Chimera Sioree 2007

The Sioree this year was fab... just like last year, excellent food, live music, an art show, a poetry reading (of which I got to be a part of again this year).

But unlike last year, I knew more people... featured above is part of the Chimera Lit crew... me, Stacey, Doug, and Bekka. Really nice people. Anyway, after the party, we went to a bar and just did some hanging out. Sweet.

I wish I had more to tell you about the event... but what it really boils down to is this: I had a wonderful time and that's all she wrote.

Jewelry Casting: alternative material and soft wax

Okay friends, I admit, I am disastrously behind in posting. But just in case there is anyone still out there... here's the deal on my last casting project.

Our assignment was to make a piece using alternative materials and soft wax. It just so happens that I split this project into two pieces. The alternative materials could be anything from leaves, to seeds, to bugs, to toys, or food, etc etc etc.

Now, the natural objects had to be dried so that they would burn out in the kiln and leave a cavity for the molten metal. BUT, you CANNOT burn out anything that's plastic or synthetic because the burn off creates toxins in the air. So, to create my car pendant, I first had to create a plaster mold of the car and then cast the car in wax... then I could invest that wax for burn out in the kiln.

The bracelet is simply made of soft wax. I took sheet wax and then melted wax dribbles onto it. I kinda like it... in fact, I think I like it better than my car bracelet.

And as for the color. Well, that was easy enough... both of these projects were cast in bronze... So, I painted the bronze with Gesso, like the stuff that painters use to prepare a canvas, and then I used colored pencil to get the color... layers and layers of colored pencil. And that's that.

Enjoy.

First Snow = First Blizzard?

Well, Edinboro had its first snow-fall of the year today... it is really cold and miserable outside. It's funny because just a couple weeks ago one of my jewelry professors was talking about how the earliest she remembers it snowing is October 8th.

BUT, let me tell you this... the weather in Edinboro is never half-way, never mild. Fall only lasts about two weeks here, so it's either hot or cold, barely any in between. SO, of course our first snow fall would not be light and poetical. It's wet and slushy and there's a lot of it. The weather people are predicting 4-6 inches this evening and then potentially another 1-3 inches tomorrow.

All I really have to say is this: Hello, Winter!

You Know You're a College Student When...

You get crazy, insane excited that Tropicana makes a bottle of orange juice small enough to fit in you freakishly tiny refrigerator.

Yep, today I was suckin' down some orange juice, and loving it :)

Printmaking: Intaglio

Intaglio is a technique in printmaking in which lines are acid etched onto a zinc plate. It is different from woodcuts and linoleum printing in that it is not a relief print. In relief printing what is cut away from the block is what does not print. However, in intaglio, the lines that you etch are the lines that print. This is because the plate is put through a printing press that exerts great pressure over it... you use a special kind of paper that is soaked in a water bath before printing to make it pliable... and the pressure of the press pushes the paper down into the is line work that you've created, picking up the ink. This is the part of the process that is illustrated by the first picture of my hand print.

However, there is another facet the process that you can add to the plate which is called aqua-tinting... that's how I got that fabulous range of greys and blacks. In this process, you cover the plate in a very fine coating of resin particulate and then bake that particulate onto the plate. After that, you re-etch the plate and depending on how long the plate is left in the acid is how dark it gets, i.e. the longer a plate is left in the acid, the darker and richer the grey/black. You get the range by coating the plate in an acid resist called hardground or asphaltum. Where the plate is covered, the acid does not etch the plate and the grey stays lighter.

Now the reason that aqua-tinting is necessary to get those nice blacks is because there has to be something on the plate to hold the ink. Before printing, all the excess ink is wiped off the plate, so if there is no texture to hold the ink, the ink will simply be wiped off and you'll get a fuzzy grey/white instead of black. Aqua-tinting is the means to create the texture. When the rosin is baked into the plate, it creates microscopic peaks and valleys, parts of the plate that are covered and parts of the plate that are not. And when the plate is put into the acid, the parts that are not covered by the rosin is eaten away by the acid, leaving tiny pocks to hold the ink.

This is by far and away my favorite technique that I've learned in printmaking so far because it allows for a lot more detail and precision and, in my opinion, expression. Instead of using awkward tools to carve something away, you basically draw on the metal with a stylus... the line quality is nicer and simply more controllable. I really liked my self-portrait, but I think this is my favorite print so far.

