Chip David

2011-11-14T14:40:00.001-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:39:00.002-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:38:00.002-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:36:00.001-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:35:00.002-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:34:00.002-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:32:00.001-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:31:00.004-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:25:00.001-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection

2011-11-14T14:15:00.002-05:00

Anything But Vanilla Collection now selling pieces at Society6.com/chipdavid Check them out, leave a comment...more in the works.

2011-05-12T11:21:00.000-04:00

Great gift ideas for graduation (actually for any reason) - more posters/gifts here
http://www.society6.com/studio/dogwingsposters/store

Art sold in a variety of sizes...get some today!

2010-11-15T19:46:00.001-05:00

Rockabilly - different versions being sold at Society6.com - print, ipod, ipad, laptop skins and t-shirt. Check it out, better yet -buy something!

2010-11-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

Submitting to an online competition...should be fun.

2010-10-15T18:11:00.002-04:00

Poster created for a contest...toss me a vote at Rediswhite.com

2010-07-02T17:59:00.001-04:00

Selling as poster at Society6, with enough interest - even at Urban Outfitters.

2010-07-02T17:56:00.001-04:00

Selling as a poster over at Society6 - interested, promote it or buy some product.

2010-06-01T15:27:00.002-04:00

My family is doing the "reunion" thing in a couple weeks - they wanted a t-shirt. I lured them away from the "tree" idea, list of names, and old family pictures...at least I let them pick the shirt color. I'm counting the ticks until mom says - "I don't get it."

2010-05-28T09:27:00.002-04:00

Theme graphic for church message series.

2010-05-27T18:22:00.001-04:00

VBS designs, allowing churches to add individual info.

2009-12-18T17:09:00.008-05:00

Preparing to re-brand myself this next year...would love to have some opinions. Doesn't mean I'll listen (I'm stubborn that way), but I'm curious what you think. Like one, hate one, love'em all, hate 'em all - weigh in and let me know your thoughts.

2009-11-20T16:36:00.001-05:00

Theme graphics for a summer youth camp.

2009-11-20T16:34:00.001-05:00

Logo for family roller skating center in Michigan.

2009-11-05T11:14:00.000-05:00

Theme art for a discussion on the size of God's love.

2009-10-23T18:54:00.001-04:00

New identity for a Churches children's ministry in Iowa - had fun on this one - even though direction was changed too many times.

2009-10-23T18:48:00.002-04:00

Decided to make the graphic into a t-shirt for the team at RED. Hopefully printing soon.

2009-08-14T07:23:00.000-04:00

Still working on this...idea for this fall. New student ministry blog.

2009-08-05T12:09:00.000-04:00

Fall Fun Fest or PHALL PHUN FEST...can't wait for autumn.

2009-07-30T16:58:00.001-04:00

Another logo project - first phase. We'll see what happens.

2009-07-30T16:36:00.000-04:00

Something new...don't know if they'll like it...but I enjoyed the process.

2009-07-23T11:18:00.001-04:00

The final choice and the breakout elements...best part, I have some new ideas that can be adjusted for new projects on the horizon.Already have a request for the tank.

2009-07-23T11:09:00.002-04:00

During this slow summer, I've had one project that has been very enjoyable. Here are the comps created for a new faith experience for students on a non-parochial private school campus. The entite process has been fun creatively... I'll post the final decision next.

2009-06-12T18:53:00.002-04:00

Recent work for a client in the bay area of VA. A new young adult church. They are developing a year long campaign to make a difference one person at a time. The name was their brainchild and I enjoyed the experience following their direction and vision. Which one do you think they chose?

2009-06-09T23:00:00.003-04:00

Rock-a-billy...fun music, but I'm not actually a big fan. I was struggling creatively at the end of last week, and so I began to fish for something to kick start the engine. One afternoon while reading an email I came across a spelling error, the idea for a goat concept was born. Here's the pencil sketch that birthed the idea of doing it as a shirt. I haven't submitted to any of the online competitions in quite awhile...so hopefully this will get some reaction over at Threadless...if accepted, I'd appreciate your vote!

