Heart Opening Sculpture
Cardboard, Newspaper, Masking Tape, Paper Mache Clay, and Montana Gold Spray Paint

Charka Art wheatpaste at The Studio Reno...

Hydraphilia

Gail Wight

Before attending Wight’s exhibition, I had a predisposed concept that I would be viewing photographs or some sort of still art.  I was surprised to walk into a pitch black installation room to see a video installation.  In retrospect, there is no other choice to show the exotic work of Wight; however, I am pleased that I was unprepared because the surprise was far more pleasant than perhaps my expectations would have been.

The dark, humidified room set the perfect tone to sit back and witness 9 screens working as one video, as separate videos, and sometimes, as videos mirroring one another.  Some images glimmered while others pulsated in deep hues, persisting in their transformations.  Almost as if watching fireworks in slow motion, vibrant oranges and blood reds sparkled, illuminating bright flakes of gold.  With branch like limbs, there were moments of tree-esque imagery that altered in shape and color as though experiencing the seasons.  At other moments, the imagery seemed grotesque and mocking as though it was my own internal body that preceded my own intelligence.  And then, quite unexpectedly, the imagery would turn magical.  Gorgeous blue elucidated the negative space as Van-Gogh’s “Almond Blossoms” came to life in all of its glory.  Sparkling like precious gems, the vibrant imagery was meditative and inspiring.  Finding peace, the imagery would again transform in a seamless yet shocking manner.  Clouds indicating an explosion would appear complimented by oozing lava-like forms.  As the image swelled and developed my conscious was forced to reinvent my association with the imagery: sexual pulses, nuclear explosions, Mickey Mouse ears, commits in outer space, and the goo from Ghost Busters.

The time-lapse videos of Wight were stunning, contemplative, seducing and fantastical.  Her show title, meaning “many headed” and referring to the Greek myth of a 9 headed monster who grew back 2 heads when one was lopped off, was simultaneously beautiful and morbid echoing Wight’s intention.  Slime mold will forever be more endearing that before my encounter; however, it is Wight’s artwork and insight that are truly commending.         



Reflection:

Why did it make me so angry the way Brian approached the art?  Reflecting on the installation experience, there was so much positive energy.  People were walking by smiling and there was an energy of excitement and intrigue.  I was putting up my art, not just for myself, but to put a smile on the faces of our community.  I have spent thousands of hours learning about the psychology of perception, ancient Buddhist and Native American philosophies to enhance life, the power of education, and the execution of art.  I do this because I have passion and I am driven, AND I am very aware of my responsibility toward the energy that I place in this world, and I work to ensure that that energy is positive. 

Sure it was awesome of Brian to give me the green light, but the way he gave me the red light was selfish, self-centered, and egotistical. 

He gave me an irrelevant rundown of his rent, his square footage, his lease, and on and on as argument for what? How expensive two 60x40” areas of real estate were that I apparently infringed on?  He was so concerned about himself that he never once considered our community. 

What happens when we no longer care about our friends, our city, and our world? To be unaware that the people of the world are disconnected from us enables the narcissistic frenzy to establish status and acquire material objects for oneself without realizing the consequences. 

Art makes people happy.  Art is powerful beyond knowledge and persists across time.  Wake up, get over yourself, and make this world better.

I hate to say this, but I understand now why some artists simply do not ask for permission.        

Yoga Chakra Mats idea proposal and video submission for Manduka Yoga Mat Company...

Last night I went to the BLCC to install my outdoor art (after recieving permission) and while we were there looking at the space, it was decided that placing the art up high (after being offered a ladder) would look amazing and be more amazing if I put up some portraits instead of my abstract, chakra art. 

The chakra art just didn't seem right for the space, so i contacted the owner of the art studio where I teach to see if she would be willing to let me put the art up at her place...she was completely into it!

So, with a new plan, I went ahead and installed two large portaits outside of the BLCC.  People were walking by, smiling, making positive comments, and overall it was a great experience!

