in all of my drunken rejoicing...

I missed the fact that, in a clear attempt to be fashion forward, my beautiful First Lady took a few steps back with her wardrobe.

I LOVE her style, but that dress was...well, it was not so much the dress as the styling of it.

How does a black band around your waist manage to make you look thicker? Throw a cardigan on top...it'll do the trick. Ouch! Oh and don't forget to wear almost-flats.



This Narciso Rodriguez dress is clearly intended to be a femme fatale-type number. NOT the kind of dress you want to try and "mom"-down.

That's ok. I still worship her! She's allowed a few mis-steps. She will be our next First Lady fashion icon regardless!

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT SHE WEARS TO THE INAUGURATION!!!

President Obama!

For a change, words escape me at this very moment.

The time is 3:01 in the am and I've had a few too many CELEBRATORY Appletinis.

I have renewed faith in what we as Americans can do and the direction that this country will hopefully take.

Here's a pic (shot with Ron's cell phone) of me looking a mess but feeling proud as we volunteered for the Obama campaign on Election Day.

A Day For Change

Change is possible.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY.

Respecting the Republican Vote

I just can't...so don't ask me to.

I know that might sound a bit harsh, but what respect has the Republican party shown me???
Or women, minorities, the middle class...the list goes on, really. But I will only speak from personal experience on this one.

During the last election we were surprised to find that some of our dearest friends were not only Republican, but quite dedicated to the party. It would be a lie to say that this did not drive somewhat of a wedge between us. Sure, we're still friends, but from a distance now. It is difficult for us to continue sharing "family" meals and drinks and laughs with well-to-do people who put tax breaks before our struggle to climb from second-class citizenship in this country. It's just not the sort of thing we can just "put aside", like a difference of opinion on school or road taxes. Equality is an issue that hits to the very core of one's being.

This time around, the same issues are still at stake for my partner and I (and the LGBT community). But there's also the urgency of the current economy, health care and national security at stake. Some of these are issues behind which the Reps have hidden in the past (or at least used in deceitful ways to their advantage). And most importantly, issues that affect most Americans regardless of color or sexual identity.

Though difficult, I tried to comprehend people voting Republican in the past. But my desire to try to make sense of that has expired. I can respect someone's right to vote any way they choose, I no longer feel that I have to respect the logic (or lack thereof) behind that vote.

I'm hopeful that the time has come for us to reclaim our country and set it on a positive course.
Please VOTE tomorrow.

Weekend Flashbacks!

As a lil' bitty gay, I couldn't decide if I wanted to marry or be Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman (I faced the same dilemma with Jacklyn Smith).
Things always seemed a bit clearer once Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) came on screen, but still...

Wonder Woman's camp value still holds up today (Get the dvd's, you'll laugh your ass off!) and the show has, arguably, the best theme song EVER!


In your satin tights
Fighting for your rights
And the old Red, White and Bluuue!

Have finer lyrics ever been written???
I think not.