Austere

Month or so into grad school and still little structure/routine in my life. I've learned to cope. It's getting better, summer has waned but I'm still extremely scatter brained. Ideas are everywhere, seems I can't get it out before another one spawns. Can't complain, but, I could use some organization system. I suppose to I could get back into the habit of filling my sketchbook. Shamefully, it's been awhile since I've crack it. I guess I've discounted it's value. which as cost me a lot. Instead of using the space in the sketchbook I just jump right into the real deal. In conclusion, I cut corners and it usually affects the magnitude of the work. It's similar to a carpenter measuring only once. The difference? I can 'cut twice' with the dip of some gesso and the slide of a brush I can start anew. But, I lack efficiency and my practical side cringes. At any rate, I'm currently taking a break from a long day in the studio. Sitting outside the McFarlin Library and basking in the sun, this is what I'm listening to, seeking inspiration, and perhaps daydreaming a bit:

The Joy Formidable - Austere from TJF Fan on Vimeo.

Hopefully I'll post some new work sooner than later. Right now my camera is out of reach and I have yet to charge the batteries. If you're really interested swing by the studio, bring some coffee. . .

Sweet September

September is here! Time flies even when you tuck in late and rise early. I don't wish for eternal life, just longer days. I've just started settling in my studio. Last night I was up there working, it's motivating. I can't wait to fill the walls with paintings and prints. I have also started to pick up a routine. After days and several emails, I was finally able to meet with my painting professor. He gave me some beginning assignments, the pressure is on:
1 painting about light
1 painting about space
1 painting about color
1 painting about surface/picture plane
1 painting about form-forms in the painting and the painting as a form1 panting about textural mark
1 painting with pigmented mark (variations on pointillist mark)
1 study pre 20th century artist (Titian, El Greco, Courbet, Chardin, Velasquez, Rembrandt, etc)
1 study post 20th cebnt. artist (Cezanne, Matisse, Southine, Bonnard, Diebenkorn etc.)
1 self-portrait
1 tell a story with paint/pigment
1 make a painting that is descriptive1 make a painting that is dynamic or aggressive
1 make a a painting that is passive
1 make a painting utilizing a grid

The time line? "About 2 weeks" WOW! really? I feel like I'm a week behind but it does feel good to have some structure.

Well, game on, off to paint. I'll keep you posted on my endeavors.

Home

Well, we're about to kiss August goodbye and I've just started to settle in to my new place. Zola and I rose early and headed over to the farmers market. Second Saturday was a hit. We arrived a little later than last weekend and caught some live music. It was just right outside. The sun was rising and there was a cool breeze. It seems summer is also packing it's things and preparing to hit the road for awhile.

I've concluded the first week of graduate school, so far, so good. I'm still in the dark about several things but the path feels right. I have my own studio on campus which will serve as a second bedroom/home-away-from home. I'm ready to get my hands dirty!

I also completed a week of work over at the museum. It's a retail job, and part time so it has also been an adjustment. I've found the best remedy is keeping a book within arm's reach. Between work and school, I'm about to lose 'personal time' which means this blog my dwindle to a few post a month. I would like to redirect the post to my graduate work. The process, my thoughts and their derivation along with contemporary studies. It's crucial to delve into the scene and I plan to use this blog as an outlet. Stay tuned for some originals. The studio is primed and ready. In the meantime, some 'iPhone shots' from the beginning of my Tulsa Time:The birth of Zola. Lazy days with the pooch. A snippet from one of Tulsa's many bike trails. Right now I am without a cycle and I feel disconnected. I tried to buy a trunk mounted rack to haul my bike but I wasn't satisfied. I should have planned better. I am now waiting, impatiently, for someone to deliver my bike to me. It's excruciating. The weather is exceptional and I'm missing out! Naked ladies everywhere! A piece from TU. A final note-words of wisdom.

OKIE STUDIOS

Hi! It's been too long. Apologies. Things have been/are hectic. Last night I spent my first night in Tulsa. It's still a bit surreal. I feel like an outsider looking in, starry eyed. Today was graduate student orientation and my first day back to work. I quit my last job August 6th and since then it's been ridiculous. I'm not sure when summer officially ends but I'm called it last weekend. Last weekend was my send off. Four consecutive days dancin', drinkin' and merrimakin' takes it's toll in more ways than one. I'm ready to buckle down. Summer 2010 has been the best. Seriously. Lots of cupcakes. My best friends in Norman at the same time! Sunday nights swingin' to Hosty. Good debates with the guys from OU Law. Summer flings! Fireworks! Professional Photoshoots! My last evening in Norman, I had a photo shoot with Bill Richards of Okie Studios. He is one of the terrific bartenders from the Deli and he just shines through the camera! He is super professional and I was thrilled to work with him! I don't usually enjoy being photograph. In fact, I didn't even have professional senior photos made. Luckily, I have a completely different attitude than the one that hung over me back then. This shoot was delightful. Bill is an amazing artist. His attention to detail and concept development is top notch. He is a whiz with the computer! This was our final take. When I asked him if I needed to bring anything he replied, "bring a smile and anything that screams 'you'" What is more fitting that an chainsaw? "Little Red, Riding Bill!" Out for blood!

