i had a weird moment the other day. the urban outfitters catalogue arrived and as i was flipping through it [feeling old because there are very few things kids are wearing today that i want to wear. we've moved onto the 80's through a hippie lens?] - i came to the above page and paused. wait - that's illustration play
. wait. i'm IN THAT BOOK. wait. urban outfitters is selling it? is it in stores? can i walk into a store and have a weird moment of i'm IN THAT BOOK in a hipster college environment? hmmmmm
so this last sunday the new york times included their T style magazine. my friend grace pointed out the above hermes outfit to me. it's pretty great. of course wandering through the snow w/ a yak [or buffalo?] in a million dollar outfit doesn't really seem feasible, but that's what we love about high fashion right?
also in the magazine was a fantastic article on catherine opie . when i was lucky enough to see her ice fishing series in LA i practically wept in front of them. i admire how she constantly looks for different things to photograph. and reading this quote made me see how she ties them all together:
"From early on, I wanted to create a language that showed how complex the idea of community really is, how we categorize who we are as human beings in relation to places we live," ... Her 1995 photographs of Beverly Hills and Bel Air homes aren’t so different, she says, from her portraits of the S-and-M community. "They’re both about the notion of the facade, and body modification is as much of a facade as architecture."
um yeah. chew on the notion of facade for a few hours and see what you come up with.
hope your wednesday is going well. and thanks for all the studio well wishes. and the underdog ink support. you guys are great!
Labels: artists, inspiration, me me me
in case you were wondering if i still was an artist... i am trying to be. my drawings for a proposed wall piece for a show all about robots at the san jose museum of art were approved by the curator! yay. the show will open in april and run all summer. [gotta love museums for their schedules]
here's a close up of part of it.... i have to figure out if i want to use colored pencil or gouache on the wall....
i also just arranged to do another tank installation in march at cesar chavez art gallery at San Francisco State. i've got to get a bigger template ready. the wall there is 9 feet by 24 feet and curved... i'm thinking maybe this vinyl that will just stick to the wall
i also want to mention this book : the art of life and visa versa by michael kimmelman , one of the main art critics of the new york times . [you have to click out of bloglines to see the book cover/link below....]
i bought it at SFMOMA when i ran through the olifer eliasson exhibit again. [i swear he's the lovechild of robert smithson and james turrell].
i am LOVING this book. there are moments of divine poetry where kimmelman really describes what it's like to be in the presence of art you love. when something moves from "ordinary" to "art". the introduction alone was inspiring. i've only read two essays, but can't wait to read the rest.
hope you all had a nice week thus far....
Labels: art, books, inspiration
hello there. it is raining here. cold cold cold [i wish it would just snow]. i dressed in 3 shades of gray to compliment the weather....
above is a catalogue i designed for my former teacher [now mentor and friend] katherine sherwood . her work continually blows me away. it was the first time i worked on something that was over 60 pages. it was for her show at the national academy of sciences. you can read more here
you should also read this interview with with aurora robson [my couplets show partner]. she's been working on a GIANT sculpture and you can get a sneak peek in the article. it takes my breath away.... she's using recycled plastic bottles. talk about transformation.
hope you are all having a good weekend. i'm about to enjoy a cooked at the table meal by my husband. sigh.
Labels: artists, inspiration
this is what i do when i'm in meetings. the doodling actually helps me concentrate i think. funny how the mind works in that regard.
i've had artist talks on my mind. partially because i've given TWO of them in the last two days. one to my students - they have to give one on their work and so i offered to give them the long version of mine. i showed them work all the way back to right after being an undergrad. it's so funny how i look at that work now and feel so removed from it. i can actually physically remember making it - but it also seems like such a different time.
this morning i talked to another group of students, at a different school, about my work, about working in galleries, about how having a web presence in this day and age is so important....
i'm making my students talk about their own work because i think that saying things out loud really reinforces the premises, parameters, and thematic courses that you are hoping to develop in your work. i find that when i say something out loud it has to really BE TRUE. it also helps me re-evaluate where i've been and where i'm going. all of a sudden i can see connections between bodies of work that i didn't realize were there before. so as much as it's hard - it's also a good thing....
i also got the great opportunity to see julie mehretu speak about her work last week. i've waxed poetic about her work before and seeing her speak was good. very good indeed. she is one of those academically aware and incredibly articulate off the cuff speakers. here's some of the phrases she spoke that i fervently wrote down:
- mark making as an evolution of language [self-language]
- patterning as community
- markers of behavior
- work intuitively first and search for meaning after
- a sense of history - a city isn't born, but developed
- how to pull the imaginary/personal world into NOW [oh this was big for me]
- the idea of an image shattering as you get closer - a grander picture from a distance and the shifting of scale that one can only accomplish in a paiting
- erasure as a gesture - as a social gesture [oh this really made me think too]
and i had a little thrill. she included the plans of an ando building in one of her pieces... and i've shown in an ando building . i'll take any connection i can get. what most struck, me, though, was what a different league of artist ms. merhretu is. and how she appreciates it. she flies all over the world. all the major art cities, working on major [and physically large] pieces in major museums and institutions. it's such an "other" level of engagement. she is an art rock star and leaves you "awe" struck - and yet she is approachable and direct and everything you would hope....
anyway.... i offer two sneak peaks
i'm working on stuff for my show with aurora robson which will be at sq ft galery in nashville in january. i'm in the thick of it. i think it's working. i hope it's working. oh.....
i'm going to try and post regularly, but with grading [last weeks of classes], and life, and this show, and the holidays and.... i may be a bit behind on visiting you all. please forgive me. i miss you already....
