robin schwARTzman

2012 Artist Initiative Grant Recipient

2012-03-08T16:13:00.005-06:00

I am happy to announce that I have been listed as one of 140 grant recipients for the Minnesota State Arts Board 2012 Artist Initiative Grants. This money, in addition to the funds raised through Kickstarter, will go directly towards material and installation costs to make THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK possible.

Now time to relax and celebrate down in Austin, TX for the SXSW music festival where I'm super excited to check out Flatstock. Plus, a detour on the way down will bring me to the City Museum in St. Louis, MO where I look forward to going down the 10 story slide amongst other giant playful adventures. Stayed tuned for travel photos and inspirations!

Less than 2 Days to Go!

2012-03-06T14:44:00.002-06:00

My Kickstarter for THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK has less than 48 hours until it's done! I've already hit my $5,000 goal, a fraction of the total cost for this project. Please consider contributing any extra amount- your support goes directly into material costs and installation fees.

Super thanks to everyone who has generously pledged and helped me surpass my goal!!!

Superheroes

2012-03-05T11:39:00.003-06:00

This weekend I got to draw caricatures at the Rochester Art Center for Olive Juice Studio's client party. The theme was superheroes, this was my favorite sketch from the day.

Dr. Sketchy's

2012-02-26T21:52:00.002-06:00

Since I've moved to Northeast Minneapolis, I've been attending Dr. Sketchy's Twin Cities at the 331 Club on a monthly basis. Last month I took first place, today I took third. It's always tons of fun. Today's model was Queenie Von Curves, and my drawing was featured on the City Pages slideshow.

You did it!!!

2012-02-26T12:02:00.002-06:00

You did it!!! Each and every one of you who pledged helped me to reach my Kickstarter goal and I want to say THANK YOU!!! I could not have done it without your generosity. And if you still want to contribute, there are 10 days left to pledge and receive some awesome rewards made just for you by me!

Only $299 to go!

2012-02-24T12:52:00.002-06:00

My Kickstarter for THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK has 12 days left and only $299 to go! Help me reach my goal, a pledge in ANY amount gets me that much closer. Thanks again to everyone who has already made a pledge, I couldn't do it without you!!!

The Magic of Mary Blair

2012-02-16T14:10:00.002-06:00

Mary Blair's bright colors and stylized designs were an essential part of my childhood, as they appeared periodically throughout a number of my favorite Disney animations.

The Costumes of Nick Cave

2012-02-13T12:06:00.003-06:00

Sculptor Nick Cave looks beyond the visual aesthetic when creating his rich, otherworldly, incredibly beautiful, sometimes grotesque, all-encompassing costumes and soundsuits. He considers dance, movement and the dynamics of the human body. He opens the wearer of these garments up to the possibility of a complete transformation.

Friends with Benefits

2012-02-11T23:58:00.004-06:00

Designed this poster with Sandesh Nicol for the Friends with Benefits print show. It's definitely worth reading the fine print. Opens this Thursday, Feb. 16th at the Quarter Gallery in Regis Center for Art. Plus, I have a print in it...see you there!

Walker Summer Highlights

2012-02-08T22:35:00.001-06:00

Found this from last summer...it's the Walker's publication of their summer 2011 highlights, and it's my puppet show performed as part of the Open Field in 2010!

Signs around Regis

2012-02-07T10:40:00.002-06:00

I've been routing and painting signs to place around Regis Center for the Art at the U of M to spruce things up and advertise for the router. Above are signs for the Tool Crib and on the door of my "office", the 3D Lab.

Moz the Cat

2012-02-02T13:17:00.005-06:00

This semester I'm teaching "Drawing Using Digital Media as an Essential Tool" here at the U of M, so I've been brushing up on my Photoshop/Wacom skills as of late. Here is Moz again, this time rendered as a digital sketch using different brush tools.

Tom and Moz

2012-01-31T21:01:00.002-06:00

I drew this little doodle on my boyfriend's hand the other night when he wasn't paying attention. It's him and his cat, Moz.

Northern Spark-Official Website Launched

2012-01-26T21:48:00.001-06:00

The official Northern Spark website has launched! Check out my project here!

Dan's Radios

2012-01-26T12:08:00.003-06:00

I designed, routed and painted this sign for my dad, an avid old-time radio collector.

