Thursday 31 January 2013

Day 88: Fry Up!


This was well earned, and well deserved. My late, late supper after getting home from a ~14 hour day (travel and buying fabric included. Eee! Fabric. I'm going to start my shell jacket so soon!!). First day at my new job, and it went way better than I thought it would. Apparently I did pretty well for my first day. When I got home, I was starving, and wanted nothing more than a good old fry up of eggs, ham, mushrooms, and flat bread. I didn't make the tortilla (I could have, but I was just so hungry). Note to self to pack bigger lunch and a few more snacks next time... 

Well, this is all I made. I did write a poem (lyrics, perhaps??) and I drew a bit, but I don't feel like posting it. I post a lot of drawings and pre-cursors to actual artworks, so I felt that I should post something different. I.E.... FOOD! So much protein. So much deliciousness. Almost too much mushroom, but well-evened out with gunpowder tea.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Day 87: Drafting


Spent the day drafting, and I'm almost done making the paper pattern for my Civil War cavalry shell jacket. Despite the helpful information from a person who really knows what they're talking about in terms of proper uniform, I'm cheating and implying a medic. I'm cheating because medics and doctors would wear frock coats. However, I'm making a frock coat (heavily Civil War inspired any ways) for another project, and I want to make a cavalry based uniform. I guess it will be a cavalry medic, but not historically correct. Still, hopefully it will be fantastic. Tomorrow after work I am going to buy fabric, and I'm hoping to get started on Sunday. If not sooner. But that's unlikely.

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Day 86: I doodled during art history

During art history, we watched this really campy and hokey video from the 1970s about The Group of Seven. I decided to just draw for a little bit. I'm just more interested in Civil War history and the history of the RNWMP more than painting.

 

Monday 28 January 2013

Day 85: Civil War

 

As you may have figured out, I am quite fascinated and interested in the 19th century. Particularly, the 19th century in the setting of the United States. I'm really interested in Civil War-era United States, and the older I get, the more drawn to it I am. Not sure why. It was a gruesome, bloody time. Maybe it stems from the fact that it's the context of what's happening in the world around Montana, before Montana even existed (well, was formally the territory or state of Montana). Right now I'm also intrigued by the fact that the Civil War is the reason why we have modern embalming. Which is something I'm also interested in. 

I am planning to go to the Glenbow Museum's night featuring Corb Lund, and this inspired me to make a replica Civil War jacket in a month. I kind of want to show up in Civil War duds. I'll just be that person. I'm only going to make the jacket, because of the character that I want to create. Basically, I like the idea of the cavalry (the word carries so many neat ideas! And you get a horse), and the combination of a medic/doctor. I learned that a doctor had to carry a rank of a captain or higher, and they usually wore black, not donning a uniform except in the situation of fancy parties in a town. This idea intrigued me, so I decided that I'm only going to make the jacket (blue, probably cotton twill or something, with yellow/gold piping, and gold or pewter buttons), and I'll wear all black underneath. I know, as I woman I would at most be one of the field nurses saving lives through discoveries of antibiotics that could prevent gangrene, but I would rather challenge myself with creating a really believable shell jacket. I know how to make skirts, and I'll do that later. I think I just have this weird obsession with challenging myself, while simultaneously needing each aspect to be perfect. This is going to be particularly exciting, as I'm going to aim to be finished in a month. I'm thinking that I'll do it in such a way that I can do it as a garment portrait, and use it for school. 

While researching Civil War uniforms, I stumbled upon information regarding standard issue blankets, used in the civil war by soldiers. Looks like I've found another weaving project...

Sunday 27 January 2013

Day 84: Harry Houdini


"My brain is the key that sets me free." - Harry Houdini

This. Is a masterpiece in progress. Harry Houdini: The Art Doll. His body is flexible, so that he can fold and fit into a small box, awaiting the astonishing escape that will awe onlookers. The box is going to be bound with locks and chains, making the grand escape even more fantastic. 

