Return to Earth: The Stars They Really Suck Tonight
03/14/09
First of all, let me start off by giving thanks to the most High for such a
wonderful meeting of phamily, friends and loved ones this past weekend
in Hampton. We left our house on Friday with one ticket between myself
and Julia, with the possibility of maybe getting two more through an
art trade.
As we got closer to Hampton, my Friday ticket was secured. I’d offered
to paint a painting for each night of the Hampton Phish run, with
setlists being the basis of each night’s work. Someone liked the idea
and, upon arriving on the lot at Hampton, this gentleman gave me a
Friday ticket and some money for the yet to be completed paintings. I
figure I’ll end up making posters of each one for the summer tour. That
should make us some gas money for the northeast part of the tour.
We also ended up trading 3 sets of our posters for a Sunday ticket for
Julia so she got to see her first show!!! Which, by the by, was a good
show to be at for a first timer…some rarities, some new songs, some
classics jammed out very well…an excellent time.
The Best Poster Convention III: Phamily Reunion was a HUGE success on
many fronts. I have to thank Shaun and Jason for the hard work and
everything they did to make this event happen and run smoothly. I met
many, many amazing artists and picked up some cool prints, magnets and
posters and we sold a fair amount of numbered sets of my own work.
Posters are still available so please contact me if you want a set or
an individual poster. I’ll still do all three for $45 for you guys and
the individual ones for $15. Trying to give scenesters a price break. 
I even got a chance to talk to Jim Pollock who saw my live painting
lined up against the car as we were loading up to leave the event. He
and I talked for a good ten minutes or so before he had to go get
interviewed. Mainly about surrendering as an artist and a human being
to the will of the Divine. About how this is all such an amazing,
magical journey and how I never thought I’d be doing what I was doing
with art. He told me he loved my work and that we should do another
poster convention at another event soon. That just about made my
weekend right there in and of itself. Pollock giving me props for MY
art. Awesome.
So, by Sunday, with tickets for both of us in hand, we were VERY happy
and proceeded to have a grand time in the Mothership. It was great
getting to spend this show with Julia. My 47th. Her 1st. In many ways,
it was the best Phish show ever for me for a number of reasons. Highly
emotional, the best, imo, the boys had played all weekend and it was
with my lovely partner after a banner day in art sales.
LIFE IS GOOD.
So a HUGE thank you to everyone who came out and bought posters, prints
and originals. Without you guys, I wouldn’t be able to do this at all.
I’m proud to be a part of this scene and am so glad, glad, glad that
you’re alive.
By the way, Saturday night saw me jaunt over to the Tribeca to paint for the Heavy Pets. Attached is that painting, which is 30×40, can be flipped upside down for another view, is titled Egyptian Fowl and is going for $1500.
We headed to the beach on Monday for some seafood and dipped our feet
in the icy water. Come to think of it, there was some sea foam attached
to that water. I’m looooooking through…..
Okay. Sorry for the Phish references, but what can I say? The
boys are back, summer tour is looming and I couldn’t be happier. It’s
raining outside, but the sun is shining on the inside, where it counts.
I hope it’s that way for you, too.
Wednesday, 03/11/09, found me back at The Canal Club in Richmond for the EQ Produktions led showing of MO Theory and new favorite, OTT.
I touched up the Pets painting a bit during MO Theory (who I really
like a lot….Richmond musicians are getting better and better). I then
proceeded to create a new 24×36 work to Ott’s set (his name is actually
Ott…a lot of people call his band O-T-T…pronouncing out each
letter, but his actual name is Ott). Started off by putting different
color O’s and T’s on the canvas and then used plastic to smear the
paint everywhere.
Ott came over at the end and literally marvelled at it. He told me
he might want to use it for an album cover or have me do some work for
him. We then talked about how difficult it would be to ship something
from VA to Spain. Awesome.
If Ott doesn’t snag the painting, it’s going for $750 and is signed by him on the back. I called it You Ott Enjoy.
So, in a nutshell?? I’m enjoying life to the fullest and hoping you’re doing the same.
See you guys at The Norva for The New Deal! Also, look for me at
EOTO and 2020 Soundsystem soon in Richmond, Basshound and the Former
Champions in Charlottesville as well as with William Walter on lights!!
I’ve also got a Sullivan Hall McLovins show possibly in the works and a possible Toubab Krewe show coming up.
Get at me with commissions!
Take care everyone and I hope your lives are filled with love and light!!!
As always, framed and matted prints are $60. Write me if you don’t see
what you want on the website. We may be getting upgraded soon.
Jon Blake
Crazyredbeard Productions
1843 Ivywest Lane
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
The site: www.crazyredbeard.com
crazyredbeard@crazyredbeard…com
434-295-9653