The Shelf Show

2012-01-19T16:21:00.001-06:00

Two of my friends/colleagues from graduate school, Rachel James and Josh Winkler, recently founded a small gallery in their storefront apartment known as the Secret Knots Gallery. Last month was the opening of their first exhibition, The Shelf Show: An Exhibition of Artist's Stuff. Participating Artists include:
Robin Schwartzman - Jenny Schmid - Peter Haakon Thompson - Michael Sommers - Laura Bigger - Maneli Aygani - Benjamin Brockman - James Boyd Brent - Kit Leffler - Donald Krumpos - Jamie Kinroy - Ginny Sims - Bryce - Yousif Del Valle - Rachel James - Josh Winkler

All of the artists were given the same shelf, and each approached it very differently. Here is a detail shot of the ostrich on my shelf.

Below is one by Ben Brockman.

And this one by Yousif DelValle.

Vote for the Net

2012-01-18T08:47:00.000-06:00

Politicians need to understand that they'll feel heat from the voters if they stand against a free Internet and freedom of expression.

VoteForTheNet.com will serve as a hub for electoral activism against SOPA and PIPA, and in support of a free Internet.

Click here to pledge to oppose candidates who support Internet censorship.

R Prototype

2012-01-17T11:56:00.002-06:00

The first prototype letter for THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK is complete! Check it out, R for Robin.

Kickstarter Page Launched!

2012-01-08T21:18:00.003-06:00

My THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK Kickstarter page has launched! Please take the time to check out my project and consider supporting the biggest piece of art I've attempted to make to date. My project goal is $5000 and it's all or nothing, any amount helps and is greatly appreciated!

Lotsa Letters

2012-01-02T15:14:00.004-06:00

What you see above are sample hand-painted letters in different sizes that can be yours! Donate $25+ to my Kickstarter page for THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK which launches on Jan. 9th. Choose whatever letters you want, with hanging backs or magnet backs.

The Art of Joe Sinness

2011-12-21T22:40:00.002-06:00

I recently applied to a juried exhibition in St. Cloud, MN. I am excited to hear back from this one, as the juror, Joe Sinness, makes really intriguing work. I find his meticulously detailed and highly rendered color pencil drawings oddly fun and technically impressive. However I am even more drawn to his sculptures which are whimsical and quirky, telling often absurd narratives.

THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK

2011-12-08T10:45:00.007-06:00

I am very excited and pleased to announce that I have been commissioned by Northern.Lights.mn to do a large public art piece for Northern Spark 2012 titled THINK AND WONDER, WONDER AND THINK. For this piece, I will span this Dr. Seuss quotation in the form of 28 giant illuminated letters (think 8' tall) across the outer walls on both sides of Minneapolis' Stone Arch Bridge. It will be on display for the week leading up to the festival and turn off on the morning of Sunday, June 10th 2012.

Below is a sneak peak of one of my first prototypes for the letter "R"
Please check back frequently for progress updates and my upcoming Kickstarter campaign which will launch January 9th, 2012 to help support this project!

For the love of Children's Books

2011-12-01T10:04:00.005-06:00

Just when you think it's a cold day, or a grey day, or an uninspired day, you remember that thousands of small books with colorful illustrations and silly little stories exist.

And then you realize other people color code their lives and it doesn't make you feel quite as compulsive for feeling the need to color code your own.

And then you find illustrations like the ones by NY based artist Jane Mount who custom paints and makes prints of our most ideal bookshelves. My pick-why children's books, of course. This reminds me of the built-in window shelf I had as a child, and the many late nights of hiding under my blankets with a flashlight entranced by pages and pages of drawings and text. And then you remember, life is fantastic because things like this.

Routed Texture Sample Board

2011-11-28T16:34:00.002-06:00

Designed, routed and painted this last week as a sample for the shop at the University of Minnesota Department of Art where I work as the CNC Router Tech. Some of the textures I made in Photoshop as bitmaps, some were made in Illustrator, and others were used from the EnRoute software's texture database.

The Parade

2011-11-27T16:34:00.002-06:00

This Friday I had the opportunity to check out Nathalie Djurberg's incredible exhibition, The Parade, at the Walker Art Center. The 80 handmade bird sculptures alone were incredible with their life-like human qualities, intricate textural and colored details and dramatic shift in scale, posture and personality. But on top of that was a series of six stop-motion animation videos, whose deceivingly whimsical aesthetic was a stark contrast from their darker themes including gluttony, greed, lust and torture. It was incredible how a material as primal as a colorful clay could communicate such powerful imagery and squeamish responses. If you get a chance to see this one, I highly recommend it.