I'm really pleased with this art doll. The doll doesn't look super like Harry Houdini (I used wig hair, which seemed like a good idea, but I wasn't able to get the shape of Harry Houdini's hair quite right... Which is too bad, since the shape of his hair was kind unique. Still, the shape of the doll's head is completely different, so that will make a difference), but all of the clothing pieces and accessory pieces to come will make it clear of who it is. I hope. Either way...

I am pleased! Now I just have to make a tuxedo and a straight jacket. It will be grand.

Saturday 26 January 2013

Day 83: Creative Process


Alright, so I'm cheating a bit with today's post. I didn't really have time to do any art because I went to an exhibit at the Glenbow Museum (first day of the exhibit!) and had to do some shopping for business-casual clothes for work (my wardrobe is a lot nicer now). Now I'm really tired and winding down to go to bed, but as I am determined to always post daily, I am still posting something!

Corb Lund is a huge influence on my music, and in general. Even more now that I learned that he has a huge passion for Albertan and Old West history, and that he fully curated the exhibit at the Glenbow. No Roads Here is a collection of items, both from the Glenbow, Corb Lund's family, and a few other sources, that inspired nine songs. All of the songs play while you walk through the space. It is a small, intimate space, with a wonderful sense of history, both universal and personal. 



While in the exhibit, I experienced an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, home, and wonder. It just felt good being in a space that spoke to me on such a personal level, as well as a creative and inspiration level. Fantastic! Being in the space prompted me to jot down some notes, and write a short paragraph. (I won't share it right now, but hey... Writing is creative!) Everything from gambling to veterinary history to nature conservation. I can't count how many times I'll go back to the exhibit in the next three months. I also intend to buy tickets to the performance that Corb Lund will be doing in March (so excited!). 

Now, seeing the exhibit was glorious enough... But Corb Lund is the artist-in-residence as the Glenbow, and for whatever reason, he was the Glenbow when my friend and I were leaving to get our coats. I saw Corb Lund! I didn't talk to him or go up to him, but it just so amazing to think "Corb Lund actually put this together. One of my creative heroes is at one of my favourite museums, curating one of the coolest exhibits I've ever seen, and singing songs. This is so real." Just that extra connection makes it all the more wonderful. And the exhibit was beyond belief as it is.

And these. These are the things that inspire me to make art and write music.


Friday 25 January 2013

Day 82: Mary Toft III- Island of the Dead Bunnies

 

Mary Toft is finished! And.... she has a belly full of dead bunnies. I wanted to post about the bunnies because they required a bit of work. They are entirely needle-felted, and painstakingly shaped into the shape of dead bunny fetuses (as per the story of Mary Toft, giving birth to dead rabbits). I'm quite pleased with this doll. I want to make her a fancy display box, and have a rabbit food with her or something along those lines. I haven't quite decided yet. Any ways.... I'm pleased with my ability to needle-felt extremely tiny things. I should really try needle-felting something larger to get better, and get better definition in details and such. 

Thursday 24 January 2013

Day 81: Mary Toft II


Work in progress... Mary Toft doll! I am currently in the process of making her 18th century British outfit, and I will be attempting needle-felted baby rabbits to go inside her belly. It's going to be so cool when she's finished! I like making art dolls based on historical figures and concepts. I think I'll start posting them to Etsy soon. Though I'm becoming oddly attached to all of them... I just like them! I'm quite pleased with their quirks and hidden secrets and embroidered bodies. I have so many planned out. Houdini, circus folk, Poe, Tesla, maybe even Andy Warhol! A friend of mine also suggested making a Typhoid Mary doll.... which would be really cool. I want to do several dolls based on diseases and medical phenomenon. I'll post all of my dolls in their full on my other blog really soon... Especially after Marie Antoinette is 100% finished.

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Day 80: Old West

Today became an Old West/Western day. I listened to Corb Lund, am watching True Grit, wrote a bit, and drew. I wrote more than I drew. Nonetheless, here are a couple of doodles.

 

I had the idea to draw an Old West death figure, and the drawing to the left is my poor attempt. It didn't work out the way I wanted. Then again, I am tired and uninspired. The one to the right is based off an old photograph.