2009-05-06T22:29:00.002-04:00

On a little family get-a-way this week...enjoying a friends cabin in the GA mountains. Stole some time to finally play. Didn't have a way to scan , will probably re-illustrate portions of this but it felt good to get the set completed in the first phase...tomorrow, just pencils and sketch pad - who knows maybe a post or two will come of that time. Oh, gotta go hear 16 yr old girls making a little too much noise...

2009-04-24T17:38:00.003-04:00

Thought I should post today - haven't been consistent with this and I think I figured out why...I don't typically enjoy uploading art created for work...I'd rather post creations from my own exploration and enjoyment of my craft - but life hasn't afforded me that luxury - time slips away so fast or is eaten up by other responsibility. So in lieu of my own lamenting, I decided to post some of the theme work that I've been creating...not the most exciting but better than brochures and booklets. Keep commenting and encourage me to discipline the free time to play with my own ideas!

2009-03-18T14:50:00.002-04:00

A design I created for a client the other day that really connected with me. Every now and again when creating I have these "aha" moments...this was one. I hope you enjoy.

It sums up grace - you see we are weak, we goof up often, we are not who we desire to be - the reality is we STINK. Here's the cool part - God through Christ offers us his grace, kind of like a gas mask that makes our weakness, our fallen actions... our stench bearable.

Guess what? My reality says U STINK...God says I understand, here take my grace...put it on, then tell another stinky one.

2009-02-27T21:45:00.002-05:00

A new banner for the youth hallway at church (16'x3'). This is our rallying cry for 2009 and the verse that we are using. RED is the name of our student ministry.
Special thanks to all who prayed for my weekend in Va. God is good!

2009-01-27T00:53:00.005-05:00

This was fun...these are the type of opportunities that really satisfy. I get creative control of the theme, the product, the weekend and I get to share my faith. I am really looking forward to this weekend. It will also be special because I'm traveling with my daughter (15) and experiencing the event with her. If you are a praying person - toss one up for me this weekend.

Below is the event graphic and the poster.

2008-12-11T17:17:00.006-05:00

Had a prospective new account ask to see some of my logo work so I created these pages. I wanted to showcase style, process and variation. I'll probably continue to develop this presentation method.

2008-12-09T19:02:00.004-05:00

Some freelance projects and one for fun.

2008-11-10T23:15:00.002-05:00

Just fooling around...no client, no specific task or target, certainly no money...just letting it arrive from the pencil and then messing around to see what I get. Quite honestly, I'm just doodling on paper and in the computer hoping I'll stumble onto that happy accident. If not it's still a great escape.

2008-09-23T17:23:00.002-04:00

Ever have one of those moments when you need to escape the project that's on the desk? Had that episode today - I didn't have time to run far so I reached for the sketch book just to be inspired - dare I say it - by my past. Stumbled across this one - never did anything with it but just revisiting it visually, helped boost me on and back to the project at hand.

2008-09-23T17:19:00.001-04:00

Helping out the church - it's fall festival time again. This week I start the promotional campaign or is cam -PAIN. Actually I really enjoy doing this kind of stuff.

2008-09-19T19:17:00.004-04:00

Okay, I guess we're not done. The client decided that something with less overall detail might be better for them - here's my first set of solutions. If you are at all interested - leave a comment with your vote (I have my favorite - but I'm not telling). Although I really enjoy this type of work, I'm ready to move on to alternate uses for this item or just move on. Enjoy.

2008-08-29T16:34:00.002-04:00

This one was truly a labor for me - had a rough day yesterday (everyone has them) - I started to consider how messy I make my existence. How confused I often feel in my choices or circumstances, but as I thought through this it was such a good feeling to have the confidence that beneath my mess HE still loves me and dwells in me. It sometimes feels like it's all about me and then I'm reminded it's should be ALL ABOUT HIM.

