Free Speech

I am being inundated with "suggestions" on Facebook to join another group. This one is "Petition to get 'Fuck the Troops' kicked off face book" (sic). Or maybe it is "GET THE GROUP "FUCK THE TROOPS" OFF FACEBOOK". Or maybe "I am offended by the group "Fuck the Troops."" Or "Fuck "Fuck the Troops"". "Fuck People Who Say Fuck The Troops!". "SUPPORT THE TROOPS OR FUCK YOU". "Fuck the groups that say fuck the troops". Or my personal favorite: "If you say "Fuck The Troops", we say " Come say that shit to our faces!!"" and their profile pic is Chuck Norris from Invasion USA. So there are almost 300 groups that are either for or against the troops or for or against groups that are for or against the troops! Whew! That's a lot of "fucks"!


Here's where I stand: My Grandfather served in WWII and was given the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. My Dad served in Viet Nam. His brother, my uncle, gave his life in the same war and was awarded the Purple Heart and other awards for bravery posthumously. Two Uncle on my Mom's side served in the military. Several cousins and good friends have served bravely. Some still serve. I am proud of these people. And I am proud of this country. I think that even for all the shit that goes on this is still the greatest country in the world. What makes the United States of America so great? One of the many reasons is Freedom of Speech.


Freedom of Speech. We hear that a lot but I think we hear it so much that we forget what the words really mean. Freedom of Speech is "...protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. Criticism of the government and advocacy of unpopular ideas that people may find distasteful or against public policy, such as racism, sexism, and other hate speech are generally permitted." (Wikipedia). How does that work for you? Sounds great, doesn't it? 


That is until someone says something that goes against something you hold dear, like religion. Or America. Or politics. Or someone says something that offends you. Then it has to go! Has to! The terrible and offensive things these people are saying should be eradicated! Wiped from the face of the Earth and never spoken of or even thought about forever! That way of thinking is my friends is Censorship. With a capital "C". And that is un-American. Free speech protects all speech, not just the speech you agree with. Did you catch that one part in the quote above? The part that says "Criticism of the government and advocacy of unpopular ideas that people may find distasteful or against public policy"?


If the group "Fuck the Troops" is removed from Facebook then the injuries my Grandfather sustained, the time my family and friends spent in the military and the life my Uncle Eddie gave will have been a waste. An utter waste. If this group is removed then we should just gather up all the books and burn 'em. Just like the Nazis did. And then round up the artists, writers, journalists, authors and anyone that believes in the true meaning of Freedom of Speech and stick them (us) in a camp somewhere. Just like the Nazis. And the Commies. 


As an artist Freedom of Speech is very important. I know that I do pictures and say things that offend. And that each time someone is offended there are repercussions. But the offended is the ultimate censor. The offended can choose not to look at my art. They can choose not to read my blog or be my "friend". But that can not and should not try to stop me from saying what I'm saying. I have the right to Freedom of Speech but I do not have the right to be heard.  That is how one should deal with speech one finds offensive. Ignore it. Put together a rebuttal. Protest or counter-protest. Start a group called "Fuck you for not agreeing with me and believing in the same things I believe in and seeing the world the way I see the world". But do not venture down the road to censorship. That is a a very dark and dangerous road. One that we may not be able to come back from. 


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_in_the_United_States
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_the_United_States
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clear_and_present_danger
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_speech_fights
http://www.leliathomas.com/2005/10/20/a-time-for-censorship-a-time-for-freedom/

Mid-South Con re-cap

Being the Artist Guest of Honor at Mid-South Con in Memphis was truly a great experience that will be hard to top. For one thing it will always me memorable for me because it was my first time flying. Yeah, I had been in a puddle jumper and flown over Cincinnati before 9/11 but the trip to Memphis was my first time in a real jet flying over real clouds! I was a little anxious but my fascination was stronger. While we were up there I noticed several folks had drawn their shades. Personally I never get tired of looking at clouds from the ground so I can't imagine ever getting tired of looking at them from above! Some people take the beauty of nature for granted.

Memphis is an hour's flight from Cincinnati. It is also in a different time zone so we had the distinct pleasure of landing in Memphis at almost the exact same time we left Cincinnati. We time traveled! That weekend was also the start of daylight savings time so I'm still a little unsure what year I'm in!

So I'm not going to go day-by-day but suffice it to say we had a great time. The staff was the best! All of them! Sylvia picked us up at the airport and we had lunch/dinner with her. And Jane put up with us on Friday when she hauled Heather, DC comics' Gail Simone, her husband Scott (who are some of the nicest people BTW) and myself around Memphis to sightsee. We got to see Graceland and Sun Studios both of which were awesome. And not awesome in the modern sense but awesome in the original sense of the word, inspiring awe.

