Bearded Bunny Blog

The Best Web Comic for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:20:00 +0000

A Web Comic for Kids
King of the Pill is the best web comic for kids. It can be hard to find a good PG web comic on the computer, and sometimes you have to spend a lot of time sifting through back logs of web comics to make sure the comic is actually safe for kids. This is why I am writing an entire post about King of the Pill and that it strives to be a kid friendly comic. The child friendly webcomic is updated daily, and provides some extra content like activities, free mazes, puzzles, and coloring pages (that you can submit and have as part of the comic). Everything is fun, free and family friendly!

The Story
The story in King of Pill centers around Jasper, who is bestowed with a pill that gives him the "FACE of MANY HANDS". Jasper, who loves his family, is guided away from his home and set on a grand adventure of puzzles, crazy powers, friendship and exploration. Along this journey he will learn about the mysterious pills, and meet some very bizarre creatures and monsters. Jasper makes new friends, but misses his home along the way. While the story has great sound effects and characters for the kids to read, there is a lot of content that the adults will also appreciate, including loss, loneliness and being lost in a confusing world.

The Art
Bright colors and simple cartoony characters make this comic immediately fun for the younger audience. Every few days one of the pages is animated and the images is glowing or moving. Sound effects, goofy dialogue and funny scenes also make it a fun ride, and a story that begs you to start over from the beginning and read it all again. There is something fun about a wacky adventure in a wacky world where things just do not really make much sense.

Announcement: St. Louis Park Art Hunt 2012

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

The Miniature Art Hunt

In St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Starting May 31st, 2012

Artist William Hessian creates hand painted miniature paintings and hides them in the public spaces of St. Louis Park. This is the sixth annual miniature art hunt that William has performed during the Parktacular event. The art hunt is a free event open to everyone! The residents of the town are invited to study visual clues, released throughout the week on the internet, in order to help you find the hidden art. Winners get to keep the original work of art and also claim an additional prize to be awarded at the Parktacular festival in June.

There will be a special meet and greet event, informational booth, draw with the artist event and information available at the Parktacular. William Hessian has performed over 20 miniature art hunts all across the united states, from the East Coast to the West Coast and all around the Midwest.

To see last years events photo gallery and stay up to date with the 2012 art hunt you can bookmark this site (the 2012 information will be at this same link when the date is closer): http://www.williamhessian.com/projects/slp.html

Do not forget to subscribe to this blog to see exclusive pictures of the miniature artworks being made, special art hunt clues, and other announcements and projects from the artist.

Cat Fish

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Another quick watercolor study. This rough design is based off of a series of larger paintings titled, Wicked cats. I enjoy the idea of cats being built with crude shapes and lines, and yet still remaining undoubtedly a cat.

watercolor and ink on paper. 2012

You can find a spider and fish in the picture. This watercolor was made so that it can fold and be sent to one of my great friends as a card in the mail. However, it is often hard to choose who should receive such a card, and it seem to be harder to sit down and write cards these days as the old fashioned mail seems to move far too slow for these modern days. And yet, it is so romantic to send a card.

I have, on many occasions, declared that I will start sending more letters to the list of my friends who i think deserves a hand written letter. Only to never get to it, and put it off for months and year.

Which reminds me, I need to work on my art-o-mat blocks. Which reminds me, I need to update my website, which reminds me I need to make sure I have my King of the Pill web

comic ready to go tonight, which reminds me....I have too much to do.

In actuality my real priority is preparing for teaching 10 different classes of 1st grade, and an after school ceramics class, and a comic book class next week. I need to review my lesson plans, or maybe I will do the much less productive thing and drink beer and watch football. I can blame it on being American.

Announcement: Northville, Michigan Art Hunt in Summer of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:56:00 +0000

The Miniature Art Hunt

In Northville, Michigan

June 22-24th, 2012

Artist William Hessian creates hand painted miniature paintings and hides them in the public spaces of Northville. The art hunt is a free event open to everyone! The residents of the town are invited to study visual clues, released throughout the weekend on the internet, in order to find the hidden art. Winners get to keep the original work of art and also claim an additional prize.

There will be a special meet and greet event, informational booth, draw with the artist event and information available at the Northville Art House. William Hessian has performed over 20 miniature art hunts all across the united states, from the East Coast to the West Coast and all around the Midwest.

