Your roving reporter

I found this video in my archives and thought that I would share it with all my pals...

Banteron from Boca Raton from Christopher Sullivan on Vimeo.

Windy November

Today the sky was crystal clear and it was even calm out on the coast. The wind has picked up this evening and blew the tarp covering off my redwood deck. I suppose I will have to invest another eight bucks for a new one at ACE in the morning.That thing has lasted a whole year and has protected my privacy and has provided plenty of shade during the summer.Today it was very apparent that weather changes are on the move.

I was able to collect a whole big canvas bag full of rocks at Russian Gulch.After driving through Santa Rosa I stopped by Michaels Art store to pick up some paints and metallic stickers.It was good to take a drive and let things ride today. I am not feeling particularly creative today, so I should do other things to have the Spirit move me.The rock below is sort of a Buddhist Mandala in honor of my sister, Tara.

An Attitude of Gratitude

This month being November,is the time of year where I like to reflect on all the kind blessings that have been extended throughout the year.I would especially like to thank all you that have purchased Your Spirit Rocks™ this past year. Your support has kept this particular Quest growing steadily.My hope is that the "glow" has brought each of you a sense of peace and serenity in these trying times.I know that it hasn't been easy for many of you, but your hope for a better future is what will bring this very vision into being. Admittedly, it has been difficult even for me to make the time to get quiet, and let the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit in.May this coming Thanksgiving be just that for each and every one of you. Your Spirit Rocks ON !!

Glowing Inspiration...

I came across this hopeful and inspiring video and have reposted it because of it's relevance to things that are illuminated brightly.The doctor in this video is talking about a "Tumor Paint" that is derived from the Israeli "Death Stalker Scorpion". as it is explained in this video,it will help doctors see cancerous brain cells without disturbing healthy cells so that they can better perform delicate operations.This may be the medical breakthrough for 2014 after it completes it's third clinical trial in Australia.

This Week's Rock

The background to this rock is where I paint all my rocks.It is plastic mesh that collects all the glitter and extra paint that does not end up on the rock itself.This is another one of those "3-D" rocks I've been trying to popularize.The rock below shows a little of what it looks like in the dark.

Rock of the Week

This week I am featuring a gold fish image that was popularized by my sister Tara's art work used on a Silk painting at Sybil Shane Studios where she partnered with a good friend.

The fish I painted on the rock is an attempt at creating 3-D motifs which seem to hover in the air when viewed through some special glasses that I've ordered online.They are called Chromadepth Glasses™ and can be purchased in a variety of styles and prices.

Turning out the lights with the black light on the rock, the orange colors jump forward as the blue colors recede.Although the 3-D effect cannot be re-created here, you can imagine how cool this must look.The fish seems to be swimming in it's own little pond!

... and now here with all the lights out

Posters !

Below is a poster that I put together, after hearing from someone that they would like a poster for their son's bedroom.It cost me about twenty bucks to have these printed out, and another twenty-five for the plastic frame I get at Michaels in Santa Rosa.I am selling this one for one hundred bucks,signed and framed. Right now, the idea of having an Art Show with a lot of posters at the public library is more appealing than selling these one by one.It is important for me to keep my name out there you see, so that people know that I am still in business.The last time I had a show was at the Public Library in St.Helena was around two years ago.It went well, and I was able to sell three pieces the first night.

If anyone would like to order a poster or custom rock for a friend, give me a call or shoot me an email and I will be happy to serve you.

This poster is one that now signifies the latest and best of the products that are on display at many of the shows where they can be purchased.

This next poster is more of an experiment. I used Prismacolor to enhance areas that seemed to fall back to give the poster a mock 3-D effect.The down comforter on my bed has served as the perfect background for this display.It allows a beautiful formation of folds concentrically surrounding each rock

The last picture is of three posters that are on display at the Legends and Lore shop in Napa. These are samples of my best composite images that showcase some of the more regal-looking rocks that have been produced.These posters were also in the Premier show of "Your Spirit Rocks!™" at the St.Helena Library.

The Rock of the Week

My friends, David and Laura Wallis let me set up a booth next to their stand at the Enchanted Village Fair at the Stonebridge school in the Carneros region south of Napa. I arrived around 2PM as I set up next to them and a "dunking" machine, where students and family members threw softballs at a target which, when struck would release the seat which left the participant in a large tub of water.Kids loved this because even teachers found themselves targeted as they sat on the seat waiting for some "lucky" student to strike the panel which dropped the poor victim into the drink.The fair had an Arthurian theme which was reminiscent of the Knights of the Round Table, with wooden swords, dragons, wizards and fair maidens.The rocks I sold were a good fit, because of their timeless quality.

David created a compelling design awhile ago of a folded heart sculpture made of steel. I thought of a way to make this piece somewhat utilitarian by having him cut an inverted hole in the middle of the fold to support business cards or even a rock like the one shown below. I hope that he is able to generate more of these pieces in the future, because of their attractiveness and usefulness.

Rock of the week

Wow!What a week it has been. Having returned from the Unity Festival on the Russian River,My Spirit has been Rocked ! This was my first Reggae festival, and it proved to be beyond my expectations.Admittedly, I wanted the Spirit Rocks to be a big hit there, and they were.Many people came up to inquire about them,so it was understandable that they wanted to take their time before making a purchase.I think their was a bit of mutual reluctance because of our general appearances. Most of the attendees were Rastafarians or lookalikes, and usually adopt an unconventional appearance (i.e.dreadlocks,tattoos,body piercings,etc).This may have been my projection, but I probably looked to some like an old straight dude doing a weekend undercover surveillance gig.

The music was undeniably good.I haven’t enjoyed much Reggae since my exposure to people like Bob Marley or Jimmy Cliff many years ago.All groups were accomplished in their own way.A special acknowledgement has to go to Kush County,Irie Fuse,Marlon Asher,Mishka,Roots Underground,Irie Love,Highest Intention,Sol Horizon and The Steppas.These were musicians that came from as far away as the Pacific Islands, Jamaica and Africa.Impressive, no doubt.

Most of the vendors were suppliers of utensils,clothing,jewelry,art and really great food. I had a Eggplant sandwich that was off the charts.Fish Tacos, Tri-tip,Crepes and Italian ices were just part of the fare.Children and oldsters were all there.Plenty of activities aside from camping, dancing and swimming were available. People threw frisbies,played tetherball,spun hula hoops and even went canoeing on the Russian River. A good time was had by all.

Look at this guy doing a fire swing dance to the music playing in the background. too cool!