SNAG Houston Conference Discussions - crafthaus2024-03-28T18:22:00Zhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/group/snaghoustonconference/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noJillian revisits the SNAG conference / Food for thought !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-19:2104389:Topic:1018902010-03-19T00:29:28.585ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I've spent the last few days deliberating on what I'd like my final post to address. There are many other bloggers out their who covered exhibitions, lectures, and events very well. From the onset I knew that <a href="http://clutchworks.blogspot.com/">Anthony Tammaro</a> in particular would be addressing events in a more overarching way, and he's now posted many video interviews and…</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I've spent the last few days deliberating on what I'd like my final post to address. There are many other bloggers out their who covered exhibitions, lectures, and events very well. From the onset I knew that <a href="http://clutchworks.blogspot.com/">Anthony Tammaro</a> in particular would be addressing events in a more overarching way, and he's now posted many video interviews and exhibition images for those of you who would like to see more. Flickr and facebook are also now bursting with posted images for those of you who waste as much of your time as I do online.<br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Because this project was intended to address the conference experience for those of us in our first 5 years post-degree or for those who are simply removed from academia in general, I would like to go into what the conference offers and could offer for us. Anyone who has attended as a student and then continued after will find the differences painfully obviously. I've mentioned this before, but I think it needs restating--there are very limited exhibition opportunities once you cease to be a student. This year I was rejected from the handful of applicable exhibitions I did enter. I don't feel like speculating on why this happened because the variables in acceptance v. rejection are innumerable, but I want everyone to know I didn't just throw in the towel. And I would suggest all other practicing artists do the same--if you weren't in exhibitions this year, so what. Try again next year. You could not have a better captive audience than the SNAG Conference. And if you are summarily rejected, you should be bringing work anyway! I've consistently brought and worn work for the five years I've attended the conference. Every year some opportunity came out of having my work on hand which is why I've been so upset to find MFA students and recent graduates not doing this! I cannot stress enough that being proactive about your work is a necessity.</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The conference happens to take place every year in a city that has been thinking about our organization, looking at art jewelry and precious objects, and getting generally riled up in advance of our arrival. This will give you an opening you would never have otherwise. Take advantage of this climate when you go and have a plan. <br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Thanks to some prodding from Brigitte, I scheduled a meeting with Suzanne Sippel, Asher Gallery Retail Supervisor at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Several exhibitions took place at HCCC this year, and the Asher Gallery located within is a very active retail store for craft in general. They have the guidelines for their review process <a href="http://www.crafthouston.org/default.asp?Mode=DirectoryDisplay&id=151&DirectoryUseAbsoluteOnSearch=True">here</a>. For the sake of brevity I'll just mention that it is a fairly typical review process that requires a packet with quality images, a statement, and what may be a fairly long wait due to the process and mailing delays. I would also like to point out that HCCC is rare in that it is so upfront with this information. Many institutions are less transparent and you may be looking for a backdoor if you want to approach them. I decided to follow Brigitte's advice to contact them, and the result was that the entire process was waived due to circumstance--show up in person, bring the work and information, and let's have a face-to-face talk. I found myself wondering why we weren't all doing this every year at every conference! Why aren't we busting the doors down of every venue (and I mean in the most polite and professional of ways.)</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">In meeting with Suzanne I learned that she had expected us to be storming the gates when in truth, I was one of two artists who met with her. And Suzanne seemed genuinely saddened by this. They had decided to waive their normal review policy and take advantage of what would surely be available--a constant stream of makers. She also echoed my concern that so many people were not wearing work on the gallery night which made it confusing to her and the rest of the staff at HCCC. They had not been at other conference events throughout the weekend so they couldn't go by who they recognized. They were not even sure if they were seeing SNAG people or others from out on the town given that our even overlapped a nationally renowned photography convention. I don't want to impose a needless guilt trip, but I hope hearing this will cause everyone to rethink how they approach next year's conference. If you have work and you want to exhibit it, why not approach venues when you are already traveling?