Alexander Calder Editorial Concept
— Chris Dunmire, 2002

Yahoo! Headlines Humor Posted May-31-2005
(Redtangles mine)
Okay, this is too good not to share. Glancing over tonight's Yahoo! headlines just struck my funny bone. In the same "In the News" teaser block were these two headline stories:

"Long-secret source 'Deep Throat' unmasked."

"PETA company spy reveals her identity."

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

I didn't read either story yet because I was overcome by the coincidental humor. Imagine all the disappointed X-Files fans finally learning that 'Deep Throat' was really a PETA lady.

P.S. Because the Yahoo! headlines rotate quickly, I snagged the screenshot below to prove I didn't make this up. And of course, my twisted theory is the furthest from the truth. The PETA lady is not 'Deep Throat'. •

Project: Collage Cubies Posted May-29-2005
Tip of the tips.
Yesterday I posted the first of a series of creativity tips I will be sharing on Creative Slush. These tips arise from my own experimentation in art, writing, and other creative pursuits.

Creativity Tip #1 evolved from my recent Collage Cubies project published on the Creativity Portal. This tip is my own artistic affirmation of sorts — a journalesque mirroring of successful creative experimentation. After all, I wouldn't feel right encouraging other people to try something that I haven't tried myself with delightful results. <grin>

Tip #1: Do something radically DIFFERENT with your FAVORITE form of art.

This is exactly what I did with my current infatuation with paper collage art. The idea of turning flat collage into 3D cubes happened during some "idle brainstorming" one night as I wondered how I could make the collage process more surprising and fun.

"Self, how can I make collage art more surprising and fun?"

After pondering the question for a few moments, the default creativity mantra, "think outside the box" popped into my head. Then, almost instantly, something amazing happened. In mathematical terms, it went something like this:

::: pondering :::

*POP*

"Think outside the box."

Box = Square

Square * 3d = Cube

Cube + Collage = Collage²

Collage² + Cute Name = Collage Cubie

Result: Collage Cubies — 3D Works of Art

When I have (what I think is) a good idea pacing around in my head, it doesn't take long before I get busy manifesting it. It took about a week to implement my idea into a replicatable project. Designing a sturdy box model that could be folded into a cube after being collaged and decoupaged on — and working out a satisfactory prototype of the Collage Cubie I felt comfortable enough to promote as an art project was definitely an application of 'doing something radically different' with my favorite artform.

And for the surprise... it's in there too. It occurs at the very end of the project when the collage is finally folded into a Cubie. You don't know what the final sculpture will look like in 3D form when you are in the 'flat' collage process. But when it all comes together, you can't help but smile at the unpredictable results of your paper collage flowing around the sides of the Cubie. You'll just have to give this project a try and see it for yourself. I dare you.

More about the Collage Cubies Project ...

Creativity Tip #1 Posted May-28-2005
Do something radically different with your favorite form of art.
One of the most certain ways to get stuck in a creative rut is to keep doing the same ol' thing — the same way — every time. Get out of the rut by introducing a new 'twist' to your art projects. ...

Inspiring Folk Artists Posted May-27-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
To finish off folk art theme week, I want to say that American Folk Art for Kids has given me a deeper appreciation for the whole spectrum of folk artistry — one that took me beyond the "formal education" of an art appreciation class. Again I say, don't be mislead by the book title being geared towards kids. As a creative adult who is a 'visual learner', this book kept me engaged and entertained, and helped 'replenish the well' for future inspiration.

Folk art is just cool

Because of my personal views on art and creativity, I'm drawn to folk art for many reasons — one being that it invites people from all ages, walks of life, and ability to engage in a personal adventure of creative expression.

There will always be art snobs who will judge some folk art as laughable junk, but their smug attitude will also prevent them from becoming more insightful and appreciative towards the underlying creative process taking place.

A snippet from my about page sums it up nicely:

I find inspiration everywhere — from the amazing works of great masters to the humble hills constructed by ants. Pretty things are nice; but I'm more interested in the process. What happens to people when they express themselves 'freeatively' through art, writing, and other creative outlets? Usually something much more rewarding than the approval of critics.

