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October 31, 2005
...art overload...
Over the weekend I went to the AAF to check out Aurora and Lisa’s work in person. I almost can’t believe it was the first time I saw Lisa’s work live. And I loved them. Her pieces are quite amazing. The gallery that they are both involved with had really great pieces. The Boy and I walked around and were surprised by how much art is out there that we don’t respond to. I took notes on some of the artists I liked, but I have to see if I really love their stuff or it was just a crush. Or was it wow that is better than anything else I have seen in a couple of booths.
I responded to all the pieces with resin. Anyone out there know about resin? Is it hard to use? Am I just jumping on a bandwagon? Do you have to paint on wood panels to use resin?
Our brains began to get slow like honey and our stomachs started to rumble after a couple passes through. So we decided to leave and then we saw one of my favorite people - Stefan Killen. He works on the same floor as Oliphant and he is a talented photographer, graphic designer, and all around amazing guy.
I worked on a bunch of things this weekend. I did another little color face (need to put a little paint on her) and I almost finished the last bird bot for plush rush. Also started thinking about my first spt for november.
The photo above is from last weekend when I went to Aurora's open studio. I love water towers. I don't even know why.
Posted by wendy at 07:47 AM | Comments (1)
October 28, 2005
...painting for friday #8...
This is the first the paintings that I am really not so happy with. There are some elements I like. I love the wings, with the feather thing happening. I don't love the face, but the eye is working for me. I think I am going to try a face detail and see how that works. The background is too much. I also feel like I am changing up my style a bit and it is coming in fits and starts. Advice?
I will leave you with an embarrasing story.
After work I put the base down for the painting and finally walked myself over to the pool and signed up. It was Adult Rec so there were no lanes and people were swimming the width instead of the length of the pool. I was glad, because even though the pool is only a junior Olympic sized pool I am going to really need to work on my breathing. There were a variety of people swimming. In the shallow end there were the cutest ladies practicing their strokes while standing and in the deep end there was a mermaid. Well really a lady with a really great tail, literally, a tail.
It’s about the end and I am getting tired (totally out of shape) so I climb out of the pool and grab my towel. Walking to the locker rooms. I walk in and notice naked bodies in the shower stalls and keep walking, until they turn around and I realize that I have walked into the men's locker room.
I am sure I squealed.
Held my towel in front of my face and then spun around back out to the pool.
I am sure someone saw me come out looking mortified, because someone always sees you at those moments. But I hurriedly walked into the ladies locker room and made a mental note to always rinse off in the shower stalls that are further in the locker room.
Posted by wendy at 10:54 PM | Comments (2)
...worse than pond scum...
Last night I was in rare form. My evenings have been a bit wonky and I keep meaning to go swimming, but we finally went to check about our mobile phones. See if we could get a new plan and the Boy’s phone is starting to break. I turn into a monster. In those situations where I am up against the rules and hoops that you have to jump through. Abet a soft fluffy one with no teeth, but a monster nonetheless. The Boy kept trying to placate me, because he is horrified to see me act that way. Sullen, like a child that got their toy taken away and was pouting. Finally we left and really we never needed to go in the first place. I held onto that anger. Then I was angry and sullen because Boy called me out on my awful attitude.
My worst act of the night was on the way home. We were standing on the platform and a train was coming so we were walking with the crowd to the doorway. There was a woman on my right that kept saying, “stay right behind me, stay right behind me, stay right behind me, again and again, over and over. All I could see was the top of the head of the person behind her. I thought her friend was just short and so we walked on the train. She sort of stopped at the doorway I like to go into the center because usually there is more breathing room. I couldn’t see the lady anymore and I rolled my eyes at the boy and said ‘how annoying’.
The Boy looked at me with a little horror in his eyes for the second time that night and then whispered in my ear, “she has a down’s child.’ I thought how much more of a horrible person could I be. Worse than pond scum. So as of today I am going to take a deep breathe every time I want to lash out at someone. Because the next time I am afraid I might do something even more horrid.
Painting for friday still on the way.
Needed to get that off my chest.
Need to hold myself accountable.
