ashley's journey

2011-07-26T11:56:00.001-06:00

2011-04-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

Right next to my school this building was being torn down. It was fascinating to see such a massive structure falling apart. The insides became a beautiful pattern of concrete and wiry lines. No longer a closed off box the building was an art form on its own.

2011-04-29T15:52:00.001-06:00

I just finished my first year of graduate school, well almost...a couple of papers are waiting to be written. How convenient that I start blogging again! A good reason to procrastinate. Looking back at what I've created, I never would have imagined some of the things I've made. Reflecting on my work, I'm realizing that what I've created has taught me a lot about myself. I still have questions to tackle and the only way to find the answers is....make more work. That was this years most important lesson. It's easy to get caught up in thinking, reading, and talking but what it comes down to is making. This summer will be crucial to narrowing in on a concept and beginning to plan for my thesis show. I have so many ideas so hopefully one of them can grow into something strong.

2011-04-29T14:49:00.001-06:00

Jersey Shore...

2011-03-29T19:57:00.001-06:00

DSC05811, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

During spring break my roommate and I had a one day get a way. We drove to historic Asbury Park, NJ to photograph the boardwalk buildings. They're currently in a state of decay but that will change soon. The community is on an upswing and charming already. We stayed overnight at the Berkely Ocean Front Hotel. We're definitely going back! When the weather warms up there will be swimming. Lots of swimming.

More to come?

2011-02-02T07:20:00.001-06:00

This was from last weeks storm but the blizzard out west has got me wondering if there's more on the way. My guess is most likely. Spring is going to feel glorious!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Naked Chocolate

2011-02-02T07:14:00.001-06:00

Waiting for the train while avoiding freezing rain ...longing for some chocolate.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

2011-01-18T20:23:00.001-06:00

'VERSE from Tony Comley on Vimeo.

2011-01-18T15:55:00.001-06:00

As I deconstruct my installation (see post below), the stacks of curved cardboard take on a somewhat elegant appearance. When I was a kid, one of my favorite books was about girl who had received an awesome gift. It was a refrigerator box which she transformed over and over until it had completely disintegrated. It was a castle, race car, boat...What will my cardboard be next? Do I even want to use cardboard?

2011-01-18T15:48:00.000-06:00

My "Enchanted Hollow" is being torn down. I will use the printed fabric to make functional art objects such as a quilt, apron, shirt, bag...anything that can be made out of printed fabric. The cardboard will be recycled or reused by me and the staples and tape that I used to construct it will be balled up and turned into ornaments (I think). My forest will complete its artistic cycle.

2011-01-18T15:42:00.000-06:00

After visiting the grounds of the Emperial Palace in Tokyo, we wandered through Hibiya park. It really was this magical.

2011-01-18T15:38:00.000-06:00

Osaka! Our last night in Osaka was filled with color and warm bath waters. This picture was taken near where we stayed close to the center of the city. I can't show the pictures of the baths from Spa World because that would be illegal. The baths were like theme park. We could be in Spain, Greece, a mountain cabin, or a Helsinki Sauna...all while still in Japan.

2011-01-18T15:30:00.000-06:00

Shibuya! Katie and I watched the crowds fill the edges of the streets and cross the white stripes every five or less minutes. Where do all these people come from? We talked over our shared Starbucks latte after walking all over the area. As you can see our view was nice. A hard spot to snag but we got it.

2010-12-20T20:47:00.001-06:00

Website is updated! Check out some of the new images of work I did this past semester. Now I'm off to Japan where I will be finding loads of inspiration. I leave early tomorrow morning and will be back in January. Maybe for the new year I will blog more! At least I will have some great pictures when I return.

2010-12-20T20:37:00.001-06:00

It was a cold winter day but there was a piece of sun shining. I managed to find a sliver of sunlight peeking through the buildings for warmth while waiting for the museum to open. The exhibit, Chaos and Classicism, features turn of the century works from Europe and one of my favorite artists, Kandisnky. http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/chaos-and-classicism

2010-12-20T20:33:00.000-06:00

Last week I was in NYC visiting galleries and museums with friends from school. I also made some friends outside of the Guggenheim. These three patiently waited for a piece of my cranberry scone but unfortunately for them the crumbs ended up in my scarf.

