Holiday Villains

Featuring-
Corcoran Finale
Just a Touch

It's the most wonderful time of the year! when you spend all your money, and then act like a dummy,while spreading good cheer. Its the most wonderful time of the year! Unless....

Your a mean one, Mr. Grinch, 
You really are a heel.
You're as cuddly as a cactus,
You're as charming as an eel.
Mr. Grinch!

You're a bad banana
With a greasy black peel.

Ah the nostalgia of it all. Remember watching Dr. Seuss cartoon every Xmas!  I even learned the song!  What was most intriguing wasn't the message these Xmas specials gave, it was the villains who were the "odd balls" and who were ostracized for their ill behavior which is a direct result of their well intentions being taken not so well. Somehow I could relate to their anger and existence. I still do. For a while, I even thought of myself as a grinch because the holidays sucked. Now, not so much a grinch, but the holidays still suck a little. The grand baby makes it a little nicer. I digress.

Anyway, did you know that the Grinch song was sung by Thurl Albert Hague who was the voice of Tony the Tiger!(They're great!) it was such a dark and slimy song. Love it! The villains in the Xmas specials were always more interesting than the ones who saved the day. Guess they are a necessary evil. LOL   For instance, Bumble the Abominable snowman was the ultimate scary monster! At least at the North Pole. There is a cartoon special coming on tonight on Cartoon Network called Abominable Christmas, gotta see this! I got two of these, one large that growls when you squeeze his hand and a small one. He doesn't look scary, he looks adorable! But he scared all those who lived at the North Pole, probably cause they were mean to him and wouldn't let him play in any of the reindeer games! Why not terrorize those who isolated and alienated him because he was a big furry snowball with teeth. I believe he was bullied as a young bumble and he never recovered. The Grinch, had a heart two sizes too small, and didn't understand the happiness of the Whos during the holidays. Who understands the overly xmasy perkiness of the Whos in Whoville? They are just too fucking happy. I don't live there, but I'm already tired of Xmas songs, trees, lights, ugh pleez! Maybe its because Xmas is too commercialized for me....grinch.

Another villain is the Bugermeister, Meisterburger which means Mayor or master citizen in German. He is the Mayor of Somber town, and hates toys and children because he accidentally tripped on a toy.  Hey, it only took one child for me to realize that I didn't want anymore and I've tripped over toys and swore I would never buy him another, but I did.  Don't hate kids, but there is a definite time limit with them. I can understand his dismay, even I give in and try to spread joy and toys for Xmas. Except for one time just to teach a lesson, but we won't talk about that. A lot of us wish we could be kids again, and some of us are still kids at heart,nevertheless some parts of childhood was not the best. For me, misery  was being at school, at home, I created my own world that was fun and free from judgement. The joys of childhood.

Along other frosty villains, The Winter Warlock was my favorite, he refused to let anyone pass into Somber town or vice versa. In Santa Claus is Coming To Town, he is depicted as mean wintry magical guy with a major chip on his shoulder.  The guy had never received a toy train as a child. When Kris Kringle gave him one, he chilled out and became friends with the future Santa.  See a little kindness goes a long way! Mine has just run it's long way out, for some people. Love his long pointy nose. I've always been fascinated with this type of animation. Something about making puppets/figures has always been alluring.

His opposite, Heatmeister is another story. He appears in the Year Without Santa Claus, and is Winter Warlocks half brother, Mother Nature is their mother. He is a demon-like being who lives in a volcano with his imp-like minions all identical miniature versions of himself, and controls warm weather all over the world. He can melt anything he touches and can create objects made from fire. oooooh! His mean, grumpy, hot-tempered and constantly angry personality comes from the fact he feels Santa's unfair to him, giving Snow Miser free publicity while he gets none, and from the fact (Mother Nature) likes Snow Miser better, so he isn't evil at all. Just another jaded soul who feels he's been wrongly treated. Too much angst, letitgo, just letitgo. 

These shows were so much fun to watch and still are. They bring back good memories of my childhood that are recaptured every time I watch them. awww! The newer versions don't resonate as well, maybe because there is too much story and special effects. 

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer Xmas special is the triumphant realization that being kept out of reindeer games and isolated from the other deer sometimes can make a deer stronger and others eventually recognize their special skills when those skills become beneficial to them.  But not without the hard put downs and isolation; haters. Another outcast Hermey the elf who dreams of being a dentist, is also shunned by the other elves because he doesn't want to make toys. A trait all elves possess? What's wrong with having strong teeth that can withstand constant chattering in the frozen North Pole tundra? Now that I'm older, I put too much thought into the underlying message of good will towards men and animals alike. Guess that much kills it. 


