Maxwell TALKS!

I'm Okay, Now.

Okay, so let me clarify... my rant of yesterday, was brought on by a chain of events - all involving frustration with tech. It was an emotional outcry, of sorts. One day, it was the TV; I couldn't get a picture, couldn't watch the noon news; for whatever reason, my provider chose that time to reboot, or were fixing something somewhere, or whatever it was they did. Then it was the phones. I had absolutely no dial tone on any of my business phones (land lines, upstairs and downstairs). I was all over the provider website, when I checked my email, as Frank had just sent one, from his phone. He was telling me that he was unable to call me. He suggested unplugging the answering machine, for a few minutes. It worked. It rebooted itself. Something that simple. I spent another afternoon trying to align my printer. On some days, some media works well with the computer, but not the next. Then that same media, on that same computer, works fine the day after. A company wanted to install a remote VPN on my computer... I could get it to work, but it never worked well. Then after months of hit and miss, their IT guys figured out it wasn't me, nor my computer; it was my service provider. The VPN system and my service provider never played well together. The machine at the checkout counter won't take my card - the one I just used at the other store.... the list goes on. I think I have waded through enough manuals, phone calls, and websites, that I should feel pretty proficient in dealing with hardware and software. I do not. Why? After something happens, and I figure it out; the next 'new thing' is upon us. Everything goes out the window. The learning and figuring out happens all over again. And you have to keep up, your industry demands it. So, yesterday, I had had enough. As I looked over my machines, I knew my short respite of having things work in a somewhat harmonious way, was coming to an end. I knew another chunk of cash would be coming out of my budget. I could have toured Europe, on what I've spent on computers, tech devices, and tech related items. I knew I would soon be plunged into spending more time at my computer. More manuals, more websites. If you know me, you'd know I'd rather be on my drawing board, or out and about, or doing something creative thing, or... touring Europe! To be fair, let me say, there are times when I really enjoy it. There have been times that it's made my world a more efficient place. But, I hate being a 'slave' to something. Tech is the way of the world; but I don't feel it has to be my life. It's not like doing something because you have a passion for it - not a 'magnificent obsession' - when all isn't going well, or you find you are spending too much time with it; it's pure drudgery. I've, nonetheless, resigned myself to it. I "can't stop progress". Or maybe, I just need to pull a plug.

 

Sometimes You Gotta Rant!

My friend Heather Clark (on Facebook) made a good tech point when she said she had an old printer that she tried to hook up to a new computer, and the tech was so old, the prompt just said "exit".  My computer, as of this coming December, will be 10 yrs. old; my old Zip drive is much older, maybe 12 to 14; the scanner (yes, a stand alone scanner - works best for scanning traditionally rendered art) is 8; the printer is 6; the camera is around 13 or 14; my CDRW burner/reader, is non-existent on the newer computers - mine is currently built in. I've got a truckload of saved art, info, & pics on those CDs. The CDs will lose their info, over time - I've already lost stuff on them, because the files were "old tech". Now I've got thumb drives all over my desk, and in an article I recently read, the info on them won't last forever either, like the CDs. My latest and somewhat 'youthful' pen tablet is 4, but it too, is on it's way to being obsolete.

My computer, printer, scanner, camera, my old Zip drive, and pen tablet; all, still work well. So far. But once again, updates are needed.

So, here are my questions.

When will it end? When will there be, let's say, software, that lets me use an older machine and it's hardware and software, with newer machines? Some sort of "Grandfather System", if you will. Why should I toss equipment that still works, because something else won't work with it, every couple of years? Yes, I understand and use the cloud, updating, security, compatibility, new drivers, yadda, yadda, yadda, all of that. 

I read a story recently; on a blog I follow; about a writer, who was trying to retrieve his work - on floppy disks. This writer was dying, and for whatever reason, wanted to revisit his older work. But, he didn't know how. I hope, for his sake, he was able to do it. It made me sad.

