another chapter of best friends

I spent some well deserved healthy time with a few of my closest friends this weekend. We have a long history and I can always count on them for guidance, grounding, and soul healing. There once was a time when I'd get lost in the music while also getting lost in the drink. Over time I've changed a few things and although my glass has been empty for nearly two years, my relationship with the music is as impressionable today as it was the day I first opened each album and carefully pulled it from the sleeve. With years of memoirs behind us both, I'd go as far to say that much of what I found in those packages of paper and vinyl so many years ago attributed to much of the man I've become.

The ones pictured are just a sampling of the records that my turntable greeted during the past few days. Each one is like a diary excerpt to me and the reunion is always an inviting welcome.

My weekend diary included the following pages:

• ELO, Eldorado
• Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Band, Night Moves
• Steeley Day, Katy Lied
• Bruce Springsteen, The River
• The Pretenders, II
• Steve Miller Band, The Joker
• Elton John, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
• Paul McCarney and Wings, Red Rose Speedway
• Illinois Speed Press, Duet
• Rod Stewart, Never a Dull Moment
• Bachman Turner Overdrive, Four Wheel Drive
• Bad Company, Bad Company
• Greg Allman Band, Playin' Up a Storm
• …and several others.

I'm a lucky man with a mess of best friends. Play on.

the new age of music... not new age music.

A Few Tunes, ©2011 gary garbett.com

I've spent hours of my life in rooms and buildings housing some of the finest music I've ever heard. I'm certain that I've passed some landmark gems over the years, but I've also discovered some of the most inspiring, rebellious, melodic, experimental, thought provoking, body shaking, emotional, poetic, somber, and angst-ridden collections of sound by walking my index and middle finger, one in front of the other, through an endless landscape of spines. Record stores. I so miss them. I miss the physicalness of holding a record, absorbing the artwork, and reading the text. That was the introduction of a friendship, sort of the getting to know you period before committing to anything further. Without it, I'd have missed out on some of the greatest and inspiring friendships of my life.

I made a pact with myself years ago. I swore off ever becoming "that guy". You know him. That guy. The one who complains about the world's woes and how it just ain't what it use to be. Time has a distinct way of changing everything. Not necessarily for the good or the bad, but simply for the sake of forward advancement. Life is simply like that. Hell, we're like that. The experience of spending hours browsing and shopping in a record store, like movie and bookstores, is rapidly reshaping. Without being that guy, it just ain't what it once was.

With all of this said, Robert Plant's Band of Joy is quite an impressive album. Apparently I bought Plant’s newest release as a digital download from Amazon on Black Friday weekend last November. After stumbling across the digital file yesterday on my laptop, I gave it a first listen …on Valentine's Day eve, nearly three months since making the initial purchase. I rest my case and once again, "if I can't hold it, I must not own it" comes to mind. Now I’m wondering what else I’ve not listened to, watched, or read.

life has an uncanny way

Life has an uncanny way of getting in the way of itself. For us creative folk, it's those wonderfully honest instances that generate the most profound inspiration. A few years ago, my best friend introduced me to the work of Lori McKenna. I was instantly drawn to the sincere and celebrated textures and marriage of her poetic lyrics and guitar. Lori's songs of her ordinary path about ordinary days of ordinary people paint images and stories of the realest of real life.


Lorraine, her sixth and latest album was released this week. I waited during the evening prior to the Tuesday release. Time drew closer and I waited. Anxiously. I've been an avid collector of music for more than 40 years and call it stubbornness, old age, or anal-retentive music geekness, but I'm committed to owning tangible copies of music rather than digital downloads. I need to see and hold the album cover art. I want to read the liner notes, and I sing along with the printed lyrics as I hold them in my hands. It's that sense of touch that disconnects the disconnect I personally find in this age of digital. Tuesday suddenly arrived as the hour hand marked midnight. I fell away from my standards and downloaded Lorraine that very minute and spent the next forty minutes sampling much of the album before crawling into bed for a short three hour nap.

McKenna is a remarkable artist, vocalist, poet, and wordsmith. Her words speak directly to me. They touch me and I believe in every note. Her catalog and artistry of real life is pure genius. Lorraine follows suit and could easily be her finest to date. I love this album and with and a daily rotation in my players for five straight days, each song just becomes sweeter than the listen before. Instead of offering a play by play review of each track, a select few of my favorites are "The Most, Rocket Science, All I Ever Do, You Get a Love Song, and Still Down Here".

As I normally do after hearing an album more than a half dozen times, I made the conscious extra effort to listen closer to the lyrics. I reached that stage with Lorraine during the early morning of Thursday. All I had left in me was "...My God".

