WANT YOUR WORK IN A MUDBOX BOOK? Please Pass This On and Twitter, Need Art Quickly

PLEASE REPLY QUICKLY, PASS ON THIS INFORMATION AND POST
We are looking for artwork created in Mudbox for a gallery for our new book. Deadline is this weekend. If you are interested in possibly participating please e mail me directly at Bridgette (the at sign) creativesculpture.com. There is no monetary compensation but we will give you credit in the book. You can use other software in conjunction with this creation as long as Mudbox was used as part of your work flow.
Please contact me by this weekend (March 5-6) and let me know your interest, if you have your work posted on the internet send a link and then I will ask you to send an image via e mail once I check with my coauthor. Then we will send you a release form. WE ARE ON A TIGHT DEADLINE. ALL ARTWORK MUST BE IN ALONG WITH RELEASE FORMS BY TUESDAY the 9th of March. Thanks in advance for your interest.
Can Art Divulge Secrets Of Science?
I am intrigued with the notion that somehow art can help us to understand hidden concepts that math and science cannot. I was first introduced to this idea when I happened upon weaver Nathalie Miebach in my first semester graduate studies at Goddard College. In this presentation of “Weaving Science Into Sculpture” for the Cambridge Science Festival, Nathalie talks about how she takes data that she has collected and weaves the data. The results are somewhat strange, but I cannot help but look at the artwork more closely, differently than I do just ordinary art. I feel Nathalie unknowingly weaved some secret here.
I wonder, can art be an additional source of exploration for things such as math and science? Then of course, still in my first semester at Goddard, I was introduced to the Design and the Elastic Mind exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). There are several videos on this site. They explore this very concept or art depicting science and math. Together MOMA, artists and scientists found through SEED magazine, worked together to create this exhibit. Again I am intrigued. What does the artwork say, that until the point of viewing the “data” in this way, could not be understood?
Design and the Elastic Mind Videos
Design and the Elastic Mind Videos
This semester my intrigue continues as my professor sends me this link and the work of “Margaret Wertheim and her sister Christine on the beautiful math of coral.” She explores the hyperbolic geometry involved in creating coral reefs and the idea that up until this expressive form of art- crochet, mathematicians have not had a way to model the structure.
“Through this sort of modality, crochet, other plastic forms of play, people can be engaged with the most abstract, high powered theoretical ideas. The kind of ideas that normally you have to go to universities departments to study in higher mathematics.” “ But you can do it through playing with material objects.” States, Margaret. Surprisingly there has been an evolution of crochet species created by deviating from the algorithmic code.
In the video Margaret talks about how Chicago Cultural Center was filled with a crochet version of coral reef. The crocheting of coral reefs has become a movement of people spanning 3 continents. It is not only a way to link art and science but also a link between, “marine biology, feminine handicraft and environmental activism,” states Margaret Margaret and Christine have developed The Institute For Figuring. “The Institute For Figuring is an organization dedicated to the poetic and aesthetic dimensions of science, mathematics and the technical arts.”
My fascination and research continue. It is a bit different than what my original study is. Although I am studying art and technology, I am also extremely intrigued with how math and science plays into arts. The study has been, up to this point, about bridging the gap between technology and the traditional art studio. I’m focusing on digital printing and milling and scanning, and the creation of my new book, “Digital Sculpting in Mudbox.” Though I must say, this off shoot of my study has me enthralled. I’m not sure what I will do with it besides, look at the artwork and the marriage of science, math and art a bit closer, but then, my study is just beginning, who knows where this will lead. At a College like Goddard you are free to explore, and encouraged to engage in things that you might never have seen yourself explore and engage. For me, it is the best fit and an adventure in education.
As part of my study, this semester I have committed to interviewing others on art and technology in an online podcast. I look forward to beginning this creative endeavor. My initial thought was that perhaps it would be interviews with those who deal with digital sculpting, 3d printing, milling and 3d scanning, but I can see the possibilities for the podcast growing. More on this in up-and-coming posts, our first podcasts are scheduled for recording this month and available online soon.
