I can't remember exactly how I came upon an absolutely fantastic contemporary art book dedicated solely to the octopus (I think it was a google search of some sort, entailed by leagues of research to find out who the publisher is and from where I might purchase a copy, blah, blah, blah...). Once I discovered the publisher, I discovered its website. After I discovered its website, I discovered that the art featured within the pages of its books is really a showcase of artists whose works (paintings, drawings, sculptures, tattoos) make the final cut following an themed open submission. 

Earlier this year, I responded to an open call for skull & skeleton artwork, entitled "Excavate: Unearthing Artistic Skeletal Remains", by submitting three of my oil paintings. Today, I'm happy to announce that two of my three made it into the final publishing. My "Portrait No. 3" and "Outer Orbit" paintings will be featured alongside hundreds of other talented artists' works from around the world. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have my art chosen for it.

Out Of Step Books is the publisher and the folks there are now taking pre-orders for this book through their website. The books are expected to ship the second week of October. I have been in correspondence with Jinxi Caddel, one half of the owner/husband-wife/luchador tag-team duo, and she is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know. They ensure quality, love and care with every single transaction. You shan't be disappointed.

You can order your copy by clicking here or on any of the links above: Out Of Step Books

2012 has been quite a rough year. Despite its many high notes (as grateful as I am for them), they have largely been overshadowed by the loss of two of my very good friends - Chad in June and Brad this December. The morning after I found out Brad had passed, I felt compelled to draw his portrait. I dedicate it to him and to those who knew him.

During the early impressionable years of high school, where kids just bumble about experimenting with and discovering talents, interests and peer groups, both Chad and Bradley came into my life and played integral roles in the development of my personality. Brad was an artist who loved music and skating - all common grounds that gave us a reason to hang out. Gradually, a crew accumulated and we all had many good times and got into a lot of good shit together.

Unfortunately, I hadn't seen Brad for about ten years since our crew grew apart and we went our separate ways...I ended up moving from Albuquerque to Portland.  I am truly heartbroken that he is no longer around. He was one of the individuals I just always assumed would be with us. I figured the least I could do to show my appreciation of his friendship was to honor his memory with a piece of art.

Thankfully, I was able to fly down home to Albuquerque and attend Brad's funeral ceremony in Rio Rancho. It was absolutely breathtaking to witness such a huge turnout of friends and family, all who showed to pay respects to this man. I started the drawing at home and carefully slipped it between the sheets of its parent tablet, ambling my way through three different airports to finally deliver it by hand to Brad's mother.

She was absolutely thrilled. I was absolutely humbled.

I thought it would be kind of nice to record the drawing process and create a time-lapsed video for Brad's friends and family to watch. Additionally, a few years ago, Bradley collaborated with Versatile Verse, an emcee from Albuquerque, for whom he sung the chorus on a song called "Every Morning." I couldn't think of a better song to score the video with. Check it all out below (preferably in HD).

Thanks for the good times, Brad. Merry Christmas.