Give to the Max Day

2011-11-16T09:07:00.002-06:00

Northern Spark 2011 - trailer from Northern Spark on Vimeo.

Today is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota, where donations to non-profits will be matched. Please take this time to support Northern Spark 2012 and the arts by donating any amount! CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

The Work of Mike Davis

2011-11-10T16:17:00.002-06:00

I am a HUGE fan of local artist Mike Davis of Burlesque North America. So much that one of his prints hangs in the treasured spot, centered above my bed. And I recently had the joy of buying some of his alphabet keychains made by KidRobot. And then I had the even more exciting joy of bumping into him at the grocery store! Anyhow, thanks for making awesome work Mike.

The Work of Erik Benson

2011-11-03T11:27:00.003-05:00

Eric Benson's paintings are informed by fragments of urban landscape and culture that are found in the everyday. His process involves pouring acrylic paint onto sheets of glass, allowing them to dry, then peeling the dried shapes off and collaging them into larger compositions. I admire his attention to detail, shifts in visual focus, and his conveyance of both isolation and temporality. I particularly admire the playgrounds.

Wonka Accessories

2011-10-31T14:15:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween! In an effort to make this year's costume, Veruca Salt from the original Willy Wonka movie, I had the most fun creating the accessories! I hand cut, folded and glued paper over a color stix box to make this Wonka bar, and printed out my own golden ticket!

Kid's Caricatures

2011-10-28T14:29:00.002-05:00

Yesterday evening I had the fabulous opportunity to teach the little girls of Torah Academy (ages 5-7) how to draw caricatures. These were some of their drawings.

Sculptures Repaired

2011-10-20T10:19:00.003-05:00

This August, Ms. Daisy and the Lonely Tree got vandalized and destroyed during their stay at the Bethesda Hospital Sculpture and Healing Garden in St. Paul. I finally finished repairs and they are back in decent shape. If you are near the State Capitol, you should travel two blocks north and go visit them. Let's hope they stay in good shape until June 2012!

Tonya Solley Thornton

2011-10-12T23:21:00.002-05:00

Dear Ms. Thornton,

Your work is beautiful, bizarre and delightfully eerie. Please keep making more and sharing it with the world.

Your loyal fan,
Robin

House Illustration

2011-10-11T23:19:00.003-05:00

I finished up this drawing last week as a housewarming present for my aunt and uncle who just got a new summer home on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, MD.

Weird Mini Golf

2011-10-03T14:56:00.002-05:00

My last few weekends have ended on the right note...with rounds of mini golf! Here are some of the weirder images from Goony Golf in Silver Lake, MN.

Weekend Caricature

2011-09-26T12:57:00.002-05:00

I drew at a wedding in Grey Eagle, MN this weekend. This was my favorite sketch of the night.

Sweet Martha's

2011-09-26T12:55:00.002-05:00

Inspired by the Sweet Martha's Chocolate Chip Cookie stand at the Minnesota State Fair, I did this little sketch.

There's a Party in My Tummy

2011-09-24T12:51:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite videos of all time. I LOVE Yo Gabba Gabba!!!

The Work of Alex McLeod

2011-09-21T12:22:00.003-05:00

My friend Ben Brockman recently sent me a link to the incredible work of Alex McLeod. McLeod creates small scale, fantastical worlds of artificial nature, which he carefully lights, photographs and digitally renders. Super fun, super beautiful.

The Work of Benedetto Bufalino

2011-09-12T07:17:00.003-05:00

Silly, smart, incredibly fun...and did I mention smart? Benedetto Bufalino has a knack for merging the playful and the absurd with good design. Some of my favorites are his phone booth fish tank, light-up pac man, giant hats and oversized picnic table.

Pinup Photo Shoot

2011-08-29T22:26:00.005-05:00

I have always been enamored by 50's vintage clothes/style/fashion. I like to think my wardrobe directly reflects my artistic aesthetic- colorful, whimsical, and fun patterns. This past weekend I had the fabulous opportunity to be a modern day pinup model for Jenn Kelly at Studio Betties Photography in Northeast Minneapolis. She did an incredible job with my hair, makeup, lighting and photography. These images are some of my favorites from the shoot.

