July 30, 2009

Residencies: I've written, rewritten and now typed up my lesson plans for the NDMA residency, which starts on Monday.

I've been packing and packing and packing...

Shows: On August 29th and 30th there's going to be a Longfellow Art Crawl: LOLA (League of Longfellow Artists). I am going to take part. I hope Blue Moon and Mother Earth Garden will both participate!

Materials: I went shopping yesterday at Michael's, Mosaic on a Stick and J Ring - got lots of tools, some frames, glass and other trinkets.

Commissions: MEG sent me the contact info for someone who expressed interest in a commission. I left him a message this morning.

experimenting

Making things: I finished a mosaic I do not like but made a sort of graffiti painting collage that I think I do like...

Seeing things: Went to the Walker this week and saw many great fluxus pieces. Walked through the Sculpture Garden too and through the pretty flowers.

Residencies: Getting ready for GF NDMA gig. I think I'll have 20 students from 9-3:30 for five straight days - yowza! Packing and working on lesson plans!

Drawing Some More

Drawing: What a luxury and privilege to take time to draw. I've been going through children's books for inspiration and have found many beautiful images and scenes. This picture was influenced by Music Over Manhattan...



Mosaics: I mosaicked for about 3 hours yesterday and I'm going to go do more now.
Here is what I've been working on:

Drawing And Here's To You!

Residencies: e3 ended on Friday. We saw Harry Potter as a group.

Drawing: Spent time thinking about birds and happy people and landscape...


Mosaics: Worked on the Big Flowers piece for a few hours tonight. I think I'll be able to finish it in the next couple days. I like the background a lot. Hope it all comes together.
Etc: Saw Bruno today.

Mosaic in Progress

I took most of the weekend off, in terms of mosaicking. I went to three films though: Cheri, Moon and Whatever Works. Plus we watched Body Heat at home. We also went on a hike at Sand Dunes State Forest.

Mosaics: Today I spent three hours in the backyard working on a mosaic. I have already spent many hours on this one - it is kind of big and has some detail.

Residencies: I got more photos in the mail this weekend, for the e3 installation.

I started gathering things for the NDMA residency and am writing up the lesson plan.

Residency Work

Residencies: Yesterday I met with Jenny at the Uptown Dunn Bros. to go over the grant for Rochester. Last night she and I exchanged emails til midnight. She kept working on it 'til 3. I got up at 7 and started reviewing. I think we're in good shape. They should give us lots of dough, or, at least this is what I hope.

New Mosaics!

Mosaics: I've been trying to pump out some smaller pieces for MEG and came up with a couple I really like. I made two close-ups of flowers... I want to keep the pink, green and white one and put it in my kitchen!

fingerpaint

Residencies: e3 - fingerpainting

More, more, more

Mosaics: Made a 6 x 6 piece today - Alice, Garden Girl, and timed myself. It took one hour and 38 minutes to layout and glue. After it's dried, I grout it, a small garden piece I did, a necklace and Natalie's belt buckle.

Galleries/Stores: Got an email from MEG asking for more mosaics. I brought about 15 pieces there last month and most all have sold. Good news!

Residencies: My e3 photos are on their way. Today I typed up the assignments.

Nature Art/Field Guides

Residencies -- e3: Here are some great pictures of the kids' field guides:

Lots Goin' On

Beautiful, wild, exciting, Ely is where I live.

Surrounded by woods, water everywhere,

this small town, this tiny town,

at the end of the road,

is a good place --

a hidden light in the forest, a story always told,

my birthplace, my home

Mosaics: Worked outside today on the big flower window.

Finished a little 2 x 2 frame of flowers, which took 38 minutes. Now it needs to be taped, grouted, polished, untaped and cleaned

Commissions: I got an email from LO regarding a piece for her partner. She saw my work at Blue Moon and gave me a shout

Inquiries: Chuck says he's buying Summer Flowers this week

Another woman, PC, asked about Summer Flowers. I told her it was sold but that I'd be happy to make her a similar piece. I haven't heard back.

Residencies: I got a message from SF at the NDMA regarding the August gig. I need to write back to her.

e3: I've been working with the kids on Learning to Love You More directives. Here are a few examples from their assignment to sculpt their favorite childhood toy out of Play-doh.

