I was born in 1977

Smell Ya' Later 2011!!

2012-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

A recap of 2011 seems like just another thing on the "to do" list but if it doesn't happen today, it never will. I feel like this year I was busier than ever although I think I traveled less then the past two years. When I just looked at my calendar to mimic last years recap I found I was home in Milwaukee 3 full (separate) months, but it really doesn't feel that way at all.

Some off the top of my head stand-out highlights from 2011 include: marking off visiting all 50 states by starting the year with a trip to Alaska, getting nominated although not selected for a United States Artists fellowship, continuing to shoot the Sign Painter movie, signing a second book deal with Princeton Architectural Press, taking time off to go on some great trips with my love Aaron including a great time in Mexico with our good friends Andrea & Derek, an around the world flight to Bali and a visit with our friends off the grid in North Carolina. I turned 34, had another successful Art vs. Craft event and hosted another year of amazing shows + the second annual pop-up shop at Sky High Gallery. I guess that's plenty.

In 2012 I am looking forward to completing the Sign Painter movie & the release of our book in the fall, having a zine of my Thailand photos released by Hamburger Eyes and attempting to take some time off to work on my personal artwork.

Here is my year in photos, a single shot to highlight each month. It's really hard to pick these & this year I failed to shoot as much as last- a mistake I'll remedy this year.

January: I marked off visiting all 50 states when the Alaska Design Forum brought me to lecture in Anchorage, Fairbanks + Juneau.

February: I left the first day of the month on a plane alone to Thailand where I had a screening of Handmade Nation. I met two new great friends there Sandy & Logan Bay + fell in love with Bangkok & vow to return soon, maybe this year most likely next.

March: I was home working all month & didn't take many photos but I did post this video shot from the car Pittsburgh Ave & First St.

April: We went to Bali to relax, explore & celebrate Aaron's 38th birthday.

May: We went to visit the Treasure Nest in Detroit and found Silvio's Botanical Explosion.

June: I went home to help my mom out & did a studio visit with Aaron & Kate Murray in Seattle.

July: I scheduled myself home for work & met Marko who's since been evicted from this magical kingdom he had built to share.

August: Hannah found this weed in the alley in Milwaukee when I shot my first round of photos for Bona Drag.

September: So much happened this month it's mind melting but seeing Salvation Mountain takes the visual cake hands down.

October: Dressed up as "all seeing" for Halloween.

November: Aaron took me to Chicago to celebrate my 34th birthday followed up by a thrifting adventure on the way home in Racine.

December: We went to Minneapolis to interview some last subjects to include in the book including Phil Vandervaart, who's influence in a way is the reason the entire project is happening, this is his back yard fence.

Here's to 2012, an already very busy & booked year in my calendar. I look forward to taking advantage of every single minute to it's fullest.

End of the Season SALE

2011-12-26T12:37:00.001-08:00

This month flew by like the rest. I'm spending the next 5 days wrapping things up at the Gallery. You may want to take advantage of this sale if your in the neighborhood we have a lot of beautiful things left that need homes.

Temporary Mural Project Editon #6: Amanda Tollefson

2011-12-16T11:25:00.001-08:00

Normally, I post about Sky High business over on the gallery blog, but I'm trying to stay focused on the pop-up shop through the end of the season over there so I decided to post this here.

For those of you who may not be familiar the Temporary Mural Project is an ongoing outside gallery that Aaron and I curate together. We invite Milwaukee based artists to create an 8'x 8' painting in their studio that is then installed on the East facing wall of our building where Sky High is located. Each mural runs for a duration of about 3 months with the idea that instead of a blank brown spot on our building, the rotating murals would brighten the community, promote growth and creativity in our neighborhood and give the artist street side exposure.

As of this afternoon I'm pleased to bring you the newest addition to the Temporary Mural Project- Edition #6: Amanda Tollefson, December 2011 - March 2012

Amanda tells us in her own words about this mural:

"The design was inspired by a "Bird of Paradise" bride's quilt from the 1850's, and I wanted to explore my sign painting style in combination with the aesthetic of quilt making. I have always been inspired by visionary sculpture environments, and I wanted to honor all the great ones that Wisconsin has. Represented on the mural are: Albert Zahn - "Birds Park" in Bailey's Harbor (not there anymore), Nick Engelbert - "Grandview" in Holland, Mary Nohl - cottage yard in Fox Point, Herman Rusch - "Prarie Moon Sculpture Park" in Cochrane, Tom Every - "The Forevertron" in Sauk City, Fred Smith - "Fred Smith Concrete Park" in Phillips, James Tellen, "Woodland Sculpture Park" in Sheboygan, Father Mathias Wernerus - "Holy Ghost Park" in Dickeyville, and Paul and Matilda Wegner - "Wegner Grotto" in Cataract. I chose works by these artist that are iconic and reduced the images to simple shapes. I also included other Wisconsin symbols like the state flower and state tree."

Mural detail

Goodbye beautiful Vanessa Andrew mural

Special thanks to John for taking a break from Bona Drag construction and coming by to help install today.

Book #2 is a GO!

2011-12-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's official. We've been sitting on this news for a bit- but you always have to wait until the paper work is signed to announce exciting news so you don't jinx yourself. Princeton Architectural Press who published my last book Handmade Nation, will be releasing a book I am co-authoring with Sam Macon, my collaborator for the Sign Painter movie.

You can follow our progress on the film on our site and I'm sure I'll have more updates soon. For now I have my nose to the grindstone and am just staying focused.

Leif Goldberg: 2012 Terminal Fuze

2011-12-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

For the past 5 years, maybe 6 even, I have been lucky enough to get my hands on the very limited Leif Goldberg calendars and bring them to Milwaukee.

If your not already familiar with Leif's silk screen work, it is a psychedelic mash-up of his dark humor, social awareness and ability to layer colors like no other. If you'd like to see more of his stuff, we had a show with him and his partner Erin Rosenthal at Paper Boat (my old gallery down the way) in 2008.

For now I'd get in gear and grab a copy of this year's Calendar TERMINAL FUZE. Silk screened edition of only 240 that just arrived today to the gallery. I only ordered 10, which means 9 because I obviously swiped one for our house. Calendars are $22 [tax included] and in my option worth much more. Like anything in the shop, I'll ship for an additional charge, holler.

Leif Goldberg: 2012 Terminal Fuze
Available now at Sky High Gallery
silkscreen edition of 240
16 pages // screened on both sides
Hangs flat: 16" x 5.5"
Ships flat: 8 x 5.5
A $22 color joy ride

Sky High: the pop-up shop is open!

2011-12-04T19:49:00.001-08:00

Friday night was the kick-off party for December's pop-up shop in the gallery space. I'll be spending the entire month as shopkeeper if you want to swing by.

Check out the full post over on the gallery page & thanks if you already have come in to check out what we have in stock. I'm really excited about the way it turned out this year.

Stacey Rozich // Fleet Foxes

2011-11-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

I know I said I wasn't going to post until after this weekend's Art vs. Craft madness, but I wasn't expecting to get the first interview with Seattle based artist Stacey Rozich who's illustrations define the new Fleet Foxes video for "The Shrine / An Argument" released just yesterday. Stacey is both a friend & work college & I am very proud of her. Knowing the challenges of making films I am humbled by what they created. It's really something other-worldly.

Please take a moment to read the very personal full interview with Stacey Rozich on the Sky High Gallery blog.

34 & Much Much More.

2011-11-17T23:33:00.000-08:00

As my life seems to go in waves of really busy to mega busy, currently I am finding myself nearly in over my head. But, I'm an expert at rolling with it, 2 months will pass & I'll look back and think wow, that happened.

Aaron wins the prize this week for planning early birthday celebrations. On Monday, 6 days before my actual day of birth, November 20th we took a 24 hour trip. My birthday falls on the week of Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving means that Art vs. Craft is soon to follow- which = me being slightly nuts & don't get to really relax. We drove down to Chicago & I was really excited when we pulled up to Longman & Eagle, a delicious restaurant owned by some friends that also has a few beautiful rooms you can book upstairs. It was my first time staying there and I highly recommend it.

Our dinner was fantastic. The room was great. Breakfast back downstairs was incredible. We didn't have to leave the building. Thank you Aaron for being such a thoughtful man & making my birthday special.

The thing about Longman & Eagle is that it is perfect down to the smallest details- mix tapes in every room, good ones. My favorites were the Folks & Raps.

After I check off turning 34 off the list on Sunday, eat a lot of food with friends on Thursday, remember to stop and reflect on why I am thankful for my rad life-- next on the list is Art vs. Craft. I can hardly believe it but this is the 8th year we have done the show, and to be clear, not the 8th show, the 8th year. For the first two years I used to coordinate 2 events a year. Then I started working on Handmade Nation and got too busy. So if your near, you should come, 100 vendors selling some of the best handmade goods in the Midwest.

Poster design by the Little Friends of Printmaking

A few days to wrap up that event then Sam & I head out for a quick 2 day shoot for the Sign Painter Movie. Home on Thursday November 30th just in time to see my old friend Solana who will be in town for a day. She is the tour manager for Beriut, so if we get home in time I'll get the extra bonus of going to that show at Turner Ballroom. Solana lives in Porto, Portugal so I don't get to see her often- the last time was actually when I went to visit her there almost 2 years ago.

Then, I have one day of prep and the second annual Sky High Gallery Holiday pop-up opens. You are all invited on December 2 to the open house from 5-10pm. I'm really excited about the inventory I've collected for the pop-up this year, it's pretty lovely.

Cursive typewriter // Sky High Gallery pop-up Menu

I probably won't be posting here for a few weeks, keep up with me on twitter if that's your thing.

Told you, 100% non-stop.

The Poor Farm

2011-11-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia explains poor farms as "country or town-run residences where paupers (mainly elderly and disabled people) were supported at public expense".

The poor farm I went to this past Sunday was in Central Wisconsin, about 2.5 hours from Milwaukee and it used to be just that. There was even a jail cell in the basement and a small cemetery out back where the residents who passed away were buried. But, for the past 3 years the Poor Farm in Little Wolf, WI has housed a contemporary art space run by Michelle Grabner & Brad Killam who are known for their many contributions to the art world such as The Suburban and from what I gather from talking with them and seeing the space myself is that it's only going to gather momentum as a destination point for both art appreciators and artists themselves.

I had heard about the Poor Farm from reading Mary Louise Schumacher's art city column and just had never found the time to make the trip. Like most things that I finally find time for, now that I've been I'll be going back every August for their annual opening party.

Images 4-6: collaborative project with Peter Barrickman, Celeste Verhelst, Perre Kerch, Xav Leplae + friends (Milwaukee)

Upstairs

Inspirational posters by Alex Jovanovich (New York) + Nicole Perez (Chicago)

Images 9-10: The Catalyst by Yvette Brackman (Copenhagen)

Guillaume Leblon (Paris, France)

Lily Cox-Richard (Ann Arbor)

found this dude & was gifted a book from Michelle & Brad

I was in love with the lettering on the barn out back which still reads "Waupaca County Home"

Many thanks to Mary Louise for taking me this past Sunday to be inspired by this space. And also to Brad & Michelle for the tour, cake and greens from their winter garden. It was yet another reminder to take advantage of what is near-by and to always be thankful for those who are establishing conventional and crazy art spaces, those who make up the programing/keep the lights on and of course the creatives who make beautiful and undefinable work to fill them up.

Photo set here.

IT WAS A GRAVEYARD SMASH

2011-10-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Best holiday of the year. Best city to spend it in. Milwaukee you prove yet again that this is home,where I am supposed to be.

Designed by Kim Krans.

Getting ready.

My ALL SEEING costume inspired by Micaela O'Herlihy.

Heather & Sarah, sisters.

Vinnie

J. Toms

Ashley & Ryan

Jonny O.

Gia & Hannah

Kenny & Nick

DANGER: Party Punch

Sam V. wins the tallest costume.

Halloween romance.

Aaron went barefoot the entire party.

Goodnight Halloween.

The morning after.

Thanks to everyone who helped prepare & make this happen.

Thanks to our friends who flew from both coasts to hang.

Thanks to our friends who drove from out of town (Kentucky & Chicago) to party.

Thanks to everyone in Milwaukee for keeping the sexy out & keeping it real weird & spooky.

And the biggest thanks to party hosts Heather & John for having the most raging (dare I say) first annual WHO DIED? Halloween party.

