I’ve noticed this Kelly Towles mural for a few weeks now. I pass it on my way to work at the bar every Friday and it brings a smile to my face on my longest work day of the week. Thanks, ReadySetDC, for posting about the artist and sharing this lovely video inspired by the mural. Read the ReadySet post here.
In last night’s class I finally finished a necklace that began last semester in Jewelry as Sculpture. My professor, Anya Pinchuk, was pleased with the result…!
Chain works in the display case at the Corcoran Georgetown campus.
My work: necklace in polymer clay, resin, enameled steel and silver.
The first of many (I hope) trips for this little project of ours. We are off to Philadelphia tomorrow and shall return as one, bonded by the road, laughter, and the support we will find in each other as artists and friends.
Philly, you have art, and we want it! Also, Kim wants a sandwich. AND we may be needing some tattoos….
This past November I organized and hosted an art opening for Elizabeth Graeber (the best friend) and her friend, Laura Shema. Both are extremely talented young artists and all of the hard work was worth it. SOVA has never looked better than with their art decorating it’s walls and we had a blast at the opening. Friends, Matthew Hemerlein and Lucas Smudge provided the music while Laura and Elizabeth did live portraits for our guests. I guess I love this picture because Laura looks so excited and Elizabeth is doing her typical disinterested side glance. Definitely one of my favorite events from 2009.
There are no words to fully convey the convergence of art, music, place, time, people, humor and warm sentiments that was last night for me.
Michael Harris’s goodbye party for his space at King’s Court, SE was host to the Child Ballads, art by Chandi Kelley (Project Dispatch) and performance art by James Magnum.
The Child Ballads performance last night was nothing short of historic and magical. Poetry and charm, and music good enough to be called great. Stewart Lupton entertained as much with his banter and the curious demeanor of a genius as he did with his singing and playing. Running into him later at an unrelated house party he spoke of a special show on January 2nd which would mark and end of sorts to the perfection (not his words) that is the Childballads, at least in it’s current manifestation. I’ll post details if I should be lucky enough to come across them. My friend and I felt very much a part of the events of last night resulting in such gems as “jazz cigarettes” and a spur of the moment reference to me as “the girl with the white carnation.”
The performance art combined a glossy red mannequin with duct tape, gummy bears and a strikingly realistic dildo. The performance was interesting and though I have limited knowledge of such things (yoko ono) I found it compelling, entertaining and bizarre – in other words, good. If he’s doing a performance again somewhere, sometime, I’d like to be there.
All of this was complimented by excellent company. A house party with similarly awesome serendipity followed and then delightful conversation at a diner in boys town. Sometimes life is like a movie, a really good movie, and last night was that for me.
Listening to the Child Ballads EP today (which I got in a trade with Stewart) and pondering warm memories of yesterday…
Celebrating tonight with family and friends. If you can’t make the opening, the Exhibition runs through Dec 13.
<3,
jennifer
I’ve had plenty to be sad about over the past couple of weeks. All the adjusting has left me drained – lately I’d rather stay in bed and watch 30 Rock (thank god for 30 Rock) than be out socializing with people who all seem so much happier than me…
by lindsay <3
So, it’s extra nice when I get to take a break from my mildly disastrous personal life to dwell in the warm glow of my successes and those of my friends. Eventually my mind wanders back to my broken heart, but always with that extra bit of energy and faith that I need to work my way back to being the happy, confident, positive and productive person I used to be.
On that note, see Lindsay’s photos from the opening at SOVA, here. The photo above is a soon to be classic “Jenn taking over the world” pose/outfit/expression.
Meet me (and hug me and high-five me) at the opening for the Corcoran CE 2009 Juried Exhibition this Thursday night (6-8 pm). Or see the works on display from Nov 18 through Dec 13 at Gallery 31.
Then, come out to SOVA on Friday for Matt’s cd release show. Elizabeth will be doing live illustrations. I’ll be selling jewelry. We’ll be drinking red wine and talking about how we have the same heart and will always be there for each other. All this with Matt and other musicians so talented they’ll make you want to cry, hug your best friend, call your 8th grade crush… etc. If you’re lucky, a little of the creative love will rub off on you and make you want to start that project you’re always talking about but never actually doing.
Thank you to my friends and family, for listening and encouraging and supporting me and for just plain showing up to all of my events because you know how much it means to me to have you there.
PEOPLE
Portraits by
Elizabeth Graeber (below)
and
Laura Shema (above)
Thursday, Nov. 12
7-11 pm
Music by DJ Lucas Smudge and Matthew Hemerlein
drink specials and cookies!
@ SOVA
Elizabeth and I were there last night setting up until just before 11 pm. A late night but it was worth it to have (almost) everything done the night before. Two epsiodes of 30 ROCK later and I was relaxed and sleeping soundly the night before a big event, which NEVER happens! Yup, this is a new Jennifer. Sometimes you just have to do your best and accept that things are going to unfold a certain way and more importantly – enjoy it! That is exactly what I intend to do. Hope to see you there!!!
P.S. Thank yous to everyone who helped to make tonight possible. Special THANKS to Ronald Soltes (NUNCHUCKS) for stepping in as a friend and supporter and going way above and beyond the call of duty. Ron, this week you were my hero in more ways than you may ever know.