To see last years events photo gallery and stay up to date with the 2012 art hunt:

You can bookmark this site: http://williamhessian.com/projects/northvillemichigan.html

Do not forget to subscribe to this blog to see exclusive pictures of the miniature artworks being made, special art hunt clues, and other announcements and projects from the artist.

The Tardis Effect

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

watercolor on paper. william hessian 2012.

Do you ever have this happen to you?

You are just using up left over paint. Trying to let the creative juices flow. Weird, almost alien things come out of you. Even your body seems to contort in an odd was as you add more unusual elements to your work. Each decision seems to make less visual sense then the last.

You step back, your face is all crunched up, trying to decide if this is garbage...or if this is the greatest thing you have ever made. For a moment, it is the greatest thing you have ever made. You are the most important person in the world. You have done something, made something, that no one in the entire world has ever thought of. You are a genius.

And then the moment passes. The watercolors dry. The veil of the brilliant masterpiece fades away, and you are left with a very quirky little painting. Art does this to me all the time. Abstract art does this to me nearly every time. It is a drug. The fabricated moment when time stops and it feels like I have just done it, cracked the code, figured out the meaning of life, made the most important painting in the history of the human race; is an incredible high that cannot be duplicated by drugs or alcohol. It is the high of the unknown.

In the end. It is just another painting.

Why YOU should support self represented artists

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

If you enjoy an artist work, if you go to an artist's website to watch videos, or see pictures, if you read a web comic or a blog...you should support that persons' work. If you like it, you should show it. If you don't support the things you enjoy those things might die forever.

An artist is working hard to make things to show you. An artist wants support from people around them. It is true that it is a lot harder to be a full time artist, when you have to be a full time (insert crappy job here) to pay the bills. Every donation you give to an artist helps, even a little bit. Even a dollar or two here and there really helps. You might be saying, "BUT WILLIAM! Like an artist, I also have no money! Why don't they donate to me?" If you go out and start a blog and post artwork/poems/music or some other valuable work that people enjoy then you too would be exactly who I am trying to convince people should support. If you have no money to give (which is totally understandable) there are also other ways you can help support the things you love.

Ways you can donate besides money
1. Social Media: post the artists you like on Facebook, not once, but anytime you can. Make sure people know you like it, and try to help them enjoy it too. Leave comments, like it facebook, follow them, subscribe, etc.
2. Word of mouth: Tell your friends (with your mouth). People forget how important this one is. If you tell people around you it really helps bring more peoples' attention to the artist, and in the long run more viewers and more donations.
3. Buy from their store: I do understand if you do not have many to donate, you probably do not have money to spent in the artists store (like my ). That being said, when you need to buy a gift for a friend or a family member, or if you ask others to buy you gifts for birthdays or holidays from X artists' website it really goes along way to help out the artist.

Back to those of you who have money!
When a self represented artist (like me) asks for donations for their web comic (like me) you might see a button like this:

or if a self represented visual artist asks you to support their public art projects (like me) on their personal website you might see a button like this:

When you see these types of things you know this person/artist is looking for your support. You can also guess that this person does a list of things:

1. They make things (stories, articles, drawings, sculptures)
2. They post them for you to enjoy
3. They do their own marketing
4. They are their own manager
5. They do their own advertising
6. They manage their own website(s)/shop(s)/blog(s)
7. They work their but off 24/7 to keep everything in order
8. They do not have a lot to show for it (a.k.a starving artist)

You can be sure that not every self represented artist is starving on food stamps (because in fact many artists are doing decently, or even really well). It is also true that you will find a handful of LAZY artists out there, but I can tell you the ones that have multiple blogs, post new work every day, and are doing art shows every other weekend are not LAZY artists. In fact it is quite easy to tell which artists are LAZY based on whether or not they do numbers 3, 4, 5, 6 (see also: some non lazy artists that can pay other people to do these tasks). It is easy to see why artists ask for donations, because they are so busy doing so many things (besides just doing what they love) just to get by. I think it is worth a donation here and there when you can afford it.

