Quarantined
0:00/02:42
(c) Mark Nelson
2020 was a year of self-isolation and hyper digital networking to retain a social interaction. That year, like many around the planet, I made an effort to remain physically, mentally and professionally challenged. In the process I rehabbed my work space, producing art, attending Zoom meetups, a family Zoom-Mitzvah, shopping online and continuing piano lessons via Zoom with my teacher and former Triton College colleague Dr. Akiko Konishi. I created this video to share empathy with others around the world also spending time in isolation.
Casco Viejo
0:00/03:15
(c) Mark Nelson
Originally shot on location in 2009, this short captures a rainy season evening sitting on my dear friend (RIP) Patti Eugenia Smith's balcony overlooking Parque Santana and the Cafe Coca cola in Panama City, Republic of Panama. The neighborhood itself is called "Casco Viejo," meaning old shell, the old shell of Panama City from the Colonial period. Casco Viejo is alive with arts and life as a site for the city's greatest treasures such as the historic Opera Theater. Many new cafes, restaurants, and nouveau bars have sprung up over the last couple decades.
White Cargo
0:00/4:26
(c) Mark Nelson
Originally filmed on Super8mm film, this footage, I then digitally re-mastered it to high definition video for online access. My youthful activities in Panama with exploration, treasure hunting and cultural myths was realized in this short with the help of two fellow artists friends, Kellerman a painter and Maszk a printmaker who improvised their roles under my direction within my graduate studio at UIC. My preoccupation with archeology can be traced back to my youth excavating in the jungles and old town sites hidden under the canopies of the Isthmus of Panama.
From the Wash
0:00/9:55
(c) Mark Nelson
"From the Wash" was an exploration into the coded and indigenous landscape of the Painted Desert of the Petrified Forest in northern Arizona through performance, video and installation. While serving as a National Park Ranger through the TRT program, I had the privilege of visiting numerous sacred indigenous sites including a day on 2nd Mesa on Hopi land for the celebration of the summer solstice. For myself this became a spiritual life impacting event which I cherish to this day.
Kosmonaut
0:00/1:31
(c) Mark Nelson
I created this short animation while taking a post graduate class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago using Corel Painter LE and a 2003 version of Adobe After Effects. images were derived from my canvas painting series of scallop-shaped UFOs over abstract landscapes.
Pancho, the art of Francisco Mendoza
0:00/29:37
(c) Mark Nelson
On March 12, 2012, Francisco Mendoza, artist, teacher, friend left our world to the second half of his journey as described by the ancient ones. His time here was bountiful yet short, joyful and industrious. I met Francisco 25 years ago where he was working in the Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen. He introduced me to everyone like an ambassador from another country and at the same time praised each person I met in front of them; you could see how he illuminated people by what he found fascinating about each person. It was genuine and left an impression on myself on what pride he took in knowing each person's talent and positive traits. The adults beamed like the kids, and so it went. I remember riding the subway train to his house at least once, on the south side of Chicago, and his mom fixed us up some dinner. We talked about visions and projects, artists teaching in the public schools, and working with inner city kids. I shared about my experiences in Panama and how I wished to return and work with youth in Panama. While enrolled in a certification class for Producer status at Chicago Access TV, Francisco allowed me to tape a live studio interview of him. This 45-minute show had the potential to be a series. Cable access aired our recorded show numerous times that year and I knew Francisco was a bit disappointed that I could not continue with more shows, however he was more than understanding about how valuable my time with my new born daughter was and still is. What Francisco did change in my life was in affect, the decision to pursue an art-teaching career in the Chicago Public Schools. Intrigued by his students' large mosaics and mural projects, and the support of his school in guiding youthful energy into productive ways, destiny led me to a school of my own where I carried on this torch on the north side of the city. Keeping in touch over the years, Francisco and I eventually ended up neighbors with him living on the very next street. In 2003, I made a video documentary titled "Vecinos" (neighbors) about friends and artists in Pilsen that complimented our 18th St. Pilsen Open Studios project. Of course, Francisco was the feature star of that video and could do no wrong. We screened that video live, on cable, and finally on YouTube where it can be seen here on my channel today. Many characters were encountered on that project but Francisco's story would not be as closely examined until 2011 when he contacted me about some advice on health and CPS employment issues. Subsequently he would inform some of us as to the the deadly nature of his health challenges and the ugly mess of his teaching post being terminated callously. We organized as a committee, as a community, and as a family of friends. Everyone came out to pour on the love, appreciation, and recognition of how he had altered the course and outlook of thousands of lives. I collaborated with Francisco again on a video with the assistance and testimonies telling his positive journey leaving out any references to his cancer or CPS/Union contract negotiations. It was to be a celebration of living and living large (ok..a little Pun for Pancho). Everyone came out by the thousands, smothered him with admiration. The next day Francisco told me he felt like he was walking on clouds even though he was staring death directly in the face. For his final year with us he endured a quadruple bypass, multiple tumor removals, radiation and chemotherapy, and yet this was one of the most happiest times of his life. Even as recent as last Fall of 2011, he was out socializing, showing up to art openings and events. After December, his calls became sporadic; some days were good and some bad. It was usually around how much energy he had left after treatments and fighting his opponent, the cancer. We (friends, family, former students) gave him closure and peace, and as James his nephew stated, he drifted off into a long peaceful sleep knowing how much he was truly appreciated and acknowledged for sharing his talent, joy, humor, and positive philosophy to all he came in contact with over the years. So I hope you enjoy personal testimony to a person who gave so much of himself to so many.