We got to meet some old friends like Sam Flegal, Mike & Paul of Aradani Studios, Shorty, Stephen Zimmer and others that I know I'm forgetting, as I usually do! Some of the highlights of the weekend was with our new friends.

We finally got to meet Chesley ward winning AD and editor Lou Anders from Pyr. Minutes before the opening ceremonies I was informed by the Toastmistress Lee Martindale that when I was introduced I was to stand up and say a few words! Not being a public speaker is a bit of an understatement! So when I took my seat I was so caught up in that horrid news that I didn't realize I was sitting next to Lou! My speaking "engagement" wasn't a disaster and spending time with Lou over the weekend was a treat. He has some great stories and it was nice to find a kindred spirit in the world of conspiracy theories and Forteana.

We got to have a couple drinks with Kevin J. Anderson who is a super nice guy, breakfast with Lin Workman, Memphis bar-b-que along with some other good Southern style home cookin' and made a lot of new friends, one of which lives just down the road from us! Let me tell you, those Mid-South Con folks know how to put on a show. We'll be going back! Thanks guys!

Me and Lou Anders

My gift to Carlin's little one!

Me at Elvis' grave site representin'!

In front of Graceland

Inside Sun Studios

Outside Sun Studios

Horrorhound Indy

OK, so I screwed around and didn't get to do this really well thought out post about my guest appearance at Horrorhound Weekend Indianapolis this weekend. Deal with it. I'm busy. I got stuff to do. So go to Horrorhound Weekend's website, look at all the awesome celebs, authors, artists and kooky personalities and kick yourself in the ass if you're not going!

But next week I promise I'll do better. Lot's of info comin' your way. I need to give the scoop on Mid-South Con in Memphis, Horrorhound Weekend and my stint as an artist's model! You won't want to miss an action packed moment!

Darkwoods Con

Wow. I'm still not entirely sure the events in Pikeville actually took place or if I dreamed it! Maybe it will help if I start from the beginning...Nah! I'm just going to throw a bunch of crap out there at ya!

*Had breakfast 3 times with Michael Berryman, once was with Michael AND Dick Warlock and his wife Cat!!
*And speaking of Dick and Cat...I believe they are androids because nobody can possibly be that nice.
*I misspelled Daniel Emery Taylor's name when I created the program for the event...only to find out that the event misspelled my name on the banner for my table! Karma!
*Dinner with wrestling legend Al Snow and his wife Bobcat along with Cherokee and his minions.
*Free bourbon always tastes better...going down than coming back up!
*Our friends are quite possibly some of the funniest people we know...;-)
*TJ won the Dance Dance rematch against Daniel Emery Taylor...but he blurred the line between fun & games and pornography when he did it topless.
*Big thanks to Alex Del Monacco, Stacey Dixon and Kayla Perkins for making the scenery across from us easy on the eyes.
*It was good to hang out with artist cohorts like Sam Flegal, ScottRa, Joel Robinson & TB Gallery and friends like Pickled Brothers Sideshow, Nic Brown, Jim O'Rear, the Tatlors...er, I mean Taylors, Billy Blackwell, The Scream, George and the gang from ZP Movies, Stephen Zimmerer, Schaff, Lyz, William J. Wright, TJ and on and on and on....
*The gang at Darkwoods Con sure know how to put on a show!
And now for the evidence!

Me & Billy Blackwell

Me & Heather

Me & Jeff Mitchell

I molest pandas...

...and wear their hides as hats!

Blank spaces bother me.

Blank no more!

Heather & Jim O'Rear, two ravers lookin' for a party.

Heather "The Scream" Price, me & Heather

The Taylors & Tacketts

Cat & Dick Warlock (Michael Meyers) and us

Us and Michael Berryman

Ari Lehman rocks...Nuff said.

Mid-South Con

Just a little reminder that we're headed to Mid-South Con in Memphis where I'll be Artist Guest of Honor. Other guests include authors Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, Gail Simone, editor Lou Anders, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dan Gamber, Stephen Zimmer, Lin Workman, Mike and Paul Bielaczyc, Sam Flegal and I heard a dirty rumor that Jim O'Rear will be there. Still waiting on confirmation for that one.
This is our first trip to Memphis and my first trip in a plane. I'll let you know how that works out for me. I'll be posting my updates for Darkwoods Con and Mid-South Con next week.

Don't forget: If you're in the Cincinnati area I have original art and prints for sale at Art On The Levee at Newport On The Levee. Prints are matted and hand splattered by my own grubby little hands. They're going faster than a leper with diverticulitis so get yours today!