Posted by wendy at 07:30 AM | Comments (5)
October 27, 2005
...bring your pet to blog #5...
The lovely port2port girls started this group and I think right now they are together in the west.
So here is Trixie loving Aiko's skirt when she visited me over the summer. She went to town while Aiko was just trying to check her mail at my little desk.
Oh and I set up a flickr account, it only has photos right now of the fashion show, but I am sure more will come...
Posted by wendy at 07:39 AM | Comments (3)
October 24, 2005
...meeting & making new friends...
This weekend was quite productive, considering I had planned to sit on the couch and drink hot chocolate.
I met the amazing and wonderful Aurora, also known as the countess. (I love her name) I don’t think I have known an Aurora. But we just started talking and it felt so easy, it helped that we come from a place where we love Lisa (as everyone should). I hope to hang out with her more often. Have a bit of her royalty rub off on me.
If you ever get a change to see her work in person – Do It.
They are these labyrinths of swirls and shapes building in and out of themselves. It is quite breathtaking. Being in her space started me thinking about art and where it fit in my life and where I fit in art's life. She was participating in an open house so there is all this energy buzzing around. People excited about the space – being surrounded by each other’s creativity. They are already talking about doing floor crits, which I am totally jealous of. I know crits are hard on your ego, but I have been thinking it might be good for me. Force my hand to move differently – grow.
When I left Aurora's studio I had to find my way to the train and I felt like I did when I first moved to the city. Trying to find my way to something I recognized. I used to purposefully get myself lost, to learn how to find my way again. I loved it. Exploring the city. On Saturday it was beautiful out and drizzly rainy.
Then I went home and created the first of the bird bots. I love them, so does the Boy, he got sad when he realized that they were off to another show. Plush Rush in Ohio.
Here is Gilbert, he works in the research department of the library. He is a friend with Stuart. Which helps because Gilbert is a bit on the small side
Stuart was built to do research on the penguins. He blends in with the other penguins to collect data in the Antarctic Artic wing.
And the lovely Lavinia made her way to Martha's home, but I had no idea about her side career as a thief! Interesting...
Posted by wendy at 02:36 PM | Comments (8)
October 21, 2005
...painting for friday #7...
I am really happy with this one. I think crunchy time limits are good for me. I can sort of let go of my ideas and allow the painting to come through. Let the paint work for me, instead of against me. Also the time crunch lets me think about it less. Or rather not to over analyze what I am creating. Shut done that side of my brain. Rushing also shuts up the mean voice because I am not even really sure what is happening, so I cannot judge myself.
Thank you everyone who commented on my last post. It is because of you all I am still excited about this blog thing. Excited to see what is happening and what you all are up to. How your lives are. Mostly grateful to have you in my corner.
Thank you.
(as always any comments, thoughts or ideas on the paintings are totally appreciated)
***I posted another photo of the painting - there was a strange splotch on her eye***
Posted by wendy at 09:31 PM | Comments (5)
October 20, 2005
...um a link?...
I believe with ever fiber of my being in the power of doing what you love. No matter what. Whatever that thing is – it could be art or music or law or your own business. If you love it, if you believe in it, the world will respond. I think the catch though is that is has to start from love – when that happens anything can happen. The world begins to conspire to help you. Gives you art shows where you have been dreaming to have a show. Gets you music gigs at your favorite club. Brings amazing people into your life. The trick is that you have to be there, realizing your moments. Little moments. Possibilities nonetheless.
I am not sure where this belief comes from. No, why do I always lie to you all - I am sure where it comes from.