Then this morning, I get several long text messages from the owner about how the art is placed up t0o high and he goes on to explain his rent, square footage, his potentially upset landlord, his partner who already tried to get them down, and how I need to get down there ASAP to take down the art.

I must say I am amused at how easily people become offended and stressed out about art...art that is temporary, expected and is removed with water...it's not offensive and it's not rocket science.

What is it with art????

Camel Pose 3D Animation

Banksy Wheatpaste...practice

Wild flower wheat paste

My large chakra installation is scheduled to be installed tomorrow (Wednesday). 

My video for Manduka will be finished this week. We need to finish up the voice over and final edits. 

PEPAKURA...meet with Clint for printing and building steps.

In two weeks I will have:

Documentation of my large chakra wheatpaste installation

Pepakura 3D model

Chakra yoga Mat video proposal

Maye picture of flowers beginning to grow around flower paper wheatpaste art. 





MFA Lecture

Two Cats in Real Life or Cattitude

Amerique Powell

Ribbon - 84” x 48” - oil on canvas - 2012

It was clear from the beginning that Amerique Powell’s lecture was going to be her own way.  With a huge smile on her face, she casually began her presentation as if talking to room of friends.  Her oversized paintings of cats is a loaded topic and not in a profound sort of way, but more in a YouTube video or crazy lady kind of way.  Powell was quick to address contemporary ideology of these felines with a run through of a history of cat paintings.  Powell was smart to take control of her content through an undeniably, serious association.  Immediately perceptions changed, although some of the content remained quite funny.

            Powell took her time taking art seriously, bouncing around through undergraduate majors.  Her carefree attitude quickly changed when she committed herself to earning a BFA.  A true lover of painting, Powell is inspired by color and pattern, but first and foremost color.  She began painting abstract grid patterns that evolved into plaid.  Obsessed with plaid, this pattern would continue to show up on her paintings and on her own body for quite some time.  With an attitude that more is more, nothing could be too busy for Powell’s paintings.  Before earning her BFA, she had experimented with incorporating a cat into an art piece.  Her professor was horrified so she moved on to other content, although secretly, she loved her painting.

            At UNR, working on her MFA, Powell continued to show interest in creating oversized paintings of pattern.  She was encouraged to add elements of realism.  The organized chaos of her work was elucidated by natural colors juxtaposed with candy-like colors, adding an element of hyper-realism.  At her MFA midway, Powell stepped back into the higher learning “uncomfort” zone of cats.  Although the pieces weren’t shunned, they weren’t well received either.  She needed to push it further and really make a statement…and did she ever! 

            Powell’s intuitive paintings grew larger in size, louder in color, unexpected in design, and forceful with energy.  Gift Wrap exposes a vortex of color, something Powell fantasizes about as a reality for her cats’ perception, wrapped around the sweet and silky qualities of her pet.   Tower is in your face, mixing Klimt style patterns with 80’s cartoon’s electrical play.  Powell truly exposes the dynamics of her inner world in an effortlessly, thrilling application.  Her world is as unique and whimsical as her paintings, and although the joke might be on the viewer, it’s with the very best intentions. 

Question:

You mentioned in the promotion for the show that your intention is to trick the viewer, can you elaborate on this?

Answer:

Trick is kind of a negative word, but I want to pull people in to like it even if they don’t want too. 

This past week, I was a little off task getting my goals accomplished because I had the opportunity to move forward with my yoga mat proposal...

Hi Han,

First off, thank you so much for collaborating with me on this project and taking my offer to trade a drawing of your kids! I feel really good about presenting my idea in an engaging and inspiring way with your help.  Below is a video from the Manduka website for their only artistic, limited edition collection.  I want to do something similiar that will really allow the viewer to experience the art and  understand the concept.  I am attaching images of the actual art made and have an overhead video shot of the original art being created (but will have to give you the CD, its 45mins).  I also have a quick write up I will post below, not sure if its right but their may be individual words/phrases that could?

