delicate utility

On another note, Yay for free publicity!

2012-02-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

My "Sam" manly notebook got featured on the front page of the Etsy website this afternoon. That's the first item that's made it up there and it's pretty darn exciting!

The Five Fingered (F)ilosophy for Friday

2012-02-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned that I love alliteration? I really do, and I find it deeply satisfying to pull a title out that repeats the same sound often enough that you feel like you are speaking gibberish by the end. Today's was a bit indulgent because this philosophy has nothing to do with Fridays at all, it just really rounded things out nicely. Thanks for playing along.

On to the real meat, or soy protein for my vegetarian friends.

Here we go. By the way, I call this the Five Finger (F)ilosophy because as I was trying to recount these questions to a friend I had to keep track of them on my fingers as I fleshed out each point so I didn't get lost in my questions.

Perhaps it was the "aging out" of the 30 and under calls for artwork that brought this up, or maybe it's being in a studio setting where you are constantly being asked to submit work for selection but are then "not chosen" because the chosen pool is so small,

My office

...or maybe it's because on a daily basis I am trying to reconcile my choice to leave full time, stable office work for a plethora of odd jobs and the attempted journey towards a studio art career,

...and then there's the question of- is the work I pursue a changing force for this world or just adding more stuff to the gigantic surplus of stuff,

...or maybe it's because left and right friends are announcing pregnancies, or second pregnancies or third or the purchase of a new house, or a new job....

It's not mine. But, it's the most popular status update image on Facebook these days.

Well, quite frankly it's all of this and a hundred other small things, that have added up to me formulating one really big question...

Is it possible to be (and are there any examples of) a woman(1) who has a truly established and influential studio art career(2), who has a strong and palpable faith(3), who has a marriage that could be defined as healthy(4) and has children(5) that they feel attached to, in tune with, thankful to have (at least in most moments) and have time to really rear up?

If you know one, PLEASE introduce me! I am struggling with this big time, because those 5 points, with the exception of the 1st, since I had little choice in the matter of being born a female, are what I want for my life, or what I feel the desire of my heart is, yet I don't know anyone first hand claiming all 5 points.

Now, I want to break this down a bit, because to me each one of those points is very specific and even if I don't have the words to explain them exactly, I think I'd know it when I see it. However, I'll do my best to put a few characters together and eek out argument.

1. Let's not dwell on the female thing too long, other than, my generation and that of just a few years older, were really the first to experience an open world for seeking out career paths. Much has been said about this from authors far more studied than I, so let's boil it down to this, I think the four following points are still much more difficult to put together for a woman than for a man, even in this time where we think of gender equality as being, not completely, but pretty well balanced in the western world.

2. An influential art career: I want to specifically define this as: an artist who makes the bulk of their income in response to, sales from or through the production of artwork. This may mean grants, sales, commissions or anything close to that. I am specifically leaving out teaching because, as I've experienced, it is primarily focussed on the fostering of and honing the talent of others- not the physical work you singly produce. I am also, intentionally narrowing this to visual art, as that is the camp I'm apart of and trying to find an advanced Girl Scout leader for. Additionally, I say influential, because any Joe Shmoe off the street can probably name five to twenty male artists throughout the course of history, but how many female artists could they name?

3. Faith: I haven't delved too deeply into this topic in the blog format, but when I say this I will put it as; a faith in a Creator, outside of ourselves, who we recognize as being reliant upon, called to give glory to, and inseparable from, so that our choices in life are grown out of and constantly informed by this faith.

4. Marriage: Do both spouses respect one another? Do they find deep comfort in being vulnerable with each other? Would they say they are the closest of friends while experiencing a connection that no other friendship has produced? Do they feel responsible to each other and look to uplift, encourage and challenge each other? Quite frankly- do they actually believe and strive to keep their marriage vows?

5. Children: ... I said it. Okay. For some this may seem a shocking point, but yes, I really do think about having children, and find that, especially after crossing the threshold of 30, it's on my mind quite frequently. But this is the point along, with #2, that I still have the control to not include in my life and it's really a big question for me. I know who I am currently and the things that I'm pursuing and the type of work I hope to be able to produce if I can go deep enough and stay engaged and I wonder... can children fit into this? Can I be the parent I would want to be while still being the woman, artist, wife that I already am or are working towards?

Well, there you have it. That's what I'm thinking about, and that's who I'm searching to meet, or at least know is out there. There are plenty of outstanding women working on different combinations of these points or have their own set of fingers they are trying to solve so I hope this can be an inclusive discussion even if I am keeping my own points pretty narrow. I also know that the art field is definitely not the only place where it's difficult to find female mentors either. So, with that in mind please chime in and add your thoughts to what can hopefully be an encouraging conversation.

Here's to Monday

2012-01-30T13:19:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile, sorry for the absence. I've been in the studio weaving away at two new pieces that I'm excited to share. Their compatriots have already been featured but I haven't explained the project in much detail so I figured it was time. I've toyed with different titles for the series but I think I've finally landed on one that really creates an entry point into the work.

"Adornment," began in 2010 after weaving the second version of "Coming Into Being/Coming Undone." The threads took on the role of garment, skin and hair- an interesting notion to me. So I explored a little more and last year created the first piece in the adornment series.

Coming Into Being/ Coming Undone

Adornment .25

Moving to slightly deeper tones, the second piece in the series emerged and I lengthened the vertical threads.

Adornment .30

I took a pause on this for a few months but have been back at work this January and here are the two newest pieces. I decided to jump in the tones so that I can then work towards the medium tones from the different ends I've started from. My goal is to create at least 10 pieces to create a sampling of different tones. I'm starting the journey now on where to display them once I have the full set. I'll report back when I've got some leads.

Adornment .80

All 4 pieces together in the studio

Adornment .85

Adornment .80

A Season Approaches

2011-11-28T08:36:00.001-08:00

This weekend I happened to be in the city, and I happened to need to run an errand off of 5th Avenue. I also happened to forget that this was the opening weekend for all of the holiday windows and that 5th Avenue would be mobbed with people! I figured it out pretty quickly though when I exited the subway only to see a wall of heads in the direction I needed to go. So, I braved the sea of camera wielding, bag laden tourists and I promise I didn't make a single snide remark.... out loud.

While navigating closer to my destination I made my way in front of Bergdorf Goodman's, and what did I see? Materially thematic window displays! Wood, paper, tile- oooh very nice! As I kept hustling by it did finally occur to me that I could pull out my camera too and snap a few shots to share with everyone. Keep in mind it was a last minute thought, composed on my camera phone and in a huge crowd, so they aren't the clearest of shots. I had also passed the wood display and wasn't going to fight the current to get a shot, sorry about that.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Here is the paper window- absolutely every surface is covered with paper. These are designers after my own heart.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Progressing further down the Avenue I bumped into this window! The Statue of Liberty with, what I believe is, a Jelly Belly bean dress standing in front of paper artist, Robert Sabuda's cityscape.

