Word Tattoo

I invite you to join me on a journey to explore memories of the future.

a blog by john-michael korpal

Dealing With The F-Word…

…Failure

 

Three stages to help you make it through to the other side in one piece.

 

We have all have failed at something one time or another. It is the product of reaching out from our comfort zone and trying something different. Even though we try our best the puzzle pieces may not fall into the proper places.

 

*Mourn – Ok so it was a crash and burn, nothing turned out right and what remains are the shards of glass and debris, while you recite your long and well practiced list of “what if I did this…” exploring every little dark little corner of your mind looking for answers to make the burning feeling in the pit of your stomach dissipate.

 

*Learn– After sifting through the wreckage and seeing if there is anything that you might be able to wipe the smoke and ash off and use it as something in the future. Being careful not to be pulled back into the disparity of the moment.

 

*Moving on up – Pick yourself up, wipe away the tears and look deep within to find your inter warrior (or replace with a word that is more fitting for yourself) and repeat after me…It is time to show the world that I am here to live my life out loud!

Whatever props and accessories you choose for this special event is up to you, but remember that the only way that failure can win is if you give up trying. So pull up those bootstraps and adjust that hat and walk this way you have work to do!

 

The Cabinet of Secret Paintings

I am proud to announce that I have a small painting included in this exhibition.

 

If you have a chance stop by and check it out.

 

The Cabinet of Secret Paintings is an exhibit of artworks that were never meant to be seen. Curated by Chicago artist Betsy Zacsek, it features works by dozens of artists that tell a private story, were created for personal reflection, have a loaded past, or simply not ready for outside judgment.
For this reason the works will be shown and discussed only on four occasions. The artists may or may not be present and can choose to remain anonymous.

 

May 29, 6 – 9 pm
Family-friendly viewing — May 30, 1 – 2 pm
Weeknight viewing — June 3, 7 – 8 pm
Closing reception — June 16, 6:30 – 9 pm

 

Gallery Hours:
Due to the nature of this exhibit the gallery will be open only during program hours, by appointment, or when the “open” sign is on the door.

The Cabinet abides in  all of its enormous mysteriousness.

The cabinet abides in all of its enormous mysteriousness.

 

Love for Sale: The Graphic Art of Valmor Products

This was a wonderful exhibit I saw several weeks ago. If you get a chance check it out. It is located on the fourth floor gallery in the Chicago Cultural Center and runs until August 2, 2015.

 

Everybody wants love. And who doesn’t want to have good luck and success in life? Or to look their best? Quietly operating from Chicago’s South Side between the 1920s and 1980s, the Valmor Products Company offered all these things and more. Perfumes, hair pomades, incense, and a wide variety of other products came packaged in small bottles and tins with eye-catching labels affirming the mystical powers of the products within. Produced in small quantities and targeted to minority consumers, the distinctive graphic designs of Valmor’s products were nearly forgotten. But in a lucky circumstance of historical “lost and found”, the Chicago Cultural Center is displaying the first comprehensive exhibition of these remarkable works of graphic design. Tiny labels – some no bigger that a postage stamp – will be enlarged to poster-size using contemporary imaging technology. Also displayed will be vintage bottles, product containers and original artwork which in themselves embody complex stories of cultural history