To that point, I still have floppy disks, that I have real slim hopes of ever retrieving anything on them. Why do I have to keep backing up files to newer tech, every couple of years, because I may actually need those files, somewhere down the road - only to find that that newer software/hardware won't be able to read them anyway? I'm not using crazy files - I use standard JPEGS, PDFs, etc. And I'm not complaining because I'm lazy - re-backing up (if there is such a phrase) is a lot of work; but I still do it. Yes, I'm sure you'll say, 'just back up what you'll need' - how do I know what I will need in the future? An example: last year, I was asked to send art to a client, as they were using the same art, but changing the copy. I did that art and saved it on a CD, well over a decade ago. Because the art was done in an older version of software, it was neither compatible with mine or the client's newer software. Some of it had to be recreated. Example #2: a few years back, because of a server 'melt down', I had to supply old art files, of older work that was needed to save, to a client. And, I will bet they had a hard time of it, with those older files.

I already have boxes of equipment that are 'obsolete' - even thought I know they still will work. But there are no more updates, or drivers or software to make them compatible. Over the past 20+ years I've spent a small fortune on machines, hardware, memory, software - because the tech is too old. I find myself on that precipice, again.

Anybody have any good ideas? No, really. Must I dump another bucket load of money on things, that I might eke out 5 or 6 years of use? The thought makes me tired. What is my alternative, at this juncture?

I have used a computer, et al; for about 20 years of my career. It bothers my creative sensibilities that, though I have a boatload of real, tactile, put-your-hands-on art boards and papers; I also have a 'virtual boatload' of virtual art. Yeah I could print it all out, another small fortune in ink and paper. That's if I can actually find the time to print out everything, before I update or upgrade. I'm sorry, but tactile, immediately visual, art is just what I grew up with, grown accustom to. Have a human respect for. The mind is used to create; using your hands in the act, is being human. Act of humanity. It's no wonder, as I'd read, Elon Musk has a problem with AI.

Maybe I'll take all those colorful floppy disks and make a mosaic, or some thing...

 

Jack Davis 1924-2016

Because my blog "A Retro Artist in a Digital Age", is acting funky (that is, the dashboard and compose features on that particular site, are not connecting with Facebook - why? - no clue), I am writing about some sad news I just learned. On one of my blog favs: "lines and colors", I just found out that one of my all-time-favs; Jack Davis, has passed. Jack Davis was the epitome of caricature and cartooning for me. In my youth, especially when I was in art school, his art was EVERYWHERE. From Mad Magazine, to Time Magazine; an ad for some product and Hollywood movie posters - everywhere. Mr. Davis had an enviable talent - the strength of his line, the grace of his composition, the hilarity of his subject's situations - all so beautiful, funny, so right.

And even (God forbid!) if some of you don't know the name, you will know his art. Look over the links below; bow your heads for a moment of silence, and acknowledge another Icon has passed.

I warn you, the power of his art will make it difficult: it's hard not to chuckle.

linesandcolors.com/2016/07/31/jack-davis-1924-2016/linesandcolors.com/2016/07/31/jack-davis-1924-2016/

www.madmagazine.com/blog/2016/07/27/mad-remembers-jack-davis-artist

www.reuben.org/2016/07/jack-davis-1924-2016/

Cast a Ballot

I told a friend that I would be glad when April 26th came; so the collective 'we' could get through this 'voting season'. He said;  "It's only the primaries, you still have the general in November!" I said; "...yes, you're right, but it is the next step with getting on with the whole thing." And, of course he replied: "Yeah, but it's all still going on until November!"

I don't know if he was despairing the fact that 'it's all still going on until November'; or if he just had to be right. 

I don't necessarily talk much about politics, unless with like-minded individuals; somehow, a debate on platforms and candidates, quickly becomes a heated debate, which in turn can turn to yelling, bad feelings, etc. I ran into my neighbor this morning, on my morning dog walk, and she on her way to vote before work. She asked me who I was voting for -  I hesistated. But she and I see eye to eye on a lot of things, so I told her. That is a rarity, but we were, once again in agreement. 

