tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279777781243573172024-03-13T10:38:46.281-04:00My Corner of the UniverseThe thoughts, opinions, latest experiences, interests of music, art, comic books, health, and more are discussed here unfiltered in Boston based artist Steven W's own corner of the universe.StevenWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10425594372003997340noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-34305461660357267092017-03-16T07:20:00.001-04:002017-03-16T07:23:18.815-04:00I MOVED -- <br />
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<a href="https://swartstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n.jpg?w=560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1626" data-attachment-id="1626" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n" data-large-file="https://swartstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n.jpg?w=560?w=560" data-medium-file="https://swartstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n.jpg?w=560?w=300" data-orig-file="https://swartstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n.jpg?w=560" data-orig-size="960,626" data-permalink="https://swartstudio.com/2015/12/30/rrrragh/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n/" height="208" src="https://swartstudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/535023_957109891038218_3791176989425683952_n.jpg?w=560" width="320" /></a></div>
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those seeking to see what i'm currently involved with should go to: <a href="http://swartstudio.com/">swartstudio.com</a>. thank you! </h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-56236975527720337862013-12-17T06:45:00.001-05:002013-12-17T06:45:24.826-05:00Cheers from Mexico! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e096b70fc8d5552db95af1ffb875c051/tumblr_mxrkze0Amd1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/e096b70fc8d5552db95af1ffb875c051/tumblr_mxrkze0Amd1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
cheers! i wish all my friends could have experienced this with me! it was 5 wonderful days of fun in the sun in Los Cabos, Mexico!i'm back in boston dealing with two snow storms back to back. *sigh*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-67173431697506659692013-12-17T06:42:00.001-05:002013-12-17T06:42:08.289-05:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/ac225d01c4a9c464c2c5740472b8eef3/tumblr_mxa6vtNrcu1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/ac225d01c4a9c464c2c5740472b8eef3/tumblr_mxa6vtNrcu1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption"><span class="hasCaption">From <i>Sensation Comics</i> #38, 1945. Happy holidays! </span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-83793534359100806402013-11-13T10:42:00.003-05:002013-11-13T10:42:58.338-05:00A new painting completed<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/BY5ENcdCAAAaK9L_zps0b6845aa.jpg?t=1384269275" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/BY5ENcdCAAAaK9L_zps0b6845aa.jpg?t=1384269275" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Justice vs Ignorance</i>, oil on canvas w/ mixed media, 2'x3'.</td></tr>
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i'm pleased to announce i finished the second painting of my upcoming collection. more <a href="http://swartstudio.com/2013/11/13/completed-heroines-painting-no-2/" target="_blank">here</a>. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-60657690973114801462013-10-01T14:20:00.002-04:002013-10-01T14:23:41.279-04:00Announcing the concept for my new collection! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/99c3465d5905fa18fa00749753631b8a/tumblr_msmco906Y91s6svq7o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/99c3465d5905fa18fa00749753631b8a/tumblr_msmco906Y91s6svq7o1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
i’ve come up with a concept for a show that combines elements of ’50s
sci-fi movie posters, the glamor of female celebrities from the
‘70-’80s, and comic book pin up art from the ’90s. i’m tentatively
titling it, “heroines”. i’m mixing my love of pop culture and infusing
it with a fine art sensibility and hope to have a 10-12 piece collection
of mixed media paintings done in my usual “kinetic style”. i want it to
be colorful, sexy, and empowering! i’ve already secured a space to host
a preview show next summer. stay tuned for more!<br />
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<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a059e5bb958a623bbe67f71a1e9498b7/tumblr_msz6s3j1SC1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a059e5bb958a623bbe67f71a1e9498b7/tumblr_msz6s3j1SC1s42p71o1_1280.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-40420602894356407972013-10-01T14:07:00.002-04:002013-10-01T14:12:53.472-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3sqcnDnIXo/UksQfAyel1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/YUH0nk-xzvU/s1600/c6208cc1-1472-428a-8ae5-8a71d06af690_zpsd2545659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3sqcnDnIXo/UksQfAyel1I/AAAAAAAAAjs/YUH0nk-xzvU/s400/c6208cc1-1472-428a-8ae5-8a71d06af690_zpsd2545659.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She-Hulk vs the Enchantress, <i>Secret Wars</i> #2, 1984.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-79799565017167890082013-09-03T07:07:00.002-04:002013-09-03T07:07:39.233-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0bec5b0b57d9350baec35999caca1b23/tumblr_msip63Yw5u1s42p71o1_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0bec5b0b57d9350baec35999caca1b23/tumblr_msip63Yw5u1s42p71o1_250.