tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55431251491251233982024-03-13T00:32:48.746-04:00SnarkyArtHumorous and insightful commentary about art and life in general. Exhibition reviews, explorations on creativity and essays about stuff that happens to all of us in everyday life.Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-25280196147120939592020-05-13T09:08:00.000-04:002020-05-13T09:08:21.951-04:00 A little cheer goes a long way.<br />
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“O-H-I-O …Your (insert your own word here) Has Got To Go!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm…shall we say May Snow Fall? Virus Crap?
Quarantine? We are lucky to live in a state with a good cheer name. Folks in
Kansas, Iowa and Florida aren’t so lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Texas works. “T-E- XAS …This Virus Shit is Such a Mess!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long state names could be just postal codes,
which might work. New Jersey for example. “NJ-NJ Lockdown, Lockdown Again
Today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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See where I am going? Yeah, me neither. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Surely there is something to cheer about in all of this. For
me, time has allowed for yours truly to relocate 6000 bricks into useful spaces
after 12 years of being a condo complex for chipmunks. Actually the chipmunks
moved out when the hawks moved in upstairs. Most likely they were forcibly
relocated into the gullet of the aggressive new neighbors. But let’s return to
cheering for now…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Laying bricks is rather mindless so I come up with stupid
stuff to fill the void. Such as cheers. No, I don’t know why either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What follows are few which could be fun to
make into one of those “cute” videos to fill time in an otherwise endless
stream of…well…time. A couple of O’cedar mop pom poms and you are good to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Medical personal at one hospital could issue the challenge
cheer to the other hospital across town. “We got virus, yes we do! We got
virus, how ‘bout you?!” “WE GOT VIRUS, YES WE DO! WE GOT VIRUS, HOW ‘BOUT YOU?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“WE
GOT</b>…(you get the idea)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead of “Defense, Defense” it becomes “Face Mask, Face
Mask!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Gimmie a C, gimmie an O, gimmie a V, gimmie an I, gimmie a
D, What it’s spell? CORONA!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, these
kids have been out of school a long time, how do you expect them to spell
anything? My auto-correct really hated this last section. Smoke be a com’n from
the keyboard! I just wrote that to piss it off even more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Here we go shopping, here we go! (no you don’t)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we go shopping, here we go! (wear a
mask!)”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Here we go, Covid, here we go! (clap clap) Here we go
Crazy, here we go! (clap clap) Here we go Drinking, here we go! (pour more!)”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Pump up the Purell, Pump up the Purell, Pump up the Purell”
(that would be pump up the volume for those of you too long in your lounge
chair).<o:p></o:p></div>
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“2 – 4 – 6 – 8 Who Do We Appreciate?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delivery Guys! Doctors! Nurses! Truckers! And
on and on and on….<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Lean to the Left, Lean to the Right, Stand Up, Sit down
(can’t, my pants are too tight!)”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, that’s enough. But I bet I have you thinking of some
of your own! Since we don’t have sports or school or much of anything resembling
the world “before”…it is still important to cheer each other on during
difficult times. Okay, so these might not be the best ones to share with a
neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe this one is better….<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We got Pino, yes we do! We got Grigio, How ‘bout you?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers my friends!</div>
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<br />Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-73009810040314836862020-04-15T16:47:00.001-04:002020-04-15T16:47:44.531-04:00Wrapped Up and Ready <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWaUgSqMnSQ/Xpdw4LmZnqI/AAAAAAABugU/WV3bphHfnU8ywn-HdqFWZyEXlKpkDVoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mask%2Bchic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWaUgSqMnSQ/Xpdw4LmZnqI/AAAAAAABugU/WV3bphHfnU8ywn-HdqFWZyEXlKpkDVoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/mask%2Bchic.jpg" width="150" /></a>Bandito Chic, that is the term now popular in Los Angeles to
describe our new obsession with face masks. I learned this in the Wall Street
Journal so don’t blame me if you think it is a poor choice of words. I grew up
with the Frito Bandito character by the Frito-Lay company from 1967- 1971
(voice by Mel Blanc) before the lawyers got involved and he was both canned and
banned. His pencil eraser is still in my procession someplace, I believe
incorporated into a small scale Hoard Couture dress. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So…face masks. Love them, hate them, tolerate them, make
them? Are these bits of protective face coverings the new fanny pack, pager, ear
buds or phone case? You know, the “must have” accessory of the moment that will
be mass produced in infinite quantities to match every outfit, taste level and
designer logo? Will there be whole display sections devoted to merchandising
these nose diapers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I am not talking about the need for medical grade masks,
of course there is shortage and supplies are woefully under-stocked. I am not
talking about the thousands of home seamstresses (myself included) that have
joined the cause and made hundreds for local use by our health professionals.
What I am speaking of are the do-it-yourself-er solutions to looking like a bank
robber. Speaking of which, add them to the list of the currently unemployed.
(in addition to strippers, toothpick makers and people working on facial recognition technology).</div>
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Between the internet and the local grocery stores, anything
goes. Socks for instance, there is video to cut a sock and make a mask with the
unfortunate protrusion of a heel section on one cheek. The simple bandanna performs just fine of
course which is totally Frito Bandito, even though he never wore one but we do associate bandannas with train robbers in vintage western movies. I saw a man wearing what looked like a knit jersey shirt sleeve that had been cut off and
pulled over his face like a turtle neck gone wrong. Personally, I am waiting, just
waiting, for control top pantyhose to make an appearance!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then there is the elastic vs strings debate. Myself, I
prefer elastic, but I make only strings. Elastic is the new tickle me Elmo.
Can’t buy it, can’t find it, can’t order it…..so substitute with hair bands say
the experts. Or cut open a bungee cord which makes me feel like a cross between
Survivor and MacGyver. As for strings, the seam bindings are sold out, shoe
laces are hard to find, and ribbon is just weird. It took me multiple tries to
finally find a string method I like, long after my batches of masks have been
delivered. Isn’t that always how things go? (FYI – String ties are better for
people who wear hearing aids, oxygen tubing or eyeglasses, less irritation
behind the ears, just say’n) Personally, I prefer strings because I like to tie
one on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Medical people aren’t bothered by masks, they have grown
accustomed to that aspect of protection. Us lay folks however, ugh!!! My
peripheral vision downward is completely cut off. Nobody can tell if I am
smiling at them, of course, they also can’t tell when I curse at them either. Hmmm…bonus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are advantages. If you happen to be
someone (not me) who gets lip injections or Botox around the laugh lines…money
in the bank! No need for that stuff. So too if you wanted a rhinoplasty (aka
nose job), save the bucks and put on a mask. Make up? Why bother, those rosy
cheekbones are no longer visible, that perfect shade of lipstick is a waste of
time and if you put on sunglasses, damn the mascara as well. Think of all the
time we are saving to add to our tally of time to kill while hanging out at
home. Have you alphabetized the spices yet? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Internet sites
including Pinterest, Etsy and others have multitudes of creative mask ideas using
feathers, netting, bedazzlers, fur, and so on…. I predict there is an industry
coming and a marketing ploy in place to get you to purchase masks as a "must have" fashion accessories. Heaven forbid what would someone think if you wore a mask
that didn’t match your outfit? I bet sports franchises and other logo/mascot
based businesses are already cranking out the fabric. Staying at Caesars Palace
in the future? Forget the golf shirt souvenir, it will be a signature logo
mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rooting for the Steelers? Better
have their team colors on your face. Wearing Chanel to the ladies lunch?
Coordinate with pearl trimmed CC fabric hiding those now deflated lips. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So much can change with the addition of mandatory masks such
as the art of self-defense, now just a sneeze away. Feel threatened in public
or while on a hike? Pull down your mask and start coughing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a teen afraid to be laughed at for
wearing braces? Put on a mask, “doctors” orders, nobody will argue. It does
make it tough to chew gum and blow bubbles however. And Halloween!... costumes
will not be a mask, but a face without one (with its unbleached teeth, mustache
waxing, nose bob job, lip fillers, chin hairs….who needs a werewolf mask now?)
So as long as Dr. Action rules our fashion and DeWine says the look is fine, we
here at Hoard Couture will do our part and make face art. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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PS – Banana bread follow-up number two. Follow-up one was on
the last blog but only 7 of you read it. This time I made 2 loaves but had to
substitute plain pecans (walnuts sold out) and some left over chocolate chips I
found in the back of the pantry. The extra oil and milk didn’t seem to affect
the outcome either since I did not want to leave a half cup in either
container. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-83243887111847457942020-04-06T11:51:00.003-04:002020-04-06T11:51:32.957-04:00Teamwork under Quarantine <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZw-UTFnFw/XotPWJMivFI/AAAAAAABuTI/VcpbbDiCh70iP95jKDlZgMefrLjt-M5HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/blog%2Bstatue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdZw-UTFnFw/XotPWJMivFI/AAAAAAABuTI/VcpbbDiCh70iP95jKDlZgMefrLjt-M5HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blog%2Bstatue.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We hear it every day, we are all in this together. Teamwork
and all that. So I looked around to see who was on my team and decided I am the
Captain of the Quaran-team! Since there are no real sporting events going on
this will have to do. Not that I ever really cared about sports unless it was
the last two minutes (really like 30 minutes) of football (of that last game of
the season), or the final hour of the Masters, or whatever equivalent there to
the “is it almost over” moment for such activities. Saying this in Stark County
is like inviting an arsonist over for a cookout, but since ya’ll are having to
stay home, I’m good until the order lifts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My hubby is the General Manager. The person around who
oversees the operations but lets the team do its thing. Since he is out there
on the front lines everyday keeping those moms and babies safe, his job is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just a bit</i> distracting right now so we
let the front office not worry about what is happening in the locker-room. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlUY9JT_Nws/XotOvPkHB1I/AAAAAAABuS4/UR_KOfDwf4sfkJGF46AM_NbTcstEVxASACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/blog%2Bsadie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlUY9JT_Nws/XotOvPkHB1I/AAAAAAABuS4/UR_KOfDwf4sfkJGF46AM_NbTcstEVxASACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/blog%2Bsadie.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tades</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So who is on the team? Our oldest member is Sadie. Nicknamed
Tades (rhymes with shades) because at one time this scrawny cat was rather
chubby like a big old twice baked potato. Pushing 18 (about 90 in cat years),
she is boney, pukes a lot and being deaf, whines <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> the time. Sort of like having a skinny toddler around who can
still jump on the counter and tables. I guess she can be the annoying assistant
coach who yaps and yaps at the other players but really doesn’t do a whole lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLBMsUOCVGA/XotO8UZskJI/AAAAAAABuS8/Hli8bkIQ544Swhoa-3PtJ8vyosyNtZgmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/blog%2Bcersei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLBMsUOCVGA/XotO8UZskJI/AAAAAAABuS8/Hli8bkIQ544Swhoa-3PtJ8vyosyNtZgmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blog%2Bcersei.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cersei</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next is Cersei, the rescued Maine coon cat who was a mass of
matted fur, burrs, sticks and icks when I almost tripped over her at Bottler Park.
So named by the GM because she had to be shaved off and spent her first two (or
that was the plan) nights in the ½ bath (throne room). She had other plans
however and broke down the baby gate ….we should all be amazed after 30 years
that I still had a baby gate!...and made her way to the bedroom, claiming a
rightful chunk of the mattress. She hasn’t moved very much since then, now
about 3 years or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As skinny as the
other one is, this girl is a roly-poly.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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The bulk of our team is comprised of the dust bunnies. No
social distancing for these little boogers. They are gathering like barnacles
on the bottom of a battleship, scurrying from one corner to another all day
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their motto must be strength in
numbers. A lone tumbleweed of cat hair goes floating by and out shoots a bunny,
grabs that tuft and adds it to the arsenal under the sofa. I suppose I should
do something about them…..when there is the outside possibility that we will have
guests inside other than the Orkin man and he doesn’t care. Maybe I can organize
them into a drill team, Bunny and the dusters. Speaking of which…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our team spirit really is one. This neighborhood is built upon
Paleo-Indian settlement land. Many of them have not left the area. One resides
in my house. Confined to one room and quite friendly actually, we have
co-existed peacefully for 28 years. Others sensitive to such things are aware
of him, those who are not, never notice. I leave out swifter dusters in hopes
he gets around to knocking off the dust bunnies that are way up high in the
corners (who decided 2 story rooms were a good idea?) and those eyelash thin
strands which form between the moose antlers. Mostly likely he is in cahoots
with those bunny boogers, creating ever so fine artwork visible only when the
sun shines in before the leaves come out and block those revealing beams of
brightness. Mind you I appreciate a well-constructed web as much as anyone, but
that is a short term installation piece and the artist who creates it is made
famous rather quickly by his rapid demise. An appropriate burial at sea soon
follows. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, we have the occasional walk on player from the
nearby woods. Cersei however is not too fond of undocumented additions who dare
cross the threshold and will roll off the bed (most likely just squashing the
little critter) and take credit for what the Orkin man was probably most
responsible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I suppose the manikins could be on the team. Half a dozen headless
body forms hang out in my back studio along with a bag of Styrofoam wig
heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, that sounds creepy. Best to
keep that squad in the equipment storage room. Other than that, it is pretty
sparse around here. One indoor plant, a scraggly looking cactus that has been
around forever and gets water every so often when I think about it, which is why
no other plants are indoors. Plants are meant to be outside where watering is God
and Mother Nature’s responsibility. The Garden of Eden was outside so that is
good enough for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of the outside, team Red Tail Hawk takes on Team
Crow or Team Blue-jay on a regular basis. That is entertaining though very
noisy. Team Chipmunk was knocked out long ago. Team Earthworm dried up when I
laid bricks and left their dirt homes on the driveway…in the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team Squirrel doesn’t play by the rules,
making end-runs up the bird feeder and Team Ground hog keeps becoming Team
Ground Chuck since they have yet to figure out a thing called traffic (although
there is now much less <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>traffic so Team
Ground hog is gaining some ground).<o:p></o:p></div>
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All in all, our Quaran-Team is doing pretty well. Sincerely
hoping the post season starts soon. I hope your Team is doing okay too. As a
follow-up, I did make a second loaf of banana bread, (living dangerously by
adding a third rotten banana), but forgot to add the vanilla because it wasn’t
in the “add to” list. So I just mixed it in after the loaf was in the oven for
a bit. My kids gave me a “5 ingredients only” cookbook. Stay tuned, this could
be old school math or today’s common core method!!….now go wash your hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-91790728408235520712020-03-31T08:33:00.002-04:002020-03-31T08:33:25.726-04:00Snarky goes bananas. <br />
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Are your toesies feeling a bit chilly? That would be the
beginning of Hell freezing over. No, not because of the C-19 virus, but because
I decided to bake something. No biggie to you all most likely. To me however,
check out the date on the bottom of the baking powder can, that should tell you
the last time I used it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7-OpmH93Bs/XoM1z9_1EuI/AAAAAAABuKQ/dMjQqOXoI_QMyYHNAxRvGFG-Zz5OkjfJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/baking%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7-OpmH93Bs/XoM1z9_1EuI/AAAAAAABuKQ/dMjQqOXoI_QMyYHNAxRvGFG-Zz5OkjfJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/baking%2B1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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My daughter in law and my future daughter in law can
zippity-do-dah their way around a complex delectable treat and only dirty one
pan. Me… I had to figure out which pan on that top shelf of unused bake-ware deserved
to be dusted off and made to feel useful again. The recipe said to pour into a
pan….well shucks all mighty miss recipe contributor, could you be more
specific? But I digress, let’s start with how I got to this point. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rotten bananas. They are to blame. I must have hoarded
bananas. I recall that rotten bananas are used to make banana bread! Such a
genius I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a hazmat trip to
the grocery store turned up no boxes of mix (an aisle of the store I have never
ventured down) that required bananas as part of the process. Really? And you
call yourself a banana bread mix? Bull crap. So I bought a mini carton of eggs.