Con Nooga

Better late than never, eh? Here it is: This was our third year at Con Nooga and won't be our last! It's hard to find better convention folks. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones. One highlight was having a beer and talking shop with Larry Elmore...Actually it was more like having a beer and making copious amounts of mental notes while listening to Larry Elmore talk shop! Another highlight, or possible source of future emotional scars, was dinner with Abyss Walker author Shane Moore and his wonderful wife-to-be Tracy, Gene Simmons' Dominatrix author Sean Taylor and artist Mark Helwig where the conversation kept going back to which animal genitalia is most like a human female's among other things. I won't post a spoilers here, do your own research!
I had the honor to sit on a few panel discussions with Larry Elmore, Mike and Paul of Aradani Studios, Rob Brown, Christina Barber, Mark, and others I know I'm leaving out but I can't think of at the moment.
Tom and his minions from Imagicon were there and they hosted a great party! There was some stiff competition though including a white thrash themed party and an 80's metal themed one.
George Bonilla and his crew were on hand with some sneak peeks of their upcoming movie Santa Claus vs. The Zombies. I designed the military patch used in it and he gave me some of them. I'll post pix soon. We also discussed me being involved with in the movie a little more but I'll save that news for later.
There were a lot of folks there I haven't mentioned but I'll be getting to them in my next post about Darkwoods Con...because I think they're following me!
Unfortunately this was one of those events where we completely forget to take photos...so here's a couple we did took on Sunday:

One of the coolest things I have seen for a very long time, a steampunk Professor X chair.

Con Nooga Todd and me with the art I did for the event last year that he loves so much he had blown up and stuck on the side of his trailer.

More Than Ink tattoo themed art show in Newport KY

I'm taking part in a tattoo themed art show in Newport KY during the month of March. Opening is this Saturday and Sunday at Art On The Levee located at Newport on the Levee. http://www.newportonthelevee.com/directory/detail.aspx?id=53

Unfortunately I won't be there (I'm guest at Darkwoods Con in Pikeville KY this weekend www.darkwoodscon.com) but you can meet local artists like Rob Meyer fromwww.ICFTB.com, Mike Maydak, Jaimie Filer and others and see most of my Dead White & Blue paintings in person. 

Ass kickin' band De Los Muertos http://www.myspace.com/delosmuertos will be playing on Saturday. The more successful we make this show the more likely they are to have more like this! So let's support local tattoo, underground, low brow and outsider art!

Con Noooooogaaaaa!!!!

Heading down to Chattanooga this weekend for the one and only Con Nooga. Ever been to Con Nooga? No? Y'know we make fun of you when you're not there. If you don't want us laughing at you behind your back you might want to show up. It's gonna be cool. Lloyd Kaufman, Alex Del Monacco, Samantha Newark, Richard Green, Mark Helwig, Aradani Studios, Sean Taylor, Bobby Nash, Jason Crowe, Roni Jonah, Chris Goins, Richard Ewell, Shane Berryhill, Robert Freese, Deborah Collard, Tucky Williams, Kayla Perkins, ZP International, Christina Barber, oh and somebody called Larry Elmore. And those are just some of the people I know! Either I go to a lot of events or I'm way too social...Gotta be too many shows because I'm a bit of an anti-social prick! Anyway You gotta be there because I just got word that Abyss Walker author Shane Moore will be there and he won't let you live it down if you don't show up!

I'll have some new prints. I'll be doing some interesting panels on Saturday night. Been hearing about some parties as well. You should come.

Taking my own advice

I've decided to take my art down from some of my social networking sites, most notably Facebook and MySpace. The reason? I am losing control of how my art is being used. MySpace now gives the viewer an URL to the image so that it can be used by anybody, just like Photobucket! Every so often I do searches for my most popular images and I am now starting to see them pop up on Ebay and Zazzle stores on t-shirts and buttons. I am also seeing my images adorn websites and pages of people and organizations I really don't want to be associated with.

Another reason is that if someone were to complain about my images on a social networking site and said social networking site deemed my art inappropriate my account could be canceled. That would suck.

Another issue I will be addressing is hot-linking to my images, otherwise known as bandwidth theft. Hot-linking is to get the snippet of HTML code for one of images and stick it on your site which in effect makes your page look super cool at the expense of my bandwidth. This is bad for a couple reasons. 1) Again I have no control over how the image is used. 2) When I pay for my website hosting service I am allotted X amount of bandwidth. If I go over that amount I am charged or my site can be temporarily taken offline. When you hotlink to my images your visitors use my bandwidth. All it would take is some heavily trafficked website to hotlink to me and it could cost me a ton of money in bandwidth charges and missed income because my site is down.

