At a time when some people are extremely proud to be citizens of the country I live in (others, not so proud), I'd like to share an alternate perspective.... I am lucky to have been born a citizen of the United States. Let me tell you why. For starters, freedom of speech provides me access to truths not accessible to all humans on this planet. Sure, certain facts can be bent to support the perspective of the one sharing the information. But ultimately, I have access to so many perspectives, I can decide for myself what feels right and what feels insincere. I'm lucky in that regard, because with a mind as curious and exploratory as mine, I might not fare so well in a country that didn't offer such freedom. I'm also very fortunate to live in a country with such advanced medical practices. Two years ago I developed a spinal disease that essentially disabled the use of my primary hand, and made all my physical actions painful to perform. It may have cost a lot, but I was able to have corrective surgery performed on my neck by a true master of the surgical arts. Other than minimal limitations that still exist simply because I wasn't more prompt in addressing the initial problem, I have never been stronger, or felt more capable. I am very lucky indeed. Another benefit of being an American is my ability to communicate with other people from around the globe; not just the freedom to do so, but the benefit of speaking such a commonly known language... English. Every day I connect with wonderful people from many different countries through social media tools like SoundCloud. And it's not because I'm multi-lingual that all this is possible. It's because the rest of the world is multi-lingual. Few Americans know a second language, but from my experience, it seems the majority of the rest of the world does; and most often, it's English. I am so lucky that I can share thoughts and ideas with people all over the globe, in my native tongue, because they put the effort forth to learn the language I just happen to be born into. So yes, I am lucky to be an American. And I want the rest of the world to know there are many of us who are just simply grateful. I don't see myself as entitled. I don't think of myself as superior to anyone else on this planet. I'm lucky to be where I am, I'm fortunate to have access to so many different opportunities and perspectives, and I'm grateful to the rest of the world for being who you are and giving me the chance to share this wonderful life with you. Thank you!!! :) *hops off his soapbox* Now on to the 'Arts and Crafts' portion of this post. A New Song for You to Enjoy: (023) 'My Optic Upgrade' I'm excited to share with you my second self-mixed/self-mastered song. This is definitely one of my stranger creations. Another re-envisioning of a much earlier piece (song 007, to be precise) that never left my hard drive. I’m always surprised by how much louder a song gets at the Mastering stage if the Mixing is done properly. And truth be told, I often have to return to the original to tweak settings, because that volume spike has a tendency to bring out the ‘eardrum piercing’ quality in some of my instruments. Regardless, I had a blast making this one, and believe I’m finally getting the hang of Logic. I can now say with complete confidence, I will have this program mastered… about a week before I die of old age. :D Click on the image link below to take a listen. A New, Old Painting You'll Already Recognize: (008) 'Branaugh 01'
My newest painting upload is the third and final portrait I did of my family a while back; this time of my oldest daughter Branaugh. It was finished on April 27th, 2007 (so nearly 10 years old now). While all three portraits make me happy, this is by far the best, in my opinion. I'm still amazed how well I captured the flesh tones, and the details of the face painting (from a photo taken on a family trip to DisneyWorld). Sometimes I look back at pieces I did much earlier, and ask myself 'how did you pull that off?' This is one of those. That's enough out of me for now. I have many more thoughts, songs and images to share. I'll offer them up as often as time allows. :D
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AuthorHello everyone. I'm Justin Mackay. I'm a creative soul, an explorer of life's mysteries, and a big fan of all the beauty in the world. If you're just here for the paintings, then head on over to my Art tab. If you wish to delve deeper into the odd thoughts of a pondering mind, then this is the place for you. Archives
February 2018
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