And now, here's a few more inspirational Web sites providing tangible examples of the folk art categories discussed in Richard Panchyk's book:

Violette's Folk Art
Painting and Drawing
Violette turns old soccer balls into globes, paints fun-loving art onto sides of vans, and has the mission in life to "inspire people to embrace their creativity, and to love and honour who they are."

Stone Menagerie Painted Rocks
Decorative Arts
Author / Artist Lin Wellford uses nature as her canvas to transform ordinary rocks and stones into painted animals, cottages, flowers, and plants.

Alexandromeda Futuristic Arts
Found Art Objects and Scraps
An artist named Alexander who creates futuristic artworks from old computer scraps and electronic parts. •

Public Folk Art Posted May-26-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
The final chapter of American Folk Art for Kids, chapter seven, reveals one more type of folk art that has embedded itself into our consciousness — mostly through subtle and not-so-subtle advertising use.

The signs, advertisements, and patriotic art that were common over 100 years ago are now valued by collectors, and also by historians, for what they can tell us about our society. (p. 100)

This mostly commercial category of folk art includes product designs, trade cards, signs and color advertising, cigar-store indians, building signs, tavern and inn signs, billboards, murals, frescoes, building decorations, and patriotic items from the late 1800s and early 1900s. ...

Found Objects and Scraps Posted May-25-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
I find folk artists who recycle 'old scraps and discarded junk' into works of art some of the most creatively imaginative people. You've seen what they've done: gum wrapper chains, clothespin chairs, Popsicle stick and bottle cap art — to name a few. With these artists, found objects are their medium and Duchamp is their muse.

In chapter six Panchyk highlights some of the cool creations that arise from found objects and scraps. What some consider trash, folk artists consider treasure. On page 91 in particular, the tin can robot gracing the front cover of American Folk Art for Kids stands alive and erect — perhaps a creation born out of a week of side dishes.

And then on page 92, a profile of Mr. Imagination (Gregory Warmack) reveals the life of man who lives for scrap art and thrives on "teaching kids how to use their imagination by showing them that almost any 'trash' object can become an integral part of a dazzling artwork." Mr. Imagination was discovered by the art world in 1983 and is known for his bottle cap art.

One of my favorite activities in this book is found on page 96. The Button Collage Activity encourages the creative use of at least 100 different sized, shaped, and colored buttons to create a collage or 3D sculpture on a letter-sized piece of card stock. Just think: what an awesome opportunity to use all of those odd buttons you've collected over the years!

Online:
Mr. Imagination
His found object art is featured in Chicago's House of Blues, Las Vegas's Mandalay Bay Hotel, and Orlando's Hob. •

Chiseled, Carved, and Hammered Posted May-22-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
In chapter five Panchyk introduces us to "Wood and other raw material that is carved, poked, chipped, etched, burned, or banged until it becomes a work of art."

The essence of folk art is taking an ordinary object and having the creativity and vision to transform it into a charming piece of art. (p. 68, American Folk Art for Kids)

Carved furniture, inlaid wood, canes and walking sticks, gravestone art, decoys, tramp art, whittling, carving, and cutting are all examples of this category of folk art. And so are models and miniatures, pyrography (woodburning), scrimshaw, weather vanes and whirligigs, games and toys, and Shaker arts and crafts.

Utilitarian crafting is promoted throughout this chapter — many of these folk art items aren't made to just sit on a shelf. No, these crafts are made to be used, played with, and enjoyed.

I'm reminded of a recent visit to the Cracker Barrel, a country restaurant and store chain featuring all sorts of handmade folk art items like those mentioned above. In fact, before entering the store, you can't miss the rooster weather vane balancing on the roof and the front porch full of wooden rocking chairs hoping to accompany you home. Once inside, nostalgic items span wall to wall with old time toys, carved knick knacks, quilts, and other folksy fun.

