Saturday Daydreaming: Must Selvedge Be Straight?

Old saws on the wall of the Chain Saw exhibition at Founders Heritage Park. I wondered if it's possible to build in scalloped selvedge into the draft, the way knitters do it with knitting, as in built-in frills. Different shrinkage would be the easiest, but is there any other way?

Weed Week

On December 6, we are hosting this year's Driveway Christmas Party. This is its sixth year; it started suddenly when many of the kids grew up and a group of parents on our driveway, (10 homes share one big driveway), who knew each other well, got together and started it. Last year, when the discussion came up, I volunteered to host this year, much to Ben's horror. This time last my year life was seriously looking upbeat and I anticipated one whole year enjoying gardening.

In the last week a couple of our neighbors dropped hints, no doubt wondering where on earth we were going to sit amongst all my robust weeds, but we are going ahead; we put the invites in everybody's mail boxes yesterday.

Ben and I weeded for two and a half hours on Tuesday, I weeded for four yesterday. Ben, meanwhile, finally had his lower back pain seen to by a Bowen Technique specialist and was told not to stay in one position for more than 30 minutes for four days.

Not fair? Absolutely, but I would rather he got rid of his more or less chronic back pain, (I know the cause but he refuses to take my opinion seriously!) and I get rid of the weeds, so I'm going out solo again. I've serious misgivings about how much I can get done before D Day, (we're going away for a few days, too,) but there is not much I can do besides keep on keeping on.

I'm actually enjoying weeding, because the effect is immediate and wee areas of our property start to look neat and tidy every day, though there is a mound of weed near our front door growing rapidly. The problem is, I can't do it all day like I used to and if I'm out for a few hours, I feel like a zombie for the rest and can't do much else.

Onwards and downwards!

Malcolm Harrison, a Kiwi Textile Bloke

His is a name I come across again and again but I hadn't Googled him until today. I can't help thinking, without taking anything away from what he achieved, would he have been singled out as a Textile Guy had he been a Textile Lady?

Here are just a sample of links I found:

www.textiles.org.nz/profiles

Gallery, Janne Land (There are two pages - click on each thumbnail to enlarge.)

Accolade in the Big Idea, 2004

His obit from Dowse, 2007

With all the emphasis on pictorial textile art and surface designs, the rebel in me is now contemplating handweaving reduced to the very bare minimum and daring selectors to include it in a conceptual textile art exhibition. But then is that me?

Conceptual Art vs Concepts - A Post with No Conclusions

The quote in the previous post was part of summing up in the last, Episode 13, "A More Abundant Life", by Alistair Cooke in his 1973 TV series "America: A Personal History of the United States". He was likening the end of the Roman Empire to where he saw the USA in 1972/3, based on his (English) observation of the founding philosophies of the nation and diverse views on democracy. Superb television.

When he said that, I wasn't thinking of the USA in 1972/3, however; I just heard those words I quoted, and they had an immediate resonance, particularly the "enthusiasm pretending to creativeness" part.

* * * * *

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon with Anna, who gave me a historical overview of how Conceptual Art came about, and where "concept (with little c)" sits in the current art environment. The information was valuable, but time spent with another enthusiastic soul, one armed with knowledge, understanding and skills to analyze and explain, was thrilling. On the one hand, I felt freed from "concepts", but now I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed with my Changing Threads project. Time to digest the new knowledge and advice, and think on my own.

* * * * *

A few weeks ago I treated myself to Julia and Elizabeth Cameron's "How to Avoid Making Art (or Anything Else You Enjoy)", which arrived from Amazon.com today. It was totally not what I expected, and exactly what I needed. I can't emphasize enough that I have an easy life with so little obstacle in art making. All the more reason I and only I can be accountable for my productivity, my persistence, and my art. I heartly recommend this little book to anyone who has ever delayed making a warp or sitting in front of the loom for some unexplained reason.

A Part of a Quote

"Freakishness in the arts masquerading as originality, and enthusiasm pretending to creativeness."

The first part, I see in a lot of conceptual art; the second part in my practice. It's something I heard over the weekend and won't leave me alone. I'll tell you where I heard it later in the day.

Sunday Thoughts

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between my friends who had art education and me is their ability to look at art analytically. My reaction tends to be a) like/dislike, and b) why I feel so, justifying my reaction. I'm constantly amazed at friends noticing the repetition of lines/shapes/colors throughout a painting, or patterns or contrasts or whatever. Their judgment as to whether they like a work is more considered, whereas mine mere reaction, a gut feeling. I'm not saying one is good and the other bad, but learning to see artworks analytically might increase my appreciation of art, and improve my making.

So, art education, besides techniques, knowledge/understanding of materials, and historical narrative, must equip students with analytical overemotional skills. I just thought art students had loads of fun making things, while Philosophy majors read boring but inconsequential ancient texts.

* * * * *

When I listen to artists talk about their creative processes, many of them are "constructive" in that they experiment different methods and materials that best enable them to create works that best express... whatever it is they want to express.

