You know, when I am just working all day on the same thing it doesn't make for that interesting of blogging.
Anywhoo, got up for Mikayla's thesis proposal. Really funky uneven sleep. Not so grand. Oh well. Her thesis went well. Really complex and heavy idea about art as social practice. I don't think I quite got it, but I trust that she knows what she is doing. The print lab is occupied during the time on Wednesday when I thought I would be using it. Dang. Yoga was cancelled so after talking to Tabby-Sue, Soh-kuhn, Leah, and Matt, I went home.
I read That Salty Air by Sievert. I got through it really quick. The art is lovely. Great water and character designs. The octopus truly did rock. So after that, I buckled down and sat my bum in front of the computer for another round of what I like to call: Trillian draws a comic that gets progressively weirder and harder to draw. If I do two a day, I will be done on Friday. I have other finals to consider so I am not quite assigning a "two-a-day" goal. One plus is more reasonable. Yesterday I got two one and one pencilled, today I have just two done. I had to include more objects and thus more variations of color. Really tricky. Thankfully comics are not intended to be read from a distance. Huzzah! The text is near illegible unfortunately. I need to work on that. I am not a text person. I wouldn't include it if I could think of a way not to. I am amazed at the variation that is coming up in the panels.
Today I watched: about four-six episodes of QI. Night Watch (Nochnoi Dozor). Shaun of the Dead. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2007.
Lindsay and I got pizza for dinner. Out fridge is looking really sparse these days. I really must go shopping.
hi
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
pretty fan-damn-tastic
I've been sitting in almost the same spot since noon.
I have two pages of my comic done and a third mostly pencilled in.
Today I watched: Ghostbusters. Stardust. Three episodes on QI. The Christmas special that started series 2 of Doctor Who. Cowboy Bebop The Movie.
I didn't do much else besides eat and shower and shove Ibanez out of my lap.
I'm pleased with how the comic is shaping up. I have some great panels thus far. Go me! This next week is going to be filled with getting up, going to some presentations, coming home, and working for hours and hours. It isn't so bad, actually I am having a lot of fun. I am feeling challenged but not over worked. It isn't a strain, I just have to keep at it.
I need to get some more food. I'm down to carbohydrates again.
I have two pages of my comic done and a third mostly pencilled in.
Today I watched: Ghostbusters. Stardust. Three episodes on QI. The Christmas special that started series 2 of Doctor Who. Cowboy Bebop The Movie.
I didn't do much else besides eat and shower and shove Ibanez out of my lap.
I'm pleased with how the comic is shaping up. I have some great panels thus far. Go me! This next week is going to be filled with getting up, going to some presentations, coming home, and working for hours and hours. It isn't so bad, actually I am having a lot of fun. I am feeling challenged but not over worked. It isn't a strain, I just have to keep at it.
I need to get some more food. I'm down to carbohydrates again.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
it was a sunny day and I was inside
Stumptown Comics Fest was fun. Not as fun as the last one but still pretty fantastic.
Panels:
Started off with Nicholas Gurewitch's one. Really good considering he winged most of it. And he had a robot. Always badass. Went to the Craig Thompson panel as well, despite the lack of me reading any of his work(no clue why I haven't, but now that I have some I can!).
Meeting Cool People:
Didn't interact with as many people as last one either. It was so crowded, it made it really hard to. Didn't really meet many awesome people. Just sort of remet a few old ones. Actually I was disappointed by a lot of the artwork, and that is what I come for mostly so bah. Disappointment! Did remeet Nicholas Gurewitch and the end of the day (when his line had almost vanished). He remembered me! How cool. I met Tim Sievert at the Top Shelf table. He was really sweet(and easy on the eyes) and when I flipped through the comics I was in awe of his octopuses (again with the Stumptown octopuses...)and his art in general. So his comic was the first that I bought of the day. He didn't know how to spell my name(I asked him, "what kind of a nerd are you?") so I wrote it in the book and he signed it. And DREW AN OCTOPUS! He rocks. And asked me to please enjoy it. Awww. I saw Kazimir Strzepek from a distance a couple times but I never approached him. He was just visiting and didn't have a table. The Robopocalypse people had a table. It was a pretty badass spread that they had.
Spending Money:
I am being a good American and am spending my refund. It is my money and I earned it! And this only comes around once a year. I'm very good. I didn't really buy anything from the people selling. Well not the lonesome sellers. The prices were suddenly more expensive than last one. I can't randomly buy a lot of $15 comics! Even if they look good, that is still a lot of money and if I buy a couple of those then my budget gets killed fast. I bought a story/illustration collection, the comic from Tim Sievert, 3 scuffed comics for $10 from Oni, a grab bag of cheap comics ($1), a half off anthology of autobiographies, and I went back to the Top Shelf table and said "I have this much money left, any sweet deals you can give me?" And the guy who wasn't Sievert said, "I can give you Blankets for that." And I said deal. Now I have Craig Thompson's 500+page tome in my collection and I got it for a fairly good deal.
Friends:
I rode the train with Michal and Blair. Interesting ride. I met Matt pretty much the instant I entered the building. Nicole was manning the PNCA table. Andy was there looking tall. Karen was looking fabulous. Jim was also there being tall. I ran into Danny and that really surprised me. As evidenced by my, "I thought you were a dork, I never knew you were a nerd!" comment. Philip was there with awesome hair. It is cool now that I am getting to know more of the community. But damn there were some nerdy people there. Karen, Jim and I went to Lloyd Center and got lunch. I set off the alarm at Macy's a couple times but no one came running. The books I had acquired were not desensitized.
The Afterparty:
Karen parted ways from Jim and I. After I spent all my money there was little point to me sticking around. Also it was ridiculously crowded so meeting people was mostly a bust. So I hopped on the Max and headed back to the Goose. And Jim tagged along. There were some crazy shouting people on the Max. And a guy named "Ace Venom" that used to work with Jim. He looked exactly like you would imagine a guy who changed his name to "Ace Venom" to look.
The rest of the day was spent hanging out with Jim, fighting off a killer headache, sorting my new finds into my shelves, eating spaghetti, coughing, and generally not doing a damn thing about my finals. Whatever. I need rest. I am going to be getting exactly that in a few. Tomorrow the game starts.
Panels:
Started off with Nicholas Gurewitch's one. Really good considering he winged most of it. And he had a robot. Always badass. Went to the Craig Thompson panel as well, despite the lack of me reading any of his work(no clue why I haven't, but now that I have some I can!).
Meeting Cool People:
Didn't interact with as many people as last one either. It was so crowded, it made it really hard to. Didn't really meet many awesome people. Just sort of remet a few old ones. Actually I was disappointed by a lot of the artwork, and that is what I come for mostly so bah. Disappointment! Did remeet Nicholas Gurewitch and the end of the day (when his line had almost vanished). He remembered me! How cool. I met Tim Sievert at the Top Shelf table. He was really sweet(and easy on the eyes) and when I flipped through the comics I was in awe of his octopuses (again with the Stumptown octopuses...)and his art in general. So his comic was the first that I bought of the day. He didn't know how to spell my name(I asked him, "what kind of a nerd are you?") so I wrote it in the book and he signed it. And DREW AN OCTOPUS! He rocks. And asked me to please enjoy it. Awww. I saw Kazimir Strzepek from a distance a couple times but I never approached him. He was just visiting and didn't have a table. The Robopocalypse people had a table. It was a pretty badass spread that they had.
