Monday, July 09, 2007

 

More Macon things not to miss

The first Friday of every month, Macon hosts an event downtown. Oddly enough it is called "First Friday." The event started a few years back and the central idea was to lure invite people to downtown Macon for the evening to wander around and see whats there, perhaps grabbing a dinner, or a drink, seeing some art or listen to a local band. After a bit of a rough start it has finally turned into a decent event. An event I have consistently missed every single time. Since my friends Eric and Brian are very involved, and they made it to my Krystal going away party, I felt I simply had to go to this, my final First Friday. Jen also wanted to go to get a chance to see their artwork.
Eric in his studio talking about his recent trip to Italy and the drawings and paintings that resulted from the trip. This is an artist in his element. That is Eric's art on the table and on the walls.
Many years ago, around 1995, I had a desk job as a computer programmer. It was mind numbing. So at least once a week I would drop by the studios after I got off work to hang out with Eric and Brian (the other Brian) as they painted. On the surface it was to hang out with my fraternity brothers. Deep down I knew that my job was slowly killing me. People seem to think that computer programmers have exciting interesting job. Those are the computer game programmers, with the "sexy" software. Not the grunt desk jockeys who keep capitalism and society moving.
I would jokingly say that since I lack any artistic talent, I had to hang out with Artists in hopes some of it might rub off on me. It took me many years to realize that I am artistic, I just lack any artistic abilities. I cannot draw or paint or sculpt. I could demonstrate how software engineering is artistic, but you'd fall asleep half way through. One man's passion is another man's tryptophan.
This is Brian's studio, that adjoins Eric's. Obviously I feel the most moving piece of artwork are the two Krystal cups and their faithful service to the arts. Oh yeah and all the rest of that stuff is probably important too.
Actually "the rest of that stuff" is thousands of pieces of glass, cut by hand. I would try and explain Brian's artwork to you but it would fail miserably. Lets just say there's glass, painting, boxes, and astronomy involved. You'd probably have to stop by First Friday one day to see it and appreciate it. It really does take your breath away when you see it and see what goes into making it.
Perhaps the most important room in the studio is the Artist's Lounge. Brian on the left, Eric being goofy in the foregorund, and Greta tlaking to Dr. Charlie in the background. Since the studios have no A/C it gets rather warm. This room, on the corner, overlooking 2nd Street and Mulberry get a decent cross breeze. Music floats up from the street corner below. Beer flows down from the many coolers stashed around the studio, and ideas, conversation, and creativity floods all through the place.
This is the sort of thing I have been missing for the past 5 years. Being around people who think outside the box because they LIKE to think outside the box. (And of course there's Brian who actually BUILDS the box.) I do desperately hope in my new job that my creativity is encouraged, not stifled.
Standing around in the studio we'd talk about all manner of strange things. With the huge variety of backgrounds you're just as likely to hear about artists, as well as writers, computers, sports, travel, and all manner of things. It's opening minded and welcoming. You can feel free to throw out the wildest idea you have. And idea that would get you strange looks in "the real world." But in the studio it is not only accepted, but someone will pick up your idea and run with it, adding their own ideas to it, until 20 minutes later, no one is quite sure how they got to where they are, but all have been involved and everyone has enjoyed (and learned!!) along the way.
Computer programmers do not usually have "Galleries" and "Studios" like artists do. Lets face it, the general public can't be lured off the street into a "computer studio" even if they're having a show on "Modifying the Assignment Algorithm for the Scheduling of Multiple Competitive Events" (my thesis). So us computer programmers must invade artisist studios and galleries to get that feeling of open minded unflinching creativity that our jobs lack.
Perhaps one day I'll have a "Software Studio." People may even want to come visit and see the programmer at work, or where he compiles his work. But even if they don't show up, I hopefully will have the 2nd floor corner lounge to sit in and listen to music, have cold drinks, and share idea with my friends, artists or not.
Krystal Lovers get more in the sack!.

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# posted by JasonJ1052 @ 7:48 AM
Comments:
GREAT POST!

Don't loose sight people. What Jason speaks of is a unique and glorious experience. Those studios took and TAKE a lot of work. Just like any other full time job! Those guys in the pictures WORK and work hard to get what they have and to be where they are! After their "day job" these artists come to the studio to CREATE something new and original. These people have TWO FULL TIME JOBS!

The First Fridays are the equal to an office party. Isn't that funny. It takes a special person to do what they do...just like a programmer! Working for the man and then having a side job. Their goal is to make art full time and give up that "day job."

As a practicing artist myself, I want to highlight their hard work and dedication to the arts. A subject often overlooked. Thank you Jason for giving other people a glimps into a wonderfull world...a world I call home.

Everyone should make it a point to visit Liberty Hall! It should be a pilgramage!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 7:10 PM
 
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