One Good Thing

Route gets up under the Mississippi River Bridge in New Orleans

2010-01-08T22:09:00.001-05:00

Dancing - Where the Hell is Matt - He gets the NoLA Rising award / Matt Harding, Melissa Nixon and Palbasha Siddique have re-inspired me today

2008-07-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

Screw the mundane usualness of our world and our day to day toil. We have our work schedule, we have all the boring things we have to do to make a paper currency so that we can fit in time to do the things we enjoy. But, those countless hours lost in our commutes, in our production quotas, have nothing on the true measure of life...and that is happiness. I can tell you that if it wasn't for this video, and for people like this, I would still be in bed dreading my day. So let's be grateful for the people like Matt Harding, Melissa Nixon and the Palbasha Siddique in the world.

Stream of Life
by Rabindranath Tagore

The same stream of life
that runs through my veins
night and day
runs through the world
and dances in rhythmic measures.

It is the same life
that shoots in joy
through the dust of the earth
in numberless blades of grass
and breaks into tumultuous waves
of leaves and flowers.

It is the same life
that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth
and of death, in ebb and in flow.

I feel my limbs are made glorious
by the touch of this world of life.
And my pride is from the life-throb
of ages dancing in my blood this moment.

Thanks for reading,
ReX
NoLA Rising

ReX of NoLA Rising hits the webwaves

2008-07-07T12:17:00.000-04:00

On WDSU Channel 6 New Orleans

2008-04-08T03:42:00.001-04:00

Earth Hour!

2008-03-29T13:18:00.001-04:00

http://www9.earthhourus.org/

Morgus, Rock City Morgue & Consortium of Genius

2008-03-07T12:33:00.001-05:00

TODAY's HAPPY HUCKLEBERRY MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOKI AT HUMID CITY

Morgus? Morgus!!

(Discosure: It may be due to the orbital mind control lasers, but I have recently taken on the duties of spearheading the COGs new effort to take over the Internet. Just like Filbert I am unpaid and do so simply to avoid the wrath of Pinkerton. -Loki)

A few days ago I promised to share the story of my fateful misadventures at the Consortium of Genius‘ Secret Lab. Well, it has taken that long for me to recover from the experiments of those mad scientists. So now I can tell you of the secret war going on behind the scenes here in New Orleans, the battle of super science that is about to come to a head. The two most dangerous mad scientist in our city’s history are about to go toe to toe! In one corner we have a man who has pushed the boundaries of science for 49 years from his lab in the Old Icehouse. . I am speaking of none other than Momus Alexander Morgus himself! Squaring off against him is none other than Dr. Milo Thaddeus Pinkerton III, founder and leader of the COG!

Anyway, I was minding my own business walking through the Tuoro Bouligny when a flying car set down next to me and two figures leaped out. The next thing I knew I was being dragged into the vehicle by one other than Dr. A. Rachind and Dr. Z. These two enemies of everything took me back to the Secret Lab and forced me to undergo experiments so gruesome that I cannot even now bring myself to describe it. So there I was surrounded by some of the most feared (mostly for their unpredictable malfunctions) items of super-science in the city limits when Pinkerton got distracted.

It was a video call from Morgus himself. I’ve been able to hack a video of it here. While Pinkerton stepped over a line few New Orleanians ever have, I slipped my bonds and escaped. I still cannot believe he had the audacity to shout at Morgus! Sneaking past the others was easy as Dr. A. Rachnid was concentrating on peering through the keyhole of a door that said “The Harem of Dr. Z.” on it.

Volunteers in the HumidCity underground tell me that things will be coming to a head on March the seventh (TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT) at One Eyed Jacks. If our operatives are correct we will see COG vs. not only Morgus the Magnificent, but also vs. Rock City Morgue!

[This is the first time in a long time Sid Noel has put on the Morgus persona, he is almost 80 years old now. I hope this is not his final appearance in character. If it does turn out to be, then it is a truly fitting one. Wait until you see the episode. It not only showcases two of my personal favorite local bands, but it also give a great tour of some classic NOLA locales in the process. 10 point to anyone who can identify which local band the guy in the comic book shop sequence plays for (the one on the stool who doesn’t look up)! Good stuff and highly worth it just to see the episode on the big screen. I also gather that it is an EP release for Rock City Morgue. How can you not attend?]

Loki, Founder, HumidCity

Photos courtesy of The Official Morgus the Magnificent Website and ddagradi on Flickr

TODAY's HAPPY HUCKLEBERRY MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOKI AT HUMID CITY

NoLA Rising on MTV

2008-02-28T21:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to view Phillip Rollins video from MTV on the personal attack of Fred Radtke against Michael "ReX" Dingler and the NoLA Rising art campaign, an art initiative designed to make people feel better in out city and improve the quality of life in New Orleans...