The Work of YaYa Chou

2011-08-29T17:53:00.004-05:00

A giant bear rug made out of gummy bears? Yes! It does not get much better than this. Color, sugar, thousands of little edible cartoon bears. YaYa Chou gets my vote!

Tattoos by Amanda Wachob

2011-08-27T10:32:00.002-05:00

As an admirer of tattoo culture and owner of some of my very own, I have to say that Amanda Wachob's ink work stands above the rest. Far from the common black-outlined image, Wachob uses a painterly approach by creating the illusion of brush strokes and watercolor with a needle. Maybe one day I can own my very own piece of Amanda Wachob's work.

Giant Sing Along

2011-08-23T21:52:00.004-05:00

I spent the last few days helping to paint the giant hot pink text on the Giant Sing Along, a new art piece featured at this year's Minnesota State Fair. Think 31 person karaoke with a giant screen. Stop by throughout the next week and a half to check it out!

The Work of Ana Serrano

2011-08-18T22:48:00.002-05:00

Today, whilst browsing through the art section at a local bookstore, I discovered the work of LA-based artist, Ana Serrano. I am in love with the use and combination of materials, color, texture, drawing and photographs on her miniature buildings. It reminds me of little animation sets. Super inspiring, and she is so young!

The Work of Hans Hemmert

2011-08-11T17:36:00.002-05:00

Yes, yes, I know that I have featured this notion of balloon art in the past, via the work of Jason Hackenwerth. However Hans Hemmert uses balloons in a slightly different manner. Instead of creating large, organic creatures, Hemmert builds us utilitarian forms, such as this church or tank. A transformation occurs when a piece of religious architecture or an army vehicle is rebuilt with hundreds of colorful, playful balloons. I like it, a lot.

Scenes from the Movie Big Fish

2011-08-09T13:36:00.002-05:00

Tim Burton's Big Fish has always been one of my favorite movies to watch. Not so much for the story line, but purely for its magically inspiring visuals. These stills are from some of the best scenes of the movie.

Troll Bridge for Sale!

2011-08-03T13:46:00.002-05:00

Due to lack of storage space and my upcoming move, I am selling the troll bridge from my thesis show! You can see the full ad here on Craigslist.

The Work of Heidi Kenney

2011-08-02T19:50:00.003-05:00

I've always been a sucker for anthropomorphic food...it is just so cute! Heidi Kenney is the master of adorable food plush toys and such, along with many other crafty endeavors. You can see the full spectrum of her work at her blog, My Paper Crane.

Super Nature Collective

2011-07-28T19:36:00.004-05:00

Today I discovered the incredible Shanghai based collective called Super Nature. Their light-based installation for Converse, titled Me Wonderland stuck out to me in particular. It is a beautiful mix of blank childhood memories and interactive intent, intertwined with the potent warmth of carnival lights. Truly inspirational.

Split Rock Workshop

2011-07-24T23:22:00.004-05:00

This past week I had the pleasure of teaching 12 students the ins and outs of screenprinting in my Split Rock workshop, From Manual to Digital: Screenprinting Today. This group was exceptionally talented and hard-working, resulting in many, many spectacular and varied print editions. These are just some of the great prints made in five days.

Some Eyeo Festival Photos

2011-07-09T06:21:00.002-05:00

The signs that I routed for the Eyeo festival were a hit! Here are some images from conference goers NOTCOT and Jan Willem Tulp featuring my creations.

The Drawings of Mattias Adolfsson

2011-07-06T22:31:00.004-05:00

The drawings of Swedish artist Mattias Adlofsson are a beautiful blend of skill, play and pure genius. His use of line and color in combination with his whimsical sensibility and delightful imagination make his hundreds upon hundreds of sketchbook pages a pure delight and inspiration.

some more black and white

2011-07-02T19:55:00.001-05:00

...for a hot day in the attic.

The Art of Kara Walker

2011-06-30T23:14:00.003-05:00

Some beautiful black and white artwork for a day in my life that seemingly lacked any color. Kara Walker's intense, intricate shadow-puppet like paper silhouettes tell poignant stories of enemies, oppression and love.

The Art of Jason Hackenwerth

2011-06-28T18:26:00.003-05:00

Whoever said that balloon art was just for clowns? Jason Hackenwerth brings new life to a classic form through his incredible organism-like balloon sculptures. Beautiful, playful, and oddly familiar.

