It's hard to write about art when you aren't doing much of it lately (although I have some ideas for crafty stuff to put on Etsy).
I've spent the last two weeks driving back and forth from Portland. I have secured a nice apartment in a nice area and I am super excited to move. I like the city better every time I go there. Every single person I've told, (with one exception) has been excited for me and exclaimed over how much they like the city. I've spent the last six years Seattle or Tacoma (which is like Seattle but with self-worth issues). There's lots of stuff that I like about Seattle, and I've always said that it's a nice place to visit...but I wouldn't want to live here.
Portland just seems like a friendly and pleasant place. Plus it has Powell's. And a volcano inside the city limits. A volcano. There's a vet hospital and/or pet store on every corner where there isn't a park, and they have public transportation. I mean, Seattle has buses, and I'm from a place with no public transportation besides the one little bus that drives students and the elderly the 45 miles into town so they can go grocery shopping, so Seattle's public transportation seemed good enough to me. But other people from other cities seem to constantly complain about it, so I'm excited to see how much difference it makes.
The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the actual moving. I need to throw a lot of stuff away, and send more to the Goodwill, and maybe sell some stuff on Craigslist. My really broken laptop that I've dragged around for the last three years or so, I decided to send to cashforlaptops.com. They recycle/properly dispose of them, which I was never sure how to do, so even if I don't actually get cash back, it'll be out of my hands and in the hands of someone hopefully competant. I'll let ya'll know how it works out.
And speaking of just random stuff, I just started playing PMOG! It's a Passively Multi-Player Online Game, where the whole of the internet is your game world, and you play by surfing the way you normally do. I've been enjoying it.
I've finally got a picture of my cardboard dragon in progress, but my internet lately seems to be thrashing in its death throws (I hope it's the internet and not my computer...) and uploading it is currently an impossibility. Next time. I should finish it before I move, I can really justify hauling all that cardboard that far...
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Crazy Kinda Poetry
Yesterday my girlfriend and I went to see Lucy's Legacy, the current main exhibit at PacSci. It was really, really cool. The first half covered the history of Ethiopia which was pretty cool in its own right, 3.8 million year old bones found there not withstanding.
The second half was about fossils, and how they're dated, and how they could tell that Lucy was a biped based on the position of the skull in relation to the base of the spine. There was a cool CGI animation of the skeletons of a chimp, a human, and Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), and how they (probably) walk. There were cool skulls from various species of bipedal primates, some of whom went on to evolve into us, some of whom did not.
The actual Lucy was, well... a box of dimly lit bones. But the exhibit did a fantastic job of making you feel the import of this discovery. I got teary. There was also a really cool life size sculpture of Lucy. There was an exhibit past the gift shop (where I manfully did not buy the "I Love Lucy" t-shirt, no matter how awesome I thought it was) all about the sculptor and the work he's done around the world for various history museums and things and that was pretty cool too.
Anyway. After the exhibit we went to the ballet (Jewels, for people who know stuff about ballet). The GF is a ballerina and she was excited that this one had no plot, just choreography. She said when she listens to music she imagines the choreography in her head, so this would be simple since she wouldn't have to make it up herself.
I had never been to a ballet before. Well, ok, I went to the ballet version of Edward Scissorhands at the 5th last year, but I'm not sure that counts. I shall be honest. This was not the best ballet ever. I enjoyed it, there were some cool parts, but the music was too quiet. You have a stage full of people floating around basically doing insane things and making it look ridiculously easy, but when you can hear each "thud!" when they land it ruins the illusion somewhat.
In the first movement though, they were wearing the style of costume that all of Degas' ballerinas had, and watching them I itched for my sketch pad. No wonder he spent so much time studying them. And of course being a genius and a bastard he was able to capture all the perfect floaty movements they made. I am now doubly resolved to get permission to sit in and draw at the GF's dance class.
But the really nice part of the evening was the walk back to parking. We discussed the ballet, and I decided that though the ballet was not as awesome as the exhibit (and perhaps a bit of a let down to the GF) that there was a beautiful symmetry to all of it. We started with the very roots of humanity. Walking upright freed our arms and fingers from bearing loads, allowed them to become more delicate and dextrous, and to use tools. It freed up our diaphrams so that we could develope speech, and song. And then to close the evening we rejoiced in a pure expression of all those qualities and abilities that are unique to our species.