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The X-Men's Storm meets Wonder Woman, <em>Marvel vs DC</em> # 2, 1996. </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-5534965106961317932013-08-07T08:03:00.002-04:002013-08-07T08:03:53.775-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctD7d8UG3b4/UgI3Xc8mH5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/-kTC-TERzTs/s1600/5ea50d40-7847-4d0b-a4e5-95e5c7a2a243_zpsb6c587a0(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctD7d8UG3b4/UgI3Xc8mH5I/AAAAAAAAAfw/-kTC-TERzTs/s400/5ea50d40-7847-4d0b-a4e5-95e5c7a2a243_zpsb6c587a0(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonder Woman Annual</i> #4, 1995.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-56814037332506750172013-07-11T16:38:00.001-04:002013-07-11T16:38:48.542-04:00Getting away from it all<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK4ZmNhA2I/Ud8Xe2LBdsI/AAAAAAAAAeU/w0-urfjfPJM/s1600/HiddenLake_zpsd34645e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK4ZmNhA2I/Ud8Xe2LBdsI/AAAAAAAAAeU/w0-urfjfPJM/s320/HiddenLake_zpsd34645e0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My getaway in New England.</td></tr>
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my studio is a secret sanctuary unlike any other, bestowed to me by my
grandparents for my graduation from art school. it’s a great space to
escape the city and reflect on my busy life. with a view like this you
can understand how it’s become my creative nexus.<a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://wp.me/p2Q3AF-hc" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/TXZnE06tTU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://wp.me/p2Q3AF-hc"><span class="js-display-url"></span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-6653783610721573812013-07-11T16:01:00.004-04:002013-07-11T16:02:20.394-04:00I'm reading too many comic books (but I love it)! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/X1s7k" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7WD9v9x_zw/Ud8PAyy8MrI/AAAAAAAAAeE/dXGrcPKBljo/s320/comics_zpsd7088def.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/X1s7k" target="_blank">i posted a list of comics i'm reading, but -- </a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-47978796913483723792013-07-04T07:46:00.000-04:002013-07-04T07:46:05.082-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://michaelmay.us/08blog/0908_wwcostume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://michaelmay.us/08blog/0908_wwcostume.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonder Woman</i> #1, 1942</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-33128747374571272612013-06-16T12:41:00.003-04:002013-06-16T12:42:37.758-04:00My favorite memories of my dad<div class="photoCaption">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8jRmZmydFs/Ub3qftgB8II/AAAAAAAAAbA/KkNWHBAq_Bo/s1600/25-1_zpsb4087a62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8jRmZmydFs/Ub3qftgB8II/AAAAAAAAAbA/KkNWHBAq_Bo/s320/25-1_zpsb4087a62.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonder Woman</i> #25, the 1st comic book<br />
I ever bought, 1988.</td></tr>
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the first comic book i ever bought at seven years old.<br />
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my fondest memories with my dad are of our bi-weekly trips to the
comic book store in the late ’80s through the ’90s. early in my
childhood I would read dad’s old DC and marvel comics over and over, but i loved using my allowance to purchase comics of my own. my love of
comic books initially inspired me to draw, later paint, enroll in art
school and study abroad, and eventually become an art teacher. thanks, dad!<br />
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happy father’s day to all of the dads who deserve to celebrate!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-53311410868806588762013-06-03T14:33:00.000-04:002013-06-03T14:36:51.692-04:00Stepping out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27-_cXN0Aoo/UazgxpnYxdI/AAAAAAAAAas/zHMrQ9DMfB4/s1600/935869_616402828372309_1543468899_n_zps33b193ae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27-_cXN0Aoo/UazgxpnYxdI/AAAAAAAAAas/zHMrQ9DMfB4/s320/935869_616402828372309_1543468899_n_zps33b193ae.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
i was lucky enough to be invited to the grand opening of the new davio's cucina and showcase cinema de dux in chestnut hill, just outside boston. amazing food and a
terrific viewing experience makes the short drive all the more worth
it! special thanks to joseph holladay of mediamax network and shout out to chef eric swartz, a true artist.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-23725218723272852572013-06-02T13:13:00.001-04:002013-06-02T13:14:49.404-04:00Bonus random comic book panel(s) of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/a0c048671532dd2704c224ff0e21f535/tumblr_mmqs56DoNY1r86ysgo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/a0c048671532dd2704c224ff0e21f535/tumblr_mmqs56DoNY1r86ysgo1_500.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Avengers</i> #221, 1982</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-21391881747813404472013-06-01T11:29:00.002-04:002013-06-02T13:14:37.214-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/15659/3010908-kanjar_ro-jla%2379-wonder_woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/1/15659/3010908-kanjar_ro-jla%2379-wonder_woman.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>JLA </i>#79, 1997</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-51586198769053377182013-05-20T09:37:00.002-04:002013-05-20T09:37:42.354-04:00wrapping up the school year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/03eafd0784e98f60d40c5ad5862999ca/tumblr_mmupn33WOg1s42p71o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/03eafd0784e98f60d40c5ad5862999ca/tumblr_mmupn33WOg1s42p71o1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