Final Countdown

2010-11-30T20:12:00.001-06:00

Final Countdown, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I only have two weeks left of my first semester! My review is next week and I can hardly believe it. This is a picture from the Schuykill river. I took many pictures this gorgeous fall day. One of the highlights of my bike ride is the river trail with a variety of bridges mixed with fall trees.

I'm still here!

2010-10-11T11:24:00.001-06:00

DSC03800, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

It's been quite some time since I've posted. I don't know who reads this but I do know there are a few people that I promised I would write consistently on this blog as a way to keep in touch. I've been putting it off and time has just flown by.

As a general update I'm loving it out here! I feel so lucky that I have this time to explore what I want and how I want. It was almost too free if that's even possible! I've been thinking/researching many subjects and of course it's hard to include all of these things at once.

One of my classes, the History of Modern Craft has been really interesting. I just learned about Candace Wheeler, one of America's first textile/interior designers and a leader in women's rights. She developed a business that gave women the opportunity to make a living through applied arts. She was able to infuse her personal beliefs, design aesthetic, and artistic talent into a business that helped unify the relationship of craft/art/design. I'm looking at her right now as an example of qualities I would like to practice myself...

2010-08-22T23:32:00.002-06:00

Want to know more go here and here.

2010-08-22T23:29:00.002-06:00

See..but now it's gone.
Go to Pats Steaks. It's delicious! Been there twice already.

I saw it

2010-08-22T23:27:00.001-06:00

DSC03795, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

See...there it is.

Gonna Fly Now

2010-08-22T23:25:00.001-06:00

DSC03791, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

When I found out about Rocky showing on the Art Museum steps as a sort of drive in theater (we biked in), I had to go. Not because I'm a fan but because I had never seen Rocky-until now. I was waiting for the right moment. It was worth the wait!

On the steps

2010-08-22T23:20:00.001-06:00

DSC03781, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

We watched the movie from the actual steps that Rocky runs up on the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Italian Stallion

2010-08-22T23:18:00.001-06:00

DSC03783, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Sylvester Stallone made a special introduction to the Rolling Roadshow's Philadelphia stop for all three Rocky movies.

2010-08-22T22:57:00.005-06:00

Last weekend when I was in NY I totally lucked out on seeing a great exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design. I highly recommend going there if you're in the city. They had a amazing and high quality variety of art objects. To my surprise there was a special exhibit on the art, craft, and design of the bicycle:

Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bicycle displays the designs of six internationally renowned bicycle builders whose work in metal, as well as graphics and artifacts, elucidate this refined, intricate and deeply individual craft. Organized by Michael Maharam, owner of the eponymous textile company and an avid bicycle collector, along with master builder Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles in Portland, Oregon, this survey is presented as part of the MADProjects exhibition series, which explores emerging trends and innovations in the design world.

I would take any cyclocross bike that works and fits me but I'm just sayin, it would be pretty cool to have this one by Richard Sachs!

Also, when I was reading about the exhibit on the website, I realized that the curator is owner of Maharam, an innovative and highly creative textile company that I'm really excited to have discovered.

For more information check out this article at Surface magazine.

My Trusty Companion

2010-08-22T22:30:00.001-06:00

DSC03775, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

This is my main bike that's been though thick and thin (ice, snow, mud, potholed streets) This was my first bike purchase after I learned that a Kmart huffy really isn't a nice bike. I remember thinking that $300 for a bike was a lot of money and I almost didn't buy it. Since I've had it, it's transformed into a perfect commuter with a few upgrades.