Everything requires eggs right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Back home, fully sanitized and ready to work some magic, in
the drawer that hardly opens because it is so full of receipt clippings,
(someday it will be excavated to find petrified chopsticks) I found one of
those cookbooks where members contribute their favorite recipes. It was the New
Neighbors League book from 1992, a group that kicked me out when I moved here,
so much for being neighborly. Blame it on my second child, he was hungry and
they had a no children allowed in the meetings policy. Anyway, yes, there was a
recipe for banana bread. Now I am not a fan of things with too many ingredients
if I have to assemble them. I won’t even read a comic strip if it has too many
words, they are supposed to be pictures. So below is a picture of my assembled
ingredients. As I said, the baking soda was rather expired, but my husband said
it would still be okay. The sugar had to be put thru a chipper shredder, the
flour must be original to the canisters I bought for our first house in 1986
and when you don’t have walnuts, well…..substitute. A nut is a nut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (pictured at the end, my improvised secret ingredient)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The recipe called for vanilla extract too. Good. That was
probably fairly new. The recipe did not say when to add it however. Just like the
pan thing, some more detail would have been nice. I figured since it was liquid,
it went in the liquid bowl. Even though sugar, which is not liquid, went into
the liquid bowl too. See, that is dumb, but I am sure Mrs. Davidson explained
it during home ec class in 1973 but I was probably busy doodling on the
newspaper cover of my history book. Whatever. Sugar dissolves so it goes into
the eggs, oil and water bowl. Notice I scored on the egg purchase! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nFPlnDHJAU/XoM2CYqXzQI/AAAAAAABuKU/WzLgA-_EMMc7JeFFoJxLuYlcw8ymGSInwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/baking%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nFPlnDHJAU/XoM2CYqXzQI/AAAAAAABuKU/WzLgA-_EMMc7JeFFoJxLuYlcw8ymGSInwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/baking%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I think my bag of baking powder was intimidating all the
other ingredients. He was a bulk purchase baby to replace the old box in the
fridge that has been there for years. (You have all cleaned your fridge as part
of the stay at home routine right?) So I successfully combined all these
ingredients, which by the way, are listed in a different order than they are
combined, that is dumb too. That is why I don’t like recipes. List the ingredients
needed in the order in which they will be combined. Common sense to me. I
counted 4 bowls and lots of utensils that were dirty by this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I got to mushed up the rotten
bananas, resisting the urge to use all 4, not just the 2 needed. Hubby the
chemist said if it says 2, use 2. Improvise on the taste not on the quantity.
Fine. Fork over your bourbon pecans, they are the new walnuts. Loaf pan
selected, batter poured in and pop that puppy in the oven. The recipe gave two different
temp options depending upon your type of oven. What? It’s an oven, it only has one set of numbers on it. Fine. (exasperated sigh inserted here)<o:p></o:p></div>
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55 minutes later, in went the knife to test done-ness. That
part I remember because I always laughed that one got to murder the poor
bastard prior to eating it. Gotta make sure those bananas and nuts are good and
dead!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Out came the loaf pan and onto the cooling rack. Those
little rack buggers were a bit entangled in that skinny cabinet that holds cutting
boards and cookie sheets (which I call glue gun trays). Neither of us could
recall when to take it out of the pan so we decided right away was a good
choice. Most of the finished product cooperated, the bottom decided it would
rather shelter in place so those calories don’t count.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I still have 2 rotten bananas. Actually I have enough
ingredients to try this again. If neither of us has food poisoning by tonight,
then perhaps I shall attempt a second loaf before putting that pan back on the
highest shelf with the spring forms, muffin tins, and assorted bake-ware that probably
put out a missing poster someplace when their buddy took an unexpected pleasure
cruise through the tropical heat and the waterfall box.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So….that is my saga of Snarky vs the rotten bananas. I
wonder what other items are lurking in pantry? This could get interesting…..
Thanks for reading! Wash your hands!! </div>
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(Walnut schmalnut!)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf1GkSY8VHY/XoM2bfVTZ1I/AAAAAAABuKg/Xq4TKlqRATYjQlDjb8E_tbzHk9-dSaheACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/baking%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf1GkSY8VHY/XoM2bfVTZ1I/AAAAAAABuKg/Xq4TKlqRATYjQlDjb8E_tbzHk9-dSaheACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/baking%2B3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<br />Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-42765594930795762292017-12-05T20:38:00.001-05:002017-12-05T20:39:13.884-05:00Stark County Artists Exhibition 2017 - MassMu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWh7zBRNXtg/WidJE9ToG8I/AAAAAAAABxw/EcyqRLTqEqEOV_bgca0Xymm7qVlZPy6SwCLcBGAs/s1600/FAA%2Bcircus%2Bcactus_edited%2Bsmall-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWh7zBRNXtg/WidJE9ToG8I/AAAAAAAABxw/EcyqRLTqEqEOV_bgca0Xymm7qVlZPy6SwCLcBGAs/s320/FAA%2Bcircus%2Bcactus_edited%2Bsmall-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not what I wanted to show, but my mail is constipated and won't download images from the show at the Museum itself...so in the meantime, enjoy "Circus Cactus"! </td></tr>
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Well yes….it has been a very long time since I have written
any blogs or reviews. The reasons why are formulating in my mind so as to make
them coherent enough for a blog of their own.
Very awkward that this review should be posted after such a hiatus since
the show in question has my entry selected as Best in Show. Now that that
elephant has been duly placed on the sofa, let’s move on…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stark County Artists Exhibition 2017 at the Massillon Museum
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The opening was well attended for a new afternoon time slot.
For those attending other evening events, it was a welcome change. Quick exits
were needed for some of us that had places to be so I went back on Tuesday to
enjoy the show in solitude. 55 works
(well-spaced to avoid overcrowding but I missed the use of the ramp walls), 40
artists (I still abide by the no more than 2 per artist limit) with 189 pieces having
been submitted for jury. Theme color this year: orangey reds. Chosen
by 3 jurors whose selections appear to be more cohesive than in past shows,
they must have agreed for the most part, as the final cut is not strained
thereby avoiding obviously fought over klunkers. The wall color chosen for the show is
stunning. The deep hue is very complimentary to most all of the works. Oh Judi (not Judith) what color is it? I’d say
a saturated blue grey with just a whisper of eggplant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the sake of staying concise and within a reasonable
reading time, I have picked out pieces that immediately brought words mind.
Whether I got what the artist wanted to say probably doesn’t apply to some of
these observations but I was going with the gut reaction, maybe like a “regular
viewer”, and not someone who is supposed to know better. One shall also do this alphabetically….thank
you program doubling as notepaper. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh before I start, I would have made one itsy bitsy teeny
weenie switch of two pieces…. Heather Bullach’s “Jamie” belongs over Circus
Cactus and the Zotta “PokeMatryoshka” belongs under the Strader drawing.
“Jamie” felt rather shmushed under there and her colors not appreciated. (Spell
check hated this section!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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William Bogdan’s woodcut “Man, Bed, Cat”….I love me some
cats! The placement of the two figures, a sleeping man and a sprawling cat,
leave one to wonder who is on the bed and who is on the floor? The expanse of
green real estate leaves me to believe that the creature unable to open a can
did indeed win this round. I have come to accept the imperfect presentation of
his works, they reflect the artist and his methods as we are all nicked and
marked in one way or another. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Heather Bullach and “Embers”. This is visual poetry folks.
If you want to understand classical composition in a simple form, note the
following….the purple tones are equally divided between the top and the bottom
of the image, but one element (the sky) is far larger in use of space. Enjoy
this a moment then look at it upside down (yes, you have to lean way over.) Now
you will see the same setting sunlight reflected on the surface of a pond or
lake. Land still functioning as land but completely relocated. Fascinating!<o:p></o:p></div>
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A David Dingwell photograph entitled “Confluence in
Miniature”. As a former subscriber to
the Nutshell News during my dollhouse days, this was truly interesting to
study. I know it is done by computer and all, but it just made me want to see a
Godzilla rising up out of the river and crushing all those bridges! <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Peace on Earth” by Susan Eitelman is truly lovely. Not a
great art word to use, but this felted piece of wool and silk worm cocoons
(okay you win for best use of an unusual material) also wins the award for
irony of image….sheep depicted in wool.
It is just a gem of color, scale and content of what could have been a
boring picture in any other media. The textures are so well chose for each form
rendered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Allison Smith with “Split Complementary Progression” is a
hand dyed, hand woven (really? No wonder I got a C in weaving…that stuff is
hard!) creation using linen and hemp yarns. At first one is put off by the wavy
parts because it feels off next to the very flat sections but then one realizes
they are standing way too close. To appreciate the changes of color and the
reason for the shapes, you need to be back about 5 feet. Then you notice how
those wavy parts are contained and restricted by the sturdier forms (complimentary
textures), how the colors flow past one another to change sides, and then
continue right off the bottom of this piece like wet paint dripping down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brien Strancar and his Honorable Mention “Dipped and Cut,
RGB series No. 1” and “American Spirits”.
