plastoblog

Anthom - Anatomy of a Commissioned Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 23:03:00 +0000

This is a visual record of my latest large-scale painting entitled, Anthom, a gigantic canvas for a couple in Chicago, IL. I was commissioned to create a painting (measuring at least 4 ft. x 7 ft.) to adorn the entrance of their music studio. To respect their privacy, I will refer to the couple as "Doris" and "Boris."

This record starts from the final (locked) piece and ends at the beginning; with a roll of blank canvas. Since my paintings go through such dramatic transformations during their evolution, I figured the buyers would be interested in the process that led to the massive canvas that will soon greet them daily.

With a commission like this, I start by sending out my version of a Myers-Briggs questionnaire. The answers to these ever-evolving set of questions helps to form at least the semblance of a shared language; a rudimentary primer of the recipient's tastes and personality. I ask for truthful responses to questions about passionate likes and dislikes; musical tastes; memory scars, and so on.

Below are 12 pictures of the finished "final." You can click any picture to enlarge it...

Final.1

Final.2

Final.3

Final.4

Final.5

Final.6

Final.7

Final.8

Final.9

Final.10

Final.11 (a removable tile with Doris' current marathon status. Her goal is to run a marathon in all 50 states)...

Final.12 (a tile for when Doris runs in every state + a blank tile for a future/miscellaneous goal)

***END OF FINALS***

This is roughly the point of the final (locked) layer, give or take a few tiny alterations and/or additions...

Creating musical notations above the Firebird's scepter (explained further below)...

The right side of this Plastormian Firebird directs Boris to his inner-sanctum (his drum studio). It is both a reminder and a call-to-arms; an Anthom. The Firebird holds a scepter of Boris' skills and power: a Zildjian drumstick fused with a ruler. It’s a visual amalgamation of his skills as both a craftsman and a drummer. In my view, both of those skills interplay with each other; an essential symbiosis of his logical reasoning and creative gut. The force of that scepter forms musical notes that slowly bloom into original tones...

A colorful change to the Firebird's bottom claws...

...Because that section kept gnawing at me, for unknown reasons...

From the picture below (and up) -- it's on! I "see" the finished piece and all its components. Now, it's just a matter of rolling up the sleeves and putting in the hours. At this point in a piece, I'm obsessed. I work on it night and day -- then dream about it once I finally pass out. I jot marker notes all over my hands and forearms. I ignore emails. Eat shitty food. Send apologies to friends and loved ones...

It's at this point that I "see" the two central figures (Doris and Boris) performing a delicate dance with darkness and light. As if each were balancing those two blankets, intertwined with each other. Black was needed to give the figures strength and contrast. Too much black would have swallowed the piece; too much white would have dulled it. The trick was finding the perfect balance between those two colors...

The “epiphany” of the piece occurred during my research of Alter Bridge (a band I had never heard of before). I spent hours working to a Spotify mix of both Alter Bridge and Foo Fighters (the two bands listed as Boris' favorites). I’m of the belief that fully absorbing one’s musical anthems provides, at the very least, a cursory glance at that person’s interior dialogue. So, as I’m working all day to the music, the songs on a specific Alter Bridge album started to infect the movements of my brush. The central figure started to form wings that stretched the width of the canvas. And then, as I looked over to the album cover art on Spotify’s preview window, my “A-HA!” moment…

BAM! The Blackbird that would become the catalyst of the painting’s overall structure...

At this point, I'm still not satisfied with the colors. The blue was too soft, the white, too boring. Strong elements are starting to stick -- but I'm still not feeling much for the piece's central "humanoid"...

This is the point where I'm ready to start blocking things out. This can be difficult as you find yourself becoming attached to certain figures or quadrants. Years ago, this phase was like quicksand. The fear of losing the entire structure was often paralyzing. With experience, I've learned that it's all just part of the process. Keep the things you love, poke the things that don't. Before long, even those "precious" sections become outdated and are easily outvoted...

