Polaroid, I Love You.

I recently did some renovations in my art room and came across some old grad school projects. My favorite pieces are from a Polaroid series I shot. At the time I was taking a graduate photography course in NYC and was amongst some very talented photo majors. Yikes. I hate the darkroom. 

Some Polaroids of film & film camera. Ha.

 I was not a photo major and the serious photo majors could sniff me out a mile away. I was, as they soon figured out, an art history major. Gasp. That's right- the much frowned upon major by any serious fine arts major. I totally get it now. I was at the bottom of the art-world pecking order. And so they pecked. At every class discussion and critique, they scoffed at my views and opinions. So I kept quiet did what I wanted. 

For once, I did not conform. I dug my heels in and did not step foot in the damp, musty dark room, but instead, chose to express my photo narratives through Polaroids. Many of the photo students thought (and did express to my face), that I was taking the easy way out. I'd like to think of it as being ahead of the game. My love for the Polaroid stems back to my childhood straight through today's Instagram sensation. Why do I love Polaroids?

Polaroid of Gramps & the girls circa 1977

One of my Instagram shots

They are instant, tangible moments in time. Beyond the instant gratification, the color quality is what appeals to me. Unlike today's super high resolution, crystal-clear digital images, Polaroid prints have a desaturated, sometimes ghostly appearance. It's images seem slightly imperfect and has a certain retro feel to them. Enter: my obsession with the movie The Virgin Suicides (based on the book by Jeffrey Eugenides) both written and directed by Sophia Coppola. Love her. Understatement. Sigh.

The quality of the film reminds me of the Polaroids I grew up loving. So when my photography professor outlined our next assignment to include some type of narrative, I whipped out my Polaroid, dragged Josh around the east village, and imagined a sister from the Coppola movie, party shoes on, hopeless and sadly taking her life. Here's what I came up with:

A few shots from the series.

As I hung my work for the class critique, the other photo majors paused, whispered and moved on. I took that as a compliment. Maybe they hated it, I'll never know because my professor didn't allow them to talk about their darkroom-developed prints. Instead he devoted the entire time to talking about my vision, the dark story being told, the beauty of Polaroid. I felt vindicated and justified. I didn't make any friends in that class, but that's ok. I was proud of my work and the fact that I didn't give into the norm. I wonder how many of those photo majors now have Instagram accounts. Shame on them! Just kidding.

Work in Progress #4

Another ongoing project that will never end is working on our boat. While this is not  necessarily an artistic endeavor, the interior design aspect of the boat is right up my alley. Since it was built in 1968, it requires annual mechanic maintenance and cosmetic maintenance. Years ago, before kids, Josh and I could devote many weekends each spring sanding and varnishing mahogany panels, sewing custom curtains, polishing chrome and making small repairs wherever needed. We went all out:

Working on the boat circa 2003

With the limited time we have to work on it currently, Josh takes on the hard stuff: making sure the engines run, the toilet flushes and that we won't sink. I assist him with these issues in small ways, but my focus is making the boat as pretty as it once was in it's heyday:

This season, I will do my best to spruce up the interior. Although the wallpaper and headliner is ripping in places and has an overall stained appearance, there's nothing I can really do about that with limited time and funds. Luckily, after years of watching HGTV design shows, I've learned how to draw attention away from the ugly with new and fresh items. Here is a peek at how I plan to fool the eye:

-new bedding for the twin bunks & sewing pillow cases for twin bunks
-printing & framing new photos for the walls
-replacing the interior carpet
-sewing new curtains
-sanding & staining swim platform, & stairs to flybridge
-painting fresh boot stripe
-repairing dinette cushions

Kid's sitting at the dining table. The naugahyde upholstery has since torn at the corner.

One of the frames that need to be filled & hung.

New nautical bedding from Ikea for the kid's bunk beds.

Two of 4 pillows that need nautical pillow cases sewn.

I just love this fabric for the kid's.

This job is way over due.
I don't think we have done the swim platform in a couple of years.

