Preorders are available by following this link.

I turned 32 on February 7 (last week). I feel something special about this age and about the number itself… Also, based on all the Horoscope forecasts for Aquarius I’ve heard so far, this will be the year for realizing many creative ventures… (yes, I do believe in many things about the horoscope)…

So, I decided that this year, similarly to what I did when I turned 30 with daily self-portraits, I’ll engage in something creative on daily basis… Whether it be a photograph, a drawing, a painting, a collage, a paragraph, or even a collection of an item that will be recycled or used in the pieces to come… Then, at the end of my 32nd year, I’ll assess all the work and progress I’ve made, and create my next (possibly my Berlin debut) solo show, entitled “32″. It will comprise of 32 pieces created over 2012.

Some images of work in progress will be appearing here…

In the meantime, please enjoy these beautiful swans, ducks and geese in the Spree canal.

I started planning on moving here last June when my cousin told me he’ll be moving here from Bonn and asked if I would like to join him. How could I say no to that?! I arrived on July 7th and so far love the city! My biggest challenge at the moment is grasping the language but I know I need to be patient with myself and study…

I am very proud to announce my upcoming solo show, this June 19th, 2011. It will be held at the High Concept Laboratories, at 1401 West Wabansia.

The purpose of the show is to showcase the year-long self-portrait series I worked on over the course of February 2010-2011 as well as to serve as a going away party/exhibit for myself, since I will be moving to Berlin, for an indefinite amount of time, on July 6th, 2011.

The exhibit will feature nothing but my self-portraits, which is kind of a “tounge-in-cheek” was of saying “look at my face till you get sick of it, because it won’t be here in Chicago in a few weeks.”

I expect to also have some of my older artwork available for purchase if anyone would like it as a “souvenir” of sorts, as well as a vehicle to finance my move and living expenses in Germany.

We’ll be serving wine and light snacks. I expect to have some friends spinning tunes as you come and mingle and say hello (or good-bye).

Koko art on the walls and table

Rewster’s provides Dark Matter coffee, baked goods, along with soups, salads and sandwiches, prepared by Chef Frederick Zahm, formerly of Pierrot Gourmet at the Peninsula hotel, Chicago. It’s a lovely charming spot with wonderful ambiance and super friendly service.

The visual theme of the cafe revolves around roosters and the owners, Tom, Heather and Justin, asked me to paint one of the tabletops and to hang my art on the wall. I am thrilled to have my work hang alongside of great friend and talented artist, Joe Miller .

The rooster tabletop in progress

The rooster tabletop completed

Stop in for the amazing coffee, grab a sandwich or a pastry and enjoy the vibe, the art and everything Rewster’s has to offer.

REWSTER’S CAFE

(773) 647-3432

It is currently available for purchase at the Curbside Splendor Online Store, as well as these fine retailers : Barnes and Noble.com, Amazon.com, Quimby’s – Chicago, Book Cellar – Chicago, Wolfbait & B-Girls – Chicago, Hardboiled Books & Records – Chicago, Sleuths & Centuries – Chicago

It’s a gritty coming-age-story, influenced by works such as Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity, and Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused (if that were a book instead of a movie).  It’s also semi-autobiographical.  The main character, Alejandro (“Alex”) Lopez is a based on me, and it draws from my experiences living in Chicago over 30 years ago, growing up in Des Plaines and going to Maine West High School, and living in contemporary Chicago as an accountant desiring to be something else. Click here for more about the book.

I am so proud to be a part of a real publication and I encourage you to support Curbside Splendor Publishing and submit your own writings.