Taking and Leaving the Lot

Mustard Bus...

Thu, 03 May 2007 04:09:04 GMT

So I'm hoping someone knows who owns this ketchup-red bus that's perpetually parked in the stadium lot at Rice with the word MU5TARD written on it. Anyone, please? I'm trying to do a project and would like to rent the bus for a month or so. Can anyone tell me who to contact?

serendipity in the rain...

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 20:10:38 GMT

two cool things that happened yesterday - it was raining, like pouring cats and dogs, absolutely soaked to the bone. and i had to walk about 30 blocks in this, which was actually really fun and cathartic - had my headphones and getting lost in my thoughts as the heavens rained down. anyways, i came to this point on my journey where there was this huge puddle on the side of road and lots of traffic going through it with the effect of water splashing feet into the air and on the sidewalk. so i'm waiting for traffic to stop before crossing and the last car comes from a bit of a distance and speeds up - it's very clear she want to make the biggest splash, which to be honest, can be extremely fun. but at the last moment, she sees me, slows down, and our eyes meet as she bashfully/apologetically raises her hand in atonement. i felt a connection with this stranger right then and (maybe because of the rain and drugs) felt very positive about the world.

the other cool thing was that i saw daniel smith's doppelganger. he was a spot-on, dead ringer for the dude. though i could tell even from the distance that this young man lacked daniel's elan and joie de vivre and his "huy guys"...still another nice moment.

and i got a book i'm pysched about. it's "sweet dreams: contemporary art and complicity" by johanna drucker.

Today's Viewing Pleasure...

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 22:41:03 GMT

http://www.gumblondes.com/gb.html

Jason Kronenwald making portraits of blonde celebs entirely out of chewed gum, sealing them with resin. enjoy...

What I've Been Doing...

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 20:15:53 GMT

So I really wanted to show y'all what I've been up to since leaving Houston, prove that I didn't leave in vain, that I've actually been making things. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to borrow a camera to shoot any of the paintings, drawings, or big collages I made. But they do have a nice Epson scanner here, so without further ado, you can view some small drawings. Most of these are pictures of my family transfered to postcards using a variety of media - pencil, colored pencil, marker, oil stick, etc... I hope you enjoy...

flickr.com/photos/jpallas

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 08:02:22 GMT

coolest thing i've seen in a while. i don't know him, but i HEART matt.

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

enjoy!

Da Bears, Da Bears....

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 23:13:02 GMT

So I haven't gotten out much lately because I'm busily preparing for critique on Tuesday, but I was downtown yesterday for class and decided to meet up with my brother, who was in town for a couple days. It was unexpectedly and suddenly very cold so we ducked into a place close by, Ditka's. It's your kinda typical upscale business men and cigars sports bar with lots of steak on the menu. But they make a mean bloody mary with a skewer stuck into the drink with an olive, onion, hot pepper, pickle, tomato, lime, and shrimp. and the drink itself is loaded with vodka and they serve it with a beer back. awesome.

even more awesome is the fact that mike ditka, longtime tight end and coach of multiple bears championship teams - and namesake owner of the bar, walks right in. so, we got to meet the big guy and exchange some bullshit pleasantries. first weird semi-celebrity sighting in chicago...thought it worthy of a post. back to the studio, always....

Like "Whoa..."

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 03:47:01 GMT

Dallas Photographer Misty Keasler, one of my absolute favorites, just published a book and had an exhibition of some hotel rooms she visited in Japan...only they aren't your normal hotel rooms...enjoy

http://pdnbgallery.com/artists/keasler/lovehotels/

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 01:15:01 GMT

Dear Friends,

President Bush's new head of federal family-planning programs
believes that birth control is "demeaning" to women. President
Bush's appointee, Eric Keroack, would lead the Department of
Health and Human Services' family-planning program - which helps
more than five million people annually at 4,600 clinics
nationwide.

Keroack has dedicated his career to telling women that birth
control and abortion are wrong. He most recently was the medical
director for A Woman's Concern, a network of six anti-choice
"crisis pregnancy centers" in Massachusetts that maintains a
policy that states: "the crass commercialization and
distribution of birth control is demeaning to women, degrading
of human sexuality and adverse to human health and happiness."

Putting a doctor who opposes birth control in charge of federal
family-planning programs is just plain irresponsible. Help block
Keroack from assuming this influential position! Send a message
to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt,
urging him to reject Keroack's appointment today. Click on the
link below to get started.
http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/hhs_famplannom_1106?rk=RpAiWAY1QYX7W

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 23:18:08 GMT

So I'm officially in the process of moving from the old, extremely tiny apartment to the new, huge apartment close to the studio, in which my room has a big bay window and the 8 other people love Lira. My folks were in town this weekend - had a few really wonderful (read: far too expensive for me to ever enjoy without them) meals and went to see 'Wicked', which was a decent musical, but lacked a certain something...I can't really put my finger on it, but the acting/singing was great.