CORCORAN FINALE

Thursday Night was the opening reception for the Arts 101 program. The students work looked really good and four students came, which was a definite surprise. So many of them blew it off and said they weren't coming.  I only have a few pictures, Kasi my teaching partner and photographer took most of them. Will post them when I have them. Kasi said a few words, then the students spoke and gave each of us a book with their pictures and a few sentences about their experience with us, I was so touched.  See, I can spend quality time (45 mins) with students and have a good time and produce wonderful art. LOL

The art teacher, who so graciously allowed us in her classroom every Friday, Ms. Cammille Taylor, made us feel welcomed in the midst of chaos. She spoke briefly at the opening.  It was great to see artwork from the other school students who participated. There was food and juice/water. The kids all enjoyed themselves with a scavenger hunt and other little goodies just for them.  Their work is in the gallery until January 7, 2013. I feel so proud and honored to have worked with the 7th grade students at the Brookland Educational Campus at Bunker Hill.


JUST A TOUCH

I'm nearing the end of my piece, now named Abierto meaning Opening. I chose this name because she seems to be open/opening in various ways. In some ways the innuendos are intentional and some not, they just happened. Like the dark brown striation that runs down the inner thigh towards the vaginal area. It's all a little anti climatic now that she's being sanded, perhaps this feeling contributes to my bah humbug attitude. It was so exciting working out the details and challenging my skills to carve better. Her beauty is undeniable and is evident in the color of the stone. A creamy white alabaster with brown-dark brown striations running through it, and a slight ochre-yellow color splotched on the thigh and in the hair. Now that she's been sanded a few times, the smoothness of the stone is becoming evident and the color is really becoming deeper. Wet sanding will intensify this effect, causing the underlying colors within the stone to become more visible. Polishing will seal it.

The repetitive act of sanding also diminishes the excitement first held somewhat. It's a meditative process and actually quite gratifying. The momentum is what I want to keep going, feel like I should be creating more pieces. I relate this to chasing a high, a feeling of euphoria, or sugar rush. What do I know about these things? That's a topic for another discussion. LOL My main concern is the fault line that runs across the hair and leg of the piece. Some areas have become a little flaky and little holes open up when sanded over. This is what Abierto is about. So far no problems with the fault line,it should be fine, but it can't be sanded it out. There is another view of Abierto in the StoneWomynArt New Works tab.

Tis' the season to be jolly, so I will be that and be thankful for all I have. Enjoy the little things that make it great. Hope you all have a Merry Xmas. Thanks for reading my blog. Ho, Ho, Ho!

See you next time....

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Tis' the Season, Arts the Reason

Tis' the Season.....

As we move into the Holiday season, I have enjoyed Michellevember, Thanksgiving, my grandson's 1st birthday. Now I must survive WCA-DC's Holiday Brunch. I'm usually a good at socializing, but atmosphere is everything, it can make or break my mood...

Moving on to other exciting things, I went to the NOVA campus last week and saw an awesome exhibit by Sam Miller called "Night Windows" Lighted Sculpture located in the Margaret W. & Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center. His work inspired by his work as a set designer evokes the voyeur in us all.  As you go by each piece which is a miniature building scene, they light up and you can peek into the windows to see whats going on. Each piece is a detailed scene inside and out. The light censors are an added touch, it makes you want to look. Although the gallery is small, Sam has created an experience that is different with each piece, the detail on such a small scale is totally awesome, it makes me want to build one myself! The exhibit runs until December 20, 2012.

For the past two months I have been working as an Arts Educator in the Arts 101 Program at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.  This programs brings the Corcoran collection into the classroom of participating D.C. Public Schools.  This has been a great experience for me, I work with a Public School Art Teacher and I have a teaching partner who is a MAT student at the Corcoran. Together we are giving the students exposure to something they may not experience otherwise.  It's nice to be able to work with people who are enthusiastic and involved in the planning and implementation of the art experience. I am used to solo teaching, but its wonderful to have others who can provide their input and expertise. A collaborative unit that works together, unlike my Co Presidential union in WCA-DC. The last day for classes is this Friday, and we are preparing an exhibit of student work at the Corcoran.  I'm excited and thrilled to be involved in this art experience.  The program resumes in January, and I may participate again.  

