s t i l l .
yesterday i got a pedicure. this is because we leave tomorrow to attend a wedding over the weekend. a friend gave me a gift certificate to a spa. i love being pampered like that. luxury.
so i wanted to shoot my feet. but i also wanted blurr. especially because it was early. and blurr somehow is equaling s t i l l for me [i was thinking of uta barth , but of course i can't compare].
i'm also s t i l l over here
so no post for me here tomorrow.... but there will be one on poppytalk. [hello to any new readers from there].
today was a long day. we discussed the "meaning" of art - or rather how all art has meaning - or rather how i won't let students simply say: "my work has no meaning" or "i want the viewer to come up with their own meaning" [this is a big pet peeve of mine]. also had a critique in my drawing class. i love seeing how the students have progressed. it never ceases to amaze me how in the span of weeks they can go from being afraid to make a mark on a page to taking big risks and solving big problems and understanding how to use color, line, shape and value to their best advantage. many of them still don't trust that their work is good unless it's "realistic", but i think we convinced one person today that his view of the world via drawing was compelling because of [not despite] its lack of "accuracy".
ok. i guess i had more to say than i thought. have a lovely weekend. see you next week!
Labels: links, play along, s t i l l, teaching
hello.
i've been thinking a lot about what "normal" is. what makes something normal. what makes a normal day. i've been trying to not qualify the idea - not a good or a bad day [or minute or hour] just normal. what makes me feel like things are going smoothly? how do you integrate unplanned for emotions or problems or stresses and allow yourself to simply move forward. and then how do you notice and get excited [again] about things that "normally" bring a smile to your face?
i can not express the complete and utter gratitude i feel to all of you. those that left comments, those that sent me emails, those that expressed concern, told me stories of their own grandmothers... your heartfelt words and understanding meant so much to me. thank you. thank you. thank you. your gestures were lovely.
i feel like it is time to try and come back to this space. to do whatever it is that i DO here.
so in the spirit of that....
i had a model come to my drawing 1 class to try and bring in the idea of gesture. she was an incredible model. really thoughtful and athletic poses - and an easy body to "see"... curvy. as i walked around the class i kept looking up and thinking oh - i'd like to draw that.
well eventually after an hour of short poses the class was ready for a long pose. they all needed a little time with out me hovering over them. so i sat in the back of class and sketched for 5 minutes on a paper towel.
figurative work is not really my cup of tea, but i have to admit it was really fun and liberating to draw her. even though i couldn't see all of her b/c a student's head was in the way. even though i had to stop because a student raised their hand for help.
drawing from life ain't so bad.
and in art news... i have work in 3 shows right now
up through Oct. 30 at Lawton Gallery in Green Bay Wisconsin.
Curated by Faythe Levine [handmade nation! ]
install shots
lawton gallery website
artists in the show: i'm sorry i don't have links for everyone !!
Kate Bingaman-Burt, Amy Carlton, Cinnamon Cooper, Sabrina Gschwandtner, Jennifer Marsh, Cat Mazza, Handmade Nation, Lisa Solomon, Stephanie Syjuco, and Melissa Vogley Woods.
in Spencertown, NY - at the Spencertown Academy Arts Center through November 16th
artists in the show:
Blanka Amezkua,Hildur Bjarnadottir,Mimi Graminski,Kate
Kretz, John Krynick,Cat Mazza,Valerie Molnar,Adrienne Sloane, and yours truly. Exhibition curated by Joyce Goldstein and Gwenn Mayers.
at anton gallery in Monterey CA.... through November 4th
noise website
artists in the show: again, sorry no links
Jesus Agular,Anthony Discenza, Clinton Fein, Richard James, Packard Jennings, Tony Sheeder, Lisa Solomon, Heather Wilcoxon
curated by Patrick Frank
ok then. have a great weekend. see you next week
i've been thinking a lot about what "normal" is. what makes something normal. what makes a normal day. i've been trying to not qualify the idea - not a good or a bad day [or minute or hour] just normal. what makes me feel like things are going smoothly? how do you integrate unplanned for emotions or problems or stresses and allow yourself to simply move forward. and then how do you notice and get excited [again] about things that "normally" bring a smile to your face?
i can not express the complete and utter gratitude i feel to all of you. those that left comments, those that sent me emails, those that expressed concern, told me stories of their own grandmothers... your heartfelt words and understanding meant so much to me. thank you. thank you. thank you. your gestures were lovely.
i feel like it is time to try and come back to this space. to do whatever it is that i DO here.
so in the spirit of that....
i had a model come to my drawing 1 class to try and bring in the idea of gesture. she was an incredible model. really thoughtful and athletic poses - and an easy body to "see"... curvy. as i walked around the class i kept looking up and thinking oh - i'd like to draw that.
well eventually after an hour of short poses the class was ready for a long pose. they all needed a little time with out me hovering over them. so i sat in the back of class and sketched for 5 minutes on a paper towel.
figurative work is not really my cup of tea, but i have to admit it was really fun and liberating to draw her. even though i couldn't see all of her b/c a student's head was in the way. even though i had to stop because a student raised their hand for help.
drawing from life ain't so bad.
and in art news... i have work in 3 shows right now
up through Oct. 30 at Lawton Gallery in Green Bay Wisconsin.