Fats Domino / Michalopoulos print Donated to the NoLA Rising Auction Part of the Art Show

2008-02-27T20:03:00.001-05:00

Today, I received word of a very generous donation to the art auction that will be going on at the Avenue Pub the day & night of March 15th. A private art collector in the New Orleans area is donating to the NoLA Rising/Michael "ReX" Dingler Defense Fund Auction one of the mentioned prints in the description below.

These prints have been sold out for a long time and is being donated by a very generous believer in the NoLA Rising cause. The work was published in several edtions {The edition being donated is}: 300 Canvas Remarques, overpainted, numbered and signed by both Michalopoulos & Fats Domino (unstretched) 26" x 40".

I have promised to keep the donor anonymous, but in return for such a generous act, I ask each of you to do 3 kind things for a stranger. It is truly moving to receive such an incredibly generous item for the auction. It's a little overwhelming for such a wonderful donation. Thanks, ReX

2006 New Orleans
JAZZ FEST

LIMITED EDITION ART POSTER SOLD OUT

Fats Domino

2006 Jazz Festival Poster

Sold Out

If there's a living, breathing symbol of all that makes New Orleans great and unique, it's Antoine "Fats" Domino. His debut million-selling 1949 single, "The Fat Man" (from which he gained his nickname) is considered by many to be the first rock & roll record ever recorded. That alone would have earned the then 21 year-old a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But it was the beginning of his partnership with New Orleans trumpeter / producer / collaborator / bandleader Dave Bartholomew that made Fats the second largest-selling rock & roll star of the 50's and early-60's, behind only Elvis. He had an amazing 35 Top-40 singles from 1955 through 1963, on his way to selling more than 65 million records. His instantly recognized classics include "Ain't That a Shame", "Blueberry Hill", "Walking to New Orleans", "Whole Lotta Loving", "I'm Walking", "Blue Monday" and "I'm In Love Again", among others. Fats' boogie-woogie piano playing and down-home vocals were nurtured by the music surrounding him in New Orleans that contained elements of rock & roll long before Fats pulled them all together. His influence is such that Lennon/McCartney wrote Lady Madonna as an homage to his piano style; Fats returned the favor by covering it in 1968, and it became a Top 40 hit. Fats has remained true to his roots and his style, changing neither since he broke onto the scene 57 years ago.

By the 1980's Fats stopped touring because he couldn't find any food he liked outside New Orleans. (Who could disagree?) He didn't even attend his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or play at the invitation of the White House. Fortunately, he plays the Jazz Fest every few years and 2006 is one of those blessed cycles. His originality, musicianship, showmanship, power and vigor have not diminished. He changed the nature of music by bringing New Orleans-style R&B to the world and is himself a force of nature proving that Katrina can't change the soul of the City.

Collectors of this poster series know the name Michalopoulos very well. Acclaimed as the premier artist of and in New Orleans, his studies of the architecture and people that make the City unique are remarkable for their technical prowess and for their emotional verity. His iconic Jazz Fest series has defined legends in compelling works of definitive visual mastery. His 1998 portrait of Dr. John is a recognized classic and his 2001 portrait of Louis Armstrong remains the most sought-after (and valuable) print produced in this series in over a decade. Michalopoulos' portrait of Fats will be equally embraced. With a richly-colored sampling of the graceful buildings that line the old city drawing the viewer's eye towards an improbably balanced Fats pounding and tickling his piano into submission, this work sums up the man, his city, its music and their place in our hearts. A classic subject, masterfully executed by one of America's great figurative artists (with a twist, of course). This first Jazz Fest poster since water topped the levees is a "get-it or forget-it" offering.

The work was published in several edtions {The edition being donated is}:
300 Canvas Remarques, overpainted, numbered and signed by both Michalopoulos & Fats Domino (unstretched) 26" x 40"

Other Prints that were once available:

10,000 Numbered 20" x 36"
3,000 Artist-signed & numbered 21" x 38"
750 Remarque, pencil drawing, numbered and signed by both Michalopoulos & Fats Domino 22" x 40"

For the Art Auction Supporting NoLA Rising and the Michael Dingler Defense Fund

2008-02-27T19:53:00.003-05:00

Today, I received word of a very generous donation to the art auction that will be going on at the Avenue Pub the day & night of March 15th. A private art collector in the New Orleans area is donating to the NoLA Rising/Michael "ReX" Dingler Defense Fund Auction one of the mentioned prints in the description below. These prints have been sold out for a long time and is being donated by a very generous believer in the NoLA Rising cause. I have promised to keep the donor anonymous, but in return for such a generous act, I ask each of you to do 3 kind things for a stranger. It is truly moving to receive such a generous item for the auction. Thanks, ReX

