Jenny Jen42

My Amazing trip to England!

2012-01-09T18:29:00.001-05:00

Yes, that's right! I went to England to meet my boyfriend's family and to see where he grew up as well as some time in London. I loved!!!! I mean LOVED the countryside of Norfolk, as well as Bungay, which is right over the bridge into Suffolk. The air was so clean! We walked for miles in enchanted beauty. Here are some pf my favorite pics from that area.

My Artwork is getting Out of the Basement

2011-12-13T19:51:00.000-05:00

I have to move my studio and all of my paintings out of Argonne drive this weekend. Going through all of my paintings has been quite depressing. First of all its the disillusional idea that I was going to make it one day as a painter. That's what us Painting majors hope to happen one day. My fame has come in being called McB, by my beloved students, and in the name of jennyjen. Not that either are a bad thing...not at all!!!! Its just seeing these paintings that I spent so much time and soul over. And I really hate to put them back in the basement somewhere else. So I started an auction of my work. I posted most on my facebook wall. Small paintings have a suggested starting bid at $35 and larger ones at $150. The auction ends at the end of the week on Dec. 18th....moving day. I had some buddies come and look last weekend, and they have bought and lovingly placed four paintings in their home. See photo's. They feel very much at home there and I feel so much better with them getting to see a new view, breathe in some fresh air, and see the light of day! Please visit my facebook posts here and let the bidding begin. I have a square to take credit...will gladly take payments and work with you if you see a painting YOU MUST HAVE! Keep scrolling down through old posts non my facebook wall stop when you get to the VICTIM painting!

photos by Cindy France

Holiday HEap THis Saturday!!

2011-12-01T15:38:00.001-05:00

I hope to see lots of shoppers this Saturday at this year's Holiday Heap! If you have never been, you have no idea what you are missing out on! This show has never disappointed for people trying to find the most unique gifts! All diy vendors, all hand made! I included the map in case you wish to make your game plan early! Notice, I"m in the back room, along with some really really awesome and amazing vendors, so DON'T SKIP THE BACK ROOM!!! SO that's this Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 to 5. At St. John;s Church, which is on the corner of St. Paul and 26th. Streets! See You There!

My New Home Holiday Style

2011-11-29T17:16:00.001-05:00

I moved into Hamden in mid October and I am very happyto say that my house on Argonne Drive now has a contract and will hopefullyride on into a new happy situation. I have found this beautiful little row homeon Hickory Ave. that I am renting for a nice little monthly fee. I have these graciousdreams of living this sweet little life, making my sweet little birdie bird products,living off of my makings and painting again, in another studio space one day.Yes, this is my retirement plan. On February 15, the county will mark as beingemployed by them for 25 years!!! AKA, I am hoping to retire in 5 more years. Sothe game plans is establishing my jennyjen birdie bird business and live ahappy little life making people around happy when they see my fluttering,smart-alic birds. Any who, I am downsizing and learning to live as cheap as Ican without sacrificing too much. And who knows, maybe this while scheme couldwork and I could even live a decent life doing what I want. I love teaching,but it really is beginning to wear on my creative soul. But back to whatI want to show you. I love this new sweet house My landlord has made this placea wonderful home with great aesthetic decisions and I have made a few changesin paint and added my decor and furnishing. Here is a quick peak of the livingroom with my fake Xmas tree! I believe you should either be real, or be reallyfake! I love my tree in this space. The space is small and thank god my mom hasgiven me her organization of furniture skills so I could figure this out.

Bazzart 2011 Best Show EVER!!!!

2011-11-27T21:35:00.001-05:00

WOW!!! That's about the best sound I can come up with after my day hiatus from my extremely busy crafty-teaching season. I guess you've notice my lack of posts and have probably given up on me. I am trying to get my act together and welcome 2012 with more posts and more reflective time to figure out my artistic future.

Bazzart, is held every Friday night and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend at the American Visionary Museum and I have been so gracious to be accepted for the past four years! I get to create my own 10 foot square shop and this year IKEA really came though with beautiful birdy bird curtains that look like they came right out my own pen! in fact many customers commented on my wall curtains and thought I had to have made them. The amount of complements and purchases let me take the day off today and clean and organize my new house ( future post to come on that one, I promise!)/ Here are some pics f my shop! I really do think I could do this for a living!

New Potholders!!!

2011-06-24T11:10:00.002-04:00

Check out my new jennyjen birdy bird products for this summer!!! Potholders! A great way to brighten up your kitchen as well as make you smile as you pull out that apple pie out of your oven! Double and single thicknesses. yes, I'm experimenting with price and options here....patchwork backgrounds with a felt applique birdy bird. Machine washable! Come see them at Pile of Craft tomorrow before I put them in my shop!

And so the house goes.....

2011-03-29T21:01:00.003-04:00

My House knows I'm going
I'm out
and not in a great way
a short sale
a newer way of not just giving up
not all at once
a hint, pre-sequel of foreclosure

it knows
the roof begins to leak
the oven smokes
the washer stops circulating

the trees begin to look dead around me
the flowers come up everywhere but in their allotted spaces

it is cleaned up and clutter free
we pretend we are a show house
maybe even featured in a magazine
that is what I tell it
as well as the cats

we wait for our audience
but no one has come yet

it is a dead market
and we have a red check by our name

but we will wait
and clean every dish
every morning
shine and polish every surface before we leave in the morning
awaiting our spotlight

Two More Wall HAngings!!

2011-02-01T11:04:00.004-05:00

Two more....and to mark off February..I'm going to be listing these in my shop later today! So stay tuned!

Nothing like a SNow DAy in the SweatSHop

2011-01-26T13:36:00.003-05:00

YEAh!!!! A day off to shovel some snow and get caught up on some household chores and a little work in the sweatshop. I'm really liking these wall hangings. Here is one more. Now I'm off to get myself snowed in (for round two) with my English lad and a bottle of Sofia Coppola ! Here's the latest of my wall hangings.

Water Tower Wall Hanging

2011-01-23T14:03:00.001-05:00

Wall Hanging #2.....

Wall Hangings....what's new in the sweatshop!

2011-01-22T15:32:00.003-05:00

I have really enjoyed this sketchbook project and getting myself to draw more. Everyday, if I can. And I have really enjoyed drawing with my sewing machine. So.....new this year...wall hangings....where I can concentrate on the drawing aspect and not have to get all stressed out over the construction of the hand bag or the pillow. My first one is here.....Crow Season.

it gets put in the mail tomorrow!

2011-01-17T22:22:00.004-05:00

I'm done!!!1 All whatever pages of my sketchbook ...sent to Brooklyn. I'm thinking this was a great way to get my artistic guns going! So Glad I did it. Will do it again!!! Here are some more shots....from jackets, blankets and sheets!