And my final salute to the afternoon came by seeing my first Christmas tree stand on the Upper West Side. These stands always ring in the season for me with their cheery lights and delicious smell of evergreen.

I'll leave you with this. If you are getting into the holiday spirit and are beginning to think about gift giving, perhaps you might like to take a gander at my store. Today is the last day of my 20% off sale (coupon code DUTHANKS) and it's the last sale of the year. Thankfully there has been some buzz for shopping at small businesses this year, feel free to bring the buzz over to my shop, The Delicate Utility.

Last time I promised a story on the BAT CAT gang. Don't worry, that will be next time.

Don't just en-joy, but bring joy, to the season!

Susan

The Studio

2011-11-15T07:44:00.001-08:00

Life after moving is far better than life during moving.

This is what I'm trying to remind myself of when I get frustrated searching in vain for items at home or in the studio, or when I get led on a tangent by having the light diminish in the kitchen at 4:30pm so that I'm straining my eyes to see my laptop and then I think, I might as well just go and hang the light above the table to remedy the situation, but then I remember that we couldn't find the spare light bulb last time we tried to hang it, so I go searching in the hall closet, for said bulb, only to then reorganize the entire closet as I attempt to get to the box I think might contain the lightbulb but instead has the c-hook which I could use to hang the lamp. Alas, no bulb, so no hung light fixture, and an hour and a half later I just bring my laptop to the living room where we do have adequate lighting. At least the closet got organized.

Moving home and studio in the same month is not the ideal but that's what happened around here. In honor of the new spaces I've included some shots of the studio to give you a sense of where I'm hanging out (when I can get there) these days. Having an open studio within just weeks of moving in gave me the incentive to get some work up on the walls. My studio is in a Chashama work space, and they do a great job of supporting and organizing artists- I like them a lot.

My mannequin greeters. I feel like they need names. Any suggestions?

Looking towards the back wall and my work table (the messy end of the room)

The torso line up, it's so nice to see them hanging together again!

The front wall, opposite of my greeters

The view from my work desk

The space is a great size for me currently and has plenty of room for me to create and store my larger pieces, something our old apartment couldn't really provide. It will be interesting to see how the work progresses now that I have more room to move around.

Next time I'll tell you about my new pals the BAT Cat Gang- I'm a fan and I'm sure you'll get a kick out of them too. Thanks for visiting my space with me!

Gloria !, !!, !!!

2011-10-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hi folks-

It's been another busy week! We had open studios last Friday night at the Brooklyn Army Terminal and had a great turn out. It's always fun to meet new art lovers and it helps me keep my descriptive skills fresh clear while explaining my work. Another big thanks to Chashama for making the night and my studio space possible!

In other new I've got a few new items I'm ready to add to the etsy.com shop. I've been working away at getting some larger journals/sketchbooks posted and three large Gloria III's in red, yellow and brown combinations will be added.

Marigold Yellow Sheep skin with Sienna Brown Leather Straps

Cherry red leather- oh so sweet!

Sienna brown and plum- a soothing combo

I'm also throwing in a medium Gloria II.

Next week I hope to have my brand new Sherman refillable pocket journal added as well as a small refillable Gloria. Stay tuned for more additions!

Fly Away Bluebirds!

2011-10-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

The robe is nearing its pre-fitting finish, the props are purchased for Friday, and the new bluebirds I'm submitting for purchasing consideration by NYU Langone Medical Center are done! Phew. The medical center put out a call for artwork to be considered for public spaces and patient rooms. Most of my 2-D work is intimate in scale so I'm submitting work primarily for the consideration of patient and examining rooms. The icon in the work, the bluebird of happiness, represents hope, good health, renewals and a host of other positive sentiments. Let's hope they each get to find a new home in the hospital and bring some happiness to visitors.

Still in the breaker waves

2011-10-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

So I thought this week might bring a bit of reprieve from the hectic pace as of late... I was very wrong! But, because I thought it would be calm I took on a few extra projects, for which I am shaking my head at now. Alas, it is the season for craziness. I am not a fan of winter, but man, I would love to just hibernate right now.

Enough. On to the work. The film that I prepared the books for (see the last few entries) will be shooting at our apartment this Friday. Yikes! The entire apartment has been serving as my studio while I've been working on these projects and it's a mess! I have a lot of cleaning to do before then! I'm also making two robe costumes for the film and my sewing supplies is everywhere. Robe number 1 was finished about a week ago and I'm hustling to get number 2 done for a fitting with the actor this Friday.

Also, put it on your calendars and come on down- I'll be selling my books and artwork at the DeKalb Market in downtown Brooklyn this Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 15&16) from 11-7pm. Check out the market site here.

Here's a look at #1 for the male actor.

"Good Straw," says crow.

2011-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of creating a piece of artwork inspired by my good friend Daniel Nayeri's brand spankn' new book, "Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow," which launches in stores this month. Daniel's book is a collection of four novellas for young adults (and adults who like to feel young). For the launch party, his ever so delightful wife, Alex, organized a bunch of hooligan artists to create a variety of pieces based on the book. My contribution is below. Here's the link to more information on Daniel's book which is published by Candlewick Press.

There's a scene in Straw House where the straw man, Sunny, is asleep and his arch nemesis, Crow, lands on his shoulder, sticks his head into Sunny's ear and starts picking away. Daniel's description paints a much better word picture, but here's the pencil picture that kept popping into my mind as I reread that passage over and over.

"Good Straw," says Crow.2011
9x12 x matted to 16x20
graphite & acrylic on illustration board

I hemmed and cawed , I mean hawed, over a few different ideas but landed on sticking with the bird silhouette and graphite pencil drawings that I've been doing lately.

Here are a few of my first idea sketches...

.... and the drawing before I added Crow.

Gee, Gosh & Golly Alice! How to Add 75 Years to a Book.

2011-10-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here's another project from the ocean of work...

The second book prop for the film (see yesterday's post for details) was a copy of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The book needed to look vintage, have John Tenniel's illustrations and to have an extra page added into the book which corresponds with the film.

My first task was to find a copy of the book that had a few blank pages in it. These are usually found in hard back books at the very back. I flipped through a few copies of paperbacks but they rarely have them. I thought I hit gold when I found a great used version on Amazon only to receive an e-mail two days later explaining that the copy of the book they sold me is no longer available- blast. That sent me on a hunt around town. Oddly enough I actually found what I needed at Barnes and Noble. The sales guys were even nice enough to open the cellophane cover so I could confirm that there were empty pages. However, the pink and gold embossed leather cover didn't scream early edition to me.