Love it, dead American icons (hence spirits) on bottles that once held
liquors (or spirits). I kept looking for that one little kiss of contemporary
comedy, but that is just me, like a shark fin along the boat or maybe a snorkel
but that is how my mind works…. Great job on the engraving though. The second
piece (which got the HM) took me in an all political direction. Again, I am
going with the gut, but I saw an elephant which took me to Trump which made me
associate the green with envy, the red with blood and the blue with icy veins
and I got all caught up in a political statement. And it is politics which
brings me to the piece that I am probably going to butcher in interpretation
but my context is current events…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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“After the Sermon” by Tom Wachunas. Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker may not be current,
but the whole issue going on now with politicians, media moguls, people in
power positions having severe cases of Happy Hands just seemed to come together
in this title and rendering. The Bakkers were televangelists (religious), she
had iconic eyelashes that ran mascara like Niagara Falls (feathers) and the
hand prints are evidence of past transgressions in today’s cultural climate. It
may be a piece in black and white, but the story behind ones actions is never
that way. Do we embrace our sinners or cut them loose, are they deflated and
faceless once exposed, or do we hold them close to keep watch? Who knows, he
has provided us a lot to think about in this piece. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I am at the limit of my word count. Thank you for
allowing me to express my thoughts on this show. Please go and see it before
Jan. 31<sup>st</sup>. Congrats to all of
my fellow winners and artists who continue to put their souls on display. If I
did not call your name, you are through to the next round. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-24656917366340471752017-05-25T09:24:00.001-04:002017-05-25T09:24:22.372-04:00Location is Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1cSXJtXBl8/WSbZzxkVRMI/AAAAAAAABoA/0Nsba3J6whEHrMD00VkmZEtDHmK7_FNkwCLcB/s1600/stx44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="619" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1cSXJtXBl8/WSbZzxkVRMI/AAAAAAAABoA/0Nsba3J6whEHrMD00VkmZEtDHmK7_FNkwCLcB/s200/stx44.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
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Now that the Arts in Stark goal has been reached and the campaign
is over, now that the next football mural is underway and now that I have a few
moments to write, it is time to say something because I saw something. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday I attended a meeting for a community event in the
Pegasus Courtyard of the Cultural Center for the Arts. I parked in the lot out
front and entered the building via the main entrance. The latest mural is
underway. It made me sad. No, not because it wasn’t mine, that is business. The
artist chosen is extremely talented and for sitting on a scissor truck way up
on that wall, deserving of every penny so he can buy good life insurance. What
made me sad was the location upon which all this time and money is begin spent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That location is “our” wall. The Arts Wall…..the greatest
location ever to hang banners (remember the beautiful Kimono one?) to advertise
and promote the Arts which occur within those walls. In case you are not
familiar, housed within those ochre colored bricks are dancers, singers,
actors, painters….the Ballet, the Theater, the Art Museum, the VOCI and at one
time the symphony offices. Now to be honest, not many “art types” are big time
sports people as well. Sports folks have
their arenas and stadiums and fields. We have or stages, microphones and gallery
walls.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the location of this latest Eleven made me very sad. I
would say angry but what is done is done and I’m too old to waste time on
anger. Road construction makes me angry too, but so what, my emotions won’t
change anything. No hard hat is going to pack up his cones and go home because
I am getting wrinkles between the brows. Yes, I get the purpose of The Eleven
project (read about it on the AiS site if you are not familiar with the
details). But why that spot? The
location of a 40 foot tall football mural on our Arts complex just seems incongruous
with our purpose of supporting the arts. There are a many, many brick walls
which could have hosted this latest piece. It does no justice to the Peart
Sculpture “Morning Breeze” sitting now in the shadow of Super Joe. I would certainly
hope a future football sculpture does not land nearby. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes we are a football town. But by meeting the AiS fund
drive goal, does that not also say we are an arts town too? Could we have not
kept a few acres (or vertical square feet for that matter) as a clean slate for
the promotion of the interests of those who do not punt, pass or kick? As I
walked into the lobby of our arts complex, for a meeting related to a
non-football community event, I felt as if we had been tattooed once again by
the Titans of Turf. They have Mount Olympus going up just north of this area
with tentacles spreading over schools and symphony halls and homesteads. I feel
sad that we (the art types) have been branded with a permanent image on the
skin of something whose soul has nothing in common with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The completed mural will be great. Who doesn’t love Big Joe,
with or without his panty hose? I just wish it had not been located “right
there” outside the main entrance….where tourists may not understand that the
building is not part of the Village even though it has a big logo on it. But fear not, we art types will tighten up
our tutus, put on the pancake, and engage our easels despite how many times we
get shoved aside. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know that someone is thinking yeah, jk, but what if it was
your work going up on that wall? Excellent question and I am not sure I would
feel much differently about the location. But like I said, the choice was not
an option presented to anyone, it was just declared. Business is business. As
an artist, if someone is willing to pay us for what we do, most likely we will
chug the kool-aid and deposit the check whether we like the taste of it or not.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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PS – Congrats to the community for meeting the Arts in Stark
goal and supporting those who live creative. <o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-72359798739569790102017-05-14T10:41:00.000-04:002017-05-14T10:41:12.102-04:00"Mom Likes It!" at Gallery 6000<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ9ecx9Sdcs/WRhr6K2_ovI/AAAAAAAABmU/ogKdYTHCArIg85d0S6B0fPlKwalt3_y9ACLcB/s1600/6000%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ9ecx9Sdcs/WRhr6K2_ovI/AAAAAAAABmU/ogKdYTHCArIg85d0S6B0fPlKwalt3_y9ACLcB/s320/6000%2B1.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Carousel" by Joe Mayes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1djZFkzP2M/WRhr5_nG_yI/AAAAAAAABmQ/U0FGqyTLL90C4tBWms18_r6dtqpFySDPgCLcB/s1600/6000%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1djZFkzP2M/WRhr5_nG_yI/AAAAAAAABmQ/U0FGqyTLL90C4tBWms18_r6dtqpFySDPgCLcB/s320/6000%2B2.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"8mm" by Kendall Roudebush</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCJQtT4i9Yw/WRhr5wtDhaI/AAAAAAAABmM/PB4icH0Sieo5LYSNHkt1ggFYC4igEtxSgCLcB/s1600/6000%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCJQtT4i9Yw/WRhr5wtDhaI/AAAAAAAABmM/PB4icH0Sieo5LYSNHkt1ggFYC4igEtxSgCLcB/s320/6000%2B3.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Traveling Memories" by Carol Blundell</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Gallery 6000 has returned! A new and improved space welcomes it
first show “Moms Like It!” I have quoted
the show announcement from the <a href="http://artwach.blogspot.com/">http://artwach.blogspot.com</a>
site to save time. Tom Wachunas curated the show so he says it best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">(Quote) Located in the Conference Center Dining Room on the Kent
State University at Stark campus (6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton), Gallery
6000 is pleased to announce <b>“Mom Likes It!”</b> This exhibit, on
view through Friday, June 9, 2017, features an eclectic gathering of new works
by seven Kent Stark Fine Arts students working in Painting III and Painting IV.
These artists have been developing their aesthetic concepts and techniques under
the steady guidance of Associate Professor of Painting, Jack McWhorter, who
writes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> “Building on the technical, formal, and conceptual
abilities students have accumulated in previous classes, Painting III & IV
aims to assist students in developing strategies required to begin making work
independently. Students are expected to participate in an extremely ambitious
and self-directed manner, working on projects outside of class more than they
do during scheduled class times. Painting concepts are developed through the
practice of consistently gathering source materials and recording personal
observations. This includes literal collection through sketchbooks,
photographs, journals, and found objects in addition to less tangible resources
such as dreams and memories. Students are required to work longer on
each project, allowing their ideas and interests to fully develop through the
process of painting.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The participating artists are: Carol Blundell, Mitch Bonifay, Noah
DiRuzza, Samuel Dorando, Joe Mayes, Kendall Roudebush, and Robert Shultz. (End
Quote)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Okay, my turn. The show has 22 pieces overall and the first
impression is big, bright and beautiful as the space is well suited to
showcasing larger, bold pieces. Since there are 7 artists with anywhere from 1
to 8 entries each, I chose one from each person about which to say a few words.
I must admit I am not sure why the show has the title it does, but fortunately
it dovetails with a Mother’s Day posting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">8mm</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> by
Kendall Roudebush greets you first if one walks the perimeter of the room. This
acrylic on canvas work is comprised of layers of marks in blues, grays and
black that overlap and overlay each other creating a surprising depth of field
not appreciated with a quick look. You need to consider the marks (probably doodles
to some folks) and the order in which they appear. They do not necessarily connect
but rather build up a surface, one that would make a dynamic fabric print. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Carousel</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">
by Joe Mayes is an oil of bright colored shapes that do connect and entwine and
merge from one to another. Don’t look for horses or other animals per the title
however. Think movement, mechanics and perhaps a bird’s eye view of the energy
produced by a carousel. Yellow halos and actions marks aid the visual
vibration. The more I looked at this piece, a feeling of carousel music also emanated
from the canvas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Traveling
Memories</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Carol Blundell is reminiscent of surrealism in
that seemingly unrelated images work together as a dreamlike landscape. Within
this piece I found the corners of papers tacked to the surface, stacks of boxes
that hold mementoes, items collected as souvenirs, parts of landscape photographs
and a complex but well balanced composition. She could have lost control of this
image if not for the smart placement of shapes and colors held together by the
use of proper scale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Mitch Bonifay has 4 pieces in the show. Not
traditional paint on stretched canvas per say, but canvas fabric stretched
within frames by use of cording. The technique is well suited to his imagery,
which is somewhat “dark”, upon closer inspection. This method of presentation
could veer towards Pinterest if not for what he depicts and the rather haphazard
(but obviously thought out) use of the cording to weave the frame and content
together both literally and figuratively. <i>Crystalline
Serpent</i> was my pick because of how the sinuous serpent echoes the cording
and his use of light, shadow and semi translucent painting technique make this
a very powerful image.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Robert Shultz has 8 works on the walls showing a wide
range of techniques exploring the placement of shapes in space<i>. Precipice</i> is a study in blacks, whites
and grays, incorporating volume studies, cut and layered areas and the
juxtaposition of curves to angles. It becomes more complex the longer one
studies the piece. I viewed all of his works carefully before selecting this
one because it had the greatest contrast but also there was something…….which I
only realized now when reviewing the image on my phone. Turn it 90 degrees to
the left and the whole piece suddenly becomes figurative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Black
X Confronts Freak Show</span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> by Samuel Dorando is one of two he
has in the show. Being on the older side, I had difficulty relating to the
imagery, but artistically, he works well with the elements of composition.
Repetition of shape, use of scale, eye direction, depiction of volume and form,
are all found in this work. The more he works in this genre the more comfortable
he will become with the placement of figures to tell the story as shown by the comparison
of his two pieces already. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Noah DiRuzza has the most developed voice of the
group. His vision and style is well formed and all 5 of his entries are sophisticated
indicators of where is his work will go as he continues on with this series. I
chose <i>Acid Precipitation</i> to highlight
because it just yells out from across the room. All the pieces are both atmospheric
and liquid at the same time allowing the viewer to ignore the title and decide
where to go and what to see. To me, <i>Acid
Precipitation</i> felt like the view from our explorer satellite as it plunged
between the rings of Saturn. I am sure we will see more of his pieces in
upcoming shows around our area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Gallery hours vary but best to avoid the lunch times.
Mornings and afternoons are usually fine, just stop at the desk and let them
know you are there to see the Gallery 6000 show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-83355048798796331012017-05-04T09:58:00.000-04:002017-05-04T09:58:18.973-04:0075th Annual May Show<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqOxeC5dxIk/WQsyym79dPI/AAAAAAAABlU/nUNTAXwUDTA4PX4hIyHkwBzu59giuhRDgCLcB/s1600/collage%2Bmay%2Bshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqOxeC5dxIk/WQsyym79dPI/AAAAAAAABlU/nUNTAXwUDTA4PX4hIyHkwBzu59giuhRDgCLcB/s320/collage%2Bmay%2Bshow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sign Wave Swan Song" by John Bruce Alexander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yesterday was not Groundhog Day but it rather felt like it
when I stopped in at the North Canton Little Art Gallery May Show. Full
disclosure first, I missed the opening because we were traveling and I also did
not get accepted this year (no surprise why not). Rather than commenting about what is in the
show, I think I would rather spend my words on the show itself. Perhaps it is
time to rethink the May Show as it currently exists. Curator Elizabeth
Blakemore and I had a long chat about this and I did warn her I would be
speaking a bit honestly about my point of view.
Something I have not done in a long time (hence my blogging silence)
because it seems that in today’s climate, the right to do that is becoming
almost dangerous. So here are my observations broken down into topics…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Number of accepted entries</u>: There are way too many.
When a show has to be hung salon style on every wall, individual pieces become
affected by their neighbors. Some artists feel “short changed” by their location,
others have their works overlooked. The overall show would do better with fewer
final works so each piece can have its own breathing room on the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Too many categories</u>: Eliminate categories all
together. No more classifying works by media which leads to an issue in the
next paragraph. The artist should be required to list ALL media used in a
piece, not just one primary media in order to manipulate two pieces for awards
in different categories even though both works are practically identical. The
only classifications should be 2D and 3D, and even then, a 3D work MUST be
viewable and complete on every side except the one it sits on. If one side has
a hanging device for a wall, it is 2D. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Too many awards:</u> I know we all want a trophy but the
number of awards is getting out of hand. When a category only has perhaps 3
accepted entries and there are two awards in that category, a “good” piece is
just as “good” as a great one that had to compete against perhaps 25 pieces
from which to choose in another more popular category. Artwork should be able
to be judged on its own merits, not by what it is made of. My suggestion would
be offer a Best in Show, 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>
place only, chosen from all the entries. Each juror then gets a Jurors Choice
Honorable Mention (1 each) to honor that piece that they felt was deserving
without compromise or input of the other juror. Fewer pieces and fewer awards
would elevate the show in my opinion as it feels a bit like the county fair
right now. Everywhere I looked, somebody
got a prize.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>To D or not to D:</u> I refer to digital entry
submissions for jury. Don’t do it. One of the best aspects of jurying a show
from actual entries is that we can’t “tweak” our pieces to get an edge. No
boosting color, no misunderstandings on size, no missing out on textural
details that the camera can’t capture and so forth. A good juror judges each
entry on its own, not influenced by the location in the room, works located
above, below or beside…. a good work of art will hold its own regardless of the
neighborhood. Speaking of neighborhoods….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Presentation</u>: Would you go to a job interview with
stains on your shirt? Would you show up on a blind date at a 5 star restaurant
wearing ratty jeans? NO! So do not submit work that has scratched frames, dust
or dirt on the mats or work, fingerprints inside the glass, dirt across the top
of your frame, layers of old entry tags on the back, loose framing materials,
scratches across the surface….shame on us. This is your job interview, your
blind date, your level of pride and professionalism to the juror…speak well of
our area, don’t send shabby work as a representation of you as an artist. The
curator is not the cleaning crew, take pride in ownership of what you created. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Who are the judges</u>?: We don’t need to know ahead of
time. Why? Because face it, when we do, we like to submit something that we
think they will like to enhance our chances of getting accepted. It is just
another ploy we use to game the system. A truly level playing field is one whose
judgement is blind. Enter your best work and let it be judged on the merits
under which it was created and presented. The resulting show will be reflection
of the voices of the jury, not a yellow hued buffet where everyone submitted
cheesy pieces because the judges love mac and cheese. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Framing:</u> Yes I know we have one of the world’s best,
most talented, framers in our corner of the world but there is a difference
between exhibition framing and display framing. Some great pieces in the show
are way “over framed”, more hotel lobby or high end foyer, than gallery show.
Yes, they are beautiful but the artwork, though enhanced for display, were over
shadowed as art. In cases where were the art is one with the frame, this does
not apply of course. Are you selling the art or the frame? Having to get back
your investment sometimes puts prices out of reach for the interested buyer.