A sample of the new carpet.

The old curtains - water stained from windows left open? Not sure.
Need to sew some new ones.

Below deck- couch turns into bunk beds.

I'll post photos as these jobs get ticked off my list so stay tuned...

Work In Progress #3

While gearing up for our annual tag sale, I came across a few lovely items my father in law cast in bronze years back. He was a sculptor professor at Stony Brook University and had access to an incredible foundry. He would take beautiful things from nature and cast them eternally in metal. He experimented with casting eggs, peanuts, crabs, rocks and even marijuana roots. Shhh.

For years he struggled to cast horseshoe crab shells. He would collect their shells after they had been stranded and sadly died along the shores of his Long Island home. Unfortunately, their dried out shells would trap sand and cause voids when casting. A few good samples made it and they are precious little treasures of a creature that originated over 450 million years ago! Yes I said 450 million.

He was recently cleaning out his studio and asked me if I wanted his horseshoe crab shell collection. Um…yeah! So I inherited his shells and this is what happened…

 This is just one of the crates that hold various sized shells.

Inspiration:

The idea of these amazing creatures becoming extinct one day made me appreciate my father in law's attempts at casting them in metal. Since casting them proved problematic, I thought I would try to replicate the look and feel by using gold spray paint. I do love gold ya know.

Where is this going?

Since the shells are extremely delicate and crumble easy, I am experimenting with different ways to strengthen it before I apply the metallic paint. I am headed to Home Depot this weekend to grab some spray plastic, a cousin of Plasti-Dip. I am going to spray a variety of sizes and play with how to display them. I love the way they look hanging simply on the wall- but the question is: which side do you hang facing out? Once I perfect the method, I'll update this post and let you know where this is headed. They may be coming to a gallery near you...

Work in Progress #2

After yesterday's gripe about how many of my projects are started and stopped, I am continuing to post them for a few reasons. 

1. I'd love any feedback, advise or suggestions.

2. I need to organize my thoughts and "to do" list and in some way, this blog is a giant list for me.

3. I need some sense of accomplishment. Even though these are not complete yet, I need to remind my self of what I have achieved so far.

Initial Series

Inspiration:

Louise Nevelson. Her work involves grouping objects together and achieving a sense of unity through color. My goal in this first of many initials I am hoping to make was to take objects relevant to my subject (in this case, my 2 year old Godson). I made this for his second birthday. I know artwork is a lame gift for a toddler, but I'm hoping as he gets older, he will appreciate it. The objects are sprayed with several coats of paint and then assembled on large canvas. This one was approx. 22" X 30". 

Lesson learned: 

As work is finished, pack away for safe keeping. When I finished this piece, I had it resting in the kitchen until I left for London with it. Two nights before I left, it fell over. I went to catch it and I put my hand through the canvas! Had to remake it...Must have been really thin canvas.

Where is this going?

I am hoping to continue this idea, perhaps take commissions. I may try putting them on etsy.com and take orders if anyone shows interest. Major obstacle: I have to spend some time collecting buckets of odd toys and game pieces (if you have any you need to toss - send my way). I'll hit some yard sales this spring to try & stock up.

Work In Progress #1

My students often ask, " What kind of art do you make at home?" I am tempted to rant sarcastically, " Well, after a full day of teaching you lovely adolescents, I have a few hours at home before passing out.   What am I doing in those hours to stir my creative juices? After picking up the kids, helping with homework, walking & feeding the dog, picking up the house, throwing in a load of laundry, scrubbing a toilet or two, cooking dinner, cleaning up dinner, putting the kids to bed and folding said laundry, I have no time to crank out some art of my own. But thanks for asking".

Then I take a deep breath and remember I am still creative, I am still an artist at heart. I just need to find time to fit it in. 

