Keri Contemporary

The Daunting Feeling....He will help us find Identity...

2010-06-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lately I have dragged my feet a little with art and all this. I know I need to get rolling with my HeART Couture Prerogative Project but it just seems so much bigger than me. That is probably because it is. This said, I do love challenges so I will be going further with it. There is no reason to stop and I did already begin sewing something. One road block I have encountered is myself 1st of all and doubt. The 2nd road block, that is more easily remedied, is the fact that I forgot the dress form my mom said she would lend me last week in Bakersfield. I know I can do this though I just need to go for it! So today I will call Danielle from Transformed Design and firm up what needs to be dome with my website/blog.
On another note, I have been working with Kyle at my job at Style Child to create some original art for the store. This has been very exciting and I feel that this is a good way to go. I know I can do all these things because God is behind me. Now if He wasn't I might have reason to not push through. It is because He is there and this is part of His will for me that I do this! Just keep pushing on...Remember God doesn't give us anything we cannot handle. It is within Him we find our identity...

Good Morning!

2010-06-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I am meeting with Danielle and Elias from transformed design to talk about my web blog. So for all of you followers of KeriContemporary, I will be taking a break from using Blogspot to make my own site and get it running. The site will be focused primarily on the endeavors of The HeART Couture Prerogative. There will be an image gallery, blog posts about daily happenings and links to sponsors of my project! The site will be 3 pages total. I need a lot of prayer about this project because I know God has a big plan for it. I just need to have faith in God's plan. I am starting to have a hard time seeing the big picture, but I know its going to happen! So until later! XOXO...

My Logo for HeART Couture Prerogative!!!

2010-05-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

On another note...

2010-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking how my approach at the fashion sketching and fashion might be all wrong. I feel like I am just doing what is normally done, not doing it in a way that challenges the idea of fashion. I need to push this further but I feel stuck without a direction of how to push it....Need to think about this in my own way...God please give some inspiration to push this fashion making idea to better greater territory!!!! AMEN!

36 Hours in Santa Fe, NM

2010-05-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

by Fred A. Bernstein

The Plaza, the heart of old Santa Fe, hasn’t changed much since the Spanish settled here 400 years ago. But surrounding the Plaza is an increasingly cosmopolitan city. Sure, it’s possible to focus entirely just on the historic center, where Native American handicrafts are for sale on every corner.

Santa Fe Travel Guide

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

Go to the Santa Fe Travel Guide »

Multimedia

Map

Santa Fe, N.M.

Slide Show

A Weekend in Santa Fe

But the rest of Santa Fe now offers groovy contemporary art spaces, hot Asian restaurants and a park by a pair of trailblazing architects. Accept that Santa Fe isn’t just tacos and turquoise anymore, and you’ll find yourself loving the New Mexico capital not for what it was, but what it is.

Friday

5 p.m.
1) PUBLIC SPACE

For a beautifully curated introduction to Santa Fe, visit the New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Avenue; 505-476-5200; nmhistorymuseum.org), which opened in 2009 and includes a gripping display about Los Alamos, where the Manhattan Project was conducted in secret during World War II. A large courtyard with ancient walls and shady trees separates the museum from the Palace of the Governors (palaceofthegovernors.org), the Spanish seat of government in the early 1600s and now a small museum of Colonial and Native American history. The two-museum complex is free on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.

7 p.m.
2) WHITE WALLS AND WINE

You’d have to be crazy to pay for a glass of white wine on Fridays. Canyon Road, which angles up from the center of town, has more than 100 galleries, and there are openings every Friday night. According to canyonroadarts.com, the largest category is contemporary representational (think brightly colored paintings of the desert). Check out Eight Modern (231 Delgado Street; 505-995-0231; eightmodern.net), where you’ll find the geometric scrap-metal constructions of the Santa Fe artist Ted Larsen. The backyard sculpture garden is a great place to marvel at New Mexico’s amazingly clear sky and savor its piñon-infused air before heading to dinner.

9 p.m.
3) AHI MOMENT

Martín Rios is a hometown boy made good: Born in Mexico and raised in Santa Fe, he apprenticed at the Eldorado Hotel and the Inn of the Anasazi — two local stalwarts — and made a brief appearance on “Iron Chef” before opening his own place, Restaurant Martín (526 Galisteo Street; 505-820-0919; restaurantmartinsantafe.com), in 2009. The main draw is the food — dishes like ahi tuna tartare ($14) and duck breast with smoked bacon polenta and Marcona almonds ($25) offer hints of the Southwest, with a dash of global aspiration. But the homey décor makes you want to stick around even after finishing the bittersweet chocolate truffle cake ($8).

Saturday

10 a.m.
4) SPICE MARKET

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market (1607 Paseo de Peralta; 505-983-4098; santafefarmersmarket.com) dates back a half-century, but it stepped up a notch when it moved to a permanent building in 2008. Everything sold here, including dried chilies, yogurt and grass-fed meats, is produced in northern New Mexico. The market is part of a bustling district that includes the new Railyard Park by the architect Frederic Schwartz and the landscape architect Ken Smith, both Manhattanites whose taste is anything but quaint. As you wander around, be on the lookout for the Rail Runner, a gleaming new passenger train scheduled to pull in from Albuquerque at 11:08 a.m.

Noon
5) SUSTAINABLE SALADS

Santa Fe residents — as you learned roaming the Farmers’ Market — care where their food comes from. No wonder Vinaigrette (709 Don Cubero Alley; 505-820-9205; vinaigretteonline .com) was an immediate hit when it opened in 2008. The brightly colored cafe has a menu based on organic greens grown in the nearby town of Nambé. Choose a base — Caesar, Cobb and Greek are possibilities (around $10) — then add diver scallops or hibiscus-cured duck confit ($7) for a satisfying meal. Wines by the glass start at a very friendly $6.

