Well, I finally got some images to show you that I am indeed part of all these things I tell you about and definitely not an imposter!  What this means- I got the pictures from my friend from all the past month events.  So now you may imagine along that you were there….  Look- there is you next to me and my dad (above)!  You are so cool!

My gallery talk went really well this week and I had a modest group of lovely people there.  It was a comfortable chat with some of my favorite people.  I talked lot about where architect’s daughter evolved from and how it can to be in Arts Lehigh.  I can’t really rehash it so much for you however what I can do is upload the lovely exhibition statement that was hanging outside the room (see below).

My suggestion is to read the exhibition statement in my voice and look at the pictures and imagine being there.  If you come to this website on any type of regular basis, you have some creative inclinations and can certainly try to envision the event.  Regardless, it was really nice- so nice that I would make a little button about the day and wear it to remember always. (dear sweet reader, I am in one weird mood today).

Anyway, there are pics of that lovely day BUT WAIT…. there’s more!  And yes, I do notice the trend of wearing black to every event.  It’s weird.  But I need to buy and iron so I can iron my other, more colorful clothes. 

The next group are from the beautiful Friday window tour with the One Stone Collective.  There really couldn’t have been more beautiful of a day (except for maybe this week where the weather is totally gorgeous….. but that was the first beautiful 70 degreee weather days that we had).

Anyway, here you can put some faces with names.  The gals were great and, as you already know, were a total hit!

 (ugh, I so need a haircut)  This is me introducing the group.  In the pic behind me you’ll see- (left to right) Bea, Corey, Merissa, and Meghan.  Unfortunately this is the only pic Meghan appears in but she was a great presence that day!

Merissa talking about her work- and not talking about how her hair is so much better cared for than mine.

Corey with her attentive crowd in the reflection.

Bea talking about her work.  She told me before the tour that in her research for her work she found out why pencils are yellow.  It’s actually because when pencils were just going into production in the late 1870′s, doors opened to China as an industry trade potential.  Yellow is a royal color in China and therefore in honor of the Chinese and good relations with them, the first pencil company created yellow pencils.  Wow!

I’m a sucker for a blurry picture every time.  This is in Marcie’s installation.

Below, you can see the great group that collected in Chores for the final reception (before we headed off to have dinner at Nawab).  We did not discuss my hair at dinner however it is maybe all I’m thinking about now that I look at these pictures.

No rest for the weary yet, stay tuned to my final preparations for the Red Show opening up this Friday!  Details to come! 
I’ll also post the professional pics of the installation when I get them.  sssooooooo much better than mine!

Well peeps, here’s a sneak peak at the very last day of my show (if that makes any sense).  Please come see my talk tomorrow (Wednesday, March 31) at Arts Lehigh (230 West Packer Ave) at 4pm.  It would be great to see many, many smiling faces there before I dismantle the show this weekend. 

It’s a bit bittersweet and I’ll be surely nostalgic about the process and perhaps even about the past ten years of my life and career.  I’ve been thinking about this work and why it began, while sorting out how I present the show.  I also have been thinking about some of the responses I have recieved thus far about the work.  It’s a weird testimony about acceptance.  If you look at my work 10 years ago, I could not even acknowledge myself.  Eight years ago, I presented a brutalized version of who I am.  Five years ago I was fragmented.  And beginning two years ago, I became layered, whole, and a structure in progress.  I hope to address that tomorrow.  How- I’m not sure yet, however I promise you, sweet reader, to be honest forthright, and answer any questions that come my way.  I’m a bit nervous this “reception eve” but looking forward to pushing the new work forward. 

The past few days, a few changes have occured and I have been struggling to maintain steady nerves about them.  I can only expect that this will process, come to a place where I can understand it, and flush it self out.  I am sure that in talks to come you can say you heard it here first.  Change is happening (and I knew her when………. *sigh*)

http://www.thebrownandwhite.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&uStory_id=562c7c9f-e530-41b1-9d0f-b29af48e7939

Oh sweet readers!  I have carried around my portable card reader for days now hoping to update you on the sites and scenes of my art life.  It just seems that there aren’t enough hours in the day at times!