The Sketchbook project

2011-01-17T09:47:00.000-05:00

Some times we really need a creative push. The challenge of making new work that grows and shows progress as you create your line becomes a creative endeavor every year. As an art student, I had a love hate relationship with the assignments given to me by my various art professors. The hate occurred when I couldn't come up with a creative, enjoyable solution to the problem at hand. The love was accomplishing and completing the task as well as finding the many creative and artistic solutions. I decided I needed some sort of assignment to work on, to get my creative juices flowing. I found this incredible project called the Sketchbook Project. Created by the Art House Co-op out of Brooklyn New York. The Sketchbook project is open to anyone willing to take on the task and willing to pay a meager $20. The task is to fill up a moleskin sketchbook that follows a particular theme. The themes are all very creative. Some a bit challenging. I decided to let the computer pick my theme for me (you can pick a theme from the list, or have the computer gods select one for you). My theme is Jackets, blankets and sheets. I am down to my last week before I send it off. It then goes on a tour across the nation and gets catalogued and a permanent collection of the Brooklyn Art Library. Check out their site here for more info, other art house co-op projects as well as many of the sketchbook entries! Images are from BEST members : Tricia Lane's sketchbook Science Projects Gone Wrong , Jennifer McBrien's sketchbook: Jackets, Blankets and Sheets and Megan Van Wagoner's sketchbook : "...you'd be home by now"

Migration Installation

2011-01-06T19:38:00.001-05:00

saw this at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and fell in love

Are you a fan????

2010-12-06T18:13:00.003-05:00

Are you a fan of my jennyjen42 fan page on facebook? I started to list discount codes for 15% off on my fan page, for any product in my shop . I'll be listing new items as soon as my battery charges up on my camera. New listing as I can wing it, all week! Toaster covers and backpacks included!

Coming up next...Holiday Heap!!!!

2010-11-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

Boy oh Boy was Bazzart a HUGE success for me! Best holiday show yet for jennyjen history! So I'm sorry I haven't posted but the sweatshop is a mad house! Still haven;t gotten Lucy-fur to use those claws for good instead of horrid clawing....but anyway...if you missed it...I sold out of toaster covers in the first two hours...so I now have more! Working on more pillows and tea cozies too! ANd if you miss holiday heap the next day is MErry mArt!!!! and then..Im done. the shop will be reloaded with special deals.....so herer the details for Holiday HEap here.

In Memory of Sitting at the Kiddie Table!

2010-11-25T10:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!1 I had to post this pic of my siblings, cousins and I at our Grandparents house...way back when. In memory of sitting at the kiddie table! Thanks for all the good laughs and times!

Hmmm....keeping that coffee hot...the birdy bird way!

2010-11-23T18:54:00.002-05:00

OK...so what else can I make a cozy for..I'm going cozy crazy! But we all know if you don't drink your French Press coffee fast enough...IT'S GOING TO GET COLD!!! So here perhaps is a very cute and simple solution! These french press cozies fit the IKEA french press perfectly (you can get one for a perfect gift for only $9.99 at your nearest IKEA. These cozies are secure around your french press through the genius of elastic and two buttons. Should fit on any french press around! They will be for sale first at Bazzart, that will be this Friday night (preview party) and then all day Saturday...details here. Again, if you have to have one now before the show, cant make it to the show and can't wait for me to list it in my shop...email me!

The Owlies are Back!!!

2010-11-17T11:08:00.002-05:00

Back this year for the Holidays...Owlie ornaments!!! I will be posting items in my shop after my three big holiday shows. I love the group shot..reminds me of the space toys in the claw game from toy story! If you wish to purchase before Dec. 5th. email me! jennyjen42@gmail.com.

New Birdy Bird Wallets

2010-11-11T16:58:00.002-05:00

Another new product for this holiday season! No change wallets. Perfect for your cash and creadit cards!! Thin and small enough to carry in your pant pockets!

This isn't your grandma's toaster cover...more newness comin' up

2010-11-08T16:23:00.003-05:00

Remember those days when every appliance in the kitchen had a matching cover? Grandma did...maybe even yo mamma does. So, here I go down memory lane again and created a new toaster cover design. Here's my first one. More to come and will be on sale for the holiday shows mentioned in the last post. Perhaps the kitchen aid mixer cover will be next!

New in the Sweatshop!!!

2010-11-06T14:23:00.002-04:00

Backpacks!!!!!I heard your requests and I think I found a great solution for the needed backpack. Perfect for your short trips!!! Even more perfect for your half pints to grow into! Made of heavy duty canvas, cotton straps and felt applique birdy bird scenes! They will be sold at my holiday shows that include Bazzart (at AVAM,November 26 and 27), Holiday Heap , (Dec. 4,at St. Johns Church) and at the Merry Mart(Dec. 5, At Creative Alliance).

OMG...I am still alive and kicking ...promise!

2010-11-03T16:38:00.003-04:00

OMG its November and I haven't posted anything in the last two months!!!!! Just a huge sign that this school year has completely taken over my life! Yeah, this really needs to get a grip on what it is that I do and am! New Principal in town and a course I haven't taught for a while, and huge class sizes are really starting to get to me! I promise I am making in my sweatshop, just don't have the time or energy to post anything about it. I will make a promise right now, to make this change in the immediate future! Especially since I just found out what a huge impact I have on the economic status of our fair city. Check out this video from Baltimore ignite...you may see a familiar group in her pics. OK...I promise to post new product pics and this holiday show schedule as it currently stands!

Black Box: Superflex...Super fantastic at the Hirshhorn

2010-08-31T17:34:00.002-04:00

I went to the Hirshhorn Museum the other weekend and found myself memorized by this fantastic film by the Danish art collective based in Copenhagen and Rio de Janeiro whose members are Jakob Fenger (b. Roskilde, 1968), Rasmus Nielsen (b. Hjørring, 1969), and Bjørnstjerne Reuter Christiansen (b. Copenhagen, 1969), titled Superflex. They has staged unconventional artworks that use social intervention as a means of calling attention to such issues as democratization, environmentalism, and consumerism. I was even blessed by having an added kid laughing quite hard through the entire film. Get down there as you rush to see the end of the Ives Klein show that closes on the 16th. of September.

"Would of, Should of, Could of"

2010-08-24T20:01:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow is our Professional Development Day for Baltimore County Teachers , in which all us art teachers get to get together , this one day of the year. We get the whole run down of important new information, the introduction of the newbies and then a variety of teachers present workshops that teachers sign up for in advance…And yours truly gets to present my unit : "The Art of Making Evidence...A journal problem that asks how do you prove that you exist? An experiment in brain storming and thought provoking through the exploration of contemporary Art". Using the Art 21 series I've created a unit, or I like the word progressive series, for my students to learn about what is going on in art today. To find some new artist mentors that are contemporary artist. Asking Essential Questions as the catalyst to creative thought! As well as showing artist that use film, video, installation, photography and performance to make impressive statements! The more I show my students contemporary art, the more receptive they are to it. Point Blank, it is what we see when we go on our field trips and then its so amazing to see this instant click of open mindedness to the work that use to be very different before I started to teach my students abut contemporary art! Not to also mention that we are dealing with post-modern themes and content...and we are teaching and raising post modern children. Here is a little preview from one for the artist I'm highlighting for discussing the subject of romance and regret! Laurie Simmons has been one of my up most favorites for such a long time and this short segment of her work is so beautiful!