Intermediate Jewelry: Chasing and Repousse

All righty, here's another of my jewelry projects from my Intermediate Jewelry Studio... This was a "double" assignment: 1. use the technique of chasing and repousse, 2. make an item that's meant for body adornment. I chose to make a necklace, but my teacher worried that it was going to be too "easy", too "simple". So, hence the addition of the earrings. And actually, ironically enough, I think that I like the earrings better, although the necklace is quite stunning.

Also, for this project, I handmade the clasp and the earring findings. Everything is sterling silver.

And as for the techniques... the are actually two separate techniques that are very often used in conjunction with one another. Chasing is basically a way to add ornate line work to the front of a piece. There is a range of tools, usually "liners" that as their name implies, are used to create in-sized lines on the metal. You would first decide what you wanted your design to be, draw that design onto you metal, the putting a liner to that design, you would hit the liner with a chasing hammer, moving the tool along the line and creating the design. Now, repousse is very similar (both chasing and repousse share and require similar tools and hammers), except roupousse is done from both the front and the back of a piece, and repousse is not used simply to create line but volume. Rounded tools are used from the back of a piece to push it forward and give it 3D form.

Over all, I really enjoyed this technique. I would definitely use it again.

Printmaking: first two assignments

Here are my first two assignments from printmaking: one linoleum print and one wood cut. Both of these pictures are of my proofs (my Professor still has my editions), so the finals look a little more polished, a little more saturated.

The black/white print is the woodcut. It was my first assignment, and it was required that it was a self-portrait. I like it. It was not really so easy to make, the wood was difficult to carve... but I'm happy with the product.

And the linoleum print is of lightening strikes... I was a lot more concerned with playing with color than carving in this one, although I will say that the linoleum was much easier to carve than the wood. I like this print less... although I had more fun making this one than I did the woodcut.

Overall, though, I have to say that I'm really enjoying the class... good times.

The Weirdest Thing

Okay, so at the moment, I'm (re)reading Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Love it! But that's not the weird part...

First, a digression: there is a movie based on this book aptly titled Ella Enchanted starring Anne Hathaway. AND, there's a part in the movie where Anne Hathaway sings "Somebody to Love."

All right, the digression is over. NOW, for some reason, because I'm reading the book, I can't seem to get that song out of my head, which is strange because besides having the title, the basic premise, and the character names in common, the book and the movie are not very similar.

I must confess that although I like the book better, I do like both the book and the movie. But it doesn't matter that the two are so different, I just can't stop hearing the song. When I wake up in the morning, I sing it to myself; on my way to class, while I'm working, while I'm reading, while I'm getting ready for bed, while I'm falling asleep, I hum it to myself. I just keep hearing it.

Is that crazy or what? I swear, living in my head is the weirdest thing sometimes.

Casting: lost-wax rings

Alrighty kids, here are the rings that I made in my jewelry casting class from a technique called lost-wax casting. Meaning this: I first carved these rings out of wax, exact in every detail. Then, said rings were invested in a metal flask... the rings were attached to a flask using wax wire, then I mixed casting investment (special kind of plaster) and poured it into the flask around the ring. Oh, and I should mention that a casting flask is not like a whiskey flask... a casting flask is basically a hollow tube of steel.

So, the rings were invested... THEN, you put the flask into a kiln over night... the kiln goes up to 900* for about six hours... then up to 1200* for another 6 hours or so. During this time, the wax melts out of the flask leaving a ring-shaped impression in the now hardened investment. The flask must be cast while it is still hot... so, using tongs, the flask is taken from the kiln and put directly into a centerfuge where the metal is melted and cast.

Viola! Rings! Okay, not exactly... there's still filing and polishing involved. But that is the process in a nutshell.

The first ring was just kind of a swirly type ring with open spaces... I just kind of just playing/experimenting with that one. But the second ring... I'm very pleased with the second ring. I call it my "Prayer Ring." The outside is my version of a feather, a Native American symbol for prayers and wishes; also, one would make offers of feathers (and food and beads, etc) to the spirits to help these wishes come true. AND on the inside of the band, I carved more symbols... Things that I want for myself. I'm going to wear this second ring as much as I can.

Overall, this is definitely a process that I would turn to again.

Intermediate Jewelry: mono-shell/bi-shell project

Well, kids, here's one of my first metals projects for this semester (actually, this is the second project that I've finished this semester. I finished another project in my casting class a few weeks ago (two pendants)... however, I forgot to take pictures of them and now they're backwards in the display case. SO, you're just going to have to wait for those pictures). Wow, that was a long aside.