Now, let's see if the guilty parties are paying attention. Over the next few weeks I will be systematically replacing my images with others. These other images may or may not be appropriate. Which means instead if the awesome Fannie the Flesheater image on your MySpace page you could wake up one morning to find some really disturbing pornographic image...and I mean some baaad stuff. Embarrassingly bad. Bad enough that it could get your account suspended. Or it could just be an image with a warning about hotlinking with my web address plastered on it. I haven't decided yet.

I know this sucks. But what I plan on doing is as I upload new art to my site I will post links on my Facebook and MySpace accounts. Maybe a blog post. Another idea I've been toying around with is starting an email list for updates on new art. We'll see.

Thanks .
Billy

Dog Faced Corpse update

As some of you know I was commissioned by an Iraqi death metal band called Dog Faced Corpse to create their CD cover. You can read all about that here in my blog post from August of '09. It's my understanding that some of the guys are in school and since that of course is priority the recording of the album is taking a little while. But they have released a teaser to whet your whistles! Enjoy.

Zombies are comin!! revisited

Now that I have the evidence to properly defend my post pertaining to zombies in Haiti I'l do so.


Below are links to some articles that are starting to float around. You don't have to read the article because I think the headlines speak for themselves.(HAARP stands for High Frequency Active Aural Research Program and is considered by some to be a potential weapon.)


UFO Or HAARP Over Haiti Night Before Quake
 'Haiti Full Of Oil' (1-28-08) - US HAARPs Quake & Grabs Oil?
US Army Takes Haiti - US Blocks Some Aid Flights
Why Is The US Military Occupying Four Airports In Haiti?
UN Said Haiti Is Full Of Gold Back In The 1970s!
Clincher! - US Says Will Stay In Haiti 'For Long Term'
Chavez Say US 'Weapon' Caused Haiti Quake
So. Command Just Happened To Be Doing Haiti Drill... 
Eurasian Minerals May Of Their Holdings In Haiti
Eurasian Minerals 5 Main Projects - Haiti, Etc
The U.S. Created the Earthquake in Haiti?

There is the intended butt of my joke. Here is a list of others that I made fun of in the post:

1. Those that debate fast zombies vs. slow zombies or brain eaters vs. flesh eaters without acknowledging the fact that the first Hollywood zombies were Voodoo type zombies.

2. Those that think Voodoo type zombies are the original walking dead.

3. Journalist that make leaps of logic without knowing much about anything. Explanation: The article I linked to with the headline Head Voodoo Priest Protests Haiti’s Mass Burials, Fear of Zombies. The article seems to be legit. It has shown up at various news sites but this version has one, very slight difference which is the erroneous statement "Many Haitians believe that the desecration of their loves ones could lead to the dead roaming the earth again as Zombies." So the head Voodoo priest does not mention zombies in the article. Nobody brings this up. And the fact that Haitian zombies don't come back for revenge but rather as cheap labor isn't mentioned either.

4. People who think there's a time limit before you can make fun of something. Because as we know time heals all wounds and makes shit funny as hell!

5. Pat Robertson and evangelicals that think the earthquake was because Haitians sold their souls 200 years ago. If souls were sold isn't an eternity in Hell proper punishment?

6. The French.

7. Screenwriters and authors. How long before zombie themed screenplays and stories start showing up using the quake as a backdrop if not a cause for the apocalypse? 6 months? A year?

I was taken to task because I was using the pain and suffering of thousands to make a joke. I was using the pain and suffering of thousands to make a point: American society is full of people who are sensationalist-loving, unobservant, media-consuming, gullible retards.

Was I really making fun of people or just holding up a mirror?

The quake in Haiti was terrible. My condolences goes out to those that have lost loved ones. But as an honest American my life is not affected. No one I know was affected. 13 days after the quake a Facebook status re-post thingy started making the rounds questioning why we as a country are so focused on Haiti when we still have victims from Katrina trying to put their lives back in order and homeless people dying on our streets everyday yet there is no outcry. I'm beginning to wonder why I didn't wait 13 days before making my post as well.

Zombies are comin'!! Zombies are comin'!!

Being the crude and insensitive person I am, not to mention I happen to make my living from zombies, I found it hard to believe that no one had mentioned zombies in relation to the disaster in Haiti. Well, there were some kooky comments about how the Haitians sold their souls to the devil in order to defeat the French. Pfft! Like supernatural assistance would be needed for that! But no mention of zombies there either.


How could this be? Haiti is the home of the zombie. Yeah, we know that the idea of zombies have been around for centuries (ghouls, revenants, and arguably vampires). The instances of a flesh-eating zombie apocalypse pre-dates George Romero by about 4,000 years! The goddess Ishtar/Inanna threatens, once in her descent to the underworld and once in the Epic of Gilgamesh!,
 "I shall raise up the dead and they shall eat the living.
I shall make the dead outnumber the living." 
The word "zombie" itself has roots in ancient Africa. Zombi is the name of Vodou snake Iwa Damballah Wedo...but of course you Marvel Comic readers knew that, right? It is akin to the word "nzambi" meaning "god".  But Haiti is where the two came together. Haiti is also home to some of the most (infamous?) famous cases of zombification including  Felicia Felix-Mentor and  Clairvius Narcisse whose zombie shenanigans were documented by Wade Davis.

