Today His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama joined Twitter( http://twitter.com/DalaiLama ).  I had the opportunity to see and listen to him speak on Sept. 24th 2009 in Memphis, TN.  It was a small auditorium that seated only around 3 or 4 thousand people, so the tickets were expensive.  I decided at the last minute to go, due to only finding out he was in town the night before because of a blunder by one of our local elected officials in greeting him.  I rarely watch the local news.  I have an unpredictable work schedule and very limited extra funds these days.  So many things worked out just right to enable me to get the opportunity to hear him speak in person.  I released all attachments to the outcome of being able to find a last minute ticket at the venue, especially the afternoon of the event(they had already quit selling tickets for the event on line).  I was able to get one of the final 20 remaining tickets, and had brought just enough money to pay for it, since it was one of the more expensive ones.  After heavy security checks, we all took our seats and waited.  I again decided to release any attachment to expectations of the speech.

He spoke in a very casual manner.  The Dalai Lama at once puts you both at ease and commands your utmost attention.  His laughter is infectious, and you can not help but smile with him.  He would make a point, and often it seemed like I had at once know it all along to be true.  He says that we all want to be happy and avoid pain, both physical and emotional.  He also adds that you should not read anything extra into his words, because he is just a simple Buddhist monk.

I drew the sketch above later that same afternoon.  On the drive home, after his speech, there was a rainbow.  I did not turn the radio on, but rather just enjoyed the sounds of the city, and was thankful.

I hope to be a simple artist one day.

]]> http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/02/22/dalai-lama-twitter/feed/ 1 http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/01/22/80-mini-zines-and-50-drawings/ http://www.andymcnally.com/2010/01/22/80-mini-zines-and-50-drawings/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:46:34 +0000 Andy http://www.andymcnally.com/?p=383

I attended my daughter’s Career Day this morning at her school, representing the career of “artist.”  I had a blast answering all of the questions the students had and sharing my inspirations and drawings.  I created 80 little mini zines/comics on why I choose to be an artist(pictured above) to hand out, and wished that I had been able to create 5 times that many to give to everyone.  I then ended up drawing and handing out 50 pieces of art, which was all of the sheets of paper in the art pad.  We then turned to the laptop and I drew a simple flip book style animation using Flash and my Wacom Tablet.  I will share the animation later today or tomorrow with everyone.  I would like to say a big thank you to the staff and students for having me.  I would also like to tell the students, that now matter wether your passion is art, sports, writing, the military, science, or a million other things, follow your passion and pursue a career that makes you happy.  Thanks again everyone.

ps.  If anyone that I drew a picture for at career day wants to send me a picture of you with your drawing, I would love to post it here on my blog.  Email me at:  andy@calexstudio.com

December 7th is always a special day for me.  It was the day that my Grandfather, Elihu Rigsby was born.  There have been many important men in my life, that have shaped who I am today including my father, step-fathers, and my father in law, and all of whom I’m so very thankful.  I may have not had the opportunity to spend as much time with my Grandfather as I would have liked or should have, but he is still teaching me things after all of these years.  I still learn from his example, from reflecting on my memories of just hanging out with him on his farm, when I was a boy.  My visions are perhaps clouded by great love, but in retrospect the time spent on the farm with both he and my Grandmother, where like being  in Shangri-La.  No one is perfect, but there are some who come much closer than others.  I’ve never meet anyone in my life, who knew my grandfather, that did not tell me a story about his generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness, and goodhearted nature.  Even after several years now, I miss him more than words can say.  Happy Birthday Granddaddy.

When somebody asks me what I do for a living, my usually answer is my job title.  I’m changing that today.  My new answer is that I’m an artist, and I’m passionate about drawing cartoons, children’s art, and the imaginary creatures I see.  Yes, I do see them. I’m sad that you do not.  Why bring this up in a post named “October and Halloween” you ask.  October is a powerful month for me and often brings change.  The fall is my favorite time of year, and my birthday is the day before Halloween.  Halloween, a magical day, when we get to eat candy and wear costumes.  We get to pretend at least for one night that we are something else.  We get to change our appearance, act like a star, a monster, a robot, a prince, a princess, or any number of things both wonderful and scary.  What a powerful holiday.  We get to imagine.  Yes, Imagine.  I challenge you to keep imagining, and maybe just maybe, you will find the courage to chase the things you are passionate about in life.  I’m here to tell you there will be dragons along the way, and most often they will be disguised as regular people. Trust me they will breath fire.  Don’t let them stop you.  Good luck.

My name is Andy McNally.  I’m an artist.  Let me show you my new Halloween creations.  I love them and I’m happy to share them with you.

It has been far to long, since I last posted anything.  I’m making up for it with a multimedia extravaganza.  I have audio podcast below, and a slide show, above, featuring a whiteboard drawing series that I started.  Funny, I always say that I don’t draw large scale very well, and I’ve been doing just that over the last several weeks.  The whiteboard drawings came about as simply a need to express my creativity.  After accepting a new job recently, I’ve been trying to catch up and find time for my creativity, mixed in with adjusting to the new jobs schedule, in a city 120 miles from my home.  Reflecting back on the last several weeks, I’ve often thought that I have not drawn anything or had anytime to be an artist.  Looking at all of the images that I prepared for this post, it is obvious that was not true either.  The need for a job and money to pay the bills is important, and I’m incredibly thankful to have a job, but ultimately my goal is to make a living doing what I love, drawing.  Regardless of what any nay sayer may tell me, I know that it will happen.  It is only a matter of time.  Thank you all for your encouragement, patience, and love.  Have a wonderful weekend.  Create, Imagine, Explore.