I would give anything to stay home from work, send the kids to school and get to some of my projects- just for a week or two. Home alone: no work, no kids? It would be capital G- Glorious. A few weeks like that and I would be creatively satisfied. I could then head back to work revived. Until then, I thought I'd post some ongoing projects that are currently on hold:

Gold Stripe series

Inspiration:

These photos are inspired by the idea of the things and circumstances around me having a 'silver lining'. I am drawn to elements in nature to use as the host to my gold stripe. I recently bought a can of gold spray paint and am quickly realizing I could happily paint everything I own with it. 

Where is this going?

I am in search of my next object to stripe. I am searching for the perfect bunch of bamboo, a cluster of river rocks, and a fresh mound of wet mud. Stay tuned for more...

Fashion Police in the House

I wanted to follow up to my earlier post about Petra and her routine fashion meltdowns. We had a successful shopping spree at Old Navy about a month ago. After reviewing a checklist of articles and quantities she could buy, we piled into the changing room and edited out the unwanted. I was amazed at her maturity. Here we are in the changing room. No tears, thumbs up!

Back at the ranch, we fell back into some crying fits with her morning dressing routine. We soon realized the issue was more about Petra's diversion to the early hour than the clothing selection. Having her choose her clothes the night before is the only way we can function at this point. Here are 3 days worth of her selections. I really think the jewelry is a big motivator. We are currently working on her shoe issues. She seems to think she can wear her black Ugg knock-offs through summer. Oh no you don't. More about this later...

Our Visit with John Black Lee

The Teaze House
1960
John Black Lee

After finding an art teaching job in New Canaan, the "mecca of mid-century modern homes", we soon realized homes there were far out of our budget. We eventually saw an ad for a MCM home .2 miles from the New Canaan border in West Norwalk. We saw it, fell in love and snatched it up. After doing some research, we realized our home was being built at the same time 'the Harvard Five' and a handful of other architects were busy erecting their modern case study homes for themselves, as well as for new clients. 

Our entire neighborhood consists of approximately 29 modern homes that were built beginning in  1952 by architect P. William Nathan. My husband Josh and I started to compile any information we could find on the development, Nathan, and any original owners, in hopes to one day document it's rich history in full. Josh has started to compile our research on a Pinterest board titled "Norwalk Modern" as a placeholder for a future website or blog:

We met with Janet Lindstrom, director of the New Canaan Historical Society, and gave her our home's history. She was sure the network of New Canaan architects were aware of our neighborhood and may have even visited the site as it was being built. She recommended we meet with a contemporary of the Harvard Five architects, John Black Lee. She wondered if we had ever heard of him. Um…yeah! He was one of the last surviving architects of that era. We immediately knew of his work. In fact his homes were some our favorites in New Canaan, above and beyond the more well know gang from Harvard. Luckily, he was still living in New Canaan and agreed to meet with us to discuss our home and it's significance in the area.

What started out as a fortunate opportunity to speak with one of the founding fathers of mid century modern architecture turned into a lovely visit with a soft spoken, brilliant man. He designed his first home in New Canaan for his family Lee House 1, and then Lee House 2 when they outgrew the first one. Later in 1961, he collaborated with architect Harrison DeSilver to build the System House which was built on a 6' module system whose plans were eventually sold in Better Homes & Gardens for $15. He went on to design and built many more homes in New Canaan, many are featured in the New Canaan Historical Society's Modern Home Survey.

Lee House 1
1952

Lee House 2
1956
(my personal favorite)

The System House
1961
 

During a snow storm one Saturday afternoon this December, we drove over to John Back Lee's home to pick him up. His Volkswagen Beetle in the driveway was covered in snow. He no longer drives it. He told us under his breath that at ninety years old, "the authorities no longer feel I am fit for the roads". From the street, the tiny A-framed structure looked more like a cool fort than a home. He invited us in and showed us around. That 'fort' was just street level foyer that led you down into the home below. He explained how while he was designing it, his beloved wife had become ill. He rushed to finish it in time for her to live in for the last years of her life. It was a unique structure with a concrete core, surrounded with glass walls overlooking the Silvermine River in New Canaan. It was one of the most unique homes I have ever been inside of.

