Salon: The Visit

****Cross posting****


Greetings Fans,

This is the second installment of my experience in the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network Salon II: "Free Money." You can read the details in the post Salon: The Beginning.

Yesterday morning, I had my curatorial visit with MARN curator protege Ana Hansa-Ogren. During the visit I shared past and current projects. In addition, we also discussed the current state of my work, and how specific pieces would connect to the topic (Free Money) that will be facilitated by guest curator Michelle Grabner.

I found the experience very interesting. This is only my second studio visit and both times the curator has selected work that I did not think of as my favorite and the last time the curator selected a work in process (YIKES!).

Ana and I discussed a number of items in her selections, because it was important the pieces correlate with the other three artists in the exhibition.One series she elected are my photographic transfers on plexiglass. I had these pieces in local shows, as well as a show in Nashville. For the larger pieces, this will be the first showing in Milwaukee. So that's exciting...

The second series is a little more complicated. Over the years, I have been capturing what I like to call "Moments in Between." These are the small moments, the breaths between one instance to the next.The randomness of my interests and things that catch my eye. My pure selfish indulgences. I had several posted up in my space as source material and have shown three of these formally. These also caught Ana's eye! I never would of imagined sharing the bulk of them publicly. According to Ana they show, the "Intelligence of the snapshot. A distilled personal moment." Wow, that sounds beautiful... I love how she has described my act of looking.

Opening October 5th, about 50 of these images, along with the transfers, will be on view. I am slated to drop the work off next week and installation will begin shortly there after. Stay tuned...

Salon: The Beginning

Warning... Cross Posting Ahead!! I was just too excited to keep it to one blog!

Greetings Fans! 

Will you join me in celebration? On Sunday afternoon I received the following email: "Congratulations, I am pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the MARNsalonII (Free Money) with guest curator Michelle Grabner!" 

MARN is the Milwakee Artist Resource Network. A Salon which began in Paris, is described by Wikipedia as, "The Salon or rarely Paris Salon (Salon de Paris), beginning in 1725 the official art exhibition of the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. Between 1748-1890 it was the greatest annual or biannual art event in the Western world. In December 1890, the leader of the Societe des Artistes Francais, William Adolphe Bouguereau, propagated the idea that Salon should be an exhibition of young, yet not awarded artists." A salon is also known as a gathering of people under the guide of an inspiring host (guest curator in this case), to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation.

TA-DA!! That pretty much brings us to 2012. Your's truly has been blessed and selected to participate in the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network's Salon. I was personally invited to submit application, but still felt unsure. Needless to say, I have been personally invited before to apply for other "competitive" style fellowships, awards, etc. and not come out successfully. Several of you know, one of my motto's (one of the reason's I had the confidence to go to Italy), "What would you attempt to do, if you knew you could not fail?" And so I applied... and was accepted!

Will you join me as I share this journey?

Please start by visiting my personal portfolio at MARN. You can also support my efforts through this page. At this point, I have replied and accepted MY SPOT in the Salon! I am one of only four artists that will be featured. *swoon* In the next two weeks I will have a studio visit from MARN's curator Ana Hansa-Ogren as we begin the process in sharing, "a chance to spark critical dialogue in Milwaukee and share [my] creative practice with other artists and art professionals." Oh, and of course make work! I look forward to sharing this journey with you...

Beach Blanket Bingo

 Annette welcomes you to my new space!

Greetings Family,

Warning... this is a cross post with my Foto Fans blog, but wanted to share regardless. Enjoy!

As you may recall, my artist residency will conclude on August 31st. The conclusion also means a need for a new studio space.

Last weekend I met with Mark David Gray about Studio 420b and this weekend I started moving in. My new location is where the north side of meets the south side of Milwaukee, better known as the 5th ward.


