synthetic matter

Leonid Meteors - Speakers Of The Rune (right panel)

2006-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

SPEAKERS OF THE RUNE © Scott Monteith

36" x 24" Mixed Media

tonights a big night, at least in my world. its the annual Leonid meteor shower, 8:45pm PST in the northeast sky. every year Im outside for the showers, in August, September, November - hey Im easily entertained. it seems its unclear whether this year will be a good shower of meteors or not (big shocker - does anyone know anything for sure?).

Desert Haze

2006-09-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

DESERT HAZE © Scott Monteith

7.75" x 5.25" Acrylic on Paper

53X

2006-09-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

53X © Scott Monteith

6" x 9" Mixed Media

makeup sex ... the song, it keeps churning in my head. I havent ever had makeup sex. Im not wired that way.

LETS PLAY FOR REAL

2006-09-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

LETS PLAY FOR REAL © Scott Monteith

24" x 18" Mixed Media

If you are Muslim you can sleep well tonight. Pope Ben is sorry that Muslims have reacted badly to his restating and reaffirming what some older, deader guy said in the 14th century. Basically what Mel Gibson said about Jews when he was drunk, that they started all the wars in the world. Its a good thing there were never any Christians that killed people in Gods name who were non-Christian ... or tried to change the Constitution to keep "sinners" from having equal rights and being treated like every other human in the world. And its good that there arent any Muslims setting fires or bombing churches in protest because that would be a little ironic. Dont you think.

At least Galileo can sleep well tonight.

(you can checkout the last 2 weeks of blaaahhg at www.blog.myspace.com/scottmonteith)

Awaking To A Dream

2006-09-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

AWAKING TO A DREAM © Scott Monteith

11" x 14" Charcoal and India Ink

Lost In A Dream

2006-09-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

LOST IN A DREAM © Scott Monteith

11" x 14" Charcoal and India Ink

A Dream

2006-09-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

A DREAM © Scott Monteith

11" x 14" Charcoal and India Ink

Cheryl 8 Months

2006-09-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

CHERYL 8 MONTHS © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Graphite

Cheryl 6 Months

2006-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

CHERYL 6 MONTHS © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Charcoal

Cheryl 3 Months

2006-08-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

CHERYL 3 MONTHS © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Graphite

Cheryl 4 Months

2006-08-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

CHERYL 4 MONTHS © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Charcoal

Vacuum In Me

2006-08-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

VACUUM IN ME © Scott Monteith

7" x 9" Stone Lithograph
edition of 5

Speakers Of The Rune (right panel)

2006-08-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

SPEAKERS OF THE RUNE © Scott Monteith

36" x 24" Mixed Media

Speakers Of The Rune (left panel)

2006-08-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

SPEAKERS OF THE RUNE © Scott Monteith

36" x 24" Mixed Media

Eye Of The Needle II

2006-08-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

EYE OF THE NEEDLE II © Scott Monteith

17 3/4" x 24" Monotype Print

LEN D Poor T

2006-08-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

LEN D POOR T © Scott Monteith

15 3/4" x 16" Monotype Print

LEN Landers

2006-08-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

LEN LANDERS © Scott Monteith

15 3/4" x 16" Monotype Print

more aliens in the very alien and alienated Landers, CA .. home of the UFO convention, sound baths (the Integratron - money pit), craters and desert critters

