Flikr etc

I'm mostly out of my funk, but I'm more sure than ever that I need a break. There's few things less productive than depression or anxiety (well, that and hangovers) so it's especially bad to get either one during senior year. One more week and I get to go back home. Cripes, this has all felt like a prison sentence for the past month or so.
I set up an account on Flikr, basically just a place where I can dump my photos and be self-indulgent (as if I'm not already). I really want to get into photography a bit more, just for its own sake. I'm sick of doing purely digital images (I mean basically Photoshop from start-to-finish) but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop using them. I just don't want to end up basically being a photo retoucher.
Speaking of which...

Ta dah!
Yes, I finally got a copy of my VERY FIRST PUBLISHED PIECE! (Cue the parade) Only took me a couple of weeks. So I'm slow. It's in Paracinema Magazine, a mag devoted to b-and-cult movies and things of that nature. Check it out! Buy a copy (look on the site for places you can get it or order it online)! If it takes off, we might all actually make money on the next one!
Stringing up colored Christmas lights in my room. My room now resembles a horribly tacky LA Mexican and/or Italian restaurant. Peeeeerfect.

Non-Thesis, Anxiety, and other Crap

This is gonna be loooong...sorry.
I'm constantly convinced that my actual artistic output is nearly nil. I feel like I should have a lot more to show for my time in school, or personal time, or whatever, and that I'm always coming up short. There isn't a lot of work I can think of that I've done that I'm really psyched over, and there's maybe only one or two pieces I can think of that I felt I "got right" ("getting it right" it a hard thing to describe, but it's more or less, for me, when I look at something I did and think I just nailed it). All my friends seem to have so much work they can stand behind and be proud of, and I don't know what the Heck I have to stand behind.
Part of this anxiety, I know, is stemming from the fact that I've opted out of Senior Thesis– that is, I'm not going to submit my thesis work to the final show. I'll DO the work, since my class grade depends on it, but I'm not going to go in front of the jury and try to get it in. I really don't feel like the topic– "Global Warning"– represents me and what I want to do at all. I just can't make myself give a crap about the work, and I know it shows in my art. If people are going to come and see my work, why would I want them to see half-assed art that I don't care about and don't have any conviction about?
So, I'm submitting to the non-thesis section of the show, the more portfolio-based part of the show. This is where I'm choking up, since I don't know what I want to show. I feel like everyone wants me to draw in 1000 different ways, and now I'm totally confused about what I want to do and how I want to create art. I don't want to have a set "style", but I don't want to look completely sporadic either. Le sigh.
A problem I think I'm having is essentially burnout, at least temporary burnout. I really need to finish school and get the holy Hell out of NYC because this city just drains me. I'm going back home (Florida) for Thanksgiving and I need the break. I haven't been out of the city since March. I can't take much more without screaming. I just want to find a quiet peaceful place, with no people, no subways, no noise, nature, trees, birds, POLITENESS AND COMMON COURTESY, and then maybe I'll get recharged.

Prints Gone Wild 2!

I went to Prints Gone Wild 2, the (apparently now annual) cheap print fair hosted by Cannonball Press, a Brooklyn-based printing company run in part by a former teacher and friend of mine, Martin Mazorra. SO...MUCH...FUN. I must have blown about 120 bucks there (the point of the fair being that it's the cheapest you're going to get prints for quite awhile), but oh man, it was worth it.
Got some from Yee-Haw Industries (including Dad's Christmas present), Evil Prints, the aforementioned Martin Mazorra, and some more demolition derby posters from Triangle Poster. (I already have three from them. You can never have too many demolition derby posters).
I took some pictures, but they all came out super blurry (I was holding a crapload of prints and a PBR and trying to take pictures at the same time):

Yee-Haw Industries took up an entire wall. My friend Shanna was there and said that she'd thought, "Susana would really be into this stuff."

Sean Starwars' wall. Yes, that's his name. Really nice guy. Printmakers are generally kind of odd people, but cool and harmless.





One of the bands that was playing. The giant Devil's head was made by, I believe, Howlin' Wolf Press.


And, just because I thought it was pretty:
Taken from the roof of my building. Craphole apartment as it is (and trust me, it is), it's got one Helluva view.

100 Things You Didn't Care to Know About Susana Stuart

Ripped from Lindsay P.'s Blog...

1. What is the last alcoholic beverage you drank?
A really terrible bottle of “draught-in-a-bottle” Guinness. They made it taste thin! Guinness is not supposed to be THIN!

2. Do you follow college football?
My roommate does, and my parents live in a college-football-ruled town, so I know it exists. That’s all.

3. How many miles does your car/truck/SUV have on it?
No idea since the car/truck belong to my parents in Florida.

4. Who was the last person to send you a text message and what was it about?
Malisha, saying she couldn’t make it to my party tomorrow but there’ll be others.

5. Last time you went swimming in a pool?
Uh…10 years ago, maybe?

6. Are you happy?
For the most part, sure. I’d like a boyfriend, though…

7. Where was the last place you went shopping?
Amazon.com, for a business card case.

8. How do you feel about your hair?
My hair-hair or my wigs? I hate my hair-hair for a variety of reasons (thus the wigs).

