Poof'n Out! (n_n)y

Boy with the Golden Heart

2011-11-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

Did a little more work yesterday. I managed to trim the covers to the fruit dishes I'm making. But, unfortunately, I don't like them so they will just be glaze tests. On the other hand, the more I work the more I discover what I really want the work to look like.

I took a break yesterday to start working on my figures. Instinct took over and somehow he ended up with Octopus arms. I really like it, and It oddly fits in with the rest of my work. I still want to use the imari gosu to draw cherry blossom flowers on parts of the surface, and luster the heart on the chest. I've decided to change the color of the roses from pink/blue to gold. It seemed... right :)

Production Mode

2011-11-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

Trying to get back into throwing mode this week. I spent the majority of my time this week trying to adjust to the new clay body I'm using... changing clay bodies right before a deadline probable isn't smart. Finally cranked out some good test pieces, and got some practice with the imari gosu.

I've modified the plan a little bit. I'm going to make medium sized plates, with domed covers decorated to look like landscapes. When you lift them the drawings on the plate will be exposed. It adds a bit more dimension to the work.

The drawings are going pretty well. I bought some new brushes to help get more detail but I may actually need to get an even smaller brush so that I can get even more detail on the drawings.

I'm really excited about the work, and happy with the pace of progress for my application to the graduate ceramics department at Ohio State. I finished my first draft of my letter of intent, and am all set to mail out release forms for my transcripts from MICA. I need to make contact with my last reference before I can submit my application, then finish the work by late November so I have time to get professional images of them taken.

It's getting down to the wire, but everything seems to be falling into place.

Tests and Practice

2011-10-27T18:49:00.001-07:00

Testing the imari gosu a bit more before I start cranking out the work... I should be getting in my frost cone 6 clay in soon. I ordered 150lbs from The Ceramic Shop. Im going to begin throwing and building the figures with it asap, as I am going to apply for grad school afterall. I've definitely decided on The Ohio State University. Im planning on using all my extra bisque to practice on so I can figure out how to better use the material. Hoping to finish it all this november, so expect a lot of updates this coming month.

Practice Makes Perfect: Grad School Application

2011-10-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Making the final push of work to apply to Grad School with using my proposals for the residency in Seto. I'm trying to decide what kind of form to use to make the plates and tumblers. I want clean forms with sharp lines and smooth surfaces. I threw a few forms, and decided That I liked the foot of the tumbler, the way the rim of the plate comes in and frames the inside of the plate. I think I might implement the steep curved foot from the tumbler on the plate.

Below are the original sketches. I'm imagining putting the drawing inside inside the plate so the ledge acts as a frame for it. The plate should be more of an object than a plate. The drawings on the tumbler, I'm imagining treating each plane as a separate panel for drawings.

Boy Lolita: Outfit Complete

2011-09-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

I finished the boy lolita outfit, but it still needs some tweaking to make it fit perfectly. the waits on the pants needs to be brought in a tad and the shirt color needs to be tailored again to fit correctly when worn with the jacket and pants. overall I'm pretty satisfied with my first attempt at creating a costume from scratch. I'm excited to see the improvements my next one might bring. I'm most likely putting costume making on hold to finish up the photo series for all of them(I have another 2 partially finished costumes, and 3 total photographs to shoot). I'm hoping to finish up this illustration soon so that I can create the backdrop for the photo for this costume. Here are some photos of the progress I've made thus far.

The Clay Studio: Blue & White Workshop

2011-09-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today I had the privileged of taking the Blue and White workshop at The Clay Studio. We had several demos today. Throwing large vessels, throwing off the hump, and using cobalt pigment to create designs on bisque ware. Instructing today was Seigoh Maeda, Makoto Saeda, and Kunio Watanabe.

The workshop started with a breif introduction and then moved into demos. I watched the Kunio Wanatabe throwing off the hump demo. He only used two tools, one of which was a simple rib tool he had made and the other was a more complicated "dragonfly" tool. The dragonfly measures the depth and width of the intorior of a pot. He used the rib to form and compress the interior of the cups.

He threw left handed (with the wheel going clockwise) as is standard in Japan, but was still a little nervous about using new clay, on a new wheel, and in front of a couple dozen people. He was throwing a lot wetter than I would, and he even commented on how difficult it was getting to work with, but I think that is because he was using a new clay body( 257 at The Clay Studio is a weird one).

We then moved on into the hand-building room where Makoto Saeda demonstrated decorating using the cobalt pigment as a decorative under glaze.

He started by drawing a simple design on the plate in pencil. He then used a paper towel to wipe off some of the excess graphite so it doesn't create a resist for the lines he were about to draw.
He took a small sumi ink brush and created outlines and descriptive marks on the form he was drawing. He then took the mechanical pencil and drew lines around the shapes where he wanted colors. This created a resist barrier that would stop the water and cobalt pigment from running over the edges.
Taking a large brush, he soaked it in the the cobalt solution, and then the tip into some water. This would allow him to create a gradient, by painting with the water and then slowly squeezing the cobalt pigment out of the brush. He moved from Dark to Light pigments, saying it allowed him to visualize the final product more easily.
Going back into the drawing with a razor, a pin/needle tool, and even an eraser allowed him to bring out some highlights.