LEN Life In The Summertime

2006-08-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

LEN LIFE IN THE SUMMERTIME © Scott Monteith

15 3/4" x 16" Monotype Print

LEN Love

2006-08-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

LEN LOVE © Scott Monteith

15 3/4" x 16" Monotype Print

LOVE IS ALIEN

Palms Calypso

2006-08-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

PALMS CALYPSO © Scott Monteith

17 3/4" x 24" Monotype Print

Desert Bird Of Paradise - April

2006-08-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

DESERT BIRD OF PARADISE - APRIL © Scott Monteith

24" x 17 3/4" Monotype Print

Heliconia (False Bird Of Paradise) - April

2006-08-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

HELCONIA (FALSE BIRD OF PARADISE) - APRIL © Scott Monteith

24" x 17 3/4" Monotype Print

Umbrella Palms - April

2006-08-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

UMBRELLA PALMS - APRIL © Scott Monteith

24" x 17 3/4" Monotype Print

Ceramic Cactus

2006-08-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

CERAMIC CACTUS © Scott Monteith

24" x 17 3/4" Monotype Print

Black William

2006-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

BLACK WILLIAM © Scott Monteith

24" x 17 3/4" Monotype Print

Hold On To Your Hat

2006-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT © Scott Monteith

18" x 23 1/2" Mixed Media

The Great Escape

2006-08-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

THE GREAT ESCAPE © Scott Monteith

18" x 23 1/2" Mixed Media

each year I stay up until daylight to watch the Perseid meteor showers. I have a telescope from the turn of the century (thats 1900s) and while telescopes from ages ago can be good or even great, this one was made for straining your eyes. so what I see it with is the naked eye. this year the waning of the Full Red Moon and some moisture made it hard to see anything but a few days prior I was able to see the best shooting star I have ever witnessed. it shot across the southeastern sky towards Eagle Mountain. the color was yellowish, it was big and it didnt fade out as it seemed to come down. I wish you could have been herre to see it with me. the sight was amazing.

The Last Ember of Hope

2006-08-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

THE LAST EMBER OF HOPE"/ © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Color Pencil and India Ink

Open Studio Weekend
November 4th & 5th
Wonder Valley, CA

if you have ever wanted to visit the desert the winter months are the time to do it. I am located just 10 minutes from the entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park which is also a short cut to Palm Springs. there is camping, a swanky local RV park, several inns, hotels, motels and B&Bs to choose from. as the time gets closer I will even let you know where you can camp for free, free music events and some of my favorite places. or if you want to ask me you can leave a comment (it wont be published so you can leave an email addy and I will get back to you, unless you just want to say something nice about me and Ill publish that.) I will also be making some of my art available for purchase online again.

this year there will be 90 artists opening up their studios for tours over two weekends. the last weekend of October is for the west side (Morongo Valley, Pioneertown, Landers, Yucca Valley, and half of Joshua Tree) with 40 artists and two galleries. The first weekend of November will be the east side of the Morongo Basin (the other half of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Wonder Valley) with approximately 40 artists, and two galleries. there wont be any way to get to them all in one day so there are two days each weekend and definitely a lot to see.

unfortunately some studios and art were lost in the wild fires that took a lot of Pioneertown so a few have cancelled, however, they plan to begin rebuilding soon. while the fires burnt parts of Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree no artist studios were burnt. I plan to go out and take some pictures while the ashes are still visible and before things start growing back. all it takes is a little rain, which those parts have had, and the plant life comes right back. the ground and rocks may still be darkened but the plant life is lush and green as long as there is a little moisture. I plan to keep you informed.

Son Of Sam I Am

2006-08-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

SON OF SAM I AM © Scott Monteith

18" x 24" Intaglio / Collagraph

I wish this were from a long lost episode of Daria and news from the Sick Sad World but it is not. the unabombers items are going up for sale to pay off the families of 3 people he killed via the mail and 28 others he injured. I think they should either lock it all away for the FBI students to look at or burn it. the man wanted his stuff back but a judge decided it should go towards paying off the people he hurt.

alright, my own title is sick. I did a Killer series of art. but these things are personal to me. I was adopted and my adoptive parents thought I was a satanist because I wore black one semester of college, despite going to church the previous 18 years, 4-5 times a week. yeah, imagine that, an art student who wears black clothes ... how original. never mind the shirts were the Altar Boys and Bloodgood and other alternative Christian bands.

my point is its sick and its sad. its been quite a while to be getting some money out of it ... I mean do the families really care? I think I would be more upset if I were them to think that these things are going to be bought by some sick people - not all but statistics would say there will be a few. hopefully the FBI or someone will have a clue phone to see who the new owners are since everyone else is a possible terrorists threat ... or satanist *grin*.

Alpha

2006-08-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

ALPHA © Scott Monteith

8" x 11" Charcoal

Morrissey

2006-08-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

MORRISSEY © Scott Monteith

17.5" x 23" Pastel and Charcoal

Every Day Is Like Sunday

2006-08-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

EVERY DAY IS LIKE SUNDAY © Scott Monteith

17.5" x 23" Chalk Pastel

Imaginary Boys: Tom

2006-08-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

IMAGINARY BOYS: TOM © Scott Monteith

17.5" x 23" Charcoal

Imaginary Boys No. I

2006-08-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

IMAGINARY BOYS NO. I © Scott Monteith

8" x 11" Charcoal

the only times Ive ever used live models were in life drawing and sculpture classes. we had the same four or five models and I knew all but one of them prior to the classes. we were supposed to find people to draw outside of class. perhaps I should have done it but being 20 I opted to make up my own people rather than ask friends or strangers to get naked for me. it kinda defeats the purpose of seeing body structure and learning from the source but they all turned out fine and I got my A.

