Pretty Mike

National Gallery: Martin Puryear, DC Born Artist Makes Good

June 30, 2008, 7:39 am

Not that countless others have not made good.

But since I’ve been in DC (5 years) this is the first time I can remember a District born artist still living ROCKING the National Gallery.

If you’ve been reading my blog, intermittently, ferociously, casually, daily, monthly or weekly and totally dismissed every recommendation- please if you’re in DC go see this exhibit.

The families guide recommends you look out for color, texture and “woodworking”…fine, it’s the family guide. Considering some of the disinformation I heard red sweaty tourist parents I think they need a guide called “Art for dummies”.

To me the most amazing characteristics are the true balance of the dis-proportionally scaled pieces.

Yes, the woodwork was amazing and wide array of material was both beautiful and educational, the true beauty was the influence you could see  from all over the world: from basket weaving- to boat keels to guitars; the lesson that I took to heart was two fold.

1 . Art begets Art-

2. My work too could be exhibited at the National Gallery while my hearts still beating.

Of course Sundays starts with a wonderful Kramers Brunch which involved their amazing Bay Crab Omlette, potatoes and fresh fruit and of course as always the wide assortment of drinks I order. Coffee, Fresh Squeezed OJ, Bloody Mary and Water. “Thirsty?” The cool stoned waiter asked. “I like an assortment” I said back.

With a smile and a “Right On” we had friendly quick service and my drinks were never left empty for long.

Great Sunday!

Here’s a preview:

Forever Around but Never Together

This was my favorite piece.


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Killer Mustache-

June 28, 2008, 11:42 am

I change my look often- I do it to be comfortable in my own skin and because I bore of looking at the same dote in the mirror every morning. So I did a focus group, then just did it. And now I am rockin the mustache lifestyle.

It involves, short shorts, motorcycles, old ladys, swinging and being a security guard.

If you can rock the mustache, you can rock any lifestyle.

Killer Mustache


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Friday- Quotes, Shout outs, News, and Nancy Boys.

June 27, 2008, 9:26 am

On Wednesday I went to dinner with my new friend Joe Santoro, while the conversation flowed just like the Belgium Beer- by far the quote of the night was from his Mother who told him: “Keep your mouth shut but get some evidence.”

I’d also like to give a shout out Christopher Pernice who has spent countless hours over the years going over everything media from photography to animation…he’s answered countless questions about printing, websites, and more. Thanks Chris!

A big thanks to Sara for a wonderful dinner at Rays the Steaks- We started by sharing a cup of crab bisque which was AMAZING- the crab melted in your mouth, and the broth was so creamy as Sara said she could feel it coating her arteries. YUM.

We both had the hanger steak which came out with real mashed potatoes, and creamed spinach on old fashion iron hot plates, and ended by sharing a milk chocolate mouse with real buttermilk whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.

If you have to time, take someone you care about there- the company, food and atmosphere were fantastic.

So Thank You – Joe, Chris, and Sara for each being who you are.

News: It looks like a photo I took of one of my clients is going to get published in a magazine. (I will update when it comes out)

Nancy Boys: If you are a Nancy Boy you know who you are, because you were offended I used the term Nancy Boy.

Since we had such delicious steak last night I figured this photo of a Cow at Stone Barns in New York which grow and raise 90% of what they serve is fitting.

What are you Looking At?


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My GrandMother has Clearly Lost Her Mind

June 26, 2008, 8:02 am

My Grandparents are in a state of constant prayer for me, my business, and my daughter. They have been a constant source of love and support through some of my life’s toughest trials. So this June 9th, when I opened my Birthday present I wondered what I had done to deserve the shirt my Grandmother sent.

I immediately felt as if I was on the set of Birdcage, the thing is- I tried it on and it took standing in front of the mirror to realize I was wearing a very light linen shirt with hard bodied cliff diving brown men that are just about nude.

She clearly must think I’m a homosexual.

I am going to start asking for gift cards I think. If you or some one you know is a homosexual and would like a Ralph Lauren Linen shirt lets make a deal.

Homosexual Shirt


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I like to do, what I can do- when I can do it, ya know?

June 25, 2008, 1:53 pm

I took this photo awhile back from the other lane…and had a Nelson Muntz moment. Yah, I HA- HA’d them.


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Pretty Mikes First Retraction Ever…sort of.

June 24, 2008, 12:05 pm

Not only is Larry’s girlfriend an alleged thief (PrettyMikes Crack Legal Squad says I have to say allegedly until after Target convicts her of this terrible crime) but she’s also a huge fan of Prettymike.com.

I know who could blame her right?

This was the email I received late last night concerning my allegations:

To: prettymike@prettymike.com
Subject: LIAR

Mike – I can’t believe that you painted me this way after all I did for you this weekend. No more help for you!