Lucy's legacy indeed.
The second half was about fossils, and how they're dated, and how they could tell that Lucy was a biped based on the position of the skull in relation to the base of the spine. There was a cool CGI animation of the skeletons of a chimp, a human, and Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), and how they (probably) walk. There were cool skulls from various species of bipedal primates, some of whom went on to evolve into us, some of whom did not.
The actual Lucy was, well... a box of dimly lit bones. But the exhibit did a fantastic job of making you feel the import of this discovery. I got teary. There was also a really cool life size sculpture of Lucy. There was an exhibit past the gift shop (where I manfully did not buy the "I Love Lucy" t-shirt, no matter how awesome I thought it was) all about the sculptor and the work he's done around the world for various history museums and things and that was pretty cool too.
Anyway. After the exhibit we went to the ballet (Jewels, for people who know stuff about ballet). The GF is a ballerina and she was excited that this one had no plot, just choreography. She said when she listens to music she imagines the choreography in her head, so this would be simple since she wouldn't have to make it up herself.
I had never been to a ballet before. Well, ok, I went to the ballet version of Edward Scissorhands at the 5th last year, but I'm not sure that counts. I shall be honest. This was not the best ballet ever. I enjoyed it, there were some cool parts, but the music was too quiet. You have a stage full of people floating around basically doing insane things and making it look ridiculously easy, but when you can hear each "thud!" when they land it ruins the illusion somewhat.
In the first movement though, they were wearing the style of costume that all of Degas' ballerinas had, and watching them I itched for my sketch pad. No wonder he spent so much time studying them. And of course being a genius and a bastard he was able to capture all the perfect floaty movements they made. I am now doubly resolved to get permission to sit in and draw at the GF's dance class.
But the really nice part of the evening was the walk back to parking. We discussed the ballet, and I decided that though the ballet was not as awesome as the exhibit (and perhaps a bit of a let down to the GF) that there was a beautiful symmetry to all of it. We started with the very roots of humanity. Walking upright freed our arms and fingers from bearing loads, allowed them to become more delicate and dextrous, and to use tools. It freed up our diaphrams so that we could develope speech, and song. And then to close the evening we rejoiced in a pure expression of all those qualities and abilities that are unique to our species.
Lucy's legacy indeed.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I should really be in bed instead of overthinking things
So I was looking at the work of Gretchen Gammell, who is an artist I greatly admire, and I sort of know because her mom was childhood friends with my mom. Her work is seriously fantastic, and I think if I had the money I would buy one of her paintings for my mother, who would love it.
I think to look at her new stuff, perhaps every 6 months. This check in, her latest stuff is really good, and there were a series of portraits, one of which really spoke to me, if it wasn't sold already, that would be the one that I would buy. This is one of those, "I wish I had painted that" sort of things.
I think I'd like to paint a variation of it as a self portrait. I'm trying to decide how that would work out ethically. I mean, it would be part master study, and part homage, but I'm afraid it would just look like plagiarism. A great fear of plagiarism was instilled in me at college. I was terrified of not properly citing my work, of thinking that I had thought of something myself and writing it down and then realizing that the idea had come from somewhere else, of not being sure that enough of an idea was mine and not making it clear where the components had come from.
We had strict policies about academic honesty, and I was still prone to anxiety freshman year when I had the scariest (and most awesome) Prof ever, who banged on a table (not with his shoe) and yelled at us on the first day of class, just to get wusses to drop the class. Then on the last day off class he gloated about the five who had dropped at the beginning. He made quite an impression. They missed out on a hell of a great class.
So I am torn about this painting that I want to do. Even if I never sold it (a distinct possibility) it would still bother me. Of course Gretchen's work (see I don't really know her, but I know enough to be on a first name basis) is nothing like my own would be, even with her influence. I love it, but her style is not my style, by a long shot. It would be the pose and the subject matter that would be reflected.
It makes me think of that exhibition just at the SAM about the roots of Impressionism. The had a bunch of paintings that had been basically copied, but by the impressionists in their own style. I guess when artists plagiarise, it's called a study.
And my drawing instructor did tell me that I needed to do more studies. Of course he told everyone that. But that doesn't make it not true.
I think to look at her new stuff, perhaps every 6 months. This check in, her latest stuff is really good, and there were a series of portraits, one of which really spoke to me, if it wasn't sold already, that would be the one that I would buy. This is one of those, "I wish I had painted that" sort of things.
