Sculpture Area Blog

A Really Good Read

2012-01-28T06:31:00.000-08:00

Read this blog! It highlights a letter that Sol LeWitt wrote to Eve Hess encouraging her not to worry about being cool but to make her own "uncool".

Sol LeWitt's Advice to Eva Hess

I have included this blog in the favorite blog list, because it has some excellent writing and addresses some great contemporary creative efforts.

Gwarlingo

Something to Look Into!

2012-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

An exciting place to produce some work!

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Annual Pottery and Art Sale

2011-12-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

3D Arts Studio, USM Campus on West 4th Street, 2905 West 4th Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Friday, December 9 from noon to 6:00 PM
Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fantastic art and pottery from students of the 3D Arts Program and the USM Sculpture Guild of the University of Southern Mississippi. Functional ceramics, sculpture, drawings, photographs, all for sale at great prices. Super deals for holiday gifts! Come out and support USM Art students in a festive a creative event! We accept cash and local checks with proper ID.

Cool Video

2011-11-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

USM Alum Brian Nettles.

A short film about his pottery down on the Gulf Coast.

Well done Brian!
www.nettlespottery.com/

Stuff to Look At

2011-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Student scholarship opportunity from Design Sponge!!

Exhibition opportunity from 621 Gallery in Tallahassee Florida!

Random Image

2011-10-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Throwing off the hump.

How productive were you today?

From Jaipur in Rajasthan India, Getty Images

A Great Fall Art Walk!

2011-10-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful fall evening in Hattiesburg and I am sure the weather and the great art brought out the large crowds. There were so many good things to see, lots of beer to drink and delicious food to chow on. Did I mention the great art?

The USM Sculpture Guild and Kyle Goddard did a fabulous job putting together an art show in the raw space of a beautiful old abandoned downtown building. The work was well done, the show really looked professional and the students did a great job with refreshments and snacks. I am so proud of them!

Here is link to an Article in the Hattiesburg American- http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110090336

You can find the USM Sculpture Guild on Facebook.

Here are a few pics from the show.

Art Walk! Tonight!

2011-10-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Cold Metal!

2011-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kerry Pinkerton's three-day visiting artist gig was a great success. A bunch of folks showed up for the Tuesday evening lecture and stayed late to talk metal shaping and tool making. Kerry has so much to share and his willingness to spend time with folks really impressed the students.

The next two days were filled with lots of cool techniques and tricks. Several of the students as well as James and Chris really kept Kerry busy and it was a pleasure to see all the creative activity going on in the shop. I think we have several budding metal shapers and over the next year or so will work to build our tool box so we can have Kerry back again for a proper Metal Shaping 101 class.

Another show to Enter!

2011-09-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Student Competition for outdoor sculpture- $3000 prize!

Welcome Back Students!

2011-08-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a great year! Kerry Pinkerton will be here October 4-6 doing a workshop on cold metal forming and will have a public lecture and demo, Tuesday, October 4, at 7:00 pm. Everyone is invited and it's free!

More info will come out soon about the activities for the workshop.

Check out this show- http://artssciencecenter.org/galleries/rosenzweig.html
for an excellent opportunity to enter work for a big regional competition.

More later!

The New Semester Shaping Up

2011-07-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

In less than a month we will be back at work for the fall 2011 semester. It will be a busy year. The Department had an extraordinary number of faculty losses due to retirements and budget cuts over the last year and we have finally received permission to look for several new one-year visiting positions; art history, two in graphic design, a museum director, and foundations. I think most are taken care of and soon the foundations position will be decided. A few of these positions will go tenure-track next year. That means in the fall and spring the faculty will be busy with positions searches. Lots of work but this is very good for the department.

We are still having lots of new students coming into the department in general and this means very full classes. I think both the beginning classes in ceramics and sculpture are closed. A seat opens up every now and again but is filled pretty much within an hour. Most of the foundation courses are over full and it doesn't look like any new sections will be added. Crazy times!

Over here in sculpture we have some exciting plans for the semester. The best is a new piece of equipment we are getting for the metal shop an English wheel from Imperial Wheeling Machines.

The Crown Imperial

Close up of the anvil.

Our friend Kerry Pinkerton designs and builds them and he is right in the Huntsville, AL area. Not only will he personally deliver it and give James and I some one-on-one lessons, we also have him coming back in early October to do a two-day clinic. Kerry is well know for his work in metal shaping and for his professional instructional DVD Metal Shaping 101. Check back here in a few weeks to hear more about his visit and the events planed for October.

Summer Session Work

2011-06-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Gosh I am a bit behind in posting. It has been one crazy busy summer so far. Well the one month ceramics summer studio intensive fihished yesterday with some great work. So Exciting! All the students worked hard and everyone participated in firing, glaze formulation, and clay making. It's such a good experience for all students to be a part of, here are a bunch of images.

Yay! For a great summer class. I'll see everyone back again in mid August!

Pottery and Art Sale

2011-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Annual Spring

Pottery and Art Sale

Friday, May 6, from noon to 6:00 PM

and

Saturday, May 7, from 9:00 AM to 3:000 PM

at the

3D Arts Building, 2905 West 4th Street, Hattiesburg.

Sculpture Guild Cup Drive!

2011-04-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

The USM Sculpture Guild is hosting a cup drive on April 30th from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This fundraiser supports the student club and helps to provide funds for trips to conferences and professional meetings.

Buy a handmade art cup and get a free margarita!!! After that all margaritas are only $2!!! What a deal!

Cup drive will be at Caliente Grille on Hardy Street in Hattiesburg.

So come on by, buy an art cup, drink some margaritas (or not) and while your at it have a bite to eat, all the while supporting the great students of the USM Sculpture guild!

Have You Seen the Senior Show?

2011-04-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Don't miss it. Crista Nelson, our only sculpture graduate this semester has an amazing group of works! There are also some exceptional works in painting and graphics. It comes down in few weeks so get your butts over to the USM Museum of Art to view the show!

Works by artist Crista Nelson, 2011

More Scholarships, Open House, and Student Blogs

2011-04-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

The second round of scholarships, these are for fall semester, will be happening soon. The date for review of portfolios is April 18th. More info and applications are forthcoming so this is just advanced notice to get you portfolios ready and get your images done! Don't be a sloth, there is over $20,000 up for grabs!

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Open House is this Friday, April 8th. We will be doing a good spiff up of the studios for this event and will be giving tours throughout the day on Friday. Also, we have an evaluator (Susan Russo) from NASAD coming the next week, April 10- 12 and she will be having some meetings to talk with students, faculty and to look at our facilities, please be prepared to lend a hand in these two events in anyway you can!

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Take a look at our great student blogs in the side bar. Writing and producing a blog page is free and a great way to get your ideas and work out into the public. Blogger also has the ability to link up with your Face Book page so every time you write a new post the information is made available to a wide group of folks. Check out how easy it is to do one at www.blogger.com . If you get one going and you want to have it posted here, let me know and I'll review it and get it connected with our page. Of course we want art related content, but blogs can be used for any number of ideas you might have. Check it out, just don't forget to "follow" this blog when you do.