Spending Money:
I am being a good American and am spending my refund. It is my money and I earned it! And this only comes around once a year. I'm very good. I didn't really buy anything from the people selling. Well not the lonesome sellers. The prices were suddenly more expensive than last one. I can't randomly buy a lot of $15 comics! Even if they look good, that is still a lot of money and if I buy a couple of those then my budget gets killed fast. I bought a story/illustration collection, the comic from Tim Sievert, 3 scuffed comics for $10 from Oni, a grab bag of cheap comics ($1), a half off anthology of autobiographies, and I went back to the Top Shelf table and said "I have this much money left, any sweet deals you can give me?" And the guy who wasn't Sievert said, "I can give you Blankets for that." And I said deal. Now I have Craig Thompson's 500+page tome in my collection and I got it for a fairly good deal.
Friends:
I rode the train with Michal and Blair. Interesting ride. I met Matt pretty much the instant I entered the building. Nicole was manning the PNCA table. Andy was there looking tall. Karen was looking fabulous. Jim was also there being tall. I ran into Danny and that really surprised me. As evidenced by my, "I thought you were a dork, I never knew you were a nerd!" comment. Philip was there with awesome hair. It is cool now that I am getting to know more of the community. But damn there were some nerdy people there. Karen, Jim and I went to Lloyd Center and got lunch. I set off the alarm at Macy's a couple times but no one came running. The books I had acquired were not desensitized.
The Afterparty:
Karen parted ways from Jim and I. After I spent all my money there was little point to me sticking around. Also it was ridiculously crowded so meeting people was mostly a bust. So I hopped on the Max and headed back to the Goose. And Jim tagged along. There were some crazy shouting people on the Max. And a guy named "Ace Venom" that used to work with Jim. He looked exactly like you would imagine a guy who changed his name to "Ace Venom" to look.
The rest of the day was spent hanging out with Jim, fighting off a killer headache, sorting my new finds into my shelves, eating spaghetti, coughing, and generally not doing a damn thing about my finals. Whatever. I need rest. I am going to be getting exactly that in a few. Tomorrow the game starts.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
dressed like a villain
Feel much better, my cough is even starting to subside. That is good.
Even managed to get up early and get to school on time to print out the handouts for my presentation. I rock! I had extra time in fact so I called mom and we chatted.
My presentation, I think, went well. Stuttered a little bit but I always do. Had lots of material and knew what I was going over and showed a nice bit of Mirrormask. This was one of the few classes where we were there up until the last minute. Squeezed a lot out of it.
Left my keycard at home so I had to go get it. I am getting sick of my commute. I love biking and totally plan to continue to do it, I would just like a break. Or not have so many double bike trips.
Work went really quick. Had to locate my OTHER broom. I left out extra toilet paper because I'm sure there will be more people coming and going in the studios than normal over the weekend and coming week. Matt gave me a scare when I was changing the trash. I was in my head not paying attention and he went "boo" and I said a swear and he laughed. JERK FACE. Chatted with Andy who is doing these spectacular abstract paintings. Morgan is up to his normal Morganity. That dude is awesome.
Almost done with Rent Girl. Mostly reading it just because I heard so many females loathed it. It just seems like a sort-of cut and paste story. Nothing too original or ground breaking yet. Has its moments but meh.
Took yet another nap with Ibanez when I got home. I don't think I am low on iron, just low on sleep.
I didn't have much motivation to work in the evening. I am giving myself this time to recover from illness. And to ponder how to wear my trench to optimize awesome.
Even managed to get up early and get to school on time to print out the handouts for my presentation. I rock! I had extra time in fact so I called mom and we chatted.
My presentation, I think, went well. Stuttered a little bit but I always do. Had lots of material and knew what I was going over and showed a nice bit of Mirrormask. This was one of the few classes where we were there up until the last minute. Squeezed a lot out of it.
Left my keycard at home so I had to go get it. I am getting sick of my commute. I love biking and totally plan to continue to do it, I would just like a break. Or not have so many double bike trips.
Work went really quick. Had to locate my OTHER broom. I left out extra toilet paper because I'm sure there will be more people coming and going in the studios than normal over the weekend and coming week. Matt gave me a scare when I was changing the trash. I was in my head not paying attention and he went "boo" and I said a swear and he laughed. JERK FACE. Chatted with Andy who is doing these spectacular abstract paintings. Morgan is up to his normal Morganity. That dude is awesome.
Almost done with Rent Girl. Mostly reading it just because I heard so many females loathed it. It just seems like a sort-of cut and paste story. Nothing too original or ground breaking yet. Has its moments but meh.
Took yet another nap with Ibanez when I got home. I don't think I am low on iron, just low on sleep.
I didn't have much motivation to work in the evening. I am giving myself this time to recover from illness. And to ponder how to wear my trench to optimize awesome.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
REFRIDGERON - DISASSEMBLE!
I met Nicholas Gurewitch, the creator of Perry Bible Fellowship. He was doing a signing at Floating World Comics so I stopped by. He signed my copy of The Trial of Colonel Sweeto and Other Stories. We chatted a little but I was really jittery and starstruck. Waaah! So exciting. He dug my name and my bike helmet and was eager to show me the hidden 42's in his work. Tee hee. When I asked about taking a photo with him, he asked if he could wear my helmet. Hee hee. I love his work so much. He was sweet, more soft spoken than I thought. I'll see him again at Stumptown. Maybe then I will have calmed down.
Critique went smoothly. As in it was a pretty recognized fact that my big blue mess wasn't all that successful. But I had my little drawings up as well so some nice dialogue was started. Sara called my work "Illustrator-y" and "conventional". As in, drawing figures in outlines and with washes is conventional. Seemed like she was suggesting I find a whole new way of drawing figures. Uhm okay? Modou said it was more classical than conventional, which I took as a compliment but it sort of wasn't? I guess maybe because I wasn't being Avant Garde or "new" with how I presented them? Eh I don't really care. My critiques have never really been in depth into the structure of them and Sara always mentions something about it being hard to critique my work because I am an Illustrator. I think she doesn't like Illustrators. Well, if she likes my work then I might actually be worried about it. She can be closed minded. That's okay. She can keep to her highly conceptual work that is just a big mess of cute and I'll keep to my comics.
Ibanez and I took a three hour nap when I got home.
Painting was a brief critique of our final pieces thus far. I don't think I will tweak the one of Llyw until I get everything done. If I try to make it as good as Robin's and then the next ones blow Robin's out of the water then I'll have to do more reworking. I'll just see where they are when I get the portraits done.
Didn't get much time to rest at home before going to Floating World Comics. Due to the amount of bike riding I have done today, my hair is so wind blown and cool looking. I finished my little report on Neil Gaiman for Comic Lit tomorrow. Now I am going to make myself some dinner, try and digest as much From Hell as possible, and then write about it. If it wasn't for the nap, I would be so dead right now.
Tomorrow I have my presentation and work. After work I might print, just to get it out of the way early. Saturday is Stumptown Comics Fest. Then it is Sunday and next week is Spring Focus Week. In two weeks time I have to: paint two portraits, draw up more comic pages then I would like to admit to, paint something for Art History, and finish up my printing. Focus week is the cram week. And by cram I mean hunched over drawing and painting and printing week.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
the list shortens
I am covered with the blood of printmakers. Ink everywhere! But I am now half way done with the mostly final project in printmaking. Just have to run off some prints of my reworked plates and then that is it.