I think I'd like to paint a variation of it as a self portrait. I'm trying to decide how that would work out ethically. I mean, it would be part master study, and part homage, but I'm afraid it would just look like plagiarism. A great fear of plagiarism was instilled in me at college. I was terrified of not properly citing my work, of thinking that I had thought of something myself and writing it down and then realizing that the idea had come from somewhere else, of not being sure that enough of an idea was mine and not making it clear where the components had come from.
We had strict policies about academic honesty, and I was still prone to anxiety freshman year when I had the scariest (and most awesome) Prof ever, who banged on a table (not with his shoe) and yelled at us on the first day of class, just to get wusses to drop the class. Then on the last day off class he gloated about the five who had dropped at the beginning. He made quite an impression. They missed out on a hell of a great class.
So I am torn about this painting that I want to do. Even if I never sold it (a distinct possibility) it would still bother me. Of course Gretchen's work (see I don't really know her, but I know enough to be on a first name basis) is nothing like my own would be, even with her influence. I love it, but her style is not my style, by a long shot. It would be the pose and the subject matter that would be reflected.
It makes me think of that exhibition just at the SAM about the roots of Impressionism. The had a bunch of paintings that had been basically copied, but by the impressionists in their own style. I guess when artists plagiarise, it's called a study.
And my drawing instructor did tell me that I needed to do more studies. Of course he told everyone that. But that doesn't make it not true.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
So, Ranygazoo...
Why Ranygazoo? What does that even mean?
I love this word. I love words in general, but this one particularly.
I took ranygazoo from one of the novels of the late great P.G. Wodehouse. It was one of his Jeeves and Wooster stories. I can't remember which one, only that there were wacky hi-jinks and numerous comic misunderstandings and Bertie Wooster had once again landed himself 'in the soup.' As they apparently used to say. Jeeves, of course, put everything to rights by the end of the story.
Not that that narrows it down.
I have never heard or seen this word outside that one story. If you Google it a few definitions come up; a prank, horseplay, nonsense. It's confirmed as 1940's ish slang, so I don't think Wodehouse made it up.
In the context of the story Bertie describes his current hilarious misfortune as "a right ranygazoo." It puts me in mind of Oliver Hardy turning to Stan Laurel and sneering, "Well here's another nice mess you've gotten me into," while they're both dripping wet with paint and chicken feathers or something.
So. All that aside, the real reason I picked Ranygazoo as the name for my online space is that it's fun to say. The way I pronounce it (which may or may not be correct, but I'm not going to stop) is RAN-ee-guh-ZOO. Say it a few times aloud, linger on the zoooo. It rolls off the tongue so pleasantly it doesn't even matter what it means.
I love Wodehouse, and British comedy in general, and I'd considered using some Wodehousian word or phrase when I stumbled upon this one and fell in love.
I love this word. I love words in general, but this one particularly.
I took ranygazoo from one of the novels of the late great P.G. Wodehouse. It was one of his Jeeves and Wooster stories. I can't remember which one, only that there were wacky hi-jinks and numerous comic misunderstandings and Bertie Wooster had once again landed himself 'in the soup.' As they apparently used to say. Jeeves, of course, put everything to rights by the end of the story.
Not that that narrows it down.
I have never heard or seen this word outside that one story. If you Google it a few definitions come up; a prank, horseplay, nonsense. It's confirmed as 1940's ish slang, so I don't think Wodehouse made it up.
In the context of the story Bertie describes his current hilarious misfortune as "a right ranygazoo." It puts me in mind of Oliver Hardy turning to Stan Laurel and sneering, "Well here's another nice mess you've gotten me into," while they're both dripping wet with paint and chicken feathers or something.
So. All that aside, the real reason I picked Ranygazoo as the name for my online space is that it's fun to say. The way I pronounce it (which may or may not be correct, but I'm not going to stop) is RAN-ee-guh-ZOO. Say it a few times aloud, linger on the zoooo. It rolls off the tongue so pleasantly it doesn't even matter what it means.
I love Wodehouse, and British comedy in general, and I'd considered using some Wodehousian word or phrase when I stumbled upon this one and fell in love.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Every Which Way
So I have found a few jobs that I want to apply for. The postings are a little old on a couple of them, but I think I'll still give it a shot.
