Yup! The Mythbusters chick makes some pretty cool art when she's not blowing stuff up on television. I "bing"ed her the other day for some unrelated reason (I wanted to see who her baby-daddy is because I've always thought her and Grant had a thing for each other...I was wrong) and came across her art website.
One of the most impressive things I found on her sight was the artist statement. Two sentences.
"My work quarantines the world into a more manageable space. The focus is the process, each
piece is a meditation in my desire for a simple understanding of the daily white noise."
How great would it be to say everything you need to say in two sentences?!
I can't figure out how to get the images off the site to put on here. That's probably on purpose. But anyway, she creates a lot of small sculptural pieces using found materials, wood, metal. Little shadow box-looking ones, portraits. Some of them are really great! So check out the site!!
What I like about the work is that it's very personal. And that it serves a purpose for the artist as she uses art as a form of meditation. I'm also interested in the use of found objects.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the site just because I've only ever heard of Byron on television. I like to think that everyone has an artistic side, even if it's not the side that we normally see.
Byron has a BA in film and sculpture from San Francisco State University...but I would never have known that.
Other random note: She was only originally put on the show because they needed a butt model. Nice start.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
some initial(somewhat random) thoughts on jewelry
I don't have answers to a lot of the questions about why I'm so attracted to jewelry and decoration. Probably because I've never needed them. So here's where I'll try to explain, figure out, uncover the reasons for the attraction. This is the first part...
I tried to remember what initially attracted me to jewelry, but I don’t really think it was my decision at all. I’ve been wearing jewelry since before I can remember. My ears were pierced when I was a baby. Both of my parents have always worn jewelry so I guess it was natural for them to put it on me as well. Putting on a necklace or earrings was just as much a part of getting ready as putting on a jacket or shoes was. It’s not anything I ever even considered questioning until now.
When I was small my dad would always buy me little rings, usually with my birthstone in them. For some reason that seemed important to him- maybe because it’s something we have in common. I remember when we’d go to the back counter where he would purchase my rings and I would get to choose what pretty little box I wanted to take the ring home in. It was in the back of some sort of drugstore, but that part never seemed strange. Sometimes I got to choose the pieces that I wanted, other times they were a surprise.
For me, the processes of collecting and decorating go hand in hand. In my house (mainly my room and my mother’s room), the jewelry is very much a part of the décor, and therefore the environment. When I was younger my mom used to keep all of her dangly earrings on large doilies that were hung on the wall next to her bed. There were three of them; one giant one in the center with a smaller one flanking either side. I remember how beautiful they looked with all of the beads and metals against the lacey backdrop of the doilies. The pattern would change ever so slightly when she removed a pair to wear, and again when she put them back or got something new. My own earrings now hang from a piece of lace fabric that’s draped over one side of my dresser.
part of the earring collection
Over time, I’ve found my own style. I don’t necessarily wear the same sort of jewelry that either of my parents do. I’ve probably even acquired different reasons for wearing jewelry along the way. But if I had to guess, I’d say that in the same way the display of my jewelry mimics that of my mother’s; my parents are where the obsession started.
I tried to remember what initially attracted me to jewelry, but I don’t really think it was my decision at all. I’ve been wearing jewelry since before I can remember. My ears were pierced when I was a baby. Both of my parents have always worn jewelry so I guess it was natural for them to put it on me as well. Putting on a necklace or earrings was just as much a part of getting ready as putting on a jacket or shoes was. It’s not anything I ever even considered questioning until now.
When I was small my dad would always buy me little rings, usually with my birthstone in them. For some reason that seemed important to him- maybe because it’s something we have in common. I remember when we’d go to the back counter where he would purchase my rings and I would get to choose what pretty little box I wanted to take the ring home in. It was in the back of some sort of drugstore, but that part never seemed strange. Sometimes I got to choose the pieces that I wanted, other times they were a surprise.
I still have the small, heart-shaped crystal charm that has “Macie” engraved across the front. I don’t remember what the occasion was anymore, I just remember that it was one of my favorite things at the time, and somehow it’s survived various moves and remained part of my collection. It's never in any special place, it's always just somewhere. I'm usually surprised every time I discover it. Although I can't seem to recall its importance, I know that it was. And so, in a way, it still is.
For me, the processes of collecting and decorating go hand in hand. In my house (mainly my room and my mother’s room), the jewelry is very much a part of the décor, and therefore the environment. When I was younger my mom used to keep all of her dangly earrings on large doilies that were hung on the wall next to her bed. There were three of them; one giant one in the center with a smaller one flanking either side. I remember how beautiful they looked with all of the beads and metals against the lacey backdrop of the doilies. The pattern would change ever so slightly when she removed a pair to wear, and again when she put them back or got something new. My own earrings now hang from a piece of lace fabric that’s draped over one side of my dresser.
part of the earring collection
Over time, I’ve found my own style. I don’t necessarily wear the same sort of jewelry that either of my parents do. I’ve probably even acquired different reasons for wearing jewelry along the way. But if I had to guess, I’d say that in the same way the display of my jewelry mimics that of my mother’s; my parents are where the obsession started.
