RustedBlue

2011-12-31T10:48:00.001-08:00

Rising from the Cinders is the Production Company = RUSTED:BLUE
Using a blue-collar approach to service...& Craftsmanship with Soul...we create advertising and communication strategy with calloused hands...It is our passion to create your story...

contact = tyler@rustedblue.com = to start your journey!

BIO of The Artist = Tyler Lennox Bush

2011-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Tyler Bush finds lost objects. He mends them, bends them, and builds with them. Tyler has always worked with found objects. Tyler has sought out, rediscovered, and celebrated “things passed over and things discarded” since early in his childhood. Tyler is an artist whose unique talent for rediscovery introduces to each other objects and people otherwise segregated by time and space. His art is in many ways archeology, and in many ways anthropology.

In early childhood, with Cardboard boxes, old wrapping paper tubes, couch cushions, and garbage bags; Ty built cities of scrap across the living room. He “borrowed” his father’s tools, took old discarded deck boards littered with rusty nails; he taught himself to saw, to hammer, to plane, to level; and he built a cabin for himself and his things in the backyard. He took a pair of too-small football shoulder pads, an old turtle neck, a colonial ascot, a pair of women’s lace up boots, a smoker’s jacket cut at the seam, and a pair of tan Z. Cavaricci’s, and created to this day the most convincing costume rendition of the Headless Horseman this side of Tim Burton.

As his art matured, It began to reflect not Tyler’s playful, whimsical spirit; but rather his deeper spiritual, humane concerns. His young artistic life culminated with a serial production entitled: Gateways and Alters. Monolithic in nature, Tyler created massive tributes to the ethereal space between two worlds using discarded industrial chain, fallen timber, monolithic chunks of limestone, barn boards, and mariner’s hemp rope fastened with timber pegs, railroad spikes, and old twine. Tyler’s found objects frame his doors to divinity.

Tyler’s diverse personal interests and experiences give him the unique perspective that real gift and real value can be discovered anywhere from anything and most importantly in anyone. At only 21, Tyler proved himself an exceptional talent, as a recognized artist, a skilled athlete (Intercollegiate All-American wrestler, marathon runner, avid yoga practitioner) and an accomplished scholar( a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wabash College).

Yet, as with so many of us, Tyler’s journey had only begun. Artists don’t find there’s to be a lucrative vocation. Two years later found Ty in Nashville, TN, working as a finish carpenter for a fly-by-night remodeler to second rate Stars. When his ’78 Chevy truck couldn’t get him to work any longer, he hitched a ride home to Indiana. Tyler tended bar, taught art classes, coached wrestling, all the while wrestling with himself. He found himself in the all too familiar cycle of nothing-to-do weeks and over- indulgent weekends.

Ty ran. He ran into the bankruptcy of a failed business. He ran into the escape of substance. He ran to Chicago and spent weekends taking comedy writing classes at Second City. He ran to Milwaukee and starred in a never seen independent film. And then, He ran like a rabbit from a hound dog in circles to New York City, not sure why he was running but sure he couldn’t stand still.

New York can be a Midwestern man’s master, ask Jay Gatsby. Tyler spent four years in Manhattan executing extraordinary multi-million dollar bar and restaurant renovations at locales such as European Union and Boqueria, expanding his fine arts resume at the prestigious Atlantic Theatre Company, all the while sinking lower into the depression of running in rabbit circles he so tried to escape. After four years and despite commercial and artistic successes, no longer able to pay his bills in an already depraved section of Manhattan’s lower Eastside where his Subterranean bedroom never saw daylight, Tyler found himself living in an apartment shell in February; agreeing to rehab it-no running water, no affordable heat, his tools in hawk, showering at the YMCA-burned out, run down, strung out, done.

Tyler left New York defeated. He again, came home. Home again, to the all-too-familiar cycle of nothing-to-do weekdays and over indulgent weekends. Home again to a string of bartending jobs in low tip joints and part time can’t pay the bills craftsman’s nightmares. Tyler Bush, athlete, scholar, and artist had become obsolete. He was a warped old barn board, a too-small pair of football shoulder pads, a novel with chapters torn out, a rusted car fender-A lost object.

Tyler Bush finds lost objects. And although the search was arduous, somewhere in the back of the barn buried beneath a pile of old tools and scrapped metal, he found himself, rusted but ready to be rediscovered. From the bottom of this pile of shit and cinders, Tyler began the most ambitious project an artist can aspire too. Rusted Blue, his magnum opus. LIVING ART. Real People Artists, Everyman Picasso’s celebrating together with others their own life, their experience captured on film, in print, in music, in poetry, in philanthropy, in truth. Creating a forum for the collective voice of Found Objects like himself to tell their story through their medium of choice, then giving this Living Art a name, a brand, and a product that speaks to the journey of every found object. RUSTED BLUE is what he calls it. Whenever someone dons Rusted Blue attire, attends a Rusted Blue event, Posts on a Rusted Blue blog they add to the tapestry of experience that every Found Object travels. A journey from utility as society had intended to uselessness to usefulness as something greater, as an individual, as ART.

Tyler Bush is the first found object placed in this growing tapestry. He is the magnet that draws each and every new piece to this never-ending human sculpture. The honesty of his journey gives courage to new voices.

TYLER BUSH IS.

