Hello, and Happy New Year. I know, it’s been a while since I posted. I thought I’d catch up a little while on break but I’ve been quite busy with life in general. I did manage a little time in the studio this week. Not enough, but better than none.
The main reason for this post is the big news. I have been chosen as the local artist in residence for June 2023 at Stove Works, the internationally recognized artist residency in Chattanooga. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to it with great anticipation.
Hey there. Yes, I know it’s been a while since I made a post. That’s because my work schedule is jam packed. Finding a free moment to post has been difficult. This semester I am teaching five classes at two universities and it’s kicking my ass.
I’m presently teaching three different classes at Kennesaw State University (KSU); Drawing I, Drawing II, and 2D Design/Color. I’m also teaching two sessions of Observational Drawing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). That’s quite a load. 80 students total.
As it is with writing and posting, finding a free moment to work on my art has been difficult. Hopefully I will be able to get back to my current studio work. Hoping to post more often too.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures from my Observational Drawing classes at UTC.
Spent another Saturday afternoon in the studio. It feels great to get some regular studio time again.
I am rolling along on my new series of boombox paintings. Got a lot done today. Feeling good about that. Here’s a few pictures of all that happened today.
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.
Studio 2600 is the name of my art studio, at least for now it is. Sometimes a whim sticks around, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Studio 2600 ends up being the permanent name.
As you can see from these photos, I’m getting settled in. Feeling more comfortable in my new art studio every day.
I’ve already taken the longview. I hope this is my art studio for years, even decades.
Once I decided to move, I knew I had to have an artwork moving sale. My small, one room studio was jammed with my art. Paintings made and exhibited over the years. So prices were slashed, and deals were made. Paintings were picked up. Paintings were dropped off. Paintings were shipped.
This photo was sent to me by the happy customers. My painting looks magnificent in their spacious home. Love it.
I’ve written before about where I live in Atlanta. It’s fast becoming a street art destination. I’d like to think I did a small part to spark the activity happening here. When I started working here, the Atlanta Beltline was yet to be constructed and the graffiti here had not been updated in along time. Today, there is constant action. New street art being added on a regular basis. That was not the case with this location (a metal, ridged wall) in 2016, when I started pasting up here. You can see pictures of that artwork here, here, and here.
Living across the street from your artwork has its perks. Not only am I on top of it in regard to my “principles of street art” battle (haha), I also get to see people stop and photograph themselves in front of my work. It’s uniquely rewarding.
On more than one occasion I’ve seen people film a scene for a music video right in front of my artwork. The video below is one example of this.
Located a few minutes southeast of downtown, these two adjacent neighborhoods have long and storied roles in Atlanta history. Both are small in size, but large in historical significance.
Today, these are two of the quirkiest neighborhoods in Atlanta. I lived in Reynoldstown from 2014-2021, a block from the border with Cabbagetown. I enjoyed most everything about living in the area, including the collective sense of humor of its residents (see image below). My Instagram page is filled with dozens of pictures of my morning walks through these two neighborhoods.
Found a bird in my studio the other day. It must’ve snuck in when I had the front door open the day before. Hey Bird! Hope you enjoyed your night in my art studio.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 26
The world lost a good one today. Taylor Hawkins was one of the most likable people in rock and roll. He is primarily known for being the drummer for the Foo Fighters. Less known is his side band, the Coattail Riders. Here is my favorite song from Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders debut album. Running In Place is a difficult song to describe. Basically, it’s a complex pop song. There are a few twists and turns in its breezy six minutes. It also happens to be one of my 500 favorite songs (https://brettcalleroartist.com/2019/09/11/my-500-favorite-songs-at-50/). Give it a listen.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 24
I’ve always loved this song. As a kid, I was sold within the first five seconds. It’s one of Led Zeppelin’s best and remains a favorite. I’d tell you where it ranks on my all-time Led Zeppelin list (yes, I did that) but unfortunately, I can’t locate my list at the moment.
This post is more about why this song came to mind, today. Today is the last day of the Trump Administration. That alone is a reason for celebration. This is the beginning of the end for him. Trump for jail. Beyond the title, the lyrics of the song came to mind. The third verse reminded me of what the future holds for Trump and the Trump brand.
