augenschmaus (n): a feast for the eyes

14
Jun
2013

creative juice: kids playspaces

 

my belly photo progression

 

There's an undeniable "baby cloud" that has been hovering over my head for a few months now, but now that I'm at 39 weeks, it seems unavoidable.  (If you're just tuning in, this blog has been a bit saturated in the last few months with posts on creative kids projects, an artist-mother in residency, a recent art installation inspired by becoming a mother, and artful parenting)  

 

I've been thinking a lot about creative spaces for kids.  What kind of environment is most conducive to imaginative, whimsical, unstructured play?  What kind of toys, objects, colors, textures, or props would make such a space ready and inviting for a child of any age to dream, create and play?  I certainly don't have any answers, but I have been excited to find some images and resources that have been fueling my thinking of how to transform our current office / home studio space into a kids playspace:

 

kids playspace inspiration board

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

 

 

And I imagine this blog may be stale for a little while until I'm on the other side of pregnancy.  Until then, happy creating!  :)

 

 

 

 

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29
May
2013

Authentic Visual Voices: Contemporary Paper and Encaustic
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I'm so excited to announce that Catherine Nash's latest project: "Authentic Visual Voices: Contemporary Paper and Encaustic" is now available for purchase and viewing! 

 

Authentic Visual Voices: Contemporary Paper and Encaustic by Catherine Nash

 

Nash's project includes 28 video interviews of artists in their studios, talking about their process, and also includes images of work from more than 100 international encaustic artists.  I'm honored and humbled to be a part of this project by being featured among some of my very favorite encaustic artists: Jessica Drenk, Deborah Kapoor, Daniella Woolf and mentor-friend Erica Grimm.

 

Masterpieces of World Literature by Shannon Newby | encaustic, cut book on panel

 

Shannon Newby | Masterpieces of World Literatre | Encaustic, cut book on panel | 2011 | Featured in Authentic Visual Voices E-book

 

 

I've only just begun to dig into the wonderful interviews and have already found them to be rich and insightful.  If you're interested in the materials of wax and paper, I can't recommend this resource enough!

 

 

Here's an excerpt:

"What is an authentic visual voice? It is the expression of a creative vision that is fueled by deep thinking, self knowledge and personal concerns about both one’s internal and external world. It is sustained by consistent studio practice and a deep understanding and fluency in one’s chosen media. Going deeper into one’s art means trusting one’s inner sight and intuition as well as utilizing observation during the act of creating. There has to be a willingness to shift directions as the work itself might dictate and reveal within the process. An authentic visual voice is expressed by artists who pursue the creating of work that articulates their personal truths in a powerful and visually engaging way." - Catherine Nash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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22
May
2013

artist residency in motherhood
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Today marks the one-month-until-our-baby's-due-date date.  Alhough it is probably meaningless for everyone else, for us, it feels significant because this means we're getting a lot closer to finally meeting our baby girl.  And as mentioned in previous posts, Erik and I can't help but wonder how this little bundle will affect our art: the creative process, the subject matter and the artwork itself.

 

I'm now keenly following the work of British conceptual artist Lenka Clayton (thanks Kathryn for introducing me to her work!)  She's been working in what she's called "a residency in motherhood."  Her art has been made in celebration of (not in spite of) her new role as a mother.  And while she already has a young'un and plenty of creative impetus in her little boy, Otto, she just gave birth to a little girl named Early, on Monday morning.

 

Lenka Clayton: artist residency in motherhood

 

 

I admit, I have mixed feelings about conceptual art (in general), but some of her pieces are certainly compelling, whether you're a new mom-artist or not. Noodle on these:

 

 

 

 

Maternity Leave at the Carnegie Museum from Lenka Clayton on Vimeo.

 

Dangerous Objects Made Safer:

Dangerous Objects Made Safer | work by Lenka Clayton

 

(this use of felt as a sort of symbol of safety, protective insulation and mending / healing reminds me of Joseph Beuys' conceptual works "Felt Suit" and "Infiltration for Piano")

 

The Distance I Can Be Away From My Son:

The Distance I Can Be Away From My Son | work by Lenka Clayton

 

 

 

 

And Clayton's artist statement is powerful.

 

Lenka Clayton artist statement: artist residency in motherhood

 

 

This gives me inspiration and fuel to think boldly and imaginatively about maintaining a robust studio practice, while also tending to the new demands of motherhood.  They do not, as Lenka points out, have to be mutually exclusive endeavors.  Thanks Lenka for paving the way for other moms to step out and marry motherhood with artistic productivity and vibrancy!  Perhaps I will join you in carving out an "artist residency in motherhood."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10
May
2013

Fun Friday

Erik and I have been hooked on a fun series of short videos recently called "Kid Snippets."  They record kids acting out scenes, then re-enact them as adults (with the kids' voice-overs).  Brilliant, creative and hilarious.  These make us want to be even more intentional with creative projects involving our kids!

 

Here are two of our favorites.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

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30
Apr
2013

Ethnographic Installation update
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www.ethnographic2013.com art by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

 

With over 130 entries from all over the world, we're happy with how everyone has responded to the installation so far.  The work itself is growing, with typed entries on muslin fabric being sewn together with red thread

 

www.ethnographic2013.com art by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

 

www.ethnographic2013.com art by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

 

 

and hung from wooden spools.  Some are draping over the library card catalog that sits below.  

 

 

www.ethnographic2013.com by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

 

There's still plenty of time to submit your answers to the question

"What does the next generation need to know?"  

Follow this link to submit your answer anonymously and to be part of an ongoing, worldwide project!  A few of my favorite submissions so far:

 

Choose joy.

- Franklin, TN

 

 

creating things opens your world to the people who benefit from them

 - Indianapolis, IN

 


Be tenacious in friendship. 

- Discovery Bay, Hong Kong

 

 

The world is not a bad and dark place. Bad and dark things do happen but remember to look for the good in the world.

- Ashfield (Sydney), Australia

 

 

New does not mean better, old does not mean void. Treasure the wisdom, experience and stories of what has come before you.

- Vancouver, British Columbia

 

 

You can't change what was yesterday, but you can change what will be today.

- Prague, Czech Republic

 

 

 

www.ethnographic2013.com by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

And yes, as you can see from the pictures, I am *very* pregnant.  32 weeks pregnant to be exact and I'm loving it!  It has added a new and exciting dimension to my artwork, just as I had anticipated.

 

Come visit me this Thursday from 3-5 pm at the Pop-Up Gallery as I work on the installation!

 

www.ethnographic2013.com by Erik and Shannon Newby, Artspace, Raleigh NC

 

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