Written By: Chadwick 2011

2011-12-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

MADE IN THE REGION EVENT 2011

GAMBA RISTORANTE

KELECHUKWU BRNFRE

TYLER LENNOX BUSH

CREAM RISES

2011-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Cream Rises~

Momma always said cream rises

Momma always said cream gonna rise

To the Crop!

To the Top of the Cup

With tears in her eyes

Cream gonna rise

Momma always said cream rises

in a town like this

Heroes often missed

Cream gonna rise

Momma always said

Salute The workers …the dreamers….the little babies and we

join hands and say it with with thee

Momma always said cream rises

To the crop

To the top of the Cup

But it aint gonna get there by itself…said momma.

You gotsta

earn it

churn it

add some steam

to that cream

a little elbow grease if you know what I mean

for the sweetness only comes from the Toil and Tarry

they say this place WORKS we call this place GARY.

So the gears that grind

through the tears in time…

loss…hurt…pain…solitude….communion

there is truth in that suffering….and the Truth is freedom my friends!

Momma Always Said Cream rises

Momma Always said Cream GONNA rise

With tears in her eyes

Cream Gonna rise

Hey Momma……Your Cream Has Risin!!!!!

2011-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

LIVE @ THE LINK BAR = GARY IN 10/25/2011 = TYLER LENNOX BUSH THE TIN IM IN

A collection of Stories, Spoken Word, and a Celebration of the Rusted Life

RUSTEDBLUE = Men's Beaded Bracelet

2011-06-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Rustedblue MALA = Beaded Bracelet - (soul, cinder, & gears collection)
Design By: Tyler Lennox Bush
Onyx, Bone, Lava, and Sterling Silver Findings

cinders=steel / bone=humanity / black & white = community solidarity / silver= our future ~ TLB

Availible by special order - contact Tyler@rustedblue.com

Picture Credit: Michelle Cox

And the Dark Dirty Dog Does Dance

2011-05-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Impact and Influence of Remorse:

The truth of suffering, Buddha said, "This is suffering, we should know. Once we know about suffering, then there is no more to know." Next, he said, "Since suffering does not arise without a cause, by knowing the causes of suffering, we would abandon and purify the causes and the origin of suffering.

This past week I was on location for a production in New York City with two people I care deeply about...the week was to be a celebration of the year in the life of our little company...and a chance to showcase to a large and tough market what Rustedblue can do...these two people I have a deep admiration and respect for....because well...I can tell they feel the same about me....At least that was until this past weekend..

You see im an upstart creative entrepreneur....which as difficult to me as this sounds it means, im broke, I leverage off people, and im something of hustler/Liar even.... I do this though because I believe in an idea...and I believe this idea is gonna help a lot of people...give them opportunities and inspire others in a chain reaction....and this idea drives me....and I have to pursue this idea...because it keeps me happy...it keeps me away from unhealthy distractions....At other points in my life that passion turned inward, ate me, haunted me.....because these distractions overcame me...as I danced with the Dark...Dirty Dog....!

Im learning some great lessons today about people, about choices, about keeping lessons learned in the past...in the past ty...in the past where the Dark Dirty Dog DOES DANCE....an a little more about finding Truth...Truth as Aristotle maintains that to know the truth of a proposition is to know what causes that proposition to be true. So when I suffer I can trace the pain to remorse. The remorse I feel today...The remorse for letting my team down...my family....so my truth is today failure because i made some poor choices...

You see...I was selfish...leading with my Ego....and wanting so much for us to be successful with our production...dont get me wrong...I want us all to succeed together...but, What I failed to see...was that we already where successful..no matter what anyone else in the room thought...because we had the mutual respect of each other....When other leaders in the room came down on the team....I failed to step up and shield my team from the assault...I failed to communicate the needs of the production clearly....and I lead my team out to battle with out protection...exposed behind enemy lines without protection....because of vanity.

As you can imagine this is not fun to reflect on...but if Im to become the kind of person I believe myself to be...If one is to become a leader... one must push themselves through this process of personal alchemy...and if we are to become the kind of team I believe us to be....we must suffer to find our truths against and with one another...and to grow our abilities past our current limitations...suffering and discomfort must be present in the process...I maintain...as a team we must also understand the weaknesses of one another...and I will maintain that if we hadnt met with the challenges and obstacles in our event and in the weekend in NYC...we wouldn't fully understand one another as we do now...we would have continued to shield our insecurities from one another..and when not made aware of each others traits been doomed to repeat the failure...unable to protect against the weakness the next time on the field of battle....Now can define where we personally need to grow....and where we need to hold one another when we fall.

A family descends into deep grief after a great loss...but not a depression...the grief and remorse will lead to great insights and growth if one is able...if one is at the ready to change the world...it will take time to heal...and there may be difficulty creating trust....but when the time of action comes to call the next time...the group will be better prepared....because they've been humbled...damaged....SOME SAY THEY WERE RUSTED....THEY were Rusted By the Weather of Life...By each other...by the one who was supposed to protect them from the elements....and they were melancholy because of it...THey were Blue....But when the sun rose over the mount the next day they were no worse for the wear....and in that sun grew a great tree ...and it gave life to the truth of their suffering....the fruits of a family...and though the pain may be bitter the fruit is not...

and the process of creation is chaotic, clever, painful, romantic, ecstatic, bold and beautiful as greatness is never easily managed but always well worth it.