Katie's room (my mom)
my room
Monday, October 26, 2009
what try's a charm? artist statement #4
A project always begins with a general sift through the contents of my archive of objects- an ever-evolving collection of everything from photographic images to fabrics, books, paints, beads, ribbons, papers, broken bits of things and everything in between. Sometimes I have an idea in mind and can search through the materials to see if anything fits the idea. Other times it’s the reverse, and the materials that I have on hand inspire the idea and a starting point is created that way. I use what I already have and seek to find what I don’t, and in that way my resources are constantly being altered and added to.
My fascination with creating started out in the form of arts & crafts projects when I was a young child and the interest grew as I did; I’ve been attracted to art in one way or another for as long as I can remember. Growing up, there was always a spot in my house that was dedicated to all the artsy sorts of materials. The “craft closet,” as it was cleverly coined, was a space that I would go to at the onset of boredom to see if I could turn the contents into something fantastic. As I explored these materials I discovered that I could create objects to define my own space- a painting for my room, a bracelet for my wrist.
I’m interested in the ways in which art and objects can define us or our space; what we choose to wear on our bodies, what we decide to display in our homes, and what we create for ourselves or for other people. I’m currently exploring the functionality of jewelry. What it might be, or if it even has one. I am creating pieces that are designed with a specific purpose in mind, not to be only decoration for the body. If jewelry could serve a purpose, what would it be? Is jewelry, by definition, purely ornamental? If these objects become functional, do they cease to be jewelry?
My fascination with creating started out in the form of arts & crafts projects when I was a young child and the interest grew as I did; I’ve been attracted to art in one way or another for as long as I can remember. Growing up, there was always a spot in my house that was dedicated to all the artsy sorts of materials. The “craft closet,” as it was cleverly coined, was a space that I would go to at the onset of boredom to see if I could turn the contents into something fantastic. As I explored these materials I discovered that I could create objects to define my own space- a painting for my room, a bracelet for my wrist.
I’m interested in the ways in which art and objects can define us or our space; what we choose to wear on our bodies, what we decide to display in our homes, and what we create for ourselves or for other people. I’m currently exploring the functionality of jewelry. What it might be, or if it even has one. I am creating pieces that are designed with a specific purpose in mind, not to be only decoration for the body. If jewelry could serve a purpose, what would it be? Is jewelry, by definition, purely ornamental? If these objects become functional, do they cease to be jewelry?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
artist statement, third try
My fascination with creating started out in the form of arts & crafts projects when I was a young child and the interest grew as I did; I’ve been attracted to art in one way or another for as long as I can remember. Growing up, there was always a spot in my house that was dedicated to all the arts and crafts materials. The latest of these spaces was cleverly coined “The Craft Closet.”
The craft closet probably started out as a single drawer or maybe a box of some sort...somewhere where all of the "crafty" materials in the house could be kept all together. When I was younger I would investigate the contents of the craft drawer/box when I was bored to see if I could turn them into anything fantastic.
I am captivated by jewelry and decoration. As I explored my materials, I discovered that I could create my own things to define my personal space- a painting for my room, a bracelet for my wrist. I’m interested in the ways in which art can define us; what we choose to wear on our bodies, what we decide to display in our homes, and what we create for ourselves or for other people.
I have a tendency to pick things up and put them back down on a whim. I don’t necessarily always finish the pieces that I start. For this reason, I like things that can be worked on in stages or on the go- things that can be stashed away in a drawer with the possibility of being unearthed some time later with fresh potential- or things that may be completed over a short period of time so that I might move onto the next. My favorite pieces are probably the ones that can do either.
I’m interested in exploring the possibilities of what is already at hand. Pretty much anything that looks like it was or ever could be something of interest makes its way into an ever-evolving collection of everything from photographic images to fabrics, books, paints, beads, ribbons, pretty papers, plain papers, broken jewelry and anything in between. A lot of these items will probably never be turned into anything else. But I find myself holding on to them anyways because I can never be sure.
A project always begins with a general sift through the contents of the archive to see if there is anything that can be used to support whatever it is I’m working on. Sometimes I have an idea in mind and can search through the materials to see if anything fits the idea. Other times it’s the reverse, and the materials that I have on hand inspire the idea and a starting point is created that way. I use what I already have and seek to find what I don’t, and in that way my resources are constantly being altered and added to.