 

So why is everyone avoiding the topic of Haitian zombies? Could it be too soon? Maybe because of the wounded the zombies are not so noticeable. But give it time. Soon medical personnel will take notice. Or maybe they already have. The Marines are there already. They were there first. Were they ordered to clear the area of the walking dead so that relief efforts could get underway? Maybe what seems to be confusion and lack of organization is actually strategy on behalf of the military? I smell a cover-up!

Yes, that is a dump truck full of bodies!

The Head Voodoo Priest in Haiti, Max Beauvoir, has spoken out about his concerns. Could this article be riddled with clues? I think so. Instead of China World War Z begins in Haiti. Good news is the fact that Haiti is an island that can be easily quarantined if the military can no longer deal with the influx of zombies. Let's just pray that it doesn't come to that!


William of Newburgh wrote in his Historia rerum Anglicarum "one would not easily believe that corpses come out of their graves and wander around, animated by some evil spirit, to terrorize or harm the living, unless there were many cases in our times, supported by ample testimony". Those words come to us from almost 1,000 years ago and they ring just as true today as they did then.


You may think I'm crazy but I take solace in the fact that when your undead, half-rotten and bloated family members are munching on your gray matter with sporks your last thought will be "Dammit! That Billy Tackett was right...AGAIN!!"

Vote fer me!!

I hate to be one of those folks that beg for you to vote for 'em...but I'm gonna be! I'm in a contest where the grand prize is chosen by Steve Buscemi, Chris Weitz (director of the Golden Compass & Twilight: New Moon), Helen Hsu (Curatorial Assistant at the Guggenheim Museum)  and a few others...but the People's Choice is chosen by you!  
No sign up or hoops to jump through, just go to the page and click on the little stars below my pieces. Thanks
http://www.artistswanted.org/htackett

New Year's Rezzalooshuns for 2010

In 2010 I...
...will not refer to art I don't like as "fecal matter"...especially in the company of the artist.
...will prove everyone wrong.
...will not wipe boogers on people at art galleries.
...will do everything in my power to make obnoxious people uneasy.
...will laugh and point at any middle aged woman that tries to dress more hip than their teen age daughter.
...will not roll my eyes as much.
...will sigh audibly more.
...will make new friends that I can alienate in new ways.
...will smack anyone in the back of the head that I suspect is wearing a bad hairpiece.
...will find beauty in things that are ugly...like your Mama!
...will not care about what people that don't matter think.
...will not visit websites that hijack my speakers with music and sound effects.
...will eat healthier by dining only on vegans and Peta supporters.
...will petition for the return of government cheese.
...will be nicer to stupid people by referring to them as mildly retarded.
...will be nicer to mildly retarded people by referring to them as Twilight fans.
...will not be nicer to Twilight fans.
...will not prance through Wal-Mart wearing a pink top hat yelling "Has anyone seen my giraffe??"
...will overcome my fear of orange emery boards.
...will not listen to people who do nothing but bitch and moan about politics.
...will not poke homeless people in the eye with a stick.
...will make up more boring and pretentious stories about my art.
...will not paint as many zombies.
...will not come out of his shell because it is there for a reason.
...will drink more.
...will paint more zombies.
...will care more.
...will act as though I care more.
...will find more ways to fit the word "sphincter" into casual conversation.
...will not stick pro-KKK stickers over "Coexist" bumper stickers...well, not as much.
...will punch more hookers.
...will not berate toddlers in Starbucks.
...will stop sticking the wrong end of the paintbrush in my mouth.

This is how I'll be making myself a better person in 2010. What will you do? Because God knows you need to do something.
Billy

yadda yadda Elfwood yadda yadda yadda

An update on my previous post about Elfwood. You can get caught up by reading it here but in a nutshell my painting When Giants Attack...Cincinnati was rejected because the moderator deemed it fan art. So I responded by informing them of the difference between a fan artist and professional artist and by removing my art from the website. That email was sent on December 8.

On December 23 I got this email:
*Hello Billy

firstly an apology for taking such a long time to respond to your email.
Normally Elfwood moderation responses are more timely, but unfortunately
Elfwood Support had quite a "spam" attack over the last ten days.

I take onboard your succint arguements, and agree entirely that Elfwood is
predominantly geared towards the "amateur" artist, in that Elfwood
moderation does not take into account the "artistic skill" of submission
(although we do draw the line at 'stick-art').

