COSTUMES!

Halloween is fast approaching! I love Halloween! Not only do I get to decorate my house (or in this year's case, my friend Ashley's house) with gorgeous and gruesome decorations, but I get to dress up!

Fashion is an art form its self. I will write a LONG post on that soon. I promise. But for now, here are some of my costumes. Some I created my self, others are hand made. Some of the costumes are even store bought, but I always add my own touches. The details are what make a costume amazing! Now some of thee photos are not the best, but I think you can get the idea of what I was trying to do. It wasn't until recently that I realized that these costumes are my art work as well. In the future I will take better photos.  I hope you enjoy. If you have any questions about where I got my ideas, where I obtained pieces, or how I made things please ask in the comments! I am willing to share!

Th Sugar Skull (Halloween 2013)- I have always admired The Day of the Dead. It is such a beautiful and meaningful holiday. I wish we celebrated it here. I wanted a creepy but beautiful costume. I made the shawl, flower head dress and painted my face. I looked at real sugar skulls from Mexico to crate the deign. I bought the skeleton jumpsuit at a local Halloween store. Like I said, the eye is in the details. I raided my grandmother's old jewelry to find the necklaces. It really is just a coincidence that the necklaces are the colors of the Mexican flag.  I found the necklaces deep in my jewelry box. Everything came together so well. I am really happy with it.

 

The Warrior Fairy (August 2013)- So kind of a cross between Game of Thrones and  Peter Pan.  I did the gold makeup. I made the armor out of spirals of copper wire. I sewed the white under tunic and skirt. I altered the belt with hot glue and paint. Finally, I made the wings out of steel and brass wire. It did not turn out exactly how I  wanted it to, but It was a lot of fun.  I also made my awesome friend's Octopus hat! She put together the rest of her outfit! Doesn't she look amazing?!!!!

  

This is a fantasy nymph dress for my friend. I bought the corset but altered and made the rest. I can't say any more about it right now. But it was so fun to make.

Lt. Uhura. OK, not many notes on this. Don't be afraid to ask for help!!!My amazing neighbor Jean made the dress. I found the wig and boots online. I made the earrings and the blue tooth communicator. I got so many compliments!

Yes that is Nichelle Nichols, the Original Lt. Nyota Uhura. She complimented my costume! *SQUEE*  Yes I am a fairy again.  I made the wings and had dress. I bought the lacy dress at Forever 21. Accessories, Accessories, Accessories.

 

I've talked about my thesis in a past post. HereI sewed all of the costumes. Actually most of the linens as well. It was so much fun to dress up. Be something I wasn't. I just love dressing up. It was just the cherry on top that I got to do it for my thesis project.

 

A Vulcan: I sewed the robes and the dress. The makeup was Key. Vulcans have copper, not iron based blood, so I needed to have a green tint to my skin. I achieved that with green eyeshadow. I also had to create the iconic eyebrows. Elmer's glue sticks are your friends. They glue down and smooth the hairs so you can paint over them. I then drew the eyebrows in.

      

My favorite costume. Th Fall fairy: Yes... I like fairies. I bought the corset. I made the wings from wire and individual fake leaves. The skirt is made from strips of fabric, a belt, and leaves. I think the makeup and hair make the character. Also I made the conscious decision to not wear shoes. This character is in tune with nature. Shoes would have taken away from the character.

 

Sometimes just one or two items can make a costume. Jean created the hood for me. The basket is from Good Will.

Renaissance Masquerade: My parents bought m the dress in high school. I love Renaissance Faires. I added the mask and jewelry. I think it was a successful costume.

Samwise Gamgee- Five Words: Thrift Shops Are Your Friends.

I am so...so... sorry.

I have neglected you dear readers... of which I have five... I promise to write soon. Until then, here are pictures of people doing things I do every day, but in ways I shall never be able to do them.  A photography series by Jordan Matter. Ballet Dancers in Random Situations.

http://www.lostateminor.com/2013/09/04/ballet-dancers-in-random-situations/

Enjoy. :-)

Marina Abramovic's Kickstarter.

So... I found out today that Artist Marina Abramovic  has a Kickstarter for the creation of the Marina Abramovic Institute. A new type of museum that allows for audience and visitor participation and interaction with works. Here is the Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/422090958/marina-abramovic-institute-the-founders/

Abramovic is asking for $600,000 to start this project. The backers would be considered founders of the museum and  receive different incentives for pledging to the museum. This includes incentives ranging from a hug from Abramovic at $1, to discussing your own project with the artist at $5,000, or, my favorite, no acknowledgement at all at $10,000. The museum would allow for a new space to discuss and perform contemporary performance art. 

