Changing Scenery

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Babs

February was a busy month for me. Flights to New York then Florida both invigorated and dissipated my creative force.

The New York art scene is overwhelmingly vibrant, varied and sophisticated. Many see New York as our cultural capital. You know “if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.” It was awe inspiring visiting the Chelsea Art Scene, Brooklyn Museum, The Folk Art Museum, and the Museum of arts and design. The thought of visiting MOMA, The Guggenheim, or The Met couldn’t even fit into my already crowded thoughts.

Yet, discovering the narrative of artist Janis Sawyer at the Eileen West Gallery in Seaside Florida is what haunts me the most. Sawyer has “a peculiar way of seeing things.” A quadriplegic for 22 years, she rarely leaves her house these days. She creates her art using digital cameras her husband helps set up. I’ve only had a glimpse of her story via the trailer for the documentary “Holding Still.” The serendipitous find of this artist holding still, while I seemed to moving too fast has given me much to ponder.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes” Marcel Proust

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Art and Academia, how does that work?

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Babs

I just returned from a trip to New York. I  attended The Women’s Caucus for Art / College Art Association/ The Feminist Artist Project (WCA / CAA /TFAP) National conference, February 2011 in New York City.  WCA is the leading national organization for women in the visual arts professions. Founded in 1972, it has 27 chapters across the country and is an affiliate of the College Art Association.  Women’s Caucus is also a founding program partner of  The Feminist Art Project out of Rutgers. I’m a member of the Michigan WCA Chapter.

I don’t have enough time today to fully explore the all the topics still swirling in my head; feminism, genderism, essentialism, anachronism, individualism, activism, expressionism, and neo-realism. What should all this have to do with how I create my art?

So for now I’ll just share a sampling of images. Including photos of me with my art at the JWAN”Sanctuaries in Time” exhibit

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Miracles, Mindfulness and Motion

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Babs

I’ve been thinking about the idea of coincidence vs. miracle for a few days now.  Most people will frequently dismiss a serendipitous happening as a mere coincidence.  I on the other hand, believe in everyday miracles and love their occurrence in even the smallest moments. Like running late for a meeting and magically finding a parking spot right in front of the place you need to meet, making you on time.

So this morning I was thrilled by the message from our WIM (Women in Motion) leader Wanda, because it is helpful in tying my thoughts together. She sent us a link to a motivational slide show. The first screen includes a quote by Vivian Greene, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain!”

Tomorrow as I head to my New York art debut, I plan to be mindful of the miracles and keep moving forward.

Before leaving I began my exploration process for completing the assemblage that started with the sculpted head (now fired).  I decided to sculpt hands and feet. The gesture of the hands were inspired by Byzantine Icon figures.These 5 sculpted pieces will be combined with found objects to convey a narrative concept.

This is all pretty raw. I’m not sure how this will all come together. We can share in the discovery together.

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