"My perfect day would be to make still life paintings for four hours in the studio, then draw from nature for three hours, and then make paintings at night of myself-never have to sleep.  It's getting worse now... There is less time, and there is more to be done.  When I was twenty three I had a lot of energy but didn't know what to do.  There were other thing that I wanted to learn to get to this point.  I don't regret it.  I don't want to be young."
-Jim Dine

Looping Samples

Update 4: Street Art in Paris

street art in Paris

Valerie Hammond

(this one is in Streaming Spirits)

Update 3: Bike Girls and Bruised Bottoms

The past two days, I have set out on the adventure of biking through the hills of southern France to make little town visits with my dear friends Sarah Beth Hulver, Susie Ashkensas, and Claire Barnhardt.  The first day we headed towards Bonnieux (7 km away) and my bike ended up breaking on the last big uphill.  We carried it up through the little town to the only bike shop and he told us it was not repairable.  We had to leave the bike in Bonnieux...three days later it is still chained up to the busiest section of the town just hanging out. Yesterday, we decided to go to Menerbes for a change of scenery.  We began this journey as models for the upcoming Lacoste SCAD pamphlet as the "bike girls" (keep your eyes open)!  After we took care of that business we biked 8 km of pure downhill! Zip Zip Zip! It was so pleasant, but we realized that this bliss would be short lived... we had to bike 8 km uphill on the way back.  We promised that if there would be tears from any of us, we would all just laugh about it- no judgments.  After some intense pep talks and some leg splitting pains, we made it back!  I feel accomplished but my bottom bones I fear are bruised.  

(on the way down- feeling good)

Update 2: Kiki Smith and Valerie Hammond

I just had class with Kiki Smith and Valerie Hammond.  I was in heaven!  Using various mediums to create different marks, we spent three hours experimenting by creating "rubbings" from various places around Lacoste.   After a few steps of stamping, painting, and drawing, we xeroxed our creations in order to get "smoother" marks and to get rid of excess noise.  By the end we had created a few french fold books!  I now have original souvenirs and will treasure them forever.  I never knew that this would be a reality and I am just really really happy!  Ahhh! This weekend their SCAD collaborated exhibit "Streaming Spirits" is opening on Saturday in the Bernard Phreim gallery here in Lacoste.  

You have already heard me talk about Kiki Smith, but here is Valerie Hammond! Check her out HERE! Her drawings, prints, and sculptures are so beautiful!

Stay tuned for more...

Update 1: Found Church

I have arrived in Lacoste, France and have decided that I will be posting pictures and experiences in short (among other things) to keep you guys (family and few friends) posted. 

 Here are some pictures of the chapel in Lacoste.  It is tiny and mass only happens every few weeks whenever the traveling priest is able to make his way on over.  Tootsie, not to worry.  I will be getting the full experience even if I can't understand every word.  

Besides getting used to my new town, I went to the oldest Roman market in Apt, picniced under the Pont St-Julian Roman bridge, explored Bonnieux and another nearby town, and have already eaten my weight in chocolate croissants.  This place is going to be lovely and my goal is to experience and work on things before I analyze them.