So, I pulled out my magic vintage wand and turned the book into this!

Wand aside, here's how I did it....

I knew I was going to need book cloth for the cover but I had a hard time sourcing the right color so I had to make my own. There was A LOT of trial and error in this one. First I started with a muslin that had a double sided adhesive that I picked up at the fabric store, no go. The adhesive only mildly stuck and pulled the paper backing away from the fabric. So, a run to a part of Queens I've never been to before and the craft store AC Moore to get heat n' bond ultra hold. Now that ought to stick!

Step 1. iron a heavy tissue paper, no, I'm not OCD, you have to get the wrinkles out otherwise they show up on the fabric! Make sure it's heavy too. I tried the regular gift wrapping version and it was too flimsy.

2. Cut a piece of the heat and bond to the size you need and adhere it to the paper. Then peal the paper backing off to expose the other side of adhesive.

3. Lay your cloth, I used a light cotton, (which should have already been ironed and washed if possible) on top of the adhesive. Press with the iron for about 8 sec. in each spot. I still had a little trouble with the heat n' bond pulling the tissue paper backing and creating wrinkles, but I think if I had used a heavier fabric this wouldn't have happened.

4. Voila' you have book cloth. Now comes the hard part, covering the book!

P.S. Sorry I don't have photos for all these steps.

I worked on this in stages so that I didn't have odd globs of YES! paste getting into areas where they were forbidden. Wax paper is also a life saver when you do this type of thing.

Back to the project, I cut my book cloth down to be about 1" larger than the book on all sides when it laid open. I pasted one cover at a time and let it dry for a bit. Then, I mitered the corners and pasted them in place. Lastly I tackled the spine. My nerves were a bit raw with this one. If I screwed this part up I'd have to start all over.

I cut small slits at the edges of my cloth on either side of the spine. I tested the depth of the cut by tucking the flap into the spine to see if it would stick up. Once I thought I had the cut right, I pasted, and then used a plethora of skinny tools to shove it down around the spine as neatly as possible.

Here's the end of that part.

Now, the extra page. Good thing I found a book with some empty pages because I used up every last one trying to get this right and then still had to utilize a page that only had text on one side.

After first trying to use a photocopy and transfer pen with the text, and not getting good results (the paper was too thin and kept causing the transfer to bleed) I then had the not so difficult idea of just putting it through my printer... what do you know, the most basic and simple version worked. Too bad I didn't think of that first. Oh well, it worked out.

The last part was the front graphic. This took even more experimenting, but seeing as I don't have many photos to illustrate what worked and what didn't we'll go with the short version. I used an iron on transfer for light colored fabrics. I printed out the graphic in a mirror version on the transfer paper and then cut the page size down to fit the cover. Usually you don't want to have any extra transfer around your image area but it worked out okay this time because it gave the cover a slight gloss, which worked with the vintage feel.

The last step was to beat it up a bit. I sanded off a lot of the gold edging on the pages and then went after the edges of the cover to give them a look of having been dragged along shelves for many years.

There you have it. Instead of a face lift- it got beat up. Poor book.

Emerging from a Tidal Wave of Work

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Fall always seems to be a crazy season for me. Considering that much of my work revolves around the school season, this makes sense, but, it also seems like everyone not on the school track is convinced that Fall is a great time for new beginnings, new projects, new events, NEW EVERYTHING. Well, with all this new stuff of Fall I got pretty busy and hence haven't had an opportunity to blog. So, over the next week or so I'll give you a recap of a few of the projects that I've been up to and give you a nod towards what's coming next.

First, the film. My hubby is a partner in a film company, Almond Tree Films. He and the director have collaborated on three projects together and this new film is their fourth. Keeping it in the family, I was asked to do some prop design and costumes for the feature that started filming about 2 weeks ago. It was very tight deadline work and there's still a few more things coming up. Here's a look at one project.

The film, is inspired loosely by a Korean Folk Tale called the Woodcutter and the Nymph. They asked an illustrator, Hannah Lee, to make a few spreads and for me to bind them into a book. Above is the finished product. It needed to have a worn appearance so after I was finished, I roughed it up a bit with some sandpaper and charcoal.

The cover has a "peek a boo" window that features the illustration on the cover page.

The project presented quite a few challenges. I couldn't get the actual pages until 2.5 days before the book was due. I also didn't know the final dimensions of the pages until a few days before that! It made planning ahead quite the feat! The pages delivered were 8.5 x 11 with a minimal margin... that's not an easy page to bind. It would have to be stab bound and tabs were going to be necessary.

I headed to Sam Flax art store and picked up a natural unryu paper. I cut strips 11 x 2" and carefully adhered them to each individual page, as close to the illustration as a I could get, with Sobo glue.

The tabs needed to be narrow enough to not cover the images at all but wide enough to allow the page to turn smoothly once they were bound.

Here's a closer shot. I also added a folded paper spacer to add a bit more bulk under the pages so that the cover would be the right height.

Another shot of the front window.

For the binding I chose a Noble binding stitch. The book needed to look old and worn so this added a good touch.

I wrapped the ends of the pages with the same paper I used as an end paper on the interior of the covers. This gives a cleaner appearance and also protects the individual pages.

Well, that's one project. I'll share another tomorrow!

Meet Peter/Paul, Louis & James

2011-08-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

Three new lines of journals have been christened and added to the etsy shop today. I once knew a wonderful Irene, however, after this weekend's run-in with the storm, I'm sorry to say that name will never grace one of my journals. So, let me introduce you to the new additions that have been added.
Meet "Peter, Paul and Pocket": a pocket sized (in numerous colors) journal with its own pocket that can stash your metro card, coffee money or any other small necessities for your day. A great little piece to keep you collected and organized. http://www.etsy.com/listing/80606842/blank-leather-journal-with-exterior

See the full gallery on Posterous

Next in the line up, "James", the rugged brother to the Gloria. Cut from a hide that has been distressed, this leather is not for the faint of heart. You may get your vampire on and find yourself feeling drawn to sink your teeth into this journal with its rich, thick, savory scent. Stylish, light and functional, these handy journals/mini sketchbooks are suited for every urban cowhand. http://www.etsy.com/listing/80601134/brown-leather-journal-blank-pocket-sized...