</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The end result is that I will be sending work to the Asher Gallery at HCCC in late August or early September, and we were in agreement that my work differed from much of what was available which can be of benefit for both of us. I was given a rare opportunity to discuss specific work by material, scale, and price point with the manager who knows her customers well. If only others had been able to take advantage of this opportunity. No, they did not broadcast an open call because they aren't crazy and didn't want to bring chaos on themselves. But I think they were reasonable in assuming conversations would come up organically as they should have. There is no hand-holding once you finish your degree, and the paradigm of "managers" who will do this for you doesn't fit our field and is already an anachronism in others. If you're lucky you will find generous people like Brigitte on occasion who give you well timed and gentle prodding, but ultimately you are the best asset your work can have. Take initiative. Wear it at home and when you travel, but especially when you are attending a conference for what you do! Be prepared with images, a statement, and a current resume when you find yourself setting out on this kind of trip. <br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Or you may find yourself with boxes of work sitting around with no place to go. <br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>Comments on why you did or did not wear your work ? How will we seize the opportunities given to us ? Click here and let me know:</strong></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greetings-fellow-crafthaus-14?xg_source=activity">http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greetings-fellow-crafthaus-14?xg_source=activity</a></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </p> Jillian updates her SNAG conference blog !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-09:2104389:Topic:997712010-03-09T19:16:21.654ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">"Wurmiz" brooch, composite and epoxy resin, polymer clay, steel, copper</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I wish I'd had a second pair of hands for this shot, but time is short today and I really wanted to share the two new pieces I've managed to drag over the finish line before the conference.…</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">"Wurmiz" brooch, composite and epoxy resin, polymer clay, steel, copper</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I wish I'd had a second pair of hands for this shot, but time is short today and I really wanted to share the two new pieces I've managed to drag over the finish line before the conference.</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">For those of us in the nebulous post-degree world there are no more critiques to hold us hostage in the studio. And I have to say that I sometimes miss that panicky, sleep-deprived, hyperactive state. So every year I try and finish new work to bring with me to wear at the conference and torture myself needlessly before the trip.<br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">This beast perches on my shoulder very comfortably. Should be a good way to make friends when I venture out of the conference nest and into the hinterlands of downtown Houston.</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br/>Continue reading Jillian's blog here:</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greetings-fellow-crafthaus-7?xg_source=activity">http://crafthaus.ning.com/profiles/blogs/greetings-fellow-crafthaus-7?xg_source=activity</a></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </p> Jillian blogs SNAG: An Interview with Michelle Pajak-Reynoldstag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-08:2104389:Topic:993092010-03-08T01:59:34.696ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">"Splendor"</span></font><br></br><em>Series:</em> Petal sterling silver, nylon, sequins, seed pearls, onyx, glass, organza<br></br><em>Model:</em> Lauryn Straubhaar<br></br><em>Photographer:</em> Pat Jarrett…</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="3"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 18px">"Splendor"</span></font><br/><em>Series:</em> Petal sterling silver, nylon, sequins, seed pearls, onyx, glass, organza<br/><em>Model:</em> Lauryn Straubhaar<br/><em>Photographer:</em> Pat Jarrett</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><font size="5"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">An Interview with Michelle Pajak-Reynolds <br/></span></font></p>
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<br/><p class="MsoNormal">I was very excited to get the opportunity to interview Michelle Pajak-Reynolds. Her experiences have been very different from mine, and I knew her perspective would be<br/>insightful and interesting for everyone following the blog.</p>
<br/><p class="MsoNormal">She did not fall down the MFA rabbit hole, she has been successfully supporting herself with her work, and she is vocal in her support of savvy business practices for artists.</p>
<br/><p class="MsoNormal">Michelle works in a diverse range of materials to create lyrical pieces that blend the feminine with the theatrical.</p>
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<br/><p class="MsoNormal">Jillian-- I know this isn't your first conference, so how many have you attended? Did you go as a student before you attended as a post-student/practicing artist?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br/><b>Michelle--My first conference was Cleveland 2005 and I've been hooked ever since. I did not attend as a student but, in hindsight, I wish I had.</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br/>J-- What have you experienced as a result of the conference that has positively affected your studio practice?</p>
<br/><p class="MsoNormal"><b>M--I've had many wonderful things happen to me due to attending conferences. I've formed wonderful relationships with many members whose knowledge has helped me grow. Through those relationships I was offered the role of SNAG Volunteer Coordinator, which is a Human Resources function that I absolutely love. I've gotten better at how I present my work both in exhibitions and promotional materials. I've been inspired by<br/>countless works of art and had the opportunity to explore cities that were not on my list of must see places.</b> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br/></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br/>J-- Have you experienced anything negative?</p>
