hol sum (ation)

Everything We Love // Hari Panicker & Deepti Nair presented by GroundSwell Gallery

2012-02-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight, GroundSwell Gallery opens Everything We Love, a show of graphic prints, paper cut shadow boxes, and paintings created by the husband and wife art duo, Harikrishnan Panicker and Deepti Nair.

Opening 7 - 10pm Feb. 11
(House DJ, House cookies, House coffee - no fakes!)
Show runs through March 6, 2012.

at GroundSwell Gallery 3121 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80206

Hari and Deepti's work is hugely influenced by the life experience and folklore they grew up with (both from India) and the whimsical ideas that breed within them. They have been collaborating on various artwork and events from being the branding artists for Bordo Bello 2011, creating poster art for Artcrank Denver, and being a regular at the Denver Chalk Art festival and Heart Art Denver. They did their first collaborative art show in October 2011, titled Cuts and Drips at the Super Ordinary Gallery in Denver, CO. Everything we Love is a series of painting, prints and mixed media pieces depicting the elements that keep them going and inspire them to create art and be together.

new concepts, learning at Matter, & my art collection

2012-02-07T11:06:00.001-07:00

Most recently my artwork focuses on 2 concepts. Initially, a concept of color theory regarding the juxtaposition of colors and their co-effectual relationships related to the teachings of Josef Albers. Secondly, a concept described by Sri Sathya Sai Baba and variously found in other religious, spiritual, and social teachings. I find that the words can seem dogmatic and I resist the urge to share, overtly, what the concept or dogma actually is. On the other hand, what may be a life-time task, I do wish to take on the concept as a filter for my spoken words and also my own thoughts and I do feel compelled to make art about it. Here's how I understand it: Upon speaking, one may consider first passing the words through 4 doorways. Each is a question of the thought, and if each thought can respond affirmatively, then perhaps one's speech better serves self and others. It goes like this:

Is it True?

Is it Kind?

Is it Necessary?

Does it improve upon Silence?

Looks like rainbows, the drawings are a practice of both concepts - color relationships and social clarity.

click on the image to see it larger.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to do another piece referencing the latter. I participated in Rick Griffith's printing workshop at Matter Studio, wherein we learned how to use printing presses and typeset and were challenged to create a design for print. I did a print about the 4 doorways and also a print quoting Haruki Murakami from his book, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle. "All you had to do was sit still for ten minutes, and you could see this amazing variety of grays." the 4 doorways shape and the "cloud" shape I designed to be made into printing blocks set alongside type. One of my workshop-mates, Michelle, had a set of modular type that she intuited I might like to use, how very thoughtful and true, so the 4 doorways print uses those (outside of the modular purpose - re-imagining the modular elements as letters themselves). The Murakami print uses lead-type 42pt Helvetica.

I loved working with Rick at Matter and using his presses this weekend. I love the work that I did.

Last comment: Below, a drawing/paper-cutting by Brittany Gould (Denver artist) that I recently collected entitled, Over Charleston.

it's worth it to click on this image and look at it larger.

James Llorca Garcia Marquez

2012-01-29T20:59:00.001-07:00

A good Denver artist, James Llorca Garcia Marquez is leaving. I'm staying, but I don't blame him, and I sympathize with his statements made in this Westword article about his departure to NYC. I have 2 small pieces of his, tiny books, that I found while working at Hooked on Colfax, and I often feel grateful about the inherent generosity of having them. I looked forward to seeing where this artist would begin to show in Denver and how he might grow. Anyway, I'll miss this guy.

Composite, Physiognomic

I too want Denver to start paying attention to Denver's artists and quit remarking on "how expensive" art is. At least give these artists the honor of never knowing that you think the work is "expensive" - it is a matter of opinion after all - because art, when it is really art, is too important a thing to make such tactless remarks about dollars.
To James,
I hope you keep working. Good luck and Farewell.