Watch the full episode. See more ART:21.

Yves Klein...a little response to this show

2010-08-23T22:26:00.002-04:00

I went to see the Yves Klein show, the Void the Powers this past weekend at the Hirshhorn and had a variety of thoughts and responses to it... that went a little bit like this...1) thank god for the women's lib movement, 2) amazing, beautiful blue, 3) " I am a painter of space...let's be honest, to paint space, I must be in the position , I must be space"4) "now paint your breast" 5) if he wasn't wearing the expensive suit, I may have taken him more seriously, and 6) really Yves Klein, you were the only inventor of the fire and water fountain!

Nuf said, watch and enjoy. Love the expressions of the man watching as well as the narrator that brings back huge memories in itself.

And then there was summer camp!

2010-08-19T22:53:00.003-04:00

After I taught my painting class at MICA I moved on to Baltimore County's Summer Enrichment Camp to the Drawing portfolio class that was also high school kids...in this case for more than half the class...kids going on to Carver that will be in the 9th. grade this coming school year. So we're talking 12 high school kids drawing every day from 9 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon! Could you do that? Lunch got a little longer everyday. But I have to tell you. this group was amazing too! We would do drawing from observation in the morning. GO to lunch. Watch an Art 21 segment on a contemporary Artist. Then start another drawing assignment that had more thinking..creative thought involve. Again my mission these days is to get my students to THINK! So we ended up building paper forts! What a great idea! The entire room turned into one huge installation. Jelling the group together and making some pretty good darn drawings. Here is our installation! If you go onto the Baltimore County Public School site you can catch a video about the whole school. I make a very brief showing!

Summer in Review

2010-08-18T22:13:00.004-04:00

I've been meaning to post these pics for some time now. I have to say this...this painting class that I taught this summer at MICA was amazing! Not only did they simply rule in the risk taking department they were the best little critique group I have ever had...well...maybe second to my AP class of 2009...What am I saying all of my classes rule! Well, here are most...some had to leave erly and I didn't get their pics.

Donna Wilson's Lovely Knitable Furnishings

2010-08-18T20:34:00.002-04:00

Saw Donna Wilson's work as part of a poppytalk post form the NYC gift show. Very much loving this pillows! Check out more of her work here.

First Full Feature FIlm by Art 21: William Kentridge

2010-08-17T20:42:00.003-04:00

Since my last post, I have been to NYC and back and completed my unit on "Proof of Evidence" which features a number of artists from the Art21 series. It's another attempt to get my students to think as well as my fellow art teachers to NOT BE AFRAID OF CONTEMPORARY ART!!!! I present it next Wednesday to Baltimore County High School Art teachers. And I just noticed that I have the largest group...so I better be good and know what I'm talking about! First of all, I have to say I LOVE THIS SERIES! And it keeps giving and it keeps on licking! This fall, a film on my favorite and lately, most influential artist, William Kentridge will be out.Check details here. This will be there first full feature on an artist and it will be on PBS...hopefully it will play here! October 21 at 10PM. So get your tevo's ready!

"William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible" Teaser #2 | Art21 from Art21 on Vimeo.

Bill Brand's Masstransiscope Subway Animation

2010-08-12T19:33:00.003-04:00

My buddy Laura and I are going back to New York this weekend for one last hurrah for the summer ends. We needed to go back to get our cocktails on the roof garden of the Met and see the Starn Twin Installation. Maybe we'll have to take a subway ride on the Q train from Brooklyn to Manhattan. I love hearing the remarks from the people riding the train!

New Birdy Bird Wallet Clutches

2010-08-08T16:37:00.003-04:00

I'm back from the beach with a new jennyjen product! Wallet clutches perfect for your cash, credit cards, business cards or even for your classic nano! Felt applique birdies...machine washable...lined with a surprise! Check them out at my shop here. This week is the last week for free shipping! Any purchase earns you a free iron on patch and note card!!

No More WorkHorse...for now

2010-07-30T16:19:00.002-04:00

I have not stop working since I got out of school on June 18th. Its been a crazy busy summer and I have to say not a bad summer at all. Taught two amazing classes which I know i need to post some pics on the amazing art work my students produced this year. Artscape was a blast even with its horrid heat but I did get interview on channel 11 and made some new friends and got re-acquainted with old friends too! Wrote curriculum which is gonna kick some art teacher ass into the 21st. century and got me excited for my next year of teaching. Tomorrow is my last craft show till crafty bastards in October. Need a break to make some more designs, work on some art and start illustrating a children's book in the works. I've been watching the movie Beautiful Losers, which I've just discovered you can watch the entire movie on you tube...and I suggest you do, if you haven't seen it yet. Which brings me to this video I posted that was directed by Harmony Korine for wil Oldam..two of my favorites artists. Going to go for the beach for a week and actually take a vacation! Leaving right after Hamilton Fest tomorrow night. So its peace out for a bit! I'll be back in a week and then another weekend to NYC!

New Pillows !!!

2010-07-30T14:19:00.002-04:00

A new pillow for my bird party series....otis's buddies on the clothesline!....will be on sale tomorrow at Hamilton Fest. Along with Otis himself in yellow and another bird on the wire pillow in dark gray with white lines.

Updating and re-making

2010-07-30T09:15:00.002-04:00

Been crazy sewing these past days. Need to make some money for my week at the beach. So here are pics of the bags I've been making that will be available at Hamilton Fest. I'll have new pillows too. Will post them later today after they are complete with more Fest info.

Hamilton Fest this Saturday!!!

2010-07-28T10:28:00.002-04:00

Hamilton Fest is this Saturday!!This will be my last summer gig! If you haven't seen the new and hip Hamilton you need to show up to see how hip Hamilton has become! Two of the best restaurants and hang out joints are there: Clementine and Hamilton Tavern. You'll people from all parts of your past! I love living so close to this area. So come on out. Its form 11-8 on Harford Road just north of Ecodale.Good food, craft vendors, cars, beer and music. And the weather looks like its gonna be in the 80's!!!! I'll be sharing a booth with my BEST buddy Danamarie from greenstarstudio.

