crude crafts

What Could Have Been

2011-12-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

A dear friend of mine recently shot and edited this documentary as part of a class assignment. It is incredibly powerful and beautiful and I hope that she will continue to work on it.

Please take a moment to watch.

Buffalo on the Bowery

2011-09-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

I am thrilled to announce my participation in Buffalo on the Bowery, an art auction to support two of my favorite organizations: Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center and PUSH Buffalo, hosted by the Charles Bank Gallery @196 Bowery New York, NY.

The event takes place October 11th, silent auction begins at 6 and the live auction begins at 8. I only wish my schedule allowed me to be there for the event, but I sincerely hope you can! The event features some of Buffalo's best and brightest, organized by the incredible and unstoppable Julian Montague. I'm excited and flattered to be a part of this event.

From the website:
---

Over the last 150 years Buffalo, New York has experienced its share of highs and lows. But from the rise of and fall of a great industrial economy, to the population loss of recent years, the city has always hosted a vibrant and influential art scene. Buffalo on the Bowery is an auction of artworks by artists with strong associations to Buffalo, proceeds of which will support two essential Buffalo institutions both, in their own way, devoted to preserving the city and encouraging and supporting communities that foster this unique creative energy. Artwork by artists, both emerging and established will be represented.

People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center are teaming up to bring this exciting auction to New York. Both grassroots organizations strive to improve the local Buffalo community, whether by directly addressing housing conditions on the West Side, or by providing an invaluable cultural asset to Buffalo’s downtown neighborhood. Outside of Buffalo, both organizations are notable on a larger level—they have great worth to the rest of the state of New York and far beyond. PUSH strives to create a replicable model of grassroots neighborhood organizing and redevelopment that can be employed in other low-income neighborhoods throughout the Rust Belt. Hallwalls is a center for contemporary art from all over the world and a sounding board for challenging ideas, expressed in an atmosphere of freedom.

We are pleased to have Buffalo-based artist Julian Montague serving as the curator for the auction. Julian is an active member of the Buffalo arts community, and has been showing regularly in New York City with Black & White Gallery since 2005. With support from Hallwalls—an organization with a strong history of promoting artists at critical phases of their careers—Julian’s selection will feature artworks by significant artists to whom we should all be paying attention. This event occurs at a grave moment for government funding of cultural institutions, which continues to be cut severely—most recently on a county level.

Tender Ardour

2011-08-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

Apparently I've been too busy, or too lazy, or well, both - to post images of my new apartment. So here's one from my friend Molly's blog Tender Ardour. This is a shot of the 'reading nook' in the front of the apartment. I promise to post more images soon..

And while you're over there at Tender Ardour, you really should check out her new cooking blog: My CSA Adventure. She joined a CSA this summer and has been cooking up some amazing results. I can personally vouch for the avocado and lime coleslaw, seen in the picture below. I'm thinking I need to make some myself...

New Photos

2011-08-23T13:21:00.003-04:00

I did accomplish one thing this summer. My good friend, Lukia Costello came by and helped me out by taking some gorgeous product shots of my work. I had a bunch of traditional product shots another friend had taken earlier in the year- but I wanted some less formal photographs too. Below are some examples of the photos, some of the previous shots, and my own images are added in as well.

Of course we also had to get a shot of MacKenzie in there too! She wandered around all during the shoot, and eventually was all worn out and went off to nap. Sunday was her birthday- she's 4 years old already! But still a kitten at heart...

I'll be posting some new listings on etsy soon. I'm also working on a collaboration with the lovely JoAnn of Vintage Refashioned. I'll get some info and photos of that up as soon as possible.

In the meantime I'll be running a photo contest soon! Do you own something by crude crafts? Take a photo of it in your home or office - the best photos will win deals in my etsy shop! So get snapping!

Where did my summer go?

2011-08-02T15:49:00.002-04:00

Seriously. How can it be August already?

I had such grand plans, as I always do of what I would accomplish this summer. But moving into a new place that was undergoing some pretty major rehab and working on a web design project pretty much consumed most of my time.

So, some little moments from the summer so far.

Last weekend's CSS workshop at VSW in Rochester.

I managed to ruin my favorite table cloth with an ink stain, but managed to cover it and keep it useful by hiding the stain with a multitude of little stitches.

The first tomato finally makes its appearance!

I taught a workshop on yarnbombing as part of Camp Create at the Burchfield - Penney Art Center. The camp last over the course of a couple of weeks and different artists come in and talk to the kids ages (6-10, roughly) about their practice and shows them how to make something new. We decided to cover an easel and the kids learned to make small woven pieces on a cardboard loom. The rest of the easel was wrapped with yarn. The kids really got into it, especially two of the boys- which made it a lot more fun. And look at their awesome results!

Photos of my new place will come soon, I promise. For now though, I have to get back to work!

New items: Just Listed!

2011-05-11T14:51:00.000-04:00

I listed two items in my shop today, one of my screen printed pillows and some of hand bound journals. More will be posted tomorrow so be sure to check back in!

The Piano

2011-05-11T14:41:00.001-04:00

My father found this video and passed it on to me the other day, it has only a musical score, but is so heart-breakingly beautiful and does such a great job of communicating a story through images alone. I think I may have to show this one to my design students!

Yarnbombing: Success and Loss

2011-04-30T22:51:00.000-04:00

We had such an amazing time Thursday night at The Western New York Book Arts Center! There was a great turn out and folks were really excited to engage in the process. The piece was finished and went up yesterday morning, but by this morning, it was already gone. I can only hope that someone who needed it to keep warm got a hold of it. I guess if you see someone wearing a super colorful patchwork "blanket" you'll know where it came from!

With the help of some new friends I now have many plans for public art fiber projects in the coming weeks. So stay tuned! In the meantime a few pictures of the process and the results.

Yarnbombing: Thursday April 28 @WNYBAC

2011-04-27T11:31:00.000-04:00

Hello friends. Sorry I've been missing for a little while. My camera refuses to turn on and while I research a new one (suggestions please!) I've not been able to photograph all the fun stuff I've been working on.

In the meantime, I wanted to share this awesome video of a Paris yarnbomb. Yarnbombing (or Yarn Graffiti) is a non-permanent form of public art. In this video, artist juliana santacruz herrera uses fiber to transform the potholes in her area.

I'll be teaching a crash course in yarn bombing this Thursday, April 28 from 7-10pm at the Western New York Book Arts Center.

You don't need to know to knit or crochet to participate! I'll be giving introductory lessons and we'll be talking about ideas for June 11th INTERNATIONAL Yarn Bombing Day! The cost is only a $5 donation and we will have yarn and needles/hooks on hand (if you have your own please bring them so we can accommodate as many people as possible) so all you need to do is bring some creativity!

Hope to see you there!

Twitter

2011-03-23T14:51:00.000-04:00

I gave in and joined twitter. I'm not entirely sure how to best make use of it. But I'm having fun finding all my friends and favorite makers. Follow along with me as I try to navigate yet another social media site! @crudecrafts

Thank You!

2011-03-21T14:57:00.000-04:00

The Small Press Fair was just as amazing as ever. I am always so touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Buffalo Arts Community. A special thanks belongs to Chris Fritton the fair organizer. I really don't know how he manages to pull it all off, but I sure appreciate it!

I'm deep in recovery mode right now but will be posting new items in my shop soon, so stay tuned!!

Buffalo Small Press Book Fair: TOMORROW!!

2011-03-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

The 5th Annual Small Press Book Fair

Saturday, March 19th 12-6pm

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

Porter Hall @ 453 Porter Avenue

I can't believe it's already March! I've been working a lot of different jobs lately (7 at last count) and its meant this little blog has been getting neglected. I'm looking forward to some more "free time" in the near future and hope to begin posting more regularly. In the meantime- come see what I've been up to at the Buffalo Small Press Book Fair!

The Fair always marks the beginning of spring for me and its always such an amazing event. This year's fair will feature over 100 local and regional vendors along with a variety of workshops and presentations. Come join in on the fun!

So, you might ask. What will I have on hand at this year's festival? I suppose I could give you a little peak....

And so, so much more... but you have to come by to see it all. Hope you can join us!!

Need a last minute Valentine's gift?

2011-02-11T12:59:00.000-05:00

Stop by Can Can Candy on Elmwood Ave (across from the co-op) and pick up one of my new recycled wool heart ornaments. $6 each or two for $10.

In season

2011-02-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

I've been knitting for about 5 years now. And every time I start out to make something for myself, half way through I decided someone else should have it, or that its not quite right so I rip it out. At long last I made this little neck scarf just for me and me only!

It's made from my favorite yarn Suss Love, it's 100% tactel nylon which is the softest (though definitely not the least expensive!) stuff I've ever touched in my life. The color is "love red" - so its very seasonal of me! It's from a pattern that I believe originally was published in a Martha Stewart Living magazine, though I've seen it many other places. The pattern is available for free - here.

I don't think I'll be able to take this off for months!

Love for Sale

2011-01-20T21:17:00.001-05:00

Photos by Percy W. Oaks

A sneak peek of the new works I'm making for the upcoming group exhibition at Studio Hart "Love for Sale." It's curated by the amazing Molly Jarboe and opens February 4th.

More details to follow soon. See you THERE.

Heart Breaking

2011-01-09T17:34:00.005-05:00

By now everyone has heard about the shooting in Arizona. While I always find violence upsetting, these events have upset me in a way I never would have expected. Hearing about it, and reading the stories breaks my heart. I've found myself a little obsessed, reading every article that gets posted.

I want to hear from my congressman, my senators, my president, I want to hear what they all have to say for themselves. We're all "sorry" and "sending our prayers," just as we should.

But what do we do now? What does anyone have to say for themselves? We've been all letting it go, passively accepting these things and look whats happened. People are dead. So what do we all have to say now? I don't want platitudes. I want answers, action and responsibility.