Driving to the office that morning during the pre-sunrise darkness, tears rolled down my face as I deeply listened to the delicate words and sentiment in "That's How You Know". I just drove and cried. Lori paints the heartache of a dying love with the celebration of faith to find peace on the other side. "That's How You Know" reminded me of a dear friend. I know his ache and feel his darkened loneliness. Lori shares the beauty of recovery from a love loss and refinding the ability to breathe on your own. When you do, as Lori sings, "you know". "That's How You Know" is a heart-wrenching gem, centering the entire album on the delicacy of humanity and everyday life. Lorraine paints life as pure honesty, pure love, and pure sincere forgiveness. McKenna's artistry has always reached in and touched my soul. Lorraine simply caresses deeper.

And for the record, or more for the love of the art, I purchased my tangible copy of Lorraine this morning. My stubborn music geekness may now be happy, but my soul has been completely satisfied since midnight last Tuesday.

creative inspiration basics

I recently watched It Might Get Loud. With my lifelong interest in music and art, I wasn't too surprised to find this film to be so inspiring. What did surprise me however, was just how much bigger the inspiration really was.

I knew of Jack White before seeing the film, but not a great deal. Within minutes of the film, I discovered that I share some genuine creative theories with Jack regarding the marriage of technology and art.

"Technology is a big destroyer of emotion and truth.
That's the disease we have to fight in any creative field."  Jack White

I just may have to add a Jack White poster to cubicle c-3014. And another to my studio. And my kitchen. And my sock drawer, and...

sighting and citing the day

Winter Light, ©2011 gary garbett.com

I invited 2011 with a challenge, one that would sharpen my creativity and better my skills as a photographer and life documentarian. A Passing Glimpse is my daily photoblog where I'm committed to posting at least one new image per day, taken on the day of the post. Eleven days into the year and the project and my new portfolio is enabling me to view day to day in a different light.

chasing the dream and remembering it

Courtland Cadi, ©2010 gary garbett.com

2010 is nearly over and with nothing more than cliches to come up with, the time just flew by. With that, it was a remarkable year for me and I continue to place one foot in front of the next to move with a forward momentum. I'm not sure how else to do it. I continue my personal push to absorb life along with all of it's riches. At least those that are within my reach. And for those that aren't, I work at getting myself closer.

One year ago, I had sincere concern about my addictive nature and my health. Always being one in control, it was extremely difficult to confess to myself that my alcohol addiction had taken control of my long personally controlled life. Suddenly, for the first time in my life, it wasn't me that was in control. I was scared and doubted that I'd be able to recover. It was time for "me" to make a change in "my" life.

I needed to find a focus. I needed to find me. I needed to believe. I needed to be alive. And, I needed to be sober.

One day at a time was a huge challenge and there were days when I wasn't sure I'd make it drink-free. Three hundred and sixty five days later, I'm one year sober ...and still one day at a time. I'll always be, but I'm up for that challenge. With my decision of a year ago, I'm happier and more at peace with myself than I could ever be. I knew that I had to make a change. I had way too many things yet to do in my life, more goals to attempt, more people to meet, more love to share, more art to live, and another day to celebrate, followed by another, then another, and another.

A number of years ago, I watched as my father crossed the same path in his life. With a strong dedication and belief, he too beat his addictions. And although he died at a young age, his life was made so much fuller because of his taking control of those things that controlled him.

I can do nothing more than to be true to myself.  With that, I'm another step closer to wherever it is that I'm headed. I don't have a road map or a even a schedule... I'm just following my life path and today I'm challenged by it, I revel in it, and more importantly... today, I can see it.

This isn't meant to be "my" personal soapbox or preaching. It just isn't. That's simply not me. What this is, is an honest recount of where I've been and a true celebration of love, thank you's, and joys for today.

Life moves forward. Embrace it, love it, and allow it capture you in it's moment.
Peace, health, and joy.

photography captures life

photo: Brian L. Frank

A camera is nothing more than a box with a hole. Light travels through that small opening, time is frozen and history captured. Within in a blink, what seemed current suddenly becomes nostalgic. Life or the memory of the moment is translated to an expression of vision.

a sequence finds closure on a graduate program

At the age of 50, I finally feel like I'm getting a grip on this life plan thing. Exactly two years to the week of my very first graduate class, my thesis exhibition opened at the Rawls Museum Arts in Courtland, VA. The exhibition titled insequential sequence, is a mixed media fusion of captured normalcy delivered through mixed media drawings and paintings, large format photographic sequences, and short films, all of which I created during the past year.

