Category: Art

Entering the story, painting the dump gray, and the last chicken

October 4, 2016

This week I found myself, somewhat reluctantly, attending a theatre production that included an Eddy Gilmore character. I expected to gain nothing from the experience. Blessed beyond belief by an atmosphere of utter richness, I left with more wealth than could be carried by pockets, wheelbarrows, or even an armored truck could be expected to … More Entering the story, painting the dump gray, and the last chicken

Multiple Sclerosis as a catalyst from being a burnt out cubicle jockey to self-taught artist and entrepreneur.

August 11, 2016

I continue to be amazed by the sheer quantity of great stories that are all around us. It seems that everybody has an incredible story to tell. You just need to ask the right questions. Unable to conceal a mid-life crisis, my queries tend to revolve around vocation and identity. This story originally appeared right here, and is … More Multiple Sclerosis as a catalyst from being a burnt out cubicle jockey to self-taught artist and entrepreneur.

Eddy’s Overwhelmed

May 21, 2016

Shawna originally titled this piece, “Eddy’s Overwhelmed.” Not only did I inspire my wife’s painting, it resonates strongly, and even helps me make sense of this crazy life we’re living. The weight I bear is not only impossibly difficult and stressful, but beautiful. At the last minute she renamed it, “Big Dreams.” I even got a photo … More Eddy’s Overwhelmed

On Gaelynn, Grandma Moses, and going over the hills

March 14, 2016

Last month I penned that post about Gaelynn Lea, which you can read here. She actually ended up winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Competition, an almost unimaginable turn of events. Predicting this outcome would have been akin to choosing David over Goliath. Lea’s selection came out of a pool of 6,100 other entries from around the country, and … More On Gaelynn, Grandma Moses, and going over the hills

A journey along the edges of the Land of Wonder

February 12, 2016

Last night the Duluth Art Institute hosted the opening for my wife Shawna’s largest and highest profile art exhibition ever: Land of Wonder. Writing up the following diddy for the backside of the price list helped me see just how much her work influences our lives for the better. The event was mobbed last night, … More A journey along the edges of the Land of Wonder

Painting Charlie Parr’s Guitar, and Who the heck is Dave Hundrieser?

November 18, 2015

My wife, Shawna Gilmore, just painted the back of Charlie Parr’s guitar. It’s the one you see here, which he has been touring the country with all summer and fall. I think she did a darn fine job. Here’s the finished product: Charlie’s instruments are essentially irreplaceable, so it’s amazing that he trusted her with … More Painting Charlie Parr’s Guitar, and Who the heck is Dave Hundrieser?

CORNUCOPIA 2015, A Lavish Feast of Local Talent

November 10, 2015

In just about the craziest turn of events ever, I’m organizing an event that will feature two mayors (one present and the other future), four well-known bands/musicians/musical savants, and a freaking tap dancer.  It all started when the current Mayor nonchalantly mentioned, “Hey, we should do a book event.” Since this is much like Cinderella … More CORNUCOPIA 2015, A Lavish Feast of Local Talent