Takeo Hiromitsu

2012-01-27T13:38:00.001-07:00

Matrimonial Kosmonauts mixed media on panel 17x43"


GORG mixed media on panel 14x14"

Prints and paintings by Takeo Hiromitsu are now showing at GroundSwell Gallery. It's been a roller coaster of learning "how to do this gallery thing" with Danette, but I at least realize where the upsides are really up. Month after month, we have these talented, serious, hard working artists bringing good art to our new(ish, 8 months!) space on East Colfax Ave, Denver, and the coming scheduled months bring more of them. Denver's artists aren't dreamers. They're doers. The art is here and we're not the only space to show for it. We hope you'll visit GroundSwell and see Takeo's work in our bright little gallery. Take time to look at the details, see the narrative of this "self exist(ing) to connect with the cosmic creative energy that has churned time." Mr. Hiromitsu's paintings and prints reconnect us with the chaos and fury of living that ultimately settles us out as we find our flow.

bigheadsmallcrown Lithograph print 25x20"

Takeo Hiromitsu
paintings and prints
on view at GroundSwell Gallery
Through February 7, 2012

3121 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206

GroundSwell is open
Monday - Sat. 11a - 7p and
Sundays 12 - 6pm

for more information or a scheduled viewing, please email:
rebecca@groundswelldenver.com
danette@groundswelldenver.com

Pablo's Coffee

2012-01-27T12:55:00.002-07:00

computer
pen tablet
lattes
lyle lovett

...T shirt.

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa

2011-12-21T21:47:00.001-07:00

Grant your blessing so that my mind may move towards the Dharma.
Grant your blessing so that the Dharma may progress along the path.
Grant your blessing so that the path may clarify confusion.
Grant your blessing so that confusion may dawn as wisdom.

FRIENDS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Rozie Vajda at GroundSwell Gallery

2011-12-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

What a fun month at the gallery with the complex and beautiful characters created by Rozie Vajda. Each marionette with it's own detailed expression, components, and stage is an example of Rozie's true investment into the whole creation of personality and placement. We are honored to show this work and we welcome you, if you haven't already, to visit GroundSwell Gallery during this heartwarming season - open through January 10, 2012.

GroundSwell Gallery is located at 3121 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80206 (Bluebird District).

Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm, Sunday 12 - 5pm

Gift Givers, this is your jam.

2011-12-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

Hello friends!
Just want to shout out about the Holiday Gift Givers Sale we're hosting at GroundSwell Gallery this Saturday (tomorrow) from 5 - 9pm.
There are 10 amazing designers selling their hand-crafted wares (including jewelry, accessories, art, toys, etc.).
Also, it's the holidays after all, so we'll warm you up and sweeten your teeth with a cup of home-made chai and a cupcake from the Shoppe! Looking forward to seeing you all!

I made these Heads-N-Tails toys! These little critters' heads and tails can be swapped from one to the other allowing you to create funny little foxy-turtles and hippo-fish.

“I like to think that some of my work at least will stay in the present tense.”

2011-12-05T12:10:00.001-07:00

Ellsworth Kelly at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Not his usual paintings, but his wood sculptures. Just wanted to link to this NYTimes Article including some statements from Kelly himself. I am especially interested in artists like this who are interested most in remaining in the present tense. This image is of Spectrum V, 1969. I remember seeing this on a visit to see art somewhere in the world... Anyway, I remember loving it.

painting mantras

2011-11-29T11:59:00.001-07:00

This month my personal work has been dedicated to 2 projects, one of which is a group of paintings for Qi City Park's Yoga studio. The entry foyer and studio have been the same for 2 years - just a move-in on a closed studio without giving the place a new look. Alex Cordoba now manages this studio and she, along with some of her students (myself included) see the opportunity to create a setting with more intention around centering and the practice of yoga. I'm making 3 large paintings for the foyer (the sort that will cover most of 2 wall areas creating a span of color, etc.). Each one is an important mantra, invocation or dedication - simply the words on a vibrant color gradient. My hope is for these words to meet each attending student with a call for intention and wakefulness in their yoga practice. If anything, the paintings may make the place bright and colorful, cheerful and inviting. Mantra - Gayatri, Dedication - The 4 Dharmas of Gampopa, and Invocation - Anusara invocation. If applicable, the words in english are preceded by the texts' original language.

