The joyful marriage of confidence and ignorance: Sam Harris on Sarah Palin

Sam Harris's article on Sarah Palin is fantastic and insightful. Here's a satirical excerpt:

"Governor Palin, are you ready at this moment to perform surgery
on this child's brain?"

"Of course, Charlie. I have several boys of my own, and I'm an
avid hunter."

"But governor, this is neurosurgery, and you have no training as
a surgeon of any kind."

"That's just the point, Charlie. The American people want change
in how we make medical decisions in this country. And when faced
with a challenge, you cannot blink."

My sister read a quote from a midwestern newspaper about a woman who would vote for the McCain/Palin ticket simply because Palin was someone with whom she could imagine having a beer and a pizza. Seems that there may be more important qualities to look for in a President, but what do I know, I'm a hyper-educated liberal snob elitist and a non-believer "doomed to be punished for eternity in a lake of fire." Sam Harris's full article is well worth reading at:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/160080/page/1

New work of the week

Every week, I post a new artwork on my art website - ckick here to see this week's work.

The open studio held last week was fun. I met several neighbors, made some new friends, sold a few works, and made some great connections. Here are a few of the images from the open studio.

Clair update

Several of you have asked about an update on Clair.

I spent 10 days in Washington to spend time with my dear friend Clair and his wife Michele. Clair had a tentative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He had lost 25 pounds, couldn't eat solid foods, and was in a lot of pain. Two days before I left Washington, Clair found out that the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was incorrect. The biopsy shows that he has a treatable cancer of the lymph nodes. He went from believing he had a short amount of time left (two-weeks, a month, two) to understanding that he will beat this cancer. We all spent those two days in shock.

The time we shared in DC was indescribable - suffice it to say that we shared an intense and powerful experience, and truly appreciated the time we shared in the moment. Clair also used the time with me to wrap up several home improvement projects. (To my friends reading this blog: all I can say is that there are easier ways to get me to come and help out.)

Clair writes a couple days ago: "10 days following my first chemotherapy I am going strong. I was warned that 7-10 days following chemo would be the worst time and that was certainly correct for me. While I was spared the worst effects, I had bad indigestion and abdominal pains. The pains from the tumor that I have had for months were unabated, so it was not a pleasant time. My appetite continued to be poor; I had to force myself to eat and even then could only eat bland, pureed food. I have lost 30 pounds since June 1 when I stopped going to the gym - from 199 to 169 pounds."

Very recently, Clair has gained 3 pounds (while on chemo!), the pain is abating so he can now sleep in his own bed, and he is again eating solid foods. So, all signs point to the chemotherapy working well for Clair.

Attached is a photo of Clair taken yesterday (using Skype), when he told me this great news...

An evening in Seattle with Mom J

There was Dungeness crab, corn on the cob, Dutch mayonnaise, melted butter, and really good red wine, in Jacqueline's backyard garden - see the roses, feel the ambience. It was a nite made in heaven, daddy-o, and don't be a square. The sculptures in the pics are ceramic sculptures of mine, from another lifetime. Now they collect moss and ivy in the backyard, and couldn't be in a better place. Of particular joy to me, is the most perfect and prime cat door ever known to man- or feline-kind. My feline is jealous and deserves as much.

International Art Club, my first meeting of the new season

The new season of the International Art Club has started up, and I am glad to be back. I have made several friends there - I will go out plein air painting with one of them, others will come to the open studio tomorow. I will be the organizor of the Tuesday night modeling sessions starting in january - they needed a volunteer. Fun times! I am starting to feel more at home here in the Hague. Below are pics of last nights session, and some self-portrait sketches I made at home.

Tamara goes to work, again

Another kick-ass outfit. Go girl!

Tamara goes to work

I love Tamara's outfit. Notice the studded gloves, fur-lined coat, fancy Dutch bike, and sweet new purse. What a delicious ensemble...

It is now dark in the morning when she pedals off - the sunrise photo was taken by turning 180 degrees and snapping a photo just after taking Tamara's picture.

Getting connected

On Sunday, I had a booth at a local expatriate fair here in the Hague. (Pictured at left.) I showed one of my paintings, gave away greeting cards with pictures of my paintings, and invited people to come to my open-studio this Thursday. I am excited for the opportunity to open my doors and show people my work. I met some interesting people at the fair and as a result feel more strongly connected to the community here. While at the fair, I was approached by someone who invited me to show my work at a local gallery. The Hague is a supportive place for artists, and I am starting to feel that being an artist might actually work as a viable career choice, not just something I do for myself.

Also pictured with me is Brid, who is also a "trailing spouse" here in the Hague, and has started her own business making jewelry and hosting classes in jewelry making. We became fast friends during the fair.

On an unrelated note, I like the quote below from Albert Einstein -

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.

Eastern Oregon

In my early 20s, I rode my bicycle from Portland, Oregon to Missoula, Montanna. Last week I drove the first part of that trip and took some photos just east of Mt. Hood. Eastern Oregon is semi-arid, remote, sparsely populated and beautiful. These pictures all show the interaction between man and the land, and I think the resulting shapes and colors are very interesting. Note that the colors in these pictures were digitally altered.

Fun video

A sentimental favorite...

My girlfriend, Maggie

Maggie carries a torch for me - I used to live next door - a cute neighbor from next door - and I am helpless when I hear her unique high-pitched siren call. Word on the street is that Maggie is very upset with me for moving away, but is possibly prepared to forgive me. Tuna, anyone?

Sherman Ave., Takoma Park, MD

These lawn-signs are all located in a two block stretch on my street in the Washington, DC area - more specifically, on Sherman ave. in Takoma Park, MD. (Takoma Park is also affectionately described here as 'the peoples republic' or 'the Berkeley of the East.' )

Cuba Duba

Cuba is the dog I am sitting while visiting here in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Happy dog, simple pleasures.

Digital artwork, trip to the states

Today I posted a new 'work of the week,' titled 'uncertain future.' It was done in digital medium, which I've never done before (see www.potamoi.com, click on 'work of the week').

My very dear friend Clair recently has been diagnosed with cancer. I am going to fly to the states to see Clair this week. We'll have a great week hanging out together. While stateside, I am also looking forward to going out to Portland, Olympia, and Seattle where I can see family and hopefully friends.

And I plan to do more oil paintings while on the road, or at least digital compositions, so keep tuned to the 'work of the week' on the above website. The digital medium is a lot of fun, I think that I will continue to work in it and possibly plan future paintings with it. A whole new artistic door!