Bike Ride to School

2010-08-22T22:25:00.001-06:00

Screen shot 2010-08-23 at 12.15.07 AM, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

It's not as long as it looks. Google says it's 8.5 miles but it's mostly flat and over half of it is on the Schuykill river trail which is a nice paved wide trail. I'll be riding most days (I think) and we'll see how I hold up as it gets cold. I'm kind of a wimp with cold weather. Although, I've decided that I'm joining a local team for racing Cyclocross which is going to be in some cold weather so I better toughen up! It's supposed to be very popular in New England with races every weekend that I could do. There's only one problem: I don't have a Cyclocross bike. And people wonder why I need three and now I need another? I actually do ride them all and have ridden each bike at least a couple of times since I've been out here. I've looked on craigslist for a bike with no luck. I will make it work...even if I have to sell one to get one. I'm really attached to my bikes though, and I would hate to part with one :(

2010-08-16T09:07:00.002-06:00

I had a doodle on a piece of receipt paper from Mark's Bistro that I found in my purse. Yesterday, I made a pattern from it. I haven't played around with color yet - just put a purple background in it. On the patio of Mark's there's an assortment of potted plants that make it feel like a garden and welcome guests with happy colors.

2010-08-16T08:59:00.002-06:00

"The monumental bamboo structure, ultimately measuring 100 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 50 feet high, takes the form of a cresting wave that bridges realms of sculpture, architecture, and performance. Visitors witness the continuing creation and evolving incarnations of Big Bambú as it is constructed throughout the spring, summer, and fall by the artists and a team of rock climbers. Set against Central Park and its urban backdrop, Big Bambú suggests the complexity and energy of an ever-changing living organism. It is the thirteenth-consecutive single-artist installation on the Roof Garden."
http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId=%7B9C6923D2-D348-4761-BEB3-A943934068D2%7D

View on top of the MET

2010-08-16T08:54:00.001-06:00

DSC03755, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

This view is on the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art which overlooks Central Park. You can see one bamboo stick because there is currently a large installation of intertwining and roped together bamboo creating a network of pathways on and above ground. It was very fun!

Pit Stop

2010-08-16T08:49:00.001-06:00

DSC03740, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Everyone who knows me will not be surprised by this photo. I had to have a mini cupcake before walking around the Garment District. They didn't have the Nutella Crunch, so I opted for red velvet which was not disappointing.

Lush in an Urban City

2010-08-16T08:47:00.001-06:00

DSC03731, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Exotic Plants

2010-08-16T08:45:00.001-06:00

DSC03732, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

In Rockefeller Center there were beautiful plants. Inspiration for color and design.

2010-08-11T10:37:00.002-06:00

DSC03709, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

The textile hanging in the corner is actually a cover for me clothes. This is the other print from Japan. I hemmed the sides and used Velcro pieces to adhere it. The storage boxes closer are my sewing/fabric/art supplies which will be in my studio at school eventually. I'm pretty much all settled in now and I've made my space work in a comfortable, livable way.

My Loft

2010-08-11T10:32:00.001-06:00

bed, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

To maximize space, I put together this bunk bed. It's been a while since I've literally had to climb into bed.

Curtains

2010-08-11T10:22:00.001-06:00

DSC03715, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

These are the curtains I made yesterday from fabric from Japan that was given to me by a friend.

Desk as seen from my bed

2010-08-11T10:04:00.001-06:00

DSC03716, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I have just enough room! I love my bookshelf/lamp. My books fit into it perfectly.

Work area

2010-08-11T10:01:00.001-06:00

DSC03718, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Until I have access to my studio at school, I've made room under my bed for working on projects. Yesterday I sewed some curtains for my room and a cover for my cubbies that I keep clothes in. This Kenmore heavy duty machine was my friend's grandmother's. For a time she lived in Okinawa and used the machine there. How ironic is it that my friend ended up teaching in Okinawa now, near where her grandparents lived? Also, the fabric that I made my curtains and cover with were from Japan, given to me by a new friend that I made in Pittsburgh on my way here.

Entrance of my room

2010-08-11T09:56:00.001-06:00

DSC03719, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

As I walk in my room to my right is this nice little area that I have art supplies, my jewelry box, and scarfs-oh and my Swedish rain hat.