To work through the process...is to work through our remorse...and through this process we will not turn not away....but rather...to look that Dark Dirty Dog in the Eye and Say...not this time you nasty cuss...they'll be no dancing today.

For My Partners ~

RUSTED AMBITION

2011-04-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

RUSTED AMBITION = Made in the Region = Born in the Burgh Web series chronicling founder and CCO of Rustedblue's passion to launch a brand in homage to his families legacy of blue collar entrepreneurship, community leadership, and creativity... which will be a behind the scenes look at a creative pioneer. coming soon to http://www.rustedblue.com/ In the summer of 2011...a great deal of new developments will be happening at Rustedblue... I will officially be bringing on a fabulous executive team...including Josh Powers~ CEO/ Charlie Frasor COO/ Kendal Brown Art Director/Joann Noche Marketing and Event coordinator....

Our website will be going thru its final phase of build out with our E-shop and small product line offering...I want to thank our fans for being patient with us....we have had our struggles and setbacks in the pursuit of this Entrepreneurial dream....but we do not waiver on reaching our goals...and delivering our fan base the brand they deserve.

We will continue to cast "Region" personalities as brand ambassadors in our Print Ads with our 'Made in the Region" campaign... We are also in production of our first feature film in partnership with Kapture Concepts...to be shot entirely in the Region....and are putting together "Lady of the Lake" a weekend beach launch party @ East Edge of Miller Beach...Aug 18th-21st...featuring an amazing lineup of DJ's, Singer Songwriters, and great food and hospitality

In addition, we will begin our "Born in the Burgh" campaign this fall as we begin to grow roots in the Pittsburgh soil with our launch event slated for Hines Ward's southside 86 later in the fall...with a steeler tailgate giveaway party as well...at hienz field.

If you've been following this blog.....let it be known that http://www.rustedblue.com/ will begin to be the resource for all your rustedblue info starting in May....we hope you will join us there as we begin to be your resource for outside media artists....grassroots fashion trends...and interesting entrepreneurial endeavours.... ~ keep it rustin! ~ Ty

Freedom Is Love

2011-03-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Freedom Is Love By: Tyler Lennox Bush

Mind Us

Bind Us

And build us up

Take a sip from the Loving cup

Pass it around for a while

For we are here for the shortness

Life is a beast...a bitch...a tempest

A zeitgiest wearing a crooked smile

Where Freedom is Love

Is where you'll find me

Where Freedom is Love

Where freedom is Love

Is where you too must go

To venture in the world an unknown soul

Mind us

Bind us

And build us up

Take a sip from the loving cup

And pass it around for a while

For we are here for the shortness

Life is a beast...a bitch...a tempest

A zeitgeist...wearing a crooked smile

Spread your wings as you fly

For they be your grace

Painted on a pastel sky

AS I ask Why

If Freedom is Love

Why does yours ground me

If Freedom is Love

Why does yours hurt me so?

2011-02-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

RUSTEDBLUE CELEBRATES DIVERSITY ~ INNOVATION ~ & CREATIVITY in the Region!

Join us @ Gamba MARCH 5, 2011.... = 4 TICKETS contact tyler@rustedblue.com

The Tin Im In

2011-01-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

Uncommon from a common land

With A fine tuned mind....a Heart

and a calloused hand

Not Black

Not White

But skin of tarnished tin

of Rustedblue

Blue Like the collar that I wear

Like my father over there

Like you

Like the shirt he wore in the 80 inch

The hotstrip

The valley of the sun

The valley of the sun he was a champion

Champion He

He Won

So he could send me to school

So I could learn these ideas

These words

I now speak to you

Uncommon Man in a common land

A fine tuned mind

A Heart

and a calloused hand

Not black or White

but skin of tarnished tin

of rustedblue

blue like the collar that I wear

like my father over there

like you

Listen....I've taken the skyway

to get high dope fly like the chiway

but there is no Emerald city in that place

that sad and solemn place

that empty place

that lonely space

jumpin bus to bus just to keep with the pace

So i clicked my ruby heels

and like Mike eased on down the road

lookin for a wizzard that might burden my load

twas in a shadowed Forrest that I found my Heart

The good woodsman I

Sharpened my Axe

and perfected my Art

so as to the lion i was cowardly no more

cause this TinMAN was an entrepreneur

of Industry...love ....clarity too

This Tinman be Rustedblue

Uncommon Man in a common land

With a fine tuned mind ...a heart ...

and a calloused hand

not black or white

but skin of tarnished tin

of Rustedblue

Blue like the collar that I wear

like my father over there

Like you.

So now we're on the southern rim of the lake

a place some call the great mistake

others call this place... this city... this town... the "G"

Im not tryin to hear that cause I call it 1Region see

And the lake stretches out like an ancient whale in time

and the souls who built this place inhabit its murky deep

and they began to weep

when we built a wall

and the children cried

and the earth fell silent

But tonight....here in this place

in this happy place

this righteous place

this home space

We can make up for before

We have the key to unlock the door

To build a bridge

To shake a hand

to raise a glass

and make a stand

You see....The emerald city that we seek

Has always been in one anothers hearts to keep

So show me the power of what Art

Love

civility can do

And I will solemnly swear and promise you

to keep on grindin' this rustedblue

Common Man from an uncommon land

with fine tuned mind...heart....calloused hand

no black

white

skin of tarnished tin

of Rustedblue

Blue like the collar that I wear

Like my Father UP there

Like Me

Like you

The Brand Grinder - Mixed Media, Found Objects, & T-Shirt

2011-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Brand Grinder - 2011 @ Wabash College Alumni Invitational Exhibit

Give a Smile!