Workin' On...

Mosaics: I forgot to report that I went shopping this past weekend and got a few new sheets of glass and lots of pretty glass and stone beads.

Networking/Socializing: Had lunch with Liz yesterday and am having coffee with Betsy today.

The Studio: We got a new TV table today so yesterday we moved down the old dvd cabinet to the art room. I moved all my small scrap glass bins into it and put the other storage piece against the back wall. It might be the start to having more space!

Interactive Mosaics

Residencies: e3 starts on Thursday. I'm excited about making art and directives.

Galleries/Stores: I heard back from SDG and was encouraged to submit a piece to the Sabbath show this fall and to think about creating a piece for another one coming up.

I sent invoices to MEG.

Mosaics: I grouted my first Interactive Mosaic today. I want to create a series of these in threes or more, that let people create their own story. Since Sharpie wipes off of glass, they can write in a grocery list, notes to self or tell their own tale...

News

Residencies: Got a note from Joyce today about doing a week long residency at two Rochester elementary schools there next spring. It's the first gig I'm working on for 2010. Phew. I like getting the first one settled. When I have zero, I worry I won't get any. When I have one, I think "If I can get one, I can get two."

To do: Paint four-paned window from John

Mosaics: I sanded a four-paned old church window tonight.

Publications: Went through the Ely photos again. I'm trying to put together a poetry/photo booklet from the Ely project.

Projects, projects

Galleries/Stores: I brought 13 pieces to MEG. The only two pieces they have left are The Roses and a small little tree on mirror. Hope these go quickly too!

Heard back from the SHG. She said she'd like to work with me and invited me to perform in her space. She said she was working on dates for potential window shows so we'll see if there's an opportunity for me to display there. Sounds like a door might be creaking open.

Publications: Johnnnie sent me a few copies of the Ely Summer Times 2009. There are about 7 photos from the mosaic project and a nice long article. Many people will see this - yay! I'm going to send a copy to the MN State Arts Board.

Mosaics: I've been working on a 6 pane window with big flowers. They're a little too big but I'm going with it. Right now it's not my favorite piece but hope to doctor it up.

I finished a little piece I'm calling, "Hey You Guys!" It's my first piece of Interactive Mosaics. Now I need to grout it.

TO DO: Devise a better filing system!

Article, Book?

PR/Publications: I don't think i said that The Times put the mosaic story on the front page with a color photo. That was very cool.

I just found out that the Ely Summer Times came out today, with an article about the mosaic project. I sent a note to Johnnie about getting a copy and hit her up for advice about how to make a little book about the children's Ely poetry with accompanied mosaic photos. I'd love to work with her on that!

Research: Yesterday I went to the public library downtown and bought 8 children's books with GREAT illustrations. I am totally inspired to create new mosaics - phew! Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever have another idea again.

Networking/Relationships: Lunch with Natalie today. It's been a month!

I have a meeting tonight with Elizabeth and John at Blue Moon.

Nathan's Bday party is at King and I tonight.

Bouncing Between...

Residencies: Photos came yesterday of the TRF project. I packaged up two books for Jill and Miss H.

Need to send more paperwork/receipts to Jill to get reimbursed by Harry.

Mosaics: Got an email from a man named D. who just moved in Longfellow and is thinking about buying a mosaic window from me. I sent him a price list and he said he's thinking about it.

Started making another big flowery piece. Right now, it's going in the ugly pile. We'll see how it goes.

Research: I'm going to the downtown library today to get some art books. I need inspiration!

Applying...

Shows/Spaces/Galleries: OMG it takes so long to apply for shows. I sent in an app this morning to the SHG. She asked for my CV, artist statement, jpgs, image list and display/concept sheet. We'll see if it goes anywhere... fingers crossed but not too tightly. The great thing is about this space is that the focus is on narrative art, which should inspire me more and the call is for window space - how perfect!!

Benevolent Acorn is closing. I went to pick up my last pieces there. Jan hopes to open a larger space in the future.

Mosaic in the works

Mosaics: It had been two weeks since I mosaicked on my own. I made three pebble mosaics with the kids, a bunch of butterfly collages but no glass mosaics. Yesterday I finally got back to it.

