Getting ready for my BFA show.

Hello, just a quick post to keep in touch.  I'm still working very hard to get things ready.  It's so much to think about, and even more to do.  Putting on an exhibition by yourself is pretty challenging.  It's a good experience, though.  A must for a fine arts undergrad like me.  I wish I could see all your sweet faces at my opening reception!  I'll be thinking of you. 

Dress detail

Organizing Polaroids

Ordering refreshments...

Outlining my artist statement, breaking it down. 

The permeable nature of motherhood.

I love being a mama most of the time.  When I feel I'm doing a good job at it, that is.  Other times I feel completely lost-like I've made all the wrong moves, said all the wrong things.  I really don't think there is anything in the world quite as complicated as a mother-daughter relationship.  

When it comes down to it-I let her go, and random things happen throughout her day.  She gets hurt feelings on the whim of a mean kid, what can I do about that?  Nothing, really.  I can only hope I've raised a girl with a strong backbone, and attempt to comfort with warm hugs, as I explain the masochistic nature of humanity.  

She makes decisions not only influenced by me, but by everything in her vicinity-television, school, her grandparents, books, the Internet.  Am I not supposed to be the most powerful force?  I feel overpowered so much of the time, and no matter the limits I set, like most things in life, metamorphosis makes sure I don't fall asleep at the wheel.  I don't really mind, but I sure could use a real nap, the kind where you wake up with drool on your cheek, under a blanket you didn't cover yourself with.

SX-70, PX70 Colorshade Impossible film

SX-70, PX70 Colorshade Impossible film

Had a nice lunch today, shot some Spectra.

I've been so busy, I was thinking about taking a break here for the month of October, but if you sweet people can bear with just a few posts here and there, we should be just fine.  Steven and I went down to a really local, really hidden restaurant for lunch this afternoon, and being that I had my Spectra with me, well, the inevitable occurred, and I felt compelled.

I couldn't get myself to take a shot inside the place, I didn't really feel like there was a good moment, or a good shot.  Maybe next time, when I feel it out a little more, and take a better look around.  We did take a few shots outside near the parking lot, though, so I can feel satisfied that we at least have these memories.

PZ 600 Silver Shade UV+ Black Frame 
My shot of Steven, today. 

Steven's shot of me, today.

When I got home, I figured I would try the film in my room, where I have the worst light possible.  The film actually responds exceptionally well to low-light on a tripod, when using the self-timer.  I really shouldn't have adjusted the exposure here.  Next time I'll know better. 

I am getting this stripe on all my Spectra shots, and I'm not liking it at all.  I need to take a look at the rollers before I shoot another pack with it-that's what I'm thinking.

I am continuing work on my projects for school, and am doing alright, if only I could stay on track as much as I should, and not let my mind get the best of me.  

The last little bits of summer + this Sunday.

Summer was just a really long blink for us.  I can sum it up in two three four words:  broken, arm, snow, cones.  I like to save 4-5 rolls of film up to send them out for processing, but since I have not been shooting as much lately, I couldn't contain my urge to have this roll of Kodak Portra developed at the Walgreen's down the street.  It's nice to remember how I was able to find the time to relax a few months ago.  I shot these with my Pentax ME Super.

I just got home from a very early morning photo-excursion/adventure, and it truly was an adventure this time, as I decided to stop at a flea market in the ghetto.  I say ghetto all the time-it's a slang word that gets a lot of use around here.  Ghetto=very poor area of town yet full of character(s) and color.  I usually don't stop at flea markets here in El Paso, because there's hardly anything good being sold (aka junk), but the piles of shoes and toys/stuffed animals are pretty interesting to look at.  Also, local farmers sell their produce.  I almost bought some zucchini squash, I was close...but then I saw this scary clown doll, took a Polaroid of it, and ran away.  Just kidding, I didn't run away, but I did leave.  

Polaroid Spectra, Polaroid Image Softtone expired film.

Polaroid Spectra, Polaroid Image Softtone expired film.

Polaroid Spectra, Polaroid Image Softtone expired film.

This is how much stuff I have going on.  It's time to clean and organize.  Creativity has come to a complete stop, as it does when everything starts piling up.

Busy, busy...

I am still wrapping my head around the new school year, for both me and Bee.  Dentist and doctor appointments, reorganizing, storing, and getting everything in working order has taken a little too long this time around, I admit.  Transitions, including the wrapping-up of old projects, and the commencement of the new and exciting have taken over.  Long, drawn-out issues are getting resolved, and major decisions are naturally (finally) falling into their rightful place.

I am so happy to say I have finally started on my 3D drawing project.  I have been procrastinating, trying to teach myself how to make patterns from existing articles of clothing-measuring, cutting, altering, adjusting, pinning, draping, and all these other mathematical seamstress genius-type things.  I have a long way to go.  Starting was the hardest part.

Sketch of my plans, the first sketch, that is.

The first layer of hand-stitching around the scalloped bottom edge.  I will probably go over it with my sewing machine if  I feel it's taking too long.  I wanted to do everything by hand, but time is of the essence, I have to be realistic here.

I am going to make a more basic duplicate pattern of these vintage gloves.  I need several (20? minimum) pairs.

I know I have a ton of work to do.  I also have a printmaking class that is not going to let me rest.  We just finished lessons on screen printing.  I am not the biggest fan of it, to be honest.  Here is my first hand drawn (with drawing fluid, directly onto the screen) attempt at it.

Here is a sketch I thought of doing for the photo emulsion technique.  I didn't use it, but maybe for something else. 

Other than all that school stuff, I'm just trying to maintain at home.  Making sure Bee eats home-cooked healthy meals, laundry, keeping the house clean, all these domestic duties are so time-consuming, I'm finding it super-difficult to get more than 4-5 hours of sleep per night.  I think it's going to be like this all semester.  Yikes.

Bee got the cutest new glasses!  I love them.  Here she is (this very morning) drinking a blueberry green smoothie.
Polaroid SX-70, PX 70 Colorshade Impossible film.

Steaming Bee's dress for church, an PZ 680 Colorshade Impossible Spectra shot!! 

I have to share this one most important time-saving recent acquisition: a Jiffy Travel Steamer. (Pictured right there in the Polaroid above.)  It's so awesome, I can't believe I am already 34 years old and haven't taken it upon myself to buy one of these!  Between that and my new Swiffer Wet Jet, I have been maintaining okay.  I am keeping calm and carrying on, trying my best, although the never-ending messes do get me down a little.  I promise to at least post once-a-week here.  After all, it does help put things in perspective.  Have a great week, my friends!