May 142012
 

I’m about to open up and get real. I’m not feeling the typical happy-go-lucky blog posts these days.

Mothers day didn’t feel so hot. It didn’t bother me too much that Jason had not acknowledged me on Mothers Day morning. Not until I had given change to a homeless man. As I was driving away from the begging man, he shouted, “Happy Mothers Day”. He had said the words that Jason had failed to say. I felt weak and unworthy.

Jason had asked if I wanted anything for Mothers Day about a week ahead. I said no of course and stated that it may be nice if he had Lucas make me something. Jason will never understand that his attitude toward these occasions is hurtful to those on the other end. Those that love him and want him to care. In the past he had told me, “If you don’t tell me you want something, you get nothing.” He can’t relate, he has no sympathy. He. Does. Not. Care. Simple surprises, birthdays, holidays, you name it. They are not his thing.

I spent the day trying to sell my art at the Lilac festival, barely breaking even, daydreaming that Jason would bring Lucas to surprise me. When I arrived home I waited for my handmade gift from Lucas. Finally I asked where it was. Jason said, “It’s in the diaper bin”. An hour later I looked on top of the fridge where we keep a few spare diapers. Stupid me, there was nothing there. Jason had meant the dirty diaper bin. My present was shit.

When will I ever learn. Expectations are useless. People don’t change. People are mostly assholes, including myself.

 

May 132012
 

Thank you so much for the kind words Gaylon. I couldn’t do this without people like you. You have outstanding respect for artists, it keeps our culture alive.

Her Heart Broken by Her Art

One of the joys of the festivals and art shows around town is the chance to visit with other artists we’ve come to know over time, some going back 40 years. We also love meeting talented emerging artists, many young enough to be our children.

The Lilac Festival is always fun, but in amongst the light-catchers and mustard mixes at this year’s show was a young girl we’ve talked to several times this year. She has a small studio at Hungerford, and makes beautiful hand-fired glass beads. Her trademark perhaps is a series of beads that look like small muffins, complete with frosting.

When we stopped into her booth, her eyes lit up for a second, then she slumped back on her chair looking miserable. As we asked if she was feeling alright, she broke into sobs. “This is breaking me….”

Sure enough, she’s come to that point many artists experience when they realize the investment they’ve made isn’t paying off. We fumbled with some compliments and suggestions, but quickly realized she’s used up her resources.

We did of course buy a string of beautiful turquoise beads, reminding her that we’ve admired her work many times, and weren’t just feeling sorry for her.

It was heart breaking to see her feel so defeated. She’s already paid the entry fee to a number of shows this summer. We hope she can find a way through.

So—if you find some creative work you admire, don’t be shy! Invest, encourage, promote! Musicians, actors, artists are on a brave and lonely road.

May 102012
 

I’m using  a new template for my website because my last theme, Suffusion, was giving me problems with the widgets. I couldn’t access my sidebar at all. It will take some time for me to get things looking the way I want them. Sorry for the drastic change, it won’t feel like home here for a while. When I get some time I’ll snaz this theme up with some new headers.

Update:
Widgets are still not working, but I had to switch it back. Changing themes is giving me the willies. Maybe this guy will fix it sooner than I’m expecting.

May 072012
 

Denisse DiGiorgio of The Crafting Social
The Hungerford, 1115 East Main St. Rochester, NY14609
Suite # 330 (Door 2, Floor 2)

A close-up of my own work, a hand-stitched pillow featuring applique and embroidery overlay.

In which medium(s) do you work? Tell us a little bit about your process.

I love fabric and thread! I focus mainly on sewing, quilting and embroidery to create decorative pieces that also have a practical purpose (quilts, draperies, pillows, totes, slip covers). I like to use the things I make, and for others to use and enjoy them as well. Inspiration comes from everywhere; in the last few years I’ve been especially drawn to vintage 60s and 70s colors and patterns, and these have influenced my recent stitching and fabric designs. I also like to use vintage fabrics and recycled materials as much as possible. I launched my online atelier, The Tailored Nest, in 2009, and that’s where I show my work.

How did you know that this was the best way to express yourself?