So yeah, long long day in printmaking. I got my aluminium. Photocopied both my images. Put the first image on. It went on without a hitch. I was very worried too. Seemed like it could have easily gone horribly wrong (it did for another person). But it didn't. Came back from lunch and etched it. Cut my paper. Rolled up the ink. Prepared everything. And I printed. From about 2:30 to 4:30. Which really isn't all that long but it is two solid hours where I couldn't stop because stopping would mean the plate might dry out. Can't have that. The red ink went onto the paper much nicer than the black. It was also my own mix of red and not straight from the can so that made it extra special. It was a rich and bright red. A lovely one. Vibrant. So I got all the prints done and they look great stand alone.
I now see the wonders that litho present to me. The variety of colors I could combine...the images I could apply to the metal... oh dear oh dear. I want to do more! I went from image on paper to 10 prints in five hours. And the second round to finish the print should go quicker. Damn I'm loving this. I must do more!
Comic club was cancelled due to no Karen so no paper for Jam. Also not that many people were in the commons, the posters went up late, there were no tables in the commons, and with no food it is hard to draw a crowd. But I had a good lunch anyway. I sat with Jim and Daniel and chatted comic stuff and ate my sandwich. Was a very good lunch.
After being hunched over printing for hours, it felt so great to recline in a chair. Unfortunately I had to read From Hell and that killed the fun of relaxing. I think I would enjoy it more if I had more time to spend with it. I find the history interesting but it is going on and on and makes for slow reading. Get on with the murdering already! Blah blah blah I'm tired of the character portrait of London.
Yoga was brilliant. It unkinked my back. Got me out of my slouch. I even got my heels down during Downwards Facing Dog. I don't know what I would do without yoga. Helps me unwind and keep me loose and upright. I think I would be a bundle of tense if I never took the chance.
A wee bit chilly and windy going home. Made myself a bit plate of frozen stir-fry (very bland but warm) and some hash browns. Conversed with Lindsay. Finished my big blue mess. It is still a big blue mess, just with a big blue lady over it all. Meh.
Portrait of Robin
Portrait of my friend Robin for my Painting Techniques for Illustrators Final.
Watercolor. 10"x14"
Lollipop (candyTrill)
Whoo I win twenty bucks! I'm not all that sore from yesterday. I woke up creaky and the first bike ride was hellish but I'm not so bad right now. Just tired. But it is 1am so that is understandable. But I don't have to roll out of bed till 10 so it's all good!
The first part of Experiments in Drawing critique. I brought my big blue mess of a drawing but we didn't critique it. Yeah I don't like it. I don't like having to redraw figure drawings. Plus I'm not trying ot say anything with it and Modou asks that of us. The drawing isn't me. It isn't how I do things. I'm not looking forward to having to defend it. But enough about me.
The critique went decent enough. Same old good analysis (though a little lack luster this time around). No one cried. Same old negative comments. Sort of the same "this would be really nice on a wall" suggestions which are USELESS. Ohh I'll draw on the wall, okay. I'll work on that at home and bring that in. Mmmhmm. I was starving during class (ran out of granola bars). Karen was nice enough to lend me some chips after I elbowed her in the face.
The first ride home is always the worst of the two. So sore and tired and still waking up.
There are ants that are crawling about one of the pieces in the student show. Part of the piece has sunny side up eggs on plates on the ground. Real eggs too, they have been there for about a week with no replacement. It is rather disgusting. And now there are ants. Bleh.
Rewatched Mirrormask to figure out what scene to show the class on Friday(for my presentation). Rob Brydon is in it! I knew he was in it but I never really knew how awesome he was. Now I am a QI educated gal and I can say he is quite cool. I liked it much more the second time around.
On the way home I swung by Trader Joe's to get some granola bars, juice, a multi-vitamin, and some lollipops. They have the best lollipops. So delicious.
Didn't do much during my break. Really needed the break. Need it. The little list of things to do looms over me. Actually right now I feel totally on top of things. It is all doable. A little while ago (about 10 hours?)I was worried. It seems like so much. But now my mind has wrapped around what I need to do and when. I'm good.
Finished the painting of Robin in class. I propped it up and stepped away and was blown away by it. Things just suddenly fell into place with the painting. I have improved so much, I almost can't believe it. Was I once wary of this class because I feared the medium? I can't remember. I have gone beyond the expectations I had of myself.
I passed by a syringe on the ground on my ride home. Not so fun. Also not fun was the heavy rain expelling itself from the underbelly of the clouds.
I did my laundry. It was much needed. Two loads. I almost never do two loads. But now I have clean towels and undies. It's a good thing.
I'm up so late because it took me so long to rethink of a lithograph idea and to draw it out. I didn't have the time to do what I wanted, but what I changed it to I am excited about. Just a face, but if the color lays how I want it to, it will be fierce. I like the art of the design just as is. Thankfully I will be working from photocopies and won't be destroying the original. Tomorrow is a work day. If I can manage to run off the first printing of the piece, well that will be rad. That is sort of what I am shooting for.
The rest of tomorrow will be spent reading From Hell, thinking about my Art History design, and working on my Experiments and Drawing piece. I don't think I'll get it to a point where I like it. Like I said, just sort of looks like a big blue mess.
The first part of Experiments in Drawing critique. I brought my big blue mess of a drawing but we didn't critique it. Yeah I don't like it. I don't like having to redraw figure drawings. Plus I'm not trying ot say anything with it and Modou asks that of us. The drawing isn't me. It isn't how I do things. I'm not looking forward to having to defend it. But enough about me.
The critique went decent enough. Same old good analysis (though a little lack luster this time around). No one cried. Same old negative comments. Sort of the same "this would be really nice on a wall" suggestions which are USELESS. Ohh I'll draw on the wall, okay. I'll work on that at home and bring that in. Mmmhmm. I was starving during class (ran out of granola bars). Karen was nice enough to lend me some chips after I elbowed her in the face.
The first ride home is always the worst of the two. So sore and tired and still waking up.
There are ants that are crawling about one of the pieces in the student show. Part of the piece has sunny side up eggs on plates on the ground. Real eggs too, they have been there for about a week with no replacement. It is rather disgusting. And now there are ants. Bleh.
Rewatched Mirrormask to figure out what scene to show the class on Friday(for my presentation). Rob Brydon is in it! I knew he was in it but I never really knew how awesome he was. Now I am a QI educated gal and I can say he is quite cool. I liked it much more the second time around.
On the way home I swung by Trader Joe's to get some granola bars, juice, a multi-vitamin, and some lollipops. They have the best lollipops. So delicious.
Didn't do much during my break. Really needed the break. Need it. The little list of things to do looms over me. Actually right now I feel totally on top of things. It is all doable. A little while ago (about 10 hours?)I was worried. It seems like so much. But now my mind has wrapped around what I need to do and when. I'm good.
Finished the painting of Robin in class. I propped it up and stepped away and was blown away by it. Things just suddenly fell into place with the painting. I have improved so much, I almost can't believe it. Was I once wary of this class because I feared the medium? I can't remember. I have gone beyond the expectations I had of myself.
I passed by a syringe on the ground on my ride home. Not so fun. Also not fun was the heavy rain expelling itself from the underbelly of the clouds.
I did my laundry. It was much needed. Two loads. I almost never do two loads. But now I have clean towels and undies. It's a good thing.
