Bukowski ATC's

I'm not sure exactly when (or how) I discovered Charles Bukowski. He's the sort of famous that plenty of people would say "Never heard of him", while others would be horrified if you didn't recognise his name. He's gruff, vulgar, and honest, a vulnerable asshole.

I love his work. His poem "Bluebird" is one of my very favourite things in the whole world. It's sadness with a tinge of hope. 

Much of his work is like that, a recognition of the beauty in the overlooked.

He's also full of piss and vinegar, passion and determination.

I made this set of ATC's with some of my favourite Bukowski quotes...

... and his wonderfully life-lived face.

These have been sitting in my studio since the summer and I'm glad to have finished them. There's something extra satisfying about finishing a piece that has been sitting around for far too long.

Makes me feel sort Bukowski-ish. To say "See! I told you I wasn't done with you yet! TAKE THAT!"

And just in case you were wondering, the tray is from 7 Gypsies. The cards are made of all the things. Tape, wax, ink, paint, lace.... all shmooshed together!

Here's hoping we all walk well through 2017.