2 p.m.
6) RIDING THE SPUR

Thanks to Santa Fe’s sometimes depressing sprawl, it’s getting harder and harder to find wide-open spaces. But drive (or bike) to the corner of Galisteo Street and West Rodeo Road, where there’s a small parking lot — then begin pedaling due south, in the direction of Lamy (about 12 miles away). What starts as an asphalt path morphs into a dirt bike trail that swerves around a 19th-century rail spur. There are some pretty steep hills, but they’re short, and the momentum from a downhill is usually enough to handle the next uphill. (If only life were like that!) The scenery is always gorgeous, especially in late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky. Mellow Velo (638 Old Santa Fe Trail; 505-995-8356; mellowvelo.com) rents mountain bikes starting at $35 a day.

7 p.m.
7) TAPAS WITH STRANGERS

La Boca (72 West Marcy Street; 505-982-3433; labocasf.com) is one of downtown Santa Fe’s most popular new restaurants — thanks to its contemporary tapas, plus larger dishes like cannelloni filled with crab, scallop and Manchego ($11). You’ll find yourself sharing tips on what to order — and even forkfuls of delicious eats — with strangers.

10 p.m.
8) REGGAE FOR ALL AGES

Santa Fe isn’t a night-life town, but Milagro 139 (139 West San Francisco Street; 505-995-0139; milagro139.com) is helping to change that. A building that had housed a coffee shop was recently converted to a restaurant that becomes a club on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s no cover, and the drinks, including a house margarita called Beginner’s Luck ($5), are delicious. A recent visit coincided with performances by Rubixzu, a local band that performed a blend of reggae and Latin hip-hop to a diverse crowd, aged 9 to 90. For a trendier vibe, head to Meow Wolf (1800 Second Street; 505-204-4651; meowwolf.com), an alternative art space, or check its Web site for other parties hosted by Meow Wolf artists.

Sunday

10 a.m.
9) FREE-RANGE PEACOCKS

For a big breakfast and an early start, drive south on Cerrillos Road about 10 miles past the Interstate, until you see a handwritten cardboard sign that reads, “Pine wood stove pellets sold here.” You’ve arrived at the San Marcos Café (3877 State Road 14; 505-471-9298). Dozens of peacocks, turkeys and hens roam the property (which also houses a feed store), providing an Old McDonald-like backdrop for crowd-pleasers like eggs San Marcos, a cheese omelet in a bath of guacamole, beans and salsa ($12).

Noon
10) KITSCH TO CONTEMPORARY

If you ever thought that item you found at a roadside stand was one of a kind, Jackalope (2820 Cerrillos Road; 505-471-8539; jackalope.com), a sprawling, indoor-outdoor flea market, will disabuse you of that notion. There are hundreds of everything, including punched-copper switch plates and tote bags that depict Michelle Obama smiling on a swing. If you need to shake off the kitsch, head to SITE Santa Fe (1606 Paseo De Peralta; 505-989-1199; sitesantafe.org), a contemporary art space where the 2010 biennale, focused on moving image technologies in contemporary art, will run from June 20 to Jan. 2, 2011.

1 p.m.
11) YOUR OWN ADOBE

It’s difficult to spend time in Santa Fe without thinking about buying a home (or second home) here. So check out Zocalo (Avenida Rincon; 505-986-0667; zocalosantafe.com), a striking development by the Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. He is known for crisp geometry and super-bright colors — a welcome sight in this city of browns and terra cottas. Consider it real estate voyeurism, combined with a crash course in contemporary architecture.

IF YOU GO

Santa Fe has a tiny airport, which offers nonstop service to and from Dallas and Los Angeles on American Eagle. Most visitors fly into the larger Albuquerque airport, about an hour south. A recent Web search found round-trip fares from Kennedy Airport on Delta, from about $260 for travel in June. Sadly, the Rail Runner doesn’t run to the Albuquerque airport.

The Hotel St. Francis (210 Don Gaspar Avenue; 505-983-5700; hotelstfrancis.com), billed as the oldest hotel in Santa Fe, completed a top-to-bottom renovation in 2009, and it looks spectacular. Doubles from $120.

The El Rey Inn (1862 Cerrillos Road, 505-982-1931; elreyinnsantafe.com) is a retro-chic 1930s-style motel, with nicely furnished rooms and beautifully landscaped grounds to go along with the kitschy Native American-themed architecture. Doubles from $99.

Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa (30 Buffalo Thunder Trail; 505-455-5555; buffalothunderresort.com) is part of a new casino complex, about 15 minutes north of town. Doubles from $159. Hilton also built a less-expensive Homewood Suites nearby (10 Buffalo Thunder Trail; 505-455-9100), with doubles from $109.

Note from KeriContemporary:
This special article reminded me of a wonderful road trip I took with my husband from San Diego to Santa Fe. The art there is a must see for anyone interested in contemporary art. Not to mention it is the resting place of talented artist Georgia O'Keefe. Special thanks to my brother Aaron for forwarding me this article!

Musical Art...

2010-05-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the Onyx live on 5th Ave here in downtown San Diego. It was a really cool scene! I had a great time painting and listening to a local band cover some Social D. Next week I'm going to paint to Hip Hop in the same place...It was intensely different and fresh the vibrations I experienced from the music. It was like painting to live music gave my art more vibrancy...like the paint was vibrating off the canvas. The whole experience was altogether spiritual and sensual. Looking forward to doing more of this kind of work.

Tuesday....Mysterious art making...

