Youth Arts Celebration this Saturday!

http://www.workhousearts.org/events/546/youth-arts-celebration,-may-19/ The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, along with the Occoquan Regional Park and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, will be hosting a bunch of different activities to show the diversity of the arts in our area May 19th, from 11am-5pm. This is especially geared to children. They will be allowed to watch and even at times interact in the cultural arts including music, dance, and arts and crafts. Of course, this includes food! Bring the kids down and let them come check out the activity tent. This event is free, however, a donation of $5 is suggested and will be GREATLY appreciated. Definitely a "steal of a deal" with all the activities they have planned. I will be painting outside from noon-5 pm. Kids and adults alike are encouraged to watch the process and even ask any questions they might have. (Painting and the creative process are two of my most favorite things to talk about!) Come watch me paint one of my owls!

Paintings on Parade 4 Equality: A Show of Pride

("Liberty" by John Gascot and MG Stout) The artists of Studio 4 (John Gascot, MG Stout, Lynn Goldstein, Joan Yi and Jams Bauguess) at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va are having a "parade" of paintings depicting a show of pride, celebrating Gay Pride month. Each artists are showing their own expressions of love, equality, individuality through art. Opening reception will be Saturday, June 2nd 6 pm-9 pm. There will be food, refreshment, and fun. DJ Spence will be there to provide the music and representatives of The Imperial Court of Washington, DC will be making a special appearance. At 8:30 pm they will be putting on a performance. You don't want to miss out on this but if you do, the exhibition will be installed for the entire month of June at: 9601 Ox Road, Building W-4 Lorton, VA 22079. Gallery Hours: W-Sat 11:00am-7:00pm and Sun 12:00pm-5:00pm.

The Case of The Wayward Terd

Where do I begin?

On April 11th, 2012 at about 1645 hours; I found myself doing the "peepee" dance in my work chair and decided I should remedy the discomfort. I grabbed the key to the ladies room (our bathroom is locked from public access) and headed that way.

Now, as all of you know; I have had issues with this bathroom. Maybe I am not made to share a bathroom with 20 different women. Maybe these bizotches are just NASTY.

Just to give you an idea, our bathroom has 4 stalls. The last one in the row is triple the size of the other three and has it's own sink. I prefer this stall as I feel unrestricted and tend to feel claustrophobic when my knees hit the stalldoor as I pee. As luck would have it, this stall's open door beckoned to me and I happily skipped in, shutting the door behind me. Yeah, it doesn't take a whole lot to brighten my spirits. BUT!...

The nightmare began when I turned around to sit onto the toilet. Thankfully, a black interruption of the clean white porcelin of the seat caught my eye in the knick of time before I rested down. I jumped up with a startled scream. First, I was elated to finally be screaming like a lady should. Usually, when scared...I let out a low, gutteral man yell. It's always embarassed me and something I have tried to change for years. Secondly, I just couldn't believe my eyes. There layeth a wayward nugget upon the shiny clean porcelin!

I stood there with my dress gathered up within my arms, naked ass hanging out, staring at this terd and trying to wrap my mind around the horror of what I was seeing. I mean, I wasn't in some rest stop bathroom deep within the state of Arkansas! I was in a government bathroom, shared by other federal government employees, all of which are grown women. To my knowledge, none of these so called "ladies" are homeless, gorillas convincingly disguised as people, or patients in an insane asylum with feces fetishes. Thoughts rushed through my brain like, "Maybe they had a "clinger" they weren't aware of and as they wiped, they flipped it onto the seat. But ok...why didn't they wipe it off then? Maybe I should wipe it off. Hellllz no! Well, I mean...I wouldn't be touching it, I'd use a tissue. Eff that! That isn't in my job description. Dang! These women are nasty! I wonder who the culprit is? Chris did seem to be noticeably clinching today when I saw her in the hall. This is insane! Why is that terd so black? I think I read somewhere that high-iron diets cause dark terds. Wait, wasn't there also an article that dark poo points to internal bleeding?"

