Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Outdoor Smoking
People who smoke tend to gather outside in certain spots to enjoy their nicotine and socialize with other smokers. Some people also smoke to gain a sense of solitude or to have a moment to themselves. I want to create a piece that makes smokers more aware of where they are when they're smoking, which I think is often overlooked or secondary to their experience. My plan is to develop a sound piece based on the natural sounds of the environment in which people are smoking and the actual sounds of smoking. I then want to play them in that area, hopefully causing someone to notcie the audio and therefore the space around them.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
CFC Inspiration: Cigarettes in the Landscape
Irving Penn
Normally a fashion photographer, this photograph is a portrait of cigarette butts that are decaying and look almost like they're a part of some natural landscape.
Cigarette Art by Tom Deininger
He collects cigarettes off the beach to make his pieces. The shell is composed entirely of cigarette butts. The rabbit's fur is made from old cigarette filters. Both pieces smell very strongly like cigarettes.
Some very smelly drawing...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Terrarium Update
The feedback I got about my terrarium was that the rope was too clunky the way it was knotted to the corners and it was too close to Vinnie's piece and the light sort of fell out (whoops). So I redid the rope so that it ties into a complex and large knot but the threading is clean-lined. I decided not to go with a smaller rope because I was partially worried about it holding up and because I like the rustic sort of heavy handed feel it gives the piece. I also moved my terrarium to the other side of the room and bought some of those boat ties that you figure 8 rope around and attached them to the wall so that I wouldn't need compost buckets to hold my piece up anymore. I also wired the light back in and left it on for the night. I think it's lookin' good and I see some little green things sprouting in there :)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Classes, Week 5
CFC III-We finished our terrariums and hung them up in our room on Wednesday. I think the feedback I got on mine was fairly positive (minus the fact that the light decided to fall out). Rebekah though the rope was too clunky and I have to agree with her. She didn't give us homework over the weekend so now I have time to mess around with it and fix it.
Human Body as an Armature-We're working on our second long term project and I'm really excited about my idea (see other blog for more information). I'm still doing weekly quickies and we sketch a lot in class and do short activities. I just need to figure out what sort of work I can do in-class on this one on Monday (maybe I should email Sarah and explain to her what's up and ask what I should do).
Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations-Well, we just finished learning about the Aztec and had a test yesterday. I'm a little bit nervous because the test was 30% of my grade and it was only 15 questions long. The majority of the MC questions left it open for you to circle multiple things. I'm not sure if they're giving partial credit. I knew there had to be some kind of catch to how things were set up.
Recycling-We're working on using materials to create an unexpected form. My stamps are coming together into a closed, but very dynamic shape. I really like the way it's going. Last night it dawned on me that I should do a bigger version with used envelopes and then put the two together...AWESOME! I need to start collecting used envelopes :)
Video Dance-I got a tour of ISS yesterday so now I can go work there during downtime on central campus if I reserve a space. Tomorrow I'm doing a 4 hour Duderstadt training session, which will be a good refresher on Final Cut Pro. It never hurts to go over things another time. ISS is supposedly having all sorts of workshops to learn various things. I'm determined to go and learn as much as I can. The Dance on Camera festival is this weekend and I'm really excited about it. I still have to edit my footage from the Power Center and then I have to do the Solo Study footage we took in class last week (so I'm going to be spending some time in the Dude, luckily it's my favorite library).
Speaking of which, I need to drop off the dv tape at Groundworks and return library books...I've built up a nice stack on my printer.
You know, I just realized that the work I've been making this semester is all things that I can be proud of. I feel as though the craft on each of my long term pieces is to a higher standard and I feel like the ideas I'm generating are worthwhile. I need to redo my blood fountain, but beyond that I'm pretty happy with most everything. A few tweaks or reassessments are needed here & there, but I'm falling into a pattern of work that is truly my own and I like it. That's a happy feeling.
P.S. THIS IS MY 100th POST ON THIS BLOG. YAY ME.
Human Body as an Armature-We're working on our second long term project and I'm really excited about my idea (see other blog for more information). I'm still doing weekly quickies and we sketch a lot in class and do short activities. I just need to figure out what sort of work I can do in-class on this one on Monday (maybe I should email Sarah and explain to her what's up and ask what I should do).
Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations-Well, we just finished learning about the Aztec and had a test yesterday. I'm a little bit nervous because the test was 30% of my grade and it was only 15 questions long. The majority of the MC questions left it open for you to circle multiple things. I'm not sure if they're giving partial credit. I knew there had to be some kind of catch to how things were set up.
Recycling-We're working on using materials to create an unexpected form. My stamps are coming together into a closed, but very dynamic shape. I really like the way it's going. Last night it dawned on me that I should do a bigger version with used envelopes and then put the two together...AWESOME! I need to start collecting used envelopes :)
Video Dance-I got a tour of ISS yesterday so now I can go work there during downtime on central campus if I reserve a space. Tomorrow I'm doing a 4 hour Duderstadt training session, which will be a good refresher on Final Cut Pro. It never hurts to go over things another time. ISS is supposedly having all sorts of workshops to learn various things. I'm determined to go and learn as much as I can. The Dance on Camera festival is this weekend and I'm really excited about it. I still have to edit my footage from the Power Center and then I have to do the Solo Study footage we took in class last week (so I'm going to be spending some time in the Dude, luckily it's my favorite library).
Speaking of which, I need to drop off the dv tape at Groundworks and return library books...I've built up a nice stack on my printer.
You know, I just realized that the work I've been making this semester is all things that I can be proud of. I feel as though the craft on each of my long term pieces is to a higher standard and I feel like the ideas I'm generating are worthwhile. I need to redo my blood fountain, but beyond that I'm pretty happy with most everything. A few tweaks or reassessments are needed here & there, but I'm falling into a pattern of work that is truly my own and I like it. That's a happy feeling.
P.S. THIS IS MY 100th POST ON THIS BLOG. YAY ME.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Letters to Louanna
This is the latest piece I'm working on for Recycling. My great
aunt had a house full of stuff and one of the things I got when she
passed was a bag full of tons of old stamps that had been through
the mail. They were all off letters she had received, but now
I'm making them into a sculpturally interesting piece (and finally
finding a use for them since they were saved for so long).
aunt had a house full of stuff and one of the things I got when she
passed was a bag full of tons of old stamps that had been through
the mail. They were all off letters she had received, but now
I'm making them into a sculpturally interesting piece (and finally
finding a use for them since they were saved for so long).
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Terrarium Chandelier
This is my terrarium chandelier in progress. It's meant to go in a country style breakfast nook (aka it's very rustic looking).(Left) This is the top. It has a very simple design and the hardware is visible purposefully. I think it adds to the style (and I like it).
This is the underside. It will have mason jars screwed into each lid. Each jar will preserve an herb and create interesting shadows when light reflects through it.
My chandelier hangs from the four corners
of the rectangular wooden frame with rope.
The rope hangs on a pulley system so that I
can adjust the hanging height and easily
access herbs for cooking.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Classes, Week 4
Since I've been so diligent, I'll keep doing a weekly update for those of you who aren't around to see my work.
In CFC III we're still working on our terrariums. I have everything I need except wood, screws, some other hardware pieces & rope. Well, and the compost that Rebekah is going to give me. I'm growing 6 different kinds of herbs. I just need to assemble it (some electrician work required). I will probably go to Home Depot today to pick up what I need. We turned in our first long assignment in Human Body as an Armature. I did a piece based off the lyrics "I'm a fountain of blood/In the shape of a girl." I think that the idea was really good, but I am having some technical difficulties. I really want to install it in a space where I can work on it over time, which should happen soon (I'll explain in a minute). I also need to rework how I route the tubing because that was a factor in the issues. I also want to get a bigger basin. In Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations we're almost done talking about the Aztec already. We have a test this Thursday. I'm a little nervous because that is 1/3 of my grade and you never know if professors are going to throw you for a loop. The class seems far too straightforward. I need to gather materials for recycling. We're using materials to make forms, which I'm really excited about. I want to do something thing and stringy (but maybe with more form like a piece of wire or string with a lot of tension on it). I'm not really sure yet (hence needing to go foraging). We got into a long talk about Cradle to Cradle and recycling, which I really enjoyed. Video Dance is awesome. We watched my first piece (which is a little jenky on the editing if you ask me) and I got some good feedback. Terri said she could see me expanding it and I agree with her completely. I haven't actually touched my Power Center footage yet (which is probably really bad). We also filmed a dancer in class and I'm really excited about that because she did some amazing improvisations and our camera at least caught some really cool footage (I'm sure the others did too). Now for the real news. I am opening a gallery in a storage space in Ypsilanti. It's going to be for installations, collaborations, and other people can rent it for the average daily cost I'm paying to use it (TBD). I think this is such an exciting idea and one of my professors is really excited about it too. I already formed a facebook group and invited people who I think would be a supportive base for this project. I think it's going to be an amazing experience. More info later.
