Blake & Sunyatta No.1

Three Poster Concepts

Somewhere during that shoot I did with Blake and Sunyatta, I mentioned that I might like to take a stab at doing a poster for Sunyatta's band, The Helium Tapes. Sunyatta seemed to think that might be an okay idea. That's the impression I got and actually it's something I've wanted to do since she, a few years back, first mentioned the band at that Thai place on Grand, The King & I, with Jill Aboussie, who I hear is now the drummer for the Tapes.

Anyway, here're three ideas for The Helium Tapes, all featuring photographs of Sunyatta Marshall from that shoot I mentioned from 2/9/10, I think. Click on 'em to see 'em big, of course.

The Death of Kennealy's

Kennealy's Pub was a little hole-in-the-wall in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis which was open around 1999, 2000, 2001 and not much longer. Lotta great nights were were enjoyed there by a lotta people I know and knew. Many great shows were witnessed there, but remembered by few, I would imagine. It was a sort of nexus point for what seemed to me to be a lot of warm friendly feelings, magic moments and unexpected and exciting creativity. But like you'd expect, It couldn't last. I guess it was pretty badly mismanaged. I know I had my share of free drinks from outta that bar and I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one. The trio of owners, Steve Kennealy (pictured below), Tim Lehman, and Jack Shannon Scott all died after the fact, one by one, from alcohol-related symptoms and I heard they were dipping into the stock pretty heavily. I don't know. Whatever. Good times can't last. We all know that.

These were shot after the place had closed. I don't remember my occasion for being in the place at that point, but I remember how sad it was to see that little room so quiet and empty and lifeless.

Blurry, Blurry Night 2010

Here're some snapshots from "It's Getting Light" which was my art exhibition with Julie Malone

at Hoffman LaChance Contemporary in St. Louis, January 15th, from 6 - 10 pm (and and a bit beyond).

1. I actually really dislike snapshots, so, yes, I spruced these up in PS a bit with an accordance to how my actual memory has processed that evening.

2. Holding up a camera and a disposable, plastic glass at the same time is actually pretty hard.

3. The show and the evening were really fabulous success, so...

4. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend! You made it a great night for us!
Furthermore, I'd like to thank, Julie, my partner for this event...
Michael Hoffman and Alicia LaChance, our esteemed gallerists in this enterprise, without whom...
Michael Paradise, Mike and Joe Freeman, and Kevin Belford, whose contributions to the production of the work for this show are inestimable...
And, finally, to Nancy Jackson, who knows why.

Here's how it all looked to me.

Thank You, Jennifer Bradford

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann c.1920