#100 days of motherlove

This past weekend I delivered my eldest to the University of Delaware to begin her next amazing adventure.  

It was a huge day; a full day, of excitement, trepidation, exhaustion, nostalgia, worry, celebration, sweat and some tears.  

But isn't this what we, as parents want, to have nourished and fortified our children, preparing to launch them on their personal adventure? 

That was the idea that stayed with me the most as I helped Maya unroll an area rug in her dorm room.  Here I was, living a day that I had dreaded because I thought I'd be a blubbering mess, however I was more proud than sad, more excited for Maya than anxious.  

So when the time came for me and her sister to head back home I didn't weep, I welled up a bit, but it all felt right.  

I am really happy with the college that Maya choose; Newark seems like a manageable town and her roommate is truly lovely.  

What more can a mother ask for?  

(granted, I have also gathered as many the guardian angels that I can to be with her and protect her) 

So I felt ok as I drove north, except for the fact that I had not given her all the advice that I wanted to give her.  

When she graduated I had started a 'book' full of advice; some obvious, some unique to me, some recipes and family secrets, some reflections, many quotes and other nuggets of knowledge that I wanted to send along with her.  

But thanks to life, commitments and my desire to create the 'perfect' book, 

the book was never created; 

it was started, but never finished. 

But somewhere in the middle of New Jersey it dawned on me that she can ALWAYS use motherly advise (can't we all), and that maybe doing it in a different format than a book may work better for us both!! 

Also during the past week, as Maya's departure loomed larger and larger, I stumbled upon Elle Luna's book, 

The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion

while last minute college shopping at Urban Outfitters. 

I knew of Elle Luna and had seriously considered participating in her #100daysproject but hadn't yet, so I picked it up this beautiful book and took a peak.  

"In my own life, I've found that things appear at the ideal time.
Not before. And not after. Consider the possibility that this book
made its way into your hands because you wanted it to." pg. xi

This was first page I read ... 

I bought the book and dove in.

This book is about dreams; 'must' over 'should'; just doing; following your passions; 

a journey that I fervently believe in and one which I wholeheartedly want my daughters to follow.  

This book talks about all the possible pitfalls and/or sucesses that come from following your inner voice, but that in the end it is the only choice that will make one feel alive.

  

So with Elle Luna's words empowering me and the knowledge of how she found her must by creating a 100days project, I decided that I will parcel off my thoughts and advice to Maya over the next 100 days.

 I am going to start my own personal 100 day project, sharing my thoughts and advice with my daughter as she embarks on this new chapter of her personal journey.

 I will post said nuggets on my 'dailydressproject' blog, now called #100daysofmotherlove. 

(there is a link to this blog in the header or just click here) 

And even though I love!! the idea of a book, when I really think about the receipiant, a child of the computer age, posting on a blog seems more appropriate.  

In fact most likely I should do this all on tumblr ... but I don't know how. 

But first, let me start by saying how ultimately proud I am of my eldest, navigating her first 18 years as a bushwhacker, teaching her parents what it means to parent, and as an ambassador for her little sister, and surviving.  

When Maya entered this world I knew that she was/is an old soul. She knows much and has much to learn.  So I offer these 100 posts as some guidelines, sign posts, suggestions.  I don't have answers but, I do have passions and dreams and some experience which I want to share. 

And to Maya,

Buckle up, travel safe!!!  

love you more!!!! Mom!!!

http://dailydressproject.blogspot.com 

Today, just breathe!!!

Let go of all that serves you no more ...

Bye bye June .... it was grand!

June .... a month of inspiration, celebration, observation, illustration and pattern!!! 

First, my eldest turned 18!!! graduated high school and is heading to college?!?!

I was honored to participate in “FEMMetonymy,” @ Carver Hill Gallery, Rockland Maine;

a show featuring: Maryjean Viano Crowe, Lesia Sochor and yours truly!

 I received samples of an illustration job and loved seeing my work on a product! 

Also sampled more of my wares from society6 !! I have been SO happy 

with the quality of each product that I have received, I have been adding more and more designs, so make sure you check out my society6 shop!!

And I wrapped up June by throwing my hat into the ring to win
a scholarship to Jessica Swift's patterncamp ...

The contestants were given 3 rounds of pattern challenges ~

round1: find patterns in nature 

round 2: find patterns around the house 

round 3: make a pattern out of objects around the house. 

for this round I discovered repeating the pattern in my iPhone app, layout, and I went a bit crazy!!! 

 And I won!!!  

I won a space in @patterncamp!!!! 

 and was reminded how much I love/think/live pattern!!!
example:
note the pattern on the vessel that I create for
 the window display I did for Renew Arts & Industry ... 

And now on to July!!!
Thank u for sharing this wonderful month with me!!!

