The Arts
3DCAMP Houston Returns In 2012 With The Collaboration Of The University of Houston to Build STEAM
Press Release (Houston, TX—June 24, 2012) 3DCAMP Houston, a local organization supporting education in all things 3D, is proud to announce its return scheduled for Saturday, September 29. The University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the School of Art will host 3DCAMP Houston 2012, featuring a number of expert speakers who will discuss 3D technologies and how they are impacting new and existing disciplines. This year the camp will also feature an art exhibition to showcase the impact of technology on art.
3D technology, once reserved for the likes of sophisticated science fiction films, has advanced to now include a myriad of artistic and scientific disciplines. This year’s camp will showcase these advancements with presentations exploring innovative technologies. From holographic paintings that tantalize the viewer to 3D printers that produce completely formed sculptures, there is something amazing for everyone to experience.
The goal of 3DCAMP Houston 2012 is to encourage and educate individuals about the use of 3D in various disciplines; therefore 3DCAMP 2012 is returning with STEAM, an educational initiative that supports 3DCAMP Houston educational goal of incorporating and encouraging the blending and education of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).
“The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston is pleased to help further the community’s appreciation and knowledge of the many aspects of 3D applications in our modern world. The rapid evolution in visualization technology is playing a critical role in advancing many important areas, from medical and surgical techniques to new methods of energy realization and information transmission,” said Mark A. Smith, dean of the college. “With the university playing a critical role nationwide in these developments, it is satisfying as well as natural to help bring this understanding to our community through 3DCAMP 2012.”
Rex Koontz, director of the university’s School of Art added, “Technology, art and design are converging into a significant force on our cultural and economic landscape. The School of Art welcomes the opportunity to work with the cast of 3DCAMP to further the goal of creating synergies between art and technology.”
3DCAMP Houston is an all-day event and is open to the public. It features lectures and presentations from professionals in the arts, architecture, engineering, science and much more. Online registration will open in July at www.3dcamphouston.com
Vendors will be on hand to demonstrate the possibilities and uses of some of the most interesting and mind-blowing 3D technology. “The Third Dimension,” an art exhibition comprised of 3D art, will be open to the public on Friday, September 28.
For more information concerning 3DCAMP Houston 2012, the art exhibition, and volunteer opportunities please visit www.3dcamphouston.com.
Media Contact:
Bridgette Mongeon
Please feel free to repost this press release, with photo credits.
More Notes From The SCBWI Regional Conference
I attended the Society for Children Book Writers and Illustrators regional conference last Saturday. I’m almost a week away from that conference and am beginning to go through my notes and order the suggested books from the library. I have already posted about Ruth McNally Barshaw’s presentation and about one of her influences David Small’s book Stitches.
The conference was inspirational. It was my first time attending.
This is a list of our presenters and presentations—
Ruth McNally Barshaw- Author-Illustrator
Drawing on the writer’s inner life.
I wrote about this in another post, but an element I wanted to remember was to sing to worms. Her book suggestions are also listed in that post. there is also a separate post on one of her suggestions the book Stitches.
Lea Hultenschmidt- Senior Editor Sourcebooks
- Hook-what is new what is different?
- Description, pretend your writing the back cover.
- Wants to know marketing pros cons’
- What are the digital opportunities?
- RESEARCH! Give them marketing strategies.
- YA 60-90,000 words
- Unforgettable characters
- Credible world building
- Romantic element
Author info they would like
- Awards wins
- Endorsements from published authors
- Industry contacts and affiliations
- Online presence
- Previous book and sales history
- Where do you live?
BOOKS Mentioned or suggested
Silverlicious
Isabella
Dream big little pig
I drakula (Story told through messaging)
Laurent Linn-Art Director Simon & Schuster
Creating Real Worlds with Art & Words
- Unfiltered story telling- filtered through reading
- Emotional connection- what is the emotion on each page
- Scenic EVERYTHIGN IS A CHARACTER! Everything in the environment can tell you about the character
- Always be creative never generic. Tree as a character ( BRIDGETTE TAKE NOTE pine cone on tree when you were litte.)
- Create an environment in the shadows.
BOOKS Mentioned or suggested
Name of the Rose
Christian, the Hugging Lion
Bait
Sara Megibow-Nelson Literary Agency
Creating a Wow Inspiring Beginning to Your Novel
She is looking for a unique concept with superior writing.
