March 2010

Cole Haan

I love that today's blog topic comes after yesterday's post about my ratty slippers.  What's the opposite of tired, worn-out slippers?  That's right.  Cole Haan.  When you visit the Cole Haan official website, the first thing you see in bold type is The Inspired Life.  Sounds kind of like someone I know--and why I think that their selection and partnership with  J.P. is so perfect.  Our friend and John Palmer Art collector Justin Jezek orchestrated the union of Cole Haan and John Ross Palmer for a special in-store event occuring on the evening of Thursday, March 25, 2010 (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 4005 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027).  You are all invited.  On that night, if you bring to the store a pair of new or gently-used shoes, you will receive 20% off your entire purchase!  Cole Haan then donates your kicks to the incredible Soles4Souls charity (this organization provides shoes to people in need around the world--and since 2005 has donated over eight million pairs of shoes).  To top off the spectacular occasion, Cole Haan will be auctioning off an original John Palmer commissioned painting.  Guys, this is going to be off the hook.  John has been working on the piece for some time and I can already tell that it's going to be a masterpiece.  I know I know, I say that all the time.  But seriously.  He is using photographs from my stint in South Africa when I visited the Cape Town township of Khayelitsha as his inspiration.  That was one of the most eye-opening and amazing experiences of my entire life--and therefore I know that the art inspired by that journey will no doubt be breathtaking.  So, get those never-worn-shoes out of your closet and head to Cole Haan in Houston's Highland Village on March 25th for a great night of shoes, handbags, charity and fine artwork.  Hey, if the shoe fits, wear it.  And I guess in my case, wear it out. 

                                    
                                                               Daddy Needs a New Pair of Shoes
                                                        Photo Credit to Todd Parker of STP Images

Slippers

They actually belong to John.  I gave them to him for Christmas many years ago.  I think he wore them a few times but for the most part they sat dormant in the closet (if you know John Palmer, you know that he is more of a flip-flops kind of guy...).  I never really had an occassion to wear the slippers in the morning.  I mean, at the law firm I had to be in the office early so there really wasn't much morning sitting-around time.  Well, that has certainly changed.  I'm guilty of wearing them all the time.  Now, I'm guessing this admission might infer that I lead a life of leisure, eat bon bons and sip champagne as the hours drift away.  Well, think again.  Look at the soles of the slippers.  Those babies are getting some serious mileage.  You're working pretty darn hard if you've worn four visible holes in your slippers.  John has promised to get "me" a new pair, but, it's one of those things that I just am not too keen on yet.  I like these and don't want to depart from them.  I don't mean to get too deep on the topic of slippers, but I do believe these are a powerful symbol of my life with John.  While on the outside, people see the glamour and beauty of the things in the world of John Palmer--someone who looks really closely also discerns that those elements are not born without painstaking hard work, dedication and tireless efforts.  I say often on the John Palmer Art Blog that John Palmer is the "hardest working man in the art business."  Well, that is true.  But, I must say, Ryan Lindsay comes in a very close 2nd.  I've got the slippers to prove it.

                                       
                                                                                      Slippers

Rainy Monday

It was a really good Oscar night.  I'm just glad Sandra Bullock won.  The Barbara Walters interviews were pretty off-the-hook.  Mo'Nique and her leg hair--now I think that was seriously the most intriguing moment in the 29-year history of the B.W.S.  I mean...after the child sexual abuse and the open marriage discussions, I didn't the convo could get any more hairy (sorry I had too).  Crazy.  Monica and I just took our eyes off the t.v. for a second, looked at each other with raised eyebrows, did not say a word and then looked back at the television.  Woah.  Anyway, because Monica had a steak on Friday she was over red meat--and so in lieu of the filet oscar we feasted on make-your-own-pizza.  My favorite: Chef Boyardee.  I know, "hardly"  filet oscar but still a real jewel.  You know the kind where you make the dough and they never give you enough sauce and cheese?  I love it.  Anyway, J.P.  made it through about mid-show before retiring but Monica and I stayed in for the long haul.  Very minimal tweeting for me--it's kind of rude to do when you're watching the show with someone who is not tweeting.  My fave part was how the nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress were introduced by a panel of five other actors.  It was incredibly moving.  Anyway, we have a million things on our to-do list and now the printer has gone down again.  Y'all, I don't make this stuff up.  There's a bright red light and the panel says Drum Error.  We had the same thing fixed/replaced like a month ago.  But no worries--we have a million other things to do and there's always Staples to help with our printing and copying needs.  I know I don't need to remind you that J.P. lives there!

