WT DURRANCE

2011-06-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

ART PROJECT powered by google

I found this very cool site. The project was put together for people who love art but can't afford to travel the globe to see some of the great master pieces. This site will give you a virtual tour inside 17 museums from around the world such as: Van Gogh Museum, MoMA ny, Palace of Versallies etc. Explore, discover, and view hundreds of artworks at incredible zoom levels, and even create and share your own collection of masterpieces.

www.googleartproject.com

2011-06-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Art Express and Communicates Something

Artists, Glen Ligon and Janine Antoni showed slides of their work at a symposium at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, which had been interpreted by the critics mostly in political terms. They insisted, however, that their art be evaluated in aesthetic terms as well.

Can the artist expect to control the viewer’s interpretation of their work?

And if so, wouldn’t this be accomplished through a direct technique? If the designed outcome has failed then it would seem the artist has failed to convey clearly his idea or message.

“Can the artist expect to control the viewer’s interpretation of their work?”

I find it interesting when artists get sensitive after putting out work and the public and or critics have an opinion on it, especially when that opinion is negative. Why would the artist react so defensively if the majority of viewers walk away with, in the artist’s mind the wrong impression? If we are asked to interpret a particular piece of work then the artist must somehow help the viewer to at least glean the idea or impression they want their work to have.

I teach my acting students that the actor’s job is to communicate the playwright’s story…to effectively express the words and feelings of their character in the context of the imaginary circumstances. If the audience collectively walks away with an unintended understanding of the work than somehow the actor has failed and maybe the director as well. As a theatre artist and director, when I produce challenging or innovative work I count it a success if at least two-thirds of my audience understands the material. Without the intention to communicate something I would be producing art for arts sake or for my own self-indulgence…rather selfish and pointless.

“As a theatre artist and director, when I produce challenging or innovative work I count it a success if at least two-thirds of my audience understands the material.”

Artists are communicators. We fail when our work doesn’t communicate the intended idea. There is something to be said about the intended audience too. Art that some call “high art” is intended for a narrow exclusive audience – one that is cultured and sophisticated in their tastes. In the eyes of the wrong viewers misinterpretations will abound in this category.

“Artists are communicators”

Leave your thoughts. What do you think?

2011-05-10T01:17:00.000-07:00

THINGS

This post is in response to feeling a bit stagnat artistically. And with this state comes a bit of depression...I'm fighting back! The artistic life is a tortured one isn't it? But I feel it doesn't have to be. I hope my list inspires you to think, be thoughtful, and be thankful. Please leave a list of your own.

Things I Stand In Awe Of

Bright stars in the sky at night

The morning after a fresh rain

The delicacy of a butterfly’s wings

The vast variety of plants

Shade trees and fresh cut green grass

The wind on a sunny spring day

The seemingly endless variety of animal life

Leaves blowing in the wind

Watching others create

Watching blades of grass being pushed over by a strong wind

Things That Are Good

The smell of fresh paint on canvas

Creating something new

The sounds of an audience laughing

The feel of new clothes against my skin

Watermelon on a hot summer day

Influencing someone else's talent

Candy that sticks to your mouth

Things That Trigger A Found Memory

Running through tall grass

Red balloons

1950s pennies

Eating cereal on Saturday morning

Walking on the beach at sunset

Watching 4^th Of July fireworks over the pier

Saltwater taffy at the county fair

Running with a new pair of tennis shoes

Riding a two-seated bike by the lake

Fishing with crickets

Riding bikes in the redwood forest

2011-02-16T03:13:00.000-08:00

Good Actors Should Smell Good

Yi-Fu Tuan writes in, Pleasures of the Proximate Senses a fascinating discussion on the aesthetic of smell. His examples and descriptions on the sense of smell bring to mind some personal thoughts on the same subject. Tuan believes “smell, compared with sight and hearing, affects our emotions at a more deeply buried level”.

For actors this observation is helpful. Some years ago I hired an acting coach to help me with an audition piece I was preparing for on the east coast. I was having some difficulty connecting to the character. It was not "real" to me and therefore, as I played the role I felt "fake". He began to walk me through an acting exercise for "sense memory/emotion memory" (taken from Constantin Stanislavski, who us theatre folk commonly call the father of modern acting theory). He asked me to recall a memory that matched the emotion (not necessarily the situation) of the monologue I was playing. As I thought for a moment I began to recall my aunt’s wake. I was 10 years old at the time and this was my first wake. My acting coach asked me to describe the room – smells – sounds. As I did, I began to smell those carnation flowers that everyone seems to send for funerals (to this day that smell reminds me of death). As I described more details of the wake, tears began to well up in my eyes. A deep sadness and loss come from nowhere. This is strongly tied to smell for me, for the moment I began to recall the wake I began to smell flowers.