Cheryl Dunn

2010-07-28T00:06:00.004-04:00

I feel like an idiot that I just discovered her. Seriously...I am so in need of embedding myself completely into the art world of NOW! Am doing my best this past two week of getting Baltimore County into the 21st. century. Today was our last day of curriculum writing for the summer . I love this group that I get to write with, and brainstorm with, for this little portion of the summer! And we are so on track for making us move into what is happening now!!! Anyway, watch this little snippet on Cheryl Dunn and then research her work more. She is featured on the movie Beautiful Losers that I need to watch again and again to see how I can bring this into my teaching this year. Loving the statement "haters are people who don't make things" . Love it!

Color Cuts by Heather Moore

2010-07-26T16:23:00.003-04:00

I love paper cut outs. I need to get these into my curriculum! Love the idea of them being on paint samples too. Check out more of Heather Moore's work on her blog skinny laminx

Kitties show off Beautiful Decor

2010-07-25T13:35:00.002-04:00

Taking a little breather from the sweatshop to find inspiration ( or really just giving in to my short attention span today) and I found this great post on design sponge in her sneak peeks called best of cats. I love how these photos work so well with showing off the cats environment. Here are some of my favorites. Check out the whole post here.

diy is soooo punk rock!

2010-07-23T18:36:00.004-04:00

I went to see Jenny Hart speak at the Summit of Awesome last year in Washington DC and she had this wonderful connection of punk rock to the diy movement and I had this great aha moment! I knew I liked aspects of this movement for a reason. Being a punk rocker myself from the early 80's I felt that I was an intricate part of the movement here in Baltimore. Not that I played but I truly supported the scene. Helped Strazz with sound, watch fear of god practiced , picked up Danny and took him to reptile House practice, let the girls from Scab try to pick me up, hid Ethan in Jules loft from the police, Made the kiddies come into the show before the "yo boys" came to get um, rode the infamous bus trip to NYC to CBGB's , made tons of flyers for van Gogh's ear and Gray march, and saw just about every punk rock show in the Baltimore DC area from 1982 to 1987, and then some. What I loved about the movement, was the fact that we had to do it ourselves. We had no one to rely on that we could trust. We wanted to see this "forbidden" music of the time and we wanted to see it our way...and we did! And this diy craft movement has elements of that that I really love. Course now its getting over saturated and now even art institutions are beginning graduated studies in this movement....which I think will ruin the whole thing! But I guess like all things, it must progress.
This video is London May. The first drummer of Reptile House. He moved on, but kept on playing, and progressing! I'm quite proud of him. I think he is saying much about where we came from and where we're going ....another little connection to this life I lead.

Artscape starts today!!!!

2010-07-16T08:02:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, the weather is doings its usually Artscape weekend routine with majorly hot hot weather. Tomorrow we may have some sprinkles to cool us down but also make us feel like we're living in jungle weather! That means's lots of cool dresses and seeing some body parts we really shouldn't have to see! All my items are packed and ready to be loaded in the truck and I could have slept another hour but my body is excited for the weekend and has me up. Woke up to discover I slept through my first earthquake!!!!3.6, outside of Rockville. Love finding out news by reading facebook and twitter statuses. Anyway, I get to set up for Artscape then have to go back to my last day of camp and then back to the festival for the rest of the day and night. This summer has been non-stop. I need a vacation from my vacation! The camera bags above are my newest creations for this weekend. Hope to see them all disappear this weekend into the hands of excited customers!

Power Styling..60's style

2010-07-12T22:46:00.002-04:00

You know I have this fascination with power lines and I believe their beauty to be quite vulnerable. Looking on my favorite blog grain edit, is a treasure of a find, a review of Power Styling: Future Power Structure Concept Book. Its premise is:

In 1964 United States Steel called upon the nation’s electric utility companies to reconsider the current look of our power stations and transmission towers to be both functional and beautiful. Two years later, Henry Dreyfuss and Associates were commissioned to investigate possible design alternatives, and I believe they were documented in a book entitled “Power Styling” which was produced by United States Steel in the mid-to-late 1960s.

I love these structure illustrations. Can we only imagine if they came into fruition?

Sondheim Artscape Prize: 2010 Finalists

2010-07-10T11:26:00.005-04:00

I took my drawing portfolio students to the BMA yesterday and we spent a long time in the Sondheim Artscape Finalist show. I asked them to pick who they wanted to win. I was happy to see such interest in contemporary art with these high school kids. It probably helped that everyday we viewed a new contemporary artist through the Art 21 series. Anyway, I recommend that everyone go see this amazing show. You will notice more video, interactive and sculptural pieces than paintings. And for a painter, who's always jokes about my favorite painting teacher, Joyce Stillman Myers' definition of a sculpture being something you back into when you're looking at a painting, I have become more of a sculptor, installation artist and appreciator.
I loved Nate Larson's twitter geo-scape quotation photographs. But got was absolutely blown away by Matt Janson's sculptures. Their beautiful three dimensional paintings that oozed of cake icing appeal and reminded me of my favorite 40's aesthetic.

Many of the pieces that Janson creates express a tension between lightheartedness and danger. His work frequently incorporates mirror fragments, which have a sparkly quality that appeals to viewers, while the mirrors' sharp edges warn them to keep away.

Other artworks have a thick, gooey texture that simultaneously brings to mind frosting and viscera.

Tonight they announce the winner at a special reception at 7 tonight. The show will be up until August 1...and its FREE!! with great air conditioning. So, no excuses! Oh yeah, my students pick a variety of these superior artists, but Janson got the most votes.

photo from BMA Flicker page

9 Days and Counting for Artscape!!!

2010-07-07T16:37:00.004-04:00

I'm trying to remain calm!!! I really am. Doesn't help having to go from teaching half a day to teaching a full day until the 16th...the first day of Artscape!!! But I've been pretty dedicated to my work schedule and have completed all of my smaller items. Lots of eyeglass cases, zipper pouches, iron on patches, coaster sets and some new tea cozies! Now onto hand bags!! Hope you're planning on coming to the biggest art festival in the USA!! Here in good old B-more. Mob Town sure does shine on that third weekend of July. Let's hope this 100 temps are getting themselves out of its system.

Happy 4th. Weekend!!

2010-07-03T11:24:00.002-04:00

Going to spend the day with the family in Catonsville and do the 4th. on the 3rd. cause that's how Catonsville rolls. Gonna eat crabs, watch the parade with my favorite Boumi temple guys and then back for more eats and the fireworks! To commemorate this day..here's a pic of my sister and I on the 4th in the same backyard that we're going to spend today! Loving my dad and pop pop pics here too!