Disenchanted

2006-08-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

DISENCHANTED © Scott Monteith

26" x 38" Mixed Media Drawing

human nature.
energy and time wasters.
Sgt. Rock half-cocked.
peace keepers Siouxsie and the Banshees singing "jeepers creepers ..."

Study of Baby Head

2006-08-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

STUDY OF BABY HEAD © Scott Monteith

11" x 12" Charcoal

Im at a point where I need to study my own head. Mel Gibson ... after graduating from college in a small, small, small town I moved to the entertainment mecca and hopped back and forth over the hill 4 times in 13 years. when I arrived I rented a room in the home of a child star for a year or so. On either side of me were the "boys" from Little House on the Prairie, a soapstar from the Bold and the Beautiful and a celebrity reporter with Entertainment Tonight. I worked next to the Face Place and Jonathans hair salon. there were celebrities all around but I never recognized any of them. I heard all the gossip but it wasnt my scene. Im a low key kinda guy that doesnt watch movies or tv unless its cartoons.

so Mel Gibson has said some stupid things in the past he was never held accountable for, like Eminemem and many others. recently Ive read about Gibsons father. while it does not excuse the behavior it does explain a lot to me. I myself, like way too many people, have an asshole for a father. while we arent genetically related I share some of the same asshole qualities when I am pissed off. when I was 15 I forgave all that happened to me until recently when the ugliness raised its head again. both my parents had issues at 40 with their parents and it was my goal to not be like that. Im not 40 yet but that goal seems to be getting further away during these Bush years. regardless, the one thing Ive taken away from the crucifixion of Mel Gibson is that I need to check myself and see where I am coming from. Id like for it to be a good place.

Weightless Tranquility

2006-08-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

WEIGHTLESS TRANQUILITY © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Charcoal and India Ink

I think Im gonna lay off the morning java and news for a while. like Ive said before what I have to say is all in my artwork. everyone should have an opinion but this is still relatively new to me and Im not sure I want it to be my soapbox. and the adage "garbage in, garbage out" is what I am feeling. (although its nice to say the plan B pill is headed back to over-the-counter and the estate tax is dead in the water). so Ill go light some sage my friend Jane left me and think some good thoughts today. maybe it will take me into a good, productive weekend. either way a little sage does kinda smell good.

Serenity

2006-08-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

SERENITY © Scott Monteith

11" x 10.5" Charcoal and India Ink

last month a proposed minimum wage increase was shot down by Republicans only to reemerge this month. except this time there was a catch-22 attached. ten years ago the 18 richest families in the United States started lobbying Congress and setting up non-profit organizations to convince the public to to save them more than $71 billion by doing away with the estate tax. only the super wealthy end up paying this tax but of course they are the ones whos money keeps growing just because they have so much of it. if you put $100 in a savings account or into anything to increase your fortune it does not grow as quickly as a million. the 99.73% or the rest of us dont pay because the ceramic bird grandma left you isnt worth squat. but the fortunes Sam Walton left his family, well, they dont want to have to shell out anything this decent man left them. if he could see them now he would likely have gone the way of Gates and Buffet. Wal Mart is evil. CA pays most of the employees insurance in this state because Wal Mart is too cheap to.

the state of CA also has a higher minimum wage for waitresses and those who earn tips. with the proposed federal "increase" those people could lose more than $5 an hour in CA. one out of eight people live in CA. thats a lot of insurance, a lot of state paid medical, a lot of low income, and a lot of kids on free lunches. can America really afford to keep shopping at Wal Mart? can we really afford to let $71.6 billion go into the pockets of the most greedy people in the world who didnt even earn the money themselves. okay, so Paris Hilton has a song but she didnt make all the money herself. its only your future and your kids future.

Oblivion

2006-08-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

OBLIVION © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Oil Stick, Charcoal and India Ink

plan B, food for thought: diapproved by the
FOOD, DRUG & GOD ADMINISTRATION

Hello: Welcome To LA

2006-08-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

HELLO: WELCOME TO L.A. © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Oil Stick and Charcoal

some things you have to see in person for yourself (of course I am from the Show-Me-State). for the piece L E N Beans my camera captured the subtly of the black on black but for this piece it did not show the "o" at the end of "hell" nor the "welcome to LA" under the cars on the freeway at the bottom of the canvas. what you see, much like life, depends on the light and where you are standing.