This experience made me realize that I do not want to be a public school teacher, it is too overwhelming and takes up too much of my work time. When I did private school, I had the same issue of balancing teaching and creating art.  It is/was very difficult and my work suffered horribly.  So now I have to make my way in the world some other way.  Would prefer to teach on the college level on a more regular basis, at least I can have a conversation about ideas and concepts with students as opposed to supplying them. Despite my personal wants, it was enjoyable to be able to expose these wonderful students to art outside the classroom. They taught me a lot and I thank them for this opportunity.

...Arts the Reason!

It has been a productive few weeks as far as my art is concerned.  I've finished 3 of my four Mi Goddessa's and I'm working on a new gyrl.  You can check her out on the side bar titled "StoneWomynArt". She is a marbled alabaster, with hints of gray & yellow striations running through it, its not quite white, but has a slight creamy color in areas.  This stone has been sitting for a few years. Got it from Plaza art, they don't specify the exact type of stone, ie., pink lace, or blue mist. She's a flaky gyrl, changing position depending on the angel in which you see her.  This is why its taken so long for me to bring her out of the stone.  She is a process all her own and I'm hoping to enjoy the warmth of the day and work on her outside for a little while today.

Home Depot is high up on my list right now.  I usually prefer Lowe's but I haven't been able to get there, the Depot is within walking distance from my house.  They have these textured sprays for wood, metal, plastic and more.  I have found three and used them on my pieces and they work beautifully.  I'm very impressed with how easily they adhere, and the coverage they provide with one or two coats. The last Goddessa will be a Satin metallic texture color, the other three are more earth tone colors. It's so exciting to see them totally come alive with the color. It enhances their personalities.

This is Mi Goddessa, Number 3, she has a bleached stone finish.  I also decided to incorporate a design element that I use in my doodles.  This is an experimental idea at the moment, if I decide to continue, the design will be applied when I'm working on the piece, so that the design will be embedded into the image and not applied as an after thought.  The designs are small and are placed on the neck or side of face and neck and are similar to style of the hair, so it won't look too busy. I thought a light green to paint the design would work with this piece, because they are flecks of pale green in the texture. She reminds me of Atlantis or a mermaid for some reason.

                            


Mi Goddessa, Number 2, is finished with an aged iron finish. The design element is a flat black applied to the surface.  I tried to put the design on with wax prior to applying the finish.  It didn't work, clay is so porous and the wax sunk right in.  This was next best thing.  The texture is not as prominent as the stone finish from above. This piece's finish is more like pumice stone. It feels so good to touch and the color is beautiful. Pictures don't capture its true beauty. 

Mi Goddessa, Number 4, reminds me of sea coral and I tried to pick a finish that would enhance this.  I used a primer on the hair to make the color a little darker.  The pink elements where applied to the bisque fired piece, then sprayed over, some of the pink came through like on the forehead.  the pink design was added to the surface when it dried. This a stone finish that has hints of pink, cream and black flecks. Used only one coat on the entire piece. Surprisingly, this stone finish seems a lighter in some ways than the bleached stone finish.  Perhaps its the color, but they even feel slightly different.

The fourth Goddessa who is actually the first one completed is on her way to her final finish and I will post her image when she's ready to be seen.

Well, since its the season for parties, I'm all in!  After a few conversations that may not be so nice, my ability to work with others to run our arts organization will hopefully improve in the new year (wcadc, I'm talking about you!) If not, well I gave it my best shot and I will move on to bigger and better things.

Thanks for reading my blog, will see you next time at the.....

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Michellevember-A Neurtoic Tale of Shopping

Michellevember wrapped up on Sunday with a nice little bow.  I had pizza and beer with my family and watched my favorite Serial Killer, Dexter. Have to elaborate on my fascination with serial killers and crime shows in another post. Every day was a joy and a blessing in some way, and I enjoyed eighteen days of it! The celebration was extended a few days so I could be with family and friends, and to drink on their dime, quarters and benjamins. LoL

Thursday, the big day! it started off with a morning breakfast at IHOP. My husband and I go to the one in Columbia Heights. Yes, we travel for better service and immediate seating.  During the week in the morning is not crowded, not like closer to the lunch hour. A breakfast plate is enough by itself, then they add pancakes on the side, then add coffee. Way too much food for me, so I eat what I can without over stuffing (how many people have this problem?). Gotta be able to walk, not roll out of the place! LOL After the wonderfully filling birthday breakfast, we ran a few other errands then I prepared to hang out with my buddy Sarah.