Last week my husband and I left the store with two balsa wood airplanes that we eagerly rushed home to assemble and toss around in our backyard. The planes were constructed from simple die-cut pieces of the light wood, a plastic propeller and wheels, and a rubber band. No batteries required! The Cracker Barrel is certainly one place full of chiseled, carved, and hammered folk art fun.

Online:
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Country charm and folksy fun is what you'll find at the Cracker Barrel store. From rocking chairs and quilts to carved toys and homemade gifts, you'll instantly be transported back in time. •

Fabric Sewn and Stitched Posted May-21-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
Every fabric (and material) stitched in weaving, basket weaving, knitting and crocheting, folk costumes, lace, embroidery and needlepoint, hooked rugs, samplers, and quilts is 'sown' into the folk art tapestry.

Chapter four of Panchyk's book highlights the history textile art, with a primer on historical 'Plant to Basket' fiber picking to manufacturing methods today.

On the topic of rug hooking — I had the privilege of corresponding with the amazing rug hooking artist Deanne Fitzpatrick for a rug hooking feature on the Creativity Portal. Deanne's beautiful fiber art rugs are in the permanent collections of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Art Bank, and the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador. She's one folk artist future generations will be reading about in their art history books, I'm sure.

On her Web site, Deanne shares the background history on how she became a rug hooking artist, and showcases her talented work (as well as patterns and related items to the craft) on the site. By the way, she's also authored a book on rug hooking, which I'm honored to have an autographed copy. Now I just have to find my way to Canada to experience her hooked rug collection in real life, and I'll be all set.

Online:
Hooking Rugs by Deanne Fitzpatrick
Deanne's site features a beautiful gallery of finished rugs, patterns, templates, hooking instructions, and an extensive FAQ section on how to hook rugs. •

Symbols, Shapes & Natural Wonders Posted May-20-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
Yesterday I shared my appreciation for learning a little history about the hex sign mentioned in Richard Panchyk's book American Folk Art for Kids. He noted that hex signs used in decorative arts often included symbols such as stars and rosettes that "have been used by people for thousands of years and have religious significance."

Today I want to step outside of Panchyk's book and share a 'coincidental' experience I had yesterday regarding some of these religious symbols that are still very much in use today. ...

The Decorative Arts Posted May-19-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art

The world is full of ordinary and practical objects. A folk artist takes these plain objects and makes them beautiful by decorating them with designs that celebrate in vivid colors and patterns and the many symbols, shapes, and natural wonders from around the world. (p. 36, American Folk Art for Kids)

In chapter three, Panchyk takes the reader through the vast world of decorative arts. Included are Fraktur (colorful decorations and letters that accompany text), Painted Furniture, Rewards of Merit (certificates), the Hex Sign, Stencils, Theorem Painting, Stoneware and Other Pottery, and Toleware.

Decorative arts continue to be popular today. Although computers have taken a strong hold in graphic design, traditional hand-lettered designs and calligraphy are highly esteemed and valued. Decorative painting and stenciling on walls and on furniture are also popular, as a trip to your favorite craft store promotes endless creative approaches and opportunities.

I found the history about the Hex Sign in this chapter informative. It brought light to its connection with witches, and the connotation behind 'putting a hex' on someone. The use of the hex sign by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the mid-1800s on their barns and later in advertisements undoubtedly made superstition run rampant.

There seems to be a disagreement among experts though; some believe the hex signs were used to ward off evil spirits and witches, while and others think they were made just for decoration. Some think the word hex is rooted in the German word hexe, meaning witch. Panchyk notes that the symbols commonly used in hex signs (stars and rosettes) "have been used by people for thousands of years and have religious significance." His conclusions: "The hex signs were probably made for a combination of both reasons — beauty and superstition."