Many folks reframe our stuff anyway once they buy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll stop for now….enough venting. I do want to point out
some gems and I only have a few words left --- Pat Mother Waltz with “Herman
Shepard”, a ceramic and suede sculpture in the showcase (best use of title and
materials); Anna Rather’s “Spot Fish” (spot on framing for exhibition, great
print too); Michael Nutter’s “The Man with the Pipe” (a beautifully rendered
and sensitive drawing, bad location for appreciating the details, victim of too
many entries); Tina Myers’ both “Forest” and “Grief” (perfect blend of format,
materials and message in both cases); Russ Hench’s “Shoodle #4” (don’t know what
a shoodle is, but I like it, best use of new methods to echo former methods,
captivating); Tom Migge “Vase #L-105” (I am a girl of the woods so when one
creates stunning work with my trees, ya got me.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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My personal best in show is John Bruce Alexanders’ “Sign
Wave Swan Song”. Wrongly over looked by
the judges (when 9 of 12 awards in 2D categories are realism based, I
understand). Hard to describe and not to
be missed. I think he left off a 1 in front or a 0 in back of his price. The
work and creativity and time that went into this conceptual masterpiece is
amazing. You can’t just look at it, you
have to “read” it, study the layout, absorb the color shift, and find the
surprises…. He puts the “work” into the term “work of art”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The gallery is looking great, hardwood floor, white walls,
good lighting, security cameras, clean lines….very professional and rivals
galleries in NYC that are the same size.
We are truly blessed to have this little gem in our own backyard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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PS - There was not ONE untitled piece in the show...Snarky is a happy happy camper!! </div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-58031340452820878042017-04-25T09:09:00.000-04:002017-04-25T09:09:12.858-04:00Shattered Expectations: Guaranteed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0frGwml7J60/WP9JtDXJGvI/AAAAAAAABkg/MCf4lGoffA8nmNiHLQg7-R-8V60Fmza0ACLcB/s1600/Shattered%2BExpectations%2BGuaranteed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0frGwml7J60/WP9JtDXJGvI/AAAAAAAABkg/MCf4lGoffA8nmNiHLQg7-R-8V60Fmza0ACLcB/s400/Shattered%2BExpectations%2BGuaranteed.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concept painting for "The Eleven", moment #5 - 25" x 25" acrylic on canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Shattered Expectations: Guaranteed was the title (well, it
is still the title actually) of my submission to the AiS call for a mural for
project #5 of “The Eleven” series for the football commemoration throughout the
downtown area. This time it was limited to submissions from only Stark County
resident artists to give us a fair chance at representation. Of the 30 to 40
applications, (different numbers have been quoted) one was selected as the
winner and 5 additional pieces got chosen to be bridesmaids. Dirk Rozich was
crowned the winner….my fellow bridesmaids include Scot Phillips, Su Nimon,
Tommy Morgan and Tim Carmany, names familiar to all of stark county who follow
anything to do with art stuff. Rather than ugly taffeta gowns, we get a nice
check…..nice touch and well received by all I am sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Being artists, we are of course extremely curious as to who
was our competition and what did we each propose? As a creative community, we
are aware of each other’s styles, skill sets, and concepts so we can guess but
not be sure. That being said, I had no idea who D. R. was….or else I have seen
his work but never bothered to read the name which is most likely the case as
with the vault mural at Julz. Anyway… I
am reprinting my proposal statement and the concept canvas image (a nice 25” x
25” to add to the storage room) for anyone interested in what my submission was
all about. My starting point was one of the offered considerations for the
final work….that it be a dynamic piece of art so people, even those who have no
interest in football, would want to come see it (or a paraphrase thereof). <o:p></o:p></div>
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So I thought about my totally nonathletic family and what
would make them stand there and look up at a building for a few minutes…at an
image about football…(without resorting to a story about panty hose or fur
coats). Hmmmm…that same thing that made this little kid sit in a dentist office
waiting room knowing it was going to hurt but I couldn’t get this magazine at
home (stop that, I was a kid…) Highlights!
Remember that page where pictures were hidden in a linear drawing? Find
the ice cream cone in a tree, or the tire in a jungle…I loved that stuff!! So behold…my bridesmaid for your perusal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Shattered
Expectations: Guaranteed”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>By Judi Krew<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>This painting is
created in a “stained glass” style technique using bold colors and a bit of
illusion. Many specific aspects of Super Bowl 3 are depicted as outlined below.
The stained glass window is often associated with religious architecture so I
consider it a subtle reference to football being like a religion to many
people, a game being a moving experience and Joe Namath, well…almost a god to
some fans. Joe Namath shattered the expectations of many people that day. He had given a prediction that some in the
media considered a break of tradition or appropriate behavior for players,
hence the title of this piece. Technically, a stained glass window is held
together by thin threads of lead between glass pieces all working together to
remain balanced and stay intact, a distribution of weight and duties.
Theoretically, a team works the same way…held together by everyone doing a
small and specific part to make the big picture work. There are no paintings on
public buildings in or around our area that use this style of art.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Below are the specific
images found it my concept piece:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The logo for Super
Bowl 3 appears in the upper left, under lights, to commemorate the NFL’s first
season to use them. Color and line work create the illusion of lighting. An
outline of a football is included in this area.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The score of the game
is in the upper left with AFL inside the 6 of the 16, and NFL inside the 7
(scores for each league) and the year of the game, 1968, in the 1, of the 16 so
it is placed next to the logo. An orange for the Orange Bowl forms the center
of the 6 in the AFL score of 16. A linear Hall of Fame building is the hyphen. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The upper left corner
is “shattered” (and left unpainted on the wall) so the wall itself shows
through, creating the illusion of a stained glass window being on (or in) the
wall. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Joe Namath is depicted
with a “number one” hand gesture in reverse to point to the score (leading the
eye to the shattered area) as if to say…I told you so. It is also “outside the
box” for a reason. His image is rendered in the window looking directly out to
the viewer and much larger than life using a combination of “glass” and
painterly brushwork. His hand contains a linear Vince Lombardy Trophy.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>The team logos are
included by using the Jets helmet, angled like a battering ram, and the Colts
horseshoe in the middle, almost as if hit by the helmet, but also either
hanging on or falling down, however the viewer wishes to see it. The horseshoe
is broken because they lost the game. A linear goalpost extends out of the
helmet.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>All the remaining
spaces are filled with 11 football figures in simple linear renderings
depicting moves common to a football game and representing the number of men per
team on the field. Perhaps they are a bit reminiscent of the ones found on the
iconic Hall of Fame bridge over Interstate 77. The outline of a bell is also
found in the line work representing Tom Bell, the head referee of the game. The
contrasting green along the lower edge represents the playing field.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I did opt out of painting it myself and would not have
accepted the budget to do so….fear of heights and no experience at such
undertakings made it seem like a good Spock choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Congrats to D.R. and my fellow runners-up! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-81138130762525032812017-01-14T10:04:00.001-05:002017-01-14T10:04:40.897-05:00Can you follow this?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8I_ZSL5HSE/WHo9yQv_n2I/AAAAAAAABeU/Qd8YRQzz5kk7Hwi5vwir5oOfdiKpEbQtACLcB/s1600/Lucinda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8I_ZSL5HSE/WHo9yQv_n2I/AAAAAAAABeU/Qd8YRQzz5kk7Hwi5vwir5oOfdiKpEbQtACLcB/s320/Lucinda.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"What is this handwriting of which you speak?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was watching a show the other night, okay I’ll admit it,
Americas Next Top Model….the new edition. This time (new network, new host, and
new judges) the premise is to pick a winner by building the best “brand”. The contestants are doing tasks and
challenges to build their “brand”. It totally rotates around social media, how
many followers they get, how many re-tweets etc… to somebody who doesn’t get
it, this seems ____. I’ve inserted and deleted quite a few words but decided
not to offend anyone so pick what you want. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
They are all beautiful creatures and I looked up their bios,
all a bit old for traditional new face models. Most are from regular towns with
regular jobs but they are blessed with egos and confidence that most of us
would consider a bit much, but in the business they wish to succeed, necessary
qualities. Just what that business is, I have yet to figure out. They want to
be famous for being famous by doing nothing of importance for the welfare of
anybody else. They want people to follow them because of “who they are and how
they look”. They don’t really want a “job”
where you have to show up and get dirty and be accountable. They want the “job”
of being who they are because others want to be them. What happens when they
are 56 like me? We have come a long way from the John Glenns and Jane Pittmans
of the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I should have turned it off, but like a train wreak one must
rubberneck. Now these are young women, our daughters and sisters and future
female leaders right? They are in their mid 20’s, prime time to start making a
difference (minus the pantsuit of course, I won’t abandon fashion that far). So
on a recent episode they had to do some task of which I can’t remember but one
poor thing was so flustered because (and I will quote as best I can remember)…<o:p></o:p></div>
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“OMG this is so hard! I wish I was back in LA. All you have
to do is look cute and you get invited to all the best parties and get to be
with the important people. New York is too hard, they expect you to talk to
people! I have to talk to them to get them to invite me, but I’m cute, come’on,
it not fair, its too hard.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure my text is missing a lot, I was too shocked to get
it word for word. This is what we want for our youth? This is the LA point of
view? Now I have to somehow justify all
this with what is happening in my own world, the online one I am attempting to
build which unfortunately does revolve around fashion and image and social media. At least my art roots are firmly ahold of
this other world of mine. I see colors and textures and composition in what is
being made and pictured. I don’t give a rats ass if anything is “on trend” (I
hate that phrase with a passion because it is all BS). I prefer to deal with
reality as in don’t go too short if your birthday candles take too long to blow
out. Or tights…..they ARE NOT PANTS!!!! I am having a blast playing grown up
Barbie with what I make and what I have to make what I make look good in a
photo. Did you make it to the end of that thought? The only part of me you will
see in a photo might be the toes of a gnarly sock that I forgot to crop out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess I am no better than these waffle heads on the TV
show. I am trying to build a “brand” I guess. The trademark for Hoard Couture
has been approved and will be official posted this week by the US Govt office
that does that stuff. I just pay the bill from the lawyer. I have a Pinterest
page now for the fashion, a Fine Art America and Pixels pages for the art and
production of products related to that, I have an ancient website for my career
works that was what we all needed back in the day when exhibitions were my
focus, and I have an online shopping site to market the Hoard Couture fashions
both original and reimagined designs. There is also a Facebook page just for
me, a Facebook page for the fashions and soon a Facebook page connected to
Instagram only (or so I am being advised by my intern). All this means
passwords and daily postings and managing data…. Heaven forbid anyone buys something
then I will have to go into complete panic mode and find my paypal account and the
item and put on some clothes to go to the post office! Oh yeah, I have this site too and I know I am
forgetting something, there is another place I am supposed to be but I can’t
remember. I think I even forgot the point of this post. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh well, I’ll just end it now while I have some train still
left on the track. I think my point was that all this social media stuff has changed
our world in ways we cannot even begin to understand just yet, we need another
generation to go by for comparison. But it is changing who we are, what we
value, who we want to become and not necessarily for the better. There is a
part 2 to this but that is for another post later. In the meantime, if you want to find me, I am
evidently all over the place, just not where you can really see me….and I am
still in my jammies!<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-80895857503803019382016-12-30T11:40:00.000-05:002016-12-30T11:40:39.241-05:00Dirty Little Secrets<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg6R1YlSuUs/WGaNtf2B5GI/AAAAAAAABcs/5Eyw3j4PvcAsKyjLR1uZgCzDX9-lzwecgCLcB/s1600/T%2Bapartment%2Bphoto%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg6R1YlSuUs/WGaNtf2B5GI/AAAAAAAABcs/5Eyw3j4PvcAsKyjLR1uZgCzDX9-lzwecgCLcB/s320/T%2Bapartment%2Bphoto%2B7.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dear Blog,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sorry to have neglected you all these weeks and months
like that one grape which falls out of the bag and rots in the corner of the drawer.
I see you often, but sort of just grab what I need and go. So today I am
writing to apologize for abandoning you since I have discovered all these dirty
little secrets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #1 – Begin prolific is a bad thing. It was supposed to
be a good thing. I am learning it would have been better to put down the
brushes and scissors, and picked up more books. Reading only fills up the
brain, not the basement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #2 – Being prolific is dangerous to one’s health. You
see, all these created things have to be put into a cyber gallery space that
requires hours and hours of typing. Hours and hours of typing leads to carpel
tunnel pain. Pain keeps one away from typing so you poor blog site, get the
short end of the straw. I know you will always be there on the screen, waiting
patiently for me to return, but those cyber surfers are short on attention and
need constant feeding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #3 – I really should write down all the great thoughts I
have for blog ideas that happen to evolve during the night, but I’m just not
that dedicated. It would mean waking the cat who then starts to howl thinking
it is feeding time. Then the bladder kicks in because it hears the cat howling
and thinks great, gotta go…now. So I don’t write ideas down for you blog, I
just vow to remember them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #4 – I can’t remember much anymore. If I don’t write it
down, I forget. Of course I also forget where I put the paper I wrote it down
on. Let’s just blame this one on the cat again and move forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #5 – People don’t really shop on line unless it is with a
big company. Maybe they can’t find us little people. Maybe they don’t realize that
I refuse (so far) to spend $ “boosting” posts. Maybe they don’t realize that I
have yet to figure out Instagram which supposedly is essential to selling. I
heard that about Pinterest. My wrist hurts just thinking about it. If thinking
starts to hurt, I won’t be able to read, so I guess I’d have to go make more
stuff. I think Catch 22 needs an upgrade….more like Catch 82….<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #6 – Okay, once one gets all their pictures taken,
edited and uploaded without annoying backgrounds and distracting bodies (per
trend), one comes to find out that now the pictures are supposed to be with
people wearing stuff and in an environment. Really? So now I have to find
people willing to pose and then do all that wrist action going through the
process of data input again? Can I sue myself for workman’s comp?<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #7 – We live in a mobile world dear blog. Well you don’t.
You just sit here in your blue W icon waiting for me to feed you words. But
people do. Those same people who are supposed to be ordering merchandise from their
mobile devices and wanting it shipped. I’m cool with that. I’ll ship you
whatever you want to buy, but will you be someplace stationary long enough to
get it? I can envision those drones chasing somebody down the street trying to
drop off their package…like a scene from a Woody Allen movie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #8 – Dear blog, I hate to hurt your feelings but nobody
reads you anymore. Not since I stopped talking about other people’s art.
