bananas and totempoles

Okay, so I figured that since I was experience alot of new things that I would be adventurous and try a banana. For those who do not know. I hate banana's ...... but maybe this time would be different.

no.still hate bananas.

So, I am almost finished with my second series of drawings. These are much smaller and bears are still the subject, but I have added totem poles.

When I was in Chicago, I went to the Field Museum. I think that the Field Museum is the best non art museum I have ever been too. I love Inuit art and artists. Well, the museum had rooms and rooms of Inuit and Pacific Northwest Indian Art. I was in heaven. Just when I thought that my experience couldn't get any better. I walk into a dim lighted room......full of totem poles. It was so fantastic and breath taking. Although, I was torn to see them. Totem poles are real important to the Pacific Northwest people and their culture. It sort of felt a bit sac-religious, especially since totem poles are a type of grave making and family pride structure. But......I enjoyed them, just the same.

Still working on linocuts. I will probably have three or four single colored lino prints done by the time its good-bye to Canada.


Well, back to work.......

Progress !

So, I have finished a small series of drawings (3) about bear attacks ans am ready to start some new stuff. I have two artist books almost done.

Went ino town today to mail off postcards, but this little place has no mail boxes and I couldn't find the post office. Luckily someone was heading off to the p.office, so I didn't have to make another trek down there.

It is sooooooo beautiful. I finally got an instant camera so that I can take pictures. (My ditigal broke in chicago).

Bear Attacks!

So, I have had to redirect my focus because the facilities are not readily available to me. I didn't know how spoiled I was at ODU and its type collection and working wonderfully press.

Right now I have started working on a series of drawings about a bear attack (oh! canada!) I am really enjoying these. I think that now that I am refreshed, after these drawings I can returen to the linocuts and printmaking.

Hope in the Background...

The day passing quickly

Okay, so went for a little walk into town today. Banff is inside a National Park, so there is only 8,000 residents. It is quite magical walking down Banff's Main Street. The candy shops and toy shops and oh, yeah the tourist shops. It was enjoyable.

When I walk outside of my lodgings I am struck by a large mountain of snow. It touches the clouds and disappears in the atmosphere. I wonder if anyone or anything has ventured onto this massive structure before me. I turn away, only to see more mountains. I am surrounded. Or am I being protected?

Ah! now to the art. Well, since the whole type thing is now an issue, I am having to redirect my steps and course of action. Will I be doctor Frankinstein and create a monster? who knows. After I am done with a print set, I have to wait to dry, so I have been working on my artists books. Strange....but honestly, I am quite fond of this books, I really am.

Okay. It is back to work. Oh, yeah......it snowed again today.

work in progress

The type and the machine

Okay, so today I had to go through the printshop orientation. I saw the letterpress, much smaller than the one at ODU, but it doesn't look to hard to use. The type is another situation. All the type is 14 pt. or less. (that's 4 drawers) The 18 pt (three drawers), not a complete set. Okay. This may have to get creative. Printmaking = Having to Problem Solve. I have two blocks ready for proofing, so tomarrow I will worry about this lack of type situation. A small setback......but not a dead end.

Oh! here's the Chicago "Simultaneous" show Postcard

Banff, snowing, and confusion

Okay
So, here I am. finally at the Banff Centre. I wont bore you with the details of my nightmarish trip from Chcago to Calgary.....so I will move on.

I arrive.

I really dont know where anything is. In fact, I can't seem to find the people that I need to find.

Its snowing.

I fumble around for awhile and figure out that I have to get an identification card. Smile! the guy said. I wasn't sure if I was in a smiling mood.

Its snowing.

I look at my Hello Kitty watch that is beginning to chaff my wrist from the constant rubbing of the band againist my skin. It's almost five. I am starving and I don't want to wait for dinner, so I find "The Kiln." I walk in and to my relief see fresh sandwiches and veggies. After talking to the girl behind the counter, complaining that I might be in the twilight zone version of Banff, when she tells me that its a holiday. A holiday! No one I cant find anyone and everything seems to be shut down. ugh! I grab my hummus and water and rush to my studio.

Its snowing and my cheeks are starting to prickle.

Finally. here I am. I in my studio. Ready and Raring to go!!!!!!!!!! Its going to be a long night of sketches, but the idea of this only brings me glee. I just want to make some art