I fully admit that this blog post is littered with my own links to my own site. I even admit that I would love it if you went to each donation box and left me a few dollars, and even bought something from my store. It is 100% true that you donate a few dollars every month I would spend more time making art and less time working at (insert crappy part time job that I currently have). But I know that is asking a lot. However, what I really want to do is let you know that it really means a lot to me and us artists/writers/musicians/creators when you drop us a little tip now and then and let us know we are doing something you like. And every little donation helps us do a little more.

Thanks for supporting self-represented artists!

Painting of Lists

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:53:00 +0000

watercolor on paper. william hessian 2012.

This is surely a mess of a painting. I once saw an art exhibit of work by Laura Wennstrom. She had this one piece which was comprised of all these little note cards filled with lists of things she needed to do each day for an entire year. Then she sewed them all together to make a tapestry. This was important to me, because I also make lists and instantly I found the beauty in my lists, because i saw beauty and honesty in her lists. My ugly watercolor is a result of sloppy strokes. I could not toss the paper away, and began writing notes and making little sketches on it. Even a few private parts and hidden meanings. See if you can see them.

Some of the lists are real and functional. Some of the lists are metaphorical. And one of the lists is just plain made up. I could have made all the text on this blog post one big list. With numbers. It would have looked like this:

1. This is surely a mess of a painting
2. I once saw an art exhibit of work by Laura Wennstrom
3. She had this one piece which was comprised of all these little note cards filled with lists of things she needed to do each day for an entire year.
4. Then she sewed them all together to make a tapestry.
5. This was important to me, because I also make lists and instantly I found the beauty in my lists, because i saw beauty and honesty in her lists. My ugly watercolor is a result of sloppy strokes.
6. I could not toss the paper away, and began writing notes and making little sketches on it.
7. Even a few private parts and hidden meanings.
8. See if you can see them.
9. Some of the lists are real and functional.
10. Some of the lists are metaphorical.
11. And one of the lists is just plain made up.
12. I could have made all the text on this blog post one big list.
13. With numbers.

I once made a webcomic about lists:

Do you like paintings of dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:04:00 +0000

watercolor on paper.

Do you like paintings of dogs?

Because I do.

Here is a painting I made of a dog. This painting is made for a certain type of dog that has yet to exist. This paintings is made for future reference of this breed of dog. It labels all notable features of the dog in exquisite detail. By looking at this painting, you are gaining knowledge which is unquestionably invaluable to the survival of the human race. The answer is here. The answer is always in the art.

Time to find it.

Gorky inspired me. Miro inspired me. Kandinsky inspired me. Basquiat inspired me. They conversed with each other in another dimension and asked me gently to make them a painted guide to the working of this breed of dog. Please love it.

Made by William Hessian at the Jamestown Art Center only a few minutes after the class of 15 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders left the classroom to go out into the windy freezing day. For a moment the classroom was quiet, for a moment the classroom was mine.

Song of the Pulsars

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0000

watercolor on paper

At times the children have so much fun, playing and spilling all the watercolors. At times I sit for hours after class wiping up their mess with a brush; and putting it on paper. At times, the little goofy sketches the kids make killing time while I explain the rules of the classroom give me so many ideas. It is a warrior horse. It has hidden meaning. It is the face of the child who makes me laugh.

Created in the Jamestown Art Center. January 2012.

Todd Balthazor and the Walker Art Center comic

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:04:00 +0000

On three separate occasions I have been employed at the Walker Art Center, the famous modern art gallery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The best part about working at the Walker Art Center was meeting and interacting with my co-workers. A large majority of these people are creative people, and many are visual artists. It seems you have to have a certain appreciation for modern art if you are going to spend 40 a week staring at it. So it makes sense that many people that work at the Art Museum are artists.

I could spend weeks writing blogs about all the talented people I have met at the Walker and talk about their works. And maybe I should. Today I wanted to start with and highlight the work of friend and co-worker Todd Balthazor. The timing is also relevant because he has just started a weekly web comic called It is what it is to be posted about being a guard at the Walker Art Center on mnartists.org:

It is what it is web comic by Todd Balthazor available on mnartists.org

My first experience working with Todd, was seeing him turn the break room into an art studio. Using his 30 minute breaks to paint, sketch or draw. I knew right then that this guy was good company. I spent many of my breaks doing the same thing, and it was encouraging to have another artist frantically working on projects during their break besides just myself.

