One Stone Collective

Captive Lions & Feral Cats opening

2011-07-23T20:19:00.006-04:00

My art show opened last night. A nice turnout, great conversations and excellent food. My atrwork addresses contemporary situations of animals such as the captive wildlife crisis and the feral cat crisis.

A guest viewing "Barnum & Bailey"

A guest viewing "Kimba"

Guests enjoying hors d'ouevres with "Cat Entering the Universe" in the background

Guest viewing "Cavalini 8"

My professor and her adorable son by "Welcome to Paradise"

Herbal peach tea and organic wine from Thrive cafe in Savannah

Vegan spread including chocolate clarities, samosas, crostinis, organic fruits and veggies from Thrive cafe

Chocolate clarities with local organic blueberries and walnuts. These bonbons deserve their own photo!

savannah/denver blog

2011-07-16T02:18:00.004-04:00

Kimba, the lion who inspired my recent art work. Check out his fantastic forever home at the Wild Animal Sanctuary.

denver/savannah blog

2011-07-13T00:37:00.005-04:00

one day my blog will be denver ONLY! I am missing my fellow one stoners, my CATS (most of all), my house, and my life. I am having a (mostly) great time in the southeast, from hilton head to clearwater to tybee to savannah. I am living at tybee now and struggling with the feral cat colonies...i wish I could take them all home to live in luxury at my house. artimes & nicci would be super pissed at the addition of 12+ cats & kittens. all i can say is please be kind to our animal friends & SPAY & NEUTER your pets, your feral cats & dogs, & your community cats & dogs.

2011-07-12T23:55:00.005-04:00

Captive Lions & Feral Cats
Timothea Biermann
MA Painting Candidate
MA Thesis Exhibition, Savannah College of Art & Design
Oglethorpe Gallery
406 East Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401
July 21-26
Opening reception Friday, July 22, 2011 6-9 pm
Gallery Hours
M-T-W-Th-F 11 am to 1 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am to 8 pm
All artwork sales and general donations will benefit

Something Borrowed

2010-10-27T11:53:00.007-04:00

blue crowns in the shadows

up in the trees, blue is everywhere

Birch curls

neat and tidy

a collage

window and wood

in memory

I went away for a week and spent most of the time in the woods of western Massachusetts. I haven't been camping since I was a teenager. The new theme of blue has me thinking about memory and it seems like woods are full of memory. Especially woods like these and especially in the fall. Tombstones beneath the trees by the river. The wind in the trees. Houses left to fall apart in a meadow. Empty wasp nests. Owls hooting at night above our campsite. Stone lambs on the graves of children. The sound of geese flying south for the winter. Broken bottles we recover and try to suss out what went in them and who drank from them? Where are they now? A shaker community abandoned and resurrected. Crockery refilled and wooden floors swept with ancient brooms.

At our last meeting I was amazed at the number of us looking back for our inspiration for the Blue theme. Upon reading a description of blue in a book on color, this made sense. "Blue tends to recede in a picture relative to other colors. Blue tends to withdraw while other hues advance." I'm still trying to work out what form my piece will take. What is it about memory I am trying to capture? While we were in the area we went to Mass MoCA and I really fell in love with the photography of Disfarmer and how much his photographs evoke memory. It's been awhile since I worked with photography but I've been thinking about going back to it for this project and producing a series of portraits. At the very least tying photography in to a larger piece.

Blue

2010-10-26T11:34:00.002-04:00

Although I sadly have no pictures to post, I do have many ideas swirling around about the new theme and my proposed project. With the recent move and the birth of the new babe, I have been thinking a lot about family and motherhood and again, the roles we all wear in the context of family. Specifically I have been thinking about gender roles. Jamaica is pretty traditional when it comes to gender. Women work but they are also fully responsible for child rearingl. The men are generally absent, even if the couple is married. He is immersed in his work and "goes about his business" while the woman takes care of the house and children plus any career she might have. Little boys must learn to find their way in life mostly without the influence of their fathers. Strong male role models are few and far between. It leads to excessive aggression, depression and a sense of abandonment. To raise a little boy to be a sensitive, thoughtful, articulate man is a challenge.

My piece is centered in this social dilemma of how to raise a little boy against the grain of the norm. Right now it is taking the form of an installation and be composed of these parts:

a hand woven rag rug---using my son's outgrown clothing, dying them in an indigo bath and weaving them into a circular rag rug. This will be the central element.

the clothesline---white toddler T-shirts with images of my son silkscreened on them and strung across the room, creating the background for the piece

"something" centered on the rug---still thinking about what can go on the rug...some symbol of who the little boy is to become?? it's still forming...

The differences between raising girls and boys here is profound since the birth of my daughter. I'm already noticing how differently people treat my children. I wonder if people's interactions with them would be similar if we were still in Brooklyn...

denver blog

2010-10-22T22:11:00.002-04:00

alligator in progress, 12x24 inches

owl in progress, 48x24 inches

preview of painting series (2 of 8) for grad skool . these paintings were formerly blue (navy, azure, and turquoise).

denver blog

2010-10-09T15:50:00.004-04:00

channeling Yves Klein in the backyard:

a cool spectrum of recycling, art and garbage

don't worry there will be more to the paintings soon

even my bucket is blue!

meanwhile:
my 5th grade students made owl artwork these past 3 weeks. the art is uploaded to an online art exhibit/contest. you can rate my students and help them gain recognition, and possibly win!

http://aaronbrothers.com/contests/3/entries?page=15

give 5 stars to Slavens 5th grade students for creating fabulous, imaginative owl artworks!
it's easy to find the Slavens owls - currently they are on pages 15 through 21 and THEY ARE ALL LABELED "UNTITLED"

Getting Settled

2010-09-13T11:18:00.005-04:00

This week marks 3 months since our giant move from Brooklyn to Kingston, Jamaica. It has been a whirlwind of activity to try to get settled and find a groove. Unfortunately, art has been put on the back burner until "the other stuff" gets sorted out. Our To Do List was enormous when we landed and included: enrolling Cy in school, getting Jomo settled in his job, finding a baby doctor, getting our shipment of personal goods from New York, immigration plus all the other stuff that comes generally with moving...like figuring out how to get around the new neighborhood to setting up utilities. I'm happy to report that there are really only two big things outstanding on our list...give birth to Baby Q and buy a car. Wednesday I go back to the Immigration Office for the last time to pick up my passport and all the documentation that says, I'm legal...phew! Cy is settled into his new school and has his citizenship certificate making him legit...and Jomo has already received payment for a freelance project he is working on and is happy in his new position. To say I've been preoccupied is an understatement! I'm happy to finally have our stuff which includes lots of art supplies and hopefully everything will have a more or less permanent home by the end of this weekend.

I've been thinking a lot about the new theme, Blue. The Blue Mountains that I see outside my windows are my inspiration. Once Baby Q arrives and the car, I will be making many trips into the mountains to gather materials. Coconut fiber is this amazing thing and I'm excited to get my hands on some! In the meantime, I have been knitting and looking through my art books. There are tons of ideas percolating. It's just a matter of time before there is something tangible to show!

Current project: booties for Baby Q

This is where the magic will eventually happen.

Our towers of art supplies, tools and hardware waiting to find a more permanent home.

Finished art hoping to one day be hung on the walls.

My Temporary Studio at EFA

2010-09-12T09:58:00.017-04:00

I have been awarded a 2 week residency program through the Elizabeth Foundation for the Art Project Space, conceived by Director, Michelle Levy. A Studio Residency for New York City Arts Works was basically a residency for artists who are arts administrators and have served the artistic community through their administrative roles for over 6 years. Basically, myself and 7 other artists got the privilege to work in the EFA
gallery in a collective studio environment. It really has proved to been a great experience that I sorely miss. During my time at the residency, I continued to explore ideas of masking and facades through layered masking tape drawings and through thickly impastoed paintings utilizing cake tips and decorating bags filled with oil or acrylic paint. I was interested in exploring how decoration relates to meaning and value. Here are some shots of the studio space and some works. Now I am in the process of settling back into my former studio.

Other Residency Participants:
Tova Carlin
Sean Carroll
Paul Clay
Chantel Foretich
Felicity Hogan
Sebastien Sanz de Santamaria
Amber Hawk Swanson

For more info, please visit: http://www.efanyc.org/residency-blog/

One day it will be ready...

2010-09-11T18:09:00.004-04:00

Well, here it is still in progress. We will finish the studio, we will finish the studio, we will finish the studio... and then it will be "buttons, buttons all around". Stay tuned for the completion.

denver/lacoste blog

2010-08-23T12:41:00.017-04:00

trixie, my temporary lacoste cat - how i will miss her!
no bones, pencil, 160 x 150 cm
my dear friend bernardo poses by elephant, pencil, 150 x 150 cm
elephant, pencil 150 x 150 cm
trixie, my lacoste cat, a small pencil sketch
swifts (african birds that live in france during the summer) mixed media, a small artwork
cherry orchards, mixed media
an installation i made
moinillions (sorry the spelling may not be accurate!) french birds. acrylic on canvas.

untitled (tapestry) somewhat large acrylic painting
untitled (skeleton) somewhat large mixed media painting
this is lacoste

oh boy. first of all, i have been living in lacoste, france, for the past 2 months as a part of my graduate studies (m.a. in painting). I am currently enrolled at savannah college of art and design, and they have a satellite campus here in a medieval village. there are maybe 200 people living here, and it is kilometers away from any type of convenience. but it is beautiful! i can't go into too many details in a concise blog, but know that it has been an amazing experience that i will cherish always. mostly i want to share the art i made here with you.

i apologize this blog is backwards, the blogger is not functioning the way i am used to! perhaps because it is currently french.

love,
timi

"Studio" at The Tokyo

2010-08-22T10:48:00.009-04:00

This is the WAAAAYYYYYYY too small desk upon which I cram sewing machine and all metal working materials.

catch(e) {}"

href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xdd_70f5tK8/THE7sDS5iqI/AAAAAAAAAFs/42wUaEVeiWE/s1600/DSC00522.JPG">

This is my current messings arounds.
I have to get ready to go into the city to do some supply shopping. Part 2 of "Studio" at the Tokyo is yet to come....

Wow!

2010-07-14T22:57:00.004-04:00

Okay, so here it is, my new home. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I live here now. Well, that is as long as I get all my immigration papers in order...but assuming that I will and I do, then, wow, yeah this is home. And yes, those are mountains you see in the background.

Kingston is a working harbor and yes, those are more mountains in the background with white fluffy clouds hanging over them. There are lots of big ships and little boats that dot the waters around Kingston. So no, no white sandy beaches like most would picture when thinking of a tropical island. But they are not far. In fact nothing is truly far on an island that measures 146 mi (235 km) long and 35 mi (56 km) wide! There are still adjustments to be made and more settling in to do, but I just thought I would drop a quick line to say, "Greetings! I'm here, I'm well and I'm thinking about art and all the lovely OSC ladies back in the states!" I miss you and will write more soon. In the meantime, you can catch me blogging about the settling-in process here.

Peace, wellness and creativity...

Long time no Blog....

2010-06-08T10:06:00.003-04:00

Hey world, the One Stone has been taking a break. In the last 6 months all our members have been going through some major life changes & relocation's, all while putting together our last show. Since the show came down and we had our rehash session, we've been taking some time to ourselves. Whether it was to settle into our new surroundings, or to pack our lives for an international move, starting a business, or just taking the time to be with ourselves, we've been busy.

We are thinking some thoughts for our next show and hope to share with you our working processes a bit more. We'd also like to share our studio spaces and the other things we are working on outside the collective. So, hopefully you'll enjoy the ride with us, cause some things are brewing....

