While living in both cities I became involved with body painting and one hot summer day during an arts festival in North Hollywood I was painting a model and a photographer asked if he could take a picture of me working. I thought nothing of it other than appreciating the interest and flattery so I obliged. The next day, which was a Sunday, someone brought me the newspaper and laid it before me and there on the cover of the Los Angeles Daily News was me painting the model. It was a great accomplishment, and something I will always remember.

Since then life has had it’s ups and downs but that is for another story. I went through some challenges but have worked on a great deal of productions, movies, art shows, etc. Sometime while I lived in Vegas, I started to pursue photography so that I could photograph my work and also work on bigger personal projects. Slowly but surely, photography became a passion. Cut to today and I am working for several publications, two of which are in my home state of Oklahoma. I do photography and I write.

Writing has become one of my newest passions. Why is this? Am I bragging about past accomplishments? First off, I am not bragging or bosting. Everyone has the capability to achieve anything they set their minds too and it is about taking the first step, learning to talk to people and get out there so you can find the opportunities. How many talented people do you know that spend more time complaining about others and what they do, rather than getting their work out there and learning what to do. Just painting a picture in your garage wont make it sell no matter how good it is. Some of the best work never gets seen because people lack the self esteem, desire and courage to take the next step. What are your goals and what is holding you back?

I am starting to write because I began to ask myself what I liked most or gained the most from doing my art and photography and the short answer is that I loved the fact that I could inspire people and bring out imagination, opinion and thoughts in others. Writing is another perfect way to do that and help others at the same time. So, I thought to myself, since it is something I enjoy, why not take the next step. I wanted to be the one to tell people what I thought and not let others put words in my mouth or tell people what they thought my opinions were. Writing has become my answer to many things. One because I can express and inspire, but two, it has quickly become one of the best learning mediums I could have ever embraced.

I research new topics every day and meet people that I may not have met any other way. I read more than ever because I am writing. I want to know and need to know what kind of stuff is out there for my audience and myself. But to sum things up, I wanted to let some of you know what I am doing and why. I am still pursuing my art and photography, but I have not made enough money from it to support my current endeavors. In my research, some of the highest paid artists and photographers are writers too, so it seemed a perfect fit. A lot has change however for me during this transition. Many people do not understand what I have been doing or why, so hopefully this will shed some answers. I hope you enjoyed reading this and it is my goal with my writing to help and encourage others to find themselves and embrace their creativity, set goals for themselves and get out there and achieve them. Here is to the future for all of us.

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Nicholas Clayton

Originally uploaded by bryancrump

Nicholas Joseph Clayton is the historic Victorian architect and the inspiration for this draft sculpture. I spent a few hours getting this basic structure together until i can find more pictures of him. This will most likely be the first of many maquettes until I get one that I like the most. i am pleased with this first result, especially since I only had one reference photo and a few hours to work on it.

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There are at the very least, two things that can defeat us in our pursuit of happiness, freedom, balance and integrity. They are Low self-esteem and ego. I know a great deal about both of these things, but I do not know everything and for that I am thankful.

There are many views and perceptions of the ego. Some people embrace it, while others scorn it. Why is this? The ego and egotism, some confuse the two. One is selfish while the other is a sense of self.

I was in a psychology class in college and they talked about a division of self into three categories. The False Self, the Ego and the True self. What are these? Well, the false self is the you that you generally personify or believe that is your low self esteem or a delusion or who you are or can truly be. The ego was described as the you that others assume and project back to you and that you accept. Most people are a combination of these two. It takes a while to find one’s true self, especially when we do not care about ourselves or constantly letting others tell us who we are.

The two things that can defeat or even destroy us. Egotism and Low Self Esteem. People that are egotistical often think they are better than everyone else or that they are smarter than everyone. It is often a false idea of superiority. We are all valuable. We are all capable of great accomplishments and great misdeeds. So when we have a low self idea or low self esteem and lack confidence in ourselves what happens?

Many people just do as they are told, some don’t even have the energy to do that, they just bury their head in the sand or sit unmotivated on the couch watching television, talking about conspiracies. Freedom is not about being lazy. Depression comes from many things; laziness and refusing to take responsibility for yourself and the way we react to life and the world. I hear many authors and speakers separate the word responsibility into “Response Ability”. What is this or what does it mean? Think about it. How do you

respond to what happens to you? You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it.

None of us are perfect, and those of us that think we are will find a great awakening. It takes time to better yourself and it starts with your perception. I see so many people that reach certain opportunity, have achieved several accomplishments or become celebrities and they think they know everything. They often think they are better than others, but truth is, many of them have forgotten how to live life. They are so wrapped up in how everyone else thinks about them or how their fans worship them in essence, they they begin to get big heads. They may have been the first to discover
something or been lead role in a major motion picture. But these things are all temporary. People embrace more temporary and materials things and those of value and they think that they know everything. But truth is that the universe is infinite, time does not truly exist. It is a refinement or an idea created to help us recognize the passing of events and fit changes into a constructed mold so that we can better understand it and even perhaps have a sense of control.