being raised a Southern Baptist and going to church 4 to 5 times a week it wasnt until I was a teen that I realized for myself it wasnt our duty to help God do his job by judging people. I asked too many questions at church. like why would Jesus turn water into wine at a wedding celebration if it was just like grape juice? for communion the church did get the best grape juice although I also questioned the public display of whos been bad or not saved (drinking and dancing, both mentioned in the Bible, are not allowed).

while it may not seem related my issue today is with off shore drilling. sometimes I think Im being judgmental but its just my opinion and there is a big difference. if all goes as expected the gulf states will soon be dotted with even more off shore oil rigs. that will in turn mean more refineries. the whole thing sucks ... actually it stinks, really bad. Im not sure how Manhattan Beach became an expensive place to live with all the refineries there but the beach area is ruined if you use your nose and eyes much. if you rely only on touch then its a nice place. for the love of money all the gulf states will no longer have nice coasts but they will be able to put lead paint in most of the kids classrooms for pimping the shores to Exxon and Chevron and the like. gee, isnt that nice.

NWO WTO

2006-07-31T00:32:00.000-07:00

NWO WTO © Scott Monteith

30" x 24" Acrylic and Color Pencil

rent to own

blood from a stone

Onward Christian Soldiers

2006-07-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS © Scott Monteith

30" x 24" Acrylic and Charcoal

thanks to Mel Gibson, Hitler, the Southern Baptist Convention, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and all others doing work in Gods name. you will all be greatly rewarded.

the other day I posted that The Truth Will Set You Free, if you are Mel Gibson it can also put a nail in your coffin. who knew he was the gay-hating, anti-semetic, woman degrading Aussie some have siad he was for years? while I wont pay to see a Jesus movie or buy Jesus pencils and erasers (yes, they put Jesus on everything from China - I quit a good job to be hired full time, ie. 2 1/2 months, to be let go 2 days after the Christmas holiday season by Gospelland Bookstore in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in college ... I learned a lot about what God is not in the Bible Belt) but I would pay to see the Mad Max movies in the theaters again.

Memories Never Fade

2006-07-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

MEMORIES NEVER FADE © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

my sign is cancer and we dont tend to forget ... at least whats important. some memories I would like to forget but I cant, they are a part of me and make me who I am today. I wouldnt change a thing. I have always liked who I am. I havent quite learned to let go of things that are beyond my control (my rant yesterday) but I am well on my way. to most cancer signs their home is the most important thing to them. I am no different except Ive had to learn to make my own home, its the only home I am welcome in. there are people all over the world and right next door who have had it far worse than myself. regardless of my past and present I am greatful for everything I have.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

2006-07-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

as long as you arent hurting anyone and you are doing what you believe your heart is telling you you should be happy. people who are concerned with what others think are miserable. they may put on a happy face for others but alone with themselves they are miserable. I refuse to be miserable for someone else, I aim to be free.

Secure Yourself To Heaven

2006-07-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

SECURE YOURSELF TO HEAVEN © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

yet another music inspired piece, thanks to Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. they have anew album coming out Despite Our Differences thats sure to be equally inspiring.

The Watchful I

2006-07-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

THE WATCHFUL I © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

I like to be aware. sometimes its helpful other times it can piss you off (which can also be helpful if it turns into art). either way I prefer to be aware. sure, Id like to escape but as long as Im here Id like to know whats really going on. until there is "good news" news I will be aware of all I can.

Atom Angst: the Haunting

2006-07-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

ATOM ANGST: THE HAUNTING © Scott Monteith

8" x 6" Acrylic

if you havent guessed by now Condoleezza Rice will be running for president (yes, for the United Sates of America) in '08 once shes done educating the world of democracy (because no one else knows what it is). that is unless this middle east thing doesnt quite go as planned. well, not planned, I dont think theres much planning, but hopeful thinking at least. if it all doesnt work out maybe well get to see a celebrity deathmatch of Hillary Clinton vs. Condi Rice.

The Golden Pool

2006-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

THE GOLDEN POOL © Scott Monteith

14" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

in vitro veto: the headlines online this morning and Sunday night were stupid. on the sabbath Christian conservative news people were busy writing the praises of the stem cell funding expansion veto. good Christians know youre not supposed to work on Sundays. there used to be blue laws that even prevented shopping or buying liquor on Sunday (dont blame me if they bring them back). Bush surrounded himself with in vitro babies to announce his veto so we could all feel warm and fuzzy about it (sounds more like a B horror movie). I hope Michael Moore follows up on those kids in 15 years to tell us the crimes theyve committed.