Plastic Jesus remains a big hit, but nothing else really interests anybody. It’s
you and me Snarky. Maybe I should do fake review of shows that should have
existed but didn’t. If it works for the Ruskies it should work for me right?
This has potential……<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #9 – Bloggy, I did avoid you as well because of this
tumultuous year. You are supposed to be a place for opinions and comment, but
with all the vile rhetoric going around this year, I felt it best to lay low
and not wake the sleeping cat. Keep the
claws in the paws, keep the tail low and go, ride the fence and hope everybody
calms down….. <o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #10 – I will put forth promises to you that I will write
more. Don’t believe me. Staying home again is rather nice. The world is full of
crazy drivers and distracted people so why should I venture out and write about
a show that nobody will ever read when I could be sitting on my patio or
walking the woods? Hell, I’m old enough to move to the Villages, shop on Senior
Citizen’s discount day at many local retailers, and give young hooligans a
stink eye without worrying about the resulting wrinkles. I even look forward to
watching Hogan’s Heroes every night just so I can sing the theme song (yes, it
has real words!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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DLS #11 - There are many more dirty little secrets about
this online shopping and selling biz that I wish I knew then but I do know now….
However, if kids can learn common core math, then I can figure out cyber
clouds. So Bloggy, while you wait for me to come back again, don’t feel like I have
abandoned you. There are so many cool and funny things to write about, but
between you and me lies an ornery cat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s about it for now Snarky blog. Thanks for listening
(or recording I guess). See you soon (really, I’ll try harder). Love, me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciL3f9LN6QU/WGaN01X-jYI/AAAAAAAABcw/PBQPFSx_leIAJ4-xWTwqtvCqOy1UVwO5QCLcB/s1600/T%2Bapartment%2Bphoto%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciL3f9LN6QU/WGaN01X-jYI/AAAAAAAABcw/PBQPFSx_leIAJ4-xWTwqtvCqOy1UVwO5QCLcB/s320/T%2Bapartment%2Bphoto%2B9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p>Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-36408190946239774052016-12-12T09:23:00.001-05:002016-12-12T11:32:20.755-05:00Circling the Airport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K11YJVWfEvk/WE6yrD6Hi5I/AAAAAAAABbM/OxzZLHc57lcyMP9VgbILKyPnSnac9dO7gCLcB/s1600/postcard%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K11YJVWfEvk/WE6yrD6Hi5I/AAAAAAAABbM/OxzZLHc57lcyMP9VgbILKyPnSnac9dO7gCLcB/s200/postcard%2B9.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
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No, not literally. That phrase best captures where I am
right now (for the whole 5 of you wondering). With the closing of a brick and
mortar and a return to the home studio process, something happened. I think I
retired (for now anyway)…. from the career which defined “me”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In October, I was presented with the Alumni Gallery of
Achievement (Hall of Fame if you will) Award from my high school. 5 of us were
inducted. On stage, giving a speech, doing a recorded message for the in school
TV station (sure a long way from the nerdy AV guy who hid in a dark room and
knew how to magically work the film machine), engraved image on the wall for
perpetuity, intro at the homecoming game…all those bells and whistles one would
expect for being honored to have been busy and very successful for 35 years in
a chosen profession. It was great….but it felt like an ending. Not a bad thing,
but like an “okay, you can put the brushes down now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Couple that with the timing of empty nesting 6 years after
the fact…..I was gone before the kids were….and it just feels weird. Now don’t
go thinking I am going to go back to serving on committees and boards and
special events and all that time absorbing activity…I am rather enjoying the
emptiness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But nature abhors a vacuum so I hear and down time has never suited
me. Now I sew stuff, or rip it up and remake it, or cut things apart, try
something new and may ending tossing in the dumpster. It is like creating a
painting but without the cleanup. Some may think that rearranging garments is
not as “impressive” or “worthy” as creating something on canvas. Perhaps. But at least I don’t have canvases
stacking up along the walls waiting to be disposed of by my kids if nobody
wants them. Someday they can just drive a van to the local clothing donation
center and say hasta la vista baby with no guilt attached.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Textiles (fancy word for garments and clothes so I sound
more impressive) still require an understanding of line, shape, color, texture and
space….especially when one never uses a pattern or guide. The elements of
design still exist, only in a different form.
I am still working with my hands…more so now than ever before. My
brushes were always between me and the surface. Now I am in direct contact with
the media…I can feel each stitch and how the fibers are reacting. The colors,
especially in denim, have subtle variations that can affect the look of a piece
on the human body. Textiles have different weights to them just as watercolors
are different than acrylics. The only downside is the number of pins and
needles I lose on the floor, in the carpets, on the chair cushions……and the
times I stick myself with various sharp objects. Sewing is far bloodier than
painting!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another reason I am circling is personal and
related to family. I need to be ready to “go” at any time should someone older
or younger than me need help. It is simple to turn off the machine and walk out
the door. No clean up. Sometimes life is a holding pattern and other times we
can land safely and disembark. My extended vacation downtown is over and I am
back on a plane to a new adventure. No idea how long the flight will be, where
it will take me or what lies ahead, but there are plenty of drinks and snacks
on board and I have a window seat! Will I paint again? Absolutely, I miss it
already and ideas are building up, but now is not the time. My supplies are in
the overhead bin and I can’t get to them just yet. You will know when I land….and
you can bet I’ll be well dressed. Until then, please check out the online
shopping site at HoardCouture.com and the associated FB page Hoard Couture
Original Denim. The Fine Art America merchandise and print site will be have new
(old works) added to the inventory as well over the next several weeks. Plus I have
to learn Pinterest, Snapchat and who knows what else…so knick knack patty wack
give this old dog a bone and let’s </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">learn
some new tricks!</span>Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-18956744291135966282016-12-03T16:22:00.000-05:002016-12-03T16:22:17.929-05:00In the Spirit of Peace<div class="MsoNormal">
Normally I would not post anything too religious or political
but I have to share this because it really touched me last night. I attended
the Walsh University Celebration of Lessons and Carols, a concert by the Walsh
University Chorale and Chamber Singers of which someone special to me is a
member of the chamber group. Two hours of music and verse, old standbys and
some bring down the house southern gospel. Impressive indeed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One hymn however was unknown to me and the text was included
for the audience to sing along. It was introduced by the conductor, Britt
Cooper, as piece he selected on purpose to address the tensions that have faced
our country since the election last month. His explanation was longer than that
of course but no need to elaborate here. You will understand when you read the
words below. Sorry I cannot provide a musical reference as to the tune itself
so think of it as poetry and search your hymnals or the internet for further
details. Also, if you so desire, substitute “little child” for a deity or
symbol of your own faith but I believe the context and intent will remain the
same. Enjoy in the spirit of peace and
fellowship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We Wait the Peaceful Kingdom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Kathleen Moore / Hal Hopson)<o:p></o:p></div>
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We wait the peaceful kingdom, when wolf and lamb shall lie<o:p></o:p></div>
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In gentleness and friendship without a fear or sigh,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When lion shall be grazing, when snake shall never strike;<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little child shall lead us both strong and weak alike. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Where is the peaceful kingdom? When will this new day start?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We long for peace and comfort to reign within each heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet not in our lives only, nor simply in our home:<o:p></o:p></div>
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We pray that all creation will one day find shalom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When wars of desolation and hate come to an end, <o:p></o:p></div>
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When nation meets with nation and calls the other “friend”,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still in peace in all its fullness will only have begun:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“shalom” for all creation begins with justice done. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That little child shall lead us to walk the chosen way,<o:p></o:p></div>
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To share the peaceful kingdom, to greet God’s newborn day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The child born in a stable is sent to break our chains,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To bring through word and table the day when justice reigns.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-17535898321448736032016-11-30T10:46:00.000-05:002016-11-30T10:46:16.002-05:00Paradise by the Dashboard….right.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fik4CHVifRw/WD70IyximPI/AAAAAAAABaE/K9rdMARL5pwhMEqU5YZP6rM-DOyc4xOQACLcB/s1600/figure%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fik4CHVifRw/WD70IyximPI/AAAAAAAABaE/K9rdMARL5pwhMEqU5YZP6rM-DOyc4xOQACLcB/s320/figure%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If middle aged women designed this machine it would do
something like this…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The “dashboard” to which one must return constantly when
working on some programs would be renamed “Location of Main Topics” Then these
menus (were people hungry then they designed this world?) would be called my “things
I may need to do under each major topic….like a “to do” list, list” And before I forget, (we are middle aged
here, keep that in mind) but every 30 seconds, a “be sure to SAVE your progress”
box would flash right in the center of the screen and not go away until on
clicked on it. (I just saved this…)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The issue of moving the mouse once one has decided to click
on the “expand this category and show me the ‘to do’ list arrow, would not go
away if one tends to be a bit wavy on mouse control. Our eyesight isn’t what it
used to be and the distance from face to screen is too far for reading glasses
but not far enough for regular glasses. The screen floats someplace just out of
focus but clearly visible. Little mousy arrow/dot doesn’t run a steady course
but how many dang times do I have to go back and expand that “to do” list
because I veered off course a millimeter or so? (just saved this….)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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If this machine were truly smart, it would know that if I have
done the SAME THING at least 5 times in row, I am probably going to want to do
it at least once more. If I wanted my progress go back 5 steps each time I push
save (hang on….needed to save again) then that is what I would be doing on my
own, but I’m not. Just keep going in the direction I have been for the last
couple of hours. I do not enjoy mousy time going back and forth pulling up (or
out or down) my “to do” list (save) then
tiptoeing through the tulips to get back to my same spot, over and over and
over…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A really smart machine would notice if I do something I have
not done before, like push a button that does something I do not understand…because
my eyesight isn’t what it used to be and my finger slipped. This machine would
flash a sign (like the Save sign…hold on, gotta save) that would say “hold up
lady, are you sure you want to do that? You hit the C or F or whatever button
and this feels unfamiliar….why don’t I fix it for you and if you really wanted
to do that maneuver, you can hit it again and we will both know what you
intended. Oh, and DO NOT hit save if you have not responded to this message.) Because
if you do….in little text will scroll the words….”ah shit, now I have to text
my kid at work or his girlfriend at school and ask for help “<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think that options should be offered for that hand symbol
with the raised index finger. Sometimes a raised middle finger seems more
appropriate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A great feature would be the ? button. If one were to push
the ? symbol about 6 times in a row (because we are irritated), a box would pop
up that asks you what’s wrong? You type in your problem and the machine fixes
it. It doesn’t TELL you how to do it, it just corrects the issue. Issues like
stuff suddenly disappearing. A finger slip again and lots of work all gets
sucked up into cyber purgatory. (save). If that happens, why can’t a little guy carrying
sign appear on the bottom of your screen, a sign that says, “it’s okay,
everything is right here, all saved, just click in my sign when you need it
back, no need to have a panic attack {he’s a little poet too}.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Labels should make sense. Header and Footer? I know, they
are grammar terms for page layout, but why is it so hard to say top and bottom?
Maybe I want a Lefter and a Righter…why are those not options?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Could we get these machines with two options of operation…and
don’t ask me about “operating systems”. Half the time I can’t get the system I
think is logical to operate in a method that is systematic. There should be an “efficiency”
option and a “conversational” option. Those who like checking boxes and drop
down lists would be happy and those of us who feel this machine works FOR me would
be happy. Conversational option would pop up questions which we can answer such
as “what color would you like the background?” I could type in “light blue
would be nice, not too robin’s egg though” and it gives me one. It should give
us feedback or affirmations such as “nice choice” to which I can respond “thank
you”. I wonder if I need to get back out
with real people more often? (save). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Word document I am on now has a little paintbrush up by
the scissors, paper and paste images. I think it needs a rock symbol. Come on,
rock, paper, scissors would be funny. I understand the use of the scissors to
cut, the papers to copy but the paintbrush is a big disappointment. It doesn’t
paint anything. It is format related. I want a rock. You click on the rock when
really ticked off and want to throw one through the screen. A box would pop up –
in conversational option of course – that would first apologize for pissing me
off, then ask what it can do to help me. (save) I really want those paper and
scissors buttons to move. That would be fun, to have the scissors open and close,
the papers shuffle around….how hard would that be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are also too many ways to do the same thing. Want to “find”
some text, push this button or that one or type in the words or do a hundred
other choices. Why not just proofread the document? Remember how we had to
actually re-read our papers before turning them in? We made the choices for
words and usage and had to check our spelling. We learned from that. This thing
tells me that half of what I write is wrong. Good thing James Joyce didn’t write
on a computer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How about little bike flags that appear on documents which
get hidden by others as “pages” pile up on the screen, the proverbial messy
desk of yore. When a page gets covered by another on the screen, I’d like one
of those orange flags on a long stick to sprout out from the top of the page so
I know its back there. Of course in middle age world, the flag would be like a
post-it note with a word or two on it so I would know which page it is without
having to click on it. (save) <o:p></o:p></div>
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I could rant about the “blackboard” which really isn’t or
any number of other techno technicalities but I will “save” that for another time.