<br/><p class="MsoNormal"><b>M--The only negative I experienced was is 2007 when I ran the Board of Directors. I had a few members question my membership and qualifications to run for the Board because I don't work in a lot of metal or have an MFA. This hurt a lot, of course, but over time I've come to realize that their views are very limited as far as our field goes and they represent a very small portion of the membership.<br/></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br/>J—Are you interested in teaching Jewelry/Metals/Art or do you prefer to be a<br/>Studio Artist first and foremost? I find that many of us are not really given the reality on what we will be doing with our degree and the idea that we'll all be Metals/Jewelry Profs. is a bit of a pyramid<br/>scheme.<br/><br/><b>M--I agree with your views about what one can do with a BFA, not all of us can or should be Profs. There aren’t enough positions/programs to support the number of MFA's and a lot of other things that I could rant about. I have taught but not as a department head or anything like it. I've been a visiting artist at Ursuline College, Akron Art Museum, various community art centers, private homes, and I've partnered with the Ohio Arts Council.</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">J— I read on your facebook profile you're getting an MBA (whoa!), what motivated you to get a business degree after the art degree? I'm curious if a lot of makers are going in this direction now, especially given the current economy.<br/><br/><b>M—Wow, the choice to pursue an MBA...there's a lot of things that lead up to this path, some of which have been brewing for a long time. But the catalyst for making this leap<br/>was a combination of losing 3 loved ones (2 to illness and old age and one to murder) and my teaching job in a six month period, Feb-Aug, last year. I've been unemployed since June. I've always had a unique combination of creativity mixed with a mind for business and saw the MBA-Entrepreneurship program at Baldwin-Wallace as a perfect fit for my goals and as a tool to fill the gaps in my business skills. The loved ones I lost unconditionally supported my work and believed in my potential as a businesswoman. I decided that it was time to pull my head out of my a**, honor their faith in me, and live up to my full potential.<br/><br/>I would like to see more art programs incorporate Entrepreneurship/business<br/>courses. Artists need to blend practical business knowledge with theory and creativity. Being a studio artist and actually making a living on your art require two different skill sets. The BW MBA is helping me learn more about sustainable business strategies, sources for funding, accounting, marketing, and expanding the market for my work, etc, etc, etc.</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><br/>J-- Finally, what do you hope to get out of the conference this year? Is there anything that you feel will be different for you? What would you wish to change about the conference if you could to get a more positive result as a Studio Artist?<br/><br/><b>M--What I want out of this year's conference experience is to listen to as many fellow artists at all stages of their careers and learn more about their day, how they built their<br/>business, and what keeps them up at night. Houston will be a very different experience for many reasons. I'm a million miles away from the woman I was nine months ago, not to mention who I was at last year’s conference. It will be interesting to see the response to the "new me". So far the new website/new me love I've received from my SNAG/Crafthaus/Facebook family has been incredible and I can't wait to see them all.<br/><br/>I would like to see more practical knowledge formally shared at conferences. I think it would benefit everyone to learn more about the business side of things, metals programs are businesses too, how others overcome the obstacles that are in our path. I want nitty gritty business stuff. It seems like money is a four letter word with this group and something that's poo pooed on in conversation.</b> <br/></p>
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<br/><p class="MsoNormal">I would really like to thank Michelle Pajak-Reynolds for taking the time to reply to all of my questions. I know how hectic everyone’s schedule can be before the conference. I would also like<br/>to express how much I appreciate her candor in describing her experiences, both<br/>professional and personal .</p>
<br/><p class="MsoNormal">You can see more of Michelle’s work at her <a href="http://www.michellepajak.com/index.php?currentcontent=home">site</a>.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">See you soon!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jillian<br/></p> Anthony Tammaro blogs the SNAG conference !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-02-25:2104389:Topic:974352010-02-25T15:21:47.577ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p><u>This is great:</u></p>
<p><u><br></br></u><b>Another crafthauser, Anthony Tammaro, blogs SNAG too !! This is what he'll do :</b><br></br></p>
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<p><br></br>This year’s conference you may find me mingling about with a number of image and video capturing devices. I will attempt to document and share all that I see from the random to the staged. Weather you are a first timer or well seasoned conference goer, I’ll be pointing a camera in your direction. You may be…</p>
<p><u>This is great:</u></p>