Believe it or not, March is almost over and all of my Women’s History Month hullabaloo will be over.  It seems to be a blink of an eye.  This weekend Chores comes down.  Here is a quick tour of the show even though you should really see it instead…..

Putting this show together certainly had it’s challenges however it really began with Karla’s piece that you see here (and it seems it something shifted and I didn’t notice when I photographed the piece- eek!).  Her piece is entitled “A Weight That Hung Between Us.”  It is about a close familial relationship that depicts fragility and severity in the same breath. 

Her photopolymer prints are derivative of the same theme however question the facade of domestic perfection and what lies within the walls of the home.  They are beautiful whispers of a memory.

Another anchor in the room is “Return” by Christina Day.  This incredible piece recalls the architecture of the home where she grew up and coincedentally the walls are painted the same color (what luck!).  This alludes the to what in our own interiors are areas to consider and areas that are closed off.  Within the differentiation of area, this implies a contrast between familiarity and alienation.

Chrissy’s “Refractions” are introspective treasures of memory.  She takes found compacts and personal effects and applies images of vast area to them.  It reminds me of a memory most cherished.

Kimberly Scola has a wonderful piece that juxtaposes the historical propriety of samplers with a suggestive overture.  It’s a beautifully stiched piece that seems to knock most viewers over when they read it.  I love that!

Andrea Gaydos Landau creates what she calls a “dust print.”  This is a piece made entirely from gathered dust and creates an image that seems to invite more particles to gather. 

Here is her statement…. I think she says it much better than how I can!

I am interested in presenting work that confronts the viewer with an experience that is both spatial and visceral.  By using materials that have a mundane and residual nature is suggestive of a process of addition, division and expansive megalomania, which has its own internal logic.  I want to evoke a visual slippage from accumulation to deterioration and from beauty to base, all to blur the distinction between object and subject.  By building or compiling, an accrual of bits reveals information of a new order, maybe an entirely new object or material, or exposes the subtle possibility of an alternative cosmology.

Sarah Edmonds creates lovely work that suggests day to day labor.   Above is a drawing entitled “Systems (3).”  Below is the installation she created from ephemera and stitched fabric.  I truly think that the photos do not do it justice.  I also wanted to print Sarah’s statement for her work because it’s poetry is something not to forget.

First there is a mountain then there is no mountain, then there is

First there is a mountain then there is no mountain, then there is 

Caterpillar sheds his skin to find the butterfly within 

First there is a mountain then there is no mountain, then there is

First there is a mountain then there is no mountain 

Before posting this entry, I do want to acknowledge that there were two film pieces included in this show done by Katina Sossiadis.  There were a great addition to the conversation- one a fictional short film about a women struggling in her domestic environment and the other, a documentary about women who are “late bloomers.”  Look her up!

For more information about all of these wonderful women- check out their websites:
www.karlastingerstein.com
www.chrissyday.com
www.andrealandau.com
www.chezsucrechez.com
www.katinasossiadis.com

More posts to come soon…. check back!

Wow! Two posts in one day!!

I wanted to forward a film still of the video that is used in the room.  I absolutely adore the “ghosty” effect that I was able to achieve and I have to say I am absolutely obsessing over doing more with video!  OBSESSING!! (and maybe obsessing over buying that new Mac I’ve been wanting).

The great thing about it is that this installation as sparked such an avenue of work that I would like to explore.  Of course, this now steps even further outside the box of marketable work but I guess I don’t care so much anymore.  I honestly couldn’t believe I was able to achieve such a quiet breath into the room I created at Arts Lehigh.  I’m not patting myself on the back- I just was absolutely intimidated by video technology and thought it would be so far beyond me but I guess the approach should be much like I have learned photoshop- using it to suit my needs as I need it.  My brain is so busy churning away at new work and no rest for the weary- Red Show opens in the next few weeks!  I’m thinking of being a maniac and creating another small piece derivative of the Arts Lehigh piece.  Let’s see how my energy level holds up.  I’m still reeling from a bit of exhaustion.