I took one last close inspection....actually, I can't lie...I took a close-up picture of it; but, when I got closer and noticed the consistency of the terd and color differences, I started dry heaving and felt dirty in its very presence. I start imagining the terd as alive and animated, jumping up from "playing dead" and spreading it's poo on me. I ran out the stall and closed it in behind me. (Yes, I have wondered if I am schizophrenic as opposed to just having a great imagination).

I am determined to find the shitter. I have thought about making wanted posters. I have defintely tried to gather clues. Here's what I have so far. The fecal matter in question was laid between the hours of 3:30 pm and 4:15 pm. The owner of this ass candy has a high-iron diet, or is internally bleeding. I have an eyewitness to this event that places the "fart demon" present at 4:15 but claims the bathroom was empty besides her. I believe she can be cleared as a suspect after witnessing her obvious disgust as well.

I believe the creme bru poop was removed by housekeeping staff that evening and I am sure that they were thinking, "Mira, Marcela! 'Deez gringas iz soooo desagradable!"

"It's STIFLING in here!"

First, thanks to everyone who came out to my art opening at Horseshoes & Handgrenades last Friday. I was super stoked about the turn-out. I was totally crunked, of course...so I might not even be remembering everyone who showed! HA! It was actually my VERY FIRST solo exhibit (at 34 years old) and so I would be remiss to not single out Mike and say thanks to him too. He really has an awesome boutique over there. A lot of my friends who came to support the show are saying they want to run by later and check out his cool shiz.

I remember a time when I metaphorically unzipped my Jams' skin suit, climbed out..leaving it behind to just paint. Paint in my hair, on my hands, clothes, face, floor, wall. I got into the shit. I just didn't give a fuck! I painted to be painting. It was an almost spiritual thing for me.

Now, I can't escape the confines of my own skull. I am sitting around inside my head wondering if it's good enough, feeling frustrated with the paint, trying to stay tidy, thinking about what others might think. That's bullshit and I don't know when I lost my way. I'm going to find it though.

As an artist, I want to devote all of my time to my shiz. I don't want to travel the 1 1/2 hours in a stuffy ass outfit, all business casual, covering my tattoos as best I can, sitting at a desk under florescent bulbs, typing on my government issue computer, discussing fruits and vegetables with people like it's a matter of national security. I want to be in the studio...painting, I want to work on my "Babycakes" sculpture, I want to hook up with the models I have lined up so I can finally get my shit out on canvas. I want to do my full size lady sculpture I have been thinking about for the last 2 years.

The only way I can do that is if I start making more money with my art.

That's where my problem begins...If I think about "is anyone gonna wanna hang this damn thing over their couch?" while I'm painting...I lose my edge. If I stress on the money making aspect of the art, I enjoy it less and put unnecessary pressure on something I just love to do.

So, I desperately want to paint a "fatty" with no shirt, tattoos, holding an ice cream cone and am going to go a little different by putting him in an actual setting. I usually just make the subject the focus and forego any background. I might have found a model and am looking forward to getting started. This isn't something someone would want to have hanging over the family dinner table but I don't care anymore. If I keep it forever, he'll be mine and a reminder of when I finally "found my way" again.

Further exhibit info...

Here is the kick-ass flyer my friend and fellow artist, Jeremy Gann did up for me.

For those not to familiar with the art scene. The hours of 6pm-9pm does NOT mean you have to stand around and stare at my art for 3 hours straight. It is an open reception so just means that you can come in between the hours of 6pm-9pm. You can stay 5 minutes or the whole time, doesn't matter.

I say this because I am getting a lot of people telling me "I'm coming but I might be a little late" or "I have something to do at 8 pm, so I might have to leave early"....people just come and go between those hours.

Hope to see everyone there! If I haven't met you yet, PLEASE come up and introduce yourselves! I'd love to meet you. Grab a glass of wine, help yourself to some snacks and just check out the "dysfunction".

Studio, show and more...