And here it is after being grouted in the sunshine...





Here is one of the pieces I am working on ...

Running to Catch Up

Residencies:

Uploaded photos to computer, Flickr site, Kodak, made and sent CD for Jill, made book for Jill and Miss H.

Wrote residency report for MN State Arts Board

Wrote thank you to the Bergland's

Sent lesson plans and supply list to Sue at NDMA

Organized receipts from TRF, sent receipts to Jill

Wrote and sent thank you to TRF teachers

Did Fluxus research for e3 residency

Sent Cheryl residency links for WI project?

Other bidness:

Researched local Wedi suppliers - Cole

Washed windows and readied them for mosaicking

Organized frames in the artroom

Got church frames from John in the neighborhood.

Printed out and organized Mother Earth invoices

Exchanged windows at Blue Moon - took out first mosaic put in Flowers. Replaces Architecture with Shoes.

TO DO: deposit check from The Space - Scissors sold!

Ready John's windows for mosaicking

TRF

Final Project: Recycled Butterflies
Challenger Elementary Third Grade

Residencies: TRF Complete! Here are some photos from the project:

Studying Line and Shape:

More Line and Shape...

Line, Shape, Positive and Negative Space:

More Pebble Mosaics:

The Color Wheel:

Texture:

Packin' for TRF

Residencies: Tomorrow I leave for Thief River. I found my rocks to use in the project, got rocks from Marie... We are good to go!

Stores/Galleries: Went to MEG today to pick up any mosaics from the last bunch I dropped off but they are taking all 8 of them. Now they have 11 of my pieces. Hope they go soon!

Mosaics: I've got two coats of paint on "Queen Bee" I plan on putting in hardware tomorrow morning and hanging it at Blue Moon before I leave, depending on how many people are there.

Yesterday I cut glass for two medium-sized frames to take up north with me, and glued them in place.

I wrote Andrea about the price for Rescue Me but I haven't heard back. I try not to get too attached to inquiries but one always hopes, at least a little...

Publications: Karen sent our dramaturgy discussion to DJ. I hope he accepts it and publishes it in the LMDA Newsletter.

Upcycled Paper Mosaics

Residency: This is my first attempt at an upcycled butterfly mosaic. I'm practicing for the two week Nature Art Residency I begin at Challenger Elementary in TRF on Monday.

Week One Lesson Plans:
Intros - project, each other, Goldsworthy
Line and Shape -- drawing, outdoor treasure hunt
Color and Value, Contrast -- magazine color wheel
Form and Space, Emphasis -- pebble mosaics
Texture -- tree jewelry

Week Two Lesson Plans:
Review, draw, start with background
rip and glue x 3
planting seeds/celebration

Mosaics TO DO: I need to paint the frame of Queen Bee and pick up pieces at MEG

Research: I read a chapter of Play yesterday and a chapter of Coaching the Artist Within today.

Exercise: Hour at the gym this morning.

Relationships/Networking: Had lunch with Tom and Hamlin yesterday. Tom is a video wizzard, performance artist and scholar who saw Cynthia Hopkins' latest piece and gave us the skinny.

What's Goin' On...

Mosaics: Today I grouted Queen Bee, took pictures and posted them on my flickr site...





Materials: I went to Value Thrift yesterday with Natalie to buy frames. I think I got almost 40 frames in varying sizes, for $35.

Stores/Galleries:

Mother Earth -- I brought 8 pieces to MEG on Saturday, today or tomorrow I have to pick up the ones they don't want.

Blue Moon -- I got an email yesterday from a woman named Andrea, asking the price for Rescue Me.

Corazon -- Nathan filled out an app for me but they haven't gotten back to me. I should follow up by dropping off some belt buckles for them to look at.

Residencies: Yesterday I went to the dollar store and bought $33 worth of pebbles for the TRF Challenger gig. I've started packing for the trip. Got my schedule confirmed yesterday - 8:35 - 3 every day with three breaks - should be a really great gig!

Relationships/Networking: I had lunch with Natalie yesterday and she went shopping with me.

Research: I started reading Play by Stuart Brown, MD. It's a really great look at the importance of Play in brain creation and function, the animal world, personal and work life.

Exercise: Spent an hour at the gym this morning.

