Project Echo

In October 2010, I had the fortune of participating in a group art show called Project Echo. The show was put together by local writer Shea Boresi, who had the idea that an ongoing art dialogue could be created using a photograph her grandfather Rodney Rieken had taken in Korea, 1953. She asked for artists to give their response to the photograph, in any medium they desired, and held a showcase at the Ragtag Cinema. Shea even provided a poem, which you can view, along with Rodney Rieken's photo, here:
http://web.me.com/rayshea/projectecho/The_Art/Entries/2010/6/30_The_Question.html


I chose this opportunity to try a new approach; to stretch my creative wings a bit, move out of my comfort zone into less familiar territory and see what happens. Here is a written piece that accompanies my sculpture/diorama, 'Sojourn 2010':


When I think of innocence, I think of my childhood and all my naivety about everything. Rodney Rieken's photograph triggers in me the feeling of innocence and its subsequent loss, as well as the loss of youth. My own life journey has happened around where my innocence has been encountered, embraced and/or dispatched. In my created world, 'Sojourn 2010', a lone male elephant proceeds past a dead or dying tree, toward the edge of a reality that has been constructed in the present tense, with only a distant cityscape as a hint (or a distraction) of a past to guide him. Only the elephant isn't merely an elephant, but a void into 'space', which takes the shape of the travelling beast. This 'space' represents the infinite; our experience and all that comprise and compose our life journeys. I can't help feeling part of Rieken's journey through his photograph; of his innocence evaporating in a world and culture very different than his own, as mine surely would have in his stead. 'Sojourn 2010' is indicative of me in a stage of my life where the only place I have ever lived and known was left, for a new adventure or chapter. The tree signifies that family (or my meaning thereof, as defined using setting) would be all that is left for me if I stayed, and the antiquated or romantic view of the city I was born in (and love dearly) isn't what it appears to be (here is referenced Detroit, circa 1940's). The elephant is traveling alone, which doesn't occur in reality as they always travel in groups, and this signifies that the journey must physically be taken alone while family will always be carried with me in the non-physical way. My own innocence is left behind me in my journey forward- left behind with items that become symbols of my childhood: burlap (such as from sacks I used to keep toys in), an elephant (a favorite childhood animal), (portions of) an Erector set, tree branches (a reminder of favorite childhood play spots) and the diorama itself (a reminder of museum visits and play sets).

Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome of my sculpture/diorama. It has given me the confidence to pursue the medium further, if I wish, and has allowed me to grow as an artist.

Most of the materials used on this piece were 'found'; meaning not purchased. The exceptions were the Paperclay (which makes up the elephant and part of the tree), and the Spanish moss on the tree (which is actually lichen used normally for model railroad projects).

Later this year Shea plans on having a Round 2 of Project Echo, where artists can create pieces in response to Round 1 works continuing the dialogue in an interesting and meaningful way. I look forward to participating further with Project Echo.

Further info on Project Echo can be found here: http://web.me.com/rayshea/projectecho/Home.html

My Greatest Collaboration (part II)

As collaborations go, this next one is definitely awesome. While planning out the nursery in the months leading up to Lillian's birth, both Jen and I became increasingly unhappy about the state of commercial baby furniture. We found the stuff being made was cheap, ugly and quite possibly dangerous. I say "quite possibly" because there are still things being found out about the adverse effects that the materials used in manufacturing have on us and our children: such as formaldehyde in glues and v.o.c.'s in paints and finishes. While there is debate on this matter (to me, there is no debate; We are too careless in our quest to make stuff "cheap and affordable"), no changes are being made to the manufacturing processes that we -and those we contract- are using. Aren't our children worth the extra research needed to insure their safety and health? But this post isn't going to discuss all that, as much as it will discuss one possible solution: to make your own furniture. This may seem time consuming, difficult or impossible in some ways and quite scary, yet it can be extremely satisfying and rewarding. You can control all the materials that go into the making of the furniture and you end up with something beautiful that can be used for many years...maybe even generations. Lillian's project started out with my love of wood (and concerns for her health and welfare) and I expressed my desire to build her crib to my father. Of course, I also wanted all the work we would be doing to not end after she outgrew her crib so I located plans for a convertible one. This particular model will convert to a daybed for Lillian when she outgrows the crib, and finally to a full size twin bed for when she outgrows the daybed. I felt the design was pure genius and I became a bit inspired with this project. Plans were ordered from Rockler and sources were located for our wood (maple). It was then realized that I had less than 1/3 of the equipment needed to carry out this project. Thankfully, my dad had the rest. The only catch was that he (and Mom) are in Michigan and we are here in Missouri. Sometimes with ambitious projects, we call in others to help- this time was no different. Since I live in MO and not MI, my dad enlisted the help of his brother, my Uncle Ray and also my brother Joe and dear friend Brett. Brett helped Dad get some of the wood and trim it down for him. Uncle Ray helped with building of the jigs and also cutting, shaping and sanding of the crib slats, sides, gate and railings- and later with final gluing and assembly here in MO. Joe helped with the slats and sanding (LOTS of it- both in MI and out here in MO) and final assembly.