i was just telling myself a fun t-shirt project for art class would be
great at the end of the school year. then my friend showed up w/ her
latest redesign of an over-sized tee. perfect - it’s just what i was
thinking! obviously i’ll tweak the lesson a little to fit 14-16 year old
students, but this is gonna rock! my friend even offered to come in as a
visiting artist. the kids and i love special guests!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-77520785745679299722013-05-08T08:11:00.000-04:002013-05-08T08:11:33.579-04:00The latest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjmPC78rDE/UYpApPSdMuI/AAAAAAAAAWc/8JND0fkY1QI/s1600/Installation+frame+blueprint+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrjmPC78rDE/UYpApPSdMuI/AAAAAAAAAWc/8JND0fkY1QI/s320/Installation+frame+blueprint+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
i've been so incredibly neglectful of my art because students and i have
been been busy preparing a 24' installation that's designed to speak
out about empowering beyond racism. i'm very proud of the work that's
gone into it thus far, but we have so much farther to go towards our
opening night in downtown boston. check out the <a data-mce-href="http://yesforchange.tumblr.com/" href="http://yesforchange.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Y.E.S. for Change site</a> for more info.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-10851778838590554232013-05-01T06:45:00.000-04:002013-05-01T06:45:14.608-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/5d4541cb85e72f62b71e28a43a1db07d/tumblr_mjtqctPfYo1rz1rzuo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/5d4541cb85e72f62b71e28a43a1db07d/tumblr_mjtqctPfYo1rz1rzuo1_500.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark Kent and Lois Lane, <i>Action Comics</i> #69, 1944</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-79678864470297197562013-04-16T09:48:00.003-04:002013-04-16T09:50:25.273-04:00Wake up, everybody<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/cb24fac128d72ab572727a1be6b9cfb5/tumblr_mlbs7xmg2e1s8crywo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/cb24fac128d72ab572727a1be6b9cfb5/tumblr_mlbs7xmg2e1s8crywo1_500.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panel from <i>Wonder Woman</i> #4, 1987.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
yesterday, 2 bombs went off just 4 blocks from my home in boston. one
never expects something like this to happen to you or those you know,
but sometimes it does. <br />
<br />
my love and support goes out to all the victims of this tragic event.<br />
<br />
<i>The world won't get no better if we just let it be. The world won't get no better. We gotta change it yeah, just you and me. - </i>Teddy Pendergrass w/ Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, <i>Wake Up Everybody</i>, 1976Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-18153813894854419062013-04-01T07:47:00.001-04:002013-05-01T06:46:10.957-04:00Random comic book panel of the month<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/83631352-09e4-4bc4-bc8a-e57ffb6d5647_zps16aec139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/83631352-09e4-4bc4-bc8a-e57ffb6d5647_zps16aec139.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonder Woman</i> #129, by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, & Mike Eposito, 1962.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-61271829363704206622013-03-30T15:44:00.000-04:002013-03-30T15:44:41.127-04:00Collection of graphic novel reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/gn-covers/2012/04/978-1-4012-3461-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/gn-covers/2012/04/978-1-4012-3461-4.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2012/12/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank">Justice League: Origin</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/01/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank">Batman: The Court of Owls</a></i><br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/01/graphic-novel-review_27.html" target="_blank">Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton </a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/02/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank">Nightwing: Traps & Trapezes</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/02/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank">Deathstroke: Legacy</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/03/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></i>