2010-08-10T14:51:00.003-06:00

I had to re-post this picture so it's out of order but this was the first morning of our trip out to Philadelphia. One last goodbye to Tommy. Wonder if he will even notice I'm gone...

2010-08-09T15:06:00.004-06:00

The Wissahickon Park, which is part of Fairmont Park has miles of biking/hiking trails the creek winding through it. Certain sections are deep and people can actually swim in it. It's really beautiful because of the dense trees huge rocks that you can climb on. I'm lucky to live just a short bike ride away from this or the city. I have the best of both worlds. If you look closely, you can see Frances in the picture. Like a ninja, she blends into the background with her black getup. We rode to the trail from Manayunk. I had my mountain bike, but Frances braved some rough terrain on her vintage foldable bike from the Omaha Bike Community Bike Shop.

2010-08-09T14:58:00.002-06:00

On our way to the grocery store as we were walking through the hills of Manayunk, we found a new friend. This friendly pig was chomping away on something - I'm not sure what. I'll be back to visit and maybe next time I'll get its name. Its tail was wagging away just like a happy dog. It's the ugliest cute pet I've seen!

2010-08-09T14:53:00.003-06:00

In Pittsburgh, we stayed with some friends of France's who keep chickens in their back yard. I fed them peanuts which I had to crack open for them and they quickly pecked them out of my hand. They sure know how to pose for the camera.

2010-08-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

From the wide open spaces of Omaha yards and streets to the narrow one-way streets of Manayunk, we traveled in our 14 foot U-haul truck. At first, I was a little nervous to drive it but before I new it, we were winding through the Appalachians like it was nothing. The trip was smooth with fun stops along the way to stay with friends in Columbus and Pittsburgh.

"One dolla, one dolla!"

2010-06-15T18:24:00.001-06:00

DSC03497, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

He doesn't look too happy with this price. Good thing it was high. I would have missed Tommy.

Stuff, stuff, and stuff

2010-06-15T18:23:00.001-06:00

DSC03500, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I'm finally feeling recovered from this weekend's garage sale. In it was my stuff, my friend's, mom's, mom's friend, brother of a friend...you get the idea...a lot of stuff. My friend is moving to Japan to teach and she was selling almost everything she owned. Many questions run through your mind when allowing yourself to let go of objects. It does feel good and freeing though. We celebrated our life changes this weekend and look forward to accumulating rich experiences rather than things in the coming years.

2010-05-04T18:18:00.002-06:00

Philly illustration by Julia Rothman

On the Design*Sponge website was the Philly guide. I'm visiting this weekend so it couldn't have come at a better time. New home...I'm almost there.

2010-04-24T13:39:00.002-06:00

Untitled...at this point, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

This painting was an experiment. I guess all art is anyway. I had this blank canvas and decided to drip India ink over it, then another mixture of paint, and then I envisioned circles, then stripes of color. The circles needed to have one more dimension so I added a clear gloss to make them pop. I'm still deciding what to call it.

2010-04-24T13:33:00.002-06:00

Macro Micro World, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I was recently going through all of my things to prepare for my move. Trying to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of can be tough, especially when you look at something and think, "I could make something out of this." That is my struggle. Of course most things end up not being used. However, I found this woodblock print that I did in 2007 in black and white. I decided to use it like a coloring book with gouache. It's very springy.

Mazatlan, Mexico

2010-04-18T22:32:00.001-06:00

DSC03165, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I took so many pictures but this one is my favorite. The way the sun was shining looked heavenly. The banister frames the landscape and the way the sun brightens the white makes a great contrast. I feel warmer just looking at it.

2010-03-30T22:11:00.002-06:00

Willem De Kooning's painting of "Woman and Bicycle." Recently this is how I have felt, at times, particularly on hills. As the season progresses, I will find a new image to represent the way I feel. I hope it looks strong, powerful, and sleek!

