Snyderman-Works Gallery - - Additional Work

12 x 12 x 12 January 2007


12 x 12 x 12 October 2007


12 x 12 x 12 July 2008


12 x 12 x 12 February 2008

I sent the four pieces above to the Snyderman-Works Gallery in Philadelphia, so they will now have eight of my 12 x 12 x 12 Series, as well as two Orange Construction Fence Series, at the gallery.

For more info, and to see the other four 12 x 12 x 12's, and the two Orange Construction Fence pieces, read my "Gallery Representation!" post from March 12th.

Make Me A Super Model

For the catwalk on last week's Make Me a Super Model (Episode 7) on Bravo TV, the clothes were made with recycled materials.

As an artist, I was very interested in watching different clothing designers create the clothing the models had to wear, on the spot, with only a few minutes. Available materials were used clothing, as well as pleated window shades, insulated fabric, plastic bags, paper packing material (my favorite), scrap fabric, and etc. Very Project Runway-esque.

These pictures don't show enough detail, but they're the best I could collage together. The "dress" on the left was made out of the crinkled paper packing material, and was my favorite.

If you want to know why I'm watching Make Me a Super Model, read my March 19th post.

Continued good luck to Colin!

The Mad Dash!


I donated "Recycled Fence Series Misc #7" to the Laconia Gallery's "The Mad Dash! 150 x 150" fundraiser, that is being held on May 2, 2009 at noon. The event features 150 works of art for $150 each, and the Preview is on May 1, from 5:30-8pm.

The purpose of this event is to benefit the exhibition program at the Laconia Gallery. I rarely donate art work, but this is a good cause. The Laconia Gallery, is a 501 (c) 3 non profit exhibition space, that located at 433 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA.

Quoting from the website, here is how the event works:

"The Saturday event is a race for art, and artwork(s) can be purchased by being the first one to grab the tag beside the work of art that you choose - if the tag is gone move on to your NEXT choice! (Artwork can be purchased by cash or check only - sorry, no Credit or Debit cards.)

Doors open at Noon - be there on time for the best selection."

Rose Art Museum Update

"Rose Art Museum Remains Open, for Now," by Randy Kennedy; compiled by Dave Itzkoff on April 17, 2009.

"More on the Rose," by Richard Lacayo on Friday April 17, 2009.

"Art director slams Rose Museum future planning committee," by Ariel Wittenberg/Daily News Correspondent, Daily News Tribune, on Apr 21, 2009.

"Rose Art Museum's Meryl Rose Speaks Out Against Brandeis Claims" by Paddy Johnson 04/23/09 in Art in America.

"Brandeis to give Rose Art Museum reprieve until fall. Backers question committee's work," by Tracy Jan on Boston.com on April 24, 2009.

Thread

I have been sewing since 1970 or so, and I don't remember ever having a spool that changed thread color before it ran out of thread.

Returned Portfolios

I send my portfolio out to museums and galleries that I think might be appropriate matches for my art work. Sometimes they are interested and sometimes not. Sometimes I get my portfolios back and sometimes not.

Last week I got two of my portfolios returned. One I had sent to a local art museum a few months ago. They sent a very nice note saying they didn't think I was a good fit. The second portfolio was one that I sent to a college art gallery in December 2005. I had written that one off long ago, but there it was in my mailbox, in my SASE. Inside the envelope was another nice note, and an explanation about it getting lost in the shuffle, but also saying no thank you.

From October to December 2005 I sent my portfolio out to eight galleries and museums, and to date, I have only received three of them back. That's sort of a bummer because at that time I sent 20 slides, which are costly, versus sending a CD, which I do now. It's still a bummer not getting portfolios with CDs back, but at least my cost is lower.

In December 2006 I sent my portfolio to a college art gallery, who got in touch with me in late December 2008, which was a good lesson learned about not giving up hope. This gallery has offered me a one person show, but I'm not going to announce where it is until I have a confirmed contract. Hopefully that will happen soon.

