time...

isn't on my side, perhaps I need to be on its side. One of my classmates has asked fellow students and teachers how they see time. This is an interesting question. As one who overanalyzes and waffles, I don't have a definitive answer. I know how I want time to be. I want it to be everchanging to fit my needs. Ideally it would have fluid periods which could overlap like an artful and seamless transition in a movie. I also wish it had static and safe niches where one could escape to as a respite from the day to day rhythm which never ceases.
I'm wondering about time because this is the final weekday of spring break and I have accomplished only a couple of things on my to do list. The surprising element is the fact there has been relatively little slacking on my part. I have been putting forth effort to get caught up on office work - I'm almost done. I've done only one of four items related to school, and zero of three desired museum visits, and one of half a dozen other personal errands and projects. For the last couple of weeks I have been assisting Steve with two custom concrete dyeing projects. Hopefully the second one will be completed to the client's liking by tomorrow. It has been nice to spend time with him, but I'm sure he would agree a little extra closeness is enjoyable but a tad too much can border on annoying.
The break in my spring break has allowed me to sleep in, read periodicals, and watch a couple of movies including "Goya's Ghost." I am also reading Original Self by Thomas Moore. More on that to follow.

it ain't jellin

I received helpful feedback following my mid-term thesis presentation. It is interesting how one gets so bogged down in a project you totally can't see obvious technical and conceptual flaws. Fresh perspective in the form of constructive criticism is so helpful. I wish I had a full time mentor or critic on call for guidance.

I wonder if there ever comes a point as an artist where the fundamentals become almost second nature and most of the effort and focus can be placed on the ideas and not design principles and technique.
I won't give up despite my frustration over lack of professional and technical proficiency.

luck 'o the Irish

I'm proud to say I have inherited a bit of royal Celtic genetic material from the Isle of Erie (my maiden and preferred name is Collins).

I did not have to present my mid-term project due to time constraints during class. Admittedly, I was scrambling to get it done and now have another day refine a couple of parts of the presentation as well as review, edit, and add more content to my brief video intro.

No green beer for me, only homework.

there is going to be a reckoning...

...tomorrow, my mid-term presentation is due. I have some image elements made but barely the beginnings of a 2-3 minute video in process. I want to change my thesis statement. Apparently this is a normal state of mind for others in this situation and of course for me, the queen of indecision. Here is the statement as of now:

The quilt, as a contemporary art form, can be created in non-textile media and retain the fundamental elements and qualities associated with traditional quilt making.

My instructor, based on my understanding of his advice, cautions me not to merely create interesting motion graphics, i.e., animated 3D quilt blocks flying in space. I think he also has concerns about the proficiency of my technical skills. Yes, I am still a novice on the edge of intermediate level ability. But I'm up for a challenge and I believe I always have solid conceptual ideas backed up by reasonable research efforts.

The focus of the non-linear narrative will be on the personal investment a quilter, or any artist, imbues into a creation via exploration of various themes. These include global causes, gender roles, spirituality, etc. I will focus on identity and personal power. These are inextricably tied to memory, family, and tradition. These are all themes common to quilt and artmaking.