Fixing the transitory

Moving out...

2010-02-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

"Fixing the transitory" will now continue on my website: http://www.jessicawitte.com.

After seeing the traffic to my blog here and comparing it to my outdated website- I have switched from writing my own html and using a content management site. My blog will be the home page.

I am still migrating information over, but most of the site is operational and the bulk that is up is necessary for a upcoming applications so we made the switch this weekend. Please alter your bookmark.

Please leave my comments on the new site about usability or the artwork--- I am hoping this is a huge improvement over my old one. (I already know navigation and the ability to update are far surpassed already).

Birdseed Project at Children's

2010-02-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

a few samples for the "indoor" doilies...In the meeting, we decided to try gingerbread house "glue" instead of peanut or almond butter.

I met with art therapist Julie Gant today to discuss the logistics of a birdseed doilies workshop at the Barnes Jewish Children's Hospital in May. It will be wonderful to bring the project to the children on their rooftop garden (or in the playroom if there is inclement weather). I am so excited to see the garden again when it isn't blowing snow-but even with a chilly layer of white the layout of the beds and all the integrated artwork is quite spectacular. The circular cut outs in the wall with a view of Forest Park were my favorites of the winter garden.

While walking back to the parking garage, I got to see the overjoyed response of a few little guys who were so excited to see the trains overhead in the skyway bridge. I couldn't blame him for screaming and running underneath after it, I was pretty taken with them myself. The hospital has lots of artful elements throughout that help to put one at ease- including smiley faces on the plant pots.

Shows in Belleville, IL

2010-02-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Brad and I had a good time at the opening for Art After Ours at Governor French last Friday night. So good that I left my camera in my coat in the coat room until we headed out near 10pm. The exhibition was the first time for me to see artworks by some of my Pulitzer associates-- Bob Sullivan, Kay Renner, Craig Courtney, Jean Ducker, and Jennifer Murray. Jennifer Murray's advocacy of re-purposing materials was great to see in its gallery manifestation. Check out her website,www.perennial-stl.org.
I was afraid the nasty looking weather would keep people some coming out, but the crowd grew to create a din and the long drive back home was not bad. I may have to somewhat revise my earlier statement of St. Louis not having real traffic- traveling downtown during rush hour was stressful given the weather. Still a small slice of heaven compared to any weekday Chicago traffic.

On Thursday, I got a chance to check out the Schmidt Art Center's portrait show. The highlight of the show was the wall of Carol Carter's "Growth Portraits", documenting her son by a portrait for each of his 24 years.

another few feet...

2010-02-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

I worked today at Governor French Academy drawing in seed during the school's open hours. I only completed about half of the form because Sarah, the gallery director, still needed the room to move a few lights. It was a well-spent afternoon, spent overhearing the ill kids who were waiting to be picked up, the bustle of school activity, and talking to a few students about what I was doing. I will return on Thursday to drop off goodies and finish up the drawing.

The Main Street of Belleville is adorable. One of the parents I chatted with said the big push to revitalize it came about 5 years ago. It is very pedestrian friendly. I want to return to browse when I have a good chunk of time. It was too gray today to take lots of photos, but here's an image of my dinner and the view out the Oregon Trail Roasting Co. window. The other is the promised image of the gentleman's WC wallpaper.

Wallpaper & Install Weekend

2010-01-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I installed a 16' segment of Re:place for the SCC Faculty Show 2010 in the Fine Arts Building on campus. Re:place is a rehanging of the wallpaper and valance I removed when I moved into my St. Louis home (here's shots from my McHenry County College install).
Today, after I ate half my weight in blueberry pancakes at Oregon Trail Roasting Co., I began a small birdseed drawing as part of Art after Ours, a group show of Pulitzer F of A employees at Governor French Academy Gallery. The Belleville, IL space has some gorgeous wallpaper (especially in the gentleman's restroom) and wooden paneling, tin ceiling tiles, ceiling medallions and chandeliers with large store-front windows. The floor is an odd plank formation which makes seed drawing more difficult that anything I've worked on before. I ended up leaving in early afternoon to digest the space a bit more before I head back to install on Tuesday and possibly Thursday to expand it out to nine feet. The opening for Art After Ours is this coming Friday evening, opening hours still TBA.

I'll have to post some images of the gentleman's restroom wallpaper pattern and more of the Main Street. I also plan to stop by Schmidt Art Center while in the area on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

A Few More Interaction Shots

2010-01-18T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a few more interaction shots as the first brave few entered the wall to wall floor drawing.

Mission Accomplished!

2010-01-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday's opening went well- even had five visitors drive out to see the spectacle of the opening alongside those associated with the college. The reticence of the crowd entering the gallery was a new experience for me to watch. The wall to wall installation was much more intimidating than I was expecting. I am looking forward to seeing the video documentation of the literal "opening" of the doors. The brave first soul made a path and there was a single file through the space and then a gathering on the stairs and around the railing of the second floor. I haven't gotten all my documentation photos back, but will post more as I get images. I am in desperate need to update my website with images from this past year, but need to migrate files from my old computer to make it happen- which is project 5 on my to-do list.

Here are photos care of myself and my in-laws from the opening.

Vinyl's up and coming...

2010-01-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

I finished up behind the stairs and on the light table last night. Danielle helped to move supplies and install a large milo shape at the front of the gallery. Mindy and Amber both put up the title vinyl. A few more hours tomorrow and I'll just need to load up and enjoy the reception. Time for some R & R.

Documentation help to the rescue!

2010-01-12T11:28:00.001-08:00

A huge thanks to Jen for lunch and introducing me to Andrew, a video student excited to track down some resources for recording the opening. WooHoo! This very friendly campus just seems more wonderful with each passing day. Fred's help with ventilating the gallery, Brenda's extra trash bags, and several others offered help and encouragement.

I'm grabbing some food after meeting with photographer Jeffery Bruce. I'm excited to see the outcome. He brought up several issues inherent with the work and the necessary shots to capture them. We shared a few stories about experiencing Japan. Today has definitely driven home the notion that the arts attract generous people. Good times (especially after nearly solitary confinement over the last week).

Bring on the caloric intake- I need some energy to make a lot of decisions tonight. I hope to finish up behind the stairs and the light table tonight.

The marathon continues

2010-01-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to meeting with photographer Jeff Bruce tomorrow afternoon and some sleep.

Time Lapse Installation Video- Take One

2010-01-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks Brad for researching, compiling and not sleeping to make this happen so quickly. Move the sound bar next to the Blogger B if you don't want music.

A productive Sunday- Part II Day 4

2010-01-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

I spent this afternoon and evening hard at work, adding a scalloped edge to the stair doily and working clear into the left hand corner. My soundtrack consisted, in part, of Richard Buckner's "The Hill", Archers of Loaf, Nina Simone, Springsteen's "Nebraska", REO Speedwagon, and finally an Oldies radio station once I couldn't seem to find a disc that wasn't skipping on my favorite songs. 'Ye Olde Boom Box' has seen better days.

Part II- Day 3 and a day of rest

2010-01-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Happy to see an announcement for the show on campus television!

I spent Friday working late and stopped when my exhaustion-induced paranoia got to be too much of a distraction. I ended up working almost the whole width of the gallery around the stairs before calling it a night. I did a few sketches of options and plan to check back on it with a fresh outlook.

On Saturday, Brad came up to visit and I got a release from my cabin fever. I sketched a bit in the morning, and was happy to escape campus to check out Quincy once he arrived. Brad and I had a wonderful home-cooked meal and visit thanks to Jen, Todd, Trevor and Joel's hospitality. I am ready to head back to work- with a rested mind and body.

Part II- Day 2

2010-01-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Another day, another few feet. Jen stopped by this evening to help adjust and even out the lights. After spending a day in the gallery, it was hard to troubleshoot the track lighting. Jen also brought me some hilarious stories and hot cocoa...it was so nice to have some company and the help. Look at the gorgeous wood floor!

I actually felt "in the zone" for a while today, I hope it returns often. I am headed to bed a bit early tonight, I began to feel a bit clumsy and need to adjust just a few lights and I'll be free from worrying about them.

Part II- Day 1

2010-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

It's started. Slowly, but I've figured out how I want to deal with the school seal. Lights are set for the most part and I've begun the center of the largest doily. I'm getting a bit careless with my feet, so I' m calling it a night.

Back to Work!

2010-01-06T14:30:00.001-08:00

A whole new floor to tackle.

A shot of Em and I upstairs on our last long night (before my Christmas break). The "monster" corn section is in the back left taunting us.

After a lovely extended, snowed-in, "Plan E" Christmas break I am nearly ready to get back to work. I work up early this morning to drive north to try to beat a coming storm. I am taking a break and it has begun snowing. Before setting lights, I stopped by for milk at the grocery store and added a few bits of nibbles to my stock in case it does get as nasty as they predict. If I had more fridge space I would have tried the "Root Beer" flavored whole milk, a funky find that makes me curious and a little squirmy. I'm happy to say the smell of the drying shellac in the gallery isn't too bad, and I'll be drawing in seed in a few hours.