2011-01-24T13:09:00.001-08:00

Give a Smile!!!! Pass it On :)

Mike & Spike = The Origin of Rustedblue

2011-01-12T05:28:00.001-08:00

( Above: the picture that hangs on Michael Jordans basement wall in the hallway leading to his poker room and home theater & became one of my inspirations for Rustedblue)

Where do ideas come from?

What is inspiration?

Are there signs for us to follow?

How do we become great Men?

In the summer of 2009...I was hitting a rough patch in my life...I had been having a hard time finding employment when I picked up a job with a small metal and wood fabrication shop in a bad neighborhood in West Chicago... The days were long in that place...Sweaty in the City summer heat...Chicago summers can be lazy hot like that...and violent...Chicago is a violent American City...with a high crime rate...and ghettos...That's the part the don't advertise on TV...you see snapshots from the Lake...The "Magnificent Mile" the parks...and nice "Neighborhoods"

The Park they don't show is Humboldt.....a once majestic park with Lagoons and pavilions on Chicago's Northwest side....built flanked with beautiful grey stone buildings in the late 1800's became overrun with Latin Kings, Disciples, Young Lords, in the puerto rican influx of the 1960's...

The shop I worked in employed such people...and they were good crafts people and amazing artists, but mean...mean as you can get....they were surviving ...working ...having kids...running drugs and prostitutes in one of the toughest neighborhoods in America...

I was not only a fabricator in the shop, but also and installer on the crew...due in part to my ability to deal with clients as a professional...to speak with designers and homeowners alike...and make them feel comfortable with us being there. I was a very depressed Man in those days....I was desperate for change...desperate to get out of that shop...to work with not only my hands...but my mind as well....To be a leader...in community...in life...but as I learned...there are no road maps for this sort of thing.....HOWEVER, THERE ARE SIGNS.... and if we look close enough...they will show us the way...

Among many high profile clients...we took a job fabricating and installing stainless steel handrails at 1 Museum Drive in Highland Park, IL.... often times when working for clients like this your not told in advance from the contractor who it is your working for....as was the case with this Job...

As we arrived at the site, the gates on the front of the Driveway were adorned with large numbers "2" and "3".... it became apparent that we were entering the inner sanctum of Legend himself....Michael Jordan.

The job itself lasted only a few weeks....but the entire time i was there I couldn't help be fueled by the presence of greatness...There is just a vibe at this place....Walls lined with Famous pieces of Art...and pictures of Mike in his glory....The winning shot at Carolina...Posting up against Magic...draining a 3 over Bird......and then there was MARS...

At the end of a lonely hallway in the basement of the house hung a picture of Mike palming Spike Lees head...and lifting him up by it....A picture that became a famous Nike Ad in the late 80's....Here I was...in Micheal Jordans Basement...and for a moment i was taken back to the bedroom of my youth were the same picture I was starring at I had hung once before...and in my minds eye....My life flashed back to those days...those happier days...were I didnt feel stuck....didnt feel caged in a metal shop....didnt feel like a failure...

I thought for a while the rest of that day about these two Men....Their legacy...and greatness....and their Brands.....The two brands that had more impact on popular culture in the late 80's and early 90's...than all other brands combined...What made them special? Was it God given...or did the work at it? Did they ever doubt themselves? Did they ever feel like I did....trapped in the greatness of others... or simply alone? How did they find it inside themselves....To believe in their work and calling? Did they see signs?

For weeks later I went about my work...we finished the job and I forgot about the picture...and the questions that it brought to mind.... That was until....THE SIGNS COULD NOT BE DENIED

It was early July in 2009...I had promised my mother I would take her to see Michael Jackson's house in Gary, IN...just ten minutes from where I grew up...Mike had just passed...and we felt it proper to pay our respects or at least feel part of the outpouring. As we approached the house we noticed some commotion toward the backyard....a number of small tents were scattered about the place, one filled with antique toys, another a spread of catered food.

AND then...there was my Sign....

Spike Lee is a small statured man...he was busy filming when i pushed my mother in her wheelchair up toward the barricade...I couldn't help but think about what Malcolm Gladwell would say about this...Just three weeks before I had this moment with a poster in Michael Jordans basement...and now Spike looked over at my mother and I and tipped his head toward us as the crew cut for lunch....In the boyhood backyard of the King of POP....

It felt as if a torch was being passed...and the weight of the moment hung in the air like a zepplin.

2 years have passed:

I now have my own production company...Rustedblue

Rusted for the places Im from...a steelworker family...i call home an industrial wasteland on the southern rim of the great lake Michigan...it is a rusted place...and the people are made of tin...tough and rusted in time.

Blue...because of the melancholy of the survivors in this place...with great respect to my own bouts with depression...and to the toughness of the people who battle unemployment...and feel that they cant survive in a rough economy...in ghettos filled with crime....but also who posses a great deal of soul...And Soul is smooth...confident....Soul is Blue....

