Immigrants... we are.

Immigrants and migration - inherently neither good nor bad. Simply natural to the course of time, space and life on this planet. We might appreciate the character of immigrants as we appreciate the simple nature of birds in migration all across the earth.
Here, a slideshow of the 2 editions, Immigrants (ed. of 23) and Immigrants ii (ed. of 25):

Immigrants. 2008. edition of 23. ceramic and satin white glaze. each approx. 2x6xw2 inches.
Immigrants ii. 2008. edition of 25. ceramic and iron oxide coat. each approx. 1x3x1 inches.

Here's a link to more of my images on flickr: link.

C M Y K

The CMYK drawings, 1 through 5. These works are all either single sheets or diptychs at 30 x 22 inches per sheet.

Drawings inspired by the marks of a plotter's color test print.

Could it be that the printing machines we use daily provide a script for the meditation technique of carefully, repeatedly marking on a surface?

For me, this meditation script became a reality. The simple act of careful mark-making with simple colors in simple forms is the theme of these drawings.

The slide show:


Here's the link to flickr for more images of my work: link.

we're moving...

...actually we left, and now we're just in transit. Errr... waiting for realtors and landlords to decide whether we can live in their buildings. Isn't it strange to be in limbo, hoping someone else will let you live where you've decided to live. Let me just add here that it's been torturous for us to view the various available properties (that we can afford to rent) in Denver. Our design over-sensitivities and aesthetic needs make it tough to accept the poorly layed out, poorly lit and poorly finished spaces. We're pretty committed to living in locally functional communities too and it's hard to have all these factors existing at the same time. So, not only are we gritting our teeth as we view the choices we have, we're feeling the strain of, how shall I say, homelessness? transition.

Other news of note: The CMYK drawings have been scanned! This is a particularly large investment for me, so I'm glad they seem to have turned out looking nice. I will put these images onto flickr the next time we're not running amok looking for apartments and work. Then, I'll link them to here! But for now, here's a smaller version of one of the drawings:
CMYK IV. 2008. colored pencil on paper. 44 x 30 inches. diptych.

Also, some images of the ceramic birds I'm calling, Immigrants.

Aren't these images nice? I only say so because I'd like to point out that they were photographed while in the Mod Fab at Taliesin. The previous post, Mod Fab Only describes our work on the project and eventually I'll show you pictures of the finished building. We stayed there a few nights and I must admit that the time spent there is our final ruination before looking at these apartments in Denver! Such a gorgeous and comfortable space with perfect natural light surrounded by the wild desert of Arizona. I shouldn't describe it too much... I don't want my silly words to demote it in any way!

MOD FAB ONLY

I haven't been posting... But, I have been working diligently on the project of priority: Mod Fab at Taliesin West. My partner, Christian Butler, is the manager and principal builder for the project with guidance from Michael P. Johnson and solid assistance from Nick Mancusi. In the last few weeks of 2008 and now the first few of 2009, we are working every day to finish it before the January 16 deadline and opening reception. I've been the detailer - all visible finishes: strictly high expectations and fine attention. These last few days I've been caulking seams and corners and finishing details in and out! I feel like I've got magnifying glasses for eyes... I can't seem to go anywhere without noticing the uneven grout lines in tile and gaps between trim pieces! This pictures don't necessarily indicate my own finishing work, but do show what we've been up to in the last few weeks. Christian dug a large portion of this trench through rocky dirt (the waste line, waterline and electrical run through it at varying depths). I actually have spent the last few days helping with the refilling of the trench. Just before dark this evening, wielding a pick-axe, I happily pulled back in the formerly removed rocky dirt. The whole stretch will now serve as the raised walkway to/from the Mod Fab. Christian is now an expert at laying tile. The project had a beautiful donation of tile from Ceramic Tiles of Italy. All for now, my fingers need rest.

drawings in progress

one segment joint of a larger drawing.

Good lighting is imperative for photos of drawings to come out well, so I won't disgust you with any more photos such as this. I did want to share that there are now 3.5 drawings for the CMYK series in progress. I'll have to post more photos as I take better ones with good light.

This work, read more on the CMYK blog entry in the month of November, is a practice in patient, accurate mark making. I find myself working for hours, amazed by my slow progress, then stunned by the good result. Furthermore, I've decided to develop compositions only based on the original color printer test prints that inspired the first work. I realize there was a quality to the first print and the first drawing that doesn't exist in all print outs from any and all printers. That should be a given... are color test prints an aesthetically purposeful layout of color and form? I'd like to know who decides the orientation, size and color of the marks. Is everything printed solely to orient and reset the printer cartridge?

In either case, I still want to see color test prints. A trip to FedEx Kinko's to inquire of their test prints (wasted paper) ended up with confused looks and finished with, "Sorry... I guess I can't help you." Really? I just want your trash... oh well. I did receive 3 beautiful prints from a friend of mine that struck my aesthetic bone similarly to the first print I found.

And so, I should sum this up to say that I realized the world of color theory and composition in terms of minimalism is continually complex. The journey to satisfaction is long and requires empirical research through practice.

Perfect. I appreciate the practice. This is a welcome addition to my work at large, which addresses the repetition of practice.

Slumdog Millionaire

We went to see this movie last night and we were sad that it had to end. If you're a holiday movie watcher, this is your movie.
Otherwise, watch this movie anyway.
See what movie review website Rotten Tomatoes says : http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/

it's not about race

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the kiln opened this evening after the last firing phase for this project and let it be known that none of my ceramics blew up in the kiln!!! AND they look like these! (20 or so each) This is a very important, document-able moment where the artist is found swelling with tearful joy at the simple discovery of her own work. Also important is that this kind of success inspires new energy for continued work. Thank God.

"I love everybody." -Lyle Lovett

The title of this post refers to my distaste for discussions about Barack Obama's skin color.