This song was written in 1970, but like many lyrics of that time, they speak about our world today. Serving as another reminder that the more things change the more they stay the same. Real progress and true changes come at a glacial pace.
“Her face is cracked from smiling, all the fears that she’s been hiding, And it seems pretty soon everybody’s gonna know. And her voice is sore from shouting, cheering winners who are losing, And she worries if their days are few and soon they’ll have to go.
My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land.
She hears them talk of new ways to protect the home she lives in, Then she wonders what it’s all about when they break down the door. Her name is Brown or White or Black, you know her very well, You hear her cries of mercy as the winners toll the bell.
My, my, my, I’m so happy, I’m gonna join the band, We are gonna dance and sing in celebration, We are in the promised land.
There is a train that leaves the station heading for your destination, But the price you pay to nowhere has increased a dollar more. Yes, it has! And if you walk you’re gonna get there though it takes a little longer, And when you see it in the distance you will wring your hands and moan.”
As an educator, this is considered a proud papa moment. Eight of my submissions we selected for inclusion in our virtual exhibition. I am thrilled to have some of my student’s classwork included among the strongest made at the Kennesaw State University foundation arts program this semester.
Click on the link to see the Special 2020 Foundations Exhibiton.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 18
I know it seems like all hell is breaking loose in the United States. I know there’s bullshit flying around you in every direction. I know it seems like the virus is never going to leave us. I know you’re concerned for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
I also know it’s Saturday night! Time to make some boogie down productions of your own. Time to get up, get up, get, get, get down with this techno electro classic. Seriously, I love this jam.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 14
Heard this one shuffle this morning. It had been a while since I heard it. This song sounds best after midnight but today it was a morning song and once again I heard the right song at the right time.
The sound is bold and strong yet spacious and sparse. The lyrics are moody yet motivational.
It’s one of my personal anthems. Nothing else to say.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 8
I’ve always liked the Cult. They’re a chameleon of a band. However, this post isn’t about them. Maybe another day. Here I’m using their song as a metaphor. This post is about current events. I was simply reminded of this song of theirs today when watching the news of the election results last night. You can draw your own conclusion. Just remember, there’s a song for everything. Isn’t that correct, Joe?
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 7
Part three of my concert trifecta is tonight. The band is Howlin’ Rain, a band I’ve wanted to see for 10 years. The venue is the Earl. My favorite little venue in Atlanta. It’s gonna be great.
Howlin’ Rain was formed by Ethan Miller to pursue a more melodic sound in his music and express the influence of growing up in Northern California’s Lost Coast. Previously Miller fronted Comets On Fire, a heavy noise rock band. Howlin’ Rain have been described as a combination of psychedelia, blues, funk and classic 1970s arena rock. All of those are great in themselves. Howlin’ Rain combine it all in a sound that fills a space with soulful authenticity.
Howlin’ Rain’s new album The Alligator Bride is a return to form and their best since the aptly titled Magnificent Fiend from a decade ago. My favorite song on their latest album happens to be one they made a video for. Check out this thunderous track called “Missouri.”
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 6
Once again, it’s time to fight trucks!!!
Concert night is here. This time it’s the band Truckfighters, from Örebro, Sweden. One of my favorite bands. They lay down one of the thickest fuzziest grooves you’ve ever heard. Here’s the video for “Mind Control,” one of their very best songs.
Artist as Rock & Roll Enthusiast (aka ARE) Post: 5
Concert night is here. Concert week is here. Four of them in the next 8 days.
Tonight is Archers of Loaf at Terminal West. Looking forward to it. I’ve never seen them before. I like this band but I love one of their albums, White Trash Heroes, their fourth and final full length album. If you’ve not heard it, check it out. It’s super solid from start to finish. My favorite song form that album is a noisy groove called “One Slight Wrong Move.”
This song kicks so much ass in just a few short minutes.
“A hundred million people could be wrong,
A hundred million people have been wrong before,
A hundred million people could be wrong”
Brett Callero: Visual Artist 