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Day 79: Horse Hair


I keep half-cheating and posting things that are half-related to school. However, I think it can count any ways. It is just a test, and not my actual assignment. My weaving instructor gave me three bundles of horse hair, and I am intending to utilize it in my Old West/Whiskey Trade inspired weaving series. However, I wanted to play around a bit. I attempted making needle lace out of horse hair. Successful? Not in the least. Still, it looks neat. I've always liked how horse hair twists and braids in itself. Whenever I was little I was fascinated with the mysterious folds in a horse's mane. I was particularly fascinated by the superstitious tales of witches associated with them. And so, here I am weaving with horse hair... and hopefully weave tales.

Monday 21 January 2013

Day 78: Shorts


I didn't do a lot. *sigh* I was working at school all day, and I had an essay to write. And thus, I didn't accomplish much after I got home. Still, I did replace the buttons on a pair of shorts that I bought from Sirens. When I saw them, I knew that they would be perfect for the white rabbit inspired costume I'm making. They are high-waisted, with a brass zipper down the front. The buttons that it had were cool golden-looking anchor buttons. I can dig it, but they were going to fall off any ways, and they didn't suit the purpose of being the White Rabbit. And thus, I replaced them with some brownish-metallic vintage buttons that my grandmother had given me a while ago. I am going to make a cool bustle that will button onto the top two buttons, and man, will it be cool! 


Unrelated, and this is for school, but the above photograph is a test for an art project I'll be presenting two weeks from now (roughly). It's going to be a sad piece, but it involves the exploration of my self and what road I want to go down. Or at least, the acceptance of what that road involves. I don't know how I'll fully explain it during the critique... but it's important to me. Even though it will make a lot of people sad... At least, I imagine.

Sunday 20 January 2013

Day 77: Doodling and musing

 
Lazy Sunday, and I had some homework to do.  I drew a bit, and doodled, and came up with some ideas for art dolls. That's about it.

Saturday 19 January 2013

Day 76: Edgar Allen Poe


Today is January 19th... Edgar Allen Poe's birthday! Well, if he was still alive. Nonetheless, I embrace the memory of Edgar Allen Poe. The stories are fantastic, and he is the original horror and mystery author. 

Most of the drawings I did don't really look that much like Edgar Allen Poe. They actually kind of look like John Wilkes Booth. Apparently, until you make the cranium more giant than is normal, that's the way it is...

 

Or, maybe it's just the generic side-parted hair and mustache of the 19th century. But then again, Poe did have a huge head. Maybe it just explains his brilliant morbidity and ability to write strange and macabre horror.

Friday 18 January 2013

Day 75: I researched a lot


I didn't make anything today. Instead, I researched and planned, and realized that I really want to take psychology and sociology classes. I asked various Facebook friends to tell me favourite historical figures, diseases, animals, and the like. I got some wonderful responses, and now I'm inspired to do some fantastic art dolls. I already have an idea for tarantism.

Thursday 17 January 2013

Day 74: Marie Antoinette's clothing


I am finally attempting a miniature and abstracted version of 18th century aristocratic clothing. Not going amazingly... but with some time and patience I should get it done.

However, I am now off to go to an Andy Warhol exhibit at the MOCA! It should be grand.

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Day 73: Bubonic Plague

Hey, Emmelia, did you painstakingly sew a miniature plague doctor mask out of deer hide? Why yes. I did. What else did you do? Well, I didn't just have a fake conversation with myself. However, I DID make a plague doctor doll, and it's finished!

 

This little fellow was a plague doctor who succumbed to the terrible bubonic plague. Perhaps his mask didn't quite have enough perfume stuffed in the beak. Perhaps the wind carrying the disease was stronger that day. Regardless... soon his body was covered in black pustules, and he was another one of the victims.

He is embroidered with the pustules (formed with the power of french knots), and the rhyme 'Ring around a rosy'. For coverings and clothing he is equipped with trousers, a heavy wool coat, a hat, and a leather plague doctor mask. Every aspect is completely hand sewn. 

Day 72: No Photo Available


I did do some embroidery and starting attempting some rabbit-shaped needle lace. Forgot to document it, though...

Today something extravagant and amazing will be posted!... I hope.

