Image Transfer experiments

Paper Stencil Tile #1

Paper Stencil Tile#2

Paper Stencil Tile #3

Paper Stencils on Clay Tiles

Paper stencil on clay (detail)

 I have been exploring different ways of image transfer onto a clay surface. I have been using paper stencils that I cut out from my drawings. So far these work well for a basic shape but not for detail work, plus cutting the paper is very tedious and time consuming. I have found that Tyvek paper is better  than newsprint because you can reuse the stencil multiple times. I am researching screen printing on clay this should let me put in more detail. I have done plenty of lino/wood cut and etching but very little screen printing. In fact my only experience was in 7th grade when I made my own note paper (lines and all) now that was something to see!  I wonder if I still have any,  maybe I could use it to write this residency summary that I am procrastinating on? hmmmm....

Shirts!

First two forms

Form inspired by my father's Naval service

Warrior form

The four "shirts" together

During a bit of cleaning I found a box of old clothing patterns that I've collected from the 1970's and 80's. I have wanted to incorporate these into my work for a while but had not found a way until now.  I chose to work with a child's shirt pattern from a 1970's outfit.  I made a scaled down version of the pattern to create a simple shirt form. I then added details such as collars, pockets, buttons, military service ribbons, rank insignia and armor. I wanted to give each one it's own personality and animation to the form. So far I'm up to four "shirts" and plan to keep going, eventually making some life size ones. These images are of the unfired, unglazed pieces. I am still working on how to finish them, if I want to glaze them or paint them or what but I'm not worried I'm sure it'll come to me. I plan to explore other patterns and forms such as jumpers, dresses, blouses and pants and see where it leads. This is not what I had planned from my first project after returning from the residency but I am just going to go with it!

AIB June 2012 Residency

Wall Drawing, Encaustic Monoprints, "39"

Having just returned from my last residency I am trying to digest all the feedback on my work and ideas as well as develop a plan on how to move forward this semester. I feel that I am finally moving in the right direction with my work.  The decision to return to clay is a large part of this. I am so glad that I took the advice of my previous advisor and moved out of my comfort zone by experimenting with materials I was unfamiliar with. Because of this I am now able to bring a whole new perspective to my ceramic work and I can not wait to see where this all leads!

Whitney Biennial 2012

Untitled, 2011 Kai Althoff

Untitled, 2011, Liz Deschenes

The Seasons, 1957, Lee Krasner

I was very lucky to have a chance to get down to the city and see the Whitney Biennial last month. It was an amazing experience and I have posted a few images from the exhibit. I wish I could of taken more photos but in many rooms it was not allowed. But by far my favorite part was the space dedicated to Agnes Martins large "white" paintings. I have posted a few images above for you all to enjoy!

 

Letter circles

"What is not to be"

"What is not to be", Detail

For the better part of this semester I have been using the content of a letter written to me from my Mother. This was written when I had just left home to begin my Air Force career and my mother was expressing her loss over her "little girl being all grown up" and "spreading her wings".  This letter marks a crucial turning point in both our lives. Our relationship would never be the same again. Over the subsequent years we have tried to maintain our bond but it has been tenuous at best.  This has made me realize that sometimes what is lost it can never be regained.
Using the actual letter as the material  or this work I copied, shredded, cut and formed the paper into circles then dipped these circles into wax. I joined these "letter circles" by crocheting them to each other creating a dangling web like structure. I choose to use crochet for two reasons; first because it was my mothers craft of choice when I was a child and second because she never taught me how to crochet, I learned by using tutorial internet videos. The relationship between the content of the letter and the fact that she did not pass on this traditional women's craft before I left home to make my own way in the world is a key component of this piece. 

Residency Drawings

Wall Drawing

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

 Detail 4

 During my time at the VSC I gave myself a daily drawing exercise to get the creative juices flowing. I put up a roll of drawing paper that was about 4' tall x 20' long. Every day I would start my studio time with the drawing, using whatever medium was handy.  Also whenever I had a "block" or was waiting for another work to dry or my hot box to heat up I would work on the drawing until I was ready to get back to my "real" work.  A funny thing happened during this process. My drawing project ended up being one of my favorite things I did during the residency! I guess there is something to just letting go!

VSC Residency

Studio View

Triptych, Untitled

Today was my second day the the Vermont Studio Center. So far it has been a productive residency. I am amazed at how much I am able to accomplish here. Without distractions and demands I am quite prolific! I am working a few pieces that have been floating around in my head for the last month. As well as trying out some new ones.  When I set up my space I hung a roll of drawing paper around the perimeter of the room. I am going to use this for my daily expressive drawings and for a way to work through any creative blocks. The studio here is spacious and I have a wonderful view!