I'm up so late because it took me so long to rethink of a lithograph idea and to draw it out. I didn't have the time to do what I wanted, but what I changed it to I am excited about. Just a face, but if the color lays how I want it to, it will be fierce. I like the art of the design just as is. Thankfully I will be working from photocopies and won't be destroying the original. Tomorrow is a work day. If I can manage to run off the first printing of the piece, well that will be rad. That is sort of what I am shooting for.
The rest of tomorrow will be spent reading From Hell, thinking about my Art History design, and working on my Experiments and Drawing piece. I don't think I'll get it to a point where I like it. Like I said, just sort of looks like a big blue mess.
Monday, April 21, 2008
the magic number
Wow. Twenty bucks says my next entry starts with "I'M SORE AND HURT ALL OVER."
The Art History test was delayed so that Libby could teach us more more more. We got up to Manet and that is about it. So much info that was so generally covered. I must have more! Thankfully I have to take two art history electives. Whoo!
Yoga was standard yoga. It cut a little into class time though. Oh well.
The time to register for next semester is upon me. So begins the "I signed up for this, then this, then I changed it to this after talking to Pearl" season. I could only figure out four classes to take. I really need to talk to Pearl. Three of them are pretty certain though. So what I am taking (which will most likely change) is:
Illustration Studio I: Word + Image (with Chad)
Painting Techniques for Illustrators II (with someone that isn't Annie)
History of Design (there's a Art History 1945-1970 option but this works better with my schedule)
Science F(r)iction (the most temporary class right now. Just something I signed up for as an elective. It is another lit class with Trevor).
So yeah, that will most assuredly change. I'd like to take five classes but I have no idea how to fill it up.
I helped Karen put up posters for comic club and went home. Lousy weather. I only had a short amount of time to relax and put another layer on my drawing before it was time to go.
Go to Melanie's 30th Birthday Sun Salutation Extravaganza!! Melanie is my Monday Yoga teacher. She was doing 108 Sun Salutations in honor of her big day and invited people to join her, so I did. Sun Salutations are a cycle of movements in sync to breathing. One rotation is: prayer, swam dive down, flat back, hop to plank, scoop down through chutarunga and go into cobra, back into downwards facing dog, hop your feet to your hands, flat back, sweep your arms up, and come back into prayer. And that is one. I did 27, then I drew for a bit (I asked if I could ahead of time, the results were actually nice for being really quick). I did about five more in the middle, and finished the whole 108 with another 10 or so. A grand total of about...
42 Sun Salutations. Ha!
It was intense and nice. I have never gone over the Burnside Bridge on my bike before. Going across was worse than coming back, but coming back I had that final stretch with the hill. Stopped by Ole Ole and got a mondo burrito which I scarfed about 3/4 of when I arrived home. I did another layer on my drawing. Not sure how I am going to take it to school tomorrow. Hmmnn. Now I am just relaxing. I know I'll be sore tomorrow but it was so worth it.
The Art History test was delayed so that Libby could teach us more more more. We got up to Manet and that is about it. So much info that was so generally covered. I must have more! Thankfully I have to take two art history electives. Whoo!
Yoga was standard yoga. It cut a little into class time though. Oh well.
The time to register for next semester is upon me. So begins the "I signed up for this, then this, then I changed it to this after talking to Pearl" season. I could only figure out four classes to take. I really need to talk to Pearl. Three of them are pretty certain though. So what I am taking (which will most likely change) is:
Illustration Studio I: Word + Image (with Chad)
Painting Techniques for Illustrators II (with someone that isn't Annie)
History of Design (there's a Art History 1945-1970 option but this works better with my schedule)
Science F(r)iction (the most temporary class right now. Just something I signed up for as an elective. It is another lit class with Trevor).
So yeah, that will most assuredly change. I'd like to take five classes but I have no idea how to fill it up.
I helped Karen put up posters for comic club and went home. Lousy weather. I only had a short amount of time to relax and put another layer on my drawing before it was time to go.
Go to Melanie's 30th Birthday Sun Salutation Extravaganza!! Melanie is my Monday Yoga teacher. She was doing 108 Sun Salutations in honor of her big day and invited people to join her, so I did. Sun Salutations are a cycle of movements in sync to breathing. One rotation is: prayer, swam dive down, flat back, hop to plank, scoop down through chutarunga and go into cobra, back into downwards facing dog, hop your feet to your hands, flat back, sweep your arms up, and come back into prayer. And that is one. I did 27, then I drew for a bit (I asked if I could ahead of time, the results were actually nice for being really quick). I did about five more in the middle, and finished the whole 108 with another 10 or so. A grand total of about...
42 Sun Salutations. Ha!
It was intense and nice. I have never gone over the Burnside Bridge on my bike before. Going across was worse than coming back, but coming back I had that final stretch with the hill. Stopped by Ole Ole and got a mondo burrito which I scarfed about 3/4 of when I arrived home. I did another layer on my drawing. Not sure how I am going to take it to school tomorrow. Hmmnn. Now I am just relaxing. I know I'll be sore tomorrow but it was so worth it.
return to productivity
It was a productive day but I don't feel like it was.
I have all my pages thumbnailed. It is 11 pages which is a lot to do in a couple weeks, but a lot of them have rather simple panels. I also have the first page mostly drawn out. Once I figure out how I want Chiaki to look, then I can get started. Thumbnailing doesn't look like much but now that I have it, I can just get into the actual meat of the comic.
Added another layer to my Experiments in Drawing piece. It is coming together slowly. Looks better with one more layer and the entire piece filled in with some sort of line or value.
But ehh, only two things? The next two weeks will be a busy time spent playing catch-up. At least my health seems to have returned.
I have all my pages thumbnailed. It is 11 pages which is a lot to do in a couple weeks, but a lot of them have rather simple panels. I also have the first page mostly drawn out. Once I figure out how I want Chiaki to look, then I can get started. Thumbnailing doesn't look like much but now that I have it, I can just get into the actual meat of the comic.
Added another layer to my Experiments in Drawing piece. It is coming together slowly. Looks better with one more layer and the entire piece filled in with some sort of line or value.
But ehh, only two things? The next two weeks will be a busy time spent playing catch-up. At least my health seems to have returned.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
the beauty of paper
Hoo boy did I sleep in. It was nice. My voice is doing a lot better. Still strained but I can talk without it going out or having to change the tone.
Walked down to Art Media to get some paper and a new brush. On the way their I saw an amazing coat in Goodwill. I stopped in my tracks when I saw it. It was cheap and it fit when I put it on. So I got it. Damn you window display! I would have walked right past without you there. As I was ringing it up, the lady behind the counter noticed a shop lifter and had to go into pursuit.
So yeah, after that I went to Art Media. Got a lovely new round brush, a beautiful piece of Arches paper, and a block of 6x9 paper for my final comic.
The potential a blank piece of paper has is so amazing. Anything could come out of it.
So I did a few layers of wash on it. Still needs some work. Just going for abstract I guess. I'm having fun. Started thumb nailing my comic as well. It is going fairly well. Excited to start. I'm staring with Chiaki's introduction. If I get that done, I may do more, but that is my goal.
Not so bad, but not so great. Tomorrow will be work filled.
Ibanez got a new toy. Right now he is sprawled on my lap, except I have my knees tucked up so he is laying across my legs (which are at about a 60 degree angle) with his head on my knees. He is sort of sandwiched it. Very cute.