Monday 14 January 2013

Day 71: Mary Toft

 

Have you ever heard of the curious case of Mary Toft? It was an 18th century medical hoax. There are numerous letters, books, and leaflets from the time about the events that transpired. Here's the thick and thin of the story of Mary Toft.

Despite having had a miscarriage, Mary Toft still looked quite pregnant. Within a few weeks time, she started giving birth to animal parts, and deformed animals, and eventually gave birth to several dead baby rabbits. Doctors, anatomists, and man-midwives came from far to see what was going on, and even the King of England and Wales got involved. It was a big deal. There's more to it, and the whole story is absolutely bizarre.

This whole story and hoax caught my curiosity and inspired me to do a couple of art works based on it. I'd like to do an art doll, a garment, and some embroideries about this strange series of events from the 18th century. Nothing inspires me quite like odd histories, so this took the cake for the day. Thus, I began with a few sketches of rabbits and played around with the idea of Mary Toft and her giving birth to rabbits. I have a few ideas... but for now... It starts with sketches.

Sunday 13 January 2013

Day 70: Cosmic mouse king


I don't know what it is with me and animals on a cosmic background. Or mice in 14th century monarch crowns. And for the record, no, I'm not obsessed with mice. I just really like rodents, and I happen to have some lovely references for drawing (though models who don't sit still). 

This painting I did is kind of odd. I was mostly bored, and wanted to take a break from sewing. It also worked nicely as a way of procrastinating and avoiding folding laundry. I'll do that now that I'm technically done painting. Maybe I'll make some supper. Haven't done that.

Well, without further ado... May the spirit animals of the cosmos be with you!

Saturday 12 January 2013

Day 69: Upholstery Fabric


Almost finished! Remember the vest pattern I was talking about a few days ago? Well... Here is the almost completed product. Not perfect by any means, but actually pretty good! It is for a White Rabbit inspired-type costume that I'm hoping to finish by comic expo (I would refer to it as comic con, but someone ragged on me for calling it comic con, which I think is silly, because people still know what you're talking about. Any ways, kind of off topic). I'm also planning to make a couple other costumes of the steampunk genre. Maybe even a Tim Burton inspired one (lots of black and white stripes!) 

The vest is going quite well. It's made primarily out of upholstery material. I'm a huge fan of using upholstery material for projects. It's heavy, textured, wonderful patterns.... What's not to love? I was initially going to go for a darker gold fabric, kind of like the colour of the waistcoat of the actual rabbit. But then I decided that I wasn't going to be making the checked jacket, so no worries. Also, I think it's better. Plus, I can use it for various outfits of the steampunk and Victorian genre, which is good. Now, just a bit more finishing to do, add some buttons and eyelets (it will have lacing in the back). After that, I believe it will be done. Then it will be onto bustle, shorts, and spats. And getting my hands on the right socks and flats. Oh, and a pocket watch that will accent the outfit nicely (it's mostly going to be golds and browns and creams, so naturally, brass- or gold-tone would be good).

In other news, two of my mice have figured out running on the wheel at the same time. I think it's super exciting. That is all. 

Friday 11 January 2013

Day 68: Early to rise, late to bed

Exhausted. So tired. But worth it, after seeing Django: Unchained (I recommend it to any fans of Westerns and movies like Kill Bill). Any ways, not important.

 

I drew mice! Not my mice, specifically (though I attempted. However, all of them spent a good part of the day in their well-built nest, cuddling and napping. They're starting to be active now, and I know that they have left their house occasionally because they ate all of the fresh fruit and veg I left out for them). Still, I drew mice. I looked up mice symbolism this morning, because I was curious. The most interesting one I read was the superstition that mice are the carrier of souls, because of their burrowing habits. Since they dig underground, they must have connections to the underworld. I find the idea fascinating. After getting to know my mice, I have this adorable image of a mouse snatching a soul, which in this image looks like whispy soft silk, and then dashing away. And yes, they do that (I gave my mice some scrap silk and cotton to nest with, and I am proud of those little creatures- They love silk!). After reading a bit more, something I read inspired me to draw  a mouse king. In a 14th century British crown. The thing I read had to do with mice and rats having more power than kings and queens during the time of the black plague. Fascinating, no?

