“The Future of Fanzines”
(Alcohol ink & acrylic paint on canvas)
This is the painting that served as the cover for my husband's fanzine, Askance (Which can be found on this generous site: www.efanzines.com).
This was a lot of fun to work on. I would still like to tweek it a bit before it goes on public display - but then, what painting is ever TRULY "done" in any artist's eye?
Below is the accompanying description that went along with the cover art. The first LOC (Letter Of Comment) that my husband received also commented on the cover. Eric Mayer said "[I] had an idiosyncratic and colorful style." Well THAT was someone who nailed it! He also mentioned he hoped to see more my work in the Sci-Fi genre. I certainly hope to oblige.
(Alcohol ink & acrylic paint on canvas)
This is the painting that served as the cover for my husband's fanzine, Askance (Which can be found on this generous site: www.efanzines.com).
This was a lot of fun to work on. I would still like to tweek it a bit before it goes on public display - but then, what painting is ever TRULY "done" in any artist's eye?
Below is the accompanying description that went along with the cover art. The first LOC (Letter Of Comment) that my husband received also commented on the cover. Eric Mayer said "[I] had an idiosyncratic and colorful style." Well THAT was someone who nailed it! He also mentioned he hoped to see more my work in the Sci-Fi genre. I certainly hope to oblige.
There is one reason why I adore showing art in the Sci-Fi community – the fans! Would l drop it in a New York minute if I could be a successful trendy artist in the mainstream? I don’t know. I mean, I long to make a living solely as an independent artist, but what would be the point if my fans were a bunch of rich posers?
Sci-Fi fans encompass the widest genres, work in every occupation, and call every level of social status home. But they have two things in common: intelligence and acceptance. They are educated and well-read, and of higher intelligence than the average Wal-Mart shopper, which means one enjoys the most interesting conversations on an infinite variety of topics. And because they are accustomed to large varieties within an over-arching field, they tend to accept the ideas and opinions of anyone, like no other group of people in this (or any other) country. They have their own opinions and can patiently and calmly defend them – while allowing their opponent to share their views. Something our politicians could use (besides diversity, compassion, and common sense).
If you love fairies and cats, there is a place for you. If you love D & D or zombie apocalypses there is a place for you. If you long for the next erotic romance between a werewolves and vampire, well, we have that too! No judgments are handed down; no apologies needed, and better yet, no explanations – unless you want one. Whether it’s future predictions or an alternate past – it’s just what the inventor says it is and if it’s good – it gets fans! No matter how divergent their interests, these people can come together and have a rousing great time! It’s FANtasamagorical!
So thinking about John’s theme for this issue, I first started with a new medium – alcohol inks. Then I started painting my favorite things as a Sci-Fi fan. My idea evolved into what I am calling a POST-post-apocalyptic snapshot. Evolution skewed by man’s planetary destruction. But like History Channel’s, Life After People, the earth is self-healing and nature finds a way. Some technologies have been re-discovered, some are just easier to use during this time of rebuilding and as you can see, humans are back and adapting to things like orange grass-dwelling jellyfish and land octopi.
And I see this future world patrolled by the watchful eye of constabularies. Why not robot overlords? Because constabularies are the most community-based type of policing, and since I think Sci-Fi fans would have a higher survival rate than other populations, I think this rebirth would be a more intelligent and thereby compassionate society.
But there is another reason constables are on my mind and heart. As many of this fanzine’s community know, our middle child, Josie, should have been standing next to Brazos County Constable, Brian Bachmann, when he was gunned down and killed, just after noon, on Monday, August 13, 2012. She has been interning with our local constable’s office for the summer semester. On that particular day, for no reason whatsoever, she did not ride along with him while he went to serve a notice of court action. The man shot him on approach and went on shooting until he had also killed one civilian, seriously injured another, and three other officers were wounded.
We went through quite a hellish week of grief and relief and were honored to escort another fallen Constable’s (Aigner) family the funeral that Sat., as a community gathered to pay last respects. Like so many military and first-responders, these men gave their lives doing the jobs they love: serving their communities. So, in honor of Constables Brian Bachmann and Kevin Aigner, I have incorporated little homages to them (and our future law enforcement daughter) in my painting.