I read about two "edgy" artists today. One of them, Aliza Shvarts, is staging a hoax performance out of Yale. She says she has had several abortions for art and blah blah blah. But she doesn't have documentation and expects us to believe her. Pfft.
Another guy, Guillermo Vargas, took a stray dog out of the streets and tied it up in a gallery to starve to death. He said it would have died anyway and it represented how people just watch things like that happen every day and do nothing. That makes sense to me(the people standing by part, not the killing animals for art part). People don't stop and ask if a homeless man is alright, they just walk right by. And if the people were really outraged they would have shut down the show and tried to save the dog as it was happening. They just let it die and then later said how horrible it was. He is trying to do it again and now people are trying to stop it from happening all together. Really to make a point they should let him start it and then save the animal. Because then he would be proved wrong; people do care when such atrocities are going on in front of their eyes.
Walked down to Art Media to get some paper and a new brush. On the way their I saw an amazing coat in Goodwill. I stopped in my tracks when I saw it. It was cheap and it fit when I put it on. So I got it. Damn you window display! I would have walked right past without you there. As I was ringing it up, the lady behind the counter noticed a shop lifter and had to go into pursuit.
So yeah, after that I went to Art Media. Got a lovely new round brush, a beautiful piece of Arches paper, and a block of 6x9 paper for my final comic.
The potential a blank piece of paper has is so amazing. Anything could come out of it.
So I did a few layers of wash on it. Still needs some work. Just going for abstract I guess. I'm having fun. Started thumb nailing my comic as well. It is going fairly well. Excited to start. I'm staring with Chiaki's introduction. If I get that done, I may do more, but that is my goal.
Not so bad, but not so great. Tomorrow will be work filled.
Ibanez got a new toy. Right now he is sprawled on my lap, except I have my knees tucked up so he is laying across my legs (which are at about a 60 degree angle) with his head on my knees. He is sort of sandwiched it. Very cute.
I read about two "edgy" artists today. One of them, Aliza Shvarts, is staging a hoax performance out of Yale. She says she has had several abortions for art and blah blah blah. But she doesn't have documentation and expects us to believe her. Pfft.
Another guy, Guillermo Vargas, took a stray dog out of the streets and tied it up in a gallery to starve to death. He said it would have died anyway and it represented how people just watch things like that happen every day and do nothing. That makes sense to me(the people standing by part, not the killing animals for art part). People don't stop and ask if a homeless man is alright, they just walk right by. And if the people were really outraged they would have shut down the show and tried to save the dog as it was happening. They just let it die and then later said how horrible it was. He is trying to do it again and now people are trying to stop it from happening all together. Really to make a point they should let him start it and then save the animal. Because then he would be proved wrong; people do care when such atrocities are going on in front of their eyes.
Friday, April 18, 2008
sandwich x3
Voice is still squeaking along. Getting worse and worse. Had a nice talking break during work and I didn't say much in class so it worked out.
From Hell was a meaty class. Sort of. It is a really hard comic to digest. Hard to break the skin, let alone devour it. Next class will have four presentations (including mine on Neil Gaiman) and a segment of a documentary. We got out early so I went to work early.
I FINALLY found the missing smaller broom. Some studio jerk had stashed it in their studio, but I saw it and retrieved it. Makes my job so much easier to have the proper broom. The studios were very vacant today. I was full enough so I just had some cookies for lunch. Sat in my supply closet and read Invisibles on my break. Such a good comic even though I can barely comprehend what is happening and all the little changes.
So I decided to just stay in the dorms for the summer. Much cheaper, you can pay in a lump sum, and then I can travel! I filled out the form and turned it in. Saw Jim and we chatted a bit. We parted ways and I saw Michael and I rode my bike along side him up to 19th and we parted ways there.
Made myself what will probably be my last cheesesteak for a while.
I went to movie night at the school (my first in a while). It was Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I don't think I have ever seen the movie in full before. I wonder how that happened. It is awesome! I blame my parents. The film night had sandwiches instead of pizza. I had two.
This weekend I have a lot of work I need to get a jump on. Comic layouts, drawing for Modou's class, Litho drawings, art history planning, portrait painting. I can do it!
From Hell was a meaty class. Sort of. It is a really hard comic to digest. Hard to break the skin, let alone devour it. Next class will have four presentations (including mine on Neil Gaiman) and a segment of a documentary. We got out early so I went to work early.
I FINALLY found the missing smaller broom. Some studio jerk had stashed it in their studio, but I saw it and retrieved it. Makes my job so much easier to have the proper broom. The studios were very vacant today. I was full enough so I just had some cookies for lunch. Sat in my supply closet and read Invisibles on my break. Such a good comic even though I can barely comprehend what is happening and all the little changes.
So I decided to just stay in the dorms for the summer. Much cheaper, you can pay in a lump sum, and then I can travel! I filled out the form and turned it in. Saw Jim and we chatted a bit. We parted ways and I saw Michael and I rode my bike along side him up to 19th and we parted ways there.
Made myself what will probably be my last cheesesteak for a while.
I went to movie night at the school (my first in a while). It was Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I don't think I have ever seen the movie in full before. I wonder how that happened. It is awesome! I blame my parents. The film night had sandwiches instead of pizza. I had two.
This weekend I have a lot of work I need to get a jump on. Comic layouts, drawing for Modou's class, Litho drawings, art history planning, portrait painting. I can do it!
mute point
Yup. My voice is mostly gone now. I still forced myself to talk and utilize my new voice to creep people out.
Another day of figure drawing in Experiments in Drawing. I used ink washes again but this time I did the drawings on my left of strips of paper from printmaking. The layered drawings turned out really well. I have them pinned on my wall right now. I'm actually excited to start work on the large drawing. One of the many things I have to do this weekend.
After class I went to Trader Joe's and picked up a couple things. I deposited my refund check (whoo! money!) and swung by the Bel-Aire Apartments again. They are actually closer to nicer areas than I originally thought.
Another option has arisen in my quest of escape from the Goose: a summer lease. They have leases that last a couple months. Then I would be looking for a place in July instead. It gives me more time and when I find a place the lease would expire in time for me to (hopefully) study abroad in Belgium during the first part of my Junior year. It would be cheaper and it would enable me to travel with the parents during the summer. Hmmn.
Wasted my break being sick. Well I called home and talked with mum, that wasn't a waste.
Worked on the painting of Robin. We signed up for our final critiques and I took a spot on the first day. Better to get it over with early. Get it done right and not squeezed in at the end when everyone is burned out and/or gone. But it also means I need to finish Robin and do two more paintings in the next couple weeks. Yipes!
I rode past a guy in a reclining bike. I barely saw him. I'd be afraid of a Hummer running me over in one of those things.
Went home. Read From Hell. Ate food. Was sick.
Another day of figure drawing in Experiments in Drawing. I used ink washes again but this time I did the drawings on my left of strips of paper from printmaking. The layered drawings turned out really well. I have them pinned on my wall right now. I'm actually excited to start work on the large drawing. One of the many things I have to do this weekend.
After class I went to Trader Joe's and picked up a couple things. I deposited my refund check (whoo! money!) and swung by the Bel-Aire Apartments again. They are actually closer to nicer areas than I originally thought.
Another option has arisen in my quest of escape from the Goose: a summer lease. They have leases that last a couple months. Then I would be looking for a place in July instead. It gives me more time and when I find a place the lease would expire in time for me to (hopefully) study abroad in Belgium during the first part of my Junior year. It would be cheaper and it would enable me to travel with the parents during the summer. Hmmn.
