Time to Unwind

I've finally completed my obligation to the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham. September 30th ended the one year contract. Whew! My final report and the images which I created for my narrative: Walk, in the Direction You' Goin' In were turned in and reviewed. I feel relieved that it's done and behind me. It was quite a challenge going to work everyday from 9 to 5 and then having to come home and rev up for another 3 to 5 hours of carving linoleum blocks and/or drawing. I realized early during the grant year that the best part of my day, when I'm most alert and creative, was spent working for an employer. I would have preferred spending the bulk of my time engaged in a project that I felt passionate about . . . and working for myself. But that was not the case. I was constantly juggling my time, energy and attention. I believe that I presented a lot of great prints to show for my efforts. I have a few more commitments this month and then I plan to take a break from everything! I WILL NOT make any promises that will tie me to a schedule. . . other than what I want to do; when I want to do it. Once I regroup and catch my breath, I'll upload my DVD to YouTube. The DVD was created to highlight my year long process of working on my narrative and linoleum relief prints for CAGB.



Two weeks ago, I drove to the University of Montevallo to an event sponsored by Multicultural Affairs. My friend (and relative?) W. Ralph Eubanks lectured and read from his second book, released in May 2009: The House at the End of the Road: The Story of Three Generations of an Interracial Family in the American South. Ralph is Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress. He presented me with an autographed copy of his book. Love it!

Last week, I presented an art talk to Birmingham Needlearts, The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. It went well and I'm planning to give more of these talks and lino block demonstrations. I have a lot to say about my art and what it represents.

The first Saturday of October I participated in the 46th Annual Bluff Park Art Show . It's always a wonderful venue. I can't believe that this is my 4th year exhibiting there. Ginger of Deep Fried Kudzu stop by to introduce herself. I've been following her blog for a while. It was great putting a face with the name and meeting her husband and two sons. Her blog is about life, art, travel, cooking and Southern culture in the Deep South. Also, Penny Arnold, a very talented glass artist from Leeds dropped in. Penny was the instructor of a stained glass class that I took, this past January, at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I was in good company with my friend and fellow artist, John Sims. He and his wife were set up next to me. John is the individual who first encouraged me to apply for Bluff Park. When I was admitted on my first application it sealed the deal. I haven't looked back. Other friends and patrons stopped to say hello. And last but not least, kudos for my friend Tom who was available to lend a hand. Couldn't have done it without him.

Needless to say, I was in my element. The weather was great! Let's hope that we'll have lots of sunshine this weekend at The KENTUCK Festival in Northport, AL on October 17 & 18th. See you there!

Movin' Right Along

It's hard to believe that I've just reached the mid-point of my grant year.
September 2009 is looming on the horizon and I'm working as hard and as fast as I can! This is the beginning of MY art festival season. I love it! Unfortunately, I'm going to have to bow out of the shows located outside of Birmingham which I've been accepted to participate in. I don't want to get bogged down with the logistics of trying to prepare new prints when my focus is to complete the requirements of my GIA grant. That's my priority. I'm very excited with the larger lino blocks that I'm cutting. So far the blocks are either 14" x 20" or 18" x 18" which is larger than I've ever worked. I'm taking a few of them to Gordo, Alabama in a couple of weeks to show them to Glenn House, Kathy Fetters and Amos Kennedy. Nothing like a good old critique from a couple of heavy hitters in the printmaking/papermaking/letterpress world. More on that later.

Once you get into a "rhythm" cutting a design into linoleum block, it becomes very theraputic. I used to find this same rhythm when I'd needlepoint at all hours of the night. And as much as I enjoy block printing. . . I have to admit that I really miss my daily stitching sessions. I still keep small canvases stored in my car. Whenever I find myself waiting for something or someone, I'll pull one out and stitch like there's no tomorrow. So much to do; so little time.

I'm enrolled in a stained glass class for the next six weeks. Actually, we've already had two sessions. The class is offered thru the Birmingham Museum of Art. Penny Arnold is the instructor. She's wonderful. I love her teaching style. Very clear instructions, low key, non-obtrusive. By that I mean that she's not hovering over you or insisting that you do something her way as the right way. While there are a number of correct steps that one should follow to get a desired result she definitely has fun, informative sessions. Check out her website Golden Penny Studio.