texting at the mall

'Happenstance' had it's second event, texting in a public mall on December 18. The five of us walked one after the other, texting. Being in the lead, I had to look up every few seconds, but I am pretty sure people didn't know quite what to make of us. There are some improvements I would like to add, such as holding onto the back of the person in front, so that the line can not be broken/interrupted, and adding some more people to the line. I have also thought that perhaps the last person can have the word 'happenstance' on their back.

Five is a good start, I'd love to get ten committed people for 5 minutes to do this again.

December is a busy time, but that was the whole reason for doing it. It took place in a busy place, where we were sure to get an audience. Kind of like a surprise, and they may not have even known it was art, but that's part of the trick. It's just to point out how people act when they text, how they don't pay as much attention to the world around them, at extremes to the point of endangerment. January will be another time for this to take place, and at a different place.

into November we go...

Sorry, no posts in October~ that's a month entirely set aside for Halloween. It's the holiday I like the most, and also a time to make costumes for cosplay. I made two jackets, and I also participated in the NLWCC (Newfoundlands West Coast Con) here in Corner Brook. Did a couple of cosplay workshops, one with the help of a friend, and just went over sewing, wigs, fabric, being in character and more; it was a lot of fun!

Well, turns out an art event has come into being. I had an idea called 'happenstance', and it's a series of performance art done by artists and like-minded people. It's not a structured thing, it's more of an open call to people who would like to practice performance art in front of an audience (or no audience, depending on the interest!). The first one was on Nov.6, 1pm, in the Glynmill Inn lake trail. It was raining, but we went anyway. A class of students came out to see us and learn a bit about what we were doing, and a few of them joined in! I was performing 'gypsyking' part 3, and Conor Curtis who was with me was performing 'New Scratch'.








We had a good time, even though it was raining for most of it! We're planning to do another one by the end of November/ early December, though anything can change.

Other than this, art has been pretty quiet for me. I've been thinking of ideas for some lino prints, there's an intaglio print that's in progress, and potential scores of book art on the way. I need to work on some more fabric/ clothing/ costume projects as well.


Here's the link for NLWCC/ look into it, it's a great organization run by some awesome people:
http://www.nlwcc.com

problem solving

no kiln I say? no problem!
plans are in the making for a self-built raku firing kiln- set to start next summer. there is a supply of beautiful NL clay from a nearby beach, and transportation to get there- all bases covered.

I ended up putting my mask from 'River Walkers' in the JL gallery for the Stockpile exhibition/silent auction, and a book piece made of photos that is meant to hang on the wall. My second performance of 'gypsy king' will occur at 8pm opening night (friday, Sept. 24, 6-10pm). I am excited!

Currently doing up some more artist cards. We're all moved into the new apartment/ my art room will never be cleaner than it is now. Once the sewing machine is back, threads will fly.

current thoughts

There's another Stockpile exhibition, this time at a gallery in Corner Brook, and it opens next week. I am planning on doing at least one performance, a second version of 'Gypsy King' (this time I'll be holding an instrument made of paper rolls). I also plan to put something into the gallery itself, I'm thinking either a sculpture piece that's been stuck in my mind for awhile, or maybe a painting.

I know. What, a 2D painting?
I'll be rebellious and not frame it.

I have ideas for some prints, but they won't be ready in time.

I'm currently in the middle of moving to a new apartment, so all my art is packed away and I can't get at it until later. My sewing machine is having difficulties as well, very upsetting; how will I do fabric work?! Going to see about getting it to a repair shop if I can't figure out what's wrong with it by the end of next week.

There isn't much more to say, I just wanted to give a tiny update as to what I'm currently doing and planning. I really would love to work with more clay, but there is no kiln that I can use; I know that Grenfell has one, but I'd have to wait for the students to have their stuff ready, and it's just too much hassle for now.

Now that I've been out of school I've been realizing just how much art supplies can cost, especially if it's for a big project. Trying to figure out projects that are free or low cost is a good challenge, and so far I think I've done well. I do need to make some more art soon, as I would like to have another show. Similar to 'Perception of Deception' but maybe not in the arts and culture building, maybe in an apartment or alternative space.

(Fellow artists have been inspiring me way too much!)

Ah, almost forgot about another art event that should be happening this year or next year: art space! It's a one night, maybe more, of artists gathered together in a designated space where they can do any type of art that they want (with general safety rules and all that). It hasn't been done in a few years, so it's very exciting to hear.

Sending updates soon~

Corner Brook Expo pics

Art by me shown at the East Meets West Meets North (sp) expo, in Art at the Church. I sold the fabric hanging/ nice to see people liking the textiles ^_~


The majority of art shown was the Newfoundland traditional type, understandable due to the location and the focus on tourism, but it does get a bit overdone. It's very good to have that type of art that can help build up the culture of a place, but there also needs to be modern, contemporary art that can grab other interests. There were a few works along those lines, and a small amount of sculpture, but they were overshadowed by the sheer number of paintings and 2D works.