My message here is twofold. One, don't give up hope about hearing from a gallery or museum you've contacted, even if it may take months or years. Two, don't take art rejections personally. What one venue might not feel is appropriate, hopefully an other will.

Work on Artful Home Updated

I have updated my work on the Artful Home website. Take a look.

Artful Home has changed their site so exhibiting artists can upload their art work in their own when they want to, so I plan on updating my work on the site on a regular basis. Artful Home's site gets (tens of thousands) more hits than I do, and I'm happy to work with them.

My newest work on the site is from two different series, both that measure 12" x 12", and that range in price from $500-700.

My full 12 x 12 x 12 series is on my website, and a four of them are also on Artful Home's site.

I have many Recycled Fence Series pieces on my website, but the five from Recycled Fence Series #33 on Artful Home, are not on my website at all. Not yet at least.

There are four Orange Construction Fence Series pieces on Artful Home at this time, and I will be updating the work in this series on their site shortly. In the mean time, you can see all of my Orange Construction Fence Series on my website.

Take a look at my work on Artful Home.

Shepard Fairey / ICA Boston

I went to see the Shepard Fairey show at the ICA in Boston on Sunday. There are many reviews on the web already, which I highly recommend reading, if you don't already know about this show.

As a mixed media/fiber artist, I was very taken by Mr Fairey's use of collage for a base for many of his prints. He beautifully collaged newspaper, printed paper that looked like wall paper, and other printed papers, and then printed on top of it. The prints and textures from the paper collage can be seen through the prints, and it made his prints come to life more than the prints on plain paper. I loved it. There were also some of his paper stencils, which were sewn to paper, and then framed. The texture of the stencils, compared to the paper behind it, with the subtle stitching, was wonderful.

I was also glad see the "Obama Hope" piece, which is, I'm guessing, about 7 feet tall. Maybe 6 feet. We've all seen copies of it, but small, and I had no idea how large it really is. Very moving. Also moving is a letter to Mr. Fairey, from President Obama, in a display case not far from this print, that thanked Mr. Fairey for creating it.

If you're in or near Boston anytime before the show closes on August 16th, do take the time to see the show.

Thank Goodness for Artist Friends

Yesterday, I was driving in to Boston with two artist friends, to pick up our work from a show that just closed. When we were getting off the Mass Pike (Massachusetts Turnpike), and I saw a huge building under construction, covered in blue, yellow and orange stuff, with lots of grid-like possibilities that could be interpreted in my work. I yelped in excitement. My friends asked why, and when I showed them, they totally got it.

We stopped at a red light and one friend ran out of the car to shoot a quick picture (above). Major traffic area, and not totally safe, but we were cautious.


On the way home we purposely drove by the site again to get more pictures. The closest we could get was the onramp to the Mass Pike. It was not not a good place to stop, but there was a little shoulder in the road, and traffic is almost nil. I was able to take a few pictures over and through the fence. They're not great pictures but they'll have to do.


I'm so glad to have artist friends who understand weird inspiring situations and objects, and don't mind going out of the way to grab a picture.


Thank you to my two friends for sharing in the adventure! You both know who you are.

Boston Artisans Examiner

I have a new writing gig (besides this blog). I am the Boston Artisans Examiner on examiner.com.

My focus will be on Boston area/eastern MA artists who create art work. I will be writing about 2D and 3D in any media art or craft, art/craft authors, and etc. My plan is to publicize artists who promote their work whether it's online, at art/craft shows, open studios, for sale somewhere, or what ever. I will also be posting about as many Artist Open Studios I can find information about, as well as other art happenings. Every now and then there will be an article about Artisans who are not necessarily Visual Artists, but are Artists just the same.

Please check Boston Artisans Examiner articles on examiner.com regularly, to see what's new.

Artists Under the Dome

I received this email which I wanted to share with my fellow Massachusetts artists:

"Important call to MA artists of all disciplines by ArtistsUnderTheDome.org

We are asking that all Massachusetts artists of all disciplines sign up for the free ArtistsUnderTheDome.org's listserv.