A huge thank you to Emily who helped me complete the second floor of the gallery before I left for Christmas. On the last full day of working, late into the evening we tried to muster the strength and coordination to shoot a group photo. Sadly, this is the best out of a large group, but it is a great reminder of a wonderful friend- the place is a bit lonely without her. Thanks again Em!

Happy Holiday: Race to get back for Christmas

2009-12-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

Emily and I raced south yesterday morning so we could pick up Brad and head to Central Nebraska for Christmas. So far we are waiting out weather in Omaha with my family, so we've reversed our plans of visiting his side first-then mine for the time being. I'm going to enjoy family and will post again when I head back for install. Happy Holidays, stay warm, and safe travels!

Installation Day Four

2009-12-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

Emily and I cranked out the other side of the horseshoe upstairs on Monday, putting in a late night. I'll have a bit to touch up on my return trip, but it was energizing to work while the carpet and panel of the first floor was being removed. So many staples and nails to pull- but the floor beneath looks wonderful. I could hear "This is the old basketball court? It's great to be able to see it." from passersby and the staff helping to return the floor to its previous glory. I am hoping some of the blue remains after the sanding as a remnant- it looks so sharp against the maple floor.

I already have a deep seated adoration of wood. Brad and I are so happy with the investment of refinishing our Red Oak from the Ozarks at home- just sealing it instead of staining it. We had Floor Designs ready to begin as soon as we got home for the first time from closing. I am also a huge fan of restoration and re-purposing unique features of architecture. The new wooden floor will be a beautiful backdrop to the huge doily I have planned for the lower story of the gallery. It will be great for artworks in future shows at C-SC as well.

Installation Day Two and Three

2009-12-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

It's slow going... but we've got some intricate work in. I am just hoping the first floor will be ready when I come back in January. We are a bit off schedule due to the refinishing getting delayed. I will have to work fast to make my ambitious project happen. We stocked up yesterday on groceries- which is great since its been snowing non-stop since this morning. We will have to head home a bit early as well, as the forecast is ice pellets for our drive.

CSC Install Day 1

2009-12-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

Emily and I arrived right at 1 pm to meet Jen at the gallery with no real weather holdups. I was afraid we would have to head home again after getting the low down on the space and meeting some staff, because the first floor was supposed to be refinished and perhaps a bit too stinky to safely work in. The floor redo had been postponed, so we had no worries about fumes and decided to tackle upstairs. We vacuumed, moved pedestals, set lighting and started drawing upstairs. I was greatly influences by the Four Centuries of Japanese Screens at the St Louis Art Museum- especially the use of gold leaf cloud shapes to both unify and divide space. We only got about an hour of drawing in at the very end of the evening, but it's off to a good start. Local BBQ sustained us and having Emily's extra hands has been wonderful.

The friendliness of Culver Stockton College folk has already made several good memories- from a helpful battery jump, to help getting campus numbers and loan speakers (thanks so much Jeanne!), to having a real bed and shower-- when I'm used to a sleeping bag and a yoga mat and zero privacy during a long install. It's really wonderful to be able to have a mini-residency at a quaint snow-covered campus with the help of an old friend.

Chance Operation Lecture

2009-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Brad earned several points by spending an additional hour in an art lecture, presented by Meredith Malone on the Kemper Art Museum's "Chance Aesthetics" exhibition. The show is really incredible- the first show at the Kemper that is nearly loaned in its entirety. The discussion Malone lead was a learning experience for me, although I was familiar with most of the artists involved, I was unaware of the connections between them.My lack of love for art biography reared its head, and made me appreciate the storytelling of an art historian. I am not as interested in the network of personalities as I am the actual artwork.

Highlights: Duchamp's "Hat Rack", Dieter Roth's "Sunset" (Friend Chris Wood made me notice this artist quite a few years ago. I couldn't help thinking about Chris's new show "Recomposition" that opened Dec 4 at Antena Gallery in Chicago. in part inspired by Roth's sausage and paper prints.), a Max Ernst decalcomania painting (from the Kemper's collection), and the video set of Gutai Group performances, Niki de Sainte-Phalle shooting at her canvases with attached everyday objects and paintbags, and Pollock.

Part of Chris Wood's Recomposition Project.

But several of the lectures from NIU given by Barbara Jaffee and a few guest lecturers, especially Hannah Hoch on Fluxus rushed back to me. There were only two others at the lecture, and I ended up being familiar with both of them. One gentleman, who came to the Material Studies artist talk at Good Citizen, even brought up my lace doilies, but not my name or recognizing me, as an example of an artist letting the audience destroy a work- and not rushing in to fix it. Brad pointed me out- and the discussion continued. I was really impressed by the educational materials at the Kemper, and plan on bringing my students there next semester if possible. The curator for Metabolic City did not show, so we looked at the exhibition I was already drawn to- I would have appreciated a walk-thru of the exhibition that didn't really capture my interest. A conversation about that exhibit would have vastly changed how much I absorbed from it.

Examiner's Insider digs the doily

2009-11-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

My birdseed doily appeared quite a few times in Danielle Lee's slide show of "Art St. Louis: a Diamond among Rhinestones" on November 15. Find the article here.

Art St Louis XXV Opening Images and Award

2009-11-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's the great montage that Robin Hirsh, gallery director, took during the Monday-Thursday installation...(and sent out in the ASL newsletter the week of the opening.)

Thanks to Travis for bringing his camera, and obsessively shooting images during the three hour opening reception. The doily was well-received, I even had a gallery visitor say "I like the fact you call it a doily and doilies are not meant to be handled, but people can touch this."

This doily was my largest- 12 feet wide, with three different types of seed: nyger, millet, and milo. I was definitely influenced by the East Asian sculpture and architecture lectures I've been giving in my Art Appreciation classes during the week of install. The show continues until December 28th, so stop by if you're downtown.

I earned an "Award of Excellence" from juror Sheryl Conkelton, author and independent curator, along with four other artists from the exhibition. So I am now eligible to submit works for consideration in "Honor Awards 2010" next Spring, curated by artist Carmon Colangelo, a prof at Wash U. I am hoping to get some images of my Canton wall-to-wall install for the CD of images for jurying.

Octo-been

2009-11-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

October is over. Here's the long list of scratched out to-do's:

Lighting in studio. Lighting in rest of basement. (It now consists of several 4' fluorescent tubes controlled by 4 switches. So happy to see downstairs now that daylight savings is over and it gets dark so early these days. A big improvement from 4 compact florescent each on a pull string. )

Three shelving units are now downstairs- we still need more.

Yellow living room is now gray. Ahhhhh....soothing.

Small bookshelf now in office, instead of living room---cookbooks stored in kitchen and lots of clutter removed.

Designated: "Library book" shelf in office- that I can easily see and access.

Began and finished reading The Language of Ornament. Such perfect timing for a treatise about not hating beauty and how to look at pattern and ornament.

Got my new nearly fully-functional computer. Imagine a very sick computer getting harnessed to a tiny spunky one, without necessary programs and you get the idea. It's been a great reason (both when just dealing with the ailing one, and in getting frustrated over the issues of compatibility to not be blogging or online except for the occasional email.)

Deep cleaned the house. It was in a state of serenity and hidden activity- i need to put in a few hours to return it to that state again.

Drove up to Quincy, IL to see Jen and the gallery space for January. Lots of great surprises: an apartment to stay at, carpet I can easily work with birdseed on, and a home-cooked dinner with Jen's family consisting of bread from scratch; lentil, sausage/ minestrone soup; and pumpkin pie. The only bad part of the day was listening to Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire) on tape set to random... and forgetting to give Brad a call during the 12 hours I was gone. Lesson learned- although we still haven't figured out how to make the Sansa behave without randomly ordering the tracks.

with bells on

2009-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

After looking at my 2009 Goals post-it and seeing that I haven't been able to mark this one off- I signed up for the Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation. I ran a slow 5K between class and a presentation this afternoon- on a treadmill so at least I have a baseline time to improve on. So we'll see how much impact training will have in the 7 weeks until go time.

the awful

2009-09-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.
- Flannery O'Connor
Thanks Google quote of the day. I read Flannery O'Connor's short stories and analyzed them in my undergrad Ethics class...and thanks to a great philosophy professor and class discussion, I can still reflect on the implications of her narratives. Her words and works can be a great moral compass. O'Connor can capture the shock and violence of change(and what proceeds it) in a few pages. Here's a small private toast to a few new beginnings...

let it shine

2009-09-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Material Studies and my three installations in Crystal Lake are coming down this weekend. In planning my delicate tear-down and technology pick up--- Andrew let me know the St. Louis Beacon's Ivy Cooper has included us as one of her "Bright Spots".

Here's the article, since I'm not sure how the link will fair with updates:

3:12 p.m. Mon. Sept. 21 - "A bit off the beaten path of Fiber Focus -- literally and otherwise -- is the exhibition "Material Studies" at Good Citizen Gallery. But if you're in the fiber way at the moment, this is one not to miss: a selection of works by six emerging artists who work with various conceptual and material strains of fiber, to really interesting effect.