it wasnt that long ago that in vitro fertilization was not accepted by the Christian community. it was wrong, unnatural, immoral. just like d-i-v-o-r-c-e. then all the people who couldnt (or shouldnt) have babies did, went to church and it was okay. its not only okay but its okay to have 2 or 3 or 4 or 5. Im surprised Target and Wal-mart havent cashed in on the opportunity to sell to these families. special discounts for twins, triplets, quads and quins ... but they cant cause there are already too many of them.

so whats stupid is that after these couples have their kids there are 5 or 6 fertilized eggs still frozen in case the others didnt take. those are destroyed or go to the very, very few couples who cant even get that far. the point is a lot of fertilized eggs are destroyed any way. why not use them to cure diseases? why give a frozen egg more rights than people who are already living, breathing and working in this country? maybe someone should point out that these eggs might grow up to be gay or illegal aliens.

and women ... women have periods. is that going to become illegal because those eggs could have been used to make babies? women make less money than men and pay more for their dry cleaning so it seems this anti-funding law is already in effect for menstruation (and its biblically okay because eve was a bad lady and that was the curse God gave women). now whats really stupid is Europe is unthinking their stem cell research laws and funding. the whole thing is just making the world stupid (and thats not the good stupid like phat its the real stupid).

to end on a good note have you seen the video for Im With Stupid by the Pet Shop Boys ... I dont know if its stupid or stupid but its somehow disturbing. its very New Order-ish.

Distortions In Time And Space

2006-07-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

DISTORTIONS IN TIME AND SPACE © Scott Monteith

10" x 11" Oil Stick and Charcoal

I was reading about Pablo Picasso the other day (as my mind goes to a song in Repo Man). people liked to talk about him and his love affairs more than they liked his art. I guess he liked it too, he painted about them. but no one ever saw the paintings of his mistresses until they were worth a lot of money (he was dead). as he got older other artists dismissed his work as that of a perverted old man. finally, after he was dead, they realized he was just ahead of his time and they called it neo expressionism. if you dont like Picasso look at his early stuff from his 20s, he was a very good realist (that means he could actually draw). and like Bosch he learned from his dad at an early age.

the same was true of Frida Kahlo. her troubled life (and idiot artist husband) was of more interest than her "little paintings." Diego was a great artist but as a person hed be on my shit list. so this is where I mention all my troubles ... naw, its all there in my pictures too. thats how artists usually cope, they put it all out there in their work. that and a little alcohol and some wild, crazy love making. I guess that would help just about anyone cope. I should try that *grin*.

Distant Thunder

2006-07-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

DISTANT THUNDER © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Acrylic on Canvas

a change for the good is coming despite what is going on in the world. the people around me are truly good and, like myself, want to become better. better people, better communicators, better at everything they do. I believe the world is about to change again. in the mid 90's there was a feeling that anything was possible, when just years before the outlook was bleak. people were not divided by their government. religion was a persons private relationship with their God, not a public display of how righteous one could assume to be. while there will always be a balance of good and bad I believe that goodness will once again be the predominant feeling in the world. that people will work together for the greater good. it is always darkest before the dawn.

Flight From Fear

2006-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

FLIGHT FROM FEAR © Scott Monteith

13 1/4" x 9 1/2" Monotype Print

today my floors are covered with art as I take stock of what I have. this fall I will be participating with nearly 100 other artists in an open studio tour. the event is scheduled for the weekend of November 4th and 5th, however, I will likely make my studio available to visitors as early as September with an RSVP. for the last few weeks I have been helping other artist prepare and building an online presence for themselves. today, or at least this afternoon, I am making a few pieces available for purchase online. in the days ahead I hope to make the process even easier. thank you for your comments and just for looking at my art.

After Bosch

2006-07-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

AFTER BOSCH © Scott Monteith

11 1/2" x 16" Wood Block Print

last week could have been a week from hell had I not been through worse. it literally looked like it not far from me. there were 3 wildfires in the area, the largest was fully contained last night after burning 61,700 acres. for a few days you couldnt see the mountains because of all the smoke. there was the usual desert heat that was most likely the cause of a death. there was a potential tragedy of a friend with myself involved. and the emotional drag of it all in addition to the regular woes of life. I dont really want to recall worse times but they have tempered my anxiety. as the saying goes, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. I will persevere.

(a little trivia - the Garden Of Earthly Delights, as well as many other works by Hieronymus Bosch and his father, were church altar pieces more than 600 years ago. it is now in The Prado museum in Spain. when the altar is closed and the triptych is folded inward a sphere of Earth is seen, the earthly plane is depicted as flat.)