I know its because of my age that people ask, "Are you planning to march in the graduation ceremony?" Each time I hear it, I laugh and my reply is always similar to the comment I share when asked about my wearing silver and orange braces. "At my age, I'm really excited to be able to wear braces ...and I wanna make sure everyone sees 'em."

So, will I be marching during the December 11th playing of pomp and circumstance at VCU? Hell yeah!... and I'll be doing so sober, with straight teeth, wearing an honors cord, ...and sporting a stylish 4.0 GPA smile.

This life plan thing is just starting to get interesting. Life is good.

NINE gets 8 1/2

I've been following the press and awaiting the Christmas release of NINE. In preparation for seeing the film, I wondered if the film comparatively would stand up to or equal Chicago or Moulin Rouge? Midway through viewing the film, I realized the answer to my question would be No... however, by the end of the film, I too realized I had became too quick in judging or comparing it with either of those earlier films. NINE certainly stands on it's own merit, looking and feeling like a gritty foreign film and not just another flashy song and dance musical. NINE also tips the hat to it's long running stage version... and it does both extremely well.

The film's best song goes to Kate Hudson's performance of "Cinema Italiano". Hudson is delightful in the wonderful and playful role as Stephanie, an opinionated film critic for Vogue Magazine. Her center stage song number is truly fab and extremely well presented with lavish colorful sets paired with gorgeous black and white Italian film references. "Be Italian", Fergie's Saraghina number runs a very close second. As good as the songs are, my biggest criticism for this musical would be that the songs are less memorable those of the prior blockbusters mentioned. However, the combination of the songs and choreography, storyline, and the beautiful creative cinematography hold the film together nicely.

Daniel Day Lewis was a phenomenal choice for Guido Contini and Lewis pours himself into the character. Judy Dench was a perfect pick for Lilli, as was Penelope Cruise for the sexy and sensual Carla. Sophia Loren as Mamma, the mother and influence on the young Guido, really worked for me. Casting her in the film is certainly a tribute to her era of stardom as well as to the heyday of 50s and 60s European cinema. Well done, Mr. Marshall.

The art direction and visuals were perfect for the big screen... truly sensual, inspiring, and greatly artistic. As an artist, I was drawn to the creative direction of the film and I also saw a bit of myself as I watched Guido attempt to balance his creative genius with his day-to-day life. While Chicago and Moulin Rouge may have been better entertainment films, NINE clearly holds it's own. As an artist, I found a great message in NINE and especially in it's artistry. Past inspirations are always grounded in the artist' soul... even when reinventing himself. NINE works for me.

dear santa letter or uhhh.. font?

Dear Santa,

I know with my being a finicky artist and designer, I'm sometimes REALLY difficult to please... so finding that perfect gift is always a task. Please, pleeeease do not fill my stocking with horrible fonts. I'd much rather have coal instead. At least I can draw with that.

I think this pretty much says it... all. Size XL.
Thanks Santa ...I hope you enjoy the freshly baked nachos and cold cervezas I left for you... limes are in the frig.

love, me...

painting with words

For as long as I can recall, music has always been one of the most inspiring forces in my life. The lyrics to my favorite songs paint an inevitable image of hope, remembrance, and inspiring emotion on my soul. Many of those lyrics have layered their spirit into my paintings. If ever there were a film capturing my private time in my art studio, the footage would certainly capture the emotion that three and a half minutes of words supported by a few guitar chords and rhythm uniquely have on my work.

I tip my hat to the songwriters who are poets and the poets who sing the songs.

Shown above: "Three Sisters", mixed media on paper, © 2009 Gary Garbett.

finding focus on a thesis

Reflecting Betty © 2009 Gary Garbett

Finalizing yet another semester in my graduate program, I'm finding myself turning a corner as I prepare for my final push in the fine art Master's degree program at VCU. My creative direction and focus continues to become more refined in preparation for setting the stage for my thesis exhibit in 2010.

 


A visual meld and marriage of painting, video, and photography will become the canvas in my mixed media pop infused collection of the figure.

the fine art of eggs, cheese, and onions

When I'm not in my art studio, you're likely to find me in my other studio... the kitchen. For me, working with food is very similar to working with paint, sculpture, or photography. It's all about preparation and visual presentation.

Someday I'd like to create an art book focusing on my recipes, writings and artwork. 

(photo © 2009 Gary Garbett)


Quiche d' Art
This is a fave and the variations are endless. Again, presentation is everything. Serve this with oven roasted potatoes or a fruit salad with a fresh pot of ground coffee or mimosas for a delicious adventure. Frozen deep dish pie shells come 2 to a package, so I generally double the recipe for two beautiful pies.