Coming from a family of traditionally, Democrats, but with a few Republican members; you learn to avoid political talk. My grandfather was a Justice of the Peace, in the small town district that we lived in, so politics was discussed. Sometimes, political seasons could get a little contentious - if you know what I mean. Not because of my grandfather, that is, he was reasonable and considered honorable amongst his peers and his family. He did like the occasional political discussion though. The ones who might be deemed contentious, were the ones who thought that, if you don't vote for the same guy they had voted for, there was something intrinsically wrong with your character. You don't know what you're doing! How can you think that way?!

Well, let's just throw the Bill of Rights out the window, shall we?

My grandfather firmly believed in the American system; I think he'd crack a smile at my sarcasm. When I came of age, I was glad that because I was an American, I had the right to agree with whomever I chose, not an over zealous family member. I have to say, that even though my grandfather and I sometimes disagreed, he respected my choice.

I have to say, that political talk may have been one of the reasons that my journey has been one of the individual, as opposed to following a 'herd'. I bristle when someone says things like : "Aren't you voting the same as your husband?" Grrrrrr! That's one of those statements that makes me spit out something like: "Hello! It's the 21st Century! Are you a time traveller? Aren't you aware of where you are?"

 I know, I'm a shit.

All things considered, I am a proponent of the vote. Whether you agree with me or not. Look around the world - yes, EVEN in this 21st Century - and you'll still find repression, fixed ballots, denial of rights. So go, vote; make your choice. Do It.

Unless you are a time traveller, you'll have to be informed and perhaps repatriated, first.

 

2016-Be There!