2010-05-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

I feel a little stuck today. I hate those days when you know you have a million things you should do but the motivation to do them is lagging.Luckily Casey made a HUGE pot of coffee before he left this morning and I think I might just finish it to see what i does for me....I guess it is doing something because here I am typing away! haha! So tomorrow I have a show thing at Onyx Lounge on 5th Ave. I'm not really sure what's up with it because my contact for the exhibit did not give me much info for the night. I know I need to have some sort of table and a means of displaying my art, but I think I'm just going to wing it this time just to see what its like. I have about 5 paintings I'm going to take with me. I think I might also work on one painting while I'm there just to draw some interest by other people into what I'm doing....People always love seeing an artist in action. I think most non-artists would agree that the artist's means of art making is quite a mystery. I always get a lot of questions from people who are curious about what I do all day. Their questions usually take the tone of, "So, what do you do all day?" or if they are not that blunt, " How do you come up with these ideas" maybe I might even get a few "Where does this stuff come from." Frankly, those are the same questions I am regularly asking myself. That is the point of keeping this blog. It act as a means to facilitate discussion with myself about my day to day activities as a working artist. Lately I have to say I feel like I have been wasting a bit of time, but often I o not give myself enough credit into what I do accomplish...So it must be somewhere in between.
Let me outline for you a normal day:

1) Wake up with Casey 6:50 (after he hits snooze 3-4x) make penut and butter sandwiches for him to take to work, eat some fruit, feed CoCo.
2) Kiss Casey bye, get dressed take CoCo on a walk.
3) Come back, eat some oatmeal, get in shower.
4) Put some comfy paint clothes on. Play with CoCo for about 10 min. Sit down to look at e-mails, Facebook, check on some work stuff, blog. This usually takes about an hour or maybe 2 hours if I really take my time in searching around.
****After all this its about 11:30...
5) Start working, either I work in my studio or lately I have been setting up in the living room and drawing more than painting because of my new project with fashion design.
6) Then about 3 pm I realize what time it is and keep working but start also thinking about what I will make for dinner....
7) About 4:30 Casey comes home, we make and eat dinner watch some TV. I will spend some time on the lap top researching some stuff while we do this (usually art related) then we wind down and go to bed...
Things I need to remember about my artistic process:
*I must do more researching! Need to go to the library or book store to look at art books...
* Do not by hyper-critical! I have been giving myself a little bit of a hard time and I know that is paralyzing my art making process...

Fashion sketching....

2010-05-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Fashion Sketch by Vivienne Westwood 1995

So I played with sketching/making the formal sketches of the clothing and models I am creating yesterday. It was really fun but I got the forms of the models down, just bare skin and all, and it seemed so wrong to me to put anything over them. Like they were just beautiful enough minus the clothing I would adorn them with....
What needs to happen is that I need to forget what traditional fashion sketching looks like and do it my way. I am not a fashion designer I am 1st and foremost an artist who loves fabric and playing with fabric. I also love sewing and dressing up. Remembering what it was like to play dress up as a little girl is essential to the success of this project because really it is all about playing in this way.

The HeART Couture Prerogative

2010-05-12T08:56:00.001-07:00

My new project coming soon with web blog page and updates. The 1st of the projects tasks is to have 20 sketches done by the end of the month. Here are 2 of the 1st sketches...very rough sketches! Also, my mission statement and information below:

Mission Statement:

The Heart Couture Prerogative exists as an experiment between the worlds of art and fashion. The journey of creation strives to emphasize the idea that art is life. How everything we do, wear, and say reflects an inspired ideal of individuality. Through this assignment the challenge of pulling resources, pushing inspiration to new heights, rallying community, and endorsing the greater good through charity will culminate in the exhibition of an experience known as The Heart Couture Prerogative.

Vitals:

I Keri Crown have very little previous knowledge of couture sewing, fashion rendering, ect.. What I do know is the creativity that is required to develop an artistic idea. From start to finish, I will attempt to create a body of work that challenges the distinction between the methods in which fashions created and the processes by which art is created. The previous knowledge of some recreational sewing and a lifelong love of fashion are the few assets I bring to the possible success of this endeavor.

Sezio - David Adey : John Henry

2010-05-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sezio.org

David Adey by John Henry

Though nomadic in medium, the work of David Adey is consistent in concept and in the evident time and process behind it. A college professor at Point Loma Nazarene University, he works full-time as an artist between graduation and freshman orientation and this year his summer goal was to suspend a row of books between two walls with minimal support. Tests were conducted in PLNU’s Keller Gallery towards a final installation process, which was executed in a matter of days for the piece’s debut last week at La Jolla’s Athenaeum Library.

“John Henry” implements the traditional principles used in bridge design, with trapezoidal blocks pushing the books into an upward arch and thin wooden shims reciprocating the pressure downward. Everything used to guide the structure is visible and in a way mark the “backyard experiment” element of the process, which absorbed most weekday hours of 2009’s summer months. When I visited his studio in June, he had already survived a handful of “book explosions” in his first tests and had no sure idea of what would happen when he pulled the supports from the particular test he was assembling. The pioneer-like excitement of his expressions as he explained his discoveries was strong enough that I found myself curious about his progress all summer.

