Muderlak Art

Are the risks worth it? Maybe, maybe not........I’m not sure. The best literature, in my opinion, doesn’t give us the answers but it does provoke thought. - Here is the final illustration for the book “As Above So Below,” written by @climbwritekalman . -prints at link in bio #muderlakart #patagonia #illustration #climbing

Together in solitude...... - another illustration from the “As Above So Below” novela written by @climbwritekalman. This is number 6 from a series of 7 illustrations I’ve completed for this excellent work of fiction which should be available later this winter. — -prints available at link in bio. #muderlakart #patagonia #illustration #wildernessculture #climbing

I’ve really enjoyed placing subjects in these landscapes, combining my own experiences and imagination to emulate the experience of these fictional characters. Here’s another illustration from the As Above So Below story written by @climbwritekalman - - prints and originals at link in bio. #muderlakart #wildernessculture #patagonia #illustration

A solitary walk in solitude...... Another illustration from As Above So Below story written by @climbwritekalman. To everybody who supported his Kickstarter and is receiving the book, I’m sure you will be very pleased. Anybody else who is interested in a copy of the book, please be in contact with @climbwritekalman. Illustration prints will be available at link in my bio. #muderlakart #patagonia #wildernessculture #mountainart

Another one for the book “As Above So Below” by @climbwritekalman . Fun plugging some human experience into these places...... #muderlakart #mountainart #wildernessculture ** I will be selling the 7 original illustrations from this book as a single set initially at link in bio

I’ve really enjoyed placing subjects in these landscapes, combining my own experiences and imagination to emulate the experience of these fictional characters. Here’s another illustration from the As Above So Below story written by @climbwritekalman - prints and originals at link in bio. #muderlakart #wildernessculture #patagonia #illustration

Both climbing and creativity have risks. While less imminent, creativity nonetheless does hold a distinct perceived risk, failure - At the beginning of each new work, I feel the vulnerability of risking wasted time and pride, as often it's unclear whether I'll be happy with the outcome or throw it out and start over again. When @climbwritekalman approached me about illustrating his new fictional climbing story, As Above So Below, I was honored and nervous - As many of you know, I rarely include subjects in my work. However, after reading the story, I was moved and decided to embrace this artistic uncertainty. Climbing and art are two of my most influential teachers. They help foster trust (both in myself and others), they reinforce that this paradoxical world is both ugly and magnificent, they push me to embrace uncertainty while being careful not to become complacent, and they reinforce life's complexities. Both my personal climbing and my time engaging with the As Above Below narrative through my illustrations has prompted distinct personal reflection this #newyear. Neither As Above So Below nor my personal climbing have defined the abstract line between acceptable and unacceptable risk. However, I am more keenly aware that I would not be where I am this newyear without risk and uncertainty. ______________________________________________________As Above So Below will include 7 illustrations and the originals will be available as a single set for a short time (let me know if you're interested). The book, which I highly recommend, will be available later this winter. The writing is superb, highly visceral, and the narrative transcends the typical climbing literature. To obtain a copy, be in touch with @climbwritekalman. #muderlakart #2018 #happynewyear

Both climbing and creativity have risks. While less imminent, creativity nonetheless does hold a distinct perceived risk, failure - At the beginning of each new work, I feel the vulnerability of risking wasted time and pride, as often it's unclear whether I'll be happy with the outcome or throw it out and start over again. When @climbwritekalman approached me about illustrating his new fictional climbing story, As Above So Below, I was honored and nervous - As many of you know, I rarely include subjects in my work. However, after reading the story, I was moved and decided to embrace this artistic uncertainty. Climbing and art are two of my most influential teachers. They help foster trust (both in myself and others), they reinforce that this paradoxical world is both ugly and magnificent, they push me to embrace uncertainty while being careful not to become complacent, and they reinforce life's complexities. Both my personal climbing and my time engaging with the As Above Below narrative through my illustrations has prompted distinct personal reflection this #newyear. Neither As Above So Below nor my personal climbing have defined the abstract line between acceptable and unacceptable risk. However, I am more keenly aware that I would not be where I am this newyear without risk and uncertainty. ________________________________________As Above So Below will include 7 illustrations and the originals will be available as a single set for a short time (let me know if you're interested). The book, which I highly recommend, will be available later this winter. The writing is superb, highly visceral, and the narrative transcends the typical climbing literature. To obtain a copy, be in touch with @climbwritekalman. #muderlakart #2018 #happynewyear

As you know, #bearearsnationalmonument is currently under threat from the current administration. Thanks to all those who showed their support by demonstrating against the president in Salt Lake City. While I couldn’t be there, I’m choosing to show my support from afar - by donating to the funding of the Bears Ears education center. Lasting until Wednesday, I am holding a sale and will donate 10% of my sales to the @ducttapethenbeer fundraiser ( for 10% off use promo code “CONTOURS2017” during checkout at the link in my bio). But wait, an added bonus!! I will also be giving away a #muderlakart regular size print of choice to the individual who donates the most to the fundraiser. To be considered for this giveaway: 1) go to @ducttapethenbeer, follow link in their bio to Kickstarter campaign and donate 2) take screen shot of your donation, and message me with screen shot. 3) follow me and share post with two friends. 4) ends at 6pm MST on the 6th. Winner will be announced by end of the week. (Only valid to participants in USA) #protectbearsears