COLLECTION

2011-10-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

More here.

Season of the Witch

2011-10-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

WITCH is an all-woman everything.

It's theater revolution, magic, terror, joy, garlic, flowers, spells.

It's awareness that witches and gypsies were the original guerrillas and resistance fighters against oppression particularly the oppression of women-- down through the ages.

Witches have always been women who dared to be: courageous, aggressive, intelligent, nonconformist, exploitative, curious, independent, sexually liberated and revolutionary. this possibly explains why nine million of them have been burned.

You make your own rules. You are free and beautiful. You can be invisible or evident in how you choose to make your witch-self known

- excerpts from "WITCH!" a self-published zine by Xander Marro [originally reprinted from the W.I.T.C.H. MANIFESTO]

Four years ago in 2007 I curated a group exhibit in Milwaukee at my old spot Paper Boat Gallery titled "The New Witch". I'm pretty sure I re-visit this show every year on my blog but I'm in love with the work from it. The exhibit itself featured a diverse selection of work by an amazing group of women artists from around the country; Xandar Marro, Pippi Zornoza, Micaela O'Herlihy, Kim Kisiolek, Polina Malikin and Katy Horan.

Xander Marro, who's image (top) that was a silk-screened patch was the showcard for the show. Her zine that was a part of the show "WITCH!" has so much great fodder & inspiration. And I'd like to point out the words I pulled above to share resonate importance year round, not just during the fall Halloween season.

I also couldn't be more excited to be sharing with you WITCHSONG. Up until this point it was only heard as a part of "The New Witch" show as a sound installation. Micaela gave me permission to share with you this fucking unreal track.

In order to compose this piece Micaela sorted and sifted through 60 films that all featured witches, pulled the audio and then collaged them together into this fantastic experimental track. Feel free to download & share & please credit when deserved.

WITCHSONG uploaded by faythelevine

If you are interested there is a random selection of photos from "The New Witch" here.

Salvation Mountain

2011-10-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Since my last blog post which was shockingly (to me) just under a month ago I've been moving non-stop. I guess that's pretty usual in my world, but normally I don't go on a two week trip where I am conducting daily interviews, driving across country, trying to not eat gas station snacks in substitute of meals and always desperately trying to find good coffee.

Normally, I am just regular busy, but this special trip was a result of my current labor of love, a documentary I am co-directing with friend and collaborator Sam Macon. It's been in the works for over a year and a half, and the subject is Sign Painters. Yes, all things hand lettered- windows, signs, sandwich boards, trucks, boats, etc. and really more about the people behind them. The film on it's own deserves its own post so I'll stick to my trip to Salvation Mountain for the sake of keeping this short.

In a nutshell we were conducting interviews in a number of cities. Sam had driven from Chicago to Los Angeles, so he picked Travis Auclair (our director of photography) and I up at LAX. We drove directly to Big Bear Lake, then Las Vegas and back to Los Angeles in a week. We then had to get to Austin for our next round of interviews. Travis flew home between shoots, Sam & I had two days to make the drive to meet Travis in Austin at the airport. We almost made it in time.

On day one we didn't make it as far as planned. Due to a late start, lunch in Palm Springs at the Ace Hotel, a date shake at a road side stand, ogling and smelling the Salton Sea from up close and then a slight detour to see the magnificent Salvation Mountain. We got to Tuscon and hit the wall, so we stayed at the trusty Hotel Congress. The next day's brutal 18 hour drive to (almost) Austin was worth it, as you can see why with the photos below. The entire way to Austin from LA is beautiful, so much open space. So much border patrol. So much nothing. I have photos of all this carefully cataloged on my new terrible new obsession of instagram [username: faythelevine].

There was nothing that could of prepared me for when hen we turned the corner driving up towards Salvation Mountain which according to their official website "is located in the lower desert of Southern California in Imperial County just east of the Salton Sea and about a hour and a half from Palm Springs". As a lover of all wild and crazy environmental art- I had seen photos of Salvation Mountain before, but in person it's incredible, vast and amazing. Sort of impossible to describe. Visionary artist Leonard Knight wasn't working when we arrived, but if you have the time there is a number you can call to have him come from "town" and talk about his project. Please note: these photos were taken on my iphone (I KNOW I KNOW) but you should get the gist.

You need to go, full photo set is here.

p.s. If you ever get to drive through Marfa, TX, check and see if this rainbow is still hanging out.

There & Back: North Carolina

2011-09-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

Two years ago in November when the leaves had already fallen in North Carolina I took my first trip to visit my friends who live off the grid, up a treacherous winding dirt road on the top of a mountain. They have spent the past 9 years building homes and carving a community out of a mountain side. I realized it's a lot easier to catch up on two years worth of news & gossip when during the day there is only the distractions of chores and once the sun sets it's hard to stay up much later than post- dinner drinks around a lamp lit out door kitchen.

Romantics aside, it's important to note that what they have built has taken years of hard labor and although certain aspects of what they have done make it easier (solar panels for limited power, running cold water gravity fed into certain houses from a spring) the work will never end. I feel so thankful to be able to spend time in places like this, to remember what quite it like, with friends who over the years have become my family.

Dan's house

Dave's house in progress

Annie's house

Shari's house

Dave & Aaron turning garden beds

Janet harvesting the Calendula

Ramona & Aaron on our swimming trip to the Laurel River

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Kitchen at night

Dave's post dinner absinthe wizardry

--------

After a few day's in the mountains, we ventured over the river & through the woods to visit more friends & their handmade homes....

Jessie's house

I was blown away by the beautiful custom woodwork she did in her kitchen

Main house

Jessie & Romeo

Full photo set here.
Photos from 2009 trip here.

Another Weekend To Check Off The List.

2011-09-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

I've worked with San Francisco based artist Catherine Ryan in some capacity since 2006, or at least that's what we decided when we finally met this past week here in Milwaukee. We sold her work at my old shop Paper Boat and also did a gallery show with her there in 2008. It was long over due for a face to face meet up and having a show at Sky High Gallery proved to be the perfect opportunity.

Catherine Ryan: The Exhilarated

Friday's opening of her solo show The Things They Do was super fun. We teamed up with Cortney's on-line project Printshop Forever to present her next edition with Becky Johnson of Sweetie Pie Press who not surprisingly happens to be an old friend of mine (fun fact: Becky has a cameo in Handmade Nation, one of the only non-American makers to sneak in). Cortney along with Becky and her man Aitor (in town from Toronto heading to Renegade Chicago) set up tents in the back of the shop for Friday's event. Aitor drew some amazing Unflattering Portraits and Becky launched her new project, Awards For Nothing through Printshop Forever.

Catherine's show is stunning and I can't decide which of the 15 pieces I want to keep for life. If your interested in checking them out I suggest you get into the gallery while they are up through October 15th or you can see them all over on the gallery site.

Aaron & I followed up the gallery opening with joining our close friends Chris & Rachel at their beautiful wedding. In an attempt to not be only photographed at events while holding a camera or phone (this seems to be a trend) I only snapped very few photos from the day & let Tia do all the picture taking. It was also the perfect event to wear my new Shakuhachi dress from Bonadrag, it was a hit. I feel very thankful I was able to be there and celebrate their marriage with a group of amazing friends. Made me feel really really happy to be in Milwaukee surrounded by such great people.

This week I'm taking some time off before I dive into a really intense shoot schedule with Sign Painters and we head to North Carolina to visit our mountain tribe . I took about a million photos on my visit there two years ago- 60 acres of land and a community of hand-built homes. I can't wait to see the progress on the buildings that were just started then & to catch up with people I rarely get to see.

Fall 2009

Where Oh Where Do You GO?

2011-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

I just spent the past 3+ hours updating the gallery site & can't bear to sit here any longer. But there is so much to share about events I've seen in Milwaukee, my trip to New York last week where we shot 5 days straight with amazing talented people for the Sign Painter Movie, got stuck in a hurricane that didn't really happen and of course upcoming events here at home in Milwaukee. Right now the most important thing is you should really come to the Catherine Ryan opening next Friday. It's going to be great, I'm such a huge fan of her work & can't wait to see it all in person.

Catherine Ryan, "Instruction" gouache and charcoal on paper

If your interested take a moment to read my post about the opening party for Catherine at Sky High Gallery. She will be in town for the party along with Becky Johnson of Sweetie Pie Press & Reverend Aitor from Toronto. It's gonna be the jam. If your really interested in what's going on at Sky High check out today's posts about the de-installation of Monica Canilao's crazy show and our new Temporary Mural at the shop by Vanessa Andrew.

More soon. Someone email me a time machine, an assistant or perhaps a helper monkey.

P.S. if your not following me on instagram these days that's a good way to keep up with me & my projects as: faythelevine

Bona Drag

2011-08-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

My new neighbor's in Milwaukee couldn't be better. If you are a lady who likes fancy things and don't know about Bona Drag, you are in for a treat. Be prepared to bookmark and drool over many many fantastic pieces. Needless to say I was beyond tickled when Heather asked me to shoot photos for their new arrivals and I was actually in town and available last week.

Of course I ended up getting a few pieces from the site after the shoot including these Lila Rice Crescent Hoops in brass, which are my new fav's. I think I've worn them every single day since they came home with me along with my new Karen Walker sunnies.

Sarah in hair and make-up action.

Here is one of my favorite shots Heather sent me of Adrianne looking stunning in the Mara Hoffman, Hunter Feather Maxi.

Hannah found this amazing alley weed.

Good luck not spending all your vacation money.

The shoot deets: August 2011 for Bona Drag
Photographed by (except the earrings on top): Faythe Levine
Model: Adrianne P.
Styled by: Hannah Bartie
Hair & make up by: Sarah Wojner

2011 Art vs. Craft: Applications LIVE!

2011-07-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget to mention things I do on my own blog. In case you didn't get an email notification (which means your not on the mailing list), see a tweet, facebook post or the messenger pigeon didn't make it to your studio the important message you need to hear is-->

ART VS. CRAFT APPLICATION ARE LIVE!

The deadline for the November 26th show is August 5th. Get on it- it's free to apply. You have nothing to loose. This is not a first come first serve show, it's jurried, so take your time to photograph your work & submit a bangin' application.

www.artvscraftmke.com

Road Trip: Witch of Melvina + Long Arm Farm magic

2011-07-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

My desire to pack up and live rurally is pretty near none. Thankfully, we have a number of friends around the country who have made that choice and we get to greedily indulge in their lifestyle in small stints.

Micaela and her husband Cullen reign over a chunk of land in the Driftless Reigon of Wisconsin called the Long Arm Farm, where they live and farm year round with their three children- Thurman, Oota and Lugh + a slew of animals. I've posted about trips here before but always feel like it's worth revisiting visually as their land takes the shape of their personalities and the kids get bigger. I'm always inspired by what they are creating in their world- the labor and love invested into what they do daily is quite humbling.

Long Arm Farm HQ

Almost to the Long Arm Farm we passed through a speck of a "town" called Melvina. A flash of color and wild paint caught my eye & we turned around. What we found was a spot called "The Twilight Zone" apparently created by the "Witch of Melvina". I'll let these photos do the talking but if this sort of spot is up your alley then you should go there. According to an article posted on one of the buildings the Twilight Zone store is open from 7pm-midnight. Sounds good to me.

Once we make the drive, I always wish we were staying longer-even this weekend when the heat index was pushing 110 degrees. But I'm impressed both Aaron and I carved out a few days to make the trip together so I can't complain one bit.

If you haven't ever been to the Wisconsin Driftless Region it's a real treat. In the summer there are endless rolling green hills, pockets of small towns to explore, lots of Amish clopping by in their carriages and a good number of young back-to-the-land types who have started small family farms that will someday be our country's future in agriculture.

We arrived a bit after noon and Cullen was off helping friends harvest garlic. Micaela was soaked in sweat from yard work and ready to take a break. After a quick dance party lunch feast with Oota & Lugh, we all took a quick drive to a nearby lake to cool down before a unreal dinner. Spoken like a true city girl, when out in the country I'm always reminded how "neighbor" in these parts can mean as far as 45 minutes away. Long Arm friends arrived and the garden was raided for dinner. The evening's menu consisted of whey marinated goat (raised & slaughtered on the land), pig (raised and slaughtered within 30 miles), fresh picked garden greens and a goat cheese (made by micaela) & shelled pea chilled pasta dish. We ate like kings, queens, prince and princesses with sweat pouring off our bodies on the front porch as the sun set.