Another reason his comic strip struck a cord with me, is that, basically the comic strip is about me. Since we have the same job I understand many of the inside jokes or double meaning of the work. It is all too true and funny.

Even beyond that, I have a strong connection to Todd's web comic because I spent a year making 100 of my own autobiographical web comic in 2009-2010 which often had content about my job as a security guard at the Walker Art Center.

Here is one of the comics I made about the Walker:

You can find all 100 of my web comics on my website

You can see why Todd's web comic project is especially exciting for me. Meanwhile, Todd Balthazor's illustration work is also something people should not miss:

Find lots more at www.toddbalthazor.com

Check out his work, and read the web comic. It will be a lot of fun.

relevant links:
If you enjoy web comics you should also see King of the Pill a web comic adventure about Jasper and his Face of Many Hands.

Check out other blog posts about the Walker Art Center

Color a Future Panel of King of the Pill

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +0000

Head on over to the King of the Pill Coloring Challenge and submit your page to be included in a future panel of the web comic.

One a Day 2012! Inspiration behind the WEBCOMIC: King of the Pill

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Five years ago, in December 2006, my friend Matt Semke started doing a drawing a day. He has not missed a day! Semke has been posting new daily content for 2000 days in a row! Before I continue you should check out his website: cats will eat you

Here is Semke in his studio. Photo by Loren Green for City Pages interview.

Semke's website and his drawings have been inspiring me for half a decade. During these last five years my high school friend Kris Ericson started a photograph per day project (which now posts exclusively on Facebook), he has been publishing great photos for nearly three years now. A few months ago I got to meet another inspiration for One A Day projects, his name is Stephen Georg and he publishes three youtube videos every day! No joke! I even got to meet him when he was visiting the midwest:

the day I met Stephen and Mallory. Learn more about StephenVlog

I also was inspired by Bridget McAlonan in Maine, who inspired me to do Fun A Day: One Drawing a Day for one month. The results were then on display in a gallery in Portland, Maine and in other galleries all across the country. Bridget McAlonan started Inventing Trees in 2011 and has just finished her drawing a day project. Meanwhile, she is now two days into her paper doll a day project!

And then there is Took Gallagher. She posted 461 blog posts in 2011! Prolific is an understatement. Her blog displays numerous photographs, great descriptions featuring a wide variety of projects from drawing, collage to giant sculptures. I got to meet her this year and see her commitment to her artwork first hand.

William Hessian (me) and Took Gallagher in Northville, Michigan

I am surrounded all these inspiring people taking on these really dedicated one a day projects. I watch them all post so much great content on Facebook ("LIKE" me on Facebook) and I am motivated every day. That is why I am starting a panel a day web comic project called: King of the Pill. A story that started January 1st, 2012 and will end December 31st 2012. 365 panels long and one grand tale.

King of the Pill Starts January 1st!

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:02:00 +0000

In 2012 I will creating a 365 page web comic. Releasing one page every day of the year. You will be able to see all of the comics at the King of the Pill website. Bookmark it now, since there will be 365 updates you will not want to miss.

My 20 Favorite Sketches of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:56:00 +0000

Each year I try to do a different top list of something from the previous year. This year I was flipping through my stacks of sketchbooks and decided to scan and upload my 20 favorite sketches from the past 12 months. For those that know me, my sketch books are filled my private thoughts and odd notes about all sorts of things, many times not something I openly share. I often have over 5 different sketch books following me around.

Before we begin seeing all 20 images, remember that these are MY favorite sketches of the year and they are not my BEST sketches and many of them are really rough. I will explain why I choose each sketch, because many times it was because they reminded me of a certain time and place, some sketches led to bigger ideas or projects, and some of my favorites just make me laugh.

In no particular order, we will start with the image at the top of this post.

#1. Basquiat Scribbles
I spent one night watching The Radiant Child documentary, and then Basquiat the movie. During those six hours (i also watched a bunch of bonus features) I was inspired to draw 20 ink sketches just trying to replicate Basquiat's ability to let himself be free with his visual space. In the end this sketch was blown up to poster size and I painted over it to make two larger paintings. Not many people notice that the two paintings come from the same ink drawing, mainly because of the different orientations.