What I'm into

2010-07-01T10:36:00.004-04:00

I was doing a little catch up on some of my favorite blogs and found this great show idea from Berkley Illustration's blog "Let's Share". They were given 6x6" wood panel to do anything they wanted.And this is what they came up with...taking me back to my bike racing days I love the podium set up. I love this creative endeavor. Thinking this could be a very cool studio assignment for my high school kiddies. Next week I start a drawing portfolio class for two weeks and Ive been searching for new ideas.
...here was the idea and assessment of the project:

The concept of the show was to interview friends and ask them to rank the top three things they're 'into' right now. Ryan then interpreted their choices as medal winners in some kind of strange mental Olympics.

We were hoping to gain a few insights from the work:

1. Seeing what our friends have going on upstairs right now and hopefully learn a little more about them because of it.

2. Discover what kinds of things our friends have in common with each other and with us and with the whole wide world.

3. See how people's interests change or take on a different tone when on paper versus in their heads.

New Tea Cozies

2010-06-30T12:14:00.003-04:00

I know...it's been freaking hot as hell this summer and I'm in the sweatyshop making tea cozies. Maybe this heat has gotten to me....but its been too much fun! Here are my first two completed cozies...yes they are double sided for double fun! Look fro them at Artscape the weekend of July 16-18. I'll be posting more here and in my facebook fan page. Are you a fan yet?

Here we go again!

2010-06-28T09:40:00.002-04:00

Man, these birthday sure come quicker when you get older. Can't believe its been another year. I vowed to make it a great one. Got up and rode my bike to and around Lake Montebello , came home and passed out the floor to end up playing with my Lucy lou and chuck my housemates. Gonna make me some chocolate chip cookies for my class today and then tonight off to the Hamilton Tavern for burger night ! Days of sitting around wondering who loves me and feeling alone are no more...no more. You really do learn some great lessons when your in your forties. I think this could be my best decade ever.....minus that first one of course.

Matthias Heiderich

2010-06-27T22:49:00.002-04:00

Love these photos from by Berlin based photographer Matthias Heiderich. Thanks grain edit for posting them! Reminds me that I'm going to start riding my bike tomorrow!

White Hinterland - I Miss You (Björk cover)

2010-06-27T22:32:00.000-04:00

Really loved this version of Bjork's I will miss you by White Hinderland.

Saving the BIrdies

2010-06-27T15:22:00.003-04:00

Thanks for everyone who came by and bought a jennyjen item yesterday at Pile of Craft. I raised enough to send the National Audubon Society over a hundred dollars towards their efforts to save the gulf birdies! I also put a donation basket out back for the actual birdies to contribute...twigs and sticks and a couple of worms also going down to the gulf!

My Awesome YPS Class

2010-06-25T11:48:00.003-04:00

YPS stands for the Young Peoples Studio at MICA. And this is my 3rd. summer teaching a beginning oil painting class. It keeps growing with a whooping 16 kids and its been great this summer. We are ending our first week today and I've been busy making my power point of portrait mentors that include the likes of Lucian Freud, Jenny Saville, Elizabeth Payton, Shawn Barber and Kerry James Marshall to name a few of my favorites. Here are some pics from this week.

Pile of Craft Count down Continues

2010-06-24T09:54:00.005-04:00

Saturday is just a couple of days away and I received my place in the back room of St. Johns Church at booth 30...so keep coming through all the rooms to see all 40 vendors. Remember 10% of all of my sales goes towards the saving the gulf birdies. North birdies supporting the south birdies...that's how we roll! See you there!

Pile of Craft this Saturday!!!!

2010-06-23T08:12:00.004-04:00

This Saturday is going to be one of my favorite shows of the year! Charm City Craft Mafia will be having their fourth annual Pile of Craft inside St. Johns Church at 2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218. In light of the oil disaster in the gulf, I'm going to donate 10% of all my sales to the National Audubon Society to help save the birdies! I've been working on some new designs and have a large supply of birdy bird patches!

Schoolhouse Electric Co. lighting up my Vintage!

2010-06-21T21:29:00.002-04:00

I went to get my hairs done the other day and happened to fall a pond an interior design magazine and noticed these great retro lighting fixtures in one of the pics. I wrote down the resource, Schoolhouse Electric Company, and looked up the web page. I have always had this fascination with retro style lighting fixtures especially from the 40's tot he 50's. These remind me of the old fixtures from our school before they dismantled them and put up those horrible fluoresce lights. The story is great...read all about here...here are some of my favorite designs. Now to save up for that new kitchen light!

Bringing back a classic!

2010-06-14T20:34:00.002-04:00

Did you know you can make your own Otis the Owl Pillow?? The link is in this article Made In Baltimore that features a bunch of us diy crafters in Baltimore. If you make it, send me a pic of your final product. I'd love to see it! ANd I'll give you 20% off your next jennyjen42 purchase!

These are a few of my Favorite Things

2010-06-13T15:11:00.004-04:00

I've been doing some cleaning and sprucing up of the place. Getting it summer proof with two new chairs and tins of herbs planted on the front porch. Looking for items that remind me of the good days of summer. Looking on the front page of etsy and I discovered this great refurbished Retro Toastmaster Yellow Electric fan that can be found in Fishbone Decor . I found some more favorites I wanted to share!!! Looking the aesthetic of the 60's so much!

Halter Top Complete!!!

2010-06-11T17:47:00.002-04:00

This has been a fun week of fun sewing projects! I love these Amy Butler patterns and I can't seem to escape Joel Dewberry's fabric collections. So here is the melting of my two favorite designers! Now its back to making more jennyjen products because Pile of Craft is right around the corner and next weekend is a great girls weekend escape to NYC! One more week of school!

Next Sewing Project

2010-06-09T20:13:00.004-04:00

I was quite happy with my last Amy Butler dress that I decided to keep on keeping on. My Cabo Halter dress pattern showed up today in the mail with two yards of Joel Dewberry's Antler Damask in Terracotta fabric from his Deer Valley Collection. So tonight's its back to the sweatshop for a little sewing enjoyment and the next three episodes of The Tudors! Man, this isn't the Henry the Eight series my parents made us watch back in the 70's!

"Life Line" by Logan Hicks- New Print Release and Artist Profile

2010-06-07T20:46:00.002-04:00

Logan Hicks is an amazing artist who use to live and work in Baltimore. I have had the pleasure of having work in his space, having him make t-shirts for me as well as have a panel of his work left over from an amazing street art show as part of Artscape along with the panel from Surge. I really love seeing his work explode. I hope to see his work next weekend when I go up to the big apple.

New Jennyjen stuff....with Free Shipping!!!!

2010-06-06T17:38:00.002-04:00

I'm having a free shipping sale in my shop! As well as being featured on Indiefixx's summer galleria which begins tomorrow. I've been trying my best to stick up and load it up with new products. I've been trying to add a new product everyday! I really want this summer to be a block buster selling season. Since I only have two more shows happening...I need to boost my shop sales. So go check it out. Again free shipping n the US! Here are some newbies that are fresh in the shop.

