Guts n such

Deer guts are completed and in the deer! Next is a hand-embroidered ribcage and finally, the antlers! This project was a lot of fun to make and look at. It's like a cuddly, but gross body pillow.

Deer guts and such

Just an update: deer guts are on their way!

What's for dinner?

Newest sculpture! 'Prize' is a recreation of a gutted deer. In this work I am directly referencing my hometown of enthusiastic hunters and the value of a dead deer. The outside is a tan suede and the inside is a ribbed gold and pink. I have yet to make antlers - they are on their way! And might make some entrails too. Size is roughly 4.5 feet.
Happy Friday everyone!

The value of pie

Finally completed (or just about completed) this pie sculpture. Not only did my father tell us of his love for pie every time he was in front of one, but I can remember growing up in the community that I did and pie was like a secret weapon currency of the women. You wanted something done? - you made a pie. Materials: the outside is made of felt, what I consider to be the most humble of fabrics. The inside however, contains rich, raspberry pink chiffon and crystals to act as the filling and berries (which practically represent real value in my community - while fresh berries were abundant, it was almost competition to find the freshest and tastiest). The plate underneath is made of royal blue velvet a if presenting the pie on a ceremonial pillow. I may be adding some more smaller "berries" but I'm very excited to have this ready to post!

the new artistic medium...

We are in an exciting time in the world of arts. We are in the midst of a new medium for artists: the project. Through this medium, artists can explore a new potential using teams, converging with a more scientific approach to their research, and creating a work which can remain ongoing. The project structure may involve other mediums such as drawing, sculpture, video, performance, etc. but the difference is that these things involve something more: the community. Whether that community be local or global, present or on-line, small or many, the project is being used by artists to spread his or her research and work-making to a wider audience and to fit outside-of-the-arts standards. Today, we could consider the project to exist on the same level of scientific research, discovering new things about our world.

What's your function?

It is curious to consider a particular audience when it comes to my work. For one thing, I use imagery and stories that come from my family history. There are pieces that members of my family recognize right away as some symbolic meaning of my father or other family jokes. However, my goal when creating the work is to use imagery that those outside of my family may create their own memories or find some significance in dissecting what remains in their minds. I want to be specific for my family, but also vague to other viewers. And I try to do this in my selection of imagery and text and use of domestic things: house, tablecloth, fabrics, textiles. I think I would want a critic to approach my work as a doorway into the viewpoint of the artist. The critic can use my work as an opportunity to learn more of the artist, where I come from, and how that may affect me today. It is an opportunity for research, detective work, and sharing memories. I hope that my work can ignite conversations of familiar things past. I am sharing my history with you and I would love you to share yours with me. I am interested in comment books at show openings and overhearing conversations.

I believe, in some way, the function of my art is the function of all art: research and experimentation. We are like scientists in the things we make. We set up a hypothesis or idea that creating this thing will say that thing, and then we follow through with the experiment. The theories we may discover can be up for discussion or peer review. Why must we insist on the separation of art and science? We use the same thought progress, follow-through, presentation, and follow-up. In a way, art is like theoretical physics, presenting new possible rules and ideas that have the option to be refuted, disputed, encouraged, or fought for.

Janice's Philadelphia debut!

On February 1st @ CRED On-Site/ 325 South St, Janice made her official Philadelphia debut and my start to performing in public places with this new group of work. The experience was great. The staff at CRED was wonderful, so open-minded, and so accommodating to my needs as a performer. Here are some photos from the performance. More of the event and a video will be coming soon!