2008-08-28T18:07:00.002-04:00

It's been a long week and still one more day to go. I've decided to fight off the frustration of a slow personal economy (work has been sparse lately) by stealing extra time and submitting designs to a competition. The results have been mixed; I'm finding the creative process therapeutic but I have yet to win any solid votes. Here are a couple examples - one a new expression and the other a rework (hoping to get attention). I don't mind begging - wander over and give me a vote (rediswhite.com)

2008-08-20T13:37:00.009-04:00

Concepts for a ministry logo - the project has had many turns and has stretched over many months - I think we are finally near the end. Although much longer in the process than I like the exploration has been good.

2008-08-14T18:51:00.004-04:00

I've recently started submitting ideas to online contests again. Here's my latest...if you feel compelled to help me out, click over to rediswhite.com, log-in and drop a vote or a comment for Dogwings. It would be greatly appreciated - plus I need to win some CASH - remember in the design world it can be feast or famine! Thanks:)

2008-08-14T18:45:00.004-04:00

Every creative needs a reason to play...mine happens each month. I work with middle and high school students at my church. Each month we theme our discussion times and I get the opportunity to create the graphics (it helps when you're in charge). This escape from my regular creative routine is as helpful as spending time in the sketch book.

2008-08-06T13:05:00.002-04:00

Recent submission to another online competition. I see the idea being printed low on the shirt and as I look at this again I might make the colors less vibrant - almost a pattern on the fabric look. Would love to have comments (good or bad ) it's all helpful.

2008-07-03T18:31:00.003-04:00

Yes, I actually opened the sketch book...

these are from a few nights while traveling. The penguin has been completed and will be in use this Sunday for our new monthly theme. Here's another that has been inked and is now in the coloring stage - part of a series I'm creating with nerdy monsters.

2008-06-10T14:32:00.003-04:00

My sketch book has collected more dust than and a Bible owned by a satanist. So i decided to design a motivational piece in an effort to get me back into the routine. My desire is to frame this poster, hang it in the office and hopefully respond. Just need to get the extra cash to print and frame it...one more project on the list.

2008-05-19T18:00:00.002-04:00

This style approach worked well with another camp concept.

2008-05-13T18:12:00.003-04:00

Design for a summer camp.

2008-04-28T14:17:00.002-04:00

The last of the random art...actually, this is part of a series I'm developing about classic monsters...of course I'm behind, but seeing I'm the customer, I'll punish myself later.

2008-04-28T14:06:00.003-04:00

Someone complained about the lack of activity on this blog...so I'm posting some stuff, quite random - stuff for fun, small projects, posters, ...the kitchen sink. Enjoy.

2008-04-28T14:04:00.001-04:00

2008-04-28T14:03:00.000-04:00

2008-01-18T12:39:00.001-05:00

Part of a pitch to a National chain store.

2008-01-05T11:31:00.001-05:00

2008-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

Spent some time over the Christmas break and just played with new ideas. Best Christmas gift this year...just making the time to play. The one above is also part of the fun. I need to create time to do this more.

2007-11-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

LEAVE YOUR MARKI know I should be laboring for the bread, working for the good of the family..but I just felt like playing today. Sometimes we just need to play.

2007-11-18T01:51:00.001-05:00

Received a generic submission rejection the other day from a contest I chose to enter. The rejection didn't really bother me ( I've been rejected before) - it was a form letter that contained reasons that were far from specific. The best part of it was that it made me think - have I reduced creating to a paycheck - do I still find enjoyment in the process of developing a new idea - am I willing to search for the time to create and not be concerned about others critique. Here's my results - an afternoon of rediscovering that joy. I'm probably going to submit this one. Wish me well.

2007-11-09T00:53:00.001-05:00

MAYBE LATER

Do you find yourself saying that expression to yourself when it comes to those moments of decision - "ah, maybe later". It seems lately I've become a prisoner of my own playground. Come on you know the one - the big gray one - the wide open spaces between your ears and good judgment. Boy, do I love to run through those fields, acting as if there isn't a care in the world. "You should avoid playing too long there, there's work that needs to be done - yes, the responsible thing to do would be to return to the grind, but then my inner child screams - ah, maybe later".
I'll give you a simple example of my disease - the other day I heard this great song while listening to web radio (I was actually working at the time). I became so jazzed about this new sound that I soon found myself spending 2 hours searching or should I say frolicking across the Internet looking to discover other samples of this unique sound and others that may sound like it - oh, what fun! The rational part of me is quick to remind me that creative pursuits still need to be managed wisely, I should address this head on, exercise better discipline, sleep when the rest of the world sleeps ... ah, maybe later.