Saw this story and suddenly had a whole new perspective on Texas: http://www.nbc10.com/education/9936513/detail.html

Oh, and I need Nath to give me his brother's email or phone number so I can get in touch with Nic. Plus, he needs to come to Chicago to visit both of us too...

hmmm...

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:17:42 GMT

Thought I'd let everyone know that the Special Collections Reading Room for Visual Arts at the University library here is Room # 420. Make of it what you will, but I see it as a suggestion, invitation, other.

Went to East Lansing this weekend for the MSU v. Notre Dame football game. It was spectacular. Never really had much of an appreciation of the spectacle of college football and tailgates and hundred thousand people because Rice never drew more than, what, say fifteen people to a football game. And even then, most of us were thrown out or incapacitated by the end of the first half. State had a huge lead going into the fourth and blew it. Typical. Oh, and it was monsooning out the entire time.

like, whoa....

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 01:29:57 GMT

So I just thought I'd let everyone know that on my way to the studio tonite (as in, like 5 minutes ago), I saw my very first Hyde Park mugging. These three guys sprinted across the road and hopped into a golden Cadillac. Then a woman rounded the corner screaming that they'd stolen her purse. The perps got away, but at least about four witnesses got the license plate number. I'm ashamed to say that I did nothing. In my defense, I was in my own world and had my headphones on, so I was a little out of it. By the time I realized what was going on, it was way too late to do anything. I froze. I got scared. I'm too young and pretty to die. But I feel horrible. But what could I have done, honestly? Affront four felons with no weaponry or knowledge of their state. The lady as banged up pretty bad and crying. I feel horrible....this sort of thing evidently happens on a more-than-daily basis here. So now I have to try and get some work done, but I can't stop thinking about it.

random update:

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 03:34:17 GMT

Since there's been so much happening so quickly, it's hard to know where to start, so this (and probably much of the subsequent posting) will be a random amalgamation of things I'd like to share, with little or no binding substance. So, I've lived in my apartment for about 3 weeks, but think I'm going to move at the beginning of October. I'm currently in a room smaller than the closet I had at Stanford House, living with two undergrad wrestlers with negative personality. This new place is a block from my studio with 9 very chill, age appropriate people living there. My bedroom would be on the second floor and it's giant, like ~230 sq. ft. Plus, it's got a big bay window that'll let in lots of light. And these laid back hippies are not only tolerant of my small menagerie (i.e. cat and dog), but are SUPER excited about it. I bet I could even pawn one of them off on the house when it came my time to leave. [just kidding - mostly].

Saw "Hollywoodland" the other night. It was alright, worth the trip to the theater downtown, but don't hold your breath for this film to take home a bunch of Oscars. It's a fairly interesting story stitched together in a competent way, but it oftentimes feels forced - the writing, camera work, lighting, and some acting feel as if they should be more momentous then they are. A little more subtlety would have gone a long way. As always Adrian Brody's performance was enlightening and (perhaps most surprising) Ben Affleck didn't suck. Though he still has a bit of a butt face, they probably couldn't have cast better for the part of an out of work actor dealing with his shamble of a life as he realizes he'll never be a true thespian. Ultimately, if you liked "L.A. Confidential" or "Usual Suspects," you'll probably enjoy this one.

And went to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for the first time. Some of the exhibition programming could be rethought in this institution - really, two different shows about Green Architecture and Sustainable Living, with yet another being installed in the main gallery (opens tomorrow). Plus a whole room of Dan Flavin, who merits but a moment of "oh, that's interesting....yes, yes I get what he's after" but certainly not the massive spaces his work is afforded. [see: the Menil Collection's Richmond space for a prime example] And sure, I should love him because he was this lauded conceptual artist with AIDS who was probably a really great guy. But I think he's totally overrated. Aside from those problems (why do I always start with the negative criticism?), they had an excellent drawing show up with about 5 Henry Darger works. Darger is by far my favorite artist ever and deserve an entire post, which I may give soon because he's so damn inspiring. And the Museum collection showed some really interesting work by some key contemporary artists. Overall, nice to see the space and hope for better programming in the future. Plus, there was a farmers market on premises, which always adds some extra points.

Back in Black...