<i><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2013/03/graphic-novel-review.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman: Blood </a></i><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-76495577148706288172013-03-30T15:29:00.000-04:002013-03-30T15:47:15.679-04:00Graphic novel review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/gn-covers/2012/04/978-1-4012-3563-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/gn-covers/2012/04/978-1-4012-3563-5.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<i>Wonder Woman: Blood</i> offers the third (or fourth) reinterpretation of the greek gods within the world of dc comics and while definitely the most modern, it's also possibly the most entertaining take on the gods of olympus. unfortunately these characters overshadow the book's star, who's voice is scarcely heard. <br />
<br />
of all the revisions of dc comics' iconic heroes with its "new 52" launch, i was most interested in wonder woman. the book opens with apollo, god of the sun, coercing his oracles into searching out the whereabouts of his missing father, zeus, king of the gods. the story quickly picks up when hermes, god of messengers, appears in rural virginia, to defend a young woman from centaur assassins. the young woman is teleported to london for safe keeping and apparently the home of wonder woman! the famous amazon princess and young woman, named zola, return to virginia and the super heroine makes quick work of zola's enemies. hermes reveals that hera, zeus' husband, sent the centaurs to kill zola because she's pregnant with the son of zeus! meanwhile, apollo watches all that transpires from afar, plotting his own campaign to slaughter the apparent new heir of zeus.<br />
<br />
wonder woman soon finds she and zola share something in common, both women are connected to zeus, and their fate becomes tied together with factions of godly foes plotting their demise because of their involvement in olympian affairs. wonder woman's world is turned upside down when she realizes her mother, queen of the amazons, had planted a lie long ago to protect the princess from the envious hera. the queen of olympus enacts vengeance on the amazons when wonder woman teleports to london with zola and hermes. princess diana returns to the island home of her past too late and discovers her mother and sisters transformed in a poignant and dramatic scene that serves as a one of the book's most climatic moments. <br />
<br />
the brilliance of brian azzarello's writing, is that he finds a great balance of drama and action between so many intriguing characters. the soap opera of the olympian gods is brought to the modern world in such an excellent fashion that fans of comic books, reality tv, or even romance novels can all appreciate. though the 'witty' dialogue became slightly tiresome as if it were trying too hard to be smart.<br />
<br />
a particular favorite character is strife, daughter of hera and sister of apollo. she's the villain you love to hate, taking neither side of a conflict, rather instigating all parties to suit her twisted desires. strife proves to be the perfect foil for princess diana who continually attempts to be the peace maker and leveled headed heroine one would expect. i can relate to this version of wonder woman, who righteously believes she knows what she's doing, but may not quite have a handle on events out of her control. we could all learn a thing or two from wonder woman. <br />
<br />
the art fits the story with it's crisp and contemporary look by the book's main artist, cliff chiang. unfortunately, chiang does not pencil/ink the entire novel, and though tony akins admirably steps in to complete the last two chapters, his version of wonder woman is hideous. their designs of strife, hades, poseidon<i>, </i>and hermes could very well become iconic in the mythology of world of wonder woman and are probably the most outstanding aspect of, <i>Wonder Woman: Blood</i>.<br />
<span class="st"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="st">the characters of the novel run the narrative, but not wonder woman herself. very rarely do we get a glimpse into the amazon princess' thoughts, though this changes slowly as the book progresses. what's obvious is that wonder woman is very much an outsider in the world beyond the shores of paradise island, but even among the amazons. wonder woman stands up for the little guy or girl and believes they deserve a chance to rise, that much is clear. i wish more time had been spent on getting to know wonder woman instead of introducing character after character (despite how much i like them). in the end, <i>Blood </i>is still fun modern take on the iconic super heroine. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-40129337769521290802013-03-15T19:25:00.000-04:002013-03-15T19:33:32.624-04:00You think you know me? Maybe you have no idea!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/8e3b685a546811e28ed022000a1fbc58_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/8e3b685a546811e28ed022000a1fbc58_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven & Troia, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
i've always been very forthright about myself, having long accepted my flaws as well has my more endearing qualities. but i'm always surprised by how little long-time friends, or even family, seem to know about me. so i thought i'd create a little game. i'm going to list 10 things you may or may not know about me. you think you know me? maybe you have no idea! read on and find out!<br />
<br />
1. my parents are christian missionaries (or as i've coined them, "jesus freaks"), but have had a multitude of careers in my lifetime. my favorites would be the owners of tae kwon do dojo and aerobic studios.<br />
<br />