Says she received 36,000 queries a year (Did I write that down correctly?)
Two different speakers talked about Miranda Kenneally’s book Score
- Show vs telling
- Incite incident—the moment which propels the novel forward
- Compelling characterization
- Mastering mechanics
She suggested to give a friend a red pen and ask them to put a red dot on the first few pages of the novel every time they go “ooooh” . More dots, better it is.
Brenda Murray – Senior Editor (Scholastic)
10 Hot Tips for Nonfiction Writing
My absolute favorite book that she showed was the Zombies Guide to the Human Body. So cleaver. Other cleaver examples Xtreme X-ray- everything is X-rayed.
1. Know your audience
2. Research the competition
Things they always can use are books on dogs, sharks, dinosaurs, and how stuff works.
3. Make it interactive
4. Keep it brief
5. Speak their language
6. Consider a narrative – Suggested reading Ghosts in the fog about Japan attacking Alaska
7. Tell them something new – interesting little known facts
The boys book how to be the best at everything
8. Grab their attention – emotional element, gross, shock, funny
9. Don’t assume previous knowledge
10. Bonus material, maps illustrations articles, interviews
Kate Fletcher -Editor Candelwick Press
A Day in The Life of a Candlewick Editor
Anna Webman- Curtis Brown
Crafting an Inspired Author Agent Relationship
- Questions to ask a potential agent
- How do you balance my project with others?
- How do you work editorially?
- Do you take on digital rights?
- ? The next question— I cannot read my own writing. I swear it says “different tie on girdles,” but I know that is not correct.
- What is your submission process?
Abby Ranger – Editor at Disney Hyperion
What Movies Taught Her About Craft and Fiction
My favorite line from Abbey’s speech was as she was telling about her husband being from Texas and how they now live in Canada- You should never use aye and ya’ll in the same sentence.
BOOKS Mentioned or suggested
Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus Moe Willems
Save the cat
The Talented Clementine Sarah Pennypaker
Graceling http://www.amazon.com/Graceling-Kristin-Cashore/dp/015206396X
Hugo Cabaret Brian Selznik Amazon book
Video about Hugo Cabaret
_____________________________________________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Some Thoughts on SCBWI Speaker Ruth McNally Barshaw
Yes, this is also the way I kept notes in school.
Now these scribbles are translated below.
I just returned from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Houston 2011 Conference. The next few posts will be a bit about my experiences.
With seven different presenters for the regional conference there was a continuous flow of information and inspiration. My notes look a little creative, as did my notes when I was in high school. Pages are filled with doodles and thoughts that are not always written in horizontal lines, even if there are horizontal lines as guides page. I’d like to share some of my thoughts and notes as I see them from the SCBWI conference.
Illustrator of the Ellie McDoodle books Ruth McNally Barshaw was the first presenter. Quotes and notes from this lecture are scribbled amidst my own doodles.
• She had a quiet little funeral for the characters that her editor had slashed.
• Pay attention to the annoying part of the you that never grew up
• (On success) Do every part of the job and you will find it.
• I finally got to the point I could dream in Spanish
• First book about camping ( PERSONAL NOTE: Bridgette take note of what this brings up visually in your mind.)
• “I grew up in the most dysfunctional pirate family” (She did say pirate and not private?)
• Don’t let the perfect page get to you. Make a mark on it so it is not clean.
• (Comment after she met Richard Peck in 1993 and he gave her his editors card and she did not follow up. Then she met him again.) “You act on things when you are ready. It is o.k.”
• My process changes with each work. Get an idea and then draw 50 thumbnails.
• Pick a scenario and figure out how your character would react. ( PERSONAL NOTE: Bridgette how would the Caroline in your novel pick apples?)
• (Concerning her first time at the publishers after her first book was published) “It’s like being in love.”
• Family was not supportive “how dare you pursue your dreams?” “I pretended they were all dead.”
• After getting published, the quiet desperation does not end, nor do the rejections.
• Winners are ordinary people who keep trying.
PERSONAL NOTE: Bridgette books, authors and illustrators to look at:
Stitches by David Small
On quick glance this appears to be a very intriguing story with wonderful illustrations. Must look deeper into this one. The website for this book is fascinating. Once there I had to write a specific blog post about it. Reader see previous blog post on this.