2007-09-03T17:36:00.000-04:00

LABOR OF FUN

Today I labored for the fun of it. Of course it's connected to a project but at this time there is no pressure, it's all experimental. It felt good to play - haven't invested in this type of personal time in a while.

2007-08-21T00:33:00.000-04:00

SORRY CHUCK

I found myself at Downtown Disney last weekend, stranded in a sea of humanity that was seeking pleasure in a surreal environment. My little niece was being transformed into a princess right before our very eyes and although the moment was more than riveting, I politely excused myself and found a seat outside in the tropical sun.

Typically during these moments I find great joy in scanning the primate horizon, watching the natural zoo we call humanity. But on this Saturday I was tired of the 6$ water and 40$ ice cream world and quite honestly, the heat was making most of the animals just melting colors on a dripping canvas - so I decided to study feet, well actually shoes. I like shoes. I must confess, I must have an Imelda Marco gene somewhere in my system. So I began watching the "ped" in pedestrian.

It didn't take long before frustration arrived and not because of the heat - what has happened to the good old fashioned sneaker...the tennis shoe...a gym shoe? A classic all white or all black shoe with a clean white sole? I longed to see a good old friend - a trusted companion from the ballpark or court - a pair of Converse all-stars, Keds, PF Flyers, RED Ball Jets or Chuck Taylors. Instead my eyes discovered a new landscape, where NASA and gym teachers became friends.

Many of those that passed by were prepared for the heat, sporting the "Florida Sneaker" - sandals, flip flops, thongs. But the remaining participants in my parade were wearing "todays version of the sneaker". That's where my disappointment was birthed. There were shoes that had cushions, compartments, straps, velcro, lights, sounds, bells, whistles, chutes and ladders. The front and the back were only distinguishable because of the direction of the traffic. I'm sure some pairs were communicating with the walkers cell phone, ordering lunch, keeping tack of accumulated steps and stocks and plotting the next lunar walk. Plain white must be out-lawed, because although I saw hints of white, it was usually surround by invading colors of neon and bright hues of man made shades of techno-leather.

Just as my eyes began to gather moisture, forming the tears that would grieve the passing of such an American standard - they strolled pass. A pair of high top Chucks. Black. My spirits were so lifted...hope was swelling up in my heart - they were still alive! Real sneakers!

I looked up to see who had the courage to boldly proclaim this icon from the past - and then my heart sunk. Just a punk. He didn't know what he had on. He didn't even have socks that matched - his shirt was too small - it may have even been on backwards - his hair was spiked with a pride that says, "I'm an individual", and he trudged on by not even realizing the icons that covered his feet.

My family soon interrupted my solace - my Foot Locker contemplations. What have you been doing out here in the sun, they asked. I just smiled - "oh, nothing just watching people" I replied. As we strolled off to enjoy and over priced lunch, I looked down and noticed I too had decided to sport the Florida sneaker today. Maybe the days of a pair of sneakers being that good old predictable worn friend were just memories for me as well.

Sorry Chuck.

2007-08-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

VANITY BITES

I went for a haircut yesterday, a location that I have visited for more than 15 years. I'm as familiar as the pictures on the walls or the outdated magazines near the chairs. Upon the usual greeting and personal updates, I began to describe how the cut should look this time around. I had a new approach in mind, although nothing over the top, I've done all that...perms, short hair, extremely short, long, spiked, the mullet (the 80's were a disease) and color high lights. My wife told me to lay-off the color stuff - said that a man my age shouldn't try so hard - loose translation: you're not getting a sports car either. I'm not ashamed to admit that when it comes to my hair, it's important.