Online:
Smithsonian Institution
A repository for the United States treasures, including antiques and folk art. •

Folk Painting and Drawing Posted May-18-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
The first folk art mediums Panchyk mentions in his book (chapter two) are painting and drawing. Keeping in mind that folk artists are typically those who have little or no formal artistic training, it's interesting to note the different names / classifications most folk painting falls into. From pages 12-13:

Outsider Art: Any art that is made outside the regular process that academic artists follow, such as attending art school, showing their work at galleries, and having contact with many other artists.

Self-taught Artist: Anyone who creates art but who has not had formal training.

Visionary Art: Art that is created from a dream or vision that the artist has had.

Primitive Art: Unrefined or naive art that has childlike qualities.

Art Brut (or "raw art"): Art that is made mostly by outsiders.

It's not surprising that many folk artists are quite talented — to the extent that having 'academic artistic training' doesn't even matter. Some folk artists go on to become quite famous. Two well-known folk artists mentioned in chapter two were Grandma Moses and Howard Finster.

Online:
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive & Outsider Art
"Established as a nonprofit organization to recognize the creative work of individuals who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world — artists who instead seem motivated by their unique personal visions." •

Origins of Folk Art Posted May-17-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
What is Folk Art? Richard Panchyk notes in his introduction to American Folk Art for Kids:

Folk art is all about taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary. The old man uses some wood and his imagination to make colorful toys. The woman recycles his garbage to make more artworks.

"Folk" is described in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "relating to, or originating among the common people." For this discussion, art is "1 : a skill acquired by experience or study, and 4 : the use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty."

Where did art have its roots? Chapter one begins:

When the first art was made, there were no museums, no art schools, and no art supply stores. Our early ancestors created small gray stone sculptures using only basic tools. As time passed, art became more colorful and sophisticated. Ice Age people, ... decorated the walls of their cave homes. Using natural pigments found in berries and stones to "paint" their designs, they created paintings of deer and horses, and they sometimes left behind human handprints. (2)

Panchyk goes on to discuss the discovery of clay (8,000 to 6,000 B.C.) and the utilitarian use of it for pots, bowls, and storage items as being one of the first forms of art. The invention of pottery and textiles lent itself to the use of decoration and geometric designs, which grew in popularity as "agriculture thrived and tiny villages grew into bustling towns."

Folk art emerged as the number of artists and craftspeople grew. "By the 13th and 14th centuries, many had begun to form guilds (groups that set rules and quality guidelines for particular crafts)." The most experienced artists became known as masters, and their students were apprentices. Those who weren't trained as artists but still painted and decorated as amateurs became the first folk artists. And according to Panchyk, "The first true American folk art was created by Native Americans."

Online:
Folk Art Society of America
Founded in 1987, this non-profit organization advocates the "discovery, study, documentation, preservation, and exhibition of folk art, folk artists, and folk art environments." •

That's Not All, Folks! Posted May-16-2005
Theme Week: Folk Art
Last year I read an awesome book by Richard Panchyk titled American Folk Art for Kids. In my review I mused, "Don't be mislead by the book's title — creative adults will enjoy this book too."

I certainly enjoyed the book, not only for its educational value, but because it included 21 activities that complemented each chapter. For instance, chapter two (Folk Painting and Drawing) featured a Reverse Painting on Glass, Calligraphy Bird, and Spencerian Letter activity designed to make application of what was communicated through the chapter — serendipitously deepening the appreciation for the creative folk art forms discussed.

The book is really filled with tons of folk art treasure. So much that I decided to revisit a few gems and devote the week to showcasing some cool folk art sites I've discovered online.

For now, you can get an overview of the book at Amazon. •

Nit Wits #18: Exercuses Posted May-15-2005
Non-workoutation rationalization.
Well, you didn't just think I'd throw that idea away, did you? •

Subconscious Exercuses Posted May-14-2005
ex·er·cuse n : a lame reason for not exercising.
The funniest thing happened yesterday while I was typing out the word exercise. Instead of keying an "i", my finger inadvertently hit the "u". I paused for a moment to see a brand new word before my eyes: exercuse. And then I laughed.

My typing blunder contained a heaping load of irony. Do these exercising excuses ring a bell?