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.  John Lennon

It is summertime and that means .... ART time!!!!

Last year I had the pleasure of being one of the guest artists for Potato Hill Poetry's Creative Writing Kids program,

 here in Natick, and I had so much fun.  

And I guess the kids had fun too as I have been invited back to do art with the kids this summer!!! 

WOOHOO!!!

Andrew Green in a school

The program is run by poet Andrew Green, 

the talent and inspiration of Potato Hill Poetry! 

"Andrew Green is a poet, writer, and teacher who works with students and teachers in schools throughout New England, offering writing and poetry workshops. He founded Potato Hill Poetry in 1995." 

'such a good thing . . .' Collage from bits & piece found on my kitchen table ©2015

Last year I lead the group in creating collage. I showed them some of my collage work, my 'home, sweet, home' series as well as some of my collages from my #ICAD2015 project. 

I explained the similarities of collage and writing, each taking parts (writing/words, collage images) how, to create a new worlds, emotions, in fact stories. 

'there is no place like home, andy ...' ©2016 

They created some wonderful pictures using my basket of tricks ... catalogs, magazines and other detritus of the day. 

collage from last year's program

This summer I plan to mix it up a bit!!! 

Definitely do the magazine based collage!

 

Eric Carle inspired dress ©2013

But we will also doing creating a tissue paper based collage ~ a nod to the amazing Eric Carle.  

While I was visiting the The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art  I learned how to do these collages and i am excited to share.

And I also want to explore the amazing world of Zentangle with the group.  New to it myself, I find it a wonderful meditative practice which I find very inspiring!!! 

I believe there are still some spots available, depending on the week.  

I have included the sign-up form below or you can click here: 

http://www.potatohill.com/files/2016-camp-flier.pdf

And check back here to see what these creative kiddos create, 

I plan to take more pictures this year.  

Come spend five fabulous mornings discovering the creative writer within. You will work with one or two fantastic teachers who will encourage and inspire you to write as never before. Mornings will be devoted to a variety of genres: nature writing, poetry, fiction, and journaling. There will be group exercises as well as individual guidance during the week. A reading for parents will occur on the final morning.

PEACE

Tonight, some of my girls are holding court in Rockland, ME

'artist from the blue moon ...'/
'black widow ..'

'provocative ...' holding court 

review of "WHAT YOU SEE ..."

This week I took a mini road trip to deliver some of my work up north, where I had the pleasure to meet Jana Hawick and see her beautiful gallery, Carver Hill Gallery, in the artsy coastal town of Rockland, ME.  

Last month three of my 'lilith contemplating ...' photographs were part of Carver Hill's season opening exhibit, "WHAT YOU SEE".  An engaging collection of 'digital and photographic compositions from 7 artist including Sharon Arnold, Craig Becker, Nadine Boughton, Virginia Fitzgerald, Seth Lester, Elizabeth Opalenik, Agnes Riverin.' 

This show received a wonderful review by Daniel Kany for the Portland Press Herald (click here for more info). 

And this month I am so honored to be included in Carver Hill's exhibit FEMMetonymy,  which opens tonight!! and runs through June 28th.  

the catalog for the exhibit

“FEMMetonymy,” a show featuring:
Maryjean Viano Crowe, Virginia Fitzgerald and Lesia Sochor.

FEMMetonymy is a show of three women artists using clothing as a vehicle to challenge convention, tell a story, express an opinion, open a dialogue, and elicit an emotional response.

(click here to go to the gallery's blog and read more about each artist)

I am honored to be part of this provocative exhibition.  I have contributed many pieces from my 'dressproject'; sculptures, large and small, and numerous collages. 

'precious ...' and 'bird by bird ...'

  In gathering the collage pieces I realized that I have three different collage series: 'home, sweet, home?!? ' (2012), 'la petite robe ...' (2012) and the newest collage series, 'alice ...' All of the series start with images of picture perfect environments from catalogs and magazine, to which I add a surreal touch and usually a dress or two.  ' we are all mad here ...' is the first of that series and is debuting tonight.

'we are all mad here ...'

The sculptures in this exhibit are  some of the 'dressproject's stars!!! 

'provocative ...' is holding court at the front of the gallery, strong and straight.  

'black widow ...' is standing tall by the gallery's desk, accompanied by 'artist from the blue moon ...' on her right. 

'this is me, a work in progress ...'

I am so happy to be showing 'this is me, a work in progress ...' in such a lovely space, and there is the room for her to be viewed from all sides, showing off all her spots of embroidery.  

'this is me, a work in progress ...' detail

'red warrior ...' and 'precious ...' also made the trip making this a good representation of my 'dressproject'.  

Lastly Carver Hill is offering for sale my book, 'the dressproject, the beginning ...' allowing anyone to learn how my obsession with the dress began.

