Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Single digits
Chicago
Now the that countdown of days until we move is in the single digits, the fear is starting to set in. What if the movers are late? What if there's not enough work to keep me afloat? What if no one sits next to me at lunch? Ok...maybe that's the least of my worries but the thought of leaving Chicago has been sad and nostalgia-inducing. We came to the city with no jobs, using internet cafes (remember those?!) and enjoying our unabashed free time exploring restaurants and neighborhoods. Our view was a peek of the Lake and the southern city skyline; glorious light and voyeuristic opportunities. Nick and I grew together and met new people that changed our lives.
I will miss sitting at Wicker Park's fountain, the endless sea of interesting people to stare and point at during street fairs and the many fond memories of my niece soaking herself silly from the spitting bears at the playground (they spit water, people). To my loyal friends I've shared this fine city with over the years - you will be sorely missed. I've also had the privilege of spending a lot of time with my dad who moved to Chicago last Fall. His adjustment has been a fruitful one with a position at the MCA (he'd love a visit from you!) and lots of time to paint.
For now I crave some sort of semblance of consistency that doesn't involve trekking five flights of stares (our elevator's out of commission - again), vomit at our front entrance or explaining to a street person why I don't have $20 to give them. Yep, they're brazen here.
Ann Arbor
I've been hyper-romanticizing the lushness of Gallup Park, the sleepy hum of cicadas in the summer and easy strolls along Main Street and Top of the Park. I haven't forgotten the drunken stumblers along State or the rowdiness of South U. I look forward to reliving my youthful memories of North Campus and paddle boats on the River. Heck, when we get a car maybe I'll even fly over the speed bumps at Huron for old time's sake.
In 1998 I remember leaving the School of the Art Institute, packing up my dorm and leaving on an Amtrak. I cried watching the skyline growing smaller and more distant. I didn't want to admit defeat or tell myself I wasn't going back. But I knew I wasn't (for financial reasons, art school is damn expensive)! Little did I know that not would I be returning six years later, but to call it home for seven. Since my career will no doubt meander with my interests, I'll be back time and time again. So truly, this isn't about saying good-bye, but more so about appreciating all the moments that we get. As an homage to Chicago and my dear, sweet friends, this week's posts will be dedicated to all the beautiful moments and imagery that have touched me over the last seven years. Thank you for being my friend.
I will miss sitting at Wicker Park's fountain, the endless sea of interesting people to stare and point at during street fairs and the many fond memories of my niece soaking herself silly from the spitting bears at the playground (they spit water, people). To my loyal friends I've shared this fine city with over the years - you will be sorely missed. I've also had the privilege of spending a lot of time with my dad who moved to Chicago last Fall. His adjustment has been a fruitful one with a position at the MCA (he'd love a visit from you!) and lots of time to paint.
For now I crave some sort of semblance of consistency that doesn't involve trekking five flights of stares (our elevator's out of commission - again), vomit at our front entrance or explaining to a street person why I don't have $20 to give them. Yep, they're brazen here.
Ann Arbor
I've been hyper-romanticizing the lushness of Gallup Park, the sleepy hum of cicadas in the summer and easy strolls along Main Street and Top of the Park. I haven't forgotten the drunken stumblers along State or the rowdiness of South U. I look forward to reliving my youthful memories of North Campus and paddle boats on the River. Heck, when we get a car maybe I'll even fly over the speed bumps at Huron for old time's sake.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Activating a Space
Some people are afraid of color. I'm not. (Probably to the point where I should stop dressing like a three year old who picked out her outfit in the dark, but that's besides the point). In terms of truly changing a space, there are few things more effective than splashing the area with high intensity color. With a tweak of blue here and a dash of yellow there, hues of red and pink are activated. Here's an obvious example of what I'm talking about.
It wouldn't have to be large, just well thought out and strategically placed in an area that gets non-direct daylight (you wouldn't want the effect to be washed out). Then put an elegant frame over it with an open back and voila! - instant charm.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Detroit on the Rise
About seven years ago, I was introduced to The Heidelberg Project, an outdoor art installation project that's taken over a block on the east side of Detroit. (At the time, it was not even at the height of its sprawl due to scale backs and demolition by the city, a continuous battle that's been happening since it's conception in 1986). Abandoned homes and spaces were reclaimed and beautified by paint and objects on the buildings, streets and sidewalks. Tyree Guyton, the artist responsible has continued the process and is receiving even more attention than ever. Check out this call for work from UM's gallery in Detroit inspired by the Heidelberg Project.
OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES
City of Pieces: Street Interventions
curated by Beth Diamond
October 21 – November 18, 2011
reception October 21. 6-9pm
Twenty-five years ago, Tyree Guyton responded to the decay and abandonment of his eastside childhood neighborhood by transforming what had been considered garbage into a two-block long environmental artscape infused with energy, social critique and vision. Declared to be the “spiritual godfather of the Detroit grassroots art scene” by the Detroit Free Press, Guyton has inspired other visionaries to be urban bricoleurs – remaking the city from the pieces left behind. All over Detroit alternative arts and architectures have been emerging which challenge the ways people are now looking at the city.
This is an open call to street artists and photographers working in and around Detroit to contribute documentation of your work: images, videos, gallery maquettes and/ or installations for the Exhibit City of Pieces: Street Interventions to be held at Work•Detroit Gallery.
The work exhibited must exist outside traditional art venues – in the everyday corners of the world. This includes all forms of both sanctioned and guerilla street art including: murals, assemblages, constructions, graffiti, conceptual and performance art that are reflective of life in Detroit.
TO SUBMIT
http://art-design.umich.edu/exhibitions/submit/city_of_pieces_street_interventions
work • detroit is a unique space for the sharing of creative process and an integral component of the University of Michigan School of Art & Design. work • detroit presents the work of student, faculty, alumni, as well as local, national, and internationally prominent thinkers and makers. The underlying mission of work • detroit is to explore and define lines of creative connection between the University of Michigan, Detroit, and beyond.
work • detroit | University of Michigan School of Art & Design
3663 Woodward Avenue | Detroit, MI 48201
313.593.0940
http://art-design.umich.edu/exhibitions/work_detroit
gallery hours | T - Sa 11-4 during exhibits
OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES
City of Pieces: Street Interventions
curated by Beth Diamond
October 21 – November 18, 2011
reception October 21. 6-9pm
Twenty-five years ago, Tyree Guyton responded to the decay and abandonment of his eastside childhood neighborhood by transforming what had been considered garbage into a two-block long environmental artscape infused with energy, social critique and vision. Declared to be the “spiritual godfather of the Detroit grassroots art scene” by the Detroit Free Press, Guyton has inspired other visionaries to be urban bricoleurs – remaking the city from the pieces left behind. All over Detroit alternative arts and architectures have been emerging which challenge the ways people are now looking at the city.
This is an open call to street artists and photographers working in and around Detroit to contribute documentation of your work: images, videos, gallery maquettes and/ or installations for the Exhibit City of Pieces: Street Interventions to be held at Work•Detroit Gallery.
The work exhibited must exist outside traditional art venues – in the everyday corners of the world. This includes all forms of both sanctioned and guerilla street art including: murals, assemblages, constructions, graffiti, conceptual and performance art that are reflective of life in Detroit.
TO SUBMIT
http://art-design.umich.edu/exhibitions/submit/city_of_pieces_street_interventions
work • detroit is a unique space for the sharing of creative process and an integral component of the University of Michigan School of Art & Design. work • detroit presents the work of student, faculty, alumni, as well as local, national, and internationally prominent thinkers and makers. The underlying mission of work • detroit is to explore and define lines of creative connection between the University of Michigan, Detroit, and beyond.
work • detroit | University of Michigan School of Art & Design
3663 Woodward Avenue | Detroit, MI 48201
313.593.0940
http://art-design.umich.edu/exhibitions/work_detroit
gallery hours | T - Sa 11-4 during exhibits
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Mural in the Name of Love
There is something just absolutely wholesome and endearing about this video proposal. Besides the fact that he obviously went through a lot of trouble and time (not to mention his assistants' time), the subject matter of the blossoming tree with Scrabble pieces was such an original and (probably personal) touch. Congratulations are in order!
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