Tuan says, “ odor has this power to restore the past because… it is an encapsulated experience…”. The other senses cannot achieve this great and immediate of a response.

Have you ever smelt a perfume or cologne that brought you back to a time and place – usually bundled with a heap of emotion? Some smells remind me of grandma. Others make me think of my childhood – the best times.

2011-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

A HUMBLE LITTLE LIST OF DESIRES FOR THIS YEAR
(please leave me some of your own)

Say yes more

Create even when I don’t feel like it (the motion produces motivation)

Be more aware of the wonder of life (notice what others overlook)

Look up more (literally and metaphorically)

Sit on the floor more

Play like a child

Re-read books that have inspired me (*)

Make time to paint once a month

Be comfortable with silence

Listen more

Give more away

Down size my possessions

Buy less

Live simple

Think profoundly

Reach for the higher fruit (take risks/step out in faith)

Explore a new artistic discipline

Embrace pain as an impetus to create

Respond to God’s voice

* (crazy love, the accidental master piece, orbiting the giant hairball, the dream giver, the creative habit, writing in restaurants, blue like jazz, living by fiction)

2011-01-16T00:13:00.000-08:00

I'm back. It's been a while since my last post. What happened... busy with the holidays. But I have been thinking about what direction to take the blog this year - so stay tuned for some new things. If you have any ideas please message me (feedback is better than Christmas). And if you follow my other blog I will be posting very soon. I have valued your reading and blog comments. It's truly is an honor to have you stop by and give me a read when there is so many other things that could take your attention. I wish all my readers a late but great New Year!

2010-12-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Music Playlist (buy today)

Oh, Starling: "Joy" and this year's Ep release "Noel" I call it alternative folk. They take pride in their artful rearrangements. You won't be disappointed. Support this independent christian Husband and wife team ($5 Eps and a free song download here).

JJ Heller: "Wake Up The World". Laid back and chill folk. Of course JJ is gaining popularity in the christian music ranks. This little 6 song release is nice on the ears. (buy here)

"Salvation Is Created" by Bifrost Arts. They say they are "a sacred music non-profit that exits to enrich the church and engage with beauty and truth". This is unique and beautiful haunting at times and serene. Many artists have collaborated on this project. (buy here)

"This Warm December" by Brushfire Records. This is for us people who live in the west. It's a compilation of artists such as Jack Johnson. It will make you want to have a cup of joe in your favorite coffeehouse or stroll the winter beach in your warmest coat and scarf - what can I say, it's the only type of winter we get out here on the coast. At 7.99 it's a great buy for 12 songs. (buy here)

2010-11-04T00:09:00.002-07:00

3 Things I'm Into Right Now

1. Let's Colour our World Project

I came across this project last year sometime and was so inspired with the concept: Grey is out. Gloom is gone. It’s time to live our lives in colour.

The Let’s Colour Project is a worldwide initiative from Dulux, Dulux Valentine, Coral, Flexaand Marshall to transform grey spaces with colourful paint. A mission to spread colour all over the world.

They are working together with local communities across the globe, rolling up our sleeves to paint streets, houses, schools and squares.

It’s the beginning of a colour movement that everyone can join in. Follow the journey on theLet’s Colour Blog and sign up now to find out how you can be a part of it.

2. Sculpture artist: Derick Melander www.derickmelander.com

3. The rumors are true Cirque Du Soleil is producing and touring a Michael Jackson based show. The word is we will see him on stage by way of the latest hologram technology. Unlike their Beatles show "Love" and "Viva Elvis" Michael will be performing his own songs. learn more

Show Sketch

2010-09-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Man With the Golden Key

A shortish stubby man with a Hawaiian cut shirt with Indian style print, a modern fedora hat, and dark blues brothers ray-ban like shades on, enters the coffeehouse to which I find myself trying to get away to think on life, art, and God – not in that order.

Perched from above in a loft where I do my thinking, I glare down where my eyes catch hold of a large golden key around his neck. My curiosity was peeked. What might this key be used for? As I untangled the possibilities the thought hit me…what if we all had a golden key? The key represented our destiny, our purpose and our dreams. We would all go around trying different doors and locks to see if it fits.

…Isn’t this really the key to happiness, safety, and peace? Haven’t we all been given this golden key already? Don’t we call this key God’s will?