New Dress in Town

2010-06-05T09:33:00.005-04:00

I just got finshed making my new Amy Butler pattern dress. I love this Joel Dewberry Antler Damask in Sky pattern from his Deer Valley series. Once in a while I actually squeeze in some time to make something for me. Can't wait to wear it tomorrow for graduation!

Thanks IndieFixx!!

2010-06-03T13:49:00.004-04:00

Check out my sweatshop on Indiefixx today!!! I share not only my sweatshop but my organization secrets. Check out Indiefixx for the latest in diy news, crafters, ideas, gallerias, how to's and what not's. One of my favorite blogs that I check on a regular basis! And the creator is another Jen!!! What's not to love about that! Thanks again Jen!

And here it is....

2010-06-01T22:26:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love it!!!! Thanks Bill!

Proud to say I didn't cry, I didn't pass out and I only finched a couple of times....

New tattoo in the works

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy June everyone. My favorite month! In fact I started this blog in the month of June, I believe I'm heading on to its 4th year! I'll turn 47 this month and my tattoo turns one! So to celebrate all of this, I'm getting a new tattoo. I like the fact that I finally feel confident with the images that I have no problem being attached to for the rest of my life. I think once you are in your forties, that the best time to get a tattoo. Well this one is going om my back. Birds on the wire. I've been sewing this scene with my sewing machine for the past year and its really stuck with me. It's that whole urban bird series....just like me, an urban bird. Here is the drawing...stay tune for future pics.

Jennyjen42 has a fan page!!!

2010-05-31T16:24:00.002-04:00

OK... OK... I know I'm a bit late for this one. Its that time thing again. I'm challenging myself for the month of June (yes today I'm getting a head start, to post something everyday on this blog, in my shop, and on my facebook fan page. If I don't make it...I"ll fire my boss. I really need to spread the word of birdy birds to everyone that I can in an non-obnoxious way. I have great new projects heading my way. One being a children's book that my mom and I are collaborating on. She's in the writ ting stage as we speak. I'm in the trying not to panic that I've committed to too much again! But we will persevere . Persistence is a great habit! Go check out my new fan page and hit the "like" button, if you like it. I've been posting as many bag and pillow designs that I have done since starting this whole jennyjen business four year ago! Check it out here.

Solitude and Creativity

2010-05-30T16:50:00.003-04:00

Again, my apologies for the lack of posts. This is the insane time of the year. Art shows at school, Advance Placement test, wrangling them seniors to finish out the year without quitting on everything, and then 4 craft shows back to back! And then there's the kicking out of the temporary housemate that just took over my space as well as my mind space. He meant no harm, but I completely lost it! I need clutter free living conditions when my life is insanely busy. There needs to be clean and orderly space that I can be in. As well as solitary space. I think my need for solitary has always been my bottom line for being a painter with need for private studio space to paint. That turned to private sweatshop space. And now I have both!!! Once drinking the wine of living alone, I don't know if I ever want to go back to living with anyone. I am completely spoiled with the option of doing what ever I want, whenever I want to. A separate space for all of what I do! Who would want to share that? Not to mention all of the solitary I can use. Well, we'll see.
It's coming up to my one year anniversary for being alone in this house. I've re-done the entire upstairs with new purposes including a new painting studio and sweatshop. I think this summer I'm going to start repainting downstairs.
Anyway, I've been quite interested in why I need solitude so much. And I found this great blog entry by Leo Babuta on the blog Zen Habits titled The No. 1 Habit of Highly Creative People

which has some very interesting theories about how we need to conquer our fears about being alone before we can fully open ourselves to creativity. I also like the

" few of the benefits I’ve found from solitude:

time for thought
in being alone, we get to know ourselves
we face our demons, and deal with them
space to create
space to unwind, and find peace
time to reflect on what we’ve done, and learn from it
isolation from the influences of other helps us to find our own voice
quiet helps us to appreciate the smaller things that get lost in the roar"

Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop (Exclusive 5 min Extended Sneak Peek)

2010-05-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

Baltimore Clothing Stop & Swap

2010-05-09T21:11:00.002-04:00

WOW...its sort like the book thing but for clothes. What an ingenuous idea! Next week: MICA. Check out the site here.

Bragging Rights..getting to the end of AP

2010-05-05T22:08:00.002-04:00

Just a little taste of AP....here is my top kid...Sheila R. More to come when I"m more awake.

Squidfire Art Mart this Saturday

2010-05-05T22:03:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit....its that time of the year when AP is due and the spring shows are gonna happen right on tip of each other. Starting this saturday in its new location of Fells POint...its the Squidfire Spring Art Mart. Check out who else will be there on the vendor list here.Hope the rain stays away! I got lots of new bags and sewn drawn urban scenes! Come out my new wares.

Let the Spring Craft Show Season Begin!

2010-04-15T12:30:00.003-04:00

My crazy Spring season has been finalized! Please come to any shows that you can and say hi! Last night was the NAEA artisan fling...3 hours of amazing art teachers embarking on the jennyjen booth with tons of smiles and complements! Thanks art teacher peeps! 3 hours of "Cuteness" and a nice chuck of change to start off my spring season. We have a roof to fix here people! Thanks so Much! So here it is.....my insane spring schedule:
Spring Bada Bing in Richmond VA, Sun. Apr18
Squidfire's Art Mart in BAltimore, MD, Sat. May 8
Art Star in Philly's Penns Landing, May 15-16
Handmade Mart in Silver Spring, MD Sun. May 23
Pile of Craft, in Baltimore, Sat. June 26

Art Star in Philly!

2010-04-10T16:52:00.002-04:00

In May, I'll be joining my BEST buddy Jen Menkhaus in a booth at Art Star. They've been posting the other vendors. I'm hoping we'll have the same beautiful weather we had last year. Plan on coming to Philly for the art festval. At Penns Landing, May 15-16.

New Products Coming Soon!

2010-04-06T21:14:00.002-04:00

Just finished a new flab bag that perfect for your camera, phone, keys and wallet...and perhaps a couple of other items Its really all I need when I don't feel like lugging around a bunch of stuff. This one is mine! Just in time to go back to NYC this Friday on a day trip with 46 kiddies! That;s enough stuff to lug around. Also, new coasters with tiny felt applique birdy birds on each corner!

Spring Bada Bing!