I am always upset by the use of violent metaphors from anyone but especially in politicians. To use cross hairs over a district in advertising campaigns, to say you want to "take out" your opponents, or suggest "second amendment solutions" to the country's problems is as offensive as it is irresponsible, and people on both sides of the isle are to blame. I'm tired of people not taking responsibility for their actions. I don't tolerate it in my students (suggesting that they just made -fill in the blank- because they felt like) and I won't accept it anyone else. Words have meaning and actions have consequences. If you run around suggesting violence you can't act shocked and offer trite "well he/she misunderstood me...." comments when it comes back to bite you. Enough is Enough!

In the wake of the mass shooting of some 20 people, including a NINE YEAR OLD GIRL, we must end the violent rhetoric that has exploded over the past few years. I may be young, but I'm old enough to have seen a change in American politics. Disagreeing, and spirited conversations are how we grow as a society, how we find the best options for all of us. When did we start deciding that there was only one way to be, to be an American? I think of my family, my friends and even those of you I hold nearest and dearest to my heart and I know that even we don't agree on everything, and I prefer it that way.

Anyway, I signed this petition, its calling on every member of Congress, as well as the major TV news networks, to put an end to any overt or implied appeals to violence in our political debate, and I hope you will too.

I know, its a petition, not a solution. But its a first step.

http://pol.moveon.org/debatenothate/?r_by=-11755602-B6xDQBx&rc=confemail

Determinations Not Resolutions

2011-01-03T14:47:00.005-05:00

This time of year everyone is making resolutions, cleaning house and taking stock. I, of course am doing the same. Trouble is, resolutions always fail me.

And it seems to me they fail everyone else. Over the week surrounding the holidays I was able to visit a number of greatly missed friends and family members. Of particular relevance to this is my friend T, a yoga instructor with whom I was able to spend a night where she was dog sitting and take a yoga class with. At the beginning of the class she spoke about sankalpas. Sankapla is a sanskrit word that basically means "will" "purpose" or "intention."

Resolutions are made because we feel something is wrong with us. We resolve to lose weight because we think we are fat. We want to get organized because we believe we are terrible slops, and so on. Each resolution holds in it a negative thought directed towards ourselves. Conceptualizing ourselves, and any desire for change in this manner will only lead us to disappointment.

A sankalpa is inherently positive, and focuses on the reasoning behind each wish or desire. It's about getting in touch with your wants. Rather than saying "I will never eat another cookie!" the thought becomes "When I am feeling stressed I will seek the root of that sadness rather than muffling it with sweets."

I related strongly to this concept as a practicing Nichiren Buddhist. The basis of this type of Buddhism could easily be summarized as "self-determination." Rather than self flagellation we seek to bring awareness to what is causing us pain and keeping us off our path and correct it by setting these determinations. Again, focusing on what I want in my life and not what I think is wrong or bad.

By conceiving of it in this fashion I am able to approach the new year with positive energy and am much more apt to stay on track rather than getting frustrated by not immediately shedding 20 lbs and stuffing my face with left over Holiday candy.

So, my determinations?

Most importantly, to expand my business.

I made a lot of really great inroads this past year and met some really wonderful people. I have my work for sale at Can Can Candy, Talking Leaves Books and Rustbelt Books. I opened my etsy shop and participated in 4 regional indie markets. I was able to find more sustainable ways of creating my work and this year I know it will only get better.

My business brings me a great deal of happiness and there are few things better than when someone walks away with something I made and a smile on their face. So, my sincerest thanks to those of you who help me make that a reality!

Personally? I want to take more time for myself and bring more attention to my own health and happiness. I will leave the specifics of how I might do that up to what I need or want on any given day. No more giving myself guilt about having a cookie or sleeping in if that's what I feel like I need to do.

So, what are your determinations/sankalpas for this year?

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men....

2011-01-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

I had the best intentions this holiday season for my little etsy shop, and I failed completely.

Riding on the high from The Salt City Urban Art Market and Second Storie Indie Market, I wanted to stock the shop so that those wonderful folks who made purchases from me could use the little coupons I gave out to them.

And then, it never happened. I never put anything in the shop and I feel terribly about it.

I've never been able to translate the tactility of my objects into decent photos and that's a large part of why I missed the mark this year. I took some photos and they just looked terrible...

BUT, there's an upside. Fortune has brought me not one but TWO photographers who are willing to help me photograph the work properly so I can get my shop back up and running.

The best part? If you have one of those little coupons the best part is that when my shop gets loaded (I'm shooting for the end of January) your coupon will STILL be valid! PLUS, I'm offering free shipping to those in the Buffalo/Rochester area.

I do hope you'll check in with me then and find a little something special to bring a little comfort and color to the post-holiday grey days!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-02T18:00:00.003-05:00

Hello 2011. I have decided you're going to be the best year yet. Are you listening Universe? I'm talking to YOU!

Last Minute Holiday Marketplace

2010-12-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

Last minute gift buying panic was last weekend at The Western New York Book Arts Center downtown. As per usual, it was an incredible event with a number of really amazing vendors including my dear friends Amy Greenan and Jan Nagle (Lily Pickford) seen below.

The best parts of these events is always, always the people. For example (I *think* it's safe to tell this story now) a very kind man and his wife stopped by my table and we got to chatting. While she went off shopping he came back to buy one of my hand-stitched heart cards to give her on their anniversary, which he stealthily hid inside a folded newspaper. He told me the cutest story about their getting married in a snow storm, I hope she loved the card and that they had a wonderful anniversary! (And more importantly that I didn't ruin the surprise....)

It also led to some really sweet write ups that I wanted to share. This one from Christa Penner and this one written by the Executive Director of Buffalo First for Buffalo Rising.

Now that the holidays are behind us I plan to first, take a deep breath and get a good night's sleep and then get to work! I'm going to do some more printing and I've got lots of newly felted sweaters to play with... So, more from me soon!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-27T17:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays from "all of us" here at Crude Crafts!

Handmade Family Reunion

2010-12-03T15:39:00.006-05:00

Last weekend was Second Storie Indie Market and as always it was a wonderful and overwhelming event. I really can't say enough nice things about this event and the gals who put it on. They really go the extra mile to make it an amazing event not just for the shoppers but for the vendors too!

My table was stationed next to the wonderful Dan Varenka of Hey Buddy! It was as much fun as it was incredibly dangerous... I seem to be addicted to his prints. I did manage to shop not JUST for myself this time though. Of course I can't reveal what just yet!

My sincerest thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello. The best part of making is always the sharing part! I hope you are enjoying my items as much as I enjoyed making them!

I never seem to get a chance to take as many photos as I'd like- so I'd like to share some from the other vendors as well.

From Pistachio Press

From Infinknit

From Humunku

Are you on facebook?

2010-12-03T15:35:00.003-05:00

Of course you are! Now, Crude Crafts is too. Stop by my facebook page and "like" me to follow along with events and updates. Thanks, friends!

Come visit me at Second Storie

2010-11-26T15:27:00.002-05:00

second storie

indie market 2010

Saturday, November 27, 11am-5pm

& Sunday, November 28, 11am-4pm

Visual Studies Workshop, 31 Prince Street, Rochester, NY

admission is free

Shop handmade for the holiday!

housewares • soft toys • screen prints • letterpress
ceramics • knits • decals • jewelry • clothing • and more

for more information visit: secondstorie.net

Mass Appeal

2010-11-23T16:16:00.004-05:00

Wow, time flies. It feels like Mass Appeal just happened, when in reality it was almost 3 weeks ago! The event was amazing, and I really have to hand it to Erin Habes and all the other organizers- I walked out to watch the show and was absolutely blown away.

As I mentioned before, I participated in this year's Wearable Art portion of the show. I was paired with Campus Wheelworks and asked to create an outfit for a model from whatever the store might have on hand. This is what I came up with (photos by the amazing Lukia Costello):

The skirt, belt and accessories are all hand-stitched rubber inner tubes. The shirt was a discarded old t-shirt that I sized down and made into a fun tank with a sticker applique.

I had a lot of people asking about how the belt was constructed- so I took a few detail shots of it.

I cut off the air valves from the inner tubes and layered them on top of one another and then hand stitched them together. I added an extra piece of tubing behind it to make it a little more durable, cut it down to size, hemmed the ends and added a couple hook and eyes for the closure.

I must admit the process of this event, as a designer was really tough. I'm not accustomed to making things for a runway and so questions about make up and styling were a little hard for me to grasp. That added with the troubles I had locking down a model and supplies from the store made me rather stressed. But, once I stood there on the sidelines watching the models walk the runway- I couldn't wait for next year, and immediately started imagining what I would make.. which I of course won't reveal just yet.....!

Salt City Recap + Mass Appeal!

2010-11-04T15:18:00.004-04:00

Wow, what a couple of weeks its been.

We just finished Midterms and my students are giving me those looks that seem to say "I may implode before the semester is over." I understand their plight, but try to gently remind them that its simply the facts of life- whether in school or not, this is how it will be, pretty much for life. So its best to learn to time manage right now.

Not that I'm always so good at that myself mind you. I tell them to do what I do. Make calendars, make lists and heed the advice of Anne Lamott - just take it "Bird by Bird."

Salt City Urban Market was awesome. The gals that run it are some of the nicest you could ever hope to meet, coming around asking if anyone needed anything, breaks, change, food etc... very cool. I didn't get a chance to take any of my own photos so I took a couple from my fabulous friend Rachael of Pistachio Press (seen below) who was also at the market:

Vicki Hartman Ceramics:

Second Seed:
Right now, I'm gearing up for tomorrow's Mass Appeal. This is an annual fundraiser for the Elmwood Village Association, several local artists, including me were asked to create "wearable art" for a special section of the show. We were each paired with a local business and given their "scrap" materials to construct a garment from (think Project Runway).

I was paired with Campus Wheelworks a local bike shop. My materials came down to largely a lot of scrap rubber inner tubes. Out of which I have hand sewn a mini skirt and hard core looking belt. I'm getting excited for the event (up until now it's mainly been a stressful experience!). I had the final fitting with my model yesterday and I think she's going to look great. I promise to take photos to share.

Or, if you happen to have $30 come on down and see it in person! Doors open @ 7 and the show starts @8!