                                                   
                                                                      We Like Pizza

Oscar Sunday

I'm a terribly bad movie-viewer this year.  I have not seen any of the films nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.  I used to make a point to see all of them every year.  But, I guess my life and priorities have changed.  J.P. is not a big fan of the movie theater.  The crowds, noise and distractions can be too much for him.  We are, however, huge fans of Netflix.  I love those little red envelopes.  So quick, convenient and might I add--inexpensive.  Love it.  Although we are shameful in our current-movie-viewing, it doesn't take away the zeal with which we'll watch the Red Carpet and the Oscars this evening.  I'm hoping my friend Monica will join us.  I asked her, "What should we eat on Oscar night?  She texted me back, "Obviously.  Filet oscar."  Well babe, if you can handle the "oscar" part...J.P. and I will take care of the filet.  It's so nice to have a lazy Sunday with nothing to do except watch E!, the Barbara Walters Special and then see all of the stars at the Academy Awards.  I think I might be tweeting throughout.  Beware of some colorful tweets--Monica and I can get pretty vicious!

                                       
                                                                             Filet Oscar

In Through the Outbox

Since yesterday evening, I have six e-mails stuck in my Outbox.  They just won't send.  I'm receiving e-mails to Ryan@JohnPalmerArt.com but I just can't send them.  It's very frustrating.  By mid-morning if they haven't sent I'll send them via my Hotmail account.  I've tried dragging them to Drafts and then re-sending.  I've tried restarting the computer.  I've checked my account settings.  I even, in good humor, picked up the computer and shook it a little bit.  Still, six message sit around in my Outbox.  I just love that moment when the little visual at the bottom of the screen (Sending message 1 of 6 with two folders and an arrow going from the first folder to the second) finally times out, gives up and then turns into a bold Send/Receive Error with a giant red exclamation point.  Like, why don't they just use the same doorway?  I mean, why can e-mails come in but they won't go out?  It reminds me of one of my favorite Prince Rogers Nelson songs, "Raspberry Beret."  
Yeah.  I was working part time in a five-and-dime.  My boss was Mr. McGee.  He told me several times that he didn't like my kind. Cause I was a bit 2 leisurely.  Seems that I was busy doing something close 2 nothing.  But different than the day before.  That's when I saw her, ooh, I saw her.  She walked in through the out door, out door.
Do you see what I'm saying?  Why can't my e-mails go out through the in-door?  I just love Raspberry Beret and thinking about that fabulous song has made my morning all smiles.  Besides the puzzling "in through the out door" reference, I like how she wore a raspberry beret and if it was warm she wouldn't wear much more.  First off, Prince Rogers Nelson grew up in Minneapolis and I'm pretty sure you've gotta be smoking hot if you're walking around in that chilly town in nothing but a beret, you know?  And finally, how much do you love the picture that goes along with today's John Palmer Art Blog?  Sometimes I even surprise myself.

                                                         
                                                                       The Beret Heard Round the World
                                                              Don't Think that Purple Scarf was on Accident