See the full gallery on Posterous

And last but not least, named after a clever renaissance man, the "Louis." "The Louis" is a journal for the true renaissance individual. Record notes for your next play, invention or simply the grocery list. Cut from a rich, rough and tumbled leather cowhide, one sniff makes you feel the urge to start gnawing on the edges of this notebook. Please don't, it's not waterproofed.
Featuring two signatures (sewn sections) of 60 pages each, 120 all together (or 240 if you count front to back). The pages are ruled with a light blue to keep you in line (no margin), and features a slightly embossed line, for tactile enjoyment. For all you multi-taskers: the two signature design allows you to work in two portions of the journal at the same time, while still keeping your topics or projects clearly organized. Also handy, is the fact that you can fold the journal back on itself to make it easy for taking notes in small elbow spaces. The design also allows the book to lie completely flat when opened.
A hand-stitched lace wraps around the cover and tucks neatly under itself to keep your pages safe and secure.http://www.etsy.com/listing/80602300/leather-journal-lined-cedar-red-brown

See the full gallery on Posterous

All available for order AND customization at www.thedelicateutility.etsy.com

Sharing the Love

2011-08-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

This has been a busy week of promotion at The Delicate Utility. On Sunday, the green suede, 'Gloria II' journal was featured in an Etsy.com e-mail (the website my online shop is on, in their Gifts for Her Section). There were lots and lots of visitors who came by to check things out which was exciting. Then, yesterday afternoon Sydney Francis from the Craftzine blog highlighted my journals in her post. There's been lots of helpful publicity which, as a new shop, means the world. Please keep spreading the word and check out the shop as I add new items. Keep an eye out for the 'Louis' journal which will be making its debut in the next few weeks!

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/08/handmade_inspiration_journals.htm

http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&id=fs09s3gzw1y5ull&t=6

Featuring, and curating images of other people's work overall is pretty fun. So, in the spirit of 'sharing the love' and giving a shout out, here are a few treasuries of items from Etsy that I put together. Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTMwMTYwODl8NTU4NzgzMjYx/amber-swirls-and-falling-leaves?index=1

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTMwMTYwODl8NTg4MzYyNTE2/mums-the-word?index=0

Fever & Sale

2011-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Fever

For the last month I think I've had Esty fever. There is certainly a thrill that I experience every time I see the traffic in the shop rising and a small dose of euphoria when I see that I've made a sale. I suppose much of this is experienced by every new shop owner, but it doesn't make it any less exciting. Yesterday I found myself flabbergasted when looking at the stats for the shop. One of my items, the Gloria II (see below, on the top left), journal was included in an "etsy finds" daily newsletter and it sent the visits to my shop and that particular listing through the roof! Here's a capture of the finds-

Click the link to see all of the item picks: http://bron.to/fs09s3gzw5nyull

More Excitement, A Sale!

For the month of August all of the fine art archival prints in my store are 20% off! They range in size from 4x6 -9x10 inches. All prints are under $30. Rather have an original? They are there too! Plus, I just added 4 new collage paintings yesterday. Here's a small sampling. Visit these in the Giclee Prints section shop.

What's With The Reproductions?

2011-08-03T12:54:00.001-07:00

Joining Etsy has definitely forced me to dust off the cobwebs on the business side of my brain. It's also forced me to think pretty hard about what buyers really want and... what they will really buy. Wearing that hat of artist and business woman does not always make for a comfortable fit. How do I make work that I care about, and can be enthusiastic about sharing while at the same time thinking about who will want to bring it into their home, and in what form? That's not rhetorical... if you have some good answers and suggestions make sure to leave a comment!

One way I'm trying to be "business wise" is to look for ways to produce beautiful images while conserving time and energy as best as possible. My first attempt at this is through giclee prints. Giclee prints (pronounced 'zhee-klay) are high quality, archival reproduction prints of original artwork. They have a wonderful color saturation and last for generations to come (over 200 years). By making prints of my original artwork I'm able to offer them at a lower price, expand the audience that can appreciate them and not exhaust myself trying to make similar pieces over and over again.

I've included a few of my prints in the gallery. I'd be interested to hear what you all think on the idea of reproduction prints in general. Considering that most people have a poster from a museum, a set of gift cards or even a framed print of a famous painting I don't think they are taboo, but still I'd like to hear what everyone thinks.[[posterous-content:pid___0]]

Handmade Journals Added to My Store

2011-07-26T13:39:00.001-07:00

Well, it's just about week two of my adventures in the world of Etsy. This week I'm adding a series of handmade journals to my shop TheDelicateUtility. Next week I'll be adding high quality, affordable reproduction prints, also known as giclee prints (zee-clay) to the shop.
I'm learning the ropes about how to get the word out about my items. One of my steps was to join a team of other etsy sellers. I'm now one of 90 makers on the 5 Boroughs Team. Check out all the eclectic makers on our teams' page.

See the full gallery on Posterous

www.thedelicateutility.etsy.com
478CRMUS5FTH

First Purchases!

2011-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Two pieces, Cut Lilly .01 and Collected, are being shipped off to their new homes today! These are the first two purchases from my new online shop, TheDelicateUtility, on etsy.com.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Susan's Etsy Store is (finally) Open!

2011-07-20T13:01:00.001-07:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

A NEW FLOCK

After months of research, planning, designing and entering content, my new online store,TheDelicateUtility on etsy.com is now open!

In my store you will find a selection of new works, specifically 4 new bluebird pieces, some smaller collage paintings and pieces that been out in the world for awhile. Many of my pieces feature ready to frame mats, or have mats available with custom sized windows for the work in the store.

Over the next few weeks I will also be adding giclee prints of a few of my paintings to offer pieces at multiple price points. Additionally, I will be offering handmade journals and some original jewelry pieces.

So check out the store for gifts or something special just for you!

~ Susan

the ART of SHOPPING 5.7.11

2011-05-04T09:55:00.001-07:00

Saturday, May 7 · 2:00pm - 6:00pm

KrisTEES

24-01 23rd Ave, at 24th Street, Astoria, NY 11105

Please join me for the reception. Enjoy some treats, check out the artwork and summer apparel, plus grab a 10% discount off the list price of the art! Please feel free to invite friends and art lovers!

DIRECTIONS:
Take the N train to Ditmars (last stop) in Astoria, Queens. Exit and walk 1 block South of train to 23rd Ave, and 6 short blocks West, towards the river, on 23rd. KrisTEES is on the North side of the street at the corner of 23rd Ave and 24th Street.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Stories come in all shapes, textures and materials

2011-05-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

I have a tendency to think and live in compartments. I haven't written a thing about teaching on this blog even though I do it every week. This is an art blog, I should only write about art stuff... right? However, I'm going to try and break out of the habit of viewing the different parts of my day as entirely different occupations.