At this point, I know I'm getting somewhere. I can just "feel" it. But most of the canvas is still nothing but a nebulous cloud of shapes and color...

With Anthom, even at this early stage, “miracles” started to occur. A layout for music presented itself on the far right. The central characters started to materialize on the far left and center. As mentioned previously, Doris is a marathon runner. So "feet," "legs," and "stability" were echoing through my head during the entire process. If you look to the far left of the picture below, you'll see a printout of the answered questionnaire. I highlighted the resonant sections and referred to them frequently. There's also a printout of the wall the finished painting will hang on...

Working through the visual chaos until patterns and meaning start to emerge. Sprocket, always somewhere near...

This is the basic starting point of the painting (somewhere around layer 12). The point where patterns started to emerge...

And, the start. The cutting/measuring of the blank canvas roll...

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Do Not Panik

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:32:00 +0000

With 95% of my summer upgrades now complete...

I am happily back to work on numerous paintings. I currently have more than a dozen new pieces in various states.

The warm weather has allowed me the freedom to stretch out into the yard, giving me the space needed to take this gigantic piece out of the studio...

...and fine-tune the last layers the sun...

I also completed another gigantic canvas. This one, created under an avalanche of emotions...

By the time that tempest subsided, I realized the canvas had preserved that unrestrained catharsis perfectly. The storm that produced this piece ended up being just what the “doctor" ordered. It allowed me to disburden all of those frenzied thoughts and maudlin emotions. While I don’t normally leave pieces so raw, I had to come to terms with the fact that even the slightest revision could bring down the entire structure. The piece knew it was done, long before I did.

I just sold this piece to a buyer in London...

And this piece marks my first use of electric paint...

With things so busy, I'm finding less and less time to blog. So this will probably be my last post for awhile. I'm going to try to integrate these little informational updates into the quarterly sections of my website.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

The Upgrades of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 May 2014 17:43:00 +0000

At this point, I'm about half-done with my studio upgrade projects. But because I'm a guy who gets easily carried away with things, that project list continues to evolve. Not content with just buying solar panels — I foolishly embarked on a plan to BUILD MY OWN PANELS. And that plan has required more hours than I originally planned on! But once I get the wiring run and the fundamentals of voltage worked out — you’ll know where to run during the inevitable Zombie Apocalypse...

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Shhhhhh. Plastorm is resting.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:35:00 +0000

If you'll allow me this brief, public pat on my own hairy back -- I can now safely report that I've hit all of my gallery deadlines and deliveries! And while I've most likely forgotten important dates, damaged friendships, and ignored my cat -- I was able to pull together enough new pieces to complete 4 group shows and 2 solo exhibitions in less than 6 months. And while this might not seem like much of a triumph to those artists more seasoned than myself -- I'm going to close this chapter as one of my proudest accomplishments. I fucking did it.

>>end chapter.

So, what now? My plan is to drop to a lower artistic gear for the next few weeks; by no means any kind of full stoppage -- but simply setting the dial back a tad behind 11. I've got months worth of house repair, cleaning, and renovations to get to.

I'm really looking forward to getting back to the lengthy solitude of unencumbered studio work. And by the time I get back from Paris in early April, my batteries should be full of loaf, slack, and a head full of Parisian imagery. If I know anyone in or around Paris, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to meet up with some like-minded folks during my visit.

•••

After weeks of tinkering in a studio cluttered with the remnants of disassembled circuit boards and solar LED's, I am finally finished with this piece...

kwisatz haderach

14x55

Mixed Media on canvas mounted on reclaimed wood cabinet

2014

Inventory#0212

This is what happens when I fixate on a book in the studio for too long! In this case, Frank Herbert's, Dune. The piece is my interpretation of the "kwisatz haderach," and the effects of gene-splicing an Arrakian sandworm with a Guild Navigator.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

March Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 23:52:00 +0000

With the close of another successful show, the latest at the 12x16 Gallery in February, I'm proud to announce that my next will be in the company of 3 other artists far more established and deserving than myself. Portland Four, featuring the work of Alison O’Donoghue, Michael Hensley, Tara Murino-Brault, and myself opens on March 10th at OSU's Concourse Gallery...