9. Where do you work?
At the moment I’m just going to school and trying to establish an “online presence” for my illustration.

10. Last thing you ate?
Some dried apricots and a cup of coffee.

11. Do you wish you were someplace else right now?
With my parents in Florida. I haven’t been back South since March, and I’m due. Also, they just got a puppy yesterday! I want to see her!

12. Last time you smoked a cigarette?
Yeesh, about a month ago? I only smoke when I drink…a lot.

13. Do you have any expensive jewelry?
Yes, mostly in safety deposit boxes in Florida– things from my great-aunt (a diamond-and-pearl starbursty pendant and a string of pearls) from the early 20th century. Also an Art Nouveau openwork gold-and-brilliants bracelet that Dad bought for Mom and she gave to me. I love that kind of stuff.

14. AIM or MSN?
AIM
.
15. What classes are you taking?
Thesis, Sketchbook Warehouse, Digital Presentation, Narrative, Old Weird America: Music as a Form of Democratic Speech

16. How many hours on average do you work a week:
Depends on if it’s schoolwork or personal work. I admit I put in more energy on personal work.

17. What is your favorite band?
Either the Clash or the Pogues. The Pogues when Joe Strummer was subbing for Shane McGowan? Kismet, baby.

18. Favorite NFL team?
….uhhhh….

19. Do you watch the Olympics?
Only the winter ones. C’mon! They have the luge! And that weird-ass cross country skiing/sharpshooting event!

20. Last bar you went to?
I’ve been trying to stay sober for awhile. It might have been Mona’s.

21. Who was the last person to call you?
My parents, to talk about the puppy and the Savannah Film Festival.

22. Whats your sign?
Taurus, born in the year of the Ox. I can’t help being stubborn!

23. Do you have a favorite number?
12. It just keeps popping up in my life.

24. Last time you did volunteer work or made any donation?
Wow, it’s been awhile. I was volunteering at the central library in Tallahassee maybe two years ago?

25. What do you spend the majority of your money on?
Food, or shoes.

26. Where does most of your family live?
Various pockets of the South– Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky are the main ones, but my brothers both live in Europe (Ireland and Hungary)

27. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
Two older brothers– one’s 18 years older than I am and the other is 10 years older.

28. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?
Hells yes!

29. Ever been called a bitch?
I don’t think so. I’d like to think most people think I’m very polite.

30. Got any guilty pleasures?
Some cheesy music, but for the most part I’ll admit if I like something dorky. I have no shame!

31. Do you drink beer?
Yep, I’m a beer gal.

32. Have you ever experienced true love?
No, but I’m hopeful…

33. Did you ever collect anything?
Take out menus now, and when I was little, Catwoman memorabilia.

34. Ever ordered anything online?
I prefer online shopping

35. Myspace or Facebook?
Myspace for business/networking, Facebook for personal stuff

36. Do you have T-Mobile?
Nope, though Dad just got to look down Catherine Zeta-Jones’ dress this weekend. He reports, “It was wonderful”.

37. What was your favorite subject?
I really loved Biology.

38. Have you ever had your heart broken?
No…

39. Do you usually fall for sluts?
I’ve never fallen for anyone!

40. Were you an outcast in high school?
No, I got along great with pretty much everyone.

41. Last time you saw your family?
Way too long ago. Mom and Dad, not since March, Irish Brother a couple of months ago.

42. Do you have any talents?
I can make my eyeballs shimmy and I’m pretty good at adopting different accents.

43. Ever been in a wedding?
No, and actually I’ve only ever been TO one.

44. Do you have any children?
I hope not, I’m not THAT oblivious.

45. Last movie you watched?
“Children Underground”, a documentary about homeless children in Bucharest.

46. Are you missing anyone at the moment?
My parents.

47. Did you take a nap today?
No, but I slept until about 12:45.

48. What is your high school's mascot?
A cow. Seriously. Not even a bull. A cow.

49. Ever been on a cruise?
Nope, although I’d like to go on an ocean liner. I miss the days of Cunard and the White Star Line…

50. Favorite vacation spot?
Outside of America? Victoria, British Columbia.

51. How many pets do you have?
My parents have two mini schnauzers, Max and Sophie (puppy! Puppy! Six weeks old!) and a cat, Satchi. We had another mini schnanuzer, Tessa, but she died a few weeks ago ☹

52. Do you have any wealthy friends?
Yeah. Lucky bastards.

53. Ever met anyone really famous before?
Pee-Wee Herman and Weird Al, probably a couple of other people (Dad’s in the film biz), really esoteric comic-book types.

54. Favorite actress?
Kate Winslet. I’ve had people tell me I look like her, which makes my day, month, and year.

56. Are you multi-tasking right now?
In a half-hearted way.

57. Could you handle being in the military?
If I was in some kind of office-based environment, maybe. I don’t like getting dirty and I only wear skirts.

58. Are you hungry or thirsty?
Nope.

59. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Haven’t eaten fast food in YEARS, but I remember In-and-Out was pretty good.