Hanging out with Sarah is always a lot of fun. We had decided to check out Third Thursday at the Touchstone, mainly for the wine, the art was nice too. Plus, this lasts until 8pm, with restaurants close by.  We hung around the small gallery discussing various pieces.  What a nice change of pace! to be able to discuss art with someone who is not the artist. Usually, I attend openings alone, but this time I had company with an opinion.  It was great! Have exciting new exhibits to write about, but that's for another post.

After a few cups of Pinot Grigio, we decided to walk down to Austin Grill for a light supper and a few drinks. We sat at one of the bar tables and ordered margaritas and guacamole with chips. We split a casadilla and I had two drinks.  We laughed and talked for a long while. We tried to take a picture, but it came out grainy cause it was so dark in there. It wasn't a party till you drop type of night, it was long enough to make me feel all warm and fuzzy with just enough going on to keep me awake without sensory overload. The ride home on the train was sobering, kept me on my "P's & Q's". Forgot what they are, but I was on them!

Michellevember, included lunch with my co teaching partner Kasi, some cool beauty products from Whole foods (who knew!), a few new pieces of clothing. Yes, can we talk about that! I hate shopping! all shopping, grocery shopping especially.  Who ever said shopping made them feel better, they LIED! I was more distraught coming out of the store, than when I went in. Just wanted a new pair of jeans and a top, why was this feat so difficult? Well, thank you (not really!) to whoever decided to put spandex in their fabric, while it allows a nicer fit, it also allows for a smaller size....some people should avoid this maneuver, it perpetuates the sausage body look. Anyway, it makes me have to try on pants, ugh! Depending on how the pants are cut I can drop down two sizes.  I should be delighted by this knowledge, however it prolongs the amount of time spent trying on shit. Don't want a tight fit, just a nice fit! So after trying on three different sizes of the same thing, I was ready to go. Ended up buying more than what I went for...isn't that how it works!  They lure you in with the promise of discount prices, shiny bobbles and things!  I ended up with a turtle neck, jeans, a faux fur vest (this was nicely priced) and a jacket-top that has gold metal studs down the front, open shoulder sleeves and zips.  Think its a sweat suit jacket, didn't want to entertain the idea trying on the pants to match, I was through.

After I was satisfied and becoming more distraught by the moment, I went and paid for my items. Spending more than anticipated, I wanted to run out the store screaming "take it back!, take it all back!" I became a babbling brook talking to myself about how this bamboozling happened. Frantically, I called my husband to whine, yes whine about my purchase and how it didn't feel good, but I couldn't make myself turn around and go back into that  forbidden clothes hole Ashley Stewart to return my new things.  He laughed at me and said, "happy birthday! you spent a little over a $100 enjoy, treat yourself, be happy!" BE HAPPY! I quip, how can I do that when I bought all this stuff?! Why doesn't the new purchases feel good.  It was so overwhelming that I forgot to buy me a salad from Quiznos before going home. I just made a "B" line for subway, had to get away from that place. Felt like there was some weird spell put on me to part with my money. It took me a day or two to get over it and wear the items. The faux fur vest made be feel all furry and fuzzy, especially when a light jacket was put over it.  Its too light weight to be an outside vest, maybe if it was a tad warmer, it could be worn alone with a turtle neck. I'm always cold so that idea was out of the question, especially in the evening.

Well, now that you've experienced my neurosis, you can imagine what it's like for me grocery shopping! I make a list, stick to it and get the hell out as soon as humanly possible. My distraught-ness is superseded by the need to get make the next bus. If anything is forgotten, oh well. I will go back eventually, and get the forgotten item.

My first gift, The Vonda Boot, by Dr. Marten are still "all that" and the shitkickers are worn proudly every chance available. Saw some studded leggings and a jean skirt that would look nice with the leggings and my boots.  Been there, done that with leggings, so I'm not especially excited about repeating history.  But obviously its a new history, cause leggings are the new "gross wear" in women's clothing. Sistas need a better way to wear them (like a top that covers your ass), its not cute. Gotta work up the mental juices to go in and get the skirt and leggings without purchasing anything else and without getting too distraught over the whole process.

front

side

Switching gears, I'm working on a new piece.  The image has not been totally fleshed out cause she changes position when the angle is different. This is going to be a difficult bitch.  The stone is really beautiful and like most pieces, photographs good when its a dusty piece of rock, when polished not so great a photo does it take. From the front, the head is down and the hair will hang down in the face.  She is sitting in a squatting position, although one leg can lay sideways as if they are sitting in a partial butterfly pose, or the leg can be up so the entire body is supported by the legs and butt. Its complicated to explain and she is revealing herself slowly. I need to take her outside and put some definite cut lines in areas to help me flesh her out. Very hesitant to do that because they are hard to take out, if things are off proportion wise. Must take a chance, sometimes they come out better when I have no clue as to if it will work or not. The red numbers is the vend number used by store, they will be sanded off as the piece progresses. The shape is more visible from the side, the leg and head positions are clearer to see than from the front. Check StoneWomynArt New Works tab, will post an update picture when more gets done.