Let me know if you have any questions, otherwise I will call you Sunday!  Your artistic opinion is appreciated!

http://www.manduka.com/us/lyrics/

Thank you!!!
Ashley

The deep, inward journey of yoga occurs through many layers and over time. Sometimes the
intention is known, but it can never be expected. The ability to quiet one’s own mind and focus
on the greater good is empowering. However, the silent takeover and miraculous phenomenon
that occurs when the body becomes connected with the mind is truly a spiritual awakening. As
we discover our true essence, we become increasingly aware of ourselves and our journeys.
We become accountable for the energy we place into the world and are mindful as our energy
knowingly branches forth. Believing in ourselves and our worth opens the doors to the abundant
powers of our chakras. For it does not just change who we are, but it enhances the world around
us. Through yoga, the chakras can be exercised, revealed and elucidated. The chakra art project
is a memory of an intention to spread all that is positive into the now. The path is as real as the
art is raw. Explore, own who you are and recognize the inward light.

The video should be finished tomorrow...today I am working on Pepakura!!!

Next Wednesday I am scheduled to do my large installation at BLCC

And...wheatpasting on trees! I used carrot seed sheets that were 3/4" wide, which I temporarily taped together to draw on.  I used an image of my friends daughter holding a huge bushel of carrots.  I used charcoal pencil and then sharpy markers.  Drawing on theis paper was extremely difficult.  It was flimsy and more difficult than paper towel.  The seeds did not help.  I heard that wild flower sheets are much bigger which could make a huge difference...they are ordered...we'll see!

On order:

25, 8.5x11" Wildflower Seed Embedded Recycled Lotka Printer Paper' by Earth

 



For next week...
Pepakura...need to get  to a placwe where I am building!!!!
Chakra art...get my first big art up and put up wheatpaste using seeded paper (waiting to get confirmation that I can place art on BLCC's wall).

Holland Project

I will be teaching a yoga class at the Holland Project and displaying the chakra art pieces for a fundraiser for a single mother who is raising funds to get her yoga teacher training (can be expensive ~$5,000.00)

This fundraiser will give me an opportunity to further communicate ideas and recieve feedback about the chakra art.

Eco-friendly Graffiti

There is a seeded paper that one can purchase to plant and grow flowers (or whatever the seeds are).  I was up in Tahoe and was envisioning my chakra art on trees off of hiking trails.  I don't want to harm the trees or leave liter...so I was thinking that if I purchased this seeded paper to then print my art off on and into sections to keep it big, I could use wheatpaste and when the rain came it would simply spread seeds and offer growth.  Could be cool??!!!

Trial Run...Chakra Miniatures

Pepakura Trial Run...

For my Pepakura, I found this 3D model of Ustrasana, Camel Pose:
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html

Root Chakra

Sacral Chakra

Navel Chakra

Heart Chakra

Throat Chakra

3rd Eye Chakra

Crown Chakra

7 in a Row

www.copyright.gov...Done!!!

The following files were successfully uploaded for service request 1-749370211:

• Root chakra.jpg
• Sacral chakra.jpg
• Navel chakra.jpg
• heart chakra.jpg
• throat chakra.jpg
• 3rd eye.jpg
• crown chakra.jpg

Please note the service request number above for future reference.

I picked up a camera from Clint on Friday but unfortunately was too sick over the weekend to use it.  I returned it for presentations today which I am not feeling well enough to go to, so will need to pick it up again this week.

My timeline:

3/27 Project #2 Presentation of my spiritual street art and sculpture installation

4/03 Found 3D model to begin Pepakura, have photographs of my chakra art to begin printing and begin wheatpasting (need to make up), get copyrights!!            