Newberry award winning books by Richard Peck
A year down Yonder and A long way from Chicago
Tomie DePaola
1976 Caldecott Honor Award for STREGA NONA
2000 Newbery Honor Award for 26 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
An Incredible Graphic Memoir
Illustrator/authorRuth McNally Barshaw introduced me to the work of David Small at the Society of Children’s book Writers and Illustrators regional conference 2011. David Small’s story Stitches is about a 14 year old boy who goes to the hospital for a “harmless operation. ” He awakes with a long scar on his neck created from the removal of his vocal cord. After snooping around, he later finds out, it is because he had cancer and that he was not expected to live.
Later, he discovers it is his father that has given him the cancer. His father was a radiologist and thought that massive doses of radiology would help with a sinus infection.
This horrific tale is not a story; it is a graphic memoir of the author David Small. I have not read the book yet; it is, however, ordered. Small’s graphic black and white scenes strike me. the story telling from a man who, later in life, finds healing through the telling of his story.
Anyone who has had childhood difficulties, trauma, etc should watch these videos and put the book on their reading list. It is important to note that healing from these things, can often be extremely hard, and as you go through it, you feel restimulated. Small talks about drawing his mother,
“I think the worst thing, the worst part was when I started drawing things out, they really got worse for me… when I began to draw, especially my mother, when I saw her face on the page…. It was if she was with me again… I began to get very, very anxious. When I brought her back to life….”
I’m astounded with the emotion found in the story and the drawings. I’m drawn to it as I work on my own novel. I am trying desperately to think and feel as a 15 year old boy who feels he is betrayed. Small says, “teenagers are feeling like they are not being told everything about the adult world, that there is a deep hypocrisy, that they are desperate to know about.“
Here are a few videos–the last being an interview with the author/illustrator. I’m thankful to be introduced to the young adult literature and images of David Small. I wonder how it will help form my own character in my novel, and I’m interested in hearing other’s thoughts on the book Stitches and the author.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Some Things Just Make My Creative Life Easier- Great Resource for Photoshop
I was looking for a vector shape to use in some illustration work that I am trying to create. Found this page that has a bunch of free photoshop custom shapes. Ended up sending me to Sue Chastain’s about.com guide for graphics software. Looking for snowflakes. Got them now. So cool!
______________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
A New Illustration- Thank You Bunches
I have been trying to get back into illustration. Started to work on different styles. Though I think that I probably have my own style. Here is a thank you card I was working on. I’m working in illustrator and photoshop. It is fun being able to change the colors of the card. I’m open for suggestions. I think I’m partial to the yellow one.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Considering Illustration And Looking At How Things Have Changed
I am making the decision to get back to illustration. It has been over 20 years and things have changed.
As I think about illustrating I wonder do I have a style? If so, has my style changed over 20 years. Do the materials that are available to me today, for example, the 3d design programs like Mudbox or Zbrush or programs like Illustrator and Photoshop change the way I create?
I thought I would first take a look at some of the illustrators that I admire or illustrations that I am attracted to.
Franklin Booth (1874-1948) Is one of those celebrated artists
Research
Researching illustration today is much easier than it was 20 years ago. You simply do an Internet search and have tons of reference. While looking at illustration I stumbled upon a wonderful article by Paul Giambarba about the American Illustrators commemorative postage stamps. There are many links in the article and researching the work of these great illustrators can take some time.
I had wanted to work on some pen and ink, though I vacillate between incredibly detailed like Booths work and very simplistic. I am finding inspiration by the reviewing of these legends.
Coles Phillips (1880-1927)
I did like the work of Coles Philip especially that the clothes faded into the background or “fade-away girls” and wondered if I could copy this style or have Phillips style influence me on an illustration I am working on called “Make it better.”
Howard Pyle 1853-1911 is featured as the father of American Illustration. The work is good, but not one that I am drawn to. However, the depth created by the varnishing techniques of Maxfield Parish 1870-1966 has always captivated me. I can’t help but wonder, can you get this depth of field look, created with varnish using digital technology?
It was wonderful to see women artists featured on this list of stamps. Rose O’Neill (1874-1944). Though the style of O’Neill’s work doesn’t hold a personal attraction to me I am drawn to her because of her Kewpie dolls. They are a part of my childhood.