Rustedblue mission: Tell uncompromising stories of uncommon people from common places who rise above to change their world!

In addition...I teach drama to at risk students in the toughest neighborhoods in the Chicago metro area....Something Mike always said he would do...Help kids in Gary, East Chicago,Hammond, IN... {MJ's hometown} raise above there situation using the arts as a mechanism for change and inspiration...I like to think often that Mike might be smiling down on me...He might remember me easing on down the road in a grade school talent show... That I might be doing what he was unable to do...At least that thought inspires me to continue my work.

So where do ideas come from?

I still don't know...but I'm blessed...and I know that....and you better believe I have faith in signs...and don't take a thought for granted...because thoughts ...ideas....and Love can change the world...

With a little help from Spike...( applying to NYU for my MFA in Film this summer) perhaps we can put this rusted place on the map... I would ask Mike Jack for a letter of rec... I wonder if you can just trust the signs?

Much respect and Love on your journey!

TLB

A Date with Destiny = My run in with Sam Sheperd

2011-01-11T12:53:00.001-08:00

It was a dreary night in Manhattans East Village... warmer than normal for a mid December night. I was getting ready to enjoy a night of cocktails with an old college friend who I hadn't seen in some years. I always enjoy my time with Keith...hes and inspiration to me...he has followed his dreams of becoming a historian with fierce conviction...I was always envious of those who new the direct route to their dreams...I had always needed more life experimentation to rule out all possibilities....Springsteen might say I just needed to live in the ether longer!

I remember pulling up a bar stool at a corner bar on the cross of 4th street and 3rd ave....ordering a beer of a Belgium varietal and kicking back waiting for my friend to phone me...

As is commonplace with me and bars...I began engaging the bartender in some small talk... I never make it a play to hit on the girl behind the bar...for one I was a bartender myself...and I always felt uncomfortable when it was done to me and two it just makes you look like an asshole. I remember her being cute...Latin girl with a watered down bourban madonna-esque style...sexy enough to bring me back on many occasions...but not enough into me to ask her out.

We talked as we often did...about life in New York...and Life in other places...other lives...the lives we lived before moving here...lives we missed, but could never return to again after being tainted by the beautiful lights and dark corners of the rough new york bar nights on the lower east side. The talk turned to Nashville, a place I had lived prior to moving eastward tom my Mecca...to New York...we talked about honkey tonks....She said she was there in a dream once...once....in boots....she would've been hot in cowboy boots...the ones from Roberts Western Wear....we could've drank shots of bourban & PBR at Tootsies I thought?

"Nashville?"...He said ... in a low voice...eyes staring forward with a gaze of age. "Kinda like a Tiny Vegas".... The tall stranger didnt introduce himself...sipped his beer...beer of your standard macro varietal. I an ever pleasant bar patron replied... yeah, I can see that...except I thought to myself...there were no casinos in Vegas??? As he raised his hand again to take another sip I noticed a Crescent Moon Tattoo.... humm...

Although he was much greyer in the temples...his rutted and aged skin didn't hide his masculinity...I knew this Man....this Pulitzer Prize winner..... "Whats your Name Stranger?? ... His Reply,...."Sam"

And like a zeitgeist from a Sheperd play he looked at me and said, "just remember the two most important words for a man in Life...... are Pussy and Completion... and with that advice given he disappeared back into the mist of a New York city night.

Film Review = Black Swan

2011-01-11T07:05:00.001-08:00

The descent into madness to find our greatest genius. Van Gogh ... Frank Lloyd Wright ... Earnest Hemingway... Paulo Ceolho ... Perhaps a portrait of the Artist Himself...Darren Aronofsky ... and then there is Natalie Portman ...

I have to be completely honest that Although I have always found Natalie Portman affable...and always capable of delivering a believable performance...I never thought her work to be inspiring... but in her latest work she displays an artistic depth rarely seen on the screen... an honest an chilling portrait of an artist's transformation in a Kafkaesque metamorphosis aided by Darren Aronofsky's ability to create a world of paranoia with its razor sharp cuts and its twists and interplay of caracters...leaving you wondering whos who and whats real. It stands as a work trying to bring you into the inner life of an artist trying to grow in new dimensions when being asked to approach a schizophrenic offering to play both protagonist and antagonist of Swan Lake.

Never have I wanted to go to the Ballet more than after watching this film.

The creative process is an often painful process... the drive to deliver in a creative being can be all consuming and Portman "shuts it down" with her performance...Kudos to her... The paranoia...depression...exhilleration....and denouement.... Cheers to beauty..LONG MAY IT LIVE

The supporting cast foils her performance well....specifically Barbra Hershey the over-protective, mentally unstable, and jealous mother of the Dancer genius...

Black Swan was an inspiring piece of Art.

STARCHILD MAGAZINE = "The Power of Memory"

2011-01-07T06:14:00.001-08:00

As first published in "Starchild" Magazine

The Power of Memory
By: Tyler Lennox Bush

I always have to chuckle when I hear someone tell me that they have “No regrets.”
As if looking back on our lives and recognizing the mistakes we’ve made is a bad thing. On the contrary I think accountability for regret can teach us a great deal about moving forward as stronger individuals. Show me someone without regret….I will show you someone with little Character.

How do we design a life of integrity?
How do we grow through our pain?
How do we move on from the mistakes and integrate the lessons learned to become refreshed and New?