2006 New Orleans
JAZZ FEST

LIMITED EDITION ART POSTER SOLD OUT

Fats Domino

2006 Jazz Festival Poster

Sold Out

If there's a living, breathing symbol of all that makes New Orleans great and unique, it's Antoine "Fats" Domino. His debut million-selling 1949 single, "The Fat Man" (from which he gained his nickname) is considered by many to be the first rock & roll record ever recorded. That alone would have earned the then 21 year-old a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But it was the beginning of his partnership with New Orleans trumpeter / producer / collaborator / bandleader Dave Bartholomew that made Fats the second largest-selling rock & roll star of the 50's and early-60's, behind only Elvis. He had an amazing 35 Top-40 singles from 1955 through 1963, on his way to selling more than 65 million records. His instantly recognized classics include "Ain't That a Shame", "Blueberry Hill", "Walking to New Orleans", "Whole Lotta Loving", "I'm Walking", "Blue Monday" and "I'm In Love Again", among others. Fats' boogie-woogie piano playing and down-home vocals were nurtured by the music surrounding him in New Orleans that contained elements of rock & roll long before Fats pulled them all together. His influence is such that Lennon/McCartney wrote Lady Madonna as an homage to his piano style; Fats returned the favor by covering it in 1968, and it became a Top 40 hit. Fats has remained true to his roots and his style, changing neither since he broke onto the scene 57 years ago.

By the 1980's Fats stopped touring because he couldn't find any food he liked outside New Orleans. (Who could disagree?) He didn't even attend his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or play at the invitation of the White House. Fortunately, he plays the Jazz Fest every few years and 2006 is one of those blessed cycles. His originality, musicianship, showmanship, power and vigor have not diminished. He changed the nature of music by bringing New Orleans-style R&B to the world and is himself a force of nature proving that Katrina can't change the soul of the City.

Collectors of this poster series know the name Michalopoulos very well. Acclaimed as the premier artist of and in New Orleans, his studies of the architecture and people that make the City unique are remarkable for their technical prowess and for their emotional verity. His iconic Jazz Fest series has defined legends in compelling works of definitive visual mastery. His 1998 portrait of Dr. John is a recognized classic and his 2001 portrait of Louis Armstrong remains the most sought-after (and valuable) print produced in this series in over a decade. Michalopoulos' portrait of Fats will be equally embraced. With a richly-colored sampling of the graceful buildings that line the old city drawing the viewer's eye towards an improbably balanced Fats pounding and tickling his piano into submission, this work sums up the man, his city, its music and their place in our hearts. A classic subject, masterfully executed by one of America's great figurative artists (with a twist, of course). This first Jazz Fest poster since water topped the levees is a "get-it or forget-it" offering.

The work is being published in several edtions {The edition being donated is}:
300 Canvas Remarques, overpainted, numbered and signed by both Michalopoulos & Fats Domino (unstretched) 26" x 40"

Other Prints that were once available:

10,000 Numbered 20" x 36"
3,000 Artist-signed & numbered 21" x 38"
750 Remarque, pencil drawing, numbered and signed by both Michalopoulos & Fats Domino 22" x 40"

NoLA Rising Jewelry by Clare Marie

2008-02-10T15:03:00.001-05:00

NoLA Rising has just recently had a jeweler join the ranks in the battle for the culture of New Orleans. Clare Marie (SIN.THESIS) has custom made the first NoLA Rising Fleur de Lis that was designed by ReX (one of the NoLA Rising founders). Below is the contact information for Clare Marie should you decide to order one, which will be custom made by Clare Marie in wearable industrial metals. The pendant shown, presented to ReX on this very day, is made of brass and copper. Even if you don't like the fleur de lis design, check out Clare's other creations. The best way to contact Clare is via email (which is broken up to avoid spam) at:

sinthesiscm @ gmail.com

http://sinthesiscm.blogspot.com/

www.sinthesis.etsy.com

INTER NOS,
ReX

WE THREE KINGS by Emilie Whelan & Meryl Murman

2008-01-25T23:08:00.001-05:00

The Cripple Creek Theatre Company and Louisiana Stagewriters' Workshop Present

WE THREE KINGS

A New Work by
EMILIE WHELAN & MERYL MURMAN

with photography by
NOLA RISING

featuring violinist
STEPHANIE SCREEN

January 28 & 29
with shows at 7:30 & 9

Convergence Center for the Arts
2134 Magazine Street
3rd Floor

891-6815 or seeaplay.org

Y'all Come Pass a Good Time Now!

So many good Things Today

2007-12-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

DNO VIDEO - Nola Rising from DNO VIDEO on Vimeo.

I recognize the fact that I say "like" and "you know" alot. I promise to work on the vocabulary some. I will admit, however, that I will not ever be as eloquent as our city scribe Chris Rose who I am thankful to for the article he wrote in today's paper.

SEE THE ARTICLE HERE

Without Chris's own struggle for giving the City of New Orleans hope, it would perhaps have been impossible for so many of us to recognize what we were going through. While many people have said it's a fine article that he wrote on me and the NoLA Rising project...I say it is one of many fine articles that he has written to the benefit of New Orleans. Chris, ReX salutes you!