The finished work represents the human sense of purpose derived from working towards understanding and accomplishment, whether out of necessity or curiousity. Rather than laboring over a large body of work, time was spent learning the physics of his specific materials and developing a sure process of exercising them. He is an expert in a unique field and possesses an intimacy with books, clamps, sawhorses, and ratchet straps only available with long hours of study. At the opening, Adey could be seen casually spinning the cockeyed sawhorses like a double-bassist in a rockabilly band, a subtle indication of his unmatched familiarity with the materials. The following are answers to questions based on conversations that were overheard at the exhibition last week:

When did you come up with the idea for the piece?
I had been thinking about the idea in some form for a while but never took it any further than just thinking. When The Athenaeum first approached me to talk about a show, they were initially interested in some of my other work. After looking at the space a couple of times it seemed like the right time to pursue the idea. It was a last minute decision to pitch it to them so when we had our first meeting to discuss ideas for the show I didn’t have a sketch or anything. I remember waving my arms around a lot. They loved the idea and that was great at first, but on my way home I started getting pretty nervous. I had no idea how to do it or if it was even possible. Stephanie Scanga and Erica Torri took a pretty big risk since I had never done anything like this before. I found out later that they called Luis de Jesus after our meeting to see if he thought I was crazy but whatever he said convinced them to go ahead with it. I’m grateful to all of them for the opportunity.

When did you initially start working on tests and how long did it take you to perfect the installation process?
I did a really small test in my office at PLNU with my own books but it didn’t really work. I couldn’t do anything else until I had enough books so I started collecting right away. The Athenaeum invited me to come to their monthly Saturday book sales to take whatever didn’t sell, so I started bringing truck loads of books back to my studio. That went on for over a year and I started the first real tests last May.

What were your biggest obstacles in developing the design?
Too many and too specific to list. It was really a back yard engineering experiment. Every time I tried to fix a problem it would cause another one, so I felt like I was chasing it down all summer. The first couple of disasters were pretty depressing, but I tried to embrace the process and after a while it was actually pretty fun.

How did you land on the title and were there other ideas in the works?
Futility, pressure, spectacle, feats of strength, absurdity, faith, poetry, death. I never considered another title.

Did you work on other art this summer or did John Henry take up the bulk of your time? Did you ever consider throwing in the towel on it?
I worked on a few other pieces but this took the bulk of my time and energy. I did the final test installation in Keller Gallery on the PLNU campus which I let stand for a month as a stress test. I was on vacation for a couple of weeks and my assistant Jenna Morrow was texting me updates almost daily to let me know if it was still standing. I never considered throwing in the towel.

Do you plan on working with the same materials and process on additional pieces or moving on to other ideas?
I don’t know for sure if I’ll use books again, but the ideas that lead to this piece are some of the same ideas I’ve been thinking about for almost 10 years. I know some people probably think this is a huge departure from my other work but it’s not that way for me at all. I’m working on a few new pieces right now that I’m really excited about that require some education and new skills. For me it’s always the ideas that carry from piece to piece, not always the material.

What's next?
When the Athenaeum show closes, I pack up the truck and take it up to Luis de Jesus Los Angeles in Bergamot Station, Santa Monica. Luis and Jay are putting so much into this new gallery and after seeing the space for the first time this week I’m blown away. The piece will be very different since the space is more of a blank slate. After that I’m looking forward to a summer in the studio and spending a lot of time at home with our new baby who’s due in May.

Betrayal Dream....

2010-05-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream and I woke feeling betrayed. In the past 6 months I have broken ties with several of my close friends I thought would always be there. I have had to morn the loss of their friendship and move on because I realized what cancer they brought to my life.
The dream I had that I woke up realizing I felt betrayed went like this:
My long lost friend Laura from childhood invites me and some of my friends as well as friends we have had since we were in grade school to London. We all fly there together on the long flight and set up in a kind of chic resort like hostel. Its not long and were all yacking away reminiscing on old times ect.. The time goes by, we play around the pool, do some activities together, it almost like we were at a summer camp, but I guess it could have been an all inclusive resort because they often have activities and do similar things. The betrayal part is coming.... So we were all going to get dressed up for something from what I understood. So I because I love this kind of thing and I will freely share and dress people up for fun, pull out every item of clothing I own to help everyone look there best. I walk in with my bag, pull it open and dump all the stuff on the floor. We all go through it, having fun dressing up, then we go out. I don't remember what happens between that and what happens next but this is where I felt betrayed and angry. We were all tired after a night on the town I guess because it seems I slept in. Everyone else though seemed to have woken up a little earlier than I had. So it occured to me they ,ust be by the pool and that I would liek to find my bathing suit to meet them there. So in looking for every one (and the rest of my bathing suit and the clothes I had dumped on the floor to get ready) I went into the next room where all my clothes had been played dress up with. Much to my chagrin, there was nothing to be found. The whole room was clean everything put away.
SIDE NOTE: 2 things: 1) I knew my friend Danielle had cleaned up because thats just what she would do. She is a very neat and organized person.
2)This is how dreams work you just never know what will be given to you as imagery... There was a very large tree growing in the middle of the room on occasion. Also the room would seem to expand and contract simultaneouesly depending on the situation. When the room would contract the tree would disappear.
OK so...My friend Danielle was the one staying in this room with a few other friends. So I peeked around in some of the droors there just looking to see if things had been put away by accident or something. As I looked around I remember getting more and more upset as I kept looking and looking and I couldn't find any single article I had left there. I called for Danielle she came and so did some of the other girls. I guess I asked her where my stuff was and she just laughed but gave no answer...which only made me more upset.Also because I was looking to get to the pool to meet the girls there as soon as possible, I didn't want to miss the fun! Finally in the far corner of the room underneath some blankets and other stuff I found my clothes.
SIDE NOTE: I wasn't naked this whole time. I think actually I was looking for my bathing suit to go to the pool. The girls who were at the pool are my friends from a long time ago, from grade school. Laura being one of them so I'm assuming in my dream they were not a part of this scheme to get one over on me.
Continuing... I was relieved to find my clothes but still pissed that they (guess there were a few others in on it but mainly one ring leader and one pawn) had played this trick on me. In my inner dream thoughts I remember thinking how I knew Nicole was the one who was behind this. That Danielle was a front for her scheming. In a way it was like Danielle's frame of reference for how she thought things were was stolen by and replaced with Nicole's.
The dream continued and I went to find the other girls I knew I trusted more than the one's who had played this mean trick on me. It was sad though because I really was looking for Laura above everyone else and all anyone could tell me was that she would be back. Since I was there though I told everyone what they had done and how I felt about it. I guess I was looking for them at least to be on my side.
The words/phrases I woke up thinking and wanting to look up in a dream dictionary were "hidden or misplaced clothing/personal items", "old friends", "betrayal", "angry", "sharing", "traveling", and "tree".
I really do feel this way. The events of the past have made me distrust people I felt I would never have to question. Mostly the dream is noteworthy because of the fact that the feelings have manifested themselves in this way.Dreams are great even still because they act as a mode to help me work out these feelings. They also point out how I have not completely dealt with these feelings of anger and confusion.