Now that Michellevember has concluded, its back to focusing on the art scene and other items of interest, such as my serial killer fascination! Thank you for reading my posts, hope you enjoyed my neurotic moments exposed!

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Celebrating Me

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering the aftermath of Sandy.  We were fortunate to only have lost the TV signal for a short time.  So many others have lost much much more. Hopefully, everyone will recover and be able to move forward and rebuild.

Most posts are not about me, unless its about my work. This November which is my birthday month, I dubbed  Michellevember, a month where the first fifteen days are celebrated in some way culminating on my birthday the 15th. Long ago, this warrior womyn figured out that she gave herself the best gifts, always remembered to wish herself a happy birthday, and never missed out on an opportunity to celebrate with herself and others (when available). Something I can't say that all those in my life participate in, no offense to anyone, but it is what it is people.

So I created Michellevember, a period of time that I would celebrate me, and all those who want to join in can.  No pressure, but I will celebrate with or without company. Everyday, I treat myself to something small and significant to me.  It could by anything, from Starbucks coffee to a 24 oz beer (sipping on it now), a trinket a bobble or or an accessory. 

One thing that I bought me and I'm so tickled red and roses, are my new shit kickers! The Vonda Boot, made by Dr. Marten. Got them online from Amazon and I got a book called the Female Nude figure - A reference for Artist, but that's another glee story. These boots y'all are everything!  They are so...overwhelming! I had been drooling over them for the past few months and decided to splurge, (it was a big splurge!) and get them. I hesitated all day last Tuesday, waiting until late in the evening to go online to get them.  Arguing with myself about spending money on such a material non essential item. When I went on line and picked my size, it was the last one in stock, the book was the last in stock too.  Don't know if it was true, but the thought of missing out, accelerated my plans of purchasing.  Didn't want some other on line shopper to think they could snatch the last pair of shit kickers that I so desired by clicking on the checkout button first! They arrived by Friday,w/regular shipping, ain't it great! The book came by Monday, a new and much needed addition to my reference collection. When I pulled the boots out the box, I was flabbergasted! these magnificent boots were mine,! mine I tell you!(mad cackle) There were so...big and...clunky, and....wow! I just drooled happily in boot heaven goo! (menacing smile included).

The embroidered flowers down the side, only accentuates the militant style of the boot. I felt that an outfit had to be configured.  I had to avoid the thoughts of wearing fatigues, or some extremely fitted skinny jean or tights.  Fought off the feeling that my hair should be shaved in some Mohawk fashion with spikes to accommodate the over powering style of the boot. I want to wear leather, chains, all black. This thought troubled me somewhat, so I looked for a calmer solution to my outfit woes. I talked to another Dr. Marten boot owner named Nicole, she suggested a rolled up pair of jeans and a top, keep it simple stupid and let the boots dominate as the ultimate accessory.  Great thinking! SMH!, why couldn't I think that minimalistic?! Originally, I had resolved myself to wearing a pair of tights that I bought a while ago and some lacy tunic that required a top underneath, cause its sleeveless. Way too much! The jeans outfit was the perfect outfit solution to show off my grand shit kicking womyn boot! I rocked them with black rolled up jeans & and a top, it was just fine! & age appropriate too! Hate to say that sometimes that's a worry of mine, but it is. Anyway, Happy Birthday to me! Glad I got'em.  Six days into Michellevember and I have new boots, a new book, had a great time out Saturday, saw my loved ones yesterday and today, had some chocolate, beer and potato chips (not all at the same time).  What more could a gyrl ask for? Totally rocking out over this! (shit kicker grin included)

Recently, I finished my latest piece called "Cantante-The Singer", he is black Alabaster and looks different depending on which side you see.  I am pleased he came out so well, but also fascinated that the piece became a he.  Every now and then, the male image will come out of a piece of stone. He is alone among the harem of female pieces. What's so fascinating is that the ears are different.  This is because the shape of the stone dictated this oddity.  But it's what makes the piece unique and the almost fish like shape of the stone creates wave like hair.  I realize that he's been talked about before, but he is the lead in for the new piece, which is still being fleshed out now.  The new piece is a marble looking cream colored alabaster.  It has gray and yellow striations and beckons for me to stroke it with my tools.

