New Favorite Artist

Kim Cridler.

I first saw Kim's work in the catalog for a show I was in last year called Decorative Resurgence. I can't believe I'd never heard of her before that. I need to get my head out of the sand. Anyway, I was browsing the catalog and saw an image and just lost my breath. Her metalwork is so impressive and beautiful. The precision of the lines, the 3 dimensional layering, the inclusion of personal narrative and metaphor-heavy imagery, it all just blows me away- and really, it's all pieces of what I want in my own work. When I first saw it I was actually frustrated that someone had a similar aesthetic and achieved it so much more successfully. Then I realized that these vessels are 5 FEET TALL! ... And she's a professional artist and professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. So it's now become adulation. And hey! Good news! This summer I'll be a studio assistant for Amy Tavern at the Penland School of Crafts (Amy is another inspiration of mine) and Kim Cridler will be teaching a class at the same time! Two birds with one studio! SO EXCITED. These pictures were taken from Kim's website.

I am fascinated with both of the above images because of their textile elements. In the top piece, what looks like an oriental rug (or decorative tile?) provides a backdrop for a huge chalice. I am intrigued by the interior space Kim invents for this monumental vessel and the connotations associated with a rich, decorative furnishing such as a woven rug.

The second sculpture contains my very favorite symbolic element in the world. There's something about a single bird that makes me think of playful innocence: just a sparrow flitting around a tree, enjoying the sun, right? Then there's something about congregating birds that speaks of dread: circling vultures, or who can really talk about birds without thinking about the scene with the crows gathering on the playset in that Alfred Hitchcock movie. This piece takes me more to that place. The woven hair helps the creepiness.

Then there's this amazing piece of architecture in Arizona. I love (LOVE, I say, LOVE) Spanish architecture. This bridge has an arch in all the right places... namely, everywhere. It's gentle and pleasing while keeping clean, pragmatic lines. It is a bridge after all.

I totally can't wait to meet this woman.

Sundays are a day for a blog

Latest work:

I have been making just a bit of new jewelry to beef up the portfolio. I'm applying (maybe begging is a more operative term) to a couple of galleries in areas where I think my work might be better accepted, and I needed a few new wearables. I'm struggling to find a balance on the effort to income scale, if that makes any sense. I spend days on pieces like the one above and find myself writing a price tag for it that my non-artist acquaintances choke and gag at. On the other end, I spent a few months in '09 focusing on a production line that I found tedious and unfulfilling, but put a couple bucks in my pocket. I'm not going to lie- I need the money (badly)- but I am wondering if my time spent making dead-end one of a kinds is more valuable than a meager income from a production line. I am wondering if there is a missing link that would make the one of a kind work profitable. I am hoping that it's location. Hence the previous ramblings about networking and advertising- I've been thinking about it a lot and desperately trying to get over myself. The goal is to get work in areas with a customer base educated about the value of craft and accepting of art jewelry. I'm having a rocky start, but at least it is one (cross your fingers, Seattle!) On Wednesday I'm attending a business class at Mountain Bizworks here in Asheville that is all about getting your portfolio together and approaching stores and galleries. I really can't believe I live in a city that hosts affordable business classes aimed towards artist-makers. I can't wait!

Introversion

I suggest everyone I know read this informative article: Caring for your Introvert by Jonathan Rauch at the Atlantic. It outlines "the habits and needs of a little understood group" of which my husband and I (and most of our friends) are a part!

an excerpt:

"What is introversion? In its modern sense, the concept goes back to the 1920s and the psychologist Carl Jung. Today it is a mainstay of personality tests, including the widely used Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say "Hell is other people at breakfast." Rather, introverts are people who find other people tiring.

Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially "on," we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."

Thanks to Alissa for posting this on the facebook!

Lupercalia

The Lupercalia festival was partly in honor of Lupa, the she-wolf who suckled the infant orphans.

The festival began with the sacrifice by the Luperci (or the flamen dialis) of two male goats and a dog.[7] Next two young patrician Luperci were led to the altar, to be anointed on their foreheads with the sacrificial blood, which was wiped off the bloody knife with wool soaked in milk, after which they were expected to smile and laugh.

The sacrificial feast followed, after which the Luperci cut thongs from the skins of the victims, which were called Februa, dressed themselves in the skins of the sacrificed goats, in imitation of Lupercus, and ran round the walls of the old Palatine city, the line of which was marked with stones, with the thongs in their hands in two bands, striking the people who crowded near. Girls and young women would line up on their route to receive lashes from these whips. This was supposed to ensure fertility, prevent sterility in women and ease the pains of childbirth.

This was Valentine's Day before "Valentine's Day." Enjoy your dumb chocolate hearts and greeting cards. My flower shop is sold out of roses (800+ and only two of us to process them), morale is low, and this florist is exhausted. You can bother me again on Mother's Day, but until then I'll be sleeping off this awful holiday. (and yes I am fully aware that I am biting the hand that feeds me.)

Speaking of Facebook

While I'm on the subject of Social Networking (the overwhelmed artist's favorite marketing tool) I might as well give mine the plug. If the website, the etsy shop, the blog, and my vocal pestering (no link for that one.... yet) was NOT enough, go on over to my Facebook Fan Page. Gather in a community of ME-fans. Post, comment, tweet, txt, and other verbs I don't understand about ME. This is your best opportunity to really connect with other people who share a common goal: my rise to awesomeness. And here I thought it was my premium dancing skills that would rocket me to fame.. little did I know it would be Facebook.

If it's not nauseatingly obvious yet, I have not yet come to terms with the idea of self-promotion. While I realize the usefulness of spreading my name and pictures of my work as far and wide as I can.. it still feels narcissistic. A conversation comes to mind with a woman I used to work with:

Ruby: What's that you're working on, Caitie?

Me: Some postcards to hand out at a show.

Ruby: Why?

Me: Because I need to sell myself.

Ruby: Honey.... Do you know how that sounds?

Needless to say I am a TERRIBLE self promoter! I'm shy and awkward and self-effacing. I make assumptions of disinterest or disapproval. It's ridiculous. It's getting worse, because I'm coming to the point in my career where this is important. I'm not a student anymore, I don't want to live in obscurity and make art that no one sees or appreciates. I want to SELL work- maybe even make a living off of my work! I'm also a no name. Who's going to see it if I don't shove it in their faces?

Just one of the many obstructions to climb over in this whole "real life" thing. Am I too old for all this over-thinking?

Blooming Rose Foundation

Quick shout out to my girl Kat East and her fabulous foundation helping those affected by cystic fibrosis. Become a fan on Facebook if you do the social networking thing- it is an active and supportive community and full of information. If you know any CFers or just want to learn more, check it out!

Things I heart

Beautiful things on Etsy that I covet:

"Linen Thread Necklace" by magdalinen

"Little Gate Hand Embroidered Cushion" by bridgetdavies (dear bridget- care to trade? love, caitie)

"Ethnic Marie Handcrafted Watch" by Revolt70

"Evolution" 4 photos by doubleyouEm