Brave New Frida

2006-07-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

BRAVE NEW FRIDA © Scott Monteith

16" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas

The art of Frida Kahlo is a ribbon around a bomb. [Andre Breton]

Pretty Boys Die Young

2006-07-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

PRETTY BOYS DIE YOUNG © Scott Monteith

7.25" x 17" Silk Screen Print

today I read an article on a premature baby who received blood transfusions in 1984. at the age of 2 doctors informed the mother that the child had contracted AIDS and was expected to die before the age of 3. the mother was told to start preparing and wrote an obituary for her 2 year old son. through the many miracles of life he is now 22, still living with AIDS, sharing his life with a healthy wife and son.

when I was thirteen I thought the news was truthful and real even though or perhaps because I questioned most everything. although I didnt have any illness the media told me I wouldnt live long either, that I would catch a disease, spread it to my family and die alone. no one knew much then about AIDS just as they dont know much about anything new today. luckily the news was just reports of tragedies to keep people watching and wasnt about finding the truth. (un)fortunately it made an impression on me. despite it all I am alive and well.

(a note about the image - before I saw screen prints by Andy Warhol I used to throw many away if they werent aligned perfectly. upon seeing his work I realized I needed to not be so uptight about my work. Im still picky but Im learning.)

Sea Of Sin

2006-07-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

SEA OF SIN © Scott Monteith

11" x 16" Screen Print

despite how beautiful things around you are you can find yourself in a dark place. often its best to sit back, relax and take it as it comes. take the lemons and make lemonade.

Flesh and Water

2006-07-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

FLESH AND WATER © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Acrylic on Canvas

there is something about the loss of life that is upsetting. Im not sure if it is our own mortality, our loss of attachment or our fear of the unknown. whatever the reason for the emotional upheaval we make death about ourselves. if there is anything to learn about the loss of life it is to appreciate all that is living around you. despite the hate and evils of people we should always extend our love to those around us with sincerity. (this is like one of those lists, if I writie it down maybe it will get done.)

Religions Fade Spirits Remain

2006-07-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

RELIGIONS FADE SPIRITS REMAIN © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Acrylic On Canvas

~In Loving Memory Of Grace~

You Will Be Missed!
15 July 2006

Plastic

2006-07-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

PLASTIC © Scott Monteith

40" x 32" Acrylic On Canvas

at night the smoke has been drifting in like fog. since Sunday the wildfires have left a trail of haze lingering across one side of the valley and over the tops of the ranges in the distance. with every passing day the smoke has gotten thicker, circling the landscape until today it looks worse than June gloom in Burbank. I can only see mountains to the south towards the park, mountains in the other three directions are obscured completely.

the last four days I havent been outside much. the heat, the lack of anything to see, its all making me unmotivated and sluggish. there is always something that needs to be done and on days like today I am no closer to seeing any of it accomplished. it was pointed out to me all the work I need to do before my open studio weekend in November. actually its not much at all, seeing how I dont really have a budget to work with. what I have is what you will see. I think what I already have is quite nice on its own. if I get a budget maybe youll see more hand made prints and they will be nicely matted but whatever I do it will be presented well. so despite all the gloom and doom Im feeling better already.

open studio weekend will be November 4th and 5th if you find yourself lost in the Mojave Desert or if you are visiting Joshua Tree National Park. otherwise you can check out my online gallery - it will be updated soon with more new work and some old stuff I like too.

Down

2006-07-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

DOWN © Scott Monteith

36" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

its a beautiful day but you know something is going down. although its hot its not as hot as it could be still the animals and birds are laying low. since Sunday there have been 3 wildfires burning in the area. because of my location the smoke is mostly blown to the other side of the valley unless it is a fire in the park itself. both of those fires where more quickly contained.

the night before the sunset was only slightly red with a lot of purple haze. it made me think of the sky in one of my alien prints. last night the sun set an intense lava lamp red - I cant think of a better description. the sun was glowing, almost transparent looking and very sinister. I wanted to grab my apocalypse sculptures and photograph them against it but the sun was too low on the horizon and I wasnt prepared. the sun rises and sets quickly if you actually watch it.

the fire is good in the sense that a wildfire in the area is inevitable. it is better that it burns now than in 2 or 3 years with even more fuel and more people in the area. everything rebounds quite quickly and nature, unlike man, has a way of moving right along with life despite the tragedies. I would prefer a utopia with everything in check but perhaps thats what already exists, man just has his own unrealistic expectations.