60. Do you have any grandparents still alive?
Nope

61. What is your average cell phone bill?
I have a pay-as-you-go plan. They just jacked up the price of texts by 10 cents! That sucks!

62. Do you own a camera phone?
No, I had one but I lost it in Chelsea

63. what is your dream car?
I kinda want a really old taxi cab, or a pink “boat”. Or a Vespa!

64. Do you believe in Karma?
Yeah, to a certain extent. I believe in fate (kismet) more.

65. Can you speak any other languages?
Some French, and I can read Spanish and, oddly, Romanian pretty well.

66. Last time you went to the gym or worked out?
Gym? Um…elementary school, for swim classes, I think.

67. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Don’t get me started.

68. Do you have a photo hosting site that you use?
Photobucket.

69. Last place you drove your car
Tallahassee, Florida.

70. What is your college mascot?
I’d like to see that.

71. Ever been to Las Vegas?
YES! Viva Las Vegas (Lounge.net)!

72. Nicest Hotel you ever stayed in?
Probably the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

73. Have you ever bought condoms?
No!

74. How much money did you make today?
HAHAAHAaa….oh, wait, you’re serious?

75. What do you think is your best feature?
I think I’ve got a purty mouth…

76. Have you ever been gambling?
Nope.

77. How old is your youngest sibling?
32.

78. When is the last time you updated your blog?
Today, looks like.

79. Do you have your wisdom teeth?
No. I only had two, actually.

80. favorite T-shirt?
My screen-printed Joe Strummer ‘saint’ shirt. Generally I don’t do t-shirts.

81. Have you been to New York City?
I live here…unfortunately.

82. Favorite sit down restaurant:
I like diners and really kitschy Mexican/Italian restaurants.

83. Ever been to Disney?
A few times, in Anaheim. It was alright.

84. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
I was really into Danger Mouse when I was little.

85. Last thing you cooked(at home)?
Rice Krispie treats with marshmallow Fluff and shredded coconut. Sugar…heaven…

86. How is the weather today?
Surprisingly warm.

87. Do you e-mail?
It’s the best way to get in touch with me.

88. Last letter/piece of mail you received besides junk or a bill.
A letter from my landlord saying my building is from 1913, combustible, and has no sprinkler system, PA system, or fire alarms.

89. Favorite store?
The Strand.

90.do you wear glasses?
I’m actually legally blind, so when I take out my lenses, yes.

91. Last voicemail you received?
From my parents.

92. favorite club?
I’m not much of a clubber

93. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
Lost it

94. What is the best city in the state that you have lived in?
Wait, huh? My favorite city I WILL live in is Savannah, Georgia. I LOATHE NYC.

95. Favorite quote?
Wow, a lot…”Let fury have the hour/anger can be power/if you know that you can use it”

96. Last time you were sick?
Few weeks ago.

97. Are you bored right now?
Somewhat.

98. Last concert you attended?
I haven’t been to a show in AGES.

99. Do you watch reality tv?
I haven’t had a TV in about a year or so.

100. What are your plans for tomorrow?
Go to class, then have a Halloween party at Otto’s Shrunken Head, and (maybe) go to the parade!

Thesis and Zombies

So, because I'm sensible like that, I decided to change my entire thesis idea what, two months before it's all due?
Yeah.
Sensible.
Anyway, this one's a lot funnier– it has to deal with the various wiretapping and government surveillance scandals we're hearing about, and how very fucking BORING that job would have to be for the poor bastards who actually have to sit and listen to everyone's horrendously dull lives. When I get more work done, I'll throw a couple of images up to track my progress.

In more personal art, I'm totally getting into the idea of pinup zombies, starting with this lovely lady:

As dad said, "The old girl's still got it. Well, most of it, anyway."
Actually, Dad gave me a really good idea about what to do with them– keep crankin' 'em out, and make a pinup calender at the end of it. Mom thinks licensing is a great idea and that I could do cards and thing with the zombie girls, too. I think that rocks! Man, my parents are cool. I'd really love to get into licensing my art somehow (cos, y'know, it pays REALLY well), and who doesn't love zombies and sexy pinups? I know I do!


Medium: Ink wash on vellum, digital color

Jumbo Hotdog

Marvo, webmaster of The Impulsive Buy
Brilliance. Sheer brilliance.

Myspace and Mypurse

So I finally broke down and got a Myspace page (www.myspace.com/susanastuart) which I'm mainly going to use for professional networking stuff, since this now puts me on two different social networking sites, two blogs, and various other things that, let's face it, there's no way I'm gonna be able to keep up with. This is still going to be my primary blog, is what it boils down to.
I present the biggest waste of money I have wasted in QUITE a long while: SCHNAUZERPURSE!

Yes, one word.
I couldn't help myself.
He's so wonderful! He has the big schnauzery schnozz and a wee docked tail and the fluffy hair on his chest that's just like a real schnauzer's! He's cuddling on my lap right now. Now, whenever I need some sweet sweet schnauzer luvin' (or just an excuse to type 'schnauzer' over and over), I can just play with Schnauzerpurse! I can pet him and squeeze him and carry my lip gloss in his hollow back cavity. What else could a girl need?



I love you, Schnauzerpurse.