The National Channel of Facts (noun): An imaginary channel of facts, especially useful when arguing with someone and need to back up your totally bullshit argument. Example: “Of course all dolphins eat bananas! I saw it on the National Channel of…uh….Facts!”

Etymology: Invented yesterday by one Jesse Aaron, at approximately 3:30pm during a completely pointless argument, over erasers I believe. Or maybe dolphins.

I know that this will come in handy for you all at some point. You’re welcome.

And now for some relevance! Lots of good stuff this week!

Mary and her play!

Check this out! Mary and her play totally landed the front page of the Culture/Life section of our major local newspaper!

Isn’t that the most gorgeous picture of her? And hey, now she’s shared page space with Kevin Smith (who is one of my favourite directors – if you  haven’t seen Dogma, you haven’t lived.)

I am so happy and excited for her. It’s a great article as well, they’ve really done her justice. Woohoo!

Holy smoking moles, I think I finished a painting

I know.

Did anyone check to make sure that the sky is still there? (Yep, it is. And it’s sunny.)

It may need a few little touches here and there, but essentially, it’s finished. It’s like a big block came down. Once I finish one, it’s like dominos – I just start finishing everything in sight. Be prepared for a huge influx of art (Like you’re complaining, right? You’re reading the blog of an artist. It’s kind of expected.)

I’m actually pretty happy with it. This painting has been living in my head for over a year now – it’s the poignancy and the loneliness of that little house sitting on the edge of that great expanse of water. It just completely captured how I feel sometimes – standing on the edge of life, feeling overwhelmed by its hugeness and its possibility.

I’m apparently more persuasive than I thought

I’m designing a website for a client, as well as writing all of the copy etc. and I was feeling a bit frustrated, because I felt like he was making some mistakes in his marketing. But it’s hard to point out to a client that, “Hey, you’re completely wrong!”

I was actually more than a little frustrated, because I think this client has a great service and a great business, but I just didn’t feel like he was presenting himself in the best possible light.

So I took a leap, and told him. I was (oh my god) assertive. Yeah. I sent that email and spent the next 15 minutes having a small panic attack. I was almost certain that I’d either gotten myself fired, or was about to be lectured about how I know nothing about life or marketing or anything.

To my great shock, he agreed and has now given me free creative reign to create a strong visual brand for him.

My brain is still going, “Wait, wtf just happened?”

But the rest of me is doing a happy dance. I’m excited about the idea of creating a whole brand around him that honestly and authentically presents what a great business he has. Who knew I’d get all giddy about doing something like this?

The Universe is spooky

Okay, so about two weeks ago, I told you guys about the collage I made, and about my complete bafflement over the phrase “London Calling” stuck smack in the middle.

Well yesterday, I found out about an juried art show being held at Ronnie Wood’s gallery in London (yes, as in the Rolling Stones Ronnie Wood). You know what it’s called? You can probably guess.

London Calling.

Spooooooky. So I think I’m gonna enter. I mean, I don’t have any hopes of winning or anything like that (my art doesn’t usually fit in contemporary art shows) but who knows what might come of it? Who might see my work because of it? It’s a step outside of my normal circle. I rarely enter art shows, let alone ones outside of the country. Hell, this isn’t even the same continent.

So hey, why the heck not?

Valentine’s Day Cards! Because I love you!

I have 10 Valentine’s Day cards sitting under my bed collecting dust. This is ridiculous, especially considering Valentine’s is coming up. So! Here’s what I’m doing!

They’re $5.00 US. No shipping or any junk like that. They’re 5″x7″ and acid free, so you can stick ‘em in a frame and they’d probably do pretty well.

Don’t have a Valentine’s Day sweetie? Who cares! I’ll be your Valentine and you’ll get a big long lovin’ message from me. And maybe an alpaca, if I really, really love you.

Get a card!

I love this painting, and it looks amazing on the card. I’m glad I get to share it!

Alright that it’s for this week! I hope you all have a delightful weekend! Muahhh!