Elfwood does however enjoy the presence of a few professional/commercial
artists, if only to provide another internet presence to showcase their
talents.

With regards to the disputed artwork. I agree that the moderator in
question was perhaps too hasty in dismissing "When Giants Attack" as fan
art. Having viewed the artwork, I think it falls into the "parody"
category, given that the monster depicted in no way resembles Godzilla, and
as such, shuld have been accepted.

At Elfwood we have approximately 90+ moderators, of which approximately 50+
are processing submissions at any one time. Usually when in doubt about a
submission on any basis, opinions of other moderators are sought. This,
unfortunately, was not so in this case.

Not all of our moderators are as widely skilled as could be desired, and
sometimes items will be rejected when they should not be. I hope you
appreciate that this is in no way a reflection upon your skill and
integrity as a professional artist.

kind regards - Maxine Cox - Elfwood Support*


Interestingly this reply came not from the Head-Mod as it normally does but from Elfwood Support. Which suits me just fine because as I've noted and Ms. Cox points out (n)ot all of our moderators are as widely skilled as could be desired. 


Just as I suspected this email shows that not everyone at Elfwood has their heads up their asses! Thanks to Ms. Cox for the professional response. Unfortunately this does not change my feelings towards Elfwood.


The problem does not lie with Elfwood itself. The problem is with the concept of a moderated art gallery. Moderated art galleries are very much like Communism, they both look good on paper but human nature manages to screw everything up. Let me explain: Simply put Communism is a system in which there are no rich people, no poor people and the government takes care of you in a worry-free Utopia. We all know how that turned out! Moderated art galleries are similar because when you visit one of them you can rest assured that the art you are viewing has been approved by a moderator that has been trained to only accept work that meets certain standards of quality...except that the moderators are humans. Flawed humans. 


Art is subjective. There are no hard, fast rules that apply. One person's art is another's garbage. Example: I don't think Andy Warhol was an artist, just a screenprinter that was a marketing genius. I'm sure there are those that would disagree! Another example: As mentioned in the previous post Epilogue has a rule that art on a plain white background will not be accepted. I recently met an artist that does work for major gaming companies. Work that is of the highest quality. Work that consists of characters on a white background because it is interior art with wrap-around text. Work that even though anyone that has glanced at a game would recognize it wouldn't be accepted because it is on a white background. 


And then there's the fact that humans tend to be a bit more lenient to their friends and a bit more strict on enemies. It's natural. Or fans of vampires may be more receptive to allowing lower quality vampire art. Or art that is predominantly blue will appeal to moderators whose favorite color is blue. I think you get the picture. That's why moderated art galleries will fail. 


I have a simple solution to the moderated art gallery. Moderate the artists not the art. Have artists submit a body of work and if they are accepted they can put whatever the hell they want after that. Or stop moderating all together! 


And as I said before, if you're an artist a moderated art gallery will do nothing for your career. They will only cause you stress. Set up your own gallery. Learn to moderate yourself. And keep track of what images get views. The public will tell you what you're doing right. 


Happy New Year everyone!
Billy

2009 in review

2009 is almost gone and what a year it's been. I remember going into '09 was scary as hell. The economy had tanked and folks were losing their jobs and their homes. What was in store for Billy Tackett Studios? I was afraid that relying on the sales of prints and sinking so much time and money into the line of shirts may have been a bad move. But from our first show of the year, Con Nooga, to our last one, Who ARTED?, you guys have shown us that we're doing the right thing. You have welcomed us into your cities and towns and treated us like family.  You've shown us that you appreciate what we're doing and for that we are forever grateful!

You can never have too many Fannies! ConNooga

Heather with Samantha Newark

On the subject of towns and cities, some folks have commented on our 2009 schedule and to be honest it amazes even me! Going to shows every weekend can be pretty grueling but it is worth it. We zombified 17 cities at 25 shows!

Dead White & Blue forever! Imagicon

David Michael Beck, Rocky Karlage & me

Along the way we got to hang out with some old friends and make a buttload of new ones. We've had the opportunity to hang out with some legendary figures in music, movies, literature and art! (Anybody have any advice on keeping the inner fanboy in check?)

Impaler, bitches!

Heather & Kane Hodder

Shane Moore's Abyss Walker series continues to gain momentum with a new book launched this year as well as other news that promises the series will only get bigger and better.

Forces to be reckoned with!

Me with Richard Green

Dead White & Blue series has really proven to be a fan favorite. The graphic novel is still a work in process as well as my art book For The love Of Monsters. With the busy schedule and more commissions than I could shake a stick at these projects have taken a back seat. But we have promised them and we will deliver! 2010 will bring some news related to these publications that promises to take Billy Tackett Studios into some new territory.

