Some Blog

Birdtalk Series

fjenglish — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:40:08 GMT

Drawing on found Mechanical Paper about 4.5' x 4'. Balancing the painting and drawing is a constant love of mine.

Artifact Series One

fjenglish — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:33:47 GMT

This work has recently been finished after ten years in the making. Timely painting and an important link to the recent artifact works I am creating. Acrylic on canvas painting about 4.5' x 5.2'.

The Loons of Eve Lake

fjenglish — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:28:52 GMT

Recently finished after ten years of working. Acrylic on canvas about 3.5' x 3.5'.

A moment of Pride?

fjenglish — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:57:28 GMT

Here is a close up of the early partial demo of Tiger Stadium. It was strange to see the demo team raise an American flag right at the mouth of disease. Such a proud moment eh?

Please donate to save Tiger Stadium

fjenglish — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:30:50 GMT

Tiger Stadium partial demo has begun while the city of Detroit ails under the now notorious leadership of Kwame Kilpatrick. As a Hamtramck/Detroit resident i must confess the whole debacle has a depressing curb as the area struggles under the worst economic conditions it's seen since 1980. With hopes geared towards new industry and new fuel options as well as up to date mass transportation systems the area could perhaps stabalize itself. Creative investments are always the best though seeminlgly not economically managable. Tiger Stadium in this case is the best example of our cities ailment. The Kilpatrick administration has commenced partial destruction of this amazing historical space. But a great energy towards positive solution has risen and with our mayor on the run the demo has stalled. The dead center bleachers of 420 a legendary deepest field space of thrill and party is now gone. That includes the billboard and light structure that Reggie Jackson hit during the all star game. The right center and left field are gone. Those sections were the only ones in which i caught two baseballs and often witnessed great catches and throws within feet from athletes while hearing there expressions and at times talking with the personalities. This was one of the greatest places made for the cultural gatherings with the blending of lines so to speak. Tiger Stadium is completely aysemetrical and was made merge attendee and event. The dugout and picthers bench were there on the field against the wall and directly behind them were the fans. An intimacy which our society does not afford now. Even the huge communal urinal trothes in the mens bathroom echoed that sense of all together now! The momentum is there to save Tiger Stadium as Ernie Harwell and the Historical Committee work to gather funds and support to save this treasure for future use and education and connection. No one living in the area wants the stadium to come down. Except those whom are to gain personal profit. This is the place where not only every sport great of various sport had played but also served as a classic venue for music. Here Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, Jose Feliciano, Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis and many more packed in the huge space. Nelson Mandela and various others came to the stadium to give rallies and talks. Overall Tiger Stadium on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull has been a site of communal gathering for centuries. It is our duty to retain, preserve and utilize this space. Help preserve at: www.savetigerstadium.org

Abandoned Stadium that needs to be Saved!!!

fjenglish — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:54:52 GMT

Tiger Stadium in Detroit just turned 112 years old in April. For almost ten years this mammoth religous space has sat in neglect on the corner of Michigan and Trumbell. The wrecking ball is nearing the stadium with a June 1st deadline for any supporters to raise the money that our corrupt city government is demanding the public to pay. If the pro demolishion people have their way, Tiger Stadium will be completely leveled and sold for scrap with nothing left at all to mark its existence besides the dents in most people's hearts. Local Little Ceasar family the Illitchs whom have rennovated Fox Theater, own the Tigers, the Redwings, Little Ceasar Pizza chain and various other buisnesses and many properties will not budge so far to help. They want no competition which is the raining destructive attitude that has prevailed and dragged on in the Detroit area for centuries. They say this will be a "green project" with 85% of materials being recycled as if to reassure us! A truely Green Project would be to rennovate the space beautifully as our Detroit Orchestra Hall has been. Orchestra Hall is a shining example of what good can come from rennovating a gem and building with it the needs of the present and future as it now is adjoined to the wonderfull Max Fischer Building which is a lavish school, theater and mixed use facility. Orchestra Hall saw the wrecking ball as well but the hippies and various others concerned stepped up and changed history. At the moment our advice is to call the local Detroit Reps and Michigan Reps and be vocal and pray. Senator Carl Levin whom is a hero in many ways has stepped up and vows to cut out budget money for the stadium next year if the minimum amount that the city demands is raised. That amount is 369,000.oo! That amount is due because the salivating demolision people have offered the city 300,000 cash to knock the whole structure down. The added 69,000 is for security. What is left after that is six months of life untill the next bill would be due. It was in 1977 that the city bought Tiger Stadium for $1.00. Whomever and wherever you are please call reps in our state to voice your opinion if you feel connected to this issue. Perhaps you are witnessing the same thing in your area. This is uncontrolled consumption of the worst kind and we only have to speak up. KWAME KILPATRICK 313.224.3400 DEBBIE STABENOW 202.224.4822 CARL LEVIN 202.224.6221 GOVERNOR GRANHOLM 517.335.7858