Citations
“Weaving Science into Sculpture.” Forum-Network. Web. 22 Oct 2009. .
“Weaving Science into Sculpture.” Forum-Network. Web. 22 Oct 2009. .
“Design and the Elastic Mind: Introduction.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/123 .
“Design and the Elastic Mind: Nanodesign.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/124 .
“Design and the Elastic Mind:Organic Design.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/125
“Design and the elastic mind: 3d-Sketch.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009.
http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/126.
“Design and the elastic mind: visualization.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009.
http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12.
“- The Institute For Figuring -.” Web. 4 Mar. 2010 .
“Margaret Wertheim on the beautiful math of coral. “ TED. Web. 4 Mar. 2010
A Glove Fetish And Wonderful Illustrations
I love the illustrations of Max Klinger a German artist who uses a glove to represent a fetish a romantic yearning. These are great. 1881-1898 also known as “Paraphrase on the Finding of a Glove.”
A Wonderful Art Program For Children
Between graduate studies, writing the book, and commissions, along with aiding elderly parents, I’m not quite sure where I find the time to do this, but I have been teaching a class through City Artworks for the past year. City Artworks is an art program that has recently teamed up with the Museum of Fine Arts ( MFA) to provide quality after school art classes to young people based on the collections at MFA. This semesters study is the works of John Singer Sargent. They have both paying classes in schools and grant schools. I am in a grant school, which I prefer. I have been working the Highland Heights just around the corner from my own studio. At first I think it was that I missed children. I wanted to be around kids. My children are all grown and grandchildren are a ways off. I also feel it is a great way to give back to my community and I love the creative individuals that I have met through the program. This school may be losing their grant money for the program, so if there are any philanthropical individuals who would like to be sure this stays alive at Highland Heights please contact City Artworks.
By the way if there are artists in Houston who want to be a part of shaping young minds City Artworks is looking for more instructors. But call quickly as classes start in a week or so. Give Rolando a call 713-681-1365. Oh yes, and if your child would like to participate in a City Artworks program be sure to give them a call to see if one is in your school!
Gin at 9:00 a.m.? Just Show Up And See What Happens
Gin at 9:00 am? Just show up and see what happens.
I have, for a long time, wondered at and marveled at the creative process. I love listening to others discuss and discover the process, the nuances. If I could study any part of the human psyche it would be the creative process, and all that surrounds it. In fact I have. It is a hobby of mine. Helping others come to terms with their creativity and encouraging others in their creative journey is something that I have enjoyed doing through lectures and workshop. Today I happened upon Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray Love” on a TED video. I loved hearing her talk about the angst. I loved her quote about “just showing up.” Because often we as artists are so afraid of failure, we just don’t show up. Heck if you don’t try you won’t do.
I encourage each of you to show up and know you have done your part.
Your Brain May Explode! TED May Be Coming To Your Area! Introducing TEDx
I have long been a fan of TED. If you are looking for a wonderful and enlightening experience you must check out their website and give a listen to the speakers.
TED is a conference that brings together minds in technology, design and entertainment. Of course the TED talks video site is a frequent for me.
I can’t imagine attending a TED conference held in Long Beach . With conference memberships costing $6,000. a year and selling out a year in advance, I doubt I will ever have that experience. 50 speakers speaking at 18 minute slots. TED is interdisciplinary the web site says it is a four day “brain spa.”
“At some point in the next 4 days your brain may explode, by then you won’t even care,” states curator Chris Anderson.
Below is a short preview of the introduction to TED
Now TEDx is coming to Houston 6/12/2010. And that is not all, apparently TEDx is spreading. There may be one coming to your area.
And according to the TEDx guidelines it may be free or very low cost.