Walking Tour & Discussion

2010-03-08T18:11:00.005-05:00

Please Join us for a Walking Tour of the Windows with the Artists!
Friday March 19th 4:30pm
Reception to Follow at The Banana Factory

Meet for the tour at one of these locations:
Arts Lehigh
University Bookstore
Banana Factory

The tour will start at 4:30pm at Tallarico’s Chocolates. See order of tour below. Artists will be present to discuss works on view. If you'd like to ask us questions, we would love to answer them!

Participating Members and Storefronts: Check with stores for hours to see works from inside.
Timothea Biermann – Tallarico’s Chocolates / 26 East 3rd St. / www.tallaricoschocolates.com
Meghan Sheldon-Brungard – Marla Duran / 109 East 3rd St. / www.marladuran.com
Merissa Sincavage Seminara – Clothesline Organics / 101 East 3rd St. / www.clotheslineorganics.com
Massie Jones – Clothesline Organics / 101 East 3rd St. / www.clotheslineorganics.com
Corey Breneisen – Home & Planet / 25 East 3rd St. / www.homeandplanet.com
Beatrice Wolert – Cleo’s Silversmith Studio and Gallery / 21 East 3rd St. / 610-868-7362
Marcie Farwell – Shuze / 17 East 3rd St. / 610-419-8655

Opening Night

2010-03-08T00:53:00.012-05:00

Let's start the tour at Shuze, where we have our bios, and the show description & information

The Left side of Shuze, our "group" window

The Artist Bios

Marcie's Installation at Shuze

Timi's Installation at Tallarico's Chocolates

Bea's Installation at Cleo's Silversmith Studio & Gallery

Corey's Installation at Home & Planet

Merissa's & Massies Installations at the former Clothesline Organics

Meghan's Installation at Marla Duran's

The Ladies posed for a group shot at the opening reception in Clothesline Organics

Marcie installed her Toy Theater in Shuze's window, recreating the trees in her video

A screen shot of Marcie's Film "By My Voice I Shall Be Known"; Her archetype is Oracle & Storyteller

A screen shot of the video with Marcie's friend & dancer, Lindsey Gilmour

An interior shot of items collected on the toy theaters' stage

Timi's Piece "Untitled" personifying the archetype of Crazy Cat Lady

Bea's diptych "Shades of Tiffany Blue and Gun Metal Grey" for her archetype working woman

Bea's Installation at Cleo's will take on a whole new perspective if you take a trip inside, but we'll save that for you to see in person

Corey's Installation at Home & Planet has a beautiful presence when lit at night

Corey's piece, by day from across the road

On opening night Corey did a performance, adding to her piece "Woven" while telling stories and carrying on traditions for her archetype of Matriarch

Merissa's Installation "Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy"

Merissa's piece is a mobile above, constantly rotating powered by a small motor

At night, the silk backdrop colors create a whole new sense of scale

The progression forward of the mobile, as it moves above the grounded stump, telling the story of Persephone, and the idea of balance

Notice the graceful movement of the bottom most arm of the mobile, as it glides past the towers on the stump, epitomizing the archetype of multi-tasker mother

Massie's piece, "Untitled" captures the ideal of Scitentist Warrior

The mixed media portrait above, on a found table top, the cabinet below, holing the ephemera of a life well lived

Massie's piece, tucked away on the wall

Meghan's portraits, hung at Marla Duran's

Two of the portraits on the right, using traditionally feminine craft techniques to represent the archetype of Women of War

The three remaining portraits on the left

Meghan's Quilted Portrait "Revolutionary War- Water Woman"

The Quilled Portrait "Civil War - Bandage Rollers"

The Embroidered Portrait " World War I - Red Cross Nurse"

The Knitted Portrait "World War II - Factory Worker"

The Pressed Flowers & Leaves Portrait "Iraq War, Soldier"

The ladies relax, and have an enjoyable moment, once the show is done

Opening of - Archetypes: These Role(s) We Wear

2010-02-17T09:24:00.005-05:00

The Opening of our next show Archetypes: These Role(s) We Wear, will take place on Friday March 5th, 2010; 7-10pm; in our respective storefronts on E. 3rd St in Bethlehem, PA (each of the artists is showing in a different storefront on that strip, which is the main one in southside Bethlehem.

Archetypes:These Role(s) We Wear is prsented with Lehigh College; The Women's Center, Women's Studies, and Arts Lehigh; in alignment with Women’s History Month.

For each exhibition, the members of the collective select a broad theme and create work based upon it. For this exhibition, each member of the Collective reinterprets the notion of archetypes based on history, perception, creation and personal experiences. Utilizing industrial materials and techniques; sculptural installation & performance; toy theatre with video installation; fiber based multi-media vignette; traditional feminine craft techniques; stabile/mobile; and collage self portrait, the following archetypes are explored: “Crazy Cat Lady”, “Women of War”, “Multi-Tasker Mother”, “Warrior / Scientist”, “The Matriarch”, “Working Woman”, and “Storyteller and Oracle”. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with Women’s History Month and will be on view in the storefronts of participating businesses on West Third Street at New Street in Southside, Bethlehem.

Timothea Biermann embraces the “Crazy Cat Lady” archetype in her 4 panel mixed media collage self portrait. Since her childhood, Biermann has had a strong personal connection to animals that only intensified over the years. What she considers to be a pure, unconditional love shared with her cats not provided in many human relationships is often judged by the general public as some kind of defect. She is interested in exploring these prejudices and offers new insight into this inaccurate label.

Meghan Sheldon-Brungard explores the “Women of War” archetype. Her series of five mixed media portraits depict working women of character during great wars in American history. Each portrait is created using a traditionally feminine craft technique —quilting depicts Revolutionary War - Water Woman; quilling depicts Civil War - Bandage Rollers; embroidery depicts World War I - Red Cross Nurse; knitting depicts World War II - Factory Worker and pressed flowers depicting Current Iraq War - Soldier. By utilizing these craft forms as the processes for creating portraits of women who stepped outside societal boundaries in times of crisis, Sheldon-Brungard hopes to highlight the fact that despite historical leanings, women have been contributing members of the war front since the beginning.

In her installation Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy, Merissa Sincavage Seminara explores the “Multi-Tasker Mother” archetype. Seminara’s piece developed from the myth of Persephone and the time she splits between earth and the underworld seasonally. Her use of ephemeral materials and color gradation further strengthens that link. She utilizes readily accessible and found items including buttons, silk, acorns and wool to explore the concept of balance through asymmetry and how that can produce an overall harmony. Seminara’s piece is made up of two components comprised of objects—pre-existing or fabricated—symbolizing strength, warmth and energy. The hanging piece is a mobile representing air, heaven, future, creativity, thoughts, and imagination. The freestanding portion symbolizes earth, strength, bounded, stability, balance, grounded.

Massie Jones investigates the idea of “Warrior / Scientist”, an idealized archetype created by and explored through a multi-media fiber based installation. Primarily a fiber artist, Jones’ love of found objects and all things rusty and metal is apparent in all her work. The “Warrior / Scientist” delves into the idea of an archetype that she would like to see come into common existence. It also serves as self portraiture of the most idealized, futuristic sort and an exploration of duality—The scientist as “Curiosity Seeker” and the Warrior as “Strength & Courage”. The base for this piece is a sanded down found coffee table top hung vertically with a cabinet night stand situated underneath—doors opened and filled with ephemera continuing the exploration of her archetype.

Corey Breneisen uses the Native American concept of Grandmother Spider as a starting point to explore the archetype of “The Matriarch”. In her large-scale net piece, Woven, comprised entirely of rubber bands, Breneisen explores attributes of the matriarch as the keeper of family ceremonies, rituals and stories and how she is both revered and reviled. This piece addresses the concept of loss of family connections, traditions and rituals when the matriarch passes. The use of rubber bands emphasizes the fragility of familial relationships and the lengths to which the matriarch is stretched in her role as head of family. In her performance, Breneisen adds to the installation by weaving new sections of rubber bands, invoking the establishment of family rituals and routines through this repetitive action.

Beatrice Wolert explores the “Working Woman” archetype using Rosie the Riveter as a point of departure. She explores the feminine and masculine aspects of “Working Woman” in relation to her experiences. Her mixed media diptych, Shades of Tiffany Blue and Gun Metal Grey, includes nuts, bolts, nails, wood, watercolor, enamel and oil paints. Through this selection of industrial materials and stereotypical colors and her process of drilling, Wolert claims traditionally male materials and processes to explore her personal notion of gender and stereotype. She uses the drill as a tool to freely “draw” with—exploring the ideas of machine vs. aesthetics. She is transforming the act of “work” from male to female—the materials from male to female—the aesthetics of utilitarian and the everyday into beauty. Through this self-portrait, she hopes to break down her own perceptions of society’s imposed gender ideals.

Marcie Farwell works with the idea of the “Storyteller and Oracle” in her piece, By My Voice I Shall Be Known in relation to male and female archetypes found in Tibetan folk stories, Western fairy tales and myths. Farwell explores the way in which they carry the burden of memory and of prophecy - the history and future of the culture embedded within the story before there were other ways of recording it. How can the past storytellers give us insight into our own culture? Farwell collaborated with Lindsay Gilmore, a dance professor at Ithaca College to create a film to be shot as shadow puppet theater. The film will be displayed on a television monitor encased in a toy theatre made from paper mache, wood and other found materials.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS: Panel discussion with members of One Stone Collective will be held on Friday, March 19th at the Banana Factory followed by a walkthrough of windows. Meeting at Arts Lehigh, University Bookstore, Banana Factory at 4pm and the tour will start at 4:30pm at Tallarico’s Chocolates. See order of tour below. Artists will be present to discuss works on view.

Corey Breneisen will be doing a performance during the opening nite, March 5th from 7:30-8:30 pm

Participating Members and Storefronts: Check with stores for hours to see works from inside.
Timothea Biermann – Tallarico’s Chocolates / 26 East 3rd St. / www.tallaricoschocolates.com
Meghan Sheldon-Brungard – Marla Duran / 109 East 3rd St. / www.marladuran.com
Merissa Sincavage Seminara – Clothesline Organics / 101 East 3rd St. / www.clotheslineorganics.com
Massie Jones – Clothesline Organics / 101 East 3rd St. / www.clotheslineorganics.com
Corey Breneisen – Home & Planet / 25 East 3rd St. / www.homeandplanet.com
Beatrice Wolert – Cleo’s Silversmith Studio and Gallery / 21 East 3rd St. / 610-868-7362
Marcie Farwell – Shuze / 17 East 3rd St. / 610-419-8655

Directions to the show-
From New York City:
Holland Tunnel/I-78W into New Jersey. Follow I-78W into Pennslyvania. Take Exit 67 for PA-412 towards Hellertown/Bethlehem. Take a Right onto Hellertown Road/PA-412. A slight Left onto E. 4th Street, then a slight Right onto Daly Avenue, which becomes E. 3rd Street.
Travel Time Approximately 1 hr. 30 minutes

From Upstate New York:
I-87S. Take Exit 15 for NY-17S/I-287S towards New Jersey. Follow I-287S. Take Exit 21B to I-78W towards Easton, PA. Follow I-78W into Pennslyvania. Take Exit 67 for PA-412 towards Hellertown/Bethlehem. Take a Right onto Hellertown Road/PA-412. A slight Left onto E. 4th Street, then a slight Right onto Daly Avenue, which becomes E. 3rd Street.