This year there are several pieces of state legislation we are monitoring and we will need everyone's help to pass the legislation that is helpful to artists. They are listed on www.artistsunderthedome.org.

... We will alert folks via the AUD listserv when we need artists of all disciplines to show up at the State House for the hearing and also when we need artists to call and write their state legislators.

So please spread this request onto all the Massachusetts artists you know! (that means writers, musicians, performers, craft artists, etc..).

To join the our listserv: http://www.artistsunderthedome.org/contact.html.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Bitetti, Artist, Co-Founder of www.artistsunderthedome.org
Matt Barron, www.ruralvotes.com, Co-Founder of www.artistsunderthedome.org"

New Work in Progress Update

I've finished painting the fabric for Orange Construction Fence Series #68. Above is the front (painted) side of the fabric, and below is the back side. I will be using the fabric as shown above when I finish this piece. I'm showing the photo below so you can see what the other side of the fabric looks like.


You can compare these photos to the Orange Construction Fence Series #67 fabric, which I posted on March 15th

Here is more info about Orange Construction Fence Series #68 fabric in process on April 9th, and linking back to earlier dates.

Next step is stitching both #67 and #68, which I hope to do ASAP.

ArtsBoston

"As Newspapers Downsize, Cities Lose Arts Critics," by Laura Sydell on NPR is an interesting read.

The sad news is that the Boston Globe has very few Arts listings any more, compared to a few years ago.

The good news is that ArtsBoston has a new website that fills that void. Check out Museums & Visual Art listings, and also Film, Lectures & Readings, Music, as well as other Arts listings.

Thank you to everyone at ArtsBoston for offering this service!

American Craft Magazine

Andrew Wagner, the Editor of American Craft Magazine, is leaving his post. I am very disappointed to learn this because the magazine has been really good since he took over. I've been a subscriber since 1978, give or take a year or so. Before Mr. Wagner, I would look at the pictures of the art, and that was it. Since he took over, I've enjoyed reading many of the articles. I think the February/March 2009 issue, about the blurring line between art and craft, was the best issue ever.

Read more as reported by greenjeansbrooklyn.blogspot.com.

I wish Mr. Wagner the best, and I look forward to seeing what American Craft will be like with Janet Koplos acting as Guest Editor.

12 x 12 x 12 April 2009

My April 12 x 12 x 12 is finished, after some struggle physically and figuratively.

This piece did not turn out as I had thought it would. I based it off of the photograph I posted here. Sometimes I have an idea, and it takes a life of its own, as is the case with this.

As I struggled with how to complete this piece, I posted the pictures of the fabric here on this blog last Sunday and Sunday, and I also solicited feedback via my Twitter account, my FaceBook account, and also when an art friend stopped by yesterday. I got interesting and useful suggestions, and I very much appreciate it.

Physically, this piece was also difficult to sew (even by machine) and trim (the threads). I hurt my hand in January, and it's still very sore as I work on my physical therapy exercises. Hopefully it'll feel better soon.

I'm thinking about making a second version of this piece, because when I was in the middle of making this one, I had an idea about another way of doing it. Since I have a personal rule not to stop or throw my 12 x 12 x 12 series away once I start, I kept going and finished it up even if it wasn't going as I had hoped.

If you want to know more about this series, you can read past posts about my 12 x 12 x 12 series here on my blog, or see all of the completed work on my website.

NEA Art Recovery Grants

Check this out:

National Endowment for the Arts Announces Recovery Grants to State and Regional Arts Agencies on April 10, 2009. Quoting from the press release: "Washington, D.C. -- The National Endowment for the Arts today announced $19.8 million in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to the state arts agencies and regional arts organizations to support the arts sector of the economy." Read more.

"Grants to State Arts Agencies and Regional Arts Organizations."

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," includes the following statement, "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act") recognizes that the non-profit arts industry is an important sector of the economy." Read more.