Sharin' space with living legend Larry Elmore

Us with the mastermind behind ZP International, George Bonilla

The charity art show we sponsored, Who Arted?,  was a huge success (which I still need to do a write up about) that got a lot of attention. So much that we will putting together another next year.

Heather with the slightly creepy Sean Taylor

Ami & Daniel Taylor, John Dugan and us

2009 shaped up to be a great year. Things have begun to move in a direction that will make 2010 to be the "Year of the Zombie". This year we have laid groundwork for some projects that could turn out to be huge for us. We are working on new merchandise as well as some high profile commissions. We've already added several shows to our calender. And I am always trying to come up with that next super-duper art for a t-shirt or art print. Billy Tackett Studios will continue to zombify America. Who knows, maybe Fannie the Flesheater will start her campaign to become the first female President?

Us with Gunnar Hansen

Jim O'Rear loves him some Zombie Sam!

We're expectin' a lot more of this...

...and this...

...and this...

...in 2010!!

Once again we would like to thank everyone for making this year so great. So to all the old friends we miss, the new ones we made and the ones we haven't met yet...

We wish you a Scary Christmas and a Happy New Fear!

Billy & Heather Tackett

blah blah Elfwood blah blah blah...

I guess I should start this out by referring to my previous post where I talk about online galleries and social networking sites. In it I talked about my disdain for art sites that were moderated and made mention of my particular dislike for Elfwood. I would like to take the time to elaborate on the dislike. Vent a little. Publicly. 


So I've heard people talk about Elfwood for years. One day a year ago I decide to get a gallery there. I upload a bunch of stuff, Zombie Sam, Fannie the Flesheater, Sgt, Rot. Y'know, the regulars. Months later they are approved. Apparently I hit the site right in the middle of an overhaul or something. 


So one day I upload my Frankenstein's Monster pic:

Here's the response I get:

* - Rejected: 'Frankenstein's Monster'

Reject: Copyright Violation.

Elfwood's rules state: 'Direct tracings of or copying artwork that is not your own is not permitted. All such artworks will be immediately removed from your gallery, and any further infractions will result in your suspension from Elfwood. This includes instances of copying from photos, magazines, screenshots, screen captures, etc'. If you upload copied pictures again, the moderators will be forced to report you to the ERB which may result in your gallery being suspended. This item is copied from http://i.inhaps.com/frankenstein_painting.jpg*

Here's the image they send me:

That image was painted by the ultra-talented Thomas Blackshear II and was for the United States Postal Service set of Classic Movie Monsters stamps.

Both works of art, along with thousands of others, were referenced from this publicity shot:

First of all I see why the image would not be allowed. No biggie. It just bugged me that they thought I "copied" someone else's art rather than use a photo for reference so I sent this reply:
 *REquest for further explaination for the rejection of Frankenstein's Monster. The image was not copied from the painting, it was referenced from a publicity photo. The same photo the mentioned painting was referenced from.*


The moderator's reply:
*I'm sorry, but I agree with the moderator in question that the picture is a copy from that link submitted http://i.inhaps.com/frankenstein_painting.jpg Elfwood has a strict copy rule, whether it be tracing or freehand copying, so your image will not be allowed in Elfwood. The general rule of thumb we have is that if it's recognizable where it's from, then it most likely will be rejected as a copy. If you want to read up on more concerning that rule regarding copying and copying vs. reference we have 2 articles from our e-zine with examples that explains the rule:
http://www.elfwood.com/woodworks/2003/issue06/copying.html
http://www.elfwood.com/woodworks/2003/issue07/copyvsref.html
The rule also applies to parodies, since they're often judged to be copies as well. The reason I'm mentioning this is that when looking at your gallery just now I remember a report we've recently received about your gallery. You have 8 parodies based on celebrity photos and war propaganda posters that are all considered to be copies by Elfwoods rules. You will at some point be contacted by the ERB (Elfwood Review Board) about them. While they're very creative and beautifully executed they're judged to be copies and as such you will be asked to remove them.
Monica
Elfwood Head Moderator and Forest Manager*


OK, so apparently I raised too much of a stink and she just "remembered" getting "a report" about my gallery. Convenient. My response:
*...And not that it matters but the drawing was referenced from the attached publicity photo. The same photo the painting you refer to was referenced from. 
So if the others aren't allowed why were they OK'd in the first place? *


Hers:
*Moderators are humans and they make mistakes, which is why we have the ERB  (Elfwood Review Board). They deal with anything already published in Elfwood that may violate the rules, and they work mainly from reports received from the public. When we received the notice about your other pictures being copies (parodies) I contacted the moderator in question, whom wasn't familiar with those sources.*


That was July 1. I did not respond after that. I figured I would prepare my arguments and take on this omnipotent ERB. My chance never came. But if the Head Moderator said my stuff was not allowed surely the ERB would be beating down my virtual door with virtual pitchforks and virtual torches. That never happened. Why? Because of this:

What is this? This is the screen you get after you upload an image. This is where you choose a few keywords for your art. See that highlighted section? "Parody". I never got contacted by the ERB because parodies are allowed. I guess Monica was right when she said "Moderators are humans and they make mistakes". Point proven.