My parents divorced when I was too young (a little over on year) to know any different and the households could not be any more different. For many reasons, but I think at the core of it all my dad was doing something he loved and my mother wasn’t. He wasn’t always sure about his path. He would deliberate on moves and job changes, but he stayed true to his personal vision. He became a college professor (some of my earliest memories where helping him set up the labs for his class on the weekends), but he did other things in his summers off. Related to his field of agriculture, but in those summers he made relationships that have continued over the years. Working with people that also love what they do. And it has paid off. He saw his path and he was smart enough to see that he may have to take the detours, but what he loved stayed the same. He at his core loves people, working with them and solving problems. And so being a teacher and then a dean – his life is successful. He has an amazing wife and two fabulous sons, who I am honored to call my brothers. No matter what the world threw his way, he liked his job, loved it in fact.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum was living with my mother. I am not sure whom or what squashed her dream. I don’t even know what that dream was, but you could see life eat away at her. She worked to make money, worked to provide for me, but then I became the dream. My desires and goals and it was twisted let me tell you. She twisted our identities together in so many knots that is has taken me years to unravel it, unravel from this other person. And that is So not healthy. I watched her try and live through me, live through what I accomplished and it scared me. Somehow I knew it wasn’t healthy, wasn’t good, but that for the saving grace that I had this whole other family to see, I am not sure what path I could have taken. As soon as I could I moved away, because somewhere deep inside I knew I had to find my core, had to find my voice and slowly, now it is coming forward. It has taken about ten years, a handful of therapists and one amazing husband to know that I was allowed to be me.
I think this is going to be my longest entry ever. Especially since I just wanted to give you a link. Rustboy looks amazing and Brian Taylor stared it as a creative outlet. Cut to two years later when this little side project looks like it is going to become a film. (I found the link via android8 via mike at hanttula)
Posted by wendy at 09:52 AM | Comments (5)
October 19, 2005
...ponderings #1...
So are there jobs out there that intrigue you?
That you would probably never want to have, but something about them is fascinating?
You know if you made some different choices in your life that you would probably do it.
Like the window washers. I love them. Especially like the guy above.
They are actually more like building washers and the ride down the building in the cart pulley (does anyone know what it is called?)
To have a job where your life was a bit in danger? That is what I would do.
(I have had some ponderings before, but mav was the one that said I should name it - so I came up with ponderings. Does it work for you?)
Posted by wendy at 03:10 PM | Comments (2)
October 18, 2005
...a little more...
I haven't signed up for flickr yet, I will do it this weekend when (hopefully) I will have a little free time. It seems as though lately my weekends have been busy. What am I saying, they have! (hello silly girl travels to florida, california and fashions shows at work - no wonder-sometimes I wonder about my brain!) I think it is going to be rainy again and I am going to get some hot chocolate and curl up on the couch with my computer.
But until then here is another photo of the Domo Adami fashion show.
And here is a little tease of a long long over due thank you for an unexpected mail prize, that is going in the post today.
Posted by wendy at 08:22 AM | Comments (2)
October 17, 2005
...fancy...
This weekend was very out of the ordinary. This is not a normal event, but we had a fashion show in the studio for wedding fashion week. Which is different than normal fashion week I guess.
The shows (they actually had three) were amazing and beautiful. The clothes glowed. I took tons of photographs and they really don't do justice do the dresses. Plus the photos I love the most are the 'mistakes'. The girls are blurry or blown out. But beautiful in a strange way.
The show was for Italian designers called Domo Adami. I noticed that the designer spoke more English than he let on (because we could speak to one another and I don't know Italian), but it allows him to not have to speak to the clients. Wish I could have that trick! He was amazing though and the dresses were beyond fabulous. I took so many photos in fact that I am going to have to break down and get a flickr account. I have been trying to fight it, but between Lisa and mav it is a loosing battle. I gave it my best effort. Now don't get me wrong, its not as if I don't like flickr, the problem lies with me and my desire NOT to become addicted to all of the amazing photos out there.
On a totally different note I am going to be starting massage school in January (if all goes well with the application process). So Mike I am probably not going to be moving out to LA that quickly, but we are definitely coming out for more visits. We love you guys and the trip is easy with the airport so super close!
How weird must it be for models just to be an extension of the clothes?
Posted by wendy at 05:07 PM | Comments (3)
October 14, 2005
...painting for friday #6...
ok
So I am TOTALLY cheating.
I wasn't able to get my painting done.
I had every intention, but when it came down to it I just didn't pull it together.
Arg.
I do however have a lovely polaroid transfer, that to me at least feels like a watercolor (its on watercolor paper?), so maybe you give me halfsies on this one?