Once again, it has been a few months since I stopped to say "Hello" on this blog, to you all. Forgive me please, once again. This past year has been one event or 'thing' after another - some quite pleasant; some, not so much. But I'm not here to bitch.  I do hope your Hanukah and Christmas and Kwanzaa Celebrations were wonderful. I have to say, the holidays went pretty well for me. It was not without it's last minute madness though.  Frank insists on toys for the youngest of our gift recipients; he got lost in 'Lego-Land' in Toys-R-Us… and never looked back. The fortunate thing is, Legos come in all sorts of themes for all sorts of ages… and that was the 'good news'. The 'bad news' was wondering about the UPS and USPS… would I receive all the online orders before the 24th? I kept hearing the news about all the bad weather in the country's mid-section and how it might slow deliveries. Seems we've all been there before; do I have to run out to find something real fast, or give a card with an IOU voucher, for when that gift is actually 'hands on'. Yeeeesh! And how about this weather?? My heart goes out to all who dealt with tornados, floods and deep snow. My sympathies go out to everyone who spent days in an airport. El Nino? …it's just been nuts! I hope that you all made it through alright. I was one of the fortunate ones, I must confess. No, this isn't gloating, just the facts, Ma'am. There were days in December that were warmer here than where a friend lives, near LA. We were at my sister's house on Christmas Eve, my grand-niece and her friend spent hours in the hot tub… not that it's unheard of in the winter. But, on December 24th, in Northwestern Pennsylvania, the weather was so warm that they were getting prune-y hands and singing Bieber songs, in the hot tub on the deck. They wanted me to join them, and if I would have known the words to any of the songs (except, maybe "Baby, Baby" - no that's all I know to that song, "Baby, Baby"), I would have, but, no one wants to be the 'uncool Aunt'! Not that I really feel that I have to, or should know anything, anything at all, about Justin Bieber; it's just that my rep as the 'cool Aunt' is at stake here! So, I opted for checking in with them on the deck, every so often, without worrying about donning mukluks and a ski jacket. Some of the pics on my mug...No, you won't see my First Grade picture!   It was the Year of The Mug and Amaryllis for me, this Christmas. (See January 2015 post.) My Mom had the idea, this year to give everyone photo mugs. Now, when we originally talked about it, we had plenty of time to get pics together and get everything done and ordered. However, my Mom had so many pics and said she needed to find some more… I had to put a halt to that. December 1st was looming large. I sent her some that I had and she gave me some that she had… somehow by the first week of December, I not only put together art with multiple pics for eleven mugs, but my brother Jeff asked for a 'photo pillow' to give as a gift, as well. They were all uploaded and ordered the next day. Now during this time, let me say that I had a job in, at the same time on a very tight deadline. I didn't have a lot of sleep before the Holidays, believe me. This was also the afore mentioned online order I was waiting for.     Frank's mug on his mug... a pic from his Navy days; he's so very MOD, isn't he?   The good news: they were a hit! We all laughed at how we looked in our First Grade pictures (one of Mom's ideas) and remembered where we were, or what we were doing in the other pics that were on each mug. Mom was pleased, I was relieved.             I also got a squirrel mug - partly because there was a squirrel on it (see my 'neighbor',  2015), and partly because what the squirrel says on the mug has become the most asked question in 2015, and just about every previous year, in my business. The Squirrel looks like he's singing: "Stop! In the Name of Love". There in a mirror image of him on the other side of the mug...maybe it's a karaoke duet?             Yes, it was amaryllis time again, this year. I don't know if it was the amazement I displayed over how large and fast this past year's flowers grew, or if they read this blog, from earlier this year; but I received two of them. Will I plant them? You bet! I'm such a sucker for growth and beauty, and flowers in the dead of winter.         Most of 2015 was spent with my nose to the grindstone. I was at the drawing board, or, thanks to my growing confidence with my graphic tablet, at the computer. I pumped out a lot of work this year. The unfortunate thing is, that graphic art and illustrations don't garner great pay, as much as they used to. I seem to work harder and get less, shall we say, 'satisfaction'. Oh yes, I'm re-thinking, as we speak (or as I write). No decision yet; story at 11:00. There was some play, in 2015, don't get me wrong. There were a couple of parties and weekend jaunts. Because of commitments, illnesses, and Frank's rotator cuff surgery, we never had a vacation this year. We took a week off, but Frank had to fill in for his Mother's caregiver, as she had to tend to an ailing husband, and I, well, I decided to clean out closets and storage areas. Fun, fun, fun! (- she said sarcastically.) Our plans were once again put on hold. I decided that we would use as many weekends as we could for 'day trips'.  One of the highlights for me, one of the most fun, was going to a 40 Year (did I say 40!!!) Class Reunion party in October. "The Girls" - Carol, Mary and Vicky - were there. I saw people I hadn't seen in a Blue Moon. It was a hoot! There were some I wished could have made it to Clarion, that weekend, they were missed. But all in all, it was good friends, a good time.  Thanksgiving brought not only the named holiday, but it was a a milestone event for our family: my Mom and Dad were married November 24, 1955. Yup, 60 years of marriage. A three tiered cake and flowers, plus almost all of us there! Not to mention some tasty turkey! Frank also held an impromptu Birthday Party for his Mom in June, who, by the way, turned 90. It was 'come as you are' for cake and ice cream, and bring nothing but Best Wishes for the day. Some of her relatives that she rarely sees anymore, came - a friend of ours who stopped by, said she looked very pleased. Nothing like old friends. Earlier in the Spring, Frank's nephew Michael, who'd met his match, married her. It was a very nice outdoor wedding. Nikki (we joke - her name now is "Nicole Miller") brings pure joy into the mix. The best is yet to come for them. Then there was that crazy weekend with a number of my family members in Delaware… moving my sister to her new home. Ahhh, the beach… my other sister insisted we go to the beach. Wait! It was October! Cold as an eskimo's… well you know… that weekend. Went to the beach for about 15 minutes - at one point, I tried to take a photo, but pretty much gave up when I realized that the wind was blowing hard enough that my camera strap was horizontal. Yeah, cold. So we went to a nearby restaurant and warmed up, ate, and laughed. (Laughing is a reoccurring theme with my family - hmmmm, funny.)  And, lest I forget, the Wedding Anniversary party last Spring - longtime friends Rich and Mary's surprise party was a roaring success. Kudos to their Kiddos - two charming, brilliant kids who brought together a group of people who, because of time, distance, and where they are in life; just don't get to see each other as much. We were all a bit more wrinkled, but we all seemed to pick up where we left off - it was the '70's and '80's all over again! Yeah, there were some good times this year, so I can't really complain.  I suppose, in mid-life, I have come to realize that there are times for the need of a certain amount of duty and support. Frank and I try to do the best we can when it comes to our aging parents and with family in need of support. It's not always easy, and it is frequently frustrating, for various reasons. There is another duty. The one duty that we have both become, "bad" at; for lack of a better phrase; is seeing and contacting our friends. Time is not always on our side. Free time is infrequent. Some of you are so close, and yet so far. Some are so far, and yet so close. Some of the events of the past year, really brought home that seeing you is just as important as attending family holiday parties, weddings and anniversaries. And writing on this blog is a way of keeping in touch, keeping track - especially to those of you who are in other states, other countries. So, not writing as often is my fault. As I said, forgive me, again. I want to squeeze you into that free time. I want to see your smiling faces. If we can't meet up face to face - I'm on Skype! So, 2016. I will see you then. Happy New Year.