Sauerkraut Days Chalk Drawing

2011-06-25T13:38:00.006-05:00

I spent the morning in Henderson, MN at their annual Sauerkraut Days festival. I was hired by the United Church of Christ to draw a rendition of the Last Supper with cans of Frank's sauerkraut on the table. It took me 5.5 hours, but the drawing is complete! These of images from throughout the morning.

HateBreeders Exchange Portfolio Print

2011-06-24T15:43:00.002-05:00

Last fall I signed up to participate in the HateBreeders print exchange portfolio, with an edition of 60 prints! I just finished all of mine up today. The theme is based off of the Misfits song and was inspiration for us to create an 11" x 17" landscape print of anything that just plain pisses us off. I went for the ultimate disgust in American patriotism, the super stretch Hummer with a patriotic paint job. I call this one "America's Pride." Looking forward to seeing the other many, many prints in this portfolio!

Bethesda Hospital Sculpture Garden

2011-06-21T18:33:00.003-05:00

Today I installed two of my sculptures, the Lonely Tree and Ms. Daisy, in the Bethesda Hospital Sculpture Garden in St. Paul, MN. They will be there for the next year. I'm excited to go back and see them in winter! Thanks to my amazing friends Yousif, Andrea, and Brockman for helping me out!

eyeo signs

2011-06-16T23:04:00.003-05:00

I was commissioned by Dave Schroeder to route and paint signs for the upcoming eyeo festival that is happening here in Minneapolis from June 27-29. The festival has an amazing line up of speakers, one not to be missed! And these signs will be behind them when they do their thing.

Radio K Interview

2011-06-13T17:54:00.002-05:00

I was recently interviewed for a piece on interactive art by Marchette Fornoff at Radio K. Take a listen!

Rainbow City

2011-06-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

My favorite artist duo, FriendsWithYou, does it again! Rainbow City, their gigantic immersive playground for kids and adults, is in NYC, located on 30th St. in Chelsea. Think 16,500 sq.ft. of colorful, inflatable art. Worth a trip back to the East Coast? I think so.

More Grad Party Caricatures

2011-06-11T13:41:00.002-05:00

Sauerkraut Days

2011-06-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

Today I found out that I will be the sidewalk chalk artist at Sauerkraut Days on June 25th in Henderson, MN. I will be drawing a 10' x 20' version of the Last Supper, complete with giant cans of Frank's Sauerkraut on the table. I am looking forward to this, you should come out and see me between 9am and noon that Saturday!

Caricature Season Begins

2011-06-03T22:02:00.003-05:00

Ah, it's that lovely time of year again when the air is warm and thousands of high school seniors graduate into the real world. And have all night parties to celebrate this. Last night I drew on a riverboat that cruised the St. Croix River for the School of Environmental Studies' all-night extravaganza. However, I quickly learned that drawing on a boat is not as romantic as it sounds. The rocking of the waves left me feeling dizzy the entire 3 hours. Anyhow, here are some of my favorites from the night.

Here's to the kind of shows I'd love to exhibit...

2011-06-01T18:11:00.005-05:00

Currently at Lombard-Freid Projects, a gallery based out of NY, NY, is an exhibit titled, "Play Time." This is a solo exhibition featuring the work of Cao Fei, "one of the key artists of the new generation emerging from Mainland China." Layered with ambiguities, these works manage to reflect our time of modernization, while maintaining an essential, playful spirit. It's smart. It's silly. It's undeniably charming. Everything I could wish art to be.

The Art of Chris Dacre

2011-05-31T20:15:00.003-05:00

Chris Dacre is an artist who I discovered my junior year at Syracuse and have been a fan of ever since. His large-scale, full room installations have been an inspiration for me in my transition from printmaking to more sculptural installation. I love his use of humor, color, and cartoonish aesthetic to address serious political topics, while still focusing on craft.

Northern Spark-This Saturday!

2011-05-30T20:33:00.002-05:00

Whatever you are doing this weekend, it must involve coming to Northern Spark, the Twin Cities' very first nuit blanche festival. From dusk on Saturday until dawn early Sunday, the Cities will come alive with light and performance based artworks from over 100 artists and 50 participating organizations. Don't miss it!

This is what I'm making today...

2011-05-29T14:45:00.001-05:00

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon on a holiday weekend than baking rainbow cupcakes? I can't think of one.