Writing about teaching this week is slightly ironic since last week I was focussing on Louise Nevelson with my kids and her large scale compartment like sculptures. Perhaps that's what got me thinking. All too often I come up against a wall feeling like I don't have much to share on this blog if I haven't been active in the studio. The truth is if I haven't been working in the studio it's because other work is taking precedence at the moment. Studio or not, it's my work.

Louise Nevelson "Rain Garden II ", painted wood..31-1/2"x 47" x 4-1/2" (1977)

So here's what I'm teaching this week, fabric weaving inspired by famous Bauhaus weaver Anni Albers. Weaving is something I've come to greatly enjoy over the last few years. The repetition of the hand movements is soothing and seeing the work grow quickly line after line is invigorating. I especially like weaving with fabric since it creates a "heftier" piece at the end and since fabric scraps of all different textures and patterns come with stories of prior lives and projects.
When I was working primarily with teachers I developed a project called "story-weaving." Weaving has long been a vehicle for folklore and storytelling but it usually goes in the direction of a person wanting to make a weaving and so they use patterns, colors and imagery from their traditions, that happen to have stories and meanings attached to them and they are re-arranged to create endless new pieces. I approached story-weaving from a slightly different angle. You start off wanting to tell a story and then you need to find the right materials, patterns, imagery and textures to help bring that story to life. Often I encouraged teachers to think of a special event, a favorite moment or even a plot from a storybook to retell with abstract designs.
Here is one of my examples.

I found all these different fabrics and they reminded me of my dad and the different attire he has worn over the years. There's corduroy in there from old pairs of pants, cotton dress shirt material, a silk reminding me of a tie, wool for dress pants and a variety of "work shirt" neutrals. These fabrics represented a timeline to me, creating a sketch of my dad.
With my kids this week we won't be touching on the story aspect so much but we will be using shoe-box looms and fabric strips to create a pleasing design of their choice. Perhaps this week as I teach a favorite activity of my own I'll find that the different walls of my compartments will lower, at least a little to make the different parts of my day seem more like a weaving in progress and less like my dis-organized cupboard of art supplies.

Website Re-Launched

2011-04-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

It was getting to be time to update my web site with new information when I decided, it was actually time to get a new web site. So, here it is, with new artwork, refreshed bio and a media page with fancy videos.

www.susanspringeranderson.com

New Work: New Season

2011-04-06T20:06:00.001-07:00

Spring's arrival has been sluggish this year weather-wise, but the inspiration to shake off the sleepiness of winter has at least begun. Take a peak at my new series of work now on display at krisTEES in Astoria. The pieces, some older, but most fresh from the paint tray, will be on display through the end of May. Check out the store hours here.

The 'Bluebird' series was inspired by the glass bluebird of happiness, an object I inherited from my Grandmother Sylvia.

See the full gallery on Posterous

11.3.25.11 A collaboration of images, words and interpretations

2011-03-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

How do remember events that we didn't experience first hand? How do we let the people involved, who we've never met, influence our lives? Here is how I'm working on that along with author and collaborator, Alida Brill. Alida's words are below, my images above. If you tune into A League of Our Own with host Fran Spencer 88.7 FM WHRU, http://live.streamwrhu.net/at 6pm EST this evening, Thursday March 24th, you can hear us speak about the experience.

From Alida's Weekly Blog- From This Terrace

Today is the 84th Day of the Year

Bessie, my young neighbor, will not come home from work tonight.

She lives a few doors down — her building is the one just before you reach the corner of First Avenue.

Bessie is 15 years old, far too young to work as hard as she does, 6 days a week.

She came to the United States from Italy with her family when she was a one -year-old child.

Bessie Viviano is an American girl.

I am certain Bessie has dreams of a better life.

That’s what America is supposed to be about, isn’t it?

To live a better life?

To breathe the air of freedom and opportunity?

That is why so many people came to our shores – to work hard enough and long enough to reach what would not have been possible in the places left behind.

My neighbor Bessie Viviano is a shirtwaist seamstress.

She works downtown at the Triangle Waist Factory, with hundreds of other immigrants, Italian and Jewish girls and women, and a few men too.

It’s very difficult for them inside that factory, although I’ve heard it’s not the worst of the factories.

They are crammed together sewing and sewing. No breaks, no considerations from owners or management.

They are treated poorly and paid little.

They are charged if they break a needle or make a mistake.

Bessie and her co-workers too often come home with no pay or reduced pay, punished for errors caused by fatigue or the company’s faulty sewing machines.

Bessie will never come home, never come back to East 54th Street, never get married, never leave the factory alive, never find a better life.

Bessie and 145 others she works with will never know that much of what they demanded during the strikes will come true – eventually.

2011

I wonder what her family did that day and that night and during the days and the nights that came long after Bessie Viviano’s death. Was she remembered?

100 years ago today, on a Saturday, the 25th of March 1911, at 4:40 p.m., a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory located on the corner of Washington Place and Greene Street. The factory was in the Asch Building, on the eighth, ninth and tenth floors. (Today it is the Brown Building of Science, of New York University.)

Bessie and 145 of her co-workers were killed that day. They were all immigrants, Jewish and Italians girls and women and a number of men. Exit doors were locked. Some jumped to their deaths in a desperate hope they would be saved by the nets the firemen held, but they were not. Some jumped when already ablaze. Some fell down the elevator shaft trying to escape. Some were crushed as the fire escape, melted and collapsed and they fell to their deaths. The ground was 100 feet below them. Some were trapped inside and burned together in an inferno – the flames betrayed the American Dream.

There is no extant image of Bessie that I’ve ever been able to find. Yet, Bessie exists for me especially because she lived on the same street I do. Unlike Bessie Viviano I have lived much of the American dream she and so many others were denied. This anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire is important not only because it is the 100th year but also because workers all over the world are still in jeopardy of losing their lives or being severely injured in unsafe workplaces. This year matters because some among us seem to have forgotten why our labor movement existed. And why the right to a collective voice to redress unfairness and abuse still matters to us, to working people in a democracy.

Bessie became a part of my life, on a previous 25th of March, when I stumbled upon a chalked message in front of what was once 352 East 54th. Now the awning says: 350 East 54th. The chalked words said Bessie Viviano, 15 years of age, and gave a few more basic facts. A small poster on a tree noted the day of the fire. The visual experience stopped me cold as I stood and read it. Then I began to cry. Suddenly this was a real event, not just historical facts, not only a singularly important part of women’s history, of the history of workers in our country, and of immigration. It was the story of my street, my neighborhood. On this street, in 1911 this young girl perished in that fire that I heard about from childhood. Then as now and for as long as I live, Bessie was and is my neighbor. I did not know then, nor do I know today, if any of the Viviano family’s descendants survive. I know that Bessie did not have a family yet, not at 15. So I have become her family, a chosen descendent of my ancestor-neighbor. Names are written on sidewalks all over the city by a remarkable group of people at the Chalk Project. Volunteers mark each and every place a victim of the fire lived, on the 25th of March, each and every year.

