text • chris rusak

07-13-10

Live the dream.

A week ago I wrote about late nights of work behind the computer and in the studio: redoing the website and self-promoting… working on work, because what happens in the studio is where the fire is. My new mantra is “live the dream,” as new-agey as mantras can often sound. Several strangers have made mention of this phrase when we’ve newly met at various events… made in reference to my employment situation and artistic endeavors. It’s true, I seem to be living it, but it is an active process and not one that has been gifted to me.

Recently, I’ve had to reflect back on the past fifteen years of my life, to when I was first exposed to significant contemporary works and the sequence of events that led me to where I now work today. Continued perseverance, another buzzword of late, and perpetuating dreams and ideas have truly been the steam for hard-work and confidence. Doubt, as recently as four months ago, has peppered the process but triumph is the product of choice, not chance.

The websites are done.

I can’t believe I can say that.

All told, the amount of time spent on the project is massive and long. 3am is the new 5pm. But, I think it looks great compared to its past rendition, navigation is simple and effective (though for users of smaller resolution screens there are some nails to be screwed in,) and the work is the focus. Eight collage works and four print editions from the past three years form the beginnings for the site. From here on, and this has really been exciting me, I now have a reliable and clean instantaneous presentation of anything at my disposal. One could pontificate the ability to loop around the gallery system, but I personally think an artist’s online website/gallery is a good adjunct to bringing your work out to traditional centers, your reach becomes broad and local, and the latter is important since our efforts are always influenced by our environs.

With this project checked off for now, studio work moves into prime focus. I need this. I have seven panels in process that I’m anxious to move towards completion. Relaxation and contemplation with these pieces during the site overhaul has been insightful, and the placation they have provided me will fuel their final synthesis.

Below, two works posted on www.chrisrusak.com. Click to proceed to larger images.

Also, thanks to everyone who showed up at Variant Beauty to support Pickles Labrador and Kate Kellams. The work was fantastic and the company divine. A good time was had by all. Be sure to stop by Mission Comics and Art if you haven’t already to check out the goods.