Here's a stacked glimpse at the pieces I'll be including in the show...

One of my favorite pieces to be included is this one...

The Inner Light

40x71

Canvas tapestry mounted on welded aluminum, affixed to a burnt wooden beam reclaimed from local house fire. The piece also contains a crushed flower pilfered from one of my oldest books, the flowered hairs of one of my first paint brushes, and a clipping from a train ticket saved from my trip to India.

As always, I'm currently busy with innumerable pieces in various states of undress. I'm taking a bit more time than usual to complete most of them due to the fact that I've started experimenting with integrating electric paint and homemade circuity into various pieces. All of that is still very much in a "beta" stage, but I'm confident this will all bare glittering fruit as soon as I get a better handle on the proper design and implementation of such effects...

The piece that started me on this electrified quest was this one...

...which I've tentatively entitled, ~~Kwisatz~~ Haderach. It's soooo close to being done -- but still needs... something -- and that unknown variable has something to do with integrated circuitry. At this point, I really have no idea where that will lead -- but will find out once I learn the basic fundamentals of circuits and micro-controllers.

Haderach was the inevitable fallout of revisiting Frank Herbert's Dune by listening to the magnificent audiobook while working in the studio. Which also led to this (recently completed) metal piece...

Sardaukar

17x12

Mixed Media on sheet metal, floating on tension spring frame

As another example of how the media I'm listening to at a given time while in the studio affects my work, the piece below...

...which I've entitled, Somwhere Unforgivon, is the result of listening to Beck's new album, Morning Phase on an endless loop. As someone who considers Beck's Sea Change one of my all-time favorite albums, I've been waiting for this sequel for years.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

February Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 00:32:00 +0000

Currently hard at work on more than a dozen new paintings. Although, the piece below has swallowed up most of my time. It continues to grow. And I don't see that changing any time soon. While its ultimate form is pretty much set, there are a ton of little details (and narrative elements) to attend to...

I've committed myself to dedicate equal time to smaller paintings. While I naturally gravitate towards larger canvases, I've come to learn that smaller pieces are (obviously) more accessible to both new and seasoned collectors. So, while smaller canvases take twice as long to complete -- I've come to recognize the importance of smaller, more affordable pieces. And with that, I give you my Battle-Crow™, standing before the breach, initiating its mechanized armor...

•••

My show, Hopeful Monsters closed on Sunday. And it was a gigantic success! I can't thank the members of the 12x16 Gallery enough for inviting me to show as a Guest Artist. Here are just a few of the walls...

•••

My next exhibition, a group show entitled, Four Portland Artists will commence on March 10th at the Memorial Union Art Gallery at Oregon State University.

•••

And finally, my studio is now LIVE, via WEBCAM!

Rather than turn the camera off and on and wrestle with self-conscious stage-fright, I opted to just leave the camera on 24/7 (barring any technical difficulties). But be warned! It's always on -- so like a mysterious box of Plastormian chocolates -- you never know what you're going to get. From serious work, to drunken weekend benders, to me standing around scratching my ass -- this is a public window into my process. Peek at your own risk. The best time to poke your head in is on the weekends. Due to the winter cold, I've become accustomed to working in the house most weekdays. And you don't get to peek into that world! Nor would you want to.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

New Work for January...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 21:26:00 +0000

Yavin Battle • Space Coyote

54x50

Mixed Media on stretched canvas

2014

Inventory#0207

**The painting above is the one I started during the filming of the Portland Open Studios video seen here:

Here's a few progress pics...