From Philadelphia:
I-76W. Take Exit 331B and merge onto I-476N towards Plymouth Mtg. Take the Exit for Lehigh Valley
Keep Right at the fork, following signs for US-22E. Take US-22E. Take the Exit for PA-378S/Bethlehem. Merge onto PA-378S. Take a slight Right onto W 3rd. Street.
Travel Time Approximately 1 hr. 15 minutes

Finishing things is good

2010-02-15T18:43:00.005-05:00

Trust me!!
I've been working tirelessly on my pieces for the show. And last nite, on Valentines' Day, a day of love, I finished a piece I love, in a technique that is near and dear to my heart. <3 <3
The Knitted portrait of a WWII Factory Worker is now complete. All the yarn ends have been woven in, and it is currently sitting pinned out on a foam rubber square drying from it's blocking process, which in knitting sets the stitches.
Here is a shot of it freshly pinned and sprayed early this morning.
Plus, the quilted piece is stitched together, waiting to have the quilting stitches done, and then the hand stitching details.
Though this weekend I tried my hand at quilling, since it is the one technique I'm using for this project that I've never done before. I made this flower and turned it into a card.
I'm feeling frantic and worried that the days are counting down, but things are moving forward and all I can do is do my best work.

Happy making to you all!

Core Components for Shades of Tiffany Blue and Gunmetal Grey

2010-02-08T10:39:00.005-05:00

So, I just wanted to share the progress of my piece.
1. The board is painted a shade of Tiffany blue.
2. The pegboard is painted a shade of gunmetal grey.
3. The holes in the board have been drilled.
4. The pattern for the nuts and bolts in the pegboard piece has been determined.
5. All the nails have been spray painted orange.
6. A request for nuts and bolts has been sent via mass email and facebook.
7. The nuts that I have are spray painted yellow.
8. The bolts that I have are spray painted pink.

Now it's a matter of compiling all the pieces.

Tick. Tock.

One Down, Four to Go

2010-02-03T13:00:00.004-05:00

I finished and framed the first portrait. It's nice to have one completely done, but at the same time, there is still a lot of work to be done.

There is one to quilt-

There is one to knit-

There is one to quill-

and one to press-

Hopefully everyone elses' work is progressing along too. Now my only issue is that it's February, the 3rd day of it. Phil has seen his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter, but I only have 23 days to finish the remaining portraits!

A Quilter's Thumb: Making this Possible

2010-01-28T12:06:00.003-05:00

So I've been spending my time embroidering the WWI portrait. Thanks to my Quilter's Thumb, I've been able to work on it day after day. I think that little piece of leather with a small round metal bit in the tip is the best invention in the world! I actually started writing an ode to it the other nite when I couldn't sleep, but sadly I forgot all those wonderful words when I woke.
But here are some not so fabulous webcam pictures of the work in progress. I know the quality isn't great, but it's a webcam, and it was accessible. Got a lot to do, so back to the grind.

Where is the upload cord for my camera???!

2010-01-26T22:57:00.008-05:00

A PONY

I was so happy today to take some pictures of my new studio and the piece I am working on for "Archetypes" and I have only just realized that I have no idea where the cord for my camera is. Accordingly, I will upload some random and non pertinent pictures to CATCH YOUR EYE.
As I work with my invented archetype "Scientist/Warrior", I am forced to dig in and define what this means to me. Yes, it's true. I fantasize about a world where people are running around in loin cloths toting 12 foot spears and manufacturing lasers after dinner while reading "A Brief History of Time" but this piece is also about a duality I seek (unconsciously) in my friends and partners. A lustful combination of curiosity about the world, the thirst to acquire know-how, and courageous guts that propel one forward headlong into whatever is coming down the pike. Setting aside my surface level zeal for fighting and my science fiction based interest in HOW THINGS WORK, I am finding the creation of this archetype to be surprisingly relevant in many areas of my life...more later...and now, RANDOM PICTURES!

TIMI CIRCA A LONG TIME AGO

Weaving the Stories

2010-01-14T10:22:00.006-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about the performance aspect of the my piece. I feel like I've been neglecting it as I try to finish the physical work. I have been using the concept of Grandmother Spider as inspiration for my piece. I have been rereading one of my favorite books, Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. The book is written as a ceremony and emphasizes the importance of change and flexibility in order for the people to thrive and grow. It's a tough lesson, but necessary. The 'wise ones' (in this case, the matriarchs) have to change the ceremonies in order to keep the family safe and moving forward. Anyway, I have also been doing some online research to find other stories featuring Grandmother Spider. Below is an excerpt I found on this website http://www.herbshealing.com/herbal_ezine/September05/goddess.htm

THE WEB OF LIFE
by Taino Ti (I share the Spirit of the Earth with you)

When the Universe was still so dark that not even shadows could be seen in the night, Grandmother Spider sat in her web in the Sky World, waiting and watching. No one knows how old Grandmother Spider is, or how long she sat waiting for the Universal Mind to awaken. But, every Creature Being who has ever lived knows her song and dance as the weaver of the Web of Life.

From her web, Grandmother Spider observed the first thoughts as the Universal Mind awakened from the dream. Seven energy beings floated out from the shining light in the center of the Universal Mind and solidified into bright, shining stars who went out to take their places in the Sky World. Grandmother Spider took a very deep breath and softly began to sing her weaving song while she danced across the Sky. As she spun her thread, Grandmother Spider envisioned the Web of Life. Within moments, she had woven her web connecting the seven stars and creating the Spirit Doorway through which all of the rest of life would enter.

In Flux

2010-01-11T14:05:00.006-05:00

Just when you think you're on the right path, Life pulls on the brakes and you find yourself making a U-turn. Or so it seems with me and Life at the moment. The New Year started off on a high note. I was feeling settled, safe and thankful. The previous year was pure chaos with many hills and valleys. I found myself holding my breath and wondering often, "What next?" The road seemed to even out over the holidays and the sun even peaked out from behind the clouds...I thought I spied a silver lining. And maybe I still do. Maybe Life is saying,"Well you tried plan A and it has brought you back to the same place. Why don't you try plan B this time?" Plan B takes a lot of courage though. Plan B involves mango trees, island time and immigration. I'm happy I have my artwork to distract me and my collective members to encourage me. The road is going to be a bit bumpy the next couple of months, but I'm trying to enjoy the ride.

A Productive Morning...

2010-01-11T13:39:00.004-05:00

.... Leads to warm fuzzy feelings of moving forward.
So far today:
-I bought color cards and color knitting books from knitpicks. This yarn is the perfect weight and has a huge selection of colors, so I'm sure to find just what I'm looking for!
-A flower press that you put in the microwave to dry and press in one step, and they say the color retention is good. I'm now thinking that if I pre-press and dry the petals they will be easier to manipulate into my image. Now I just need to decide on the proper backing material and finishing coat. But I have a friend asking a friend who works in the floral design field for an professional opinion, so let's hope for a good answer!
-Plus i got some quilling paper and 2 books from amazon too, so i now have my materials for that piece too and I was totally inspired by this quilled typography that DJ sent me the link to

Plus the fact that as of this weekend I have the final layouts for each of the 5 portraits, which means I can start the pieces. Time to pick one, and begin. I'm thinking of starting with the embroidered one, since I have all of the materials here. Once I get the outlines penciled onto the fabric, it's just hours worth of stitching to go.

Hope everyone else is starting to feel that forward momentum towards their goals for this show!
-Meghan

"Working Woman"

2010-01-05T22:59:00.000-05:00

I have finally figured out how to use this blog application. I am happy to report that I am a (fairly) new member of One Stone Collective. So far, I have found a great positive team and am thrilled for the adventures that lie ahead. So, a big shout out to fellow OSC members. Thanks for embracing me. I am busy thinking about the upcoming exhibition, These Role(s) We Wear exploring the idea of "Working Woman". I remember the first day I started college, my Mom telling me to become a nurse, while in the back of my head, I kept thinking about how my father said to become a construction worker. Somehow these words still permeate my thoughts and feed my work as an artist.

For this upcoming exhibition supported in part by Lehigh University, I am exploring "Working Woman” archetype using Rosie the Riveter as a point of departure. I am looking at the feminine and masculine aspects of the “Working Woman” in relation to my own experiences. My mixed media diptych, Shades of Tiffany Blue and Gun Metal Grey, includes nuts, bolts, nails, wood, watercolor, enamel and oil paints. Through this selection of industrial materials and stereotypical colors and my process of drilling, I am claiming traditionally male materials and processes to explore my personal notion of gender and stereotype. I use the drill as a tool to freely “draw” with—exploring the ideas of machine vs. aesthetics. I am transforming the act of “work” from male to female—the materials from male to female—the aesthetics of utilitarian and the everyday into beauty. Through this self-portrait, I hope to break down my own perceptions of society’s imposed gender ideals.

The image posted is a study for the diptych. Colors and materials will vary. I will post work in progress in the coming weeks.

Here is some info...

2010-01-03T23:01:00.008-05:00

I don't have any imagery for you right now but here is a little of what I have collected as background and press release information for my piece...

Merissa Sincavage Seminara

"Multi-Tasker Mother"

Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy

Silk, Acorns, Buttons, Wood, Leaves?, Wool, Cotton, Stainless Steel, Dyes, Pigments, Wax...

There are 2 components to this piece.

Both of them have objects, existing or created, symbolizing "strength, warmth and energy".

The hanging piece is a mobile representing air, heaven, future, creativity, thoughts, imagination.

The standing portion stands for earth, bound, stable, balance, grounded.

The piece developed from reading the myth of Persephone... and looking at the balancing she had to do between the worlds... heaven, earth, underworld. This resonated with me. I feel like a mother/multi tasker has this kind of juggling act.

masculine vs feminine and materials--

Well, my work tends to be very autobiographical. I seem to sick to what I know and who do I know best? myself (most of the time), a women, artist, mother, human... this is the work that I always seem most proud of and connected to. I love to make beautiful things and for others to view them the same but life is not always pretty and so neither is my art.

This piece is still very much about me but is outside my comfort zone in the fact that it is three dimensional. I tend to work 2D sticking to one surface and building on it in layers through surface design techniques. Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy emerged on its own ,seemingly to me in the beginning. But has come to make some sense as a wade through all the materials I have been drawn to, the techniques I am employing, and life I have been experiencing. The materials have been chosen based on intrigue and my necessity to create objects that are symbols for key things in my life. These symbols are my own creation but with the knowledge that some of these objects already have strong symbolism, which I will try to be build upon and grow. I am going to use my objects to build three dimensional layers to stick to something that is familiar to me.

The piece grew from one piece, the mobile(1st component) to two after laboring over the idea of cyclical life. Persephone's life and how cyclical it was made sense and seems to be how most life is lead now. Day to day, beginning to end, life to death. Everything seems to have a start and and a finish. I wanted to be able to illustrate that idea in this work. It will be present in the gradation of color. This is something that is very obvious to me in the change of the seasons. Color changes, temperature shifts, life/daily chores change... another link to the myth of Persephone and and her seasonal life changes.

The grounded piece(2nd component) is an extension to the idea of cycle. The color gradation will continue through this piece linking them together but in some ways it does have a masculine feel to it. It will hold objects that are heavier, darker and more masculine in feel. It is more about strength, which in society tends to be a more masculine trait. So, that is my only link to masculine I am feeling/ feeling at the moment but my work really tends to evolve, especially this piece, so more may come up. I will let you know.

I hope you were able to take something away from all of this and make sense of it.

Happy New Year!

Progress

2010-01-02T19:48:00.007-05:00

Well, it is the second day of 2010 and already it is 100% better than 2009. I was happy to host 3 One Stone Collective members and their families for a traditional sauerkraut meal. To be blessed with good food and good friends is something I'm eternally grateful for. And this little holiday vacation has been the best gift. I spent some time in PA with family and was able to come back to Brooklyn refreshed and inspired. I even got in some much cherished studio time. The second 'net' is well underway and things are looking lively. It's not the easiest to photograph so bear with...but I think you can get an idea of what's developing. Until soon...peace and wellness...

A rose by any other name....