2 tbsp of butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3-6 slices of bacon (alternate 1/2 cup chopped turkey)
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 to 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
1 cup shredded mixed cheeses (I prefer sharper blends)
1 cup half and half
3 eggs beaten
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
sprinkling of chopped sweet basil (preferably fresh)
1 deep dish frozen pie shell (if you have the time to make you own... go for it)

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Bake empty shells in oven for 8-10 minutes to stiffen crust. Remove and set aside. This will prevent the bottom of your quiche from being soft and soggy.

Fry bacon. Set aside to cool. If using turkey, move forward to next step.

In skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil and butter, melt. Add onion and saute till clear, add mushrooms and cook till tender and onions are browned. Add spinach and stir mixture till spinach becomes wilted (add a splash more olive oil if needed). Add crumbled bacon or chopped turkey. Stir together and remove from heat.

Pour skillet mixture into pie shell. Top with cheese.

Combine half and half and eggs, beat thoroughly and pour overtop mixture in shell. With blade of knife, lightly stir contents to evenly distribute in shell.

With a brush or clean finger, dip into egg mixture and brush across the top of the crust edge. This will create a wonderful sweet browned crust.

Lastly top the pie with grated parmesan and a sprinkling of sweet basil for visual and taste.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes until filling is golden and set. Test center with clean sharp knife to make sure the center is done and not wet.

Voila!... Serve warm or cold.

artistry of model, muse, and life. a bidding farewell.

I recently watched a beautiful documentary film on art photographer Edward Weston. The film, Eloquent Nude: The Love and Legacy of Edward Weston and Charis Wilson is a warm and touching look at the artistry of Weston and the long relationship he shared with his model, muse, writer, and wife, Charis Wilson. The story is told with impeccable personal accounts of their life as artists and lovers by Charis. The interview portions were filmed prior to the 2007 release of the film, when Charis was well into 90's. Her recollections are incredibly sharp and highly personal.

Sadly, Charis died just last month at the age of 95.

classic film and poetic genius

the crazy ones ....reality delivered in 60 seconds.

finding art in the performance of life

I had the most joyous time last night watching a film that moved my soul. The 2006 film Venus stars Peter O'Toole, nominated for Best Actor in his role as Maurice, an aging actor that celebrates and loves the art of living. The film's cast is stellar and the dialogue amongst the film's characters is pure, pure genius, heartwarming, funny, and more importantly... incredibly real.

It's a story that makes us laugh, smile, cry, and breathe in all those things that most make us live. Venus is genius filmmaking, a remarkable story, and just another reason why Miramax remains at the top of my list.

"Venus" film quote that I just had to scribble in my sketchbook:

Ian: I love this horrible place. It reminds me of what I wanted to become.

art in a glass

We recently spent a sunshine filled autumn afternoon motoring the by-ways in a westbound direction towards the Shenandoah Valley. Our unplanned Sunday journey was met with a road sign announcing one of Virginia's many wineries was just a mile on the right. We decided to take the turn and after following the winding scenic road up the mountain discovered the fine art of DelFosse Vineyards.

After an hour or so of sampling their delightful spirits, we purchased several bottles of reds and whites to take home, joined their DelFosse Wine Club, and then enjoyed a glass of wine while sitting on the rockers overlooking the scenic hills, lush meadows and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. What a fabulous day of unplanned magic. cheers!

capturing the moment when it prompts you

photo © 2009 Gary Garbett

The color, the quiet, and the solitude suggested that I pull the car to a stop this morning to capture the moment during my eastbound drive through Richmond at 5:52 AM.

Fortunate for me, I had my camera with me. Pulling the Mini Cooper to a stop in a No Parking Zone, I did just as my creativity suggested.

As usual... inspiration reigned.

a cinema celebration of timeless film art

Over the past 15 years, TCM has become more than a television network - it is a community of passionate classic movie fans, a place where watching great films connects people. In April 2010, we will gather to watch great movies introduced by the the people who made them, listen to behind-the-scenes stories, enjoy newly restored films, and share our enthusiasm for classic cinema... at the first ever TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

I'm looking forward to hearing more details about the festival in the next few weeks. In the meantime, this seems to be the perfect reason for me to plan a trip out west while whistling a few bars of Hooray for Hollywood.

there's a hole in my roof and life's getting in

photo © 2009 Gary Garbett

I revisited the Blue Ridge yesterday in celebration of my birthday, life, and the changing of the seasons. As always, an instant reconnect touched my soul.