At times I long to contribute to the myth that artistic endeavors are about capturing beauty, intense emotion, or harnessing passion but the unromantic aspect about it for some is simply that it is nothing more than another bottle to crawl out of, a welcome distraction, or solace we can unapologetically escape into from the rest of the world. In the absence of sentimentality, there can lie a functional purpose.

In this case the purpose is clear labeling for recycling bins. We don’t have curbside recycling here, and it is the responsibility of the occupant to deliver recyclables to town center and sort them according to classification in rows of dumpsters. Surprisingly community participation is higher than in areas of the county where curbside recycling is available.

There are attendants on site to assist the elderly and those with mobility issues. The town has contracted those positions to a local agency that specializes in placing people with special needs in jobs. For the community it a win-win.

After months spending time separating items on site and double and triple handling things, I accumulated enough cat litter containers to recycle accepted items. It worked well until the attendants cleaned out the back of my vehicle for me and tried to hijack my bins. It wasn’t malicious. They were simply trying to be of use and recycle all recyclable containers.

This prompted a labeling spree on my part. Form follows function, and though less passionate, clear identification improves communication. Each container has five labels, in order to cover all product labels and so that no matter how the bin is positioned the contents are easily visible. Of the five labels for each bin, there are three different illustrations done in gel pen and marker (mostly because I need the practice).

II don’t usually discuss the time I spend on a project, but this project took more time than I anticipated (weeks instead of days). When I finished spread the labels out to justify the labor and felt a little better about it…twenty-four different designs and forty illustrations in all.

Technical Blah, Blah,Blah: The containers used are cat litter bins (35 -40 lb. capacity) with an attached hinged lid, which seal tightly and keep odors restrained (even kitchen compost). Each label is laminated to prevent moisture from damaging the illustrations. Label sizes are: 7.375″ x 6″, 5,5″ x 7.375″, and 7.5″ x 7.375″.

Below are samples of each label size and a finished product photo. If you wish to view a pdf file of all twenty-four different illustrations leave me a message in the comments and I will email you copy with the understanding that you are permitted to print out for your own personal use, but you are not permitted to distribute or claim credit for my designs in any way.

Miscellaneous Landscape (Colorado?)
Mixed Media: Latex paint, oil pastel and watercolor on masonite panel
19.375″ X 7.75″

The days have been enveloped in the soulless minutia that is a dull, yet delightfully undramatic life. Perhaps a little too censored.

Click for a larger view of thumbnail

Alas Poor Yorick
(9.125″ X 13.5″)

Honestly, I’m not much of a Shakespeare fan. In fact of all the works I was required to read, this is the only line remember, and it has more to do with watching L.A. Story than the fortitude required for wading through the King’s English.

This a small study executed from a cheap, plastic budget friendly skull I use for a reference model. The media is a combination of latex house paint, charcoal and graphite on canvas. Admittedly the color choices are a bit odd, but they are leftover from various house projects and oops paint purchased at the hardware store.

Gluteus
(11.875″ X 9.5″)

This mixed media work is comprised of latex paint, china, marker, charcoal, and graphite executed on masonite panel.

Both pieces were attempts to erect some semblance of composition from chaos. In other words, neither was planned. The base painting was done with no regard for composition or subject matter, the idea being allowing the base layers to dictate forms that would work. Neither piece reflects the destination I see for my creative attempts, merely stops along the journey, yet both allowed the opportunity to explore media compatibility and abuse it.

There can be a fine line between a routine that drives us forward and brings us purpose and one that bores us in all its monotony after the third month of engaging in physical relations on the same evening of the week after the same mediocre television series in the same position. While it true, we do need moments that are almost sure things to look anticipate, we also need enough flexibility to maximize the potential of each available moment.

Rather than relate all the tediousness of what has become current routine, I’ll just say, I found a rhythm that is working…you know for the moment…or until it ceases to work. Such is everything. Life wouldn’t be what it is if we were denied opportunities to adapt.

When things go well, I am tight lipped, and when things go poorly, I am also tight lipped. Sans the complaining. I’m not sure why I bother. In general, I expect things to go poorly, and when things go well, I am suspicious. I suppose complaining is my way of gloating about knowing things wouldn’t go well to begin with. Nothing like congratulating yourself on being right about shitty things, eh?

Anywho.

I function with a minimal sense of routine. Though there is a dullness in repetition, there is also, knowing there is time set aside for creative interests. I have difficulty setting aside time to do things I enjoy, if there are other tasks or responsibilities that need to be done. My Better Half suffers from the opposite affliction, and I envy him for it.

Chalk Pastel