•••

Quartzalcoatl Swallows the Sun

16x34

Mixed Media on sheet metal

2014

Inventory#0205

The Divine Language

12x8

Mixed Media on stretched canvas

2014

Inventory#0206

Cry Freedome
16x34
Mixed Media on sheet metal
2014
Inventory#0204

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

And on the 28th Day, He Rested. I Think...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 04:07:00 +0000

These are some of the new pieces that will be part of my Hopeful Monsters exhibition opening at the 12x16 Gallery in January '14. Artist's Reception will be on Sunday, January 5th, 2 - 4 pm.

More info on the individual pieces HERE

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Hopeful Monsters, Christmas Day gallery prep...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 20:31:00 +0000

Getting a bit of prep work done before stuffing my face for the second day in a row...

Hopeful Monsters, January 3 - February 4, 2014!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:29:00 +0000

Here's the official postcard for Hopeful Monsters, my January show at the 12x16 Gallery. I've been working like a crazy person -- through rain, sleet, and snow storms to fill up this room with new work (art pictured is from the gallery's current invitational show)...

At this point, I should have a dynamic mix of both large and small pieces, with an emphasis on smaller, more easily displayed "Monsters."

For those who couldn't make my November show -- and those who just want more! More! More! Stop by during my Artist's Reception on Sunday, January 5th @ 2-4pm.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Winter Gruff

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:32:00 +0000

Working hard to meet my January deadlines, despite the freezing temperatures...

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

No Sleep Til ...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:32:00 +0000

My plans to sit back and relax for the next couple of weeks have met a quick and untimely demise. While I'm battered, bruised, and exhausted, I just couldn't say no to the offer of another solo show -- even if it takes place less than two months after my current exhibition. So with that in mind, my show, Hopeful Monsters opens at Portland's 12x16 Gallery on Sunday, January 5th, 2014.

In other news...

Just finished the 5 panels that will be part of the Peoples Art of Porltand's Big 400 show, opening Saturday, Dec 14.

The show will exhibit the work of hundreds of local artists, each given the same 8x8 wood panels. All work sells for $40/per piece ($30/artist, $10/gallery & Oregon Food Bank)
All work is cash and carry! Meaning, you like a piece - you buy it and leave with it then and there. It's an extremely popular event that makes art accessible to anyone, no matter artist or income.

These are the pieces I will be submitting to the show...

Beware the Overlove of your Own Spirituality

Sabertooth Strisand

Quantum Simper

Alterd State

Thanks for All the FLish!

In other, other news, it looks like 2014 is going to be a very busy year! Details to come.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Coming Up For Much Needed Air

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:57:00 +0000

I think I worked harder over the past few months than at any other point in my life. But to be perfectly clear, that is by no means a complaint. There have been so many moments in my life when I felt so alone and so empty my actions felt like nothing more than moving greasy bubbles in a draining bathtub. And while I might once again find myself standing before the echoey doldrums of that aimless existence, it certainly won't be in the immediate future.

I finally made it through the two big events I've been working towards all year. The first, was Portland Open Studios, 2013. And it turned out to be everything I had worked towards...

I wasn't even sure if anyone would show up! But by the second weekend, we lost track of visitors. I even had the honor and pleasure of being chosen for a video segment by a group of Journalism students from the University of Oregon...

The second gigantic goalpost was the opening of my first solo gallery exhibition on November 7, 2013. And let me just say, hanging 30 pieces in a gallery -- all by myself (I needed the alone time to think it all through) was more work than I could have possibly imagined. By opening night, my body was held together by nothing more than Bengay and adhesive heat-pads. And it was the longest I had ever gone without continuous sleep. But in the end, it was all worth it.

As someone who is constantly running with crazy ideas (in which some work and some fail horribly) it was such a relief to have everything come together perfectly...

But that's not to say that I wasn't completely freaking out an hour before...

But by night's end, people seemed to have a really good time, I made lots of sales, and we filled the gallery several times over...