EARTHDAY EVERYDAY!!!

fjenglish — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:45:30 GMT

SPRING (detail) by FE 1993 Its a beautiful Earthday here in Detroit. Spring is in full swing and our yard and animals are talkin. Please take some time this spring to think about planting native species in your yard wherever you may live. Native plants to your area take a strong hold once established and attract amazing interest from animals of all types. It can start the way it did for me in 2000 when i stuck out a large rectangle behind my parents house in the trailer park. I started putting in seeds and taking plants from developments that were at the time of full swing sprawl eating everything up. That innocent experiment has sent out a multitude of rings spreading beyond. Meditate on Earthday about your own tangible experiments and contributions. It is an owerwhelming world. Think simple. PEACE

Lost and Found

fjenglish — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:04:39 GMT

Earliar today a gracious poem tapped out of me and unto the post entry board. The writing was to accompany this fruit blossum image I had taken last Spring. Due to technical difficulties and an over run in thought I have lost the poem. Another will come and I still feel good to have exorcised a particular blockage. Good Spring to the World and may new hope Prevail!

THE SERPENTINE FLOWOUT March 7th at 7 Brothers!

fjenglish — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:18:47 GMT

If you are a music lover and can be in Detroit this weekend it will be an intense four days of music at 20 bars! Happening within the Detroit Island of Hamtramck is the 11th Blowout. While this is happening my band TRIBUTARY will be conducting THE SERPENTINE FLOWOUT! It's a FREE night of music at Hamtramck's 7 Brothers Bar this Friday March 7th starting at 9pm! Tributary Garth Reeves Satchel Jones Howard Glazer With some special surprise in there somewhere.. Get a taste of place and music here ( you may need to copy to your browser ). www.myspace.com/7brothersbar www.myspace.com/thetributary www.myspace.com/garthreeves www.myspace.com/satcheljones www.myspace.com/howardglazersolo PEACE

A Good Day to Start Again

fjenglish — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:33:50 GMT

Mixed Media Acrylic

Lunar New Year

fjenglish — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:16:31 GMT

Soon by the Moon the Year will flip and be consumed into your eyes and the silent falls of leaf tips that touch and are graced from Height where azure change and the fleeting Name pass by but Forevermore so well The Moonlight its Beauty is There and Here

Happy Thanksgiving!

fjenglish — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:33:46 GMT

Spirits in the Material World mixed media on cardboard

Halloween Revised

fjenglish — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:16:03 GMT

Trick or Treat ??? Had a lot of tricks this Halloween which were good for fun that was'nt sugary but salty. Salty, scary and light hearted tricks oh they can be so fun for the balance! I can't remember there being so many tricks since I was a kid and the economy was very bad.. Times like these we need a good laugh just as much as a chocolate treat. So those lights that led us to your back door leave us with no treat.. Hah! What fun there is in nothing still! When people are poor together they love eachother greatly and have good fun! What irony! And for sure death is not picky over rich or poor souls. A time to affirm the cycles of life. To dig up bones and ask them questions while sharing a feast of candy flesh. Taking good walks through the wooded nooks while drinking wine and breathing in violet smoke!

Hamtown Sunrise

fjenglish — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:39:15 GMT

The Mosque music has been spectacular in Hamtramck this week! Hamtramck is home to one of the greatest ethnic mixes in north America and home to several mosques and a very populated muslim enclave. So about four years ago laws were passed of course to controversey that the mosque music would accompany church bells, trains, air vehicles and such. Now I believe most people deep down appreciate when they hear the call no matter what religion. In its sincerity and passion we are all called to observe the moment intensely and check in with our souls.