4/10 Continue wheatpasting (allowing the art to evolve with words or whatever it calls for...letting it be organic) and Pepakura

4/17 Continue wheatpasting and should be building Pepakura (my original art should be installed at this time in The Studio for additional feedback)         

4/24  Continue Wheatpasting, focusing now on where I want my final documentation and Pepakura installation to be         

5/01   Pepakura is complete and installed this week (I will have documentation for the crit and also for the journey of the art as a way to track their impact for my yoga mat idea pitch)

5/08 Final CRITIQUE/PROJECT #2 Due

Project #2

Bringing spiritual art out into the community...

The images created from the first half of the semester have a strong social power, both in their creation and in their relationship to all people.  From the beginning, I could easily imagine this artwork on yoga mats.  Those who practice yoga and have a knowing of the chakras, tend to favor a certain chakra.  And as people change, so do their ideals and the areas they work on, both on the mat and off.  Initially, I was planning on creating a website, which a may still do, but the champion yoga mat company, Manduka, has in the past worked directly with artists.  My first step will be to put together a package to present my art to this company:

• take photographs, digitally enhance
• get a public response (through exhibition at the yoga studio)
• write up a clear, concise statement
• COPYRIGHT (7)
• create a website?

During this time, I will also play around with my images out in public spaces through Wheatpaste application.  I plan on photographing the original art and printing off replicas to place around the community.  I see these images on walls, sidewalks, in playgrounds, along the river, crossing the street...

Wheatpaste recipe:
4 tbsp flour
1/2 c cold water
1 c hot water
1 tbsp sugar
1 brush
image
surface
 Mix flour and cold water together then add mixture to hot water on stove, turn on stove and stir until boiling, turn heat off, cool mixture and add sugar to enhance consistency.  Apply wheatpaste to surface, apply image and then apply wheatpaste in top of image.

I will also use pepakura to build a scultpure emulating one of the yoga poses used in the chakra art project to also place out in the community.  The strongest of the poses could be a heart opening posture that shows the clear intention of exposing the chest towards the sky.  I visualize applying the wheatpaste graffiti and then placing this sculpture in the same place...perhaps wingfield.



Something about the art...why make it public?

The deep, inward journey of yoga occurs through many layers and over time.  Sometimes the intention is known, but it can never be expected.  The ability to quiet one’s own mind and focus on the greater good is empowering.  However, the silent takeover and miraculous phenomenon that occurs when the body becomes connected with the mind is truly a spiritual awakening.  As we discover our true essence, we become increasingly aware of ourselves and our journeys.  We become accountable for the energy we place into the world and are mindful as our energy knowingly branches forth.  Believing in ourselves and our worth opens the doors to the abundant powers of our chakras.  For it does not just change who we are, but it enhances the world around us.  Through yoga, the chakras can be exercised, revealed and elucidated.  The chakra art project is a memory of an intention to spread all that is positive into the now.  The path is as real as the art is raw.  Explore, own who you are and recognize your light.  

Erik Burke Lecture

March 8, 2012

My Piece is Still Running

May 2009
Brooklyn, NY
aerosol paint on cotton
digital video 4 min.

Erik Burke is an artist who truly lives his art.  From where he is to what he applies, the transition is fluid in reality and intention.  Beginning his graffiti career at an elementary age, the idea of marking was natural.  As he grew older, Erik discovered his love of skateboarding which would eventually lead his career into the art world.  Skateboarding is explorative and encompasses an underground culture of risk takers and thrill seekers.  Skateboarding journeys opened Erik's eyes to new and unmarked public spaces.  The romanticization that artwork could be as ephemeral as his brief encounters was all too enticing.  

Erik’s conceptual journey would begin as simplistic, artistic offerings for the people to fill with their own intuitive meanings.  Eventually, the imagery would evolve into visual expressions of Erik's own identity but not without understanding that repetitive acts and events engrain the conscious of the community and that the idea of self and others is as fluid as his talent.  Erik's theme of space and identity manifested itself into numerous remarkable and episodic works marking the globe.  