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-05-28T16:42:00.002-05:00

It's hard to not love the playful nature of this adorable backpack made by Finnish textile and clothing design company Marimekko. Here's to a happy summer!

Fecalface.com Photos of the Day

2011-05-26T09:54:00.003-05:00

Today some images from Jump on in! were made photos of the day on fecalface.com, one of my favorite art blogs based out of San Francisco!

4,000 Ball Pit Balls

2011-05-24T22:16:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had that dream of turning your apartment into a giant ball pit? To relive those days of McDonald's Play Lands and IKEA's kid area? Well, now your dreams can become a reality! I am selling 4,000 ball pit balls in a fun mix of yellow, green, purple and blue. Each ball has been hand-cleaned with anti-bacterial soap and is ready for lots of play! See my Criagslist ad for more details.

Jump on in! Video

2011-05-22T23:36:00.001-05:00

The Work of Tonya Solley Thronton

2011-05-20T16:45:00.003-05:00

Tonya Solley Thronton's Twilight in the Valley from 2006 and Candy Mountain Wonderland are two of my all time favorite installations, well that I've seen on the internet. The video of Twilight is so magical and eerie, just the right combo, I recommend you watch it.

The Work of Haas & Hahn

2011-05-19T19:42:00.002-05:00

Today I discovered the work of artist duo Haas & Hahn, who use art to bring beauty to the slums of Brazil. Totally inspiring.

Sometimes you just need to say goodbye...

2011-05-19T15:56:00.003-05:00

It is that time of transition, where some things just need to go. So long original daisy bush, you've inspired many recent projects.

Student Work-Perspective Drawings

2011-05-17T19:34:00.003-05:00

Some of my students' final charcoal perspective drawings.

Northern Spark still needs Volunteers!

2011-05-13T15:35:00.002-05:00

As Northern Spark's Volunteers Coordinator, I am still looking for about 50 more volunteers to fill in shifts as Smart City Walkers, Smart Bus Riders and Survey Seekers on festival night! Sign-up now and tell your friends!!!

Student Work-Stop Motions

2011-05-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

My students had to work together in groups of 4-5 and come up with about a minute long stop-motion using charcoal. Enjoy the results!

The Adventures of a Fruitcrate and Other Tales

2011-05-06T17:56:00.008-05:00

I'd like to share with you the story behind the characters of Jump on in!, in comic book form. In the gallery, on the wall opposing the installation, is a series of hand-colored 22" x 30" woodblock prints of this same story. What follows are the original drawings, the black and white version. Limited edition 22" x 30" hand-printed and signed woodblock prints of each page (in black and white) are available for purchase, $15 plus shipping. Please email me at robinschwartzman@gmail.com for inquiries.

2011-05-05T00:22:00.002-05:00

The Japanese never seize to AMAZE me! Check out this Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant in Tokyo!!!

Article about Jump on in! in the MNDaily

2011-05-04T22:14:00.002-05:00

Carter Haaland, arts reporter from the MNDaily, interviewed me last weekend. Here is the article that just came out, reviewing the thesis show!

Jump on in! pictures up!

2011-05-03T22:09:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the amazing Mark Vancleave for documenting my entire thesis show and opening! To check out images of my newest installation, visit the Jump on in! section of my website. Do not click this if you are planning to come see the show in person!!!

Scene Painting-Column with Drapery

2011-05-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

Done! My last assignment for my scene painting class with Lance Brockman.

The Work of Misaki Kawai

2011-05-02T23:33:00.003-05:00

Japanese artist Misaki Kawai's work has this incredible blend of sophistication and crudeness. Her use of space, especially in terms of installation, is both unique and compelling. She successfully integrates craft with fine art in every detail and texture of her colorful, innocently grotesque, yet whimsical creations. I am a big fan, you should be too!

Split Rock Workshop listed on MAPC blog

2011-05-01T15:08:00.003-05:00

My Split Rock Arts Program Screenprinting Workshop has been listed on the Mid-America Print Council blog. Register now!

Thesis Install-End of Day 1

2011-04-30T21:26:00.002-05:00

By the end of the first day, we built a floor, laid the turf down, forklifted up the tree, got the clovers in place, and built the second floor- not bad for 10 hours!