A Sweet Ride

Guys, we've now had a very interesting sign-up for the Jane & Company Project: ferrets.  I'm not kidding.  We got the images yesterday too.  There is one where a sweet ferret is eyeballing a terrier and has a bag of Doritos in his mouth.  J.P. almost died he's so incredibly anxious to get started on that dynamic piece.  If you haven't realized--the Jane & Company pet portrait project is open to all types of furry friends, amphibians and equines.  Sweet Lady Jane Palmer does not discriminate with those in her company.  She lovingly associates with all animals--and she would adore for you to bring your favorite on board (Ryan@JohnPalmerArt.com)!!  Oh, and it's definitely not too late just give the John Palmer Art Studio a ring at 713-861-6726.  So, after a full day of work yesterday (J.P. spent a lot of time at Staples and I basically didn't get off of the computer) we had a blast at the Houston Heights Association's kickoff party for the 2010 Spring Home & Garden Tour.  If you recall, our home was actually on the tour last year.  And while the experience was truly incredible and worthwhile---whew...I'm glad this year we just get to "tour"  rather than "host."  The Featured Artist for 2010 is the amazingly talented Kevin Peterson (J.P. was Featured Artist in 2007...sorry, I had to throw that in there...)  Kevin has created a super-out-of-control fabulous painting of the historic Heights Theater plus Steve and Pamela Kunkemoeller's classic Chevrolet.  Gorgeous.  After some great mixing and mingling along with a glass of wine--J.P. and I made our dash for fajitas from Berryhill in the Heights before coming home, devouring the meal and dozing off.  It was a great day.

                                        
                                                                              Artist John Ross Palmer

The Big Screen

The large majority of our time these days is spent on the Jane & Company project.  John is working away on the art pieces (each one is so incredibly dynamic!) while I keep the images for the book project organized, maintain a list of leads and make charitable donations on behalf of the participants.  Yesterday we sent out two more checks--one to the Houston SPCA and another to PAWS Animal Rescue of Alvin, Texas.  We are thrilled with the enthusiasm for the project and J.P. is on a creating-frenzy.  It comes easy for him when he is energized by the pet lovers who want to take part in this unique series.  So, after a long day of work, a powerwalk and a quick scotch, John and I enjoyed an evening with our friends Todd and Cindy Parker.  Recently, we commissioned Todd (STP Images) for a casual photo shoot of us at work in the art studio.  Last night we joined them in their fabulous Montrose studio to have a glimpse at the pictures.  I was definitely a tad nervous because, well, while I like to look at pictures of J.P.--I'm sometimes not too keen on viewing ones of myself.  What added to the nerves is that Todd had explained that we would be viewing the images as projected on a huge white wall.  If I don't like a picture of myself, it really does not help things when it's magnified times a hundred, you know?  Anyway, after a Miller Lite (or 2) and some great conversation--we watched as Todd and Cindy displayed the images for us.  It was totally outstanding.  They did such a perfect job of capturing our spirits in our shared work space.  I actually love the ones of me at the lap top--and my favorite is of John sitting on the floor where you can see the paint splattered all over the floor and the wall behind him.  The fun-filled evening was finalized with a delicious meal at Ruggles Green on West Alabama.  I really have no clue what was green about my pepperoni pizza--I just know it was out-of-control delicious.  Many thanks to Todd and Cindy for an awesome night--today the John Palmer Art Blog is most definitely dedicated to you!

                                            
                                                                 J.P. at the Studio of Todd & Cindy Parker

She Protects Us

Yesterday I had a long visit with John's mom.  She stopped by our place mid-day because her volunteer appointment with S.I.R.E. was cancelled.  Because John was out at a meeting across town, it was a really nice opportunity for me to catch up with her.  We laughed about the technical difficulties we had both been recently experiencing (she in terms of appliances and me in terms of all-things-computer-related).  It got me to thinking about when we first moved in our house--when John and I were finding our way around how things worked.  For example, I had never owned a gas stove.  I now get it...but at the time I thought it was a little scary, you know?  Anyway, also around the time we first moved in, we threw a housewarming party.  My mom even flew in town for it--she was so excited to see our new place.  In typical J.P. and Ryan (ok...more Ryan) fashion, it was a stock-the-bar housewarming event.  The E-vite had some cute rhyme about how Ryan preferred red and John liked white.  We were inundated with booze.  It was fabulous.  Well, John's mom also attended, and rather than alcohol, she presented us with a 3.5 ft. tall icon of the Virgin of Guadalupe.  She had gotten it for us during her then-recent travels around the State of Texas.  While in the moment of receiving the gift I don't think John or I knew exactly how to react--but nevertheless, we adore it!  We keep her in our private sitting area adjacent to the art studio.  We believe she is powerful and keeps an eye out for our health and well-being.  I guess after yesterday's post you must think I'm a little obsessed with signs and the power of spirituality.  Well, I guess maybe I am.