NoLA Rising Paint Party

2007-11-21T01:36:00.000-05:00

AT THE HOUSE OF REX...

In preparation for the coming year and in the ongoing battle against GREY, NoLA Rising is hosting its second Paint Party of the year. Special Guest all the way from Michigan is Angela Pate who is preparing for her European Tour. Come support NoLA Rising in its ongoing endeavor to brighten New Orleans one color at a time...one person at a time.

For those who ask what they can bring:

Bring your paint (acrylic works best for longevity), acrylic house paint if you have leftover colors you want to share...
your beverage or snack of choice...
Any scrap wood you might have...
16d 3 1/2"; Galvanized Nails
Rustoleum Crystal Clear Spray (this helps coat signs for the weather)
Sharpie Oil-based Paint pens (black or what have you)
Heck...bring whatever you want to work on.

But, most importantly, bring your love for art and your hope for New Orleans and together, we'll help NoLA Rise...one smile at a time

Come pass a good time Y'all,
"ReX" Dingler

A day with the girls

2007-10-14T22:37:00.000-04:00

Had a good day with the girls at the Madisonville Boat Festival. Then, to an art show for a new friend with a show of support. She seemed to be doing very well with it. Then to work...And, it's a perty night!

Fall has finally Arrived

2007-10-13T06:51:00.000-04:00

in New Orleans...but summer could be back tomorrow

Freret Art Market - NoLA RISING!

2007-10-05T01:28:00.000-04:00

RADTKE REACTION

2007-09-29T05:45:00.000-04:00

Go Visit: THE RADTKE REACTION

Someone recently told me that I shouldn't challenge a man because of some of his connections. Well, I do so love a challenge. But, when that man has gone from civic do-gooder to arch-nemesis of the New Orleans artist community...has gone from activist to anarchist, I say NAY - BOO! - SHAME! Here's a link to the growing community of artists who are standing up and saying "NO MORE". In two days, over one hundred people have signed up!

Good Cop, Baby Cop

2007-09-28T02:53:00.001-04:00

Learning to Love

2007-09-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

through human dynamics

Added a poll!

2007-09-16T08:47:00.000-04:00

Here's a cool new thing (assuming it's not just new to me), I added a poll to my nola rising blog.

NPN NoLA & Have You Seen My Dog? & NoLA Rising

2007-09-12T06:23:00.000-04:00

EXTRA EXTRA - READ ALL ABOUT IT

September 2007 NPN, The Trumpet

NoLA Rising Article showcasing the start and the purpose of the NoLA Rising Project, Go to page 14 for the article.

And Also...go visit Sina's Have you see my dog: Have you seen my dog? is a new blog for a student out in Tucson. Take a look at what she has going on and see if you can contribute.

-ReX

Cash money

2007-09-11T00:24:00.000-04:00

Print gets sold, power bill gets paid.

Creating / Re-Creating

2007-09-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

I put up pieces of public artwork ...
for the people ...
they like it ...
but some of them get taken ...
which is okay, and good, ...
But, one guy, paints them grey ...
like he does everything in the city ...
but I can be okay with that ...
because it forces me to keep creating

NoLA Rising - Dingler Rising

2007-09-07T22:59:00.000-04:00

Just got the early edition of New Orleans' NPN The Trumpet and there is a very nice two page article about yours truly.

The Death of One Equals the Birth of Another

2007-09-03T23:48:00.000-04:00

I work for my machines!

Birthday / Labor Day Celebration

2007-09-03T04:24:00.000-04:00

Had a cook-out at the house today for my roomie and her boyfriend, who both had birthdays over the last couple of days. Two hours of preparation and about thirty people later, we had a good time.

RAIN

2007-09-01T21:32:00.000-04:00

Let's see about the rain today-

1) Lost about twelve wooden pieces of art that I had set outside to finish drying. The tragedy, wet and warped. The upside, I've just got to redefine what I was going to do with them. And, start over a birthday present for my youngest daughter. That's an upside? *** He must be optimistic these days***

2) My car. Hmm...got about two inches of flood water on the inside of the car. This is what I came back to New ORleans for. Well, it's not the only thing, but the flooding helps keep things in perspective. The perspective...what am I doing with a car anyway? So, the upside...I got to vacuum out my car and clean the floors of all the books, artwork, stencils, clothes and et cetera et cetera.

3) What to do with those towels that soaked up the bulk of the water from the floor of my car? Well, throw them into the washer and clean them with what dirty clothes I have left. Interestingly enough, nearly all of my clothes are folded and put away, hung, what have you; so there wasn't much. Ordinarily all of the water drains out, but since the drains were full from flood water...guess there wasn't anywhere for the water to go. So, I had to ring out everything before putting it in the dryer. The upside...no dirty laundry.

In the end, the rain didn't mess up my parade.