'red warrior ...' , 'black widow ...' (in the background)

So if you are in the area, make sure to drop by the gallery.  

And if you are not in the area, then it is time for a road trip!!!  

It is a win/win: exciting exhibit, beautiful gallery, inspiring work, adorable coastal town with many other arty attractions, the Farnsworth Art Museum and The Center for Maine Contemporary Art are both a block from Carver Hill.

'provocative ...' 

'lilith contemplates sanctuary ...'/
'lilith contemplates cutting the grass ...'

Show / gallery details:

FEMMetonymy opens on First Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5 – 8 PM and runs through June 28.

Carver Hill Gallery

Jana Halwick

338 Main Street

Rockland, ME 04841

Phone207-594-7745

Email
carverhillgallerymaine@yahoo.com

Gallery Hours

MAY 27 through the summer

Mon through Sat ~ 10:30 - 5

Sun ~ 11 - 3

 'follow your art!'

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this is my religion .... thank you Donovan Livingston, ED.M. '16

In this current state of our country I tend to fall into a state of despair, but then I find hope, a sign that things are not as bad as they seem.  Today that hope came from the mouth of a recent graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Donovan Livingston.  

I find it heart-breaking that racism is still such a large part of our country, and I feel those who encourage and incite this continual division instead of embracing and celebrating diversity, are committing a heinous injustice.  

Especially those individuals who are in the media's spotlight.  

But then there are these shining stars, and thanks to social media, 

they are being heard as well. 

The remarks of Donovan Livingston, Ed.M.'16, student speaker at HGSE's 2016 Convocation exercises.

Below is a link to the video of his commencement address as well as the text of his poem.  

“Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin,

Is a great equalizer of the conditions of men.” – Horace Mann, 1848.

At the time of his remarks I couldn’t read — couldn’t write.

Any attempt to do so, punishable by death.

For generations we have known of knowledge’s infinite power.

Yet somehow, we’ve never questioned the keeper of the keys —

The guardians of information.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen more dividing and conquering

In this order of operations — a heinous miscalculation of reality.

For some, the only difference between a classroom and a plantation is time.

How many times must we be made to feel like quotas —

Like tokens in coined phrases? —

“Diversity. Inclusion”

There are days I feel like one, like only —

A lonely blossom in a briar patch of broken promises.

But I’ve always been a thorn in the side of injustice.

Disruptive. Talkative. A distraction.

With a passion that transcends the confines of my consciousness —

Beyond your curriculum, beyond your standards.

I stand here, a manifestation of love and pain,

With veins pumping revolution.

I am the strange fruit that grew too ripe for the poplar tree.

I am a DREAM Act, Dream Deferred incarnate.

I am a movement – an amalgam of memories America would care to forget

My past, alone won’t allow me to sit still.

So my body, like the mind

Cannot be contained.

As educators, rather than raising your voices

Over the rustling of our chains,

Take them off. Un-cuff us.

Unencumbered by the lumbering weight

Of poverty and privilege,

Policy and ignorance.

I was in the 7th grade, when Ms. Parker told me,

“Donovan, we can put your excess energy to good use!”

And she introduced me to the sound of my own voice.

She gave me a stage. A platform.

She told me that our stories are ladders

That make it easier for us to touch the stars.

So climb and grab them.

Keep climbing. Grab them.

Spill your emotions in the big dipper and pour out your soul.

Light up the world with your luminous allure.

To educate requires Galileo-like patience.

Today, when I look my students in the eyes, all I see are constellations.

If you take the time to connect the dots,

You can plot the true shape of their genius —

Shining in their darkest hour.

I look each of my students in the eyes,

And see the same light that aligned Orion’s Belt

And the pyramids of Giza.

I see the same twinkle

That guided Harriet to freedom.

I see them. Beneath their masks and mischief,

Exists an authentic frustration;

An enslavement to your standardized assessments.

At the core, none of us were meant to be common.

We were born to be comets,

Darting across space and time —

Leaving our mark as we crash into everything.

A crater is a reminder that something amazing happened here —

An indelible impact that shook up the world.

Are we not astronomers — looking for the next shooting star?

I teach in hopes of turning content, into rocket ships —

Tribulations into telescopes,

So a child can see their potential from right where they stand.

An injustice is telling them they are stars

Without acknowledging night that surrounds them.

Injustice is telling them education is the key

While you continue to change the locks.

Education is no equalizer —Rather, it is the sleep that precedes the American Dream.So wake up — wake up! Lift your voicesUntil you’ve patched every hole in a child’s broken sky.Wake up every child so they know of their celestial potential.I’ve been a Black hole in the classroom for far too long;Absorbing everything, without allowing my light escape.But those days are done. I belong among the stars.And so do you. And so do they.Together, we can inspire galaxies of greatnessFor generations to come.No, sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning.Lift off.