Oota + bunny

dinner prep

Thurman

evening goat milking

morning heat haze

The temperature barely dipped below 80 that night and the next morning a thick fog hung over the land until the sun burnt through with viciousness around noon. That day I milked a goat for the first time with Micaela's guidance and wrangled babies while she did her morning chores. It was too hot to even think straight so Micaela and I packed up Oota & Lugh in the car with AirCon to visit a few local spots while Aaron stayed back with Cullen to build a grape trellis.

We went into Viroqua to see our our friends Peter (fantastic comic book author) & Erika (run's a lovely shop called Tulip's). It was a quick visit full of hugs and wow your troupe of 3 beautiful daughter's are all more beautiful than before and have gotten so big. Then we tried to visit my favorite spot out in the middle of nowhere Avalanche Looms, which was sadly shut on Monday.
It was back to the farm to scoop up my sweaty man who cooled off before our drive home in the Long Arm creek. Now it's Tuesday and I'm back to my steamy city Summer life in Milwaukee.

The end.

Further photos of our weekend road trip-
Twilight Zone photos here & Long Arm Farm photos here.

Things Hanging From Other Things

2011-07-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday Aaron and I celebrated 2 years of our togetherness. We started our day with a drive to the East Side of Milwaukee and meet a man named Marko.

Marko's space is the corner spot above the BBC. It's stunningly beautiful inside filled with giant plants, good vibes and layers of treasure. It was the perfect anniversary date in a very magical Milwaukee spot.

p.s. Aaron caught the keys when Marko threw them down to us. I think was a good omen for what's to come.

Marko has a blog you can visit that has a lot of information about him & his work. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did a piece on him recently too, although the photo they used doesn't best sum up the calmness & positive vibes Marko exudes in person.

Full photo set here.

Aaron + Kate Murray: Seattle, WA

2011-06-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

I first met Kate in Seattle at the 2010 Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs where I had been invited to give the opening talk. At that time she was the co-owner, with her husband ceramic artist Aaron, to a shop called Nancy. Nancy was located on 2nd Ave next to Schmancy & Fancy. Yes, Schmancy, Fancy then Nancy all shops the size of tiny cute matchboxes and all amazing in their own rights. Although Schmancy and Fancy remain, Aaron and Kate decided to close up Nancy.

On that first trip upon stumbling into Nancy I became enamored with Aaron Murray ceramic objects and brought them back to sell at the Sky High Gallery holiday pop-up last year. Since I happened to be in Seattle this past week visiting family and signed up the Gallery to sell at the East Side Green Market this season it was perfect opportunity to pick out some new items in person. Aaron brought out boxes of work for me to sort through, his style is so unique and it's really difficult to pick which work to bring home. I think I did a good job of picking out a variety for Milwaukee a bunch of one of a kind decorative ceramic beer cans, cups, bowls and owls of all shapes and sizes. It's always such a treat to be invited into a beautiful cozy space where people live and work and Aaron and Kate's was so my kind of spot. Filled to the brim with tiny amazing objects arranged and tucked into every corner. I loved it.

If you happen to be in Milwaukee on a Saturday's from 10-2 this summer [we will be there most Saturday's but check out the Gallery site for a detailed schedule] come check out Aaron's work in person.

I loved seeing all Aaron's dishes piled in the dish-rack & cupboards. And also the integration of Kate's garland's draped beautifully around the house & Aaron's ceramic and woodcarving's leak out into their garden.

Some day I would like to have the majority of my dishes in my kitchen all be from artists I know. Starting slowly....

Additional photos from the visit here.

DADDY'S GIRL

2011-06-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Dad,
I love you. Thanks for always supporting me with all my projects. I am one lucky cookie.

Love,
Faythe Leah

My dad sent me this in 1978, I was 7 months old.

p.s. Mom if you are reading this, you get a belated Mother's Day post- I promise!

Treasure Balls // Print Shop Forever Edition

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Cortney Heimerl (some of you may know as the co-author of Handmade Nation and/or mother of magic baby Abe) asked about 6 months ago if I'd like to be one of the featured artists on her project Print Shop Forever and now the time has come [TODAY] for my edition of 10 Southeast Asia themed Treasure Balls to be for sale.

[from the Print Shop Forever website]

Treasure Balls: Southeast Asia, edition of 10, $35 each

Hand cut & rolled crepe paper, hand picked ephemera from Thailand & Bail, Approx 4" in circumference, 2011

Treasure Balls: South East Asia series are the creation of artist, curator, filmmaker, collector and author Faythe Levine. Generally based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Levine also spends much of her time traveling the world coordinating programs surrounding handmade and creative empowerment. During these travels she compulsively photographs her explorations of markets, fairs and boutiques documenting her travels through her blog “I Was Born in 1977″. Through her exploration, her creative process has continued to evolve now incorporating small, obsolete souvenirs, which have spent lifetimes on shelves overlooked by others. As time has passed, this ephemera has found a place within her work. Inspired by the “Surprise Balls” she saw in 2008 at Kisok in New York, Levine has dubbed her version “Treasure Balls”. These art objects can be left as a mystery or slowly unwrapped to unveil the treasures hidden inside. This series is inspired by her recent travels in Bali and Thailand where there is no shortage of small, beautiful and bizarre objects. Each Treasure Ball contains 15 small treasures.

Photos courtesy of: Cortney Heimerl & Print Shop Forever.

All For Everyone // Confluence Conference

2011-06-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday and I am sitting at the airport in Minneapolis waiting for my flight home after 6 full days here. The trip was fantastic aside from the bi-polar weather that ranged from 102-55 degrees [note to self, pack a coat when traveling this summer]. My trip was scheduled around a lecture I was scheduled to give at the Surface Design Association Confluence Conference.

Annie Larson's studio, Minneapolis MN

On Wednesday morning I had arranged ahead of time to meet with Annie Larson a designer best known for her knitwear. I met up with Annie, her boyfriend- artist and graphic designer Eric Carlson and their friend and collaborator Crystal Quinn who runs a new space called Dressing Room. We hooked up at Modern Times a brand new cafe my friend Dylan Alverson just opened in South Minneapolis (eat here! great locally sourced menu with both meat & vegan options- highly recommend). Like so many of the makers I know Annie, Eric and Crystal have their paws in a number of creative endeavors so it's slightly difficult to pick the online spot to direct you. I feel I should mention Hardland/Heartland another collaborative project that both Eric and Crystal work under along with Aaron Anderson.

After our great breakfast we went over to Annie's live/work space that she shares with Eric. The timing for my visit was great since she had just returned from Miami where she had been working with Jim Drain in his studio so we had a lot to talk about. Annie and I had never met in person and I can't remember when I first saw Annie's work online, but I do know when I saw it I immediately sent her an email to connect and since then we have stayed in touch. Meeting someone I respect creatively in person is always the final selling point if I truly appreciate what they make. Annie was the perfect example of that because her articulate honest thoughts about design, where she want's to see her work and her process made me an even bigger fan than before. My only regret is that we only got to spend a short amount of time together.

Annie's designs are sold under the label "All for Everyone" and each piece is made-to-order in her studio (see above & below) on the Brother knitting machine that sits intimidatingly with it's metal teeth and skinny metal arms threaded with bright color cotton yarn. When I got to touch her work in person, it sealed the deal and I now know I can't live without at least one piece from her collection in my closet. Once you check out her site I think you will know why- the bold pattern designs, color pallet and fantastic ability to photograph & document her pieces makes it difficult to not appreciate what she creates.

Annie Larson & Eric Carlson

Annie Larson: Work in progress

On Thursday I was invited by Monica Moses, the editor of American Craft Magazine to swing by the new office and do a quick on camera interview for their blog. I urge all of you living in the twin cities so take advantage of their craft library that is open to the public (info on their site)- it's an amazing resource.

Friday's 10am lecture to to the 350+ conference attendee's was titled DIY Handmade: Ethos and Aesthetics of Today’s Craft Culture. I got a lot of positive feedback from both young and old conference attendee's. In-between my lecture & film screening I had quite a bit of down time and I was able to make it over to the Unraveled DIY festival. Vendor highlights for me were Re Rae, Suz and Roo, ashley-moe and Earth Grown Crayons. My souvenir for the weekend was a beautiful hand painted silk shirt from designer Rachel Rose that had her work set up at the SDA trunk show. Handmade Nation screened in the evening as a double feature along with Woven Lives a new documentary film by Carolyn Kallenborn. It was really fantastic to be a part of the weekend's programing at the SDA conference- I got to see a lot of familiar industry faces and of course met a bunch of new people- by far the best part of my job.

Additional photos from Annie & Eric's space can be seen here.

Two desserts I didn't need but ate anyhow.

2011-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sign Painters // Creation Museum // Indy 500

Sometimes a string of events happens in my life and I look back and think, what the hell? And, this past weekend was the perfect example of just that.

The original plan was to spend the weekend shooting for the Sign Painter Movie in Cincinnati. The day before we left Sam mentioned that the Indy 500 was that Sunday and he was planning on going. We have a group of friends that go every year- camp the night before, hang out and get wild. Camping in a field with 300,000 race car fans is of no interest to me. But, I was trapped- no flights that timed out from either Cincinnati or Indianapolis. So what's a girl to do? I rolled with it.

Thursday we left on schedule. Cincinnati is a quick, especially when Sam is driving, 6 hour drive from Chicago. As we approached the city we passed this billboard with a giant dinosaur. Obviously it was for the nonsensical Creation Museum ("Brings the pages of the Bible to life...Children play and dinosaurs roam near Eden’s Rivers"). Sam and I being lovers of all things ridiculous we knew we had to fit it in. And that is how a simple work weekend gets derailed.

Friday was awesome. We did our long awaited interview with Tod Swormstedt, the director of the American Sign Museum who I had met last December when screening Handmade Nation at the Contemporary Art Center. We had also been in contact with Justin Green and had our fingers crossed an interview would pan out on Saturday before we left (it did). Justin is a sign painter and well known comic artist. His voice is such an amazing addition to our film and it was awesome to get to meet him. If you want to read more about that segment of the trip I wrote about it on the Sign Painter Movie blog here.

Justin Green, downtown Cincinnati

After the most amazing, motivating interview with Justin and before driving to Indianapolis, we headed 30 minutes out of the way to the wack-job Creation Museum. I sorta knew what to expect- I had seen photos & a post on Vice a while back. Unless you happen to be in Kentucky (right across the border from downtown Cincinnati) and want to spend $20 seeing it yourself, I personally felt I had to, or are a devout Christian that relates, I'd say that Vice article is probably enough.

Garden of Eden Penguin

Noah's Ark diorama

Two hours later we met up with our crew of about 15 in a parking lot and drove into the field where hundreds of thousands of drunk people were "camping". The Indy 500 is filed in the nonsensical category with the Creation Museum in my mind. 24 hours of seeing how the other half lives was more than enough and I can now check that off my "done" and "never again" list.

The highlight of the Indy 500 for me was Liz eating her birthday burger cake, post race, right before we got in the car and drove home.

Last weekend's moral of the story was that the Creation Museum & Indy 500 were two desserts I didn't need but ate anyhow. The end.

I was saved in Detroit

2011-05-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

Detroit gave me hope. It made me excited, inspired and ready to get shit done.

We left Milwaukee Thursday in Makeal's car and headed East to work on Monica & Harrison's house called the Treasure Nest- a spot which started off as a Power House Project (you should read about). So much happened in the 4 days we were there I'm not sure how to sum it up in words or images- especially since I am trying to get these up before I leave for Cincinnati to shoot with Sam for the Sign Painter Documentary tomorrow morning and have to be at work in 1 hour to serve drinks. The bottom line is go explore Detroit-- this is a first of many trips there for me, I can feel it in my blood.

This is Dmytro, who introduced himself as Jimmy sitting next to Makeal. He started Detroit Disneyland in 1997. I'm in love with the placement of where he paints people eye's on their faces- smack dab in the middle of the cheek area. Watch a video of him here. Visit him, he is lonely.

Here I am standing outside the polka-dot house wearing one of the amazing hats we found in an abandon house near the Treasure Nest. This is the Heidelberg Project- a city block dedicated to art houses.

Part of why we came to Detroit was to go to the "End of the World" party at our friends place called The Russell. The Metro Times, the local paper wrote an Article about the party, they even changed the cover of the paper for the first time ever for the article.