Well the hair has been cut, and sad to say my explanation of the finished product was lost in the translation. If cutting hair could be compared to traveling to the moon, well we are off course and soon to die in the extreme heat of the sun. I hate a bad haircut!

I moped around for a few days complaining to my family, searching for the appropriate hat (fortunately I like hats) and expressing my dissatisfaction by comparing the lovely doo to wackjobs I've seen on others. "It looks like Jim Carey's hair in Dumb and Dumber, Frankenstein had a better cut, the dog groomer could have done better."

But as I start a new day, here's the reality - it's just hair. Outside of Dolly Parton, Billy Idol, and Elvis' curl hair shouldn't define you. Yet the monster called "vanity" starts chewing on my brain, convincing me that it's of global concern - "what will the neighbors say" - "you must leave our planet!"

Although scripture express that He knows the count of the hairs on my head, I don't think He cares about what color, how long or how ugly they are - He wants my heart not my hair. Vanity always sends the message that it's about me, Christ always delivers the message that it's about Him. Vanity bites at me like a predator, chasing me down a dark path until I'm trapped by the need for a better image - it has to be cool.

I'm still healing from the bite of the clippers, the scares on my ego and the knowledge that I can escape the teeth of vanity - it's probably a battle that I will fight again - hair grows back.

Today, no viking helmet or baseball cap...just hair, good or bad.

2007-07-31T15:42:00.000-04:00

I Must

I have absolutely nothing to pen today, yet I told myself that this process was necessary - you know creatively brushing your teeth - learn to make it second nature.
So today is about discipline. Not much creativity...I know that will follow.

Must get back to the paying customer - they have so much power to control. Bye.

2007-07-27T15:57:00.000-04:00

A GUST!

Just stealing a moment this afternoon to allow the wind to blow. You know what I'm talking about, especially if you are a parent of a teenager. It seems that God has gifted these creatures with the ability to change temperatures, create cold fronts, and stir up internal storms of hurricane proportions - meteorolgist with children must be extremely proud.

I love my daughter more than my words can express, but at times I'm just drenched by the rain of her dissatisfaction with the quality of her existence. Or maybe more so, my lack of power to cause her world to be paradise. Regardless of the scale of today's downpour, I hate the outcome that it produces in me. I too quickly desire to escape the storm, to dry myself of this experience. I don't like the feeling of running for cover - "please don't let my comfort get wet"!

My wife often reminds me that I should be running toward her in these stormy moments - seeking to wrap my arms around her and shield us both. To let her know that no matter how strong it blows, how drenched we feel - I'll love her through anything.

My gust of wind today is found in the breath of my failures. Boy, do I miss the opportunities...

God help me to stand in the gale, and even as a I did as a child look up into the rain and feel it's presence knowing that if it lands in on the soil something (somebody) is going to grow. Help this dad to be okay with being all wet.

2007-07-26T17:23:00.000-04:00

LOOK WHAT I FOUND

Have you ever opened a drawer, peered into a closet, or cleaned out your desk only to discover an item that at one time held such great value - cool points. In it's unknown state you let it's treasured worth slip away. It became relegated to the category of the unneeded, the forgotten - should I say it, JUNK.

But in some mystical way it's rediscovery rekindles that fondness that it had originally birthed inside of you. Should you transfer all your emotions back to it - raise it up again as the emblem of status that if used to be? Can it still be cool in your definition of personal worth?

Who knows, we all struggle during these moments of rediscovery - "am I to old", "do I still need this?", "maybe it's just a fond memory". Regardless of what you decide, today I decided that it was still necessary - I really need this.

I know, what is your "it"?

My blog page. I haven't recorded a thought in almost a year (yes, you can join in with a hardy, man you are lazy!), but I realized that the reason why I embraced it originally had become lost in just possessing it - "oh, yes, I have a blog".

Today's discovery prompted me rethink WHY and reestablished a goal to create the DO.

