At least I'm staying busy in the studio...

I have never been as out of the Christmas spirit as I have been this year. Ever. The economy is so miserable, despite what the Idiot In Chief says,



that we have decided not to celebrate the holiday this year. No tree, no lights, no gifts. Nothing. I'm OK with that. Of course, everyone will say that the holiday isn't about gifts. But, frankly, that's mostly bullshit. It's totally about giving and getting gifts. It's massive consumerism. If I hear one more person ask me if "I've got all my shopping done yet" I may go running and screaming into the path of the next bus. Ask yourself how many times you've been asked that, have asked that yourself, or have overheard others asking that question and then tell yourself that Xmas (at least here in the States) isn't about consumerism.

A recent friend of mine,who happens to be a wonderful artist, made a brilliant table top sculpture work that she showed me the other day. It consisted of Santa Claus being crucified on a cross. It was amazingly realistic. She told me that it was a statement about the consumerism of Christmas and I thought it was brilliant.

Of course, I no longer consider myself to be a Christian , so the whole religious aspect isn't there for me in any case at this time of year. But, I was raised a Catholic, so I do appreciate the beauty of the story of Xmas in an artistic sense at least.

What I do enjoy however are the lights. For the last few years I've considered myself a spiritualist who celebrates the "season of light". You don't need gifts for that. And also, it isn't about me getting gifts, it's about me being able to give them. Which, this year I can not. That's what sucks for me on a personal level because I love picking out special things for special people. Since I can't give gifts this year, I don't want anyone to give any to me.

So, what have I been doing rather than shopping and throwing money at a tree? I've been painting! That I love year round. And who knows, maybe someone will actually buy one or two of my works before the holiday which may tempt me to put up a light or two.

Here are my last two works. By the way, these are an AMAZING bargain at $350 each. But, desperate times you know....


"Unchanged"
acrylic, faux-finished color fields, ephemeral and vintage photographic mixed-media collage on canvas.
6" x 12"
2007
© Michael Sprouse


"What Kind of Star?"
acrylic, faux-finished color fields, ephemeral and vintage photographic mixed-media collage on canvas.
6" x 12"
2007
© Michael Sprouse