I often see what I want to make and I backtrack and figure out the best material and create a draft. Because my technique is always loom weaving, sampling is about the only experiments I do. I feel my approach is more "reductive". I wonder if this limits the scope of my work, even though it's convenient and fast. And when it would be more prudent to experiment more.

* * * * *

The way I understand conceptual art work, in a characteristically blunt, simplistic way, is thus:

a) It has to have a back story, i.e. what you see is most probably not what you get,
b) It cannot be utilitarian, but
c) It can be ugly, or even disturbing, depending on what you claim to be expressing.

And many conceptual work I've seen have been less than pretty.

I mentioned ideas are dancing to their own tunes inside my head. One of the idea seems to be to make something symbolizing "an invisible middle-aged woman". I have some ideas as to how I could show her, but again, I've only matched what I have in terms of accessible material and skills, and tried to fit the "desired outcome" with a selected track (??). And that feels un-artist-y.

The bigger problem for me is this; I question if I want to spend the time, energy, and let's be honest, money to make something to express an idea that's not exactly pretty. I'm tempted to say no, because I don't have a burning desire to make a symbol of "invisible middle-aged woman", I don't have to see it, because I'm living it. Would I not be better off making more pretty things to sell? But there are too few weaving exhibitions, and if I don't try to participate in textile/fiber art exhibitions, I would restrict the chances for my "weaving" to be seen.

I think this is proof I'm temperamentally more of a weaver/craftsperson than an artist. I don't have an overwhelming desire to express an idea with my craft, but to create beautiful/pretty things.

Tomorrow, I'm getting a high-powered brain-storming help. I'm bringing Ben, (he has two weeks off,) along as the rememberer because I get too excited in the discussion itself that I forget things, even though I take notes. It feels like a mini Day of Reckoning.

If I Had an Allotment Garden

I would have lots of plants and flowers that smell nice. I would have sage bushes and lemon balm and rosemary and mint in a container so I could pick any leaf and rub them between my fingers and put them in my breast pocket.

I would have a blueberry bush and a few strawberry plants and an mandarin tree so I pick the fruits in season, but I won't put nets over them so birds can pick whatever, whenever they like. In fact, I shall put obstacles for cats so they don't catch the birds.

I would like a red brick path, and thyme and chamomile growing in the cracks, and a big area in the middle to put brightly painted Adirondack chairs (yellow and orange or white and pale blue) or a bench (purple), and a small table (fire engine red), so I can sit with you and drink tisane from unmatching cups, talk about weaving or your vegetables, or sit and retreat into our thoughts together.

I know I would have my big straw garden hat. I would like to say I will have on a cotton print dress, but no, you'll most probably find me in my gardening pants, wellies, and two green rubber coated gloves.

This thought was brought to you by not all those who wander are lost.

Concept Brewing?

I'm not sure if I have a Handmade Nation DVD coming my way or not. Amazon.com Customer Service guy said it isn't, Amazon.com Customer Services gal said I was refunded but the shipment is delayed (???); chances are, it isn't coming because I've been refunded, but I would still like to get a hold of it at some time. I am interested in how young people approach craft.

This morning I woke up thinking concepts are totally not my thing, and I was going to either submit something that's more my regular thing, or not at all, and I was leaning towards the latter. But you know, challenges get under my skin and my mind won't stop kicking shapes, colors and adjectives around. I don't know where "they" are going, but I'll let this rambunctious lot do its thing and see if they end up presenting me with a doable idea.

I don't know what the story is, but when we had lunch at Founders Heritage Park today, I saw on the brewery/cafe sign these pieces of knitted sample swatches. (They were on no other signs in the park.) They were colorful and lovely and so cheerful. Lunch was good, too; they dind't have their Seafood Chowder, which I think is one of the best in the region, but a hefty vegetarian burger for me, and a beef burger for Ben.

With the riot still going on in my head, we headed for the Suter, because there was to be a silent auction to raise funds for Samoa; the reserves for artworks I was interested in, (Tim Wraight's sculpture, Brian Flintoff's instrument) were understandably high so we didn't bid. Luckily, we also caught the NMIT (ex-polytech) student show Rebus.

This is a tertial students' art show, so some of the works were morbid/alarming, but there were quite a few (more than usual!) nice textile-related works. As I said, these young people make me so interested in how they approach craft, to see if they think differently from us, or if their outcome is different but thinking not so. I've asked one of the students, Felicity, if she would mind sending me some jpg files so I can introduce her work here; beautiful hand-crafted reversible jackets; fingers crossed. There was to be Samoan dances and music later in the afternoon but my cold/hay fever became unsightly so we came home by way of, ahem, another hardware store.

And a wee recap of my head situation. (Hi, AB!)

I went to see my GP last week for a 2.5-month check up. We think the medication is working, because my emotional ups and down are normal; I don't have extreme highs nor lows, and I have sufficient brain juice to allow me to do things, though I could always use more! I'm not sure if the new patience is here to stay, or I'm getting old I just can't move fast any more!