Stitching has been the consistent form of creative expression for most of my life. I’ve loved it ever since I was a kid and learned by watching my mother. Since then I can’t walk past a pile of fabric without touching it, especially vintage fabric. The love of stitching crafts runs in the family: My grandmother was skilled in couture sewing, and also taught tailoring. My mother is the finest embroiderer I have ever met. I have some of their unused laces and fabrics, and also items that they made, all of which I treasure.

A picture from an Intro to Sewing workshop this year.

What have you been currently working on and what has inspired you to do so?

In 2011, I officially launched The Crafting Social, a teaching studio that offers classes in stitching, fiber and paper crafts. The inspiration had been building for about 18 months before that. I had been connecting with friends who love all kinds of crafting. We’d get together for a “crafting social” where each person brought a project: knitting, painting, embroidery, collage — you name it, if it was a portable, it was there. Each person brought a different skill to the gatherings, and conversations were about “I wish I could go someplace to learn that” or “I wish there was a place to meet up for social events like these.” I couldn’t find any place that fit this concept, so from there The Crafting Social as a physical place was born. I found a fabulous light-filled studio at The Hungerford, and in January 2012 taught the first official class.

Are there other artists with whom you collaborate?

There are other instructors who teach here, and each person brings a really great set of skills and projects. We have classes and workshops in sewing, quilting, bookbinding, silk painting, paper sculpture, knitting, and kid-friendly crafts. We’re developing workshops that focus on couture techniques and we’ll soon be listing garment sewing classes. The list is continuously growing.

A view inside The Crafting Social studio. showing the central worktable and lounge area.

Is your studio open for First Friday? If so, what do people enjoy about visiting your space?

Yes, it’s open from 6 – 9 PM on First Fridays, and there is always a crafty project on hand that anyone can participate in. Visitors have sewn paper garlands, made holiday cards, folded origami valentines and cranes, and had fun testing out all the stitches on the sewing machines. For May 4th we have cool sewing and paper “make & take” crafts planned. I love the opportunity to talk with everyone who stops by, and people have shared that they like coming in to sign up for classes and to play with whatever that month’s craft project is. Most often people share how they want to reconnect with hand crafting, but for one reason or another gave it up a long time ago. Being able to “play” during an open studio event allows them to rediscover how fun it can be.

Why did you decide to become a member of The Hungerford Urban Artisans? How has it been beneficial to you?

I wanted the studio to “live” within an active community of artists. It’s really important to be surrounded and supported by creative energy, and at The Hungerford, that kind of energy thrives, and it fills the space. I became a HUA member because I wanted to give my support back to this amazing place.

Web links:

Additional contact info:

  • Email: info@thecraftingsocial.com
May 052012
 

Can I Keep a Promise? To myself? We’ll see, as Jason would say.

I had a nervous breakdown a few nights ago. No, this isn’t an expression, I really had a nervous breakdown. No dying animal could have made the sounds that came from my quivering body.

I had this fantasy that I would be able to make enough beads/product in between shows. I found that this is not at all possible when booked back to back. I miss my family and I miss working at the torch without the pressure. Most of my time has been spent arranging and lugging my wares from show to show. So I have come to a conclusion. If I don’t want to have another breakdown, I must follow two simple rules:

1. No more applications for the rest of the year, even if the pressure lifts.

I need down time to become inspired, or new work will not materialize. I am not properly prepared for the shows I was excited about because I took on too many shows that I could have cared less about. Businesses don’t grow overnight. Trying to profit well in the first year is not realistic. It will be hard to resist a potential opportunity to make money, but I need time to make things in my studio and start with a better plan for 2013. I want to improve and make finer artwork. This takes time, a lot of time.

2. No more church shows.

Simple shows with small expectations are a thing of the past. I don’t have extra time to spend away from my family while I now have a bigger dream to chase. I should have been preparing for the Lilac Festival today, rather than spending it stuck in the basement of a church with few shoppers.

We’ll see…

 

Apr 212012
 

As a budding Hungerford Urban Artisans member, I took it upon myself to write up a Q&A to feature our members. I emailed Mark Osterling to see if he’d be willing to participate, lucky for you, my beloved blog readers, he said yes!

Mark Osterling Photography
The Hungerford, 1115 East Main St. Rochester, NY14609
Suite # 240 (Door 2, Floor 2)

My studio/gallery space, set up for a shoot.

In which medium(s) do you work?

As my business name suggests, I’m a photographer. I shoot mostly commercial work in my studio and I display art photography in my gallery.