MASS APPEAL
Lafayette Ave Presbyterian Church
875 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222

I voted today.

2010-11-02T17:21:00.001-04:00

Did you?

Antje Duvekot

2010-10-21T14:58:00.002-04:00

In the midst of some personal life upsets and an overwhelming load of work I discovered an amazing musician - Antje Duvekot (Aunt-yuh Doo-va-kot).

Her songs had been sitting in my iTunes for awhile. A while ago a friend loaded new music in for me and I have only recently been getting around to listening to it.

This song, Dandelion, is the first track on her album "Big Dream Boulevard."

I am a little bit in love with her at the moment and her songs have been soothing during the course of a difficult and emotional week. They've become the soundtrack to the production of a ton of new work that will be on sale this Saturday for the Salt City Market.

I've been hearing wonderful things about the event and meeting and chatting with artists and crafters is always good for the soul, so I am thankful for such distractions. I'll post some in-process images tomorrow along with details on the event.

A few things I believe

2010-09-29T23:29:00.002-04:00

The last week saw some difficult moments, and it brought my attentions back to the little things that make my days easier. I thought that some of them may resonate with other folks and that I should share them. I hope that it makes you smile. Be well friends, thanks for reading these words.

In the laughter of an old friend
That nothing is as cute as when my cats roll on their backs and wiggle.
In the good karma of a house full of friends
In serious moments undercut with a well timed joke
In a warm breeze when needed the most
In serendipity
In my father's "bus theory"
Irish Whiskey/Coffee are very serious business
In accidental intimacies
That you are what you believe in.
That you don’t choose who you love.
That sex and laughter aren’t enough, but it’s a really good start.
That small children laughing is the cure for melodrama
playing in the puddles during a thunderstorm
That my friends are right, I do make the best breakfasts: banana pancakes, tofu scram and curried pan friend potatoes
cooking is better when its for friends
That digital will never be as good as a traditional black and white print.
That painting will never die.
In wandering aimlessly in good company
In being there for someone when it counts the most
That I am still strong even when everyone else thinks I’m not.
In playing pool even if when you’re bad at it.
In crying it all out
That there is seldom a day so bad that playing the song “brave the night” by the winter machine won’t take away at least some of the pain.
There is nothing in the world so beautiful as the Cliffs of Mohr
In the “you-get-it-too” moments
In the healing powers of The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ani Difranco and all Live music
In not needing to be drunk to dance
That Joss Whedon is a genius
In mindful conversation
In helping others, politics be damned
That white Christmas lights can make any place feel more cozy
A late night conversation with a good friend
In drawing in the dark, or at the cemetery
That there is nothing wrong with my extreme emotional connection to my Dad’s old guitar, my Great Uncle’s lamp, my Grandmother’s pin, and the one letter my Mom let me have, that my father sent her just before they got married.
In Reconnecting and Rekindling
In learning to do it for yourself.
That culture is not just recreation.
In voting.
That you can tell a lot about a person by their handshake and the way they hug.
in “I can lift it by myself.”
In a well made Tanquery and Tonic
In reflected light
In kissing with your eyes closed
In love that lasts past Saturday night
That people don’t change they just get old.
That its noble to try and save a drowning man, but foolish to let him sink you too.
In giving the benefit of the doubt
In a second chance
Trusting your gut
Telling them you love them
That birthday’s aren’t complete until there is cake.
That you can know someone without having to hear them speak.
That most often people say more with their eyes and gestures than with their words.
That sometimes it’s best just to stop talking.
That men and women aren’t from different planets.
That sometimes not getting what you want is a stroke of luck.
In being silent and letting your heart tell you what’s right.
That nothing is ever that simple.
That TV isn’t really the devil.
In self-reliance
In picking up your feet when you ride over the railroad track, making a wish on the first star and every time the clock reads “11:11”
Seeking the beautiful in everyone
In finding peace in my best-friend's signing voice, the purr of my cats and a hug from someone I love.
In soy chai with a shot of espresso
In nam-myoho-renge-kyo
In rosemount shiraz and green and black's dark chocolate
In tiny rituals
In memoir's by Anais Nin and Paul Auster
In gerber daises, preferably on my table
In music you can feel in your guts
In campfires, in summer or in the winter..
In friends who you can not see or speak to for month's but still pick up with as if not a day had passed
In knowing your family
And in loving them anyway.

A treasury

2010-09-27T16:56:00.003-04:00

I was featured in this lovely little treasury on Etsy of vendors from the upcoming Salt City Market in Syracuse this coming October. I'm really looking forward to the sale, the line up looks amazing and I always love meeting other crafters. Hope to see you there!

I found (hid) art

2010-09-15T13:24:00.006-04:00

A fabulous new project invented by local artist and creator of the Buffalo Small Press Book Fair, Chris Fritton.

I hid art: "home of perpetual DIY treasure hunt"

The premise is simple. Make something, find a place to hide it. Photograph the spot, post it to the website with a few clues and wait to see who finds it. Or, as phrased by the creator himself:

"art should be made, art should be hidden, art should be found. the familiar should be made unique by virtue of its ability to conceal something incongruous. it’s the hiding, the covering, the embedding of an unknown animal in the heart of the ordinary that evokes the possibility of a handsome shift in perspective.

get out there. dig a hole for it. put it under something. tape it to the side of something. leave what is precious in the rain and hope that someone saves what you worked so hard on, what your hands touched, before it disintegrates. give them the directions. help them hold the thing you just held.

i hid art is the brainchild of buffalo, ny native chris fritton."

I just found the above handmade journal on Jersey St. The original post was of a spot I've walked by a million times so I knew I'd find it easily. But that didn't spoil the thrill in the least. I pulled onto that corner of the street, found one open parking spot, almost like it was waiting for me. Crossed to the spot, and there it was a little treasure just waiting for me.

I'm in the game now. I'm going to go hide something out here in Buffalo, so check the site for a post. In the meantime, this isn't just for Buffalo! There are many cities listed, so go see the site, get in the game and get your art out there. Besides, what fun is art making if you're the only one who ever gets to hold it?

Found on Elmwood Ave

2010-08-27T13:07:00.002-04:00

What a lovely thing to see on a grey day....

Ikea Hacker

2010-08-14T18:08:00.003-04:00

I love this website. So many interesting ideas for re-purposing furniture. I particularly like this, since clearly it wouldn't have to be an ikea brand product. Such a sweet idea.

How to Be Alone

2010-08-08T17:40:00.001-04:00

So very beautiful and very appropriate right now...

Summer Melt

2010-08-06T15:35:00.005-04:00

I missed the warmth last summer, it was just so cold, and appears mother nature intended to make up for that this year. I love the sunshine, but the heat and humidity has been melting my brain. That and my summertime under-employed state has left me rather listless, which is not good for the creative soul.

I have been able to produce a lot of small knitted pieces, like the one above! It's a small knitted flower pin, it measures about 2" around. I'm really excited about them. One of my main shop philosophies is to make as little waste as possible and these pins make use of all the little bits of yarn I've never been able to throw away! Very exciting. What do you think?

I also forced myself up to campus for some printing, but my broken sewing machine has meant all I have are pieces. I feel lost without my machine! Happily, I will have it back on Sunday and maybe I can work myself out of this funk. We will see.

In the meantime, some prints to share....

And the remains of my birthday party from last month. I decided to make myself some fun little flag garland and then couldn't bring myself to take it down!

Hope you're staying cool...

My Shop is OPEN for Business!

2010-06-18T16:58:00.005-04:00

Hello friends,

I've got some exciting news. I FINALLY opened my Esty shop and stocked it with two new pillows. I will be adding items in the coming days so be sure to stop by and check it out: here.

As a special deal for all those who read this blog, until month's end leave me a comment with your email address and which item you would like and I will set up a reserved listing for you at 15% off AND a free tea-stained greeting card! Each card is one of a kind, but here is an example:

I'll be doing more printing this week and will be adding my sachets, more pillows, and a new series of hand-stitched fabric collage cards to the shop! Please check back with me soon and be sure to leave comments- I want to know what people think.

And on that note, a special thanks to those of you have been following my blog and leaving me comments thus far. It's nice to know someone is out there listening!

Enjoy your weekend and be sure to show your Dad some love this Father's Day. I know I will. I love you Dad!

Summer Weddings on a Budget

2010-06-04T19:06:00.004-04:00

Maybe its the number of weddings I've found myself at lately, or (more than likely) a dear friend of mine who is currently saving up for a wedding that she's asked me to help plan, but I've been loving the amazing decorating ideas I've been finding in various blogs lately.

These were found through craftzine.

And this was from project wedding.

How cute! And so easily used for any celebratory occasion. I'm in the process of planning my 31st birthday this year and I am certain to use some of these ideas for it....

Louise Bourgeois: December 25, 1911 - May 31, 2010

2010-06-03T16:50:00.006-04:00

Monday one of the most amazing sculptors the world has seen died of a heart attack. Louise was easily one of my favorite artists, I have a file of images on my computer and a book on my shelf I thumb through frequently when stuck for an idea. At the age of 98, she remained one of the most interesting and relevant artists of these times.

I've heard tales of the Sunday Salon's she held at her home in Chelsea, they were said to be rather intense. A friend of mine attended one once, he said the understanding was that you were to bring her chocolate in exchange for her time and that the place was set up with a well-stocked bar, I imagine to offset the nerves of those in attendance.

The stories go that many leave in tears after one of her critiques but my friend said they got along just fine. His work is about desire, one of Louise's favorites, so go figure.

I never had the guts, or the time, to go myself. Part of me regrets that but another part of me knows that sometimes its better not to meet a hero. How could the person ever live up to the expectation? How would I feel if she hated my work? I could tell myself that at least it evoked a reaction from her, but I think I'm better off just not knowing.

It's hard to choose a favorite piece but I naturally gravitate toward her figurative pieces, the fiber work and drawings.

And this piece, Blind Man's Bluff,

which inspired a pivotal piece for me during graduate school: "I dreamed the fibroid's overwhelmed my body" latex and bedsheets, 2002.

