tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20138030698059772912024-03-13T21:54:18.647-07:00Thoughts of Art by: Jason E. AustinThoughts on the things that inspire the work I create.Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-36701266834687672222010-03-31T13:18:00.000-07:002010-03-31T13:25:02.169-07:0050 sketches of Malaya<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqadKS7CWde8Zt4gP0H-ejjVWlfbQgUGFkJoKe98b_u8vEWR7mK1oGjcY1l5h4Zpyh6ja61-3kWSsBFx1VEkPK5kqD_flwYUiqeQ5IvWn3DGFh-ODtNOf3jHuhYYoXxwX9CJHw2EuAQZIa/s1600/malayaandi.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqadKS7CWde8Zt4gP0H-ejjVWlfbQgUGFkJoKe98b_u8vEWR7mK1oGjcY1l5h4Zpyh6ja61-3kWSsBFx1VEkPK5kqD_flwYUiqeQ5IvWn3DGFh-ODtNOf3jHuhYYoXxwX9CJHw2EuAQZIa/s320/malayaandi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454896622466217778" /></a><br />Starting the month of April I will do 50 sketches of my daughter Malaya! Not only is this birthday month for the both of us it also an opportunity for me to get back intone with my first love sketching and drawing! So I each time I do a new sketch of Malaya I will post it to my blog with a description of why I chose the image. They will be sold on a first come first serve basis and will be available for $50 each plus shipping. Contact me about purchasing at: austinsart06@yahoo.com.Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-55929934745881324892009-02-03T16:26:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:30:51.678-08:00Happy Friday/ Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d3f6f94oHxeY30j_KWUrJUj12z3SAgGbeENew-QOSbL-_FeGEwud-xJwsOPCW6W-8nITGmaCgmdmw8_Uxv-7G3Wm8tQMCsDs1Lhb6BqvRuNEAFl4PJF4GfO3cd0uZgcFzm9_in7yH3LI/s1600-h/dream.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d3f6f94oHxeY30j_KWUrJUj12z3SAgGbeENew-QOSbL-_FeGEwud-xJwsOPCW6W-8nITGmaCgmdmw8_Uxv-7G3Wm8tQMCsDs1Lhb6BqvRuNEAFl4PJF4GfO3cd0uZgcFzm9_in7yH3LI/s320/dream.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298732983136348690" /></a><br />Hey everyone, I hope this e-mail finds you well! I've been good as well as my family and I hope it's been the same for you. I've been hard at work on some new work that I am very excited about (I know, what's new?) and I can't wait to show it. I'll give you a hint about my upcoming series: it's something I needed as a child but I've always been looking for my whole life! I have a few shows coming up and hope to have the series complete by then. I'll send out show info. as soon as I get the dates for one more show I'll be doing. I don't know if it's just me or not but the world feels a little lighter and little more hopeful. I think the world is tired of the road we have been traveling down. Everything has it's time and this is the time to take a deep look at self and decide what changes need to be made (sometimes doing with less helps you see things better, believe me you will not be alone.) A lot of times great things come out of bad times, remember that when you feel things are hopeless. We loose love ones, we loose jobs and sometimes even ourselves but if we don't give up we have a chance to see better days. Remember there are not many things that we can't overcome! Till next time, remember to be good to yourself! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-33267686998063410132009-02-03T16:22:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:26:34.385-08:00Happy Friday/ New Release.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQPOV-P720HzuE4kbawvkGsvYfVYlMJ0WjAxDHki2ZKTueRhLCy_hTtM0a5ChrHbEQJv04Q9BZxmrKpskxGjUffmSrk_zAm9lSelcnze3JhSDCDg7-WHskc9U1WgXhw1OGgWpJhcn47By/s1600-h/soul.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQPOV-P720HzuE4kbawvkGsvYfVYlMJ0WjAxDHki2ZKTueRhLCy_hTtM0a5ChrHbEQJv04Q9BZxmrKpskxGjUffmSrk_zAm9lSelcnze3JhSDCDg7-WHskc9U1WgXhw1OGgWpJhcn47By/s320/soul.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298731955372128690" /></a><br />Happy Friday and I hope this e-mail finds you well. This is my new release "Soul". This piece was inspired by the many great live concerts I've experienced through out the years and the magic I witnessed coming from the stage! From artist such as Rashaan Patterson, Macy Gray, Meshell Ndegeocello, Nikka Costa, Counting Crows and recently Dionne Farris. Music inspires much of my art and like art it can tell stories that you can relate to as well as bring insight to your life. More info about this piece can be found on my site under "New Release." <br /><br />Come to Austinsart.com for your art needs. Get something for yourself or for someone special. For the holiday season I'm offering free ground shipping before Dec. 17th on all U.S. orders. Here are a couple of my fellow artist friends that also have wonder works of art available, stop by and take a look! Till next time. J<br /><br />Duane Conliffe: www.duaneconliffe.com<br />Latisha Baker: www.ishama.com<br />Constance Terrell: www.mesart.com/constanterreAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-59240596167754979812009-02-03T16:17:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:22:22.299-08:00Happy Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq10y15p0XtFZscNw2Z50771jhy65nw08-PmUffB5Lc0rYk2aqsM94iBdQw-sN-K72Yr3kUrJ3-Zqut0DZoyeGP_rpYn9T8pVdDvSJSr-xH2kCJPx8H7cQBjBEcFkJ6Ta-OQ0jmJTcKOMS/s1600-h/life.