If you can’t get excited about TED Coming to your area then think what will soon be available online as the TED lectures are made available. Inconceivable! I think I feel my brain swelling already!
A Cool Job. Bringing to Life Extinct Animals
Gary Staab just e mailed me and said I should check out his website. He has just updated it. God I love this man’s work. I wrote a complete article on him for Best Of Artists and Artisans November 2007. Love the new stuff.

More Interviews With Creative People
For those of you who do not know, besides sculpting and writing I also create podcasts. I’m about to expand on these podcasts. What can I say, I love a good interview.
Our new podcasts will be from those working in 3D. We are talking to all sorts of people from those using new tehnology to create fine art to those creating images for movies. I’m thrilled with this new endeavor. I predict the podcast will start in the next few months as it is a part of our book deal with Focal Press that we have a website on the subject. So be sure to watch out for www.digitalsculpting.net. Creating the site will be so much fun as there is additional information that I have found with both my graduate research and the writing of the Mudbox book that I am wanting to share. And the interesting people who are working and leading this technology are so much fun to chat with. Why not do that for a podcast?
The podcasts that I have done for the past almost two years are inspirational. They are sponsored by my God’s Word Collectible gift line. Inspirations/Generations has added a new segment called Inspirations/Creative Christians. We are interviewing creative Christians to learn about their faith, process, inspiration and other things. You can find all of our podcasts on the God’s Word Collectibles website. Or on our God’s Word Collectibles Facebook Fans page.
The Creative Christian podcasts are depicted with ” Creative Christians” in the title. Here is a description of our recent Creative Christians podcasts. If you would like to listen, just click on the links. I you want to subscribe to this Inspirational channel in itunes you can do so by following this link.
What is to come with the Creative Christians podcast? We are presently working on securing interviews with the following people. Skater- Scott Hamilton, Singer- Alice Cooper, Loni Lamb and many more.
Recent Interviews
Creative Christians-Interview with Author and Actor Susan Isaacs
Creative Christians Podcast continues in an interview with Author and Actor Susan Isaacs. Susan shares her disappointments in her creative Christian journey as well as her revelations. Anyone who wonders where God is in their creative journey should listen. (Inspirations_0049 58.24 minutes)
Of course we also interviewed Susan about her book on our regular podcast.
Book Review “Angry Conversations with God.”
Susan Isaacs shares her stories behind her new and humorous book “Angry Conversations with God- A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir.” (Inspirations_Generations_0048 30 minutes)
Creative Christians-Helpful Insight and Tips from Christian Business Manager Michael Smith.
Michael Smith of Michael Smith and Associates http://michaelsmithandassociates.com talks about managing Christian artists and gives some hints and suggestions to those wanting to get noticed in the business. An incredible interview with a man of incredible integrity. Michael Smith and Associates represents- Jaci Valsquez, Salvador, GoFish, Brad Stine, Aaron Wilburn, The Lads, Yancy, Tyler Dodds and the God Men conferences as well as Right Minded Records and Pure Blue Record Labels. (Inspirations_Generations_0047 44.46 minutes)
How Do You Pick A Graduate Adviser?
How on earth does one decide which adviser at Goddard College will be a good fit for the following semester? My present faculty adviser was assigned to me, because it was my first semester-Judy Hiramoto. I have enjoyed our interaction.I am pretty much a go-getter when it comes to education and learning.I probably do much more work than is necessary and I don’t need hand holding. In fact, this study is so deep with new research that I’m finding things each time I turn around.I had no semester break, the research continued.
I have floated through the program faculty and am at a loss.There are no “sculptors” in the faculty, that I can find. Is it really necessary for me to have a sculptor as an adviser. I don’t think so. (Plainfield, Vermont Residency).
I read Valerie Walker is coming onto the program. Though I am not a fiber artist I appreciate her interaction of her work with technology, plus she does a radio show, “exploring all aspects of digital culture & awareness from the perspective of women living it.” My present podcast is not actually a part of my study, however, I am planning on expanding it to include interviews with those working with this technology. O.k. I just faced book Valerie. Maybe some pre-conversations would help.