Now I know what many of you are thinking: "Performance art... ugh...", But I truly enjoy Abramovic's work. I love the physicality of it. How emotional it is, and even how gruesome or overwhelming it can be. I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but take a look. I am not asking you to love it, or have a spiritual awakening because of her work, I am just asking you to consider it. The Film, The Artist is Present, gives a nice overview of her work. http://marinafilm.com/about-marina-abramovic  I had the chance to see this piece at MoMA and I was moved. Too bad I was too scared to sit across for her. I truly regret that I didn't.

Now the controversy behind this kickstarter. Many people are asking why a wealthy and well known artist Abramovic would ask for money form us "Normal people". She has the money to complete the project herself. She has many wealthy admires and patrons, and could probably fund raise to get the money from them. She recently appeared in the Jay-Z Picasso Baby performance in NYC, and Lady Gaga has even supported the project by creating a video with Abramovic. Here that is by the way: http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/7/4600404/lady-gaga-gets-naked-to-promote-marina-abramovic-institute  Why ask us?

Well my readers, why not? It is important to fund the arts. I know a lot of people who would jump at the chance to be a part of an Abramovic project, and this is the chance.  The project and fundraising is a large scale performance piece in itself. Some of the prize incentives even discuss learning movements for future performances. Many of Abramovic's past pieces involve audience and viewer participation, and this is no different.  It even seems that visiting the museum will be a performance piece.

               "Enter, and you'll be asked to sign a contract promising to stay at least six hours. Then you'll don a lab coat and noise-canceling headphones, and put your belongings in a safety deposit box. You'll then be led through a series of exercises including some favorites, such as sitting across from a stranger and making extended eye contact, and meditating in a cave of crystals."  -Adrianne Jeffries The Verge:http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/27/4562574/marina-abramovic-institute-kickstarter

In the end we will have an awesome and thought provoking new museum to visit in NYC.  But what do you think? Should Abramovic be asking her fan's for the money for a project that could be funded by other means? Will this museum truly be innovative and depend on audience participation? What do you think of performance art?What do you think of Marina Abramovic's art?

I am not sure if I will donate. It may seem shallow and silly, but am still a bit hesitant to give my money to someone so wealthy. But it is going to creating a museum. A museum for performance art, which I myself create. (Maybe I will be in there someday. It would be pretty amazing to have work in a major museum that I helped fund.... *sigh* Dreams.) In a world where art and art education budgets are being cut, spreading knowledge of art is very important. This museum will help do that. And I have to admit, getting a hug form Marina Abramovic for just $1 is tempting.

A mural was destroyed in the Ukraine.

This article was sent to me by my friend Sue Hanna. http://www.cimam.org/?utm_source=CIMAM+NEWSLETTER+MAILING+LIST&utm_campaign=ed78d6a06f-REGISTRATION_OPENS4_14_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bed3b7ae9-ed78d6a06f-66304077

A painting has been destroyed in the Ukraine... The headline reads "Ukrainian Museum Director Destroys Critical Painting Ahead Of President's Visit". The director,  Natalia Zabolotna, apparently found the painting "Immoral... against the motherland..." and threw black paint on it.  The artist Volodymyr Kuznetsov came to work on the mural and was not allowed in.  I am so sad.. no angry about this. Nobody should destroy another person's work. I do not know what I would do if my work was vandalized. Apparently other works that were in the show, which the director deemed "immoral" were also removed. 
 

Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Kuznetsov’s “Koliivschina: Judgment Day”

I know things like this have happened before; the destruction of artwork, but I just find it so disheartening. If you don't agree with the message don't destroy it, discuss it. Have a meeting of the minds. Don't act in anger and haste because you feel you are right. 

I suppose the only bright side that comes out of events like this, is that it draws attention to events like this. Maybe this will open discourse on the subject of the mural. 

I can't articulate my thoughts right now. What do you all think?

The Lovely Local Artist... I mean The Logo.