Did this really happen? How can I top it? How about with intensive graduate work? Believe it or not, I'm a bit homesick. I miss my house a bit. My yard. I need to mow, or do I? I miss my bike (it should be here soon and I can't wait to hit the trails). I miss the Deli and I'm going to miss my crew. Time to establish a new one!

Zola and I took a stroll through Maple Park this evening. It's blocks away from my digs and it was at this moment: the sun setting on the Tulsa Skyline (just over the park) with my best buddy, that I knew this was home. I can't wait to start classes Monday. I have lots to do to the apartment. Look forward to photos. I am quite scatterbrained these days (as you can probably tell) so don't hold your breath but it will happen. . .eventually. Since I'm not sitting at a desk eight hours a day (day in-day out) I find little time to blog. I'm hoping that once I establish a routine here in the 918, I'll be better at posting. I look forward to my latest endeavors and I can't wait to share them with you! Farmer's market this weekend (it's walking distance!) and garage sailing. Join me if you're in the neighborhood! Toodles!

My Best

It's August! I can't believe it. So much to do and it's already the 4th! My days in Norman are numbered and I've already got work lined up in Tulsa. I start a part time gig up at the Gilcrease August 19. I can't wait to jump, head first, into the art program but I'm still a but worried about finances. The last few days have been blurry. Since last weekend, I feel as though I'm viewing myself from above. I can't coordinate my body with my mind and it's been fairly rough getting things done. Last weekend was full of activities and drama. Perhaps, that's why I'm feeling odd. I'm trying to repair. Luckily, my three best friends were in tow. I wish they were around more often but as we've grown up, we all have busy schedules and endless responsibilities. We also live in different cities which makes it tough.JME. Carmen. Me. KC

We spent Saturday afternoon/evening together and it was just like old times. I wish they could have hung around longer, it was an emotional and fulfilling weekend but I could use them this week/month. Good friends are hard to find and I'm lucky to have held on to these throughout the years. Many more to come. Love you girls!

Across the Pond

I wish I were across the pond at this moment, this weekend. I need a break in culture. I have lots of family in from out of town and it's going to be a busy weekend. We've all docked here in Norman to witness my brother take his vows and buckle his shackles. Bottoms up!

While we're on the subject of bottles, I created this design for an t-shirt contest. Check out the details here. I had several ideas but this is the one that came to life digitally. It would be nice to have my work printed and marketed but I just like opportunities to design and fool around with CS4.

It's going to be a busy weekend. I'll be out of pocket most of August. Moving, adjusting and playing. Consider my absense a sign of living. I'll be posting sporadically but if you're really interested and it's convienent, meet me face to face. I'm planing to submerge myself in art. A life of Asceticism. While I may not physically be 'across the pond' I'll be way beyond that in my studies for the next three years. With one more week of work, things are starting to sting with reality. I'd like to see you and yours, this weekend?

Amish Friendship Bread

Ten days ago I was sitting at my desk, starving, wishing I had grabbed that banana from the fruit basket. Low and behold, one of my coworkers came in with a hearty, loaf of Amish Friendship bread. Much to my surprise, there was a catch. In order to partake, I had to agree to take the 'starter bag' and follow the prescribed instructions. Yesterday marked the baking day. If you haven't heard or tasted Amish Friendship bread, I highly suggest seeking out an avenue for a starter bag. Rumor has it, only the Amish know how to create a starter bag but I'm sure if you really want to crash the party you could just google it (damn technology). It's a yeast bread so there's a process and division to keep the cycle churning and cranking out loaves. I like to think the yeast in my bread was created from yeast that has traveled many years and through exotic destinations. So romantic. This morning, I hit the unfortunate 'bagels for the office' day so the bread was left untouched. I decided to cut pieces and take it to the various offices around the Law School. Everyone took it without hesitation and responded positively. Smiles and friendship, I felt I had done the bread and the Amish right. Success!