Much more to catch you up on the days to come…. my missing camera resurfaced yesterday.  I have pictures of my amazing students (affectionately entitled “the popcorn kids”) to show off; need to show you images of Chores; AND talk about my trip to the Fabric Workshop a few weeks ago.  My life may be nuts but it’s actually pretty fun!  I so could never be contained in a cubicle!

One quick reminder: the One Stone gals will be back Friday to do the window tour of their work for “Archetypes: These Role(s) We Wear.”  It’s not to be missed.  FRIDAY, MARCH 19.  BEGINNING AT TALLARICO’S (Third Street Bethlehem) AT 4:30PM.  RECEPTION TO FOLLOW AT BANANA FACTORY (yet another chance to check out Chores!)

Well, sweet readers, the long haul is complete however I don’t publish a finished image for you.  You need to come to my show to see that!

My first image is from where I last left you.  This  is the beginning of Plan B- and the beginning of hours sitting on that ladder making “onion paper.”  It’s been quite the process  and one where I have needed many hours of help in folding and sewing paper to attach to my sugar pieces.  I actually am quite happy with this solution and think it is more interesting than the initial sketch I envisioned for this wall.  So, go me!

After applying all the paper to be torn I then painted the floor and then set it all to dry for Sunday….. a reaaaallllyyyyyy long day.

Sunday morning I started in on finishing the onion paper then started the “scaffold” section of the room.  I actually wasn’t worrying about it so much UNTIL…..

…………I projected the video just to get the gist of how far the scaffold needs to go and the video looked completely stupid.  Now the video itself didn’t look stupid.  It was how it was framed on the wall.  I couldn’t get enough distance from the projected wall and have the scale of the image in proportion.  Now I had to redirect.  I moved the projector around the room and finally came up with a sufficient place to place the projector and maintain the character of the video’s presence.  I’m very happy with the result however it shifted the entire focal point.  And where I needed to build out the scaffold.  I guess one lesson here is about rolling with the punches- and listening to the work and what it wants (as Adriano would say).  I think it’s good to not push it.  I didn’t have time to fight it.  I was tired and sore and maybe even stressed over not being prepared for the week of school.  I don’t think my shoulders left my ears all day!

So finally, while in the home stretch, I was happy with where it was going.  The structure of the room maintained all the character that I had envisioned and I think I did it without tears- even when the big sugar broke.

The finally installation tally is as follows:

yards of fabric: 36
yards of paper, 36″ wide: 150
feet of wood: 33
number of nights sleeping on site: only one
number of cups of coffee drank: countless
number of times I watched “Pride and Prejudice”: 4
number of times I watched “what the bleep do we know”: 5.5
how many hours cursing sewing machines: way too numerous to count

To see the final result…….

PLEASE COME SEE MY SHOW, ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER- MARCH 15 THROUGH MARCH 31
CLOSING RECEPTION: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31; GALLERY TALK AT 4P
ARTS LEHIGH BUILDING, LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, 230 PACKER AVE, BETHLEHEM

Well sweet readers, I want to thank you for all the well wishes that have helped me plug along.  I have to say, as of yesterday, I began to feel better but this evening am dragging about again.  I’m taking a break at Arts Lehigh for now so that I may update you on my progress (and maybe plead for a delivery of waffles and ice cream…. a girl can dream, can’t she?)

After my bout with iMovie the other day at the media center, I was expecting today to be a battle with much bloodshed.  I’m thrilled to report that it went better than expected with the help of online tutorials.  It certainly was not easy and i have plenty to complete tomorrow but I am feeling better about my video component.  I will be camping out  there during the morning so if there are waffles coming, that is where you should send them.