A slideshow of the night can be found HERE

So much more to talk about, with many new dates, but I'm going to spend the next couple of weeks loafing.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Mythicons Opens Tonight! 6PM. Gallery 114. Portland, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Mythicons (exhibition preview) from Plastorm on Vimeo.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

1st Weekend of Portland Open Studios 2013 (postmortem)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:35:00 +0000

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from my first experience with Portland Open Studios. Would anybody show? Would I have everything ready in time? Would guests feel welcomed and comfortable in the tent contraption I built around the entrance of my studio?

I'm happy to report that the answer was yes on all counts. The weekend proved to be an exhilarating and exhausting whirlwind of activity. The guests were all polite and inquisitive (well, except for that one person).

I was also asked to participate in a video segment produced by a group of students from the University of Oregon's PDX Arts Journalism Experience 2013. The students did a great job editing around my constant foot-in-mouth (a small portion of that still intact during the intro)...

Last weekend was the first time I had facilitated any kind of art event with my mother, who graciously baked enough cookies and treats for an army, and also greeted guests along with my partner. I couldn't have made it through the weekend without them.

Onto the next weekend! Which is just as much of a mystery!

•••
The second (and last) weekend of Portland Open Studios will take place on October 19th & 20th from 10AM - 5PM.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Re-prepping for Portland Open Studios 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 21:05:00 +0000

I was incredibly proud of myself for setting up the backyard tent and connecting it to my studio weeks before the October 12th start of Portland Open Studios...

BUT THAT WAS BEFORE THE GREAT PORTLAND WINDSTORM OF OUGHT'13!

I woke up that saturday morning to discover a huge chunk of our neighbor's tree had fallen on the tent, crushing a few poles and tearing a good-sized hole in the fabric. Fearing more damage, I was forced to completely remove the canopy. Which ended up being the right decision as the worst of the wind was still to come. I spent the bulk of that weekend chasing pieces of my home and studio across the neighboring yards. The gusts became so strong I had to tether awnings, poles -- even chairs to the ground...

When all was said and done, I was left with a big mess...

So with less than a week until the PDXOS opening, it was time for fixing, patching, and re-prep...

And deciding what to pieces to display, and what to keep under wraps until the opening of my solo gallery exhibition on November 7th...

There's still so much to do, but the tent is going to work out wonderfully. I'll have more than enough space for viewing, food, kids, conversation, and work areas. My hope is that some visitors will want to grab a piece of art paper and make something themselves.

I've outfitted the tent with enough heaters to keep it warm and dry, no matter the weather. Cords, covers, and general aesthetics will all get worked out before Saturday, making the scene below much more presentable...

Looking forward to the start of Portland Open Studios on Saturday, October 12! For tickets and information please visit their official website

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

It's Official! My First Solo Gallery Show Opens Thursday, Nov 7th!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:22:00 +0000

(click to enlarge)

•••

I've also been invited to participate in The Peoples Art of Portland's Big400 art show, opening in December. It's a great gallery with likeminded goals. I'm excited to have 5 panels included in the show. More details to come!

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Prep for Portland Open Studios 2013 has begun!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:56:00 +0000

My first Portland Open Studios is just weeks away. And because it's nearly impossible for me to keep things small, I've already started with prep and setup.

While my studio is big enough for my own needs...

I needed a way to accommodate more visitors and have enough room for a "Work in Progress," "Kids Painting Studio," and "Gallery" area. The solution? I purchased a gigantic party tent (with the worst installation instructions ever put to paper):

The tent took longer to setup than I care to share. Suffice it to say, I outlasted the pets...

By the time Saturday, October 12th (first day of Portland Open Studios) arrives, I should have an impressive setup...

Mother Plastorm (who just retired to Portland over the summer) has graciously volunteered to not only work both weekends as a greeter, but is pretty excited about baking a bunch of cookies for each day of the event. Which -- let's be honest... Regardless of what you think of my art, is worth a visit in and of itself!