He worked really smoothly, but admitted he still considers himself a student. He created a beautiful drawing of fruits and leaves (some sort of Japanese mango). I ended up creating a portrait of sorts using the techniques he showed. I was happy wit how much I finished in the hour and a half we had to work. I'm hoping to purchase a smaller sumi ink brush so I can be more detailed. I need to practice much more before I can start on the Golden series.

Boy Lolita: Jacket

2011-09-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Finished the jacket for my next costume and photo. I'm pretty much in love with the how the shirt and jacket have turned out. I still have to add buttons to the shirt and make the pants.

Boy Lolita: Illustration and Costume Progress

2011-09-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly working on a Boy Lolita illustration, and since I had the outfit drawn already I decided to get started on the costume today as well. I spent the majority of today piecing together the shirt from the drawing. It still needs buttons, and then I can get to work on the jacket and pants.

I'm really happy with how it is turning out, and I'm excited to get to work on the other parts. I have all the templates drawn up and I will probably cut them tonight, then sew them over the weekend and early next week.

Don't worry, I have a wig to match the hair in the illustration. (n_n)

Walrus Orgasms & New Figure Work

2011-09-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

I got walrus out of the kiln. He still needs eyeballs and such but I love the rough texture and color of his skin that came about by spraying layers of black and clear. It has the perfect damp sheen. I'm going to start building the base soon. I also finished up the hands and feet of the cupcake. I will post that image after they get glazed.
On another note, I have begun work on a new figurative piece. Trying to sharpen up my sculpting skills haha. Made both hands and one foot. Im using bmix for its off white color, perfect for more of a skin-like tone. Im thinking I will build a wire armature body and sew an outfit for it. Similar to work I did ages ago in highschool.
Here is the progress I made today. Sorry if images are the wrong direction. I will rotate them when I get to a computer.

Seto Artist in Residence Program: Final Application

2011-09-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Mailed out my application for the International Artist in Residence Program in Seto, Japan today. Finished all the paperwork, attached proposals, and sketches just on time. I'm anxious, but excited, to get a response. It's a rather fast turn-around. The application is due on the 16th, their response is expected by the end of September, and if I'm chosen I would have to turn in insurance info early October, and I would head out October 30th.

Into the Abyss (The road to Glory): Lights Installed

2011-08-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Almost finished with Into the Abyss (The Road to Glory), just need to paste in the photo and it is all set to go. It reminds me of the neurons shooting in a brain, and makes me want to not include the figure and rename it Into the Abyss (Inside the Brain of a Poof). Here is a full view, close up, and a video of the closeup. Sorry, it is all taken from my phone, so the quality is a little rough

The Visions: TXT MSG BU (Text Message Breakup)

2011-08-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

More from my proposal for the artist in residency program at Seto. This set is for I Can See the Future. Here his visions are of text messages haha. He sees an impending breakup, which brings him to tears and bring his vision in to the puddle of his golden tears.This set is on plates, and has a design that runs with the form. The tears run off the figure and collect along the floor of the plate. At first glance it appears like a simple design but I think mixing the cobalt and the cold luster designs will be tricky.

Wood Fire Progress

2011-08-24T07:41:00.001-07:00

The last few pots took a while to dry in the studio so I've just finished trimming, altering, and adding handles to a few of them... might try a wax resist texture on some of them tonight after work at the wexler. These are going to turn out beautifully in the woodfire.

The Gift of Love (Creation of a Golden Heart) : Seto Proposal

2011-08-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is more work towards the Seto Artist and Residence program. I am applying with two sets of work, the three figurative and then 3 sets of three decorative Seto-ware inspired tumblers. Here is the first of three sets, The Gift of Love ( Creation of a Golden Heart), about the creation of one of the figures. The 2nd set i'm thinking will revolve around the I See the Future and his visions. I'll probably start those tonight and post those tomorrow.

I have a heart of Gold, Proposal Part 3

2011-08-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

This is the final of the 3 figurative proposals I have been working on. I have another 3 sets of illustrations for thrown work. I'll probably hit those up tomorrow. Beddies. Posting the work in progress helps show how much work really goes into applying for these residencies. Trying not to get my hopes up though, as everyone they have accepted has been over 40 in the last few years... and most have an MFA... I'm just going to turn my swag meter on high and submit anyway.

I Can See the Future, 2nd Proposal

2011-08-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is my second in the string of proposals I'll be submitting for the Seto Artist in Residency Program. This is Part of a series, along with I've Got the Golden Touch, of figures emerging from heart shaped beds of roses... They would look great wall mounted together. On to the next one. Will post as I finish them.