Then how come we find it hard to use? Many of us, myself included, have been trying to cram it into a beautiful door we call self-will or self-fulfillment. It sounds “new-age” doesn’t it? Well it is. I know Apple has made the emphasis on “I” so important that it has become hard to not see it any other way. There is…God’s way.

A friend of mine was seeking direction for something very important in their spiritual life. He had found himself in limbo without an answer for almost two years. Though the answer seemed clear to others around him, he could not accept the answer. He was looking for a “burning bush” experience. Finally after deciding to “really pray” and fast about it did God seem to speak softly and clearly. We often don’t really want to pray for some things do we, because that might mean God’s answer for us is the very thing “we” don’t want to do. It might require a sacrifice. Isn’t it easier to just say God hasn’t given me direction or God is not speaking? My friend noted he did not get peace about his decision until After he was obedient to the voice of God. Peace comes when we listen to God and trust him for the outcome. In hindsight we often look back and see how God's way was best all along.

Interesting the Bible talks about a key that Jesus holds (The golden key?). In John’s letter to the church in Philadelphia

Rev. 3: 7-8, …these are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut…

Kings were given keys as symbols of sovereign authority. The “key of David” is the key over royal riches: divine treasury, the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of salvation. Jesus holds all authority; he decides who gets in and who is shut out. And who is blessed and who is not. He opens and closes its riches to everyone.

The thing you want may not be what God wants for you. Are you willing to “Really” pray God’s will and then be satisfied with the answer even if it is inconvenient? It is in the acceptance and trust of God’s will that we truly find peace.

What if we just simply took our golden key and opened our hearts to Him – imagine the discoveries.

2010-08-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Creative! Incredible visual parallels...

2010-07-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Another Dose of Creativity

These guys are at it again. Incredible! I am amazed every time they put out a new project. They take it one step further this time and include real objects in stop-motion. Click on the "Be Inspired" link on the right and look for their last vid I posted.

2010-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

The Balloonist's Prayer

May the winds welcome you with softness.
May the sun bless you with his warm hands.
May you fly so high and so well
that God joins you in laughter
and sets you gently back into
the loving arms of Mother Earth.

The author of the Balloonist's Prayer is unknown, but it is believed to have been adapted from an old Irish sailors' prayer from long ago. This prayer is commonly heard after a balloon flight.

2010-07-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

BE INSPIRED

Artist Pierre Lota repurposes everyday items. I post this to remind you to create with the limits that are in front of you. Your perimeters are your launching point for originality and spontaneous creativity.

Take a second look at that problem... within it may lie a new beginning.

2010-06-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”

~ from the movie, Fight Club

Isn't this a freeing thought and so true. When you have nowhere to go but up the future begins to look bright.

I've been fascinated with the stories about people who just pick up and disappear only to resurface years later. When questioned, their response is: I just needed a clean break, I needed to start over. Now I'm aware of the damage this does to a family if they have been abandoned. But haven't you ever felt that sometime in your life - "I just need a start over...a clean break"? Don't you wish sometimes you could just break free: walk out of work, walk away from bills, and all of life's stresses. We want a do over..."if I had it to do over again I'd do it all differently".

I think to often we get stuck in the "loss everything" or "I have nothing" mode, and fail to recognize that if it truly is loss/nothing, and not our own discontent, then this is the greatest position to be in.

We are free...free that is, to make new choices. Isn't the "loss everything" mode really about us feeling out of control? It's about us not being able to fix or manipulate the outcome. And ultimately this is right where our Creator wants us to be...dependent...on Him. I think God smiles when we get this.

2010-06-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

3 THINGS I'M INTO RIGHT NOW

1. RIP Japanese hip hop producer, Jun Seba (aka Nujabes) passed away in late February. I posted a vid with music by Nujabes on my Nov. "3 Things I'm Into". I stumbled upon his music and was moved and inspired. The vid, which I have reposted here, left me in a calm peaceful state. I called it "poetry in motion". The words are positive and uplifting. Below is an excerpt of an open post.

"We deeply regret the loss of a unique talent and a close friend. Through his soulful music, Nujabes has touched so many people around the world, even beyond his dreams. He was a mysterious character to most as he avoided the public limelight, rarely conducted interviews, so only a few got to know the man behind the signature production. Yet it continued to amaze me how young listeners of all backgrounds learned of his enigmatic name, and expressed support for his music" - Shing02 (to read in full go HERE)

2. MUSIC by Sleeping At Last: Storyboards. I found this group by navigating through itunes about a year ago. I don't call this christian music, it's better, it's music by two guys from Chicago who are christians. This allows for lyrics that are more honest. The christian music industry has to produce to make money and often times the product is forced - caned formulated lyrics with not much art. We need more art that is a true honest expression of the soul; the expression of a heart that belongs to an original God.

