I’ve been thinking about the “Up” project for about 6 months now and today was the day to start cutting out figures.
Thanks to the great collage assignment quarter making series of things is now just fine by me.As one of my classmates shared it’s actually the process that’s fun for her.I’m finding it a good place to.
Today the fun continues with creating paper beads to act as the limbs from the off cuts.
So this is the theme for our show at UW tower in June.
This is one of the completed pieces of paper-cloth for the installation.
Yep it just had to be done!
Yesterday we had some young students join us for the tactile art class.We had fun !
6 pairs of hands one small space
My technical knowledge of clay is a pinch pot and a coiled pot.This was enough of a step off point for this small group.We explored surfaces,form and the muscle memory needed to create.
I also got to share my prototypes for the final show.All three classes that met them yesterday gave positive feedback.After I did some very guerrilla art installing while a very high brow conference was in process at UW tower.
Quick visual confirmation of space for finals show
Coat hanger will go but I really needed to check the scale.The blue crew will go for the final installation they are just sizing tools. 12 white sentinels and 42 green themed guys each representing an article of the children’s rights charter will be included.I have 18 pieces of hand painted,layered and stitched paper-cloth.Hardest part is cutting the first one up !
So between the clay and prepping to go back to class tomorrow ( yes that much passion just has to be resolved !) I slipped into the Gauguin exhibit with my tactile art crew.
This is the clip that was recorded for the local news show.You don’t get to see me but that is the back of my head as we squeeze into the elevator.
Click for the video
So looking forward to expanding these tours to new venues
Wow I have never seen so many surfaces- met so many fantastic people than over the past three days.
I had the pleasure of being the greeter for the NCECA last evening and be docent in the galleries at BAM today.Wonderful clay artists shared their work.For me new connections were made.Professors and their students experienced the gallery space.
Steffano asked me last night if I was have fun – the answer is yes !
I love visiting artists studios and doing so with my docent friends is particularly important to me.The beaming picture of me outside at Pilchuck last summer shows this perfectly.
I visited April Surgent and Ethan Stern last week and was thrilled that they are working artists on the Pilchuck Board to ensure the future development of this special place.The expertise shared there will ensure that the continuity of ancient arts and traditions will continue into the developing technologies of glass art
I have a beautiful image of a very talented textile artist just gently exploring an engraving in process but will just leave this as visual description as acknowledgement to the Artist’s space
I am a twitcher.For those of you that don’t understand I’ll explain.
I love birds because they survive and adapt to their environment.On rare occasions we may be privileged to share a moment in time with them.
This was my weekend sharing captured by my very talented hubby.
Trying to find away to be constructive in March is always a challenge .The usual weather doesn’t help either.We had snow 4 days in the last 8 days-yet the trees are still in bloom and spring seems so near. Actually it officially started yesterday but as ever someone forgot to inform the weather system over the Eastside.
Trying to kick start the creative muse I’ve set my self a wee challenge.A series of personal geographies .Started yesterday with a wee reflection of the snow covered side walk and the street below.6×4 to start with but I’m already exploring a bigger form.
The “buttons” were inspired by Nina Perkins tutorial .I adapted them as I have no enamel in my current supplies but that will change very soon.
Well time travels quickly.We have a current exhibit up at A+C supplies in the U district.I’ve seen the first Salmonberry flowers of the year at Ruby Beach.Watched a woodpecker snack on breakfast.Made it back to Bellevue and snow this morning.
That would be Mad March for you.
So why did I join the Fiber Arts class ? To expand my horizons and understand more may be.
No it was to write artists statement and conform to the norms of the “profession”.There is an “about” statement below.Anyone could take the time to read it.Instead we have to reinvent the wheel and discuss the conforms and influences of the Art society in the area.In the prescribed university speak.
For me making art is about exploring creating and enjoying a process.My life has been too full of other things at other times to allow for this constant introspection and conformity.If I choose not to engage then that is my conscious choice.Choice and balance are my keys.
If I’m available where a piece is displayed then ask, but if you don’t truly want to know just explore the object before you and enjoy a moment of quiet wondering.I see things at different times in my pieces and I’m sure others do too.
While I create something there are many dialogues some easier to understand than others that are very complex.Art doesn’t happen in a straight line in paragraphs, punctuation and text.It happens from emotion and finding a place to stop when that moment is expressed.
As you can probably tell I personally don’t value artists statements as a tool.As I see attending the course as a way to expand my tool set I’m currently feeling a little conflicted.My current choice is to continue to engage in a process that I don’t feel comfortable with-such familiar shoes to be wearing.The other option is withdraw from the course.
Time will definitely tell with this conundrum.