Curated by Faythe Levine [handmade nation! ]
install shots
lawton gallery website
artists in the show: i'm sorry i don't have links for everyone !!
Kate Bingaman-Burt, Amy Carlton, Cinnamon Cooper, Sabrina Gschwandtner, Jennifer Marsh, Cat Mazza, Handmade Nation, Lisa Solomon, Stephanie Syjuco, and Melissa Vogley Woods.
in Spencertown, NY - at the Spencertown Academy Arts Center through November 16th
artists in the show:
Blanka Amezkua,Hildur Bjarnadottir,Mimi Graminski,Kate
Kretz, John Krynick,Cat Mazza,Valerie Molnar,Adrienne Sloane, and yours truly. Exhibition curated by Joyce Goldstein and Gwenn Mayers.
at anton gallery in Monterey CA.... through November 4th
noise website
artists in the show: again, sorry no links
Jesus Agular,Anthony Discenza, Clinton Fein, Richard James, Packard Jennings, Tony Sheeder, Lisa Solomon, Heather Wilcoxon
curated by Patrick Frank
ok then. have a great weekend. see you next week
but i really don't want to believe that. i just got thru the last of my one-to-one meetings with my professional practice students [15 minutes each. they had to present their cover letters, resumes, portfolios and website]. word of the day is consitency. some of them are ready and some of them are not. and i have to let that go. i can only do so much in 10 sessions minutes before they graduate.
above is a photo from the wedding over the weekend. it was hot. it was on a lake, in a vineyard, everything was tinged in earth tones. you can see a bit more here .
this little squirrel - a prize that gracia won {eons ago - i'm so sorry for the delay}. landed safe in the other hemisphere. i think he will be most happy amongst all the critters in gracia and louise's welcoming home....
and i have my own laundry list of thank yous to accomplish:: [deep breath]
from the top.... a surprise [which could really suit me no better] from camilla - or more accurately a hug from sweden. i just sent her a kiss back, so hopefully it will arrive safe too.
row 2 :: books [and passes to moca!!] from annabelle. pictured on a right is a detail of the work of liz larner . also right up my alley.
row 3 - left :: marieke and i traded. swoon. i actually want it to be cold so i can wear the adorable hand warmers. and she threw in so many extra goodies. thank you sweet one!
row 3 - right :: vintage buttons of the most amazing variety from paula
row 4 :: once again dear bablefish has provided eye candy of the UK variety. sigh
row 5 :: the ever so kind abigail sent along absolute delights - more fashion inspriation, some colored pens, her kraft paper prints {!!!} and adorable moo cards, and 2 silk bobbins all the way from france {sigh}. i think they are getting along nicely w/ my giant bobbin, no?
row 6 - left :: i met with lisa c the other week hoping to teach her how to crochet . [i hope you are practicing lisa!] and she brought a bag full of goodies. lucky me.
row 6 - right :: amisha sent along a bar of lilac cocoa butter soap. [that's her picture btw]. if you have been lucky enough to try her soaps - it's hard to go back to store bought once you have. she is travelling, but perhaps with some nudging we can get her to sell her soap sometime soon.
i also need to thank christine who sent the nicest easter goodies - how long ago was that??!! [of which all were devoured] and of which i never properly photo'd.
i have a feeling i'm forgetting someone - so if i have - forgive me. my mind is awhirl. there is so much going on right now i think i might burst - but i'll save that for my next post. [where i will promtply pulverize, shoot out of the screen, and make a mess of all your monitors]
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AND.... if you need something to go visit. i just finished helping artist Jen Garrido design/launch her website
is it really wednesday?
i'm in that cross off 2 add 4 things to the list stage. it might be partially because we are leaving to attend the closing of my show at the richard levy gallery .... [happens on saturday evening - if anyone can/wants to come]. any time a trip is on the agenda things get a little wacky... it might also be because i started teaching a brand new to me class today - professional practices. it's funny because i've now taught long enough at one place to have repeat students. i have a feeling a few of them in the class are none to happy to have me again [i am hard on them and demanding]. oh well. i feel as though 10 sessions in 10 weeks is not enough time to really cover what needs to happen in the class. but again. oh well.
above is one project i almost get to cross off the list [must order pins]. the next tank installation is ready to go! woo. tomorrow i pick up some very weird glue that i hope will adhere 1/16" acrylic dowels to glass. i've tried 4 other glues so far and none have worked. sigh. according to this to that loctite should work [fingers crossed]. this is what is both fun and excruciating about making art. finding the tools/supplies that will work and implementing them in ways that don't compromise your original vision.