In other news, I got my first batch of fish eye lomography photographs back. 


Turns out I take a lot of photographs of trees. If someone flipped through the photos, they would probably think that I was attempting to be some kind of soulful artist who takes photographs of abandoned things.

No, not soulful. That's just what was available to me.

Thursday 10 January 2013

Day 67: Eggs

I made eggs. In fact, not just eggs. A delicious scramble with olives, feta, tomatoes, and red pepper. And a side of bread made by a Serbian friend, no less. It was really delicious.

Now, posting about food probably makes it look like I didn't do anything today. However, I was working on a cloth mock up of the pattern I posted yesterday. Since it is definitely for school, I didn't feel right about posting about it twice. Even though it's really neat. I'll probably be making stuff tonight, but I wanted to post something really different.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Day 66: Patterns


New projects based off of old projects. Again, technically I'm cheating. The above patterns that I was working on (and will continue with tomorrow) are for two projects. One (the majority of the pieces shown) are for an installation/museum display/garment portrait series I'll be working on for my mixed media class. It is going to be a dramatized and elaborate doctor's/ mortician's frock coat thing. Hard to explain. It's modelled after various stereotypical images of a what a doctor's coat is, and I'm hoping to make it look like it is crusted with blood and pus and such. What can I say? I have been heavily influenced by CBC's White Coat, Black Art. Any ways, that's for school. So... it doesn't really count as additional creativity.

However, I came up with a design for a costume that I'm going to make for Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo this spring. I liked the idea of doing a White Rabbit (from Alice in Wonderland) costume, so I'm going to do a steampunk-esque costume. I didn't take photos of the costume to post, because it's not perfect yet (and I'd rather wait to post photos of the actual costume). Any ways, the pattern for the waist coat I'm going to make is somewhere in this photograph (just kidding,  it's symbolic). 

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Day 65: Mostly research


I was at school for the majority of the day (and I have another class at 6!), and I spent most of this time (other than my first class) researching and planning out a project. I did doodle a little bit, though, so here it is! I'm kind of exhausted because I'm trying to get back to a normal schedule of going to bed at a decent time and getting up early. I'm trying to get up at 8 AM at the latest. That way it's not a shock to my system on days that I have to get up early, and if it's a day I don't have school or work or anything, I can still get plenty done and I don't mess with my schedule. So... worth it in the long run. It just also means tiredness in the mean time. I'm getting there... but I should have been doing this my first week back in Calgary. Ah well. A few more days and I'll be fine!

Monday 7 January 2013

Day 64: Distressed



Step 1: Buy 100% cotton t-shirt
Step 2: Tea stain and let dry
Step 3: Paint a nifty design using fabric paint
Step 4: Distress with a sponge
Step 5: ?

First day back to classes, and all around life is nifty. The end.

Sunday 6 January 2013

Day 63: Flea market foxes


I like flea markets. There's one in Calgary that I go to every now and then with a friend of mine, and so far I've found neat things for little money. Today I found a great vintage locket for $5.50, which I'm going to use for my solid perfume lockets. After all, why not use one of a kind vintage lockets when I'm able, and it costs less than run of the mill ones from Michaels' or other craft stores? 

At the flea market, there's this gentleman who always has a great selection of books. A lot of them are quite old, some less old, but all good, quality books. What did I find? A book called Wild Mammals of Western Canada by Arthur and Candace Savage. It's a wonderful book, full of all the animals I adore (including two types of foxes... eeee), and it sank in on my way home that it is by an Eastend author whom I have met and conversed with. For the record, Candace Savage is a great author who writes primarily about Saskatchewan and all of the wonders of Western Canada. Recently she wrote a book about the Cypress Hills and its bloody past, and I have yet to read it, but she won an huge award for it. She's definitely earned it. And little did I realize... I now own one of her books! Though an older one, it's definitely one that harkens to my intense adoration of North American and Canadian wildlife. Have you SEEN these animals? They're incredible!