#2. Wolf Angel
I read Zacharia Sitchin books whenever I get a chance. It really inspired me to study Egyptian and Mayan drawings and I was using a lot of that imagery in my own drawings. This wolf angel was a sketch that ended up as a larger painting. I will be posting the finished painting on my facebook Art page (like me on facebook) soon.

#3 Mandala
All day orientation makes Billy a dull boy. However, much like grad school and college, there is something that sitting in a stagnate room for long periods of time just listening to people talk that makes drawing 10 times as fun. I miss school.

#4 Self portrait
Another micron drawing. I almost included a self portrait sketch I did of myself, but the crudeness of my naked body in that drawing, and the fact that the scan was really bad, forced it to not make this list. The drawing of my face will have to do.

#5 Don't Make Me Play a Song
This summer I was invited back to the International Music Camp to teach art class ( GO LLAMAS!). In a camp filled with 95% music students it is always fun in charge of the fun and exciting art group. IT is easy to be inspired by all the music though. This sketch was to prove to my student that I could draw comic style characters. His back story included his ability to defeat bad guys by playing songs that either made them cry, sing, or dance uncontrollably.

#6 Open Mind
In Portland, Maine I had the pleasure of meeting an incredible group of people that would meet every other week and discuss different topics. My notes always became a jungle of sketches. This particular day was about 'using art & music as tools for change'. I remember this was about the time I met artist Abbeth Russell.

#7 Waggly Holes
This crude sketch was one of those middle of the night, lean over in the darkness, and sketch out this brilliant painting idea. These sketches, like this one, usually do not make much sense in the morning. And if they do make sense, they are usually a lot less brilliant the next day. I really like this sketch, and it reminds me of all the times I have jotted down random ideas and how many times those ideas never go anywhere.

#8 Man Planet

Another sketch from the Salon discussions in Portland Maine. This discussion was about Gender Roles and sparked an incredible debate about many different topics. The sketches while interesting are most important to me because I can remember so many great moments during that discussion where I was learning so much from so many people. You have got to love elephant pants.

#9 Lightning Tongue

Random quick drawings can sometimes result in really fun childlike images. This drawing has a lot of elements I would not typically use for a drawing or a sketch. But in the end I really enjoyed this creature and the interesting animals growing on him.

#10 Jesse's Brush Pen

This drawing makes the list because of my friend Jesse who was actually very present in the salon discussions I mentioned above. I did this drawing many states away from Maine, when I was in Minneapolis. Jesse has spent a large part of the year travelling all over the country and she stayed with me for a few days. She played music, I drew pictures, she made prints and earrings and we sock wrestled. It was a lot of fun. I used her brush pen (which i had not used since I was a little boy) to create this drawing.

#11 The Face

Very similar, and drawn right after, the self portrait up above. I remember sitting in my friend Clints' house, with the entire house to myself for a few months. I took a deep breath, finally feeling done with the transition from Maine, to Michigan, to Minnesota, to North Dakota, to Canada, and back to Minnesota. I finally felt I could rest, and I dove right into my sketchbook to draw these faces. Which were the first things to come out of me.

#12 Occupy
I chose this sketch for two reasons. The first reason is because the octopus on the right side was one of my first ideas for the Occupy Octopi which shows up in one of my larger Occupy paintings (click the link and scroll down a bit to see that painting). The second reason, is because the character on the left makes me laugh. I drew his He-Man action figure-like arm first and the rest was just a series of random shapes. What a goofy looking thing he is. Definately a favorite sketch of mine from 2011.

#13 The Immortal Self

This drawing, done on the back of my schedule, is probably the 50th time I have created an entire epic story line for a graphic novel, feature film, role playing game, or book I plan to write while standing in the Walker Art Center as a gallery monitor. Yes, I guard the art...with my life. Almost never do these stories go any further than a few sketches and notes. This story involves a warrior monk who goes back in time to train his childhood self to become a better warrior. He reveals this to his childhood self by cutting the boy's hand and then showing the boy that the scar appears on his own hand magically. I could spend hours telling you about what they learn together about the politics of time travel and how the first time traveler rules the world by sending himself back in time over and over and over to create an army of himself. But I wont.