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq10y15p0XtFZscNw2Z50771jhy65nw08-PmUffB5Lc0rYk2aqsM94iBdQw-sN-K72Yr3kUrJ3-Zqut0DZoyeGP_rpYn9T8pVdDvSJSr-xH2kCJPx8H7cQBjBEcFkJ6Ta-OQ0jmJTcKOMS/s320/life.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298730798130044050" /></a><br />Art stuff:<br />I have this piece that I am releasing in time for the holidays that I am excited about. I created this piece awhile back and I always thought that it would make a great reproduction! This one has a concert/music theme from my figurative phase. It was inspired by the many great live concerts I've experienced through out the years and the magic I witnessed on the stage! More info coming soon! J<br /><br />Life stuff:<br />Funny thing, for awhile I was caught up in a mind set of fear and stress and I didn't even realize it for what it was at first. I pride myself on keeping up with current events around the world and trying to get the info from alternative media such as KFPA and NPR (two of my favorites) but even getting info from those sources was starting to take a toll on my being just like the local nightly news was. I realize now that no matter the source too much nervous, stress and fear driven information messes with you nerves and you start taking on feelings that are not necessarily yours. I know things are bad with the U.S and the world and they have been for a while now. I had to laugh to myself when I saw on the local news this week when the anchor stated: It's now official we are in a recession! (I thought to myself)is she crazy, is she serious? Are you now saying that it's o.k. for me to panic? I knew we were in a recession for almost a year now when the stock market was crashing the first time (if everything is pretty much driven by the market and that's falling apart, then logic would tell you everything connected to it have to fall as well.) Things go good, then they go bad, then they get good again (but that's life.) So I am now in the process of regulating my stressful info. intake and getting back to doing more of things that I enjoy such as creating art catching up with family and friends, cooking, watching movies, when I do make purchases they are things I have a connection with and can feel good about and work on not being so wasteful. What I have learned: That I can keep up with what's going on around me without losing myself in it, it's important to be informed of your surroundings so you can make sound decisions, but like everything else it should be done in balance. "It's just like water, it's good for you and you need it to live, but even too much water can drown you!" Remember to be good to yourself! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-66529930385505902202009-02-03T16:13:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:16:49.884-08:00Happy Friday, Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEKyLdK-DjldfFIE5VUVw1D7rBdaJzAH2-_KrwvSOSjybwxtrl8NnL8m7MKifxQfN3eGCfJ4Md9LJ156XvxpdhlBK97yWK8RsLzeyACdUaRnQHXsMAlsc_O2GLjv4Tb7ZOfN5PMGfhbCO/s1600-h/clown.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEKyLdK-DjldfFIE5VUVw1D7rBdaJzAH2-_KrwvSOSjybwxtrl8NnL8m7MKifxQfN3eGCfJ4Md9LJ156XvxpdhlBK97yWK8RsLzeyACdUaRnQHXsMAlsc_O2GLjv4Tb7ZOfN5PMGfhbCO/s320/clown.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298729432942507058" /></a><br />I know it's been a while since my last "Happy Friday" but I am still alive and doing well. First off I would like to thank everyone that had a chance to stop by and see me at "Art and Soul 08" some of you I met in person for the first time and others were familiar faces. I've decided to take a break from producing new work(a short one I promise)to take in all the things going on in my life and in the world and hopefully I can turn my observations into some great new insightful art! I hope this day finds you and your family well. The world is currently going through a lot of changes so this is the perfect time to work towards the place you would like to see yourself(you can't get to a destination if you don't know where you want to go, so really think about the things that are most important to you and make those things your priorities in life!) Have a wonderful weekend and take care! J<br />P.S: Make sure you vote on Tuesday!!!!!!!Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-52752453343462584112008-10-06T10:49:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:51:58.767-07:00Upcoming show!!!/Happy Tuesday!!!!!!!!! Aug. 26,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcykaF8CcSt8muplTCWyNFtcRWDXC9E96U5Ifqt6SoysRFSmZwRRcw6YChXGqi0lOXtt0nrYdw2Ez0Ye07XlMNoaPfOzWpY1jZsAGYgjdwBWvAIOqDwuwAgMsHDfRvtaeGa2-sIodFqf1P/s1600-h/aauntitled.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcykaF8CcSt8muplTCWyNFtcRWDXC9E96U5Ifqt6SoysRFSmZwRRcw6YChXGqi0lOXtt0nrYdw2Ez0Ye07XlMNoaPfOzWpY1jZsAGYgjdwBWvAIOqDwuwAgMsHDfRvtaeGa2-sIodFqf1P/s320/aauntitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254100094817681858" /></a><br />This is a reminder about Art and Soul 2008 coming up this weekend in Downtown Oakland! (More info. can be found below.) I promise to have some new pieces as well as some old favorites. I will be on 14th st. about one block up from the main entrance on the left hand side (this is where I normally set up) and I look forward to seeing you! On the life side, I've been doing well and the family is doing wonderful. I have a dear friend that hasn't been doing well as of late but I know he will pull through. Going through the motions with him has really made me think about the order of my life and how the things you don't take care of will sit there and become an even bigger mess to clean later. I know from experience that the mere thought of tackling cleaning things up in your life can make you sick to your stomach but if you work on it a little bit at time it will surely make a difference in your life (which is better than complete denial that doesn't make the mess go away and can affect all parts of your life.) We are all connected and the things we do and don't do does affect not only ourselves but our loved ones as well. Don't forget to take care of yourself and if I don't see you this weekend have a great one! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-75424524521448885442008-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:47:51.213-07:00Happy Thursday!!!!!!!!!! July 18,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquBdnEpQKfYb7uA1DbaTAmcSh28KbXrS_FFjNSD1d5CsnFVx5t8D2NfOzDczmhA3cKcUuhv3EUo9u92FjEZTeiiDk_iiuOS-3cqDnzygxCSbqfGsbdpBVU4FwT0OME6aN5PprgyLjwIgJ/s1600-h/face2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquBdnEpQKfYb7uA1DbaTAmcSh28KbXrS_FFjNSD1d5CsnFVx5t8D2NfOzDczmhA3cKcUuhv3EUo9u92FjEZTeiiDk_iiuOS-3cqDnzygxCSbqfGsbdpBVU4FwT0OME6aN5PprgyLjwIgJ/s320/face2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254099029509225906" /></a><br />Hey all, I hope this e-mail finds you well. This summer has been a good one for me so far (mainly due to great summer movies!!!!) Creativity is a funny thing, it comes out of no where like an itch that is hard to reach and it will drive you crazy until you do something about it. That's where I'm at with mine. I've been doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff with my art (the unglamorous part) and now I starting my implementation phase (the actual brush to canvas part)so I'm very excited I've been sketching down ideas for the past couple of months so be looking out for a new wave of work from me soon! I also want to let you know about Art and Soul 2008 this Labor Day weekend in Downtown Oakland (updated info. can be found on my site.) Thanks for the support and please pass my site along to people you feel will appreciate my type of art! Be well and don't forget to take care of yourself! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-63305022030728817512008-10-06T10:41:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:44:37.291-07:00Happy Friday!!!!!!! June 20,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RmVZNCdlIDifU_HXG0w5jWCp1jV3Uids0IqQqnWiwgnjlkc9HFo8lV-gkNRHQgwcSpQaQW2eiNAN5_ddBZWQku-1QNQFSkCatetWlg4OoP_yWJlTyw4Hnk2qDkzBJ0VzYur3hThgpaGb/s1600-h/auntitled.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RmVZNCdlIDifU_HXG0w5jWCp1jV3Uids0IqQqnWiwgnjlkc9HFo8lV-gkNRHQgwcSpQaQW2eiNAN5_ddBZWQku-1QNQFSkCatetWlg4OoP_yWJlTyw4Hnk2qDkzBJ0VzYur3hThgpaGb/s320/auntitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254098029006932786" /></a><br />Happy Friday to everyone! No matter what craziness happens in life we always find a way to make it through it and I think to myself "you know life is good if you let it be." Be sure to let yourself have a good one! I have been busy with shows and working on new art but before I release my new work I would like to share some work I created in 1998! This was a really creative time for me and a lot of the work is the basis for some of my later work. Check it out on my site and let me know what you think. Till next time, take care of yourself and have a great weekend! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-15209089387566846852008-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:40:41.340-07:00Happy Fathers Day!!!!!!!!!! June 16,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMdRq6v_JodtJu0_ClL5Ku25xOe37MXRqBvS5xohwbu_yVWuEr82_32WfEKZjdh7FKyo8O5YdpoqehTevd913nA5aT17vs0b2Q7v6Qa9yOfck0jdZVn9DQUn-Oaw2LqdxFQxbZKLm_8CH/s1600-h/untitled+b.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMdRq6v_JodtJu0_ClL5Ku25xOe37MXRqBvS5xohwbu_yVWuEr82_32WfEKZjdh7FKyo8O5YdpoqehTevd913nA5aT17vs0b2Q7v6Qa9yOfck0jdZVn9DQUn-Oaw2LqdxFQxbZKLm_8CH/s320/untitled+b.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254097111449438994" /></a><br />Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers as well as the women who play the role of both mother and father. Being a parent is not an easy thing but it is a blessing to have the job to guide a life through this sometimes crazy world. This is your day of recognition! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-86559377839435788242008-10-06T10:33:00.001-07:002008-10-06T10:34:59.255-07:00Happy Friday/ Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!! May 9,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifex2ULB9RMfRJFvxPF5V4gjMcBX7mjElz1oWS3yxRCMP2I9dNMklYEJNYyP8xLpbESdvanhknW0R3jPNTqRxZfvx3tYA6HH4qZ2mF0e4YFOv0RyI1je3rbx8YHP7eoVvypX2ugmpg_Ih4/s1600-h/HUGS+(BROWN).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifex2ULB9RMfRJFvxPF5V4gjMcBX7mjElz1oWS3yxRCMP2I9dNMklYEJNYyP8xLpbESdvanhknW0R3jPNTqRxZfvx3tYA6HH4qZ2mF0e4YFOv0RyI1je3rbx8YHP7eoVvypX2ugmpg_Ih4/s320/HUGS+(BROWN).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254095694294764802" /></a><br />Happy Mothers day to all the Moms and the daughters of Mothers that are Mothers themselves. Your job is not an easy one. Im a father and I know I give my all for my daughter but it doesnt compare to what Malayas mother gives and thats something I had to accept (its hard coming in second!)There are no instructions that come with children but yet and still you find your way to do right by the life you are put in charge of. Even if you couldnt give all that you wanted to give to your child you did give all that you had to give (and thats more than enough.) I am first to admit I dont know all the reasons behind the things that my mother has done but I do trust that they came from a good place and she felt they were the right choices for me and my siblings. On Sunday celebrate your day with your Mother (or Mother figure) with something as small as a call just to say your thinking of them. For the ones that Mothers are no longer here or you are not on speaking terms right now, send out kind thoughts to them and reflect on the sacrifices that were made for you to be here today! Love and blessing to all the Mothers, we couldnt be here without you! Till next time, dont forget to take care of your self! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-61833598895798695322008-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:31:08.247-07:00Happy Friday!!!!!!!!! April 18,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlFvXR47BmnUcnegBdj2fkQXLhpuCI9kP-SGcONea-1npeDnwaJwr5Wx8wizTHjTtfmaTLhyLON2Uh0EeLzvVjuvPfGbLNUxlyoYobxdcDtcE6NSBiIQjJ28P9tjhjc-G1u8_fwXytS7-/s1600-h/boobooandi2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlFvXR47BmnUcnegBdj2fkQXLhpuCI9kP-SGcONea-1npeDnwaJwr5Wx8wizTHjTtfmaTLhyLON2Uh0EeLzvVjuvPfGbLNUxlyoYobxdcDtcE6NSBiIQjJ28P9tjhjc-G1u8_fwXytS7-/s320/boobooandi2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254094604650201522" /></a><br />Happy Friday! April is a special month for me mainly due to the fact that it's the birth month of my daughter (4/11) as well as myself(4/16). I made 35 this year and I feel blessed to still be here to be able to complain about the little things (there is always something!) I have a lot of new work on the way but if you haven't been by the site (www.austinsart.com) in awhile you may see a few new things. Remember to focus on things that are important to you as well as goals for yourself, with out purpose it is easy to fill lost in the world. Enjoy every day you have, life only seems short when your not doing enough things that you enjoy, live a full life! Till next time, don't forget to take care of yourself! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-30679745714613998822008-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:17:10.489-07:00The passing of a fellow artist........Mar. 24,2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1OoaKOm-Fbj8gK1Bo-oq320vIftW6zNW0xxBTzI0HFpLBSfsRNAThjvgQiOEVX_06Tb9C9aXuPNxZnEclarEgnSRrZIjElyzf7Hut9RVWkRXr1EyOA1hyy701neT78h0kCsKv-ZE3AYd/s1600-h/WHAT'S+GOING+ON.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1OoaKOm-Fbj8gK1Bo-oq320vIftW6zNW0xxBTzI0HFpLBSfsRNAThjvgQiOEVX_06Tb9C9aXuPNxZnEclarEgnSRrZIjElyzf7Hut9RVWkRXr1EyOA1hyy701neT78h0kCsKv-ZE3AYd/s320/WHAT'S+GOING+ON.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254091109254776114" /></a><br />It saddens to share the following information. A friend and fellow artist Casper Banjo(the main running theme in his work was images of bricks)was shot and killed Friday the 14th in Oakland near his home. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him a few weeks before his passing (even though I had a busy schedule with family, in the middle of moving to a new home and art.) He had recently been on my mind and he happened to call me to see about getting together to catch up on things. Casper had pulled his life together after many life changing obstacles only a year ago and was now in pretty good spirits and was looking forward to future plans. We talked about life, family, hats and art (what else is there?) He shared with me some of his new work he was working on in his note pad he always keeps on him for his ideas for new pieces (and he even let me do his portrait in it!) Casper was dear to me and would pop into my life at just the right times with encouragement and words of wisdom. When you get those calls out of the blue from friends and loves that are on your mind be sure to make time for them, even if it's just a phone call. I don't believe we just walk around with happy accidents happening around us, things happen for a reason even if the reason isn't obvious at the time. I will greatly miss my friend and follow artist. Remember to take care of yourself! J <br /><br />Here are two links about him: <br /><br />video from channel 2 news<br />http://www.ktvu.com/video/15638020/index.html<br /><br />article from an Oakland paper<br />http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_8610629?source=most_emailedAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-10847637182081666092008-10-06T10:02:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:11:09.128-07:00Happy Friday Mar. 7, 2008All I have for you this time is to remember to take time out to regroup and enjoy the spoils of all your hard work! Everyday can't be workday (we get weekends off for a reason!) Don't forget to take care of yourself! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-1251678410920768412008-02-22T11:00:00.000-08:002008-02-22T11:07:28.361-08:00Happy Friday!!!!! 2/22/08Happy Friday to you!!!!!!!!!!!! Please send happy birthday thoughts out to Rachel and John this happy Friday happens to fall on their birthday! This month for me has been all about change. I always have mixed feeling about change (well mainly the journey part) it's so easy to stay where you are and convince yourself that you are happy or fine with the situation when inside you know it not to be true. I always seem to go back to this song that I love by "speech" from the group arrested development that said something along the lines of: asking to be able to cope is not the same as asking for change which is the opposite and not the same! One you stay in the situation and you suffer though it and the other you are relieved from the old situation for a new one (preferably a better one!) So if your coping get to changing, you never go back by moving forward! Also I put on my site under "biography" then click "videos" is a performance by 3 of my favorite musicians! I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to take care of yourself! J<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FhJKSseiPXE&rel=0&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FhJKSseiPXE&rel=0&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-17707692021945596012008-02-22T10:53:00.000-08:002008-02-22T10:59:04.424-08:00Happy Friday!!!!! 2/08/08<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD02CWEw6GBXS7cbId1hh6Xi0sCOiiUEbiWnzPfd6X6J66m6AxjpHgAJiDgwObMU3GF87H0G1yQH9NQsgUzqVhJfxAEWv-OE0j2t7Cjr64PNsubrgvIWYQvziAFiFF_F7Zt5SLOa-rLpA/s1600-h/GLORY.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD02CWEw6GBXS7cbId1hh6Xi0sCOiiUEbiWnzPfd6X6J66m6AxjpHgAJiDgwObMU3GF87H0G1yQH9NQsgUzqVhJfxAEWv-OE0j2t7Cjr64PNsubrgvIWYQvziAFiFF_F7Zt5SLOa-rLpA/s320/GLORY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169881028324695666" /></a><br />Happy Friday once again! Sorry for such a long break. Just like with my art I sometimes take a break to live a little so when I come back I will have something to say. In Dec. I got a chance to get away to visit my little big sister and her family in Arkansas which I needed more than I knew. It was a much needed time to re-connect with my sister who said something that really rang true, she said that "phone calls nd e-mails gives you a false since of connection as far as it being as good as seeing someone in person, but there is nothing