Les Rallizes Denudes-Live at Club Citta 2-17-93

Just received a nice care package in the mail from my new friend and musical correspondent, Hiiragi Fukuda. Some of you may now Hiiragi from his association with ex-Rallizes bassist, Doronco Gumo. He released a great little rock record entitled "Old Punks" a few years back on the Holy Mountain label here in the states.

Anyway, to cut to the chase here, Hiiragi runs a label, Fuyusoubi Music Publishing, that has been releasing great contemporary Japanese music for a few years now (in association with other European and American labels such as Sloow Tapes and Holy Mountain). I've been fortunate enough to do an exchange with him for some of my band's (Sadhu Sadhu) material. Among the CD's I was sent was an onscure live recording from the legendary Les Rallizes Denudes! They of course had a huge impact on our band. As far as I know, no one stateside has had access to this, unless it was received through similar sources.

While I won't post any of Hiiragi's own music (go get it yourself from his label and support independent artists!), I wanted to include a link to this amazing gem of a live album from the legendary Rallizes! A harrowing 2 Disc live record with (relatively) crystal clear sound quality by Rallizes standards (so you can hear every creak and moan of Takashi Mizutani's tortured guitar).

In true Rallizes DIY & bootleg fashion, check it out: Les Rallizes Denudes-Live at Club Citta 2-17-93

St. Thomas Aquinas Icon Complete!

11" x 21" Oil & Mixed Media on Wood

So happy with the way this came out! I was really happy to explore some glazing techniques I haven't really utilized before, and I'm hoping to implement them in future paintings.

David Cope "Navajo Dedications"

Great modern compositions from David Cope, inspired by traditional Navajo music & ceremony. Created using flute, percussion, piano, trombone, voice and celeste. Ultra rare LP released on Folkways in 1976. Check it out.

Trumpeting the Horn at Dawn

St. Thomas Aquinas Icon Progress

Making some headway on the icon! Hoping to have it finished by the end of the week. Just a bit of detailing to complete and I think it'll look sharp! Until then...

St. Thomas Aquinas Icon

I was recently commissioned to paint a portrait of St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of education and universities, in the Eastern Catholic style. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity to try my hand at the ancient art form of icon painting.

Although the history and practice of icon painting is steeped in methods and techniques involving prayers and rituals beyond my own capacity, I do believe it is important to bring some kind of ritual and meditative aspect into any form of art making. That said, I think this commission goes hand in hand with my recent body of work and shares some of my own ideas about the mystic practice of painting and drawing.

More news as the painting develops, as of now, I've just completed the underpainting, so I'll be working on glazing up the face and hands to bring out the "glow" of the flesh, and then working at the clothing and the dove.