#14 Crocked Flower

I remember sitting at Local Sprouts, my favorite place to eat in Portland, Maine and drawing this flower. It was one of the first times I met Kelly Rioux who was working behind the counter. She is this beautiful woman who also turned out to be a great artist. We later collaborated on a large window mural of Local Sprouts in support of the Maine Labor Mural being returned after it was unlawfully taken down by the Governor Paul LePage.

#15 Draw A Thon

One of my very first times on Congress Street was attending the Draw A Thon at the Space Gallery. I met a dozen incredibly talented, peace and politically motivated minded people like Kenny Cole, Brian Reeves, Natasha Mayers and Robert Shetterly just to name a few, who continue to inspire me today. Not to mention a great group of people from Code Pink and Veterans for Peace who were also at these events helping out or protesting. These people changed my life in a million ways. The sketch above was my first idea for a poster for Draw A Thon. While I think it had potential as a design, it really had nothing to do with the Draw A Thon and I scrapped it for a big chubby guy with a missile for a head. Which probably would havemade my Top 20 sketches if I could find it.

#16 Masked Rods

A few times every year I try to brainstorm new sticker ideas. This page was a bunch of my ideas for new stickers. Including some rather controversial masked rods. While nothing has come of any of the drawings on this page, I do think I might explore a few of these themes a little further. I got many of these ideas from some train hopping friends who stopped by to see me in Minneapolis. Although they did drink all my beer, but it was great to meet them.

#17 Dive Art

The Heart Opening studio was one of the most inviting spaces I have ever been in. This yoga studio in Portland, Maine was beautiful and relaxing. However the open space often also made me want to dance, do handstands and run from one side of the room and slide headfirst across the wood floors to the other side. In a moment of brilliance, I decided to dive headfirst across the floor with a big sharpie marker and try to draw a picture in the two seconds I was gliding across the floor. This is what I came up with. It is beautiful. Thanks to Ryan, Mike and Ingrid for egging me on.

#18 The Meg Perry Center

I was invited to put up art shows in three consecutive First Friday Art Walks
in Portland, Maine. Thanks to all my friends at Peace Action Maine, and all my other friends (especially those from Staples) who came to support my art shows, I was able to make new work and have it on display almost immediately. This drawing was the first idea in a series of multiple layered drawings which where painted on glass. You could see through certain parts of the art to another layer below.

#19 Body Painting

I have been involved with Body Painting for a number of years. After meeting Kirk from Kirkworx Dupuis who invited meto join in some black light body painting at a show in Hoboken, New Jersey at the Pudding Factory which was set up by my friend and talented model,Shandra Stark (who I body painted a few years ago). At this time I was also just getting to know a beautiful woman by the name of Dawn. Dawn also seemed willing to be painted for this body painted project, but I ran out of time before leaving the East Coast before proposing my project to Shandra, Dawn and a few others I was hoping to propose this project to.

#20 Basquiat Bookends

This list started with an abstract drawing inspired by Basquiat and ends with one. The drawings from that movie marathon are some of my favorites from the entire year. The odd energy and randomness is just so freeing. While I may be the only one that likes these drawings, they represent an ability to make marks that have a life of their own and not previously positioned by my mind.

The amazing thing about this list of 2o sketches is not all the things and people I met and mentioned, but all of the people and places I did not mention. The year of 2011 was filled with so many amazing people and experiences that I could easily pick out 100 drawings just so I could tell you all about Took and the Derby Girls in Michigan, and about Molly McLain and the Buffalo Gals, and the incredible Youth Activist Gathering. I could tell you about Bill Nybo and the kids from Jamestown North Dakota, and sketches inspired by Portland Pastes activist wheat pasting. Not to mention the things I learned from the Punk Patriot and the green party. Or the incredible Art Group at the Minnehaha Free Space. Or the Canvas Killing in St. Paul. Or the radical art of the Bee Hive Colelctive. Or Talib the giant 10 foot paper mache Phoenix. Or the Two Box Art Battle with Matt Semke. Can you believe this was all from my year in 2011?

I guess if you want to hear about those things you will have to start going through this blog post by post and read all about this crazy year. I suggest you subscribe so you do not miss anything in 2012.