The Annual USM Student Show Art

2011-03-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sculpture By Holly Loyd

The Annual USM Student Art Show will have it's opening reception and awards presentation on Tuesday, March 29. The festivities start with a lecture by renowned artist William Dunlap at 6:00 PM in Bennett Auditorium. Afterward we move to the Museum of Art for the awards presentation and reception. The entire event is open and free to the public.

How About an International Exhibition?

2011-03-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

No fees!!!

2012 Taiwan Ceramics Competition

At the Yingge Ceramic Musuem in Taipei.

A Good Show to Enter

2011-03-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Jersey Shore Clay National, 2011

Organized by the M.T. Burton Gallery.

For functional and sculptural work, low fee, only $25 for three entries. Deadline is May 1st, 2011.

Join Us on Face Book!

2011-03-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

USM Sculpture Guild on Facebook.

Scholarships and Annual Student Show

2011-02-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

Scholarship applications are due Monday (Feb 28) by 5:00 in the Art Office.

Don't be a fool, get a portfolio together!

This has been posted for a few weeks now...
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Don't forget to look at the Laurel Arts League Scholarship as well, that's $2000. Again, that's $2000! Click link for application.

LAUREL ARTS LEAGUE-
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Deadline is April 1, 2011.

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Annual Student Show
Info from the Museum of Art:

This year’s Annual Student Show Reception and Awards Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. following a special presentation by nationally recognized Mississippi artist and writer William Dunlap, 6 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium.

All students are encouraged to attend both events, and to enter works in this years student show. We really need high faculty and student participation to make these events a success.

We will begin accepting student show entries the Monday students get back from spring break. All entries (other than 3D) should be delivered to the museum between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Wednesday, March 14 -16. 3D works will need to be set up in the sculpture building. Works will be juried Thursday and/or Friday, 3/17- 3/18.

All entries must be ready to hang or install, please! There is simply not enough time for students to take work to have it framed or matted after the selection process; every year this is an issue and routinely creates unnecessary challenges for us to lay out and install the show. All 3D works accepted must be delivered to the museum on Monday, 3/21, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon by the student and museum directors.

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GET INVOLVED!

Ladies Welding Gear!

2011-02-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

It always seems we have to go to extraordinary lenghts to find welding gear that fits. This has alwasy been a drag. Spurred by a lovely pair of specialty ladies gloves one of my students brought to class I decided to do some looking around and found a cool site Weldfabulous that has a great section with gear specially for Women Welders!

Weldfabulous not only has ladies gear, it has all manner of gear and tools for anyone who loves being in the shop. Check out the wide variety of selections from tools to safety gear.

Later!

Site to Look at...

2011-02-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this STORY about Sculpture at Sharon Harlan's website Interior Design Degree. It highlights a number of great sculpture and sculpture related sites and guess what-- we were chosen for the list! It's a great site so check it out and pass it along to friends and colleagues.

Thanks Sharon!

In the Studios This Week...

2011-02-09T15:18:00.001-08:00

Scholarships!!!!

2011-02-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Scholarship time is upon us!

3D students need to get your portfolios together, full instructions are on the scholarship application forms, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE NOW IN THE ART OFFICE right now!

For 3D work you need a color, printed image of your piece(s), 10 pieces total. Images should be no smaller than 5x7 you can have one main image and one detail. Put both photos on the same page. You can enter 'sets' of work, say you have 4 cups or 4 figures that go as a group, but they must be photographed together. Use the detail image to show a close up of one of the works in the group. Make sure to label the works, medium, size, date, title- refer to the instructions on the application.

MAKE IT PROFESSIONAL!

Read the application and it's instructions carefully, the process is different this year!

DO IT NOW!

Good luck!

Some Places to Find Shows

2011-02-04T10:16:00.001-08:00

There are a ton of art exhibition and competition listings out there on the Internet, all you have to do is search for them, Check out ARTshow.com.

Here is a link to an interesting exhibition, FIRED A View of Ceramics

at Manifest Gallery

This show is open to all including students and they will publish a catalog (bonus!). Deadlines are approaching fast!

Some sites like The Art List, have free listings and some pay-for-membership levels as well.

Also check out- The Art Guide, ArtPerk, Art and Artdeadlines. My favorite is ArtDeadlines.com, but you have to pay for the good stuff and I think it's worth it.

Sculpture Guild

2011-02-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

SCULPTURE GUILD MEETING!

This Thursday at 5:00 PM, in the 3D building.

Everyone invited, come see what it is all about!

Museum Opening and Free Money

2011-01-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Reception at the USM Museum of Art for two new shows!!!

THURSDAY 1/27 AT 4:00 PM!

___________________________________

Also**** EMERGENCY SCHOLARSHIP FUND****

Get a quick $500 for being a poor art student!
Application send via email to art students but also available at the Art Office in FAB 108.

They are due on Thursday 1/27!!!!

Another Semester!

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2011! It's going to be a good year I can feel it. Last semester provided some good challenges for many of us and hopefully these new lessons will be put into practice for the new year. It's important to note that these challenges never stop happening and what is so important for an artist to learn is how to COPE! They never go away and managing time and resources is so very important. I am a perfect example for that; I have a fabrication job I am working on right now, and will go right into a commission piece at the same time as I am working on all new work for a show at the end of April. Never mind that I still must teach and run the studios and I have a whole busy life outside of all of this. Several of these projects kind of came up last minute but since I try and be relatively organized I was able to jump on them and provide drawings, plans and models of things literally with a two or three day notice. Get a calendar, or planner book or whatever you need, but build a schedule and stick with it!

Classes start on January 18th. The studios will not be open officially until this day, so please plan accordingly. Materials and tools can be moved in on or after the 18. Keypad and lock combinations will be given out a few days later when enrollments are settled.

Please make sure you look at your bank account and remember that you don't get your refunds for a week or so. You will NOT be excused from doing projects and purchasing materials because of refund issues.

Also remember if you are trying to get into a class that is closed try and get there the first day of class, no professor will let you into a studio class a week after it stared, that's just crazy and it's disrespectful to the faculty member who usually works pretty hard a preparing the first weeks lessons.

SLOSS is also coming up, April 13-16 (longer for people doing a cupola or taking certain workshops) please make sure you let professors and your employer know NOW that you will be gone. Make sure you save up absences for that week so you don't get docked for being away! SLOSS is amazing and as many of you as possible should try and attend.

Well that's all for now, see everyone in a week or so! Cheers!

Annual Pottery and Art Sale

2010-12-03T08:06:00.001-08:00

Annual USM Pottery and Art Sale

Today- Friday, December 3, from noon to 6:00 PM
Saturday, December 4, from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Art works by the students, faculty and staff of the 3D Arts Area. Great value for some excellent holiday gifts. A portion of the proceeds goes back to the studio to purchase new equipment for the students. There are sculptural items as well as functional pottery for sale.

CASH ONLY.

Come early- come often!

Location; The 3D Arts Building on the USM campus, on West 4th street, right next to the Pat Ferlise Ticket office and just west of the new dorm complex. Call 601-266-4972 if you need additional directions.