<p><u><br/></u><b>Another crafthauser, Anthony Tammaro, blogs SNAG too !! This is what he'll do :</b><br/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img width="542" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057857447?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<p><br/>This year’s conference you may find me mingling about with a number of image and video capturing devices. I will attempt to document and share all that I see from the random to the staged. Weather you are a first timer or well seasoned conference goer, I’ll be pointing a camera in your direction. You may be a student, educator, artist, official or all of the above. I will find you and give you the opportunity to express yourself no matter how eXtream your view may be.<br/><br/><b><u>Crafthaus note:</u> Below a few images of Anthony's absolutely fabulous work !<br/></b></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b>And you may remember this piece from last year's Exhibition in Motion:</b></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b>Anthony's blog: <a href="http://clutchworks.blogspot.com/">http://clutchworks.blogspot.com/</a></b></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><br/>Anthony's crafthaus page: <a href="http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/AnthonyTammaro">http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/AnthonyTammaro</a></b></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><br/> </b></p> Feb 25: Jillian updates her SNAG blog !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-02-25:2104389:Topic:974232010-02-25T14:38:45.273ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I've added all the little painted details that make these better. Half are stewing in their own juices nearly completed, the other half are waiting for more paint. I can only do so many hours of tiny stippling and stripes before I lose my marbles. Being freakishly nearsighted may have something to do with my surface tendencies. I hope you're all out there rushing to finish the way I am. Our…</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057859075?profile=original"/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I've added all the little painted details that make these better. Half are stewing in their own juices nearly completed, the other half are waiting for more paint. I can only do so many hours of tiny stippling and stripes before I lose my marbles. Being freakishly nearsighted may have something to do with my surface tendencies. I hope you're all out there rushing to finish the way I am. Our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/snag2010pinswap/">Flickr group</a> for sharing in-progress Swap Pins is growing by the way!<br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I've had to employ both sides of my rigged up goo wall to get things in order. It was too packed and out of control before. I don't know if I'll ever work on this many pieces for the Pin Swap again, but it's been fun to go all out at least once. I've also stumbled onto some patterns and color combinations that will be making an appearance in other work as soon as I get around to that. <br/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Did I mention that somebody's going to be grounded if they don't clean their bench before SNAG...</p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057859748?profile=original"/></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">It's just gotten downright ridiculous this week. Between the Swap Pins and a commission along with the two pieces I'm hoping to bring with me to the conference I've hit a new personal low.</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">It is nearly unfathomable to think that the conference is two weeks away! And I've got less than that to finish everything as I've planned to mail the pins as well as work I plan to wear. What with all the pins, nails, tacks and staples that are embedded in them I don't foresee myself making it through the airport scanners without a lot of explaining to do.</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Seeing you soon!</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Jillian<br/></p>
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<p> </p> Feb 17: Jillian updates her SNAG BLOG !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-02-17:2104389:Topic:960192010-02-17T12:18:43.004ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
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<p>I'm hoping this will be as interesting to other conference goers as it is to me-- I've started a Flick group here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/snag2010pinswap/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/snag2010pinswap/</a> for everyone to post either process shots or complete groupings of their Swap Pins for this year's conference. Hopefully it will be a venue for those who want to build some buzz or simply want a way to share in the next…</p>
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<p>I'm hoping this will be as interesting to other conference goers as it is to me-- I've started a Flick group here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/snag2010pinswap/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/snag2010pinswap/</a> for everyone to post either process shots or complete groupings of their Swap Pins for this year's conference. Hopefully it will be a venue for those who want to build some buzz or simply want a way to share in the next three weeks. If you don't already have a Flickr account, it's free and very user friendly.</p>
<p>And as for my little nuggets, I've finally gotten to my favorite part--</p>
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<p>After a lengthy (and frigid) spray painting session in my garage, everyone now has their first layer of paint. The little odds and ends that were stuck in them start to look more interesting at this point. They start to have some character. Especially en masse where little conversations begin.</p>
<p>I knew the epoxy resin layering was going to pose some challenges with these. Having bitten off far too much this time--80 little beasts--I've come up with some assembly line tweaks to help things go smoothly.</p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057849991?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>The solution was to create a foam "wall." Each nugget drips on the pieces below in a communal basting process that looks something like a microbial bacchanalia.</p>
<p>Still, only half can take a turn on the wall while the others wait. But it means that I can paint details on one group while the others sit and marinate.</p>