There will be a few more touches added here and there (my art is never finished it seems), and it will be on display/for sale somewhere soon. In the meantime I hope you enjoy my little fanish musings.
__________________________
UPDATE MAY 2013:
Well, it's been nearly 9 months since the tragic incidents of August 13, 2012. And since that horrible day our daughter Josie finished her AA degree at Blinn Community College, got hired as a Sheriff's Detention Officer, married her fiancée, Zach, and now we are all awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild -- a boy!. Turns out that there WAS a reason - a very big one - and though the rest of us wouldn't find out for MONTHS - we believe that Constable Bachmann was instrumental in helping the miracle of our daughter's life being spared in order that this little miracle could have a chance at life.
Sci-Fi fans encompass the widest genres, work in every occupation, and call every level of social status home. But they have two things in common: intelligence and acceptance. They are educated and well-read, and of higher intelligence than the average Wal-Mart shopper, which means one enjoys the most interesting conversations on an infinite variety of topics. And because they are accustomed to large varieties within an over-arching field, they tend to accept the ideas and opinions of anyone, like no other group of people in this (or any other) country. They have their own opinions and can patiently and calmly defend them – while allowing their opponent to share their views. Something our politicians could use (besides diversity, compassion, and common sense).
If you love fairies and cats, there is a place for you. If you love D & D or zombie apocalypses there is a place for you. If you long for the next erotic romance between a werewolves and vampire, well, we have that too! No judgments are handed down; no apologies needed, and better yet, no explanations – unless you want one. Whether it’s future predictions or an alternate past – it’s just what the inventor says it is and if it’s good – it gets fans! No matter how divergent their interests, these people can come together and have a rousing great time! It’s FANtasamagorical!
So thinking about John’s theme for this issue, I first started with a new medium – alcohol inks. Then I started painting my favorite things as a Sci-Fi fan. My idea evolved into what I am calling a POST-post-apocalyptic snapshot. Evolution skewed by man’s planetary destruction. But like History Channel’s, Life After People, the earth is self-healing and nature finds a way. Some technologies have been re-discovered, some are just easier to use during this time of rebuilding and as you can see, humans are back and adapting to things like orange grass-dwelling jellyfish and land octopi.
And I see this future world patrolled by the watchful eye of constabularies. Why not robot overlords? Because constabularies are the most community-based type of policing, and since I think Sci-Fi fans would have a higher survival rate than other populations, I think this rebirth would be a more intelligent and thereby compassionate society.
But there is another reason constables are on my mind and heart. As many of this fanzine’s community know, our middle child, Josie, should have been standing next to Brazos County Constable, Brian Bachmann, when he was gunned down and killed, just after noon, on Monday, August 13, 2012. She has been interning with our local constable’s office for the summer semester. On that particular day, for no reason whatsoever, she did not ride along with him while he went to serve a notice of court action. The man shot him on approach and went on shooting until he had also killed one civilian, seriously injured another, and three other officers were wounded.
We went through quite a hellish week of grief and relief and were honored to escort another fallen Constable’s (Aigner) family the funeral that Sat., as a community gathered to pay last respects. Like so many military and first-responders, these men gave their lives doing the jobs they love: serving their communities. So, in honor of Constables Brian Bachmann and Kevin Aigner, I have incorporated little homages to them (and our future law enforcement daughter) in my painting.
There will be a few more touches added here and there (my art is never finished it seems), and it will be on display/for sale somewhere soon. In the meantime I hope you enjoy my little fanish musings.
__________________________
UPDATE MAY 2013:
Well, it's been nearly 9 months since the tragic incidents of August 13, 2012. And since that horrible day our daughter Josie finished her AA degree at Blinn Community College, got hired as a Sheriff's Detention Officer, married her fiancée, Zach, and now we are all awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild -- a boy!. Turns out that there WAS a reason - a very big one - and though the rest of us wouldn't find out for MONTHS - we believe that Constable Bachmann was instrumental in helping the miracle of our daughter's life being spared in order that this little miracle could have a chance at life.