The CoCo Experiments...

2010-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

So I have this idea about using my little CoCo as a metaphor for something. I spent some time taking pictures of her in different places around downtown: parking garage, empty trashy lots, next to graffiti. I'm not sure what it means but some of the photos have a real energy about them. Something that is longing to say something.
When I went out I thought that her collar she normally wears is was just too cliche, so I made her a collar and leash out of some rope I had. That felt right...but I wondered how to get her to not have a collar and leash at all. Although the collar and leash turn out to be a very crucial part of some of the photos because of the way the leash always leads back to me behind the camera. What does her being in the photos in that way say about me behind the camera? What does it mean to have a pet and take care of it? Why do dogs and humans have such a bond? Why do we still seek their companionship after so many, many years?
Why did I choose her? When I could have chosen any other animal. For instance, a cat. But, I'm not a cat person....What does it mean to be a cat person or a dog person? What stereotypes are linked with humans who love cats over dogs or vice versa?
Looking at the images I wonder if I should just forget that she is a dog and look at what it means to be the person behind the pictures holding the dog. Forget that she's CoCo my puppy I love and just let her stand for something, be a prop of sorts. Also, in all the images the rope leads off of the frame of reference and we know to me but it makes me wonder could it be leading somewhere else?

Just a quote from my favorite author...

2010-04-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and Naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord had taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:21

Skeleton Vision....

2010-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

I had a vision waking up this morning of a series of paintings/artwork that would portray skeletons in everyday scenarios. Taking the dog for a walk, sitting on the toilet, making dinner, spending time as a family, ect. Then I would do a series of sculptures with the skeletons doing these things. My idea is that the skeletons would act as metaphors for how we are more than a body, how your time on earth is valuable, how your body is not who you are but rather only the shell of the person inside. Although our bodies are important carriers of aspects of our human traits, the do not make us who we are as people. They may allow or prohibit us from doing certain things important to our inner being but bodies do not define us, that is if we choose not to let them define us.

Art Walk Little Italy... Featured Artwork by Gerard Basil Strupling, Nihura, Andy Anh Ha, and Steven M. O'Connor...

2010-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

OK, so before I begin I must say that I have been continually blessed. There have been so many blessings I feel I cannot even count!
Not to mention I was blessed with the ability to go to the Little Italy Artwalk 2010. There was so much art I was never expected to show up there and feel completely overwhelmed by the variation and variety that I saw! It was a very pleasant surprise. I walked through every aisle and peeked under every tent to see what there was to see. From what was there I found about five different artists that I thought were considerably notable among the many artists who exhibiting.
Gerard Basil Stripling.
The artwork by this artist was very nice. I really liked his use of broken objects to signify the present state of western society (left). Gerard has a theatre fashion based background from studying under the great costume designer, Bill Whitten. While traveling with Whitten he experienced lots of art and even studied under several artists along the way. He left the apprenticeship of Whitten in 2000 taking on his art full time. He has been mostly recently noticed as an influential artist for his sculpture and public art. He now resides in Laguna Beach, CA.
Nihura.

On the other end of the spectrum is artist Nihura. A young artist based from our local San Diego, CA, she has recently been accepted into art university in California. Even though this young artist is barely getting her start she has some note worthy talent. I was especially drawn to her work by the opulent frames she painted with neon pinks and yellows. There is a very fashion influenced appeal to Nihura's work, that I anticipate will only bud and blossom as her talent increases. (unfortunately no images...)
Andy Ahn Ha.

Wow! Is not the only thing to say about this artist's work (right). A second generation Asian American, Andy has accomplished so much. His work has a vibrant and sexy appeal to it that is delicate yet sophisticated in nature. From natural influences to popular culture references Andy's work catches the eye of many a passer by. Using layer after layer of stains and paint then finished with a layer of resin, the pieces have such an appeal to the natural instincts of the viewer. I hope to see much more of Andy's work in the future.

Steven M. O'Connor.
Steven's work (below) immediately drew me in because of the obvious graffiti inspired color and composition. In the same manner as Andy Ahn Ha, layers of paint and other media have been enriched and stretched to their means, then coated over with a glossy layer of resin. O'Connor strives to ask questions through his artwork that are sociological in nature. The best thing about O'Connor and Andy's work is that it inspired me to ask:

What does the resin do for the painting? I am a big fan of things coated in resin. Yet, what does it say about the artist's intentions. Is the resin coating merely a means of making the art appear finished? Or rather is is the glossy high sheen of the resin that makes these types of paintings sexier and more inviting? Not that the content of the work is irrelevant but as an artist the materials are key. I am always trying to ask, what do the materials have to say for themselves? Could we all benefit from putting a layer of resin on every piece of art? Would it be sexier and more alluring or cut the viewer off from the real texture of the art?
I have been working diligently on all my art. Yesterday I started a woodcut print that might take me some time to finish. Nonetheless, it is an exciting time to be an artist. Taking the time to examine all parts of your life and then create from that reflects a very interesting mix of what is important and unimportant in one's life. Devoting yourself to this kind of introspection is something we all should do throughout our lives.