2009-12-23T12:01:00.003-05:00

Gearing up for the holidays makes me ponder what life was like at different times in history. I often find my mind wandering to some of those classic stories that involve Christmas. I think of "A Christmas Carol" as many do, but oddly, my mind always wanders back to the holiday scene in "Little Women". There was a war going on, but despite a missing patriarch, life seems to have moved on like normal. It makes me reflect on how in many was, despite the fact that we are in what appears to be a never ending war in Iraq & Afghanistan, life here on the homefront seems to continue on, much as it ever has.
With that, I've written my description of the portrait series. Here it is for you all
-Meghan

Archetype: Women of War
A series of 5 Portraits-

1. Revolutionary War- Water Woman, 2010
cotton & synthetic fabric, poly fiber batting, thread
2. Civil War- Bandage Rollers, 2010
paper, cardboard & glue
3. World War I- Red Cross Nurse, 2010
cotton embroidery floss, canvas
4. World War II- Factory Worker, 2010
wool yarn
5. Current Iraq War- Soldier, 2010
rose petals on canvas

A series of 5 portraits showing working women of character during great wars in American history. A Woman's place in history has always been defined by what they were allowed to do; their skills were valued differently by the times in which they lived. Each portrait is created using a traditionally feminine craft technique: quilting, quilling, embroidery, knitting and pressed flowers. These skills and pastimes were appropriate for a girl of good upbringing, one who shows her obedience to family and country by doing what is proper. Her value to society was defined by how well she could behave in social situations, and how masterfully she could preform these feminine skills. By using these craft forms as the processes for creating the portraits of these women who stepped outside societal boundaries in times of crisis, women who wanted to give to their country and it's fighting men a helping hand, the artist hopes to highlight the fact that despite historical leanings, women have been contributing members of the war front since the beginning. This culminates in the final portrait of the female soldier in the current Iraqi war. This piece is made using pressed rose petals, which, depending on color have specific meanings and were a way for a man to show his feelings for a lady without speaking the words. Here, being paired with the strongest image of a woman's role in war, of being an equal to the men around her, here she is made from petals, she is truly as delicate as a flower, and as beautiful as a rose.

Through the Woods and Home Again

2009-12-21T15:10:00.003-05:00

I had tea with the lovely miss Lindsay Gilmour this morning. She and I will be working together for the piece I'm making for the show. I've worked with her before and I just love the way we look things in such different ways. As a dancer, she's so in her body and tells you her story through movement. I'm always in my head and I suppose I tell my story through stitches. We spoke about narratives - the stories we tell about ourselves and the stories culture tells. Her husband is a death penalty lawyer writing about the importance of telling the story of the person you're defending - what is their narrative and how did that lead them to where they are? She also recalled something from The Power of Myth about how each culture has it's own story that members try and live up to. We wondered about our culture's story. How much of it had been taken over by Hollywood. "Love" defined by the latest Romantic Comedy and not by the wise. Between Hollywood and death row, what are the archetypes we're creating I wondered.

I've been reading From The Beast to the Blond a non-fiction book about story tellers and fairy tales. The archetype of woman as story teller goes back almost to the beginning. Fluctuating between wise woman to the "old wives tales" she tells us what we need to know in order to make it through the woods. She's full of gossip and wisdom. She's an oracle and a whore. She's trouble.

With Lindsay, I would like to explore this storyteller in other cultures, mainly Tibitian and Indian. I would like to see how they carry the burden of memory - the history of the culture embedded within the story - before there were ways of recording it. How are we still burdened by our culture? How can the past story tellers give us what we need to know about our own time. There is more to it then happily ever after. Even they knew that.

Don't Forget This Guy!

2009-12-20T21:02:00.002-05:00

denver blog

2009-12-19T20:40:00.002-05:00

archetype: crazy cat lady
this polytych is IN PROGRESS!
4 canvases measuring a total of 48x48 inches
mixed media (collage and acrylic paint)

Dear One Stone Collective,
I am very happy to participate in this collective. I do hope one day to see you all in person! I does not look like I will be able to come to PA in the spring, but my art will be there. And it will be finished, unlike the example I am posting.

I chose this archetype because I live it everyday. I have a beyond normal affinity for cats. I could give you the grisly details of my cat infatuation/love, but most likely I would write much more than anyone would care to read.

My paintings contain many personal mementos as collage material, propelling this art from a mere representation of an archetype into a meaningful self portrait. Meaningful to me...hopefully engaging to viewers.

Meow!
Love,
Timi

Woven

2009-12-18T16:15:00.003-05:00

So, I have spent this quiet afternoon at my desk watching the sun move across the pale Brooklyn sky and contemplating my installation for the upcoming show. I'm reposting the description I wrote for our press release. There is still some editing and figuring, but I think I'm getting close...

Corey R. Breneisen
The Matriarch
"Woven"
Rubber bands

Using the Native American concept of Grandmother Spider as a jumping off point, Woven, explores the archetype of the matriarch. The keeper of family ceremonies, rituals and stories, the matriarch is both revered and reviled. Her piece addresses the concept of the loss of family connections, traditions and rituals when the matriarch passes. The use of rubber bands emphasizes the fragility of familial relationships as well as the lengths to which the matriarch is stretched in her role as head of family. In a performance to take place ______, the artist will be adding to the installation by weaving new sections of rubber bands. Through the repetitive action of weaving materials together, the artist invokes the establishment of family rituals and routines.

Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy

2009-11-29T23:12:00.004-05:00

So here you go, these are some of the objects that a weaving there way into my life and this piece. They have become inspiration for color and my motherly archetypes symbolism. I will just show some images now and get into details later.

Adjustments

2009-11-14T18:34:00.003-05:00

With the changing weather comes many new life changes...I know I'm not the only Collective member starting a new chapter and in that I find comfort...that we can rely on each other to support us through these changing tides. After 4 years of part time freelance work, I have now returned to the 9-5 grind. It has been difficult to get used to the new routine, but I am grateful for this new opportunity. I am still trying to work in a studio practice but I'm confident that it will come with time. Tomorrow is our big trip to Bethlehem to visit the proposed storefront which I'm very excited about. Until soon...peace and wellnes...

denver blog

2009-11-03T00:19:00.004-05:00

I shall now torment you with kittens. I am preparing for my "crazy cat lady" archetype themed mixed media artwork.

Sketches and Reference

2009-11-02T10:57:00.004-05:00

So I just sent these off as my "sketches" to Heather. Mostly it's the reference material I've gathered to start creating my layouts for the portraits. I'm not sure If I want to work them in cronological order, or just start in on all of them at once so I have various things to work on. We shall see. As it stands right now, I need to see where to get pressed flowers or such for the Iraq portrait, since the local flower season as passed, and we're now into fall. Plus, I don't think I want to press the flowers myself, but it may end of costing way too much to buy pre-pressed ones, especially with the scale I'm planning to do for the portraits.
Happy Fall All!,
Meghan

Revolutionary War

Civil War

WWI

WWII

Iraq War

Lost in Mythology

2009-10-16T23:09:00.002-04:00

So, I am still not fixed on my idea for our them archetype. I have just been swept up in research. Mother, of course, speaks to me but from there I have been all over the place. I think I have chosen a window but am very hesitant to make claim to it without knowing what the hell I am doing. Aaaaaahhhhhh!

Strong Women of Wars

2009-10-05T16:07:00.002-04:00

So I've had one of those epiphany moments that wakens you in the night and forces you to write it down. Well, except for the fact that it was an early evening nap, and not at night that I was awoken, but you get the picture.
I want to make 5 pieces for our next show. Each of them will be made using a "traditionally feminine" craft technique: pressed flowers, knitting, quilting, embroidery & quilling. I want these pieces to be portraits of womens' roles during wars and the way they've been "allowed" to change over time. I want to do: The Revolutionary War Water Pitcher Ladies, The Civil War Bandage Rollers, World War I Red Cross Nurses, World War II Factory Workers & The current Iraq War Soldiers.
My plan is to use each of the techniques to make one of the portraits, so right now I am at the point when I searching for good reference images for each of the portraits I'd like to do, as well as searching out the materials I will need and the style for each technique.
I'm really looking forward to our next meeting, in a few weeks, but especially due to the fact that we are planning on visiting the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. I've been wanting to go for years, and couldn't think of a better group to go with. And right about now, it's all you guys you are so supportive, that is making all this job and house stuff easier, Thanks!
-Meghan

We've come to fish the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea

2009-09-30T14:56:00.007-04:00

My studio mate made an interesting comment the other day about the piece I'm currently working on. She said that it reminded her of fishnet stockings. Hmmm...I said to myself...so very true. It looks very much like a fishing net rather than a spiderweb. My head filled with images of older women attempting to make themselves look younger by wearing younger style clothing often out dated, too tight or otherwise unflattering. I also started to think about the old addage, "There are always more (better, richer, wiser, younger) fish in the sea." My mind is reeling with ideas for how this piece can fit into our upcoming show. I've done my best to take a few pictures but it is a difficult piece to try to document and capture with my little camera. The shadow cast will be just as important an element as the physical materials. I'm hoping to exploit the stretchy nature of the rubber bands and display it in some very dynamic ways. It is all very exciting. I'm hoping the Collective can come for a studio visit to get the full impact of the piece. Until soon...

Musings in the Autumn Sunshine

2009-09-25T17:02:00.007-04:00

As I sat drinking coffee in the late autumn sun today, I had a lot of time to reflect on the various new opportunities that are before us as a collective. I'm excited about this new journey and the many people who are supporting our efforts. Although we have yet to decide a specific topic for our next show, I am intriqued with this idea of evolving archetypes. I am particularly interested in exploring the archetypes of Matriarch or Healer/Shaman. I have been rereading my books on feminist theory and Native American studies and have found the recurring theme of 'Thought Woman' or Grandmother Spider...spinner of the people's histories and ceremonies fascinating. I've also been talking with family members and friends who have some revealing information about what happens to family connections when the matriarch is gone. Many have told me that the family literally becomes unraveled. In thinking about these ideas, I've begun to weave a web or net in my studio. It has become mediative and calming to work on. And as I work, I think about my own ceremonies/rituals/traditions and the roles the women in my family have played in keeping them alive.

The second archetype that interests me is the idea of the woman as Healer. I find it interesting that within the family unit, the woman takes on the role of healing/caring for the sick family members but the practice of medicine as a profession is still predominantly male. I'm also curious to explore women's inclination towards wholistic and "natural" healing treatments. I have a number of ideas for sculptures that would explore this theme, but nothing too tangible yet.

Apart from reading, I've also been looking for art images that speak to these ideas as well as critical art writings. Some of my favorite images are by collage artist Romare Bearden in which he evokes the idea of "Conjure Woman". Conjure Woman is a African American concept of Woman Shaman that was prevalent in Southern culture. I've attached some images of his work above.

I'm hoping to have some images of my work posted soon. Until then...peace and wellness...

Thinking in Circles

2009-08-18T19:18:00.003-04:00

I just returned to the Grail this past Saturday to visit the show with my family. Despite the wet weather this summer, the work is holding up well. (En)Compass looks like it has been visited by many a wild critter and perhaps slept in or rolled upon, shuffled through and certainly walked around. There is a nice trampled path around the piece...I imagine the wild woman of the woods coming to visit for a game of ring around the rosey. I certainly played it with my son and parents on our visit. This piece, the visit with my family and our new theme has me thinking of cycles...life cycles in particular and the cyclical nature of well, Nature in general. Maybe it's my summer of stay-at-home-mom-dom sneaking in as well. It's generally assumed that women want to be mother's and reproduce...create a lineage and legacy. I have to admit that this wasn't a particular goal of mine before having a child, and I often scoffed at those who pressured themselves to produce "heirs" by a certain age. As a mother, I now understand (a little better) where these women were coming from. There is something incredibly beautiful (not to mention) powerful about being able to create life. It does link a woman to something deeper...primordial...ancient...No wonder we were worshipped once upon a time! Yes, Gaia, Demeter, Athena, Changing Woman, Grandmother Spider...she is in us.