My Future Home

2010-03-21T11:38:00.001-06:00

philly, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I'm so excited to move to Philadelphia. Letter "A" represents my new school: Temple University. I will be a student at Tyler School of Art in the Fiber department. I'm a very lucky girl. "Philadelphia freedom..."

Omaha Light Pole

2010-03-17T22:01:00.001-06:00

DSC03106, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Today was one of the first sunny -and warm days. My friend and I took a walk with cameras in hand. We took many pictures of this interesting light pole. These have been in Omaha since I can remember. I like them.

2010-03-17T21:56:00.002-06:00

This image is one of Jun Kaneko's pieces that is currently on display at the Bow Truss space downtown. I am new intern of Education Programs under Jacquie Scoones. My job involves creating contacts with local educators in the secondary schools and helping with ideas/planning future activities for learning from a creative perspective. New website coming soon! www.thekaneko.org

2010-03-10T15:48:00.003-06:00

Architecture + Lighting = Art (just one equation of many)

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Staircase at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago

2010-03-10T15:46:00.001-06:00

DSC03059, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

I loved this staircase. I could have spent a lot of time just taking photos from different angles!

4th grade art from Western Hills Omaha

2010-02-04T16:29:00.001-06:00

4th grade art from Western Hills Omaha, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

This was a mixed media lesson using oil pastels and tempera to make a scratchboard. We talked about organic lines and shapes in a garden, looking at several artists. They turned out amazing! This is one among many.

In progress

2010-01-27T19:23:00.001-06:00

DSC02973, originally uploaded by ashleyrodriguezreed.

Been messing with oils lately...doodle painting is fun.

2009-11-27T12:31:00.000-06:00

My newest illustration of fun. I call it "Technicolor Dreamworld."

2009-07-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

2009-07-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

The installation is up! Overall I am happy with the colors and the patterns that came out. The figures create movement and energy however, I think that the relationship to the entire space is not unified because I kept the figures contained. I think that maybe if I had more time I could have pushed it farther and made it work. I can take away a lot from this because it was a challenge and now I can see what works and what doesn't. I'm still trying to figure it out. The meaning of the piece does come across, but the visual impact is not as strong as it could be. The idea behind this installation was that I was putting imagery together from the history in Corning and around it. The stories that are created and made by the people who settled her, such as the French Icarians, and the people who are trying to sustain their communities by bringing in new ideas and also preserving the past. I was fascinated by how we create our lives and what becomes meaningful over time, and how these things remain and evolve through time. The way the pieces are hung, like bed time mobiles or string puppets gives the lighthearted feel of story telling. Hung throughout the figures are common symbols that the community associated with their past/present/future. The figures have hand painted designs that represent nature and cultivating land. The smaller cut silhouettes have a structured, screen printed pattern. The pattern is influence by the Opera house stenciling, upholstery, and Icarian symbols.

2009-07-20T19:05:00.001-06:00

Today thousands of bikers came through main street to eat and buy my t-shirts, of course. Bikers began trickling in by 8-9am and kept coming until the afternoon. The streets have probably never been this full since that last RAGBRAI in 97'. It was great for the whole community to get together and bake pies, grill pork chops, and welcome people. The beer garden had music blasting and some people were dancing in the street. Fun stuff!

2009-07-20T19:00:00.000-06:00

RAGBRAI in Corning. Joke of the day: Do you know why some bikes have kick stands? Why? Because they are two tired...ha ha.

2009-07-15T18:57:00.000-06:00

I began printing the pattern that I designed. It's very structured and but I made it look antiqued because I thought it would add depth to the flatness of the graphic print and also fit the Opera house ambiance. I want the fabric to seem modern but also feel like it could be from another time based on the aged look of it.

2009-07-09T20:14:00.000-06:00

Rows and rows of trees. Iowa is full of trees contrasted by vast hills of corn and soybeans.

2009-07-09T20:12:00.000-06:00

Corn and checker plaid.

2009-07-09T20:10:00.000-06:00

This one is inspired by the lines of the land and the agriculture I see.