Ohh and just a few more things because I'm comlpetely and incompetently A.D.D.

2010-04-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Art Meets Fashion is the title of a new event that is coming to San Diego. I am going to the info session tonight. I really am counting on this being something big. I really want it to be something wonderful, at least more than I have let on to those close to me. I have been thinking in the back of my mind what to wear all day and whether to bring anything with me they might want to see. Anyway, I will let you know what happens tomorrow.
I didn't really do anything today as far as art goes. But for me "didn't really" means I did do something.The picture on the left side here shows how I cut into this wood canvas. It's so lovely to make messes sometimes. I think I am going to make a triptych of textures and shapes in the style of some of the other things I have done. It is evolving as many things do when you are thinking about them and studying how they work.
Just addressing my limited work today and yesterday. I think I am processing a new turn in this kind of work. It seems that I need some time of introspection before I begin working on what I am processing. Planning also is what I realize I am doing. I get feeling about things and run with them. But I always research 1st. I did research yesterday and a little today. I came to the conclusion I'm not terribly fond of the new paintings by Jeff Koons. They make me nervous and feel chaotic. Maybe they are supposed have that affect? Probably...
I'm still painting but wondering at the same time what is the connection between my fabric stuff I'm making and my paintings? Just doing a lot of thinking.
One last thing, I may begin featuring art of some of my friends and peoepl's art I have come into contact with recently. They are all 20 somethings, waiting for a break, similar to myself. Just to name some people I might contact about featuring; Cora Lim, THD David, maybe stuff by my friend Megan, if I can get in contact with my friend Matt Mahoney or a few people from PLNU years past. Wes Bruce, find Wes! OK TTYL! Don't miss me too much!

Art Meets Fashion....Should this be the title of my life?

2010-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, today should be a very interesting day. Wait...back up let's talk about yesterday 1st. So yesterday, I networked and painted and then stretched (more like laid or draped) some shiny pink fabric over a canvas.
This got me thinking how I have a lot of great fabric to use but I have not went looking for inspiration in my favorite places to find inspiration in some time. So I went to my favorite fabric store in the Ghetto and stopped into Dick Blick for some art supplies because I had a coupon. I went to Dick Blick's first, I made a list beforehand: printmaking supplies, oil paint, drying racks (if they're cheap, they weren't), and anything else I needed to get that would make my art making a better and more inventive process. I found $260.00 worth of great stuff. I forgot to add that all day yesterday and most of today it rained. This rarely puts me in the art making mood...I hate that!
So CoCo was with me and I let her out of the truck to make sure she didn't need to pee and run around for a second. She always freaks out when I get back in the car so it was nice to let her get down off that "mommy's back" high. Love that dog.
On the road again down south of downtown a little closer to the border, but considering our proximity to it, not that far. I made sure CoCo was happy and I went inside the fabric mecca. It really is one of my favorite places.... I usually start on the right side of the store winding my way through the fabric, touching everything that draws my eye, occasionally letting out a few, "ohhhh" and "oh wow! really?" expressions as I walk through. Mostly what I look for is cheesy and garish. Things you wouldn't find the most sane of people wearing. I guess the only person I could actually dress in the fabrics I look for would be Lady Gaga. When all was said and done and the adorable petite Asian clerk went to cut my fabric into lengths, not forgetting her suspicious looks in my direction. I came out with a couple of sheer fabrics, a large bolt of Caucasian nude glossy fabric, some Caucasian nude spandex fabric, and some sheer neon yellow glittery fabric. It was a very successful trip although I did forget a huge thing of foam behind that I'm not sure they charged me for.
Finally,and thtas how I felt because I was starving by this time, I had to run one more errand up to Poway area to return something I bought for our bathroom. I took the long way there because it was about 4 pm by this time and traffic would be backing up on the 8 and 15 fwys. The drive into the country reminded me to be grateful for the close proximity of everything I needed on a daily basis. It also reminded me that our earth is very alive. I thought as I was driving how lush it looked and how spring had sprung. It made me happy to be alive. After I made my return I continued home the regular way down the 15 to the 163.
At home my husband and I spent the evening in and out together. He watched part of a movie with me (Julie and Julia). The movie based on a novel by Julie Powell was terribly inspiring. The story validated my venture for blogging whether or not anyone reads it. It also validated the fact that we all have dreams, whether big or small. We all strive and dream for some thing and for some reason.
My dream is art and helping others through art. My dream is to make things that bring joy and encourage people to have hope. I want to make people smile in gushy warm and snickering kind of way. Like you do when you and your best friend have a inside joke only you and she understand.

What a wonderful interview....

2010-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

I came upon an interview in the NY Times with Jean Philippe Delhomme. I was pleased with how succinct he was in talking about current events of the art and fashion world. It was inspiring to read what he said about what creative people must do in times of recession.

"The most important thing is to work. When there is no money, you can stop working and really get into a state of desperation. You have to keep on doing things, whether the economy is going to get back into shape or not. In fact, there are lots of people blogging and content that is totally free. It’s a little bit crazy: who would have imagined that people would be working for free all the time? Business people’s creative input is making money, and during a recession they realize creative people might develop ways of working without financial support. So you have to fight the recession and more, but it’s always better to do something. Do your thing. The next one is: stand up for your work. You still have to fight for that. The third is to be optimistic."
-Jean Philippe Delhomme

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/now-skewering-jean-philippe-delhomme/?ref=culture

Back in the swing....