2010-04-06T18:40:00.002-04:00

The spring season is beginning and I've been working like a maniac. First show is at the NAEA conference. I'm participating in the artisan fair. The second show is in Richmond.VA: Spring Bada Bing: Sunday, April 18. Check out the vendors who will be joining me here . I'll be posting new products soon!

new addition to the sweatshop

2010-04-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

I've been living in my sweat shop these days and cutting my daily budget as low as I can. So I have my only tv set connected to cable and the dvd/vhs player in the sweatshop. It was getting a bit hard on my back as I was working on the floor and watching tv so I got enough money from taxes to invest on my new piece of furniture. Here it is, my sofa bed from IKEA...the beddinge. Elected to forgo the slip cover for a prettier bed spread from urban adventure that I got years ago. I'm also gonna see how long I can last this summer without AC, so this will also work nicely for my summer bed since this is the only room with a ceiling fan too.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T09:19:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter ...had to post this photo of my sister and I back in 1966 in our Easter outfits that my mom made. I'm hoping we're going back to these days of handmade...home made outfits and simple traditions of the old photograph on the front steps of the house. Anyone else have a similar pics? Lets share.

before and after school renovations from design sponge

2010-04-03T18:08:00.002-04:00

A good friend of mine is in the process of buying a house with not a lot of money. Got me searching and being amazing of how many houses are for sale in the B-more area under $100,000. Course you can also imagine the state that they are in. So in search of before and after renovations, I have to applaud angela tullier and her husband adam in their very hip renovation of a home that hadn't been changed since 1958, except for the vacancy prior to their purchase of four years. Check out the entire post here on design sponge...I'm really loving the colors of the bathroom as well as that kitchen!

William Kentridge: FIve Themes

2010-04-02T08:41:00.003-04:00

WOW am I lacking on the blog posting. Spring break is here and I just got back from New York's lower west side that I absolutely loved. My friend and I embarked on an adventure of "do we plan" or not and made some tracks around town that were new and eye opening. Did first make it to the William Kentridge's Five Theme show at MOMA and found some meaning for my own new work. There is something about these discarded posts and structures that keep popping up in my work. You have until May 17 to get up there to see it. I think its the most complete show I've seen of Kentridge's work. Didn't see the whole show because I'm taking 45 Students up next Friday to see it

New Flap BAgs in the SHop!

2010-03-17T17:41:00.002-04:00

Fresh for the spring season...new tri-color canvas flap bags. Perfect for your sketchbook!More stitched designs less felt....that means a bit more durable, no more pilley felt!!! More eco felt made of recyclable plastic bottles. New this season is tri-color...the body is made of two colors with another complementary color flap! Interior still have the party in the inside feel with two contrasting fabric, two interior pockets: one zipper one convenient accessory pocket. Machine washable! So start your spring shopping here

Daniel Pink Ted Talk

2010-03-07T17:56:00.003-05:00

I saw Daniel Pink last week speak at the Park School on his new book titled "Drive"...If you haven't hear of this guy....just watch and see if this gets you hooked. His new book is on what motivates us...and there are some very insightful findings!

THis is my office that I call the cage..

2010-02-24T22:12:00.003-05:00

I call it my cage, because it is exactly that...a cage..i'm hoping this helps to explain why I go crazy some days when I am in here for hours on end on my "B" days...

"and don't you know that God is Pooh bear?"

2010-02-21T19:17:00.002-05:00

Hooping Rain , Shine or Snow!

2010-02-19T19:36:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday, Feb. 13, we were all still pretty snowed in and a little stir crazy. My man, Spilly, was out in the snow, on one of the highest snow piles, introducing his new spring line of hula hoops. What's not to love about this spirit of dedication and revolutionary love! Every Saturday morning he is out there on his medium stoop selling his hoops and his message of building community through the idea of shared moments of fun ! The Baltimore Messenger caught him in action and capture this great photo of him. Join Spilly on Saturdays in front of the Waverly market or for family free hoop sessions at Studio thirty 4 at 623 W. 34th St. Suite 105 Baltimore, MD 21211, every Sunday from 10:30 AM to noon! Also look for his new spring line of speciality hoops in his new etsy shop here.

I made it onto a very tree-y treasury today!

2010-02-18T20:35:00.001-05:00

What has happened to today's girl scout

2010-02-18T17:50:00.002-05:00

I was looking over at the Good magazine blog and a Thursday series on girl scouts has begin. I'm too happy with the flakiness of this article that doesn't mention anything really about today's girl scout or about the design sense of today's teen girl between the ages of 13 and 15. I'll admit it. I was one of those girl scouts in my teen age years. Course that also where I learned cool girl habits like smoking cigarettes and that funny stuff too! Read the article here and see what you think. IN the mean time I went on to etsy to find some good girl scout paraphernalia to enjoy!

Michael Johansson.

2010-02-17T18:02:00.003-05:00

Looking on the grain edit blog and found these amazing cool found object installations by Swedish artist Michael Johansson. I've been more and more thinking installation and sculpture than painting lately and these are beautiful in their structure and color schemes. These would put my first painting teacher ( love you Joyce Stillman Myers) to shame with her definition of sculpture being "something you back into while looking at a painting"

Reflections on Painting continues...2002-2004

2010-02-15T11:15:00.007-05:00

mother may I?

jill

king pooh

Mural for Mulberry Street

jack

and then there was pooh

nose pickers

I had just came back from a week at SAIC in the summer of 2001, where I received a grant to participate in a teacher institute and paint the model . I was welcomed home by a huge piece of linen that was used in some movie set. My tool box was full of figure drawings and paintings as well as a full 12' by 8' wall covered with linen. My largest piece to date began in 2002 and was completed, or stopped being work on in 2003. IN this pivotal year, I created a mural for Mulberry street of abut the same size as well as King Pooh, which is 8' by 4'. I absolutely loved working this big. But the size becomes way too big when it has to be taken down and rolled up and stored away to hopefully one day be shown again. I tried to hang my Jill painting in my new house, but there isn't a wall large enough to hold it. The theme of jack and jill and fairly tales as well as pooh exclaimed greatly in my work during this period. This was also the last works of art created during my first marriage. The tales that gave me the insight to move on in life.

This morning's walk...another trip through the great divide

2010-02-10T17:26:00.007-05:00

This photo documentary is my morning's walk around 9AM. from Oakenshawe to Northwood. It was windy but not as bad as the day progressed. I think I caught the calm before the storm. About 10 " new this morning. We've all been called into our homes for the rest of the day. Rest up tonight and pray that our power lines hang in there. Tomorrow begins yet another day of the big dig out!