Other Arts: We saw Red Ink at Mixed Blood this weekend.

Trying to keep up!

Mosaics: This is the new piece I'm working on...

This is on a three-paned window and has flowers on both sides. More work on that today!

Commissions: Melissa has asked me to mosaic two big 16" terra cotta pots for her. Sounds more like a glue job than a design job but we will see. I emailed her today about my schedule. I hope she's ok with me getting them back to her at the end of May.

Residencies: Jenny got word back from her principal saying that a one week residency this fall would be great. She wants me to split my time between two schools, working with 2nd and 4th graders. Hopefully that will happen late September this fall.

Networking/Relationships: Walked around Lake Calhoun with Liz yesterday. She gave me the book Play for my birthday. Yesterday I had lunch with Eric at SPA and sat in on his poetry class. Today I am having lunch with Jackie and taking a walk with Evonne.

Books: Finished the Geography of Bliss. Not the best book ever. Am excited to start Play.

Stores/Galleries: Twin Cities Green: I won 2nd place in the Upcycling Contest! The prize was a $50 solar charger for iphones, ipods and the like. Thanks, TCG!

The Space: I'm going to be in TRF doing a nature art residency when my Wisconsin show comes down. I sent a note to Melissa. Hamlin is going to pick up on things on Tuesday.

Blue Moon: I brought Rescue Me to Blue Moon from TCG yesterday.

Mother Earth Gardens: I have 5 pieces I want to drop off there today.

Teaching: I substituted at SPA on Wednesday. I taught high school History.

TO DO: Pick up Melissa's pots. Get supply list ready for GF, work on lesson plans for TRF, buy supplies for TRF.

Tuesday

Mosaics: Today I continued working on my Queen Bee piece.

Materials: Went to Glass Endeavors today. They had a sale for 20% off so I got some clear double-pane glass and seven 2" round beveled pieces.

Glass Endeavors had their annual glass show. I entered a couple years ago and got some nice gift bag with usable loot.

Residencies: Communicated with Challenger about budget, materials, contract, scheduling, lessons...

Networking/Relationships: Had lunch with Nathan. He's getting ready for grad school in London this fall. Hope to visit him there!

Back from San Francisco

We had a great time in San Francisco! Saw a lot of great murals and a few cool mosaics, went to the Liuli Glass Museum, The Art and Craft Museum and the Institute of Mosaic Art. Did a lot of walking and rode bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge too. Saw Wicked as well.

In terms of work, here's what I am working on ...

Mosaics: Mom chose this month's inspiration: hats. I looked in stores in SF for ideas but came up empty. When we got home we watched an episode of The Wire in which Michael was wearing a t-shirt with a crown on it and it hit me. A crown is a sort of hat, that is definitely bead worthy so I started working on that last night.

Publications: Johnnie from Raven Press in Ely has been emailing me. She has written an article about the intergenerational mosaic poetry project for a magazine she's putting out this summer and has asked for pictures from the event. I'm excited about that and still have hopes of more coming from this.

KJM has also been working on a publication for LMDA about dramaturgy and installation dramaturgy. I need to add to it and give feedback today.

Research: I want to look at woodcuts, more folk art, children's books and batik stamps

Residencies: We got the State Arts Board Grant for the TRF Nature Art Project. I go up on March 2 and stay until the 15th.

TO DO: Make a paper mosaic, review KJ's article, bring new pieces to Mother Earth

Art

Inspiration: Paper Quilts -- Last night we went to Catron's show at the Pillsbury House. It was a one night only event/exhibition. It was a great collection of traditional and non-traditional patterns made from recycyled paper, and a fun party.

Mosaics: I've been working on a new piece, but not very successfully. I think it's too flat. Time to create a scene...



Here it is grouted, along with three other pieces I grouted today too. (I also finished a belt buckle).





Ideas: For my next piece I want to think more about foreground, mid-ground and background.

Mosaic Party: Yesterday I taught nine 10-year-olds how to mosaic at Madi's birthday party. It was one of the first beautiful spring days, we made pebble frames outside...

Coaching the Artist Within

Research: Got a new book today called Coaching the Artist Within by Eric Maisel. I've just begun reading it but have high hopes.