IRON POUR TODAY!

2010-11-20T04:35:00.000-08:00

Hot metal at 12:00 - 2:00 PM, or thereabouts.

Make some art, buy a scratch block. $10.00, proceeds go to the USM Sculpture Guild student club.

Beautiful t-shirts also for sale!

West 4th street, Hattiesburg, at the 3D Arts Building.

SLOSS Sets Dates for National Conference- 2011

2010-09-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pictures from 2009 SLOSS Conference.

The National Conference for Cast Iron Art at SLOSS Furnaces in Birmingham Alabama, has been set for April 13-16, 2011. Students who are interested in competing in the cupola contest will have to plan to be at SLOSS starting the Monday before, and there are several excellent workshops that start earlier too. Check out the conference website for more details and to register, there are important deadlines to be aware of!

It is by far the best conference available for students and all artists and a great way to see many other furnaces and techniques in casting. You will also meet lots of other folks, have opportunities for showing your work, you can participate in pours, and just have a blast of a time (pun intended!).

I go every year for the week and it is worth it even if you can only go for the weekend. Check the website and register early for the early bird discount student rate.

Visiting Artist: Antoinette Badenhorst

2010-09-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Antoinette Badenhorst will be visiting us in the ceramics studio on Monday and Wednesday, Sept. 13 and 15, from 12-2 pm, to give a special workshop/demonstration on working with porcelain. She will demo throwing on the wheel, trimming, and assembling, as well as a water resist etching technique she uses to create low relief patterns and designs on the surface of her thrown forms.

A native of South Africa, Badenhorst has shown around the United States and internationally including Japan. She has won numerous awards and has been featured in a number of publications including Southern Living and 2007 Best of America- Pottery and Wood.

All are welcome! The workshops and demo will take place at the 3D Arts Building on the USM campus over on West 4th Street.

Antoinette Badenhortst

USM Budget Cuts- SAD!!!

2010-08-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

From and email out to Faculty and Staff this morning details programs to be cut from USM, Art and Design loses two programs- read on...
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Dear Southern Miss Family,

I have the unfortunate task of advising you of our proposed budget cuts for the 2012 fiscal year. It is especially painful that this announcement comes at a time of record enrollment and unparalleled successes within the university.

The IHL Board of Trustees has asked all the state’s universities to develop plans to address anticipated budget losses. Our anticipated decrease for 2012 is approximately $15 million. Just as in the past year, we have started this process early in order to give ourselves the required time to notify faculty and staff members and to find any possible alternatives.

These decisions were guided by but not restricted to the recommendations of the University Priorities Committee. We owe the members of the UPC a debt of thanks for their long and arduous work and for providing valuable insights to the Executive Cabinet.
Reductions will come from the following areas: Academic Priorities (program deletions and consolidations), Academic Support Services, Administrative Support Services and campus-wide initiatives. The reductions are included within this letter. Regrettably, these reductions will result in job losses for faculty and staff. Students enrolled in programs targeted for elimination will be allowed a reasonable time to complete their degree programs. Also, an appeal process is being developed for programs requesting reconsideration.

Selected degree programs and academic initiatives will be eliminated in all five of the academic colleges. Twenty-nine faculty members have been notified that the current academic year will be the terminal year on their contracts. These include 3 Tenured Professors, 11 Tenured Associate Professors, 11 Untenured Assistant Professors, and 4 Instructors. Ten of these individuals serve in the College of Arts & Letters, three in the College of Business, eight in the College of Education & Psychology, four in the College of Health, three in the College of Science & Technology, and one in the University Libraries. Six of the affected faculty members teach on USM’s Gulf Coast campus.

Campus-wide initiatives may include the redistribution of indirect cost funds from research grants and contracts, possible furloughs for all employees, and a possible retirement incentive program.
Please accept my deep appreciation for your steadfast support during these unprecedented economic trials. We will continue to work together toward positive solutions and a sound future for our university.

Sincerely yours,

Martha Saunders
President

Academic Program Deletion or Consolidation
Allied Health, Bachelor of Science Gulf Coast *
Allied Health, Bachelor of Science Hattiesburg *
Art, Bachelor of Arts (retain Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art) *
Art Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts *
Engineering Technology (Computer Science), Master of Science *
Criminal Justice (Consolidation to Hattiesburg)
Early Oral Intervention, Master of Science *
Education of the Deaf, Bachelor of Science *
Engineering Technology Master of Science (CM, LM, ACV) *
Geology, Master of Science *
German
Higher Education Administration, Education Specialist *
Interscholastic Athletic Administration, Master of Science *
Latin
Management Information Systems, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration *
Marine Science, Bachelor of Science Gulf Coast *
MBA (Consolidation to Gulf Coast)
Paralegal (Consolidation to Hattiesburg)
Philosophy, Master of Arts *
Physical Education Licensure, Master of Science *
Political Science, Master of Arts (Consolidation to Hattiesburg)
Psychiatric Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing *
Recreation Leisure Management, Bachelor of Science *
Recreation Administration, Bachelor of Science *
Religion, Bachelor of Arts *
Sports and High Performance Materials: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy *
Technology Education: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy *

* Program closures require approval by the Board of Trustees

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There is more to the email detailing various savings in different areas, but my feeling is that although there may be savings for the state and University the great loss will be to the students.

Week Two

2010-08-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Paving continues. Hopefully it will be done in a day or two. The parking situation is ridiculous. I can not imagine having a job working with hot black-top in the summers in Mississippi. But with the economy in the toilet everyone is happy to have a job right now.

Here's a picture of James working with some of the Sculpture I students, gotta learn the torch set-up! It was terribly hot in the shop, close to 100 degrees, but they were all excited to get to cut steel with the torch for the first time.

A Message from Our Good Friends at FSU

2010-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,
I am writing everyone to invite them to the FeSU fall iron pour. This year we are partnering with the Luca Foundation to preforming a fund raiser for triple negative breast cancer research. The event is on Oct 23, a non-football weekend here in Tallahassee, casting begins at 4pm. As with any pour in FLA, it could be HOT- so we'd like to have bunch of crew to make it easy on everyone. We're planning a big event with music and food and hot metal from our new furnace- The Studebaker. taps 2- 80lb ladles, runs fast & HOT!If you're local and wanna make a mold, holla at me we'll do it- if you're outta town, you're welcome to bring a mold too!Please RSVP in you're planning on attending.

Hope you're all doing well...

ira

Fe4Life!

Ira Hill
Associate DirectorMaster Craftsman Studios
Florida State University
www.craft.fsu.edu
850.644.0139

Meeting!

2010-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Important meeting of all sculpture and ceramics majors or folks thinking about being majors, 4PM on Thursday, Aug 19, at the 3D building. Don't miss it!

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Toys! Our backyard is getting paved! Yay!

New Semester, Part II

2010-08-09T10:55:00.001-07:00

Our backyard, being dig up in preparation for new black-top. Will it ever stop?