While I still have a few items left "across the line" it is exciting to think of what awaits in this new space.  I will be one of 4 artists (painter, graffiti artist, illustrator and me!) Believe it or not,  I am already finishing a piece in prep for the Walker's Point Center for the Arts Members show opening September 7th.I will be having a formal open house once I get a little more settled and inviting friends to make some art!

items left across the line

items left across the line

 In some ways this new space is similar to REDLine. A group of artists, sharing a space, making art. Although, there are some ways that it is quite different. The space is very open and all on one floor. Which was quite the blessing after moving up and down three flights of steps. In addition, the space being open, the "walls" have been created to assist in dividing the space. I love the sky lights and all the natural light that comes with...I spent some of the morning reorganizing and organizing my space. Fingers crossed this lasts.. 

my new space neat and organized!

my corner of inspiration

Mixed Emotions...

The installation reflecting memory and loss.

Dear Family,

During the past three years I have had the pleasure of being a resident artist with a local organization called REDLine, Milwaukee.  I first heard of this organization after attending a formal portfolio review. I had only been in back in Milwaukee a few months and had no intention of staying-- I was headed to New York City! Well, best laid plans, right? Unable to find funding for the program at ICP, I remained in Wisconsin, trying to figure out what to do next.

So again, hearing about REDLine, Milwaukee, touring the space, I could quickly see this was a special place and I decided to apply. I had made up my mind, if I was accepted, I will stay in Milwaukee and if not, I was heading back to Nashville. I really thought it was a long shot, as I compared myself to the other residents currently in place. Well, I was accepted... at the end of the two years, I applied for an optional third year and was accepted again. During my time I have grown as an artist and as a person...

Yesterday evening marked my final exhibition as a resident artist. I shared work that focused on a reflection of memory and loss. The conceptual foundation was rooted in the house fire, of the home my mother grew up in. The house that my uncle was currently living in with his family. This fire took place a year ago to the day of the exhibition opening. The installation, as pictured, used items from the home and encouraged interaction. My submission also included a triptych of photos and sculpture created from discarded glass windows. The evening was filled with friends from my runners club, book club, fellow artists, colleagues from the Milwaukee Art Museum and of course family. I felt so loved and grateful to have shared this experience with each of them. And why I did fight back tears several times through the evening (no surprise to some of you) I really couldn't help but be thankful! This time has led my work to such a new place! A place I would of never imagined and can only dream of where it will go...

Having a little fun in front of my installation

As the time marches on, I will have a duet show with my mentor Ann Wydeven, as a RETURNING artist to REDLine, Milwaukee in January 2013 and have already been invited to teach a one day workshop or  3 session class in regards to the photographic processes I use for the community. My work will also be featured in at Pyramax Bank of the Historic Third Ward starting August through the end of the year. And I will be in the members show at Walker's Point Center for the Arts from September 1 (which is when the REDLine show closes) through October 6th.

WOW!  Since I have been back in Milwaukee, I have pretty much been a resident artist with REDLine, Milwaukee. And now that this season is changing... I am excited to see what awaits with a grateful hear.

Application is Key: Fin

I wanted to share one additional writing piece from my weeklong workshop with the Milwaukee Writing Project.

This particular writing assignment was called “In the Hood.” I am sure you may agree that “hood” has a negative connotation, but I am sure this was not the intent of the instructor, and in fact I believe she was trying to be more “hip, then square.”

The Process:

1.  List the address or locations of homes we lived in from childhood through the present. I was surprised that I was able to remember my house and the address on 38^th street in Tucson; where we lived until I was 9.
2. Select one location and draw a map of the neighborhood. I elected to use Jubilee Hall, where I lived as a Freshman at Fisk University and included aspects of the oval the additional halls, grounds and sorority plots in my map as “the neighborhood."
3.  In adding additional detail to the map we also recorded random, but key events/ideas. For instance, no one is permitted in the middle of the oval!  
4.  Following being random, we were then requested to be specific and record ideas that related to: weird neighbors, memorable conversations, music, games, machines/technology, tv/pop culture, nature and odd details as well. Of course I included things such as: Biggie, Tupac, Jodeci, A Tribe Called Quest, getting an Email address, instant messaging and Ricky Lake! 
5.  At this point, each person recorded a major event that took place in their neighborhood as a narrative. I have shared mine below and now that steps are listed above, I encourage you to try this, you will be surprised what you recall!!

