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.