disconnect

This figure explores how the relentless pursuit of monetary gain and digital distraction stifles genuine attention and moral listening. * Visual Focus: The mask is equipped with a headphone covering a single ear. The headphone wire is visibly broken, frayed, and cut short, suggesting a deliberate disconnect or a failed attempt at communication. A small coin dangles conspicuously from the corner of the figure's mouth. * Symbolism: * The Headphones: Represent modern distraction and the ability to selectively "tune out" inconvenient truths or moral calls. The broken, frayed wire reinforces the idea of a failed connection to the real world. * The Coin in the Mouth: Serves as a powerful, visceral metaphor for being "consumed by monetary means." It connects the act of speaking/listening to the theme of greed, suggesting that the voice and ear are functionally "plugged" or corrupted by the all-consuming focus on wealth. The refusal to hear moral guidance is dictated by the pursuit of money.

A person is depicted wearing a large pet recovery cone around their neck, trying to check his smartphone with the words "Digital Detox" prominently displayed. The image humorously comments on the idea of needing a barrier to reduce phone usage.

Years ago, while digging through old journals and sketches, I stumbled across a quick, scribbled drawing of two pears. Beneath it, I'd written a raw and honest note: "Ann is pissed. I think it's because she's uncertain about me, us, life itself. She just ran into my car with the van. She says it was an accident, but she seems happier now—almost like it was cathartic. . . Like sex." At the time, I scribbled this in frustration, feeling a deep disconnect between us. Intimacy had become a confusing and distant concept in our relationship. The pears I'd sketched were rough and scratchy, charged with my chaotic feelings. Looking back, I see how emotions can drive us to strange actions, some intentional, some accidental, often leaving us oddly relieved afterward. Humans are complex, fascinating beings, navigating messy emotions and messy relationships, sometimes colliding intentionally or unintentionally, seeking relief in unexpected ways. Perhaps the pears were my subconscious pun on "pair," reflecting the awkward, confusing way Ann and I were bumping through life together—making messes, but occasionally finding strange humor and genuine catharsis in the chaos. I've learned to smile gently at the rawness of our humanity, appreciating even our scratchy sketches and emotional collisions. They're reminders that life, relationships, and our own hearts are never simple, but they're authentically human. Here's to embracing life's unexpected catharsis and finding humor in our imperfections.

Lazy post-festival whale taking a break before starting up again…

It's been an interesting week, one of which had events I didn't expect to affect me as much as they did. I'd like to say something that occurred was surprising, but quite frankly, it wasn't. It's concerning how far things have gone and how some seem to feel indifferent to or even support them. We'll see what will happen, 11 days can't pass soon enough... besides that, time ticks on. A bit too fast in my opinion, but it is what it is. I know this drawing isn't my usual style, but something about drawing like this feels mindless for me, it lets me zone out and disconnect.

Don't have a scanner so taken with phone. Bored due to quarantine has got me feeling trapped. Was also a good opportunity to use some new coloring pens.

What was created? A concept exerciser (aka: homemade workout machine) made mostly out of wood components, that was a contraption full of hinges, pulleys, weights, and grips (see pin 1). With my system, a person could perform both the butterfly and lat pull down exercises and transition between them with minimal effort. The unit stood about 8 feet tall and was about 6 ft wide when the butterfly arms were connected to it. Why was it created? I have always been fascinated with weight training machine design. I had a bench press weight set at home that did not come with a butterfly attachment, so I decided to make one of my own. I was able to get a steady supply of material (scrap wood) from a local source and constructed a workout routine by stacking columns of weight (instead of accumulating weight plates) in a moving grid generating even or uneven resistance (see pin 3). I also consider what I made could be a benefit to others since it does: (1) represent an extension of DIY culture (i.e. advancing individual knowledge, learning new skills, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from building from your own ideas), (2) how to apply simple machine principles (i.e. pulleys, leverage, changing the direction or amount of force, etc.) in making a project and, (3) promote woodworking (which allows a person to be creative and is a wonderful medium for artistic expression). What makes it special? What makes my work distinctive concerns the butterfly arms and the weight container. Butterfly Attachment The butterfly attachment arms can be quick disconnected and re-mounted easily. The jackknife motion that the butterfly arms travel in as they flex forward and return to their starting position is an original conception. Weight Grid (see pin 3) Unlike traditional stacked weight plate machines, a person is allowed to make a variety of pattern configurations on the grid (X,□, /,\, —, etc.) by using cup shaped ballast inserts (up to 24) that changes the amount of force a user exerts for each repetition (see figure 2). An individual can position the weights in organized horizontal/vertical patterns or treat them more as random objects in the load basket. In their current form my system’s weight supplements are ½ pound each (about 2 ¾ inches long and 1 14/16 inches in diameter): making them easy to manage. If solid roll stock were used in their construction, they would be estimated to weigh 2 ½ to 2 ¾ pounds (see pin 2). When not in use, weights can be placed in the grid case for compact storage. As a point of fact, the sight holes cut into the drop tubes were drilled by hand with a fixture and not with the use of a drill press. At one point, I contemplated that one could focus on certain muscle groups in the upper body by placing inserts on the weight grid in particular patterns (X,□, /,\, —, etc.). This may have been beneficial for those in need of rehabilitation (through segregation of muscle areas that needed treatment) in such disciplines as Kinesiology or Physical Therapy. What was learned creating it? I learned how much ideas on paper can change drastically when fabricated physically. I learned how challenging it was to develop removable butterfly arms that hang and pivot in mid air. The exerciser’s weight box glides up and down on a vertical guide. I researched various ways of how to make that move while keeping the friction between the connectors on the weight box and the track surface it to a minimum. This was in order to make the climb and drop motion as fluid and controlled as possible. I considered using various sprays, waxes, greases, lacquers, covers, wheels, and even ball bearings to accomplish that. I ended up sanding the inside of the track extensively and then mounted small furniture mover inserts to the weight box on its four corners for a successful connection. Therefore, I learned here how important considering a variety of ideas provides solution to a problem. If I were to start over and do things again? I probably would have done some more background research in the areas of Fluid Dynamics or Biomechanics. I figure, if I had consulted with people in those areas, the time it took to design and redesign the overall unit as well as the weight box might not have taken about 3 years to fully complete. Miscellaneous In the back the machine was a counterweight of tube sand (60 lbs.). Without that, the whole thing would have toppled forward when trying to use it. Thank you for your time. Best Regards. Matthew Link: https://www.pinterest.com/meb206/industrial-art-project/

The five part illustration series Don't Lose Yourself. You can lose yourself in many ways; Consumerism, Heartbreak, American Culture, Loneliness, Giving In, Giving Up, Settling. The five part illustration series, “Don’t Lose Yourself” highlights the chaos we don’t notice around or within ourselves when we’re disconnected away from reality. Sinking so deep, we forget our own values or who we are. The collection reminds us to stay within ourselves by showcasing the dangers of what happens when we don’t.

Nature is where you become a true you, it's a place to disconnect from the world and to feel so connected to it at the same time.