Living in Jubilee Hall as a freshman was an amazing experience! I remember meeting young women from all over the world- literally! And while we each had different backgrounds/experiences, etc. We all had one common goal—TO KILL THE ROACHES!

Roaches, as they called themselves, a small dog as I referred to them were prevalent all to frequently in our dorms. Being from the “North” I had never seen roaches quite this large! In fact, I do not really remember seeing roaches period when growing up, but knew this was unusual! We would be reminded frequently by Mrs. League, the dorm mother, to refrain from keeping food in our rooms, but you can imagine how that worked out.  One particular day the largest roach I had ever seen in my life was cruising down the hallway. Of course we had the bright idea to not only kill it, but torture and burn it as well.

1 can of hairspray + 1 lighter = 1 DEAD ROACH! Or so we thought… In reality we chased the roach, lighting him up several times and he refused to die! It literally scurried from 1 side of the hall to the other and under another unsuspecting victim’s door—still alive to torture US another day. THIS of course would not be our last encounter with the roaches of Jubilee Hall; good thing I only lived there for a year.

Application is Key: Part Deux

So I am taking this Milwaukee Writing Project Workshopas a part of my job for two weeks. The objective: Learn this program so better to assist teachers and docents with theWriting and Art Tour. In addition, be prepared to assist with instruction in the galleries as needed. This entire workshop is based on the concept of writing circles. Each day at the end of the day, we have writing circles, mine is called: The Hemingways. 
 So here is another example of my writing from this two week professional development. See if you can guess the topic for the day! 

Absolute

All gone

Beige

Bonbon

Brittle

Brown

Cocoa

Cream

Divine

Death by

Edible

Flourless

Fondant

Found of

Ganache

Good

Hard

Iced

Juiced

Kiss

Lava

Life Saver 

Lurid

Mine

Nice

Opulence

Precious

Quaint

Rock

Rum

Scotch kisses

Soft

Sugar

Tasty

Tantalizing

Torturing

Truffles

Under

Velvet

Vixen

Watering

Xciting

Yum

Zeal

Zephyr

CHOCOLATE 

Application is Key!

So I am taking this Milwaukee Writing Project Workshop as a part of my job for two weeks. The objective: Learn this program so better to assist teachers and docents with the Writing and Art Tour. In addition, be prepared to assist with instruction in the galleries as needed. This entire workshop is based on the concept of writing circles. Each day at the end of the day, we have writing circles, mine is called: The Hemingways.  So I figured, rather then let all this “good writing” go to waste, I would just add it to my blog as an effort to help me get revved up again. Our first writing circle selected topic was: Health and Fitness… Enjoy!

Health and Fitness are a key part of my life. Yes, “I’m one of those…”

I also make it a practice to read labels. I want to be sure I am aware of what is going both ON and IN my body. I have a simple rule—If I can’t pronounce it, I don’t buy it! I tend to choose water over soda, although I am partial to a cold Arnold Palmer in summer. And I am also a vegetarian, but I admit I still eat some fish when training, but after awhile it starts to taste gross too.

I move a little or a lot everyday. I tend to walk to work and in fact I am the Milwaukee Ambassador for my national runner’s club, Black Girls Run! No, you don’t have to be black to participate, but you do have to be a woman. It’s awesome watching these ladies transform before you.

In October of 2006 I made the decision to be a better me and live a different way. I haven’t looked back and have no regrets!

Happy President's Day!

Happy President's Day!! 


Well, I am going to get right to the point! Last week Wednesday, guess who went to see the president speak... and, wait for it.... SHOOK HIS HAND!? That's right, this girl-- right here! Regardless of your political affiliation, to meet President Obama and be that close to him, was quite the experience, I was literally so close, well, as much as you can be to a President! In addition, the entire orchestration of the visit was like a symphony-- including a dance of Swan Lake proportion by the President's press crew!  I am thankful for the opportunity and may I also add-- I love my job,  because that is where my ticket connection came from! Here I am to the left with 3 of my coworkers and the young lady in the lower right, yielded the invitation. 