I’m not sure exactly what year this photo was was taken, but I’m pretty sure at the time there was only one established campsite in #Indiancreek, and this image was shot with black and white Ilford film. When I look back through my Indian Creek photos, I find more often than not I’m drawn to the non-climbing images, those in-between moments shared with friends at the end of the day - That’s what keeps me yearning to return time and time again. Times have changed; there are now many campsites to choose from and often those campsites are crowded - if not full. Yet, these in-between moments are still at the heart of this untrammeled place. Let’s continue to work to keep #bearsears a place where these moments are possible. Please check out the link in @ducttapethenbeer bio and consider donating to something meaningful for this region - the creation of the Bears Ears education center. @huck_mac @johnfschmid #standwithbearsears #ilikeitwithoutoil

I haven’t been to the #indiancreek in a while but it holds as much nostalgia for me as almost anywhere. In light of an administration that doesn’t understand the value of protected open spaces and is threatening to shrink #bearsearsnationalmonument, the good folks at @ducttapethenbeer are raising funds for something we do have control over - to help Friends of Cedar Mesa build an education center for Bears Ears. So, in a time when calling senators and speaking out against this administration doesn’t seem effective, consider donating to this cause and doing something tangible to increase awareness about this region - link at @ducttapethenbeer bio. #protectbearsears #protectpubliclands

(6/10 - #choosinguncertainty) words by @drewthayer : Exploration, invention, art..... the creative pursuits all share the same driving force, a spark of inspiration and a foray into the unknown. On our second visit to the Dog Tooth spire we were rewarded with sunny weather and new rock routes, one to a perplexing half-way point and one to the summit. The next day we returned to the Pitchfork glacier and our food supply. The glacier had been out our home for three weeks, surrounded by peaks we climbed and countless others that have never seen a boot or axe. Craig decided to test our handmade skis on the decent - if you’ve ever skied on handmade wooden skis without edges nor legitimate bindings and your ice climbing boots strapped down with cord........well let’s just say he experienced some face-plants. As we celebrated our success a shadow lurked in our minds..... in a few days we’d have to pack up our entire kit - ice and rock gear, tents and ropes and packrafts - and somehow trek 16 miles down the glacier to the rivers, towards the sea. 📷 @drewthayer @davidbfay @americanalpine #coppdashinspireaward #shiptontilman @rab.equipment @featheredfriends1972 @hyperlite_mountain_gear @bluewaterropes @alpacka_raft

“Castleton Script” - a new one for the small series ________________________________________ 10% off my store just this week - use code : CONTOURS2017 during checkout at link in my bio. It’s getting near that time where I start rushing orders out for the holiday season. I’m a one-man team so please get those orders in early to guarantee arrival for the holidays. #muderlakart

one of the best backcountry alpine climbing destinations anywhere. “Elephant Perch Script” - a new one from my series of smaller gestural illustrations. Pricing my work is an aspect of my job I struggle with most. After all, I didn’t get into art to be a business person. But making a living using my creativity is important enough to me that I’ve made a strong effort over the years to embrace some of the business - often baby steps and learning as I go. The goals of making my art affordable, making a living, and also paying myself commensurately with the effort I put into my work are often at odds. I’m regularly looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing my artistic and business ideals and working too much for too little - unfortunately this isn’t always possible. Lately I’ve been making smaller, more gestural illustrations that ostensibly should require less time and effort. Ironically, working smaller doesn’t always mean easier or quicker. Oh well, the journey continues - it’s art. _______________________________________ Prints and originals at link in bio #muderlakart #elephantperch

(1/4- #choosinguncertainty ). Words by @drewthayer : Living here reminds us of how frail we are. On the sunniest days we can ‘harvest’ water by digging drip structures into the snow, but much of the time we rely on burning fuel to slake our thirst. After almost three weeks of incessant climbing, we decided to investigated rock features down another glacier where we encountered our first running water in almost three weeks if glacier life. Encountering this running water was a welcome sight and got us excited for the exploratory river journey that lay ahead....... The conditions weren’t right for us to climb these unclimbed spires, but they linger in my mind with possibility. 📷 @davidbfay

Some quick lines and color . “Saturated Torres del Paine” #muderlakart -prints/originals at link in bio

As @climbwritekalman pulls into the final stretch of his Kickstarter campaign - I just wanted to share a few thoughts. First off, congrats Chris; As somebody who has successfully completed a Kickstarter, I can attest to its demands - most notably the vulnerability required to expose yourself and your art to public scrutiny. Secondly, Chris thrives behind the integrity of his paper and pen - not the camera lens - and I imagine that the obligatory kickstarter video loomed over his head. However, as with his writing, he approached this challenge with an honesty that I admire. Ironically, a medium which he feels so uncomfortable with felt so meaningful to the campaign, illuminating a style which may have been lost otherwise. I'm very much looking forward to doing the illustrations for this wonderful work of fiction (this illustration is not in the book) . If you're interested in preordering the book, this is the last day to do so - check out @climbwritekalman profile for link! (My own prints / originals at link in my bio) #muderlakart