2009-07-09T20:07:00.001-06:00

For my installation I'm currently printing/painting the fabric before I turn it into silhouettes. I have applied a rice paste with a squeegee to stiffen the fabric so that it will hold the forms it cut. I've decided to paint the fabric with a bleach solution and then use watered down acrylic to add extra color.

2009-07-09T20:03:00.000-06:00

One of the students in my art class designed this marvelous picture using oil pastels. The lesson was on tessellations and color. Only six years old it's obvious she has a natural talent and an eye for color.

2009-07-09T19:58:00.000-06:00

This design was made to be a tourist t-shirt. It's for anyone who wants to show the world they've been to Corning. Or maybe just for the townspeople who devote their days to the community. The cow in the street is from the cow I took a picture of on my first bike tour...scroll down to see.

2009-07-06T20:53:00.000-06:00

If you scroll down you can see the picture I took of myself on my mountain bike. I wanted to create a bike themed t-shirt for all the bike lovers out there. RAGBRAI will be riding through the town on the 20th, so maybe some sales?

2009-07-06T20:48:00.001-06:00

Last week I got the chance to go to the French Icarian historical site. It's not open to the public yet since they are in progress of building and restoring. This is the original one room school house that the Icarians built. Even after the commune dispersed it was used as a country schoolhouse. Learning about the Icarians has been fascinating. Being a city girl all my life, I'm getting a whole different feel for what community means in a rural setting. Even though the French Icarians were not the founders of Corning, there are similarities to the mission of the current community and the settlers seeking utopia. In Corning, many people are volunteers on boards or write grants for various projects to keep the city sustaining itself and hope to make it an attractive place for younger people in the future. The Icarians had a motto of "All for one and one for all." Today that idea feeds through since much of the town works together for the betterment of the whole.

2009-06-30T21:57:00.000-06:00

On one of my rides looking over the countryside. Breathtaking!

2009-06-30T21:51:00.000-06:00

These twigs are curly willow. My friend Sandy Maxa is a basket weaver and sculptor. She grows and cuts her own willow. I was lucky that she gave me this and some larger willow that I will have for my installation. These smaller twigs may work well in a wall hanging.

2009-06-30T21:32:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday I went to a small town in Iowa called Maloy. It was settled by Irish immigrants. It is almost non existent anymore. A few houses, a church, a rec center and a park with a prairie make up this place. I took my first lesson on weaving here. This is tablet weaving using a deck of cards. It is really quite simple and fun.

2009-06-30T21:28:00.000-06:00

This is the storefront of the Corning Center for Fine Art. I arranged things and displayed some of my t-shirts and aprons. I have sold a few shirts. That's positive since there aren't many people that stop by. On the bright side, there isn't much distraction.

2009-06-30T21:24:00.000-06:00

I made this a couple weeks ago here in Corning. I call it "What Does Your Garden Grow." It's made with scraps of my screen printed fabric, wood blocked printed fabric, and a few silk vintage pieces with organza. It is bordered and backed with pillow ticking.

2009-06-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

More amazing sky.

2009-06-30T19:46:00.000-06:00

Storms passing through make beautiful and mysterious lighting.

2009-06-22T09:17:00.000-06:00

Every Thursday and Friday I teach classes to kids in the Art Center. Here they were working on printing techniques with mono printing and making stamps using cardboard. It's fun to work with kids because you never know what they will say and they are always creative.

2009-06-17T21:36:00.001-06:00

Small painting from my sketchbook. Sometimes is nice to just paint or doodle and not think.

2009-06-17T21:34:00.001-06:00

The sky out here is beautiful. Since Corning is hilly, there are good lookout spots. This one comes directly from my window. Across the street is "Sweet Desires" bakery. Fresh baked pastries. I especially like the chocolate long johns. I've been good and eating my cereal.

2009-06-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

This is the stage from the top half, showing the ceiling tile patterns and stenciling. An original wooden stencil was found in the basement. I went down there too. It was like going into Tales from the Cript. That brings up another interesting story. When the Opera House was built, the main level was used as a commercial space. There was a separte interence for each space. It was a furniture store below. Back then, it was common to have the furniture maker also make the coffins. I don't think any body was prepared there-just the coffins, I hope.