I have been rereading two books "Women Who Run with the Wolves" and "Ceremony" to reconnect with the wild woman archetype. I haven't had much studio time in this "Summer of Cy" but I'm looking forward to exploring this new theme.

Meghan's Research...

2009-08-18T09:11:00.004-04:00

... or lack there of.
Okay, so I admit it, I haven't spent a lot of time researching the Stillman's or archetypes the last few weeks. I took a look at the painting of the sisters at The Brooklyn Museum

Other than that I've been doing some mental research. I've been thinking about dichotomy's and 2 halves to a whole and those sort of thoughts that were all inspired by the sisters painting, and by knowing the one sister went on to be Thayers' model of an angel in his later work. So I've been thinking about good and evil, heaven and hell, left and right.

But I am looking forward to finding out more about the sisters. I can't wait for our historical society trip!
But one thing I haven't been able to find: what were the sisters names? I'm guessing one was Bessie G. Stillman, but that is only speculation.

2009-08-15T23:12:00.002-04:00

So, I don't have much to report right now. I just returned for teaching art summer camp in Pennsylvania. That was a great experience and I hope to develop something career-wise from it BUT I can't wait to get started on our new project.

ARCHETYPES based on STILLMAN SISTERS

I must admit I have not done any research or had the chance to read any of the other member's research but I can say, the Stillman Sisters at one time owned the estate the Grail at Cornwall-on-Hudson is now located. They have been refer to as "spinsters" yet seem to be very inspiring women. Who were very involved in the arts. Just my kind of ladies!

I would also like to report I spoke to my sister, Heather Sincavage-another one of our members, and she is working very hard to include us, One Stone Collective, in the women's identity events she is working on in conjunction with Lehigh University. All of her programming will be going on during Women's History month, April, in Bethlehem, PA. Heather was looking for a possible venue for us to be able to show our new works for that month. That means, if this happens, we need to get our works together by the 3rd week of March so we can get into all the publicity and set up our works and hopefully put together a formal show brochure. All of this is still pending and Heather is waiting to see if a budget is approved. Once the school year begins we should know more on this front...

One more thing, Heather missed our last meeting because she was at an incredible women's funeral, Bernadette Cozat. Heather had worked with Bernadette and 21 other women to create a piece/grant regarding their identities. While meeting with this particular women, she had mentioned opening a lecture for a women's group in NYC kinda like this:

"If you cannot look within the mirror and see Isis, Gaia, Athena or any goddess then it is time to find her. It is not until YOU see your divinity that other people can recognize it."

Peace.

Our First

2009-08-12T11:14:00.017-04:00

We did it! Our first show is now officially under our belts. Thank goodness for family and friends who helped us work late into the night and woke up early the day of the show so that everything was done (mostly) in time. The show is up until the end of August so if you're in the neighborhood stop on by. Here's a peek at what you'll see:

FIRST YOU'LL WANDER IN THE WOODS

There you may come upon, Merissa's piece "Burning Bridges" under an archway.

Corey's Piece "(En)compass will emerge behind the stone wall, in the area that used to be a carriage house.

Felted circles - sails in the distance beckon.

Meghan's piece "Reminiscence of a Journey" winds it's way through the woods.

Marcie's piece "And it Lead her Straight to the Heart of Boo's Tree"

is waiting for you to peak inside.

Marcie's piece "And When He Fell in Love with the Sea, She Sewed for Him Sails of Indigo" catches wind but can never set sail.

AND WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF INSIDE A GARDEN SHED GALLERY

Katrina's piece, "The Red Sweater" sits on a shelf, patiently waiting for you.

Massie's piece, "Moral Compass" stands sentinel.

Timi and Carolyn's piece, asks you to stay awhile and read a little story.

And Meghan's piece, sums it all up.

Pick your compass - it's how you begin.

With love, from a group of "wanna be and sometimes just about making it" superheros.

The One Stone Collective at The Grail.

2009-06-22T10:01:00.002-04:00

So here is a little photo introduction to COMPASS, and to the Grail property generally. This weekend Corey, Merissa, and Meghan came up and installed their pieces, and over the next week the rest of the pieces will go up--draped in the trees, installed in the old garden shed. Already it's a magical experience, walking these grounds. Take a look!

Compass: Viewing Hours

2009-06-01T14:33:00.001-04:00

Our First Show, Compass will be on view at The Grail from Saturday June 27th through Saturday August 29th.

Opening Reception:
Saturday June 27th Noon to 6pm
Join us for Live Music From the NYC Go Girls sponsored by Imperial Guitar & Soundworks
Bring a Picnic, water will be for sale.

Regular show hours are from 11-6 daily for the duration

Press Release

2009-06-01T11:30:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Carolyn Turgeon

The One Stone Collective at the Grail in Cornwall-on-Hudson Announces Its Inaugural Art Show:

COMPASS,

Opening July 27, 2009

12 - 6pm at the Grail in Cornwall-on-Hudson

The One Stone Collective is made up of nine women artists from around the country working in various media. For their first show, they’ve collaborated to create fine art pieces around “compass,” an intentionally broad theme that has inspired work as disparate as enormous denim sails covered with ancient mariner imagery, industrial felt strips looped to create a series of spirals that “scribe a compass,” an oversized knotted net inspired by traditional red map lines, a Byzantine-style self-portrait on lacquered silk, a mechanized gyroscope attached to a Greek-style bust, a written fairytale about a girl with “a compass for a heart,” and a papier-mache and ceramic-shard winged sculpture inspired by this story.

Sponsored by the Grail, an international organization with a long history of providing spaces for women to create art, and held at the Grail in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York (located at 119 Duncan Avenue), the show is site-specific. The Grail at Cornwall is situated on 45 pristine acres in the Hudson River Valley. Nets will be draped through honey locust trees in the woods, artwork will swing in the archway of early 1800s ruins, sails will hang in one of the meadows on the property, sculptures will be displayed in outdoor garden shed, and small pieces will jut from holes in the oak trees along the path that leads to the ruins. The June 27 opening will feature live music provided by GO GIRLS NYC and sponsored by Imperial Guitar & Soundworks of Newburgh, a reading by Collective member Carolyn Turgeon, a raffle and prizes, and other activities. The exhibit will remain up until mid August.

So Much Depends: A Little Peep-in-Progress

2009-05-30T22:38:00.001-04:00

***

Hello, all! I'm so excited by all the activity: The shed renovations, the photos of work-in-progress, the general buzz increasing as the exhibition date draws near. So exciting! I wanted to share a little work-in-progress from my studio in California as I can't be at the meetings, in person. I also just wanted to share a general "Woot, woot" of excitement as this meshing of marvelous things all come together in this show and community; a women's art collective of multidisciplinary artists with a first show in a communal art space (and updated barn/ shed) in the beauty of the Hudson River. I mean really, how incredibly meaningful and just darn lovely.

I am wrestling it out with Photoshop and it's quite an even fight but I think that ultimately, I might just win! Designing, redesigning, configuring, reconfiguring I finally have all the backgrounds done and the layout re-reconfigured. Above is a snidbit of the first page of my handmade book, though now I'm going to print the photograph separate from the red sweater background, then sew the two together with thread. The other 8 pages will look similar, though different images, different lines of the poem, different latitude/ longitude locations, and then all the pages bound together into one cohesive book. Perhaps some deer image-transfers on the back pages. (Little collage deer heads will also be tucked into the edges of the foreground photo.) Phew! Just wanted to share.

xoxo,
k.

Treasure From Boo and Turning Blue

2009-05-27T13:09:00.000-04:00

An old man sat in a chair in the Pennsylvania afternoon sun watching over a table strewn with miscellanea. My favorite kind of junk. When I was finished my hands were filled with pocket watches, gears, a compass, a pocket knife, dice - bits and pieces from an imagined childhood. All circles. All gifts from Boo Radley. A childhood compass from one of my favorite books. A perfect tree hole in the woods (a tree more hole then trunk) begged me to use it and so I am gathering and creating a small second piece for the show. The process takes me back to days when my own pockets were filled with the treasure of a neighborhood bike ride. Doesn't it make you wonder just who's pocket this was in? Or what lock (still on a door in some Pennsylvania farm house?) the keys opened?

Secondly, sails are taking shape in the Grey House basement. I began my Indigo dye bath about two weeks ago (a learning process in itself) and here's the first test run. I love this blue. I had imagined something much darker but this is a pleasant surprise. More like sky. I still have a lot more jeans to cut and dye, a bit of a mountain actually, but I am looking forward to beginning to sew them and seeing the form take shape.

This was my initial sketch of the sail but I think I may be changing the design. I may be making the front sails (the one's that look like triangles) rather then the main sail. Partly because the amount of jeans I have been able to collect means I have limited material to work with so I think two smaller sails will look better on the lawn then one large sail on a mast. But we'll see. I designed this one with water, earth and sky in mind (the middle section represented the 24 time zones.) I will still probably incorporate that in some way but a little more in the abstract. Oh, dear. Not much time to figure it all out is there?

Haleighluia!

2009-05-25T21:17:00.000-04:00

Well, here is my painting. Finally, under way and starting to look like something. I have a long way to go but I think I have a little momentum now. Ships, Ships, Ships... sailing ships.

sorry this image is so sucky. I hope you get the idea.

This is my super rough sketch of the layout. Just thought I would throw it in for all to see.

The Big Shed Project

2009-05-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

Before...

During...

During, Day 2...

End still to come...

Anyone up for a trip to the Grail? I know some really fun activities we can do...

denver blog

2009-05-16T21:59:00.001-04:00

I find it difficult to put up "in progress" pictures, becasue I think my sculpture looks funny, but I hope you enjoy it anyway! Carloyn sent me a glorious box full of jewels, feathers, papers, and fabrics. Absolutely perfect supplies, everything I imagined it would be. That box kept me up half the night when it arrived, it was so enticing. Carolyn is an evil scrabble genius but that is also enticing.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!

2009-05-14T13:33:00.000-04:00

So, here is the image that does not want to be transferred onto my piece. I have had a long talk with it and it just will not cooperated. I am still on the hunt for oil of wintergreen to try that transfer method. Maybe minty fresh will do the trick...

Otherwise, I have the resin on order, the site chosen, the sketch/layout complete but still a ton to do. Where has the time gone?

We will be doing a big clean up at the Grail this weekend. So, look out Cornwall-on-Hudson here comes trouble...

Here are some fun images, that I have been meaning to share, from our last meeting...

More Options for Business Cards

2009-05-07T10:49:00.000-04:00

Hi All-
posting more options for the business cards. I've also sent them via email.

Please vote for you top 3 choices from 1-best to 3-okay. I will tally up points for each card depending on it's spot in your vote, # 1 gets 3 & # 3 will get 1. Once we have a tally it will be easier to move forward.
Thanks!

Letterhead & Business Cards

2009-04-30T00:37:00.001-04:00

First Up- The Letter head, let me know your opinions

Secondly- Business Card Options, color wise, tell me your favorite

I'm working on the postcards and banner still... but between all that's gone on for me since the last meeting, and having the seemingly slowest computer on the planet this is as far as I could get this evening.
If you'd like to see any other colors or options for either the letterhead or business card just send me an email
-Meghan

Denver blog addendum

2009-04-19T18:29:00.000-04:00

It is unsettling posting a work in progress, especially when it looks like some kind of blank Hallmark angel Christmas decoration, but you will have to trust my artsitic vision. My life coach and creative consultant, Kristi, thinks it looks creepy already, which is promising. She also amusingly re-enacted the conversation she believed I had with the Payless shoe store clerk when I bought shoes for a child I don't have. "It's for my sculpture of a little lost girl...who lives in the forest and has a heart for a compass!" HEE HEE HEE.

