Avengers West Coast

Marvel Comics

Avengers West Coast #82

New Art Experiment

I have been testing a process in which I transfer images from a photo-copy or printed image onto canvas or other surface. This is done with a layer of matte gel medium, then rubbing off the excess paper. Somewhat time-consuming, but it achieves a stunning effect if done properly. 

The top image was taken from a digital photo-manipulation that was printed off about 10 years ago. The bottom image was mostly painted the traditional way (torso and wings), the head was extracted from a photo copy of a literature book that I had kept since high school (Mr. Hyde). 

JFK

High resolution scan of LIFE magazine November 29, 1963 cover.

The size of the magazine at that time made it difficult to scan the entire cover, hence the cropping. To the left it reads: 

PRESIDENT 

JOHN F. 

KENNEDY 

- 

1917 

1963

July Tumblr Archive

Star Trek Book Cover Scans

Adventures in Tech Support: Life and Death

Very often, I speak with people who act like the use of their cellphone is a matter of life and death. I can relate. I hyperventilate if I misplace my phone, I get angry when it doesn't work right, and I moan and groan when it takes forever Facebook takes forever to load.

What I don't do is unload on some unsuspecting stranger on the other end of a customer service line. I realize that we are there as a sounding board. I really do get that. I guess what I don't get is why some people feel the need to make their problem someone else's problem too.

"I don't think you realize how urgent this is. This is my business line and this will happen if I don't get my calls: my boss will fire me, I will lose this multi-million dollar deal, and all of kingdom come will be reduced to ashes."

First, I do realize how urgent it is. I want to fix this and move on to the next call. I will smile and nod and fix your issue, credit your account, and I'll even wash your car. I will stroke your ego and make you feel like the king of the world, just don't tell me how the planet will become an inferno if I don't fix this right this second.

What I will never understand is why people back themselves into corners like this. If your line of communication is so important, have a back-up plan. If you don't have a backup plan, at least allow for some downtime.

We have become such a culture of entitlement that we weep and sob when our internet connection goes down. "Please enjoy these photos of starving African children whilst I repair your BlackBerry."

Just remember, the brief moments that you are having difficulties is the payback for the 99.9% of the rest of the time that everything works like a charm.

The Great Blue Dismal

Most people try to avoid looking down into a potable toilet. I do too, but there is something gripping about it. Once my glance hits the soggy pile of toilet tissue, rancid  blue turds and cigarette butts; my mind atomically starts reeling. 

“This is the human race. In all its glory. State-of-the-art chemicals and plastics all to encompass this cocktail of human waste.”