Bonnaroo, an unexpected time of reflection.

Russ

I ended up having a great time.

This isn't to say there weren't rough spots (i.e. sharing porta potties for eight days with thousands of other people), but my mind was distracted by what was good, and there was a lot of that.

Brian and Forrest

While Bonnaroo facilitated the experience I had, what I enjoyed the most was much simpler, and that was merely the joy of being with people. Constantly.

Dean

Being in Knoxville so long, it's hard not to compare college days with late twenties life. So much of my time is spent in solitude which is fine, but it was nice to shake things up a bit.

Though they were a feast for the eyes, it definitely wasn't the thousands of people that I liked being around but our small team of workers. We made art together, ate together, hung out in the mornings before we'd go hear music. We walked around listening to music and talked about how crazy everyone else was. Because they were. Absolutely crazy.

...I'll admit, too, the aspect I liked so much about this team was that it was predominantly male...

It's something my single female friends and I talk about, how male friends drop off the map as you become older. I know it's the natural progression of life as they move or marry, but I was happy this past week to have a little glimmer of my past. I've missed that so much.

It was also nice not talking about babies and pregnancy for a short time, as has become a common theme to conversation lately in my married friends' lives. 

Forrest sporting my grandfather's hat

Me varnishing the top deck for Bow Line

Dean helping with the varnishing

Beginning stages of the project Mirror Field, created by Jason and Lisa Brown

Another part of this trip I enjoyed was the collaborative aspect. I've been on several trips where I've built houses or painted fences, but making something sculptural with others outdoors, sweating for the sake of creativity, was new and refreshing. I've been hoping to collaborate more, and this experience allowed me to do that.

I also liked not having to think about the pieces conceptually but to just make. I can always appreciate anything where I don't have to think.

Mirror Field

Dean and Kevin put together the rainbow for Mirror Field

Katie and Willie applying mirrored mylar to Mirror Field clouds

Me painting the rainbow for Mirror Field

Carolyn working on one of the arches for Mirror Field

Centeroo ferris wheel in the background

Willie and Kevin working on the bench for Mirror Field

Dean takes a break

I hope this experience permanently flipped a switch. Since I've returned, I've talked with three artists about making work together. I'm excited about the prospect because it's time to hurdle some mental blocks I've had lately.

Teamwork. Applying more mirrored mylar

It could just be a rut, but when I hit points like this, I always tend to wonder if art might be fading from me all together. I don't know why I think that way, but I do. It's good timing to have some help from others.

 

In the meantime, I'll think fondly of painting the rainbow above that filled thousands of hippies with delight last week. 

May 4, 2012
Amalgam
17th St. Studios Group Show
Fluorescent Gallery
 627 N Central St.
 Knoxville, TN 37902

I played softball last night for the first time in over a decade. My friend is on a co-ed team and they needed more girls to play. The winds must have shifted yesterday because I said yes.

Although I did hit and catch a few balls throughout the game (a victory in itself), I also screamed like a girly girl a couple of times in the process. My inner tomboy is still writhing.

This month, I have artwork in a few places.

One is Urbhana, located at 115 South Gay Street (Knoxville 37902) My newest paintings are there until the end of the month.

Urbhana is open:

Mon - Fri: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sat: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm



It Don't Come Easy
acrylic on canvas
approximately 4' x 3'
$1500

Two is Magpies, located at 846 North Central Ave. (Knoxville 37917). My newest mason jar paintings are there for sale and also some framed prints of my paintings. They'll be up through December.

Magpies is open:

Tue - Fri: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm



Three is I will be at the Holiday Market on Market Square THIS Saturday, December 10 from noon to 7pm. I'll have mason jars paintings, fine art prints, and more plus half of my booth will be dedicated to Knox Heritage with salvage, Knoxville postcards, JFG light bulb ornaments, and Summer Supper Cookbooks.



Come out and support your local artisans and craft makers!

In the meantime, hope all of you are drinking lots of hot chocolate and merry-making these days.

Originally posted on www.notawigshop.com...

Tomorrow evening, you are invited to 17th Street Studios' Open Studio Night. Come and see the spaces where local artists (designers, movie producers, sculptors, painters, ceramicists) work.























There will be food and drinks to enjoy, whether you quietly peruse artwork or intensely interrogate each artist. Some work will also be for sale.
















This is a great opportunity to support the work of 13 Knoxville artists. We'd love for you to stop by.



17th Street Studios OPEN STUDIO NIGHT
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
7-9pm
1642 Highland Avenue in Fort Sanders
on the corner of 17th and Highland in Redeemer Church

I'm sitting in a room that is 8 x 22 feet, drinking a lemon Sanpellegrino leftover from last week's FIXIT Clinic. There are two drawings of me pinned on the wall in front of me, made by two young sisters. One portrays me as very round, the other is more forgiving, both sport bright yellow hair.

On my desk is a printer, an empty PBR can, labeled manila folders and hanging files, photos, pens, duct tape, application forms, a measuring tape. Beside me- papers, drawings, a sewing machine, a bulletin board of ideas. Behind me, extending to the back wall, wood, windows, frames, canvases, papers, paint, tools, boxes, my easel.

There is music (The Beatles) playing down the hall. Moments ago, my friend Amelia walked by my door and said she had to run an errand but that she'd be right back. She also asked if I had any candy.

"No," I laughed. "Is there any cake left in the fridge?" There isn't.

Carri just walked up the stairs, and we chatted for a bit about our weekend and how we meant to get here sooner today. Now, I can hear her working with her staple gun in the other room.

Where am I? No, it's not heaven.

***

I co-manage an artist work space with a couple of friends. It's called 17th Street Studios and this is where we make work. We began this project last May by ripping up carpet and painting walls. We are located on the second floor of the west wing of Redeemer Church, a space that wasn't being utilized prior to our moving in. Now, we provide (extremely) affordable work space to 13 artists working in sculpture, paintings, installation work, film, graffiti, printmaking, graphic design, ceramics, etc. Without advertising, we have a waiting list.
















I adjusted my schedule a few months ago so that I can be here during the day. Sometimes, I can be here all day, which is my favorite. It's then I feel the freedom to relax, to walk down the street for a meal with fellow studio mates, to take my time with working.

There are common spaces to spread out if needed. There are people to help straighten out thoughts and who will listen to ideas. They share their own as well as their tools.

It's a glimmer of a dream fulfilled.