Everyone, even businesses and organizations, has habits. Some are necessary to function properly and others we’d like to change.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg tells how habits develop and how others change and why. One of the thought provoking themes the book discusses is why some habitual behaviors are vilified while others prompt compassion.

Take for instance a man who habitually walked in his sleep and during one episode killed his wife. In another example a woman developed a gambling habit that cost her over $250,000. The murderer was found not guilty but the woman was persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

It’s an intriguing read well worth the time.

Michael Jiroch Update

My apologies for ignoring this blog. Although it's always lurking in my mind I've been taking advantage of the gorgeous Seattle summer. 

I've indulged my passion for horses with riding lessons and reading by joining two book clubs. I hope to be more consistent after my trip to NYC in September.

Meanwhile, Michael Jiroch has created new work that deserves a look. 

I hope your summer has been full of sun, fun, good books and movies.

Cheers.

Michael Jiroch-Contemporary American Artist

            One definition of art is “the arrangement of colors and forms in a manner that affects the sense of beauty.” After being extremely disappointed by a recent exhibit at the Frye Museum I returned to Michael Jiroch with renewed appreciation.

            What I like about Jiroch’s art is its accessibility. When I see art it is to be inspired and elevated. I don’t want to leave feeling empty and frustrated. Because I tend to revel in bright colors like Paul Gauguin and David Hockney, which Michael uses lavishly, I am not disappointed. His vision is arresting; you must stop and look.

           Jiroch's talent was evident as early as kindergarten. Encouraged by his teachers his creativity continued to flourish. A junior college teacher encouraged his photography  but he (Jiroch) thought he would pursue medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
            It wasn't long before he realized pre-med studies were not a good fit for him and he changed to art.
            Although op-art and pop art were the craze Jiroch preferred Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer. Armed with a Masters Degree in Fine Art he moved to New York, center of the art world.
            Several months later he decided to photograph swimming pools in Los Angeles. He drove from Madison, Wisconsin and made Venice Beach, California his new home. Soon after Jiroch had a show  at the Los Angeles Museum of Art. He also met David Hockney who, at the time, did not think photography was much of an art form. Looking at Hockney's subsequent photographs he obviously had a change of heart.

           In time, Jiroch began to explore the medium of oil painting with tremendous success. His paintings are vibrant, full of dazzling color evoking a range of emotions.
           His philosophy is, "The purpose of art is to have an emotional reaction. Art that fails to give you that reaction is bad art."
            With today's rapidly changing technology his next venture is combining photography, painting and an unknown medium creating a triptych.
             Michael Jiroch is also painting and exploring the wonders of Documentary Photography in the new Digital Age.

Nichols Canyon-1980-David Hockney

Reagan-Michael Jiroch

Portrait of Nick Wilder-1966-David Hockney