Good Tidings!

2007-08-26T22:01:00.000-04:00

Glad to hear that last night went well. Sorry that I couldn't make it. The good news is that your painting is finished and currently drying until dry enough to ship. Congrats again!

Good turnout

2007-08-26T00:30:00.000-04:00

Had a great time at the opening of the gallery. Visited with many supportive people. Sold several pieces. Had great food. Will have the picture in the paper. Other pics should be up on arthurmclean.blogspot.com within the week.

Celebrating 600 Signs

2007-08-24T00:57:00.000-04:00

The emergence of my character REX has celebrated his 600th sign posted around New Orleans. And, good news on the horizon, there will be an article about my Nola Rising Project coming out in the next issue of a local paper/magazine (whatever it's called). The goal for the end of the year is 1,000 signs up and posted around New Orleans coupled with 100 hand painted signs along the same theme or for street names.

Taking off

2007-08-20T06:14:00.000-04:00

I'm taking off and my feet are still on the very stars I started on.

Greetings

2007-08-15T23:57:00.000-04:00

Received well wishes on my newest venture today. Made me smile.
Once I've completed the tasks immediately before me, I will gladly submit my services to the NR project.

Gearing Up - Gettin' Ready

2007-08-14T00:39:00.000-04:00

And feeling good about it all.

Smiling / Working

2007-08-12T21:16:00.001-04:00

And that's my day

Alaska Calling

2007-08-12T01:55:00.000-04:00

And maybe now Alaska...

However, I am missing a key Southern city...going by the name of Thomasville.

We'll wait until things calm in that fair city.

Austin

2007-08-10T03:55:00.000-04:00

That's right...Austin. So, within this very week, I will have my artwork hanging in Buenos Aires, Austin, Michigan, Mobile, and San Diego...

How bout it?

And Now, San Diego

2007-08-07T05:54:00.001-04:00

That's right...you heard it here first

It's Such a Perfect Day

2007-08-06T04:01:00.000-04:00

So glad I spent it with my girls! They were just so great as always.

A Word From Emilie

2007-08-05T03:53:00.001-04:00

Youre amazing thank you youre name shall be praised in all missouri

-via text message...thus the decidedly sparse punctuation

More of This Everywhere

2007-08-04T04:02:00.000-04:00

Dingler Dingler...Everywhere
And yet, is there any to spare.

Us, here at the English Vernacular Language Institute for New Orleans, have decided to continue the propogation (possibly the wrong word, but I'm not bothering with referencing it to be decidedly decided on it) of my NoLA Rising Project. This coming week, 'we' (all four of my six personalities) should be posting pictures of my art posted up in Michigan, Austin, and Buenos Aires. Thank you Angela, Miles and Veronica!

Altruistic help

2007-08-01T01:04:00.000-04:00

Who says we only act out of self interest? Sure we could all get really deep on this, but I got some help today and that's what counts.
Big announcement coming soon, stay tuned.

YET ANOTHER

2007-07-29T20:26:00.001-04:00

Oh, you're the guy putting up all the signs...

Yes, indeed, that is me. Thank you cool-haired girl around Half Moon. I do appreciate that you said New Orleans is better with me in it...

Md

Nothing new to report

2007-07-28T22:38:00.000-04:00

still happy.

still making art, street and otherwise

old stuff going on discount sale soon to make way

werd
Ya'erd?
That's New Orleans vernacular for, a-hem, Did you understand what I wrote.

Still Happy

2007-07-26T23:17:00.000-04:00

And it's a Thursday...

Even though I have to work this weekend, I'm okay with d'at. Check out www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject/ to see my latest goings on in NoLA

Oh, just Happy Happy Happy

2007-07-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

In general and not about anything in specific, to be redundant or say the same thing twice. And even though I have one irritation in life...it's more like a rash that'll go away but won't leave you alone. And yet, still happy, happy, happy...even if it is a Tuesday and I do have to go to work tonight.

Letting it All Hang Out

2007-07-14T07:34:00.000-04:00

Spent the night hanging out with Jamie from the old days (our old days) back when the day was back in the day. I think it was a Tuesday then, but now, maybe not so much

New territory

2007-07-12T12:25:00.000-04:00

I'll be hanging my work in a high-end Atlanta salon for a couple of months soon. Wrapping up the details by the end of the week.

Sexcuse me!

2007-07-03T22:33:00.000-04:00

Good? Just found out GWAR is playing Mobile July 9 at the Soul Kitchen. Not so good? I'm probably 14 years too old to go.

Blue Princess | Broken Ladders

2007-07-02T23:02:00.000-04:00

Ah, there's nothing like watching a person about to have an accident. As I came alongside a ship tonight, the dry-rotted ladder broke on the guy trying to climb up. It broke in two places, one on the left side of the Jacob's ladder, and one break on the right. Fortunately for the guy climbing up it (nobra 71), it didn't break at the same rung and he was able to safely get back on my boat. Haven't had any anxiety ojt lately, but just glad no one got injured.