Winter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:08:00 +0000

My winter update. As we transition in the midwest from long sleeves, to three layers of sweaters and coats we get to watch the gold, yellow in oranges transform into white, which sadly quickly turns to gray. While the expected seasons change I am, like most seasons, going through yet another change myself. I have just moved from Minneapolis to St. Paul, however temporarily because in January I will be moving from Minnesota to Jamestown, North Dakota for my sixth artist-in-residency.

This move will be the 6th time I have moved in the past 12 monhts, including three different states, and many stops inbetween. It doesn't show signs of stopping either. 2012 looks to be another lily pad of a year for the Canvas Killer.

Especially since my home has also been half Occupy these last few months:

Occupy is a movement I feel strongly about. I am part of the 99% and think the world can be a better place with stronger local communities and less government. If you live in Minneapolis, stop by Occupy Minneapolis for General Assemblies or other actions and you are likely to see me; please say hi. A lot of my newest work has been about Occupy, what it means and the movement itself:

As the craziness of this last year comes to a close, I also get to look back at a myriad of jobs that I have held this past year including: Staples Copy Center, an eldery resident security guard, the Walker Art Center, a Youth Basketball instructor and of course my more permanent self representing artist position.

In my art career, last week I killed canvas on stage at the St. Paul History Theatre at Sample Night Live, and donated art to Thick River holiday. I have a few boxes of Art-O-Mat blocks to finish up and I have been working on a number of larger paintings.

This leads me to what is to come in the future. As previously mentioned, I return to the Jamestown Art Center, to teach kids art. I will be in 6 elementary schools for 8 weeks, I will be teaching after school classes, and comic book art class. I am also working with the elderly residents of Ava Maria to paint a 30 foot mural in their hallway between buildings. I have also been asked to teach art classes inside the mall on the weekends, and it looks like I will have a full schedule in Jamestown per usual. Canvas Kill Live art performances on web cam will be returning in Jamestown as long as I can find a good place to set up and perform. I hope to do 3 performances over the winter.

I will leave with a little teaser for my newest project which will begin January 1st, 2012 and continue every day of 2012:

DON'T FORGET: this wednesday night!

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 02:18:00 +0000

Read all about my canvas kill live performance that takes place on December 7th, 2011.

You can also see videos and photos from past canvas kill live performances.

A Thick River Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Nothing is as good as profound merrymaking; unless it is for a good cause. I happened to meet Jami last week and coincidentally work with Peter at the Walker Art Center. They are putting on an auction and fundraiser for Aporia Productions, which is a theatre and performance art gang. Thick River is referring to the Mississippi River. It had been brought to my attention that they were looking for art donations for thier auction. I have a few piles of art laying around Minnesota and am pleased to announce that I will be donating art to the Thick River Holiday on Saturday, December 10th.

You can read all of the detail below:

If you are interested in donating, or attending make sure to check out Aporia Productions. While I sadly must work the night of the actual event, I really hope a lot of people can attend and help raise money for this group.

William Hessian kills canvas at Sample Night Live

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Loungasaurus Rex will introduce me, the Smarts will play a mesmorizing improve accompanyment, and I, the CANVAS KILLER, will create and kill art. December 7th, 2011 is a Sample Night Live you will not want to miss. Dozens of other great local artists, musicians, theatre groups will be putting on a show as well. Tiny bite sized performances for your enjoyment.

For those that are unfamiliar with my art performances I create two works of art live on stage, and then let the audience decide which one survives and which one dies. I then destroy the losing painting. Each time I used different methods of destruction, and each time the work dies in a different way. My performances have been done at the History Theatre in St. Paul, the Red Hot Art Festival, the Adventure Festival and on web cam. You can browse other canvas kill live performances on this blog.

Here's my spiel and all the good info (including discount ticket code):

"William Hessian is proud to participate in Sample Night Live at 7pm on 12/7/2011 at the History Theatre in downtown Saint Paul. Sample Night Live presents a dozen short previews of upcoming performing arts events plus a visual arts installation on the first Wednesday of each month. Audiences use the playbill to opt in to the groups they love. It’s a great way to learn what is happening in the arts scene and discover something new! Everyone who shows up gets the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the Guthrie as well as many other prizes donated by the groups performing that evening. Use Discount Code MEMBERS and get $5 off admission online. Buy tickets, check out the line-up and see the complete list of prizes at http://samplenightlive.com/.”