Rest in Peace, Louise. You will be missed.

missed connections

2010-05-06T16:40:00.003-04:00

I was reminded today of how much I love this blog, missed connections. It is so sweet. Written by Sophie Blackall in Brooklyn, NY. She takes missed connections from various sites and turns them into illustrations. If you haven't before, you must go visit the site.

Sadly, my camera still won't turn on and given that today is the last day of classes and I have not yet found a summer job (*gasp*) I will have time to figure out what's wrong with it. I have borrowed a friends for now, and will post the images I have of my exhibition soon. If anyone has advice on camera repair please let me know!

Until soon.

Indiscreet Objects: Opening Tomorrow!

2010-04-24T22:10:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow is the opening for my new exhibition: Indiscreet Objects at the Olean Public Library Gallery located at 134 North 2nd Street in Olean, NY! The event runs from 3-5 pm and includes a screening on the work of Kiki Smith at 4pm.

I will post images of the completed exhibition soon. The above were taken during installation by the amazing Robert Taylor - who has been working for the gallery for years. My camera decided it doesn't want to turn on anymore (!!!) so until I figure out what's wrong I will be borrowing a friend's camera. Images soon.

I STRONGLY encourage any local artist to consider submitting work to the gallery- my experience with them has been nothing short of incredible. Everyone there is truly supportive and really believes in the role artist's play in society and its a wonderful feeling. Every artist deserves to feel supported in life- and this is one place the gives that feeling in spades.

Enjoy your weekend and the spring sunshine and flowers. I'll post again soon, promise.

Busy Bee!

2010-04-13T01:51:00.004-04:00

Oh my, so much to do!

I have two more events this month and if you're in or around the area I hope you can come by!

One is a solo exhibition titled "Indiscreet Objects" that runs from April 17th - May 22 at the Olean Public Library, 134 North Second Street, Olean NY.

The reception takes place on April 25, 2010 from 3-5 p.m and will feature a short screening of the work of Kiki Smith (one of my major influences) at 4pm.

From the gallery release: "For her exhibition, Switzer will present fiber work in the form of stitched antique doilies, curtains, bed linens, and intimate apparel. Meticulously inscribed with representations of tumors and other images of disease, the delicate, familiar, and safe nature of the materials is transformed to elicit a sense of discomfort. The artist describes, "My practice lends itself to the obsessive; continually counting, measuring and recording, as I seek to elicit humor and exaggeration through gross fascination with the feminine dis-eased body. I seek out the rather mundane effect of illness on a person’s sense of self: the changes in day-to-day behavior, the monitoring of intake and output."

This event is free and open to the public. It's a drive for sure, but I would be grateful to anyone who can make it!

I also have a local event for those who can't make that drive. I've hung some new drawings (with a couple old favorites) at Rustbelt Books located at 202 Allen St here in Buffalo.

The work will be up until month's end and will conclude with a readings by Irene Sipos, Edric Mesmer, Geoffrey Gatza and Lisa Forrest on April 30th. Lisa will also be playing original songs accompanied by Sally Fehskens and Jonas Westbrook!

The evening starts at 7, and the readings will start promptly at 8 -- yes, I know this is Buffalo but we do mean 8! :)

I am really excited and flattered that such wonderful people have so willingly offered their time and talents to this event. Please come join us for a glass of wine and an evening of art, music and words (really, does it get much better?)

Hope to see your faces!

The importance of not seeing clearly.

2010-04-05T15:07:00.002-04:00

I am so thrilled to have been asked to participate in this exhibition. It features work by NYFA MARK Alumni: Lorrie Fredette, Dorene Quinn and yours truly and was curated by more alumni: Wilka Roig and Ruth Sproul.

It opened this last Friday at the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) ArtSpace in Center Ithaca, 171 E. State Street. Ithaca, and runs through the end of the month.

It's also garnered quite a bit of local media attention a review of the show can be found here, and an interview I gave can be found here.

Curators Roig and Sproul write:

"Why do we need to see things clearly? This compulsive need is perhaps not so much a desire for understanding as it is a need for appeasement, not so much an expression of our curiosity than of our anxiety.

This exhibit is intimately related to the artist´s wager against accepting one version of how things may be explained. It also presents the artist as obsessive researcher, observing, gathering, recording, reordering and reinterpreting; art-making as performance, as passage of time, as a reinterpretation of perception and experience; the art object as an encounter, a adaptative analysis and rendition of the obsessive need to control and understand, a reconstitution of the repetitive cycles of natural and cultural systems.

The artists featured in this composite exhibition have surrendered themselves fully to their questions and reactions through the materials and processes that facilitate each of their investigations, not of what is real, but of the resulting distortions.

In the attempt to reveal what is real, the real evades perception. The Importance of Not Seeing Clearly invites the viewer to accept this uncertainty without reservations, to give into the vertigo that is produced by what we do not understand. The works in this exhibition dare us to pause, delay, and rummage in perplexity itself, to connect that which we know with that which we feel, that which we think with that which we do, and to distrust explanations that satisfy our curiosity."

If you're in or near the Ithaca area, please, stop by and see the show!

Buffalo Small Press!

2010-03-27T00:56:00.004-04:00

It's today folks. Be there or be square....
March 27th 12-6pm Karpeles Manuscript Musem 453 Porter Ave (corner of Jersey St) Buffalo, NY.

(re)threads

2010-03-19T23:56:00.007-04:00

What a week.

It's been an insanely busy time for me, next Saturday is the Buffalo Small Press Fair, which if you are in, or near Buffalo, you must come. 90+ small press/artists/vendors in the gorgeous Karpeles Manuscript Museum? Truly a site to be seen.

On top of that I have three (!) exhibitions coming up. Not one, not two but THREE! It's hard being so creative on demand, especially when you have so many other jobs and responsibilities. This is the kind of busy I long to be, but oh my... its tough.

This week saw much paperwork for me. What I want to tell you about today is a pet project of mine, my return to curating, called "(re)threads." It combines my work, and the work of some truly amazing artists, and I am really hoping to see it hung. The artists are:

Lily Booth

Elizabeth Emery

and

Joetta Maue

The exhibition brings together 4 artists, working with repurposed fibers thatare used to different ends. To quote directly from the statement:

"Histories of individual needlework and the more general history of women’s craft, is the underlying theme of this exhibition. The materials used for these works were found – something already created for a different purpose, and discarded before being repurposed.

These activities; sewing, embroidering, crocheting, and knitting, once meant to keep a woman’s hands busy are now used to tell intimate stories, chosen over the overtly political collective messages of previous generations. These entirely inefficient practices show the presence of the artist’s hand- a response to an overly slick, glossy, and mass-produced culture.

These discarded fragments are loaded with feminine convention. Grandma’s pretty embroidery is revealing truth, not hiding it. Telling you something that maybe you don’t want to know. It has been reconfigured and is now loaded with guilt, insecurity and bodily fault. "

Here's hoping I can find this exhibition a home!

MacKenzie... Still.

2010-03-19T23:50:00.002-04:00

Ok, now I'm sure she's trying to kill me.

The vet said I could take her e-collar off, so I did, and in literally 3 minutes (I walked out of the room, and back in) and she had bit open her wound. So, back on with the collar. Except she started furiously scratching her neck. Likely hoping to get the collar off, which produced new cuts.

So, I went online and got her a bite-not collar, seen above. She's essentially wearing a kitty neck brace. It covers her neck wounds though, and keeps her away from the original wound.

The plan now is to keep that on her for at least another week. We'll see. *fingers crossed*

MacKenzie... Again.

2010-03-06T17:55:00.003-05:00

Things got worse before they could get better.

Her wound started to heal but she ripped it open again and made it much, much worse. She ended up having to have a little collar on. She hates it and it took a good while before she was accustomed to it enough to be able to eat, sleep and drink while wearing it.

On the positive side her wound appears to be healing up so hopefully it will stay that way and when we see the vet on Tuesday the collar can come off!

Ira Glass on Perfecting Craft

2010-03-06T17:44:00.001-05:00

Originally I found this on the craftzine blog here. It's a really great little clip, Glass speaks so earnestly about the process of making work (he's speaking specifically of writing, but it can be applied to any media).

He says: "It takes a while. It's going to take you a while. It's normal to take a while. You just have to fight your way through that. Okay? You will be fierce, you will be a warrior, and you will make things that aren't as good as you know in your heart you want them to be. And you will just make one after another."

Good Advice.

MacKenzie...

2010-02-23T12:08:00.003-05:00

My little girl must have missed me while I was gone. She never seems to be stressed, but it seems she has a problem with anxiety. I no sooner got home than she scratched herself a new cut on her little arm, er leg. It wasn't so bad to start with, but she was trying to get a toy from under the desk, laying on her hurt side and she made it much, much worse.

She now has a hole in her arm, I can see all the way to the muscle. We saw the vet today. It had already become infected. The vet gave her a shot and I have some pills for her to take as well. They trimmed back the hair and flushed her wound. It looks terrible. I need to leave for class soon and I'm finding it hard to leave her.

She's only 3 years old, the poor thing has been through way too much in those short years.

Chicago

2010-02-11T20:42:00.003-05:00

I landed in Chicago yesterday morning. I came in for the annual College Art Association (CAA) Conference. Most folks come to give presentations or to interview for jobs, I came just to see what it was like and I can already say that the idea of interviewing at this thing is daunting at best. It is a sea of black trench coats (yes, that includes me) and everyone seems to know exactly where they are going but me, which is of course absurd, since I can't possibly be alone in that. I suppose that's the general sensation one would get when they come alone to something like this.

I only made it to 2 panels today, last night I stayed up too late catching up with two of my favorite old friends, Luke and Kirby. Tomorrow is my last day here and I leave early Saturday morning- not even close to enough time. There are a handful of presentations I want to see as well as the Book and Trade Fair, and then there's supposed to be some openings happening. I guess we'll see.

I can already say that when I come to this event next year (here's hoping) I'll plan to come earlier, stay longer and better prepare myself since there were several events I would've liked to attend that sold out or filled up before I got here. Ah well, it's all an experience. And right now I've decided to be proud of myself for figuring out what I have all on my own!