As an aspiring illustrator for my own children’s books it is interesting to read the history and styles of these illustrators. Arthur Burden Frost (1851-1928) illustrated over 90 books. I admire him for his accomplishments. A good watercolor will always get my attention.
Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935) I’m always drawn to the emotional aspect of art
I have always delighted in the artistry of Jessie Wilcox Smith. She has mastered the artistry of capturing the essence of childhood or the wonders of emotional interaction.
I have loved Normal Rockwell as long as I have loved art. (1889-1958)
Others featured in the stamp collection and in the article are:
Edwin Austin Abbey (1852-1911)
Frederic Remington (1861-1909)
Rockwell Kent (1882-1971)
Newell Convers Wyeth (1882-1945)
John Held, Jr. (1889-1958)
James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960)
Robert Fawcett 1903-1967)
Al Parker (1906-1985)
Harvey Dunn (1884-1952)
Jon Whitcomb (1906-1988)
Nora McMein (1888-1949)
Dean Cornwell (1892-1960)
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
I’m So Intrigued With Paper Sculpture And This “New” Art Form
I’m going to have to write a more detailed article on this or do a podcast interview with these people. I’m so intrigued. The wonderful movie Between The Folds by Vanessa Gould. Is fascinating. Folding these incredible designs filled with emotion this “new” art form is coming to life. I can see how artists can abandon all and get caught up in the entire thing. There seems to be some magic, some secrets awaiting to come out.
As I watched the movie I jotted down some notes. I mention these because they are things I have pondered myself.
“It is like Jazz”
“The object looks Good if the process felt good.”
“It always feels awkward, like it is not going to work.”
“What do I not want to put in this figure?”
Now I need to get the names correct on who said what.
______________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
You Will See More Illustration On This Blog In Months To Come
In the next couple of months I will be designating some of my time in my graduate studies to illustration. For those of you who don’t know, I am in graduate school. This is my final working semester. I have two tracks in a Master of Fine Arts in interdisciplinary arts program at Goddard College in Vermont. The first is a writing track. For this part next semester I will be editing my novel.
The other part is an art track, which, up to this point, has been in sculpting both digital and traditional. But since I met the required 19 hours needed to be able to teach this I have a semester to play. I have many children’s books that I have written but I have not done anything with them because they are not illustrated. As an artist I have a hard time sending them off to someone else to do- though I am considering working with my husband who is also an artist, on one or two. So this semester I will be dabbling in illustration. It is something I did years ago. We are talking about 20+ years ago, and at that point I did it sparsely. So here is my new years adventure-illustration.
In light of that I am ramping up. Here are the steps that I took in doing a recent illustration.
______________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Thinking About Illustrating
Many years ago, before I was a sculptor, I painted.
Yes, it is true. The commissions I received, way back then, were for watercolor or pastel portraits. That was so long ago that the picture I am showing here is my daughter and I. My daughter is now headed toward 26!
I think it is curious that I have been away from two dimensional work for so long that it now feels difficult to visualize in 2d. That is why I have taken so well to 3d sculpting in programs like Mudbox or Zbrush. Not only can I create in the computer but I can color these 3d sculptures and drop them to canvas creating illustrations.
Why is this important to me now in my life? Because I have about 5 or 6 children’s books that I have written and I would really like to have them published. But, because I am an artist I have a hard time giving them over to an illustrator to do the illustrations. Unless of course that illustrator was my husband, I am considering this. This is one area of my art that I feel I need to pull together.
It is funny, this gap in my creativity was really the jumping board this past year for writing the young adult novel. I figured if I wrote a young adult novel I would not have to illustrate it.
My other old favorite was pen and ink. Ah if I could do that then I could have a blast with some of my poetry writing for kids.
Don’t be surprised if my creative endeavors in the future consist of doing 2d illustration.
Not to fear. I am not giving up sculpting, just expanding things a bit.
As I stated in another post-
If I was asked, who I’d like to have been.
I’d aspire to be Shel Silverstein.…
Mixed with another I could deduce
A helping smidgen of Dr. Seuss
Educating children would be sweet
I wish I’d created Sesame Street.
So truly if asked who I’d like to have been
My reply would then be seussyhensstein.
______________________________________________________________________________
Sculptor, Writer and Speaker
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer and educator as well as a public speaker. Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com. She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bridgette.mongeon Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast Click on Podcast Host Bios for a listing of all podcasts Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast