Author Archives for Brett Callero

Boombox Series 1

Yesterday I completed my first series of boombox paintings. All ten paintings are mixed media (acrylic paint, color pencil, graphite, and paper) on canvas mounted on panel.

Watch this space. I’m starting series two straight away.

Revolve – Melvins

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 34

Just a quick post about the Melvins, one of my favorite bands. Certainly, one of my favorite bands to see in concert.

Tonight, I am seeing the in concert. First time in a while. However, it’ll be my sixth or seventh time seeing them overall. They’ve been around forever. Here are a couple of clips of “Revolve,” my favorite Melvins song (but only if you forced me to choose one). It’s still a concert stable. I look forward to hearing it in person tonight. Check out how old these videos are!

I’ll add to this post later. Gotta hit the road. Concert is in Knoxville.

Thin Layers of Vulnerability

More layers added. More layers needed. Here are some more work in progress images.

Showing work in progress makes usually makes me feel vulnerable. I’d like to reflect on this more and perhaps write about it more at a later date. Regardless, I need to feel more comfortable opening up in this manner. Which is why I am making a conscious effort to show things in an incomplete state.

Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 33

Today is the peak, the pinnacle. The summer solstice. The longest day of the year. Also, the first day of summer which I why I am posting about this song from the Beach Boys. In my opinion, “Good Vibrations” encapsulates the sound of summer better than any other song. It is the Most Summer Song of all time.

Let’s get one thing straight. I do not like the Beach Boys, but I love “Good Vibrations.” As a piece of music, it is an absolute masterpiece. It’s a magical, three and a half minute, symphonic journey. It is far superior to anything else they’ve recorded.

I tried to link the song (in any form, by any artist) without success. Therefore, I present 20 seconds, with a view outside my art studio window. No big deal. Y’all know what this one sounds like anyhow.

Moving Sale Update

I have a moving sale update. Just received these pictures from happy customers, Todd & Erin Ziaja. My paintings, Get It While You Can, and Reliable are now theirs, and hanging up in their home in Austin, Texas. I am always very grateful when my work is displayed on the walls of someone’s home. I also appreciate seeing how they’ve chosen to display my work. It feels great.

They look great! Thanks for the pictures, Todd.

In Progress Details

I’m trying to be more comfortable showing work in progress. Here are details of the new series I have been working on. They are far from finished. Still processing the process and experimenting with mixed media materials. I’m not sure how I feel about them yet. That’s how it always is with the creative process. All part of the pugilistic battle between an artist and their work.

Ever Lovin’ Man – The Dirtbombs

Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 32

The Dirtbombs are a garage rock band based in Detroit. Vocalist and guitarist Mick Collins formed the Dirtbombs in 1992. They’re still around, even though they haven’t released new music in almost a decade. Their sound blends diverse influences such as punk rock and soul while featuring an unusual but awesome lineup of dual bass guitar, dual drums, and one guitar.

Over the years, the Dirtbombs have gained a reputation as being one of the best live acts around. I can vouch for this, having seen them twice. Once as an opening act and once as a headliner. Both concerts were in very small venues in Chicago.

The Dirtbombs sound varies from album to album. They’ve even released an album of their version of house music and an another of bubblegum pop. They’ve got albums full of original songs and a couple filled with covers. Their cover versions are typically stellar. This song is an original, it comes from their 2009 album, We Have You Surrounded. I love this song. It’s a short, simple, scorcher. A guy’s proclamation to be the best man he can for his woman.

Anecdotal notes involving the Dirtbombs:

I really like the Dirtbombs. Still have an old Dirtbombs t-shirt. It’s a great shirt too, I still wear it. It has a picture of Blacula on it.

When I saw them in concert, Mick Collins was wearing a shirt that said “Who the Fuck is Mick Collins?” Still, one of my favorite front man moments. He was making reference to the infamous Mick Jagger version of the shirt that Keith Richards wore (see image below), and he was also poking fun at himself and anyone that might not know that he is in fact, Mick Collins. What a magnificent move!

About 15 years ago, I was told by someone that actually knows the band (now an ex-friend of my ex-wife) that they’d be open to playing a backyard concert. Specifically, my backyard, and it wouldn’t cost much more than providing lodging and gas money. Unfortuantely, I didn’t have a backyard at the time. Now I do, so I may have to see if this is still an option. Hmmmm…

Back from Vacation, Back in the Studio

I’m back. I was on vacation in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. My first real vacation in five years. I traveled with my wife Kelli, my stepdaughter Grace, and her friend Bella. We stayed in Hull, a peaceful, friendly small town on the coast. It was much needed. We had a very nice time.

Back home in Chattanooga now, and back in the studio with Remy, my puppy. I’m picking up where I left off on some new paintings while catching up on the January 6th hearings.

I sure hope these hearings have an impact. Beyond preaching to the choir. So far. I’ve been impressed with the linear presentation. I have numerous thoughts about multiple subjects pertaining to the attempted coup of 1/6/2021. At the moment, I don’t want to write those thoughts. Right now, I want to listen and be further enlightened and get back to creative work.

Studio Update: New Concept

I’ve been in the studio for hours at a time, almost every day. Lots of new ideas happening. Writing things down. Sketching. Doodling.

I have also started a new series of work based on a new subject. The old school boombox, and the time period in which they had their heyday. I’m also digging into their impact in my life and cultural significance overall. I don’t have much else to say about it, nor do I know how these will end up looking. That in itself is appropriate and advantageous. It feels like a charge. I’m excited about the ability to experiment and explore and further process my thoughts and further develop my concept.

LIES Street Art Highlights (#7)

I was back at it for the first time since moving to Chattanooga. This time I needed to be sneaky.

The southern edge of Chattanooga city limits are along the border with Georgia. Across the border is the 14th Congressional District, where Marjorie Taylor-Greene is the representative and was up for re-election. She still won, of course, but I had to do my part.

There was no time for another poster. I adapted my poster design and created a new, second design. It’ll likely be a poster at some point.

Into the Orange

Since last May, so much has happened. I plan to stay on my upward trajectory. I’m going to keep myself in the orange as best I can.

The Color Orange: Orange indicates self-assurance, excitement, and zeal. Orange possesses orange-spiritual properties such as creativity, emotional balance, sexuality, harmony, passion, freedom, intuition, and emotional expression. Seeing orange is said to be an excellent omen. It means that there will be much happiness for you.