So, the lady to left of me, in the red, took the photos of me shaking the president's hand. I will add that she is not a photographer, but rather a curator, which will be understood as SOON as you read on! POTUS (President of the United States) descriptions are there to help.

POTUS coming down the line

Getting his Attention-- trying to

We just connected!!

Now as I mentioned, my co-worker is not a photographer, so I am actually off the frame. lol but I assure you it happened! Of course afterward I kept saying, I should of had you take a video!! But that means you would of really seen me, "cut the monkey!" Nevertheless a picture says a thousand words, correct? And I am a photographer, so enjoy and Happy President's Day!

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day Family,

Beyond candy hearts , long steam roses, and dollied lace cards are the true heartfelt sentiments of love. And why it may fluctuate with experiences, I do not think it ever totally dissipates from the people you are closest to.

 

And so I am thankful for my mom, who I have exchanged a Valentine with every year since before I can remember… I think I may still have one she gave me when I was about 9 that played music! As  my grandmother use to tell me, “there is no friend like mother.”

I am also thankful for my friends. Who when laughter rings out are they are there to join in the fun and when tears fall hold your hand, while offering words of encouragement  and always celebrate you with pom pons in hand. These are my true Valentine’s this year. Not the sentimental love story some would hope, but the authentic nature, “of iron sharpening iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship. -La Rochefoucauld

xoxo

Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog’s Day!!

Well, as the old adage goes, if he see’s his shadow, we are in store for 6 more weeks of winter. And from what I see (on the news that is)--   Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow! Lucky for us he has only been right 39% of the time over the last 99 years and he is in Philadelphia. Needless to say, we didn’t even have a ceremony here in Milwaukee, too many clouds. Hummm, just can’t risk a big snow storm!

But today I started thinking, wow February is filled with so many celebrations of sort, from it being Black History Month. Which started as Black History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, to help people realize and acknowledge the contribution of Black people. (SN I wonder if my blog or I guess a diary at this time would of made the cut?) 

Two past president’s birthdays, coupled together with president’s day! I think we should send President Obama a card, wishing him Happy President's Day. Although, the White House now prefers email. And to all my Republican friends, please be nice...WWJD?

Valentine’s Day, an opportunity to spend with Someone Special… and no longer thought of as a day of remembrance for Christian martyrdom (mental note). 

Mardi Gras, celebrated around the world, which I have never participated in, but would like to at least see once in  my lifetime, followed by Ash Wednesday which is the first day of lent and the “ashes” a sign of morning and REPENTANCE to God, notice it comes after Mardi Gras.

And finally, 2012 is also a Leap Year!!

WHOA… All I am saying is, I sure hope I get a piece of cake somewhere along the way out of all of this. Oh, and I would prefer it be chocolate!

A Vision is More than Just Pictures!

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to meet with several ladies from my Runner’s Club with one focus… VISION and the creation of vision boards! Simply, a vision board is a creative opportunity to capture your heart and mind’s desire in one area. Contrary to belief this is not a new age ideal, but rather grounded in the ultimate Foundation!

 Habakkuk 2:2, of the New Living Translation, quotes the Lord, in saying, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” What’s that… a RUNNER!  Well of course, I was totally pumped to create an image that corresponds to my heart’s desire to run the next race to my full capacity, while representing the message (you may be the only Jesus someone ever meets). To be stronger… leaner… faster!  It was also great to see what the other ladies created to best express their voice.

The next day it snowed, well it is Wisconsin in January, so no big surprise there, right? But as I was walking to work, I found myself behind a Bob Cat mini snow plow that was clearing the walk way. It made me think back to my vision board, which is kindly displayed where I can see it as I exit my apartment each day, and the mental picture that comes to play. I thought to myself, “Wow, this is awesome; he is going to pave my whole way to work! I love it!” Well, little did I know he would be turning around shortly, still leaving a few blocks of my path to proceed down—covered in snow.