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How Green was My Thumb...

There is Always Unfinished Business...

Yeah, here I am again; seems my writing has frittered down to once a month again... sorry about that. I don't want you to think I've abandoned you, I've been caught up in learning processes. Did you ever have those times when you are taking on something new; I'm not talking shopping here... this isn't about the latest style of shoes, or a 'killer' new sound system... I'm talking about your own personal education. 

I'm talking about what I try to do during those times between work and life, when work is just that, work; and life has fallen into a routine. It may be a small space of time, early in the morning, late at night, actually for me, it becomes whenever I have to wait for someone or some thing to occur (TV, email, and phones are not always a good option); where I try to squeeze in learning how to do some skill or information. Now, normally, with such a little bit of time, I don't do anything too messy or that gets in the way of work or life - you can't always let stuff go until tomorrow; and the commitment to it has to be on my terms. I try to do something that can be easily put aside, and believe me, if it's something you have any kind of passion for, that ain't easy.

So... when all else for the day is done... well, yes, I've gone and done it. I'm on the computer, so there's no clean up. Actually, I did it once before, but my information was limited, along with my time, at the time. I'm in the midst of doing a genealogy search for my Mom and Dad, this time, I logged onto Ancestry.com. I've traced some of the Maxwell and Steigerwald Clans to The Old World. But that's not the half of it. I'm doing this for my parents; they want to know the 'when and whys' of ancestors, something I may or may not be able to deliver. I am sure that the search for answers could be a life-long endeavor... as for me, I may have to put it aside at some point. There are other venues to search for the answers my parents wonder about, besides Ancestry.com. For me, one word: Time. In the meantime, I have found out some surprising things; like, part of my Mom's side of the family have seen themselves as wholly and totally German, yet, it seems my Mom's great-grandmother's maiden name was Conery or Connerly.... I'm still looking for the correct spelling and whether she was a Scot or Irish. That blows that theory. "We" are the World... at least a good deal of Northwestern Europe.

Now, most of the art I render, can't be really be shown until the client has his/her debut with it. When it's public, with most of it, I can JPEG away - online or wherever. There is some artwork that I show reluctantly, though I have shown it in my blog; "A Retro Artist in a Digital Age", as I think that it's good to live the journey, to show 'the warts and all'. There is some disagreement on this, in some camps; but I think, in this 'faux world' we live in, that being genuine has it's merit.

The art I'm talking about is the stuff I do on my digital tablet. I am by no means a 'digital wizard'. I come by whatever I have learned honestly, with a lot of failure, frustration and finally, some enlightenment. That said, I still don't consider myself a 'digital wizard'. On the right I show you some 'unfinished business'; a small section of an illustration I've been working on with my tablet. It still has a way to go, but as I find the time, I apply whatever I have learned - about myself and learned skills - to the art. When it's finished I'll post it. 

I guess what I'm saying is, that's what life is about, there is always another lesson and as a result, more 'unfinished business'. Speaking of 'business', I'd better get back to mine!

 

 

 

Just in case You were wondering...

A fresh look... new scenery... that's all. Just cleanin' things up a bit, kind of like a new coat of paint.

That's All, Folks!

 

It's that time of year again!

"May The Forth..."  

You get it - I know that you do!

Just checkin' In...