OH! please go visit an online exhibition i curated for my very talented friend timothy buckwatler . we showed his work at a gallery i used to work at - and i think he's really a funny, smart, talented guy. [and he's selling his drawings for really reasonable prices!] the show i curated is called delusions of grandeur.
and... elsewhere in blogland.... the documentary project was on shari's blog yesterday, ash posted on ship last friday, and we introduced 3 new contributors to sew green yesterday.
i've gotta motor as i'm giving a lecture on web design to a friend's class tonight and i have to prep some material... i'm not sure what my internet access will be like over the next few days - so if i don't post - that's what's up!
here's a polaroid for the road:
four 14-16 hour days in a row makes one very tired lisa. we are super duper close to the fake cupcake shop being up and running - good thing too because i don't think i'm up for any more installation [and i'm not taping cupcake sleeves to the wall like dear tara.]
on the wonderful side of this :: working in tandom with tara has been a joy. it's really fun to collaborate with a like mind. she's so cute - and she has a wicked sense of humor. little bits of sweet sarcasm ... she's like a nara character super cute and lovable with an edge. mostly i've enjoyed laughing with her... and high fiving at our silly cupcake stuff. everything is SO handmade and wonky. we are loving the wonky. becoming one with it.... do you see the "A" and the "R" above??? [i tried to channel margaret kilgallen as i painted the letters] or as tara would say... the "specialness" of it all.
on top of this i let in 33 students into my drawing class. i am SUCH a sucker for the sob story. sigh. luckily there is a graduating super talented senior that i have commandeered to be my unofficial TA. she shouldn't be taking drawing I - she only is because her units from a city college didn't transfer.... if it wasn't for her i think the students would really loose out on one on one instruction. but with her i can spend a couple of extra minutes with those that need it and make sure that i talk to everyone at least once. she's getting an art/education degree so hopefully this will be a good experience for her as well. by the end of the class wed. almost all of them were contour drawing with a bit of confidence and skill.... look out here come the pine cones!
and on top of that.... i am most likely going to have to move my studio. even knowing that this was inevitable [the building has been for sale for a spell] - this has hit me like a ton of bricks. i hate the idea of moving. i want to stay with my studio mates. sigh. there is a slight possibility that we might be able to move with-in our building - just to different spaces, but this depends on how the cards fall - and lord knows i'm not the wind and can't direct such hapless events. sigh again. what makes this even more nerve wracking is that upon opening the cupcake show i have to finish and wrap and send work to the levy gallery.... trying to fathom moving amongst teaching and show preparations and the desire to just make work makes my head ache. if there is a studio god i am lighting a candle to you. i'm trying to think that really there is a GOOD reason that i will have to pay more rent - potentially loose out on natural light {it's a gain of wall space??} - pack and move all the silly bits of paper and junk that i have collected as potential materials - all 507 million bits ....
tomorrow morning i will post my ship of fools contribution....
if you are oaktown bound tomorrow evening come on by MAMA BUZZ CAFE - 2318 Telegraph Ave - 7-10 pm. i might even be wearing an apron....
i woke up to the most amazing fog.... but by the time i had my coffee and grabbed the camera it had alreday disappated a bit.... fog makes me think of hitchcock.... instantly makes me want to put on a hood and wander around.
the first day of class seemed to go well. i have about 13 students thus far - which for me is a perfect number. i hate having really big classes. smaller is more intimate and opens up possibilities. i feel like i can cater the class to the individuals instead of just trying to maintain some semblance of order. the first day is always short for me though. just going over the syllabus and supplies for the first project. i'm excited because i have 3 students from my drawing class in this class. it's much nicer to already know a few people instead of starting out fresh. i really wonder sometimes what my first impression to the students is.... to me its incredibly important that the class seems serious, but also not too heavy handed. we are here to work - and art is no joke - but life is not fun without humor. i always struggle on how to get that across.
more polaroids from this fall. black and white registers so differently doesn't it?? why does this still surprise me??
i'm excited because my sheets arrived yesterday in a beautiful green box.... know who else has these sheets??? and who also has some work of mine? renee . she posted the other day about putting my drawings up on fresh paint. something about seeing where my work lands makes me very happy.
so this post was totally random, but.... this is how my head is working these days. must run. grocery store... studio.... have to finish work. must arrive by Feb 12th [gulp - learned that today]. i have a lot to do.... bye!!!