The events at the start of the year, (emergency Japan trip, prolonged building project) and unusually long and cold winter didn't do my any favors and anxiety is something I need to learn to control. But it's sunnier now; summer, albeit later than usual, is here, I'm pretty sure. And best of all, I have work commitments, which, to me, appears to be the best antidepressant. (Though I'd definitely like to learn how to relax between projects, for sure.)

I'm to be on the current medication for three more months, in total six months, and then we're going off it. That time frame (late Feb) roughly coincides with two exhibition due dates, so around then I need to stayed tuned to my health/mood, but not bring myself down like a bad self-fulfilled prophesy. There's always a chance I'll be bothered by depression again, particularly looking at the prevalence on my Dad's side, but exercise and good diet can work towards reducing its likelihood, and I'm hoping I'll have at least a few years of head med free years, if not forever!

PS: I used an old, "tiny backpack" today. Apparently I hadn't used it since 2006 because in its pocket I found 10,000 Japanese Yen and a filled deposit slip I'd forgotten. It sounds like a lot, but it doesn't buy much in Japan, but at least I don't have to go to the bank before my next trip. It does feel like a small Lotto prize, but Ben thinks it's no use my going through all of our bags and wallets just to check for more.

Saturday Daydreaming - Cherry Blossom Blanket

Cherry blossoms mean so much to the Japanese that the more reliable plum blossoms of late January to early March is only a prelude to the Cherry. But the pale pink flowers are delicate, and as they bloom when the weather is changeable, between late March and early April, we're very lucky if we can get one or two sunny, warm spring day of blossoms before the spring gusts blow them away or the sudden shower wash them in minutes.

About the time I leave home to come back to Nelson next year, Mom will start to get restless, anticipating the Cherry Front Line info after the nightly news and weather forecast, even though in Yokohama where they live, it'll be the coldest couple of weeks of the year in mid-Feb.

So I'm thinking of weaving Mom a "Very Early Spring" blanket, with the colors of anticipated cherry buds, the gray sky, spring rain, and young leaves on other trees, (cherry leaves come out after the flowers are gone on the five-petal "proper" variety), in wool including fine boucle to give some thickness and extra warmth, in a simple twill.

I think this is my next project. I must think of something for my wool-allergic sister, too; she's the hardest.

Concept Time Again?

Nelson Arts Council announced the details for 2010 Changing Threads textile awards today. This is the awards that is open for New Zealand residents only.

Last year I was so excited and started to think about, well, concepts. But this year, not so; I can't help feeling bamboozled by it all. The exhibition aims to "showcase the use of fibre and textiles in a challenging and more conceptual way from their more general usage." I'm not sure if I even want to "go there", or if this is the type or work I don't want to do.

It further says "work will be selected for the exhibition on originality, the emphasis being on work which stretches the boundaries of fibre art to give a contemporary twist to the more traditional view of this medium."

I'd like to take part because this is a Nelson event as much as it is a NZ-wide one, and I'll be glad just to get work accepted, but, gee, what do they want? A corrugated roof made of fine cotton???

Handmade Nation / Weight of a Ponytail / Waiheke Invite

Amazon.com canceled my order for the Handmade Nation DVD and refunded me, saying my address was "undeliverable". Funny, considering we've been buying things for donkey's years (is that the expression?) at this address. I wonder if it has to do with the DVD zones; did you know New Zealand is in Zone 4, which is supposed to be one of the worst in piloting and such? Even though most of us have players that can play DVDs from any zone. I've asked for more explanation, and "My Account" shows the DVD is en route! Textile Lunchers are coming to my house on November 27th for one last Hurrah of the year, and we thought we'd have a New Zealand premier of the said documentary, so if I'm not getting it, I need to think of another entertainment!

Meanwhile, I've had a mild cold, with a mild fever, a killer scratchy throat, and would you believe it, a scalp pain because my pony tail is pulling it back! My hair isn't that long now, and the ponytail is nowhere as bushy or fluffy as it used to be, but still, the top of my forehead has been hurting. And my hair isn't long enough to wear the bun on top of my head. So I'm walking around like a deranged hag, with my hair down!

Because of the mild cold and a scalp-ache, I had to cancel Mentor Ali session and also not go to the last (of the year) Nelson Decorative and Fine Arts lecture on Wednesday. In fact, I stayed in bed most of Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, but I made myself go to the drawing class this morning, and I'm glad I went. We're now doing composition, until the end of the year which is in three weeks, and it's a whole new territory, but one I'm interested in, and it just so happens, the current design module deals with it, too.

In spite of my repeated emails and even a long-distance phone call over the months, I haven't received the printed invite for Feel of Fibre from Waiheke Art Gallery. Some galleries have sent me DVDs of photos of the exhibition and extra catalogues, but I guess not this one. Pity, because this invite looks so cute!

Have a good weekend, everybody. (My sister's birthday today; she was born on Friday the 13th and it's her lucky day!)

EDIT: They told me the DVD is on its way but they can't track it. Hummmm...

Art/Business

Desiree pointed me in the direction of Alexandra Hedberg's blog and the Sunday Series: Art as Business. Check the sidebar.