25 Disegni

I love Blu--artist behind the famous MUTO animation. The image below are his drawings that were included in 25 Disegni, a publication of artists drawings. Each soft-cover, 48-page flip book features two artists, one going in either direction. Alas, the one seen here, featuring the work of Blu and Eric Ailcane, is sold out...but there are other interesting books to buy here.

Eric Ailcane (great website--check out his exhibition installations)

Craftivism: Reclaiming Craft & Creating Community

This show opens today at the Lawton Gallery in Green Bay, WI. I helped set the show up as part of my degree in Gallery/Museum Practices. It is guest curated by Faythe Levine, the owner of Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery in Milwaukee. It just so happens that she know my artist friends Paul and Tashana Kjelland, which was super cool. The Paper Boat Blog is also a great site and I would highly recommend checking out Faythe's projects.

I was, of course, very excited to see this show come to Green Bay, because Craftivism and DIY culture directly influences my artwork and my vision for The Eclipse Gallery. To read more about that, click here to visit my gallery's blog.

It is so exciting to live in the midst of this culture, and to contribute. I know a lot of my readers are not local, but if you are--don't miss the gallery opening tonight at 4:30.

A quote from the show catalog: "I believe this is just the beginning of something much larger. I think that through the emergence of the DIY, art, craft and design community, we will continue to see growth and exciting developments. For me, craftivism is about the desire to produce change through the passion of creating..." --Faythe Levine

A few highlights of the show include Kate Bingaman-Burt's Zines "What Did You Buy Today?"
Mellissa Vogley Woods Sun Bonnet Quilt Squares
Stephanie Syjuco's Counterfeit Crochet Project
Photos of Jennifer Marsh's International Fiber Collective Wrapped Gas Station
Betsy Greer from Craftivism.com
And more...

Make sure to visit the International Fiber Collaborative website. Their new project for the 2009-09 year is constructing a life sized Fiber tree, the theme being "Interdependence". The project is open to Kindergarten--Adult levels, artists and non artists. Jennifer Marsh will be collecting up to 30,000 leaves made from people all over the world. The leaves must be 2 1/2 inches at the widest point, to 4 1/2 inches from end to end. Leaves must be fiber related and are due by March 20th, 2009. For more info visit the website link above.

Zine Review: nonsensical number ten

This zine is by Annie Yu. I really enjoyed the narrative, biographical content of this zine, which chronicles a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. You can buy it here for a mere $2. Check out her other work on Etsy as well, which includes various collages, notecards, and other zines.

Annie also has a GREAT blog! And see even more interesting images at her Flickr.

Zine Review: Bermuda Pataloons

This highly interactive and fascinating zine is "affordable property" as the artist puts it, and I agree. Not only is it affordable, but it is one of the best zines I've ever had the pleasure of gazing upon. I LOVE this zine. And I love the price.

The artist, Evah Fan, does some other amazing work which can be seen by clicking here.

And speaking of zines, I just made another one called The Last Day of Summer, which you can see by clicking here.

Thanks for looking and clicking!

3-D Mail Art from Jennifer Zoellner

I absolutely adore this little book (aptly named Rag Doll Zine) from Jennifer Zoellner. Posted here are only a few of the delightful pages. It was so nice to get this on a day when I was uber stressed out. Thanks Jennifer!

This will be a great edition to my upcoming Mail Art Exhibition. There is still time to send me something to be included, and a 3-D piece will be featured on its own little pedastal. Not to mention that you will get something 3-D back from me (eventually...) I can't wait!

Jennifer just curated a Mail Art show, and she has made a wonderful Zine to commemorate the event. Check it out!

A Few Zine Reviews

First Song is a gorgeous illustrated poem by artist Aijung Kim. This small artist book is packed full of visual delight! I enjoyed it very much, but was even more struck by Aijung's website, as all of her artwork, including paintings, prints, sculpture, and her artist books are amazing. Her website design is also one of the best I've seen in a long time! Check it out at www.aijungkim.com or visit her shop.

Birch is a collection of drawings by Justin Madson (from neighboring Oshkosh, WI no less). His drawings are fun, unique, and cohesive. I happen to love his characters! He also sells original art, comics, and prints. Visit http://www.justmadbooks.com/ and/or his shop.

Obsolete is a wonderful book of poems that is intriguing to read. The book is very professionally done, an all-around delight! Visit Katie's website, http://www.thelalatheory.com/!

Click here for more info on Obsolete. She also has many other zines that I am now thirsty to check out here.