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:17:05 GMT

So I haven't posted in years, not because I don't have love for the online community, but because I've had a rollercoaster few months with little time for, or access to, the internet. I am firmly in Chicago now. I had a lot of trepidation about relocating from Houston, leaving friends and loved ones, beginning a new journey, etc.. But all those apprehensions flew out the window the second I crossed the Chicago Skyway from Indiana - seeing this beautiful city shining over Lake Michigan I immediately knew this is where I need to be.

So much has happened I don't even know where to begin. I have a very tiny apartment. I'm living with two undergrad seniors, who also happen to be on the wrestling team. My studio is a huge space on the third floor of the department with views of the entire campus - much improved over the sweltering garage without walls that constantly flooded, my previous work space. Lira loves it here and there's tons of places for us to go running, most impressive is along the lake.

Went to the Touch N Go records 25th Anniversary festival on Friday. Saw Ted Leo as well as !!!. Very nice, very nice. And attended my first ever Frat Party on Saturday. Lame, very lame. Anyways, keeping busy with fun stuff but also working really hard. School starts in two weeks, and then I'll have to kick it into a higher gear.

I miss everyone in Houston and hope to see you soon. And anyone up North is expected to give me a call if they come anywhere near the Midwest.

art is life is art is....

Wed, 24 May 2006 05:38:44 GMT

BBC News ran a story Monday about the unveiling of Damien Hirst's new public art sculpture, "The Virgin Mother." This new work is a multi-story tall bronze sculpture that "has layers removed on one side to reveal the foetus and the woman's skull, muscles and tissue." Hirst is one of my favorite artists and the figurehead of the YBAs (Young British Artists), a collective term for about two dozen London-based artists who ruled and changed contemporary art in the early 1990s. And Hirst is no stranger to controversy - in fact, he tends to attact it like a magnet. Most famously, he displayed animals, such as a shark or sheep, suspended in formaldehyde with titles like "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living."

This particular piece isn't even that far removed from the art historical canon, both recent and classic. The BBC piece likens it to Degas' Little Dancer (though I think other than the forward thrust leg, you'd have to be shrooming to make that allusion). But it does seem to fit with many contemporary renditions of the Virgin Mother. One of the first names that pops into my head is Chris Ofili.

But what hits me over the head like a ton of bricks is the striking resemblence to Gunter Von Hagens' Body Worlds exhibitions. [ed. note: this show is currently at the HMNS in Houston and I've told you before to see it] Compare Hirst's statue to this Hagens plastination of a pregnant woman that reveals the woman's muscle and tissue as well as fetus. It really makes me question the life vs. art/truth vs. deception/purity vs. commercialism debate and whether or not it's still relevant.

Let me know what you think, especially after you've compared the two works.

this weekend and a few from now...

Fri, 19 May 2006 00:51:30 GMT

Friday and Saturday, there are some gallery openings I'd like to attend, but not really that hip where I feel comfortable going on my own yet. Anyone interested?

On another note, who's going to Bonnaroo? I just checked - tickets are still available. I want to go but (like the gallery thing) I don't want to go alone and I'd even prefer people to drive/caravan with. Let me know soon if you or anyone else you know is going so I get on it and buy tickets and plan this trip. It'd be so much fun!

Nath's Double Life...

Thu, 11 May 2006 20:10:48 GMT

Nath SAYS he's going to New York to play poker at Turning Stone, but those of us who read the NYTimes know the true story: he's opening a new play on Broadway. You can read for yourself here (make sure to notice the first picture on the left column)

Summer Housing...

Thu, 11 May 2006 19:15:42 GMT

Nice, young professional couple looking for summer housing in the Houston area. Recent college graduates (Rice '04, UST '04), laid back, dependable with bills, 420 friendly. Would prefer to live in proximity to Museum District, so Montrose, West U., etc.. Have lazy, gay cat and small dog.

Please help if you know anyone looking to sublet or finish their lease out...

Chow-da 'n Beans in Bohs-tan...

Mon, 08 May 2006 04:02:52 GMT

So last weekend I was flown to Boston by the CAMH to attend the annual American Association of Museums conference. As for the work itself, it was a little odd because it wasn't just contemporary art folks - there were people from ALL KINDS of museums. if you can dream it up, there's probably a museum devoted to it. the highlight was a session featuring a "futurist" from Brooklyn named Andrew Zolli, the founding director of Z+ Partners. He spoke about developing trends and where the world will go in the next 25 - 50 years. Most strikingly, he showed a chart of the top 50 populated cities by decade starting with 2000 onwards. New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo will all drop to the near-bottom of the list in 2030, while several African and Chinese cities will migrate to the top. He said he couldn't show the chart for 2040 because four of the cities on it are cities in China that haven't been established yet!