(not to bash all the paintings, 2D, trad. art out there, just making a note)

Next year if there is another show, I'll focus on the wall hangings a bit more, maybe do some book art. This is a good thing to have on a cv; any show you can get in, display and sell work, get some artist cards and information out into the public eye, all helps. There aren't very many ways for an artist with a semi-fresh BFA to be a full time artist. I highly doubt it's possible, unless you go on to get more education or get a good break somewhere. Again, not trying to be discouraging but you've got to be realistic.

I like to think that although most of my time is devoted to my average part-time job, I'm a full time artist (or at least as full time as I can get) ^_~

photos of book art: Nova Scotia show

Earlier this summer I sent two book works off to a fellow graduate (Gwen Aker) who was hosting a show in a gallery called Elephant Head. The idea for the gallery was that it could be set up in any building, have the show, then leave that space for another. This is an amazing concept, and it really helps to break the permanent gallery space into one that is more fluid and changing! I want to see more shows like this appear, and it would be great to see art centres (and artists in general) using this concept.

'Harvest' Full Tilt Stockpile Exhibition

On August 29, 2010 Stockpile had their second annual exhibition at Full Tilt, McIvers, NL. There was a gallery space and an outdoor field venue where artworks were performed and installed. Opening started at 3pm, closing reception began at 5pm.

Art Projects and Plans

I would like to get back into the making of art/ there's a sculpture/performance group show by Stockpile at Full Tilt August 29, and another 'Chalk/Walk' this sunday (August 22) but I want to do some independent stuff.

There's a couple of deadlines for september, and I'm not sure if I'll try for both but I am interested. I just got back from a week of vacation, and that gave me time to get some creative ideas thought up and written down: I'm thinking of books, printmaking, and performance. In short, anything I can do with little cost at home.

Because I'm not making money from selling art, I get it from my part/full time job. And I am realizing how difficult it can be to do both at the same time and still be reconized as an artist even if I'm not exhibiting or doing gallery work. So, time to get cracking.

Chalk/Walk August 2

This time around we went down Main Street; what a beautiful day that was! We also got our first angry response- a man told us he didn't want us putting chalk on the sidewalk in front of a building he owned. I would like to say that no harm came to the building, and the chalk all washed away in the next rain (that night, or the day after).

I think it would be a different story if it was a group of small kids drawing, and I wonder why that is. Is chalk just for kids, and is it unacceptable for anyone but kids to use it for art? It's a non-permanent, non-toxic, washable material, a lot better for public spaces than spray paint. Maybe it was the drawings that were unwanted, and scattered blocks coloured would be less of a problem, but either way it will all disappear without leaving a scratch.

Chalk/Walk July 22

This 'Chalk/Walk' happened during the East Meets West expo, and we got a lot more people responding to it, even some kids coming over to draw for an hour or more!

'River Walkers' photos outing #2

The second time I went down to the river I had to go without Lee, but I managed to grab a friend who took these photos! (I will upload the photos of our first outing asap)

I got written (and talked) about!

http://cornerbrooker.com/events/?event_id=16602
/also, CBC Corner Brook called me a few days ago wanting an interview about 'River Walkers' once we get a few performances done!

July 16 UPDATE: me and Lee made it to the interview set for today, around 8am, just in time to get a few words in about what we why we decided to do 'River Walkers' and what our experience with it has been like. Phil was already there to talk about Stockpile, and get the website out, which is great because it now has a calendar of events on the main page, and more information on the projects being done.

it was done for CBC radio, so we had to make a lot of splashing and shouts (more than usual!) for the microphone to pick up on~ very cold and early but fun!

'Chalk Walk' and 'River Walkers' on Canada Day

10am we started 'Chalk Walk' on Park Street/ we got a lot of it done before stopping, and a lot of people were slowing down as they drove by, or even stopping to ask us questions. Passerby were also doing the same thing. Everyone seemed to like what we were doing, and it was a very positive response.

Me and Lee decided to go over to Corner Brook stream to do a 'River Walkers' performance. It was very cold, but a good first attempt. I managed to hold my own against the current and get to the other side of the river, and we will have photos up later.

'Chalk Walk' then met up again at Wellington Street where some Canada Day celebrations were taking place, and we did some of the sidewalk there, even got some participation! So the day was a great success, and we are planning to do it again either later this month or in August, and in September.

go to stockpilegroup.ca to check on updates on other events, or for more information!

'Chalk Walk' demo test

Hey! got a new art event starting July 1st; colouring a sidewalk in corner brook with chalk. did a test run with some members of Stockpile today for the poster. it went very well, and I don't think we'll need a lot of chalk either. Come out for the start of the event, July 1st, 10am, on Park Street, Main Street, and maybe even West Street. Always feel free to join in ^__^

2010 art thus far

Ok here's some photos! from top to bottom: finished product of my pottery after being placed in a campfire/ one of two art books I made for a show a fellow grad classmate is doing over in NS/ pictures from 'Perception of Deception'- paper mache sculptures, ink paintings, performance 'Unwrapped Thoughts', fabric piece/ my newest performance/installation piece, finished today.














I love this last one~ looks like I'm playing an odd musical instrument!
(check out the post before this one for a blurb on where all this stuff came from)