Labels: art, artists, inspiration
how long has it been since i posted a corner of my home? a very very long time.
i brought home a couple of lovely wares from heath ceramics in sausalito. their store is so lovely. the people that work there are so kind. if i had an endless pit of money how much would i love to have a table full of heathware?
sigh
i'm way way way behind on some thank yous. i'm going to try and catch up here.... and i'm missing images [entire folders of photos seemed to have disappeared from my hard drive. harumph!] and i'm fearful i'm going to miss someone... so please forgive me if i do...
«« jenny , thanks for your amazing package - i can't believe i get to hold the drawing in my hands - along with all the other goodies!!
«« esoule and i traded. i got this . i love it. so much.
«« babel sent me a stack of good things to flip through and fawn over. and a bauble for my finger [always appreciated]. i have a stack to send out to her. soon soon soon. i am behind on mailing. so behind.
«« forever ago bug sent an amazing array of hoops, old time clothespins, sunglasses, a wrap skirt and a pair of THESE - which i had when i was a kid and so dearly love. they make a certain sound when you walk. clunk clunk.
«« for no reason at all liz sent me this photo . it is so amazing. noir - scary, but also delicate... that tape measure.... dangling.....
AND IN BLOGLAND
«« have you seen jen's book ?????? wow. i've been working on a 7x7 blurb book too, but not quite finished. hers is just stunning.
«« you have until TOMORROW to sign up for the ornament swap . kathleen and nicole are genius'. i so want to sign up - but i don't know if i can actually pull off a good ornament.... hmmmm
«« k.c. has been really rocking the links lately [well she always rocks them, but...] give tokyo polaroids a second look....
«« creature comforts has a great holiday guide
«« shari will be interviewing a host of creative folks this year just like she did last year.....
«« amy had her book signing tonight. [i don't think we can over-gush about this book] did anyone make it? would love to hear about it!
and so you don't curse me forever i will stop linking now. more soon....
Labels: blogland, good mail, inspiration
better at the original size
from left to right:
jonn herschend
michele theberge
lauren davies
connie begg
lorene anderson who was my co-curator
robert ortball
yes - if you want to see anything original is better
from right to left :
me
tracey cockrell
sylvia min
freddy chandra
james sterling pit
cynthia innis
so lets work backwards [mostly because i was able to get through these images first! i'm still working on the over the river shots. it's hard to figure out how to represent an installation accurately].
the workAday opening was really fun. practically all of us know each other in this show - i chose people mostly i went to grad school with and lorene chose people that both of us knew [i even taught with one recently]... so it was a chance to see friends if nothing else.
both lori and i had done daily projects in our studio. we wondered what it'd be like if we proposed that parameter to artists we knew. there is something about the pressure and also complete lack of pressure of making a work in a day that is daunting and freeing. i kept hearing over and over that this project really changed an artist's approach to something else they were working on. i guess what i'm saying is that if you've thought about setting up a project like this for yourself ... DO. i don't think you'll regret it.
i showed week 5, 3, 45 and 52 of the drawing a day series.
there's another opening for the show on Friday Nov. 2nd from 7-10pm - so if you feel like coming out..... the show is up at Blankspace Gallery through Nov. 19th. if you want to learn a bit more about jonn, james and tracey's pieces [and see an HORRIBLE picture of me] go here . timothy buckwalter also wrote a little something on the show....
i'd really like to thank a bunch of folks for talking about my show at little bird gallery. i was thrilled, honored, and touched by the mentions.... so in no particular order.... and if i forgot someone please forgive me [and/or let me know] my brain is still ridiculously fried from the last 2 weeks..... apartment therapy LA , daily candy LA , whip-up , diesel art which was due to poppytalk's jan! , marshall astor , design*, and hopping for happy accidents [and because of k.c. i'm thinking lindesy adelman and i should have a show together??] hmmmm
so shari i think i'm finally ready to return to the documentary project next week... game???
have a great tuesday!
Labels: art, artists, inspiration
these are actually 3 of my favorites. it's hard to believe that i took over 30 polaroids... and that my mom is in japan right now! [lucky lady!]
how is your monday? i had to get up to start class at 8am. my husband just laughed at me. do they know you aren't a morning person? tis true. but i will be there, and i will start class at 8am! [we are going to have coffee and tea in class though. it's a seminar so it's OK]. and thankfully this is only once a week. granted i will teach until 8pm tonight, but... better one long day then classes spread out over many days. my new philosophy.
my studio mate left me a magazine clipping the other day. with this image of work from my town my home . a project by yoshikazu yamagata and mafuyu [whose website is just so great].
have you ever had one of those damn! i wish i thought of that moments. this did it for me. i think these are so amazing, in concept, in execution.... yeah.
i actually have a former student coming to help me tomorrow. [gasp! dare i say i have an intern?] this makes me giddy. really giddy. i feel very fortunate. mantra : do not take advantage - make sure he learns something.... repeat repeat repeat....
be sure to check out ship where we are talking about a pig in provence... and go and wish karen and bara a happy b-day [eireann's is in a few days]... i think there are other b-day folks around now too, but....
and jan's new venture poppytalk handmade . SO MANY good things. just too many....
