January 18, 2015
Went down to Scottsdale yesterday to do a photo shoot at the brand new Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of The West. Kathy and I met photographer Bryan Black and we proceeded to the big BBB Choo Choo blow-up. While walking there, we were stopped by the head of security, Tony del Rosso who, it turns out, is the guy who claims he inspired the big blow-up in the first place.
Choo Choo del Rosso
Tony is a big train buff and he cornered Michael J. Fox, the director, and said the museum was missing a tribute to the train and Michael said he would come up with something. And so, two days before the museum opened, Michael grabbed one of my True West Moment scratchboards of a train, blowing it up to the size of a wall. How's that for a train tribute?
Bryan Black shot me in a variety of poses, both simulating running in front of a train and hanging around at the rear. I also brought along the actual scratchboard and held it up for comparison. Anxious to see the results. Phoenix Magazine is doing a piece on my Tempe Historical Society Show—201 Zany Zonies, and the magazine will also mention my work in this new venue—ironically, they are about two miles apart.
Meanwhile, our grandson Weston recently received his first haircut and as you can see, he had conflicting emotions about the experience.
"I don't know what you're doing back there, but I don't like it."
"That just feels weird and not even a truck in both hands makes it feel better."
"A piece of cake. No, seriously, I need a piece of cake."
Still wrestling with the Severed Heads cover idea. Wasn't satisfied with the two I did before I left for Thailand, spent all weekend working on a couple more, verdict still out. Images and sketches tomorrow for your consideration.
"Women make men do stuff we don't usually do, like get health insurance."
—Bret Ernst