like seeing a love one in person"(this is so true!) While out there I thought a lot about my life, my family and my art and how I need to get back connected to the things that are important me. The Sunday before I returned we all went to church (I don't go as much as I should) and the Pastor spoke about not getting so hung up on your past successes and focusing more about what you are doing now. It surprised me to hear that because I was thinking the same thing as far as when I try to talk myself out of doing things I know I need to do to move forward by saying to myself well I did this and I did that isn't that enough? Which in truth has nothing to do with what I need to do now. So that's what I wanted to share with you this time. Remember to take care of yourself! J <br /><br />On the art front:<br />I will be at the reception for the Art of Living Black held at the Richmond Art Center 2540 Barrett Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 this Saturday the 9th from 3-5 pm. I thank everyone who made it to my reception on Wednesday; it was great seeing some faces I haven�t seen in a while! My show current at the �East Bay M.U.D Oakland Admin. Building, Second floor Lobby. The address is 375 11th Street between Webster & Franklin will be up until April 4th. The lobby is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8-4pm so if you in the area please stop by. JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-5562979757639330222008-01-23T12:39:00.000-08:002008-01-23T12:40:54.354-08:00What I've Been Up 2 Jul 9, 2007A little of what I've been up to. I've been working on a new body of work that has mainly been mixed medium work; this is something I've wanted to try out for a while now. With my new work I have incorporated various mediums from paintings to drawings to photography as well as a digital element to create a new exciting interpretation of my work. Most of my new work in this series are open edition high quality Abstract and Contemporary art and will be available in two different sizes with a prices starting at $55 (and yes I am affordable!), I'm offering free shipping for the month of July, so if you see a piece that moves you get it now and it will be to you in 3-5days! I had a lot of fun coming up with these images and being able to share them with you now. Recently I did a Fathers day show at Morehouse College in GA and a tribute show for Duke Ellington at the Sojourner truth multicultural Art center in Sacramento CA. So please take a look around and see what's new at www.austinsart.com, I am sure you'll find a few pieces to add to your<br />Art collection and make part of your home! A big thing I've been thinking a lot about lately is that EACH DAY IS NOT PROMISED so make sure to take time out for yourself and do things that improve the quality of your life, even if it's a little something that will make you smile! Don't forget to be good to yourself! Till next time! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-11540067585191901212008-01-23T12:36:00.000-08:002008-01-23T12:37:24.632-08:00Happy Friday Nov 2, 2007Happy Friday once again! Things in our life happens so fast and I was reflecting on all the things I’ve been doing as well as the things I still have on my list to do and how bad I want to get through it all. When I was reflecting on that I started to I think of my daughter and how it’s so much different for her, this is her year of firsts. About a month ago she had solid baby food, about two weeks ago she had her first cold (I caught it and it almost killed me!) a month ago her first rain and this week her first Halloween. We need to slow down and take count of all the good things in our lives and realize there will always be something out there that we will need to do or fix. We have to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves to do everything right now, some things can wait. So that is my advice for you as well as for my self! I hope this e-mail finds you well. JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-83089416830369975942008-01-23T12:35:00.000-08:002008-01-23T12:36:28.496-08:00Happy Friday Oct 19, 2007Happy Friday once again! First all thank you to everyone who made it to the reception last night as well as the ones who could not attend but wanted to. I saw some faces I haven’t seen in awhile and it really made evening, thank you! The show was beautiful and it’s not just because I’m part of it. There is art on two floors and all the artist work really compliments each other! One thing I first noticed while at a show in NY years ago was the large amount of diversity in the art of bay area artist, it’s a beautiful thing! The show will be up until January 06/2008 so there is plenty of time to make it by. I will like to once again thank you for all your support; it really helps me to know that I’m on the right track. The road of life sometimes gets confusion along the way but as long as you know where you want to be you will eventually get there if you keep pressing on! Remember to take a minute out for yourself this weekend, it’s been a long week and you deserve it! Happy Friday!!!!! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-38953292622733831762008-01-23T12:31:00.000-08:002008-01-23T12:34:56.350-08:00Happy Friday Oct 5, 2007Hello and Happy Friday once again! I don’t know how many of you are really into R n’ B music, but I wanted to give you heads up on two shows I’m looking forward to checking out next month one is Dionne Farris (she only has one album out that came out years ago and it’s still one of my all time favorites! She use to be the group “Arrested Development”) and the other is Bilal (he has only had one album as well and it’s a favorite of mine as well, he one of those people you think to yourself, “why don’t I hear him on the radio more often?”) and they will both be performing at Yoshi’s in November you can go to www.yoshis.com for more info. and I believe you can also here samples of there music there as well. As always I ’m working on new work and a have a couple of shows coming up (more info. coming soon!) I finally have my blog (A blog (a web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order.) up and running so go by and check it out. It’s www.austinsart.blogspot.com here you can comment about topics that I have posted, if there is a topic you would like to discuss let me know and I will add it to the blog for others to comment on. I heard from a childhood friend the other day (he’s like a brother to me) and it really made my day. It made me think of how people may not be part of your daily life and how easily they can be with a simple phone call! I know it’s hard but keep up with friends and love ones the best you can! I hope your Friday is going great so far and have a great weekend! JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-41851182480921879082008-01-23T12:27:00.000-08:002008-01-23T12:31:29.430-08:00Happy Friday #1 Jul 20, 2007I’ve decided today that my mailing list (that means you!) will be my new sounding board for things that come across my mind (I promise not too often.) I was thinking this morning how we are all great in our on right even if we don’t know it or accept it. We were choosing to be here today and a lot of us are not here today to say that. My younger brother passed away several years ago and it has changed me forever. I use to worry about getting older and the thought of it use to frighten me, but since then I’ve been so thankful for every day I get! (Even when they are sometimes not the best of days.) well back to my point, I was thinking this morning that the time you need to be brave in your life is when you take that initial chance to go for your dreams and the other is when that dream is about to come true and you have to be brave to accept it! Many of times the things I wanted in life came to me but I was not ready to accept them and I turned away from them (that is something I am currently working on fixing!). So when you dreams do find there way to you, take them with open arms, you earned them (even when you don’t think you did!), you deserve them after all they even have your name on them!!!! <br />JAustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-66645704030175346662007-09-06T10:03:00.000-07:002007-09-06T10:42:12.346-07:00Why do you buy art?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqc-XNGZPxgZ877Kd3_-g1ccMRARXSBQ2M-tMkRN614JJRLN8ktK685uvlXFqz_rrPC9r8Nj4tAvoSUTBBvEyR9MZBKnWVZdy8P5TFtO8iZ1ird7wB9ZxNu4uEPXqVD932QZgZIKUy_A_/s1600-h/whatsgoingon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqc-XNGZPxgZ877Kd3_-g1ccMRARXSBQ2M-tMkRN614JJRLN8ktK685uvlXFqz_rrPC9r8Nj4tAvoSUTBBvEyR9MZBKnWVZdy8P5TFtO8iZ1ird7wB9ZxNu4uEPXqVD932QZgZIKUy_A_/s320/whatsgoingon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107146907674943490" /></a><br />I always wonder about this. With me being an artist I'm more on the side of buying and creating art that I can connect to. I also know people that don't necessarily buy it because they like it, it's more an investment thing. I know people that only buys original artwork and others that don't mind buying prints because they are more concerned about what the art says to them/make them feel. What does it for you?Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2013803069805977291.post-27717367928728955532007-09-03T22:41:00.000-07:002007-09-03T23:22:04.259-07:00Art TalkIf anyone have anything they want to discuss about art, this is the place!Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04135771413547099227noreply@blogger.com0