Social Networking, Silence and Growth

For those who follow my blog, you’ve probably noticed a dearth of posts other than the occasional nod to various musicians.  Sometime in December, after months of working towards various deadlines I hit a wall regarding my desire to participate in social networking and writing.  The wish to keep people engaged with my work is still there…but I’ve finally admitted to myself that I don’t want to clog up the Internets unless there is something truly worthwhile to say. Posting “I’m working on art!” on  Twitter  is, quite frankly, a waste of time for both myself and others, and sucks away time and energy which should be devoted to my dolls. Right now, I need to hunker down and focus my energies on two things: Finally getting the GFS.com site up and running,  (a year-long “Under Construction” site is unacceptable at this point)  and my Etsy store.  Deadline? Spring. Seems an appropriate time for a fresh start. With those two goals met, I know I’ll be better able to blog, network, and give readers something to enjoy.   I’ll still be here, and will post works in progress as they happen, but overall, will spend less time on FB and Twitter, for now. It’s just too easy to be distracted today, and those distractions appeal to that part of me that is afraid to make progress and grow.

On that note, I will leave this entry with an image of my potential home page for the new site, wip.

Tuesday Tunes: Amanda Palmer

Tuesday Tunes: Passion Pit

This band recently caught my attention with their single “The Reeling”, causing me to download their album after hearing the song only two times.  Their infectious beats and hooks have made this the music I turn to when I need to shake off dark musings.

Ok, so “Sleepyhead” sounds like Passion Pit employed Alvin and the Chipmunks, but damn, it works.

Tuesday Tunes: Loscil

Welcome to 2010, readers.
It’s a mellow morning….let’s tune into some Loscil.

I first discovered Loscil through the indie game “Osmos”, by Hemisphere Games. As a single cell being, you must eat, or be eaten. Beautifully designed and accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack if you’re into ambient music. A demo for PC and Mac is available, so take it for a whirl.

More on my interest in indie games later….so many to tell you about!

Tuesday Tunes: Sofia Jannok

Sofia Jannok is a Sami-Swedish singer who primarily sings in Sami, the language of the indigenous people of Northern Sweden, Norway and Finland. Many of her songs feature “yoik” a traditional Sami song reflecting a person, place, or animal.

Many thanks to Terri Windling for bringing this lovely songstress to my attention.

Works in Progress

Oh my…sorry for the long delay in posting. The past few months have been quite hectic—creating creatures for exhibition as well as commission, leading to a slight burnout and lack of desire to blog. But, I’m back, working on new creatures, feeling inspired, and planning for 2010. Below are some pics of works in progress—some are going to galleries, the others for personal projects. I’m hesitant to say much about the projects right now,  other than it will involve NUMEROUS individual creatures and probably be a year or two in the making.

After a long absence…Tuesday Tunes

Relax and enjoy the sultry Supreme Beings of Leisure.

 

Interstitial Arts Foundation Auction Begins!

Doll by C. Jane Washburn

As of November 1st, the Insterstitial Arts Foundation auction is now up and running. Throughout November and part of December, a new piece will go up every day, and each auction runs for 7 days.

My piece, “The Animometer” will be keeping good company with other mixed media pieces, dolls (an example being  the beautiful doll pictured above,  by C. Jane Washburn, based on the “The Child Empress of Mars”), collage art and jewelry, all from very talented and inspiring artists.

To view pieces up for auction, and to bid on site, go to: http://iafauctions.com/

“Sweet to Tongue, and Sound to Eye”

Some images of my latest creations which will be on exhibition and for sale at Kris Waldherr’s gallery, “Art and Words”. Created for the “Fairy Tales: From the Dark Wood to Happily Ever After” show, these guys were inspired by Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” poem. Ranging from 6″ to 11″, they were created using Puppen Fimo and Super Sculpey, fabric, faux fur,  batting, wire armature, glass eyes and acrylic paints.  Sculpting these critters was alot of fun, though I think the Snerk brothers were by far my favorite to create. I also had a blast sculpting the tiny fruits…which came as a surprise to me. Believing I would go crazy creating such tiny objects, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were a delight to sculpt and paint. If you’re in NYC, be sure to swing by and check out the show (opening night 10/23 from 7pm-10pm)…it promises to be fabulous, with breathtaking fairytale art housed in  a cozy, charming gallery.

Alphonse Snerk

Alphonse close-up

Otto Snerk

The Snerk Brothers

Nigel

Fingal

Fingal close-up

Goblin Fruit!

Fairy Tales Exhibition

Kris Waldherr, illustrator, story-teller and gallery owner, will be once again opening her studios to another fabulous exhibition, this time focusing on fairy tales. The title of the exhibition, “Fairy Tales: From the Dark Woods to Happily Ever After” explores both the more sinister side to everyone’s favorite tales, as well as the joyous. From the press release:

“Kris Waldherr, owner and curator of the Brooklyn studio-gallery, says “This exhibit goes way beyond Disney to explore the rich complexity of fairy tales. I’m very excited to bring together such an illustrious group of artists for it.”"

I, along with many other talented artists, will be showcasing my newest works inspired by the “Goblin Market” by Christina Rossetti.  To read more of the press release and explore the participating artists’  bio and works, go to here.

This promises to be a fun and exciting event, so if you’re in NYC, stop by!