Relationships/Networking: Had lunch with Evonne, a friend of mine who studies psychology and life coaching.

Publicity: Over the past week I've been publishing photos of my recent work on my flickr website.

Shows: Went to Twin Cities Green to see the Upcycling Contest display but they're just working on it now. It should be up by tomorrow.

Residencies: Forest Lake sent me a paper copy of the grant request yesterday.

To do: Grout three pieces, organize receipts, read new book

Mosaic Birthday Party for Madi

Mosaics: I started A Little Love last night and finished it tonight. Here it is sans grout...


Mosaic Party: Spent the day with Madi. We started making a Frank Stella-inspired painting, went to Michael's to pick up supplies for her party on Friday and went to look at all the pottery and ceramics at the Northern Clay Center.

Shows: Piece went up yesterday at Twin Cities Green. The contest winner is going to be announced April 20.

Baby Steps

It is a busy week. I'm trying to finish a few projects before our trip to San Francisco. I cannot wait to get back to the Institute of Mosaic Art!

Mosaics: Mom came up with this month's inspirational word: "hats!" I can't wait to see what we come up with.

Here is Little Birdie (measuring 2 inches x 4 inches), which I grouted this morning...


I also grouted part of Yellow Bird. I did the background in grey and the body in yellow. Here is a picture of the finished piece...



Learning Opportunity: I think there is too much movement in the background here. Next time I would outline the bird and grout the background green.

Networking/Relationships: I had lunch with Liz today and am picked up the word game, Bananagrams.

Birds

Mosaics: I finished gluing Yellow Bird last night.

*Made a small piece today...

Folk Art

Mosaics: After doing some research on folk art yesterday and seeing the many varied roosters in the genre, I was inspired to create my own. Here is the cartoon...

And here is the work in progress...


* I sanded three frames today and broke one in the process. The two surviving ones are three and six-paned so I need to think of a series to make for them. Maybe more birds?

Inspiration: We went for a walk today at Crosby Farm Reserve. It was great getting out in the fresh, crisp air. The palette, definitely muted.

Yes!

Stores/Galleries: I got a call from Mother Earth Gardens this morning saying that 5 of the pieces I brought in this week already sold! This has been a little goldmine (well, maybe silver, but still!).

TO DO: Make more pieces for Mother Earth Gardens!

Possibilities/Shows: Upcycle Art Show at Twin Cities Green - I finished Rescue Me this morning (drilled holes, put in eyelet and c-screws, touched up paint and polished it) and dropped it off at Twin Cities Green. The pieces they select for the show will be displayed on Tuesay, April 7-27.

Mosaics: Here is Rescue Me, ready to go...

*This evening I cut four panes of glass for small mosaics to make for MEG.

Research: I did some image searches for Folk Art tonight, trying to find inspiration for my next piece. I made a few sketches that I think I might use.

TO DO: Sand, tape and paint next window for use.

Relationships/Networking: I went over to Elizabeth and John's to pick up the bracelet I commissioned. She is a jewelry maker, photographer and art teacher. He paints, makes objects and runs an on-line art/lit mag. We're going to get coffee some time soon.

Play

Research: I'm looking for a book, that I remember being called Play by Daniel Pink, who also wrote Whole New Mind. I went to the bookstore today and couldn't find it, and now I can't find it on-line either. I hope I didn't make it up; it sounded really good! Pink (?), I think, was arguing for the need of and benefit from play and creativity in the business world, as well as everyday life. I guess I've got the author and/or title and/or content incorrect. I trust that the correct version of this text will find its way to me soon.

There's another book on my list too: The Cultural Politics of Slam Poetry: Race, Identity, and the Performance of Popular Verse in America by Susan Somers-Willett

I'm currently readying The Geography of Bliss but don't like it very much.

Mosaics: Painted two coats on the back of Rescue Me

* Finished gluing tesserae on Yellow Bird, taped the frame

*Taped the frame of Little Window

*This is a work in progress. I don't have a good title for this one yet. For now I'm calling her 3D Girl...

Stores/Galleries: Picked up a check and few pieces from Blue Moon

Relationships/Networking: Had lunch with old theatre student of mine. She going to college this fall to major in Chemical Engineering and minor in Dance.