#tbt: the story of 'black widow ...'

'black widow ...' (vcr tape dress) 

Sculpture: vcr tape, chicken wire, Size: 55 x 64 x 50" (2008)

Lucy Lippard juried this piece into the Women's Caucus for Art: "from the center” 

exhibit at the Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL Jan, 2010. 

  
In honor of 'black widow' being part of David Lee Black's Create your vision photography workshop this Sunday, I wish to share the story of 'black widow ...'

I made 'black widow ...' in 2008 when people were still using VCR tapes. Now when people see 'black widow ...' they ooo and ahhh as if VCR tapes are as old as the rotary phones.

I got the idea when I got a glimpse at the insides of one of those VCR cassette. I saw this shiny, ribbon like material and immediately thought it would make a great dress.  I noted that the VCR tape not only had this shiny black quality but it also moved with any kind of breeze and it was reflective and it also made a beautiful sound when it moved!!! All wonderful qualities to have in a material!!! And to highlight all these I decided to use a chicken wire armature for the bodice and weave the VCR tape into the chicken wire and then create the skirt by hanging endless ribbons of VCR tape.  

Now an interesting happened when I was creating the armature ...first let me share with you that whenever I start any dress I do not have a preconceived idea of the shape of the form but just 'follow' the material and the dress.  As I was working with the chickenwire, molding and twisting it into the bodice, the waist was becoming very small and the breasts were growing?!?! As I continued I realized that this dress was going to speak to the inane expectations that the media, TV, magazines, Hollywood  creates for women!!! That from the youngest age girls/women are told how to look and how to act and a majority of those messages are not healthy (although there has been a movement for more healthy images in the media for girls/women, but honestly it is still pretty nasty out there) 

So as this thought was percolating I felt the need to close off the arm holes of the bodice, as a way of symbolizing how these messages and expectations presented by the media trap and stifle women. 

Once the bodice was finished I covered it with VCR tape in one of my favorite methods, weaving and then created the skirt.  I do not know how many VCR tapes I used (wish I had kept track) and 'no' I didn't use particular movies (another question I am asked).  After creating and showing the dress I did have MANY!! people asking if I wanted there old VCR tapes. It was interesting as I believe I witnessed the ending of the VCR tape era, as the amount of tapes that I was offered was mind-blowing.  I did take many boxes because I do think that this is an awesome material.  

It seems to be weather-proof as well.  In 2012 I did a workshop with the Happy Hollow Elementary School in Wayland, MA where the Students and I created a jellyfish out of VCR tape.  Click here to see a blog post about my visit to the school!! 

A last note about 'black widow ...' is that I feel it also reflects my personal feeling about watching TV can be the death to creativity, imagination and so much more. 

Below is a bit of a blogpost from 2009, when the Starbuck's coffee cups had different quotes on them ...

13 uninterrupted years!!!! lost

This is a quote that came on my Starbuck's cup and I HAD to share.....
The Way I see It #51 ~
"Americans spend an average of 29 hours a week watching television- which means in a typical life span we devote 13 uninterrupted years to our TV sets! the biggest problem with mass media isn't low quality- it's high quantity. Cutting down to just an hour a day would provide extra years of life- for music and family, exercise and reading, conversation and coffee."
--Michael Medved, author of Right Turns & radio talk show host

That is a little over 4 hours a day which equals 13 YEARS!!!!!I am the person who, in college, learned that you spend about a quarter of your life asleep and I tried to stop sleeping - that didn't work...you need sleep, but TV?!?

So that is a bit of the backstory of 'black widow ...' and if you can come to Plymouth today and join a wonderful group of creatives taking pictures in a inspiring space with modeling and musicians!! it is an event NOT TO BE MISSED!!! XXX

Change Event Photo

MAY22

Eleventh in a series of a wonderful growing community of supportive and talented photographers of all skill levels.

We will be photographing at the amazing TreeHouse Studios of Kristin Hughes-Craig located at 84 Court Street,Plymouth, Massachusett with professional lighting, backdrops and a projection screen! 

We will be photographing the lovely model Capri Lanning-Cafaro. Capri will be interacting with artist Virginia Fitzgerald's hauntingly beautiful dress sculpture, "black widow . . ."

There will also be plenty of helpful guidance and suggestions to enhance your passion for artful photography.

Feel free to invite your friends or share this invite!

What to bring: 
Camera (All kinds of cameras are welcome)
Your creativity
Optional: Examples of work for peer review

Cost: $50

Parking is street and parking lot on side of building. Also there is a public parking lot behind Plymouth Memorial Hall across the street.

We will meet at 10:30 am for meet and greet (refreshments provided).

This just in . . .
The wildly talented @Steven Lanning-Cafaro will be playing classical and flamingo acoustic guitar for this special event!