Art in the Yard

I've wanted to host one of Deeann's workshops for some time. Since the weather was so incredibly nice, we chose to set up in the backyard. We learned about collage, layering, and mixed media techniques including beeswax and assemblage. 

It looks like we're having an art picnic. It was a great time.

Above is my nearly finished piece from the workshop. 

Vroom! I'm ready to hit the road.

So I've got a new(er) car and not a moment too soon. My 1993 Honda Civic hatchback with over 175,000 miles died. Not completely, but there was something seriously wrong and it barely made the short drive to Bruce Wholesale Motor Co from my house. I got next to nothing for it but I'm just glad to have it off my hands. It was bleeding me dry.

My newer car is a 2003 Volvo wagon V70 with 101,000 miles. Say hello to the Fudge-mobile art hauler - extended canvas edition. Holy cow. It's like going from a size small to XL. Not to mention clunker to classy.

I'm taking her camping this weekend to Blanchard Springs in the Ozark National Forest. And no, I haven't given her a name yet. It's too early in the relationship. Though I feel it should start with a "V". 


Before it gets too hot and buggy, I'll need to take her to the Summer Drive in for a double feature. When you have a hatchback, it's like tailgating when you go. It's going to be so much fun. 

And of course, HUGE canvas hauling is planned. I'm not exactly sure what i can fit but possibly a 4ft x 6ft one. I'm smiling just thinking about it. But before I do that I need to finish some preliminary sketches for a children's book that 2 friends are helping write and produce with me. (No. Seriously, I cant believe it either. More info to come.)

Just about ready for Art Roadtrip 2010

You may recall that I'm planning a roadtrip this summer. There were a few big ticket items that I felt I needed to make the trip better. A digital camera is a must for documenting the experience and gathering inspiration. I mean what roadtrip is complete without a slideshow when you get back? A backpacking tent and sleeping bag would be great to have as a cheap alternative to staying in a hotel. Also, the state and national parks in the area that I've driving through are incredibly beautiful. 


Well, through saving up and a couple art sales, I've purchased my new tent and digital camera. The tent was the most expensive purchase and the hardest to select. How big do I need it to be? I plan to use it later on camping and backpacking trips. So how lightweight does it need to be? What features do I need? Etc. Thankfully, I have my brother Robert to guide me through the selection process. Not only did he use to work at Outdoors Inc. (a local backpacking store), he also spends probably more nights under a tent each year than under a roof. This past fall and spring, he's been working 8 days on and 6 days off as a trail crew foreman with the national forestry service and has worked the past few summers at Philmont scout ranch as a trail crew forman. All this to say, he knows what gear to get and what to avoid. 


So here is the tent I ordered:

REI Half Dome 2 Plus

I can't wait! I'm going to take this tent for a test run camp out in a couple of weeks. I haven't gone on a camping trip in... wow I think it's been 2 years. That's ridiculous! It's a 2 person tent but it's one of the roomier backpacking ones I could find. With 2 vestibules, there's ample space to store gear. I'll likely be using it more on my own than with a second person anyway.

Now if I could just find a good car. 

   

So I'm at this gallery and the manager hangs me a big wad of cash.

So I'm at a gallery and the manager hangs me a wad of cash and the keys to his car. Sounds really strange doesn't it. If you knew that I was at the 409 Gallery where Chris Reed is the manager, this isn't as surprising. 


So last Friday is the South Main Art Trolley Tour when all of the galleries down there have art openings, I'm down there with Elizabeth just enjoying the evening and nice weather. So we stop in the 409 Gallery where Chris Reed is the gallery manager. If you recall, last month I had 6 paintings showing there. So I'm checking out the new art, haven't even seen the whole layout yet, and I'm even in the middle of a conversation with one of the artists when Chris interrupts: 


"Fudge, here is some money. Do you know where the Corkscrew wine market is? Would you drive over there right away and buy some more wine? Here are the keys to my car. It's out front. Like at 6 magnum bottles. It doesnt matter. Just be quick. And here is my wallet too and credit card in case you need it." 


If you don't know Chris, he's a very intense guy. So you need to imagine that all being said in a take charge, rushed and urgent tone - like we need bandages for this man STAT. I'm standing there a little shocked and thinking odd request but  a.) this is Chris and b.) we're good friends and i probably owe him a favor anyway since he included me in the last show. 


The artist that's next to me has look of OMG Chris are you insane. Chris turns to her and says something like "It's okay. I know Richard well and trust him." But it did look like Chris just asked some random gallery patron to make a beer run. Elizabeth has a WTF look on her face. And Chris turns to her and gives a shurg, "One of the dangers of hanging out with an artist." I'm still standing there thinking - are you serious, Chris? 


Then Chris literally hands me a wad of cash that is about the size of a softball or grapefruit. It's all crumpled ones from the tip jar. And he's shooing us out the door. Elizabeth and I get in his car and head over to the wine market. She's smoothing out and counting all the money and I'm praying to God that nothing happens to the car. Driving other people's cars always makes me a bit nervous. You dont know how they handle and got forbid you get into an accident or something. I select the cheapest magnum bottles and go check out. It feels sorta awkward buying 6 bottles of cheap wine with a ton of one dollar bills. So i tell the guy at the checkout counter that the gallery ran out of wine. 

So back to the gallery but someone has taken my parking place. I pull up in front of the gallery and one of the artists in the show is waiting to take the wine from me. It's a drive by wine drop. After returning Chris his keys, wallet, and the change, I head out before they put me to work again. Who knew that an art opening could be so adventurous. 

Downtown Presbyterian - Memphis, TN

Downtown Presbyterian Church is currently located at 525 South Main St. I believe they are in the process of moving to another space in that area. I think this is very unfortunate considering that they are so visible in their current space and can take part in the monthly art openings. That is how I found out about them. I think it is a great way for them to participate in that area, be a part of the community, and build awareness of their church. They are already using the space to display artwork. The current space was a retail store front. It makes for a unique (although small)  space. I think it'll be a shame if they have to move. 

Memphis is such a small town. The pastor Richard Rieves is related to Loyd and Deeann Rieves. Deeann has had 2 art shows at my church. Andreana Brown is also on staff there and I know her from when she worked at Hope where I go to church. I havent been to one of Downtown Pres.'s services but I want to check it out some time soon. 

Above are photos from Haiti that are on display currently with other art work. How cute is the top photo of the little kid. 

My car is depressed and going suicidal

Maybe the letter to my car was too soon and too harsh. Yesterday, i noticed that it was overheating. When i stopped to see what was the matter, i discovered a hose going from the coolant reserve tank to the radiator had disconnected. Thankfully, there was an Autozone nearby and i was able to top everything off and secure the hose with a clamp.

Today, i left the headlights on when i got to work. this is common for me since the car doesnt beep to let you know that you've left the lights on. So at lunch, the  battery was low and needed a jump. I asked a guy who was getting in his car to lend me a hand. I had jumper cables. So he pulls up, pops the hood, and takes the cables to attach to his battery (like he knows what he's doing). I attach the other clamps to mine and go to start the car. NOTHING happens. this is odd because 2 seconds ago it would at least try to start. I get out of my car and ask, "did you put your cables on the right way?" Dude's replay, "whoops, they're backwards." Whoops!!! You just fried my car dude. Thanks. Hopefully, its just some blown fuses. If its the fuses, a new battery, and God knows what else.... Goodbye Stanley - my 93 honda civic hatchback.

What really gets me is if i were still married, my wife and i could share her car for a short spell while this gets sorted and i find a new vehicle.

Sincerely,
a really grumpy fellow.