Hello everybody,

I'm sorry for my absence, but nowadays life keeps me busier than usual. It's a weird mix of a heavy workload, staff reduction, and illness of workmates, and it seems as if it won't get better soon. So I do not only have less free time, I'm also rather exhausted after every single day at work.

I'm longing to watch and comment your work though, and I'll try to catch up with everything until the next weekend. I just want you to know that I'm still here.

Until then, I'll leave you with some very fine pieces of classical music. Enjoy!

Fun fact: Brian Eno (!) is playing trying to play the clarinet on these recordings.

Hope you're all doing well. Take care,everybody, and have a wonderful week!

You can also "+1" it on Google+

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>>> Katatonia, Fractured <<<

Knew I would fall if I tried

*partiallyHere and *RichardLeach have announced their second book, A Brave Unbodied Scheme, 

containing 27 images by Hanan and 26 poems by Richard, plus a poem by Hanan. 

I'm pleased to see one of my collaborations with Hanan used for this book. It's "Loud Whisper", 

made by Hanan back in 2011 for her "Di-a-Log" Series.

>>> Anathema, Wings of God <<<

Wow, this year has gone so fast...

My term as a Community Volunteer is over, I have to take off my "^" and have to say goodbye to the Community Relations team. I have to admit that it was difficult at times to keep up with everything here on deviantART besides my full-time job, but I enjoyed working with the team and I particularly enjoyed the great support from the community in terms of DD suggestions, supportive comments and feedback on journal features and articles during the PE Week back in August. 

Thank you very much for your precious support,

and special thanks to ^Kaz-D and $Moonbeam13!

I don't know when a new Community Volunteer for abstract and surreal photography will be announced. Make sure to add #communityrelations to your watchlist to get the latest updates of the Community Relations team.

Until then please send your Daily Deviation suggestions to ^Kaz-D or ^3wyl 

who are looking after general photography.

FAQ #18: Who selects Daily Deviations and how are they chosen?

Have you ever thought of giving back to the community?

FAQ #85: Can I be a volunteer on deviantART?

And before I get way too sentimental, I'll leave you with a summary of the monthly DD roundups and an overview of the PE week for abstract and surreal.

And here's my last DD feature for abstract and surreal:

It's not just a feature, it's meant as a statement. Or as Rothko himself said:

There are a few other Community Volunteers leaving the team today,

please head over to #communityrelations and show them some love!

Keep on rocking the community!

Most of you know me for my rather dark surreal and abstract art features, often accompanied with melancholic and depressive music. But this doesn't mean that I'm not paying attention to other genres of art here on deviantART. That is why I like the idea of "Celebrating Diversity". It's an "out of the comfort zone" feature, so to speak.

Enjoy!

  Autumn BluesThe days are getting shorter
and the nights are growing cold.
I am older than my children,
but that is not so old.

I know too much to be talking,
but not enough to stop.
When a pile has a bottom,
I can see who's on top.

The Man says he will give you
something you can use -
then he builds a bigger pipeline
for pumping in the blues.

There is Samson in the temple,
tearing it down with all his might.
Or maybe that's not Samson,
just some fool who lost his sight.

A rich man by the highway
had his thumb out for a ride.
I saw him pull a gun out
when I had driven by.

Some things are made of sugar,
some things are made of mu 

Time flies. My term as your Community Volunteer for Photography/Abstract & Surreal is going to end on November 16. That is why I'd like to call on you to send me your DD suggestions now 'cause I have not more than 12 slots open for DD features anymore.

What I want to see? The best of the best. You may also suggest your own work if you think that it's outstanding and deserves much more recognition.

FAQ #61: What is a Daily Deviation?

FAQ #18: Who selects Daily Deviations and how are they chosen?

FAQ #313: How can I find out if someone already has a Daily Deviation?

I'm also very anxious that whoever will take my place after November 16 will continue featuring awesome, unsual, outstanding and controversial artwork to show the community the whole spectrum of abstract and surreal photography.

Do you want to give back to the community? Do you want to work in an awesome team of art enthusiasts promoting artwork and educating the community through projects like #projecteducate or #ArtHistoryProject?

FAQ #84: What are the Core Values of the Community Relations and Operations Departments?

FAQ #85: Can I be a volunteer on deviantART?

Not particularly interested in looking after abstract and surreal photography? Check out the official #communityrelations blog and see which other positions are currently open:

Do you disapprove of a Daily Deviation feature? Do you think the artists "doesn't deserve it"? Feel free to communicate your opinion on the artwork, but please stop flaming the artist!

Check out $Moonbeam13's official statement on this matter in the latest CR Newsletter and also the official FAQ:

FAQ #873: What do I do when I disapprove of a Daily Deviation feature?

Thanks a lot for your support!

In early October 2010, Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan promulgated the observance of a new commemoration called Spirit Day, the first observance of which took place on October 20, 2010, in which people wear the color purple to show support for LGBT young people who are victims of bullying. Since then it has turned into a global event against bullying, promoted by GLAAD.

supports Spirit Day