Charcoal headpainting

I know some people like to call them drawings but I'm pretty certain
it's more like painting. I just finished this about 10min ago.
Uploaded with my iPhone.

A new Religion label

In accordance with a class I am taking that requires it, I have decided to start including topics of religious significance on this blog.

I consider my conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) to be the capstone of my life and the singular event (although the process spanned several years and is ongoing still) that has changed my life for the better more than anything else I have done in my life.

I encourage everyone to ask questions about our place in this world, the meaning of life, and any other subject that seems important to them.

These religious posts will generally link to larger papers or articles outside of my blog so that it doesn't become distracting for visitors to the artwork.  I have chosen to include them, however, because it's pretty much what you would get in a conversation with me, since my views on art are inextricably connected to my religion.

To filter just the religion articles click the "religion" label at right.

The American Marriage Debate

Much has been said about same-sex marriage and most of it is hot-headed nonsense, so I decided to educate myself on the subject. I recommend all Americans to do the same. If you want a jump start, here's the product of my 40+ hours of research which I didn't finish but have a goal to within the next six months. I am against the legalization of same-sex marriage in America but pro LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) relationships that are legally considered marriage. Sound contradictory? Read my paper.

A brief paper where I argue that America needs 2 types of legal marriages, one which allows for the raising of children and one which doesn't (This paper is currently in an unfinished state WITHOUT footnotes, but with a few minor and rather arbitrary citations because I had to turn the paper in. The finished paper will be perforated with them):
What is Marriage and Why are People Saying Gays Can't Have It?

My works cited of scholarly sources (with one or two minor exceptions I will take out when I get the time; my paper is built on the scholars):
Works Cited - Marriage Debate

Feel free to comment on the subject or send me an email with your opinions.

Portfolio Blog

Hey for anyone interested I just created a portfolio blog to help me as I try to get a concept design job. It sums up everything that I am in the art department...kind of a shame all my technical skills don't really exist...

http://michaelmercerportfolio.blogspot.com/