Courtney Henson, who had a phenomenal show a while back at the now-defunct Maps contemporary art space in Belleville, weighs in this time with "And We'll Measure Your Brain." It's one of her signature process outfits: a handmade dress, hooked via knitted umbilical cord to a tiny video monitor which plays a loop of the artist performing in the dress. Henson is interested in twins and tautology, and makes some of the weirdest, most engaging fiber work around.

Christine A. Holtz is back to her subversive tricks too: "I Gotta Get Out Of This Place" is a space helmet, gloves and gravity boots made out of smashed styrofoam peanuts sewn together. Holtz plans to complete the outfit, and - who knows? -- it may actually help transport her to another dimension. (At the very least, the peanuts will outlive us all when the apocalypse comes.)

Erin K. Cork has transformed a vintage kitsch gold couch into a breeding ground for cell-like colonies made of felt and doilies, and Jessica Witte has followed suit with a "Birdseed Doily" on the floor nearby.

The show also includes works by Alicia Pigg and Jessica May."

new and old loves...

2009-09-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

I spent my first afternoon in Edwardsville, IL since I was close by dropping Brad off for his first real vacation since moving to MO. With all the travel we've been doing through August and September, he has been in dire need of R&R and had to race to get ready for this venture. I hope he enjoys his male bonding weekend.

I have a new soft spot for Edwardsville- the main street is alive and full of character. Courtney directed me to stop by "Beyond Timbuktu." I ended up talking to the owner Andy for a long time over the Kuba cloth collection, teaching, and just raving about the store in general. Fiber dreams are made there- and I had flashbacks to my childhood days in fabric stores just running my hands over the merchandise. Incredible store- I am now seriously contemplating taking a weaving class to actually understand the process thoroughly (especially since seeing Laura Strand's artwork at Jacoby). I plan on going back with Brad to select a cut-pile embroidery for our house and to use as a reference for my classes.

I also had a chance to case out the Edwardsville Art Center. The space is great- and I love the concrete floors that scream to be installed upon as well as the storefront window span. (When I have to install over carpet I always want to work in ways that are physically impossible on an uneven surface that can't be mopped up.) Their "Impressed by Design: Letterpress in the Heartland" show curated by Creativille, Inc., was phenomenal. I wanted to move into the space permanently. Since I was already familiar with Hatch Show Print , I knew I would enjoy several works, but I was caught up by each of the artists involved- Amos Kennedy, Ken Botnick, Jim Sherraden (of Hatch Show Print), Eric Woods of Firecracker Press and Brady Vest of Hammerpress. Since prints are so much easier on the budget, I coveted many of the posters, broadsides, and books. I left proud of my self control (I rarely get excited about objects enough to want to bring something else home to find a place for it, so when my interest is piqued I can get a bit manic with purchasing)- but U-turned and purchased a work by Amos Kennedy to christen my studio space and inspire me. Ahh...good 'ol printmaking. See a great write up on the show at Felt and Wire.

Cultivating Doilies...seed style

2009-09-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

I spent a gorgeous afternoon yesterday, creating peace doilies with St. Joan of Arc Catholic School as part of their celebration of the International Day of Peace (September 21). It was a learning experience for all of us. Seeing the wide range of ages approach the project was wonderful to see. Working on the asphalt space next to the garden, the project turned out beautifully, with several doilies created by several different groups building on each other's center. Although there was some hesitation to begin, once they started handing the seed "It feels so good on your hands!" was a common response. The meditative aspect spanned ages- as they settled into forming the doilies a quiet fell over many groups. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to principal Deborah DaLay for approaching me at the opening at Good Citizen and initiating the project. Once I arrived on Tuesday, art teacher Ellen Rapp and the other faculty were a huge help in doily and student wrangling (we over 100 students take part). With a threat of thunderstorms in the forecast, the sunny day turned out beautiful in more ways than one. I will post images as soon as they arrive.

Capsule Review in RFT

2009-09-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Check out Jessica Baran's review of the show in the River Front Times.

It's a bit difficult to see the fatalism in the show after seeing Christine A. Holtz walking around during the opening and giving a thumbs up or Andrew a high five (or discussing at the gallery talk about how the mirrored visor is inspired by The Three Stooges)- but garments look much different when they are static instead of worn. Seeing the space helmet on the card- it does look really austere. Several of the works reference entropy so I can understand and appreciate Ms. Baran's comments. Anyone willing to agree or disagree?

Local school doily workshop

2009-09-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Good News! I am planning on conducting a birdseed doilies workshop with the St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (to help commemorate their activities for the International Day of Peace). It's been great to have the artwork extend to include others in its creation and to see such a positive reaction to the work. Deborah's excitement about the project since meeting her at the Good Citizen opening has been infectious- and I look forward to seeing the birdseed doilies manifest themselves outside the gallery setting. Since my previous attempts at creating the works with children have been limited to a few participants, this should prove to be a fruitful experiment and experience.

Pete and repeat

2009-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I replicated a piece of Venetian lace out of clay, compost, birdseed and wildflower seed ( using a grid to transfer the drawing for the first time ever) to create a few slides for my White Flag submission and some other galleries in the area. They ARE the wallpaper flowers I cut out with an x-acto by hand out of 2,100 feet of wallpaper a few years ago. No wonder I was drawn to this pattern above all others.

My attraction to a certain strand of Venetian lace is from a past love/hate relationship. This former affair made me purchase rolls of clearance wallpaper that approximated the pattern about 7 years ago. The wallpaper sat in my studio for two years before I found its "proper" usage as my "Holding Pattern" wallpaper. My love-hate relationship with the odd flowers (some built to resemble venetian lace- before I knew its source) sparked the beige cut work by removing all the large, structural flowers. If I didn't post some of the more hilarious studio "in progress shots" it would have taken longer for me to make the connection. --- For comparison- look at the flower directly to the right and above the "www.jessicawitte.com" flower.

"chub-ler", "Winston-bear" and "a blue hair dinner"

2009-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend focused around our new nephew, Winston. Brad and I didn't get more than 2 hours of sleep the night before heading out- so we crashed on the couch after a visit to Tony Luke's for cheesesteaks (love that sharp provolone!). We hit the beach the next day, which was beautiful- but very windy and cold. In every other photo taken at the beach- my hair is an amorphous mass....(it approximated Erin's couch felt clumps.) I took off a dirty much-loved sweatshirt for pictures- I would have not have been able to brave our stay without it. Before returning home, we were lucky enough to meet up with Donna, who Brad is currently riding 200 miles for in the MS Ride for the cure this weekend.

Fellow artist raves about "Material Studies"

2009-09-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

A fellow artist, Jennifer Weigel, blogged about our show, read her comments here at Chaoticblacksheep's Rants and Raves. Thanks for taking the time to reflect on the show, Jennifer. Her second to last paragraph sums up some of allure of working within a fiber art methodology or framework- people are familiar with cloth. A gallery visitor, perhaps David(? the lawyer?)... commented that the show was very "accessible" during the opening. Since I carefully consider using materials that have associations that can be read on some level without an art history degree, I greatly appreciated his choice of words about the exhibition.

a little help from my friends...

2009-09-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

Just a few people to note for making my night/day a bit better after the school violence tangent, plane delay, & sore throated evening...Heidi for the airport rescue,

Joe Turner for finally getting a web presence for sharing some artworks (and some mighty fine ones at that- see Baghead above), and Michele Bosak for being a marketing guru & Jane-of-all-trades martha stewart-esque installer taking advantage of Art Prize. Wonderful people who make me want to get down to business and make something with meaning.

The New Duck-and-Cover

2009-09-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

On a more depressing note than the previous entry, I got a text message from the college about the Test broadcast for "simulated violent act by an armed intruder"while waiting for my flight home. Even knowing that the message was a test- I was sick to my stomach. After being on campus during the NIU tragedy (which I still haven't really processed), I don't know if I would have handled the simulation very well. I applaud the efforts of administrations across the country to try to make schools safe, but it seems like the spector of student or gunman violence on campus is encouraged by advertising it. It seems like the next paradigm to unite people in fear. Nuclear holocaust is still on the table, but more people are worried under the surface about an unstable person with a loaded gun in a public place. Sweeping statements (which are offensive to discriminating audiences) follow, I apologize in advance. I can not process the info, but I am trying to get a handle on it in broad sweeps. Is it a creative outlet for those who have no sense of community or identity? Considering the proliferation of such shows as "Ultimate warrior" and nearly any American depiction of hero violence, is this the contemporary way of getting notoriety without talent/wealth/hard work? Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point discussed the spread of teenage suicide in the South Pacific islands of Micronesia as being viral. Are we seeing the same thing occur here with school violence? ---I was conducting research on violence in my studio practice but I just couldn't detach myself or deal with the info after the shooting at NIU. I only got a few chapters in to Philip Zimbardo's The Lucifer Effect before I had to stop.

The experience did however bring me a fresh reason for dedicating my life to art--- the only thing that seemed to heal was artwork. Two things made me feel better during the numb weeks afterward: spending time in Ayomi Yoshida's Yedoensis installation (click on photo gallery at the top of the blog for some better views than my photo) at the NIU Art Museum and hearing former poet laureate Ted Kooser reading his Valentine poems on public radio. (Not only were the poems simple and precise, I heard him read during my residency at the KHN Center for the Arts). Those artworks made sense during a time when not much else did.