Everything Fixed (kinda)

2007-06-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Ah, the mercies of five hours of blissful sleep. Had breakfast (at BlueBird) with a friend I haven't seen in a little while. Slept. Oh, slept good. Then, another friend drove me around while I got the parts to fix my broke down car. We actually fixed the thing. And...(AND)...I got to eat at Rocky and Carlos down in the Parish.

Turning In

2007-06-30T05:04:00.001-04:00

The one good thing for the day was finishing a piece of artwork to turn in for a fundraiser that I won't be attending. To me, it was an attrocious piece of junk. However, it remained true to the concept of recycled art.

A New Red Light

2007-06-28T00:28:00.000-04:00

FINALLY...a new red light in the lower 9th ward. It's only taken about 21 months or so to get it put back in. Progress in New Orleans!

Another Art Show

2007-06-24T05:27:00.001-04:00

Today!

Another Art Show

2007-06-24T05:27:00.000-04:00

Today!

Hey, it's for charity

2007-06-21T17:01:00.000-04:00

A friend of a friend has locked himself into a room and is counting to one million to raise money for PUSH. You can check it out/donate here: millioncount.com

My New Artist Statement | Michael Dingler

2007-06-14T22:20:00.001-04:00

I'm a pluralist when it comes to the nature of our government; I'm a deist when it comes to matters of faith; I'm a loyalist when it comes to matters of family; I view the world with an existential bias, I question every mindset, I think that when there's something to be shared with someone, I'm at my best. I like the color purple.

Home is New Orleans. I've traveled the world and two of the seven seas (though there's arguably five), been to fifteen countries and twenty-six states. I've yet to go to Africa, Asia or Australia, but they are all on a mental to-do list. I'd like to smuggle medicine to refugee camps in Africa. I'd like to hike a portion of the Great Wall of China. I'd like to go to the outback of Australia. In the interim I want to go to the Grand Canyon. I've only recently gotten as far as Santa Fe. I've lived in Nicaragua. Every time I say or write Nicaragua, I hear the song of Nicaragua Nicaraguita in my head. I am not a communist. I've traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Trinidad and the Dominican Republic. I've traveled to England and Ireland, but I only spoke English there.

I like to view the world with gentle eyes, but the world won't always allow it. I dislike the way the national media portrays the stories they report. I believe in balance. I rarely see balance in existence...balance in action. I think art should speak for itself. I think there are enough words is the world that I shouldn’t have to use more of them to tell someone what they are seeing for themselves.

I have no faith in the traditional usage of the word. I can accept that and view it as such: That when I think of the regenerative aspects of faith I see it in colors. I have faith in the color in which I see that day and I will hold on to what it means for me then. A faint scraping of blue painted sixty years ago on the side of a building is enough to set me on a course that can sometimes last weeks. I don’t understand much about faith when it comes to God or His churches because I can’t say that I’ll let myself believe in something omnipotent outside of me. However, I do believe that the kingdom of god is within each and every one of us, separately and uniquely.

I can believe in a color because I can see it; when in food, I can taste it; when spackled across a canvas I can touch it. Color is in all things, thus I can better associate what living is through the embodiment of that spectrum. In all rudiments, that is what I break down into as a core belief…faith in color. That, to me, is what it is to be an artist, believing in the healing power of color.

I paint. I write. I draw. I dream. I take pictures. I've caught sunshine rainbows radiating godliness from behind torpid clouds. They've made me smile.

The world is a finite place filled with finite resources. All I want for is to have a room in a city that allows me to have wine any time of the day, money enough for paint and food, and to be left alone by the bothers of the world until I want to venture out an see it on my own accord. Nearly all other aspects of life to me is interruption on what it is I feel meant to do…and that is to paint.

Have I mentioned I like the color purple?

Thursday and I Slept

2007-06-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

I got eight whole hours of nearly uninterrupted sleep...for me, that's not just one good thing, that's eight good things!

Doctor Visit

2007-06-12T22:39:00.001-04:00

Went to the doctor today and things look promising...I should live another forty to fifty years by his calculations...

Violent Femmes

2007-06-10T22:28:00.001-04:00

Ah, there's nothing like being given a cassette tape of the Violent Femmes. And, I've been listening to it for the most of my car ride today.

Prospect

2007-06-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

So many prospects...where shall I go?

A new CD?

2007-06-05T00:13:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it, but I just read that the Hoodoo Gurus will be releasing a new album sometime this year. Hell yeah.

Dixie Beer

2007-06-04T02:30:00.000-04:00

My long quest for Dixie Beer has finally come to an end. I had my very first Dixie Beer a day ago...the last since a week after Katrina and we found some in a grocery store. THANK YOU DIXIE!