2010-04-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a busy weekend! One of my close friends was married and my friend Brittney came to stay. I had a lot of fun but it really wore me out for the week! I did paint yesterday but then I started a little late. It was 1:30 before I started mixing my colors. I have 2 paintings I started last week that should be really interesting to watch develop. Also, I need to get one or 2 paintings to the Queen Bee Gallery for sale and showing for the month of April/May. There is also the info session Wednesday for "Art Meets Fashion." I was watching a documentary last night that followed the events and people in the making of the September 2007 issue of Vogue. I guess in prep for the meeting Wednesday. It really is very interesting the lifestyle and business of fashion. The people who influence fashion are really such diverse people.

Dream...

2010-04-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream after I realized I had not dreamnt in many nights. I was somewhere by the ocean in a place I have been before in my dreams. A place that kind of resembled the Point Loma Nazarene campus where I went to school, but minus all the buildings except for a few. I think my family was there and I know my father was for sure. I was wandering around when I found a blue and white vintage station wagon. The car had rotting fruit inside with nasty big flies and bugs on the rotting fruit. At 1st I walked by and then I felt compelled to return to the vehicle. I found the car was unlocked and I got in. I can't remember whether there were keys inside or not but I was able to drive it anyways. The fruit stench inside did not bother me but the flies did somewhat. I drove around the campus for a while until I came to a steep hill that decended into a turn at the bottom. I stopped at the top of the hill and briefly inspected the decline. Then I continued on down the hill. Suddenly, I realized I was drifting swiftly down it not putting on the breaks (though I was only slightly panicking or concerned of crashing) not concerned much whether there were breaks or not. At the bottom of the hill I plowed up onto an embankment where there was a wood cattle fence continuing in front. Where the tires hing over the little hill like embankment. Somehow I was able to get the car pulled out of the crash and began driving up the hill again when my dad appeared and he had seen the whole thing. I pulled over surprised to see him. He went to pull me from the car like he was concerned for me. He then caught the smell of the stinking rotting fruit and asked me, "Doesn't the smell bother you?" Where I answered, "No, but the flies do." He then went on to ask, "What are you doing driving this car? Where did you find it?" I replied, "Many women I know have driven this car and it was fine and seemed great for them." Then I realized that the fruit in the back did stink and that flies were even more annoying than ever and I got out and walked away with my dad. Some where in the dream was my dog CoCo, but I'm not sure whether she was in the car or where she fits in but I know she was there somewhere.

Happening! Happening!

2010-04-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Just a short little note to say...
I have worked all day
and now its time to play
weekends here
have no fear
we play and play til our hairs go gray!
Yaya for the weekend!

"Lean not on your own understanding...."

2010-04-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just to catch up from yesterday. The morning began a little rough when I felt a little icky and had to lay down and sleep for a little while. This was not such a bad idea it turned out though because sleeping for and hour and a half gave me lots of energy for the afternoon and evening. After I woke up I needed to do some grocery shopping then I came back and went straight to work. Due to this, I currently I have 4 paintings going simultaneously. I began another yesterday while trying to finish one that I'm doing for trade of my website. Thanks to Transformed Designs the company of my friends Elias and Danielle I have a site that features my work of my last show. Which then leads me to say, I spent some really quality time online researching different art endeavors to apply for. I stumbled upon a site, http://www.sandiegovisualarts.net, I have been to it many times and realized I was not a registered artist. So I registered....I continued looking around sent e-mails to people I thought might be interested in my art or I might be interested in applying to be a part of showing my art to, ect., ect.. Wasted a few moments on Facebook connecting with people (but I guess connecting with people is never really a waste of time) and logged off after about an hour or more. The afternoon continued with painting, then greeting Casey as he came home, and getting dinner ready, taking Case to softball practice, running to Target and all the regular stuff that happens from day-to-day. Ok and if I'm being boring, here's the good part. I received this e-mail from a SDVAN (San Diego Visual Arts Network) coordinator who said she saw that I registered as an artist, went to my website and loved what she saw, namely my fogged cowboy boots. She then invited me to an info session detailing a project that seeks to connect the art and fashion industry in San Diego with the intentions of helping under privileged teens. Wawa wee wah!!! Super cool! Wherever this goes, to be complimented and asked to send images of the work was really nice. Check out the website about the "Art Meets Fashion" project: http://www.artmeetsfashion.org. Anyway, to follow up on the title of this post God gave me a verse yesterday to help me see how I must trust Him and listen to hear His will for my life and not my own. Thanks Jesus! I do trust You and want Your will for my life because I know I can make the best and biggest impact possible when I search for your will.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Prverbs 3:5

An organized artist...Is that an oxymoron?

2010-04-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

1) God works through Google. Google any question you want to ask God and I know you will find direction. God revealed to me today:
GOD KNOWS YOU
GOD FORGIVES YOU
GOD WILL MAKE YOU GROW

2) I have spent this last week organizing my studio. This was a blessing and it has given me renewed clarity. I promise. Clean a room in your house and you will clear space in your brain. Haven't we all learned that by now?

3) Just paint has paid off already. I have four new works in progress simultaneously.

OK. Good things happening. Back to work for a couple more hours.

Just Paint.

2010-04-11T22:38:00.001-07:00

For me, an essential part to being an artist is having faith. I am a Christian and I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for all so that we may all come to know him and join Him in Heaven when we die.
This being said, my faith is an essential part of what I create. This past weekend was an affirmation of what God has been telling me to do for quite some time. I have heard the wisdom of God leading me to help others through my art work for many months but have questioned whether it was His voice I was hearing. It is unfortunate it has taken time and time again to hear this message but I know this time He got through.
I attend the Rock Church here in San Diego, Ca. I have to say that Pastor Miles is led by the spirit in such a strong way! Praise God for this!! Thanks to God's divine inspiration in this man I have been told through his sermons and his church the purpose in my life at least for the time being. What I want the most is God's will in my life, whatever that means. It is so refreshing and freeing to feel that you have finally gotten the message. Check out the sermon from Pastor Miles for his new series on doing God's will. It really might speak to you the same way the message spoke to me.

