The Struggle that is Painting

Dearest Readers,

It never fails to amaze me how somthing that brings such joy to one can frustrate on SO much.  My mania passed and now I sit here in quiet contimplation.  Not sure if I am on the right track or if I have derailed in some deranged trainwreck.  I guess painting is a love/hate relationship, and as of late it has been more hate than love.

I believe that only another another artist can truely understand this relationship in the context of art and the plethera of emotions that acompany it.  I guess i could go on and on about each one, but it all boils down to (for me) rage and meloncholy.  This, to me, is the eternal that ever artist struggles with and falls within its poles.  The mania he or she faces, the battle that keeps one awake at night…..

Whoa this is getting too deep and i am not really in the mood tonight.

Well here it is.  Here a few photos of this 6 by 8 foot monstrosity.  You all be the judge.  Please bearin mind that it is only a sketch and it was realized at 4:30 am in a fury of paint, smoke, coffee, and rage.

ok there are some stupid technical difficulties that will not allow me to up load a photo at this moment.

sincerely,

J

Letter Numero Uno

Dearest Readers,

This is the first of hopefully of atleast a few letters from here on the bottom of the world.  This blog is not to be confused with the OTHER Rettig Chronicles. These are the chronicles of Joshua, not those of Joseph.  I am in no way trying to undermine or ridicule the original Rettig Chronicles; I just really liked the name.

Now that that is taken care of, on to the body of this letter.  As previously mentioned I am Josh, and as the title suggests I am an American ex-patriot living in South America (Argentina to be exact.)  I am currently (still) persueing a degree in fine arts at the National University of La Plata.  On that note, I guess I can say my studies going fine lately.  Only that a 4 page paper on the evolution of the vanguards during the first part of the XX century has been a bit of a problem.  The reocurring theme seems to be true comprehending the asigned texts.  Being that they are in Spanish it always, no matter how simplistic they may be, a challenge.  I accept it as yet another challenge I face while I continue to live here in on the bottom of our planet.

Aside from school keeping me busy, I try to get out into the great outdoors as much as possible.  I am an avid (as much as one can be while in college) rock climber, backpacker, and mountaineer.  This “summer” was quite productive with respect to my alpine pursuits.  After brushing up on my crevasse rescue skills I intended to summit Mt. Tronador (the header of this page), but unfortunately was turned back due to bad weather.  After a bit of rock climbing I went on to summit Volcan Lanin and its 12,220 feet on the 25th of February.  The ascention was spectuacular with great weather and only a few other people on the mountain that day.

Now, obviously, I am back at school, but winter vacations are fast approaching and I am hoping to go to the province of Cordoba to do some rock climbing on some really spectacular walls.  With multiple pitches and a total of over 260 feet in some cases, it promises to be an exciting endeavor.

Me on the summit of Volcan Lanin

It’s now almost 3:30 pm here and that means i need to get ready for class.  I hope you enjoyed this first letter.  I know I did!  I hope atleast a few people end up reading/following this blog.  I will try to keep posting.

Sincerely,

J