2. i became obsessed with wonder woman when i discovered her through my dad's old comic book collection and when i saw reruns of the tv show starring, lynda carter. the amazing amazon embodied strength, beauty, charm, wit, intelligence, humor, and compassion -- even for enemies -- something i've carried through all my life.<br />
<br />
3. comic books brought me all over the world. it's true! based on the comic books i read from the '70s and '80s, i would draw my own comics and started taking art classes, then later going to art school, inspiring me to study abroad.<br />
<br />
4. my mother had a brain aneurism when i was two years old. i was sitting behind her in the car when her brain just -- switched off. i still remember the thud her head made against the passenger seat window. i also remember seeing her again after surgery weeks later, a beautiful woman with no hair, but i was afraid to approach her outstretched arms.<br />
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5. i have a minor in nutrition. my reasoning for the degree was i wanted a backup if i ever got bored with the whole 'art thing'.<br />
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6. a former professor and dear friend took me under her wing and appointed me her intern/apprentice while she taught at the paris college of art. i learned so much about the world in those 3 months, traveling to other parts of europe on long weekends and holidays. i was devastated when my professor, a transgender woman, hysterical storyteller, fashionista, talented artist, and raging alcoholic, took her own life. there was a gaping hole in my soul for a long time.<br />
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7. my dog and two cats are among my most favorite people in the world. yes, you read that correctly.<br />
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8. i resisted becoming a teacher for a long time because my parents always said i would make a great teacher. so, of course, i couldn't be a teacher! but after life as a starving artist got old, i went back to school and became certified to teach visual art. turns out i love teaching!<br />
<br />
9. my first degree is in studio art, focus on drawing and painting. that means i also studied ceramics, sculpting, art history, and printmaking for four years plus years. art education came later and became my real passion.<br />
<br />
10. i was hit by a tour bus on a cross walk and thrown 10 feet, but survived with only a few scraps, bruises, and internal bleeding -- no gaping wounds or broken bones! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-2127813098774765572013-03-12T07:47:00.001-04:002013-03-13T09:10:08.488-04:00Update: I'm a survivor, 1 year later <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/tumblr_lm4txellHY1qhywnbo1_400_zpsf355a092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u205/untacotrouble/tumblr_lm4txellHY1qhywnbo1_400_zpsf355a092.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art by Ross Andru & Mike Esposito, 1967.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
a year ago this month i endured a serious accident and miraculous recovery! i wrote about the experience here,<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://swartstudio.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-survivor.html" target="_blank">I'm a survivor </a></b></span><br />
<br />
days later i had a wonderful birthday with friends, made all the more special after realizing i had a second chance at life. unfortunately, the following afternoon i was rushed to the er again! apparently my spleen had been discreetly bleeding and poisoning my other organs and it would be nearly 2 months before i was able to return to the things i enjoy like walking the dog, jogging, or teaching. in all i was hidden away from the world for an entire 12 weeks.<br />
<br />
my life has returned to its standard craziness, though i still endure headaches and severe back pain from time to time. i'm told these symptoms of the accident may never completely go away. i've learned to cope and to listen to my body better. if it tells me i need to stay in for the night, i will. if the body feels like it needs a break, then i'll skip a workout. in the end, i think this accident was a way for the universe telling me to slow down, appreciate what it is i have in my life. and i maintain to do just that.<br />
<br />
love to all of my wonderful friends and supporters. you make every moment of life worthwhile. the love and encouragement pushes me to do my best at home, in the classroom, or in the studio. thank you!<br />
<br />
a special shout out to mrs. mary lou morse, joseph holladay, and barbara <span class="gD" name="carolbinkowski@comcast.net">binkowski who have done more for me than one could ever imagine. x</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1727977778124357317.post-60971876126710264042013-03-09T20:18:00.001-05:002013-03-09T20:18:17.377-05:00Surprise gift! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw4T-4FQIt4/UTvey7DvmLI/AAAAAAAAASk/o_bpZVzPX7U/s1600/I.M.Rdx02Cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw4T-4FQIt4/UTvey7DvmLI/AAAAAAAAASk/o_bpZVzPX7U/s400/I.M.Rdx02Cov.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
an unused illustration sent to me from the artist himself, dave ross, from the upcoming, <em>Iron Man: Armor Wars Redux</em>, by david michelinie. so grateful! ross' art was a favorite of mine from his work on, <i>Avengers West Coast</i>, in the '90s. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03181609190417570983noreply@blogger.com0