The songs are hauntingly beautiful, deeply honest, and moving. The melodies reach round and hold you long after the ipod is off. The songs describe much of mans deprived condition - making the joy of God's gift of salvation ever so sweet (itunes link Here). Watch their artsy little vid below...

3. ART by Chinese based artist, Liu Bolin. The Beijing based artist has exhibited his work around the world (China, Paris, United States and elsewhere). Mr Bolin is a perfectionist who can take up to ten hours to ready himself for photographs of his performances. He generally uses assistants who help to paint him in place. In an article The UK's Telegraph noted that "... people walking by while he is carrying out his performance often have no idea he is nearby until he moves away. Liu said he wanted to show how city surroundings affected people living in them and how He said the inspiration behind his work was a sense of not fitting in to modern society and as a silent protest against the Government's persecution of artists".

2010-05-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

ALL BECAUSE OF MOM

Okay, I know this is a little late in coming but I thought I would share anyway. These are collages I assembled for an art night I produce at my church. The theme was: All Because of Mom. The finished work was displayed at church on Mother's Day.

2010-05-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

"When you really look at something and finally understand it’s nature and how it relates to everything around it, that is when you can throw that fleck of paint with assuredness". - George Gallo, painter

(painting by george gallo titled "red roofs" oil on canvas)

2010-04-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

The thought occur to me recently, as I am a theatre person by degree and profession, I have not posted much on the subject of live theatre. I wanted to share with you who I believe to be the most insightful and brutally honest writer on the subject of modern theatre and film - David Mamet. He has written for the stage (notable plays: Speed-the-plow, Glengarry Glen Ross, American Buffalo), for film (notable screenplays: Glengarry Glen Ross, The Untouchables, Wag the Dog, The Spanish Prisoner, and the Oscar-nominated The Verdict) and many books on film, theatre, and acting. In 1983 Mamet and actor William H. Masy founded the Atlantic Theatre and acting school in New York City.

Though, to my knowledge, not a believer in Jesus and as he is a Jew, I'm not sure if he is a practicing Jew, he speaks here as an artist who cherishes and values life with all its rawness yet reminds us that it should be valued nonetheless. When you remove God from the picture his complaint is what you end up with. The existentialists have invaded the main stream and are celebrating the fact that human life began as an accident. Life only has meaning as we give it meaning - enter the humanist. Therefore, Life is meaningless (has no value) so lets destroy it.

We live in an illiterate country. The mass media – the commercial theatre included – pander to the low and lowest of the low in the human experience. They, finally, debase us through the sheer weight of their mindlessness.

Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.

Every reiteration of the idea that there is no drama in life, there is only dramatization, that there is no tragedy, there is only unexplained misfortune, debases us

We are destroying ourselves by accepting our unhappiness. We are destroying ourselves by endorsing an acceptance of oblivion in television, motion pictures, and the stage.

Who is going to speak up? Who is going to speak for the American spirit? For the human spirit?

Who is capable of being heard? Of being accepted? Of being believed? Only that person who speaks without ulterior motives, without hope of gain, without even the desire to change, with only the desire to create: The artist. The ACTOR. ~ from Writing In Restaurants

Leave me your thoughts...what do you think?

2010-03-23T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hosea from Wesley Brainard on Vimeo.

Are you burdened with the matters that burden God? Here is a good example of creatively using media and drama in a modern and relevant way. There's something compelling and very moving about this piece. Maybe it's the simplicity of the spoken word and stripped down visuals (Leave me your thoughts).

2010-03-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

Be Inspired!

Photographs by Francois Delfosse

powerful photographs of the Arctic

If you need inspiration for thinking out-side-the-box this is it. These aren't pictures of the Arctic at all but simply the inside of white shopping bags. The beauty. The creativity. The simplicity. Ideas don't have to be complicated or over thought...think simple.

Francois says,“… I must say I was inspired by “American Beauty”, there is a scene in the film where a plastic bag is softly lifted and driven away by the wind. The bag obviously portrayed a character tossed to and fro by life, with no control over his life”.

To see more of Francois's work click HERE

2010-03-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

THE SITTING STONE

Being stuck or immobilized by self-doubt and depression is a miserable place to be. Have you ever had those times when you felt tethered by life? You are stuck, not able to get free from that which holds you down. Fear gets in the way of accomplishing great things. Art takes risk. However without risk originality can never be achieved.

It's the fear of failure - being judged by the world as not good. So this is a monument to those times when I "get stuck". It reminds me to cut the cord that holds me back - "self-doubt.