Shows: Printed off the Eco-Art entry form

TO DO: Polish Rescue Me, drill holes, put in eyescrews, measure and cut chain, deliver artwork to TCG on Saturday or Sunday, grout Yellow Bird.

What I've Got My Hands in Today...

Mosaics: I 've begun painting the frame for Bursts, nka Rescue Me...

*Last night I started working on a 4x6 piece with a white flower and multi-colored background. I finished it this morning and do not like it at all. I don't even think I'll grout it.

*I started working on a 5x7 piece called yellow bird

*I washed two windows, prepping them for my next piece

*Added a few pieces to my 3-D house

Studio: I spent an hour organizing the studio, washing the rest of Mel's glass for Mom. (Mel is a mosaic artist who answered my "Wanted" ad on Craig's List for scrap stained glass. I'm sharing some with Mom).

Residencies: I came up with a design for the NDMA project. One of the mosaics the students make will be glass on glass. I think we will use one of my bigger nine-paned recycled windows and make something along these lines:
*I received, signed and sent in the signature page for the Dawson Elementary School grant

Business: Last night I started creating a supplies/tools/materials template for future projects.

Mosaic Party: Madi's birthday party is April 10, I am teaching 10 9 year olds how to mosaic wooden frames with pebbles, tiles and other fun things. On April 8, Madi and I are going shopping for party supplies.

Misc.: This morning I met with Janine about cutting out a white rose with my glass saw.

Possibilities: Rosalux has a juried Foot in the Door show CFA, entries due May 1. Colleen Sheehy is the juror.

A Little of This, A Little of That.

Today's efforts...

* ND Museum of Art Residency: I signed and sent in the contract today and started working on the materials list and budget ($250)

* Studio: I spent an hour yesterday and an hour today cleaning and organizing

* Mosaic: I grouted Bursts and sanded the frame; I'm almost done gluing the tesserae down on my 3-D girl, finished gluing the pieces on Little Window

*Bidness: Created a supplies/materials/tools template, filled out the entry form for the Eco Art Show

TO DO: Paint Bursts frame, print out entry form for the Eco Art Show, design new piece for Blue Moon, Call Lonnie about windows, tomorrow: prepare for Janine's visit at 11

In order to be an artist...

Here is today's list of wips, progress markers, possibilities, to dos, etc.

Residencies in the works...

May - Nature Art/Recycled Paper Mosaics with 3rd graders in TRF

June/July - Lessons in Art - Learning to Love You More residency with theatre e3

August - Mosaic Residency at the ND Museum of Art in Grand Forks

October - Mosaic Poetry Project with Dawson 5th graders at Stevens Elementary

November - Mosaic Poetry Project with Forest Lake 5th graders at Columbus Elementary

Progress: Today I mailed in my signature to the MN State Arts Board for the Forest Lake residency.

I also emailed Keight (my art assistant with e3) about looking at the Learning to Love You More site.

Possibilities: Rochester Elementary -- Follow up with Jenny

TO DO: Fill out and mail in the contract for the NDMA

Shows/Stores...

The Space, New Richmond, WI -- March - May

Mother Earth Garden - Minneapolis

Quince - St. Paul

Blue Moon Coffee Shop - Minneapolis

Progress: - I put a new piece, 123, up at Blue Moon this weekend...


Possibilities: Eco Art Show - Uptown Minneapolis, entries due April 5 at Twin Cities Green

TO DO: Go to Blue Moon this week and pick up a few pieces.

Mosaics in the works

Yesterday I finished gluing my newest piece (Rescue Me) for the Eco Art Show. I used a recycled window and stained glass scraps I got from Mel off of Craig's List.

Janine, from the Guild, is stopping over on Thursday to drop off some glass and a design so I can cut a rose for her with my glass saw.

I am working on mosaicking a little school house and a little girl, both wood and in 3-D

Possibilities: I've been emailing with Melissa about making mosaic planters for her. She knows what kind of design she wants and now needs to buy the pots.

Nathan turned in an application for me to Corazon on Lake St. last Tuesday

TO DO: I need to grout, tape, sand and paint Rescue Me

Other fun Bidness

TO DO: Work on Studio organization, business folders, categorize receipts, create a brochure...