... just sayin'; "Hello". I recently got caught up in one of those Facebook challenges; 'post three pieces of art in five days'; with my SoNet track record - I barely did it. Actually it took me six days, as I was crushed with work and couldn't make the post, one day. So, sue me. I need to make a buck.

One of the contenders was "Hisself", a piece I'd done over a decade ago, when I did OOAK Artist Dolls, on the side. He's about 4 1/2" high, with his base, I liked working small. It was a challenge to make everything to scale.  That market is pretty much non-existant these days, but I made a few dollars at it, back in the day. It's too bad the market is down, it was fun.

There's a better pic of him somewhere, there's some kind of wonky glare in his eye, and it soooo leans to red, but at the time I was trying to quickly fulfill a challenge, so this is the one at hand. I figured, since it is the Month of The Irish, well, actually we all know it's just a day; but when McDonald's rolls out their 'Shamrock Shakes' on the first of March, and as commercial and somewhat distasteful as that may seem; I say, hell,  just roll with it. Let the Irish have a month, it's okay with me, they're in my DNA. It's said you can't fight city hall, or multi-billion dollar corporations. Unless, you don't buy their 'fake shake' - oh, you insurgent, you!

My last post was about the Amaryllis I'd received at Christmas... I'm putting a timeline together for that. I had a couple of inquiries about it. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, but more later.

Until my next post, and in the spirit of The Irish, though "a wee bit early": "Happy St. Paddy's Day"!

 

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How Green was My Thumb...

How Green was My Thumb...

... or, can I actually get a plant to flower indoors, in the winter.

If you remember, last year, actually, the year before - 2013; I had some tulip bulbs, that were given to me the previous Easter as blooms, that suddenly decided to grow around that Halloween. Well, they kept slowly growing until - I think it was just after the beginning of April, in 2014. They were a bit premature for their Spring debut and never grew very tall or flowered. However, I dug them up, properly dried them over the summer, and planted them in a large pot and left them outside, to winter. Hopefully, when one considers the weather of late, and the fact that my 'leetle friend', living in the gutter of the house next door has already absconded with one bulb; they will survive. I am told 'wintering' tulips is the proper protocol for tulips. We will see. I'll let you know in the Spring.

My Neighbor. My "Leetle Friend". (Freakin' little Theif!) Doing renovations, this past Summer, on his home. As you can see, he'll eat or chew just about anything. Just keep away from my bulbs!

 

This year, my foray into the botanical world has promised to be more rewarding. I was given a do-it-yourself amaryllis kit, at Christmas. I have no doubts that the giver of the gift had very good intentions. Though, there is always a chance that she may have underestimated the "green" of my thumb. That said, I opened the box containg a pot, a bulb with a bud and the proper dirt/mulch mix/dried stuff to grow an amaryillis. To my despair, the 'bud' on the bulb was broken off. How the hell do you get flowers without buds? I was about to send the kit back. But, you know how it goes sometimes, there are things that have to get done and things that you want to do.... suddenly, time has past and getting around to sending an amaryllis kit back... well it just doesn't happen. So I reopened the kit, pulled out the components and planted the bulb. After that, I looked at the yellowish-whiteish bud, lying there on the counter, and decided to experiment again, with something that probably shouldn't grow. I placed the bud in water, left it in a warm place, out of direct sunlight - just as instructed for the bulb - and waited.

Within a week's time, the bulb stated to produce another bud and begain to shoot up some leaves. Pretty much as one would expect it to perform. I was glad about that. The bud in the water was still surviving too. Okay, good. Two days later, not only did the bud and leaves in the pot become that wonderful 'spring green' - but, so did the broken bud in the water!

 

This is how they looked this morning... the bud in the pot is shooting straight up - just like it's supposed to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bud in the water... however it is possible... is slightly opening and showing some of the flower inside. I have no idea if it will really open and really bloom. But that's what experiments are for, aren't they? Hydro-Amaryllis! Amazing, isn't it? This plant really wants to grow, no matter what. Maybe it was cooped up in that box for too long... maybe it knows it's flowering destiny... maybe it's seeking it's scarlet, blooming, glory... maybe...

 

Ummm, maybe I get a little too carried away.

 

 

 

 

 

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