Sometimes a new media trinket comes along that makes me think. The Wilderness Downtown (came out this summer I think) is a Chrome Experiment (built for and on Google's Chrome browser) that is worth watching. It's a little interactive music video that I found touching and effective -- each viewer who plays the film with his or her address as a defining element will have, I suspect, a similar reaction -- so its both universal and specific, like all good "literature" or art. Don't we all strive to make art that touches our audience in such a way -- both with a personal zip or dash or stroke or zing or arrow to the heart, as well as a recognition of the universal message that is part of the experience. Here the makers have included a music video with several interactive components. (Some of which I get and some I didn't, like the postcard you might or might not find that you respond to or not).

I've included here, as well, a link to "my " film -- I'd love to see your's, too, so post the link in the comments field if you are willing to share it.

As to the requirement to download the GOOGLE browser for the film to work -- well, I did so somewhat reluctantly, being perfectly comfortable with Firefox thank you, and to my surprise find that I am a total Chrome convert. I LOVE the home screen that includes 8 of my "most used" webpages in visual icons. And although I have not begun to explore all the bells and whistles, I really like the interface and find the tools useful, intuitive and fun. So, if you have a bit of time to get it, don't think that's the end of the story.

October 21, 2010

How to Build a School out of Plastic Bottles

On our travels we stayed at Villa Sumaya and participated by stuffing our trash into discarded plastic water bottles. In countries like Guatemala where the ground water is polluted and most people, for safety, try to afford bottled water, the plastic bottle pollution is pretty bad. Of course, here in the U.S. we have fewer excuses for using these bottles. I am trying really hard to keep a metal, refillable bottle with me at all times. How about you?

And if you must use bottles, be sure to recycle in some way.

October 20, 2010

El Cielo Studio

Retreats and Workshops

Just a little poke in ribs. Don't you think you need a treat! These are the next three workshops coming up at El Cielo Studio. And if I say so myself, they deliver a lot of inspiration, ideas, energy AND rest and restoration to all our artist selves for not-so-much dinero.

I hope you can join us. Discounts for early enrollment!

FIELD GUIDE TO COLOR November 12-14 Explore your personal palette while learning the "rules" of color harmony with hands-on exercises. This approach to color design is both intuitive and “scientific,” you’ll learn to trust your instincts with dye, paint and paper experiments while improving your success with color on cloth. We'll tackle a variety of dyeing techniques including low water painting processes and microwave "shibori" techniques. You'll take home work on fabric and paper that can guide a whole new series of work and imagery based on a specific color palette. if you have work that just doesn't work because of color issues, bring it along and we'll do triage! Whether your preference is for earthy tones, crayon-box brights, or soft pastels, you'll learn more about what does and doesn't work and how to bring more energy and excitement to your color choices.

UFO WORKSHOP December 3-5 UFO, “unfinished fiber object.” Bring along work that needs finishing (perhaps a gift or two, or work that’s stuck for need of constructive critique). Enjoy the resources of the studio -- thermofax machine at-cost, soy wax, dye, screen-printing tools and more -- and the advice and support of peers. We’ll customize the techniques to the tasks at hand. Almost any idea you want to explore can be tackled with support and concentrated time at this workshop. Send me your idea, and I'll tell you if we can support it with tools, materials and advice!

ARTIST'S JOURNEY/ ARTIST'S JOURNAL, January 14-16 This workshop has become an annual tradition. Join me for a weekend of reflection, goal setting, and information about how the habit or journaling can benefit you as an artist -- and make a unique journal cover and artist calendar for a new year of creative work and inspiration. We'll be working with drawing (for non-drawers, too), collage, photography, copy machine printing, web resources and tools and more. Building good habits for your own work. This workshop fills quickly each year, so if you want to be one of the participants, don't wait to reserve your space. Friday evening will include guided meditation after the pot luck supper.

Sign up early (at least 30 days in advance with a $25 deposit) for a $15 discount on the $175 fee. Email me susiemonday@gmail.com for details. First come/first serve -- single bedrooms are in demand (accommodations and food for the entire weekend $15 to $30)! Note that some of the recent workshops have been filling early. Workshops generally start with an optional Friday night potluck and fun activ- ity or two, then continue through 3-4 pm on Sunday afternoon. Most supplies included.

October 17, 2010

City Councilman Joel Burns tells gay teens:

It gets better.

October 3, 2010

Mesa Redonda/Round Table Welcomes

September 27, 2010

Sunday Afternoon CASS/Aflatoun Work Session

Here are photos from the Sunday's work session as the CASS teachers prepared their presentations about their financial education programs that have been run in the schools during the past six months.

Aquí están las fotos de la sesión de trabajo el domingo como los profesores CASS preparado sus presentaciones sobre sus programas de educación financiera. Los programes que han llevado a cabo en las escuelas durante los últimos seis meses.