Being able to utilize our personal history as a framework for living our life is an enormously powerful thing. Being mindful of our regrets can prevent us from making the same mistakes twice. Which, is a very wise ingredient choice in the recipe of your future.

At the beginning of every year I begin to take an inventory of last years setbacks and accomplishments; regrets and victories in hopes of refining my life and fine tuning my trajectory in personal relationships, finances, careers goals, spiritual life, health and wellness, and romance. The new year gives us both a chance to reflect on the relative past and the opportunity to develop a clean slate in hopes of designing a new program of change to implement in the coming year.

This process of reflection can be difficult work. It is the all important emotional labor needed to become more fully formed humans, mature in our interactions with others and more open to future growth. When practicing this inventory I’ve found it most helpful to use the term reflection as to draw the distinction from dwelling in our past shortcomings.

The only place worth dwelling, as Emily Dickinson once wrote, is in possibility. Self loathing and pity are not constructive emotions. One cannot be compassionate toward others and offer forgiveness if one isn’t able to first forgive the self. Be patient with yourself. Its only life after all. 

As an artist I always find using a visualizations as an exercise extremely helpful in properly cataloging past mistakes, recent successes, and for the future goal setting of the year ahead. For example, as I approach the new year with the mind set of making changes and readying myself for new horizons I picture myself arriving at the summit of a high mountain pass…at this altitude I can look back in awe at the journey of the valley below that I just ascended from the past year…In that valley there was treacherous terrain and days of wounded war….pleasant streams, grassy meadows, and dark shadowy trails…although the journey had its challenges, looking back I can take toll of the experiences in the whole and gain valuable perspective on just how much I have grown…and take comfort knowing that good or bad all the experiences added up to the Man I am today…standing on a plateau overlooking the world with confidence of taking to the path ahead with a zeil for life.

From this plateau it isn’t clear what the future will hold for the path has grown over since the last traveler or maybe im the first pioneer on this way ( I love to think in those terms…the idea of embarking on something truly unique is the very thing that should inspire anyone to live their life with complete authenticity. To bring about change through human creativity and service to others. The only certainty you can plan for at the plateau is that there is no certainty….the new year will bring its own set of challenges, successes, and setbacks… However, it good to frame your mind around a strategies for success. Think about your needs at this time. Compile a list those needs from greatest to least importance. It will come in handy when the time comes to sacrifice. Rest assured you have to be tough enough to do so…with out the ability to sacrifice need…A truly committed person you cannot become….and commitment is the opposite of fear and the only tool for creating opportunity.

The key to taking to this new journey is to remember the lessons learned on the last journey, to never dwell on them with guilt and shame, but to move onward and ever forward with class and compassion.…you’ll be better prepared for the future…and take to your work, your relationships, your wellness, and self growth with passion ~ creativity ~ and Love …If you focus on those three simple words your certain to enjoy the journey through the woods, overcome the obstacles that may come...and love the New You!

Best of Luck on your Journey Friends:
Keep it Rustin:
Ty
Founder of Rustedblue

TLB'S Top 10 for 2010 Vol#3 Spots Moment

2010-12-30T16:10:00.000-08:00

Top Sports Moment of the year ... Big Bens Broken Nose = Poetic Justice

Ben might have successfully dodged another allegation of sexual assault this past year. However the two time superbowl champ has taken it on the nose when it comes to roughing this season...Some believe that the league has been looking away from such abuse as a continual reminder to the star athlete that the league will retain power over the mighty egos that take to the turf every Sunday.

In Bens Defense...he has competed fiercely this season and has made improvements in his life off the field.... As he did in the game against the Ravens...Ben Roethlisberger has played through the pain....and I wish him luck on his journey.

TLB

TLB's Top 10 for 2010 Vol #2

2010-12-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Read in 2010 - Outliers by: Malcolm Gladwell

Although Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers has been in print for going on two years now... I did not have the chance to read it until this year. Being the best read of my 2010 campaign I thought i would honor it in my best of 2010 list.

As Gladwell did in previous works Blink and Tipping point....hes frames ideas around our world from a completely different perspective... in Outliers he illustrates how who we are can not be separated from where we come from... How birth dates...family values...and birthplaces have a dynamic impact on our success.

Overall Gladwell offers that everyone is an Outlier if you choose to see that your always given the necessary resources to make magic happen....Its just whether you choose to see it or not...we are all blessed with hidden advantages for success at something...and this book will plant great insights in your mind....leading you to discover your own path.

Outliers = My Favorite Read from 2010

TLB's Top 10 of 2010....Vol #1 (Album and Song)

2010-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

TLB's TOP 10 in 2010

1. Album of the year: Sodier of Love ~ Sade

By far my favorite album of 2010....Sade makes her triumphant return after a ten year hiatus since lovers Rock in 2000... Still as sexy, soulful and elegant as ever...sade delivers and moves with dreamy and melencholy lyrics. My favorite track is #8 "In Another Time"

The Lyric = "In another time girl...the tears won't leave a trace" ~ inspiring the protagonist in the song to trascend her painful past...knowing full well as a soldier of Love that tough times dont last....Soldiers of Love do. :)

DEEP...SOULFUL...SEXY... = Always Sade...Always on Point! Im ready to fall in love again now that your back babe.