Lee's current residence from roadside…

…& from across the river

Back at our house, he took a look around and then sat down in front of the fire to have some tea and coffee cake and talk shop. He made sure to say we had a "very lovely home". He went page by page through The Harvard Five book which you can buy here, discussing design features of his homes and the other architect's homes. We asked handfuls of questions about our home and material choices that were made during the 50's. He was soft-spoken and took him time to answer thoroughly. We got the sense he was very much enjoying reminiscing with us and valued our appreciation for his work and our passion for the architecture of that era. It was such a special experience, one we will remember for a long time. 

John Black Lee in our home
December 14, 2013

After saying goodnight to John, 
the least Josh could do is shovel his front steps.

The Kid's Table

Growing up, we spent many holidays at our grandparent's house. When it came time for the big meal, the dining room typically maxed out with adults and like many households, there was the separate kid's table. I remember being ok with sitting at it. It was actually the coffee table in the living room, we sat on the floor and felt special since we were away from the grown-ups and had our own space to be ourselves. 

This past Thanksgiving, we were entertaining 6 little cousins ranging in age from 4-9 yrs. The table was right next to the adult table, but I wanted it to feel a bit special and fun. I chose not to dress the table with a table cloth in case of spills, but kept the table decor clean white so the colorful glasses & napkins popped as well as the turquoise stools. 

                                       

I wanted for each kid to have a take away gift and made it part of the table decor. Petra helped me adhere the monogram of each cousin onto a votive that held a flameless candle from Michael's. Petra still lights hers each night on her bedside table- they last forever. 

I had thought about arranging a small activity like a coloring sheet and crayons to keep the kids at the table a bit longer. Then I remembered we never had entertainment at the table. WE were the entertainment! We made each other laugh, acted silly in between spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, and got yelled at to clean our plates. It was a family celebration and we were there to spend time together and share a meal. I can see adding some extra goodies and activities if it were a longer meal such as a wedding or adult function. The tablescapes below are great examples of inviting kid's to come together & sit & eat & have fun:

photo courtesy of www.moms.popsugar.com

photo courtesy of www.project wedding.com

Clothes Shopping with Petra

We have reached a major bump in the road with Petra and her stubborn fashion choices. She has had a pretty amazing array of clothing passed down to her by my sweet friends which I have mixed into articles I have purchased. Up until recently, she had no problem with the selection. However, in the last few months, she has declared that she does not like any of her clothes and has gone on strike even when given the chance to select her own outfits.

I have entertained the idea of having her choose a week's worth of outfits on a Sunday night. I dream of how lovely they would look hanging in her closet- all set for Monday, no fussing, no fighting:

I will be using this method soon.  I even have the organizer, from Ikea. I am waiting until Petra shops for some new clothes. I want her to have the ability to choose her wardrobe (not all, but a few new pieces) she can then mix into what she already owns. Nothing revolutionary. She needs to take some ownership. I am just scared. The last time I went shopping with her was to Michael's for her birthday craft project supplies. We had a list. A very clear list. But as soon as she saw the rows & rows of various art supplies, all hell broke loose. I get it. It's hard to focus, especially around art supplies, and especially for a 5 year old. 

Here's my plan: I will make a visual list of the items she can buy. Hopefully this will help her see what is available to her. As far as budget goes, I will be taking her to Old Navy and H&M. I think everything there is priced very reasonably. I will avoid the Crewcuts and Ralph Lauren store in town for now. Here is her list:

Here are the items I will not allow her to buy (this time around). I know I seem like a dud for eliminating these choices, but to make her outfits pair together for her easier, this will help:

sorry, Petra. 