Right now I need to go use my hands and make something, which alas, I will have
to photo and upload and all that jazz on this machine. Sometimes it takes
longer to do the mechanical part than it does to do the manual part. Thank you
for allowing me to vent. (And thank you for all of the Birthday wishes, one big
positive aspect of cyberworld is the instant communication between friends and
family near and far). <o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-10643278148132722072016-11-13T19:11:00.001-05:002016-11-13T19:11:50.446-05:00Judgement Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmHXq_UQ65Y/WCkAimf-h7I/AAAAAAAABZk/4CKqnFDQ6EA3fUUmV7Cfj7xgD0gswghcACLcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmHXq_UQ65Y/WCkAimf-h7I/AAAAAAAABZk/4CKqnFDQ6EA3fUUmV7Cfj7xgD0gswghcACLcB/s320/7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just a few thoughts about this past week….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Would you ask the 911 or suicide prevention hotline person
who they voted for, and if not the same as you, would you hang up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the AAA guy comes at 6am on a cold snowy winter morning
to jump start your car so you can make it to work on time, would it matter who
he voted for?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If the hospice nurse holding a loved one’s hand during their
final hours on this earth not be of the same party as you, would you tell her
to let go?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If the fireman searching for your lost dog in your burning
house didn’t agree with your point of view, would you tell him to forget it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If the guy working the parking deck exit thingy didn’t vote
your way, would you be willing to sit in that deck for a long time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Would you turn down the couple who is spending money on your
creation because the sign in their yard didn’t match yours?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If the surgeon about to care for your cancer tumor didn’t
vote your way, would you get up from the table? <o:p></o:p></div>
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The leaves will still fall, the earth will still spin, and
gravity is still working fine…… <o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you offer someone a smile today? Did you say “thank you”
to a stranger, did you appreciate the sunshine on your face or appreciate the
warm coat you were wearing? Did you thank the deity of your choice that you
woke up to live another day? <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are <i>all</i> guilty of something, we are all better than
someone else, and worse than many. We are human, we are alive, we are able to
love and be loved. We are able to do good deeds for others and make a positive difference
in their lives, one simple gesture at a time. We cannot be responsible for how
others think or feel, it is not our job. Our job is to be a good person so we
can be good to others, one person at a time.
Hold open a door, smile at an elderly person, say thank you to anyone
that deserves it and judge only yourself as to whether<i> you </i>did the right
thing today or any other day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When your life is in someone else’s hands, and someday it
will be, who they voted for, will not make a difference at that moment in time.
Nor should it ever when the moment has passed. Love thy neighbor….I’ve heard
that someplace before….sounds like a plan worth putting into action.<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-24825244691441635402016-11-12T15:53:00.003-05:002016-11-12T15:53:58.235-05:00Fabrical and Digital, The Art of Karen and Bill Bogdan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Showcase Introduction</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Party at Gervasi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gervasi - Piazza Dining</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inception 1</td></tr>
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The North Canton Little Art Gallery is currently showing the
work of these two artists until Dec 4<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th. </span> Intrigued by their pieces in the Stark County
Artists Show at the MassMu (see previous blog), I decided to get a larger
offering of their work in a different context.
The Canton Rep wrote a full article (meaning multiple paragraphs in this
sound bite age of ours) about this current show as well just a few days ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The printed program and list of works available at the NCLAG
has several pages about the artists, their process, their relationship and this
show as well as many visual examples. Bill likes to write so I was not
surprised and it did allow for a deeper connection to the show by knowing all
this detail. I would encourage you to read it over once before and once again after
viewing the show. I did so and it made me go back and look at some of their pieces
again with a different perspective and appreciation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I do know that putting this show together was more intensive
than most. Curator Elizabeth Blakemore worked her magic on the Bogdans to get
the right feel for this show. Bill is making a name for himself with his
woodcuts (The Chess Player) but there are none here. Instead, we have digitally
enhanced oil pastels of a realistic nature, drawings in the true sense of an
artist capturing a moment with a tool in his hand, not under it, like a mouse.
Karen’s pieces are fabric (and mixed media in some cases) for the most part,
textiles, not quilts. For the sake of space and not repeating what has already
been written or what is available at the show, I am just going to offer some
observations as my notes come together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The way the show is laid out, with his more “gentle” works
placed in-between her more “passionate” creations, gave me a clue to their
connection as a couple. I use those two words in quotes because this
presentation made me feel he is “there” in that space to say “I’ll keep you
calm, I’ll keep you grounded”. Their 50
years together is documented in the big showcase and the best way to start the
gallery walk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ladies first so let’s explore Karen’s works. She was an
elementary art teacher which means she must know many ways to make things and many
historical art figures that kids can relate to such as Henri Rousseau. Her
piece “Save the Forest” captures his spirit.
“The City”, a wood sculpture, appears to be channeling Red Grooms. “City
Flowers”, a black and white pieces, is reminiscent of the boogie woogie jazz
age of NYC. Perhaps I am leading you to
think she has no focus, but quite the opposite is true. She has an keen
interest in textures, techniques and experiences….a voice saying “hey, lets try
this now” much like an elementary teacher can’t stay in one place too long. I
can relate. It gets a bit crazy up in the old brain with too many ideas and not
enough room to hold them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Continuing on, “Inception 1” is a big bang piece of layered
fabrics, some transparent, some translucent, to give a feel of gasses in the
big abyss of the universe. The work is stretched over deep sided canvas (or so
it appears) which is a welcome change to the traditional flat on the wall display
method associated with textile arts. In contrast to the delicate nature of “Winter
Scene”, I have to talk about “The Carousel” because you can’t escape it. I would
imagine that there are quite a few who would wonder “why is that here?”…well
let me tell you why I think it is. Created in 1995, the oldest piece in the show
by decades, it is an anchor piece. We all have them, the ones that marked a
milestone or a change or that we just darn well like and want to share. “The Carousel”
is big and bold and brash and loud…..but so is a carousel in real life. They
spin, and shine and have loud music and go up and down….this multimedia fiber piece
captures that essence, that craziness that makes a merry go round the favorite
of many a child. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, a few words about the gentleman now. As I said, his pieces
are surprisingly quiet in nature from what we have come to expect. All recent
(2012 – 2016) these 14 framed works are digitally enhanced prints of his own
drawings originally in oil pastels. The style is reminiscent of early Van Gogh
with the layering of markings, the linear quality and the figures going about
daily tasks, most notably in the Gervasi pairing. All the subject matter and scenes are local. One however, “Goodrich Smokestacks”, at first
felt like I was viewing the World Trade Center Twin Towers by the way he has
visually framed the imagery. So too does “Red Ball over Market Street (Akron)” have
a minimalist graphic quality, especially if one does not know the reference. Both
are strong pieces which work well together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would hope that the traffic is good through the gallery to
see this show as it has universal appeal and offers much to take in. The only
thing missing is a current photo of the couple. It would have been fun to have
them pose in the same manner as the photo from long ago and include it in the
showcase. Thanks to Karen and Bill Bogdan for sharing their story and their work
with all of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-70911442671558901012016-11-08T13:53:00.000-05:002016-11-08T13:53:01.037-05:00Stark County Artists Exhibition 2016 at the MassMu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen Bogdan "Deep in the Forest" Fabric art and paint</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note* I was going to include more pictures but Artwach beat me to it as we chose many of the same.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
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Finally got a chance to stop by and see this year’s show.
When I walked in, I wrote “wow, color!!”
It is a more colorful presentation than in past years, but rather slim
in content and at times felt a bit dated. Full disclosure, I did enter the
usual three, but only halfheartedly because I felt it was my duty as a Stark Co
artist to do so. With my retirement from
the canvas now in full swing, or at least dormant for the foreseeable future, I
just didn’t feel the urge to be a part of the show. It was a joy however to
walk the gallery alone and take in the works of some of the best talents in the
area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The judges and I would still be in a fistfight if I had been
one of them. I don’t know them, I suppose I could google them, but why. Knowing
their preferences or styles would not have changed my opinions, maybe just help
answer “what were you thinking???”<o:p></o:p></div>
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My husband is fond of saying “if you can’t make it good,
make it bigger” which applies to a few of the pieces, ones that reminded me of
foundation level still life set up paintings, basic assignment type of projects.
The 3-D category was positively anemic, where are all our craft media artists? A few works were practically carbon copies of
each other in style and technique by different artists and a couple may be
oldies but goodies! However, all that
being said, there were some absolute gems to explore so let’s move on with what
I discovered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Spencer Molnar, “Devil in a Blue-Green Dress” (Honorable
mention) was the best of the three he has included, hung side by side as well.
Enter 3 of the same, hope they take one, good odds. In this case all three got
in and yes, they are well done but I would rather see them side by side in a
larger solo show, not next to each other, because here the star was tarnished
just a bit by her neighbors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was fooled by Lee Novotny’s “The Watcher”. From a distance
it looked like a photograph with the framing an integral part of the work
itself. Much of this show I enjoyed from
a distance which attests to the skill of the artists to deal with depth so
successfully. Contrast and scale are essential elements to pull this off. Diane
Belfiglio’s “Going Deeper ll” is a prime example. With no contextual
references, one can see this underwater subject matter as perhaps celestial or
abstracted imagery that grows more powerful the farther you step back. Up
close, the blue form appears to be a felted material collaged on, not a
drawing, a testament to her skill with oil pastels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Emily Bartolone’s “Space and Motion”, a work of roll paper,
pen and ink, though non-representational, was to me a like looking at a map
that had gotten wet, been forgotten, had coffee set on it, and maybe even put
into a bottle at some point. I spent quite some time imagining different
coastlines and trying to make a reference to a location even though I knew no
real one was to be found.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Karen Bogdan’s “Deep in the Forest”, a fiber arts piece, I
felt was the better of her two included here. I loved the complex layering of
the leaves, capturing sunlight and shadow by the textiles and their placement.
The addition of stitching and her use of scale made this one of my favorites,
but also because it felt more like a painting than a textile with the framing a
big part of that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bill Bogdan’s woodcut, “The Chess Player”, should have won
something. Perhaps it was too complex in meaning. This larger work is
multilayered, not media wise, but mentally. The use of positive and negative
space, the “live” man in the light and dressed, the “inactive” man, empty,
barefoot and slumped over….dead? Only one piece is missing from the board, a
pawn, on the side of the inactive player. The timer is numbered on the light
side, empty on the dark…has time run out? The title is singular, not plural. Is
this a contemplation of his own mortality? Is the game over or just beginning?
So much to see and contemplate and I am sure most visitors will walk right
past. Too bad, they will miss something important that art is intended to do,
capture our attention and make us think. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We Will Call Him Snappy” by Nate Forshee has a great title
for his off centered portrait of a turtle. This offset placement is a
compositional moment of genius, notice how concentric circles and the
repetition of circles are formed by the shapes of the animal itself, like
raindrops in a pond. Turtles live in ponds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The mixed media works of Kelly Rae were stunning. I hope to
see more of her work and perhaps a solo show.
The atmospheric landscapes are conducive to contemplation and I am glad
she gave no reference to a specific location because the viewer can now let
their own imagination take them to this “place” with whatever emotion is needed
at the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Brian Robinson’s talents with soft pastel are beyond words.
He needs a big solo show someplace so I can see more. The scale alone is
intimidating for “Resting Soil”. One can feel the warmth of the earth in the
spot on the field illuminated by a sun we cannot see. Again, the “from a distance” factor is in
full play here, both his pieces are even better when standing back, if that is
even possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few final mentions, Tom Wachunas (good thing you didn’t
touch that flag, my DAR would kick in); Nanette Ream (you have a future in
textile design, the “Fish” was fantastic); Michael Weiss (finally some clever
fun in this show, thank you!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Congrats to all the artists whose work hangs on the walls,
putting your soul on display is never easy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Until next time…..thanks for playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-15487611510788913412016-09-04T09:32:00.000-04:002016-09-04T09:32:11.259-04:00Question of the Month… there is no place like home.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwMiYlTW0Xk/V8wiI57zhaI/AAAAAAAABUI/aEFvcg89dxALYm25pyeg1tByv5AQw2vUgCLcB/s1600/410%2Bfirst%2Blook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwMiYlTW0Xk/V8wiI57zhaI/AAAAAAAABUI/aEFvcg89dxALYm25pyeg1tByv5AQw2vUgCLcB/s320/410%2Bfirst%2Blook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of respect for those who were victims and/or
victimized/vandalized in the closing hours of this past First Friday, there
will be no wrap up posting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our final Question of the Month answers are below. If anyone
is interested in continuing this activity, the chalkboard and easel are yours.