Half it is sort of like a painting, so it can qualify, half I PROMISE to have a proper painting next friday (or am I just talking to myself?).
I will have some amazing photos of the work studio, because this amazing wedding dress designer is having a fashion show in our space this weekend! I have to be at work and make sure none of the models call their boyfriends in Italy.
Posted by wendy at 07:15 PM | Comments (4)
October 12, 2005
...a little hilarious and a big thanks...
So the two amazing kids that got married are hilarious. And I met one of their friends who has a website (and designs them). We had drinks with him the first night we arrived in LA. I think actually we had drinks with him every night we were in LA, but that’s a whole other story (that probably will not get told here). You must check out his site here! You can even get your website blessed!
Another site that is a must, especially for you Aiko (I forgot to mention it last night on the phone) but watch all of the Yacht Rock episodes, there are four so far! I mean you can never go wrong when Hall & Oats are in the mix. Please let me know what you think!!
I want to also send a huge thank you to the overworked Lisa for my amazing package. There were such great treats. Check it out.
She is an amazing lady! I have to patch up a pair of my jeans and I am going to use one of her amazing screen print designs from abby normal. I also want to thank mav from port2port for such a great little letterpress card. You can see all of the amazing photos links here. Mine got a bit mangled in the post, but there are other great images to see.
Posted by wendy at 07:06 PM | Comments (3)
October 07, 2005
...painting for friday #5...
So I did my painting although I am in the city of angels. The Boy and I are going to a wedding. We are getting all dolled up. I am really excited. The people that are getting married are GOOD people. The Boy picks really good friends. I love them all. I have a stack of comics from the groom that I have been saving for him, hope he likes them. I almost wish we were coiming out just for a visit because I love to hang out with them so much. But it is painting friday and I did a painting. This actually wasn't what I had planned on painting, but its been that sort of week. Have a great weekend.
Posted by wendy at 10:51 AM | Comments (6)
October 06, 2005
...bring your pet to blog #4...
Bring your pet to blog started by the wonderful ladies over at p2p!! Miss the daily posts, but I am glad they are taking a break.
Trixie again. I know how much you all love her! And she loves the bathroom. When you go in, she must come in as well, if you close the door on her, she sits outside and cries. And the other day I took a bath, boy was she intrigued.
Pearched on the sink, just checking out the situation.
Wow there are bubbles down there.
I need some bubbles.
There are even more bubbles down there, in the w a t e r. I love w a t e r.
Isn't she cute?
Cara over at CaNOpy Road is hosting the next book swap. It is going to be your favorite children's book! Here's a link to how the first swap went.
I am heading to California this weekend for a wedding. The Boy is getting dressed up in a tux because he is one the the groomsmen. I have never seen him in a tuxedo, I am very excited.
Posted by wendy at 07:26 AM | Comments (9)
October 04, 2005
...work series revisited...
About a month ago I did a little work series. I thought it was going to be pretty quite, because summer is notoriously slow for our studio. People can do their photo shoots on location and they don't really need backdrops, but we got a huge job.
Max Vadukul was the photographer for October's Interview. The theme was a play on the movie Incredibles, all the 'incredible' new actors (not sure why Bon Jovi is there, but that is just me). We painted one like a tunnel, and the other an amorphous image of the symbol.
I love Anne Hathaway. Something about her just is so appealing to me, I think it is her smile. It just seems so real.
You can really see the backdrop in this photo. I love Ziyi Zhang too! (We did some backdrops for a 'Memoirs of a Geisha' Vogue shoot - hopefully they will be seen.)
So the second day we worked on the red backdrop.
I am totally loving Kanye. There is so much more to his music that sampling.
We did such a good job on these backdrops considering there was so little time!!
Posted by wendy at 12:01 PM | Comments (3)
October 03, 2005
...lovely light...
Walking to the train this morning there was this sky. The light was lovely and the clouds were reflecting the light beautifully.
I took one photo of these birds in focus, but I liked them sort of soft.
Something about this sky...I don't know...any ideas?
Posted by wendy at 09:40 AM | Comments (2)