Denver blog

2009-04-18T21:27:00.000-04:00

paiper mache, ceramic shards, shoes about 30" high

Once, in the center of a wild, tangled forest, the kind full of creatures with glittering eyes, there lived a girl with a compass for a heart.

She did not know how she had gotten there. Or where she had been before.

She lived in the trunk of a tree, and ate acorns and berries and grass, and braided flower stems into ropes.

She ran through the leaves that littered the ground, and her heart went in circles, from north to south to east to west, and then back again.

Rainy Days of Ripping Red

2009-04-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

So it's raining tonite. Lots of rain. Seems like we keep getting rain. But with the rain comes time inside. Time inside is leading me to ripping the pile of red fabric I have into strips to start making some of the sections of my "Big Red Net of Life" or at least that is the working title.
So for said BRNoL I plan on taking the red strips of fabric, plastic, rope, yarn etc. and using it to make sections that will show the interconnections of our path through life and the places we go.
I also want to incorporate all the the knot tying techniques from various cultures that I've learned. Using them to represent the ways that we intermingle with the environment around us, and it becomes a part of us.
So with all that said, I guess I should get back to the pile of red fabric and scissors, right?

See all of you who can make it this weekend at The Grail for the next meeting!

Post For Corey

2009-04-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about 'compass' as scribing a circle or creating a boundary. I've been looping industrial felt strips to create spirals and circles. (They will eventually be sewn together but are pinned for the moment.) My idea is to arrange each individual circle into a larger giant circle. I'm excited to bring the work to the Grail and install it because my studio is too small to make the giant circle. Right now the piece looks more like one of those tire obstacle courses and I literally have to run through it to get from one end of my studio to the other. I'm still not sure where at the Grail the piece would fit best. I'm hoping for some thoughts and suggestions from all of you.

As a warm up to my studio practice, I've been making mandala drawings. I started doing this before joining One Stone, but thought there was a definate connection between the drawings and the compass project. I'm not planning on showing the drawings but thought you might enjoy seeing my train of thought.

Until next time,
Corey

Renegade Craft Fair Submission

2009-03-22T01:36:00.001-04:00

Merissa & DJ helped me finish our submission Images for the Renegade Craft Fair today (or yesterday, cause it's now about 1:45am)
Also our logo is done and at the bottom of the page of each set of images.
Please review all images, if you would like any changes please send me an email, or respond to one you should have gotten in your inbox letting you know about this post! I will be submitting our application on Monday morning, so if I don't hear anything by then, it will go as is.

Also today Merissa and I purchased the www.onestonecollective.com website address. Now if you visit there you will be automatically taken here to the blog. So for now we have our website, and we can add content when it is ready.

Sweet dreams all and happy spring!
-Meghan

March Meeting

2009-03-16T14:01:00.000-04:00

The March meeting of The One Stone Collective was even more fabulous than usual. It was super productive with a decision to apply for a booth in the Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn, picking out our spaces for our pieces on the grounds, and brainstorming about how to get a buzz going for the show on June 27th. EXCITING! Nevermind the amazing blueberry pancakes Marcie whipped up on Sunday morning. And the 5 gallons of coffee consumed.
Tink had to withdraw from the Collective due to a novel deadline. Katrina (if you haven't noticed) has officially signed on from California.
Check your emails for more info about the craft fair and our next meeting.

Mini's and a Net

2009-03-12T21:17:00.000-04:00

Meghan checking in here. I'm working on 2 ideas at the moment.
The first takes compass literally, as a rose compass on a map. I started by finding antique maps and tracing off my favorite ones.

My Goal: Create miniature sculptures of different rose compass styles, done in various mediums. I'm starting first with a layered card style and I plan to do one that is carved, one from wire. Then I'll see where it goes.

The second idea came from thinking about compass and letting my mind wander. You can use one to lead you places, to give you direction, but we all have one place in mind. We all wish to "go home" and in our lives we travel we return to places that mean something to us. We follow certain paths over and over, and some we take just a single time. Sometimes we take the long road, and other times it's getting there that is important, not the journey. From this I started to see the "web" we weave through our lives and in our travels.
My Goal: to weave my web through the trees, to show the density and the openness in the journey of one. I want to make a big red net from collected red things, be it string, strips of fabric etc.

Now a gratuitous photo from one of the map books

Red Sweater & Yellow Porch from Oakland, CA

2009-03-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

(one.)

(two.)

(three.)

(four.)

(five.)

Hello all! This is my first post on the One Stone Collective blog. I'm delighted to be involved in the collective and the upcoming compass exhibition. (Thank you, Marcie.) I'll be telecommuting from California and promise to be more regular with my posts after my wedding and honeymoon this April. (Eek!) However, I found these little compasses while cleaning out my studio a few weeks ago. They were too sweet to pass up, especially in the midst of the exhibition focus. So, some little compass images for you.

For my project, I'll be using a set of TTV images and adapting the poem, "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams. I think I'll be making a book w/ text and image and maybe red recycled sweater parts, but it might turn into a photo narrative... we'll see. Regardless, this is the poem I'm working with for now:

so much depends
upon
a red wool
sweater
stitched by one
woman
beside the yellow
porch.

This poem/ photo/ book creation will be part of my exploration of art, craft, poetry and its relevance in the 21st century fine arts world. I'm toying with the idea of navigation (inspired by our dear compass theme) and how we navigate as artists, as women, as crafters through a very modern world. Also, how we find significance in our navigation and meaning in our personal and/or creative work. I'm not sure any of this will end up in the final project--which might just be a series of photographs combined with the above text--but the thinking always shapes the final project, even if it's just woven into the making. Lastly, here's a sample of some of the images I'll be working with:

It's nice to meet you all, virtually! And best of luck w/ your own projects. I'm delighted to be on board. More soon. XoXo, Katrina.

Speaking in Code

2009-03-09T11:45:00.001-04:00

So I went off on a bit of a tangent this week.

I have been interested in Morse Code for a little while now but it resurfaced when I was doing research on ships for my One Stone piece. I decided to play with it a little using my typewriter and old catalogs. It's all part of the idea that old technology makes way for new and then is lost. But when I take the train from Cornwall to New York City the route is lined by old telegraph wires with their blue and green glass caps and I can almost hear the clickity-clack of someone tapping long ago. STOP.

2009-02-28T09:51:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone, this is Carolyn and this is my first post here, and tho I have not been as active as I have meant to be in the collective, given that my new novel's coming out in a few days, I have been talking to Timmie about collaborating -- which I'm very excited about! I haven't collaborated with a visual artist before -- and today am mailing off my two books to her and working on some story ideas that she can play around with. Right now I'm writing about a girl with a compass for a heart. Here is a little snippet.

Once, in the center of a wild, tangled forest, the kind full of creatures with glittering eyes, there lived a girl with a compass for a heart.

She did not know how she had gotten there. Or where she had been before.

She lived in the trunk of a tree, and ate acorns and berries and grass, and braided flower stems into ropes.

She ran through the leaves that littered the ground, and her heart went in circles, from north to south to east to west, and then back again.

I hope to make the March meeting but may be bogged down with bookly matters. But April and May and June I will be staying up at the Grail with Massie and Marcie and I can't wait to sit around a table with these brilliant ladies again, hearing all their plots and schemes and up-to-no-goods.

Love
Carolyn

February Meeting

2009-02-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Our post Valentine's Day February 15th meeting went smashingly despite the general late winter fatigue experienced by all. Marcie, Massie, Merissa, Meghan, Heather, & Corey were physically present. Present in mind were Timi & Katrina. Timi & Carolyn are working together to make a sculpture that involves mary jane's & words.

Marcie is working on making sails for tall ships & a night sky out of blue jeans.(Pictured below: Marcie surveys her kingdom) Meghan is thinking about a navigational maze of sorts made with red string. Massie is building a big ol' gyroscope,

Merissa is doing a self portrait with resin & silk & a compass. (Pictured left: The sisters Sincavage contemplate the mysteries of the universe & Merissa's chunk of resin) One of the exciting things that came up in the meeting is the possible inclusion of lots of girl bands playing music for the collective's first show JUNE 27TH!!!!! I think the name of the organization that puts together the music is New York Go Girls. Meg...is that right? I'm emailing Trish today. And ladies, please don't forget your TO GO cups for our next meeting!

(Pictured Right: Striking a pose)
(

(Pictured below: The One Stone Collective Calls it a Day)

Art Supplies?

2009-02-16T10:38:00.002-05:00

I have been collecting lots of lovely things with which to construct my gyroscope...

raw twine, rusty garden shears (tips only, please), old c-clamps, a variety of door related hardware, strips of metal, a wooden knob of some sort, something that seems like a skewer with a wooden disc on the end (this is my favorite find), a glop of rusted out iron, jute, some railroad ties, and a nickel holdy thing.

Info from the Atmosphere

2009-02-16T10:28:00.001-05:00

I'm sharing this lovely information emailed to me from a person who shall remain nameless (Ian Faloona) in response to viewing our blog:

"So I got to thinking about the compass and its use here on Earth and realized that the reason it is useful here (the magnetic dipole of this planet) is thought to be a result of the Earth's internal dynamo - charges swirling inside the mantle and hot fluid core of the interior. And the great thing about the Earth's magnetic dipole is that it mysteriously flips polarity every several hundred thousand years, with no set schedule and no firmly identified cause."

....AND HE'S A SCIENTIST

Sails and Finding Your Way

2009-02-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

I love doing research. Massie says I am an historian trapped in the body of an artist and she's probably right. When we came up with compass as our first idea I was excited by all the research I was going to get to do. It's hard not to think of Girl Scouting trips and trying to figure out how the compass even worked let alone trying to get anywhere with it. Or the summer I spent trying to memorize constellations. I began with the mechanical manifestations of time and distance we are used to and here my research lead me to the amazing Corpus Clock. When I was in London I went to Greenwich and saw the chronometers invented by Harrison which enabled sailors to more accurately measure longitude(a handy thing when out on the open sea.) When you look at them you realize how we now take time for granted.

The idea of sailing reminded me of the use of the compass as one of my favorite motifs in quilt-making. I wondered at early navigation and how for so long humans used stars as a guide when so few of us can even really see them nowadays.

So where does all that leave me? Collecting old tablecloths, linens and old jeans, and still more research on how transform them into tall ship sails, a cloth compass and a night sky.

denver blog

2009-02-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

Awww...you guys look so cute in your fuzzy hats & scarves. Thanks for lookin interested at my work! Here is some "evidence" of my compass sculpture: little black shoes I bought at payless. I know it is irresponsible of me to buy new shoes but I couldn't stomach the thought of working with shoes that some little kid had sweated in and maybe even peed on. Also I have some really great endpapers from old Nancy Drew books to use. So things are beginning to happen.

January Meeting

2009-02-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

Pictures from the January meeting. In the first picture are Merissa Seminara, Marcie Farwell, and Massie Jones. We're checking out Timothea Biermann's painting images.

In picture #2 are (from left to right) Meghan Sheldon, Merissa Seminara, Marcie Farwell, Massie Jones, and Jeanine Cummins. We are very hard at work.

2009-02-04T14:58:00.000-05:00

Well, Hello everyone!

This is my first posting and I just wanted to let everyone know what I have been up to. I really love the first theme with which we are working. I presently am in need of direction in my life and an abundance of it. When we were given this theme/word I was immediately excited, but not sure why and that quickly became evident as my life started to unravel around me. Deep down I knew it would happen sometime but now seems to be that time. I am truly honored to be working along side so many beautiful and amazing talents while making my way in the right direction.

This compass for me is going to be a self portrait. Something I use to do frequently when I was in touch with myself. This is the opportunity to get back to who I am and find the ways I want to go. I work in fiber as my main media (and photography as my secondary). For me, this means painting, dyeing and surface design on silk.