Check out more of the Whiteboard drawings on my Flickr whiteboard photo stream.

It has been a while, since I’ve posted art, that was not related to Illustration Friday.  I’ve been busy lately trying to find freelance work, and more recently a full-time job.  I really enjoy my freedom of working on projects that I feel strongly about, however in the current economy I’ve been struggling for the last 2 years.  One thing that I’m proud of, is that I do not give up.  Many people have accused me of being stubborn.  I’m in the process of transitioning into an children’s illustrator/artist, from a career of Technology teaching and consulting.  I’m also in the early stages of writing an illustrated children’s book.  These are new areas for me, full of more uncharted waters and uncertainty.

The illustration above is something I drew about a month ago.  On one hand, it is not meant to be me saying, “I’m a star,” like some egotistical idiot.  However, we all should be like this star and take credit for who we are and what we can do.  I created the illustration to generate positive energy for myself and others.  I’m proud of my artistic abilities, and I love to draw, create, imagine, and dream.  What things make you proud about yourself?  What things make you happy?  Think of the things that make you happy and proud to be you.  Now, write those things down on a piece of paper.  Draw smiley faces, pictures, or cut out pictures and tape them to it, to make you smile and feel good.  Put your list in your wallet, purse, pocket, or where ever, as long as you can take it out and look at it when you need a positive energy boost.  Remember, you are a star.  Be positive.  Be happy.  Be radiant.

The theme for Illustration Friday was “hierarchy.”  I will admit this one gave me a little trouble.  I thought about my usual birds on tree branches, but really wanted to do something different and to challenge myself a bit.  I’m a big fan of Japanese art, animation, and culture (hint to Japanese package/design artist representatives and agents).  I was looking at a new mechanical pencil that I wanted to buy from Japan, and was reminded of how wonderful their package designs are, because they very often have cartoons on them.  Anyway , the thoughts of Japanese product design collided with an MP3 player, music players of old, and my art to produce the image above.  My imagination is a happy place, so the music players old and new get along great and just enjoy good music together.  Go get your music player, turn on your favorite music, smile, and have a wonderful day.

Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends is airing their final episode today on Cartoon Network.  Created by animation director Craig McCracken, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends was launched in 2004.  It has certainly been one of the more creative titles on the Cartoon Network in recent years.    The show has won 6 Primetime Emmy Awards and at least 4 Annie awards. Foster’s is about a large boarding house which is the home for forgotten/given up children’s imaginary friends, who stay until another kid comes an adopts them.  The Victorian styled foster house is home to many imaginary friends of various shapes, colors, and sizes.  The main characters are Mac, an eight year old imaginative boy, and his imaginary friend Blooregard Q. Kazoo, or Bloo for short, a walking, talking blue security blanket.

I have always enjoyed Foster’s because of the lovely animation and fun stories.  The characters certainly bring to mind the unbridled carefree imagination of children.  Bloo and Mac’s adventures are grand and full of delight.  The shows are great for kids and adults alike, since they often reference other cartoons, pop culture, and animation, like Masters of the Universe, Monty Python, Super Mario, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and even an 80′s Flash Gordon Queen styled song in the episode, “The Bloo Superdude and the Great Creator of Everything’s Awesome Ceremony of Fun” (2009).  I highly recommend catching past episodes and especially the final five airing Sunday, May 3rd, 2009, culminating with the final episode, “Goodbye to Bloo.”  Farewell Foster’s.  My imaginary friends and I will watch the re-runs and think of you often.

I combined the Illustration Friday theme “impossibility,” with thoughts about Earth Day to create this illustration.  One of my favorite movies is “My Neighbor Totoro“ by Hayao Miyazaki.  Miyazaki captures the beauty, innocence, and wonder of childhood.  The movie is beautiful and I love the little and big Totoros, and especially the cat bus.  My imagination never stops, so I see my drawings and creations everywhere, and gain inspiration from everything around me.  The young man in the illustration is proclaiming the forest spirits do not exist, since they are most certainly an impossibility.  To the contrary, I say that not only do they exist, but they are everywhere, we have only to stop and notice them.  People often ask, if I really see my little creatures in my head and the world around me, and I answer, “yes, well certainly.”  I more amazed that they do not see them.  The world is full of wonderful things, just ask any child.  In the movie Satsuki and Mei can see the Totoros, but none of the adults can.  It is important to imagine and dream, life will keep you grounded on it’s own, so don’t worry about living in a fantasy world.  The important thing is to bring the spark of creativity and wonder into your life everyday, and if you need any help, I’m sure a child will be happy to help you.  Have a wonderful day.  Imagine, dream, create, draw, laugh, and love.