It’s Sunday, October 18th, 2026.
It’s cold and kind of windy out—definitely autumn, with a cool and spooky feel to it. I haven’t written in a couple of weeks because I’ve been busy. I had an art show down in Norfolk where I was invited to display some of my work. It was juried, and I submitted three pieces. I was totally grateful to have this opportunity!
I didn’t win anything, but I didn’t expect to. Stepping back and looking at everything, I think my pieces didn’t place because they were a bit outside the theme, which was “Detours,” which was part of Norfolk’s Neon Night’s art festival with the local merchants, Big shout out to Zeke’s NFK for hosting the “Detours,” exhibition by 757-Create! Not winning a mention is okay, though—I learned a lot. I had to go in yesterday to repair a couple of corners that were coming up off the panel board, but it was still a good evening. The exhibit runs until the end of the month.
I was really nervous nd stressed, so I sat in the corner with Connie and just winged it. I didn’t mingle much since that’s not really my thing, but everyone was lovely and kind. I thought I recognized half the people there, and seeing my stuff on the wall alongside other artists’ work was really cool. I genuinely enjoyed it.
I’ve been a bit stressed out lately, as usual. I cleaned up my workspace, and I currently have some ideas simmering for new work on a 12×12 panel. I’m also going to repurpose an unfinished canvas I had stored away—probably coat it with black gesso and see where it goes. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about art, people, and the world around me. It’s interesting—I’m not as angry inside as I was when I made some of my older pieces, or at least not as deeply expressive today. That feels like progress.
I’ve been trying to get out a little more and take a chance on people. Yesterday, I sat in Starbucks for about 30 minutes, but with it being a Saturday, it was packed with a constant low roar of voices, and I realized I couldn’t stick around long. While there, I tried some automatic drawing to let my mind wander, but it didn’t really take. Instead, I ended up scrolling through old archived magazines looking for source material to cut and paste, getting completely wrapped up in that.
On a side note, I’m continuing to lose a bit of weight since I don’t eat as much as I used to. Life is good.
Have a great one, everyone. Be good to each other as usual. I appreciate you all—if anyone is even reading this! If you are, feel free to send me an Instagram message or grab my info from my website.
Peace and love,
Mark