Tell us a little bit about your process.

I have found that no matter how good you are, there is always more to learn!  So I keep refining my “digital workflow” and honing my post-processing techniques as well.  Therefore my process is constantly evolving.

For many years I concentrated on nature and still life, and I still enjoy shooting those subjects when I have the opportunity.  It can be rather solitary, which works for me because I tend to be shy and introverted (just ask anyone who has encountered me in the hallway).  But in the past few years I have been exploring many different types of photography – including commercial and even some consumer-oriented work.  Which is how I knew it was time to get a studio.

How did you know that this was the best way to express yourself?

I began creating images as soon as I could hold a crayon.  I spent my youth drawing and painting but I always had my camera with me.  By the time I graduated high school I had developed a fondness for the “immediacy” of photography and the challenge inherent in trying to capture a fleeting moment.  Painting and drawing just began to feel frustratingly slow in comparison.  So I got a job working in photo lab, enrolled in school, and eventually earned my degree in Visual Communications with a concentration in photo/video.

To me photography is a melding of art, science, technology, and history.  It continues to fascinate me… although I have been known to stray into other art forms like woodworking from time to time.

A sample of my artwork: This was truly a study in patience, waiting for just the right moment as these swans performed their mating ritual on a foggy spring morning!

What have you been currently working on and what has inspired you to do so?

To be honest, I haven’t done much photography in the past few weeks.  It’s been such a whirlwind since I acquired the studio in October… I needed a moment to recharge my batteries and refocus (is that two puns?) but now I’m ready to take on new projects!

Are there other artists with whom you collaborate?

I have been fortunate enough to work with some talented models and stylists, who I would consider artists in their own right.  And I would love to connect with some local clothing designers…

But I’m completely open to collaborating with artists of all types!  For example, I could print some poster-sized photos on watercolor paper or canvas and then a painter can add some colorful embellishments…  Hmmm, that could get interesting…

Anyway, if anyone has idea for a project (or you just need your artwork photographed) please don’t hesitate to knock on my door or send me an email!

Is your studio open for First Friday?

My studio is open most First Fridays, including the upcoming one on May 4th.  We’ll have some new images available, so be sure to visit Mark Osterling Photography in studio 240 at the Hungerford!  </end shameless plug>

If so, what do people enjoy about visiting your space?

So far people seem to enjoy my artwork (thankfully), which for now consists of framed photographs and photo greeting cards.  But I have some fresh ideas in the works, so stay tuned!

I attempt to offer subjects that are uplifting and maybe even whimsical and I think that really resonates with people.  I don’t want my artwork to feel inaccessible, and I carry that same philosophy into my studio/gallery design.

Obviously I want my space to be aesthetically pleasing, but beyond that I try to balance a touch of formality with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  To me it should look professional without making anyone feel like they’re underdressed, and based on the feedback I receive, I think I have achieved that.

However there is one design element in particular that garners a fair amount of attention: my red leather chairs.  People love those chairs!  I have considered opening a red chair store if for some reason this photography thing doesn’t pan out.

A more “commercial” example: A product shot that also works as an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas card! Yes, I baked the cookies myself. And yes, I ate several of them during the shoot!

Why did you decide to become a member of The Hungerford Urban Artisans?

I chose the Hungerford building because it allows me the extraordinary opportunity to have both a working studio and an art gallery (with an established audience) all in one space.  I joined HUA because I want to be part of this vibrant community of artists and artisans!

How has it been beneficial to you?

So far I have received creative inspiration, tips from other members on how to prepare (both physically and mentally) for First Fridays, and of course the new maps and signage are a huge benefit.  Plus the quarterly HUA gatherings give me an opportunity to meet some of my new Facebook friends face to face!

Marks Web Links:

Additional contact info:

 

Apr 182012
 

But I like these feathers. I hate it when I say I’m going to do something then realize I don’t have the time. I don’t have the time to do my hair, makeup and take photos of myself. I can’t even remember the last time I really even looked in a mirror. So I snapped this quick pic with my phone at the studio tonight.

A few posts ago I addressed that I would be raving about hair stylist Mary of Haiir By Mare. The best I can find on her is a link to her Facebook and it seems to be kept mostly private. Throw her a message if you want some cool feathers like this. Way to promote her in my work goggles, I know, ridiculous. Tangled hair and a zit on my forehead. I’m just crazy freaking busy right now. Stomach ache butterflies busy. I’m so nervous about the bead show this weekend. The. blog. must. live. on.