In CFC III we're still working on our terrariums. I have everything I need except wood, screws, some other hardware pieces & rope. Well, and the compost that Rebekah is going to give me. I'm growing 6 different kinds of herbs. I just need to assemble it (some electrician work required). I will probably go to Home Depot today to pick up what I need. We turned in our first long assignment in Human Body as an Armature. I did a piece based off the lyrics "I'm a fountain of blood/In the shape of a girl." I think that the idea was really good, but I am having some technical difficulties. I really want to install it in a space where I can work on it over time, which should happen soon (I'll explain in a minute). I also need to rework how I route the tubing because that was a factor in the issues. I also want to get a bigger basin. In Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations we're almost done talking about the Aztec already. We have a test this Thursday. I'm a little nervous because that is 1/3 of my grade and you never know if professors are going to throw you for a loop. The class seems far too straightforward. I need to gather materials for recycling. We're using materials to make forms, which I'm really excited about. I want to do something thing and stringy (but maybe with more form like a piece of wire or string with a lot of tension on it). I'm not really sure yet (hence needing to go foraging). We got into a long talk about Cradle to Cradle and recycling, which I really enjoyed. Video Dance is awesome. We watched my first piece (which is a little jenky on the editing if you ask me) and I got some good feedback. Terri said she could see me expanding it and I agree with her completely. I haven't actually touched my Power Center footage yet (which is probably really bad). We also filmed a dancer in class and I'm really excited about that because she did some amazing improvisations and our camera at least caught some really cool footage (I'm sure the others did too). Now for the real news. I am opening a gallery in a storage space in Ypsilanti. It's going to be for installations, collaborations, and other people can rent it for the average daily cost I'm paying to use it (TBD). I think this is such an exciting idea and one of my professors is really excited about it too. I already formed a facebook group and invited people who I think would be a supportive base for this project. I think it's going to be an amazing experience. More info later.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Classes, Week Three
I feel like this is probably terribly boring but I sort of enjoy doing it for posterity. Let's see...
Video Dance-I still need to fix the problems with my first project, but yesterday I went and watched the girl I'm filming and I'm going to film her tomorrow and possibly Tuesday. So many projects!
Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations-We've moved from nomadic people to chiefdoms to forming states. No talk of the Aztecs quite yet.
Recycling-Project 1 is over. John Walters taught us how to mig weld. I have to go dumpster diving to gather some materials for our next piece.
CFC III-In spite of all the sketches, I'm still fixated with the idea of a mason jar chandelier. So I bought a 12 pack today.
Human Body as an Armature-I'm working on a piece based off of some lyrics from "Bachelorette" by Bjork (I'm a fountain of blood/In the shape of a girl). Basically, I will be wearing a white unitard that has clear tubing attached to it in the form of veins and I will stand in a basin of water with an aquarium pump that pushes red water through the system. I'm excited. It's going to be SICK.
Video Dance-I still need to fix the problems with my first project, but yesterday I went and watched the girl I'm filming and I'm going to film her tomorrow and possibly Tuesday. So many projects!
Aztec, Maya, & Inca Civilizations-We've moved from nomadic people to chiefdoms to forming states. No talk of the Aztecs quite yet.
Recycling-Project 1 is over. John Walters taught us how to mig weld. I have to go dumpster diving to gather some materials for our next piece.
CFC III-In spite of all the sketches, I'm still fixated with the idea of a mason jar chandelier. So I bought a 12 pack today.
Human Body as an Armature-I'm working on a piece based off of some lyrics from "Bachelorette" by Bjork (I'm a fountain of blood/In the shape of a girl). Basically, I will be wearing a white unitard that has clear tubing attached to it in the form of veins and I will stand in a basin of water with an aquarium pump that pushes red water through the system. I'm excited. It's going to be SICK.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Screendance
Well, I think I'm pretty much finished editing my piece for screendance. I think I'm going to go to sleep and try to transfer it back onto my tape in the morning. I really hope I don't turn my alarm off because I need to be up! in time to do a few final edits, export it, and go to the Dude to transfer it back on. I'm sort of nervous. I'm probably going to look like an idiot with my editing skills and they're going to wonder why I'm taking the class. I question myself so much. Will post Variations on a Theme later.