Start of a New Semester

2010-08-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article from the NY times about finding cheaper te/tb00k$. You see I am not actually allowed to tell you about where to find cheaper reads but since this is NOT a school publication and we are NOT in class I guess I can tell you anything I want- read on

How to Find Cheaper College Textbooks, NY Times, Sunday, August 8, 2010

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There will be a lot of road work happening on the back side of our studio during the first weeks of school. We are having the whole back part of the parking lot paved and we are getting a new driveway near the cupola. Please do not make any plans to use the back area for unloading supplies until you speak with me. We may be forced to use the front door for a while until this part of the project is complete.

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The parking situation is only going to get worse, especially in our front area on the side of the studio. This open area is "open" for anyone who has a hang tag to park in, not just students. There will be a bunch of new staff working in the Century Park and they have every right to park out front. Please make sure you take parking into consideration as you head to class, you will probably need extra time in the mornings.

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Please do not forget to pay your minimum balance for this semester- our classes are full, not just in the 3D area but in all of Art and Design. If you get dropped from a class for non-payment there is NO guarantee you will be let back in.

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This looks to be an exciting and busy semester! I look forward to seeing everyone really soon!

Empty Bowls Project

2010-07-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Below is a message from Byron Myrick, from Jones Junior College.

This is a great project. Get involved!
___________________________________________

Hey everyone, I hope you can help us out again with the empty
bowls project. It was very successful last year, all the bowls were snapped up, and the money went to two good food projects, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross.

Of course since it went so well they would like to expand it this year, the good news is that we have longer to make the bowls. They are going to move the delivery to March 2011, but since they would like more bowls I would like to get started as soon as we can. Can we do the morning on August 7th and then maybe one or two more mornings spread about a month apart.
We could do some throwing and maybe some glazing at the later Saturdays. I know everyone may not be able to make all the work secessions but any you can would be a big help.
I would like anyone that wants to, to make a small stamp/chop to mark the bowls they make. We didn't do that last year and there were lots of questions as to who made "my bowl" so if you like, maybe your initials in a simple design.

If you know anyone else that would like to join us in making bowls, the more the merrier. If you would like for me to call them send names and numbers Please let me know if you can make it, if you have any questions give me a call 601-752-5172 or email of course, bmyrick@bayspringstel.net.

Hope to hear from you soon
Byron

The New Semester Winds Down

2010-07-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

What an interesting summer it has been so far. The first summer semester, basically the month of June, we had 21 students. For the most part there was excellent work being done. Some folks had a hard time with the intensity of the short time period and didn't plan well enough to get work done in-time for glazing and other finishing. Other folks went crazy making work. These students clearly were energized by the intensity of the program and the many hours spent in the studio charged them up and gave them licence to experiment and produce lots of works. Not that everything has been stellar. I think no matter how motivated someone is they have good stuff and crappy stuff. The crappy stuff is necessary on the way to the good stuff, but in the end it's all important to make and be seen. All in all I was happy with the final results and saw many challenges overcome with some good production and quality works.

In the second part of the summer, or semester two in the month of July, 13 students stayed on to continue the work started earlier. Some of the same issues arose, the main one being a struggle to keep up production after so many weeks of working hard. Keeping new ideas coming can also be a struggle. I have encouraged all the students to have multiple projects going so they don't burn out on any one thing. Production has dropped off in general, but I have also seen more quality in some student's work and that's a good thing. In addition I posted some information about a national juried teapot competition coming up and now many students are making teapots with plans on entering the competition. There are some really well done tea pots, all unique and representational of the artist makers.

I was very skeptical earlier this summer as to how two intense summer courses would work out, especially back to back, but I am pleasantly surprised. There is a wonderful energy happening with the students, a real core of artists is developing and I am seeing a great camaraderie that is beginning to define the sculpture program in a way I have not seen before. I am really hoping this energy works it's way into the fall semester and beyond. I think the 3D program is super (I am biased in that way!) and for many folks- students, staff and at least this faculty member, it really is beginning to feel like a real working studio. It's been hard work keeping everything going but it has been so very worth it!

I'll post some pictures of finished work at the end of July.

Additional Summer Ceramics and Sculpture Classes

2010-06-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

We have been approved to list new summer courses for 2010.

These will be ceramics and a few sculpture courses (upper level only for majors) for the July session. There will be a few spots open in Ceramics I (Art 351) but students have to get permission from me first as I am only letting a few folks in.

SPREAD THE WORD!!!

We still need to get between 12 and 15 students for the courses to go.

Look for it on SOAR later this week!

Courses to be offered-

ART 351 (only a few seats by permission)
352, 353, 451, 452, 453, 362, and 492
M/W/F from 8:00 to 11:10 AM and T/TH 8:00 to 12:30 PM
June 29 to July 30

Get This Book.

2010-06-19T04:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.artistcareerguide.com/

Summer Pictures

2010-06-18T06:10:00.001-07:00

Crista working a sculpture piece.

Loading the bisque kiln.

Loading the gas kiln for a cone 10 glaze firing.

Juried Shows!

2010-06-15T04:15:00.000-07:00

As you might imagine things had been crazy and this blog became the main victim of the busy times. Oh well when things get tough, somethings got to give.

Listed here are some important links for ceramic juried shows.

I can't express how important entering shows can be for the student (for all artists). One of our most recent grads, Ken, got acceptances to a whole bunch of excellent grad schools because he had more than a half dozen juried shows in just the past year. Even if you don't plan on going to grad schools, they are important for your resume and get you jobs and customers.

Deadline July 1-
http://www.lillstreet.com/international
http://www.muddysgallery.com/entries.htm

August 27-
http://www.baltimoreclayworks.org/exhibition/future.html

August 30-
http://www.nceca.net/app/exhibitions/results/biennial
If you are serious about ceramics you need to become a member!
http://www.nceca.net/

Sept 1-
http://www.potterynorthwest.org/unwedged.htm

Sept 16-
http://www.wayneart.org/exhibits/craftforms10.php

Iron Pour This Week

2010-04-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Breaking Coke and iron for the little furnace.

Iron pour, this Thursday, starting at 9AM.

BE THERE!

Sculpture Guild Meeting

2010-04-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

Meeting: Thursday, April 22nd at 5:00 PM. BE THERE!

Another Good Show Opportunity

2010-03-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

Call for Art:National IronA Juried National Exhibition of Cast Iron Art
The Missoula Art Museum, in conjunction with the Western Cast Iron Art Alliance, seeks to exhibit a diverse national collection of artwork made in the medium of cast iron.

All aesthetics and styles of contemporary artwork will be considered. Any scale of work will be considered, however, understand that artists will be responsible for shipping accepted work to and from the museum by the deadlines below.

The exhibition will open from 5-9 pm on May 7th, coinciding with the Missoula First Friday gallery walk and the 2nd night of the Western Cast Iron Art Conference!