Working with the Alabaster wasn't bad once I got started.  He was finished rather quickly and the image was easy to pull out of the stone. Womyn are so complicated to do sometimes, requiring a lot more time and effort from start to finish. What womyn doesn't require work! LoL This new piece may be a womyn, it's hard to tell right now. Still contemplating it's position within the stone. Such a song and dance I do when starting a new piece. But that's okay, every piece is different and presents their own challenges. The black alabaster has flecks of green and gold and is very opague.  Will there be another male? At this time, I cant say, all things are possible. I have other pieces of stone waiting for me to touch them.

To bask in more glee goo, I'm excited to finally get a few new editions to my Fables collection. The graphic novel that has ties to the TV series Grimm. That's coming up next week, must spreed the glee goo out and make it last.  Fifteen days go by fast, but these memories are for life and things I am grateful to have, do and see. Have to entertain the geek in me and catch up on the story. Can't wait to go and get one or two!!

Maybe get a new choker or some other accessory to enhance my "forever 31"appearance (in my world its 31 not 21!). Maybe break down and buy an outfit, ugh! have to be in the mind set to shop for that. Maybe some more jeans to go with my shit kicker boots! As I move through these next few days, hopefully they will be filled with wonderment and excitement either real or fabricated by me! (smirk!) Happy Birthday to me!! To all those who acknowledge my day, thank you, I appreciate your sentiments.

Thank you for reading about my time of the month! Will see you on the......

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Creature Feature

Featuring
Cruella and the Creature Crew 
Artist Spotlight

Cruella De Ville

Cruella and the Creature Crew

Hello my art pretties! it's close to Halloween, the goblins and ghouls are planning their romp through the neighborhoods in six days to scare up their share of candy. While the everyone shows their classic scary movies, I prefer to keep it light and look at the fun side of the dark shadows and the creatures that lurk within it.

Starting with Cruella, from 101 Dalmations, she's a helluva woman who despite her scouring expressions, is actually very shapely in all her elegance.  Her demeanor scares off the manliest of men, but her lavishness is overwhelming like her cigarette smoke. Cruella has more lines drawn in her face than in her body and heads the pack in my creature crew.

Along the the lines of cartoons, Witch Hazel and Witchiepoo cause quite the riot as they have separate agendas.  Witch Hazel spends most of her budget on replacing lost hair pins and trying to cook Bugs Bunny or some other cartoon character.  Loosely based on Hansel and Gretel, Hazel lives in a cottage in the woods and loves to hum while she cooks, often preparing a recipe that requires a rabbit or duck. My favorite is when she is singing "A cup of teahee, a cookie, and youhoo!" No she's not scary, but rather lonely and loves a good chase which always ends up with her being the one getting the slip.  No one could possibly eat bugs bunny or daffy duck!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        One of my other favorites is Witchiepoo from HR Puffin stuff, the witch is the comic relief and is perceived as being clumsy . Being the bad girl, her plans always gets foiled.   Being a witch has got to be hard.  They're green or some weird ashen color, they have a big nose with a wart and huge chin, long fingers and the clothes are more like ashy cloaks, and the wands always strike fear but are the main source of they're powers. Even though Witchiepoo is dressed in layers of clothing and is the most flamboyant and tattered looking . Witchiepoo and Witch Hazel are fun/clumsy/revenge seeking characters, oddly,they seem to look alike.  

I remember watching Creature Feature late at night, often with my brother. Count Gore DeVol was the host, it aired on WDCA-20, and featured Elvira, Mistress of the Night. They were scary or at least full of suspense. Compared to today's scary movies, these old movies really build up the suspense and the thrill of the chase. Both Characters were ghoulishly interesting, bringing a sense of the macob to the show. Not scary to watch which is fine by me, with my vivid imagination working overtime, I could scare myself silly! 

One of my favorite actors from the 70's is Vincent Price, he was the ghoulish psychopath who would torture his subjects by some twisted means. Ernest Borgnine was also in a few of these movies.  Alfred Hitchcock also had some good movies that was full of suspense and terror. His works played a little off of the work of Edgar Allen Poe. The Birds, was my favorite movie, was somewhat based on The Raven by Poe. Some of the sci-fi movies were included into these creature features, Like "The Day the Earth Stood Still, and The Blob. What made all these movies great, was that they were black and white, so the shadows and the creepiness was intensified.  

