jon blake discusses live paintings and what they mean to him

elayna's artist archive

Jon Blake aka crazyredbeard and his live painting experiences....

....I approach the live painting experience as a vessel. True artists are able to tap into the unknown zeitgeist...that accessible thing that our senses reach out and caress on some transcendental level, but can't perceive with our five basic modalities of perception. I attempt to channel the Divine Message with the help of music... the added visual process and musical elements are something that heightens people's awareness and attention. There's a certain flow that music captures and throws at people. I attempt to allow that flow to run through my own open vessel while I allow my arms and eyes to try and translate these instances of mana. Spiritual manifestations into this physical world. Whether I do a good job or not is up to interpretation. Ultimately I strive to allow IT to come through and music really helps that. I get my head out of the way and strange things happen. Sometimes I'll write a word or a phrase that pops into my mind and then, without seeing what I'm painting, the band will play a song that references what I just wrote.......

Let's Be Frank
Frankfest 01/05/07 The Canal Club Richmond VA

.....Sometimes at the height of an intense jam, I'll uncontrollably splash paint on the canvas and dance paint with my fingers over whatever I had been concentrating on for the past 30 minutes. It's all about surrendering to the moment and being the paintbrush instead of the painter. There's a constant interchange between the band, the audience and myself and there's an overmind that I think the bands and myself try to tap into to communicate with people. It ends up being partly what I bring to the table, partly what the audience brings and partly what the bands have to channel... it's everyone there in THAT MOMENT that influences what I do. Those paintings could never happen without the players who play or the people who pay attention. I truly believe that we all share in this amazing telepathic conversation that we're just experimentally trying to get OUT THERE... to share with each other that our existences mean something. That they're vital and important.

Cities of the Mind

Geneticori Coded

contacting crazyredbeard....
crazyredbeard.com
myspace.com/crazyredbeard
shot off an email

Cosmeyesee

Love Will Help You Buzz the Unexplaindiversal Bacon
Buzz Universe and Unexplained Bacon 03/03/07 Mexicali Blues Teaneck, NJ

Why are you an artist? I have a constant need to share something with the Universe, as well as to see what my sharing brings back. It connects me on a spiritual level that truly transcends this physical plane. Ultimately, I have a persistent and steady urge to channel something Higher than myself...it edifies my experience and gets me closer to what I understand as Divine. It also teaches me a lot about myself and the non-physical world around us.
Do you have a ritual that you go through before, after or during the creative process? Something that helps you work? I often pray and meditate during the birthing of a peace (yes, I know how I spelled it). Often, I push through my fear limitations by focusing on Love and breathing and attempting to allow myself to remain open. I ask the Great Thing to use me as its voice for anyone that needs it.
What is your favourite medium? Right this second? Right NOW? Acrylic. Hands down. For live painting, it dries much faster which is vital for the layering I do. When you've got about 2 hours to start and finish a work, go acrylic. Or don't, but that's what I do. ;)

Plan B From Outer Space: Aqua Boy Escapes Control
to The Particle 04/21/07 The State Theater Falls Church VA

Have you ever felt like giving up? If so, what kept you going? Dear God, yes! What's honestly kept me going is the simple need to share something. Anything. To promote biophilism... to pass along vital mana or energy to whomever needs it. My friends never let me stop and I love them so much for it in ways they'll never understand. Usually, when I feel frustrated or underappreciated or whatever emotion stalls the creative process, a small event will transpire that puts things into perspective. Even someone passing on a kind word about a work has been enough. But truly? Passion keeps me going. Eroica.
As an artist, what is your biggest source of frustration? The cost of supplies and lethargy.
As an artist, what's your biggest source of satisfaction? Creating in the moment. That feeling of "Whoooooosh! Aaaaaaaaaaaaah." When I can't tell if the band is painting through me or I'm painting music through the band. When I know that I've surrendered to the muse and I'm a paintbrush and not a painter. My head disappears in those moments and the Heart...the Heart shines right on through.
To someone who wants to travel the path you're traveling, do you have any advice? Do it. Disregard the material world and CREATE. The simple act of creation ensures your vitality in the universe and your gift to the world will return to you in many, many ways. Find a band or a musician who wants to investigate and test the boundaries of their performance possibilities. Talk to people. Be fearless and know that you're the only one that can stop or save you.

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