This project will be a painting created by first photographing myself. Then transferring the image onto a dyed piece of silk via photocopy transfer. From there, I will do what ever surface work I deem needed. The left eye will be void and I will be creating a broken compass from metal to take its place. Once all of this is complete, the piece will be encased in clear resin. At least, I think so.

Right now, I am doing some tests with the silk in resin and just painting in general. So, I will keep everyone posted on what happens and where my compass takes me next.

-Merissa

Think on these things...

2009-01-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

What does this picture have to do with my project? Nothing! I just like it. Of course, I do some of my best, most creative thinking while driving tractors. Also, this is an example of Carolyn's amazing talents as a photographer.

I am eager to get started constructing my compass but am still in the collection stage.

As a fan of black holes and all things space related, I second Timi's BRILLIANT idea stated in her first blog post.

What do other people think?

-Massie

Denver Blog

2009-01-28T22:50:00.001-05:00

Perhaps we should investigate black holes and/or outer space as a future theme for the collective...I would absolutely dig it. As a far away member of the group, I am excited to join the blog so I can feel connected! I have many ideas swirling aroung concerning the artwork, which I believe will be a figurative sculpture. Carolyn has contacted me and we have agreed to collaborate, which is a truly fetching idea. I think Carolyn and I may be in parallel dimensions with Massie as our portal. That's my silly way of saying we know all about each other through Massie but have never met. I loved Carolyn's website, and that has given me some indications about apprpriate imagery, although I am sure I will twist things to be a bit darker. The sculpture will be mixed media, beginning at the bottom with patent leather black mary janes and transforming into other materials as it grows upward. Carolyn's work will inspire the direction from there, and I plan to incorporate her text into the sculpture itself. Oh yes, the theme: her heart is a compass...I think she is lost.

TIME CHANGE!

2009-01-27T17:01:00.000-05:00

OSC meeting on February 15th has been changed from noon to 2:00 pm at the Oak & Iris.

Rotating, rotating...

2009-01-25T19:20:00.001-05:00

The first theme for our first group art show is COMPASS. After discarding my first idea (making a compass with which to navigate a black hole assuming that we had some sort of vessel that would not immediately be sucked into the vortex) I have become fixated on the idea of making a gyroscopic moral compass. I've sketched it out and have begun gathering materials for it's making. I can't wait! I can't wait to see what everyone else is working on at our next meeting in February.

-Massie

Beginnings

2009-01-21T16:27:00.000-05:00

It seems a good time to begin something new, and so I am happy to introduce The One Stone Women's Art Collective at the Grail. (It's kind of a mouthful, I know.)

We had our second meeting on Saturday, January 10th, and despite the snowstorm, there were six of us in attendance. So let me introduce them:

Massie

Carolyn

Merissa

Meghan

Tink

Marcie

Those who were not there but who will be participating:

Timi

Heather

I've tried to add their website where they exist but there will be lots of pictures coming soon.

For as long as I have been out of school I have had various conversations with friends about creating an artist's collective. We daydreamed of barns and garret studios, we spoke of classes and salons, we created shows in our heads, sometimes we even held classes in living rooms but for the most part they never became more then ideas. It's a hard thing to create within the boundaries of work and life. For a lot of us, there just never seems to be enough time or money. The shows I participated in with Katrina and at Rock, Paper, Scissors in Oakland inspired me to keep looking for an opportunity to make some of those daydreams a reality. My decision to stay here at the Grail was in large part due to their commitment to help us get the collective off the ground. Given the green light and the guideline that the members must be women (part of the mission of the Grail is to support women,) Massie and I were unsure at first on how to go about starting this adventure. We turned to the place were the ideas first began; with our friends. I am excited to be working alongside so many amazing artists to create our first show, it's a little intimidating actually. And so, I am busy researching vintage compass quilts, night skies, and tall ships. I look forward to February and the next meeting where I get to see what everyone else has been up to.

- Marcie

Artist Bio- Heather Sincavage

2009-01-14T12:06:00.004-05:00

Heather Sincavage earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia, and her Master of Fine Arts Degree from the School of Art at University of Washington in Seattle.

Throughout her career, Heather has received numerous awards, commissions, and residencies. In 2009, she was proud to accept a full fellowship awarded by Artix Creativo Espacio in Zaragoza, Spain, where a selected amount of work now resides under Artix management. She also is a multiple award recipient of the Pennsylvania Partner’s in the Arts Project Stream Grant. In 2007, she welcomed a fellowship for a one month residency at the Vermont Studio Center.

In addition to Heather’s national and international exhibition roster, her professional career includes extensive teaching in the arts. Presently, she is an Assistant Professor at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA; teaching Two Dimensional and Three Dimensional Design. She also is an Adjunct Professor in the Art, Architecture, & Design Program at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA; and an Instructor at the Baum School of Art, Allentown, PA. She also has held teaching positions at Marywood University, Scranton, PA; University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, Allentown, PA.

Heather’s studio can be found at the esteemed Banana Factory Community Art Center in Bethlehem, PA. As part of the artist community, she acts as a Lehigh University Outreach Liaison, where she connects the Banana Factory arts with campus academic departments. Heather resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Visit her website at www.heathersincavage.com

"Pathway"
black & white photo on arches, vellum, graphite, acrylic
24 x 24"
2009

"Resonance"
photo on panel, sugar, acrylic, poplar
29x26"
2009

"Architect's Daughter"
photo on panel, sugar, acrylic, poplar
20x50"
2008

"Beside Her"
photo on panel, sugar, acrylic, poplar
73 x 54"
2009

"Untitled"
photo on panel, sugar, acrylic, poplar
29 x26"
2009

"Looking Back"
photo on panel, sugar, acrylic, poplar
10 x 20"
2009

"Gemini"
photo on panel, sugar, vellum, acrylic, steel wire
5 x 8'
2008

Artist Bio- Katrina Rodabaugh

2009-01-03T21:57:00.002-05:00

Katrina Rodabaugh is a writer and artist currently living in Oakland, CA. Her artwork has been shown in such galleries as the San Francisco Center for the Book, Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts, and The University of Alabama W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library. Her writing has appeared in the press gang, curves, and Stillwater journals and also in letterpress printed broadsides and chapbooks.
She received her MFA in Poetry from Mills College in Oakland, CA where she also worked as a teaching assistant in the Book Arts Studio. She was awarded a writer’s residency at the Vermont Studio Center in 2005 and an individual artist grant from the Puffin Foundation in 2009. For information regarding her work and online art shops, visit her blog

Artist Bio- Timi Biermann

2009-01-03T21:56:00.004-05:00

Timi is an art educator and multimedia artist. She has a BFA in ceramics from Maine College of Art and has studied extensively at art centers including Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Arts and Crafts, and Anderson Ranch Art Center. Timi specializes in painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, ceramics, and sculpture.
Timi has been an art educator for the past ten years, and currently teaches at Slavens K-8 School in Denver. She is a recipient of the Public Education Business Coalition Funds for Teachers grant and the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund. She is an active member of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, and is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Kansas
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
36x48”
2009

Backbone
mixed media (acrylic, collage, and papier mache on canvas)
24x36”
2008

Japan Fan
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
20x32”
2008

Maneki Neko
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
18x24”
2008

Advice
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
20x26”
2008

Kissing Prairie Dogs
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
48x60”
2009

Tapir
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
24x36”
2009

Kittens Gone Bad
watercolor and graphite
8x11”
2009

Bedroom
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
22x28”
2008

Traveling Fish
mixed media (acrylic and collage on canvas)
24x30”
2008

Artist Bio- Marcie Farwell

2009-01-03T21:55:00.005-05:00

Marcie Farwell sometimes goes by the name of her great aunt Zora Jane, whom she never actually met but liked the moment she found out Zora tripped over things a lot. Miss Farwell moved from California to attend New York University in order to study Architectural History but instead fell in love with photography and making things by hand. She lives in Brooklyn and while you will still catch her looking up to read dates on cornices she is usually otherwise occupied with a thrift store find, a sewing machine, fabric, knitting needles, a camera or any combination thereof. Marcie worked with the dress designer Mary Adams in New York where she learned the fine art of welding a needle and thread.

In 2006, her dress The Great War appeared as part of a group show put together by Katrina Rodabaugh at Mills College and in 2007, her piece Wede was part of a group textile show “Tints” at Rock Paper Scissors Gallery in Oakland. She collaborated with Lindsay Gilmour for a art/dance piece “The East Wind in a Petticoat,” shown at Ithaca College in 2008. Marcie Farwell co-founded the One Stone Collective in January of 2009 while living at the Grail in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. For the Collective’s first show COMPASS, Marcie created two site specific pieces “And When He Fell in Love with the Sea She Sewed for Him Sails of Indigo” and “It Lead Her Straight to the Heart of Boo’s Tree.”

“The Quilting Bee”
Photo Quilt Series - Paper based photographic portraits sewn together and embroidered in the American “Crazy Quilt” tradition.
2000 to Present

“The Quilting Bee” Detail
Photo Quilt Series - Paper based photographic portraits sewn together and embroidered in the American “Crazy Quilt” tradition.
2000 to Present

“The Great War” Art Dress
1920’s inspired dress as part of a group project for Katrina Rodabaugh Master’s Thesis for Mills College. Integrating the poetry of Gertrude Stein letterpressed onto fabric then pieced along with recycled and hand-knit materials and embroidered.
February 2007

“Red and Black I"
Photo Quilt and Art Quilt.
4x4” pieces inspired by World War I era mourning etiquette
Shown at Rock, Paper, Scissors Gallery for the fourth anniversary of the Iraq Invasion.
March 2007

“Red and Black II"
Photo Quilt and Art Quilt.
4x4” pieces inspired by World War I era mourning etiquette
Shown at Rock, Paper, Scissors Gallery for the fourth anniversary of the Iraq Invasion.
March 2007

“Wede” Large Scale Art Dress/Tent.
Inspired by the stories of Juliet, Ophelia and Briar Rose and childhood forts. Black on Black embroidery, quilting, appliqué, lace knitting and crochet and letterpress printed fabric pieced together in the form of a Victorian mourning dress.
As part of a show, “Tints” at Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective Gallery, Oakland CA. October 2007

“Wede” Large Scale Art Dress/Tent.
Inspired by the stories of Juliet, Ophelia and Briar Rose and childhood forts. Black on Black embroidery, quilting, appliqué, lace knitting and crochet and letterpress printed fabric pieced together in the form of a Victorian mourning dress.
As part of a show, “Tints” at Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective Gallery, Oakland CA. October 2007

“The East Wind in a Petticoat”
Art Dress and Dance Performance Collaboration.
Two new art dresses and the reuse of “Wede”(seen above) in a dance piece choreographed and performed by Lindsay Gilmour. “The East Wind” was inspired by the idea that the original meaning of the word “spinster” was The Fates. The two all white dresses act as counterpoint to “Wede.”
The piece was part of the show “No Translation Needed” at Ithaca College.
March 2008

“The East Wind in a Petticoat”
Art Dress and Dance Performance Collaboration.
Two new art dresses and the reuse of “Wede”(seen above) in a dance piece choreographed and performed by Lindsay Gilmour. “The East Wind” was inspired by the idea that the original meaning of the word “spinster” was The Fates. The two all white dresses act as counterpoint to “Wede.”
The piece was part of the show “No Translation Needed” at Ithaca College.
March 2008

“The East Wind in a Petticoat”
Art Dress and Dance Performance Collaboration.
Two new art dresses and the reuse of “Wede”(seen above) in a dance piece choreographed and performed by Lindsay Gilmour. “The East Wind” was inspired by the idea that the original meaning of the word “spinster” was The Fates. The two all white dresses act as counterpoint to “Wede.”
The piece was part of the show “No Translation Needed” at Ithaca College.
March 2008

“And When He Fell in Love with the Sea, She Sewed for Him Sails of Indigo”
A large-scale textile piece made from pieced denim salvaged from over 50 pairs of used jeans and dyed with Vat Technique indigo as well as photo-sensitive fabric sun-printed and over-dyed with indigo.
Site-specific pieces created as part of “COMPASS” the fist show of the One Stone Art Collective.
June 2009

“It Lead Her Straight to the Heart of Boo’s Tree.”
A mixed media piece of found objects assembled in the hollowed out stump of a tree. Site-specific pieces created as part of “COMPASS” the fist show of the One Stone Art Collective.
June 2009

Artist Bio- Massie Jones

2009-01-03T21:54:00.002-05:00

Massie attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she majored in Fiber Arts and had her first show. Since finishing school, she has expanded her use of materials to include metal and wood and continues to be madly in love with all things fibrous.
Massie’s main inspirational forces come from science, mathematics and physics and she strives to educate her artistically inclined brain in these fields by reading too much science fiction.
Massie makes her home in super hip Ossining, New York where she tries to cram as many art supplies as possible into her artists hovel.