Janelle

—–My Response—– (Liar huh? Well I didn’t paint at all on Sunday- I did however use CJ’s sidewalk chalk to write Prettymike all over the patio…whose the liar now?)

From: “Michael V. Sanders” <prettymike@prettymike.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:04:59
To:”‘Janelle
Subject: RE: LIAR

Cry me a river sister, I was just joking(but I wasn’t)…and definitely appreciate the help, cooking and pool time. Taylor and I both had a wonderful time.

I will write a retraction tomorrow…maybe.

Her Response to my Response

To: prettymike@prettymike.com
Subject: LIAR

I know you were kidding! Taylor is a sweet girl and she is welcome here any time. You however are not!!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

I wonder if that BlackBerry was stolen, I should report it just in case.

Back like Crack

Cool Shirt I found on the world wide web- new photos later this week.


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Larry's Girlfriend is a Thief: PROOF

June 23, 2008, 8:38 am

It’s troubling I know- to think that the significant other of my good friend and business partner would be a shoplifter.

Our plan was to go swimming yesterday, but Taylor did not have a bathing suit so Larry, Janelle aka Sticky Fingers, CJ her cute little boy, Taylor and I stopped at Target.

Since I am a Dad Janelle volunteered (after I begged her not to make me) to go with Taylor to help find Taylor a swimsuit with maximum coverage.

Larry, CJ and I went and put on incredible hulk hands and smashed each other while the crime was being perpetrated. After we got in the car she said “look what I stole” and let out an evil laugh.

EVIDENCE BELOW 

Sticky Fingers

 Obviously it was removed from the premises


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Larry’s Girlfriend is a Thief: PROOF

June 23, 2008, 8:38 am

It’s troubling I know- to think that the significant other of my good friend and business partner would be a shoplifter.

Our plan was to go swimming yesterday, but Taylor did not have a bathing suit so Larry, Janelle aka Sticky Fingers, CJ her cute little boy, Taylor and I stopped at Target.

Since I am a Dad Janelle volunteered (after I begged her not to make me) to go with Taylor to help find Taylor a swimsuit with maximum coverage.

Larry, CJ and I went and put on incredible hulk hands and smashed each other while the crime was being perpetrated. After we got in the car she said “look what I stole” and let out an evil laugh.

EVIDENCE BELOW 

Sticky Fingers

 Obviously it was removed from the premises


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Players, Pimps, Prostitutes, Dealers and Killers

June 20, 2008, 7:51 am

Actually my two favorite people were at La Casa de Miguel last night. Finally I was able to go pick up favorite person numero uno.

1. My Daughter Taylor-

We laughed hard, played slap hands and talked about her staying up until 551am “exactly Daddy!” while spending the night at Kalvina’s house.
(I asked if there was boys there…thank god the answer was no!)

2. For some reason while on the way back I couldn’t shake everyone else’s problems off me, I have felt bogged down by the constant stream of “woe as me” that’s come my way lately and unable to shake it off I put a call out to a great friend who came over and finally I was able to vent.

I refused to drop all my problems on her, but she made me laugh, and really helped me feel better just by coming over and staying awhile. This blog being my only outlet it was nice to feel cared about and know that when I needed someone they were there.

THANK YOU SARA!

My Picture today once again reminded me that life is about seasons- and as buildings go up and come down so do our lives. The struggle is what makes life interesting and without it we’d all be ungrateful wretches with shallow souls and unloving hearts.

Be Good to Yourselves and Each Other
Joy and Pain


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What are looking for in a woman? Some unholy war.

June 19, 2008, 11:47 am

I’ve recently been asked: “what is it you look for in a woman.” My funny answer is “she has to be breathing.”

But really I want a partner not the life kind which can’t marry in most states (not that theres anything wrong with that)

Dictionary.com defines a partner as:

1. a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor; sharer; associate.

2. a person associated with another or others as a principal or a contributor of capital in a business or a joint venture, usually sharing its risks and profits.

Feast or Famine, risks and profits, wins and losses – tears and joy.

Amy Winehouse describes what I am looking for in her song “Some Unholy War”.


“Some Unholy War”

If my man was fighting
Some unholy war
I would be behind him
Straight shook up beside him
With strength he didn’t know
It’s you I’m fighting for
He can’t lose with me in tow
I refuse to let him go
At his side and drunk on pride
We wait for the blow

We put it in writing
But who you writing for
Just us on kitchen floor
Justice done,
Reciting my stomach standing still
Like you’re reading my will
He still stands in spite of what his scars say
I’ll battle till this bitter finale
Just me, my dignity and this guitar case

Yes my man is fighting some unholy war
And I will stand beside you
Who you fighting for
B – I would have died too
I’d of liked to
If my man was fighting
Some unholy war
If my man was fighting


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