I also am enclosing last night’s shot of the state of the room.  Believe me, I have progressed from there and in fact my prayers for an arid Arts Lehigh seem to have been answered because this massive piece is drying quite nicely.  I will be preparing to get it on the wall tomorrow afternoon and I will be so thrilled since this is the last piece of sugar to go up on the wall.  I am nearing the next phase of work and none too soon… there is plenty yet to go.

This is me about 5 minutes ago (look below- you haven’t seen me in a while, right?) after spending 2 hours making “onion paper.”  Arts Lehigh after hours becomes my full domain!  It’s actually kinda fun.  The Arts Lehigh house is just that- a house where the offices for Arts Lehigh are but also the hotel facility for the campus’s visiting artists.  I happen to be staying here tonight and for the weekend…. much to Marigold’s dismay.  The fun thing about it is that I am set up in the living room (which is next to the installation if you can tell) and I have been sewing away making onion paper and watching movies.  Tonight for a little bit of energetic encouragement, I watched “what the bleep do we know”-twice, because I feel like it didn’t seep in enough the first time.  I think next up on the agenda is my old stand by, “Pride and Prejudice (Ang Lee version).”  I just can’t get enough of that movie and think am approaching seeing it in the multiple dozens.

But I guess no time to dilly dally… I wanted to assure you all that I am certainly still alive and kicking although at times, really feeling the “ick” in sick.  There has been sooooo much going on that I am dying to also report so stay tuned- it’s pretty cool stuff.  I mean I didn’t even get to report on my trip to Philly two weeks ago where I got the inside tour of the Fabric Workshop and Cao Qiang’s exhibit AND I have an awesome project I participated in that you should check out.  Now aren’t you in suspense!!!???

I have a few pics to show you from last night on the street but first and foremost, let me just tell you how last night we had an incredible turnout for First Friday.  Thank you planets for all aligning!

The One Stone gals were well recieved by Bethlehem’s First Friday goers and I knew they would be!  Above you’ll see Corey during her performance in Home and Planet’s window.  In case you need a little refresher- the One Stone show was about the different roles we fit into.  Corey Breinesen is working off of the Matriarch and is referencing the Native American mythologies that the Matriarch is represented as the weaver, creator of the bond between familial structures.  She is working entirely of rubberbands to create a gorgeous space in the front window.

Next door to Corey was Bea Wolert’s work entitled “Tiffany Blue/Gun Metal Grey.”  This is a dyptich that represents the dichotomy within ourselves.  The colored patterns on the piece are created by colored bolts screwed into wood panel.  I absolutely adore the contrasting marks the bolts make- so incredibly beautiful.  I totally want this for my house.

Down the street a bit at Shuze, is Marcie Farwell.  Her archetype is the Storyteller/Oracle.  The cut away tree are entirely made up of storybook pages and backlit to create beautiful patterns.  Inside the window (which I promise to photograph for you yet…. I must have imagined that I already did!) is a sweet little video theater that plays a gorgeous video.  Marcie collaborated with dancer, Lindsey Gilmore, to create an interpretation of the storyteller within a stark wintery landscape.  I promise to photograph that segment for you- it is not to be missed!

And finally down the street by Merissa and Massie (both who I already have spoke about in a previous post- it’s ok, you can go back and read it), Meghan is displayed in Marla Duran’s studio.  Meghan worked with the concept of “Women during War.”  It is a compelling  juxtaposition between traditional women’s craft and the images of women during the larger wars America has fought.  These were some beautifully crafted pieces that you really want to spend some time and admire.  Her chosen processes were knitting (as you see below); quilling; flower pressing; embroidery; and quilting.

I have yet to photograph Timi’s “Crazy Cat Lady” which coincedentally enough is the only piece on the other side of the street.  But I better act fast because it was rather popular and there are bids to take hers home.  Go Timi!!