Bonfire and bon voyage

2009-09-05T00:04:00.001-07:00

I'm happy I came early to the opening tonight and thank those who came out in support to check out the show. I feel really good about our move to St. Louis--- it's hard to beat interesting conversations, being part of an art show you can be proud of, and roasting a late late dinner over a bonfire. I've made more art in the past few months than the past few years. Teaching has felt rewarding. Off to see the new nephew... sorry no pictures of the new dress, I left my camera in the trunk. Plenty of cameras were around, so I'll link to those images as they arrive.

Random (in) progress...

2009-09-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

While prepping a juried show proposal--- I came across a blast from the past folder- "In progress". Just thought I would share some of my random visual blurts from years past. The comment "it just looks like a crack house" seems completely obvious now. (Hint: The mauve nagahide is burned into the seat of the chair. You're on your own for the rest of the images.)

'

Installing like the wind...

2009-09-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

The show is nearly ready for the public. Luckily, my part is complete. I've got a doily creeping under Erin Cork's couch and will have better documentation of the work under the influence of audience participation. After two days of sliding around seed on the beautiful floors- with special thanks to the meticulous hands of surprise volunteer assistant Christine on Tuesday evening- I had enough time to purchase a new dress for the occasion. I found my black lace dress (plan A- the one I purchased to wear for Barbara Cole Peter's "Little Black Dress" vintage clothing show when directing) is torn and bagging up on the top. Not a great look--- so I brought along my trusty shopping lucky charm Heidi and found shoes AND a dress (fitting the vague requirements I was sorta kinda hoping for) for a price of a "maybe" dress. I am looking forward to the opening 6-10.

Here's some install action shots from Tuesday... (Erin fluffing the couch, and the slow growth of the doily).

Looking forward to "Citizenship"

2009-08-29T06:17:00.001-07:00

When I checked my Google analytics this morning, I found most visitors were looking at my cv--- and it needed some updating. A complete site overhaul may be in the near future. In the updating process- I found the image on the left, posted by the talented Ms. Annie Heckman from the "For A Limited Time Only" install this past March. Ahh, lots of good memories.

As the deadline approaches for the install of "Material Studies", the anticipation of seeing the work together with some other like-minded artists builds. This past year has been a great one for shows, and I am interested in seeing the conversation of my work with Erin K. Cork , Courtney Henson, Christine A. Holtz, Jessica May, and Alicia Pigg.

Christine is the curator and friend with a similar approach to material but much more humor inserted in to the works. My tongue in cheek approach can sometimes go over as well as my facetious comments that go unnoticed as humor. On our second meeting, we discovered both had created artwork from cigarettes; Her's a pacifier, mine a stole.

Being included as part of Innovations 8 has opened my eyes to the benefits of living in a larger city. The locals have cultivated a rich legacy and vibrant community of textiles and fiber art(ist)s in the region.

Good Citizen has put on several strong shows, including Deborah McClary (some of my favorite painting I have seen since no longer including it as part of my studio practice). The space is both immaculate and full of character with a friendly owner to boot, so you feel comfortable staying to enjoy.

I am looking forward to creeping under Erin Cork's couch... with a birdseed drawing.

Summer Class Photo

2009-08-17T15:19:00.001-07:00

Here's a photo of the lovely ladies in my July Accurate Mark-Making class at the St. Louis Artist Guild. The setting of the class was an improvement over the last session- the upstairs studio is light- and plant- filled. The Guild is located in Oak Knoll Park- and the weather was gorgeous enough to work outside two of the days- in Missouri in July. It was a wonderful time- and definitely a learning experience for me as well. It's always great to meet new people who enrich your world with their viewpoints, stories and humor.

Installation and Recovery

2009-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

I spent the last five days in a marathon session of driving and installing artwork in three galleries at McHenry County College outside of Crystal Lake, IL. On top of 15 hour days and two hours of driving from my incredibly hospitable pals in DeKalb and the college- I am slowly gaining back sleep and comprehension. My eyes feel like the apparatus from Clockwork Orange is keeping them open.

I am often over-prepared with contingency plans and like to keep my options open- making installing after only visiting a site once- both a thrilling and exhausting experience. Several aspects of the installations were altered once I arrived and took a closer look at the gallery spaces. Luckily, the gallery director Sandra Lange was a pleasure to work alongside and rest of the the college staff friendly and accommodating. The restorative powers of food- especially eating some real fast food- crepes at Crystal Lake's Chez Pierre Creperie made the long dark drive "home" possible.

Gallery One-
A slide show of little drawings of idiosyncratic maps of my process of getting used to St. Louis as my new home. Set up like a war room briefing, with a confusing map that changes as your orientation changes.

Gallery Two: A reassembly of my new kitchen's wallpaper.

Galleryspace 144- Here's a few shots of "Natural Defenses" the combination of conduit, landscape fabric, and branches in phlanx formation. For economic reasons I had to fit my three installations into my 4-door sedan to make this trip manageable . If you get to visit this one- take a big whiff- the odor of earth is refreshing...

For Each Adventure...

2009-08-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Word of the Day

Monday, August 10, 2009

peradventure

\puhr-uhd-VEN-chuhr; pehr-\ , adverb:

1.[Archaic] Possibly; perhaps.

noun:

1.Chance, uncertainty, or doubt.

Thanks google word of the day. I forget the new stuff always comes with some doubt and optional discomfort.

I heart Open Source!

2009-07-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would give a shout-out to Sweet Home 3D... I've been using this great free online tool for designing both the house rehabs and prepping for art installations from a distance. One of my upcoming installation spaces is an odd triangular wedge with a large column to contend with--- so it was great to plug in the floor plan and get to see it in graphically 3D, since my photos were deceptive in depicting the angles of the space. It's very easy to use- thanks SorceForge.net! This is one of the great accomplishments from emergence--- a mid-blowing idea I came across a few years ago in

Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software

by Steven Johnson. It makes you rethink creating objects...and questions several assumptions. Not an easy read, but it made being close friends with a computer programmer that can speak simply a small cream-cheese-frosted slice of heaven.

Upcycling old prints, Paper Girl Style

2009-07-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've been going through moving boxes and have come across some work I am ready to part with--- and found a great outlet.

Papermotion from Papergirl on Vimeo.

"The Paper Girl Northampton Project is a locally based, self-funded, nonprofit project to be modeled after the Paper Girl Project originally organized by Aisha Ronniger in Berlin Germany. The objective of the project is to hold an open call for donated, original works of art on paper which are to be displayed in local shops and restaurants for a period of two weeks in this coming September. At the culmination of the exhibit the works will be rolled into brown paper and distributed at random by a team of cyclist to persons on the streets of Northampton, MA.

The Paper Girl Project extends itself to Northampton via the efforts of Eben Kling, Adam Kology and Katherine Romansky. The Paper Girl Project is rapidly gaining momentum and is taking place in other major cities and on an international level. As a result, The Paper Girl Northampton Project will be simultaneously tying itself into an international arts community movement while soliciting an unsuspecting bond within the immediate Northampton community.

The open call for The Paper Girl Northampton Project requests original works of art on paper , works are not to exceed 30 x 30. Multiples of hand printed series such as screen prints, lithographs and other similar types of prints will be accepted. However, photographed-digital reproductions of any type of work will not be accepted. Participating artists will make donations with the understanding that their work will not be returned to them as it will be given away for free.

Donations can be made in person at 103 State St, Northampton MA, 01060 There will be a drop box in the front hall of the building which will be emptied regularly.

Donations can also be mailed to Katherine Romansky at 103 State Street apt 4 Northampton Ma 01060.

Please be sure that all your pieces are labeled with your name, title, medium and any contact info you may wish to include such as an email address or website, should you be interested in the recipient being able to contact you."

Sweet way to start the morning

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

After a great breakfast of cinnamon toast, grilled peppers and eggs and spending some quality time with Brad before he headed to work, I open my email and see my artwork featured in the WomanMade Gallery July Newsletter. And a hearty congratulations to WMG for being selected as one of the best art galleries by Today's Chicago Woman readers.

A very friendly voice from WMG called recently to make sure I really didn't want to the birdseed mailed back to me. It feels great to be low maintenance and let them know "really, you can just spread the seed outside (hopefully in a an artful pattern) and just reuse or recycle the containers." The gallery gave me such a sweet spot to install- right at the base of the stairs, under their street level window. Due to the crowding during events and the length of the show- the work was placed on a base for this one instance. Beate-the director and Tasha-the intern who answered my barrage of questions made the installation process enjoyable. Their staff and volunteers are wonderfully professional and friendly. It was great to work in such a lovely space- especially since I had to travel half a day to get there- with a staff that was organized and laid-back. This image- the one from the newsletter- was a great view down from the stairs and the artists shown were working on the peice for at least about a 1/2 hour, some nearly 1/2 of the opening. It was great to see others get lost in the act of making.

"Interactive" gets a review from TimeOut Chicago

2009-07-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

I love google. The show came down yesterday---but Check out the review!

"“Interactive” makes one’s body feel welcome in the gallery space, rather than feared as a source of potential damage."