I decided to just chill out and relax, and listen to indie folk music while drawing some animals, using the photographs in the book as reference. The result? A few sketches and unfinished drawings. I'm kind of lazy. However, I did use coloured pencils on one! I might try to use coloured pencils more, since I know that they can achieve lovely results. Whatever the case, you will continue to see infinite artist presentations of no other animal than... Foxes!


And tomorrow I return to school. Soon I will balancing work, school, and whatever it is I consider to be my spare time (what does that even mean?!). Time management, here I come! And don't worry. I'll continue posting fox-related things!

Saturday 5 January 2013

Day 62: Zero ambition, other priorities


I made a poor attempt at crocheting. However, I'm really tired and without ambition, so having to fight with a book to stay open while learning crochet techniques wasn't really something that I'm super excited about. Another time. Or maybe I'll use the internet. I didn't really do anything today because I was hanging out with a friend all day, and that was more of a priority. I'll do something phenomenal tomorrow. I hope.

Friday 4 January 2013

Day 61: Smells like woods

Guess what, kids! I made my first solid perfume locket! I didn't really do it the way you're supposed to (i.e. didn't measure anything because I haven't actually gotten any metal measuring spoons yet...) BUT it smells nice. It consists of cedarwood, neroli, and cinnamon leaf (essential oils), sweet almond oil, and beeswax. You can only really smell the cinnamon, but if you spend enough time, the neroli kicks in with its nice cut-grass smell, and the cedarwood is the base, so it's just hanging around smelling like a tree. It's great! I also mixed a tiny bit of sweet almond oil and cedarwood together to make my hair smell like woods. Which is kind of does! I'm strange...


In other news, I decided to make a tent in my room, and make my own little woodsy haven for the weekend.  I'm really not planning on doing anything except considering a job offer, and making art. Back to school on Monday...! (*is both excited and sad, but mostly excited*)

I like woods!

Thursday 3 January 2013

Day 60: Essential


If I hadn't been off gallivanting today, I would have been quite productive. But instead, I left my house to meet a friend, and picked up a couple of things. Including... a few essential oils to attempt my first solid perfume lockets. I decided to not wait to get a whole load of different oils from a place in Calgary, because what if I hate it or fail horribly? Best not make a huge investment. I wanted to attempt solid perfume tonight, but I'm tired and lazy, so I just mixed the oils together to see what my choice smelled like. It's actually quite nice. Now, I've broken several rules, but this was just me being uncommitted for the time being. I won't get into that. I mixed sweet almond oil with cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, and neroli (light) essential oils. It's kind of a woodsy spicy scent. My kind of scent! I'm going to attempt solid perfume tomorrow maybe. We'll see. Depends on how much time I have... Ugh busy days.

Now, I'm going to go and watch Blue Velvet. I think it's about time I saw a David Lynch film. Good night and happy Fursday! 

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Day 59: Everyday I'm bustlin'


Now, in all technicality this does have to do with the business side of my life (in regards to Etsy), because I will be selling things like this at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo in the spring. However, I'm counting it as something I made today because I experimented a bit and used new materials. The photo is kind of crummy... but for anyone going to be at the Calgary Comic Expo, this beauty, among others, will be there! The skirt is dip-dye tea stained, to give an aged look to the cotton twill (see below). It is bunched up  to give the bustle look, and decorated with up-cycled lace and vintage pearl-look buttons. It fastens in front with buttons and ribbon. Who knows what I'll do next!
                        

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Day 58: Antlers

 

Another art doll! I was inspired by the idea of a girl with antlers, and kind of a spirit of the woods kind of thing. I made the antlers out of wire wrapped with wool and cotton thread. Her body is sewn from silk, and tea stained in an ombre type fashion. I wanted to tea stain it to reference a fawn's body. I didn't get the dots that are found on a fawn's body, but nonetheless... I'm thinking about ombre tea staining the wool hair a little bit, but I haven't decided yet. Her dress is made of raw silk, vintage lace, stitched with with bits of wool. Her outfit is topped off with a wrap of fox fur, to keep her warm in the forest. I might embroider her body with something, but I haven't decided yet. Regardless... I like her.