When you accept that there are things bigger than you, but you realize what you are capable of and what is out there and what the infinity of the universe and existence has to offer, the possibilities are infinite. But when you think you know everything or you think you are worthless or not of value, you put yourself into a little box or a confinement of limitations. When you think you know everything, what have you truly learned?

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I purchased Platinum Pump Fuel as a pre workout drink, it tastes great and gives an extra boost of energy to make it through the intense workouts. I also bough the Whole Gains Naturally Anabolic Protein “Sweet Mango” (2.47lbs) as my recovery drink and protein meal replacement. This is a mixed protein drink and tastes great as well. I recommend it over other drinks because not only is it mixed proteins, but it does not taste like a powder drink. I find it helps me to recover faster and not feel as many aches and pains as much the following day after an intense workout. Being 34 and out of shape, I am in need of the right nutrients to help get me back into shape.

In addition I got Fish Oil, DHEA, NatureMade Multi Vitamin. I like to get gel caps when possible as I find my body absorbs it easier and it is not as hard on my digestion.

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Brooke in Bodypaint

Originally uploaded by bryancrump

Brooke was kind enough to be my second model for this series I am working on for a new book to be published in a few months. The theme is still in development but has inspiration from both anime and aztec influences.

This is one of a few images to give a preview of the series that will be revealed in an upcoming art show. So keep your eyes open for the release date for the entire series and a new book.

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Today I went to Norman to check out a studio that is available should I want to partner up with the people and tomorrow I have a meeting with a photographer that I have been assisting from time to time on wedding photography.

I have also been working hard on inspirational and motivational articles for So6ix magazine and soon will be offering classes on goal setting, promotions, body art, photography and more..

Distinctly Oklahoma magazine has also expanded my role with their publication and I will be doing photography and creative makeup for an special upcoming article in the August 2010 issue.

Keep your fingers crossed as soon I will bringing much more to the table with my photography, painting, and creative work. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Check out the new July issues of Distinctly Oklahoma Magazine and So6ix Magazine for some great articles on all that is good and fun in Oklahoma.

On a last note, I have 4 websites that I am revamping and streamline to help organize my work and also promote fellow artists. Keep your eye out for a completely new website that will be truly inspiring.

Until next time, stay positive and creative…
-Bryan

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My creative motivation has become more passionate than ever. I am working for two of the most prestigious magazines in Oklahoma, doing photography and writing. I have started writing inspiration and success articles and I am working on a few books as well. Thank you to Distinctly Oklahoma and So6ix Magazine for having me as part of your teams. It is truly a privilege and an honor.

Working with any publications helps you to reach a broader audience and a community of your peers and people with similar interests. I have met new people and started developing some truly excellent friendships.

I am working on several projects at the moment. My websites are one of my main focuses right now so I can tie them in together and streamline the designs and content.

Here are some of my goals for the remainder of 2010:

1.) Finish new designs for websites, by making them more dynamic and full of resources.
2.) continue working with local publications and inspire others to creative expression, goal setting and personal motivation.
3.) complete current book projects
4.) finish the following photo and art series: gods and goddesses, untitled bodypainting series, floral, maternal, abstract.
5.) by the end of July have completed workbook creations for classes I will be offering in August or September, on business, networking, creativity, inspiration and self-help
6.) every month work on new goals, and completing old ones
7.) Finish the P90x program and start it over again to get peak performance, optimal health and a happier life.
8.) Inspire others and help on some community projects, help get the arts more recognition in Oklahoma. (special projects underway already)
9.) Hold one or two networking parties to introduce creative and business professionals.
10.) more to come…

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I had the chance to visit both The Getty Museum and the Norton Simon Museum. Both of them are fantastic collections of art. Seeing the Old Masters works such as Da Vinci, Cezanne, Serat, Van Gogh and many more was awesome. Seeing their technique in person and the paintings was something that will stay with me. Seeing art in print is one thing, but you really miss something that you can only see in person. Now I have a much more informed idea on how they did their work.

Got a chance to meet several awesome artists as well. Christopher Ulrich, Sandy Sisneros, Elizabeth Caffey and more to say the least were all great inspirations.

If you get a chance to visit Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, I highly suggest checking out the art walks that happen once a month. I will add resources and update this post later with some links to the various artist sites and art walks as well.

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Carnality Ball 2009, Cirque Berzerk, entertained over 1,800 friends in the beautiful, historic Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market, where we will be returning in 2010 for our most exciting Carnality Ball yet.