Last minute party prepping.

This is "The Regurgitator" a jet-powered G-force generator that spins you in circles really really fast. This is Ryan test-riding it for his birthday the night before the party. If I was you I'd watch this video of it in action- but make sure you watch the end.

This marching band was the highlight of the party for me. Watch & listen to them here.

Harrison checking out Swoon's paste-up's, exterior of this is house shown above. You have to be careful when walking into this room because the floor is gone- just a heads up if you are ever there.

This is Courtney & Kujo in front of Richard Colman's wall mural inside the houses he worked on with RETNA who painted the exterior shown above. Courtney is also wearing one of the fantastic hat's from the empty house I mentioned before filled with treasures.

This is Silvio, he referred to his yard (below) as a "botanical explosion". He is a magical man & his place is like an expansive secret garden. I feel incredibly lucky we got to spend 2 hours with him telling us about each of his sculptures.

Last but not least is the Treasure Nest located in the awesome Hamtramack neighborhood. A friend described our stay there as "urban camping" which summed up the no plumbing & pirated electricity. The first night our room didn't even have a window & Aaron built a lean-t0 shower in the backyard to rinse off.

Upstairs

fence building

Mitch in the neighborhood hoodcat

Conrad

Installing the fence segment I made

A fire burned yard waste almost the entire time.

Harri & Moni on the porch sorting found treasure.

DAMMIT!! Look how cute my guy is- this was the coldest & best shower I've ever had.

If you want to see more Detroit photos go here.

Ryan A Ortin 9/15/1983 - 5/21/2011

2011-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

The thing about dating a guy who owns a skateboard shop is his boys become your extended family. This past weekend we lost a man who was dear to many and will be terribly missed. When I think of Ryan I can hear his voice reminding me to give him a lime with his can of Pabst and endlessly bugging me to play Big L or Wu-Tang.

If you would like to pay your respects to Ryan's twin brother Travis and their family the wake and service is this Thursday. Sky High will also be printing a memorial shirt that will assist the Ortin family with covering the funeral expenses. You can call the shop for details.

June 2010 Summer Skate Jam: Dustin, Ryan, Paul

Always remember to tell those you love and care for how important they are, each other is all we got.

On the wall // In the magazine

2011-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

When I first worked with Monica Canilao back in 2007 at my old spot Paper Boat I knew I needed to keep something from the show. Unlike a lot of work I've come in contact with, Monica's work seemed necessary to have, it almost wasn't an option to not keep a piece of her work after the show came down.

Monica Canilao & Mike Brodie (aka the Polaroid Kidd)
Paper Boat Gallery installation, 2007

The need to "have" was partially due to the illusion of her pieces being temporary. A balance between the installation itself, her process and choice of materials. It seemed as if anything could change or be worked into something else if not scooped up at that particular moment time. I had become so attached to seeing the work every day and needed a souvenir of that time period. For me that is often what buying art is- remembering working with someone, installing, the opening, the connection with the artist. Now that I am writing about it, I can hardly believe that show was 5 years ago.

In October 2008 I caught wind that Monica was featured in Juxtapoz. I picked up the magazine as I try to do when friends and artists I have worked with are featured. It's happened more than once that pieces of artwork I have accumulated and collected have made it into print, which is purely satisfying from a cataloging/archiving perspective.

The piece from 2007 I ended up getting sat in my flat files tucked safely away for almost 5 years. It wasn't until this past Fall I set aside the money to get it framed properly. Today when I was uploading the images available for sale from Monica's installation at Sky High, I pulled out the Juxtapoz magazine article which I haven't looked at in years. I though having it on hand for visitors at the exhibit would be informative, it's a great interview and gives in-site to Monica's process. It was the first time I had the magazine out next to the framed piece I had bought hanging on my wall.

This post is just a look back for me personally at the string of events that have laced together a relationship based on appreciation, admiration and mutual love for beauty found in obsolete places and things. As a collector, I believe it's important to keep documentation of where things come from. The story. The source. If I own your work I most likely have a file folder with your name on it with clipping and cards. When I die hopefully this will help piece together the history of makers I believe in just as Monica's work piece together made up stories of past lives.

When I go visit Monica in Detroit next week to check out their art house I'm going to ask her if she remembers where she gathered the elements to this piece- maybe there is a full back story to some small element of the work that I should know about.I will of course let you know if that's the case.

You Will Heal Tomorrow

2011-05-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Edition #4 of our Temporary Mural Project at Sky High went up in the midst of last weeks installation madness for Monica Canilao's exhibit. We were of course sad to see Colin Matthes's mural come down but getting a new piece installed is like unwrapping a fancy present.

Translated from a Spanish nursery rhyme "If You Do Not Heal Today You Will Heal Tomorrow" is a collaboration between Makeal Flammini & Ella Dwyer (two of the three ladies who coordinate Milwaukee's Parachute Project) .

Ella & Makeal

I'm personally fond of the gold leaf that may catch your eye as you go past. Installed through July 2011 swing by see Monica's show in the gallery & snap a photo of yourself in front of the mural. Read more about past temporary murals in a recent blog post here.

What's Lost Is Safe

2011-05-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

The past seven days were non-stop. But this now lives in our gallery for the next 3 months because of it. Thank you to every one who donated, built and came to celebrate.

Photos of Monica Canilao's installation "What's Lost Is Safe" are now posted on the Sky High Gallery blog.

What's Lost Is Safe: process

2011-05-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

I'm on hour 12 at the gallery today. As Monica, Harrison, Sean and Aaron cut, saw, draw and assemble in back I am up front in the skate shop taking care of uploading the documentation of what has happened so far. Read and see more about the unfolding of "What's Lost Is Safe" on the Sky High Gallery blog and I'll post more of this amazing project as it progresses later this week.

Earlier today's outside cloth dying, draped and drying in the sun.

Cave Singers: making the Black Leaf video

2011-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

I did the art direction for the Cave Singers Black Leaf video that premiered today on Pitchfork. This past March along with a great crew I spent a few days building a monster, making a boy's bedroom and getting in the kid zone for a few really cold shoot days near Milwaukee. The video was directed by my friend and collaborator Sam Macon who I am currently co-directing the Sign Painter documentary with. I work with Sam frequently on all sorts of projects, but this is my favorite music video I've done the art direction on for him so far. It doesn't hurt that the Cave Singers are like family & I love their music.

Seeing a project like this come together feels really great when you start from scratch with story boards and a list of supplies. It takes a lot of amazing dedicated people to make even a short music video happen- this project had over 30 people on the crew all working their magic. The actual shoot days were over a Saturday & Sunday but the pre & post production both had additional days of work. Here are photos & a video I shot on my iphone (excuse the quality) and please make sure you watch the final version here.

The 16' monster had to be hauled by pieces & installed in the woods

Vinnie is to be thanked for the monster hand armature

Micaela doing paper-mache by wood burning stove

I made this little boy's room from scratch

Filming the kids riding their bikes

Getting Thurman in the harness to "sneak out" the window

Trying out the monster jaw action for the first time!!

How do you thank a city?

2011-04-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

The end of April is nearing & I have gone back and fourth with ways to celebrate and document my 10 year anniversary of living in Milwaukee.

2005 Downtown Milwaukee near the post office. This wall is now sandblasted clean.

I spent an entire day last week sorting and collecting photos that summarized my time here so far. Given that I have always taken a lot of photos- there are boxes of semi-organized prints from before I started shooting digital around 2005'ish. In my personal flickr account alone there is over 10,000 images- plus I have two additional flickr accounts (Handmade Nation & Paper Boat) that both have Milwaukee photos. This doesn't even begin to include the 1,000 of cellphone images I've captured since social media has taken over my life. So I made piles and attempted to make a Milwaukee set on flickr, but it was all pretty random and in the end, too much to try and keep simple.

I've come to realize over the past few years I have a lot of documentation (if you had an art show, birthday party or event that I was at, I most likely have photos from it in my archive) of things that have happened around me. From sifting through a lot of that, memories were triggered. A flood of emotions, inspiration and a sense of overwhelming love for the amount of people, events, places and happenings that Milwaukee has brought into my life followed. These photos string together a story of how one thing leads to another. That is always fascinating to me, how an insignificant conversation can become a life changing event much later on. And that is how I came to Milwaukee. A question I get daily still when people find out I'm from Seattle and have decided to live here with no plans on leaving.

2006 Flying kites with Evan Ross Murphy on the roof of the Fortress where I lived for years.

Based on that insignificance string of occurrences that can lead to life changing events- the story that brought me here begins over 20 years ago. It is centered around music, community and art- the foundation for everything I still do today. My early influences created the roots for my entire life, a good reminder for all of us to help create opportunities for others to realize their potential. I'll stay focused on the Milwaukee track because this is another train of thought entirely, but it's necessary to give a shout out to the all-ages venue that I grew up with called The Redmond Fire House that made a huge impact on who I am today. That space is an amazing example of a teen center that has been around long enough to see the long term effects of what a space like that can do for a creative community.

Back to Milwaukee.

2006 The floor at the now defunct performance space Darling Hall.

It was the summer of 1995 in Chicago. I was 17, had just graduated high school and was on tour with my friends band Patterns Make Sunrise from Seattle. The show that night was at the Fireside Bowl and we ended up staying at a kid named Fletcher's house. Since I was 14 I had become a compulsive letter writer and fantastic correspondent, so after our Chicago visit I kept in touch with him. Fletcher and I saw each other a few times over the next few years when he ended up in Seattle. I moved to Minneapolis in 1997 and at some point during that time Fletcher ended up moving to Milwaukee.

[I think this is an important part of the story to interject that Fletcher was one of many friends I had during this time who I met while traveling that I still know now. The penpal's of my youth are a large part of my community of today. The punk rock community I identified with as a teen was a tight-knit and well organized community based around independent music, zines and self-empowering culture.]

I came to visit Fletcher in 2000. It was one of those magical weekends where there was a lot of amazing things happening including this crazy art party. Someone had gotten permission (or I'm assuming had permission since no police ever came) to take over an empty office building in downtown Milwaukee. The entire building was filled with site-specific installations by local artists in every room. The night ended, for me, with a band that I now know as the legendary Thousandaires, watching my future dancing around like mad. I feel in love with the city's energy and moved here shortly after that trip.

2008 My in progress installation for the Mary Nohl Fellowship exhibit at INOVA, the University of Milwaukee gallery.

2007 Call Me Lightning record release at Todd Wehr Auditorium. CML Frontman Nathan Lilley was my long term boyfriend, collaborator, inspiration and support for many projects I did here. There's no way to talk about my time in this city without giving him props and due thanks.

On April 1, 2001 I moved to Milwaukee after 4+ years in Minneapolis synchronously and/or cosmically right into the hub of Riverwest. A neighborhood where creative projects were unfolding at the time with music, performance, art and film- often all mashed together. My Milwaukee love story expands out from there over the next 10 years, with a short 4 month stint of living in New Orleans to work for a Mardi Gras season in 2002-03. When I was digging through my photos it was all laid out- some things more beautifully than others. Some too painful to revisit and some too embarrassing to show.

Additional important Milwaukee milestones are:

2002-2003 Flying Fish Gallery was my first attempt at a gallery, only open Saturdays. I started it with my boyfriend at the time Brent Goodsell in the front of his house on 800 E Clarke from what would now be catty-corner to the Riverwest Co-op.

2007 Wooden Robot playing at David Stein's Paper Boat Gallery opening. I was one of 3 original members who played in Wooden Robot for the bands entire 5 year run (2002-2007). We were an instrumental band that had many member over the years. I played the musical saw and you may actually know our music which is the soundtrack of my documentary Handmade Nation.

2004 flyer for the first Art vs. Craft. After participating as a vendor at Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago I started Art vs. Craft in Milwaukee. I wanted my city to have a similar event where they could buy work directly from the maker. This show supports emerging and innovative makers in all mediums and is still held the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year.

2006 Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery (second location). In 2005 I opened Paper Boat with my business partner Kim Kisiolek. For 4 years we sold the work of hundred's of independent makers from around the world. We also hosted gallery exhibits every single month. Eventually the economy in combination with my touring for Handmade Nation forced us to close on a good note in 2009. What we did there is cataloged here.

2010 Sofia Arnold paints Sky High Gallery. Just this past June my sweetheart Aaron Polansky who owns Sky High Skateboard Shop just blocks away from the old Paper Boat cleaned out the stockroom and Sky High Gallery was born. Sofi's site-specific mural was up for 3 months as a part of our holiday pop-up shop.

