Baby Countdown

Less than two weeks until our new surprise addition to the family comes!  I can't believe we are having another child.  I am excited as can be - we are going to have loads of fun.  Denise, I know, will be happy to have this little one where she can hug and cuddle with him.  We will announce the name when he's born, and not a minute before.  Thanks for all the well-wishes.

Nuclear Science and Atomic Art

Greetings, friends.  Sorry it has been so long since I have posted.  I have been enjoying a great deal of success and interest in the atomic art series.  The images of the testing from Doomtown has led to an interest in popular culture imagery influenced by the bomb.  It has been a nice niche for me so far, and the imagery is endless.  I have been exploring a number of subjects, but two areas are standing out for so far.  I have a series of snapshots that I've found that have some type of imagery relating to popular culture taken by average American citizens.  I like these because there is some kind of narrative contained in each one, but we don't know for sure what it is - like a Hopper painting almost.  The other aspect is atomic cinema.  The obvious route here are monster created by radiation (Godzilla, Amazing Colossal Man, etc.) I have some ideas, but I want to figure out a creative spin on them.  The "Sons of Atom" painting, currently on display at the National Nuclear Science Museum in Albuquerque has initiated this sequence, and I was pleased with the results.

It's a fascinating concept to me - the heavy influence of the bomb on our culture, and how, even though it was so strong 50 years ago, it's virtually non-existent today.  As a college professor, I am always amazed how unaware my students are on the historical aspect of popular American culture.  My frames of reference in  this area are getting more and more distant as I get older.  Every now and then, someone will remember Gilligan's Island or the old Batman TV show, but not very often.  I like to think of this atomic series as a way to try and at least bring an awareness to folks of  the way things used to be.  And I guess, in that respect, I am aiming for a younger audience.  I also believe the older generations can relate as well because they lived through it.  To make art that is engaging and relatable on some level is a goal of mine. 

I hope to continue to get more and more venues to exhibit, as it gives me encouragement to continue to produce.  It's nice to be able to get out and meet a lot of the people who were involved in some of these projects. 

On another note, I just got a piece of trinitite in the mail.  I am anxious to figure out how I can incorporate it into a painting.

Going Big In Las Vegas!

It has been far too long since I updated my blog, mostly because I don't think many folks read it, nor care what I have to say.  I wonder if I really need to contribute to the thousands of other bloggers that post stuff for the sheer joy of sharing the minutae of their lives.  Okay, so here goes!

Las Vegas!  I am excited beyond words that I am showing my work in Sin City!  This is not only the largest town outside of Washington D. C. where I've shown, but it will also be the best exposure my work has ever had!  Who would have thought that atomic testing and communist paranoia could be so popular.  I have two paintings and a photo of third one that will be on display for the entire year of 2011 at the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas.  They are bringing me out for the opening gala in late January - how cool is that.  The exhibit, entitled "Building Atomic Las Vegas" is a celebration of the anniversary of the museum and the Nevada Test Site.  My painting will be on the catalog cover, the DVD cover and other promotional materials.  They will also be selling prints in the museum store.  Such a huge opportunity for me and my work.  I hope something comes of it.  We are tapped out after moving to Nebraska, so maybe we will get a little scratch to climb out of the hole.

Other than debt, Nebraska has been pretty nice.  The job is nice, the people are nice.  Plus, we have a new little Waterfield on the way, so all is well.  I have two more paintings on the easel now, so I better get to work!

Peace out,
DW

http://www.dougwaterfield.com/portfolio/doomtown

House Bounty

Spread the word, if you refer someone to buy our house ...and they buy it - before we list it with a realtor - we will give you $1,000. Asking price is $162,000. Includes house, heated pool, hot tub, 16 x 24' shop, two car garage. Email me if you have any questions.

Nebraska, Here we come!

Well, I did it. I decided that I've had enough of Magnolia and the South and am piulling up my tent pegs and taking the family up north. WAYYYY NORTH. I have been hired as the new department chair for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and I am excited. It's win/ win for me all the way around. More money, smaller teaching load, bigger school, bigger department, students that care and new chances to make a difference. When all is said and done, I could stay here and be a slacker, or I could move north, shuck corn and do something productive. I choose to shuck corn! The family is excited. Now, all we have to do is sell our house...

A View of the World from Bill Sykes

RIGHT! BILL SYKES 'ERE! NOBODY MENTIONS MY NAME! HA! But seriously, when I ain't around robbin' old ladies, scarin little kids or steppin' on kittens, I like to kick back and pondah the complexities of this daft thing called life. Me ol' pal Fagin's all caught up in the acquisition o' wealth - and Nancy!? Well, she just ain't really evah seen things my way, 'as she? She whines on and on about how unfair life is and such. WELL, IT AINT FAIR, IS IT!? And if I evah catch that rat Oliver again, you can bet 'e won't forget it! Me? Well, it's all about tha thrill o' the chase, ain't it? About dodging the beaks and flattenin' a few coppers. Why, I only feels alive when I got someone's tooth stuck in me knuckle. So, take it from ol' Bill - get out there and have a good time in this fine life - it's the only one ya get! Now, where's Bullseye? 'Ere boy! We're goin' down to the Three Cripples and scare a few pounds outta some poofy ol' bleedin sots. An if you don't like it, just shut yer festerin' gob and P-off! Who needs ya? Where's me jimmy?!?!?


SYkeS

The Play

Well, I'm now in "Oliver!" up to my neck, and I still am wondering if this was a good idea. I think I can sing it, but the lines and the timing are intimidating. Tyler Orsak did let me borrow his prized top hat, which is pretty neat. There aren't that many lines. Everyone else believes in me, so I guess it's time to start believing in myself. Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and dog gone it, people like me!