2009-06-14T21:34:00.000-06:00

Sketch of the stage.

2009-06-14T21:32:00.001-06:00

Like many artists, I have a thing for texture. I started today by doing some rubbings to see what interesting lines came up. After that, I decided it was time to sketch and really observe the space more than just a photograph would allow. There is a lot of imagery to be inspired by. The original stenciling that borders the walls and ceiling are still intact. The tin patterned ceiling tiles have an elegant art deco kind of design. Natural decay of the walls, wood, and overall structure create organic patterns of their own. I'm interested in the stories that have layered its history. Old buildings always have many stories, and I've been hearing some from people around. After it was no longer functioning as an opera house, a basketball hoop was installed for kids to practice. Some kids snuck up for their first kisses and first cigarettes.

2009-06-14T21:09:00.000-06:00

I have never seen this flower before. There were bunches along the side of the road growing wild. I'm not good with names of flowers but I do like looking at them.

2009-06-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

This image is from the back where the banister from the second floor is floating in space. While in Corning, I'm also going to be teaching art classes to kids. I was looking through my big book of lesson plans and stumbled on a shadow puppet lesson. Instead of using it as a lesson, it got me thinking about creating my own shadow puppet installation. Hmm...I love puppets, who doesn't? Maybe I could use my intstallation as a lesson on shadow puppets later. I will be student teaching in the fall, so it would be convenient to make curriculum straight from my art. I'm still in the very beginning stages, only brainstorming right now. I need to just go spend time alone in the space and draw. There's so much imagery and imagination to add.

2009-06-03T21:56:00.000-06:00

At a face off. I sutmbled upon this cow who was startled by my bike.

2009-06-03T20:54:00.000-06:00

The georgraphy of the area allows for expansive veiws. Corning is not flat. In fact it's full of rolling hills. I love biking up hills because that only means I get to go down...very fast!

2009-06-03T20:52:00.000-06:00

The train runs through the southern part of the town. I came just in time to catch this image.

2009-06-03T20:51:00.000-06:00

Today was one of the most pleasent days of the year. I had to go exploring on my bike. There's nothing better than being on my bike and freely roaming city and country views. I will be doing a lot of riding, and picture taking along the way.

2009-06-03T20:49:00.000-06:00

Looking down Davis, the main street of Corning Iowa.

2009-06-03T20:47:00.000-06:00

Bike tour begins...

2009-06-02T20:44:00.000-06:00

What I love about the Opera House is that a lot of original architecture, furniture, and surface still remain. The natural sunlight creates peacful lighting that fills the space.

2009-06-02T20:42:00.000-06:00

From center stage

2009-06-02T20:41:00.000-06:00

From the stage

2009-06-02T20:38:00.000-06:00

Beautiful colors! From the Opera House cieling. www.corningoperahouse.org

2009-06-02T20:34:00.001-06:00

Backing up...I haven't been consistent at blogging, but since I'm doing my residency this summer, I feel it's important to write and document it. This image is from my BFA thesis show. Now I love doing installations. I thought I should put this image up so that there isn't a such a huge jump from the art I've been previously showing.

2009-06-02T20:25:00.001-06:00

At the Surface Design Association conference, I got to be assistant in Alice Kettle's workshop called Following a Line to Tell a Story. There were fifteen of us and our room was full of thread, fabric, buzzing machines, and of course creative people. Working with Alice was a wonderfull experience becuase she has great patience and enthusiasm for her student's personal discovery.

2009-03-18T20:08:00.002-06:00

Layered Affect

In the middle of the process and I'm enjoying seeing my vision turn into something! This image comes from several prints of my three patterns I'm working with. This is the print table. It's finally getting lots of use-no longer here and there. This summer will be great for printing since I will be enjoying my residency in the in Corning, Iowa. Small town living and looking forward to it.