Helplessness Blues

It’s been a while since I’ve shared music with you.

While this song isn’t new, it has been rattling around my brain, itching to be featured on the O/R blog.

If I had to pick ONE song to encapsulate my entire year, it would be Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues. The earnestness and honesty of the track moved me tears upon my first listen (virtual tears, people). Sonically, it’s transcendent. Lyrically, it’s inspiring and affirming. The singer envisions a future where he works with his hands, doing something that is meaningful and literally fruitful. He longs to serve something beyond himself, but admits, “I don’t really know what that will be / I’ll get back to you someday soon / you’ll see.” I don’t know of any better summation of my personal mindset or the zeitgeist of my generation.

I adore this song. If you’re like me — in a stage of  redefinition and transition, take the time to listen to it. I’m tempted to include some lyrics here, but that may keep you from listening as intently. The magic really starts about three minutes in, when the tempo changes.

Join the Conspiracy

Admit it. We dread the holiday season. The endless shopping lists, the hustling in crowded stores, and the first-of-November bombardment of Christmas tunes make our time with family and friends less about celebration and more about survival. Americans spend $450 billion dollars annually on gifts that don’t mean much (electronic toys that are obsolete in 3 months, sweaters, socks and ties that are never worn), yet we’re pressured to gauge our love by how many dollars we spend.

This holiday season can be different. Check out this short video from The Advent Conspiracy, an organization that reminds us that the true reason for the upcoming season is Jesus and the relationships we nurture with those closest to us.

Their concept is simple, but perhaps not easy:

Worship Fully (Turn the focus back on Jesus and the Incarnation and away from obligatory spending and giving).

Spend Less (Make more gifts by hand, give the gift of your presence, make food and share meals with one another).

Give More (Use the money that you didn’t spend on Tickle-Me-Elmo dolls and invest it in a mission that will have a greater impact, like Kiva.org and Water.org or invest in your favorite charities to adopt local families that are in need).

Love All (Love those who are often forgotten this time of year, such as those in nursing homes or other care facilities. Look for opportunities to serve in the margins (homeless, at-risk youth, the ailing, etc).

To learn more about The Advent Conspiracy, click here.

Let’s make this year an extraordinary celebration. I’m eager to hear your ideas.

 

2011 ART-CARD Preview

The 2011 holiday season is quickly approaching, and it’s not stealthy. Starbucks is already rolling out the holiday cups and decor and just this morning I saw workers installing the Mayor’s Christmas tree in at Crown Center.

This holiday season, I’m hoping to make/craft/create more gifts than I purchase. Consequentially,  I’m really excited to be working on a new batch of Art-Cards. What the blazes are Art-Cards? I’m so glad you asked. This is my third series of over-sized postcards that feature my artwork from the year. The images are representative of my interests and pursuits, and each card features a comment on the back side that shares my thoughts on the image. The series includes concert photos, illustrations, sketches and snapshots of art projects, quotes, and more. These cards are fully functionable– both as postcards and as art you can exhibit. You can mail to a friend, hang them on your wall, or use them as bookmarks — whatever. In the past, these cards have been a great way for me to share ideas that I normally couldn’t: a great memory of a concert experience, or a behind the scenes look at a creative endeavor.

Now, If I can only get them all done before New’s Years.

Less Talk More Art: Pop-Up Card

I’m starting a new category with this post called Less Talk More Art. Sometimes, I just want to share pictures from my current projects or ideas I’m sketching without concept or pontification.

I’m cheap thrifty creative, so I made this pop-up birthday card with re-purposed cardboard, markers and a hot glue gun. I’m pleased with the results. This one was pretty simple; hopefully in the future, I can build on this design and add more pieces.