2006-08-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

THE CULTURE OF LOVE

It's been a busy summer and if you haven't noticed (by the date of my last blog), I haven't actually forced my energy toward this creative outlet. Anyway, what's on my mind today - my faith and this present age.

This summer I found myself in a conversation discussing - today's church, Christianity of the day, is something missing, is this generation really confused by religion, and the list goes on. It was a great dialogue and I believe we were both challenged by how truth collides with our world. At one intersection in our debate relevancy of today's system of belief was questioned. I remember responding that I thought the question was too comfortable - I can claim anything irrelevant if it doesn't tickle my fancy - my question back was - when did LOVE become irrelevant? It seems to me that regardless of the packaging if love is the substance it will have an impact.

As a professional creative, I'm challenged often by the question of relevancy - should this project have this artistic approach or another? How will the end user or consumer respond? Is it cool enough?

I stumbled across an artist website the other day - he's a believer in Christ - an he claimed that his art was going to bridge a gap left by poor religious images used for too long in art, in the main stream, in the market place. His claim was that we have become numb to these old symbols and we need new expressions of faith. Art should communicate. Art should reveal truth, open up discussions about God and his creation. He was going to help reshape our way of using the gift of art.

As I reviewed his work I noticed something. Those same symbols that he spoke of kept sneaking back into his work. Although it wasn't praying hands and the face of Christ, I still saw angels, doves, crosses - what's up? Then I watched a brief video that demonstrated art as worship - the only problem was that each canvas was the same formula piece of art. Where was the creative reaction to truth?

Now, I don't mean to be critical of a fellow creative for the sake of being critical - but it hit me that cool is today's relevant. If I think it's cool, if it makes me look, experience, or reflect cool it has too be relevant. I think the reason way those symbols kept creeping back into his art was because of a simple principle - those images are connected to love. Christ didn't die on a cross for one generation, a tree for another, pedestal for another, and a fence post for another - he died on a CROSS. You can't change that image.

Maybe my internal dialogue about faith and today is really an evaluation of do we look cool enough for the world? What if we communicated our faith in love rather than in style? Isn't the core of a hymn and a contemporary rock worship song the same - God loves you. Doesn't a hug feel the same against wrinkled flesh as it does against tattooed flesh? Isn't spiritual help available to all and not just the cool or traditional?

As my thoughts ramble on I 'm struck with my own reality - I'm a husband, a father, an artist, a son, a child of God - do I work at developing a culture of love? God's love is cool and I'm confident that it's enough. That's more than relevant.

The journey continues...

2006-06-30T01:18:00.000-04:00

SING A SONG

Last night as I was leaving the church building my path crossed a new little friend. I greeted her with a warm hello and inquired if she was still singing her favorite song. You see, a couple weeks ago our youth group hosted a new Christian artist, who has a song rapidly gaining attention on the radio -she had heard it several times prior to the concert. She had declared it her favorite song and after the concert that evening she sang me her rendition.

When I asked about the song she remarked - oh, I don't sing that one anymore. I crouched down and with great interest asked why. Well she said, I make up my own songs. When ever I need one I just make one up. As part of our exchange I told her that I also sometimes make up songs as I'm driving my car. She applauded my efforts and continued to tell me that at age four she had lots of songs. You should have seen the look on her face when I exclaimed that I to was FOUR!

What a conversation we had...and the power of imagination was at an all time high. Every time she would tell me of her creative explorations, it would unleash in me a desire to follow her down any path that she would suggest. What a joy to see no boundaries on her ideas. She didn't worry about being right or wrong, perceived as cool or eccentric...she was just free.

As I prepared to leave, I asked her if she would be singing in her car on her family's vacation travels this week. She matter of factually stated yes, but that they had a movie player in the car so she may not take the time. Do you have a movie thing in your car? No I replied - I just draw as I drive and maybe sing. Oh, she said with great concern - you need to consecrate on driving instead of drawing - be safe!

Wow! What a joy! I do need to consecrate myself more. I need to let my creator breathe into me His creative freedom and act like one of his children - complete with a new song in my heart each new day.

