unicornmeat

Really like the current photo show in the MICA main building..

click the links for more
http://elleperez.tumblr.com/

THE OUTLIERS: OCCUPYING THE SPACES BETWEEN GENDERS
Reception: Monday, March 26 • 5–7pm
Exhibit: Wednesday, March 21–April 4
Main Building: Main Gallery

Last week some friends held a silent auction & chill gathering to raise some funds for another friend of ours’ surgery related life expenses.
I learned that I could contribute something kind of late in the game, so I spent a few days doing as much work as possible to get it done on time.
While I wouldn’t wish Brad’s situation on anyone, I did enjoy the opportunity to create for such a directed purpose, and with a deadline.
I decided to take inspiration from his condition and use intestines as a design element. Having had hospital-grade digestive issues myself a few years ago, I felt entitled to the levity.

I comissioned the artwork from Bendependent and got to work creating a piece that was worthy of his contribution and also hopefully a desireable auction piece.
I finished polishing it late the night before the event, so I didn’t get a chance to get good photos, but I am pleased with the results.


This has got me thinking quite a bit about my approach. I lowered all my prices on Etsy and I think I want to clear out my current stock and try to do more pieces like this – extra painstaking, planned, disciplined. The sketch was particularly important since I had to convey my idea to someone else, but I think it really helped me too and I want to try harder to make myself sketch more.

I guess for the most part my studio is done. Theres still a few things I’m seeking, and henceforth I will keep my eyes open at thrift stores – thinking of this room like any other room in my house. They need to be maintained, tweaked, perfected, and changed again.
To that end, there’s still lots of room left for additions.

The dapping punches are a tool of my metalsmithing days, mostly put out on this shelf so I can admire them. I loved working with domes and circles for some time.

I need more paint chips! Aside from being visually pleasing to me, this is meant to inspire me to wield more control over color in my work, instead of being so haphazard and spontaneous (aka poorly planned). I want to paint that pictureframe black. Too bad I already affixed it to the wall.

Last but not least I got some festive string lights to brighten up the overhead, and more importantly, my first impression when I look into the room.

I found these jars at goodwill. What the hell! They were put there just for me!

Getting back on studio reorganization project as of.. today. *
I took a brief break to create a necklace as a christmas gift.

This is the necklace in unfinished form.. unsanded, unpolished.
To make the gift more special, I created a book about how I made it. Somehow I didn’t get a good photo of that. Maybe I’ll re-make one for show.
I printed a booklet with photos and captions and appreciation to someone who has been a positive creative influence in my life.

*okay i started this post a week or two ago. I’m making good progress now, I swear.

Jayne Mansfield, originally uploaded by Truus, Bob & Jan too!.

it’s been awhile!

One thing I’ve gotten to do a lot more of this year is hiking. Been all around the area, but in mid-november I discovered that Catoctin Mountain Park is having a 75th anniversary challenge to hike a 25 mile selection of the trails there.

I finished that endeavor last Saturday.

Seen here is my hiking journal, where I write about accomplishments, things I’ve seen, how out of breath I got, etc.

I got the brown notebook in Harpers Ferry one day and mod-podged some postcards on it

On my way out there I like to listen to The Thomas Jefferson Hour, this ridiculous yet informative podcast I found on ItunesU.
.

I can’t really describe it. It’s.. a weekly conversation with Thomas Jefferson.
I love ItunesU stuff. It has seriously improved my life.

tile collection..

studio organization coming along slowly but surely.
I’ve sidetracked myself with this awful project:

but more on that later. Maybe.

One of my first undertakings, a very simple one, was to spruce up my heatbox with some “wallpaper”

Doesn’t look impressive but the exposed cardboard was a bit of an eyesore and glueing things onto things is fun anyway. I use that little “tart warmer” to melt wax. I wish it were some pleasing color but there’s not much I can do about it.

I put my collection of colors on display:

Bit by bit I’m doing the same with my glitters:

Although I’m increasing the things I put on display, some things shall remain hidden forever… such as the drawer of mold purgatory:

augh!

to be continued…