So here is my personal revelation that clicked as I was walking in… The vision (in this case getting to work) was still there, the line of sight (my building) still there. However, in this case it was just covered a bit and a little more effort needed to accomplish the goal (getting there on time!). (Side Note: I really wish someone would create snow boots that are safe, warm and fashionable!) And while my vision board is displayed nicely, where I can see it each day, capturing my heart and mind’s desire, featuring words and phrases to keep me pumped…  I still have to put the work in (running, cross training, etc.) and the effort (abs are made in the kitchen after all) to reach it! Remain focused and get it done!

Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together less they agree?” The heart of Amos 3:3.  Simple notion most would agree… however, when referring to the New Living Translation I like how it brings it all the way home (as one pastor I know likes to say),  "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?"  

Currently family I find myself at a crossroads, trying to determine exactly what direction to take. Yet, I ask you this, What if the two do agree? What if the two agree on the direction that they are walking, but not the pace? Do you stop, keep going or create a new direction? In one instance, I think it best to keep going; however, alone. Why, because I am not sure… I find myself turning, spinning, and realizing what I thought was true may have all been a misunderstanding. It may have been a hope that is the is my fountain of youth… my blue whale…. my straw spun into gold.

Being a runner, pace is very, VERY important.  (Side Note, I just realize I always seem to include some sort of health and fitness analogy. What can I say, it’s who I am.) Not only does it give you a sense of the expected finish, but it also makes you aware if there is a need to speed up or slow down, to reach that expected finish. When running with others, you often check with your run partner to ensure they are not overly winded, fatigued or bored and ready to turn the jets on! At times, depending on the partner, they may encourage you to go head and they will catch-up with you or ask you to hold back or even slow down and walk together.  The funny thing is, YOU as the partner, have a choice!

And so now, I am running or in this case walking the path  in agreement, moving in the same direction, but apparently the wrong pace. I think to some degree if I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to place one foot in front of the other. If I knew the desired pace and the expected end, it would make it easier to keep going. BUT since I have absolutely no clue…. I am ready to just sit down and do nothing altogether and look for a ride. 

Happy New Year: In the Press

Happy New Year!

So begins another year of sharing my thoughts with those around me; thanks for reading.

This morning when I awoke, I realized that in 2 months EXACTLY I will be celebrating my XX birthday. As I sat on the edge of my bed, moving a little slower then usual, I began to ponder and think,”Wow! I am getting closer to the next big age milestone” and for some reason I thought I would be further along in my journey then where I am.

I thought I would be married (and never divorced)… I thought I would have at least 2 possibly 3 kids by now…  I thought I would be making art full time… I thought I would be traveling around the world… I thought a lot of things, almost to the point of a downward roll-coaster spiral of sadness. Whoa…  And then I was reminded, “… set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

You see, regardless of what I thought… God already has thoughts towards me and a plan for me, and from what I hear it is pretty good (Jeremiah 29:11). And so, I am not married… YET! I don’t have 2 possibly 3 kids, but I thank God for Ms. Essence Marie and while I may not be making art full time, I do still have time to do so. As for traveling around the world, it will happen, just focused on the 50 first (running a 1/2 in each along the way 3 down, 47 to go).

Regardless of your resolutions, commitments, or aspirations for 2012, I offer this… Press! Dictionary.com describes the verb (acting as an action verb in this part of speech) as, “Move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force!”  Press toward the mark… (Philippians 3:14) toward the prize that is established for you. That’s all I needed to THINK! Personally, I am pressing in my walk, I am pressing for debt freedom. I am pressing to remain in my authentic self. I am pressing to remain healthy and fit and encourage a few folks along the way. I am pressing to celebrate in 2 months my xx birthday, regardless of what it may look like today!

Press on dear friend... Until Next time.