Cultivating Doilies...seed style

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.

Bonfire and bon voyage

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.

Installing like the wind...

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"

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.

Light Project

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.