"I don't have time / motivation / energy / left over in my day to exercise."

"Exercise is too hard / boring / tiring."

"I have too much to do today and can't fit it in."

"I need to get more exercise, but..."

It was no coincidence that I was pushing my own "daily" workout further into the day when this happened. Subconscious prompting? Hmmmm... •

Hi, Big Brother Posted May-13-2005

SIBLING RIVALRY
bring on the cavalry
big boy
little girl
five years apart
continents away
jealousy and contempt.

CEASE FIRE
neutral territory
adolescent teen
big girl
five years apart
countries away
peace negotiates.

BROTHER AND SISTER
growing to understand
young man
young woman
five years apart
life in common
family at last. •

Expanding Edge of Consciousness Posted May-12-2005
"An artist paints, dances, draws, writes, designs, or acts at the expanding edge of consciousness. We press into the unknown rather than the known. This makes life lovely and lively.” — Julia Cameron, Letters to a Young Artist •

Lesson: How to Draw a Reflective Mirror Posted May-11-2005
This was my first attempt at mirroring an image from a looking glass point of view. It wasn't just a simple matter of flipping my artwork — I had to draw a front and back version of a mirror and then position it correctly, perspectively speaking. ...

Mother's Day Posted May-10-2005

She lived through an era when families were created.

She was four of four.

Something tragic happened along the way.

The mother-goddess reserved love and cast her out with stone.

The child grew into an adult body.

The child had offspring of her own.

The child longed for the mother love

and repeated the mother-goddess pattern upon her own.

The offspring void of mother’s love

went on to create their own.

The child grew into old age

never healed from the wounds.

Mistook the void-o-love

construed it into --------.

The offspring wept for mother's love

determined to give their own.

The pattern shattered into fragments

and shards of love were sown. •

The KEY to Making a Diamond Kite Posted May-9-2005
Just like Benjamin Franklin used to.
I was six years old when I learned about the relationship between kite flying and the month of May. It came from the calendars hanging high on the wall above the blackboard in our first grade classroom. Each month expressed a theme: January had Cupid. February had Valentine hearts. April had umbrellas. And May had kites. I never forgot the diamond-shaped kite with the flowing tail gracing the month of May.That's how I remember when kite season begins.

Through the years I’ve flown my share of cheap plastic and nylon kites. I’ve had diamond-shaped kites and triangle-shaped kites (triangles fly the best!). I made my own circle kite in a junior high school workshop. I managed to get it in the air, but there was something extremely disappointing about it.

Like Charlie Brown, some of my kites ended up in trees. I remember a brand-new red triangle kite with big sticker eyes and yellow flames decorating it. Within minutes of its virgin soar, it was eaten by the maple tree in our front yard. That’s when I realized that kites shouldn’t be flown so close to home.

I lost another kite when I listened to a respected adult tell me to “let the string go and chase it.” I didn’t run fast enough. My last glimpse was seeing it soar high towards kite heaven. I prayed with all my might that it didn’t come down somewhere a mile later and wreak havoc. I fearfully peeked at the newspaper headlines the next day and was relieved that I was in the clear.

I still love kites and the free spirit-ness they promote. When I see the new store displays of cheap plastic kites and cores of string during spring, I impulsively add them to my cart. There is such childlike joy in finding an empty field on a breezy day and getting that thing high into the air. It may last only a flight or two, but the experience takes me to a place of wonderment and deepens my appreciation for simple pleasures. Learn how to make your own kite ...

Hardscaping Posted May-8-2005
Daaaahling, the Japanese Arbor goes over there...
A new word exists for 'the action' of accenting your backyard with waterfalls, trellises, fake rocks, fences, paths, and gardens — and it's no longer called landscaping. According to HGTV, building your yard with such exquisite items is called "Hardscaping."

Why settle for small gardens and pinwheel flowers when you can give your yard a complete makeover with tumbling waterfalls, elegant flagstone patios, sunken dining rooms, landscape lighting, and tile-accented pergolas? Landscape art, this is, using a plain green-grassed yard like a blank canvas.

