tagged w/ durkART
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I'll tell you, what a wake up call from arriving to Orlando from Chicago in March 1999. I worked in the customer division of AT&T till they closed all their Phone Center Stores back in 1997. My benefits and wages were great $38000 a year - I was a top salesperson in Chicagoland area. I worked then for PrimeCo, a cellular company. ( Ever here of Kohler Wisconsin? - because of my sales revenue I was rewarded a trip. It was a great little town). Again I was making big bucks too. Welcome to Orlando where the state looks like a male appendage for companies and worker rights to bend over. I worked for the Mouse making $6.85 an hour - had to leave there, wear-and-tear on car plus gas cost, I was losing money. The Hulk (Ok the Hulk airport store - Again what their wages were - I'm not stupid, I need a little going in my pocket). And the Hulk sent out this letter, "We know times are difficult but help IS available through government agencies" - WTF??? -"pay your workers a decent livable wage". LYNX Bus company - Yes I greeted SO many at the customer service window. But playing politics, and stupid " Raising the Bar on wage increases" I was through with their nonsense ( even though I was truly the best in what we were measured on.) I am presently at a computer company - the wages are a little higher, but at age 50+ one sees age discrimination-after almost 2 years I'm still part time : Yet, kids that have been there a lot shorter are offered full time positions. Management attitude towards me - you can see it in their eyes -" Why are you here?". I want to work. I want a wage. I want health insurance. I want to be rewarded for what I do. They could just fire me and get someone in there and pay them even cheaper and mold them into what they want. Employment for this State is "at will" meaning companies can fire you for ANY reason if they want to. What ever happened to company loyalty to their employees? What ever happened to employee recognition? Companies want to squeeze every last dime from their workers, cut wages, cut benefits, cut insurance. And if you don't like it - paying someone else cheaper, will be in line to fill your shoes. I'm at the age when I remember when it wasn't like this. I guess my job quest is never ending. So many Floridians are feeling the pain I'm feeling, and throughout the United States. And as the Occupy Movement grows. Company greed is a cancer and it's poisoning this great nation. Back in 2000, after seeing the injustice of wages and benefits down here - I signed up for art classes at Beardall Senior Center off Orange Avenue and to this day I'm still taking them. I guess creating my art is a time for me to get away and mask the pain i'm feeling as I paint away, and hope that tomorrow will be better.I'll tell you, what a wake up call from arriving to Orlando from Chicago in... more
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In 1997, I was living the American dream. I loved my job.I was living in Chicago Illinois and I was working for AT&T. I was one of their top revenue producers. Bad news, in the mid 90's AT&T started closing their factories and moving them overseas, laying off thousands and their retail division was the next to go. They closed all of their profitable Phone Center Stores. In 1999 my partner and I decided to move to Orlando Florida. What a wake up call. My previous wages were almost $40,000. But in Orlando Florida, I couldn't get a job. I settled for working for the mouse at $6.50 (i'm ashamed) an hour-but my upbringing , you need to work. I started taking art classes. That's how I started to supplement my income. What happened to today's corporations, where one has to work more then 40 hours and have 2 jobs just to make it? It wasn't always like that-I've been rewarded by trips, gifts and cash rewards in the past - is it just a by gone era?: Job hopping, looking for better wages-I guess the search is ever ending. So I continue to create my art and dream of a better future- where companies value their employees and it's not such a profit driven, rewarding the shareholders, but stiff their employees environment. Back in 2000 I started taking art classes , dreaming of a better future and today I still do. durkART - Artist for today's troubled times.In 1997, I was living the American dream. I loved my job.I was living in Chicago... more
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From Famed Artist durkART living in Orlando Florida - showcasing his latest creations. It started with a ....DREAMFrom Famed Artist durkART living in Orlando Florida - showcasing his latest... more
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Growing up, durkART always wanted to be around people having a good time. If he could turn back time would love being in the late 70's, in the alternative dance bars in Chicago, Key West, San Francisco. That's where the people met. They came to have a good time, to laugh, to dance the night away. That positive energy - The music - The lights - The sense of community: Loking back on those days, our cares were few. It was, (or it seemed) to be a more peaceful time. That's my goal of his artwork, carefree, light, harmonious, music to the eyes, full of life creations. During those times there was also an undertone of sexual expressionism, which is also apparent in some of my artwork. He wants to explore, using dance music of that time, to splash canvas with happy colors, and see what emerges - "That manic energy" - that's what durkART is ALL about. He has been in several galleries in the Orlando area and I have an international following. Pull up a chair check out check out the 5 minute video. Comments/ suggestions always appreciated, and Peace, the world needs more of itGrowing up, durkART always wanted to be around people having a good time. If he could... more
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The show is called, "Layers" , After working a 40 hour a week my paycheck doesn't go far. With gas prices so high, people losing their houses, unemployment rising, the destruction of the middle class, the arrogant president and his administration and they do nothing even though they share power - Congress. The show showcases what WE all are feeling in these troubled times - Those "Layers"The show is called, "Layers" , After working a 40 hour a week my paycheck... more
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Remember when you where young and you had a coloring book and crayons? You used to draw and dream. This is a Coloring Book I created. I hope you enjoy, " Don't forget your crayons - and dream of a better tomorrow.Remember when you where young and you had a coloring book and crayons? You used to... more
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I'm an successful abstract artist in Orlando Florida. I have been HIV+ for over 20+ years. I learned throughout the years, gotta live life to the fullest - life is SO short. My "47 years of living" flew by - I remember dancing at Duggans Bistro, Carols Speakeasy discos in Chicago in the late 70's - And that energy ( music, energy and love) I want to capture in my creations. Take Chances, believe in the impossible cause Life is SO short - gotta live life to the fullest! I'm an successful abstract artist in Orlando Florida. I have been HIV+ for over... more
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Acclaimed artist durkART showcasing his 2007 creations in coloring book form; Bring along some crayons, remember your youth, and start dreaming of a better tomorrow. Acclaimed artist durkART showcasing his 2007 creations in coloring book form; Bring... more
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