Entry #2 What I Did On My Summer Vacation/Gathering Number One - After

Entry #2 What I Did On My Summer Vacation /Gathering Number One - Before

Already I am thinking of changing the title of the series to Precious. This word and concept is in my mind a lot these days.

In the studio flooding I lost some things that were precious to me. Not a lot of things, and I am well aware that so many have lost so much more right here in Vermont with the astounding flooding this spring, so I am not complaining, just explaining.

As a collector of vintage items these objects do seem precious to me in some ways. They are precious because they are filled with memory. They are precious because they embody history.

When I gathered for the first grouping in this new series I found vintage greeting cards. I did not want to cut them up. They seemed too precious. But how was I going to make collages out of them without cutting them up? Usually I would scan them so as to still possess the originals. I decided this time I was not going to do that. I was going to fight my feelings about their preciousness and make some art out of them. When I began to cut them apart the words inside the greeting cards grabbed my attention as well as the imagery. One of the words was “precious”.

In this series I am not going to make any distinction between art and craft. I might make a collage, an Art Textile, a fashion accessory, or a home décor item. This is another way of addressing the issue of precious-ness. Are only art works that have no practical usage precious, and can only those art works enter into the rarified realm? Can objects made from humble materials rise to the rarified realm of art? Can useful creations be art or just artful?

Here are the before and after pictures of the first gathering.

The only thing I used from my studio was mat board, scissors, and rubber cement.

Entry #1 What I Did On My Summer Vacation

It has been two months since my studio was flooded out of the downstairs. Two months of my collections and supplies being boxed up, and stacked up, awaiting a new home.  I have not been myself. I am twitchy. Crocheting is not doing the trick. It took me a few weeks to learn how to make lemonade from these particular lemons. I finally realized it is the perfect time to begin a series that I have been pondering for a while. I am not sure what to call it but “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” is a good working title. Here is the plan – I go out hunting and gathering on the weekend, or during the week depending on the weather.  I gather a few items that may or may not seem related. I make art with just those items. I then move on to the next gathering phase for the next piece or pieces. I want to do something that has parameters and structure. I want to challenge myself in this way.

Here are my guidelines/rules:

-gather the parts/collection

-get as many materials as possible for free or cheap

-photograph the parts/collection before using them

-make something out of the parts/collection

-photograph the piece(s) when complete

-I do not have to complete one piece before gathering for the next, but do have to keep materials for each batch separate. One piece may take several weeks to complete and one might take one day.

-this rule may change

-for that matter any of the rules may change

-I cannot use other materials I have around even if they seem like the perfect addition – I must stick to the materials gathered for that piece(s)

-I can use basic ingredients that I already have like background paper, mat board, glue, thread, scissors etc.

When I had pondered this series previously there was a photographic component to it. I am not sure where this will come in yet. I had envisioned documenting the yard sale where the parts came from and perhaps the seller if he/she is willing. This aspect may need to wait.

I have gathered three batches already and almost completed the first grouping of art from the first batch. It has been interesting to see how items that are like-minded seem to appear on a given gathering phase. Or am I just noticing those items because I have decided to go a certain way with the collection?

And so I begin it.

The Cowgirls

The Cowgirls

Recently when there was a precious break in the rainy weather I took a short drive. I came upon these girls lying about in a field. As I calmly walked up and down the road to photograph them they followed me with their eyes but continued to recline in their bovine repose. They brought to mind the classic odalisque.

The Inner Sanctum - My Studio

Vampires and Cowl Necks

I have been pondering this for a while.

It is time to voice my observations. I am more than a little bit intrigued by what I am going to call the Vampires and Cowl Necks phenomenon.  I am speaking of the current obsession with vampires in books, movies, jewelry, fashion and mainstream advertising such as the new Cherry Dr. Pepper ad– (is that cherry cola or blood Fergie is pouring down her gullet?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG0of3hLLWM

And while you are at it check out this Revlon lipstick ad for “Just Bitten Lip Stain”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooTBIuUbmM0

What intrigues me is not so much the vampire obsession, but the fact that it seems to be coupled with the fashion fad for the ever larger cowl, the oversized ruffled collar, and the ever more elaborate and spectacular “statement” necklace.

Take a look at these wonderful cowls!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62675168/the-mowl-mens-cowl-neck-scarf-warmer

Can this be a coincidence? I think not.

 At the same time many vampire glorifying guys and gals are venturing forth under the cloak of darkness to dim theaters to view vampires on the big screen, and ravenously reading novels about these thirsty creatures of the night, others, in presumably better lit places, are knitting and crocheting like crazy to create the biggest and thickest protective coverings for our collectively endangered pretty necks.

Our necks are on the line here. It is clear. The vampires are out there, or among us, and we better do our best to ward them off with leather, metal, beadwork, knit-wear, whatever it takes.  Get out your leather working bench, your beading board, your over-sized crochet hooks and knitting needles ladies and gents and get to work! Its time to lick those vampires once and for all!

My Record Deal Update

Update on my "record deal". It has been a most interesting process. Early on I met several times with the talented musician(we will call him S.) who requested my art work for his cd cover. I listened to a cd of rough cuts to familiarize myself with the tunes, themes, and mood of the album. Luckily I really liked the music and was inspired.  I then began my artistic exploration to come up with a technique and imagery that would fit the bill. As is often the case I became obsessive about the trials and have worked an insane number of hours trying to get something that resonated with me for this particular piece. The back and forth with S. was most stimulating, both in person and via email. It has been a challenging and satisfying process. I am nearing the end of my time line and the end of my explorations, and soon will send along several finished works for S. to choose from. Then the piece will go on to the photographer to be shot, and then on to the graphic designer who will put the whole package together. As with every new project I have learned a great deal about a variety of new techniques that I can utilize in my own art work in the future. I came up with a whole new wacky and wonderful photo set up to create imagery, but I cannot divulge it at this time. Until the piece is done the entire project is a bit hush hush.
Bond - J. Bond signing off