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a cult classic, and all I can remember is the phrase that was spoken to the robot "Klaatu barada Nikto" if anything happened to his master. Wow! Nothing like the "Live long and prosper" phrase that Spock used in Star Trek. Never ceased to amaze me that Kirk would get with any alien female as long as she was beautiful. That was enough sci-fi horror for me.  Actually, I'm an action movie chick, with a sprinkle of animated fun, and a gooey psycho killer filled center.

There were other TV shows with a dark theme, such as Dark Shadows, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and my favorite, Tales from the Crypt.  The crypt keeper was a dapper puppet, always dressed in character for the shows current theme for terror. There were several crypt keepers, they never had the same facial structure and decay.  He was a witty old sack of bones who laughed at his own twisted jokes.  The shows focused on how some people by some truly morbid twist of fate, get what they deserve.

Speaking of fun, monsters come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, complete with their unusual looks and abilities.  One of my favorites, Aaah! Real Monsters, was my favorite cartoon for awhile.  This show reminded me of practical jokers who fuck with you cause they have nothing better to do. These are the people who need the shit scared out them. Sometimes justice is served, and others the monsters learn how to be better friends. aaaawwww!

Other TV shows that kept it creepy but funny, The Addams Family, and The Munsters. Lost in Space, Land of the Lost, were not creepy but fall more into sci-fi category, they were still fun and weird. I'm sure there are other shows out there that fit into this creepy crew, but its fun to see how things have changed, but some stay the same.

Cant leave out the ultimate scary movie, The Exorcist. I remember seeing that movie on TV when I was in the sixth grade. It scared me to death, had nightmares for along time and from that moment I knew scary was not for me.  I went to the movies to see Nightmare on Elm Street and the first Halloween movie when I got older.  After a while, they became dumb to me. There was always some group of young people who experience unusual events and instead of leaving, they stick around and end up getting killed. Stupid people are scary to me! Just think, these are considered classics too!

Halloween is coming with ghosts and  big black cats, Halloween is coming we'll put on our masks. We knock on the door and say trick or treat!, then scamper all the way down the street. Halloween is coming! booo!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

This spotlight is on an artist who I admire greatly, and mentored me as I begun my artistic journey.  Johne, began his art career in high school. After being put in an art class cause he threw a chair at a student in music class, he began drawing.  After high school, he continued drawing, teaching himself how to draw the scenes he wanted. His work has never been shown in any exhibition setting. In order to see his work, you had to visit him.  Johne passed away suddenly in June 2002, and I keep his work and his influence close to my heart, for he was my brother. His birthday was last Saturday, he would have been 55 years old. I am proud to feature him in my blog in the the artist spotlight.  He was truly an inspiration to me and I miss him dearly.

Johne used colored pencils, ink pens, pastel pencils to create his layered look.  He often worked on black foam core and colored poster board, the grooves from the pencils can be seen when viewed up close.  Most of his work is based on a song or song lyric, like this piece (right) which is called "Midnight at the Oasis" which was a popular song in the late 70's. This piece combines images from some of the lyrics in the song. The piece above is in reference to the Hard Pack, a series of Camel Cigarette ads that featured camels in suits and were the cool camels and was sometimes shown as a music band. The center figure in the picture is a pseudo self portrait of himself. His jacket mimicked camel fur. The image of Lenny Kravitz was borrowed from my Vibe magazine that featured him on the cover.The saxophone player is based on me(it was the late 80's!). The other band members are loosely based on Prince's band, the Revolution. 

Most of his work focused on people.  He was especially good with faces and made the expressive and realistic. His ideas were often poetic even though he did not write poetry.  His love of sci-fi really shows in some of his work. This piece, called The Travelers, was influenced by the old western movies.  We got a big kick out of watching those movies. The imagery he created from these movies reflects his eye for detail and memory.  He rarely worked from photographs.

John became interested in ships, perhaps seeing an old movie that had the pirate looking ships in them. He has several pieces that contain ships. He studied them enough to be able to recreate the texture in the planks of wood.  He also had a sense of humor, somewhat sarcastic in nature, but he incorporated some humor in the ship scenes he drew. In his work, he played on the popularity of TV shows and peoples perceptions of others through his imagery.

He decided to sign his work Johne, since he was always called Johnny while growing up. There are 25 works that survive him.  If he was not pleased with his work, he would destroy them.  He never sold or gave away his work.  I managed to rescue (only by extreme begging) two pieces which are part of his total collection. 