(Chilling out in studio 406 and "Bleck" from the secret series-2 acrylic on canvas)


I haven't posted in awhile with everything going on. I am packing, getting ready to move to Stafford (closer to the studio)..I still teach art at the homeless shelter on Tuesdays..I am trying to put the necessary hours into the new studio..work..and raising a 9 year old.

A lot of stuff has been happening this year...cool shiz. Like, obviously I got accepted into the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center and moved in March to studio 406 in building 4. I got asked to be in the UAS magazine, so as soon as I get my shiz together...I'll be sending that off. And last minute, I got asked to do a solo exhibit at Horseshoes & Handgrenades in FXBG. After getting the boot from the FXBG arts scene...I totally wasn't expecting THAT!

So far, I have been working in the studio Saturday and Sunday from like 11ish-7ish. Please feel free to stop by and check things out although after grabbing a bunch of stuff from the walls and throwing them into the solo exhibit, there isn't much left. Working on some stuff now.

Also, it looks like the artists of Building 4 will be putting on a Pride Art Show in June. There already seems to be a lot of planning and hardwork going into this so I bet it will be a good'un! I have completed one of my pieces for the show already and have heard tale of some of the other stuff that will be exhibited. Excited to see them all!

Make sure you make it down, up, over, whatever to FXBG this Friday for the show. If anything it'll give me the chance to interact with adults for 3 hours and totally looking forward to that!

Dysfunctional Delight Exhibit!

Come on down to:

Horseshoes & Handgrenades Vintage Boutique
1004 Caroline St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

This Friday, April 6th from 6pm-9pm for the opening reception.

Wine, food and art by yours truly, Jams Bauguess.

ADHD and Lulu

I have to admit I went through a range of emotions when Lulu was first being diagnosed with ADHD. My first reaction was rolling my eyes and saying, "Ya, ya...ALL kids have ADHD, huh?" So, I started researching the disorder.

After reading the statistics show that children with ADHD usually drop out of school, are socially awkward, have high suicide rates, substance abuse problems, failing grades and extreme feelings of inadequacy...my next reaction was horror and lots of tears. I had no clue it could be such a debilitating disorder.

Since being diagnosed, I have grabbed every book I could on the matter. I have bought books for Lulu to read to be more comfortable with her own diagnosis. I have read medical articles online and spoken with the school and doctors.

What have I learned? I have learned that this doesn't mean my daughter is damaged. Quite the opposite! Lulu might just have more gifts than any other child without ADHD, hers will just be more difficult for her to unwrap. I am willing to be the one there for her to help unwrap them. I also noticed that traits that I have always cherished in my daughter since day one of meeting her can quite possibly be attributed to her ADHD. She is creative, thoughtful, tenacious, strong-willed, a daydreamer. She always comes up with the most interesting perspectives that make me rethink life almost everyday. You give her an art project to do and she will come up with something totally outside the box. She colors OUTSIDE the lines...not physically but in life as a whole. I love that about her!

The doctors and school wants to hop her up on meds. I have to trust myself as her mother to make the best decision for her. So far, medications don't seem like the right decision. It feels like the lazy decision. For Lulu (and this isn't speaking for all ADHD kids) she is getting good grades still, is on the honor roll (she does have to work harder at it then the rest) she is comfortably dealing with her peers. I have noticed that I have to help her through things more often, I have to make sure I feed her high protein breakfasts, I have to deny her caffienated drinks and too much candy.

ADHD is hereditary. She was born with this. And just as I wouldn't yell at her if she were deaf, "You are going to have to learn to hear!" I won't yell at her for daydreaming and having her own difficulties with her attention and hyperactivity.

Another part of this whole journey has been a relief. I always felt like an inadequate parent. I always wondered what I was doing wrong. Why did I have to tell her something a million times (and yes all kids have trouble listening, but children with ADHD do it to an extreme), why was she so lazy with everything, why was she so impulsive, why did she always say the worst things, why couldn't she sit still for a minute, why was I constantly frustrated. The diagnosis and reading the commons traits of this disorder made me realize it was nothing I was doing wrong and nothing Lulu could control without help.