What I say to Bessie quietly each year is that this is a better place than it was in 1911. But I confess there is still much work to do. I tell her that for too many, especially the poor and newly arrived, life is still harsh and often dangerous.

This year I wanted to do something within the space on From This Terrace for and about the 100th Anniversary of the Factory Fire. I asked Susan Springer Anderson to think about what she would do as an artist. The result is called simply 11.3.25.11. It is exhibited here for all of you to see. Susan tells the story in more vivid detail than any words or pictures of the tragedy could possibly convey. Art is often the best storyteller we have.

Susan designed and made a shirtwaist but it is not a replica of the shirtwaists of that time. It is a creative reinterpretation. This shirtwaist closely resembles what the workers would have worn. As you see it is white, has simple lines and gathers. In Susan’s words: “It is a humble garment. But then I needed to add the names of the fire’s victims. I wanted them to be integrated into the design, not just an added kitsch element. The idea came to take the names and write them out in an embroidery design, a design element that would have been reserved for the high-end shirtwaists (for women of means) due to the amount of labor involved.”

Susan created the shirtwaist memorial out of Tyvek, the building material. Tyvek is most often used for insulation in construction. Susan’s offering for this anniversary says many things to me, and each person that has seen it comes away with something else. That is the power of art, it transforms our lives, our reality and how we see the world – past and present. For me, the Tyvek represents a life of constriction, without freedom of movement permitted in work tasks or in daily or personal choices. The black satin ribbon waistband is an adornment but also a statement that we mourn this day.
The creation of a floral pattern, which would not have embellished the worker’s shirtwaists, is upon close inspection, not flowers at all, but the names of each of the dead hand-inscribed. This shirtwaist is the inspiration of a fine artist who has in turn inspired me to want to work harder to help create better lives for all who are still diminished in the choices they can make. The high neck collar and closed cuffs, typical of the day, also remind me that girls and the women were held back from so much.

I tell the story of Bessie, as I imagine that day for her family, because I believe that within each great sorrowful event in history, there is the story of the One Person who then tells the story of the many, because within an individual life is the reflection of all of us.

This Day, the 25th of March 2011 is dedicated to Bessie Viviano and each and every other girl, woman and man whose life was extinguished in an industrial workplace accident that never needed to happen.

May all their names be for a blessed memory today and for all time. And may the memories of the lives that they did not live fully move us forward with a renewed sense that inequality and unfairness is never acceptable.

If you would like to share any stories or feelings about this day or Susan’s work, please leave a comment or contact us. We have provided links below to other memorial projects and sources for more information about the history of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

Pictures of the 11.3.25.11 © Michael Markham Photography 2011

6-6:30pm (EST), March 24, 2011
Susan & Alida featured on A League of Our Own with host Fran Spencer
88.7 FM WHRU, http://live.streamwrhu.net/

Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition A great source for events surrounding the Centennial.

Chalk Project

PBS American Experience Film about The Fire: Watch online here.

An article from the New York Times about Anthony Giacchino who wrote letters to the victims of the fire.

An article in the Washington Post.

Wikipedia Page

A timeline of events surrounding the fire.

1 Comment

Coptic Bound Birthday Book

2011-03-12T19:32:00.001-08:00

I love... love, love, love...journals, stationary, ENVELOPES and frankly just about anything made out of paper. I could stand in Pearl Paint oohing and ahhing, touching, smelling and dreaming up projects for hours in their paper section.

But, the project of today was brought into being not by a big art store but through some good old hand-craftsmanship. There was a happy find of cotton bond typewriter paper at the tiny stationary and art store in Jackson Heights, a sheet of gloriously colorful Italian cover paper given to me by my friend Mary years ago, hoarded in my multiple studio locations until it found ITS project and some hand painted silk ribbons that I picked up years ago and I only wish I remember where. All of these came together to be the perfect materials for this birthday present for a good friend.

See the full gallery on Posterous

The binding is a seven hole coptic stitch, with linen thread.

Sam's short doc. film about my Queens Botanical Garden Project

2011-03-04T10:17:00.001-08:00

In September and October of 2010 I did an installation project at the Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing, NY. The project was funded by a grant through the Queens Community Art Fund- facilitated by the Queens Council on the Arts. My project, Art: From the Garden to the Walls, included 3 installation sculptures formed on wire armatures and a window screen base layer and then "dressed" with discarded or recovered materials from the garden. I held community workshops in which garden goers helped make patches of "fabric" out of the natural materials. I then added those patches to the garment that I designed. This video tracks the process of the project.

The Artist Profile Article is up!

2011-03-03T08:28:00.001-08:00

Pick up a a hard copy of BORO magazine in Long Island City or Astoria, OR check out Suzanne Sitelman's article about my artwork online here...

http://boromag.com/arts/susan-springer/

The Old Girls Get Gussied Up

2011-02-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

Three pieces were installed today at krisTEES in Astoria, NY for a month long run. The boutique is a great gem in the area for all shoppers and fashionistas. The "girls" got a bit of a freshening up from shop owner, Kristie Foster-Chapman, when she added some fun accessories that are featured in the store.

L to R: Good Clean Education, NYTimes Magazine Dress and Cut Along the Dotted Lines

In her hands is a copy of the March issue BORO magazine article about my work (hitting stands next week)

new work

2011-02-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

A new year deserves new work. It's taken me awhile to get back in the swing of things after the installation project at the Botanical Garden this past Fall. When the pieces were dismantled, all the natural materials went to the compost pile but the armatures came home with me. Three full sized bodies in addition to older pieces, the leftovers of the sculpting process and all my other stuff made the studio quite cramped. It was difficult to navigate from one side of the room to the other. Needless to say, a crammed space is not inspiration for creating more work!

January was a month spent sorting, tossing (something I hate doing) and lots of rearranging. In the end I reclaimed my work space and have enjoyed being in there again. What then ensued was a burst of creative plotting. Perhaps seeing the snow mounds finally begin to dwindle gave the extra boost to birth some new work.

I have a few new projects in the works. A few will be stretched out over the course of the year and I will be inviting you to join me in the creation process... more to come on that. More immediately, I am working on a new series about skin. I've got the first piece finished with at least 3 more to come. You can see the process below. Stay tuned for additions to the series, an announcement about a new show coming up, some press in Boro Magazine and (with fingers crossed) the opening of an Etsy store. Whew. I have lots to do in the coming weeks. Let Spring be ushered in!