New Year = New Projects

2010-01-22T23:27:00.004-05:00

I've not been posting much. I'm trying to be more like Rachael of Pistachio Press, who appears to have made a resolution to post daily- which I love. Please keep it up!

I've been working though, some projects for me and some that will, I PROMISE, end up in my etsy shop. The project for me was reupholstering my kitchen table chairs. These chairs used to belong to my beloved Grammie.

Here is the before, a good chair but the brown isn't me.

Here's the after- its a gorgeous green I got on sale. Grammie loved green, I'm sure she'd approve. I can almost hear her voice telling me just that....

I was so excited when I realized I could redo these chairs- it was so easy. Just unscrew the seats...

And staple on the new fabric.

I love them, and it appears MacKenzie approves!

As some of you know I am a college teacher by trade, a lowly adjunct but it does have it's benefits. Among them, access to the screen printing area! I took advantage of the break to make some new prints that will be made into pillows, sachets and other hand stitched wonders. Some designs will be familiar to those of you who have seen my recent work, but there are a few new ones in there too...

A shot of the screen as I washed it out for those of you not familiar with screen-printing, its a messy but fun process. I started screen printing in college and have never strayed too far. In fact I'm hoping to allocate some of what I *hope* will be a good tax return to purchasing some screens and other equipment for myself... time will tell.

One last photo, of one of my favorite sights. My sweet baby-boy Oliver, or Bean as I love to call him sleeping in my bed. He'll be 10 in just a few weeks... my little guy is growing up too fast!

I hope the new year is treating all of you well. I know a few of you readers aren't blogger subscribers and I thought I had this set up so you could comment anyway, but I was told recently it didn't work... so I'm looking into it because I love to get feedback!

In the meantime please make note of my email address- found on my profile page (click my photo up top), and feel more than welcome to drop me a line. If you like I can always add you to my mailing list as well.

Much love to you all...

Is 17 days in too late for a Happy New Year?

2010-01-17T22:59:00.004-05:00

I don't think so. For the first time this year I went downtown to see the ball drop. It was incredibly exciting - there's something really thrilling about being in a big crowd screaming "5, 4, 3, 2 ....." and since this is a small city I was able to be in viewing distance from the outskirts of the crowd, which is good when you're me and being in the middle freaks you out!

Sadly the new year brought senseless tragedy to the streets of our little city. My mind is still reeling at the news of yesterday's shooting at Merge Restaurant.

It seems an employee turned a gun on two of his co-workers, killing one of them. Seldom few details are being released right now which I think is best for the families involved. My deepest regrets and sympathies go to the owner's Sarah and Eliza and to the family of the man who lost his life. A link has been set up on their website to take donations for the family, which I recommend doing.

I have a few new finished projects that I'll post later this week, but talking about those things feels vulgar right now, so I'll give it some time.

Until soon, friends.

Third Bird

2009-12-26T20:15:00.004-05:00

Happy Holiday's blog-o-sphere! I hope yours were as lovely as mine. I've been taking lots of photos and will post them soon.

But for now, I'd like to announce the opening of a fabulous new Etsy shop! Deirdre of Third Bird has opened her shop and has filled it was some gorgeous ceramic mugs.

She's celebrating by having a giveaway and I strongly suggest you pop your head in and see what it's all about. I am always amazed be people who can craft these sorts of things. I have ceramic envy to be sure. She is a self-described "textile designer" and if you know me, you know I love anything fiber based and in looking through the images on her flicker page I am hard pressed to choose a favorite image. I've picked this one for now, but I strongly suggest you go see for yourself!

Until soon friends!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T14:13:00.003-05:00

Best wishes for a warm, safe and happy holiday from Me, MacKenzie, and the Bean!

Remembering

2009-12-12T22:05:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite parts of the Second Storie sale is checking out everyone's photos after the fact. I used to be a photographer but I've long since lost my knack, and am always so impressed with the photos everyone else's takes, such an amazing combination of candor and beauty- they really capture the moment and the spirit of the event.

A few of my favorites... these (and the one above) are from one of Second Storie's founder's Shanna Murray's blog, I believe she got them from friends.

These are from the Second Storie blog. I can't believe it's already come and gone- I can't wait for next year!

Going ROUGE

2009-12-07T17:21:00.003-05:00

Six artists, two days, twelve hours.

We’re setting up shop for two days only! And we’re going rouge. That’s right, the color of Sarah Palin’s cheeks in the frosty Alaskan winter. There’s no telling what will happen.

Framed and unframed prints and drawings, paintings, cards, textiles, 3D works and last minute gifts!

Artists include: Ani Hoover, Mary Begley, Bruce Adams, Lukia Costello, Viktoria Ciostek and yours truly.

Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13. Rouge tag prices!

Conveniently located at 301 Parkside across from the zoo entrance. Stop in and visit.

Special offer: buy any unframed work of art and receive a 10% discount off framing at Wyatt Design, Picture Framing and Frame Restoration, right next door.

SEE YOU THERE!

Thank you.

2009-12-05T17:01:00.005-05:00

Second Storie's Indie Market last weekend was the best yet. It was so good to see so many old friends, and to meet so many new ones. It felt a lot like a family reunion.

I had some new items on hand this year, napkins with knitted napkin rings made from kitchen string and jute twine.

I re-designed the tea-stained cards I've been doing and added some fabric collaged journals. I'm very excited about them.

I'm most excited about my new screen-printed pillows. The response was really overwhelming and flattering. I sold so many on the first day of the sale I drove home and made a couple more as well as some little sachets. I have plans to print more fabric over the break and stock my etsy shop with them.

I was also incredibly touched when a repeat customer from last year showed up looking for my glass etchings. I wish I had had some to offer her, but my little engraver is on the fritz and I haven't been able to track down a viable replacement. I've purchased some glass etching cream
but have yet to figure it out. All in time for sure, and I'll post as soon as I've got some made.

One of the best parts of these events is the trading! I made out like a bandit I must say, gorgeous new earrings from small bird, a new calendar from pistachio press, and some amazing flower pins from ReFashioned. I'll be putting up a post devoted to these amazing new items I have and all the other little things I picked up over the weekend.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and for coming out to this amazing event. It was one of the best sales I've ever participated in.

If you're new to my little world I do hope you'll check in often. Thanks for reading and especially for taking home my little creations, it means a lot to me.

Until soon friends.

Second Storie : Indie Market 2009 - Tomorrow!

2009-11-27T21:46:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of Second Storie's Annual Holiday Indie Market. Skip the mall and buy handmade! See you there!

Starting to Settle

2009-10-18T17:42:00.003-04:00

It's taken some time but I'm finally getting settled in my new place. The cats really seem to love it, and have spent much time in the large living room windows surveying the new terrain. My landlord told me that MacKenzie would squeak (those who know her also know that she does not meow, she squeaks) at him when he was getting into his car in the morning. Such a little weirdo she is.

I just finished painting the living room two nights ago and am almost finished setting everything up. I think I need more art for my walls though! Now that they are a much lighter color the room seems so big and open. I'll have to get busy working on some new trades. The best part of being an artist is the trading with your friends!

The housewarming is next Saturday, I'll be sure to post more pictures then.

Stay warm friends!

Joetta Maue

2009-10-06T18:28:00.004-04:00

I believe this post is LONG overdue.

I've been tracking a number of blogs for a long time and by and large my favorite is little yellow birds written by Joetta Maue. I look forward to her posts everyday. I refresh my blogger homepage over and over again until the posts appear, because everyday she offers info about some artist who is about to be added to my never-ending list of favorites, or speaks with candor and ease about the sometimes trying process that is the creative life.

I've had the honor of trying to curate her work into a project I'm currently shopping around. Her work is simply gorgeous and if you aren't familiar, you need to become familiar, now.

As for me, I've been busy trying to arrange and settle into this new space. I am truly loving it and will post pictures soon, I promise.

For now, I urge you to see more about Joetta here and here.

NYFA MARK

2009-10-01T16:22:00.002-04:00

Information sessions for the NYFA MARK program I mentioned earlier. I highly recommend the program, its one of the best things I've ever done for myself- so do yourself the same favor and go to these information sessions and at least hear what they have to say.

Does the business and career side of your art practice need some attention?

Join us this October and November for free information sessions on MARK, the New York Foundation for the Arts’ (NYFA) statewide six-month program for visual artists.

MARK provides NY State artists with a unique opportunity for individualized focus on the professional side of their creative practice. MARK is designed to address the concerns of artists living outside of New York City while providing them with a new network statewide. Selected artists will participate in four seminars held at local partnering organizations across New York State. The MARK program culminates in June with an artists gathering.

Information Session Schedule and Location:

All information seminars are held at MARK10 regional partnering organizations. Attendance at an information session is not required to apply. If you have questions about the location closest to you, please contact NYFA. Please note that residents of the 5 boroughs of New York City are not eligible to apply and participate in MARK.

Capital Region
Monday, October 26, 6pm
The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy

Western New York Region
Tuesday, October 27, 7pm
Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Buffalo

Long Island Region
Wednesday, November 4, 5:30pm
East End Arts Council, Riverhead

Hudson Valley Region
Tuesday, November 10, 6pm
Women’s Studio Workshop, Rosendale

Central New York Region
Date will be posted on NYFA's website within the next week
Cultural Resources Council, Syracuse

MARK10 Application Deadline:
All applications are due in NYFA's office by Tuesday, December 1 at 5pm.

Further Information:
To see the curriculum, the MARK10 spring seminar schedule or for a MARK application, visit www.nyfa.org/mark

Questions:
Contact NYFA Learning at learning@nyfa.org
Funding for NYFA MARK is made possible with generous support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation

A new drawing...

2009-09-30T20:35:00.002-04:00

A small one, only about 1 1/2" x 4" - but I'm happy with it.. what do you think?

So Lovely...

2009-09-30T20:22:00.003-04:00

I found this via Abbey's blog Aesthetic Outburst, embroidered headboards.. which she found via emma's design blog. I am in LOVE. What a wonderful idea!