Dates:
March 29th, 2010—Deadline for Submission online
April 2nd, 2010—Artists notified by email
May 7th –August 29th, 2010—Exhibition Dates
April 26th, 2010—All work delivered to the museum by this date
September 15th—All work picked up in person or by carrier by this date

Jurors: Stephen Glueckert, Curator of Exhibitions, Missoula Art Museum
David Lobdell, Professor of Art, New Mexico Highlands University

Submissions:Artists may submit up to 5 digital images of cast iron art. All submissions will be made to: http://Nationaliron.slideroom.com. Applicants should upload images as jpg. no larger than 1220px @ 72 dpi. There is a $10 submission fee at the time of upload via credit or debit card. This pays for the cost of the service. Shipping: Accepted artwork must arrive at the museum by April 26th and be picked up in person or by carrier from museum by September 15th.

Please ship all accepted work, appropriately packaged/labeled for return to:
Missoula Art Museum
335 North Pattee
Missoula, MT 59802

A Great Juried Show to Enter

2010-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

South Cobb 23rd National Juried exhibition, Mableton, Georgia.

Check it out!

Something You Should Be Looking At: Lisa Kellner

2010-02-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

Lisa Kellner website

Info for Georgia Iron Pour

2010-02-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

For those students who are interested in going to the iron pour at UGA, April 10, please check out this site and FILL OUT THE FORM, so they know who's coming (or may be coming) so they can plan for the event and food and such.

Incidentally this is the web site for the Georgia Sculptor's Society, UGA's student sculpture club.

Sculpture Club Meeting

2010-02-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

If you are interested come to the meeting!!! Bring other interested artists/students. You do not have to be a student to be a member of the club.

Tuesday, February 23rd at 5:00 PM

Sculpture Club

2010-01-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

So yesterday evening, after class, we had a meeting were we talked about starting a sculpture club. James, Chris and I were there as well as, Grace, Dusty, Eric, Ronna, MJ, Bryan, Katie, Gary, Lindsey, Megan, and... well I am sure I am forgetting someone, sorry. It was a great talk and it seems there is some real interest. When I was a student at UGA I had a great experience with the Georgia Sculptors Society, our school club at the time. We had a bunch of shows together had fun meetings and were able to help support travel to conferences and events.

Of Course any club is only as good as its members, but I think now there are motivated students who are willing to do the work to get this going. Another reason to have the club is because we would have our own bank account and the money we make at ceramic sales and such, will no longer get turned into the office, where it is deposited in the netherworld of the USM financial system, it would actually go back to the club for it's own use.

I really hope this will work out! I will be happy to start off as the faculty advisor and help get things going. Let's see though what the students come up with as far as building support for this. Only they can run it and keep it going!

If you are interested in getting involved, the club is open to all students and even non-students, just let me know- Jen

Important Meeting

2010-01-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

There is an important meeting for all majors and other art students to attend. This meeting is especially important for the majors but any student taking classes in the 3D Area is welcome to attend.

There will be general announcements and a discussion about the new student sculpture club.

The meeting is next Tuesday, January 26th at 5PM in the 3D building.

Make plans to attend!!!

A New Decade, a New Year, and a New Semester

2010-01-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Gosh, that's a lot of NEW stuff.

I have been busy so posts have been minimal. But I will try and keep up better this semester.

So far classes are looking good, pretty full. So full that we have four 3D classes. Gosh that room will be busy back there. I think all the ceramics courses are closed as of now. All but one of the 3D classes is closed. Sculpture I has enough to make and the upper level sculpture courses are pretty close, but will be OK I am sure. We have had so many folks graduating it's killing our numbers. That's a good thing, I guess. We will have three more folks graduating this spring as well, I hope.

We had an incredible senior show last semester. It had excellent work, all of it unique and not without it's share of controversy. It really raised the bar for a lot of up coming students.

In that light there is an excellent website to check out ART ON TRIAL. It does a really amazing job of opening up the discussion about censorship and how it works in today's contemporary society. Some of the stories are just outrageous. ART 464, the Theory class for the sculpture majors will be taking an open and detailed look at this very topic when the semester starts.

Our Honorable Judge of Liberty, (3' by 4' oil painting), by Franciszek Kulon

Some Pour Images

2009-11-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Images by Aimee Guido

What's Up Right Now

2009-11-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Annual Iron Pour Pot Luck Dinner

All invited, bring your friends and family and BRING a DISH, side or main.

Chips and drinks will be provided!

Friday at 6:00 PM, in the 3D Room
_____________________________________________

IRON POUR

Burn in begins at 10:00 am on Saturday.

All participants need to be on-site by 9:00 AM to help out and set up charges and whatever else needs to be done. We hope to start charging around noon and maybe have hot metal around 2:00 PM. Make sure you bring lunch on Saturday and snacks, it will be a long day. There will be Gatorade and water for the work crews only.

SCRATCH BLOCKS will be for sale, as long as they last until pour time on Saturday, $15 a piece.

Interesting Site

2009-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Gwynn Murrill Art

As many of you know I am NOT a lover of clearly objective art, however this is one artist I find very exciting. It is clear that a whole lifetime of investigation and experimentation has gone into finding the true essence of the animal. Enjoy!

A Blog to Check Out

2009-11-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

ARTwork by Joe MacGown

Some cool work at the blog of Mississippi artist Joe MacGown. Take a look at this how he has linked his professional website with the blog and how he represents his work.

Second Trip to the Scrap Yard

2009-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Green Machine

Trip number two was pretty easy. The machinery operators knew we were coming and had set some iron on the side for us. It was a quick trip and we got some good metal. Next is the trip to Birmingham for other raw materials; coke, core paste, and ladles. Pictures of that later.

The Pincher

2009-11-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

A Monster from the Scrap Yard- The Pincher

Chris and I went last Wednesday to go get our first load of scrap iron from Shemper's Recyclers here in Hattiesburg. It's always an interesting experience. Normally Shempers is buying scrap, but once a year they agree to switch things around so we can come in an buy metal from them. Thank God they do, or we would never have iron pours.

Getting there and actually getting the metal is the easy part. Everything we do up to that point, especially when making purchases at the University, is so complicated; paperwork, people to call, arrangements to be made. Uggh! In the end I guess it's all worth it. And a big thanks to Shempers, I know it's trouble for them to help us out, but they do it every year!

Check This Out...

2009-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Optical Illusion the Size of a Town

Senior Project

2009-10-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss in my posting! Been busy, what can I say? I thought it would be good to talk a little bit about senior project. The image above is of Georgie's ceramic sculpture work. The image represents probably less than half of what he has made as part of his senior project requirements. Less than half! I think the biggest thing that most student's don't consider is the shear massive amount of work needed to complete the project. Never mind the 20 page paper and the full portfolio due at at the end along with the museum show. Every year I have folks come to me for advisement and think they can take two or three additional studios at the same time as a senior project. When I hear this I laugh. It's pretty much not possible if you want to have a good senior project experience AND do well in all your classes. Why would you want to have all that stuff to do anyway? The senior project is such an amazing time in your student career, why cram it up with all this other busy work that will take away from your experience?