Although it poured outside, seeing friendly faces and getting to spend some quality time just enjoying artwork on a more visceral level, flipping delicate pages and smelling vials of "literary essence" was worth the drive up and back. The public transport I took to get from Elburn to the gallery ran like clockwork and was a gorgeous alternative to sitting in Chicago traffic. Too bad Brad was caught at the airport for the "worst day ever" with delays and cancellations and a comedy of errors, so I was solo- but it was worth it and very enjoyable meeting other artists and playing with the works in the show.

with a 10-foot pole...

2009-07-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've been spending the last week putting together all the last scraps of wallpaper and finalizing the mounting process. I'm going to be an expert at ironing after not using it for my first decades of life. I've caught a snag in the ordering of the cream felt, so I'll have to literally wrap up the wallpaper in the pink gauze and clear out space to work on the phalanx installation in the interim.
I purchased more conduit for the ArtSpace 144 installation today--- and decided on PVC for the wider pipe if I need more of a transition from the 90-inch circumference pole in the space already.10 feet is longer than I imagined and the length created quite a few logistical challenges. I almost flipped over my cart in the aisle loading my needs and had to switch to a horizontal cart. Missouri's heat is much harder to bear when toting pipes out open windows and going slow to accommodate the load. I had to store it on end in the garage at the peak of the roof. Good thing we don't have an attic in the garage. Now for more research on fabrics and coverage, as well as hanging methods. Tomorrow will be an uninterrupted studio day, except for one afternoon appointment and perhaps that pesky lawn.

Summary Statements for August's Install

2009-06-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

This artwork has all been created during the last year, in which my family has relocated for a job opportunity to Saint Louis and into a new home. I have documented the uncomfortable process of acclimatizing to a new city and its quirks by creating small drawings that take into account the emotional discoveries along the way. These small works are magnified by a digital projector in Gallery Two and serve as a bit of “war room briefing” of what others can expect from the process. The words and works are meant to be a humorous and personal record of processing new information and places.

In Gallery One, I continue this idea through the home we purchased a few months ago. Removing the wallpaper- a painful endeavor, I decided to make a trophy of the former skin of the kitchen. This destructive act made the house like a home.

Now a caretaker of a large yard and small garden, I have been researching composting, soil ecology, and native plantings. The resilience of the prolific organisms under the soil and above inspired this work combining mechanical and natural elements into an ancient warfare formation. This aggressive, yet playful work seems appropriate in Art Space 144 across from the athletic trophy cases.

Interactive Chicago

2009-06-25T14:19:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I drove up to Chicago for Woman Made Gallery's "Interactive" exhibition. I wanted to see the reception of my work as well as meet some new people and see some old friends. The weather was horrible- thunderstorms and lots of rain, but several people still came out. B got stuck in St. Louis due to weather, and I didn't MegaBus it due to our original plans of spending some quality time in IL with friends the rest of the weekend together. Luckily, I met some great artists and met up with good friends-so I enjoyed myself despite the unseen solo aspect.

The works engaged several people, especially since people saw others engaged in it. So many of the book arts on display still seemed so fragile, I don't know if people really got to enjoy them as planned. I recommend the show, but bring a group to friends to play or the younger braver set.

I did get to have a great museum day (after nasty traffic) at the Art Institute of Chicago to see the new Modern Wing. The gardens were wonderfully cool comparatively and a great introduction to a new mindset after sitting in parade traffic.A recent work by Charles Ray. He found a fallen tree, fell in love with it, and had it carved by Japanese woodcarver. After seeing some of Bidou Yamaguchi's work during Ayomi's installation- all completed with handtools and no sanding- the labor that went into this is a thing of beauty itself.

Conduit to completion

2009-06-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Conduit is the answer, "Defense Mechanism:Phalanx" is the title.--- Several steps in the progression to completing Installation 3 occurred late last night/today. I did a very rough model using carpet and toothpicks and purchased conduit. The forward lengths of "spear" will be off the ground 3 feet, otherwise the seed of the idea is there. 5' lengths of conduit are perfect for this application--- I now will get buy in bulk and arrange and rearrange. Do I want the work at an angle and sacrifice some width? That viewpoint of the phalanx is most impressive to me, where the grid breaks down some.

I started researching aggression and war maps as they related to control and violence- which is something I just can't seem to wrap my head around. After the NIU shooting in Feb 2008- I stopped reading The Lucifer Effect mid-stream and decided to give myself some time to digest. I think I am ready to return to the form at least if not yet to the reading, since I have been musing on how the parts of house I don't like and destroy make me feel much more at home than my own things. Defense mechanisms in the form of maintenance (baking soda drawing in carpet- also a call to cleanliness and control), phalanx structure, and re:placing the wallpaper of my kitchen all seem to tie together. All related to coping mechanisms -our own weak defenses.

Installation Three

2009-06-24T14:58:00.001-07:00

I've measured out Gallery Two's 5' by 15' feet in the working portion of my studio. The large glass front and door make this space ideal for a work I've been pondering for a few years now. I plan on combining natural materials- compost remnants or salvaged branches, most likely, into phalanx formation. The challenge will be fashioning bases to keep them in place and transporting the branches to IL from MO... Hmmm...

Re:Place Installation Progress

2009-06-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

The first roll of wallpaper on fabric has been waiting around the studio for about a week now. This skin of previous paper looks like precious skin shedding... I finally have a use for pink gauzy fabric I snatched from a fabric warehouse (paradise) in North Carolina right across the Georgia border. My dear friend Erin took me on the adventure a few years back during my stay in Athens, GA for an installation. Fabric by the pound... I can see why Erin saw the abandoned buildings (who's owners allowed her to work in) and the stores in the South as such a boon for installation.

Fabric is one of the first materials I was planning on incorporating since I can roll it and unwind it. This means a great amount of surface coverage and the ability to drive it up to Crystal Lake in my own vehicle. My sewing lessons will come to good use.

Installation Two

2009-06-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Installation Two will consist of baking soda patterns on carpet... the pattern will take into account the pillar in the space. I've got to sit more on the pattern research to decide what it will derive from...

Work At Home and Out of Town

2009-06-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Things this past month have been busy- lots of out to town trips and piles of work to do to settle into the house. Here's a small sample of the goings on.

We drove back home a few weekends back to celebrate my best friend's little sister's wedding. It was great to see the family perform during the ceremony: singing, playing guitar, and belting it out on the organ.

I traveled to Chicago last week to complete a birdseed drawing as part of "Interactive" at Woman Made Gallery. This is a small detail before any audience interaction.

Bush pickles are looking good. Tasty too.

The Magnolia in front is in bloom. Most of the blooms are above head level so we are closely watching those closest to the ground.
I have finally finished up my sister's baby blanket. She's due in a few weeks, so I made it just under the wire. It is still en route, so I can't post images. That much time into a gift--- there needs to be a surprise element.

Blooming

2009-05-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Salsa garden is outside growing (with a bush pickle to make gazpacho and vinegar pickles)... peonies are pink and in full bloom, new white and purple irises are blooming in front (a surprise to me), and my knock-out rose has exploded. Wishing I was close enough to moms and grandma's to give a great bouquet from home. I am so happy to have some soil to tend to.

Wallpaper is off the wall- and drying in the studio. I'll assemble the room tomorrow depending if we are done removing the glue.

Lawn needs to be mowed, and I'm assembling the compost bin.

Old Floor vs. New Floor

2009-05-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

While sanding down to match the front room to the hall and bedrooms, the quality of our wood floors was pointed out to us (I gasped when we came in to see the progress and the wood was exposed. It was beautifully grained). We decided to have the floors sanded down and the old finish removed on the whole first floor so there wasn't wax on part of the floors and not others. The color of the Red Oak from the Ozarks doesn't need stain and the rooms look brighter.

Before: Cloudy golden stain (original to house) in front room. The hallway changing from a golden yellow to dark walnut brown (irking us enough to want to change it now). The walnut brown of the master bedroom.

After: The same hallway area and the master bedroom. The color of the Red Oak from the Ozarks doesn't need stain and the rooms look brighter. Since I am going to focus my homemaking on simple, minimal and careworn or textures I love- having easy to maintain, bright floors was worth the expense of hiring professionals. The finish should last as long as our mortgage (yikes!).

We are loving the Tawny Mushroom in all areas where the wood floors are. It goes from taupe to sage to olive depending on the light and looks warm. The kitchen, adding an inch to put in smaller baseboards, the basement windows and perhaps the doors are the only paint amendments we are making.

The Seed of Installation Two

2009-05-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

I found this beauty at the corner of the driveway and front of the house. Not sure how it will be incorporated but it will definitely serve as inspiration.

Deinstallation and Installation Number One

2009-05-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

I'm slated to have three galleries at McHenry Community College to fill in August and have been waiting until I have studio space to tackle some of the more space-invasive components of creation. Before we get all the furniture delivered from IL, we are trying to tackle the messier jobs. The most destructive processes are what has made me feel like this is mine. Taking out the registers, removing curtains, refinishing the floors, and now removing wallpaper has been cathartic. The sweat and attention involved has made me feel affection and ownership (if the hefty loan doesn't on a daily basis affect the same).