Milwaukee, thank you for making me want to stay here. I may be gone a lot, but this is home and where I will always come back to.

2010 Mike Goelzer took this photo of Aaron & I on our stoop. My Milwaukee future will unfold in this building.

MILWAUKEE LOVE [10 YEARS // 3652 DAYS]

WANTED // SEEKING

2011-04-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am really excited and looking forward to this upcoming Sunday when my friend and visiting artist Monica Canilao arrives. She is coming to spend the week installing at our gallery for her show “What's Lost Is Safe” that opens on May 6th. If you are not familiar with Monica's work, I hope that through my documentation of her install on the blog and/or a visit to the gallery between May 6th and July 31st that you soon will be.

I do need some help.

Monica primarily works with old found objects and I have a list of items she has asked me to help her source. If you have any materials (listed below) that you like to donate to Monica's install they can be dropped off this week at Sky High (hours below). Donated items will not be returned and most likely cut/sewn/glued/reconstructed. This is the perfect opportunity to let go of precious items that you have been meaning to do something with but haven't found the time or inspiration. If you have items that you are not sure about bringing in but looks like something she may work with please shoot me an email first and I'll let you know. You can also use her website for visual reference. Don't hesitate to ask me questions and thank you so much for your support with this project.

WANTED::
Lace
Doily's
Old quilts or quilting pieces/squares/fabric
Paint- acrylic based or spray cans
Bones
Interesting metal pieces/bits
Ribbon
Chair and table rungs and legs
Old nice paint chippy looking wood
Plywood
Old antique looking pretty crap
Old windows or cool looking drawers
Hardware
String or yarn
Things that involve: alters, junk treasures, cave, mystical spirit animals
Stalactites- (we want to make some or look for things that could look like them)
Things that there are an abundance of/in multiples

Ideally all donated items will be dropped off by this Saturday. If you have stuff you would like to donate but can't get to us. I may be able to arrange a pick-up.

Drop off hours:
Monday-Friday 12-7
Tuesday SHUT
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 12-5

Sky High: 2501 S. Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
in Bay View south of downtown

peach pie // spring change

2011-04-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

I made my first peach pie today. It's not that awesome, I mean it looks good, but something is definitely off with the filling. Baking has never been my forte but boys will eat anything- so I'm going to bring it over to a BBQ at the shop this evening to get it out of the house. Everyone everywhere is ready for the season shift and I'm right there too. It's hard to be patient when bulbs are bursting out of the cold earth and your summer dresses are staring at you longingly.

Temporary Mural Project // Sky High Gallery

2011-04-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Last June Aaron and I decided that the 8'x8' space on the front of our building (which houses both Sky High Skateboard Shop & Sky High Gallery) should be used to promote local artists and we launched the Temporary Mural Project. The featured artists, currently all from the Milwaukee area, are invited to paint the mural in their studio. The mural is then installed on our building for a 3 month duration. These temporary murals brighten the community, promote growth and creativity in our neighborhood all while giving the artist street side exposure. We also print postcards of each mural that are available for free while supplies last in the shop (currently we still have copies of all 3 cards left, available in the gallery).

This past week we got to see the work in progress of the 4th edition to our project, a collaboration between Makeal Flammini & Ella Dwyer. Their work centered around words from a Mexican poem "if you do not heal today, you will heal tomorrow" will be installed for our next gallery opening with Monica Canilao on May 6th.

In case you aren't in our area here are some images from the past 3 Temporary Mural Project installations:

Alyssa Schulte, detail- Edition #1

Kimberly Weiss- Edition #2

De-install/Install between Kimberly Weiss & Colin Matthes

Colin Matthes- Edition #3

My long term goal is to have a large off-site exhibit with all 8 murals from the first 2 years. Links to the mural artists & details are on the Sky High Gallery website. We hope to see you Friday May 6th between 6-10pm for the opening reception of Oakland based artist Monica Canilao's "What's Lost Is Safe".

Babette // Small Space

2011-04-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

I had two interns this school year both from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). In the fall I worked with Sara Caron & this winter/spring Amelia Torporsh. Both amazing ladies had their work in the MIAD Senior Thesis Exhibit that opened last week. I had a chance to swing by during the preview and was super proud of both of their installations.

Amelia Torporsh launched her new line Babette:

Sara Caron installed her collaborative project Small Space including a cataloged library of her collection of collected local art publications:

Our time was limited at the preview so we didn't get to check out much more than what was on the 4th floor. There was a small number of students showing work I thought was exceptional and a to be expected amount of mediocre work as well. We did get our photo taken in Carly Huibregtse's Arnolfini Photo Booth which you can view here- since I love a project that involves photographing and documenting communities in obscure ways, I was a fan.

Some call it paradise // Boss Man & Miss Tattoo

2011-04-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Vacay nicknames. Every day on our walk into central Ubud the drivers would ask Aaron (aka Boss Man) and myself (ala Miss Tattoo) if we needed transport. If you are looking for a good trip, I vouch for 2 weeks in Bali, should do the trick. It may be expensive to fly there but once your feet are on the ground your as good as gold.

Sari Organik

Not to be missed, Ribs at Nuris

Wild walkways & sidewalks that end

Driving to Amed from Ubud

In Amed the fishing boats come in by 8am

Our bungalow at Good Karma in Amed

The hot/cold baths at Hotel Tjampuhan (not pictured: pool & steam room)
well worth the $8 for 1/2 day of use

This guy was the size of Aaron's hand

The end.
Back to work.
Full photo set here.

P.S. I was in Bali 6 months ago with my dad and took a ton more photos if you want to explore more in the village of Ubud where I stayed both times as well a a quick trip to the island of Java there are photos here, here and here.

Happy Birthday Dinner

2011-03-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I are at O'Hare waiting to board our 22 hour flight to Bali. Just yesterday we took Amtrak from Milwaukee to Chicago to meet up with one of my oldest friends Nick. He was in from New York for his Birthday dinner that we were lucky enough to join in on. I can't quite sum up the experience of the meal at Alinea. We have a food hangover to say the least.

Happiest of Birthdays Nick dear.

My tie face men

The grand finale.

Bali bound.....

Thurman Fionn: 12 years today

2011-03-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

I met Thurman Fionn O'Herlihy when I moved to Milwaukee in 2001, he was 2 years old. Thurman is the first son of Micaela O'Herlihy. Nephew to Eilis O'Herlihy. Grandson to Danny O'Herlihy. He has the bloodline running through him of a vast family of thinkers, artists, makers and performers.

Portrait of Thurman by Micaela. I'm guessing this was painted between 2006-2008. It hangs in California with Thurman's grandmother Patricia.

Today Thurman turns 12. Here are some photos of him over the years to celebrate his life. I don't know what I would do without their family in my life- the lack of inspiration would be crippling.

Thurman's 3rd Birthday party

Thurman's 3rd Birthday party

Micaela strapped everything to the roof of the car & then went west for a bit.

Micaela's Christmas present one year. I only have this saved since is was her artist photo from her bio in 2004-05, from an art show she did with me at Flying Fish Gallery.

Thurman's Birthday party in Milwaukee at Nicholas & Laura's house. I have not a clue what year this is from.

Thurman's solo exhibit at the Green Gallery, July 2008

October 2009 at the Long Arm Farm

In March 2010 we met up with the O'Herlihy clan in California

Summer 2010 at his Aunt Eilis's wedding in Montana

Hey Thurman, I love you and know amazing things are in your future. I can't wait.

xo Faythe

Wat Phut Udomphom: fortune tellers, hell beasts & enlightenment

2011-02-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

I saved this post for last. Out of all the wild amazing crazy beautiful stuff I saw, Wat Phut Udomphom (วัดพืชอุดม) really carried the torch, partially because of the vastness of the area it covers. This is another epic spot recommended by my hosts Sandy & Logan (Logan's company Free Size sponsored my programing in Bangkok). I feel like should mention I didn't know Sandy and Logan before this trip, they just happened to have great taste is weird spots, which was a super bonus for me. And, as it so often turns out, we discovered we have many friends in common (they used to live in Chicago). My world continually gets smaller on a daily basis.

Moral mural

Wat Phut Udomphom is built like what I imagine the definition of a compound is. There is a traditional temple near the back, a smattering of buildings here and there, a crematorium which is standard at a lot of Buddhist Temples. Where it starts to get a little strange is with the outdoor sculptures of gods riding beasts, demons busting out of the ground and animals tearing apart bloody disemboweled people. THEN you hit the REALLY weird stuff when you move indoors to the monks rendition of Heaven & Hell. When I say rendition I mean the monks there have constructed, painted and assembled this entire space. There is work in progress around the area and you can see monks painting devil faces as you walk by.

Maybe you saw my other post on Wat Rong Kuhn a Heaven & Hell themed temple in Chiang Rai designed by a contemporary Thai artist? If you did, as you will see Wat Phut Udomphom is an entirely different Heaven & Hell. Think 7 levels of Heaven where you climb from floor to floor on dangerously narrow and steep steps witnessing different blue sparkly dioramas depicting the joys of making it to this enlighten place. Then imagine walking back outside around the building into Hells jaws (literelay) housed in a sub-level football field size room. The easiest way is to describe it as a theme park, but that's not quite accurate, it's stranger, your at a temple. In Hell you walk through a maze of fenced off dioramas, many include a 5 bhat (.15 cents) machine that trigger's a Chucky Cheese style automotoronic event of what will happen if you end up there. All built by the monks.

Wat (which translates to temple) Phut Udomphom was a half day commitment. It could of easitly been a full day trip and I had Logan with me who luckly was able to take off work. I don't think I could of gotten there without his help (let's just say, I wouldn't of), he speaks Thai, had been there AND had a two different maps- all helpful in Thailand. Him and Sandy had only been there with family driving them, so they looked into bus options (very confusing) and we decided on getting a taxi for a flat rate to go. The temple is located about a 30-40 minute drive outside of central Bangkok. There is a lot more about this place that is amazing including all the machines you can get your lucky numbers from, karp the size of puppies to feed in the nasty river that flows by and I discovered a number of amazing moralistic murals painted inside a giant crab sculpture. Don't ask, I don't know... I'll let the photos tell you the rest.

Entrance to Heaven

Entering Hell

This is my last Thailand post. I have so much more to share about my trip, but I need to move forward since so much is happening now that I'm home. If your really interested there are about a million photos on my flicker you can go through and if you have specific questions always feel free to shoot me an email (right at the top there on the right).

My lucky numbers & fortune....

If you can read Thai or want to look at the website Logan found for the spot check it out here.

Full photo set of Wat Phut Udomphom here.

Thailand Island Time: part two

2011-02-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may not follow my blog often or know me well, I have been known to go extreme distances to see what I suppose is most easily called "outsider art". I don't really think about what I call it, to me it's more about the nature of people to cross a line of creating something wild. This spot takes the cake.

I made it out to Koh Kood. The next objective on the list was to wake up the next morning, take a speed boat that was arranged to pick me up at the guest house dock at 10am and make it to neighboring island Koh Mak. Sandy & Logan told me about a sculpture garden (dare I say sexy sculpture garden?) made by a self taught artist that had motivated this entire island adventure. It was a little complicated to get there, Sandy had helped me along with the guest house to arrange for the boat and then driver to pick me up when I got off the boat to take me there.

I hadn't thought through the experience of the visit entirely. Meaning, arriving solo and wanting to go see a sexy sculpture garden as a single-female-white-tourist could have the potential to be a little weird. And , it honestly it was a pretty awkward exchange with my driver who was so sweet. He definitely wasn't into the spot- or perhaps being there with me taking 1000 photos of naked ladies wasn't his ideal Saturday. I could think of a worse work day.

All the weirdness, if I didn't just imagine it, was worth it. If you find yourself on Koh Mak, you should go here. The island is tiny and even though it's not on maps, everyone knows where it is. Maybe you will be lucky and Somchai will be home. This is his yard where he eats at his lady table. His bathroom (see below) where he is surrounded by women holding his toothbrush, soap and towel.The lady-shower that shoots water out of her nipples. Oh and we can't forget the important woman holding the satellite dish. Pretty epic spot in the middle of the ocean on an island.