Creole Connection - Algiers Point

2007-05-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Just finished putting a mix of artwork up at an art/community center named 'Creole Connection' in historic Algier Point. You can find it two blocks from the ferry at 300 Pelican, Algiers, LA.

A weekend away

2007-05-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

Spent most of the weekend at a lake in the woods, away from everything. Except the hicks camping around me, but that was okay.

It Could Be a Good Thing

2007-05-29T05:24:00.000-04:00

I met one of my friends boyfriends last night and I think i can recognize that he could be a good thing for her right now...and that was just a nice realization whether something come of it or not. All best to those in the world who are that moment in their relationships (in whatever form they are).

Ah-Ha She Calls Again

2007-05-28T05:31:00.001-04:00

Yep, D. has called again. Perhaps a good thing? Perhaps.

Saturday at Chuck E Cheese

2007-05-26T17:55:00.000-04:00

I don't know whether or not you'd classify a day at Chuck E Cheese as fun, but under the right circumstances...

The right circumstances being your own child's birthday. Had a b-day party for my eldest daughter where we played games, met a man dressed as a giant rat, ate pizza and cake, and generally had a good time. For a moment, I pause to wonder if I realized as a child that those people dressed as characters were people or actual living things as they were. Amazing to think that once in my life, perhaps I really thought Goofy at Disney World was actually a giant and lovable dog.

Anyhow, a good day had by all...

In the Morning

2007-05-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

Spent the morning working more on my NoLa Rising Project. A good two to three hours was spent driving down Magazine Street and then walking down Oak Street putting up my dependably disposable and pedestrian art posters. The main accomplishment for the daily project was putting up a sign I painted at work last night.

One Not So Good Thing

2007-05-23T23:59:00.000-04:00

Today we had the unfortunate task of signing our dog over to the animal foundation hospital (vet) that we had to bring our dog to because she had been hit by a car. The surgery would have cost us $3500 + that we just didn't have. We called some animal places in hope that we'd be able to get part of the expenses covered, but to no avail. We thought for awhile that she'd have to be put asleep, which may still be the case, but they will at least call and let us know how she is and if they have to. But, the good thing was the few months of good times (and bad, like when she'd chew up shoes) that she brought us. The end.

Tumbling Recital 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

2007-05-23T03:10:00.000-04:00

Went to my daughter's recital tonight and watched my 5 & 3 year-old wonders tumble around beautifully on stage to music from The Little Mermaid.

Smoke Free

2007-05-22T22:45:00.000-04:00

I'm now in the middle of my third week smoke free, cold turkey. But nobody told me the third week would be the hardest, holy crap.

Walking the dog

2007-05-18T23:55:00.001-04:00

Woke up early because I went to bed earlier than work usually allows and took a long walk. I even took Ebony along with me for most of it. And every time I got home, I left to take another walk. Three walks total in two hours. Worth every step.

2007-05-18T23:55:00.000-04:00

Had a good laugh this morning

2007-05-14T00:26:00.000-04:00

Read the following line in this morning's paper:
"Indeed, it's not too much of a stretch to say that Mobile has become an international city."

NOLA Rising Project

2007-05-10T04:14:00.000-04:00

I have decided to undertake a public art project spread across the city. The idea was spawned from two different ideas that I have opted to merge. The first was a photo I had taken last year of a building that was on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon. Someone, presumably the owner or tenant, spray-painted "NOLA RISING" on the building. The photo ended up being great and has become a maxim of mine (if a thought behind an idea can imply the totality of a maxim). Second was a group of paintings that someone had strung up in the Marigny on a huge electrical pole.

Most recently, I decided to take the Nola Rising message to the lower Ninth Ward. Below are three pictures of over twenty that I put up within a six block radius. More to come to a neighborhood near you. I would've written about it on the day of, but it took a long time to get it done and was tired afterward. So, enjoy my many good things:

NOLA visit

2007-05-08T01:30:00.000-04:00

Got to visit my sister in NOLA, listen to a little jazz, but missed my friend Dingler. Maybe next time...when it's not 90 degrees.
Also, I'm now on day 3.5 without a cigarrette.

Late but rested

2007-05-07T23:49:00.000-04:00

I went to bed late this morning, woke up rested this afternoon, made it to work on time, got a date this week (maybe two), gonna see my roomie's play later in the week, got some food from Sid (thanks for the eggrolls, but they ain't nothin' like Shannon's home-made), yapped with a friend or two and that's that.

Free place to stay

2007-05-01T01:10:00.000-04:00

Scored a free place to stay for jazzfest from a generous friend. Had a nearly equally generous offer from the co-author of this blog, just not enough room for two boarders, but deeply appreciated nonetheless.

I should also be reporting in the next day or so that a certain photographic print is mounted and ready for delivery to NOLA.

Finishing an Article

2007-04-30T22:49:00.000-04:00

Today I have finished an article for a local paper and it's the first time in a long time that I've written. End of story.