Wasted my break being sick. Well I called home and talked with mum, that wasn't a waste.
Worked on the painting of Robin. We signed up for our final critiques and I took a spot on the first day. Better to get it over with early. Get it done right and not squeezed in at the end when everyone is burned out and/or gone. But it also means I need to finish Robin and do two more paintings in the next couple weeks. Yipes!
I rode past a guy in a reclining bike. I barely saw him. I'd be afraid of a Hummer running me over in one of those things.
Went home. Read From Hell. Ate food. Was sick.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
illness shared by one
My voice is going out. I can't hit high notes without going silent and my regular voice is strained and creaky. I also have a dry cough to go with it. But I'm not tired or achy really, so that is good.
Printmaking was only somewhat productive. I am trying to flatten out my litho prints...it isn't working out that great. Etched and hardgrounded my bigfoot plate. Sprayed and etched and hardgrounded my duet plate. I think I did more but there was a lot of sitting around and looking at presentations. I stuck around for the full class though. That is always good.
Karen and I went to Urban Grind for lunch. I had a caramel steamer and a panini. Very filling and warm. Mmm.
Sort of sat in a daze for an hour and read a little of From Hell. Yoga was good but I couldn't relax enough at the end because of the pain in my chest (from my body wanting to cough).
I did the dishes and cleaned my room. I made a formal list of the order I have to work on my assignments. It isn't that long, but the projects are big.
Printmaking was only somewhat productive. I am trying to flatten out my litho prints...it isn't working out that great. Etched and hardgrounded my bigfoot plate. Sprayed and etched and hardgrounded my duet plate. I think I did more but there was a lot of sitting around and looking at presentations. I stuck around for the full class though. That is always good.
Karen and I went to Urban Grind for lunch. I had a caramel steamer and a panini. Very filling and warm. Mmm.
Sort of sat in a daze for an hour and read a little of From Hell. Yoga was good but I couldn't relax enough at the end because of the pain in my chest (from my body wanting to cough).
I did the dishes and cleaned my room. I made a formal list of the order I have to work on my assignments. It isn't that long, but the projects are big.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
my day as a model
Whoooeee I feel like crap. I have a tickle in my throat and a bad consistent cough. Almost got to the point of thinking about not going to class today. But I still went. I just felt horrid. Bad night's sleep.
Modou noticed that I looked like crap. I guess that was nice? He asked if I was well or sumfink. He was in a very good mood. We looked over our drawings briefly and talked about what our pieces are going to be. Then it was time to either work on our concepts or draw each other if we missed class. I volunteered to pose as I didn't have good paper to draw on. I whipped out my yoga skills in a series of about six five-minute poses. They were awesome ones as well. Lots of fun things. I liked the attention, I must admit. Lindsay and I posed together and then she did a couple more while I relaxed and drew her. Then it was time for break!
For the rest of class we has a special speaker come in, a one Samantha Wall. She showed us slides of her work and talked about it. One of her pieces is in the library and it is HUGE! The scale she works in just boggles my mind.
Rode home in a sickly delirium. Took a nice nap with Ibanez. Very nice. Had some pasta for lunch. Felt a little bit better but still generally bad. Bleh.
During class I started painting the portrait of Robin. I'm surprised at how seemingly easy it was to paint. I started with the photo references and then I came up with what I knew was there and it blended wonderfully. Her face needs some work but it is coming together nicely. Go me!
A much easier ride home the second time around. Sort of sat about in a daze and watched more Naked. Yeah I'm still not so keen on that movie. So many intolerable or pitiful characters.
Earlier, impressed by my skills, Karen asked me to pose for her later tonight and so I obliged. I just wore a tank and a pair of leggings. It wasn't that kind of modeling. Did some more poses, and some longer ones. Wore my heeled shoes and my yukata and had a good time. I used up a lot of my creative ones during class so I had to think some more. The results were wonderful, and they look like me! Go Karen!
Then we watched the light show.
Modou noticed that I looked like crap. I guess that was nice? He asked if I was well or sumfink. He was in a very good mood. We looked over our drawings briefly and talked about what our pieces are going to be. Then it was time to either work on our concepts or draw each other if we missed class. I volunteered to pose as I didn't have good paper to draw on. I whipped out my yoga skills in a series of about six five-minute poses. They were awesome ones as well. Lots of fun things. I liked the attention, I must admit. Lindsay and I posed together and then she did a couple more while I relaxed and drew her. Then it was time for break!
For the rest of class we has a special speaker come in, a one Samantha Wall. She showed us slides of her work and talked about it. One of her pieces is in the library and it is HUGE! The scale she works in just boggles my mind.
Rode home in a sickly delirium. Took a nice nap with Ibanez. Very nice. Had some pasta for lunch. Felt a little bit better but still generally bad. Bleh.
During class I started painting the portrait of Robin. I'm surprised at how seemingly easy it was to paint. I started with the photo references and then I came up with what I knew was there and it blended wonderfully. Her face needs some work but it is coming together nicely. Go me!
A much easier ride home the second time around. Sort of sat about in a daze and watched more Naked. Yeah I'm still not so keen on that movie. So many intolerable or pitiful characters.
Earlier, impressed by my skills, Karen asked me to pose for her later tonight and so I obliged. I just wore a tank and a pair of leggings. It wasn't that kind of modeling. Did some more poses, and some longer ones. Wore my heeled shoes and my yukata and had a good time. I used up a lot of my creative ones during class so I had to think some more. The results were wonderful, and they look like me! Go Karen!
Then we watched the light show.
Monday, April 14, 2008
can't stop, won't stop (when it comes to litho printing)
Oh wow. Really long day.
I left my slide printouts for Art History so I had to write them on the back of the next slide notes. Actually it might have been better as I had to pay attention more. As usual there were less people after lunch. They just go any don't come back. Really odd.
Yoga was jam packed with sun salutations. Melanie, the teacher, is turning 30 in a week and she plans to do like 108 in a row. I get sore after 8(and we did 15 today). Blimey! She is awesome. Yoga felt really good on my body. I was so creaky and sore and tired and it really needed the bending into shape that it did.
After class, at around 2:30, I went into the print lab and I didn't leave until about 7:45. And that was pretty much working straight. Worked on my plates. Etched my stone. Inked my stone. Did about eight prints. Didn't stop for non-printing break. I sort of staggered out of the lab, grabbed some munchies, and rode home at dusk. So much work just to be on top of things. At least I think I did it all right. My stone is even prepped so that if I want to do more prints I can.
I got home and pretty much made myself dinner and plopped down in front of the computer. I've been browsing the net and on occasion watching bits of Mike Leigh's movie Naked. I mostly checked it out from the library because it was mentioned on the back of Ryu Murakami's Piercing so I thought it might be up my alley in terms of theme. Ehh, it isn't. David Thewlis is amazing in it, but I don't know. It is a lot of him wandering around from place to place and generally being a theologizing jerk. Mmnn.
Can't wait to crawl into bed.
I left my slide printouts for Art History so I had to write them on the back of the next slide notes. Actually it might have been better as I had to pay attention more. As usual there were less people after lunch. They just go any don't come back. Really odd.
Yoga was jam packed with sun salutations. Melanie, the teacher, is turning 30 in a week and she plans to do like 108 in a row. I get sore after 8(and we did 15 today). Blimey! She is awesome. Yoga felt really good on my body. I was so creaky and sore and tired and it really needed the bending into shape that it did.