Freedom gives birth to the possibility of creating something original.

This original painting was inspired by a poem I wrote, of the same title, during a very tough time in my life. (acrylic on canvas)

2010-02-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

It's not often I'm left in awe and almost tears. But this work of art by Esteban Diacono has done it. When you see and hear something so simple and yet profound it transcends man and reaches towards God. This stopped me in my tracks and has caused me to take pause...the beauty of God...the beauty of man reaching toward perfection.

It reminds me to begin again, to see anew, to create fresh, to kneel in my humble limitations, and yet I feel like exploding with a new found creativity. I share this to inspire you too...

Read the quotes in fine print bottom right corner.

let yourself feel. from Esteban Diácono on Vimeo.

2010-02-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

"When we step out-of-the-box of fear and doubt, we share with Christ the Creator, the experience, mystery, and wonder of creative expression". ~WT Durrance

2010-02-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

3 THINGS I'M INTO RIGHT NOW

1. Free Down Load EP by the group The Autumn Film. Don't miss the two other EPs available for down load on the bottom of the same page. This is a three-piece indie band with really tight sound great grooves and excellent vocals. They’ve been touring nation wide for the past few years. Did I mention they are Christian, but their appeal is catching on far outside of the Christian circuit. But don't just take my word for it listen to what this person had to say - I love having lyrics and sound reflect the tension of a life that is hard and a God that is good. I can be sad and this music will meet me. I can be happy and this album will meet me. Every song is unique and the lyrics are subtle and thought provoking. Autumn Film strikes the cords of life like no other band I know. Down Load HERE

2. Work by mixed media artist James Hopkins

Wasted Youth, 2006

Mixed Media

The Last Cord, 2006

Mixed Media

3.The Book - Unclutter Your Life In One Week: a 7 day plan to organize your home, your office, and your life! by Erin Rooney Doland.

My close friends know I have been battling disorganization in my car, office area and in my house. I CAN'T STAND it anymore!! Ordinarily, I'm a fairly organized person, but for the last year these areas have gotten out of control. I know there is a direct link to clean organized living = clean organized thoughts. In other words, I think clearer when the environment I work and play in is organized and clean. I know my creativity has suffered. So as the bible says, "cleanliness is next to godliness...okay I know that is not from the bible but it should have been, I ask you to forgive me God.

2010-01-22T04:09:00.000-08:00

With an overwhelming splash of creativity Ingrid Michaelson's new video for her song "Maybe" has left me in awe. I only dream of being a music video director. One's dreams are the only limits when it comes to conceptualizing and interpreting music visually. (Leave me your thoughts)

2010-01-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

Weston Cantrell shares his thoughts on photography, graphic design and running a recording studio.

Q. What brings you to photography?

I've wanted to pursue photography for quite some time. I remember writing a paper in sixth grade and on how I wanted to photograph marine life for national geographic when I grew up. That was the most epic form of photography I could think of at the time. I'm not sure what drew me to photography at that age but now I know that I enjoy photographing people more that any other subject. There's something about capturing emotions in a still image that is far more exciting to me than shooting scenics or wildlife.

Q. I’ve noticed some of your photos have an artistic element, is that your personal expression or the clients ideas?

I general I try my best to bring an artistic point of view to every shoot. Some people come to the table with a lot of ideas for me to work from, others leave it up to me completely. I enjoy working either way.

Q. How do you get ideas for a shoot?

I like to talk to my clients and try to get a feel for what they're expecting. A lot of times I'll come to a shoot with a few things I've been wanting to try. Other times I'll get inspired by the location, clothing, the light conditions, etc.

Q. Is it hard not to repeat your ideas and innovate new ones?

Sometime I'll get attached to an idea especially when it resulted in a photo I'm particularly proud of. I am always trying to find new ways to do things. Every subject is unique so that in itself usually brings new ideas.

Q. Do you have a favorite photographer?

I really enjoy Scott Andrew Shoemake's work (http://scottandrewstudio.com), and I have a bit of a web/photo crush on Jasmine Star (http://www.jasminestarblog.com/)

Q. What influences your work?

Nothing is completely original. I subscribe to hundreds of photographers' blogs and I analyze the images that inspire me. That being said I would never want to try to duplicate something someone else has done... but I do believe that studying great photos helps build a good taste-level and influences one to become better.

Q. Have you ever had formal training in photography or are you self-taught?

I have never had formal training. I have always wanted to take a photography class or attend a seminar and I will do that some day. There is so much great information available through photography forums, blogs, and websites that I have never felt held back my lack of formal training.