Patience and love and support will help Lulu flourish later in life and probably make her use her ADHD to her advantage. I am happy and hopeful for her future and know she will be an awesome lady one day!

Won't Work For Free....

A fellow artist friend and I had a short discussion today about being asked to do commissions, specific pieces of art for free or next to nothing.

This topic always infuriates me.

Why is it that people think that artists just sit around waiting for someone to ask to paint their kids/husbands/wives/dogs/even house or car (yes, been asked to do these before) for free? Why would anyone want to closely and intently study each wrinkle, shadow, hair, skin shades, lip contours, etc of strangers?

A lot of people want original art. I actually believe that even if I wasn't an artist, I'd be impressed with anyone who invited me over to their place with an extensive collection of art in their home. And who doesn't want an oil painting of their baby daughter over the mantel? I don't know of anyone who would turn that down! But do they want to actually pay for it? Nope...they usually want it for free.

Granted, it is usually the ignorant folks who balk at the prices. Usually these people are expecting quotes of under $50.00 for a 16 x 20 original painting. Do they even consider the fact that $50.00 doesn't even cover the costs to do that painting? Canvas alone in that size could be between $15-$30 dollars. Tubes of paint alone (depending on the quality) can run to about $10.00 a pop. Now, let's add in hours of intense concentration, skill (that not everyone can do), time away from our kids, our spouses, or even painting what we'd like to paint instead.

If you want to spend $50.00 for art...go get a cheapo print from Target. But you ain't getting your ugly mug done for that price.

So, as artists, what do we do? How do we avoid this issue? We can't completely. We will often be offended with offers of "I'll accept a painting of yours to hang over my tv. I got like 15 friends that come over every Friday to play Sims on the 'ol PS2 and it'll be great exposure for you." or even the faithful, "You should sketch out my next tattoo for me. I want a celtic cross with twisty vines and thorns. Isn't that idea kick-ass?"

I am often approached for commissions. The best outcomes are those that allow me to use my artistic license with very few guidelines except maybe "a mermaid" or "a tree" or "whatever you want, just use a lot of blues". But then there are also the ones that have a specific photograph to remake. I have learned through trial and error and talking to other artists....Tell the client how much it's going to cost them before you put one drop of paint to canvas!

There are differing opinions on this with different artists I have spoken to. Some take the chance, do the painting and then tell the client how much (way risky). I have seen artists who quote it ahead of time, paint the entire painting of so-and-so's grandma and then get stuck with a painting and no compensation for hours spent and materials used. Others (and myself included on this) give a quote and require at least half to get started. I have also heard of artists who require the full amount upfront.

Another way that I'll give away my art is by trade. An equivalent piece that I'm interested in by another artist, this other artist is equally interested in a piece of mine. We trade...(best trade experience ever? Group Exhibit at Bistro Bethem, I met artist Nicholas Candela. He called and inquired about one of mine in the show, I had been eyeballing one of his all two months the show was up. We met up at the end of the show and traded! I love this piece to this day "Mayday!Mayday!Mayday!" by Nicholas Candela).

So, if you want some art....reach down in your pocket and pay for it. You wouldn't expect a plumber to fix your pipes for free just because you assume they must enjoy their jobs. You wouldn't ask your babysitter, "Do you like kids?" and if they say yes, refuse to pay. Why get a piece of history, art for your home that will probably start many a conversation, maybe be passed down to your kids, etc and refuse to pay the artist who slaved over it? If you want to pay a compliment to an artist, it isn't "wow, you're pretty good. You should paint my hamster for me to put in the living room....for free." Believe me, that's not a compliment...it's offensive. Cold hard cash is an awesome way to show your local artist that you love them!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(One of my favorite pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. not only to show how many people gathered to hear this man speak, but that it took place in D.C. close to home for me.)

Tonight I am leading the childrens' enrichment class again at the Brisben Center. I was supposed to just be bringing the snack and offering assistance where needed. I originally am only leading the art class once a month but tonight's leader can't make it. His lesson plan consisted of reading a book and a coloring activity.