Uncle Ray working on the crib slats (MI).

Uncle Ray again working on a crib slat. All the crib parts were cut and shaped at Dad's in MI.

Dad (foreground) and Uncle Ray sanding crib slats in my garage during the hot Missouri summer. The garage became known as 'The Sweatshop' during the 100+ degree days.

My brother Joe rough sanding a slat. Dad is in the background doing final sanding. Each slat, as well as all other crib parts received a rough sanding, followed by a secondary sanding-a third and final one will be completed before the finish is applied. Hands were sore and fingers were stiff and achy afterwards.

Sanding away in 'The Sweatshop'. On the floor behind Joe is the crib back waiting for the rest of the slats so it can be glued and assembled.

The back of the crib waiting for its last few slats. This piece also becomes the headboard of the twin bed.

Dad and Uncle Ray checking the distance between the slats to ensure the height is even.

A light tap with a rubber mallet closes the gap on the other side.

The crib gate prior to gluing and clamping...

...and after.

Here the back has had the legs glued on and is receiving the first of two strips glued to the top, forming a finishing cap.

The final mock-up of the crib to make sure all parts fit properly. Next will come a final sanding and application of two coats of sealer to the wood.

The crib finished. Dad and I ended up replacing the two front legs with thicker pieces than the plans called for. There was a discrepancy with measurements for the mounting of the gate hardware and the width of the original legs. Both of us feel the thicker legs not only function better with the hardware, but are visually more appealing as well. Dad and I applied the first coat sealer and Jen helped me with the second. We went with a cold pressed, organic flax seed oil purchased from Bioshield Paint, which specializes in making solvent free and zero v.o.c. paints, stains and finishes. The smell of the finish was WAY more pleasant than a traditional finish and it brought out the grain and markings of the wood beautifully.

Visit http://www.bioshieldpaint.com/ to see all their cool products.

The gate in the down or open position.

The wonderful grain stripes accentuated by the herbal oil.

Maple is a wood that shows great character and durability. It is also one of my favorites.

Because of all who sweated (and fretted) for this project, Lillian will have a wonderful bed which she will be able to share with her children, should she choose. It was extremely hard work, but I think all that were involved would agree with me when I say it was also extremely satisfying...and amazing.

My Greatest Collaboration (part I)

One thing I have grown aware of as I march down the streets of life, is that I have always enjoyed collaborations. Working together with other people, artists and musicians has always been enjoyable to me. I loved making cartoons and t shirt designs with my best friend in high school; playing ideas off each other and sharing inside jokes that find their way into the art. I love playing in bands and orchestras, with each member adding a unique flavor to the beautiful end results. And recently- well nearly 12 months ago- I joined my wife in working on what I believe will be my greatest collaboration: our daughter Lillian Grace. Lil was born December 8th, 2009, a bit later than her November 29th due date but still healthy and beautiful.

Parenthood is the ultimate collaboration, in my mind. Every movement must be choreographed, all things learned be shared and support continuously given when needed. Lillian has been a dream baby: flexible, happy, healthy, seemingly adventurous and wonderfully curious. These months have flown by with surprising ease, and watching her grow is both amazing and incredible. Granted there have been times when it feels like a gigantic whirlwind, with possibilities and answers flying in all directions. Difficult to chose at some times, hard to reach at others, these possibilities have only served as ways for us to learn and grow as parents. It has been fun so far...and I'm told, by many, that it only gets better.