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<p>See you in three weeks--<br/>Jillian Moore</p>
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<p> </p> Feb 10: Jillian updates her SNAG Conference Blog !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-02-10:2104389:Topic:938592010-02-10T22:07:54.092ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p><img alt="" height="308" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852084?profile=original" width="493"></img></p>
<p>Buffare" (brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pins, 3.5" x 4.25" x 3"</p>
<p><br></br>I've managed to finally finish my brooch for the Silent Auction ! Getting things crossed off of my list is helping me get some sleep at night. Although there is still so much to finish. And in between all of my SNAG preparation there are still new pieces for Etsy, commissions, and day jobs!</p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852288?profile=original"></img></p>
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<p>I've never had the time to…</p>
<p><img height="308" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852084?profile=original" width="493"/></p>
<p>Buffare" (brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pins, 3.5" x 4.25" x 3"</p>
<p><br/>I've managed to finally finish my brooch for the Silent Auction ! Getting things crossed off of my list is helping me get some sleep at night. Although there is still so much to finish. And in between all of my SNAG preparation there are still new pieces for Etsy, commissions, and day jobs!</p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852288?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>I've never had the time to make a piece to donate to the auction, so I'm glad I managed to squeeze it in this year. Maybe it can help offset the discount I'm getting from the Professional Work Exchange. It's made from extruded foam, composite and epoxy resins, and lots of layered paint. It's a big honkin' beast so I hope someone is brave and gives him a home. I promise he's light and floaty--could save your life some day. On Saturday, from 9AM-11AM I'll be working at the auction so prepare to be hustled to within an inch of your life!</p>
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<p>I've also started the one-woman sweat shop that is Swap Pins. I've got around 60 swirling in the studio right now. There may be casualties so I'm hoping that puts me at a safe 50. I went with half that many last year and ran out quickly. I really regretted not having more. Hence lots of little nuggets of foam with accessories jammed into them. I'm still layering water putty and then composite resin to strengthen them.</p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852563?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>Old pins, tacks, staples, cactus thorns, and studio detritus come out the other end looking like probes, flagella, antennae, and anything else that dangles</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057852727?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>I think I even threw in some q-tips. Don't tell anyone</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057853139?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>This little Sproink is already shaping up to be a favorite. No calling dibs though.</p>
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<p>In Solidarity,<br/>Jillian Moore</p> Greetings fellow crafthaus members !tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-02-09:2104389:Topic:936452010-02-09T14:54:10.037ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057853272?profile=original"></img></p>
<p><br></br>"Buffare" (brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pins, 3.25" x 3.75" x 2"</p>
<p><br></br>I've been juggling pieces for the conference over the last few days. This first image is for the Silent Auction. I had hoped I'd have something already available, but after reviewing my options I decided to just go ahead and make a new piece. It's still a bit oozey today so you get a process shot for now. I'm hot for process…</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057853272?profile=original"/></p>
<p><br/>"Buffare" (brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pins, 3.25" x 3.75" x 2"</p>
<p><br/>I've been juggling pieces for the conference over the last few days. This first image is for the Silent Auction. I had hoped I'd have something already available, but after reviewing my options I decided to just go ahead and make a new piece. It's still a bit oozey today so you get a process shot for now. I'm hot for process shots: <a href="http://jillianmoore.blogspot.com/2009/03/back-to-work.html">http://jillianmoore.blogspot.com/2009/03/back-to-work.html</a>.</p>
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<p>I've also been working on new pieces to bring with me. The conference provides an ideal setting for unveiling new work. The rest of the time I'm clumsily lurching around in my studio, working boring day jobs, or riding my bike when it isn't Iowa-pioneer-death-winter. Which is okay for smaller, more "practical" pieces, but these are activities that don't allow for the necessary grace and self awareness needed for my larger, more sculptural work. Occasionally I do take the big babies out--I wore a large piece <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24933482@N02/2891507918/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/24933482@N02/2891507918/</a> on the bus once and overheard some high school students who were absolutely horrified by whatever was <strong><u>on</u></strong> me. Very fun.</p>
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<p>Anyway, here's the new beast I'm working on. He'll straddle my shoulder. I hope he works because he's looking pretty satisfying right now. Sadly someone cut off his head, but he's alright (mostly.)</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1057853448?profile=original"/></p>
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<p>You get some general studio clutter as an added bonus.</p>