I still remember my senior project. I was lucky as I had enough foresight to get rid of all my core classes and art histories so that I only had senior project, a photo studio, an easy theater workshop and a fun art/math course. Just enough classes to keep my financial aid but easy stuff so I could fully enjoy my final semester and make as much work as humanly possible. My job for my last two years of school was to drive a stretch limo in NYC. Boy were those fun times! And some very late nights as well. I worked at my job pretty much solid from Friday afternoon to late Sunday night, usually starting with airport pickups from JFK, then the Broadway dinner and theater crowd, followed by the late night club scene. An hour or two of sleep and then it was off again with weddings, and maybe a longer trip down to Atlantic City. Sunday was a repeat of the other days. I was always back at the studio Monday morning where I could take advantage of a full five days of studio to get a huge amount of work done. I also learned that no one worked in the morning so I could have the studio all to my self. On top of that the shops at our school were open half the time they are at USM and then whole building closed at midnight. No 24/7 access like we have here.

It's never too early to start preparing for senior project. Using the last studio class or two in your course requirements to start developing your body of work is imperative to giving you a head start with your project. Working out structural and material issues and technical problems should be done prior to starting your project, not halfway into your final semester! Senior project is not the time to be inventing new things, or trying some crazy new material that you have never worked with before, it's a time for developing a body of work that already has some momentum in it, something you know you can work on and develop further, something you can push the limits on, in a huge way. It's also important to do something you love as you will be spending hours and hours and hours with it, as well as investing all your money into it.

Senior project + all your money, all your time, every ounce of your soul = an amazing body of work, and then maybe grad school, shows and exhibitions, grants, fellowships and who knows what else!

Group Projects

2009-10-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

As sculptors and ceramic artists we don't get many opportunities to work together as a group. For the most part I hate group projects but I miss the fellowship that comes from working together with other artists. Things like wood firings and iron casting are the perfect ways to hang with the group, accomplish something useful, and be creative.

This past week and into this weekend Mark Rigsby did a wood firing out at his studio. A bunch of us partook in the project. Folks from upper level were invited as well as some faculty and staff. A number of folks joined in, Krista, MJ, Anna, Ken and some other folks I think. Every one helped with aspects of loading and stoking. It's big work and it is so much easier and more fun when a bunch of people help out. MJ Hill has some good pictures on his blog, check 'em out.

Projects like this are a perfect opportunity to learn something new (including how to make smores)! I look forward to see what comes out of the kiln!

It's a good time to remind folks that we have a big iron pour coming up soon, another good opportunity to work together and make something happen!

Around the Studios...

2009-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Photos by Gary Ratliff

Most of these images are from ART 361, Sculpture I, James Davis instructor, the rest are from around the 3D Arts Studio.

Thanks Gary for your images!

"You Think my Work is Pretty?"

2009-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Everybody seems settled into their classes and critiques are underway along with many interesting projects. As we begin the new semester I think it's important to a take some time to think about what the critique is and what it means to each of us individually.

In school, critiques (often referred to as "crits") are a necessary part of education (and grades). Outside of school the critique can be an essential tool for building a successful body of work. As an artist long out of school I look for those instances when I can get good solid feedback. Of course in school and out-of-school there are always the critics who are going to tell you what they think, whether you want to hear about it or not. I still remember being a student and having to deal with folks who knew nothing about my work and yet felt compelled to tell me all that was wrong with it. Sometimes this even included the instructor! As I got older and more mature I realized that my instructors new more than I gave them credit for, but my lack of experience didn't allow me to listen and take their comments into consideration. I know better now!

In Nita Leland's essay Surviving Workshop Critiques she mentions about being wary of critiques that are nothing but "feel-good sessions". How right she is! How boring is it to have everyone just nod their heads and say, "yes, it's pretty". What a waste of time! Ms. Leland has some good ideas in her essay, check it out.

In ARTSEDGE Joyce Payne lays out a basic outline for a critique session. Although there are some points I tend to skip over in my classes, one idea that she mentions I find to be critical and unfortunately it's one we don't often stick to; Describing the work without using value words such as "beautiful" or "ugly". Her essay reminds me of why that is so important. I think it is something that I am going to try and push in more of my class critiques. Also check out her section called Judgement and Evaluation. Wow, that's a tough one, especially for us, it will be a good one to discuss in class. I am curious to find out what all you students think about the value of discussing the originality of a work and what makes it so. When I was in school this came up on a regular basis, but it doesn't seem to be something that comes up enough in our class crits. That's something I would like to change. To start we might have to have a conversation about what "original" means... Wow, that could be an interesting discussion.

New Semester!

2009-08-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! Already another semester is coming around the corner. It hardly seems right, but at the same time is also one of the most exciting times of the year! Lots of preparation on the part of the faculty, some new tools, and full class sections for all the 3D, ceramics, and sculpture classes. The 3D Arts Building will be a very busy place starting next week. Soon our halls will be filled with lots of new work, but to start off in a positive way, here is some of the fantastic work we got at the end of the summer semester.

Ending up the Summer Semester

2009-06-27T08:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a terrific summer term! With a few exceptions almost all the students really have risen to the occasion during this intense summer session. Last year was my first year doing this course and we got in only one jam packed kiln at the the very end. This semester we have tripled that effort with three jammed kiln firings (I can't even count how many bisque firings we did). Just last night we loaded it up and set it to candle over night, boy it was packed! We had way, way too much fun with this last load-up! We are tag team firing (me in the AM did the bumps, James will do the body reduction, and Taylor will do shut down in the afternoon.) The volume of work we got this semester was just grand. I can't wait to see everything during the final critiques on Tuesday. Here are a few picks of our kiln crew and the final packed kiln. Cheers!

From left to right- Taylor, Crista, Anna (front), James, and Amlan. I am pretty sure we have successfully recruited Amlan to the dark side.

Final Senior Project - Nicole Moree

2009-06-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

Nicole Moree- Artist Statement

I am from Florence, Mississippi and have been attending USM since 2005. The concept of my Senior Show is “overprocreation”. This body of work is my reaction to the society that I live in. People procreate at a rate that astounds me. I believe our society is a lazy and selfish one. We live in an era where people dodge responsibility or try and pass it on to someone else. My work is based upon the outrageous number of babies that are spat into existence by people who are not prepared for the responsibility of rearing them. We live in a time in which this can all be prevented, but it seldom is.

Spring ARTwalk

2009-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from the April 18th, Artwalk that students and some faculty and staff took part in. I was a great success and for the most part the gallery was jammed with viewers. I tried to get a few pics when it was a bit more quite. I can't stress how important it is to show your work, as a student or a professional. People need to see what we do and I know the folks of Hattiesburg are very appreciative of the work that they see. Shows and exhibitions are also very important for resumes and can help a great deal in getting more shows, grants, into grad school, jobs, commissions, to name a few. Take advantage of every opportunity to show, you'll be happy you did!

Wood, Wood Everywhere and Not a Bit to Burn!

2009-04-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last week the Sculpture I class finally finished their wood projects. A few delays and some extra time and everybody had something to show. I really wasn't sure what I was going to see; so many folks decided too early on they hated wood, but in the end we got some good stuff. My overall opinion is that we had some very good ideas but could use a bit of work on the execution. No doubt wood is one of the harder materials to learn to use, some folks had an easier time than others but overall and I think the students did a fair job of working with it.