Sign at the entrance reads (in both English & Thai):

The kingdom of Somchai's affection: artist and art to immortal sculpture

With extraordinary ambition and affectionate inspiration, the nude woman sculptures of Somchai- the Mon artist around his domicile reflect his perception about affection in art and individual freedom. Using his own financial resources, these continuous artistic works were created from his own inspiration and profound imagination, without artistic pattern from any renowned school. A number of sculptures in Somchai's kingdom of affection are still there for visitors who come to view them. The artist stated this desire was that "my art still remains though I die".

Pathway into the yard. You can't tell but this is shaped like a dome, difficult to walk on but is apparently made this way to make you focus on your steps forward. I was told it was a meditation path.

which then turned into turtle shaped stepping stones.

this is in fact a picnic style table with 2 benches with a table that happen to be pouring you a drink.

"my art still remains though I die" -Somchai

Read, Thailand Island Time: part one here

Full Island Time photo set with additional shots here.

Thailand Island Time: part one

2011-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

When I was planning my trip to Thailand I wanted to see as much as possible. I couldn't just stay in Bangkok the entire time, so I went up north to Chiang Mai since it is known as the craft hub of Thailand. I knew I couldn't just see up north and miss out on what some call "the worlds best beaches". I planned a trip to an island.

Koh Kood

The problem was, how does one who knows nothing about Thailand pick out an island when there are so many to visit? For me it was as much about the place to stay as the island itself since I was traveling solo and wanted to feel safe. I just ended up asking everyone I knew who had been there what they did and decided on taking the advice from my hosts Logan & Sandy about a small spot called Bann Makok on *Koh Kood.

*Also spelled Koh Kut, and I think there was another way too. Everything has more than one English spelling in Thailand, it' proves to be very confusing when looking on a map.

Getting to Koh Kood was a bit more of an investment then I had realized I had signed up for. I took a 4 hour min-van trip from Victory Monument in Bangkok at 6am (arranged the day before with the help of Logan & Sandy who knew the small folding table to approach on the street to reserve my spot) to the town of Trat. Trat is where you catch the speed boats to the southern islands including Koh Kood and the much smaller Koh Mak (from where, if clear out, you can see Cambodia). In Trat I waited at a designated spot for a "taxi" (which was more like an open-air truck with benches) that took me another 30 minutes away to the dock.

Have you ever been on a speed boat? I had not. This one was rather large (I rode smaller ones when going between the islands). It sat about 20 people and ran 3 motors at once. It was the loudest 45 minute, open ocean trip I had ever been on. When the engine seized at one point, I pictured myself bobbing around hoping I wouldn't die there. The boat makes a number of stops at different resorts and islands dropping people off on the way. I was dropped off on a dock and met by people wearing shirts from the guest house who took me and my one small bag in a smaller boat up a canal to my guest house on the water. It was worth the trip.

I was only on the island for two nights and the next day I had arranged to take a day trip to Koh Mak to go find the sculpture garden of self taught artist Somchai. I'm saving that wild story for the next entry. If you go to the islands if you can swing it, I recommend you stay for a minimum of 4 nights. With that said I am glad I made the trip even with such a short amount of time but it would be nice to unwind a bit- apparently not what I'm best at....

A map of Trat where I was dropped off to wait for my boat. I definitely walked down to where it said "guy" out of curiosity, it was a restaurant.

Speed boat dock

Boat ride to my guest house Bann Makok

my rooms outdoor shower

sun rise view from bed

this guy joined me for lunch

You have to kayak down the canal to get to the beach

After an 8 hour trip to get somewhere, kayaking alone up a canal on an island towards your guest house as the sun is setting feels like you are really on top of the world.

Chiang Mai: Monks, Markets & Homng fabrics

2011-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

I spent 3 nights & 4 days in Chiang Mai and really just walked and walked and ate oh and bought some stuff....

The highlight of Chiang Mai for me was a really great night market which I loved- it doesn't even start until 8pm, totally on my schedule. Night shopping = not too hot & not too tired. I did take my one epic day trip out of town to Wat Rong Kuhn, the Buddhist temple being built by contemporary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Aside from the night market my other finds in Chiang Mai were Pats Klangviang the guest house I stayed at for about $45 a night. Totally beautiful, clean and cozy and included a great breakfast and the owner, Pat, is really helpful and sweet. I stumbled upon the Hmong market when wandering one day and since I was solo I spent hours sorting thought piles of fabrics picking out my favorite pieces to bring home. And as you may know or learn if you read about Chiang Mai, it is known for it's temples that are almost on every single block. Your eyes are bombarded with constant ornate buildings and orange robed monks are everywhere. It's a beautiful city, and a nice calm break from the insanity of Bangkok. I booked my flight on Bangkok Airways a head of time and it was about $150 RT, so the entire 4 day trip was fairly cheep too.

guest house breakfast

soap carver

You could buy hard boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs! It was really early and I didn't, but should of.

The most amazing banana, egg & chocolate rotee.

Making Poms!

Full Chiang Mai photo set here.

Wat Rong Kuhn: Heaven, Hell & Hollywood.

2011-02-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm skipping ahead, these photos are from today & I haven't yet uploaded my photos from earlier this week in Chiang Mai. But today's adventure trumps everything so far. I went to Wat Rong Kuhn, a must see for anyone interested in visionary art environments, strange shit & outright over the top places. Logan mentioned I should check this place out, which sometimes in a place where you don't speak the language can be easier said than done. I couldn't figure out a way to get there and ended up having to sign up for a full day package tour that a visit to the temple was included in.

From our friend Wikipedia I learned that the construction of Wat Rong Kuhn started in 1997. Designed by contemporary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat his non-traditional Buddhist temple represents heaven & hell- with amazing flare. Hollywood references are all over, such as images of the Predator, Spiderman, Batman, Keanu Reeves from the Matrix- my personal favorite is the twin towers exploding with human headed serpants coming out of the smoke. I snuck photos of the inside of the temple out of excitement of getting to show people the INSANE mural right away (I bought postcards too- so I'm not a total jerk), but your not supposed to.

The first stop on my tour, Chiang Rai hot springs. I got to soak my feet in hot stinky sulfur water which was actually awesome. The temple, Wat Rong Kuhn, was the second stop. It was so much cooler than I had hoped for, that never happens....the tour deteriorated after that, including sad border villages in Lao, a visit to a "hill tribe", bad food, all the things you expect. BUT my mission was accomplished and since I had nothing else planned for the day it was 100% worth it. In hind-site, I should of paid a driver for the day so I wouldn't have to be subjected to crappy tourist traps but, alas, the hostess at the hotel talked me out of that idea. SO if you find yourself staying in Chiang Mai and riding elephants, seeing tigers in cages and extreme "adventure" day trips aren't your thing- go to this spot. Renting a taxi would be the same cost
(around 1000 bhat) as going on some dumb day trip- save yourself the painfulness I endured to get these photos.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do & I also just found myself wondering if Keanu Reeves has even been here. To be immortalized inside a temple is pretty serious business.

Full photo set of Wat Rong Kuhn here + additional Chiang Mai photos (including the amazing Hmong wholesale fabric market I stumbled into) will be up as soon as possible. Tomorrow I fly back to Bangkok for 2 days before having some island time. Over & out from Thailand.

Bangkok: day 4 highlights

2011-02-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Took the morning off since the day before was go go go. Met Sandy & Logan for dim sum then we took a water taxi to my workshop at Patravadi Theater. It was a great crowd mixed with both foreigner & Thai people. Had some celebratory coconut ice cream with sweet rice & corn. Then Sandy took me to the Thieves Market in Chinatown (aka the Flashlight Market since it's so dark in spots). The next morning I departed for Chiang Mai where I am now. Those photos will have to wait, it's late & I have a 7am date with a van that is taking me to a very (hopefully) exciting spot.

Logan & I, on our way to the workshop via water taxi

Mad props to Sandy who translated and helped teach. x

James, Toby (from the Theater) & Logan

Night river taxi (with the ice cream guy!)

Full photo set here.

Bangkok: day 3 highlights

2011-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Early morning adventure to JJ Weekend Market, a market not to be missed for any die hard shoppers. My directions were take the train to the last stop & follow the crowd. It worked. First time at a Thai food court, this sounds boring but it was quite the experience. If you ever find yourself at a food court in Thailand, know that you have to buy a card BEFORE you order with credit on it, seems totally confusing to me. Luckily, I was chaperoned by Logan & Sandy. Then we hightailed it to the Handmade Nation Screening at the Patravadi Theater.

LUNCH!! This spot was the jam, although if it wasn't so early I don't know how I would of felt about those meat piles to be honest.

There is a big eye obsession here.

Logan!!

Logan, Bow & Sandy

Full photo set here.

Bangkok: day 2 highlights

2011-02-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Day 2. I took my first water taxi on the river, by myself, to Wat Arun. This is one of my favorite temples I've ever visited all made of mosaic china. Then I hopped another boat over to the amulet market and then another to flower market. Keeping these posts short so I actually get them up. My plan is to do a trip recap at the end with more information, gonna let the photos speak for themselves for now.

Full photo set here.

River Boats + Updates

2011-02-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm on day 4 of being in Thailand. I have shot 100's of photos and I'd love to share them with you but I am having a battle with my internet so I will just post this video I shot today & hopefully I'll have better luck in the next few days with my connection. Basically my days are full of walking, eating, walking, buying amazing strange things, walking, more eating, being really hot and eating. Both the screening for Handmade Nation and the workshop went fantastic and tomorrow I am off to Chiang Mai for 4 days to explore up North.

Bangkok: day one

2011-02-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

I left Milwaukee on February 1st avoiding a massive snowstorm by a half of a day. 24+ hours later on February 3rd I arrived in Bangkok. I was met by my amazing hosts Logan & Sandy who took me to the spot they had set up for me to stay while in Bangkok & gave me a quick late night tour of my hood before I passed out at around 3am.

This morning I woke up and ventured out, I was totally intimidated & didn't know what to expect. The food options were beyond overwhelming on the street and I ended up wussing out and opted for "American" fare of eggs and toast. Once I ate I just wandered around aimlessly until I got a early afternoon text message from Logan who ended up not having to work due to Chinese New Year. He gave me directions on where he was and I took my first trip on the Sky Train to meet up with him.

I spent the rest of the day with Logan as my guide, joined later on by his wife Sandy. I ate some amazing things including a sampler of sorbet flavors I didn't even know existed; Gooseberry, Lychee, Lemon Grass, Star Fruit, Coconut Mixed Fruit (included kernels of corn). We made it out to the opening night of "Shortcut To Menancholy Hill" a solo show of mixed media paintings by Thai artist Yuree Kensaku at Tonson Gallery and ended the day sipping cocktails at a super cute bar their friends work at called Shades of Retro. Not bad for my first 24 hours.

Full photo set of day one here.

ALASKA: Anchorage + Fairbanks & Juneau

2011-01-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

I did it, I've been to all 50 states.

This trip to Alaska was too much to sum up in the amount of time I have right now to post. I feel deeply moved after this journy. I really really loved it. In 6 days, I took 9 flights. I had the opportunity to visit Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau thanks to the Alaska Design Forum. They invited me to be a part of their guest lecture series that happens every year. As it so often goes when I visit a city, I have friends who live there. I was able to reconnect with an old buddy from high school who now works at the Anchorage Art Museum (synchronously, this is where my programing was held) and see old homies from Milwaukee and their beautiful kids. I learned more than I could absorb about Alaskan culture. I saw a titch of the survival and the extremities that those who choose to live there endure for the payoff of living in one of the most breath taking and beautiful places I've ever been. I saw so much in the short time that I was there, but my list has doubled since I've been home for when I go back.

The blue of Mendenhall Glacier will always be burned in my minds eye. The mouthwash locked behind the counter at the grocery store. Knowing that fiber from an arctic musk ox called Qiviut doesn't shrink and is the softest thing I've ever felt. We "down here" are referred to as living in "the lower 48". I saw craftsmanship that boiled my creative blood. Bead and leather work that made my mouth water. Amazing handmade traditional outer wear like boots made from fish and parkas sewn from seal gut. There were piles of facts that I want to know more about. Each city was vastly different and I can't wait to go back for more. Alaska, you got your icy hooks in me.

I am almost done reading "Shadows on the Koyukuk" a book I picked up in Fairbanks & highly recommend it. As written about in this rambling review the book focuses on: outdoor survival, big game hunting, trapping, Alaskan Native Education in the 1920s, Athabaskan culture and history, the food chain biology of the Koyukuk region, economics of trapping, gold mining, and trading in Alaska.