REstoring Sanity

2010-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, went for tea and coffee with "The Dulce" or better we call her "Sweet C", my brother Dave's lovely girlfriend. We met at 8:30 at Red's, a little place in Pt. Loma. The tea was exquisite and the conversation was better! ; ) Following this, I considered what I needed to do to restore my sanity.
It seems over the past 3 months I compromised things in and about my life that keep me sane. I let my time spent painting dwindle to barely an hour a week, payed too little attention to my sweet puppy, let our new home slip into a bit of a pig's sty and ignored the most important thing about me, my psyche. As I was pulling into our parking garage just now, I asked myself, "Is making more money but being emotionally disturbed better than doing what I love and making less money?"
The answer was that I really would like to be making the kind of money I was making at T.H.D. but without trying to accomplish my dreams I may end up less sane. Now with my father being a psychologist, I know how it looks to be "less sane" and it ain't pretty! Really though, there is nothing more important than using your God given talents to achieve goals that will eventually or immediately pay off, whether financially or spiritually.
So I drove to Pet's Mart to find some things to help CoCo feel more confident and stable in our home. She spends most the day with me since I quit T.H.D. and when she's acting up its really hard for me to work. So her being content is more valuable than just anything,her happiness is also linked to my personal sanity. This was just the 1st step in my "Restore Sanity" action plan. Backing up a little, I organized my studio yesterday and bought some lights I could use to work by at night. I also found some containers to organize small things like thread, screws, sequins, ect.. So much for all that (I feel like I may be rambling a little) so let's outline the action plan:
RESTORE SANITY
1) Organize Studio
2) Make puppy happy again
3) Clean up and organize house
4) Get re-aligned into the art community (become social art diva...)
5) Love and embrace the amazing opportunity at hand

Back from 2nd hiatus...

2010-04-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

I quit my job at Home Depot. It felt sooo great. Also, I finished my 1st commission and spent some time in Bakersfield talking to parents and thinking about what it means to be an artist. I asked myself what it was that would be holding me back now from doing what I have set out to do? The answer is really myself. Now it is my responsibility to start making and never look back. I'm praying for God's will and that whatever comes of this it is blessed.

The Day Job and update on my life...

2010-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

My day job. Yes, its The Home Depot for me 5 days a week. Art making happens on my days off or after work, that is if I'm not too tired. Which is seriously depressing. I know you can change your outlook on things but why can't I just work 100% on my art career? BOO! On a more optimistic note I have a new puppy. Her name is CoCo Yoshimi Gaga. She is adorable and full of personality.This picture is when she decided to go bogging through the mud where a bath soon followed. OHHH! CoCo! You wonderfully silly thing! I really do love her... she is a particular joy to me. She even loves to sit around in my studio while I paint. How cool. I wonder what other artists had animals? Until later. K.C.

Terribly Disconnected....

2010-03-08T14:40:00.001-08:00

Wow! At the last entry I thought keeping this blog would be a breeze. I know writing is a passion for me and so is art but I have found it very challenging to do both lately. So I'm back. It's now 2010 and I can do this! I will no longer give up on my diligence to express myself online or in general. Hello World Keri Contemporary has been on hiatus! But she's back in full swing! Watch Out!!

Art Show...Late Notice!!

2009-09-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Collaboratory art event!! This Friday from 8-12 pm location; 2124 E Street
San Diego, CA...

I'm very excited for this event! The curator/coordinator is a wonderful person named Laura Catherine. She is a warm/fabulous southern gal who moved out here to help out the art scene in S.D.!! Don't we all love people like her? I do. That is why I outspokenly support this endeavor. Hope to see anyone who can come to check out not only what I have in the show but all the artwork the other talented artists have created.

Just a little more about closed doors...

2009-08-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Moving on. Today, I moved out the last things that were in my senior art studio. Now it is no secret that I am green to the art world but, that's just the thing, I have no shame to my innocence. I am green and I know it. I embrace it and I am looking forward to many mistakes even maybe, a few successes. One of the first things I did as a baby professional visual artist was to make business cards. I guess that means I'm doing something professional...if professional is what gets you somewhere in this business. From what I have seen, it does, so I'm trying it on and putting on my game face.

P.S. The Collaboratory movement is on September 4th. I'll try to post a link A.S.A.P. so that everyone can check out this event. The next blog I will expound on what I know about this gathering/S.D movement of artists and friends.

Closed doors are open ones.

2009-08-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Listening. By listening to the world around and noticing important events it helps me to find meaning. There is no denying, in my case that there is a definite order to things in the universe. I am supposed to be driven to create. I am supposed to be striving for meaning through my creation. I am supposed to see the eventual blossoming of my toil. There is ever-present proof of the good I am doing. That good brings me a positive feeling, not that it is fulfilling only for myself but that I might have the chance to help someone else be fulfilled through what I create. Epiphany...ahhh feels good...

a first...

2009-08-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hey its Keri! I'm inspired to start a blog as an experiment on myself...I want to see if it encourages me to create and connects me better with the visual arts scene. I guess what it came down to was that in our highly technological age everything is at our finger tips. That is, as long as we realize it and make use of what we can. There truly is, in my mind, no reason not to take every advantage of becoming more connected in every means possible. Enjoy what you see! I'm always looking for constructive criticism or comments of all kinds....XOXO Keri....