It has come to my attention....

Yes, yes, yes.... I know... Where's the artwork posts?
I am still working on that project I previously mentioned, and I cannot share sketches quite yet.
But until then, and if you would like to view a sample of my previous paintings (ArtPrize 8 entry, Common Core, included), then hop over to my other site:
Paintwhip.blogspot.com

It's good to be back to work!  Unfortunately, the project I am currently working on is a bit top secret (wink).  The ideas are in the beginning stages.  This is when pencil scribbles flow like NANOWRIMO scripts, and ideas swirl and morph into curious adventures beyond one's dreams.

I love this part!!

I hope to carve a few hours for myself to paint this week.

See you then blogging peeps!

Hey blogging peeps, I'm back!  I had to catch my breath from all the excitement of ArtPrize.  Did I mention how amazing it was?  The food, the music, the art, the people...  there's nothing like it!  

Before I take Common Core down From its venue, I wanted to point out a few more details... just in case you're in Grand Rapids this weekend and stop by to see it in the lobby of the Waters Center 161 Ottawa.

Here we go:

"What's in the Middle," peeking through the fun vibrant pink of the funnel represents the unknown of where our tax dollars go.  Exactly what determines the cost per student in public education?  What is that equation?  How much is funnelled into other third parties and so on.

The "What can I do," represents the parents who are frustrated and want change.  

I took this phrase literally.  I asked myself what could I do.  My answer?  Create art to speak on my behalf and hope to inspire conversation on this topic.

My question to you is, what can you do?

"I can," represents the parents' moto on the parent brigade fund raising funnel.  We are taking action to support our schools.

"Math about me," represents my frustration with a hint of snarkiness.  I feel that as a parent, we are constantly pouring funds into our kids' educational experience.  

 the tiny scissors... yeah, this is for all the little cuts here and there that add up to massive budget slashings.

This week, I am going to share photos of words and phrases I cropped out of recycled student assignments to strengthen my statement for my painting:

And I circled the areas in pink...

Just above the run-down sign advertising an award winning pool, I have "Michigan" just above it.  Michigan used to have the BEST public schools.  Now we do not.

To the right of the sign, also tying into how public schools used to be, is the phrase, "they went to music". This represents the cut backs in our art and music programs, and how some schools have lost them completely.

 "I am a good student," represents the kids who have not been given the chance to succeed.

Good morning, Blogging Peeps! I'm back home from my first stay in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize.  I was hoping to blog while I was there, but I was too excited to share and talk about my entry to everyone and ANYONE who would listen to me (lol). But here are a few clips from my experience...

This is Michael... he plays these incredible hand carved violins across from my mural painting.  Notice his display?  It looks like a music sheet, and the violins look like music notes!  How awesome is that?

This is Brian...

If you do make it to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, which I hope you do, you must go to the Waters Building on 161 Ottawa!  As you walk into this beautiful example of modern architecture, the space opens up into this vast lobby with 20 foot tall samurai to greet you.  These incredible sculptures were created by Brian and let me tell you, you will be in awe of these structures built using chairs.  This is a must see!

This is Shaun...

After walking past the chair samurai, you will be struck by the strength and sheer talent of Shaun's painting!  Ok, side note on this guy, he made it to the final 25 last year in ArtPrize, and I kinda stalked him.  Just a little.  I'm a big fan of his work, and so this was exciting to have my photo taken with him.  

And then, my entry is just a few steps away, across from Shaun's painting, next to the elevators.  

This has been an incredible experience!

 Finished.

Through this process, I have learned a few things...

1.) Art is therapy.  When I began this project a few months ago, I was angry and upset over what I had seen, heard, and read.  Now, I feel exhausted, but triumphant.  It still saddens me when I think of the issues within public education funding, but I feel like my painting speaks for me.

2.) I have an amazing group of friends who are there for me.  No matter what.

3.) My family has my back.  

4.) My husband must really love me.  I have destroyed our front living room, the bathroom sink is clogged with paint, I have not cooked in I don't know how long... and yet he continues to support me.

My painting, "Common Core" will be displayed in the Waters Center during ArtPrize 8.  

 Final touches :-) I had to clean up some of the kids and add the little pools of water 

 I'm not sure if you noticed, but I repainted the diver.  Yep.  After sitting through countless mornings, sipping coffee, it finally hit me.  The diver was diving away from the pool occupied by her colleagues.  Now, it looks like she's facing us a little more :-). I'm sure my neighbor had a good laugh watching me stand (and wobble) on top of a slide in my swimsuit acting this out. 

This type of humiliation is a snippet of what I do for my art. 

Until next week, blogging peeps...