Last year, I posted a piece of his every day on facebook to celebrate his birthday.  He never wanted his work seen, but I believe his work is beautiful and should be seen. Happy birthday, Johne.

Enjoy your Halloween! Thanks for reading!  Will see you at the.....

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Things in My Basket

A tisket, a tasket, these things are in My Basket!

fuzzy bunny picture

I saw a baby rabbit while walking down the street. It seemed to be posing for me so I took it's picture. With all the wild life surrounding me it was surprising to see such a little rabbit coming out of the bushes and still be alive!  with all the stray cats strutting and ground hogs, hogging and the occasional hawk like bird that swoops down and carries off prey. This predator has landed on my fence, scoping out its next meal. The wonders of nature never cease. I am constantly amazed every time I leave the house, I see something new. Now that the weathers changing, the mosquitoes and flies can chill out and leave me alone.

The one bug that's looking for shelter is the stink bug. Did you know that Raid now makes a stink bug killer spray that also works on other insects.  It's called Raid Max, Bug Barrier. It's the best bug spray ever! Those who have pets, may need to take precautions, but since I have none, its spray time y'all! Stink bugs are hard to kill, but this stuff knocks em right out.  I've used regular raid on them too, but you have to saturate those jokers before it affects them.

You know, despite their stinky disposition, they are actually interesting to look at. They look their best DEAD! But nevertheless they are part of the insect world, we must respect that fact, right before we crush em!

Another tasket in my basket moving around and making a racket, is the exhibit called Cosmo Couture, at the Corcoran's Gallery 31. The exhibit runs until October 14, 2012. Gallery 31 is the Corcoran Gallery of Arts dedicated exhibition space for the Corcoran School of Art and Design. This exhibit is where both fashion and interior design meet and respond to the ever changing trends in our culture.  Using the painting Red Star (1970) by Raymond Saunders (permanent collection of the Corcoran) as inspiration, the Cosmo Couture design teams created couture gowns from materials usually used in interiors.

I remember when the space was office space used for student services and records.  I used to intern in this very space as an office assistant.  My how things have changed. The Gallery can be accessed through the E Street entrance. This entrance is mainly used by students, but the Gallery is visible on the right as soon as you walk in.

I thought this exhibit was interesting and unusual.  The designs are futuristic looking, but looks like a lot of the outrageous clothing that designers actually feature on the runway. Then some A-list star wears it to an event and gets blasted by the Fashion Police for not leaving it on the runway. Joan and her rangers rule fashion! These dresses look really good on a headless manikin or a dress stand.  What gaudy event would someone wear these to?

The Exhibit is very well put together.  The exhibit is free to the public. Its worth going to see. The hanging styrofoam heads are cool too, and there are other dresses that are interesting and dynamic.  Check it out if you can. 

I find the school more interesting than the gallery.  Student work is often up in the hallways and its always top notch (at least to me). On the wall lining the steps of the school  is art work, the stairs spiral down from up high until you get to the bottom. 

Student work is always full of life and movement. It speaks to the level of thought put into creating these pieces.  These two pieces were the most intriguing "All along the stairwell." A place that I remember well, they removed the vending machines at the bottom of the steps and made room for art. Guess it can't all stay the same.

One more tisket and tasket in my little basket, hanging around upside down trying not to be misfits. The other day, I went to visit my friend Cynthia Farrell Johnson at her new space at Pyramid Atlantic in Silver Spring. She is an artist in residence there, she was featured in my artist spotlight a few posts ago. Visiting her was fun, her studio small but well lit with enough room for her and her paintings.  We talked about art and other things. Cynthia is so well rounded in her life and experiences, that its always a joy to talk to her.  I took pictures of her studio and her current works in progress are on the wall.

Pyramid offers classes in printmaking, and papermaking.  Love to see all the artwork that comes out of there, but just as interesting are the printmakers and the materials they use. I'm a tool junkie and enjoy the process of creation. Nothing like seeing paper being made, and left out in lumpy batches. The things that could be done with the pulp! Too bad they don't have a place for sculptors, cause I would have to be there.

My last little tisket, is an alabaster piece, HE is called "The Singer".  Yes, a He, and I will feature him and other things I'm working on next time.

All my tiskets and taskets are now out of my baskets. Hope you like them, hope they were fun. A little rhyme and reason and now I'm done.  Thanks for reading.

See you next time at the.....

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