Inspirations Archives - Christopher J Wesley | Fine Art and Fiction Artist

Stop to Smell the Roses, Even if Your Roses Don’t Look Life Mine

April 19, 2019 by Christopher J Wesley Leave a Comment

What serves as a version of roses to you?

I heard an interesting perspective yesterday about hobbies listening to an @garyvee podcast. That for some, business is there hobby. It just so happens that their hobby makes their livelihood.

A completely different take on the notion of ‘workaholic.

Yes, I think it’s possible to work yourself too hard, but I think we as individuals need enough self-awareness to differentiate when we can keep going and when it’s best to put the brakes on.

So I encourage you today to take a moment and revel in your version of something that makes you happy.

It may look like the commonly accepted version of fun and relaxation.

If you’re like me, it will look like you’re working too hard.

Either way is okay and don’t let anyone tell you different.

As for me, I hired a veteran storyteller to keep me on track with my next book and I have pages that I’m excited to write.

It looks like work from the outside, but inside I am loving every second of it. Even when the story fights with me.

What do your roses smell like?

#success #mindset #motivated #feelgoodfriday #inspiration #lifestyle #love #hustle #artistlife #authorlife #artisticagenda #motivation

One of My Defining Records

October 10, 2018 by Christopher J Wesley Leave a Comment

Just noticed this on the shelf full of cassette tapes.

I bought this off a classmate in 9th grade for $5. In the ensuing years, 90% of my t-shirts bore the Iron Maiden logo.

The tape was purchased already well worn and didn’t have a tape cover, so I made this one for it.

It was the fork in the road that led to me playing electric guitar and listening to Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth.

The passion and aggression spoke to me and resonated like nothing else I had heard yet.

It’s one of the single most important records I ever heard based on life impact, but no, I never did worship the devil and that isn’t even what the song was trying to get listeners to do.

I recalled purchasing this tape in a flashback in my book Regret in Triptych because it’s part of my origin story.

What’s one of your most important records?

#cassettetape #artistinspiration #artistlife #behindthescenes #ironmaiden #musicsavedme

The Birth of Fascination

September 5, 2017 by Christopher J Wesley Leave a Comment

Blame It On Star Wars
I mean really, that’s where my fascination with following compelling characters and my love for design all started for me as fan. And make no mistake. I only create because I was first, a fan.

While it’s true that Star Wars involves alien planets and futuristic gadgetry while my current work is set on present day Earth, and there’s not a single alien in sight or even alluded to, my notions of even being an author, fine artist and musician started as a seven year old who was absolutely captivated by the ships, the lore and most importantly, the characters who I followed not just to the Death Star, but to Hoth and a variety of other places only referenced in the books.

It was simply irresistible.

Most importantly, it embedded in me a desire to create. It wasn’t enough to just go where other’s imagination took me.

I wanted to contribute.

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Emotions Are Liars

June 2, 2017 by Christopher J Wesley Leave a Comment

z-hush-web — “Hush” Expressionist Photograph romanticized by Chris Wesley

The collection of images that became Open Season came about as a reaction to the dark that was around me.

I had just finished binge watching the Netflix movie 13 Reasons Why about a high school student named Hannah who records a set of audio tapes telling the thirteen reasons why she committed suicide.

Then a few days later, Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell died by suicide.

As one of my favorite singers and songwriters, Chris Cornell’s unexpected death was just piling on to the emotions that 13 Reasons Why brought up.

I wanted to contribute.

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