Student Scholarship Competition

2009-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just in... the applications and portfolios for next year's scholarships are due TOMORROW!!! Talk to the folks in the main Art Office or there are some applications on the bulletin board in the 3B Bldg.

Work About the Enviornment

2009-04-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

3D students from Jen Torres' class had group installation projects where they had to pick a subject that dealt with current issues about our environment. They had over a week to get their works together and only a few hours to put them up so we could interact and critique them. There were four works, dealing with the human footprint, pollution of our oceans, party pollution and overpopulation. They were very interactive, had some performance aspects and best of all broadened the student's concept about the type of impact art can have on a wider audience. It was by far one of the more fun projects!

Cupolas!!!

2009-04-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

A Selection of student cupolas from the student cupola contest at Sloss, The National Conference on Cast Iron Art, 2009. The last furnace on the bottom of this post is the one made and run by our USM students, Taylor and Nicole, with the assistance of Dustin and Scarlet.

Students from all over the US, 14 teams, design, build, and then run their furnaces in this national level competition. There is a competitive feel, and everyone gets a bit crazy, but to just be able to build your own small-bore furnace and have it melt and pour iron is a pretty big feat for all of the teams. Our folks did a fine job!

Spring Pottery and Art Sale

2009-04-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Spring Pottery and Art Sale
+ Friday, May 1, from 1 PM to 6 PM
+ Saturday, May 2, from 9 AM to 1 PM

At the 3D Arts Building on West 4th Street, USM campus, Hattiesburg, MS.

All students currently taking upper level (300, 400 and grad classes) in the 3D area are invited to participate in the pottery/art sale. We had great success last time and many members of the local community expressed great interest in coming to another. Last time everybody made some money. 15% of all sales goes back to the area to help purchase a new clay mixer so badly needed.

The work does not need to be just pottery and/or sculpture, if you make jewelery or do printmaking, those kinds of works will be accepted as well. The most important thing is that we have quality work, no cracks in pots or glazes, no sharp edges on sculpture, 2d work must be matted or even framed, that kind of stuff.

Everyone who participates must put in several hours of work during the sale, minimum.

There will be a sign up sheet on my door this week, get your name down, reserve a space!

More Sloss...

2009-04-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Internet connection I had at the hotel was pretty much non existent. And of course I don't really remember everything that happened every day, so I'll post some more images and summarize.

Our students did GREAT! Their cupola worked just fine during the competition and they worked well together and were calm and professional. I am very proud of them, I know James is too.

The whole conference was exciting and the performance pieces on Friday night were totally out there. I felt like I was in Fellini's 8 1/2. I ran the workshops and was supper busy all week as was James who was teaching the large mold workshop. He did a great job as well; after a near disaster with a large mold he magically pulled it all together to get the job done. I would have freaked out. It was a tough week, we all worked very hard, physically and mentally, but I also got to see my Sloss Family, there is nothing better than that!

Sloss day 3

2009-04-01T20:18:00.001-07:00

More later...

Sloss Day 2

2009-04-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Some pictures, more later.

SLOSS- Monday

2009-03-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone arrived safely by late morning and the students went right to orientation for the student cupola contest. They were assigned a number of tasks to complete including breaking iron, 300# for each of the 14 groups, making production molds that will be cast during the competition and getting their rigs set up at the assigned location. They were extremely busy all day. James met up with some of his large mold making participants and got working right away on an especially complicated large mold for a lady named Caro, here from England with her husband. She is a very cool person and someone worth keeping in touch with. I met with some of my workshop leaders, and then basically ran around helping James and Caro when needed and anyone else.
There are probably already 100 or so folks here working and soon that will triple as more workshops get going and then the general conference starts up on Wednesday. I have been running into dozens of old friends, we call it the iron pouring family. Many are artists I have worked with, gone to grad school with or even had shows with, some were once my students. There is a vibrant and exciting energy about this place, especially with so many artists working together.

I think our students and James are doing an exceptional job and are doing great at holding USM in it's esteemed place as a leader in iron education in the south. On Friday I have a panel presentation to give on contemporary trends in cast iron art, I still have some prep to do.

The days are long, eating is something you do when you have a minute and sleeping only comes when everything is finished. I left at 8:30 last night, I talked to Taylor and they were just going grocery shopping at 10:00. It's going to be a long week, never mind that Tuesday is starting off with thunder storms. I hope everyone has good tents!

SLOSS I

2009-03-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Got to Birmingham at around 5 PM. That 3 hr drive never seemed so long before, but then again I just drove 9 hrs each way to Springfield, MO on Friday and Saturday. I checked into the motel and called on the crew, James, Taylor, Nicole, Dustin and Scarlet (who is coming in today). They were still in Meridian, and had a few hrs more of driving. They plan on camping. Every so often I think about doing that, but considering the possibility of bad weather and that there are no showers I usually opt for a motel. I am glad I did it was 35* last night and I personally, am not too keen on sleeping outside in cold weather. I'll be heading over to SLOSS shortly so I'll check in later to let you all know how the first day goes.

Advising and Registration

2009-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Students!!!!

Please note that the online SOAR class schedules for many art courses are incorrect. Please make sure that you check back later in the week to confirm times and dates for classes, or better yet talk to the instructor.

Ms. Torres has her fall schedule for ART 351 and upper-level sculpture listed on her door, as well as the summer schedule for ceramics and sculpture.

News

2009-03-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Power- power will be cut off from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday March 16.
Heat and Air- will be off all week in the newer (west) side of the building.
Water- will be turned off late on Mrch 21 and will be off for most of Sunday, March 22.

A few images from our most recent crit.

Ken Was Right!

2009-03-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

CAMPUS-WIDE, TWO-HOUR POWER OUTAGE SET FOR MARCH 16
The campus will experience a power outage for the ENTIRE campus from 9 - 11a.m., Monday, March 16 in order for Mississippi Power Company to performinspection/repairs in the USM substation. All departments need to check andshut down appropriate equipment before Monday morning.

Show Opp

2009-03-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Sculpture Show

Monroe, LA- The University of Louisiana at Monroe, (ULM) School of Visual and Performing Arts, announces a call for entries for public display of outdoor sculpture. All Work will be on display for one year from date of installation beginning in April-May 2009. A honorarium of up to $1000 is available for qualified artists to assist in covering all cost associated with delivery, set up and take down of work...

More info at www.ulm.edu/art/sculpturegarden/

News

2009-03-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to everyone who got into the student Show!!! Now move your stuff into the museum and clear out the 3D building.

Bases for shows- Don't forget to get with James Davis to help with building, painting bases.

Advisement- is the week after Spring Break, March 23- 27. Sign up with your advisor now or check with the art office about who your advisor is. Ms. Torres will be seeing folks on the 23- 26, she'll be out of town on the 27th.

Images from yesterday, work here is from part one of the upper level crit and from all the student show entries. The Sculpture Area kicks a$$!

Facilities Have Nothing To Do With It

2009-03-03T04:35:00.000-08:00

I often hear folks complain about our facilities. Heck even I do sometimes. But it is important to remember that sometimes facilities have nothing to do with it. This photo is of an Afghan potter in the town of Herat. The photo is by journalist and photographer Fraidoon Pooya. Herat has been a hotbed of activity during the war, but in the past had been known for it's artists and cultural treasures.