I worked late this evening. When I got home I looked at the most recent job post. I spent some time researching the company. I don't think I know enough InDesign, but it came with the CS3 suite that I have so I figured I could do some online tutorials to figure out the basics.
Then I was torn about whether I should work on that, or my website. I need to make some Flash content for it. Then I remembered that I have some figure drawings that I need to scan for my portfolio, and I realized that I still need to put together a portfolio pdf. Some of the stuff I want to scan is in the trunk of my car, and I thought I'd go get it, and since I was going out there anyway I might as well take out the bundle of shrink wrap from the new matress I bought a while ago. It's pretty muddy so I was going to change my shoes, then I thought I should change my pants since I was wearing my pajama pants, and I think I exhausted myself with all the thinking.
It's 10 pm. I worked a long crazy shift today. All my housemates are in and out with partying since its the weekend. I am in my pajamas, and I'm probably going to go to bed in the next hour or so. So I decided not to do any of those things. Monday is my day off and the only errand I have to run is to go to the post office to pick up a mysterious package. Ooooh...package. I haven't ordered anything, and no one has told me that they've sent me anything, so I've really no idea what it could be. Probably something official and ominous.
But anyway. After I post this, I will probably go get some mint chip ice cream, then read a bit, then go to bed.
In my next post, I shall explain the title of this blog! Hurray!
I worked late this evening. When I got home I looked at the most recent job post. I spent some time researching the company. I don't think I know enough InDesign, but it came with the CS3 suite that I have so I figured I could do some online tutorials to figure out the basics.
Then I was torn about whether I should work on that, or my website. I need to make some Flash content for it. Then I remembered that I have some figure drawings that I need to scan for my portfolio, and I realized that I still need to put together a portfolio pdf. Some of the stuff I want to scan is in the trunk of my car, and I thought I'd go get it, and since I was going out there anyway I might as well take out the bundle of shrink wrap from the new matress I bought a while ago. It's pretty muddy so I was going to change my shoes, then I thought I should change my pants since I was wearing my pajama pants, and I think I exhausted myself with all the thinking.
It's 10 pm. I worked a long crazy shift today. All my housemates are in and out with partying since its the weekend. I am in my pajamas, and I'm probably going to go to bed in the next hour or so. So I decided not to do any of those things. Monday is my day off and the only errand I have to run is to go to the post office to pick up a mysterious package. Ooooh...package. I haven't ordered anything, and no one has told me that they've sent me anything, so I've really no idea what it could be. Probably something official and ominous.
But anyway. After I post this, I will probably go get some mint chip ice cream, then read a bit, then go to bed.
In my next post, I shall explain the title of this blog! Hurray!
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Belated Introduction
I am Anna Froese, this is my blog. Today I am officially withdrawn from my old school, and on the job market. I am really excited about not having homework. School and work and homework was a major drain. Now I have a dog, and free time, and I can paint or sculpt or draw or whatever, and it's not more work.
I really want to get my oils out again. I was going to this weekend but I got side tracked. I ordered a box spring from IKEA and it came with all this cardboard that I hate to throw out because I always think cardboard could be used for something. I got out my Exacto knife and drove to the book store to get hot glue for my glue gun and started building a dragon.
Cardboard and hot glue sculpture is a lot like steel sculpture. It has the same elements of danger, with the likelihood of cutting and/or burning yourself severely. But it's a little less labor intensive, and requires far less heavy equipment and protective gear.
It is proportionally not quite as much fun. but the dragon I'm making will be cool. I wanted to add a photo of it in progress, but my camera battery has died, so instead you get a doodle of me and my bad haircut and my glue gun. Ciao.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
First Post and I have no creative title.
Wow, my very own blog. I feel so hip and with it. Or something. It's what all the kids are doing these days, or so I'm told.
I suppose it's something to do besides work and Crayon Physics.
This blog is my professional presence on the web since I am never on Facebook, and Deviant Art just isn't very professional. Right now it is a work in progress, with bits and pieces coming together from various places. I've no doubt it will be up and running in an official capacity soon.
I suppose it's something to do besides work and Crayon Physics.
This blog is my professional presence on the web since I am never on Facebook, and Deviant Art just isn't very professional. Right now it is a work in progress, with bits and pieces coming together from various places. I've no doubt it will be up and running in an official capacity soon.
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