I’m currently curious about the functionality of jewelry. What it might be, or if it even has one. I am creating pieces that are designed with a specific purpose in mind, not to be only decoration for the body. If jewelry could serve a purpose, what would it be? Is jewelry, by definition, purely ornamental? If these objects become functional, do they cease to be jewelry?
As a whole, I view art as a form of expression and individuality. It is not something that can be explained in terms of wrong or right like math or language or science so it becomes particular not only to the person creating it, but also to the people that are interacting with it. The possibilities are infinite because the dynamics are altered with each person that encounters a certain piece of work. Art is something that doesn’t necessarily have boundaries because it doesn’t depend on words to define it, but rather individual experiences and points of view.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
anthony gormley: one and other.*
I ran across Anthony Gormley's most recent project while browing the GOOD website (which is something pretty sweet all by itself.)
One and Other is a piece that has been going on since July, and will continue into next week (100 days total). The basics of the piece are that every hour, a different person is brought to a platform above Trafalgar Square in London. For exactly one hour, that person is allowed to do whatever he or she wants to do. Some people make art, some sing, others campaign for their favorite organizations. One man dressed in a ninja suit and knitted during his hour. This has been going on all day, every day since July 6th. At the end of the hour a cherry picker raises up to retrieve the last participant and drop off the next one. Random selection chose who would take part in this project. 2,400 participants were chosen out of over 32,000 applicants.
Other works of Gormley's include large-scale public sculptures which focus on explorations of the human body and the relationships between "self and other." According to Gormley's biography his work "has revitalised the human image in sculpture through a radical investigation of the body as a place of memory and transformation, using his own body as subject, tool and material."
Bodies In Space, 2001
Clearing IV, 2005
Flare, 2007
For this work Gormley aimed to create a “portrait of the U.K. now” that offers “the chance for you and I to have a look at the world from the point of view of art.” To ensure that the events are accessable worldwide, there is a live feed that shows what is happening hour by hour. You can also read about the people that are participating and their own interpretations of how they spent their hour.
I could prattle on about how cool I think this project is, but it's probably better if you all look for yourselves...
The roof of Sage is flat, no?
One and Other is a piece that has been going on since July, and will continue into next week (100 days total). The basics of the piece are that every hour, a different person is brought to a platform above Trafalgar Square in London. For exactly one hour, that person is allowed to do whatever he or she wants to do. Some people make art, some sing, others campaign for their favorite organizations. One man dressed in a ninja suit and knitted during his hour. This has been going on all day, every day since July 6th. At the end of the hour a cherry picker raises up to retrieve the last participant and drop off the next one. Random selection chose who would take part in this project. 2,400 participants were chosen out of over 32,000 applicants.
Other works of Gormley's include large-scale public sculptures which focus on explorations of the human body and the relationships between "self and other." According to Gormley's biography his work "has revitalised the human image in sculpture through a radical investigation of the body as a place of memory and transformation, using his own body as subject, tool and material."
Bodies In Space, 2001
Clearing IV, 2005
Flare, 2007
For this work Gormley aimed to create a “portrait of the U.K. now” that offers “the chance for you and I to have a look at the world from the point of view of art.” To ensure that the events are accessable worldwide, there is a live feed that shows what is happening hour by hour. You can also read about the people that are participating and their own interpretations of how they spent their hour.
I could prattle on about how cool I think this project is, but it's probably better if you all look for yourselves...
The roof of Sage is flat, no?
"I, I, I..." am not a fan of artist statements*
It started out in the form of arts & crafts projects when I was a young child and the interest grew as I did; I’ve been attracted to art in one way or another for as long as I can remember. I’ve always enjoyed the art classes that I took in school as well as visiting museum and art shows. Eventually I started to make art for myself as well, without needing to be told to do so.
I’ve always been fascinated by jewelry and decoration. Eventually I discovered that I could create my own things to define my personal space- a painting for my room, a bracelet for my wrist. I’m interested in the ways in which art can define us; what we choose to wear on our bodies, what we decide to display in our homes, and what we create for ourselves or for other people.
I have a tendency to pick things up and put them back down on a whim, and bounce from one thing to another rather than having any sort of clear cut goal in mind. For this reason, I like things that can be worked on in stages or on the go- things that can be stashed away in a drawer with the possibility of being unearthed some time later with fresh potential- or things that may be completed over a short period of time so that I might move onto the next. My favorite pieces are probably the ones that can do either.
I’m interested in exploring the possibilities of what is already at hand. Pretty much anything that looks like it was or ever could be something of interest makes its way into an ever-evolving collection of everything from photographic images to fabrics, books, paints, beads, ribbons, pretty papers, plain papers, broken jewelry and anything in between. A project always begins with a general sift through the contents of the archive to see if there is anything that can be used to support whatever it is I’m working on. There usually is- and then I try to figure out the rest from there. I use what I already have and seek to find what I don’t, and in that way my resources are constantly being altered and added to.