Q. What inspires you to do what you do?

One of my favorite quotes is "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life (Confucius)". I have found that in photography and graphic design. Everyone has a passion, but everyone also has to make ends meet. The idea that I can use my passion to make a living is very inspiring to me. I am also very inspired by the idea that every creative part of me was put there by God. Look at the earth. God is creative.

Q. Besides photography I know you are a graphic designer and you run a recording studio all fulltime. Is it hard is to make an income doing what you love?

One difficult thing about working freelance is the uncertainty of having to find and schedule your own work vs. the stability of a 9 to 5 job. The whole feast or famine thing does come into play at times, but it can be overcome.

Q. How long have you been doing graphic design?

I actually have been doing graphic design for a lot longer than I have been doing photography. I had my first official design job for someone other than family when I was 13.

Q. What excites you in graphic design?

I love those moments when it all just "clicks" into place. When the image I saw in my head is now staring back at me from my computer screen. When I unexpectedly stumble across something even better that what I was expecting.

Q. Can you give examples of what you think is great design in advertising or product branding?

It is obvious that everything Apple does is extremely well designed. Their logo, products, retail stores, and their marketing all create unity in their branding. I also love when there is some kind of clever symbol hidden in a logo. The arrow in the white space between the "e" and the "x" of the FedEx logo is a great example of this.

Q. Tell me about the recording studio?

About a year and a half ago we build a full-service recording studio next to our home. It features two isolation booths, a large area for musicians to set up, and a control room. We run Pro Tools and have all the gear necessary to create great sounding stuff. You can see some photos at www.jnpstudios.biz. My dad, my brother, and I all team up and run it.

Q. What’s next?

This month I will be shooting my first wedding. I hope to get involved in that in a big way.

Q. Who in your life has been the greatest influence on what you do?

Definitely my family. They have always encouraged me to live out my dreams and have never tried to fit me into a certain mold. I am very grateful for that. I owe them a lot.

Q. What advice would you pass on to the up and coming young artist?

Always hold your work to a high standard and never stop learning. Never stop creating.

Twenty-two year old Weston lives with parents Pastor Gaylen and Doreen Cantrell and brother Landry in Hanford, California.
To learn more about Weston's work visit www.westoncantrell.com or read his blog at www.westoncantrell.blogspot.com

2010-01-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

(I published this article last year on my writing blog. Since it's the beginning of the new year I thought it would be worth sharing. If you like this visit my other blog for more interesting essays on the artistic and the spiritual HERE).

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU CREATED SOMETHING?
"We have to make time for our art making. Cultivating a consistent time to express ourselves through art is hard. For those of us who are artistic, planning art into our lives is necessary. Just like setting aside time to pray, it is equally important to set aside time to “make art”.

My friend, who is an accomplished independent filmmaker, artist, actor, writer, and director, asked me once why I don’t create more (i.e. direct, paint, design etc.)? I didn’t answer right away, so he asked, “Do you just do larger productions…you go from one big project to the next?” I thought for a moment…then answered “yes”. This friend was always directing some theatre piece and directing a film project and writing a script. I must confess, I was jealous. Why did he produce so much more than me?..." read more ->

2009-12-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

I hope I find all of you having a wonderful Christmas eve with family or friends. If you're like me then I'm sure you get tired of the same Christmas music every year. I wanted to give you a link to one more FREE christmas download -the Group is called "In Mansions". You'll find this a breath of fresh air with it's folk rock stylings with easy guitars smooth lazy vocals. Go HERE.

Have A Very Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

VINTAGE CLOWN MATTER:
christmas show '09

These are two clips (from dress rehearsal) from my newest show which I'm calling Vintage Clown Matter: Christmas '09. I've been working on this idea for about a year. I've been wanting to do something with physical comedy but it would also include dramatic character moments. I brought Steve into the project with me after realizing my ideas would work better with a second character. Because the ideas were coming together slowly for the non-seasonal show, and rehearsal was laborious, I decided to rush to put together something for Christmas with the intent to travel with it (which we have). This has given Steve and I time to test ideas on stage. I would love to hear your feedback as that is the best way to refine a new piece of theatre.

2009-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite drama sketches that i have directed for the church in Poway. I thought it would be good to share because the message is so important and of course it's Christmas time. Leave me your thoughts.

Missing Jesus from W. Todd Durrance on Vimeo.

2009-12-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

LOVE Collides
my latest painting inspired by the "CRAZY LOVE" art project.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on how our relationships are at times reckless, for some destructive, fast paced, exhilarating, painful, sometimes rewarding, sometimes fulfilling, selfish, biter sweet, envious, unforgiving, judgmental, and even lonely.