Full Alaska photo set here. Coming up: Thailand in less than two days.

Temporary Murals + Polaroids + Landfill

2011-01-22T23:25:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (well today, it's late) I leave for Alaska, my very last state in America to visit. I'll be in Anchorage, Juneau & the unreal below freezing Fairbanks for 3 screenings of Handmade Nation (see sidebar for details). To prepare today I went to the "outdoor store" wandered around, got overwhelmed and ended up with a pair of $15 wool socks in hopes of staying warm. Go ahead, laugh.

Landfill (detail): Makeal Flammini and Ella Dwyer 2011

It's been 4 days since we got back from Mexico. It's looking like 2011 is going to be a lot like 2010, which was a lot like 2009. I think I see a pattern emerging and it looks like an organized chaos spiriling into a fantastic black hole of endless possibilities and lots of airplanes.

On Thursday in the freezing cold our new fantastic Temporary Mural by Colin Matthes was installed on Howell Ave. at Sky High, blogged here.

Yesterday, Gallery Night here in Milwaukee, we hosted the opening reception of "Polaroids" by Amanda Marsalis at Sky High Gallery, blogged here.

After all the hot toddy's were served and the cheese plate was empty Aaron and I hightailed it over to see Landfill. To be honest I don't know if the brand-spanking-new space in Walkers Point will be called Landfill or if it was just the name of their first exhibit, but maybe the name will stick (my votes in). I enjoyed the show much more than expected, not meant at all in a snotty way. I was pleased with the combination of the work shown, the collaboration aspect of the artists & the new space made me feel excited and tingly about good solid things happening here in Milwaukee.

We bought this piece by Makeal

"Landfill is an exhibition of new paintings and drawings by Milwaukee artists Makeal Flammini and Ella Dwyer. Makeal Flammini reflects on her fragmented and partial memories of childhood kicks to the head, greasy Los Angeles producers, bizarre friendships and first loves. Ella Dwyer creates fantastical animals in a bizarre world of pattern and color."

Full photo set here

Mexico: 2011 kick-off

2011-01-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Aaron & I took a trip to Mexico to meet up with my bff Andrea & her man Derek. We spent 2 nights in Playa del Carmen, then spent 3 luxury nights at our friends aunt's house called Casa Magna in Akumal.

Here are some vacay highlights that basically sum up our eating, swimming, relaxing & eating & more swimming schedule.

Full Mexico vacation photo set here.
Under water on film vacation photo set here.

Mexico: on film & underwater

2011-01-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

Back from 5 days in Mexico. 5 days without internet (except a very brief emergency check in with the bank who froze my credit card). I haven't uploaded my photos from my camera but did drop off & get back within an hour the 3 disposable underwater film camera's I had brought with me. They are my favorite thing ever. $10 each and only $6 developing for the film straight to CD. 100% worth it.

We swam every day: in the blue Caribbean ocean, in the nearby cenotes & in our pool.

Full underwater on film photo set here.

Studio Visit: Cassandra Smith

2011-01-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

In less than 3 days I will be on my way to Mexico sans computer. I think. I mean, I know. Vacation, computer-less. I probably won't get one single important email, just like when I didn't realize my voice mail wasn't working properly for almost 2 months (thanks lame-o iphone/AT&T) until I wondered why my parents didn't call on my birthday.

Anyhow, I just spent the last few hours sipping hot toddy's while working on an article for Fiberarts Magazine as well as my weekly Journal Sentinel Art City Snaps column. Aaron is down in Chicago at a skate competition, so I have the house to myself.

This week over on Snaps I wrote about why and how much I love Milwaukee based artist Cassandra Smith's work. She happens to live (and work) just a few blocks from me and I realized even though I blog about her work often, I had never photographed her studio.

Well hello 2011, let's get to work.

In case your attention span is too short to go check out the Snaps article, you should know that these antlers are going to be for sale via Print Shop Forever. What's Print Shop Forever? Well, you need to know. It's a new website launching later this month by my friend and collaborator Cortney Heimerl. Cortney is curating this project that is basically going to bankrupt me. Featuring a new artist monthly selling limited edition art objects. Yes, like beautifully hand-painted sequined antlers, and prints, and so on and so on.

Just bookmark the site and if you do the twitter thing follow the project @printshop4ever

The full photo set of Cassandra's studio visit is here.

OUT WITH THE OLD: winter rummage sale

2011-01-03T23:10:00.001-08:00

This Saturday at my gallery, since we are in between shows, I decided to host a rummage sale.

I am getting rid of stuff so I can make room for more.

Most likely I have something you need.

See you soon.

2011 Muse

2011-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

I love it when wild ladies who do things all backwards get mad love.

Colette, stage name of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a bisexual novelist and actress in the 1920s who caused a riot at the Moulin Rouge for a same-sex kiss onstage. She married three times and had several exotic affairs (one with her stepson).

A controversial figure throughout her life, Colette flaunted her lesbian affairs, hid her Jewish husband in her attic all through the Nazi-occupaiton of France, was a member of the Belgian Royal Academy, president of the Académie Goncourt (and the first woman to be admitted into it), and a Chevalier and a Grand Officier (1953) of the Légion d’honneur.

When she died in Paris on 3 August 1954, she was the first women given a state funeral in France.

2010: Goodbye's & Hello's

2011-01-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I opened a new gallery, held another Art vs. Craft, participated in my first craft fair as a designer in over 4 years. Took over 7,000 photos. Started blogging my weekly column "Snaps" for the Journal Sentinal. Turned 33.

I think I may of traveled as much as I did in 2009, maybe even more, but that is debatable. Based on my photos I made a list of places I went away to from Milwaukee.

January: Providence RI , Portland ME, Belfast ME
February: San Francisco CA, Baltimore MD
March: Syracuse NY, Los Angeles CA, San Luis Obispo CA, Olympia & Seattle WA
April: San Francisco CA, Kauai HI
May: Atlanta & Savannah GA, Birmingham AL
June: Dundee, Scotland
July: All Wisconsin
August: Winnona, MN, Olympia & Seattle WA, Middle of Nowhere MT, Syracuse NY
September: Los Angeles CA, Bali Indonesia
October: Bali & Java Indonesia
November: Pittsburgh PA, Stockholm Sweden
December: Cincinnati OH

January: in Belfast Main visiting Andy, Dan, Amy Moon and their new son Oali.

February: San Francisco

March: Gum Alley, San Luis Obispo

April: Kauai to visit my lady Kristen

May: Alabama to see glow worms

June: Sky High Gallery opened

July: I spent the entire month in Wisconsin

August: We slept on our friends house boat, Mississippi River

September: Bali with my dad

October: Halloween is my favorite holiday

November: I turned 33 one day after getting back from Sweden

December: HoverCraft where I sold things I made, not things other people made.

Now, it's 2011. In 13 days I got to Mexico. In 25 days I go to Alaska. Looking forward to another year of working & playing really really hard.

S.O.S. New Orleans

2010-12-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you are young and go somewhere to visit, then end up living there for 4 months. That's my short romance story with New Orleans back in 2002-03. I spent my brief winter working in a city that charmed my pants off waiting tables at the Blue Bird Diner (R.I.P), an old haunt for William S. Burrourghs and painting Mardi Gras back drops for Maloney Productions.

This is my old house I lived in on the corner of Burgundy & Spain. This photo is from a visit last year, it was the first time I'd been back since Katrina. The neighborhood I lived in was pretty much the same condition (*it had been almost 2 years since the storm) but there were a lot of big painted X's on homes still. I was told by my host that most families choose to leave them up to remember what happened instead of erasing the memory. This apartment was my favorite I ever rented. You can't really go wrong with 9 foot, floor to ceiling french windows on two sides of the building and beautiful ancient wooden floor boards over a foot in width. The week I left New Orleans I was robbed at gun point and our car was totaled by a hit and run accident, all within 24 hours.

It's just that kind of city. Wild. Feral. Unforgiving. Inspiring. Magical.

New Orleans itself has massive history of magic, the type that can only happen there. Along with the magic comes brutal crime that haunts the streets. I'm in no way the person to speak to conditions there. But I do have my time spent and a large community of friends I consider my family that have chosen to stay there and make good for the city.

Last night on facebook I was stunned when I read an open letter about the current terrible things happening in the city posted by my friend Mikro Naut who lives there (he is originally from Milwaukee). Then a second red flag today was when I got a call from another New Orleans connection saying it's just terrible what's going on, similar to the post-Katrina and summertime crime waves. The city seems to be out of control with a lot of the attacks, fires, rapes and robberies go unreported since folks don't want to deal with the uncaring police.

I guess I am posting this as a plea to those of you who may read my blog and have friends or family there to pass a long this letter (below) that Mikro Naut gave me permission to repost and pass along to you. For me this is about raising awareness. We need to keep our community and loved ones safe.

My deepest condolences go out to those who have lost friends or family in the recent violent crimes in New Orleans. I would like you to know that even though I am far away and may not know you, your loss saddens me and I hope answers and resolution come soon with the new year.

On a lighter note, since bad news always brings people together, I was excited to learn after talking to my friend today about dark sad things, about a new NOLA baby on the way this week. I am sending out MASSIVE waves of safety, love and smiles for my friends Drew & Rose who are giving birth at their home this week with guidance by visiting (left the city due to Katrina) friends Dan, Amy Moon and their one year old son Olai . Smiling as I type this, I can not wait to meet their new family.

REPOSTED with permission of Mikro Naut
12.28.10 via facebook

crime

just recently moved to 13XX Marigny, NOLA 70117. feel free to write an actual letter, its fun. been back in town for around 10 days after a visit to austin. My new neighborhood is in the middle of the most intensive and brutal period of crime that I have ever seen here. Home invasions leading to beatings, rapes, stabbings and slashings, and robbery.

the perpetrators seem to be targeting punks (crusties, oogles gutterpunks, etc.) who don't really have money. not being a very profitable target is the first and often only line of defense for this demographic. in addition the attacks show no sign of abating, with a new death, box-cutter attack, home invasion or what have you occurring nearly every/every other day. also after the the 2nd line for one of the shooting victims a squat burnt down killing 8 or so other kids (many of whom were at the memorial) inflicting a new loss on an already traumatized population. This constant emotional bombardment has left many shell shocked and so stunned that plans of action or even discussion of the different elements of the situation are beyond many of them. there was a meeting today at the "slab" down by the tracks attended by about 50-70 punks and also a homicide detective working on the case by the name of Packer. Many were glad for his presence as it gave us an opportunity to find out what the cops know and ask questions. I felt that his being there created a focus on the law enforcement element of this crisis, in an atmosphere that did not allow for serious questioning of the NOPDs role in the situation, or their frankly shitty history in relating to street kids. Detective Packer acted unaware of the animosity between the cops and the kids, even unaware of the fact that two kids were hauled away from in front of the murder scene of their friend for completely non criminal reasons. One of them, a female, when released had to walk home alone at 4am. I was not able to hear anything useful in any of the statements or answers from Packer. He was a guy with the shitty job of relaying the uselessness of corrupt bureaucracies to respond to emergencies and in that, he reminded me of a PR person. Anyway, I want to find out if there is anyone who has a collected body of info. Things are happening so quickly that its hard to keep track and no one has anything close to an overall picture of this constant psychopath BS. I would like to start with a map of the hood with locations, a timeline, a description of the crimes, times of day etc. hit me up or point me in the right direction. My across the wall neighbors were the victims of one of the home invasions, so this shit is not just close to home, it is home. the police are useless.
peace out
Mikro Naut
birthcontrolrecords@hotmail.com

Later Days Pop-Up Shop: 5 day countdown

2010-12-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

It will be sad to pack up the shop, but I've done my 3 months sitting here playing retail and am looking forward to having a new show in the gallery. This will also mark the end of Sofia Arnold's amazing magical mural she did for the pop-up, if you haven't seen it in person, you really should.

Wow, 3 months gone, just like that. Poof. Sometimes it helps to type it out to put the time into perspective.

The last 3 days we are open I've decided to have a special sale to help clear out inventory so if there was something you had your eye on, or didn't get for Christmas, it's now or never.

Then we are on to 2011.

Opening Gallery night January 21st will be a photo show with San Francisco based photographer Amanda Marsalis.

One Wild Snow Man

2010-12-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

I love a dark children's story & who doesn't like a snow man?