Anyways, more information about the relevant project: this one. It is a desk set: two pens, two letter-openers, and an ink well... AND it is a four-poster bed. It was a very ambitious project... and although making it was a labor of love, I feel luke-warm about how it turned out. I can't tell you exactly why, but this project just simply isn't my favorite. Although, I think maybe it has a lot to do with the fact that it looks awkward to me and aesthetically, I think I could have made some different and better decisions.

But from a more technical standpoint, let me tell you how I made it. The posters (pens and letter-openers) are mono-shells or spiculums (which ever you prefer, both terms are correct)... they're hollow forms made of one piece of metal. One of the most important things to know about mono-shells is that they require very precise patterns... for instance, with my mono-shells, I had to make them three times before I perfected my patterns to the extent that I got a usable piece. ALSO, another interesting and unique fact about mono-shells is that they are bendable tubes... after the spiculums are formed with the help of hammers, the are actually oval tubes, not round tubes... so you can bend them with your hands and they won't crush or crimp. Thinner and longer spiculums are better candidates for this bendable property. I knew that I wasn't going to bend my spiculums, so they are neither thin nor long.

And as for the second part of the project, the bi-shell, it is basically two domes that are soldered together to form, hey, a bi-shell... like a clam or an oyster. Also, another requirement of this project is that the bi-shell has decking. Now, decking is where you cut into the seam of the bi-shell, perpendicular to the planes of the bi-shell. Okay, think about a circle, and then think about drawing a linear design into the circle and cutting that design away so that the circle is no longer a circle but another shape. It is like this with the bi-shell and decking, except that the design is cut away from both circles in the bi-shell. Then, metal is pressed into the shape of the design and soldered in to create another wall and make the form one, hollow piece. It is simpler than I make it sound... it is just a little hard to explain in words and would be easier if I was in front of you with visuals.

So, that's the hows of this project. I really enjoyed learning about these techniques and forms... although after the fact, I almost wish I had chosen to make something different with them... not quite, but almost.

Happy Birthday, Mutti

Happy Birthday. I love you and wish you enough. xoxo...

The Next Time You're on Jeopardy

An interesting little tid-bit that I learned in Macro Economics:

So, we're starting to learn about Supply and Demand... and in terms of demand, when the income for any demographic goes up, the the demands for goods go up as well. In that way, demand is a function of income; they have a positive relationship; when income goes up, so does demand.

BUT (and this is the tid-bit) in the case of inferior goods the relationship is negative. When income rises (the more money people have), the demand for these goods goes down.

BEER is an inferior good. When people have more money, they tend to spend that money on wine instead.

AND BASEBALL (this is the part that I found particularly interesting) is an inferior good. When people have more money to spend, they're spending that money to see tennis, soccer, and especially football.

Is that weird or what? Yeah, I thought so too... that's why it ended up in my blog.

Trader Joe's

Another quick side-note about the weekend... I visited the Trader Joe's in Pittsburgh for the first time. AWESOME!

I loved it so much that as soon as I got home, I immediately emailed the Trader Joe's Corporation and told them that they must install a store in the South Hills Area ASAP.

When I was at the store, I got chocolate-covered cashews and peach sauce and fancy Italian soda and organic shampoo and boxed noodles (microwaveable) and sushi and fruit leather and mango black tea, etc. Really just too many good things to name.

Trader Joe's better take my real estate advice, or else.

Damn You, Jetta

For breaking down an hour away from campus

For ruining a perfectly good Sunday

For giving me a headache and heart burn

For making me eat that slice of cake for dinner

(If I didn't love you so much, I'd spank you)

P.S. get better soon :(

Brave Heart

I just (not two minutes ago) submitted a packet of six poems to The Kenyon Review for consideration and possible publication.

First, let me say that if I were to be published in that journal, I could die a happy woman. Secondly, let me say that even if I'm not published in that journal I'll definitely live to write another day. Thirdly, let me say that I feel like my heart is going to beat directly out of my chest right now.