Snow-a-cain 2010...finding the big divide

2010-02-08T08:28:00.003-05:00

WOW, what a fun storm this has been! I decided to put down my shovel yesterday and go for a long adventuresome walk. I was told, and I truly believe this, that I live very close to the greatest divide in the U.S. today. The greatest contrast between wealth and poverty is here in Baltimore. The divide is Greenmount Ave. and the area of greatest divide is right up the street form me, where Pen Lucy and Guilford meet. So I ventured down Argonne Drive to where it turns into 39th. street with my camera in hand and Love Peace Project pumping through my head phones.I found that the people on my side (the poor east side of 39th.) were all out helping each other, being quite friendly, responding to my hellos. I had a full conversation with one guy as we walked up the street together. I noticed the side streets were no where close to being passable and 39th. was barely a one plowed ice cover lane. As I crossed Greenmount in to Guilford I noticed a big difference even on 39th. street. Two lanes, almost 4 lanes were plowed. The neighbors were out watching one guy with his snow blower clearing Juniper Street. They were all out laughing and gathering walking their dogs. Most of their sidewalks had already been cleared. I noticed a sign on one door exclaiming "No Shoveling". Heavens if anyone on this neighborhood would support anyone trying to make a buck here or there, especially in this economy! No responses to my hello's except the three guys coming through yelling "The Good Guys are here"! I'm sure they were from my side of the street. And I think the snow blower guy said hello too. But that was it. The rest gave me the paranoid stare. I ended up at my friend Spilly's house in Oakenshawe where we continued the day of adventure of hula hooping in the streets, sled riding down Wyman Park hills and a well deserve afternoon nap. My walk home was greeted by the sun set, more friendly hello's on the east side and welcoming of the crows that lined the trees of my street. Today, I guess I have to begin the dig out of my car. I really wished we would all just chill and go out for long walks and adventures and leave our cars under the snow for a while.

The Big Storm of 2010!

2010-02-06T15:04:00.003-05:00

Its 3:04in the afternoon and two BGE trucks have been parked in front for the last hour. I guess I should be grateful that I have electricity and I guess a bit optimistic since doom is sorrily across the street. It started snowing around noon yesterday and hasn't stopped yet. Last night I heard thunder and woke up to more than 20" on the ground. I went out around 11 to shovel and most of what I shoveled is covered again but I can still see the path. It's a heavy beautiful snow. The trees are drooping and hanging low. There has been very little human sightings minus the work man in their neon green vests. Its very peaceful but I know stir crazy will step in soon. I'm keeping busy with the new spring line...but also thinking it may be time for an afternoon nap!

Trying to think spring in the middle of a snow storm!

2010-02-06T14:51:00.002-05:00

Crazy snow storm...20+" and and its still going! Meaning I'm in my sweat shop making more spring totes! Here are two more...I sold the first water tower already!

Reflections on Painting...98-99

2010-02-05T08:29:00.005-05:00

These are the big paintings. The ones that start out at 5 feet wide at least or 5 feet tall. The ones influenced by time magazine ads from the late 50's and reading Jack Kerouac. I was teaching at Lansdowne High School and finding immense absurdity in my life as well as in these ads. The people all dressed up to go walk in the woods, the smiling woman as she gets her grave stone designed, the husband giving the stewardess the eye while his wife is oblivious to his actions. While in the background I'm reading Kerouac spitting his muses and observations while listening to Dave Brubeck and Miles in my third floor fells point studio...this is how I lived my life while avoiding the floors below me.

Bragging Rights...What my Ap kids are Up To

2010-02-03T21:11:00.004-05:00

It's that mid-year time and my Advance Placement kids have been plugging away on their portfolios. I thought I would post one piece from each. Every year is so different form the next. That's the part of my job that I truly love. These guys have grown so much this year. I can't wait ti see what May will bring!

New Spring Totes!

2010-02-03T19:06:00.006-05:00

I know with all of this snow its a little hard thinking about spring. But maybe its the perfect time to think about spring! Here is a sneak preview of my latest totes! Three color panels make it more fun for me to work my color magic. More stitch work makes it a more durable design...eco felt rends to pil after a while...so these only have small pieces of felt. Interiors are "parties" going on in the inside with two contrasting fabrics. More pockets!!! Tow exterior flab packets; tow interior pockets: one large zipper pocket the other a convenient accessory pocket. Shoulder straps...and large enough for a sketchbook, a thermos &/or water bottle and your other personal items. I think these may be my favorite bags yet!

Hmmmm....mural in the house time?

2010-02-03T08:00:00.004-05:00

Now that I have my house all to myself and have been turning painting ideas into installations....I stare at my blank walls of color all over my house trying to imagine the perfect line drawing, painting, text for each. Saw this on Apartment Therapy this morning and had to post it to remind myself that I can so this. Great house...good article on James Nestor's home ...read here.

Clues to my New work

2010-02-02T21:37:00.002-05:00

I'm not quite ready to post my new work in progress quite yet. I'm in a stand still....just staring stage is where I'm at at this moment. Started making my new spring line in the sweat shop...future post to occur soon.....just wanted to give some hints of the new work by these influential pieces of my past....

The Assemblages

2010-01-31T21:40:00.004-05:00

I have been quite a busy gal and should really be in bed right now tending to this frog in my throat. But i realized i haven't posted and i really want to continue with my reflections of painting series. I've been working pretty hard on my brain and my thoughts and getting it all out visually and written....my journal has been getting almost daily recounts of my thoughts and visions. I like my way of working with my new piece,with my rules of loose and tight. And I keep thinking about adding the object soon. I added old paintings as objects but I think I really need to find the metaphorical object that speaks vulnerability. Here is a sweet series I did in around 1994-97. Fondly I got to revisit my Musical Chair piece that has unfortunately lost the groom, but I also think that that was also meant to be, be it the metaphorical object of that piece.

photos....1987

2010-01-25T20:49:00.004-05:00

I am not a great photographer. I will admit it. I feel too shy to photograph people except my poor students. I had to take a photo class in order to get certified to teach and it really was one of the greatest classes I ever took at Towson. I found away to shy away from my shyness of photographing people and simply used myself as the model. It also motivated me to develop my film as soon as I could because I had no idea what my photo's really looked liked until then. I loved the timer and the tri-pod. I was living back home after my big year of poverty in the big shitty....and installation became my love of the basement. I transported my ankhs from 27th street and took over the massive space. My poor parents had no idea what was up with me. So here we are....sorry to not be writing enough these days...big paper work...taxes..divorce stuff and grades have taken over my life....but I am still secretly painting..even if its just in my head on some days.

1990...the David Salle period

2010-01-19T18:35:00.004-05:00

I know I'm going backwards.....the period of my work that I am reflecting and writing about have no order or reason behind them except these are the works that I am currently thinking about. I have started to paint in my studio and with each brush stroke memories of frustration of getting the consistency of paint right on the smooth canvas....if I can get that one right. We take steps backward when we don't paint. So I"m thinking about 1990 and me living on Baltimore Street in the Artist Housing. It is the last year of my being single before marriage number 1. I have nothing but gray outside my windows. Abandoned store fronts...in fact the old Turkish baths were across the street from my painting/living studio. I was taking a life drawing class at night at MICA with Rex Stevens and I was ready to mixed them into my paintings. The definition were fading away and the image vocabulary was developing. My favorite artist at that time was David Salle. He had been for a while after a hate at first site!But I could not turn away and really became intrigued by the juxtapositions of the everyday with emotional as well as the random.