2006-06-22T17:42:00.000-04:00

SLIPPERY WHEN WET

Have you ever seen that sign when traveling down the road? It seems like such an obvious caution. Any idiot can figure out that the pavement is going to be affected by the change in the elements. At least it seems that it's obvious until we are swerving to maintain our course or locked in one of those scary skids - you know, the one with the thought of impending death or a major ouch at the end.

I've decided that the same caution - slippery when wet - needs to be applied to our time. Come on think about it? Haven't you said, "Oh there's plenty of time", "I'll do that in a minute", "sometime next week when this emergency is over I'll..." Time just slips away. The changes in the weather of our lives has caused us to slide or find intentions quite slippery. Next thing you know the time has slipped right out of your hand. You can't get it back. Your good intention or plan bears the dent of the slide.

So as I complained to my web tech today that my website didn't contain a link to my blog, I had to face the hard realization that I had let it's function in my life slip away. Life was too slippery for my creative blogs. Time certainly has this idiot mastered...time,slippery when...

2006-03-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

DOGWINGS?

When we return home our faithful pet anxiously greets us at the door with more enthusiasm than any living breathing creature should have - her welcome is a loud burst of barks and yips, as well as spinning jumps, leaps, and flips - it's almost as if she was given a electric shock - a wild Saturday morning, Tex Avery experience. Once the leash has been attached the frantic energy now has a boundary but it doesn't disappear - it becomes channeled into a specific task. The WALK. My dog loves THE WALK!

This experience day after day made me think about my routine - I love my walk of life as a creative professional. Each day I live inside the boundaries of projects and deadlines and I usually enjoy the leash of work. But it made me think - what if my dog didn't need the protection of the collar and leash. What if I could send her out without anything constraining her? My dog would literally fly into the open freedom in front of her. She'd explore new things, dig in some new dirt and chase cats, birds or rabbits just for the sake of the chase. It would almost be like she was given wings.

Each week I try to make time to take off the leash and let my creativity fly -like a dog with wings. I try to not worry about what I'm chasing after, I don't over analyze my creation, sometimes I don't even finish - it's more about the playing - the process - letting my creative juices ooze out and clean up the spill later. That's one reason I invest in this blog, not because anyone else needs it...but I do.

Welcome to Dogwings.

2006-03-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

DOGWINGS T-SHIRT

Here's the scoop - I'm fishing to see who's reading, if that's you then I'm offering you a chance of a lifetime, okay, a chance to be different, okay an opportunity to cover your nakedness - you want to buy a t-shirt? The Dogwings t-shirt is now for sale but with a few limitation - look under the pic...

DOGWINGS T-SHIRT

I will go to print on these once I get 24 interested people, sizes are limited to s-xl (no doubles or larger at this time). Shirt is 100% pre-shrunk cotton Gildan in gold. All sales are final. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery ( all shirts will be sent UPS Ground). The cost will be $15.95 and will include your shipping cost. PLEASE NOTE: No sales available outside the continental US at this time. If interested please email me at chip@kx-3.com.

We'll see if there is interest - you may just be the one that holds up production.

2006-03-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

2006-03-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE

Search my heart oh God... Ps. 139:23,24

He waved me into the outside left lane. As he approached my door I pushed the window button and as the glass disappeared I greeted him - "Good morning, how are you today? I have an appointment for service." Within minutes papers were signed, initialed and I was embraced by the waiting process. I opened my sketch pad, started my Ipod and made myself comfortable.

I like my car - yet there is no automotive love affair here. I don't like cars in general. I mean I'm not fascinated by new styles, shapes, colors, speed or engine size. Of course there are vehicles that grab my artistic attention - sometimes for reason of their ugliness alone. I'm just not a car person, they are just a necessary evil of contemporary transportation.