I've Got the Golden Touch: Seto Residency Application

2011-08-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together proposals and drawings for new work as part of my application for the Seto International Art Exchange - Artist in Residence Program. I looks like a great program and Seto, Japan, has over 1300 years of history making Ceramics. I'm really excited about the possibility of traveling abroad again, as it provides me with crucial inspiration for my work. Here is the first of my proposals for some of the work I want to make. a description is typed onto the image.

Into The Abyss (The Road to Glory) - 75%

2011-08-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Finished the foam heart, and covered it completely in flowers and inserted the two-way mirror on the front. I'm not just waiting for the lights to come in the mail so I can put the back mirror panel on. It's looking great so far. Check it out!

Boy Lolita + First Star Trek Tattoo

2011-08-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

I took a break from making the tattoos yesterday to start work on my next illustration. He is legless right now but looking good. I'm really loving how efficient it is to draw my characters directly into photoshop. Still a little rough with the pen, but i'm sure with time it will all work out. Also I designed my first Star Trek tattoo. It's a fractal infinity with the IDIC logo.

More Tattoos!

2011-08-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll, and I really want a tablet computer... I'm hoping to have enough saved up by fall to buy the New Sony Tablet that is coming out. Here are a few designs I've been working on! Here I have the finished Butterfly, two Iron-man designs, and a Phoenix design. Getting pretty accustomed to the drawing digital tablet, and I'm beginning to crank it out.

Trimming Time!

2011-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Making progress trimming and altering some of the forms... I lost two of my babies to being a little forceful. It has been a while, I guess. I'm gonna spend another hour or so deciding which ones I want to decorate and how. Here's a better picture of what I've been working on. The hardest part is deciding which ones to pair together, other than the ones that blatantly should be (n_n). But, a lot of that will change post wood fire.

Into the Abyss (The Road to Glory)

2011-08-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

In preparation for show in September, I've begun Into the Abyss (The Road to Glory). It's an LED Mirror based photographic sculpture... I built a foam heart, and I'm covering it in silk roses. On n the front a 6x6" two-way mirror will be inset, and on the back an 8x8" regular mirror will be attached. A photograph of me in costume will be attached to the mirror on the back, and the inside will be covered in small roses with LED lights in the centers. The result should be what appears to be the Dooman skipping through an endless tunnel of roses, since the mirrors reflecting each other should appear to be endless. I'm getting pretty excited about it. More on the show in another post sometime this week after I get more details.

More Tattoo Fun: Butterfly!

2011-08-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

Still messing around with the bamboo, pen and touch... but I feel like I'm picking it up pretty quickly. I'm working on a memorial tattoo where the woman wants a butterfly resting on some holly. I made the stencil, and now I'm working on coloring it so that it has a spiritual glow, kind of like a flashback scene in a movie. The pen and touch is definitely living up to its reputation, and coloring is fast, easy, and it looks good. Here is the butterfly. Off to the studio, lot's to do today!

Throwing Spree

2011-08-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

I had a pretty good throwing spree today. I went to the studio to teach the childrens saturday class and decided to stay to throw a little. I ended up throwing ten 1lb balls, seven 1.5lb balls, and three 2lb balls into some simple vessels... I'm excited to trim them and add embelishments. I'm hoping to be part of a woodfire in october so I'm preparing for that... If I keep this up I should have a pretty good variety of things to fire, and hopefully sell on etsy(seeing as my store is empty at the moment 'n' ). Sorry for the crappy picture, my phone has been acting up lately. I used Standards 257 porcelain for this group. I like 257 but I cant help but miss the Helios porcelain I used at MICA

Bamboo Pen and Touch! Play Time!

2011-08-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

After starting to design tattoos, I decided to invest in a tablet for my PC to help make the process easier. I ended up deciding on Wacom's Bamboo Pen and Touch. I purchased mine on amazon, refurbished, for about 60$ after shipping. It was a great price compared to used ones on ebay, or their lower end pen models going for about 50-60$, used, after shipping. It's smooth, feels just like paper, and the pressure sensitive pen is to die for. The multi-touch aspect, which was just a perk at first, is actually really useful. I can pan and scroll pages, finger paint, open and move folders, and even right click with just a swipe of a finger. I just bought a super cute turtle shaped mouse, but this may replace it. It's sexier anyway. The pen is dual ended, with one side acting as the pen, and the other as the eraser... which blew my mind. Okay so i'm easily impressed and I am a tablet virgin. I'm glad to let the Bamboo Pen and Touch pop my tablet cherry. I messed around for maybe 15 minutes in Photoshop drawing and coloring just to play around. It really mimics the use of an actual pencil, changing the weight of the line based on pressure, and the texture of the pad(which mimics paper) feels totally natural. This is the quick drawing I did. I used a few colors, but mainly black. This is nothing serious... as it says, but seems like a great starting point. Oh, and I used it to write all of this... The Bamboo Pen and Touch gets 5 stars, for being fucking epic.