Contact us at Journey/Snarky Art before Sept 23.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>“If you were to follow
your own personal Yellow Brick Road, where would it lead to?” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<u>Actual destination places</u>: Hilton Head – Costa Rica –
Bora Bora – Hawaii – Ireland – Jamaica – Paris – Las Vegas – Chicago – Paradise
Falls – South America – Cincinnati – Dalles, Oregon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>People:</u> Alex – Lisa – Bronne – Jill Frances – Harambe
(the gorilla) – Melissa – Susan – Des – Moe – Cali – Jeffree Star – the Bab - my
sister – to a place where I could sit down and talk to my mother…I really miss
her! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Actual existing places</u>: home – up north – the pool –
the fridge – here – houdini’s – school – Print and Press – the Shire - Hamilton<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Odd:</u> chicken paprikash – weenies<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Personal Places</u>:
my dreams – happiness – Atlantis – an adventure – hell – Heaven (2)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And with that, 22 Questions have been offered and answered
since October 2014. A final “Thank you for playing” to all who came out. Stay
tuned for many more blogs to come….God bless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-85930636948177057402016-09-01T09:02:00.001-04:002016-09-01T09:02:52.808-04:00Conversations with our Collection: Massillon Museum Staff Responds <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJ8a5YYgKI/V8gl7brd78I/AAAAAAAABTk/4ATIoQ7KQukEhRqjGXkuHG6h9fEZDnsTACLcB/s1600/vogt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJ8a5YYgKI/V8gl7brd78I/AAAAAAAABTk/4ATIoQ7KQukEhRqjGXkuHG6h9fEZDnsTACLcB/s320/vogt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margy Vogt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYudYfWSFxM/V8gl0UrwR3I/AAAAAAAABTg/404FnJ3BH_YP5dlGAevn7Y5m4mhbzvsLQCLcB/s1600/woodburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYudYfWSFxM/V8gl0UrwR3I/AAAAAAAABTg/404FnJ3BH_YP5dlGAevn7Y5m4mhbzvsLQCLcB/s320/woodburn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie Woodburn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTOKnWerwpg/V8glqmcE3cI/AAAAAAAABTc/L6GgInaTSjMaevoGtb77vQO4pPLMggNZACLcB/s1600/coon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTOKnWerwpg/V8glqmcE3cI/AAAAAAAABTc/L6GgInaTSjMaevoGtb77vQO4pPLMggNZACLcB/s320/coon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Coon<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Only through Sept 12<sup>th</sup>, in the side gallery of
Cyrus Framing on Cleveland Ave, one will find a wonderful exhibition by the
staff of the Massillon Museum. It is an extension of the show at the main museum
expanding upon the concept of artists responding to the works of others, in
particular, from the permanent collection of the MassMu. A mounted statement on the wall and a list of
the 15 participants and their positions with the museum provides details that I
don’t need to list here. You have to go “there” to appreciate the works anyway as
my words are only a hint of what awaits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It has been way to long since I have had the time to blog
about our arts but that is changing. Despite the carpal tunnel, the almost
broken ribs (did you know dumpsters have steel projections on the sides?) and
the mysterious wings of a guardian angel that prevented me from being run over
by a car (God is suggesting you buy my work now for future investment because the
next time I might not be so lucky), I’m still up and moving (and moving) to
find hidden gems for your viewing experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Cyrus is open from 10-ish (gotta love honesty) to 6, M –F and
Sat 11 – 3. For the sake of equality and
efficiency, we will start inside the door to the right and move counter
clockwise around the room with the work of Scot Phillips. Based upon a 1914
photograph of a round house collapse (a round house is where train engines
would be turned around, it is not a yurt), his 5 small micro dot screen prints
are on found wood pieces. Superimposed doodles, some with dates, act as graffiti
such as that found on train cars today, but in different context of style. I
enjoy watching how he uses this signature technique in so many different ways
over the years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Next one will encounter two photographs by intern Jamie
Woodburn, inspired by the work of American landscape artist Albert Blakelock. The two pieces are meant to be considered
together, one as a larger metaphor for the path we all travel, and another for
those small shelters we seek out when the journey gets hard and respite is
needed. Look for the little critter
captured on film while on his own slow travels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Alex Coon shares an audio recording and in assorted jars,
collections of things that spark memories of places visited. She has the gift
of restraint… a rock or two, a shell, a piece of driftwood, a trait that will
serve her well as those munchkins grow and start gathering things of their own.
The simplicity of the presentation has a charm reminiscent of earlier times
when all one needed was a rock, not a hundred selfies to recall the blessings
of family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Heather Bullach is such a natural talent and well known in
the local arts scene so I will only point out my favorite gem this time…how she
captured the connection between a young Nell Dorr and herself as women finding their paths and discovering who
they are. It is a brilliant resolution
to the concept. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">BZTAT has a painting in the show that is dazzling in its simplicity
but complex in its rendering of a balloon man at the circus. The perspective is
from the bleachers in the eyes of child and the balloons are not round but
elongated, which adds just a bit of whimsy to the image. The compositional
bones and use of color placement is as sophisticated as any master work, as
making the “simple” work, is often harder than filling space with complex
forms. The personal memory shared in her statement will make the connection
even more endearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mandy Altimus Pond made me laugh. Stan Baltry is her inspirational
superhero, pharmacist by day, photographer by night! Before all the glitz and
glamour and green-screens of today’s action figures, men were just as grand and
gallant. The depiction of her own super hero (Brian) by way of her signature
photographic techniques and historical presentation are charming as they are
personal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Meghan Reed presents us with three brick shaped canvases
painted with small brick patterns. They reminded me of those cardboard bricks with
brick patterns that my children played with years ago. There is an innocent
spirit and message in these three forms….starting small, one piece at a time,
we can create great things, as whole cities are built by one brick at a time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The gem in Emily Vigils work, again a well-known and very
talented area artist so I won’t dwell, can be found in her large diptych oil
painting. My eye was drawn to the red shoes of the little girl entering into
the woods. In this sea of greens and woodland browns, little red riding hood
has ditched the cape and gone all “big girl” on us and opted for red shoes. They
sparkle like Dorothy’s in this work and leave you wondering about her journey
into the future that no one can predict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rats, I am hitting my word limit so here is a cheat sheet synopsis:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Michelle Waalkes – the photo transfer of grid over a pathway
with unreachable light, creating multiple layers of crosses based upon the old
Mass State Hospital for mental patients…..spot on, loved it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">April Olsen – a woodcut of Christ, but oriented on an angle,
not the usual vertical, makes the presentation a layer deeper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Chris Craft – enjoyed how his rendering of the connection
between beauty and torture for the sake of others contrasts with the same concept
by Heather Bullach. He used mixed media drawing, while she is drawing on her
own face. His inspiration is a photo of the permanent wave machine from 1928.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Margy Vogt – smaller digital photography vignettes that
capture a rusted train bridge as if an old engine itself and been repurposed as
the bridge upon which it once traveled. “Rust Belt” on bands of rust like stacked
belts…nailed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Demi Edwards, Diane Gibson, Samantha Lechner are also
represented in this show but I am at my 1000 word limit so time to cut this
off. Please try and stop in this week or
next and view these works by the MassMu family.
Not one red dot when I was there, we need to change that!! Some
purchases will benefit the museum fund as designated on their tags. Don’t
chide, I plan to put my money where my words are and dot one or two tags unless
someone beats me to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
<br />Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-1768464764875492252016-08-28T12:42:00.000-04:002016-08-28T12:42:03.300-04:00Feeling like a TV star…..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8mPoYDLDo8/V8MSRH81grI/AAAAAAAABTA/mpVKdtkGTv89EOw2pjKY4vpUThuWBLSUQCLcB/s1600/Not%2BGoing%2BGracefully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8mPoYDLDo8/V8MSRH81grI/AAAAAAAABTA/mpVKdtkGTv89EOw2pjKY4vpUThuWBLSUQCLcB/s320/Not%2BGoing%2BGracefully.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1999 #2 Not Going Gracefully</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7Gc_9W3_AE/V8MSu8RROFI/AAAAAAAABTE/jDD2DNo1l3sCSu-Kz0pVo45bxvV1b8xxACLcB/s1600/Krew%2BJudi_%2BThe%2BLittle%2BOld%2BLady%2Bwho%2Blived%2Bin%2Ba%2Bshoe%2Bfinally%2Bempty%2Bnested%2Band%2Bfound%2Bsomething%2Bto%2Bdo%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7Gc_9W3_AE/V8MSu8RROFI/AAAAAAAABTE/jDD2DNo1l3sCSu-Kz0pVo45bxvV1b8xxACLcB/s320/Krew%2BJudi_%2BThe%2BLittle%2BOld%2BLady%2Bwho%2Blived%2Bin%2Ba%2Bshoe%2Bfinally%2Bempty%2Bnested%2Band%2Bfound%2Bsomething%2Bto%2Bdo%2521.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 #3 "The little old lady..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…whose show got cancelled. No, I am not talking about the
studio/gallery status, which will be addressed in another post down the road.
Right now, I am preparing to bring downtown about 30 of my more “controversial”
and “misunderstood” paintings from the now retired (?) Women Series, the one
for which I am best known as an artist. The first official painting of the series was done in 1999 when my sons were 6 and
9, and the last (?) was in 2014 (ironically of a grandma in a graduation cap). My boys are are now 23 and 26. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Somewhere at last count, I think I completed about 150 or so
paintings, with a few in storage that may or may not ever get done. My dream
for the series was to have it shown in retrospective form, somewhat in
chronological order, as the intent of the series was to depict the social,
cultural, moral, emotional and physical changes of a woman’s pathway through
life. As she ages, as she has kids, interacts with people and circumstances,
and so forth. Using visual imagery, color and humor to soften the blow of my
statement, some pieces hit the mark and others were just too obscure for the
average viewer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the years, I wrote numerous versions of my “artist
statement” to try and explain the concept. Some venues got it and hosted a solo
show, filling a couple dozen guest books with mostly positive comments. Others
could not get past the “comic” nature and felt it was not serious enough for
“real” art. But back to my point…..I
wish I could see them all in one big show, the huge party scene of color and
expressions that happens when they are all together, even in small groupings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I love your work!” Yep, hear that all the time….I do too,
that is why I did it. “But not in my house…” Yep, hear that too. My house must
be very weird compared to most. “They are so expensive!” Yep, in this part of the woods that would be
true. In major markets, they are cheaper than dirt, which also devalues the
product. How to price at market value when the local market does not see, or
can support, the value? Catch-22, but somebody already wrote that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So it is with a bit of sadness that I am letting these more
“difficult” children of mine go out on the floor in time for First Friday in
hopes that someone will want to adopt one that may be problematic in their living room. And if they can’t find homes, I am happy to bring them back and
add to the growing boat load awaiting my Viking funeral. I wonder if one can get their paintbrushes
spade so they stop producing so much?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I won’t let go of the dream to see them flooding the walls
of a venue big enough to house the whole lot, frameless however. Thin little
sides with exposed staples cannot compete with the deep sided finished
edges I can afford now. Back in the earlier days, the cheaper the better, hence
a few warped ones in the lot (like me in many ways). 50 or so have long since
been adopted and I have no idea who owns most of them. Sold at shows and I just
cashed the checks. Some favorites will never be allowed to leave while the boat
is still in dry dock. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Will I ever go back to the series for a second wave? Maybe.
There are so many “subjects” waiting to be brought to canvas, but there has to
be a purpose when one is my age, to add to something that may not ever go away. I
am considering a book. Maybe pick my 100 favorites and add updated commentary
to them. A book would not be the same impact as a real life sized in your face
presentation but I am not aggressive enough to go after that. I like to plant
seeds and hope that something sprouts in somebody else’s garden. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So with all that said, stop by First Friday for a final
farewell to Snarky Art …the studio as a destination in the downtown area. My
space is FULL of “stuff” from the sidewalk sale including tablets, drawing
boards, tempera paint, cigar boxes, glass bottles, sheets of glass, ceramic
tile samples, cans of paint for pollocks, frames, props, leftover community art
project supplies, the projects themselves, and just lots of junque that needs
to go. Cabinets, work table, some shelving…looks like a tornado went through so
I apologize in advance for the mess!!!!
And it is a BIG mess, which for an avid merchandizer like me, is a very stressful state of being. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Hoard Couture is not discounted as that is almost done being
an official trademark with the US Government! Step one of going to the Cloud is
to protect the “brand”. Most paintings
of mine in the signature series and the botanicals are not discounted either but
fashion paintings, photography, and misc works are reduced. My last day is Sept
23. So much love and laughter has been shared in that space, so that post is
for another day. As always, thanks for playing and see you soon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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PS…I am going to have more time for blogging you lucky
readers you!<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-71946998996668870492016-08-16T09:21:00.000-04:002016-08-16T09:21:15.497-04:00August First Friday Wrap up Report (with comments)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf2Jk4Mbw0Q/V7MSwkF9JAI/AAAAAAAABSc/DSQdYgDS9gUs_iD_wopWu5cnDoe-wE4GACLcB/s1600/8%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf2Jk4Mbw0Q/V7MSwkF9JAI/AAAAAAAABSc/DSQdYgDS9gUs_iD_wopWu5cnDoe-wE4GACLcB/s320/8%2Bsmall.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Child: Forgotten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Creative minds are notoriously “messy” and so are our spaces
but I guarantee you if 5mm google eyes were needed for a school project, I got
‘em and I know where they are! That being admitted to, every now and then one
must “purge” which has been occupying much of my time, hence this late update. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Usually I get my First Friday wrap up done in a timely
manner….but ya know, it is summer time and the liv’n is easy. Either that, or I
had to spend time picking up the bottles and cups scattered along the outside
of the building (out of dora bounds in many cases….would it kill the city
budget to put trash cans at the boundary points?) Said cans would make good
visual markers that the end is near and could perhaps include a potty?
Seriously, whoever you are, did you have to relieve yourself on my back door?
At least a buddy of yours used his Bud cup (not a sanctioned dora mind you….)<o:p></o:p></div>
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No Community Project to write about, too much H of F
craziness or so I would have thought. Our attendance was rather low for all the
hoopla going on but perhaps with Jeff K not playing and Su N out on the road,
the opening act had no headliners to back up the show. But whatever the
reasons, our Question of the Month did get 24 responses…..I guess it was too
hard this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“If Canton were to have its own NFL franchise, what would be
a good team name?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Canton Basketballs
- The Canton Ball Bearings - The
Canton Dora-duhs - The Canton Denalies - The
Canton Bulldogs (2) - The Canton Wannabes - The
Canton Kodiaks - The Canton Hall of Famers - The
Canton Can-dos - The Canton Crusaders - The
Canton Can’t-Reads - The Canton Can’t Writes - The
Canton Thorpes - The Canton Bitner Specials - The
Canton Campaigns - The Canton Hoovers - The
Canton South Akrons - The Canton Hams - The
Canton C’mons - The Canton Crime Rates - the
Canton Canucks - The Canton Cats - The
Canton Can’ts - The Canton Vacuums<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hmmm…a bit of a social statement going on here…..I am not
one to censor any answers unless they are decidedly inappropriate, but this one
disappointed me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So everyone gets a do-over for September. Our question of the month will be “If you
could follow your own yellow brick road, where would it lead to….?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Coming up Saturday Aug 27<sup>th</sup> 10 – 4 (speaking of
purges!) is our sidewalk sale….big bargains on art, art supplies, old community
projects, stuff, props, items, things, do-hickeys and thing-a-mug-jigs…..gotta
love a good regurgitation.<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-54225010060810930272016-07-06T09:27:00.001-04:002016-07-06T09:27:53.542-04:00First Friday Wrap Up Report…..and perhaps that’s a wrap?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHxSrpAJxxM/V30HNCUiItI/AAAAAAAABRE/-_r8tOVO7iUW_n5E18kn9icxaiRGCERBgCLcB/s1600/judi%2Bkid%2Bwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHxSrpAJxxM/V30HNCUiItI/AAAAAAAABRE/-_r8tOVO7iUW_n5E18kn9icxaiRGCERBgCLcB/s320/judi%2Bkid%2Bwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We took it to the streets this past July FF 2016 in hopes of
reviving our most requested Community Participation Project (CPP) to date,
“Rock’n the Pollock” action painting.
