BEING IN THE ZONE
Tuesday November 18, 2008 by Chris Keng
We had a middle-aged African American woman as a model in class today. After laying my first brush stroke on the canvas, I was painting away at a much faster rate than my usual timing. During the process of painting her, I could sense me or my style in the painting, but at the same time I was questioning who was painting. I had never experienced working like that before in my whole life. It was as if something or someone had taken over my body. I did not have to make many conscious decisions while I was painting, but instead I was relying on my unconscious mind to do the job. The same experience I had earlier that morning, where it occurred to me that I didn't have to use my brain so much as I was driving myself to campus. That's being "in the zone."
THE MESSAGE FROM VAN GOGH
Friday November 14, 2008 by Chris Keng
The day after I read a little bit about Van Gogh's tragic life, I received a sign from him on my trip to the twenty-floor building in Century City. On my way up to the penthouse, I stood inside the elevator without paying any attention to the interior. After finishing my task, I hastily found my way back inside the elevator. When that elevator door opened up on the ground floor, a sign over the elevator control panel caught my attention as if it were grabbing my shoulders. I took a couple steps backward in my attempt to read the entire sign thoroughly. The sign simply says, "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." I began thinking, "Interesting quote, but so what?" Then I read the name printed underneath that quote. The minute I read Vincent Van Gogh, I got goose bumps all over. The great painter, over 100 years after his death in 1890, has found a way to communicate with me. For many years I have battled with the thought that I could not paint. On that day, Van Gogh tried to convince me otherwise.
THE NEW EQUATION
Thursday November 13, 2008 by Chris Keng
I came up with this new equation after class on Tuesday.
MILEAGE = EXPERIENCE + PERSEVERANCE
Anne Saitzyk talked about becoming a great painter in class. 10,000 hours, or broken down into 20 hours a week for the next ten years. That's a commitment.
THE NEW SANDBOX
Thursday October 23, 2008 by Chris Keng
Thank you, JAW, for the M.I.E.R!! You have helped me discover a new sandbox. With great sand! Courage and stamina.
THE RETURN OF THE SCHOLAR
Tuesday September 9, 2008 by Chris Keng
Today is my first day back in school after 13 years. The Art Center College of Design is a beautiful campus on the Pasadena hillside. Getting back in touch with nature as I am driving underneath the dappled shade of trees through the residential areas on my way to campus. Feeling removed from the stressful city. A shy deer greets me as I enter the main entrance. I am taking a painting class with Anne Saitzyk. I think she's a great teacher who gives fun demos!
THE BIRTH OF THE NEW WEBSITE
Sunday June 10, 2007 by Chris Keng
Well, I did it! I finally launched my new website here on chriskeng.com! There will be more goodies on the way! Stay tuned, folks, and hey, happy 21st anniversary, Chris!!