Peter Hocking is another choice I ask myself why? Hmmm. Some of the things in his bio? “digital performance”, “ I love comic books.” I just think it is cool that someone who is asked to include their pedagogical statement puts that in it. “I am committed to the dignity and intrinsic value of each of us as learners.” This is also a good statement. He is from Goddard College MA and I like the Rhode Island school of design, though I am not sure what the “Director of the office of public engagement” actually does.
Brian Harnetty. Again I ask myself why? I am not a musician. I like that he is interested in, “creative communication between musicians, writers, visual artists, scientists, and so on—and the value of expressing this communication through new media” I ponder our connection.
My choice for Erica Eaton would be for no other reason than she facilitated a G1 meeting that I attended and I had a good feel about her. “I have often said that what I really do is translate, remind people of what they already know and empower them to use it and develop it further. I facilitate. I see my role as a “teacher” in a similar fashion. I am not there to “deposit” knowledge, but to co-create it. “ I like this statement. Of course I like that she has studied at the University of Buffalo. It is my home-town. I feel the same about Rick Benjamin, but he is on leave for this residency.
I guess my choice should really reflect on my study. It is more of the same from last year. Though transcripts are narrative at Goddard College I have asked for course equivalents as well. For any college that I am going to teach at will require that I have a certain amount of course credits in that discipline. ( see previous post)
Here is an idea of my study.
The changes this semester would be technical and journalism writing instead of memoir, as I am trying to document my research into 3D sculpting, scanning, printing and milling as it pertains to the traditional sculptor. I also plan on interviewing different artists and individuals working in these fields- A 3D fireside podcast so to speak. I’m also pitching another book to the publisher, must get the Mudbox book out first. Our deadline is February. The second book is an interview with artists that are using technology to create incredible and interesting art. I’m thrilled about the idea. Of course I’ll have to write about the technology as well.
And I’m thrilled about he lecture that I am giving at Goddard while I am at residency. I would like to present this through the semester to other art organizations and colleges here. This past semester has been heavy in research and documentation. It is difficult to stop as everything is changing so quickly. It has been amazing that no sooner do I find a missing like, something that is needed to “Bridge the gap between technology and the traditional studio” then the technology is created and posted. It is a fascinating journey.
First Semester Graduate Courses Studies at Goddard College
Studio Art and Technology
Variable topics course designed to explore concepts and processes in art-making that go beyond the normal curricular parameters of traditional studio disciplines.
History of Digital Technology in the Traditional Studio
In this course there is an Evaluation of the History of Digital art in the Traditional Studio and philosophical discussions comparing new technology with the “old” way. Evaluating the “Value” set upon the work and also the acceptance of technology and the process in fine art. An exploration of contemporary artists who have paved the way for the acceptances of this technology is also explored.
Traditional Sculpting/Digital Sculpting
Comparing the process of sculpting digitally and traditionally. A study and experiment with creating digital sculpture in the traditional sculpting style. Searching the psychological aspects and barriers of traditional artists who are beginning to use digital technology in the traditional studio.
Memoir Writing
Study of memoirs by contemporary authors to become more familiar with the many possibilities available to writers working in this form. Focus is on issues relevant to the writing of memoir, including craft and techniques, memory and truth-telling, and interior and exterior significance.
Deceased, Alive or Animated- The Facial Action Coding System- So Cool!
FACS is the Facial Action Coding System developed by Paul Eckman. I studied this in my undergraduate work when I was writing about Sculpting the Deceased. I wanted to know how I capture emotion in my art, or why I “feel” some things from my deceased subjects. FACS is some of the science behind what I do and feel with sculpting the deceased. It is used in animation and is mentioned here in this video about how they did the face of Benjamin Button. I think this is fascinating.