Hey everyone. I promise to put up another post really soon. But is it day 18 of my friend's Kickstarter and their first Update is about ME!!!!   (*Waves graciously*) http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery/posts/527594?ref=activity

OK, OK. It is about the awesome logo I designed!  It took about a year, but after several tries and changes the logo looks beautiful.  But I suppose that is what commissioned advertising work is about. I wanted to get it just right for the guys, so it took some time.

Design #1:  I was happy with this, but the guys wanted more detail.. and color... Some people just don't understand minimalism.

Design... A far number away from one:  This is the latest version. I still prefer #1. :-)

Did I mention, if you back the project you can get items with my awesome logo on it?  (*SMILES BIGGEST SMILE EVER*) Hint... Hint...

I am sure there will be even more changes in the future, but I am so happy that I got to be a small part of this project.

Check out the update!http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery/posts/527594?ref=activity

I'm Famous!

I would like to thank all of the little people who got me to where I am. *Waves graciously*

Okay... I'm not famous. But I do have a small write up in the Art Association of Harrisburg newsletter.  See the bottom of Page 5. http://www.artassocofhbg.com/2013%20Summer%20Newsletter.pdf

It is a very nice write up. They also have the Late summer and Fall class schedules up.  Take a look! http://www.artassocofhbg.com/classes-list.html

I will be teaching Hand-Built Pottery and the Majolica class again! The next set of classes start July 15th. 

Hand-Built Pottery

(Ages 15 through Adult)

Reservoir Park Pottery Studio, 6 weeks

Recommended for those who have never participated in a clay class as well as more experienced potters who enjoy working without a wheel, the class will teach building projects with clay using coil, slab and free-form techniques. Clay, glazing and firing costs are included.

Additional clay may be purchased at $10 per bag.

Instructor: Emmanuelle Wambach, MFA

$95.00

 July 15th- August 19th | Mondays, 6–8:30pm

Majolica: Using Clay as a Canvas

(Ages 15 through Adult)

Reservoir Park Pottery Studio, 6 weeks

Dating back to the 10th century, majolica hand-painted pottery has transformed everyday objects into multi-dimensional works of art. We will spend the first half of the class working with clay to make pieces, functional or sculptural, and the second half exploring majolica and its techniques–utilizing a variety of brushwork and resist techniques. We can accommodate those new to clay and the experienced artist. This can also be an exciting new medium for painters to try, using large slabs and tiles as a canvas. Email the instructor with any questions at emmanuelle.wambach@gmail.com

Instructors: Emmanuelle Wambach, MFA

$95.00

| July 17th – August 21st| Wednesdays, 6–8:30pm

You can sign up here: http://www.artassocofhbg.com/2013%20Summer%20Class%20List.pdf  Just fill out the information and send payment to The Harrisburg Art Association.  The association has a number of great classes. So if ceramics isn't your thing, there are a lot of other art forms to try.

A Shameless Plug... It's my blog, I can do what I want!

So I know this is supposed to be a blog about my art, and my thoughts on art... but brewing is an art. Isn't it? So in the spirit of Community, Art, and Alcohol, I shamelessly plug my amazing friends' Kickstarter!


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery?ref=live

I guess this post is about my art in a way. I did design the logo.

The amazing duo of Ben Adelman and Brian Murdzak launched their Kickstarter today to hopefully fund the creation of their Meadery company, CLOSET BREW MEADERY! Now when I say mead I mean that fermented honey drink of the gods, enjoyed by Vikings and even Odin himself!

Most people who say they have had mead have really only had honey wine (I am looking at your PA Renfire goers!). White wine flavored with honey.  Closet Brew Meadery makes the real stuff. A smooth semi sweet drink made completely from honey, not wine. Brian's family has been brewing for a long time, and he and Ben finally decided it was time to take this home brew to the next level.

I have been lucky enough to try some of the first batches. I am not a big drinker. I actually don't like the taste of alcohol. But I loved this mead when I tried it. It was smooth and refreshing, but hardy. Really I can't describe it well enough to do it justice. You will just have to try it yourself. And the only way you will be able to do that is by BACKING THE CLOSET BREW MEADERY KICKSTARTER :-)!  (See how I worked that in there. "Oh the cleverness of me!" -Peter Pan)

So please check out their page (SEE LINK ABOVE) and share it with as many people and in as many ways as you can!  Like them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/closetbrewmeadery?fref=ts
And Follow them on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ClosetBrewMead

And again, Brewing is an art. And as they say  "The earth without art (and alcohol), would just be 'Eh'."