Stay tuned for my selections of the following: Coming B4 2011 ;)

Film

Designer/Artist/ Architect

Road Trip

Sports Moment

Party

Fashion Item

Book

Most intriguing Public Figure

Wear a Mans Hat

2010-12-07T09:46:00.001-08:00

I have become a big fan of the New HBO series Boardwalk Empire not just because I've been a huge Terrence Winter ( Sopranos /Northern Exsposure) Fan & Scorsese Fan for many years...but the period is down right righteous... The Brothels, The Liqour, The three piece suits, rolls of cash stand in for Amex Black Cards.... = Authentic was the time....and although the world of the show...the sense of place feels as though its caught in a hermetic time chamber from the time...it still has the feel of luxury...of leather, lace, liqour, and style. The Hey day of Atlantic City...Chicago...and all that JAZZZZZZZ!

The hieght of prohibition in ths country was a sexy time for american Fashion and the show has brought to mind what dressing like a gentleman should look like....even if the Characters rarely act becoming...at least they "dress the part".

There was a great scene in one episode where Al Capone begins to remove his hat out of respect and is stopped by a jewish man for doing so... Capone played by Stephen Graham is attending a service at synagogue....an older jewish man begins discussing with Capone the reason for wearing a yamaka and the tradition that coincides with its inteded symbolism...that God is above and we of human flesh should be reminded to cover ourselves in respect... Capone is wearing an Eight panel Borsalino Cap... (http://www.borsalino.com/) a classic...but a casual style of cap for the day.

The elder Jew mentions to Capone that he should get a Yamaka... He continues on with a great piece of dramaturge... " If you are a Man...Why do you wear the Hat of a Boy?"

Great Writing!!! Basically...Grow a pair & dress the Part!

In the next scene we see Capone arrive with a new suit and matching wide brim fedora like those made by: (www.optimohats.com) in Chicago ... He has made the transition from immature henchman....to a "Made Man"...based on his descision to change his dress from a dramatugical stanpoint his reversal as a character has begun to happen... THE SUIT DOES MAKE THE MAN AFTER ALL!!!

I loved this scene so very much....and it got me thinking about personal style...and what it means to have authority with it...and command presence with fashion and its intent.....How I see so much room for improvement in mens fashion sense as a hole...Men wearing graphic tees and ball caps as if issued from the modern henchman surplus store....Men so afriad to step outside the fold by upping their game...and challenging other men to do the same.... To transform their aesthetic from the "Modern Jersey Shore Uniform" >>> into the "Vintage Atlantic City Sartorial Soldier"

The art of war with Manly fashion: 3 simple tips for winter

1. Always bet on black, brown, or grey: its always good to go with a base color...if you were a house think of it as the foundation....or the wall paint of an interior...

2. Use powerful accessories to draw interest:

Colorful scarves, ties, two tone wingtips, boots....even loud ass Air Force ones or a bright pink G-Shock if you will...have fun with this...nothing clashes with confidence.

3. Wear a hat. Because you can...and leave the Red Bull and Vodka for the Cocktail waitresses and go-go girls.... Be a Man = drink scotch

And...SCENE
TLB

Purpose + Creativity = Power

2010-12-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Original Cinderman : Bob Marley

The Role of the Artist is two fold: 1. Through the production of creative work an artist must engage an audience intellectually...to challenge conventional wisdom 2. The production of creative work must move an audience through catharsis or move the viewer/experiencer to emote...

If the artist is truly successful, both ends can be achieved...this is accomplished by the masters and is the goal of any quality artistic initiative... To challenge and move.

The artist must take to work with these goals in mind, which are rooted in the service of others. Taking full accountability for the talents the creative being has been born with the Artist must take responsibility for developing a language in which to serve his fellow man... As the Doctor does in our society, the Politician, or the Legal worker. The artist becomes a professional...a soldier...a champion of the cause, no longer seen as wandering intellectual outside the conversation. Our times of desperation and apathy call for the creative mind to rise up and challenge conventional wisdom with respect and professional authority. I think of J-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Malcolm Gladwell, Bob Marley, Seth Godin, Frank Lloyd Wright, Galileo, Harper Lee, Abraham Lincoln....The work is a vehicle of communication paired with craftsmanship and compassion that when connected to the intent of shaping our world into a more civil atmosphere becomes POWER...becomes the key to our freedom as race.

The artist and creative thinker in our modern world must become the leader of community. Creating work for the masses that motivates, encourages change, and inspires others to become involved in the ongoing dialogue of the human conversation. Creating work for the intellectual or aristocratic class does little more than amuse...when the work connects with the downtrodden the blue collar...those in need of the ascension...The work then has the power to shape the collective conscience of society from the bottom up....a paradigm shift....

The role of the Artist is to provide insight and vision to our ongoing mission statement that is the human race, and do so with authority, maturity, and compassion. To build sustainable communities....to reinforce quality values....to inspire others to share and respect...In all...do not create work that YOU want....create work that the World needs.

As always...respect on the journey~

Its a Feeling Called Family

2010-11-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

Holiday season is upon us once again, which means mad scrambles to the mall to buy presents for offspring of relatives whom you have less and less in common with as the years go by. As you could guess... Yes I'm a bachelor...and no I'm no humbug. That's why i have decided to share with you my 5 point check list for relative relationship maintenance during the holiday season.