We will be learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tonight. An amazing man who put his life on the line to help make things right, sacrificing for what he believed deeply in and for other people.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this man. A highly educated person, not only intellectually but spiritually as well. He was an inspiring civil rights leader (and his words still continue to inspire today), a respected preacher, a husband, father to four children and most importantly a strong man who saw something wrong in the world and offered up EVERYTHING in a peaceful, loving way to right those wrongs. In my opinion, a radical yet enlightened thinker.

Some things I have learned from Dr. King:

- Passion is the most effective tool when you want to accomplish something. Dr. King's passion made him stand out, made him a revolutionary and got things done. One of my favorite quotes can sum it all up:

"I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

- Think of others because everything isn't about YOU!

Dr. King's philosophy that everything you do can indirectly affect others is simple but 100% truth.

- You're no better than anyone else and they aren't better than you.

Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that everyone was equal and fought for this key concept. He not only preached about equality between the races but also socio-economic equality. He even believed that a higher education doesn't make you superior.

- Everyone is special so be yourself.

King believed that we all are special in our unique ways. That we are all here on this earth for a purpose and we all have the ability to make the world a better place.

- You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

King believed that love is the answer to a lot of problems. He believed in non-violent means to change the world. He often spoke of "you can't get to peace with violence, you can't get to love with hate". No truer words EVER spoken.

- Strongly believe and defend others' beliefs as well.

King was a spiritual man. He was raised by his preacher father, and his preacher father was raised by another preacher father. He didn't just know those scriptures he could recite so smoothly, he BELIEVED in them and put his life on the line just living them. But, he also taught tolerance towards those that believed differently than him. He wanted all different races, religions, cultures, etc to stand together and accept one another's beliefs...to be tolerant and loving people.

- Do something about it.

You see something you think needs a change in your own community? King would say to do something about it then. If he can stand up and publicly voice his distaste to the inequality of man, if he can start movements that paved the way for having laws passed against segregation, if he could watch his house bombed, be arrested many times, have threats to his life and STILL not back down...why can't we do the same? Every little thing you can do to help in your community, do it. Do it with passion, compassion and without a sense of superiority. Treat others like you'd like to be treated.

We all could only be so lucky as to make such an impact on this world before we leave it.

Dirty little secrets!

(My newest piece I just finished, "Light harnassed" acrylic on canvas)

Well, I am officially all moved out of L-town. I got all my art down and it's resting safely in my room until I find another "art home".

Most importantly though, I want to talk about my "secret box" I had up for this First Friday's display.

So everyone knows that I put up a wooden comment box with a lock last week. I asked for secrets to be dropped in anonymously to be painted by me one by one. I really thought this was going to be something that would be up for at least an entire month in order to collect a decent amount of good secrets....

I was happily wrong!

I received quite a few secrets and also a few notes just offering support due to my recent "eviction". That was a pleasant surprise and very touching. Words of encouragement and praise amidst the dirty little secrets of strangers....I don't know which of those I enjoyed reading the most.

There were two favorite secrets in my box. One was a very detailed story, written in tiny letters front and back. I have to say that this story made me fall in love with the writer of said secret. I won't go into detail because it might just call out whoever this secret belongs to...BUT, this is my kind of dude. Unfortunately, in this story he mentioned he had a girlfriend so I guess painting his intimate secret will have to do. And this one has already inspired and brought forth an image to be painted this week. (As you can see, I will guard these secrets forever...Nobody has ever been able to accuse ME of telling secrets!)

Second to that in terms of what I believe will be a rather interesting painting was simply, "Stole porno magz". I really can't wait to do this one either. There were equally juicy and image-inspiring secrets but telling them with words instead of paint might just be too obvious; you'll have to stay tuned to see what they are.

This box was not even up an entire week so I can only imagine what treasures I would have found if it would have been up an entire month. Definitely will be moving this secret box with me to the next studio! If you still would like to participate and didn't get a chance to; I will accept secrets through email: artistjams@yahoo.com. Or if that idea makes you nervous, please feel free to somehow figure out a way to send me one anonymously.