Of course, work wasn't the whole reason I was there. I stayed with Andy Dimond (whose job is to develop a video game/performance art/scavenger hunt/visitor tour combo game) and saw D. We went to a place called Hong Kong, which is a cheap chinese joint famous for their "Scorpion Bowls" - large bowls full of alcohol that taste like candy. On a tour of the city Andy took me on, I learned the the Church of Christian Science is headquartered in Boston. They have this amazing complex that's America's closest answer to the Vatican. The coolest thing they have is the Mapparium, which is a HUGE walk-through, stained-glass globe....absolutely nutty!

Of course, I made it a point to see a lot of art. I was dying to see an exhibition of one of my absolute favorite artists, David Hockney, at the MFA Boston (a picture of one of this amazing photo collages attached).

And after my second visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, I would like to officially enter my vote as favorite museum/environment to experience art. If you are ever in Boston, even for just a day, an hour, a long lay-over at the airport, make a point to visit the museum, which houses such masterpieces as Velazquez, Titian, Rembrandt and other masters alongside an imported Spanish cloister, monks garden, and Chinese loggia, all of which is housed in a three-story mansion with an impeccably manicured courtyard and fixtures from all areas and periods. Wow. That's really all I can say.

All in all, a great weekend in a great town.

Hells Bells Bitch...

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 18:41:27 GMT

I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!

So the head of the Dept., Laura Letinsky, and I were playing an extreme game of phone tag last week. I thought when we finally connected it would be to conduct an interview. I had been planning my mini-speeches about my work in my head all week. And then Saturday I go to the mailbox, find a letter from U. of Chicago, and found out I'd already been accepted. So that's what she was calling to tell me. WOO-HOO. I'll most likely be in the Windy City next year, trying to work despite freezing my ass off, and earn my MFA in two years. Couch space at the least for any and all who wish to visit (I suggest NOT coming December - March).

Also, it's Jenn's Birthday today. I won't reveal her age, but will wish her a public HAPPY BIRTHDAY. She also heard today that she made it through the first rounds of her application and has been granted an interview, which is basically acceptance to the program as far as I'm concerned.

Other side note for the day: I believe there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who blow their nose and throw the tissue away, and those who open the tissue to look at the snot afterwards. I look.

Bush and Saddam...

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:47:08 GMT

http://greg.org/archive/2006/01/23/the_american_dream_astroturf_and_a_white_picket_fence.html

Best of '05...

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:24:44 GMT

if you're wondering what movies you missed, here they are (in order):

1. Me and you and everyone we know
This is what happens when artists are allowed to make films – they rock your socks! Poetic and insightful, this film takes its time to explore its world. By far, my favorite of the year. Back and forth…

2. Crash
Wow…that’s all I can say about this film. Wow.

3. The Aristocrats
The funniest people in the world telling their own versions of the most vile, dirty joke ever – downright hilarity!

4. Walk the Line
Imagine “Ray” with better acting, directing, and (day I say) music. The essential Johnny Cash in his young years as a stud, drug user, and woo-er of June Carter. Electricity unplugged!

5. Millions
Heartwarming British film about brothers that find millions in stolen bank notes…and some saints that help them on their way.

6. Thumbsucker
A lyrical look at the life of a teenager on prozac…with keanue reeves as a dentist/guru!

7. Broken Flowers
One of Jarmusch’s best to date with exhilarating performances by Bill Murray and Jeffrey Wright. A great road movie that introduces some eccentric characters along the way, notably a Lolita-esque girl in Pennslyvania.

8. Harry Potter 4
I admit it, I’m a Harry Potter junkie. But even if you’ve never read the books or seen the previous films, you’ll enjoy this film because it’s so well done and fantastical.

9. Proof
A great cast, one of my favorite plays, and one of the best play-to-film adaptations I’ve seen in quite a while. Extremely well done with exceptional performances. Plus, it takes place at U of Chicago!

10. Melinda and Melinda
Another in a line of Woody Allen films that hearken back to the creativity and unique voice that Allen can bring to films (perhaps a neurotic, annoying voice, but unique nonetheless). His next film is supposed to be good too, but from the previews, it seems to lack that voice that I so dearly love.

Other Notables:
King Kong, Palindromes, Layercake

Ones I didn’t see but know would make the list:
Capote

Art woes and wonders...

Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:31:01 GMT

Three major developments of late:

1. I have to take some more pictures, gather my information, and put a final edit on my artist statement, but for the most part, i'm done with my grad school application! seriously, one more weekend of putting my nose to the grindstone and i'll be done with it. i don't know how to do a link to another text like nath does all the time or i'd post my essay...maybe someone can help with, if they're curious

2. I can now re-focus my attention to my family, friends, the X-mas competition, watching some of the wonderful movies out right now. and then, a lot of energy will go into organizing and promoting a show at the Sheridan House Collective, a new alternative venue Jay and I are starting to showcase under-represented/emerging artists. Look for the first installment on January 12th with Jay, me, Ruta, Fede, and my TC assistant, Sarah Jones

3. I've been asked to do a Slide Jam at the Museum. A Slide Jam is a pretty big deal, especially for a young artist like me (i may actually be one of the youngest to do it...everyone else seems to already have their MFA, or at least BFA). It's an opportunity to show my work to the public, at a museum, and all of the curators attend and some local gallery folk. plus, my students will probably come...
As if that wasn't stressful enough, I have to worry about my pairing. Slide Jam always has two presenting artists. I'll have to go the same night as Otabenga Jones. Otabenga Jones is great - their a collective group of four artists (Kenya Evans, my friend and colleague at the Museum, Robert Pruitt, talented artist, Jamal [insert last name here], another talented artist, and another guy whose name i don't know but, guess what, he's a talented artist). They happen to be four African-American artists who address issues of identity and black politics. The name refers to an African pgymie, named Otabenga, brought to NYC at the turn of the last century and exhibited at the Brooklyn Zoo. They add the common surname, Jones, as commentary on black culture and slavery. They are excellent...which is why i'm concerned. Literally, they've shown at Lawndale, the CAMH, and many other venues throughout the country as a collective. Each individual member is equally accomplished in their own right. Plus, here's the kicker, they've been chosen for the WHITNEY BIENNIAL!!!
How in the hell am I supposed to compete with that?! I think the answer is to just be really grateful to have the opportunity to show, that I get to know these great artists, and enjoy it while it lasts. No one is expecting me to be on the same level - I just need to do the best that I can. I'm approaching it like I'm the warm up band for a headliner, or some such nonsense.
Anyways, it's in April and hopefully some of you can come....

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 03:30:01 GMT

so much to do, so little time (and motivation)...

so this grad school app is due in about a week, but i still have two pictures to take, an artist statement to write, a transcript to order, and three letters of recommendation to request. don't know if i'll make it. wondering if i should even still apply. still have to deal with the christmas rush - buy presents and whatnot. blah...

thought for the day: there is a major difference between asserting one's independence and switching what you are dependent on. it's like changing from a cigarette addition to eating tons of choocolate - sure, you've given up cigarettes but you've really only succeeded in relying on a different substance.

wow....

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 22:21:38 GMT

so i left work early today, came home, got blazed, and watched jeopardy!, which was awesome. but oprah comes on right afterward. jenn is watching it now. i'm amazed by this show. this woman, oprah, has legions of women obeying her every word. she was using her television show to plug her broadway production of "the color purple". women are literally going CRAZY in front of my eyes. hysterical. jumping and crying and laughing and pulling each other's hair and....god it's crazy. and i had no idea oprah was so preachy. she's mentioned god at least three times in the first ten minutes and now faith hill, a contemporary country singer, is singing a gospel song. "Surrender to Jesus" is it's name, evidently. oprah had all these women standing, casually said "yall sit down" and literally in one motion, the whole audience obeyed. i feel like an anthropologist watching this. i want to make a piece of art based on this experience. i want to watch this in the same way i'm intrigued by joel osteen at lakewood church. i'm trying to think of other comparisons....

whew, that was a close one...

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 22:10:01 GMT

wow, all one can do is thank the lord almight above that enough good Christian men and women were brave enough to get to the polls and pass proposition 2. for some time the damned liberal left has been telling us that rights should be conferred on all members of the society, regardless of, to use their language, "race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation". well, the God-fearing majority has risen up and exclaimed, "we will no longer we relegated to second-class citizenship. we will relegate gays to that position."

i for one applaud this act of legislation. sure, rights for gays were already severly limited to the point where they didn't have access to loved ones in the hospital, or they couldn't collect inheritance or insurance benefits, or they couldn't have their relationship recognized by the state. but by coming together, texans managed to write that language into the state constitution! well texas, i'm proud of you. in some "blue states" and "civilized nations" gay people are actually treated like, well, people. oh, not in texas. we understand that chaps should be worn by the rednecks on the ranch, not at house of pies after hitting up south beach. and we understand that gay people should not be allowed to form families. should not be allowed to love. geez, we already let them live in our state, what more do they want - there's always San Francisco if any of them are particularly annoyed by this legisilation.

on a personal note: 3 1/2 weeks without a cigarette!