This piece, Skin: 025 , is formed on a wire torso armature and is made up of vertically woven yarn, jute, sisal and cotton string. In order to get the correct tension of the strings I had to have the piece suspended across the studio during the weaving process.

Here's a view from underneath the piece.

Adjusting the threads after removing the piece from my make-shift loom

Skin: 025, 2011

The Day Arrives

2010-10-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have completely lucked out with having clear weather every day I've been out at the Garden with a scheduled event. The opening last Sunday was no exception. It was a great day to see friends, project helpers and new garden goers as they interacted with the installed pieces. All three pieces are up and will be in the garden for at least the next month. Stop by and see them in the rose garden, bee garden and at the visitor center! A big thanks to the helpers and to Queens Botanical Garden for hosting the project!

Here are a few photos from the day:

Installing

I think making her hat was my favorite part of the project!

The bee keeper at the reception table before being installed

Susan Springer Anderson speaking with QBG Executive Director, Susan Lacerte

Opening of Exhibition and Artist Reception

2010-10-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to come out to the Queens Botanical Garden this Sunday, October 17 from 3-5pm to see the finished sculptures, rain or shine. Refreshments will be served and we hope to be playing the short documentary about the project " the making" during the reception. Prints of the pieces will be on sale in the shop.

Here are a few shots of finished pieces to entice you to come!

Also, check out the article from Lisa Fraser in the Queens Chronicle about the project!

Last Community Work Day

2010-10-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

Last night wrapped up the end of the community participation in the making of the sculptures. I had about twelve people stop at the tables and work with me for awhile. A few women earned the title of worker bees, making at least 6 patches each. Thanks for your help ladies!

I'll be finishing up this piece and the last sculpture over the next week. Then they will be installed in the garden for about one month. Don't forget, the exhibit opening is on Sunday, October 17 from 3-5 pm at the Garden. Make sure to come by!

Sharing Opportunities to Create

2010-10-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a great day to be at the garden. The morning was pretty chilly, so much so that by lunch my fingers were numb! But by the afternoon the sun warmed things up and made for a beautiful day.

Although the weather was a delight the high points of the day were sharing the opportunity to create with a diverse crowd. In the morning two mom's stopped by and worked on patches for close to an hour. We had a lovely conversation and it turns out that one of the women had studied to be a scenic designer years ago, but went in a different direction career wise, and hasn't had much time since to spend creating and working with her hands. Then in the afternoon a daughter and her elderly mother came to the table to work for a bit. The daughter mentioned that her mom grew up in China and was from a generation that didn't participate in art-making. She said her mom was going to be talking about this opportunity and remembering it for a long time. Plus, today, Sunday is her 89th birthday- congratulations! It's those kinds of moments that make the long hours of preparation 100% worth it.

This Wednesday, October 6 from 3-5pm is my last community workshop. Come on out if you haven't already done so. And, just a reminder, Sunday October 17 from 3-5pm is the opening reception.

The second piece. She'll be sitting on this bench for the installation.

The dress is made from fir branches; another tree that was damaged in the recent storm.

Fox tail (the plant) is added to the jacket to make it a faux fur coat.

A mom and daughter come by. Today, 10/3/10 is the mom's 89th birthday!

1 Done, 2 to Go

2010-10-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

After a few solo hours at the garden I finished the first piece. The theme ended up changing along the way due to the materials available. What was first to be a Han dynasty inspired garment ended up closer to an Emilie Floge, Schwestern Floge, dress. You'll notice I also took the grass off the sleeves. It just wasn't working.

The final materials were willow branches and amaranth.

Day 2 at the Garden

2010-09-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at the Garden on Sunday. Comfortable temperatures and clear skies made it good day to be outside. Here are a few shots from the day... more to come later.

QBG Project, Workshop 1

2010-09-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day to be outside- a definite contrast to two days prior when a tornado ripped through Queens and left a great deal of destruction. The Botanical Garden took a beating that left 20 large trees strewn about the grounds with gaping holes from the trees that were uprooted. The wedding garden was a mess. A beautiful, large weeping willow was felled by the storm and the branches and parts of the trunk were all over the placed. Thus the wedding that was scheduled there for Saturday got moved to the terrace... right where my workshop was set up. Needless to say folks were intimidated to get too close lest they disturb the wedding and in turn left me with a lack of attendees. We're switching up some details for next weekend's workshop which should help with getting folks participating. Oh well, at least I got some good work in. Below are some shots from the day.

On the 7 train heading to the garden. I had more people talk to me on the train than I did at the garden!

Gathering materials from the compost pile.

Hauling branches from the wedding garden. I figured I might as well try and turn the destruction into something positive by using the debris for the project.

Stripping the leaves off the branches. The leaves get too brittle once they are dry to use for the sculpture.

The gathered materials.

Amaranth, prepped and ready to be added.

Attaching prairie grass to the sleeves. The bulk of the garment will be made from grass and willow branches. The amaranth will be added on the borders.

You can see the wedding going on behind me.

A good start.

Standing Room Only

2010-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

The body is done, but she looks a little bare. Luckily my community workshops start this Saturday, September 18 at the Queens Botanical Garden and we will get her all decked out. This first piece will be wearing a garment based on a Chinese Han Dynasty design. A sketch of the design in the proposed location is below. Stop by from 1:00-4:00pm to help out.

The link below will take you to the QBG website with more information on the workshops.

http://www.queensbotanical.org/programs/SusanSpringerAnderson

Look Ma! No Hands!

2010-08-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

The pieces for my Queens Botanical Garden project are coming along. I will definitely have 3 full body pieces ready for the community workshops and I'm considering doing a fourth. After the frames are complete I will begin working on the base layer of the dresses for each form. I will be creating a different styled garment for each piece out of window screen. Then, the visitors to the garden will be able to make their own patch to add to the dress. Ready or not my first open studio time at the Garden is Saturday, September 18th. More details to come.

At this moment I know there will be two standing pieces and one sitting.

The studio- in good shape

It's Done!

2010-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

I've been working my fingers to the bone- more literally into needle jams and wire knots, trying to get this last piece finished in time to send it out for a competition. Today WAS the deadline, until I checked the website today and found that they had extended the deadline. Which means, I could have had at least 10 extra hours of sleep last week, one movie fun night and one slouch around the house night! Alas, it's finished and I'm glad. Now.... onto the next piece?

The finished dress (minus a zipper) brought to you by Spic and Span reusable cleaning cloths with a fresh lemon clean scent guaranteed to make you remember zebra stripe gum!

"A Good Clean Education"

The subject of this piece dons a frock of reusable Spic and Span cleaning cloths featuring a clean lemon scent. She has been practicing being a good student but has been caught in the act of writing her own thoughts and is vigorously attempting to wipe them away.

www.susanspringeranderson.com

A spot of spring

2010-04-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first patch of tulips I've seen in Jackson Heights and it's right outside our front door! Spring has been much anticipated this year as winter seemed to last longer than normal in so many ways.