The Snow Man: 1932
Directed and Animated By Ted Eshbaugh
(February 5, 1906 - July 4, 1969)

I love the end when this happy fish is swimming around in the melted remnants of evil snow man who was killed by the northern lights. Happy fish is joined by all the north pole buddies are dancing around in celebration.

Watch the full clip here.

Full Metal Rabbit: 2011 Leif Goldberg Calendar

2010-12-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

I couldn't be more happy that my friend Leif Goldberg's annual calendar arrived at the shop today. We got a (very) small amount. If I were you, I'd come by right this second and pick one up. Mine is already set aside, the rest of you have to battle out who gets the rest.

I'll just let these images speak for their genius self.

Full Metal Rabbit
Leif Goldberg 2011 calendar
7 color, silk-screened
Edition of 180
$26 tax included

Check out additional work by Leif and his lady Erin Rosenthal from a 2008 show I curated at Paper Boat Gallery here.

Tis' The Season

2010-12-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a calm, safe holiday weekend from Milwaukee.

(We went to the big grocery store late late last night....I'm all for dressing up things with bows but this sorta blew my mind)

Art Auction: Haitian Contemporary Art

2010-12-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

Some days you read your email at the right time. I caught notice in the Art City newsletter last week that the Green Gallery East was hosting an art auction with contemporary paintings from Haiti brought back by local artist and filmmaker Xav Leplae. I've known Xav for a number of years and he has great taste, a red flag for an event not to miss.

Cock with gun detail: I bought this

Since I had to work at the gallery all Sunday I made sure to arrive early to check out the pieces & see the price range. Thankfully, each painting had a "buy it now" option, so once the hard part of picking what I wanted was over I didn't have to worry about getting outbid. I'd always rather pay more to know I'm getting what I want. I actually hate auctions and don't even buy stuff on ebay. When I decide I want something I want to know I'm going to get it.

The range of work in the show was stunning. Xav did an amazing job of bringing back a wide variety of styles and it was difficult to pick out which pieces I wanted. If Aaron hadn't been there with to help pick out pieces I would of lost my mind (and probably bought at least two more pieces). Somehow we now have to find space for three new pieces in our house.

Wedding detail: I also bought this

We went back at the end of the day after work to pick up the pieces and it was interesting to see what went for what. I'd say some folks snagged some pretty wild deals. I was happy to of paid what I did for my pieces knowing the proceeds of the show were going to Xav who is currently working on a documentary filmed in Haiti. Getting new amazing art can happen at the darnedest times. Happy Holidays to me!

Find a few more photos here.

Handmade Meaning: Madison, WI

2010-12-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

At some point withing the last year I did some consulting for the show that opened this past Friday in Madison called Handmade Meaning: The Value of Craft in Victorian and Contemporary Culture. The show focuses on craft work all made in Wisconsin, objects made in the 1900's hung side by side with contemporary work. I wasn't expecting to be as impressed as I was, but once I saw how the show looked in the gallery I was so glad I went to see everything in person.

It was amazing to see the work all in one room- my favorite part being not being able to tell if something was old or new. I'm also really glad I made it to opening night so I could overhear comments from visitors. Those interested in craft and those who do craft can be a very critical audience, and I heard a lot of positive feedback about both new and old objects in the show.

I also want to give a shout out to three Milwaukee ladies who have work in the exhibit. Cortney Heimerl (co-author of Handmade Nation) had two embroidery pieces in the show. Kimberly Weiss who is the current temporary mural artist at my gallery. And Cassandra Smith co-editor of Fine Line magazine.

Cortney Heimerl's embroidery piece focusing on animals she has killed.

Cassandra & her mom check out her antler installation

Charles Krafft porcelain skateboard deck

More images from opening night here.

Handmade Meaning, an exhibition investigating the connections between Victorian women's fancywork and contemporary Wisconsin craft.
December 17, 2010-February 6, 2011
James Watrous Gallery
Madison, Wisconsin

Loren Schwerd

2010-12-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

I missed the Loren Schwerd solo show in New Orleans last year by one day & was NOT going to miss her show here in Milwaukee. I made it with one day to spare. These pieces are made from human hair extensions found outside the St. Claude Beauty Supply in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

More images from the show here.

Venerate: Collectors of the Human Condition
Loren Schwerd & Marco Zamora
November 18- December 17, 2010
UWM Union Art Gallery
Milwaukee, WI

A MIDWEST STORY

2010-12-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'm sure some of you shop keeps, designers and curators will know the satisfaction of seeing someone wearing a design you made, hearing a story about how much someone likes the work they bought from you or seeing photos of what one has done with work they have bought. This is a quick post to share with you a story that was shared with me.

At the pop-up this season there was a total of 24 midwest doily's for sale that I had commissioned for the shop. I posted some images online and sold a few to folks out of town. One piece I sold was to Daniel Arnold, who happens to be father of Sofia Arnold (our current mural artist at the Sky High Gallery pop-up) and husband to Susan Johnson, owner of Avalanche Looms, whom I blogged about this past September.

A few weeks after shipping his order I received an email from him with these two photos and the following story [reprinted with permission].

Faythe-

I hope you don't think this is to corny- I was seeing this headed to my parents home, and they, although not living in the midwest, are the essence of it. Sort of a roots reminder for them this Christmas. I stripped and refinished then recut a walnut thrift store frame, stitched the crochet piece to a backing of antique wallpaper that survived the fire in my shop, and put it behind a crazy wavy piece of antique glass, my favorite. Every pane of glass in our old house is wavy, the ones that were clear I replaced with old. Maybe that is part of how Sofia learned to see the world in a different way.

I'm quite happy you had the inspiration to commission the work.

Thanks,

Daniel

A bit touchy to photograph with the beautiful bright day outside.

My summary: this email and story made my month and what an amazing family full of inspiration. Thanks Daniel.

Prayer Flags

2010-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

I picked out these 5 prayer flags to sell at the pop-up boutique (open until December 31) this season based on their visual appeal and underlying message. All flags are on unbleached muslin and measure 19" x 19", the top edge is finished, and the other three edges are unfinished in order to release the prayer. Pretty nice present (or gift wrap) for someone I thought....

Vast Luck Flag: The Vajra Cross, symbolizing spiritual power, surrounded by auspicious Tibetan symbols. Brings luck and protection. Available in green.

Kernunnos Flag: Kernunnos, is he Horned God, Celtic father of animals, Patron God of Druidism. Kernunnos is representative of the male aspect of union with the Earth. Available in dark green

Rain Cloud Flag: Native American cloud design celebrating the nourishment of the earth. Available in navy blue.

Lama Seal Flag: Alchemical symbol representing the union of Sun and Moon over the river of life. Available in green.

Green Man Flag: The foliate face represents irrepressible life, as the forces of nature merge with humanity. Available in green.

The flags are sold individually for $6 each or 4 for $20.

Letting Go//Making Room

2010-12-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

I took a weaving class when I though I had time to do those sorts of things last year. I also impulsively bought this amazing beautiful 1920's rug loom thinking I would be able to be home to use it.

I was wrong on both accounts.

Interested, let me know. Milwaukee does have this amazing resource for learning to weave.

Cincinnati: Charley Harper Mosaic

2010-12-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

I didn't know that Charley Harper was from Cincinnati until I was sitting at dinner after my screening at the Contemporary Art Center and Grace Dobush (author of Crafty Superstar) mentioned a mosaic of his at the Federal Building. Only a few blocks from my hotel I made my way there after visiting the American Sign Museum. You would never know that after going through a metal detector and a pat down that this amazing treasure is waiting for you.

There are two large panels of the mosaic viewable down each elevator hallway.

There are two panels like this one on each side so you can tell exactly what animals you are looking at. I struggled with #38, our friend the catfish.

Keep your eye on the red bird #36, the painted bunting.

Panel #2

What a treat to have something like this in your city Cincinnati.

More photos here.

Cincinnati: American Sign Museum

2010-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

I first read about the American Sign Museum when I was doing research for my new documentary I am currently working on with Sam Macon about Sign Painters. Since the Contemporary Art Center was bringing me out to Cincinnati I emailed the museum director Tod Swormstedt to see if he was available to show me around during off hours. It never hurts to ask....not only was Tod kind enough to pick me up at my hotel Tuesday morning but he spent a few hours giving me a through tour of his wildly impressive collection of signs, materials and surrounding history.

It's actually difficult for me to explain how exciting this visit was. From both a research perspective and as someone who appreciates a giant labor of love, a good collection and salvaged urban landscapes.

What I didn't quite understand at first is there is the building that currently houses the museum (Tod explained that there is double that amount in storage as well) and also the new building that he is still raising money to complete (read more about that here). I got to check out both spaces and can not wait to see the new building in it's full glory in the hopefully near future.

Below are a few images from inside the new building.

sign repair shop

More photos here & additional photos will be uploaded to the Sign Painter flickr account soon.

Cincinnati: Contemporary Art Center

2010-12-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

This past Monday I made a very early flight (especially early considering HoverCraft was the day/night before) to Cincinnati. The Contemporary Art Center was showing Handmade Nation that very night. I arrived just in time to finish my weekly Snaps column for the Journal Sentinel from my hotel room at the amazing art deco Netherland Plaza.

Hotel Lobby at the Netherland Plaza

I had some time to check out the exhibits at the CAC before (and during) my screening which was co-sponsored by the local AIGA. For a chilly Monday night I was impressed (and super excited) that 150+ people who came out to see the documentary. I did a talk afterward with Chris Salley who is the co-owner of a local brick and mortar, Fabricate.

Cincinnati's Contemporary Arts Center is the first built project in the United States by celebrated London-based architect Zaha Hadid.

Rosson Crow: Myth of the American Motorcycle

Sight Unseen: The Sensory Elephant

This project was made to appeal to blind and seeing-impaired children, as well as to encourage sighted children to discover art through their other senses.

I had a really great trip and if you have than less 24 hours in the downtown area city you can do what I did:

Visit the Contemporary Art Center
Eat an amazing Mexican dinner at Nada across the street.
Visit the American Sign Museum (give yourself at least 2 hours)
Check out the Charley Harper mosaic mural at the Federal Building
On your way in or out don't forget to check out the epic industry themed WPA mosaic's at the airport near the baggage carousels

Additional Cincinnati photos from my trip here, here & here.

missed that buzz: HoverCraft Recap

2010-12-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

When HoverCraft co-organizer Cortney Heimerl invited me to be a vendor at the show this fall I realized it had been 4+ years since I've sat and sold things that I made at a craft fair. So, I said yes and decided I wouldn't promote anything else. I would just sell small bits of creativity that I could produced in my spare time leading up to the show.

Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. HoverCraft had a buzz of excitement that only a new event can resinate. I didn't realize how much I have missed that buzz.

Massive thanks to Vanessa Andrews, Alyssa Schulte and of course Cortney Heimerl for making it happen, because I know all too well the amount of work that goes into making a successful event happen. Ladies you did a fantastic job.

Here are some images from my booth....

More photos of other amazing HoverCraftiness here.

Glenn Adamson: Milwaukee Art Museum

2010-12-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for friendly reminders, otherwise I'd miss half of the events I should be attending while home in Milwaukee. Last Monday I got a message from Jennifer Geigel Mikulay about a talk happening at the Milwaukee Art Museum with Glenn Adamson titled "Affective Objects: Design and the Re-invention of Craft".

Glenn Adamson, is the author of "Thinking Through Craft" as well as the deputy of research and head of the graduate program at the Victoria & Albert Museum. He is also tied to Milwaukee as the former curator for the Chipstone Foundation.

Glenn and I have a few years of history that involves his support with my film Handmade Nation. His endorsement has propelled me into academic circles I didn't know existed until I began doing educational lectured surrounding my film and D.I.Y. ethics. We finally had the opportunity to meet this year while I was in Scotland for programing. Glenn was in town for the "Prototyping: craft in the future tense" conference put on by Craft Festival Scotland where I got to see him lecture the first time. Although some of his references were over my head it was both an engaging and informative lecture.

At the Milwaukee Art Museum Adamson managed to lace together the World Cup ball manufacturing, Louis Vuitton and illusionist Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (who Harry Houdini named himself after) along with a lot of furniture references that I didn't catch. He also gave me a very gracious shout-out during the Q&A that made me squirm a little.

Bottom line, if you are interested in an engaging talk and learning something new, go see Glenn speak if he comes to your town and I would be shocked if you were disappointed.