Just FYI

My printmaking professor has a handle-bar mustache... with oiled curly-q's! Nice :)

My Favorite Movies

When I'm Sad: Mouse Hunt

When I'm Happy: Amelie

When I'm on Vacation: Happy Gilmore

Favorite Movie Based on Literature: The Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Romantic Comedy: Serendipity

Favorite Epic Romance: The Princess Bride

Favorite Doomed Romance: The Lion in Winter (the one with Patrick and Glenn)

Favorite Martial Arts Movie: Jackie Chan's The Legend of Drunken Master

Favorite Comic Book Movie: (toss-up) Batman Begins/ 300

Old-School Disney: (another toss-up) Beauty and the Beast/ Lilo and Stitch

Pixar: Cars

Favorite Claymation: (toss-up) The Nightmare Before Christmas/ Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave

Favorite Action Movie: Man on Fire (the one with Denzel)

Favorite Thriller: Wait Until Dark

Favorite Horror: I don't like Horror

Favorite Science-Fiction Movie: (yet another toss-up) Jurassic Park/ The Abyss

Favorite Fantasy: Willow

Favorite Comedy: Office Space

Favorite Sports Movie: Bend It Like Beckham

Favorite Bad-Ass Movie: Pitch Black

Just because: L.A. Confidential

Another just because: Stranger Than Fiction

The Last Just Because (I Swear): Dear Frankie

Favorite Spoof: Spaceballs

Favorite Satire: Saved!


And those are my picks (this list is subject to unqualified change without notice).

Where I Hang My Hat

Well, here it is folks... my Edinboro home for this year.

Oh, My Sanibel

Though you are 1,200 miles away, my soul will visit you every day.

(I didn't really mean for that rhyme... but the statement above (rhyme and all) accurately portrays my feelings as such).

Dining in Paradise

Okay, so here's a personal restaurant guide, from me to you: all my favorite Sanibel watering holes.

Amy's Over-Easy Cafe: AWESOME! It's open for breakfast and lunch and they serve breakfast foods all day along with a selection of sandwiches, etc. And seriously, the best pancakes you'll ever eat.

The Bubble Room: The place is actually on Captiva, but it still makes the list because it is famous the world over for its atmosphere and desserts. Acutally, I'm not really a fan of this place's food because it's all greasy or smothered in some type of sauce or cheese. BUT the Bubble Bread and fantabulous dessert selection are worth the trip.

Cheeburger Cheeburger: The original Cheeburger Cheeburger, as in the first one in existence, opened on Sanibel in 1986. The best onion rings ever, plus damn fine burgers and fries, and they have milkshakes in like 45 flavors.

Gramma Dot's: A really cute little place in the Sanibel Marina. Excellent fried shrimp and fish with a bit of a gourmet flare.

The Island Cow: Very family oriented, very good, very diverse menu... but always crowded, if you don't miss the rush, you're going to wait an hour for a table.

Island Pizza and Pasta: The pizza is infinitely better than the pasta. But that said, they're pizza is amazing. Awesome crust, awesome sauce.

La Dolce Vita: My second favorite restaurant on the planet. A little bit hoity-toity but every inch a gourmet restaurant: a fusion restaurant of Italian, Mediterranean, and Spanish flavors. I never leave that place unsatisfied.

La Vigna: The island's version o gourmet Italian. There's nothing on the menu that isn't delicious.

The Lazy Flamingo: A family oriented bar with fried fish and ribs (although the ribs are not fried, thank God), and excellent Key Lime Pie.

Matzaluna: A family Italian place... great calamari, great pasta, great chicken and fish.

Mc T's Shrimp House and Tavern: My favorite restaurant on the planet. You simply can't go wrong with the all you can eat Snow Crab legs and a house margurita... but they also serve awesome shrimp, chicken, and fish. ALSO, it is my personal belief that it should be Sanibel law that if you come onto the island you should not be allowed to physically leave without having a slice of Mc T's Mudpie. The world would be an infinitely better place if this were law.

The Mermaid Kitchen and Cake Factory: This place has a fun gourmet and exotic menu... good times if you're feeling a little adventurous. ALSO, the cakes are amazing: all the cakes is so dense and delicious and the icings are simply outstanding.

The Mucky Duck: This place is also on Captiva... in the style of an English Pub right on the beach... if you don't get there before 4:30 you're not getting a parking space or a table, but if you're willing to wait, then this place is worth it.

The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market: The best fish on the island because the restaurant, as the name implies, is also a fish market. PLUS, the crunchy shrimp are to die for and they have excellent desserts.


I guarantee that every single one of these places will leave you temporarily satisfied :)