Major dork, that's me.

 

Apr 172012
 

My best friend, hair stylist, Tracy Kyle works for Jimmy Rossi of Hirsute Salon. The salon is located in the neighborhood of the arts on Atlantic Avenue, just a few yards away from the Starry Nites Cafe. I’d link to his website, but he doesn’t appear to have one. Jimmy has been kind enough to let me display some of my glass items. If you need a new style and a pendant to go with it, make an appointment with Tracy or Jimmy. You’ll never have an experience like you will with Tracy and Jimmy, not anywhere. Their personalities are on fire!

Thanks guys, it means so much that you are doing this for me.

Hirsute Salon (Call for hours)
585-244-1111
51 Atlantic Ave
Rochester, NY 14607

Stylist Tracy Kyle

Apr 152012
 

Studio 34 is currently Artist of The Month at Bead Breakout. In the beginning of May it’s my turn to move in. I popped in with Lucas to take some measurements and view works of art by Marilynne Lipshutz, Joe DeVito and Peg Zukaitis. All fantastic lampworkers whom I’ve had the pleasure to spend some time with here and there.

I’m a bit nervous about set up, but it always works out in the end. I put so many new plans and responsibilies on my plate for 2013. I will accomplish it all, failure is not an option. What a year it will be!

Studio 34 on display at Bead Breakout

Pendant by Joe DeVito

Snail by Joe DeVito

Lucas enjoying some good bead browsing

Apr 112012
 

Have I told you about my favorite blog, Parenting, Illustrated With Crappy Pictures? I have? Great! Well Amber has inspired me to get a few hairs cut. Where are you Tracy, I need you now!? (Tracy is my best friend/hair dresser)

Why are you still here? Click the image and read Ambers amazing blog.

Apr 102012
 

Cody is my neighbor in The Hungerford building, Suite 214. During April’s First Friday, my friend Joyce purchased this excellent tray. He currently has work on display and available for sale at Crocus Clayworks. Visit Crocus Clayworks website for the exhibit info.

Cody’s website, codykroll.com

Like Crocus Clayworks on Facebook

View The Hungerford directory here for artisan info. We have four floors of artists!

 

Apr 052012
 

Click the image of the poster for a better view, I doubt you can read it as is. Do it, it’s funny!

This was too cute not to share. I totally want to read How Not to Kill Your Baby by Jacob Sager Weinstein. Especially since it’s “Printed on child-safe, 100% piranha-free paper, and bound without the use of exploding staples.”

Apr 032012
 

I purchased this special cup at a small craft show from a new friend of mine, Tori Dipietro. We first met as neighboring vendors at the Mayday Underground show last Autumn. Since then I’ve had had the pleasure to chat with Tori at a few shows. I felt so connected with Tori. We shared our excitement and our fears. Discussing what it feels like to be an an artist striving to make a lively hood.

Tori’s beautiful cup is ideal for taking small sips of my favorite Tension Tamer tea. This bright, yet earthy cup inspires me to slow down. Oddly paradoxical to my post from yesterday. I must have drank two gallons of fluid, although it was wise to keep hydrated in the heat.

This cup makes a beautiful sound when you trace your fingers around it. A gentle ring resonates as I become aware of how the curvature fits in my hands, as if it were made just for me. I especially love the delicate finger spots. Intentional or not, the traces of Tori’s fingertips remind me that someone made this cup passionately.

You can contact Tori Dipietro at tori.dipietro@yahoo.com. Her work can be viewed at her Etsy shop, etsy.com/shop/toridipietropottery.

Apr 022012
 

20120402-141914.jpg
I have also refilled the coffee container with tea and the day isn’t even over. I’m thankful that the bathroom is near my studio.

Mar 302012
 

Yesterday I posted about a new document that will help keep us organized. Especially when it comes to First Friday. This is not limited to HUA members, all tenants of the building are welcome to edit this doc and be listed. Please watch the video to learn how to list yourself.

Once you have been added as an editor an email has been sent, click the link in the email to edit the document. Save or tag your email for future use.

Updates:
I have removed the HUA page and added a column for it on the Artisan Directory page.