More updates to come.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, visit the Portland Open Studios website

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

i wear the black hat® • Regeneration#5

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:15:00 +0000

i wear the black hat®

68x44

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on canvas

September, 2013

Inventory#0188

Regeneration#5

24x55

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, canvas, on reclaimed wood cabinet

September, 2013

Inventory#0187

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

The Secret Lives of Tribbles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 23:42:00 +0000

A series of Plastormian Tribbles commissioned for the creators of Trek in the Park...

The Secret Lives of Tribbles #2,"Psychademis"

12x8

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on stretched canvas

September, 2013

Inventory#0186

SOLD

The Secret Lives of Tribbles #1,"Bothra"

12x8

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on stretched canvas

September, 2013

Inventory#0185

SOLD

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

i've seen the mountaintop

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 22:08:00 +0000

i've seen the mountaintop

35x10

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on reclaimed wood cabinet

August, 2013

Inventory#0184

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Space Crab (Tennis Pro)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:42:00 +0000

Space Crab (Tennis Pro)

36x72

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on Genie Collapsable Canvas

August, 2013

Inventory#0183

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

Civil Servant®

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 20:23:00 +0000

(click images to enlarge)

Civil Servant®

48x24

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on (framed) wood panel

August, 2013

Inventory#0182

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:10:00 +0000

Had more than a few Eureka moments over the weekend!

Threshor®

7.75" Maple Skateboard Deck

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on skateboard deck

August, 2013

Inventory#0181

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

"Maple Street, U.S.A. Late summer. A tree-lined little world of front porch gliders, barbeques, the laughter of children and the bell of an ice cream vendor. At the sound of the roar and the flash of light, it will be precisely 6:43 PM... in the last calm and reflective moment...before the monsters came."

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on canvas

August, 2013

Inventory#0180

I saw it! *but where were you*

Acrylic, ink mop, oil stick, spray paint, paint markers, colored pencil, on (framed) wood panel

August, 2013

Inventory#0179

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com

The Ghosts of our Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:45:00 +0000

While most people would probably describe their grandparents as amazing -- my grandparents were, in fact, amazing.

I didn't have a very good relationship with my grandfather; which is to say, we didn't have a relationship at all. He never approved of my brother and I. That might've had something to do with the fact that he was once an Air Force Major General who was General Eisenhower's personal pilot; and I was a mindless, dreadlocked surfer who showed up to my mother's NASA award ceremony dressed like this...

...And was later suspended from high school for interrupting an assembly about the first Gulf War looking like this...

In any case, I would have loved the opportunity to become better acquainted with my grandfather when I grew into an adult. The man made history on more than a few occasions. But he never said more than a few words to me my entire life and passed away before I was mature enough to make a legitimate effort.

My grandmother, on the other hand, was everything a grandson could hope for. She was a class act...

Kate G. Bennett was warm, witty, and passionate. She never forgot a single birthday, holiday or special occasion. My brother and I received cards with a "little extra" for every such occasion until we were well into our 20s.

As a Marine herself, she was interned with my grandfather in Arlington National Cemetery shortly after her death in 2010...

She was also an avid painter. This was her painting toolbox, recently given to me by my mother who pulled it out of storage after retiring...

I set it on the deck of my studio and open it for the first time. At this point, I discover the ghosts of her craft with a sense of academic wonderment...

...But when I discover a half-worn pencil embedded with her teeth marks, my analytic stature immediately dissolves into a blubbering mass and I truly understand how much I miss her...

I find a stack of notes and letters...

...And pull out a note with her handwriting. I quickly scan the fence that surrounds my backyard to see if anyone is watching their odd, artsy neighbor sob into a toolbox for some inexplicable reason...

...I read a letter from her sister listing recommendations on paint color and art supplies...

...Complete with a "good painting" salutation and a wonderful doodle...

I've now put most of her paint brushes in my studio but, considering how quickly I destroy brushes, I can't bring myself to use them. For now, I'm just glad to have a piece of my amazing grandmother in my studio.

Thank you for reading. See more at www.plastorm.com