I have a handmade headboard myself and this image makes me kind of want to re-cover it. I *just* finished moving and am busily setting up my new space- I have several projects in the works and I promise to have photos of all of it soon. For now, a sweet picture of my fuzzy-babies sleeping on my bed, which of course includes the headboard.

Until soon friends!

Second Storie : Indie Market 2009

2009-09-24T21:01:00.003-04:00

I am excited to announce that I have been selected for this year's holiday market hosted by the lovely Second Storie. It's always an incredible time, both in terms of enthusiastic visitors and and an array of amazing vendors. I'll post images of the work in progress soon (promise).

Mark your calendars!
Saturday, November 28th, 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday, November 29th, 11 am - 4 pm
The Visual Studies Workshop Auditorium
31 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607

Call for Work!

2009-09-17T10:20:00.005-04:00

Joetta Maue has put out an exciting call for work and I would encourage everyone to apply- I know I am!

Call for Fiber Work

For exhibition at Sweet Lorraine Gallery in Brooklyn, NY.
Exhibition will be held during the month of January 2010.

connective thread

an exhibition of contemporary fiber work that explores the role of thread & the act of making as connective.

The theme is open to all interpretations . Some possibilities are work that has a metaphorical connection to history, the body, family, space, or work can focus specifically on dealing with the literal connections created in the act of making. Please feel free to interpret liberally.

Submission Deadline November 25.

6-8 artists will be selected. Multiple works from each artist will be considered. Most likely 2-4 works per artist. Large works are welcome for consideration.

Criteria: The curator is specifically looking for fiber works that are coming out of contemporary themes, practices, and techniques. All techniques are welcome but work must be original works using no patterns or kits to create and made within the last 2 years. Some techniques to consider are embroidery, knitting, crochet, quilting, and applique. The work can incorporate any medium as long as the majority of the work is exploring the use of fiber techniques and/or fiber itself. (i.e. work made in a traditional technique such as knitting but made with non-traditional materials are welcome for submission)

Non- traditional work is welcome and encouraged. 3 dimensional work is welcome.

Gallery: Sweet Lorraine Gallery is a Brooklyn based gallery located at the Screwball Spaces Artist Studio building in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Each month a new exhibition opens. There will be a formal reception and opening for connective thread and possibly an artist's talk. (if atleast 3 of selected artists can attend.) Exhibition Postcards will be provided for publicity. Opening date will be announced.

Curator: Joetta Maue is a full-time fiber artist working in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has been included in numerous exhibitions across the country and in New York. Some recent exhibitions include Re-surrect; the Art of the Reclaimed Object at Mesa Contemporary Arts Center, Historic Interpretations: Contemporary Artists Interpret the Historic Collection at the The Peabody Historical Society and Museum, and Forget me Not at Gallery Hannahou in Soho, NY, NY.

You can currently see her work at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NY, Gallery Lele in Tokyo, and Space 414, in Brooklyn.

Joetta's work will be featured in a number of upcoming exhibitions including a solo show in 2010. She will also be a featured artist in the forthcoming book Indie Craft by Jo Waterhouse.
Joetta authors the popular art and craft blog Little YellowBird as well as regularly contributes to the online journal Hello Craft.

This is the 4th exhibition curated by Joetta.
www.joettamaue.com

Please, Please pass the word!

Indigo Art :: reMARKable

2009-09-07T16:50:00.003-04:00

Two new embroidered pieces for the exhibition I'm participating in a Indigo Art in Buffalo. The exhibition features all 12 of the WNY NYFA Mark artists from the class of 2009.

The Mark program lasted 6 months and was an INCREDIBLE experience. We met once a month at Hallwalls to discuss the business side of our artist practice. We worked on networking, our internet presence (and how to control it), artist statements, proposals, resumes, goal setting and gave short artist talks. The experience concluded with a weekend conference in NYC. Even now 3 months after it ended its hard to put words to the experience. The best one, is probably "empowered." I think we all walked away feeling like "I can do this!"

The conference was truly incredible- and totally exhausting! I drove home feeling like I needed to sleep for a week and then start working and never stop! Of course the challenge when I got home was to create a lifestyle that will facilitate that- and I am proud to say I'm on my way!

For now, come see work by the artists at Indigo Art Gallery on Allen St in Buffalo. The Artist's Reception is this Friday, September 11th from 6-9 pm and will feature a talk by the amazing Ed Cardoni, Executive Director of Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center.

See you there!

I have a new home!

2009-08-28T19:16:00.003-04:00

No, I didn't buy a house. I rented a lovely new apartment from some lovely people. These images are small- but I will be taking new ones once I get settled. And if you know me, you know that I settle fast. I can't abide an unpacked box or a empty wall! Soon, friends, soon!

Feeling a little better about my love of fashion magazines

2009-08-14T02:45:00.005-04:00

One of my girliest habits is my love of fashion magazines, I have subscriptions to a few. Today however, I am feeling a bit better about this because one of my favorites, Glamour has an article this month on "the secrets of happy couples" and it features a lesbian couple!

It's Jennifer & Cat Cora. Some of you may know Cat from The Food Network. I've rarely watched it- but it appears she is the only female Iron Chef! The interview cites their strong family ties as the secret of their relationship. The picture shows two of their three sons and Cat is pregnant with their fourth a little girl. Click here to read the rest of the article and hear about all the other couples featured.

Here's to Glamour! A sure sign of the times....

save red thread

2009-08-13T20:40:00.004-04:00

It's tough times for everyone in the art/craft industry these days and tough times turned to tragic for red thread studios. A fire broke out in a nearby building, it spread into the shop and within a few hours destroyed most everything there. I'm sending my best wishes and deepest condolences to red thread. My semi-secret dream has always been to own a studio such as this- a place to sell yarn and fiber, to work and be with friends. If I were to lose everything the way she did, I'm not sure what I'd do.

Design for Mankind put out a call to action and if you are of any means I recommend that you respond. In this community it is through each other that we are able to survive.

back to the making

2009-08-03T16:37:00.003-04:00

While out in South Dakota, Susan and I managed to run away to her studio for a couple of divine little hours- and I got to make my first collograph plates! Yeah! The first few attempts at printing them were not so pretty so no images to share yet. Soon though- I hope!

While I was away my Step Mom had her birthday. Since I was away from town and my sewing machine I had to wait until I was home to make her a gift.

She loves green so I whipped up a set of these handmade napkins. I found the pattern in Weekend Sewing - a simple but lovely little pattern, made from fat quarters. I think next time I'll opt for buying it off a bolt, I never thought it'd be so hard to get 4 matching quarters!

A moment of peace

2009-08-01T14:39:00.006-04:00

In between the weeks of craziness at camp Susan and I slipped away for an hour to take her dogs for a walk. It was nice to move around little when it didn't mean chasing after any kids!

It's been raining a lot around those parts, much like here, and that's made everything very green. Susan is nearly 6 foot tall which gives you an idea how tall the corn is! There's nothing much growing on the stalks yet, not enough sun to balance out all the water. We did get some gorgeous sunshine this afternoon though, I guess I had to go to the midwest to finally get some summer weather!

Messy Hands Summer Art Camp

2009-08-01T14:28:00.003-04:00

This is the Washington Street Arts Center in Vermillion, where the art camp was held and where we all spent weeks chasing after little ones who ranged in ages from 4-14. Though most were on the younger side. The kids could come for the morning session or the afternoons for either 1 or 2 weeks. The classes offered were Printmaking, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting.

A class photo from the first week. I can't name the kids for their privacy but my favorite ones were the smallest kids- and those I loved best all happen to be seated in the front row!

One of what feels like a hundred snacks I prepared over the two weeks. Graham crackers and fruit seemed to be the favorite. I had a lot of almonds and dried cranberries on hand and getting the kids to eat it was almost impossible! The grown ups liked it though so it worked out okay.

Camp was fun but totally exhausting. By the end of the two weeks I was so drained all I could do was sleep! I'd do it all again in a heartbeat though. The chance to get out of town and see an old friend is too good to pass up!

The calm before the storm

2009-07-25T13:05:00.005-04:00

I have come to the end of my trip to South Dakota and am feeling sentimental about it already. In some ways it feels like I've only just got here and in others I can hardly remember being anywhere else.

I suppose that's what happens when you arrive somewhere and set straight to work. I flew in the night of the 9th. My plane got into Omaha, NE at about midnight, central time and Susan and her boys were there to pick me up and drive the 2 hours back to Vermillion, SD. Needless to say we were all very tired. The next day we headed down to the Vermillion Area Arts Council (VAAC) to start organizing for the children's art camp that was set to start the following Monday. There was much cleaning and setting up to do- plus we had to screen print all of the t-shirts for the kids.

At home Susan has 2 boys of her own, Kenyan and Kaleb who have grown very tall since last I saw them! Her husband, Mark, has three girls, Drew, Dylan and Dawson. Drew is away at college so I've yet to meet her. There are also 2 dogs, Gus and Pup. Life here at the Hegdablu home is just as I expected, crazy but kind.

As I write this camp has already finished and I just mailed back a couple boxes of treasures back to Sodus where I'll be staying for a few days after I fly back tomorrow. I'll post more about my adventures in Vermillion then. For now I'm going to linger over my last moments and try to soak in the last minutes of vacation.

Until soon.

Frank McCourt: 19 August 1930 – 19 July 2009

2009-07-19T23:43:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite writers passed today. News that saddened me a great deal. I am thankful though that such a man lived and was able to tell the tales he did. If you have not read Angela's Ashes, you really must- you owe it to yourself.

NEW YORK (AP) — Frank McCourt, author of "Angela's Ashes," the Pulitzer Prize-winning "epic of woe" about his impoverished Irish childhood, died Sunday. He was 78.

McCourt had been gravely ill with meningitis and recently was treated for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and the cause of his death, said his publisher, Scribner. He died at a Manhattan hospice, his brother Malachy McCourt said.