Anyone in or near Chicago with a place to stay?

fjenglish — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:03:06 GMT

Hey yall, just wondering if anyone could put up a rambler artist set to be in Chicago for a few days this week. Thanks~Peace

Interim

fjenglish — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:44:09 GMT

Late summer of 2003 I had started working on this piece with great interest. It is a general area that has been very important to me and my family as long as I can remember. Just after starting the work I had found out I was to be a father! So the piece took on that much more intensity and relevance. Even though I have exhibited this work twice I still desire to develop the painting.

Always in Progress

fjenglish — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:35:50 GMT

So many works I have been juggling over the last ten years! I start something and invest that time then move on to the next impulsive, intuitive, necessary and fleeting project. Often I write the start date of the work on back along with the direction I was facing. When that time of the year comes again I may pull that piece out and revisit its place of origin. That reconnection is a thrilling process for me. And the witnessing to these places that most people do not pay attention to in such a way is enlightening. I have seen so many changes through this process.

The ever changing Pallette

fjenglish — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:29:49 GMT

This is one of my favorite times of the year here in Detroit area, Michigan. The sun at its lowering angle creates such a beautiful gold hue amongst deepening blue skys and low billowy cloud herds. The subtle intensity of foilage color changing is at hand as well and the fields are filled with the ryhming blooms of prairie plant golds, yellows, ranging violets and soft white speckles.. Here I have found myself spinning to keep up, what a joy!

One is Within the Other

fjenglish — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:24:21 GMT

This painting on plaster cast form I had started late winter and early spring of 2006. This location is now under construction for the Huron River Aqua Center. So often this happens in my process of going out and working in the landscape. I work to allow my heart and mind to open up and lead me. While there it is a period of slowing down often and allowing myself to just be. So many changes subtle and drastic occur in this type of observation. A process I cherish through its great difficulties and high affirmations. The process of recurringly being lost and found.

Beauty of the Wetland / Culver View

fjenglish — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:13:10 GMT

Huron River Aqua Center Construction

fjenglish — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:05:19 GMT

A multi-plex water park to open next spring at the cost of big bucks.. To have a lazy river and turtle pond as well as various other water park features. This is happening at Lower Huron Metropark in Belleville, Michigan. I am so often drawn to noticing how the landscape and its occupants evolve. What replaces what. These transformations affect our pysche and spirit on subtle and powerful levels. The 50 year old swimming pool complex will be demolished next year. Though in good shape and on nostalgic and fuctional levels I feel this is too bad. The Huron River valley is a beautiful stretch in SE Michigan. While canoeing, hiking or driving you can experience a nice taste of the natural quality in the valley.

Armstrong Series / July

fjenglish — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:37:53 GMT

Right after taking this image I had took film of the bright sun running straight up the road on to myself. As it came I envisioned the great light truck of spirit racing to and through me. It was truely an invigorating experiece!

The Water and the Rock

fjenglish — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:51:54 GMT

Elk River, North Carolina I love you!

On Emergence / Contemplation

fjenglish — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:00:57 GMT

The above work is titled Contemplation by artist Kevin Stoddard of Lincoln Park, Michigan. Kevin's family has owned and operated The Paint Box in Lincoln Park for over 30 years. The last locally owned Art Supplies store in most of what is called the Downriver Area or South of Detroit. The Paint Box also offers a gallery and fantastic framing services. They also have very popular classes for all ages in various Arts related mediums. It is often a great sense of impowerment when curating an exhibit in that I can bring together works and people that i admire for a spotlight. Art everywhere! Preserving and creating culture everywhere~Peace

On Emergence July 6th to August 9th

fjenglish — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:43:35 GMT

Adelina Fuentes is a very talented and active artist living in Wyandotte, Michigan. At 60 years old she has mountains of works at her gallery and studio Fuentes Gallery on Oak in Wyandotte. Her missionary works stretch out into her surrounding communities as she opens her doors to all and provides art materials and helpfull guidance. I have collected many of her works for my own collection and as gifts. She is a very versatile painter and sculptor. I am very excited and honored to finally include her in an exhibition. www.fuentesgallery.com