His obsession with painting a triangular, flying carpet type object would only be altered through whitty verbage to reinvent the space.  Erik has the eye to personify, transform, and recreate the everyday into something rather fantastical.  His photograph of two trucks in a lot with the phrase “it’s just not the same without you” spread equally across the two, is just an example of his playful yet extraordinary perception.  As his work grew more sophisticated, so did the great lengths he would take to achieve the work.  His thousand mile bike rides were elucidated by socially engaged work, inspired by the people and sometimes collaborated.  His “house people” only emerged at the end of his journey when his own wantings yearned for stillness and comfort.  

Although Erik’s work ranges from quick tags to grandiose portraits, he moves without fear and listens to the desires of the space.  Erik is as free as he is creative, living by his own standards and embracing the canvases of the world.  

Final Show

The show happened at night and had a nice mix of soft and focal light.  The room remained dark enough in specific areas to not interfere with the best viewing quality of the ongoing video. 

Getting ready for this show was one of the most stressful shows that I have done for two reasons: limited time and the enormous amount of time it took to export the video. 

Initially I planned on usi9ng Eyecon and was exporting each individual sequence at about 2.5 hours per video.  The more I played with Eyecon the more chaotic the videos and sound became.  After exporting all but one video, I decided to make one long video where the sequences would run in order from beginning to end.  In the end, I was thrilled that I made that decision as many viewers were content to sit and watch the video in its entirety and offer dialogue to the performance aspect as well as the art. 

Overall, I spent 2 full days sometimes up to 10 hours in the computer lab making the video.  I pulled the exhibition off with about 20 minutes to change my clothes and act as calm and collected as possible.  I recieved a lot of positive responses throughout the night and everyone agreed that this project could lead to much bigger things.

Week 6

Last night we completed the performance aspect of the chakra painting project. It was amazing and incredibly exhausting! Each girl took about an hour from the start of hair and makeup to the completion of their performance and painting.  As soon as hair and makeup was done I went over their sequence with them, I then painted their bodies, ran upstairs turned on the video camer, ran back downstairs went through their sequences with them, ran upstairs to turn the camera off and then would begin with the next girl until I finally went last.  My bathroom, by the way, looked like a rainbow exploded or muppets were slaughtered...it was a child's dream. 

My garage worked out as an amazing place to shoot the performance and all the girls were so excited about the space they all voted to hold the actual exhibition there as well. Could be interesting!

 

So far: I have edited the videos but need to overlay sounds that I found off the web:
root chakra- bumble bee sounds
sacral chakra- wooden flute
navel chakra- string instrument
heart chakra- bells
throat chakra- wind blowing through trees
third eye chakra- waves crashing on the beach
crown chakra- Om

I will then be ready to set up the eyecon program into my computer and begin setting up my garage. It looks like the exhibition will have to be Saturday or Sunday night...leaning toward Saturday.

I am still collecting photos and videos that the girls took with their phones as the second perspective to include in the event. I have allowed this to happen organically, in that they naturally uploaded them to facebook where I will retrieve them. The great thing about this is the enormous amount of commentary that is occuring as a result. This social aspect has been the most unexpected and yet most important part of the chakra installation. While the paintings are aphysical memory of intention, the social is a documentation of the relationship between the inward and outward journey opf the psyche, ego and spirit...this is the process of breaking through the chakras. Additionally, they will each submit a quote that will add to the intimacy, as the quotes are directed toward the audeience at the installation.

Additionally I purchased: sevenyogamats.com and 7yogamats.com

After paintings are complete, I'm thinking about turning them into graffiti art to share the images.  Perhaps a wheat paste application of a life size print of the paintings??  I have a location where I may be able do do my first installation.