Labels: inspiration, japan, polaroids, ramblings
happy labor [less] day..... if you are stateside, of course. we are having really nice weather here. it's a treat.
today shari is hosting the documentary project. the word this week was interior....
i have been drooling over my button book [above] from modern-craft . buttons - love. jewelry - love. button jewelry? what's not to love? so i made my own little button concoction.
i've actually got a pretty good stash of vintage and cool buttons [some from the lovely paula , who recently updated her shop ... i think there might be a few things left ??] i wish i had more time to play with all my buttons.... hopefully soon.....
this cuteness also came in the mail recently. aranzi is just irresistible i think. i love how these little "zines" blend funny pics and projects.... more info on the machine gun series here [they are a CHEAP guilty pleasure].
Labels: inspiration, zakka
first... thank you SO MUCH for all the underdog love. you guys are amazing. really. thank you! and now.... eye candy.....
have you seen the new aranzi arono books being offered in english? they are really really sweet. and while it's easy enough to figure out the japanese craft books because of the pictures - having the instructions in english just makes it THAT much simpler.
i really want to make the monkey.... [sorry i tried to take a photo of my book, but the reflection in it was horrid - check out the aranzi site - it's the little monkey at the top of the page] i have the perfect excuse to [someone just had a baby]. so if i can get it together i'll show you... i wish i had more softie making time.... sigh.
they also have the bad book . which doesn't have instructions on how to make softies, but just look at how cute the bad guy is !! [um why do i think a softie trying to stuff a change purse up his shirt is SO funny. there might be something wrong with me]
you can buy the books directly from the aranzi website or from amazon . happy stitching!
have you seen the new aranzi arono books being offered in english? they are really really sweet. and while it's easy enough to figure out the japanese craft books because of the pictures - having the instructions in english just makes it THAT much simpler.
i really want to make the monkey.... [sorry i tried to take a photo of my book, but the reflection in it was horrid - check out the aranzi site - it's the little monkey at the top of the page] i have the perfect excuse to [someone just had a baby]. so if i can get it together i'll show you... i wish i had more softie making time.... sigh.
they also have the bad book . which doesn't have instructions on how to make softies, but just look at how cute the bad guy is !! [um why do i think a softie trying to stuff a change purse up his shirt is SO funny. there might be something wrong with me]
you can buy the books directly from the aranzi website or from amazon . happy stitching!
Labels: books, inspiration
i'm feeling short on words.... so just a couple thoughts....
the other day i woke up and put together an outfit totally inspired by martha of uniform studio. i have always loved gray and ochre together, but i had never worn them together. my outfit was no where near as amazing as the clothes that are available at uniform studio , but... i was happy to wear things in my wardrobe in a new combination!
julie mehretu is an aritst i have a serious crush on. her work is so layered - photos will never do it justice - the intricacy and the attention to detail and pattern just blows me away. i've been lucky enough to see her work twice in person. once at the berkeley art museum and one time at the whitney .
there's a new book of hers. i think i might have to get it.
hope your second half of the week goes well! stay tuned... on monday a project gets announced here!
the other day i woke up and put together an outfit totally inspired by martha of uniform studio. i have always loved gray and ochre together, but i had never worn them together. my outfit was no where near as amazing as the clothes that are available at uniform studio , but... i was happy to wear things in my wardrobe in a new combination!
julie mehretu is an aritst i have a serious crush on. her work is so layered - photos will never do it justice - the intricacy and the attention to detail and pattern just blows me away. i've been lucky enough to see her work twice in person. once at the berkeley art museum and one time at the whitney .
there's a new book of hers. i think i might have to get it.
hope your second half of the week goes well! stay tuned... on monday a project gets announced here!
Labels: inspiration
no pics but some good links....
i am thinking about the beauty of the work of
RUTH ASAWA
and EVA HESSE .
i think i have talked about them both before, but all morning i have been pouring over their images thinking about a project i want my students to do.... i catch myself gasping with glee at their work.
hope you do too.
i think shari is going to post our project either today or next monday. since she's travelling it's been a bit hard for her to blog. we thought it might be nice to have our thoughts side by side.
have a good day!
i am thinking about the beauty of the work of
RUTH ASAWA
and EVA HESSE .
i think i have talked about them both before, but all morning i have been pouring over their images thinking about a project i want my students to do.... i catch myself gasping with glee at their work.
hope you do too.
i think shari is going to post our project either today or next monday. since she's travelling it's been a bit hard for her to blog. we thought it might be nice to have our thoughts side by side.
have a good day!
Labels: artists, inspiration