I don't attempt to work on them at least not anymore - I tried a couple of times with results of pain, frustration and humility. I don't claim to know much about cars and that's okay with me, but due to this fact, scheduled examination of my iron steed is important. (quite honestly I don't do this that well either)

Wouldn't it be interesting if we received notice in the mail that our schedule spiritual maintenance was due? I mean beyond Sunday worship, small groups studies, etc. - those things to me are more operational - like fueling up, kicking the tires, washing it from time to time or checking the oil. What if twice a year the notice arrived and our lives were put up on the rack and our performance was evaluated - our commitment levels checked, spiritual air filter changed and new plugs charged with new energy replaced our old spark. But it doesn't happen that way.

A good mechanic or car enthusiast can feel the play in the wheel, or hear the subtle change of the engine hum. They notice the small things that send signals that deeper examination is needed. God calls us to the same type of technique - He even grants us a supernatural passenger that helps us hear or see the signals when we often find excuses. We have a daily
mechanic, who calls us to regular maintenance - we're invited to have our vehicle available - He'll identify our troubles and help with repairs.

I suppose if we are honest, maintenance is scheduled for each day. We need to practice looking under the hood before each day's journey begins.

2006-03-02T16:56:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be cool to be able to print one of any design that comes to mind - just to stoke your own flame!

2006-03-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

DARK CHOCOLATE

Matt. 5:13-16

In one of my favorite passage of scripture Jesus compares us to salt. We are to flavor our world with the seasoning of Christ's love and also impact others in a way that helps slow the decay of sin. I love the way He communicated, using the elements of the everyday experience. I sometimes wish I was that colorful. What in my world would be my staple that communicates truth?

How about chocolate? I know what you are thinking - chocolate is not a staple - well you obviously don't understand me well. I believe that it is probably one of the main food groups. I don't have medical facts to support my position, yet if surveying today's landscape produces any conclusions - well, our world can't live without it. We mix it in milk, pour it on ice cream, add it to coffee, sprinkle it on diet food and assign talented men of science to pursue new technologies for consumption. It's every where - and I say - THANK GOD!

Choosing a treat made of the brown nectar is really a limitless process - the choices are endless. Milk chocolate reigns as king.
Now there is nothing wrong with milk chocolate but when my addiction kicks in - give me a fix of DARK CHOCOLATE.

I want to be like dark chocolate. When milk chocolate is normal, let my life be a taste of something different. Bitter sweet. Not just another taste of Christianity - a new taste. Let me live beyond the expected flavor of faith... salt & chocolate - oh, I need a chocolate covered pretzel!

2006-02-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

IT KEEPS RETURNING

Dawn ambushed me today like a six year old on Christmas morning. He stood near the foot of my bed, but only for a moment -if that - then suddenly dawn was on my chest screaming that the day had arrived. I hate mornings.

My mom always told me that nothing good ever happens after midnight. Maybe she was more affected by the Cinderella story than anyone knew - regardless, in my youth there were countless warnings, followed by repeated cautions. I hate morning.

Now deep into my adult years, I think mom's encouragement was birthed from her farm experience as a poor child. There is nothing to do after dark on a farm - activity during the moonlight hours probably was a formula for trouble. Well, I don't live on a farm - neither do most of my friends. So when the busy day says good night, I find great opportunity for creativity in the silence of the dark. I hate mornings.

My computer, sketchbook, pencils, pens and family of resources have never reverted into rodents, frogs or pumpkins as the night chimes the early hours. I guess in my world I'm safe from the curse - thanks for the warning mom. I hate morning.

2006-02-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

TEACHING AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

I've spent most of my day attempting to figure out a simple task. Most students of 12 or 13 would have accomplished this feat somewhere between a cell phone conversation and choosing the next selection on their Nano. Myself - several hours in practicing humility. Yes, the experience borders on the edge of frustration, but across the horizon there's a lesson.

Do students of this current and upcoming generation posses a greater intellectual capacity than the previous generations? No, I don't think so. They stand as an example of how subtly we are influenced by the environment that surrounds us. You don't see them lining up to attend training seminars...they just have adapted because it's part of their everyday.

It makes me wonder...if I spent more time reflecting the author of my faith maybe I'd see His reflection more in the lives around me.

Just a thought.

2006-02-08T10:19:00.000-05:00

This may be another waste land of information or an exercise for my own sanity.