All in all, the One Stone gals worked pretty hard on this exhibit and the manuevering between artists, store owners, and the university did at times feel like a three ring circus.  BUT this all certainly would not have happened without the help and ingenuinity of Silagh White, director of Arts Lehigh.  She created relationships with the owners; problem solved (especially when one of our venues went out of business!); held keys; provided rooms for tired artists; tweeted about our progress; generated buzz; made many many copies; hiked the southside shouting our accolades; herded cats (um I mean storewoners and artists); and probably came up with a solution to solve world hunger during the process. 

Many hats worn by so many people during this entire process….. if you only saw backstage!

Hit up the One Stone gals blog-
www.onestonecollective.blogspot.com
and friend them on facebook and follow them on twitter!

While you are at it- why not check out all the stores and organizations who helped us out!
www.homeandplanet.com
www.tallaricoschocolate.com
www.marladuran.com
Shuze and Cleo do not have websites but go to their store anyway.  You can also friend these lovely establishments on facebook.  Shuze has a lovely chronicle of Marcie.
And since you are friending away, go ahead and friend Arts Lehigh, Banana Factory, the Lehigh Women’s Center, and the Lehigh Women Studies program.

So much to do, right?

….more to come about Chores.  GORGEOUS show!

OK… this is yet another quick post since I have to run to class in a moment but I wanted to encourage you, dear readers, to come out to First Friday tomorrow night.  “Chores” will be opening at BF AND the One Stone ladies will be in town for the opening of their show, “Archetypes: These Role(s) We Wear.”  Both exhibits are quite swanky if I do say so myself!

But I have to say this week will be the end of the first leg of all the Women’s History Month hoopla!  I will be thrilled to see both exhibits get the accolades they deserve- in fact, Massie of One Stone will be on the Lehigh Valley Arts Salon THIS MONDAY on WDIY at 6pm.  Check her out…. her interview should be so great and you can hear how wonderfully fabulous she and the rest of the One Stone gals are!!

Here’s Massie’s work- her archetype was the “scientist/warrior” and she is in the former Clothesline Organics space (next to Merissa).

Last but not least, I promise to have images up from the rest of the ladies after this weekend as well as the “Chores” exhibit, but you should really see if all in person.  It’s worth it!

Once these exhibits open then it’s back to work for me!  You can see my sketch of what I need to accomplish during next week’s spring break (thank all the gods and universe energies for aligning spring break to coincide at each of my three schools!).  My show is coming, folks…. and it’s gonna be fabulous!

(I also wanted to post another pic of Rissy’s piece… i got a cool shot yesterday…. I soooooo promise to shoot the rest asap!!)

This is Rissy’s work installed at the now vacant Clothesline Organics on Third Street (and that’s her in the doorway)…. just a sneak peak as to what’s to come…..

We’ve been installing “These Role(s) We Wear” on Third Street and “Chores” this weekend.  I don’t have time to update you on much but needless to say, with the wholloping of snow New York got last week, it threw a wrench into installation for the Collective this weekend.  And well, “Chores” was wrought with it’s issues too with Karla’s work lost by UPS- only to resurface last night, box damaged but work a-ok.  I am just nearing completion of the installations.

I’m still sick to death over the amount of work to do for both shows to open on Friday AND for my show to open on March 15.  I don’t know what made me think I would actually work on my piece this past weekend but I am extraordinarily anxious about that too. 

I need a mantra….

Regardless….. you need to come to First Friday this week and see both exhibitions. 

MARCH 5- “aRCHETYPES: THESE ROLE(S) WE WEAR” soUTHSIDE bETHLEHEM THIRD STREET STOREFRONTS;  7-10PM

“cHORES: A CONTEMPORARY DISCOURSE IN DOMESTICITY”  bANANA fACTORY mEMBER’S gALLERY AND lOUNGE (2ND FLOOR); 6-9PM

Yes, I know I had the cap lock on…. I actually didn’t realize it but then liked the “shouting effect”.  Do it.  Come.