I love this image mainly because of the impact of its parts; the two huge lugs of raw clay waiting to be thrown, the horrible working conditions, poor lighting, it almost looks like he is working in a cave. Yet in the center of it all is the man working on his pots, a graceful large bowl, spins from his hands. And you know from everything else in the picture that the still has a ton of work to do. He probably doesn't even have much of a choice as he must do this to feed his family. So when ever you feel like complaining, remember this image and be grateful that you can work on your pottery in such a pleasant space without you or your family's lives depending on it.

Recent News

2009-03-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Most Important
2009 Annual Student Show Guidelines!!! Check it out and read carefully! Selection of works is only a week away and we want the 3D area to kick a$$. We usually do anyway, he he.

About the Construction
Well folks, it is what it is. We have lost some and gained some. There will be a great deal of activity on our East side for some time to come, especially so in the next month as a new utility trench is dug right out side the kiln area. We have been assured that when all is said and done that we will get back some of our side yard. Please try and stay away from any construction fences when they go up.

THANKS to everyone who helped out in moving their stuff and ours, it made the effort easier for all of us. Mr. Baggett really, really worked hard for us when it came time to grill the 'higher ups' on what was going on and why we were not notified, and when you have a chance, stop by the Art Office and say thanks, I know he would appreciate it.

Summer Classes
YES. Jen Torres (me) is teaching classes over the summer, specifically the first summer session, which is in the month of June. Right now we have it set up to do Ceramics in the AM and Sculpture in the afternoons. This means you can take 2 classes, one in each area. NOTE: we are doing this in hopes of filling both sections, however, if we do not get 12 - 15 students in each section then it will be combined into one afternoon section and you will have to choose one or the other. So, think about it hard, and get folks motivated to work over the summer!!!

Holding Pattern

2009-02-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Our Chair, Bill Baggett, is working hard on trying help smooth out this disaster. Some facts that we do know... we have lost the east side of our property. The new dorms will be located right where our current wooden fence is and a retaining wall will be constructed along where the line of trees are. The Physical Plant is giving us some new space on the left side (west) for us to store all of our supplies and equipment, but it may not be enough space. Mr. Baggett is still working on getting some other perks that may help alleviate some of the problems being caused by this debacle. He (and James and Mark and I) urge everyone to remain calm and respectful, a number of folks are working on our behalf and we don't want to ruin any potential negotiations.

Mr. Baggett has some meetings with "the higher ups" on this project tomorrow and as soon as I get some info I will let everyone know.

No doubt we will be having to go through all of our stuff and remove unused materials and old sculpture, so you may want to prepare for that. However, since Mr. Baggett is still working on negotiations he has asked that we do nothing until he gives the go-ahead.

Keep checking back for more info.

Construction Issues

2009-02-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

It must be obvious by this point that we are having some construction going on next door. We have known about the dorm for some time now. However, what we were NOT aware of was that the "construction fence" was to take up half our yard. I consider this unacceptable and in many ways unfair and unsafe to the students. The Department and the 3D Area specifically, have received NO communication about this project or about the impact it would have on our area. For example, right now there can be no raku firing if they put up the fence in the proposed location. They say they may even put a road in back through there to access the new dorms. Geesh.

Bill Baggett, our new Chair, has been appraised of the situation and has come to see the site, and is just as distressed as I am. He is currently trying to contact the Dean to protest what is going on. He has instructed James and I NOT to do anything. Not to move any supplies or equipment, nothing, until he gives us notice.

I do want to stress that we do wish to be good neighbors and don't want to stand in the way of progress but it's hard to stay sane when we have all been so disregarded.

I will Post regular updates as I get them. Don't be afraid to post your comments about the whole thing.

Sculpture I Crit

2009-02-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Some images from the first Sculpture I critique. There was lots of very good work for these students who are working in metal for the very first time. Unfortunately my camera was giving me a hard time so I got only a few good images. More later.

Cool Site to Check Out

2009-02-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.artnewsblog.com/

Recent Stuff

2009-02-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

Opportunity! Call for Intern Artist at Franconia Sculpture Park http://www.franconia.org/callinterns.html
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Next Crit Dates set for upperlevel sculpture courses-
ART 362 on March 10, 2:30 sharp.

All other sections (ART 363-662) on March 12, at 2:30 sharp.

Artist slide presentations for will be pushed back to Tuesday, March 17th at 2:30 sharp.
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ART 361 reaserch papers due Tuesday, March 10.

2009-02-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Critique for ART 361, Sculpture I, is on Thursday, February 19 at 11:00 am. Have your stuff installed and ready to go on time!

ALSO there is space available to show work at the Good Fellows gallery during the next ARTWALK on March 7 and also at HubFest on April 18. I need to know who is interested ASAP.

Talk to Jennifer.

Public ART

2009-02-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

From: Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy. Contributors: Harriet F. Senie - editor, Sally Webster - editor. Publisher: Harper Collins. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1992. Page Number: xi.

"Public art with its built-in social focus would seem to be an ideal genre for a democracy. Yet, since its inception, issues surrounding its appropriate form and placement, as well as its funding, have made public art an object of controversy more often than consensus or celebration. Originally viewed by many in the new nation as a luxury incompatible with republican values, public art (indeed, art in general) was (and continues to be) regarded with distrust. Thus, art, still largely viewed as elitist, is often discussed in terms of monetary worth or political usefulness rather than admired as an expression of culture or intellectual achievement."

Read more on Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy.

What do you think? Sign on and make a comment.

Critique Part Two

2009-02-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

We had another great critique today. There was not only some very good ideas but also some solid craftsmanship. It's really satisfying to see craft and idea working together, I really think it only acts to serve the piece better. I am happy to see some folks are 'getting' it. Some people still have work to do (don't we all) but a few are hitting that proverbial sweet spot that lets you know its all worth it and keeps you coming back for more.

Work Opportunity

2009-02-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Institute for Disability Studies department on campus is joining forces with Lamar County Schools and opening an inclusive preschool in the Oak Grove area. We are looking for art student(s) (undergraduate or graduate) who would be willing to work 6-8 hours a week teaching art activities to preschool age up through 2nd grade students at our center. The areas we are particularly focusing on are pottery, sculpting, and art/drawing in general. Please contact:

Brittany Greer, M.S.
Early Childhood Coordinator
The Institute for Disability Studies
The University of Southern Mississippi

601.266.6421
601.754.3359
brittany.greer@usm.edu

Images From a Recent Critique

2009-02-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

We are so lucky to have great facilities for critiques. These images are from the upper level sculpture sections which include 300 and 400 level students. There is a large group of students this year and some ambitious works so it is necessary to break up the crits into two days. The first day we crit the students in 362, the lowest level of this section. Next week the upper levels will go. Here are a few random images from the first day of critiques.

2009-02-04T06:44:00.001-08:00

More Artist Opportunities!!

2009-02-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Check out some recent ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES, shows, juried exhibitions, etc...