Week 5

Last week was a big week as far as making all the final preparations to shoot the performance.  I officially have all my paint supplies and girls dialed in on their sequences.  This week is dedicated to practice shots with a camera I rented from TLT as well as establishing my final exhibition vision for the incorporation of Eyecon. 
Biggest issue is the date of the final exhibtion.  I was originally hoping for it to happen on March 11th, however there are booking issues that the owner just informed me about.  Could be problematic for my fianl crit. 
Thinking past the final crit, my ultimate goal is to turn this project into a business and produce actual yoga mats with this art.  There is a huge market for this product and nothing like it!  I have been doing a lot of research and it seems to me that the door is wide open.  As soon as this project is completed, I will be filing a copyright with the government! 

Week 4

The Paint:  
Initially I had purchased acrylic paint to mix with a gel medium.  However, after talking to my hair stylist Kate, and a body painting artist, Edin, it became apparent that acrylic could be a difficult medium to work with and could ruin our hair if it got in it.  I decided to head over to Ace Hardware where I picked up latex paint.  This paint is slow drying and easily comes off the body and does not crack when it dries on the skin. 

The test run:
Using an extra canvas and the latex paint, 2 girls came over to help go through the test run.  I was covered in turquoise paint from neck to toe.  Stepping on the canvas, my first reaction was how slippery the pain felt.  The postures had to become more slow moving and calculated.  As the paint began to dry on my body, it became increasingly sticky and in some cases moved the canvas as I pulled up. 
I was concerned about the paint drying and felt rushed, however, after looking at the end result, I believe that not only is the drying paint not a concern, but it makes the painting kind of nice in its variations of saturation. 

The sequences:
Because doing yoga covered in paint on canvas is challenging, there are modifications that need to be made to my original sequences.  I was also concerned that the having same sun salutation postures within each sequence may have been too dominating in their mark making not allowing for each painting to be as unique as I wanted.  To figure this question out, the girls repainted me and we went through a different sequence.  I was covered in the same color paint although in reality these will be different, but it helped to see how different the marks actually are. 
It turned out that the paintings are not only very different, by they speak to their intentions in very interesting ways.

 The Throat Chakra on the canvas with gesso

The Root Chakra (will be in red paint) on the natural canvas

The Process:
Throughout my planning of the project, I did not anticipate the social, spiritual conversations and connections that would occur between the girls who are participating.  Almost immediately, their were very insightful and creative conversations that ran deep and shared a common holsitic thread.  Over the course of the test run, there were conversations that stemmed from sexuality to racism to overcoming traumas and the dominoe affect of energy.  I stood back and watched as these intelligent women spoke of profound concepts and their high awareness of life.
Because not everyone can understand what the chakras or yoga truly mean, it can be frustrating to convey such a meaningful and serious message without sounding redundant or preachy.  I believe that the best way to share what this project truly means to ask the girls to offer a quote for their chakra that they help create to share at the exhibition.  I think it will be touching and inspiring and as unique but as unified as they are.

Why Women?
Although I have not fully explored this concept, I did read an interesting article in Yoga Journal.  Apparently, in the West, 77% of yoga practitioners are women.  The article outlined many reasons why, along the lines of the actual postures and holistic body movements, the discussion of feeling and the exploration of one's inner spiritual side.  Women tend to naturally understand yoga as a whole as they are more naturally connected to their bodies and their bodies rituals, as well as being more nurturing, sensitive and emotional.  In my classes alone, I often have 1 man to every 10 women. 
Because these paintings need to be as authentic and true to the yoga postures and their connections to the chakras, it is critical that the performers are able to embrace and truly feel what the process means.  Furthermore, the idea of offering and giving of oneself is innately feminine which is found in our own infantile experiences with the female body. 
Aesthetically, the female figure is beautiful and pleasing to look at, while it seems that the nude male body can add a level of discomfort for the audience, as men are socially dominant and nudity is equivelent to volnurability.

Technology:
I met with Clint ot discuss Eyecon and will head down to TLT to rent a video camera and recieve training.