I’ve always been fascinated by jewelry and decoration. Eventually I discovered that I could create my own things to define my personal space- a painting for my room, a bracelet for my wrist. I’m interested in the ways in which art can define us; what we choose to wear on our bodies, what we decide to display in our homes, and what we create for ourselves or for other people.
I have a tendency to pick things up and put them back down on a whim, and bounce from one thing to another rather than having any sort of clear cut goal in mind. For this reason, I like things that can be worked on in stages or on the go- things that can be stashed away in a drawer with the possibility of being unearthed some time later with fresh potential- or things that may be completed over a short period of time so that I might move onto the next. My favorite pieces are probably the ones that can do either.
I’m interested in exploring the possibilities of what is already at hand. Pretty much anything that looks like it was or ever could be something of interest makes its way into an ever-evolving collection of everything from photographic images to fabrics, books, paints, beads, ribbons, pretty papers, plain papers, broken jewelry and anything in between. A project always begins with a general sift through the contents of the archive to see if there is anything that can be used to support whatever it is I’m working on. There usually is- and then I try to figure out the rest from there. I use what I already have and seek to find what I don’t, and in that way my resources are constantly being altered and added to.
The measure of “good” art and aesthetics is subjective so I strive to create work that is general enough to be accessed by others, but specific enough to relate back to myself. As a whole, I view art as a form of expression and individuality. It is not something that can be explained in terms of wrong or right like math or language or science so it becomes particular not only to the person creating it, but also to the people that are interacting with it. The possibilities are infinite because the dynamics are altered with each person that encounters a certain piece of work. Art is something that doesn’t necessarily have boundaries because it doesn’t depend on words to define it, but rather individual experiences and points of view.
the illusion.
the latest play from todd theatre opens tomorrow @ 8 pm & runs until october 17th. you should all check it out!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
elizabeth andrews.
Elizabeth Andrews is a Roycroft Renaissance Artist who shows year-round at various festivals and galleries around New York State and a few surrounding areas.
"The Roycroft Arts & Crafts colony was established in 1895 by Elbert Hubbard in East Aurora, New York. It was established to reform manufacturing in America by preserving age-old crafts skills of both Europe and America that were dying a rapid death in the face of Industrial Revolution factory production. The Roycrofters were concerned with how things were made; prizing the infinite variety found in hand hammered, chiseled, tooled, and wrought artistic goods. Most of all they were concerned with the welfare and preservation of the craftsperson, knowing full well that people content in their work are happy, active, and positive participants in society. Over one hundred years later, this American Arts & Crafts institution is still alive. "
She is an etching and print artist who writes and illustrates stories. I love the way the colors in the work create a scene that is reminiscent of a memory or a dream. I like the fact that although the images usually accompany a story, they stand on their own as individual pieces.
The images are drawn on copper and zinc plates and handprinted using oil-based inks. Each individual inking yields a single print, which "enables me to make multiple prints that are all originals."
Andrews' website includes a lot of personal information and stories which is something that I'm attracted to because I'm interested in the personal connection that people have to artwork. I also like that she keeps an archive of "retired" plates so that there is always a running record of all of her work.
"The Roycroft Arts & Crafts colony was established in 1895 by Elbert Hubbard in East Aurora, New York. It was established to reform manufacturing in America by preserving age-old crafts skills of both Europe and America that were dying a rapid death in the face of Industrial Revolution factory production. The Roycrofters were concerned with how things were made; prizing the infinite variety found in hand hammered, chiseled, tooled, and wrought artistic goods. Most of all they were concerned with the welfare and preservation of the craftsperson, knowing full well that people content in their work are happy, active, and positive participants in society. Over one hundred years later, this American Arts & Crafts institution is still alive. "
She is an etching and print artist who writes and illustrates stories. I love the way the colors in the work create a scene that is reminiscent of a memory or a dream. I like the fact that although the images usually accompany a story, they stand on their own as individual pieces.
The images are drawn on copper and zinc plates and handprinted using oil-based inks. Each individual inking yields a single print, which "enables me to make multiple prints that are all originals."
Andrews' website includes a lot of personal information and stories which is something that I'm attracted to because I'm interested in the personal connection that people have to artwork. I also like that she keeps an archive of "retired" plates so that there is always a running record of all of her work.
From top to bottom:
*Ogre Baby
*Elephant
*Saturady Night? Oh, I'm Sorry, That's the Night I Wash My Hair
*Sea Escape Seascape
*Toad Race
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