The truth is, human relationships are difficult and moreover, relationships with relatives are the most difficult...probably because you actually give a shit what these people think of you...and you have actual gut feelings about them in return.... its a feeling called family !!! As difficult as these ties can sometimes be I realize that most people I come into contact during my days... be it at work or in social engagements I really have a general affinity for...Maybe its because I've never known them on there worst day or been agitated with them like the way my brother cuts me off in conversation...or my mother micromanages my life.

We can choose to easily let the things about or family members that we don't cherish build up and frustrate us...OR...we can take the POV that holiday season comes once a year...and with the help of some well made cocktails...being under the same roof with people who share a intimate human connection however difficult...pails in comparison to the greater obstacles life can present...

So Chill out

Have a cocktail

Eat some snacks

Buy some presents

and happy up Grinch...Your Family deserves it!

A Bachelors 5 point check list for surviving the holidays with family:

1 -Find common ground with all....

I do the best that i can to take an inventory of those who will be present at family functions...I try to drill myself on things that may be of interest to each of them...conversation starters etc... I find that it breaks the ice with people.

2 - Do your best to pitch in ... This is where bringing a bottle of booze just wont cut it ... offer to bring a dish...Batchelors...that means you too...or perhaps helping you brother put together the kids toys....you get the idea....time & work = respect....over time respect always = LOVE

3 - don't dress like a bum ... represent the holiday season in style ...just because its family doesn't mean its time for sweats...always come proper

4 - Spend as much time with the munchkins in the family as possible. Parents have the fortunate opportunity to have their days lightened by the attitudes of little dudes and dudettes. We bachelors don't have that luxury. This can sometimes be a point of contention for the single adults...or childless adults in the family... I find that being able to share Christmas with the little ones is the very magic of this holiday....So rather than spend all season debating politics with father and watching football...burn through a pair of knees on a designer pair of jeans playing blocks with the kids...not only inspiring...but its always great to be the favorite uncle! ;)

5 - LOVE

I don't know how best to summarize this one...just continue to remind yourself that, although differences you may have...and different lives you may lead....its the one time of year that everyone is on equal footing.....Its about being able to share time with those who know you the best....and if they know you the best...you owe them your best...

Good Luck on your Journey friends & Happy Holidays~

A Legacy of Excellence

2010-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.tylerlennoxbush.com/

In my life I have always had just one goal...To be a good man. By my own admission I haven't always followed through on my duties...my duties to uphold my family values...my duties to maximise the potential of my intellectual and creative talents...my duties to be a loyal friend and son...my duties as a Catholic....as an artist....as a human being.

Recently, I have been thinking a great deal about Legacy...about the purpose of our work here on Earth....that is, after all, why we are here....to do work...to leave a mark...to advance our understanding of the world...and in my perspective, contribute in creating a more noble society...driven by mindfulness and civility....of respect and service to one another.

Not be too hard on myself and to offer some guidance to those who feel as though they have fallen short in some way. I believe we actually live two lives...the one we learn with...and the one we live with... Therefore, recognizing the areas we have fallen short when taken in that context can become a great motivator for our lifes work....The blueprint for our Legacy.

AS a young man I did an enormous amount of soul searching and risk taking and by the grace of GOD im here to look back...to reflect about things...and to utilize my knowledge gained so that my creative work can be infused with wisdom...infused with hope and understanding...So that my Legacy may be one that inspires others to grow. To share and mentor. Its then that I realize what an enormously cool GIFT life is... A GIFT that gives.... Therefore, I can only come to the conclusion that it is my duty to leave a Legacy that does the same. A Legacy in my creative work, a Legacy in my Relationships, A Legacy with Spirit that has given this gift....and the circle is then complete....my feelings of inadequacy eradicated.

Best of Luck on your journey~

The Power of Persistent Positvity

2010-10-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

The world can only deny your will for so long. Eventually something has to break. Reaminaing positive through the tough times can be excrutiatingly difficult. I like to think im a positive person, but just like you i can get frustrated with the world and my place in it. As a younger man...I lacked the confidence to be a fighter in that world. To be an agent of change. I would get negative and let the anger and saddness turn in on myself. It would lead to depression, paranoia, and substance abuse.

So despite what you may think...everyone experiences negative thoughts on a daily basis. The key is not to play into the thoughts, but to act on them in a positive manner. For example, if a love one harms you or disrespects you in some way...dont ask what did I do to them. Confront them...ask them why they have treated you this way...be strong enough to hold yourself accountable if its your fault, and strive to make better choices if so... but more than likely you will find out that the person was projecting on you their fears or unfairly and unmindfully holding you emotionally hostage. When confronting them often you can clear the air and come to terms...which is a healthy outcome.

Life is a battle...and we have to be ready for everyday with courage and love. Remaining supportive of others is the key to life. Even when we may have conflict with them. Be honest with yourself....the only people we ever have conflict with are thye ones we love the most...Remember they are worth being honest with...and worth solving your differences with..DO NOT RUN INSIDE>>>DO NOT SHUT DOWN.... We live in a network...we are not alone...and it takes a team for an individual to thrive.... Find a community that will support you and your dreams...surround yourself with people that challenge & hold you.

I have to remind myself of these things everyday...I want to live as strong a life as i can. I wish for you that same strength.

Good Luck on your Journey!