In case you are wondering what my consequence is if we have another episode like the Michael's incident…I will explain, prior to this trip, that if any tantrums or fighting erupt, we will put everything back and leave with nothing. Zero. I will stick to it. Once the dusts settles, I figured I could go online and select all the possible clothing choices in her size. I will put them in the shopping cart, or many have wish lists. She can then look in that cart and select her set amount of clothes. Am I a control freak? Yes and no. It will buy me some time until she is a bit older & can handle the overwhelming in-store experience and narrow her choices. Here is a 'wish list' I started on the H&M site:

My hopes are high, as I imagined going shopping for clothes with my daughter should be a delightful experience where everyone goes home happy & satisfied. (I know I'm dreaming). As a teen, I remember shopping with my mom. I may not have always gotten everything I wanted, but the memories of laughing our butts off in the dressing rooms stands out as some of my favorite times with her. We may have even been asked to leave some stores. I can dream. I'll let you know how it goes. 

Snap Happy

Between Josh and I, we take hundreds of photos on our regular digital camera. By December each year, I try to order the year's worth of photo books through Shutterfly. They are pretty standard, black cover, 8 1/2 X 11. They are stacked neatly on my shelves in hopes that one day someone may want to look through them. (Thanks, Denise for being the first person to do so, unprompted.) 

But what about all of those photos I snap on my iPhone every day? Hundreds of them pile up and at some point, I can no longer take any. So here's what I've started doing. This is no big breakthrough idea and I'm sure most of you do this already, but I wanted to share anyway. Since photos from my phone now upload to iPhoto through photo stream, I throw them in an Apple photo book. I chunk the books according to when my phone is busting and cannot take one more shot. 

Does it bother me that they are different from the black annual photo books? Yes. Do I want to take the time to merge the photos together and try to chronologically organize the two collections- hell no. I'm still agonizing over years worth of home movies not bring edited and burned into a lovely DVD collection that can sit neatly stacked next to the photo books. (Damn those Angelos).

So I will have two piles of photo books no one looks at but me. One black, one white. The black ones will be the family photos, vacations and events, all neatly organized by date. The white ones will be a collection of iPhone snaps that I can't part with, or deal with. 

Modern Heat

Introducing my new favorite household update:

nest

Josh and I can disagree on many things. Many, many things. Since our 1952 home has absolutely no insulation- I repeat- no insulation, heating it has become a major issue. We're working on it. Our first winter in the house was extremely mild. No biggie we thought...

Well, fast forward to one cold-ass winter and we're bleeding oil and cash out of our noses trying to heat this place which is comprised of approximately 70% single paned glass. About 1/2 of those enormous single paned windows are jalousies. If you are not familiar with those gems, they are usually installed in summer cottages, in warm climates, to let the breeze blow in. We have stormers for these during the winter months, but the breeze just blows right through. Here is a great example of where to use jalousies effectively- in a seasonal sun room or seasonal enclosed porch. I repeat- seasonal:

It's going to be ok. I assure myself. It will be ok. We have recently made a master "to do" list for the house. Replacing the single paned windows is top priority. Having more efficient stormers made for the jalousies is part of that project. We don't want to get rid of them They are AWESOME. In the summer, they provide for amazing cross ventilation and we have screens for every single one. We are budgeting for that project to happen in the very near future. Until then, we figured replacing the crusty thermostat in the main living area could help. Enter, the Nest:

The nest thermostat was developed by some key folks who originated at Apple. So, hearing all the great things this unit offered, Josh installed one on Saturday morning in no joke- less than 5 minutes. I was then assigned the tech part (as usual). It immediately found our wifi, prompted me through a handful of questions and then asked me to set the room temperature. For about a week, it will learn how we turn our heat up and down and begin to do so automatically for us. Best part is the mobile app. From anywhere I can see the temperature at home and adjust accordingly. Today, for instance, I could see it was a bit colder and before I drove home, I turned the heat up. I know digital thermostats have timers, but the ability to change the room temperature based on the changing temperature outside is pretty cool. 

I'll keep you posted to let you know how it works over the next few weeks and if in fact it can learn our heating habits. Until then, I'll be here, wrapped in my wool cardigan dreaming of a better insulated house. It will happen soon...