Dr. Frankenstein and the Lab Assistants

2010-04-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

As I've been working on creating the full body armature I've ended up with individual body parts scattered around the studio. As each member gets added I've had multiple flashbacks to seventh grade reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Granted I haven't been collecting body parts from scandalous sources but I have been mending them together creating a brand new creature. I feel like the piece needs a nickname as she's being brought to life... any suggestions?

It's been awhile since I've shown some progress shots of the work. I just finished the entire body today and now all that's left is to create the dress for this piece. It's going to made from Spic n' Span reusable cleaning cloths in a lovely shade of lemon yellow and white polka dot like flowers. Stay tuned for the completed piece on the docket to be finished by THURSDAY! No kidding.

Head and Shoulders, knees- not yet, knees-not yet

Monday at 11am. My eyes were starting to get a bit buggy staring at the wire grid.

Progress! One arm on, one to go.

There she be, full body!

Catching up on some reading.

The Chief Lab assistant doing a final inspection.

The Chief lecturing the subordinate on the importance of craft.

Materiality at ARC Gallery

2010-03-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

They made it! Every time I pack up pieces and ship them off I am nervous about the condition they will arrive in. I anxiously check for photos of the show opening to see that they made it to the gallery safely. Well, I can now take a deep breath after seeing that indeed the work is up on the walls and no major dents, rips or wrinkles seem to have occurred!

Two Torsos Will Go to the Windy City

2010-02-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

I just got word this morning that two of my armature assemblage pieces got accepted into the group show "Materiality" at ARC Gallery in Chicago! Flamenco Filters and A Modern Dress for a Modern Woman: Just Wipe Clean, will be shipped off for the show that takes place between 3/3/2010 to 3/27/2010, and an opening reception on March 5, 2010. I won't be able to make it to the show but if you are in the area, check it out, it looks like there is a lot of good work that got accepted!

A Modern Dress for a Modern Woman: Just Wipe Clean

Flamenco Filters

The Girls are Getting Legs! (along with arms & a head eventually)

2010-02-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

I've been tossing the idea of taking the torsos to a full body format for the last year or so. Most of the new projects I want to work on are taking on a more installation type feel and having the torsos pinned to the wall or suspended from the ceiling just wasn't going to work. So, here's the start of a full body in process- Legs!

What I have discovered is that the labor on a full body is going to far, far, far surpass a single torso. Each one of these legs took between 7-8 hours. If each body part runs the same we're looking at about 48 hours just for the frame. Considering that the dresses take anywhere from 12-20+ hours, I'm looking at a lot of work ahead.

Show Openings in Chelsea

2010-01-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

The last time I was in Chelsea for an afternoon of art I came home tired and discouraged. I saw work that seemed shallow, forced, redundant and you could add a long string of disappointed adjectives to continue the thought. I wasn't inspired to go back until a friend of mine that I used to share the opposite side of a studio wall with had her first solo show opening at Robert Steele Gallery this past Thursday. It was a lovely opening characterized by many friends, acquaintances, colleagues and new connections coming to support Michelle. The work looks finished, it has humor and introspection, a rich pallet of texture, color and varied composition and in short, belongs in a gallery

Now, of course I'm biased by seeing Michelle's work progress and being friends. But, there was also a different air to the evening that greatly contrasted to the spaces I visited the last time and I left feeling like thoughtful art-making really can have a home in Chelsea.

The Paper Bride is Here!

2010-01-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

About a year and a half ago Esther K. Smith contacted me through a friend of a friend of someone I was in a show with a few years ago. Esther was going to be writing a book about wedding crafts made completely out of paper and she was looking for someone who could make a paper wedding dress. She inquired if I had one, indeed I did, but as we talked it became obvious that a new dress would need to be made. Jump forward a few months later, countless different designs, at least 12 glue sticks and multiple months of the New York Times Magazine and voilà the paper wedding gown! The dress is made completely out of magazine and newspaper and is secured with glue and a velcro fastener. No sewing machine required! The book is now on sale through Esther's website, Amazon, the publisher's site and I'm sure various other book sites. You can see the full gown on page 82 and a write up on page 91.

If you can't beat them, join 'em.

2010-01-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here begins my first steps into the world of blogging. I got schooled by a P.R. person at a recent professional development session for artists about not having a blog nor Facebook account. So, in an effort to step up the communication I did the unthinkable and joined Facebook and now I'm taking on the new identity as a blogger. A new year has begun and I am hoping that these small steps will bring me and my work into a new season.

One of the projects I will be periodically be writing on is the progress of a Queens Community Arts Fund grant I received through the Queens Council on the Arts. The award ceremony is next Thursday and I have to complete my project by the end of 2010. I'll add more details as they get solidified but basically I will be working with the community around the Queens Botanical Garden to collect materials and dress three new torsos. There will be some public workshop events and then the pieces will be on display at the garden.

delicate utility

On another note, Yay for free publicity!

The Five Fingered (F)ilosophy for Friday

Here's to Monday

A Season Approaches

The Studio

Gloria !, !!, !!!

Fly Away Bluebirds!

Still in the breaker waves

"Good Straw," says crow.

Gee, Gosh & Golly Alice! How to Add 75 Years to a Book.

Emerging from a Tidal Wave of Work

Meet Peter/Paul, Louis & James

Sharing the Love

Fever & Sale

What's With The Reproductions?

Handmade Journals Added to My Store

First Purchases!

Susan's Etsy Store is (finally) Open!

See the full gallery on Posterous A NEW FLOCK

the ART of SHOPPING 5.7.11

Stories come in all shapes, textures and materials

Website Re-Launched

New Work: New Season

11.3.25.11 A collaboration of images, words and interpretations

Coptic Bound Birthday Book

Sam's short doc. film about my Queens Botanical Garden Project

The Artist Profile Article is up!

The Old Girls Get Gussied Up

new work

The Day Arrives

Opening of Exhibition and Artist Reception

Last Community Work Day

Sharing Opportunities to Create

1 Done, 2 to Go

Day 2 at the Garden

QBG Project, Workshop 1

Standing Room Only

Look Ma! No Hands!

It's Done!

A spot of spring

Dr. Frankenstein and the Lab Assistants

Materiality at ARC Gallery

Two Torsos Will Go to the Windy City

The Girls are Getting Legs! (along with arms & a head eventually)

Show Openings in Chelsea

The Paper Bride is Here!

If you can't beat them, join 'em.

See the full gallery on Posterous

A NEW FLOCK