Winter of the Quilt

Winter has not yet begun, but I am thinking winter.

This winter, I am going to make a quilt.

I have gathered my materials.

I have laid out the fabric.

I have made the initial cuts.

And am excited to see the results. In fact, I have somewhat been “rationing” out the work. One third of the fabric (two different colors/patterns) has now been cut into triangles. I will gradually cut the others. And then I will get my sewing table and I will start to piece them together.

(I don’t care that I don’t care about being super precise. There will be character. CHARACTER!)

This weekend, I am too busy with the photo business to make any progress, but that’s okay. I’m in no hurry.

 

 

 

Subverting Over G&T

I’ve really been taking advantage of my Des Moines Art Center membership this year. Monday night was spent at a “Creative Cocktails” event with artist Tony Feher. As he poured us nearly perfect gin and tonics (which I successfully drank without becoming angry), he told us about how he got his start as an artist and a bit about his vision–subversion and found objects and not repurposing and not conversion. As others present took notes and documented the lessons, I will leave those tales for those individuals to tell (like Rachel and Laura) and I will stick with what I know best: documentation of the event itself.

I love events like these where you actually engage in a CONVERSATION with someone rather than be lectured at. You get to take away a personal experience rather than just a pamphlet and some jotted down notes.

Tony’s exhibit–a twenty year survey of his work–opens at the Art Center on Friday, May 11th, with an exhibition preview party Thursday at 5:00.

Oh, and I made fire:

Dat Art Cray

The other week, I volunteered at the Des Moines Art Center’s Art Crazy event. Community members donated their “excess” art to the event where it was sold amidst appetizers, margaritas, and sounds from the best DJ in Des Moines. The event drew the crowds typical of art center events: fancy old people and young professionals, with a splash of the offbeat.

Before going into the event, the only art adorning the walls of my bedroom were photos from my photo classes back in the day, including *gasp* a set of self-portraits. I also have some prints of my cousin’s (check him out–a seriously talented nature photographer and musician) that I need to find a place for, as well.

Yup.

I wasn’t planning on buying anything, as I figured most pieces (and anything I would want) would be way out of my price range.

I walked out with three different items, which are now all waiting to be placed upon my walls.

The first thing that caught my eye (I’ll blame a $5 price tag and three margaritas) was FDR.

After purchasing FDR, I turned around and there on the wall right in front of me was THIS:

FDR had made me courageous. After a bit of haggling, I was walking up to the register again with this big boy.

But I couldn’t stop there. Because then I saw Gloria:

I seriously could have kept going until I was kicked out. And keep in mind these were all found at the very end of the event after everything had already been picked through.

What I liked most about this event–besides my booty–was that it showed how accessible art and starting an art collection really can be. I think most young people (wait–I’m 30 now. Can I still call myself young?) work under an assumption that art is only for artists and the higher classes. False. If you’re looking, it’s there. If you’re willing, there’s something for you. And with the introduction of Art Beacon it has become even easier to be aware and engaged.

Now I just need some help hanging these . . .

Drawin’

The other week was another installation of Drink & Draw. But this time I brought friends. And we ate at a fancy restaurant before. Oh, and heard a lecture from a big wig in the arts and culture scene.

But ultimately we drew naked ladies.

All in the name of art.

The best part? The rediscovery of the magic of crayons. It was lovely.

Inside Assembly Hall

 

When I was in college, I worked all four years for the athletic department’s apparel company. This meant having more access to the stadium and Assembly Hall than other students would. I mostly worked the busy games, but would also occasionally work shifts in the warehouse or store within Assembly Hall.

Sure I got some pretty good shots when I was working the games, as our stands would be dead during the games so we were allowed to watch. (I’d say my seats were pretty good–we got to stand on the floor.) But these pictures I took during the late fall, once the stadium had emptied following an early season game, are some of my favorites.

I took these sometimes during the fall of 2003.

 

 

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Fridays are my “post old photos and hopefully do so in a coherent manner” day. You’re welcome (for not overindulging myself and posting some every day).