                                              
                                                                  Our Lady of Guadalupe

23

I don't talk about my friend Erika on the John Palmer Art Blog nearly enough.  She and her husband Nico live in Atlanta and we don't get to see them as much as I would love to.  I thought about her last night because I experienced one of those occasions that she would truly get.  Have you ever had an out-of-body experience?  When Erika and I used to hang out a lot we would have them all the time.  So much so, we shortened the name of the occasion and casually referred to it as being "Double O B."  Ok Erika, well I had one last night.  John stayed at home working ("the Hardest Working Man in the Art Business") and I went to pick up our dinner from Barnaby's in Montrose (Chinese Chicken Salad and Hamburger with Fries--we split both).  After getting the food I wanted to pick up a bottle of wine so I pulled into the Fairway Liquor store.  As I was pulling into the parking lot I noticed that a transient man was walking along the sidewalk and would be nearing the door as I pulled in.  Oh no.  Please don't make eye contact.  But of course..."Hey man, how are you?"  "Great, thank you."  He enters and walks to the counter (left) as I go to the right to get the wine.  He's still at the counter (purchasing a small bottle of Jim Beam) as I walk up behind him.  He tells me that the reason he has money is because it was a reward he received from reporting a robbery of a laptop out of an automobile.  Now, here's where I think it ventures into Double O B territory.  He says, "Do you know who that is?"  "Who?"  "That voice, that's the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."  And it was.  The radio was playing his I Have a Dream speech.  He then asks me, "Do you have a favorite part of that speech?"  I said that I do.  He told me that he did too--and that he couldn't remember it exactly but it was at the end.  By this time I had paid and needed to get out of the store.  Of course, I'm followed.  He keeps his distance but still wants to talk.  He tells me that he knows I'm a good person because I have the decal on my car for the 100 Club Survivor's Fund.  Then, he asks if I would do him a favor.  "I don't want your money.  I just want you to read the 23rd Psalm when you get home."  How long do you think I was home before I had read it?  I'm guessing four minutes maximum.  Now, I am not intending to take our little art blog into the realm of the religious, but, I do want to share it with you:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

John and I agreed.  This was a powerful sign.  Erika, call me later.

                                    
                                                                                    Still Waters

EMP

It was a stunning Sunday.  John had the house and his latest works looking perfect as we welcomed a great number of guests to the mid-afternoon John Palmer Open Studio.  I will tell you--although we had great conversations with all of those that attended--I think our minds were a little bit elsewhere.  We knew that this Monday morning John was going to personally call of the applicants for the 2010 Escapist Mentorship Program--and then I would be blogging and announcing those selected online.  I want to say once again--all of the applications received were extremely remarkable.  Based on the scoring of the judges, the following three individuals have been accepted to the 2010 John Palmer Escapist Mentorship Program (in alphabetical order by last name):

1.  Kelley Devine
2.  Ryan Fugate
3.  Edgar Medina

Each of these individuals answered Question No. 4., Why do most artists not make it as a full-time professional artist?  Why are you different?

Kelley explains regarding part one: Most artists don't make it as full time professional artists because they never try.  Art is a profession seldom supported by family members and generally (albeit erroneously) perceived as irresponsible.  It also needs to be treated as a business, which is difficult to do because art is inherently attached to its creator and vice versa.

Edgar elaborates on part one: Most artists do not make it as a fulltime professional because these certain artists take on this task as a hobby rather than a career.

Ryan tells you why he is different: I think I am different because I have had perseverance, and had the courage to challenge the beliefs and assumptions about myself and the courage to grow and change.  Gotta focus on the possibilities and not the limitations.

Congratulations to the 2010 John Palmer Escapists!  You're most-definitely in for a fun and exciting ride! 

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