Inspiration

In another recent hiatus, I have not published a post in a while. Life gets hectic and things that one does not anticipate unfortunately spring up. I still don’t have access to Photoshop or Illustrator, which kind of limits my creative expression. However, in lieu of digital art programs, I  occasionally produce work via hand.

Above is my rendering of a Marcus Aurelius bust. I recently revisited his ‘Meditations‘ and was inspired to create the above image. ‘Meditations‘ is like cold pizza. It’s great when you first pick it up and just as good (if not better) when you revisit it at a later date.

In ‘Book One: Debts and Lessons,’ Marcus addresses many of the individuals (and Gods) who have influenced him in one way or another. Two individuals and their respective lessons that inspire me are:

‘8. Apollonius

Independence and unvarying reliability, and to pay attention to nothing, no matter how fleetingly, except the logos [rational thought and/or God]. And to be the same in all circumstances – intense pain, the loss of a child, chronic illness. And to see clearly, from his example, that a man can show both strength and flexibility.

…

9. Sextus

… Not to display anger or other emotions. To be free of passion and yet full of love.‘

I’m hoping that this piece will get the momentum going and allow me to continue posting. I forgot how rewarding this process can be.

The Drums – Days

In another installment of my illustration via song, I’ve chosen The Drum’s ‘Days.’ I am absolutely infatuated with Jonny Pierce. The transparency of his emotions in the songs he writes is remarkable. Where other songwriters may allude to how they’re feeling with the use of metaphors and similes, Pierce is unabashedly frank about his emotional and mental state. The band released a commentary version of the album Portamento, which includes Pierce’s explanation on how each song came to fruition.

‘Days’ is my personal favorite, and the inspiration for the illustration above. Pierce describes ‘Days’ as “… a song about two really different extreme emotions that I’ve gone back and forth with my whole life. I think I’ve always had a real fear of being left alone and part of me, this very needy part of me, sometimes feels like I can’t live without someone or something and I take it to such extremes.This song is about coming out of that feeling and out of that mindset and realizing that sometimes the things you think you can’t live without are actually things that you can live without and things you never actually needed in the first place. It’s a song about delusion and figuring out what’s actually important.” 

I’ve felt this way before, and it’s very exhilarating to come to terms with an epiphany like this. As the illustration suggests, it seems bleak and dark at first, but gradually things become manageable, brighter, and better.

[audio http://www.lightningmp3.com/live/58344-TheDrums-Days-_www_flvto_com_.mp3]

And our days go by
And I never needed you
And our days go by
And I never needed you

And I worked so hard
And I killed myself
And you broke my bones
And I sold my soul

And our days go by
And I never needed you
And our days go by
And I never needed you

And I could have been your other
And I could have been your sister
Be your twin brother
I just wanted to be

And our days go by
And I never needed you
And our days go by
And I never needed you

We were just wasting time

And our days go by
And I never needed you
And our days go by
And I never needed you

And our days go by
And I never needed you
And our days go by
And I never needed you

Henry Rollins – Letter to a Young American (Part 1)

I haven’t produced any new work due to holiday travel and apartment hunting (in NYC nonetheless….yikes!). Even so, I still feel compelled to post something of substance.

I’m a huge fan of Henry Rollins. I grew up listening to punk, and Black Flag was one of my favorite bands. Unlike most punk artists which disappear into obscurity after their 15 minutes of fame, Mr. Rollins has consistently remained in the limelight through published literature and spoken word.

This is a video in which Rollins’ addresses America’s disadvantaged youth who, unlike privileged others, have had to struggle to achieve their dreams. It’s quiet inspirational. And although it’s directed towards a younger generation, it still contains various nuggets of wisdom about following one’s dream and passion, which applies to all ages. My favorite quote:

“If you have an idea of what you want to do in your future, you must go at it with almost monastic obsession…”

Brilliant!

If you like this, check out his other videos here. Big Think also has other speakers which you may enjoy. Bill Nye’s series is another favorite of mine.

Gym Rat in Rat Race Illustration

Working in one of the most corporate environments in America, Midtown NYC, it’s very easy to witness the rat race at work. Nothing exemplifies this more than exiting the crowded subway station in the morning, where you have tons of people squirming their way toward the bustling metropolitan horizon.

Everyone sort of looks the same. White-collar shirt, Windsor knotted tie, and usually a distressed or sleep deprived look.

This scenery is not very motivating. So I find that working out on a regular basis helps me combat the drudgery of a 9-to-5 commute. I feel refreshed and energetic and in an overall good mood when on my way to work.

That’s my inspiration for this illustration. The benefits you receive from working out help you manage your overall life, whether it’s work, personal, or social. Stylistically, I wasn’t too fond of the angular (and sterile looking) approach I took, but I feel that it conveyed the notion below very well:

The ‘Rat Race’ is just a little easier when you’re a ‘Gym Rat’