Until his mid-60s, Frank McCourt was known primarily around New York as a creative writing teacher and as a local character — the kind who might turn up in a New York novel — singing songs and telling stories with his younger brother Malachy and otherwise joining the crowds at the White Horse Tavern and other literary hangouts.

The world learned his name, and story, in 1996, after a friend helped him get an agent and his then-unfinished manuscript was quickly signed by Scribner. "Angela's Ashes" was an instant favorite with critics and readers and perhaps the ultimate case of the non-celebrity memoir, the extraordinary life of an ordinary man.

The book has been published in 25 languages and 30 countries.

McCourt, a native of New York, was good company in the classroom and at the bar, but few had such a burden to unload. His parents were so poor that they returned to their native Ireland when he was little and settled in the slums of Limerick. Simply surviving his childhood was a tale; McCourt's father was an alcoholic who drank up the little money his family had. Three of

My Thirtieth Birthday

2009-07-11T23:33:00.005-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to make it a special day. That's me and my Mom, her birthday is just a few days after mine so we always celebrate together. Big smiles courtesy of a couple martinis!

A HUGE thanks is owed to my dear friends Cait and Marla (below) who hosted my party.

Marla made this incredible vegan strawberry cake for me, sooooo good!

Hearts for Mary: Results

2009-07-11T23:19:00.004-04:00

Long overdue post... The kids were so sweet and they really got into playing around with the different materials. They don't hesitate the way adults will- they don't have so much fear of being "wrong."

I provided everyone with small 6"x6" boxes- I wanted them to have a framework to build from.

This one was really hard to photograph- the little boy who made it put a lot of time into it. I love that he flipped the box on its back and made it even more sculptural.

Mine is on the left, one of the volunteers made the one on the right and the middle was a girl of about 10. It's a little box that opens up to find yet another heart inside, very sweet.

Whew!

2009-06-24T16:05:00.003-04:00

Much has happened this last month. School ended -- and so did my regular paychecks! I took a trip to NYC for the NYFA Mark Conference which was incredible, and will get its own post soon. I've been making new pillows, working on some new embroidered pieces AND new cards- which are on sale at Rustbelt Books on Allen St in Buffalo!

I taught the Burchfield Penney Workshop and am busy with design work for my Dad's company: Miller's Basin Associates. You gotta love dinner with Dad being a tax write off! And oh yes,

Tomorrow is my 30th birthday! My mom is coming up to take me to see Up (again!) at the 3D theater, then pedicures and lunch with friends. That night I will spend making more new pillows! Yes!

Friday my Dad and Gram are coming for more eating out and fun.

And Saturday my dear friend Marla is making me cake and then a bunch of us are going out for drinks.

Yes, Sunday will be all about sleeping.

So. Until soon friends. Until soon....

What I am loving today : recycled business cards

in LOVE

2009-05-28T22:31:00.003-04:00

with Diane Fayt.

I've always wanted to learn pottery, and this makes me positively swoon. The gorgeous use of color and line- just incredible.

See more here and here.

Hearts for Mary: May 31 1-4pm

2009-05-26T18:36:00.005-04:00

“I never went out to buy a Valentine’s Day gift for her, instead I would rummage through my artist studio looking for scrap pieces of metal, wood, or anything else that I thought would look nice. On the larger pieces I inscribed a short note, though I signed all of them. Each year I presented to her another heart… and some years I would make as many as six.”

This upcoming Sunday May 31st, from 1-4pm I've been asked to host a drop in family workshop at the Burchfield Penney Art Center called "Hearts for Mary."

This workshop is coordinated with Duayne Hatchett exhibition: Form, Pattern and Invention on display now through August 30th.

Hatchett, a sculptor, painter and incredible local talent is also showing his "hearts," made for his late wife every year for Valentine's Day. The theme of the workshop is found object sculpture and is open to anyone visiting the museum that day.

The Burchfield-Penney is located on the Buffalo State campus at 1300 Elmwood Avenue. Directions can be found on their website at: www.yournewburchfieldpenney.com

See you there!

A new project--preview

2009-05-22T12:34:00.008-04:00

More to come!

at last

2009-05-20T01:21:00.007-04:00

I've been working on this baby blanket for my old friend Christa for months! It's completed in basket weave with a 4 row garter stitch border and picot edging. I finally learned how to do that, so I was very excited. It gives a nice "extra" touch.

I finally put it in the mail today. I included a washcloth and some yummy soap too. Moms need gifts too! I can't wait to see a photo of sweet Cecilia with it!

I have a few other things in the work and will post very soon...

Stitches in Time

2009-05-02T00:32:00.004-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about embroidery lately. Jenna has been posting about it and its sent me back to my roots in a way. As a young girl I spent a lot of time on crafts. I remember in particular a sampler I was stitching- it was of mushrooms. I just bought Doodle Stitching based on Jenna's review of it and am excited by all the stitches and projects in it.

That combined with my routine checking in on this blog written by Joetta has me thinking about my new projects.

Her use of embroidery and text has my mind spinning. It made me think of an old piece I made... called "dirty little pillows," which was never fully realized.

I'm not sure what's coming next folks. But its going to be something.

Earth Day

2009-04-22T22:51:00.004-04:00

I found this today and was really impressed by the initiative and idea. The Mattress Factory is offering a new level of membership, as I understand it, for Earth Day. It's a "Green Membership" level $30 and totally paperless. Email invites to all events, free admission and so on. I don't think it lasts long so sign up now!

The Mattress Factory is an incredible institution and this is a great idea. I say that as an artist, an environmentalist and a former arts administrator. I really hope more institutions follow suit.

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

2009-04-20T22:55:00.004-04:00

I read this book in college and was directed back to it by the lovely Rachael Hetzel.

From Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard: (p. 142)

... Last year I had a very unusual experience. I was awake, with my eyes closed, when I had a dream. It was a small dream about time.

I was dead, I guess, in deep black space high up among many white stars. My own consciousness had been disclosed to me, and I was happy. Then I saw far below me a long, curved band of color. As I came closer, I saw that it stretched endlessly in either direction, and I understood that I was seeing all the time of the planet where I had lived. It looked like a woman's tweed scarf; the longer I studied any one spot, the more dots of color I saw. There was no end to the deepness and variety of the dots. At length I started to look for my time, but, although more and more specks of color and deeper and more intricate textures appeared in the fabric, I couldn't find my time, or any time at all that I recognized as being near my time. I couldn't make out so much as a pyramid.

Yet as I looked at the band of time, all the individual people, I understood with special clarity, were living at that very moment with great emotion, in intricate detail, in their individual times and places, and they were dying and being replaced by ever more people, one by one, like stitches in which whole worlds of feeling and energy were wrapped, in a never-ending cloth. I remembered suddenly the color and texture of our life as we knew it - these things had been utterly forgotten - and I thought as I searched for it on the limitless band, "That was a good time then, a good time to be living."

And I began to remember our time ..."

Knitting for Your Health

2009-04-07T19:23:00.002-04:00

You are Free to Learn at Any Time

2009-04-07T17:12:00.002-04:00

Knitting @ MERGE

2009-04-03T13:58:00.003-04:00

Want to learn to knit?
Want to spend time with other knitters?
Have a project making you crazy and need some help?
Need something to do on a Tuesday evening?

Starting next Tuesday April 7th I will be running a bi-weekly Stitch n' Bitch at Merge Restaurant, located at 439 Delaware Ave just south of Allen St.

The cost is $5 a session. We'll meet from 630-8pm and yarn fanatics of all levels are more then welcome to come and say hello.

Newbies are encouraged to contact me at mergeknitting [at] gmail [dot] com for some advice on what to get. I'll get you started and come fall you'll have many new scarves to wear!

So please come on down and say hello!

See YOU there.

VSW 40th Anniversary Auction, April 3, 6-9PM

2009-04-01T16:15:00.005-04:00

Visual Studies Workshop is hosting their annual fundraising auction this Friday night from 6-9pm in the Siskind Gallery- located at 421 University Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607

I'm going to be there and you should too. You can even pick up the little drawing posted above and support a wickedly cool place all at the same time. Details: vsw.org/auction

See you there!

The Book Fair and A Long Overdue Visit

2009-03-29T17:34:00.009-04:00

Last week was the Buffalo Small Press Fair. If you saw the next day's Buffalo News you saw the article: Vendors at Fair Share Love of Books you know that it was quite a success. As I was quoted, it truly was an incredible event. The sheer volume of people was astounding and if you've never been inside the Karpeles Manuscript Library on Porter, you really should -its a gorgeous space.

The event itself was incredible and I had a great time talking to all the folks who came by to say hello. Even more exciting was the positive response to my new cards- which will soon be available at Rustbelt Books on Allen St! I'm busy making new ones since I nearly sold out last Saturday, I'll be sure to post as soon as they're on hand.

In the last week my father came up to visit me I showed him around town a little. We had lunch at Betty's and then to the Old Editions Book Shop on Huron. I had never been and we both had a really great time wandering around through the stacks. If you have not been you really truly must. I found a first edition of Memoirs by Pablo Neruda and have since been slowly making my way through it.

There were also a great deal of old movie posters and ads on hand that could easily be a treasure trove for anyone interested in appropriation. I saw several new prints/paints sitting in that box but I let them be for now. You can be sure I'll be back to visit very soon.

We also went by the Burchfield-Penney Art Center and finished with a beer at K Gallagher's on Allen Street. Getting my Dad to tell old stories is one of my favorite things. He's lived a hell of a life as far as I'm concerned and I love to get him going on about it. He doesn't like to get into it usually so its a process. And I write this knowing full well he's going to read this post!

The last 6 months or so have seen some serious losses in our family. I picked up a book the other day called All Over but the Shoutin'. Its an account of growing up poor in the south. The introduction got me thinking. He writes about his reasons for writing it, something he struggled with for a long time because it seemed vain. He changes his mind after meeting a woman who's son had been shot by a stray bullet when he was walking out the door to go to school. He had to interview her for an article he was writing and after the interview she thanked him. He asked why and her response was that people will remember if it's written down.

So one of my projects for 2009 will be to write it down. I already missed out on collecting a few voices that I want to remember and I'll be damned if I lose anymore.