Out in the lobby I will also be displaying some new paintings, zines and free stickers.

Here are a few photos from past Canvas Kill Live performances:

Find my business card!

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:16:00 +0000

On my MegaBus travels from Minneapolis to Madison we had a 30 minute rest stop at a Pilot Travel Station gas station. This gas station had some very nice accomodies for bus driver, like a row of single room showers. During my exploration I came to this wall of business cards. It was overwhelming on the eyes and I knew I wanted my card to join the party.

Your challenge is to find my business card amoungst the many on display.

If you enjoy this post you might enjoy my Hidden Art Hunts or my halloween Waldo at Mall of America post. Definbately make sure to also see my free printable mazes and see the Free Art Fridays.

new painting

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:25:00 +0000

Just finished this a few hours ago. I need a frame and a coat of resin. You can see this painting in St. Paul in December next month at Sample Night Live. More info on that show soon.

This painting was done at the Sunday Night Art Group here in Minneapolis. If you are interested in joining the art group please let me know.

Erica Williams at Artifex Manuum

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Erica Williams at Artifex Manuum

Last night, I stopped at Artifex Manuum in Minneapolis to see a display of drawings and paintings by Erica Williams. Erica Williams' works have an impressive blend of art nouveau, native america spiritual themes, and folklore. The works often include an ink drawing at its core, usually accompanied by acrylic or colored pencil for added colors. A figure or an animal is usually the base subject matter and a story seems to unnravel around each character.

Make sure to check out Williams work on her website, Erica Williams Illustration. Also keep an eye on the upcoming shows for Altered Esthetics as Erica was chosen as one of the recipients of a solo show.

I met Erica Williams a few months ago when she submitted work to the keyholes and cages zine I put together earlier this year.

One wall of drawings that was on display

Here is my favorite drawing Erica Williams had at the show. The orignal and prints are available for sale.

AWK EWE PIE (new poster for Occupy)

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000

Above is one of the posters I created for Occupy.

join the dance. spread the word. and together let's escape this wicked maze.

You can read all about my views on the Occupy Movement as I talk about the importance of what is happening.

You can also see my growing collection of Occupy Artwork. You can also view my street sign entitled the best kind of pie is Occupy.

Untitled (new abstract watercolor)

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:50:00 +0000

Untitled 2011

Watercolor on paper

by William Hessian

Words turn into shapes, and the people turn into crowds. Whispers turn into speeches, and those voices turn into music. The dance has truly begun.

OCCUPY ART: Needed now!

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:33:00 +0000

artist unknown

Artists around the world, it is time to strike while to iron is hot. The political climate is heating up as the Occupy Movements gathers momentum. It is up to the artists to make it boil. Together we can produce the images that will put and brand and a face on this movement. The artists around the world need to support Occupy and produce works that will lead more people into the movement. The 99% movement needs the support of the artists, and we need the art now.

I have been to Occupy Minneapolis every few days to help paint signs and make posters to hang up around town, you can see photos at The Best Kind of Pie is OCCUPY. But Occupy now needs more than just signs, slogans and posters, it needs serious attention from artists everywhere. Occupy Art needs to fill up Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites to effectively fuel this movement.

Some artists are already on the task. Check out these incredible images for Occupy:

Ninety Nine to One by Eddie Colla

by Chicago IWW

Hilarious batman artwork by artist Anjinanhut

Occupy Oakland by Cannon

Also check out Political Art for a Much Needed Time. Also bookmark this particular blog post because I will be adding new Occupy Art to this page as I find it. If you have seen some Occupy Art that I should include please link it in the comments and I will get it up on this post.

The Best Kind of Pie; is OCCUPY

noreply@blogger.com (williamhessian) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:12:00 +0000

sign i designed and painted for Occupy Minneapolis

I believe in power to the people. I believe in small communities. I believe in self sustainable systems, I believe in locally grown foods. I believe in a majority of people taking part in the decision making process of what goes on in the towns around us. I believe in barter and trade. I believe in dancing and communicating with neighbors. I believe in peace.

I, William Hessian, stand in Solidarity with those who OCCUPY.