After class, at around 2:30, I went into the print lab and I didn't leave until about 7:45. And that was pretty much working straight. Worked on my plates. Etched my stone. Inked my stone. Did about eight prints. Didn't stop for non-printing break. I sort of staggered out of the lab, grabbed some munchies, and rode home at dusk. So much work just to be on top of things. At least I think I did it all right. My stone is even prepped so that if I want to do more prints I can.
I got home and pretty much made myself dinner and plopped down in front of the computer. I've been browsing the net and on occasion watching bits of Mike Leigh's movie Naked. I mostly checked it out from the library because it was mentioned on the back of Ryu Murakami's Piercing so I thought it might be up my alley in terms of theme. Ehh, it isn't. David Thewlis is amazing in it, but I don't know. It is a lot of him wandering around from place to place and generally being a theologizing jerk. Mmnn.
Can't wait to crawl into bed.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
can't be cooped on a day like this
I've spent most of this weekend out and about. Or hanging out. Or being Yogafied. Been away from the Internet, but now I'm back! Whoo!
Yesterday:
I had a great and much needed sleep in. I rolled out of bed around noon and was greeted by an amazing day. I had committed myself to printing so I got all geared up and went to get my paper by Art Media. I only made it to the top of the hill before I had to remove my light sweater and continue on. It was really really hot. I was in a tank and short pants and I was still overheating a little.
I got my paper and went to school. The lab was closing at 5 due to a big gala at school. I knew I wouldn't be able to get my printing done so I just worked on my plates instead. Mel called me with an update on a video project I was helping her out with. So yeah, I only worked at school until 3:00 and then I was out of there! But I got a lot done. I sugarlifted and hardgrounded my big foot and I did a first etch on both of the other plates. They look a little funky so I have to see how they print.
The ride home was spectacular. My arms are so pasty.
I loafed around until it was time for my part in the video project. Mel, Jim and I went up to Karen's to use her nook for our scene. I only had one line (Jim is the star). We had about three or four takes and that was it. I hung around my place for a few and then Jim came over when he was done helping them with the project.
We sat about and talked about comics and the like. We went for a walk up to the park and the overlook bridge. Lots more comic nerd talk and school talk. I cooked up some dinner and afterwards we took part in the face-melting experience that is Lindsay's light show. Now that there is more on it and black light and a red colored light...oh wow. It boggled my mind and I got so caught up with it. Afterwards I had a good lay down.
Today:
Didn't sleep so well but I have tomorrow to sleep in. And it is needed. Probably going to retire early and just sit up in bed reading comics for an hour. From Hell is still slow going. It will always be slow going.
I walked around Portland with Karen and Robin today. Not as beautiful as Yesterday but still lovely. Karen was taking pictures for an assignment and I was just there to be out of the house and whatnot. We went to a bakery for lunch. My sandwich needed to be toasted but it was still good. Lots of roaming. I got some cheesecake brownie ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. We looked at Portlandia. Then we returned home.
I kicked up my feet for all of ten minutes before going down a floor to draw Robin (for my final). I am very pleased with how she turned out. We took a short break where I read more of Mark Millar's Kick Ass (ridiculous comic) and then we went to Yoga! We walked all the way to school, which isn't really that far but I had done a few miles worth of walking earlier so I was fairly tired. Tricia showed up almost late for Yoga and we had a quick little private lesson. A little shorter than usual but damn I am feeling it anyway.
We picked up a burrito from Cha Cha Cha to share and went back to Goose Hollow. The burrito was delicious and very filling. I am oh so stuffed and sore and tired. But I feel good. The time for finals is upon me and I am ready for it.
Yesterday:
I had a great and much needed sleep in. I rolled out of bed around noon and was greeted by an amazing day. I had committed myself to printing so I got all geared up and went to get my paper by Art Media. I only made it to the top of the hill before I had to remove my light sweater and continue on. It was really really hot. I was in a tank and short pants and I was still overheating a little.
I got my paper and went to school. The lab was closing at 5 due to a big gala at school. I knew I wouldn't be able to get my printing done so I just worked on my plates instead. Mel called me with an update on a video project I was helping her out with. So yeah, I only worked at school until 3:00 and then I was out of there! But I got a lot done. I sugarlifted and hardgrounded my big foot and I did a first etch on both of the other plates. They look a little funky so I have to see how they print.
The ride home was spectacular. My arms are so pasty.
I loafed around until it was time for my part in the video project. Mel, Jim and I went up to Karen's to use her nook for our scene. I only had one line (Jim is the star). We had about three or four takes and that was it. I hung around my place for a few and then Jim came over when he was done helping them with the project.
We sat about and talked about comics and the like. We went for a walk up to the park and the overlook bridge. Lots more comic nerd talk and school talk. I cooked up some dinner and afterwards we took part in the face-melting experience that is Lindsay's light show. Now that there is more on it and black light and a red colored light...oh wow. It boggled my mind and I got so caught up with it. Afterwards I had a good lay down.
Today:
Didn't sleep so well but I have tomorrow to sleep in. And it is needed. Probably going to retire early and just sit up in bed reading comics for an hour. From Hell is still slow going. It will always be slow going.
I walked around Portland with Karen and Robin today. Not as beautiful as Yesterday but still lovely. Karen was taking pictures for an assignment and I was just there to be out of the house and whatnot. We went to a bakery for lunch. My sandwich needed to be toasted but it was still good. Lots of roaming. I got some cheesecake brownie ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. We looked at Portlandia. Then we returned home.
I kicked up my feet for all of ten minutes before going down a floor to draw Robin (for my final). I am very pleased with how she turned out. We took a short break where I read more of Mark Millar's Kick Ass (ridiculous comic) and then we went to Yoga! We walked all the way to school, which isn't really that far but I had done a few miles worth of walking earlier so I was fairly tired. Tricia showed up almost late for Yoga and we had a quick little private lesson. A little shorter than usual but damn I am feeling it anyway.
We picked up a burrito from Cha Cha Cha to share and went back to Goose Hollow. The burrito was delicious and very filling. I am oh so stuffed and sore and tired. But I feel good. The time for finals is upon me and I am ready for it.
Friday, April 11, 2008
fresh princess of Bel Aire
Lindsay got into the juried show at PNCA. Go her, she totally rocks!
A wee early for a blog but hey, why not? I'm going out tonight so I might as well make it early rather than late.
Comic Lit ended with a brilliant debate about the inclusion of 9/11 to the Marvel/DC universes. It was the first real debate, everyone rather agreed up until then. Turned in my paper, drank tea, talked about Super Spy, listened to presentations, watched the rest of the documentary we started at the beginning of class, and debated. It was fun.
I left my key card at home so I had to do a quick circle back to get it. A brilliant day so the bike ride was very enjoyable. Work went fast and things got clean. Afterwards I went to check out my first apartment!
It ended up being two places actually. The first was at the Portland Tower. The actual studio wasn't open she showed me around a little so I could get the feel. Pros: nice 50's building that keeps up with renovations. Quiet seeming community. Just enough off Burnside but still really really close to everything. I have roof access apparently. Opening in time for me to move out. Cons: two burners, small fridge, and no oven. Only one studio opening on the second floor. A little pricey.
The second place was the Bel-Aire apartments. It is on Burnside. Little building and it got really quiet once I was inside (but I don't know how it will be at night). Self locking doors so really secure. Pros: full stove and larger fridge. A little closer by a block. Cheaper. More studios opening in May. Cons: Right on a main road. Mostly a view of a parking lot.