Bikini In LA

2006-07-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

BIKINI IN LA © Scott Monteith

36" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

I woke up this morning to news of another wildfire in the area. if I can't see or smell the smoke I don't worry too much. a few days ago there were two more wildfires in the park, they are still burning but they are contained. the fire today is in Pioneertown. I've only been to the area once, at night, and I didn't go see the actual town part. it is on that list I was talking about a few days ago too.

I have to stop making the lists and make plans. my list seems to be keeping a natural balance, Pioneertown and a hike in the Geology section of the park have both been scorched by fires this week but Im not crossing them off the list yet. although there has been some destruction they are both still worthy of seeing in whatever condition they may be. I need to start checking off my list while everything can be seen - at least in the coolness of an early morning trek.

so, my mantra for the day is do it while you can.

L E N Beans

2006-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

L E N BEANS Â© Scott Monteith

30" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

the first time I saw my work published it changed everything for me. when I post an image here it does the same thing. I become separated from the two or three dimensional piece that I labored on. I am able to see it in a new light and appreciate what I have been given.

the art above is no different. the areas that appear grey are actually flat black on a gloss black. in person you have to sway back and forth and catch the light to see it. just as changing the format/medium of the image, time and distance also make me more appreciative. what was created in a flurry of emotions or done spontaneously and unconscious, over time becomes apparent. symbols are carried over from piece to piece, ideas are reworked and occasionally pride will take over momentarily.

tell me what you see, comment below

Wet Dreams

2006-07-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

WET DREAMS © Scott Monteith

16" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas

news of the day: from the embryonic stem cells of mice a team of UK scientists have grown what resembles sperm. they were able to then fertilize eggs and produce seven babies, six of which lived into adulthood.

no, this is not from something sci-fi. not an excerpt from Brave New World. and its not something we can do in the United Sates of America, it is illegal here until religion and state in government are separated. until then science will continue to be outsourced and biblically debated.

Put Your Hand On The Button

2006-07-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

PUT YOUR HAND ON THE BUTTON © Scott Monteith

12" x 16" Wood Block Print

this was intended to be my escape from the world but this seems impossible. the images are based on real things in this world, either in whole or in part. secondly, the piece is in direct response to what is going on with my world. and lastly, I'm putting the picture out there to share so its really no escape at all for me, just my work.

so ... tell me what you see by commenting below:

Blu Palms

2006-07-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

BLU PALMS © Scott Monteith

10" x 14 3/4" Monotype Print

the wildfires started last week. I noticed smoke when I went into town, as I got closer to my destination the smoke had turned from two tall, dark pillars to a light color and then seemed to blend with the clouds by the time I arrived. it turned out to be 700 acres in Joshua Tree National Park.

last year I witnessed one in the middle of the day on the way to Los Angeles going through the basin. later that night the road up the mountain to get home was closed. I thought the fire would have been contained by then and the wait would just be a little while. several hours later or about the time I thought it would have taken to drive around the park to get home the road was still closed.

in that time I saw a painting of mine. something that was in my mind that I put on canvas almost 15 years ago I saw before me as the flames nipped at the ridge of the mountain and shortly disappeared. it was a brief moment that sent a shiver down my spine. to top it all off the detour home was through the park with a full moon.

Palms Tango

2006-07-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

PALMS TANGO © Scott Monteith

17 3/4" x 24" Monotype Print

I am in a state of flux. my contradicting characteristics are at odds. its the weekend and a part of me thinks there should be a plan and the other part just wants to take it easy and stay at home. I have a list of things Id like to do and a list of things I should do. if I write it down Im more likely to remember and maybe even do it.

Illegal Alien

2006-07-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

ILLEGAL ALIEN © Scott Monteith

8 1/2" x 11" Primary Color Monotype Print

L E N ation - Monotype Prints

29 Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood Drive
(off National Park Dr.)
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

(760) 367-2819

through August 2nd 2006
Summer hours Sat & Sun 12-3

Let Love

2006-07-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

LET LOVE © Scott Monteith

15 3/4" x 16" Monotype Print

I'm not sure about you but I could stand to feel a whole lot more love in the world.