Come see the controversy!

Well it's First Friday in "Dead-burg" tomorrow and I am still undecided if I am going this time. It's something I look forward to every month usually but can't seem to get excited after receiving yesterday's news.

I will say that if you want to see my "shiznit" before it's censored from your poor, innocent eyes than you better head over to Libertytown tomorrow night between 5-9 pm. After Sunday, I am removing every last stitch and stashing them away until the new studio comes about.

I actually have a public participation piece going on and would love to have anyone participate who wants to. There is a locked comment box at my hallway display, you can leave an anonymous secret there for me to paint over the next month.The juicier, scarier, creepier, hairier, slimier, etc...THE BETTER! I will be selecting one piece of paper at a time and painting the first image that comes to mind. Of course, I won't know who this secret belongs to but YOU will...so come on down and leave your secret. It's of course free to participate and completely anonymous.

And to all of those artists and non-artists alike who have offered me some emotional support over this incident....thank you! It was awesome to have some of y'all really make me laugh over it, some have put me in front of new open doors to walk through, some have just gave me a little bit of ass-kissing to help build back the 'ol hit on the esteem I got and there were those who shared their own stories of art censorship in FXBG, VA!

I still can't believe it exists in 2012 America but whatever. Part of me is flattered that I am one of the many, many artists throughout history and even still now, who people have tried to force into conformity.

It really makes me think hard about what is being selected for me to see. I wonder what other art is out there that is being tossed aside because of censorship. I want to see THOSE pieces! There are a few places left in downtown FXBG I will go to to see art, ones I know aren't censoring anything because I have seen myself some really kick-ass, down and dirty, raw and "EDGY" art...Ponshop is one off the top of my head. (If art imitates life, well...life isn't always rainbows, flowers and pink kittens!).

Anyways, last time you will be able to view my work at Ltown so remember to stop by 916 Liberty Street and don't forget to leave a secret! Help inspire me and get the monkey off your back!! I'd also love to hear from y'all if you go see these vomit-inducing, old lady scaring, babies crying, woman fainting, sailors uncomfortable paintings of mine.

I have been "EVICTED"!

"Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice." ~Henry Louis Gates

Well, I can't believe it but I have been artistically evicted from Libertytown Arts Center....through a two sentence email.

My first reaction was that I was totally EFFING upset! I mean, it really felt like 5 steps backwards. I remember feeling so excited when they offered me a hallway spot at Ltown. My second reaction was a slight bit of feeling flattered...but I am left now with some unbridled anger.

Now, after several months; I get an email simply stating that there were "multiple objections to subjects depicted in my works" and that I am "way edgier than what is appropriate". I never considered my stuff edgy so yes, this was a shock. Different, maybe? But edgy??

So I am back on track to getting another studio. A REAL studio this time though. I had always been interested in the Workhouse, they had much better studios, more traffic, more opportunity, more open-minded, etc but the drive wasn't convenient.

I am a little upset that I don't know how much I will appreciate the art scene in FXBG anymore after this. I mean, I shouldn't really be all that surprised with a town that has about 100 antique shops on every street but come on! I feel like I am living in 1940's Germany right now. What's next? A book burning? How can I go and give into the FXBG First Friday's knowing that each piece of art hung is one that has been frigidly selected for my viewing "pleasure"? I don't want to be censored and I don't want the public at large to be censored either!

I don't understand that if there is art that is bothersome for you to look at, why you can't close your damn eyes and move on? I KNOW there are people who did in fact appreciate my art since I received several commissions in the small amount of time I have been at Ltown. A few old, sexually stunted, sheltered, goody two-shoes complain and it's blackballed?

I am more pissed for what this means for art in the town I live rather than personally.

So, it's off to the Workhouse. I will be working on my submission very shortly. If driving an extra 30 minutes gets me away from censorship and misunderstanding, then it'll be worth the drive.

"The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship." ~George Bernard Shaw