UPDATE: I went to Groundworks at 7:30, giving me an hour to transfer the tape and get to class. I tried two different computers, got a new tape, and ended up getting it on there (but not through Print to Video). I was an hour late to class. Luckily I had two friends there from class to help me. We didn't watch my tape so now I have time to redo the transfer and add credits (I knew i forgot something). Also, we have to bring bagels to class next week. Oh joy.
UPDATE: I went to Groundworks at 7:30, giving me an hour to transfer the tape and get to class. I tried two different computers, got a new tape, and ended up getting it on there (but not through Print to Video). I was an hour late to class. Luckily I had two friends there from class to help me. We didn't watch my tape so now I have time to redo the transfer and add credits (I knew i forgot something). Also, we have to bring bagels to class next week. Oh joy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tah Do List Update (AKA Distractions)
Well I got some work off my to do list done (and some things that weren't on there done too).
Here's what's left of the agenda:
Attach heart to soft sculpture
Check out 3 more books on light
14.5 sketches for terrarium
Root wearable piece
Edit screendance piece
Concept/sketches for HBA
Things I did do this weekend:
Hung out with friends (a whole variety)
Made fondant cupcakes
Taped my boob?
Went to the Reuse Center
Did my laundry
Did 1/2 sketch
Watched Snatch w/ Cassie :)
Watched Batman Begins & The Dark Knight
Sewed & Stuffed Soft Sculpture
Made lots of new friends
Heard two conversations in Swedish
Danced until 3:30 am
Put empty cans on a ceiling fan
Made peanut butter & syrup waffles!
Listened to METAL
Got my car stuck in the snow
Had two strangers push my car out of the snow
Cooked a delicious stir fry
Burned things on a parking garage roof
Listened to my iPod shuffle itself perfectly
Watched the sun come up
Made oatmeal w/ blueberries for lunch
Got interviewed for the Michigan Daily
Wore a skirt in the cold
Danced to Sigur Rós in the snow
Filmed in Walgreen Drama Center for 2 hours
Transferred my tape onto my computer
Hung around the Dude
Realized I live in a small world
Made a storyboard
Booked my flight to Amsterdam
Hung out with friends (a whole variety)
Made fondant cupcakes
Taped my boob?
Went to the Reuse Center
Did my laundry
Did 1/2 sketch
Watched Snatch w/ Cassie :)
Watched Batman Begins & The Dark Knight
Sewed & Stuffed Soft Sculpture
Made lots of new friends
Heard two conversations in Swedish
Danced until 3:30 am
Put empty cans on a ceiling fan
Made peanut butter & syrup waffles!
Listened to METAL
Got my car stuck in the snow
Had two strangers push my car out of the snow
Cooked a delicious stir fry
Burned things on a parking garage roof
Listened to my iPod shuffle itself perfectly
Watched the sun come up
Made oatmeal w/ blueberries for lunch
Got interviewed for the Michigan Daily
Wore a skirt in the cold
Danced to Sigur Rós in the snow
Filmed in Walgreen Drama Center for 2 hours
Transferred my tape onto my computer
Hung around the Dude
Realized I live in a small world
Made a storyboard
Booked my flight to Amsterdam
I'd say it was an eventful and enjoyable long weekend. Now I can look forward to TOMORROW
(well, TODAY now) because TODAY is the first day of life after GEORGE W. BUSH. Hello future.
Now I'm going to buckle down and SKETCH...
(well, TODAY now) because TODAY is the first day of life after GEORGE W. BUSH. Hello future.
Now I'm going to buckle down and SKETCH...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Recycling 101: How to Make a Teddy Bear into an Abstract Form
Me & My Teddy Bear (cell phone pic)
Step 1: Rip bear apart at seams & remove stuffing.
Step 2: Sew flat pieces back together
Step 3: Reattach large, flat piece into a three dimensional form.
Step 4: Stuff it with its own innards.
Step 5: Sew shut.
Voila!
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