Love Thy Neighbor

2006-07-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Illegally Blue

2006-07-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

ILLEGALLY BLUE © Scott Monteith

8 1/2" x 11" Monotype Print

See the show in person May 22-Aug 2 at:

29 Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood Drive
(off National Park Dr.)
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760)367-2819
Summer hours Sat & Sun 12-3

First and Last 1945

2006-07-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

FIRST AND LAST 1945 © Scott Monteith

24" x 29" Mixed Media

the rain ... it soaked the ground and made a leaking pipe apparent but the wildlife enjoyed their brief pool. yesterday afternoon I attempted to fix it but first I stopped off to see my alien prints at a local gallery. I hadnt seen the group show since it went up. the summer hours for the desert are 3 hours in the middle of the day on Saturday and Sunday. the visitors to the Joshua Tree National Park slow to a trickle during the hot months ... or so they say. the prints are in opposite ends of the gallery and I liked it that way. a little yin and yang.

the storms ... they are beautiful and potentially dangerous. for the next couple months the storms will be the focus of the weeks, the entertainment. the lightning is awesome and I grew up seeing a lot of storms. from decay and comes life. nature has a way of taking care of itself. in the end it will all work out.

Saints And All

2006-07-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

(click on the image to purchase)
SAINTS AND ALL © Scott Monteith

14" x 18" Silk Screen Print

the rain I asked for did some damage. those darn swamp coolers and that catch-22. the angle of the rain and its intensity caused it to come through their vents and damaged the ceilings. either that or the water in the cooler was displaced and ran over. either way the pump motor got wet on one and it burnt out. as soon as I finish this Im getting a motor or new pump to put in there to cool off tonight.

the driveway must have been a sight the day of the rain. two washes cut into the driveway slightly and left what looks like an aerial picture of an old winding river where the water traveled down the road. all up and down the highway are some new gnarly ditches ready to chomp away at it. and to my surprise theres no sign up declaring the road closed or flooded. maybe the county has a time table for signage.

in another week the bushes will be loaded with purple blossoms, the aloe will start stalks of flowers and maybe some of the cacti will bloom too. the jack rabbits, quail and house finches have all been celebrating. they each find a damp area and scratch out a cool spot to lay all day. so the rain was alright.

Land of the Free (Ghost Print)

2006-06-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

LAND OF THE FREE G/P © Scott Monteith

Monotype Print 13 1/4" x 9 1/2"

I am only as free as I allow myself to be, no matter where I am or who I am with. the only real limitations I have are those I put on myself. I will be free.

Osay Canuc

2006-06-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

OSAY CANUC © Scott Monteith

Acrylic On Canvas 10" x 8"

I asked for rain and boy did I get it. yesterday as I started the bitter kiss entry I had to cut things short due to a thunder and lightning storm. everything is coming a couple weeks earlier than last year. spring sprang early, as did the desert bloom and now the rain.

the storm and lightning brewed for about 2 1/2 hours before the electricity went out. another 4 hours before it came back on. the summer storms have started ... now I just ask they keep to weather and no personal storms.

the "road closed" and "road flooded" signs should be coming out of storage today. one will state the road is flooded and in a quarter of a mile another will block a lane from town now until September ... Im not joking. more road flooded signs will be posted along the highway for passerbys to wonder if its a joke.

the rain accumulates in the washes bringing a lot of loose gravel on to the road as well as some big rocks and occasional boulders. I suppose the signs are supposed to make people more aware but when your driving through a hot, dry desert they seem a little outta place. and if it is raining I think when a person drives around the sign and keeps on going adrenaline takes over.

at any rate, I asked for rain and I got a lot of it.

Bitter Kiss

2006-06-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

BITTER KISS © Scott Monteith

Mixed Media 18" x 24"

there is a catch-22 to everything. a yin and a yang. a damned if I do and damned if I dont. if I dont try I am surely damning myself. this picblog is me making an effort to put myself out there, to participate, to share.

(the background for the drawing was inspired by a New Order video clip, Bizarre Love Triangle. the video was done by artist Robert Longo and the blue swirl in the video was a shot of a toilet being flushed. Longo also did the Megadeath video Peace Sells ...But Who’s Buying? "peace sells" appears at the top of Disenchanted, which is a song by the Church. theres even more music trivia in disenchanted.)

Pray For Rain

2006-06-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

PRAY FOR RAIN © Scott Monteith

Monotype Print 12 1/4" x 9"

its been another hot, humid day here in the Mojave Desert. I think we are in for a week or two or ten of more but the rain should be coming soon. the swamp coolers arent much help on days like today - yes, I said swamp coolers. a swamp cooler will either have a rotating belt or filters that water goes through hydrating outside air as its sucked indoors - if its all hooked up right. the desert air is usually dry as a bone so air conditioners arent much use other than for bloody noses, dry eyes and higher bills - except on a day like today with the humidity. and thats why I would rather it just go ahead and rain. now some of that relates to my print and some of it doesnt but its all me and no one else.