Monday, May 4, 2009

More Distractions

Work is coming along nicely. This past weekend I purchased the last of the steel I will need for the mobile and spent an afternoon blowing glass with a new assistant.
So that was good and productive. But that is not all I've been doing lately! I went to see the new musical, Sunday in the Park with George. It is inspired by the work and life of painter George Seurat and discusses somewhat the role of an artist in society. You can guess why I liked it. Beforehand there was a gallery reception (with very nice wine and cheese) at an artist's co-op named Art not Terminal. There were a few things Gregory and I found impressive but most of all I thought to myself that I should be working to get into a gallery. I think I could hold my own in a place like that.
So my mind directed me back to my latest obsession of making vanitas still lifes. The books I've got from the library on the subject have convinced me that I must have skulls if it is to be a true vanitas. So I spent some time in the basement making a skull out of clay. I am pleased with the results so far but also convinced that I need an actual skull to continue the study. Anatomy drawings are just not enough. If anyone knows where I could find such a thing, or a convincing replica, let me know.
For a completely different project I paid a visit to a friend for tips on stained glass. I am to be making a window for a wedding gift this summer and am excited about the possibilities of this other form of glass. I am familiar with the process of leaded glass but have never spent too much time on it.
So much to look forward to, and then this shows up and tempts me on to even more distractions!
Perhaps I should stop calling my interests distractions, rather, they are opportunities for art making.
After all, art is what I do.