Small Works at the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym

Last night was First Friday in Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym put on a Small Works show. It was so good to go out after a really long two weeks to see friends and some really lovely work in a neighborhood I don't spend much time in. (I have three of my While You Were Sleeping pieces in it!)

The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym won the Knight Arts Challenge in 2011, and it was started "to help Philadelphia sculptors create their works safely by creating a “sculpture gym” where artists can use heavy-duty tools, have storage space and get one-on-one help with projects."

Although they are still in the midst of finishing the space, the vision is really impressive. The gallery is in full swing, already hosting shows featuring casting and wood processes and a solo show by Terri Aluise. There will be classroom space, a woodshop, hot and cold metal shops, and storage space. I'm definitely considering a membership there!

new studio

Back at the loom. It's been a long couple of months of packing up, commuting to NYC and then getting a new job in Philadelphia. I'm back in the fashion industry for now in the only company I would return to the industry for. On the more important side of things, the new studio is coming together, and it has natural light! Photography will be such a relief instead of a hassle. It just needs a bit more storage and organization.



In the meantime, I have work to do. I'm weaving another set of folded doubleweave blankets- the first was requested with custom colors- the second will be a gift. There are a whole bunch more projects on the to-do list. It's going to be an amazing fall.

summer studio

(a painting at CANADA gallery, the new apartment, sari wedding dress)

It seems like the new year just started. How is it that it's already July?
With a new job, much better than the last, the months have flown by. A lot has changed, and a lot is about to change. I'm switching cities too- after 8 years in New York state, I'm off to Pennsylvania. Packing has started, especially the studio. My sewing machines and loom are the only things remaining. I'm currently working on a friend's wedding dress (for July 31!) and a multi-colored warp and gray weft cotton/wool blanket. The new place will have windows! natural light! space for visitors! although I will miss my current studio's spacious ceilings, loft storage, artist neighbors, and Lowe's hardware store next-door. The new space will also promote focus. I have a tendency to want to do everything at once, and this will be a good reminder to focus. Depth, not breadth. At least for now.

More thoughts to come, especially since this month is a good one for mid-year resolutions. Getting things done: mending & tailoring clothes, building a lamp, sewing curtains, a California wedding, and sleeping with Sequoias.

the evolution of a work ethic

I have been trying to build up my portfolio ever since coming to New York as a way to get myself out of my day job (which has thus far proven unsuccessful, but fingers crossed!) and now, as a way to get myself into grad school and on a new path in the working to live/living to work battle. Each year has become more and more productive and in the past month, it's reached a fever pitch.

My first year here, I snagged an industrial sewing machine from the Upper West Side on Freecycle and started sewing a carpet bag project I had started in undergrad in my tiny living room. But I was traveling across Brooklyn multiple times a week, and I could never get into a rhythm. The next year, I had a railroad apartment and turned the windowless hybrid room/hallway into a studio to better results, although it was hard trying to work in the apartment when there was a couch to sit on instead of the floor of the studio hallway and this couch faced the television. Blaming my living room layout is the easy way out. I had trouble separating life and work and it affected my focus and work ethic. The next year, I moved into a two room apartment and rented a studio about 10 minutes away by walking, 5 by bike. I also became the proud owner of my very own loom which has made me the happiest kid in Brooklyn.

This separation of life and work has been the best solution for me. Almost every evening after the day job, I get on the subway to studio and put in an hour or three. Then I walk or ride home and do a bit of apartment related activities and a bit of computer work. Then tea, and bed. The weekends are up early, off to studio for 10-12 hours, home, eating and bed. The past week has been the most hectic of all and it won't be over until the new year. This is all in preparation for the grad portfolio. It's exhausting. But this is my escape plan, and going at it halfheartedly is just not an option.

Above is a project I've been working on since the hallway/room studio days, and I've finally been able to make decent progress on it. I can't wait to post the finished piece! Patience, patience, and motivation will get me there.