We are planning on replacing the cream small patterned paper with a rich blueish-red. Alizarin crimson was my favorite oil paint color, so I was happy when Brad suggested a deep red to replace the paper. A dark color will make the tile floor and backsplash look rich instead of washed out.

Installation One: I will be reassembling the shell of removed wallpaper. The labor-intensive process of removal has me conjuring the chrysalis attributes of a new skin. I haven't figured out if I am going to stitch to reassemble or mount it onto fabric or just velcro it to a carpeted gallery wall. We began the process of serious removal last night at about 8:30, and have only a small dent in the square footage of blue and pink flowers.

Possible titles: Ski(e)n, Shedding, Wall Covering, Re:Place. I am open to responses and suggestions.

Floors in Progress

2009-05-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here's Mike of Floor Designs and the bare wood- Red Oak from the Ozarks. I got a phone call on the way to work about the wood being high quality and "a shame to put a stain on"...
The protected wood is as gorgeous as I imagined while talking to Reg on the phone.

New Favorites...

2009-05-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Well, due to lots of harassment by friends and family- a few pictures of the new place and my favorite parts of it. Brad's quality photos are buried deep in cyberspace since our computers are no longer networked since the move. I am sure that will be a project once the floors are dry and we can move into the office. Obviously, the lawn is another large project that needs tackling...but the perennial plants are bringing me joy...

Wiffleball in white shelving in the garage, the chandelier, and the woodfloors are definite pluses.

New Home

2009-04-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

Homecoming has finally arrived, and our newest abode soon to be changed. I'm off to clean and get some "before"pics.

Lace in Chicago and outside the window...

2009-04-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

I'll be making an interactive work (on a small scale) at Womanmade Gallery in Chicago in June- I just got the notification this morning.

I've been running some trials on my patio (to the pleasure of some very fat squirrels) and have been learning a few bird names in the process. I plan on making a bird garden next year, and just focus this year on composting and a small container salsa garden.

Dropping off

2009-04-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

picked up "Ephemeral Folk Figures: Scarecrows, Harvest Figures, and Snowmen by Avon Neal and Ann Parker on whim at the library... leitmotif at the beginning of the text

"What does that mean-'Ephemeral'?"
"It means, 'which is in danger of speedy disappearance.'"
(from one of my all-time favorite books)
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint Exupery

So, I'm off to return some books, drop off piles of recycling and vote.

Tale of Genji is finally completed. The ending was quite gripping- glad I muddled through some of the rougher patches to say I read the whole book. I wonder how much is lost in translation---regardless I got the unabridged illustrated version and several passages lead to some wonderful visuals. Glad we went to Gion Corner in Kyoto to get a small taste of the dances and music.

Sprung

2009-03-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

Went on an 8K run this morning. It felt wonderful although I still haven't gotten rid of the crink in my neck that's been there since yesterday. My body is beginning to protest about 10 hours later. We saw several birds and blooms in Forest Park... I am getting used to the earlier spring of Missouri.

Starting my first French tapes in anticipation of traveling next summer...

Perpetual State of Deterioration (and Restoration)...

2009-03-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day (from home inspection): "Buildings are in a perpetual state of deterioration." Aren't we all?Here's an image of the Shawn Stuckey-designed For A Limited Time Only catalog getting some green, and purple while doing its magic in the compost bin...

B found an interesting proposal for the "Olive Boulevard Transportation Development District" with goals to

Improve traffic flow along Olive Boulevard and New Ballas Road
Increase access to area businesses
Improve pedestrian linkages to retail, service and employment destinations along Olive Boulevard and New Ballas Road
Improve aesthetics within the district, creating a more attractive and inviting commercial center.

I look forward to becoming an advocate for these initiatives.

Loving Flashback:

DeKalb, IL was working on a similar plan to revitalize South Fourth Street and downtown DeKalb. I already was privy to seeing quite a bit of rejuvenation of downtown DeKalb in my seven years there thanks to the combined efforts of business owners like Megan Morrison (owner of Megan Morrison and much adored and missed Moxie) and Re:New DeKalb. Working adjacent to Jennifer Groce, RNDK's Executive Director was an education in itself (a hard-working, super-smart, savvy businesswoman with perspective and a great sense of humor). Here's an image from the Re:New website of the new skating rink I haven't seen since our move to MO.

Being able to invest in the local community there was one of best parts of working as director at the Nehring Gallery (website designed by Holly Nicholson and Nicole Szostak), and at the NIU Art Museum. This "very walkable" town, according to walkability.com, is sorely missed. Although I am happy to have moved to one of the most literate cities in America.

Now on to some fun research about energy efficient dryers, washers, refrigerators, drapery...water usage.... etc. Any recommendations are welcome.

A Visual Conversation and Personal Conversion

2009-03-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here are two dears altering the "For the Birds" at The Art Center Highland Park- and a statement in response to seeing invited viewer engagement, instead of just accidental.
Photo courtesy of "fabu" photographer Kimberly Strom.

I'm loving the overlap of my renewed interest in giving over authority of the work to the audience and the close etymological ties between conversation and conversion...
con·ver·sion n.

2. A change in which one adopts a new religion, faith, or belief.

3. Something that is changed from one use, function, or purpose to another.

4. Law

a. The unlawful appropriation of another's property.

b. The changing of real property to personal property or vice versa.

5. The exchange of one type of security or currency for another.

8. Psychiatry A psychological defense mechanism by which repressed ideas, conflicts, or impulses are manifested by various bodily symptoms, such as paralysis or sensory deficits, that have no physical cause.

(From thefreedictionart.com)

From a new statement about the work:

Gallery visitors are invited to alter the birdseed drawings and to take a handful of birdseed as they leave the gallery space and disperse it outside.

Gallery visitors activate the work by walking across it, altering the configuration, and dispersing the seed by the handful. The interactive drawing becomes a visual conversation. The responsibility for removing the work during the run of the show falls into the hands of those who enter the space. Once outdoors, the seeds feed wildlife, insects and are carried by wind and rain. The visual and literal disintegration of the works is not a statement of futility, but a reference to the acceptance of the porous architecture of our own bodies and the beauty in use and entropy. The alteration of the work speaks of the risk and thrill of engaging with others.

Great Endings

2009-03-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler by Jason Roberts. Highly recommended. I usually am a fan of classic novels, and then become greatly disappointed by their endings (i.e. William Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage ending with a "bit of a Disney" clean closure.) Robert's non-fictional account of James Holman (1786-1857) is beautifully written, setting the scene of the times in a vibrant, engaging way.

I finished the book this week--- and I am enamored with his last few paragraphs. They are the conclusion of the book and don't encompass the vast travels of Holman-- If you want to get to the last paragraph yourself SPOILER ALERT: The first line is a quote from Holman himself and the last paragraph is an eloquent ending to conclude the story of Holman's life.

(Upon his world-wide travels, the sensation of place)..." entered into my heart, and I could have wept, not that I did not see, but that I could not portray all I felt." -James Holman

"Time, if not space renders all of us travelers. Cling as we might, we are ultimately compelled to let go of the familiar, to forge affinities with the new, and to sense the approach of the more unfamiliar still. We feel our way. If we are as fortunate as the Blind Traveler, we are given the grace to listen, with equal attention, to the intelligence of winds and the solemnity of silence. To remain, joyfully, awake to the path itself." - Jason Roberts A Sense of the World

I have read and reread the above passage many times. It is clear exposition on the nature of the transitory and travel. Bravo, Mr. Jason Roberts. The Blind Traveler was incredibly adroit with his language- as are you. I think the fitting of author to author was perfect in this case.

Good Ending #2. Composting the catalog designed by Shawn Stuckey from the For a Limited Time Only exhibition at The Art Center Highland Park . Here it is in with some onions peels, before I chucked it into the bin.

Equinox and Eggs

2009-03-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday... We got up early to see the approximate equinox sunrise over America's Woodhenge at Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, IL. If it was a clear morning we would have been able to see the sun rise at the foot of Monk's Mound. The presentation was quite interesting, although I was distracted by those who were prepared enough to bring a blanket to the middle of the sun calendar. There was a small break in the clouds after the presentation, but only breifly.
It was frustrating and fascinating to learn that much information is unknown about the site. The mystery of what the actual posts looked like haunts me. What if they would have been carved? How much more information on their civilization/mythology would we know if we had the additional artwork there?

Afterwards, we stopped by Soulard Coffee Garden Cafe, my favorite place for breakfast in St. Louis. We came 15 minutes before it opened, and shot some images of the Soulard neighborhood. Seeing so many blooms in March is a treat! The architectural stock of St. Louis is phenomenal.

I don't think I've ever seen a large magnolia tree.

...old song with a different meaning since...

2009-03-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Jee Leong Koh! He's celebrating by broadcasting a reading of his new work of poetry, Equal to the Earth. Since we used to eat meals together and went on a few excursions, I know his voice's cadence... it makes reading the works yourself much more enjoyable. I had the distinct pleasure of spending quite a bit of time with him during his residency at the KHN Center for the Arts. He is one of my favorite fellow art exhibition viewers and posts his responses to works he sees on his blog. He read poetry to me while driving highway 2 home from Omaha and to the airport. His poetry is often erotic (in a real way with tension and celebration , smart and measured. His interest in metered poetry makes me reconsider the ability of structure to free one to discuss tiny details. Thanks for making it come alive, Jee!