Artist Bio- Merissa Sincavage Seminara

2009-01-03T14:28:00.002-05:00

Merissa Sincavage Seminara earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree and minor in art history at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She has received numerous private commissions throughout the Philadelphia area and has continued to investigate the arts on her own while volunteering at wildlife rehabilitation facilities, working with animals in the veterinary field, traveling throughout Europe, inventing like MacGyver, organically gardening, caring for her menagerie of pets, being married and having a child.

Most recently, she has been inspired by her son’s love for the arts, animals and anything aquatic (sharks, boats, geese, etc). Merissa has been spending lots of time out and about all over Brooklyn, NY where she currently resides. Feeding the pond creatures in Prospect Park, visiting the sharks and turtles at the aquarium, going to any museum that will tolerate busy little guys and playing with friends and family all over NYC and Pennsylvania, it is a regular adventure for this active artist mom.

"Burning Bridges"
silk, dye, foil, copper, resin
2009

"Burning Bridges"- hanging in archway it was created for
silk, dye, foil, copper, resin
2009

"Burning Bridges"
silk, dye, foil, copper, resin
2009

"Burning Bridges"- detail
silk, dye, foil, copper, resin
2009

"Burning Bridges"- detail
silk, dye, foil, copper, resin
2009

Artist Bio- Meghan Sheldon-Brungard

2009-01-02T11:19:00.008-05:00

Meghan was trained as an industrial designer at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she continues to live with her husband, 2 cats and a dog. With a love of how things are made, she is constantly fighting the desire to bring home all the poor, lost and broken chairs of the world. She spends a lot of time knitting, reading and picking up new hobbies.

Meghan exhibited a well received chair design at the 2003 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), and still wishes for space to manufacture them. Currently spending her time creating and learning all the ins and outs of buying a house, she spends her days amid papers and emails, and nights among assorted materials from wood, yarn, metal, fabric and paint.

Sometimes working in collaboration with her husband, she is constantly inspired by him. Once they buy that house, they will have multiple studios: a messy one, a clean one, a fabric/yarn one, a computer one; and hopefully they will all have heat.

Joint Painting with Husband, David Brungard
acrylic & gauche on wood
2007

S.I.T (Secession of Inner Tubes)
Steel Tubing, 16" Bicycle Inner Tubes & Cotton Webbing
2003

S.I.T. came from an epiphany- "bicycle inner tubes"
The design is focused on the accentuation of a ready-made material in a novel way, as furniture. The elegantly simple bends in the steel tubing suspend the user comfortably on an air filled pillow of tubes constricted by the warmth of cotton webbing. These inner tubes have seceded from their former association with a bicycle to form a new entity, one in which they are the focus of the activity.

Shown at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), May 2003

Studies of Convexity and Concavity
Plaster
2002

The Blob
Plaster on Wood Base
2001

The Blob
Plaster on Wood Base
2001

Flower Lights
Colored Plastic Wrap over Wire Frames, with individually battery powered switches
2000

Shari
Embroidery on Handmade Cotton, Silk Lined Zipper Pouch
2008

Wedding Blanket
Cabled blanket Designed & Knit for my oldest friend as a wedding gift
2007

Wedding Blanket
Cabled blanket Designed & Knit for my oldest friend as a wedding gift
2007

Baby Shower Invitation
For My Brother and Sister in Law's Baby Shower
Computer Line Drawing, Printed then Hand Colored with Color Pencil
2008

Storage Table Sketches
Pen on Paper
2003

Compass Drawings in 3 parts, Composite Photo
graphite on onion skin, gel medium, found windows
2009

Compass as a literal rose compass from a map. Giving one a way of finding direction in the wild, acting as an accent to a map. Showing us the possible directions in which we can go.

Shown at Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Compass Drawings in 3 parts
graphite on onion skin, gel medium, found windows
2009

Compass as a literal rose compass from a map. Giving one a way of finding direction in the wild, acting as an accent to a map. Showing us the possible directions in which we can go.

Shown at Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Reminiscence of a Journey
acrylic yarn, jersey knit fabric, woven ploy-cotton fabric, polypropylene rope
2009

Compass as a way of returning , to where you've been, what you know and where you come from. Red lines signifying our journey through life, marking ones path in the world. For reminiscence, to find ones bearings in life, for new direction.

On site Installation for Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Reminiscence of a Journey
acrylic yarn, jersey knit fabric, woven ploy-cotton fabric, polypropylene rope
2009

Compass as a way of returning , to where you've been, what you know and where you come from. Red lines signifying our journey through life, marking ones path in the world. For reminiscence, to find ones bearings in life, for new direction.

On site Installation for Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Reminiscence of a Journey
acrylic yarn, jersey knit fabric, woven ploy-cotton fabric, polypropylene rope
2009

Compass as a way of returning , to where you've been, what you know and where you come from. Red lines signifying our journey through life, marking ones path in the world. For reminiscence, to find ones bearings in life, for new direction.

On site Installation for Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Reminiscence of a Journey
acrylic yarn, jersey knit fabric, woven ploy-cotton fabric, polypropylene rope
2009

Compass as a way of returning , to where you've been, what you know and where you come from. Red lines signifying our journey through life, marking ones path in the world. For reminiscence, to find ones bearings in life, for new direction.

On site Installation for Compass, at The Grail, Cornwall on Hudson, NY

Artist Bio- Corey Breneisen

2009-01-02T11:13:00.005-05:00

Corey R. Breneisen is a sculptor and mixed medium artist whose work has been exhibited in New York, Seattle and Philadelphia. Working primarily with fiber and reclaimed objects, her artwork is a playful interpretation of the world around her. Born in Pennsylvania, Corey relocated to Brooklyn, New York in order to pursue her MFA at Pratt Institute. She continues to live and work in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

www.raestudios.net
www.raestudios.etsy.com
www.thecreativecenterarts.org

'Lifelines'
Japanese Masa paper, 2008

Shown at: Habitats and Hibernation; Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

'Wall Meditation I
Graphite on wall, 2007

'Gathering' (Installation view)
100 yards of canvas, rubber bands, 2005

Shown at: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

'Playline'
Wooden clothespins, cotton mop; 2006

Shown at: Presto!, SOIL Gallery, Seattle, Washington

'Urban Fiber, Circles'
Urban Fiber, 2009

Shown at: Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

'Urban Fiber, Quilt'
Urban Fiber, 2009

Shown at: Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

"Urban Fiber (Small Group)"
mixed media, 2009

Shown at: Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

'Urban Winter IV'
mixed media on wood,2008

Shown at: Habitats and Hibernation; Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY;
Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

In the collection of Jomo L. Dixon

'Urban Winter V'
mixed media on wood, 2008

Shown at: Habitats and Hibernation; Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY;
Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

'Urban Winter VII'
mixed media on wood, 2008

Shown at: Habitats and Hibernation; Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY;
Urban Fiber, Waldo Loft Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

Artist Bio- Carolyn Turgeon

2009-01-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

Carolyn Turgeon is a writer who lives between Pennsylvania and New York, and is currently staying at the Grail at Cornwall-on-Hudson as its writer-in-residence. Her first novel, Rain Village, was published in 2006 by Unbridled Books. Her second, Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story, was published in March 2009 by Three Rivers/Crown in the US and Headline in the UK, and has been optioned for film by Random House Films/Focus Features. She's currently working on her third novel, a retelling of the the original little mermaid story, which will come out in summer 2010.

www.carolynturgeon.com

http://carolynturgeon.blogspot.com/

Artist Bio- Bea Wolert

2009-01-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

Bea holds an MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute (2003) and received a BA in Design from Adelphi University. She has been part of group shows in New York, most recently Her Mark 2010 (2009) at Woman Made Gallery; Patterns of Growth (2009) at NURTUREart; Eggcartonopolis (2008) at HQ; The Generations Show (2008) at A.I.R. Gallery; From the Art of New York (2006) at the World Financial Center; the prayingproject (2005) and Renegades (2006) at EXIT Art; and Traveling Tales (2005) at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, Masterton, New Zealand. She is the Programs Director at CUE Art Foundation. Bea lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with her husband and son and continues to find inspiration in the streets, culture and memories of growing up there as a child.

drill drawing #6 [detail] , 2008
Wood, oil paint, drilling, 22 ¼” x 9 9/16”

drill drawing #6 [detail] , 2008
Wood, oil paint, drilling, 22 ¼” x 9 9/16”

drill drawing #5, 2007
Newsprint, cardboard, plastic, nails, drilling, 14 ¾” x 11” x 2 ¾”

drill drawing #5 [detail], 2007
Newsprint, cardboard, plastic, nails, drilling, 14 ¾” x 11” x 2 ¾”

2nd Attempt at a Memory: Grandma Cuts Cabbage, 2006
Video still

spliced thread #1 (purple), 3” x 9 1/2” x 8”
Cut thread

spliced thread #9 (white triptych) [detail], 2008
Cut thread
Image at left: 5 7/8” x 4” x 4”
Image at center: 6 ½” x 5” x 5”
Image at right: 5 7/8” x 3 ¾” x 3 ¾”

spliced thread #3 (orange) [detail], 2006
Cut thread and rusted metal, 3” x 9 ½” x 8”

Courtesy of Sayaka Araki

Untitled, 2009
Wood and beads, ~36” x 36” x 30”

Installed at Monsignor McGorlick Park, Brooklyn, NY

Filler #3 [detail], 2009
Beads in concrete, ~ ½” x 24”

Installed at Monsignor McGorlick Park, Brooklyn, NY

drill drawing #4, 2007

Directions to The Grail

2009-01-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

The Grail
119 Duncan Avenue, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520

From Manhattan:
Take the George Washington Bridge to I-95 South.
Take exit 74 to the Palisades Pkwy N
Continue on US-6 E
At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto NY-218/Rte-9W/US-9W/US Route 9W
Continue to follow US-9W/US Route 9W
Turn right at Continental Rd
Turn right at Blvd
Make a Hairpin turn back onto Hasbrock Ave (if you come to Jogues Dr you've gone too far)
Turn right at Ridge Rd
Turn left at Duncan Ave
119 Duncan Ave

From Brooklyn:
Take the 278 East over the Triboro Bridge.
Use exit 47 onto the 87 North
Take exit 7N-7S to the I-95 S towards Trenton
Take exit 74 to the Palisades Pkwy N
Continue on US-6 E
At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto NY-218/Rte-9W/US-9W/US Route 9W
Continue to follow US-9W/US Route 9W
Turn right at Continental Rd
Turn right at Blvd
Make a Hairpin turn back onto Hasbrock Ave (if you come to Jogues Dr you've gone too far)
Turn right at Ridge Rd
Turn left at Duncan Ave
119 Duncan Ave