The lady I talked to was awesome and were open to showing me around. I like these places. Right now I am weighing pricey and small kitchen but slightly nicer area and building versus cheaper with full kitchen in a not so great place.
Went home, picked up Lindsay's black light, ate some pasta, read some of Alan Moore's From Hell (holy crap this is a dense comic), and looked through my closet and picked out my house warming party outfit!
Right now it seems to be: white chucks + blue knee high socks + black leggings + floral mini dress + orange Henley underneath + the cuteness that is Trillian. It might be a bit warm but it is fun and it will be colder by the time I go out. It has been insanely nice today, I hope it keeps through the weekend.
1:40am update:
Back from the party. It was fun and I knew a majority of the people that were there. I was the first and met Nicole's two roommates. Then came Natalie and Brian. Matt, Craig, Tricia, and Jason came in a group. Sean Carney and a friend were there. The guy who remembers my name but sadly I do not remember his name, he was there with his boyfriend. Andy was there. Michael (one of the MFA, not the Michael mentioned previously) was there for a bit with his kids. Another MFA whose name escaped me was there. BT and a girl who is in my comic class were there. Aidan delivered Pizzas and joined us later. There was about 3-6 people who I didn't know that breezed through during it all.
I mingled and chatted with most. Nerded it up. We watched the original Night of the Living Dead with Sean and Jason doing voice overs. I also watched Venture Brothers for the first time (hilarious). Nicole's place is great. They have the bottom half of a house. Huge kitchen, living room, work room, two bathrooms and three bedrooms. And they painted their own walls!
Yeah, I'm so cool.
A wee early for a blog but hey, why not? I'm going out tonight so I might as well make it early rather than late.
Comic Lit ended with a brilliant debate about the inclusion of 9/11 to the Marvel/DC universes. It was the first real debate, everyone rather agreed up until then. Turned in my paper, drank tea, talked about Super Spy, listened to presentations, watched the rest of the documentary we started at the beginning of class, and debated. It was fun.
I left my key card at home so I had to do a quick circle back to get it. A brilliant day so the bike ride was very enjoyable. Work went fast and things got clean. Afterwards I went to check out my first apartment!
It ended up being two places actually. The first was at the Portland Tower. The actual studio wasn't open she showed me around a little so I could get the feel. Pros: nice 50's building that keeps up with renovations. Quiet seeming community. Just enough off Burnside but still really really close to everything. I have roof access apparently. Opening in time for me to move out. Cons: two burners, small fridge, and no oven. Only one studio opening on the second floor. A little pricey.
The second place was the Bel-Aire apartments. It is on Burnside. Little building and it got really quiet once I was inside (but I don't know how it will be at night). Self locking doors so really secure. Pros: full stove and larger fridge. A little closer by a block. Cheaper. More studios opening in May. Cons: Right on a main road. Mostly a view of a parking lot.
The lady I talked to was awesome and were open to showing me around. I like these places. Right now I am weighing pricey and small kitchen but slightly nicer area and building versus cheaper with full kitchen in a not so great place.
Went home, picked up Lindsay's black light, ate some pasta, read some of Alan Moore's From Hell (holy crap this is a dense comic), and looked through my closet and picked out my house warming party outfit!
Right now it seems to be: white chucks + blue knee high socks + black leggings + floral mini dress + orange Henley underneath + the cuteness that is Trillian. It might be a bit warm but it is fun and it will be colder by the time I go out. It has been insanely nice today, I hope it keeps through the weekend.
1:40am update:
Back from the party. It was fun and I knew a majority of the people that were there. I was the first and met Nicole's two roommates. Then came Natalie and Brian. Matt, Craig, Tricia, and Jason came in a group. Sean Carney and a friend were there. The guy who remembers my name but sadly I do not remember his name, he was there with his boyfriend. Andy was there. Michael (one of the MFA, not the Michael mentioned previously) was there for a bit with his kids. Another MFA whose name escaped me was there. BT and a girl who is in my comic class were there. Aidan delivered Pizzas and joined us later. There was about 3-6 people who I didn't know that breezed through during it all.
I mingled and chatted with most. Nerded it up. We watched the original Night of the Living Dead with Sean and Jason doing voice overs. I also watched Venture Brothers for the first time (hilarious). Nicole's place is great. They have the bottom half of a house. Huge kitchen, living room, work room, two bathrooms and three bedrooms. And they painted their own walls!
Yeah, I'm so cool.
don't forget to blog
Two hundred and fifty blog posts in this thing now. This one is going to be a shorty, probably.
Took me forever to go through Piercing and figure out what parts I want to do. I have it now. For sure. Yes.
Experiments in Drawing was super fun today. We had a model(Flora) and we were allowed to draw her with whatever medium and in whatever way we wanted. The goal is to do a large drawing made up of parts of our figure studies. The goal was to be experimental with how we portrayed her. I tried different line width, weight, and values. I worked mainly with blue ink washes (the last one was sharpie) and the quick lines really spoke to me. It was a great class period, I hope we do more of the same. I was doubly amazed at my skills today.
I went home and watch Artemisia. What an amazing woman, not that amazing of a movie. Sure it was powerful but I don't think it did justice to the detail of some of her work.
Also I emailed and called my way part way through the list of apartment buildings. Left my number on the machines at most of them. I have a viewing tomorrow, and a maybe that I need to figure out my move out date. I really want to stick to the West side. Craigslist is mostly East side places. It comes down to living with someone in a house across the river versus a studio on this side.
Painting was the first class period to work on our finals. I finished up the portrait of Llyw. It looks great. The invented color works nicely, he has a real mass in relation to the wall, there are dark darks and light lights. I am really pleased with this portrait. Only a couple more to go now!
Went home and chilled. Called a few more places. Ate some food. Stressed. Went through Piercing trying to figure out what to adapt. Called mom. Stressed some more after that. Wrote up my proposal for class. Tomorrow Nicole is having a house warming party. That'll be fun.
Took me forever to go through Piercing and figure out what parts I want to do. I have it now. For sure. Yes.
Experiments in Drawing was super fun today. We had a model(Flora) and we were allowed to draw her with whatever medium and in whatever way we wanted. The goal is to do a large drawing made up of parts of our figure studies. The goal was to be experimental with how we portrayed her. I tried different line width, weight, and values. I worked mainly with blue ink washes (the last one was sharpie) and the quick lines really spoke to me. It was a great class period, I hope we do more of the same. I was doubly amazed at my skills today.
I went home and watch Artemisia. What an amazing woman, not that amazing of a movie. Sure it was powerful but I don't think it did justice to the detail of some of her work.
Also I emailed and called my way part way through the list of apartment buildings. Left my number on the machines at most of them. I have a viewing tomorrow, and a maybe that I need to figure out my move out date. I really want to stick to the West side. Craigslist is mostly East side places. It comes down to living with someone in a house across the river versus a studio on this side.
Painting was the first class period to work on our finals. I finished up the portrait of Llyw. It looks great. The invented color works nicely, he has a real mass in relation to the wall, there are dark darks and light lights. I am really pleased with this portrait. Only a couple more to go now!
Went home and chilled. Called a few more places. Ate some food. Stressed. Went through Piercing trying to figure out what to adapt. Called mom. Stressed some more after that. Wrote up my proposal for class. Tomorrow Nicole is having a house warming party. That'll be fun.
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