But the love that Jesus has revealed to us is mind bending. For a great and powerful God to come down and humble himself to inter His creation so that us frail little created beings could be saved from our own inadequacies – is incomprehensible.

What kind of love looks beyond humanity’s faults and ugliness and reaches in to heal the self-destruction of an incredibly desperate created being? It’s crazy, it’s radical: A love that collides with a world that did not expect but so desperately needed love. Real love. I imagine it as an explosion of LOVE.

~ w. todd durrance

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2009-12-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

CRAZY LOVE art submissions
(more to come. click on pics to read or see details)...

1. Linda Rucker 2. Karrie Skiles 3. Mia Cabrales 4. Steve Leonhardt 5. Darby Gana 6. Bernie Lopez 7. Becky Gana 8. Jessica Boyer (11 yrs. old) 9. Claire Tan 10. Miquon Branch 11. Cami Kelley 12. Abigail Skiles (7 yrs. old)

2009-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Blacklight Mime and Movement Piece
song by Relient K "I Celebrate The Day"

I had been wanting to do something on stage with blacklight for a long time. So the opportunity came when we needed something for our Christmas '07 service. I'm not the type who does the same thing every year just because it's a tradition or it's easier. I guess it's the artist in me that makes me bored. This is one of two blacklight performance pieces that I created that year. If you have ever tried to video blacklight then you will know it's hard to see.

The idea came from just hearing the song. I was looking for music to use and something about this song struck me. The message of the song is a fresh take on the subject and makes it relevant by bringing it into the twenty-first century.

I wanted to mix what appears to be gloved hands in abstract movement at the beginning as a back drop for the central character (yes that's me - had no one else to do it). The hands most of the time are doing something different than my character. But watch at the end as the hands sync with my character's and are taken out of the abstract and given context. I didn't want the hands to do the same thing my character did the whole song - that would be redundant. Also what you see is a small Christmas tree to my left (I act as if I'm adjusting ornaments). Please comment.

2009-11-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

3 THINGS I'M INTO RIGHT NOW

FREE Christmas music download (you have to download by Thanksgiving). You will want to have this EP of “Oh Startling, Joy” by Christian husband and wife team, singer songwriters, Dan Craig and Jessica Sonner. After only one year of marriage this sweet project emerged. This will appeal to people who like indie, folk rock, lounge, Nora Jones, Amy Winehouse, soft accustic guitar driven music. At any rate, it’s Free, and it’s Christmas, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the original arrangements and unique vocal stylings. I can’t stop listen to this – it never grows old on me. Download HERE and tell me what you think.

“LOVE” the new production by the Cirque Du Soleil producers is in Las Vegas and weaves a loose storyline using only songs form the Beatles. I had the opportunity to hear an interview with one of its creators at an arts conference I attended. It’s by far one of Cirque Du Soleil’s most creative productions. Watch behind the scenes vid HERE and a montage of the show HERE - you will be amazed!

Poetry in motion…if you’re having a rough hectic week, like myself, watch this vid HERE and enjoy the art of people in slow motion. We could all slow down a little. There’s something beautiful about this. Tell me what you think.

2009-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

FEATURED ARTIST

My good friend Karen Harding has released a great mix of christmas songs - a little bit of country, a little bit of soul, and a lot of Karen. Buy HERE. Check out the Youtube Vid with samples from the CD - Karen Video.

Q. What was the inspiration for the song choices and arrangements?

I chose an array of styles, from new to traditional and even wrote a new one. I wanted to do things that are familiar and comforting, to the great new song by Israel and Martha Munizzi "White Christmas". Each song is a message or a memory. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. Great feelings of generosity. Lots of smiles and goodwill. Hanging out with Family, etc.

Q. How was your experience in the studio?

I had so much fun recording this. I actually even read a poem called "The Star" before singing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" - I wanted something that everyone could enjoy.

Q. Describe the central theme of your CD

In the hustle and bustle of it all I wanted to remind everyone the "True Meaning of Christmas" (the one song I wrote). Christmas is not about going to the mall or baking cookies, although that's part of it...but the TRUE MEANING is Jesus. The title "Hope For the Season" says it all. There is always hope.

For more of Karen's music visit www.karenharding.com

2009-11-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Ain Vares, christian painter from Estonia (near Finland). In Ain's own words... "My pictures convey the message of God's endless love for all mankind and His desire to deliver us from all bondage, to save us from this perishing world if we only let Him come into our lives."

This painting titled - "Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through him!" 

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

"The Holy Spirit`s coming on the day of Pentecost." 

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." Acts 2:1-4; 16-18

"Produce the fruit of repentance." 