The four large pieces that were completed will be seen again, as some
type of clothing ala Hoard Couture. Last
year we made about 30 pieces of art for purchase from the canvases created and
many of them are sitting in storage so we won’t be doing that again. The
displayable works of art we created from past projects dating back to the 2014
Stick Figure Challenge will be included in our sidewalk sale in late August. Be
sure to stop and shop for your office, lobby, or meeting rooms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will not be offering a Community Participation Project
this next FF, Hall of Fame weekend, as there is just so much going on. The
focus of FF’s has changed so it is time to take a break and consider how to
best use our time, energy and resources to promote our business. Our Question
of the Month will remain for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you happen to stop in and see our new dressing room? It
is a scale replica of the TARDIS from the Dr. Who BBC televisions series, built
by special request of the Doctor himself. And yes, it really is bigger on the
inside! Below are this month’s responses and if you are interested in past
answers, we do have laminated copies of all the past questions hanging on the big
board for your reading pleasure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>What was your favorite
summer break activity as a kid? </i>81
answers<o:p></o:p></div>
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Studying – water balloon fights – playing in the creek –
drive in movies [2]– catching fireflies [3] – 4<sup>th</sup> of July fireworks
– camping – cookouts – riding my bike [2] – playing in the sandbox – swimming
[7] – reading – reading and writing – fireworks/parades – sleepovers [2]–
hiking with the family – camping with grandparents – sleeping in – yardwork –
beach – climbing trees [2] – flashlight tag – Saturday morning cartoons – 6<sup>th</sup>
street pool – Sugarcreek train rides – playing capture the flag after dark –
strawberry picking – playing on the tracks – go carts – playing in the dirt –
YMCA pool – tansi – smoking weed – skate boarding [2] – riding dirt bikes –
ghost in the graveyard [2]– kick the can [2] – hide and seek – sleeping [2] –
willow spgs (?) – tag – GI Joes and Transformers – visiting the cousins –
playing – street ball CAR! – vacation – vacation in WVA – boating [2] –
horseback riding – bike riding – cops & robbers – computer with boo –
fishing – Cedar Point – tetherball – being outside – up late and sleeping in –
Girl Scout camp – bookmobile – 3 unreadable handwriting – 2 erased for
non-family friendly response.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love this list, so many fond memories of doing many of
these things as well. But sorry to note that my own kids did not…..our
generation and the current one seem to have overscheduled our children with
classes, camps and programs and been too afraid of the boogey man after dark to
allow them to roam free and make their own fun. If your kids are young, look
over this list and if you need to know how to play ghost in the graveyard or
find fun in a creek for hours on end, we will be happy to explain it to you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks to all who came out to play. <o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-49276028598575377712016-06-05T13:03:00.000-04:002016-06-05T13:03:08.739-04:00What do you collect?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnTUiNGM-Vk/V1Rau-u96uI/AAAAAAAABQE/xMS--Yc8n3ExJlyRnyPAzU9KUtFI6-vyACLcB/s1600/frisbee%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnTUiNGM-Vk/V1Rau-u96uI/AAAAAAAABQE/xMS--Yc8n3ExJlyRnyPAzU9KUtFI6-vyACLcB/s320/frisbee%2Bflowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That was the Question of the Month at Snarky Art/Journey
Studios this past First Friday. Answers
to follow soon. This past Friday also debuted the “DORA” which is the new law
that allows people to open carry their alcohol in a designated area. Growing
pains will be inevitable and as a business within the footprint, we will have
to make some adjustments. As the law is written, no one can come into our place
with the cups full of beer but how we can enforce that is going to be
interesting. One would think that common sense would prevail and carrying food
or beverages into a clothing store would be a no-brainer, but alas…..need I
state the obvious? <o:p></o:p></div>
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As the famous movie line goes “What we have here is a
failure to communicate.” We are still trying to find our way to effectively
communicate to the public that we are not an entertainment venue per say. Yes,
on First Fridays we provide an activity so as to draw people down to our end of
the block but we aren’t a bar, a restaurant, a public restroom or a lounge to listen
to music. We are a retail store that features art and wearables, the majority of
which are made by two people. As time
passes and this new rule of open carry becomes the norm, it will be interesting
to watch how our fellow retailers handle the issues. I suspect that we won’t
have too many problems in Nov – Feb, after all, this is Ohio.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Community Participation Project this month was Frisbee
Flowers which really had nothing to do with flowers but I had a bunch of mini
Frisbees donated to the cause so they came in handy. Over 160 people (final
count may be closer to 170) made a paint filled platter by blowing thru a
straw. Even with such a simple method, I get the nay-sayers who won’t play
because they have “no talent.” Channel
that middle school moment when you shot the straw wrapper across the lunchroom
and it will be just fine. Some people are just too cool for school however and
find it embarrassing or annoying to be asked to participate and have a bit of
fun. It’s okay, we remember who you are…and I’ll get you yet my little
pretties!! It is only a matter of time. Next month, weather permitting, we plan
to Rock the Pollock on the blocked off Fourth Street outside. What could be
more entertaining than drunk people flinging paint? I suggest coming early, we
will be doing this one person at a time so a line will be formed, and we will
shut it down promptly at 9 or maybe earlier depending upon the circumstances. I
am requesting donations of acrylic house paints that you no longer need. Any
amount, any color as long as it is acrylic latex (no stains, no oils). Drop off
cans at the studio during regular hours only or message me to make an
arrangement for delivery. I am not putting the hours here to force you to go to
the website, and like us on FB too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, back to the “What do you collect?” answers…. Total of
73 (some people are also reluctant to write on a chalkboard or pretend to not
have seen it….a 16 square foot board right inside my door…. Which is why I have
160+ Frisbees but fewer answers.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Natural Items</b>:
crystals – seashells and sand – shells/rocks/bones – rocks (3) – stones – sea
glass (2) – plants – succulents – cat whiskers<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sports</b>:
skateboards – baseballs – MLB ballpark memories – ticket stubs <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Music and Media</b>:
high end audio – records (2) – blue rays – books (2) – music boxes – old music
– CDs – movies – comic books – sheet music – instruments <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Kitchen and Food:</b>
recipes – shot glasses – cast iron – kitchen tools – tacos – candies –
turtles/teapots/tins/depression glass<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Animals</b>: eagles
(2) – panda bears – horses – cats<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Things</b>: bottle
caps – postcards – snow globes – buttons – bar signs – spoons – little cars –
duct tape – trains – Santas – Simpsons – art – shoes – BSA patches – tie dye –
panties (late entry by a DORA participant) – one illegible entry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Clever and Creative</b>:
smiles – self doubts – wives – joy – men – lovers – dust (2) – unfinished
projects – love – too much (2) – pounds – memories (3) – hobbies – family –
years – educational debt <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once again, thanks for playing. I appreciate those who have
stuck by the blog, or lack thereof, over the past months to almost a year. I
hope to get more entries now that both sons are 1) gainfully employed 2) living
independently 3) have health care and
retirement plans and 4) the best projects I ever made. <o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-32320862421891553682016-05-10T10:38:00.000-04:002016-05-10T10:38:15.542-04:00May First Friday wrap up and up dates <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hqv9_mq68I/VzHyCUMKxOI/AAAAAAAABPY/behUssN0ZyYRnF65s0tUlSU2QkoH_fasgCLcB/s1600/may%2B2016%2BFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Hqv9_mq68I/VzHyCUMKxOI/AAAAAAAABPY/behUssN0ZyYRnF65s0tUlSU2QkoH_fasgCLcB/s320/may%2B2016%2BFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Junior Varsity Team worked the Snarky Art and Journey
First Friday this past week. Thanks to Andy, Matt, Travis and team captains Meg
and Rich. The place is still standing
but we need to start moving merchandise so the whole she-bang doesn’t have to
move. We love to be here for you but you need to be here for us a well…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our project was an Open Studio for anyone to use the
available supplies and create works of art for our clothes pin show. The Team says
more than half wanted to take home their projects (who is going to argue with a
kid?) but only 3 pins were left unused so the results were great. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Question of the Month (in honor of Mother’s Day) was “If
your Mom or Grandma worked outside the home, what was her job?” 53 answers are
on the board and here they are…….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Greek and Latin teacher – Bible teacher – special needs
teacher - teacher (3) – store clerk –
Meyers Lake Park worker – disaster relief worker – medical secretary – church
secretary – secretary (5) – auctioneer – CEO – nurse (4) – seamstress (3) – HR
manager – HUD manager – dental assistant – butcher – bar keeper – phone
operator (2) – appliance sales – social worker (4) – school bus driver – March
of Dimes – post office – chef – pharmacy tech – plastics factory – insurance
agent – realtor (2) – waitress – florist – nanny – home health care worker –
guest services – drug store – clothing designer – and my all-time favorite
answer… she wouldn’t have time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next month will be our Frisbee Flowers project and our
question is “What do you collect?” This is the season of birthdays, weddings,
showers, anniversaries, graduations and Father’s day so if you need a unique
gift, we have one (or many). With the cicada invasion on its way, we provide a
safe haven from the swarm too. Look for our display at Vintage Canton and our
one of kind creations in the Hall of Fame Fashion Show! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks again for playing!<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5543125149125123398.post-46179323186070195182016-05-05T08:30:00.000-04:002016-05-05T08:30:56.807-04:0074th Annual May Show – North Canton Little Art Gallery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v678aikVjmM/Vys8d9b9MXI/AAAAAAAABPA/82zbliiXCIIhILFAHD9-8RXNC0Cn9JBEwCLcB/s1600/trophy%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v678aikVjmM/Vys8d9b9MXI/AAAAAAAABPA/82zbliiXCIIhILFAHD9-8RXNC0Cn9JBEwCLcB/s320/trophy%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Triumph of Craft - detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With mixed emotions I took a tour of this year’s NCLAG May
Show, one of the two “local” competitions that seem to validate the status of
artists in Stark County. Without all productive and talented artists in our area
participating in these shows however, it is unfair to really assess the value
of these exhibitions in that regard. As a showcase opportunity however, this year’s
offerings are a wonderful array of nature inspired imagery. One could almost
label this a theme show.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beautifully hung by curator Elizabeth Blakemore, each piece
is in harmony with the ones that surround it and nothing overwhelms any particular
wall. There are focal points due to contrast and scale, but nothing shouts out
over its neighbors….well, except for Russ Hench’s big ummm….rooster painting
that screams across the whole library. By far my favorite in the whole show, it
did receive an Honorable Mention in the acrylic category. Loud and large and just
so much fun to look at, his impressionistic approach using flat brush strokes and
the slightly off kilter angle of the fence, truly does bring to life this tipsy
rooster walking down a Key West sidewalk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are 52 entries in the gallery with 21 of them NFS, which
I find an extraordinarily high number. I wonder why? Full disclosure, yes I did
enter, no I did not get in as the entry stood. It was a two part entry as one
unit. The judges wanted one, not both so it’s a no. Stop by Journey to visit my
rejects…a nice perk to having one’s own gallery space. The jurors were a
husband and wife team from Ohio’s Polytechnic University (the in-transition U
of Akron, my undergrad ala mater) who obviously spent a great deal of time
going over each piece and pulling together a very cohesive distribution of
works that focus on craftsmanship, technical skill and strong fundamentals.
Personally I found it a bit light on message or statement pieces, but there is
a good bit of humor mixed in so I’m okay with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Michelle Mulligan’s “Art Her-Story” is outstanding. Earning
Second Place for 3-D entries, this found object and gourds creation is worth
the need to get down on your knees and look at the detail and personalities of the
faces. If you know art history, you will recognize the ladies depicted. Heather Bullach, a truly gifted painter has 2
pieces, neither of which earned and award, but I would have given her one. Her
oil on board “The Rising Sun” captures a moment in time through the use of only
one, yes one, brushstroke. A single hint of yellow on the side of building in
this small landscape is amazing. Her career is just beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gail Wetherell-Sack’s “Poppin’ Red” is also a fun piece in
that her title is layered with meanings as one works through this mixed media
Honorable Mention work. Handmade papers,
cut outs, pop-outs, bright colors, lime green frame, patterns, textures etc…I
was a kid in a candy store. Her use of the green frame brings up the issue of
framing….(eating some crow right now…..) but this year, the frames became part
of the works more so than ever before. The idea is growing on me. Without some
of the creative framing such as Lee Ann Novotny’s “A Superior View from
Paradise”, a delicate colored pencil landscape, the piece may have been
overshadowed. Instead, the framing almost functions as a window enhancing the
concept of her work. But as framing may givith, it also can taketh away….gold
metal frames are as out of date as saddle shoes, time to leave them at home and
paint the edges of a deep canvas. Deep canvases being a way to validate that pieces
are new. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My carpal tunnel is kicking in so time for this post to
close. But I do want to mention the First Place winner in mixed media by Daniel
Vaughn entitled “Which Way?”, a 12 x 12 black square that houses and intricate Lego
pattern. At first one thinks, yeah, I’ve got bins of those puppies in my
basement, but the concept grows on you. I would love to see a whole wall of
these squares, like quilt patterns, or a whole room full in patterns and
designs that treat the little bricks as strokes of color when laid on their sides.
Hmmm…..I feel a dress coming on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On view through May 31<sup>st</sup>, make the time to visit
this year’s show. Congrats to all!<o:p></o:p></div>
Judi Krewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06710808426703681632noreply@blogger.com0