"Virtual Reality is no substitute, but neither is memory." ---

Processing

2009-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Still mulling over the Gaylen Gerber artist talk I attended at White Flag Projects last night. I raced to get there after packing to dog-sit, so I didn't have time to see the show beforehand. I did listen to the Bad At Sports podcast of an interview with him and look at some images online- When listening to him speak to the very limited audience- it make my face flush with an emotion I can't identify. I can't tell if I had more of an issue with the constant comments of the couple berating everything he said or the presentation itself.

With him constantly repeating "the relationship between things" being so vital to his work or what it was about- the arbitrary nature of the installs seems an affront to it. However- seeing slides of architecture doesn't convey the sense of space- which is probably required to appreciate the re installation of wall-paintings. It seemed very formulaic. By framing his practice by saying he isn't a curator but an artist, and that he doesn't have to take responsibility for his actions because of the subjectivity allotted to an artist- seems a big cop-out. Or is it freedom to not have to ruthlessly edit that I am jealous of? Parts of the practice seem very unattended to and indulgent as a poorly-executed personal fiction in a visual format This notion haunts me. The continuous barrage of snide comments made by the couple next to me surely affected my reception of the slide show--- I'll have to return to see the work again in person.

I was interested to hear from an artist whose work appeared to be so modest- but it seemed really indulgent from his presentation of it. Certain equations of it seemed grandiose and empty at the same time. Because I still have doubts of the real power of artwork that does not extend beyond an initiated audience (being so opaque and self referential)- this is another aspect that nags me. But I have a strong envy of those who can produce artworks and not second guess the vocation; mine would be a completely different existence if I could leave my doubts at the door. Perhaps it's too wrapped up in art-speak to sing for me, the notion of never being able to leave an aspect of painting behind seems to limit the work.

The issues the artwork bring up is of interest to artists- to authorship, trademark, and act of installing... I love the notion of paintings about nothing- being completely neutral and in losing their content become context. My irritations and interest in Gerber's work will be further processed and help me formulate my approach for install at McHenry in August-- working title "Shooting Blanks"...

Since it always takes fermenting time to get a good question in--- I would be much interested in getting into a conversation about Gerber's teaching philosophy. About 16 hours ago, I would have had my chance. Too bad there can't be a week-after follow-up session for artist presentations. I think all parties involved would get much more out of it. It would be great to groundhog day it and see if sitting next to a quieter bunch would have make the presentation reveal more than my distaste for snide art crowds (and speaking directly to only that audience).

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...

2009-03-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

A few days before leaving for Chicago, I thought I would grease the wheels for install and did a practice run on my patio... here's a before and the "after" of a week in my backyard.

Here's the freshly drawn doily-

Here's the "after" and all the critters than are being much more social now there is a Vegas buffet in easy reach. I've got to get my hands on a bird field guide.

The rain hit it hard last night, so some has floated off the patio. If I can catch some more species, I'll get more images up. The squirrels are definitely the big winners of this feast.

The Best Part

2009-03-12T08:56:00.001-07:00

Here are a few images of others taking over the labor... it was great to see the energies of gallery visitors and friends add to the work. You can see Wendy Kveck's pepperoni cake on the edge of one of the images.

Thanks K for the advice on "what's next"... and I hope if you trek up to see the show, you drastically alter the works with your own ideas.

Photos from the show

2009-03-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Installing outside the gallery's windows (Thanks Annie Heckman for the shots); The 9 foot doily inside that gallery visitors can manipulate and should remove from the show by the handful; the Shawn Stuckey designed banner at the entrance; Kim and Derek and I at the opening; and Derek's sweet little flowers created just outside of Annie Heckman's piece...

Kim's great company and photos

2009-03-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Kim and Derek made a trek up for the Botanical Gardens and The Opening last Friday. It was so wonderful to see friendly faces- and hear good news about the possibilities for their future. Brad and I are holing away money to purchase a home and visit them in Switzerland should the opportunity arise.
So not only were the visitors great to see--- When I stepped out of Annie Heckman's glow-in-the-dark cave, I saw the sweetest simple floral shapes- care of Derek. Brilliant, Sweet, and he makes a mean doily.

While I search for my camera cord, check out Kim's camera work on her blog.

ArtSlant Article

2009-03-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Check out Katherine Born's ArtSlant brief on the show...

Peanut, such language!

2009-03-07T02:48:00.000-08:00

I will have to dedicate another post to a singularly incredible human being---my host. After coming back from the opening and feeling really satisfied with feedback and the response, I returned to K's apartment exhausted. She gave a thorough response to the show, and we were intently honing words and phrases to arrive at an understanding about opinions and notions... and I realize where 50% of my graduate education derived. Thanks K! (Not just for the great cooking and stories.)

Our conversation reiterated why grad school (if you get the level you should from it) was valuable. It makes an one aware how responsible an artist is to the viewer. One writes artist statements to be able to identify what philosophical approach you take with the work-using it as a guide. Your job as an artist is to measure work to those standards in the laboratory of your studio, in an organic melding of free association with stark editing, testing it on an audience (even yourself after time away), and continuing to hone the work until (borrowing a phrase from Jeff Adams) an audience can "reach the same arena of thought". The artwork that frosts my cookies now (and there are always exceptions) derives from the notion that one wants to seduce both sides of any issue to have a dialogue. The contradictions contained in an artwork (that doesn't estrange one particular audience) enables others to discuss the content/subject matter as well as its reflection in the artwork. In the late night crits in the sculpture department, gathered like friends with enough social lubrication to not be worried to offend, one could get an honest response- not fueled by malice or friendship, but critical thinking. Thanks all those with beautiful minds and the guts to share their ideas and thoughts. You make the process continue...I can't wait to get back to the studio- after a weekend of family celebration. And rest.

attitude of gratitute

2009-03-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

Wow. I mean wow. The exhibition was incredibly well-attended- the Art Center was full of great people. I wanted to express sincere thanks for everyone who made the long haul from DeKalb, the city, Michigan, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Zurich (:)) and especially the Highland Park locals. The area was so friendly, I felt like being transported back to Nebraska City.(I fell in love with that place and their artist residency---KHN Center for the Arts. I especially want to thank those in the large crowd generous enough with their thoughts to share ideas and comments with me, and those who participated in the work- either drawing with the seed, altering the doilies, and dispersing it. I am still on a high from the event, with a bit of a sore throat from talking over the din. I feel like I have my voice back- being able to make work and exist in the intensive making process over several days. Being in such a lovely gallery space, surrounded by kind and understanding professionals --(Gabriella, Rena, Mario & Efrian) who enable you to "do your job" more effectively, just even getting a lift from all the students coming in and out of The Art Center... not to mention meeting four intriguing women (and having some time to spend with them that could extend past small talk) and getting to chat and have dialogue within the space. Olga- you are a lovely thing to have placed us together in a room.

(Two Days and) Tonight: FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!

2009-03-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

(I must be a "bad news, then good news" kinda woman.)

I was a bit disappointed thinking that I had passed the 150# mark (forgetting that one of my 40 pound bags was used for the Beverly Arts Center Show. It was only toting installation equipment.) I've only arranged 110 # of birdseed for the Art Center Highland Park. There will need to be a next time.

I am also regretting not bringing my camera cord to be able to post images. I didn't think about the ability to VPN from Chicago and get all my horribly named files in order.

So after two solid days of installing- I have one large birdseed doily in the gallery space with a wee floral bit of floor sweepings arranged as well. The show opens tonight, and the outdoor lace... 3 trees and one bare patch were all completed by 3:30 yesterday. I guess the practice of creating them over several years has paid off in speed.

Other than the first two regrets--- the installation trip "For A Limited Time Only" has been phenomenally smooth, enjoyable and enlightening. A fun learning experience of great people, smart ideas, and just enough logistical hold ups to make it reality. The only real issue with installation was the delightful crowd that had amassed for my work---of the six-legged sort inside the bags of stored birdseed. So I moved the doilies supplies outdoors faster. The need for a dark seed for the gallery space prompted an enjoyable trek to Home Depot a' la Olga Stephan. Since we haven't met in person before, it was great to be able to listen to art, life, physics talk and bond over computer programmer spouses. I've gotta watch "The Elegant Universe"... A huge thank you to Annie Heckman for giving me a ride to and from the gallery, and perhaps even the airport tomorrow. She's been wonderful company and cut about her generosity has sliced two hours of commuting out of my schedule each day (not including my bumbling about to find said transport).

The weather has been more than cooperative- it's a balmy 60.. in Chicago, in March. Wow. Rena got a bit nervous about the size of the gallery space and the weather, so one of my outdoor pieces has been expanded to be included inside. It will be a gallery visitor's job to move it handful by handful outdoors. They are also welcome to rearrange the floor-based work.