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:8,10  

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:18-19

To view more of this artists work visit www.ainvaresart.com

2009-11-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

If you're feeling
uncreative watch this and let your mind explode.

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis (2 times loop) from blu on Vimeo.

2009-10-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

Crazy Love Online Art Project

As Creative Arts Pastor at my church, I have been promoting a special art project based on the book our church is currently using as our home group study material (Crazy Love by Francis Chan).

Since I have started an art gallery in our offices, I have been asking for art submissions to be displayed that reflect this theme in a deeply personal way. The church dead line for submissions is Nov. 19th.

This idea seemed too good to just have my church participate, so I thought I would extend this to my online community. Wouldn't it be cool to be inspired by each other’s creations? Even if you can't participate please come back to see what others have done - and let God be glorified.

So here it is - Not all of us consider ourselves artists but many of us have other creative ways of expression. I'm looking for original - poems, song lyrics, a thought, photos, pictures of: paintings, drawings, sculpture, collage etc...The deadline is Nov. 22nd for the online gallery. Please submit pictures in jpeg format and writing in a word doc. Email work HERE. Below are excerpts from the book:

The book offers a radical call to consider and emulate living crazy for God. It challenges Christians to take the Bible seriously. It describes at length the sorry state of lukewarm Christians who strive for a life characterized by control, safety and an absence of suffering. In stark contrast, the book offers real-life accounts of believers who have given all—time, money, health, even their lives—in obedience to Christ's call. Chan also recounts his own attempts to
live crazy by significantly downsizing his home and giving away his resources to the poor.

"Sometimes I feel like when I make decisions that are remotely biblical, people who call themselves Christians are the first to criticize and say I'm crazy, that I'm taking the Bible too literally. When people gladly sacrifice their time or comfort or home, it is obvious that they trust in the promises of God. Why is it that the story of someone who has actually done what Jesus commands resonates deeply with us, but we then assume we could never do anything so radical or intense? Or why do we call it radical when, to Jesus, it is simply the way it is? The way it should be?

“Our problem isn't working harder, but realizing who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is, and falling in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything in your life”.

2009-10-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

3 THINGS I'M INTO RIGHT NOW

1. Gary Go - singer song writer. He is a cross between Maroon 5, Jason Marz, David Gray and Coldplay. I can't stop listening.

2. The Coffee Bean - Order Pomegranate Blueberry Tea Latte (ice blended or hot.) It's worth the trip. PS students - free wi-fi, that's better than Starbucks.

3. Christians Doing Good In the World. This was presented at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit this year. What a way to help the poor around the world start a business. Watch this video and help the cause.

2009-10-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

"Every human being is creative, and every human child is a poet, a singer, a musician, and an artist. The only reason you quit being all of those things is that you got scared". - unknown (Picture by Rylan Nigro 8yrs). Why can't the flag be many colors? Fear cripples originality.

A quote worth posting

2009-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

"What every creator should do, must do, is use the skills they have right now. A great masterpiece is within reach if only your will power is strong enough (just like the Green Lantern.) Just look within yourself and say what you have to say.” - James Kochalka, The Cute Manifesto

How Does The Internet See You?

2009-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

I found this website that just requires you to type in your name and it will gather data about you from everywhere you go on the net and in so doing will spit out your internet persona. It's quite surprising. It comes from MIT media lab and is called Personas

2009-09-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

FINE ART AMERICA

From time to time I will recommend websites that the artist will want to know about. And today is the first. As I am an artist on canvas I highly recommend this site to get your work seen but best of all you can sell your work. You also have the option to sell prints of your paintings. All this is free - not many websites available that are free AND that allow you to sell. www.fineartamerica.com

A quote worth posting

2009-09-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

"All people dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible". - T.E. Lawrence, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom

2009-09-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

LINE SHAPE FORM...

these are some of the things we look at to evaluate a photograph. There is beauty in simplicity and simple clean lines. Notice how the light in this photograph I took illuminates just certain edges of these arches. It creates mystery and wonder - what is hidden in the negative space, where is the light coming from, and what is the source of the light?

As I think about theses questions I can't help but find a comparison to our Creator. The God of mystery, the God of order and line. We have to trust God even when we can't see Him - in our negative space. He has given us our shape or personality, our form or our beauty, our line or path to get to Him. Do we ever stop long enough to contemplate the simple yet profound truths God can show us in our art or others art or His creation? I want to be a person who thinks like this all the time. I so desperately want to see God in all the areas of my life. I think I get caught up at times looking at the big stuff but don't slow down and notice, really notice God in the small detail. Look around you he is there.