Thesis Show Install Day 1

2011-04-28T16:39:00.007-05:00

I'm not going to give away too much just yet...but just enough to entice you to come see Jump on in!, my MFA thesis exhibition in the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, now until May 18th, 11am-7pm, Tues.-Sat. And to give you an idea of the amount of work that goes into an installation this scale.

Here is the gallery "before" shot, from 2 angles.

My friends Yousif Del Valle and Eamonn McLain were my amazing assistants for the day. We start by building a floor- well, really two floors, a sort of "stage" if you will.

And we end up with the first section, finding the need to add re-enforcements underneath.

And then we need to cut out a hole for my clover patch, and add more re-enforcements around that, as well.

Before we could add the second floor section in front, we needed to get the tree into its spot. Because the tree was so heavy, we needed 6 people to remove its top, and drive a forklift into the gallery to get it up onto the stage.

Featured Banner Artist for access+ENGAGE

2011-04-22T23:35:00.002-05:00

This week I am delighted to be the Featured Banner Artist for access+ENGAGE, the mnartists.org bi-weekly e-magazine. What perfect timing with my thesis show coming up next week! Please check out the article and accompanying images!

Caricatures from Duluth

2011-04-18T17:52:00.002-05:00

This weekend I drove up to Duluth to draw at a wedding. Sadly, I was so busy that I forgot to take a lot of photos, but here are two of my favorites from the night.

Northern Spark Volunteer T-Shirts

2011-04-15T13:55:00.003-05:00

Check out the Northern Spark Volunteer t-shirts, designed by Matthew Rezac! How do you get one? Sign-up to be a Volunteer!

MFA Thesis Exhibition!!!

2011-04-13T12:41:00.001-05:00

In less than two weeks is the opening for Jump on in!, my Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition. It will be showing along with the work of five other graduate students, Tonya Balik, Mel Griffin, Rachel James, Jennifer Nevitt and Ethan Rowan Pope. The opening reception is on Friday, April 29th from 6-8:30pm. The exhibition will be on view from Weds. April 27-Thurs. May 19th. Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11am-7pm. Come see what I have been working so hard on for the past year, I promise it will be lots of fun!

Intro to Drawing-Student Work

2011-04-12T17:49:00.004-05:00

I am a proud teacher this month, as my students mastered their self-portrait assignments. They were asked to take a photo of themselves, and use it as a guide for a 22" x 30" charcoal drawing which maintained their personal drawing style. These are a few really nice ones.

Split Rock Screenprinting Workshop

2011-04-12T09:56:00.004-05:00

Please pass on the word to anyone you think might be interested in this class! This July 18-22 I will be teaching a 5 day screenprinting workshop here at the U of M printshop, covering techniques such as stencils, drawing fluid and screen filler, and digital/photo-based processes. You don't need any prior printmaking or drawing experience, just an interest in the medium. For more info and to register, go here.

Volunteer for Northern Spark!

2011-04-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

As the Northern Spark Volunteer's Coordinator, I will be posting this frequently until June. Sign-up to be a volunteer for the Twin Cities' very first "nuit blanche" or "white night" festival. It is an all-night participatory art event that takes place across Minneapolis and St. Paul. There are so many fun positions you can volunteer for, at any hour of the night-plus you get a super cool Northern Spark t-shirt, designed by Matthew Rezac. Sign-up today, and tell your friends!

Glitter Galore!

2011-04-06T17:18:00.003-05:00

In search of some glittering techniques for a piece of my thesis show set, my studio-mate Tonya sent me to a video of her friend, Kari Tarr on Martha Stewart. She teaches her simple technique, but even better yet, we get to see so much colorful glitter!

Next Stop, the Netherlands

2011-04-06T17:13:00.001-05:00

My Aunt Michelle recently e-mailed me a slew of these images. Looks like I'll have to add a new destination to my travel list!

A Current Shot of my Studio Floor

2011-04-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

...in preparation for my thesis show, opening April 29th!

Scene Painting-Paneled Wall with Wallpaper

2011-04-05T19:49:00.002-05:00

And the kids come in...

2011-04-02T19:00:00.002-05:00

Today I let children play all over my work for the first time, and it was a success! Nothing broke and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Lots of smiles!

Jump On In! goes to the Walker

2011-04-01T23:07:00.002-05:00

Today I spent the afternoon installing three of my new sculptures in the Cargill Lounge at the Walker Art Center here in Minneapolis. Tomorrow is the Walker's First Free Saturday event, you should come on out!