Cats and New Cards...

2009-03-19T20:16:00.003-04:00

MacKenzie enjoying the sun and open windows. While "mom" has been working her tail off. I spent some time doing some screen printing on fabric which will become new bags and pillows and I've also been making some new cards...

Hope to see everyone on Saturday!

Yellow Edenwald Field

2009-03-16T15:22:00.004-04:00

At long last Yellow Edenwald Field (YEF) has launched a website/blog! Check it out here.

YEF is the brainchild of my dear friend Edric Mesmer. It is a biannual journal of works by poets and artists from or working in Buffalo, its border, and sibling cities—is the namesake of the Sally Hoskins Potenza’s painting which hangs in the Burchfield-Penney Art Gallery. It is published under the auspices of the Buffalo Ochre Papers.

The journal can be purchased at : The Second Reader Bookshop, 1419 Hertel Avenue Buffalo, NY or at any YEF event.

Buffalo Small Press Book Fair :: March 21 12-6pm

2009-03-16T13:44:00.004-04:00

It feels like ages since I've written in here. I've been busy laboring away for the upcoming Buffalo Small Press Book Fair this Saturday March 21. Images of what I've been preparing to come later tonight, when I find my patch cord...

The Fair is a regional one day event that brings booksellers, authors, bookmakers, zinesters, small presses, artists, poets, and other cultural workers (and enthusiasts) together in a venue where they can share ideas, showcase their art, and peddle their wares.

Doors open at 12:00pm-6:00pm and the event is FREE and open to the public. I'll be looking for you at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 453 Porter Ave, Buffalo NY.

See YOU there!

Paul R. Spiers: May 29, 1918 - March 4, 2009

2009-03-05T13:24:00.002-05:00

This week brings goodbyes to yet another part of the family. My Step Grandfather Paul Spiers lost the fight to cancer yesterday morning. While we never became truly close, and I have no photos to remember his face by; he and my Grandmother always made my brother and I feel like a part of the family, not add-on's or plus-ones. I will always be grateful for that.

The funeral home posted a lovely obituary for him that I will repost here. May you rest in peace Grampa, we will all miss your kind smiles and laughter.
--

Passed away peacefully, on March 4th, 2009, age 90 at the Demay Living Center with his loving family at his side. Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Wood Spiers; children Susan (Thomas) Lennon of Macedon, Sally (John) Switzer of Ontario, Betsy (John) Portela of Brunswick, ME, and Ellen (Jim) Allen of Webster; grandchildren Chris, Matt (Tina) and Tim (Deb) Lennon, Doran (Tara) and Jason (Carrie) Nealon, Corey and Kate Golden, Tenley and Marshall Allen; step grandchildren Elizabeth and John K. Switzer, Matthew Allen and Melissa Allen Powell, Matt Portela; 11 great grandchildren; son-in-laws Perry Golden and Jon Jennerich. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Adelaide Shepard Spiers and his sister Esther Brown.

A graduate of Cornell University Class of 1941 and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Paul joined the Army Air Corps, where First Lieutenant Spiers served as a B-17 pilot during World War II, assigned to the 384th Bomb Group. He flew 32 combat sorties in the European Theater of Operations. Paul retired in 1986 after having spent 21 years with Western New York Farm Credit Association. He was active in the United Third Methodist Church of Sodus, the Geriatrics Pilot Association, Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), Sodus Lodge #392 F&AM, and the Stamp Club of Sodus.

A Memorial Service for Paul will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, from the Sodus United Third Methodist Church. Military honors will be accorded following the service. There will be a reception immediately following for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory should be directed to the United Third Methodist Church of Sodus, 56 West Main Street, Sodus, NY 14551. Arr: Norton Funeral Home.

life is in the details..

2009-03-01T20:57:00.005-05:00

...or life is what happens when you're busy making other plans... Something like that. I've been distracted. Busy dealing with the details, the stuff of being an adult, the minutia of day to day life.

I'm coming back though. I'll be selling at The Buffalo Small Press Book Fair on March 21. I've got all sorts of plans for new pieces. I'll post images (no really) as I set to work on them. For now, I want to share a well from which I still pull inspiration. It's from Dead Poets Society, a line from Robin Williams' character John Keating. It's in reference to poetry, but for me speaks to every creative field.

"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.

To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.

What will your verse be?"

And last a photo of something I etched. Its not a photo I took but one my dear friend JoAnn took of a vase she received as a gift via her sister Karen. She wrote a sweet entry about all the handmade things she got for christmas this year and mentioned my first and favorite vase I ever made. Here is the image she took:

Cabin Fever

2009-02-12T22:49:00.002-05:00

Sorry I missed my Sunday post- I spent most of the week scared my MacKenzie has Lymphoma. She doesn't, but it still may be cancer. It overwhelmed the other lovely things from the week...

For now just some news about a one night show my work is in at Hallwalls. Its a fundraiser, free admission, cash bar and lots of great work for sale... so come by and support one of the most amazing galleries in WNY.

a 41 degree heatwave

2009-02-01T19:12:00.004-05:00

Almost a breath of fresh air today- I wanted to open the windows but didn't dare. The sunshine coming in the windows helped lift my mood a little- as did spending some time with some dear friends, and attending a reading by the lovely Lisa Forrest at The Burchfield Penney Art Center.

The days have an edge to them though. My littlest cat, MacKenzie is still not well and I don't know what's wrong with her. Her glands are swollen and her teeth are a mess. She goes back for more surgery on Tuesday. I'm at my wits end with this thing. Think good thoughts for her, okay? She's a very sweet kitty...

I've been distracting myself by researching the relationship of drawing to writing. My friend Edric asked me to be the guest lecturer in his literature class later this month. I'm going to give a talk on the various types of line and the uses of positive and negative space. I put drawing and writing into a search engine and came up with this site that had some interesting images on it.

I wanted some pieces to share with the students and then I'm leading them in a sort of workshop on introductory drawing. I think it'll be fun.

And since its Sunday, its time for another list of happy things.

1. a long talk with my dad
2. a potluck with friends
3. sunshine after so many gray days

happy thoughts

2009-01-26T21:53:00.004-05:00

From here on out I'm intend to make this a regular Sunday post. Fingers Crossed.

1. nam-myoho-renge-kyo
2. belly laughs
3. sitting by candlelight
4. a long bath
5. hot tea and oranges

When nothing but hope and faith could surivive...

2009-01-20T23:53:00.003-05:00

I don't have the words for a day like today. My eyes teared up watching Obama and his family walk to the podium. Hearing the oath spoken and the crowds cheering was incredible. I think we all feel like we're living in a history book. I can't wait to see what happens next!

So, you wanna be an artist?

2009-01-17T23:40:00.003-05:00

I found this on my pal Luke's blog touching harms the art.

off my feet

2009-01-13T22:31:00.008-05:00

Well. I started out with good intentions.

But, the cold virus got me instead. I've been down for the count since Saturday. Feeling a bit better today though, which prompted me to get out of the house. Well, that and an unexpected paycheck from the college! Turns out we were all supposed to get a check last December 19th, except no one knew that, and they were mailed but the post office lost them. A welcome relief! Things were getting rather hairy. So I excitedly picked up my paycheck and headed to the bookstore to use a gift card from my Dad. I picked up the following:

I'm very excited about all of them- in particular the last. I want to start putting some concrete blocks under these lofty ideas of mine. I hope this will help. The sock creatures should make good use of my random old sock drawer and I see myself making many new creations for the house with the other two books.

I'm excited about my purchases. I wanted to get a book on DIY book making and publishing too- but I had already more than exceeded my gift card and the extra amount I had alloted myself for spending, so I had to say no. Maybe when the teaching checks start coming in or my tax return. We'll see.

And as promised... some happy things from the last week.

1. the feeling of easing into sleep
2. time to read
3. the way my cat sticks his tooth out when I scratch his chin
4. making plans with an old friend
5. hot cider with a little bit o' brandy

crude crafts

What Could Have Been

Buffalo on the Bowery

Tender Ardour

New Photos

Where did my summer go?

New items: Just Listed!

The Piano

Yarnbombing: Success and Loss

Yarnbombing: Thursday April 28 @WNYBAC

Twitter

Thank You!

Buffalo Small Press Book Fair: TOMORROW!!

The 5th Annual Small Press Book Fair

Saturday, March 19th 12-6pm

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

Porter Hall @ 453 Porter Avenue

Need a last minute Valentine's gift?

In season

Love for Sale

Heart Breaking

Top 100 Tutorials of 2010!

Determinations Not Resolutions

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men....

Happy New Year!!

Last Minute Holiday Marketplace

Happy Holidays!

Handmade Family Reunion

Are you on facebook?

Come visit me at Second Storie

Mass Appeal

Salt City Recap + Mass Appeal!

I voted today.

Antje Duvekot

A few things I believe

A treasury

I found (hid) art

Found on Elmwood Ave

Ikea Hacker

How to Be Alone

Summer Melt

My Shop is OPEN for Business!

Summer Weddings on a Budget

Louise Bourgeois: December 25, 1911 - May 31, 2010

missed connections

Indiscreet Objects: Opening Tomorrow!

Busy Bee!

The importance of not seeing clearly.

Buffalo Small Press!

(re)threads

MacKenzie... Still.

MacKenzie... Again.

Ira Glass on Perfecting Craft

MacKenzie...

Chicago

New Year = New Projects

Is 17 days in too late for a Happy New Year?

Third Bird

Happy Holidays!

Remembering

Going ROUGE

Thank you.

Second Storie : Indie Market 2009 - Tomorrow!

Starting to Settle

Joetta Maue

NYFA MARK

A new drawing...

So Lovely...

Second Storie : Indie Market 2009

Call for Work!

Indigo Art :: reMARKable

I have a new home!

Feeling a little better about my love of fashion magazines

save red thread

back to the making

A moment of peace

Messy Hands Summer Art Camp

The calm before the storm

Frank McCourt: 19 August 1930 – 19 July 2009

My Thirtieth Birthday