Guests of Pandora’s Box will be treated to sensory enchantment via aural and visual performances by some of Oklahoma’s most sought after dancers, musicians, designers, and more on the main level, Mount
Olympus. Our bottom level, The Underworld, will boast an exciting array of vendors, talented artists, and maybe a glimpse of Hades himself. The third and uppermost level, overlooking the glorious Mount
Olympus, is reserved for the VIP Lounge, where the most elite of Olympians will congregate.

Not to be missed, Pandora’s Box will no doubt surpass your most lucidfantasies of mythical times in all their ancient splendor.

Come dressed in your best Gods and Goddesses themed attire. you can dress as mythological creatures or peasants if you like, but themed costumes are encouraged.

Get your tickets now, still a few more booths available as well. Feel free to take the digital flyer and repost to help promote this event. We have three fliers up. A few more on the way. Welcome everyone, comes celebrate the arts with a night of fun, enchantment and the power of imagination.

Here is a link to the event on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108936229136457

This will be a fabulous night of magic and mystery, myth and legend.

Entertainment to be experienced by all, Ceramic Corsets, Body Painting, Live Performances and three levels, from Hades to Mount Olympus (VIP).

We encourage you to dress in themed costume as gods and goddesses, mythological creatures or time period peasants should you choose. You will not regret it and will have a night to remember.

There will be a photo competition for photos taken during the event with the winners announced at a later date. Anyone taking photos is asked to register for a press pass as well to give your contact information.

Please respect employee and entertainment areas and do not attempt to enter unauthorized zones.

The event is coming up quickly, so this is your reminder and we ask that you tell your friends and share the event on your wall here on facebook as well. We look forward to seeing you at 2010′s Carnality Ball.

Artists and photographers if you wish to have your work at the show, please make sure and book a vendors booth in the vendor’s area now. We only have a few spaces left. You must stay with your booth, but will receive passes for yourself and an assistant or two. This will allow you to switch off so you can enjoy the event as well and have someone at you booth at all times. Details can be discussed at booking.

Call Nicole Moan at 405-414-7723 or Jason Moan at 405-822-5012 for more information.

If you are interested in sponsoring, donating or helping support the event, feel free to message us as well. Visit CarnalityBall.com for more information.

A night of positive creativity, magic, fun and entertainment. We look forward to seeing friends, supporters and new visitors. Come support the arts and artists of Oklahoma and beyond.

Until then… Dream…

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I have been using twitter so much to update my websites and social networking that I have neglected my blogs. There are just some things a tweet cannot cover.

First off, when it comes to thinking about success, there are many thoughts that one should hold in mind.

Having a set of goals that you pursue everyday. Prioritize those goals as well. If you pursue the wrong goal when another should have more priority, you can hinder yourself in the long run.

Surrounding yourself with the right people that mutually help you in your endeavors. This mean being sincerely interested in them as well and developing valuable relationships.

Integrity is also important, if you do not stay steady in your path others will see that quicker than anything. This is not just about honesty, but keeping values, virtues and a good mixed set of skills that you never compromise. If you sacrifice something from your integrity, you divert from your path to success. Temptation can get anyone going along a destructive path and blind them from seeing their true goals and keep a person from seeing true oppurtunity.

I recommend reading books from some authors such as Dale Carnegie, Brian Tracy, Thomas J. Stanley, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Robert T. Kiyosaki and I will talk about others as well in future posts.

Developing a good sense of self esteem is one of the traits that will be most important in your endeavor towards success. Success is not an accident and that means you can achieve if you dedicate yourself to it.

There are many many successful people in the world, but far more that spend most of their time complaining everyday about things that hinder them. All that time they waste complaining, they could be putting to good use being productive and focusing on positive action.

How does one become an artist? They pick up a pencil and start drawing or a paintbrush and start painting, if they need a tool that does not exist, they create it. In any pursuit, you may not be perfect at first and the road to success is paved with lessons and failure. You learn from mistake and what works and what doesn’t and you move on. If you stay focused or dwell on an opposing force, you never make your target, reach your destination or achieve your truest potential.

Far too many people dwell on the temporary or are controlled by their emotions, rather than taking a step back, breathing and seeing things as they really are.

So for the purpose of this post, if you trully want to pursue success in business, art, photography, modeling, networking, helping people, or whatever your goals may be, learn to set goals for yourself. Get yourself healthy, eat the right foods, develop a good sense of self esteem and know what you are capable of.

Just as Eleanor Roosevelt said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”.

Wishing you all true, positive and creative oppurtunities for success, wealth and happiness. Take care of yourself so you can do kindness for others. Until next time. Keep dreaming big dreams and be bold enough to take steps in creating your own future.

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