Very cool stuff, indeed. Outdoor decorating enthusiasts will love this one. ...

A Mirror's Mirror Posted May-7-2005
In a mirrored world.
Imagine. A looking glass decides she's going to go out for the evening. Just before heading out the front door, she checks herself over one last time in the hallway mirror.

You didn't think a mirror's mirror wouldn't look like them, did you? •

Antsy Competition Posted May-6-2005
A drawing contest with prizes. And nobody gets judged on their skills! Thousands will see it, few will enter. See the results of the contest that originated as a teeny seed in my mind. 'If you build it', ants will come. ...

CULTural Expectations Posted May-4-2005
Life in the United States is different than life in other countries.

How different all of our lives would be if we were just born somewhere else.

If I were born and raised in some European nation where my grandparents emigrated from instead of the Chicago suburbs where they immigrated to, I would be speaking another language, perhaps looking at America as the land of great opportunity.

Maybe standing in line for food.

All cultures seem to have expectations though.

I only know the American perspective.

Some of those expectations arise out of traditional family and religious values. Others come from demanding economic times. Still, others are peer and media-enforced.

Worship God, go to college, get married, have kids.

Exercise, eat right, don’t smoke, get checked.

Continue your education, don’t judge others, play the field, don’t spank.

Volunteer, mind your own business, get a divorce, discipline your children.

Get Botox, nip and tuck, dye this, surgery that.

I wonder what it would be like alone on an island.

Where expectations are washed away into the ocean’s currents.

No social, political, or religious expectations.

Being one with the home that is forgotten.

Quiet. •

A MAGnificent Display Posted May-3-2005
The Creativity Portal (creativity-portal.com) was named one of the 101 Best Web Sites for Writers by Writer's Digest magazine (May 2005). How cool is that? The article by Robin M. Hampton noted, "Here's our seventh annual listing for the 101 best sites for writers. We read more than 400 nominations, visited the sites and chose our favorites in 12 categories." ...

A Sap for the Soup Posted May-2-2005
SOUF for Robert Newton Peck Fans...
It's been YEARS since I opened a can of Campbell's Soup. Ah, they've got the branding sewn up in the soup aisle. That can't-miss half-red, half-white (or is it half-white, half-red?) can with the gold buttony thing holding both sides of the label together. And those rosy-cheeked kids.

Campbell's Soup has been around forever. I bet it was the first soup invented. Well, I supposed I could find out de-factos on their Web site.

*opens browser*

Yup, can you guess what colors the Web site is?

Oh, now I remember what I was going to say. The soup. That Chicken Noodle Soup in particular...

I blame it on that commercial. That snooty guy with the British accent with the kids... "What do you like to eat?" He asks.

"Macaroni and cheese!" <SLURP>

"Hot dogs!" <SLURP>

Long, wet stringy soup noodles wiggling their way into the hungry kids' mouths. Drips of slurpy chickeny broth EVERYWHERE. I've never seen such a messy display look so fun.

The message: Kids *say* hot dogs and macaroni and cheese are their favorite, but they're mopping up Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup with enthusiastic glee. For the commercial, that is. "Give 'em what they love" accent man smarms.

Darn that commercial. I bought four cans of that Chicken Noodle Soup last week. Three cans are gone. I'm looking at the empty bowl to my left with only a small puddle of that kid-soupy-goodness left. One can left in the cupboard...

I kid you not, I'm six years old again when I eat that soup. I've been caught in a marketing trap and I don't know how to get out.

At least this time I remembered to add the extra can of water. *shrug*

<SLURP> •

Planting a Novelty Patch Posted May-1-2005
Spring Fever is a notorious catalyst for creativity 'round here. Or could it be the effects of my transdermal Creativity Patch? Whatever the case, the original Mirecle33 patch planted itself into some fertile soil and quickly cropulated my virtual garden with an abundance of other novelty fun. This time, the clip is in the art. •