More in Process - 12 x 12 x 12 April 2009

I wonder if instead of using the front (painted) side of the fabric for my April 12 x 12 x 12, as I discussed yesterday, if I should use the back side (shown above). Hmmmmm. Need to think about this, but need to decide very soon since I have to finish this piece by April 30th. What to do?

If you like one side over the other, feel free to send me an email at jeanne@jeannewilliamson.com, and tell me what you think.

In Process - 12 x 12 x 12 April 2009

I've been painting fabric for my April 2009 12 x 12 x 12. The photos above are some of the steps I took near the end of painting. I didn't think to take pictures from the beginning.

The photo below is my inspiration. You can read about how I found this photo here.


So far, this piece isn't looking anywhere near what I imagined it would. The scale is off, and the colors weren't turning out as planned, and it now has a new life of its own. I painted over the green "windows" with a metallic white paint because they looked awful. Now the whole thing is getting more graphic designy. I'm not thrilled with how it looks, but I bet when it's stitched it'll be nice. Stitching can really change everything depending on what color/s of thread are used, and the placement and amount of stitching.

I have a rule that for that once I start a monthly 12 x 12 x 12 piece, I have to finish it, which means I have to find a way to make something I'm not happy with work. That's why I'm making plans on how to make it more successful.

I commonly feel this way about some of my work when I'm creating it. That makes me work harder, and usually the end result is well worth it. Not always, but usually. We shall see soon enough because this piece has to be finished by the end of April.

Another Inspirational Photo from Singapore

Another wonderful photo from Grace in Singapore, posted with permission. I can easily see using this for inspiration when creating new work.

I've got a nice collection growing of interesting, colorful grid-like buildings, like this and these.

I'm already using the top photo of these two photos from Grace for two pieces, Orange Construction Fence Series #68 and Orange Construction Fence Series #67, which are in process.

Thank you Grace!

New Work in Progress Cont'd

I painted the bottom on the fabric for Orange Construction Fence Series #68. The pictures above show the back side of the fabric, before I painted the bottom rectangles, and after.



Above is the front (actual painted) side of the fabric, before and after.

You can read more about this fabric on my April 7th post.

I frequently paint on both sides of the fabric, and pick one side to be the "front" side when I'm finishing my piece. I've already decided that the front of Fence #68 will be the actual painted front of the fabric (the darker side). because Fence #67 is going to be the back (the lighter side). I hope I'm not confusing you.

Even though my studio is very tiny, one advantage to having it in my home is that I can grab a minute to work here and there more easily than if I had to go to my studio elsewhere. I didn't think I'd have any time to paint for the next week or so, but the plumber paid us a visit and I got to paint while waiting for him to make a repair.

Orange Construction Fence Series #68 is a companion piece to Orange Construction Fence Series #67, which I discussed on March 15th. I still have some more painting to do on the #68 fabric, but it'll only take a few minutes to complete. WIll find the time to do it shortly, and then share the whole piece of painted fabric, front and back, just like I did for Fence #67.

Arts Leaders on (Boston) Globe Crisis

I was interested to read "Arts leaders on Globe crisis" by Geoff Edgers, on April 4, 2009 on Boston.com.

As an artist, and a long time reader (and subscriber) of the Boston Globe, I was thinking about the same thing when I read about the possibility of the Globe closing. The Globe already cut down on its Arts reporting many years ago.

I am hopeful that the Boston Globe can survive, and that they keep their Arts reporters. They're very good at what they do, and I am grateful for their work.

New Work in Progress

Last night I spent my usual (just about every) Monday night listening to my town's Board of Selectmen's meeting on local access cable TV, and making art. Last night I painted fabric for Orange Construction Fence Series #68. These are some in progress pictures from last night.

The blue tape is to help me remember where not to paint. If I don't do that, I get forgetful.

I have more painting to do at a later date (under the blue tape). I'll show more pictures ASAP.

Orange Construction Fence Series #68 is a companion piece to Orange Construction Fence Series #67, which I'm also working on, and I discussed on March 15th.