Bank Error in Your Favor

2007-04-28T00:55:00.000-04:00

Well, my one good thing for the day was recognizing a bank error I had made, which means I can eat for the next two weeks. How nice is that?!?

Angola Rodeo

2007-04-22T23:06:00.000-04:00

Went to the Angola Rodeo today and bought two paintings from inmates. One is a folk art piece and another is a bit surreal. I'll post pictures of them when I get around to taking decent pics of them, along with the artist information. Then, there was the rodeo.

At one point they had three monkeys dressed like cowboys riding three dogs that herded a group of rams around the pen and then finally into their truck. Along with the bull poker round where the inmates would sit at the table as the bull would circle and ultimately ram the players. The last man sitting would win. It was quite a day.

We topped it off by going to Middendorff's for catfish. It was Emilie's first time there and her first time eating hush-puppies. Ah, I hadn't been there in a while and I forgot how good their catfish is. The nearest comparison in the civilized Louisiana world that had catfish was Barrow's near the Holly Grove area of New Orleans. I don't believe they have re-opened since our dreaded Katrina, but I look forward to the day when they do. And then there's the sweet tea super secret recipe.

The End

Thinking About...

2007-04-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

I am thinking about motorcycles again. I think I am back to where responsibility will allow me to get a motorcycle. Hmmmm....

Painting Again

2007-04-20T04:58:00.000-04:00

Yes indeed. The break I took for Mardi Gras has lasted too too long.

Old Friends

2007-04-17T21:27:00.000-04:00

Ran in to an old friend a couple of days ago who had moved away. He's come back and we spent the afternoon hanging out and catching up. That was nice...

Got two tickets to the Jazz & Heritage Festival

2007-04-16T23:21:00.000-04:00

Now to find a cheap place to stay.

First Day

2007-04-13T20:28:00.000-04:00

My first day off work in two weeks! And Jamie is coming in town. And we are going to eat at Five Happinesssss.

An appreciative audience

2007-04-12T01:23:00.000-04:00

I was asked to speak to today's meeting of the Worthwhile Club, a ladies group that's been around in Thomasville since the 1920s. I was asked to speak about photography.
It's a nice feeling when everyone is oohing and ahing with every print you hold up.

I'm rich beeyotch!

2007-04-10T16:30:00.000-04:00

Found out I had more money in my account than I thought I did. Still far short of early retirement or even a decent revolution in Cuba. Maybe one day...

Wednesday

2007-04-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Woke up, got out of bed, stromed a comb across my head...
In looking up, I noticed I was late

Doggie in the Window

2007-04-04T03:57:00.000-04:00

I played with my doggie today and she finally warmed back up to me (She was mad because I accidentally stepped on her foot recently). We even went for a walk.

Sold Two

2007-04-01T23:12:00.000-04:00

I sold two paintings and a photograph this past weekend at the Mandeville Trailhead. Yeah!

Going to see old friends

2007-03-29T00:26:00.000-04:00

I'm heading to ATL this weekend to see some old friends, walk some old trails and see some big city lights. And my car repair bill was half what I'd anticipated.

Gearing Up

2007-03-28T01:10:00.000-04:00

Got a bunch done today. Had a business meeting in the morning which entailed me wearing a suit for the first time in a long, long while. Then, got artwork and photography prepared for the show this weekend. Hoping all goes well. Should have finished some of those paintings in the studio a while back, but been lazy since the Mardi Gras season.

Taking Naps...Sleeping All Day

2007-03-25T01:48:00.000-04:00

Saturday was indeed my lazy day this week. I slept for roughly six hours, woke up and ended up sleeping at home for nearly the whole day. It was nice to wake up in my own bed...

Waking Up, Taking a Walk

2007-03-21T01:00:00.000-04:00

Woke up this afternoon before work, walked outside with the dog, and bumped into Shannon. We talked for an hour or so and then decided to take a walk to the CORNER STORE. Found a Mango energy drink made in Austria while continuing a great conversation. Then a walk back home...

The smell of ink

2007-03-16T02:32:00.000-04:00

Or rather, the sight of pigment prints rolling out of an Epson - at my house finally. Damn, why do I have to work this weekend?

Monday Meeting

2007-03-15T23:46:00.000-04:00

Was informed again that on Monday I have a meeting with an interior design/house building firm here in the Crescent City to hash out details to display my artwork in their showroom. There's a little more to it than just that, but that's the quick skinny.

Two Down, Twenty Two Hundred To Go

2007-03-11T06:48:00.000-04:00

Sold either two or three photos last night!

A clean office

2007-03-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

I started cleaning out old boxes of stuff from my office at home back in early November. Then, everything happened. Tonight, it is clean and organized. Finally.

Two Good Things

2007-03-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

AND, duh, I forgot, I have an art showing tonight of my photography. How's THAT for a full day!