Fastforward to November 23. I upload my latest piece "When Giants Attack...Cincinnati". 

I got this email on Monday:
*- Rejected: 'When Giants Attack...Cincinnati'
Reject: Other reason...
Sorry, all pictures based on existing visual media, such as movies, cartoons and computer games [Godzilla movies in this case], are Fan Art and, provided they are not copies, should be uploaded to your Fan Quarter account. Your artwork is very good, you should definitely consider openinng a Fan Art gallery though.*


Here is my response:

*Just a little clarification: First off, thanks for the compliment. Secondly, I know it is impossible to read one's tone in an email so this message, when read, may seem angry please keep in mind it is not. Frustrated yes. Angry, no. 

The creature in the image is not Godzilla. It is a commission piece asking for a "Godzilla-like creature". I know a lot of Godzilla fans that would be slighted by your classification of my monster as Godzilla.

This is not the first time I have had my art called "Fan Art" by an Elfwood moderator. This is not "fan art" because, for one, I am not a fan of Godzilla movies, and two it is a commission piece, both of which take "fan" out of the equation.

"Fan Art-Usually, it refers to fan labor artworks by amateur artists, or artists who are unpaid for their fan creations--so that, for example, professional comic adaptations of the Star Wars films would not be considered fanart while a version done by an unaffiliated fan would be. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_art"

"Fan Labor- ...most fans provide their creative works for others to enjoy without requiring or requesting monetary compensation. Fans respect their gift economy culture and are often also fearful that charging other fans for products of their creativity will somehow fundamentally change the fan-fan relationship, as well as attract unwanted legal attention from copyright holders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_labor"

I am a professional artist and illustrator. People pay me to draw and paint pictures for them. Everything I do I make money from. Even the art I create for myself is sold as prints and t-shirts. The above definitions have not applied to me for several years. 

It has become painfully aware to me that your site is designed for amateur artists. It seems as though professionals have no place here because our efforts and paid commissions are delegated to "fan art". You guys really need to work on your classification process. 

Thank you for your time. 

Billy Tackett*

Notice I said "It has become painfully aware to me that your site is designed for amateur artists". This is what I just read from Elfwood's About Us page:
*" ...Elfwood's mission is to provide a place for amateurs from all over the world to share, teach, and inspire a new generation of dreams...
...We strive to promote the creation of art and fiction as a serious and meaningful hobby for the young generation, introducing them to painting and writing, helping them to create their own material and finally giving them the option to publish what they have created. This is a value we cultivate at the site in relation to young people. It is our goal to continue our work with young amateurs in the field of art and fiction... 
...Letting all amateur fantasy artists and writers show their work for free, helping them to get a name and reputation, as well as useful, creative comments and new contacts...
...We intend to keep Elfwood as a free-to-join site, without any fees or strings attached, giving new and upcoming artists an unparalleled opportunity to publish their material here...
...If you are an amateur fantasy artist, we would love to feature some of your work on this site....*


Boy, do I feel like a dumbass. Here I was bitching about the how unprofessional this site is! 


Here's a little bit of advice: This site is specifically designed for amateurs. Nothing wrong with that...if you want to stay an amateur. you will not get a "name and reputation, as well as useful, creative comments and new contacts"  from Elfwood. if you want "useful, creative comments" talk to a professional. Want new contacts? Talk to a professional.


Everybody starts somewhere. If you want to evolve professionally or creatively you have to rub shoulders with people that have traveled the path before you. Elfwood may be good for making friends but that's about it. Here's my final evidence for that:


Elfwood offers tutorials. I decided to scan through and clicked on one titled Painting Hair in Photoshop by Kelly L. Johnson. Zipping through the images the tutorial looks pretty standard until I get to the finished product:

The hack used a photograph! No this isn't the reference, this is supposed to be the final product. Again: the HACK ARTIST IS PASSING OFF A PHOTOGRAPH AS HER FINAL PRODUCT! And the tutorial has been online since 2006!! And people are leaving comments complaining that they will never be that good. It's a photo, morons!!


You want good tutorials go to deviantArt... no, better yet go to www.conceptart.org and read their tutorials and spend a few hours going through the forums. There's some pros for ya!