I just cranked out the statement for the show. It's been honed by wonderful conversations over the past few days with the fellow artists installing in the space: Annie Heckman, Wendy Kveck, Marci Rubin, curator Olga Stephan (who made the entire event possible), and with my gracious host, Kristen, and a special shout out goes to Kip and Julie for their comments at my "Holding Pattern" show in Nebraska City. I've had the phrase "loamy architecture" running through my head for the past few years and put a smattering of it in my statement.

I'm having friends come down for dinner beforehand--- I miss my girls terribly.

So lots of gratitude for the experience and generosity of the people I've encountered. I'm looking forward to seeing several sorely missed faces at the reception this evening.

I'm hoping for a crowd and the utter destruction of the interior work by the end of the evening. I haven't opened up the work for interaction without my presence before- I have been conducting the "birdseed doilies" as a workshop with all ages... and am excited to see what happens. My control freak tendencies and then ambivalent mode switch may be tested, but I think my relationship to the work has fundamentally changed from its outset. I am happy to see it be a truly low-maintenance installation for the gallery. (The Art Center was gracious enough to let me store my materials so I could fly with just a backpack and not have to ship the sacks.) If all goes as planned- there will not be much of the interior doily left by the end of this evening. As for the outdoor doily- I've already been befriended by some squirrels when laying out my first piece yesterday morning. I am interested to see how much it changes in the course of a day.

I'll post images as I get them emailed from others or when I return to MO on Monday.

Here's the statement for the show. It gets closer to "the matter" than any references of futility, since my approach and outlook have changed.

"My birdseed doilies are a record of labor. They celebrate maintenance. The forms are created in an improvisational way, using generic geometric forms and alluding to delicate handiwork, mandalas, and kolams. As some daily activities lapse into chaos or fade without our attentions, the drawings serve as a reminder of a brief fixing of the transitory. Gallery visitors activate the work by walking across it, altering the configuration, and dispersing the protected interior installation by the handful. The responsibility for removing the work during the run of the show falls into the hands of those who enter the space. The exterior works feed wildlife, insects and are carried by wind and rain. The visual and literal disintegration of the works is not a statement of futility, but a reference to the acceptance of the porous architecture of our own bodies and the beauty in use and entropy."

Bring your cameras folks, catch it before it's gone!

Dead animals and arsenic

2009-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Pics from a behind the scenes tour of Kristen's office/shop in the Education Department.

Imagine having a 30-foot shark diorama as your office decor... I did see some heavily patterned customized cubicles at Office Max on my last trip to Organizational Candyland, but I think an underwater specimen beats that hands down. Kristen's surrounded by the portable taxidermy known as The Field Museum's Harris Educational Loan Center that tours schools to spread knowledge of wildlife and habitats. Having worked in Rare Books and Special Collections at NIU, I have a real affection for doing grunt work among incredible or mundane documents in time. Add to the mix, my childhood obsession with petting creatures, taxidermied Wood Duck or live cat... and I was happy to see Kristen surrounded by power tools and curiosities. Getting to see Kristen is a treat in itself- she's the sole being in DeKalb that stopped by our house without calling to warn us first. I miss that.

If you are headed to the Field, I would recommend dedicating a large chunk of time to the Aztec World. I didn't wait to watch the video intro--- the objects themselves were spellbinding. I wish I was still in DeKalb and could hear Professor Jeff Karl Kowalski's lecture before heading out on the NIU Art Museum's "Get-On-The-Bus" trip to the show. Incredible!

Also, take a stroll down to the Children's Cafeteria for the sea life dioramas. The Narwhals (again not pictured out of reverence) are worth the admission charge. Brad couldn't pass up taking some shots of the Walrus, and their Suessical faces and Trompe-l'œil backdrop. After seeing how well our house in DeKalb is staying clean in spite of time, I shouldn't be so amazed that the dioramas are not dusted.

Ahh... I don't miss the snow banks but I do miss being so close to Chicago. There's quite a bit to be said about familiarity in crowded places.

Keep the old

2009-02-03T05:18:00.000-08:00

Brad and I came back to DeKalb to drop off installation materials and visit some friends. We had a busy weekend of driving to Chicago, driving and stopping and driving through Chicago (gotta love St. Louis traffic after a trip back to Chi-town), and then coming back home.

The Art Center Highland Park had great interior space and a friendly staff. I really appreciated having the opportunity to store supplies there, so I don't have to worry about lugging it around Chicago without a car in March.

I forgot how easy it is to get into studio headspace while on long drives at night, so that aspect was productive as well. I was also pondering how music is not an artform where one may ask
"Why make it? What's the point?" Perhaps because it is more comfortably appreciated ( if you don't have music snob friends)?

Re:Music... In reading the Tale of Genji, music was an amusement of those in the imperial palace. Today we are so spoiled with personal devices and recordings that I don't know if the isolation of being the only one listening is as rich an experience as a shared one.

The Field's "Aztec World" exhibition dazzled me with transformations of stone into live objects and the glimpses into another worldview. We raced through the exhibit after meeting Kristen and Chris for lunch and a tour of Kristen's new office...

The shared late night and breakfast table are two events that make one feel incredibly welcome. I hope our hosts enjoyed the Missouri gift of Colossal Chips. The hospitality, conversation, and laughs, I'll really treasure.

I am putting my nose to the grindstone, as classes begin in a week, but grateful for good friends, new and old, and several new opportunities that have presented themselves in the past few months.

Eat after reading

2009-01-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

I just received the postcards For A Limited Time Only! ... They look wonderful. The catalog is going to be printed and edible. I can't wait to compost it!

We are headed back to Chicago this coming weekend to drop off some supplies for the installation and visit the space. It will be great to see some friendly faces that we've sorely missed since the move South.

I've got stew cooking and am hoping for some snow tonight so I can practice birdseed doilies in a few inches of the friendly white stuff. That's on tomorrow's agenda with laundry and a contact list revamp and mail merge.

I'm in the middle (literally) of The Tale of Genji. I will read it all, and before it's overdue. It is formidable in size, but I realize how much immersion you get to enjoy by spending so much time in the world of the first novel.

This past weekend I attended a great seminar on bookkeeping as an artist. So, there are only about 7 new habits I am trying to pick up this month, before all my classes begin.

The house hunt may be drawing to a close (at least 1/2 of the waiting period is over); I feel much less claustrophobic these days.

Light Project

2008-10-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

St Louis Light Project--- Stopped by last night on the way home from the Beuys interview and conversation with Barbara.

Incredible- I don't know if these photos of the church (Rainer Kehres & Sebastian Hungerer's CHORUS) turned out anything but blurry, but the video work (Ann Lislegaard's CRYSTAL WORLD (AFTER J.G. BALLARD) was incredible. The mix of poetry and image was quietly beautiful making the same transformation of text on page to wonderment of written poetry itself in its unfolding. I could have happily stood and watched several rotations of the cycle, but would not have been able to walk back to my car with newly minted evening companions Clare and Dave of Quincy, IL. We even knew some common friends- so the evening made the city even more a place a wonder.

The Light Project in the church transformed a sad building into one that becomes again a beacon. Truly exquisite- my only wish was to be able to enter the space and see it from below.

Humans are such suckers for luminosity- I always feel like a dog getting scratched "right there" when I see fireworks exploding above. Well executed works and a great gathering space for the public. Loved it. Dragging Brad back with me.

Projected Beuys

2008-10-09T06:55:00.001-07:00

I met up with Barbara last night at White Flag Projects' "Drinks with Beuys." Listening to Beuys 1980 interview brought me back to the powerful personal discoveries in grad school with my short works in performance. Working on "new research" and the "unknown" was an incredible expansion of my field of experience when letting the performance dictate what happens--- but not being able to defend all that happens and practice due to the improvisational nature made me leave the performance as a studio practice that is only performed alone to get the head space to create spatial installations. I really had a strong pang of loneliness for Erin Burke and her undying belief in the power of emotionally derived works that don't require explanation. The form and meaning become apparent months after the work. When working on installations and sculptures in my pristine studio space- I would just engage with materials and let the play inform me as it seemed to have something to say. I couldn't accurately articulate it in words but it was speaking for me. I think I need a return to that aspect of play, as I otherwise (overwise-was the Freudian slip there) end up editing myself to silence.

The Right Management career counseling personality assessment highlighted the strong emotional element I bring to everything. At first I felt defeated by this notion of continuing an accounting by emotional state- but I think my ability to empathize is the strongest aspect of my ability to communicate. This aspect of communication is best suited to visual works, but the need for communication is why a try to conceptualize everything first and come up with a linear relationship to how I combine elements. I don't necessarily think this is where I find the power of the strongest artworks lies--- since it is the one "off" aspect that makes it a wonderment- and slows time because you can't understand it mentally while your body reacts first. It reveals itself before you can articulate why it affects you.

Beginnings

2008-10-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'll do anything "productive" to avoid applications of all sorts and planning for class. Well, I've been recently relocated and am currently a large fan of the new city. I've got two installations set for 2009 in the Chicago area and am looking for our second house. I have the luxury of time, while being temporarily placed in a one-bedroom apartment. I haven't known the joy of being able to paint my own walls for the past 10 years, and am looking forward to it. Hoping for some pedestrian friendly streets and as great of neighbors as we left in Illinois.