Dyeing with Beets

Kitchen art today instead of mixed media art. Yesterday was my household's annual horseradish production. I have to admit I'm not the artist/chef. I'm the happy helper (as needed) and cleaner-upper.


Instead of using beets to dye wool or fabric, here's what it looks like when you use golden or red beets to dye horseradish. Much more attractive than white horseradish. A darker color can be obtained by using more beets, but then the horseradish won't be as potent.

Frost

Goodbye Winter, Spring is here, even if it officially began a few weeks ago.

Tulips and daffodils are coming up, rhubarb is crowning, and the forsythia is budding here in eastern Massachusetts (thank goodness), and the Boston Red Sox opening day is tomorrow (if it doesn't rain).

It was a long winter, and even though I'm glad it's over, I wanted to share this beautiful picture of a frosted window with you. It was taken by my brother, who lives in northern Vermont.

Arts Jobs Lost

I try to keep this blog positive, but had to post this. It's important to pay attention to what's going on in the economy and the Arts.

It's not a good time for Arts jobs. Here's some of what's going on in eastern Massachusetts:

"MFA exhibiting signs of the times, Museum lays off 33, will freeze pay starting next year" by Geoff Edgers on Boston.com on April 3, 2009. Quoting from the article:

"Reeling from the recession, the Museum of Fine Arts today laid off 33 workers, about four percent of its staff, and announced it will freeze salaries across the board in next year’s budget. .... Along with the 33 staffers laid off, the MFA won’t fill 21 vacant positions – bringing the total cuts to 54 positions."

"“This is a terrible, terrible time for arts organizations across the country,” said Melissa Berman, president of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors in New York. “Lots of very generous people are really focusing whatever giving they can manage on basic human services: Food, shelter, health care. Arts organizations often get left out.”" Read more.

Also in Massachusetts:

"Staff jobs at Rose Art Museum in Waltham uncertain" by Lisa Kocian on Boston.com on April 2, 2009.

"Rose exhibitions are closing on May 17, 2009; no future exhibitions have been planned; Rose staff jobs are terminated on June 30, 2009." Read more.

Learn more about what's going on in the Arts in Massachusetts by watching this video with Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council: "Mass. giving less to charity?." There's more discussion in this video than job losses and giving. It also talks about the Federal Stimulus money for the Arts.

This is in Switzerland, not Massachusetts, but more Art job losses:

"UBS stops 'art banking' for rich clients" by the Associated Press on 04.01.09. Quoting from the article:

"UBS AG, the Swiss bank hit hard by the financial crisis, said Wednesday it has closed its "art banking" department, which helps rich clients buy and build collections. ..... Read more.

And, read "UBS, Art Basel Sponsor, Will Close Swiss Art Division" by Carolyn Bandel on April 1, 2009 on Bloomberg.com.

Inspirational Photo

An art/blog friend sent me a link to this photo by Victoria, which she thought would inspire me in my art work. She was very right. I love grids found in buildings, and buildings under construction.

Now that it's April, I need to get started on my monthly 12 x 12 x 12 Series. This photo is one to consider. I love the color, and the solid center art of the building, with the smaller grid on the edges. I can also see using it as a larger Orange Construction Fence Series piece, after I'm finished with what I'm working on now.

But then again, these buildings give me ideas too. Hmmm. There's not enough time in the day to create everything I want to. What to do?

It took a little searching, but I found out how to get in touch with the photographer, and I wrote to her. The photo above is posted with permission by Victoria, who holds the copyright.

Note - I've been informed that this building is called "Eichler Summit", created by Joseph Eichler.

GEOFORM

I am happy to announce that my work is now on exhibit on the GEOFORM website.

Quoting from the About page "Geoform is an online scholarly resource, international forum, and curatorial project whose focus is the use of geometric form and structure in contemporary abstract art.

The project is edited by Julie Karabenick." Read more.

You can see my work here.

The work on GEOFORM is beautiful, as is the website itself. I hope you'll take a look.