Gayatri Mantra:

Aum Bhur Bhuva Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat

On the absolute reality and its planes,
On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles
That it may inspire and enlighten us.

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa:

Grant your blessings so that my mind may be one with the dharma.
Grant your blessings so that dharma may progress along the path.
Grant your blessings so that the path may clarify confusion.
Grant your blessings so that confusion may dawn as wisdom.

Anusara Invocation:

Om
Namah Shivaya Gurave
Satchidananda Murtaye
Nishprapanchaya Shantaya
Niralambaya Tejase
Om

I offer myself to the Light, who is the True Teacher within and without.
Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,
Who is never absent and is full of peace,
Independent in its existence, It is the vital essence of illumination.

City Smiles

2011-11-17T10:01:00.001-07:00

Today an Open House at City Smiles Dentistry, 100 Spruce Street, Suite 100 Denver, CO 80230. Everyone is invited from 5:30p - 8:30p. This is a great chance to see what Chelsea Mayer, DDS has done to build out a beautiful new dentist office that all who care about design and good space can really enjoy! She smartly requested good art curation for the office and I reached out to local Denver Artists. The result, the best dressed Dentist office I've ever been to! I'm honored to work with the artists:
Sara Guindon
Sandra Fettingis
Rob Mack
Shayna Cohn
Debbie Clapper
Alan Kitchen
Paul Langway
Bethany DeMarco
Derek Keenan
Jared David Paul

Rozie Vajda at GroundSwell - through Jan. 10

2011-11-14T17:03:00.001-07:00

I call this a successful art opening. The highly detailed and exquisitely constructed characters that are Rozie Vajda's marionettes now grace GroundSwell Gallery. I am so proud to curate with such a talented and hard working artist!

Please visit the gallery before Jan. 10, 2012 to see this incredible show.

Below, please find Rozie Vajda's artist statement.

"I work with found objects. Some discarded, some given, others forgotten, all rediscovered and repurposed. I help these treasures discover a new life with new companions in a new story.

My studio has a floor to ceiling collection of these found, gifted, and salvaged treasures and art parts collected over a lifetime. Chosen for the emotion as much as the aesthetic, in this show can be found roots, twigs, and seaweed, accordion parts and the keys to my first car. When these parts make their way into my art, so too do the people, places, and experiences they represent.

In these most recent pieces, my explorations with assemblage art, doll-making, sewing and felting have come together in a whimsical way that surprises and delights me. With the pull of a string these characters come to life with motion and dance."

-Rozie Vajda

3115)| +! |(3121 East Colfax Ave.

2011-10-18T14:40:00.000-06:00


	MAD KING In Transit 2011

Running the gallery at GroundSwell with Danette Montoya has been immensely enjoyable for me in the months since we opened in May 2011. I find that I have more fulfilling and inspiring conversations with artists around Denver than I would have thought available to me. I happily do this work and I'm inspired to keep on with my own art work.

The current show at the gallery with MAD KING is definitely worth a visit. GroundSwell is open daily from 10a - 7pm and this show runs through November 8th. If you're like me, you may find yourself brightened by MAD KING's layered patterns, colors, textures and characters. I especially invite those interested in enriching their visual promotion and representation materials with the skillful and soulful imagery of this artist.
http://www.madkingproductions.com/

Finally, I want to share, through pictures (below), the happenings between 3115 East Colfax and 3121 East Colfax (GroundSwell). Artists working this week, and pictured in the first photo here are Denver's own Max Kaufman and Nice One, Denver native, now working from Chicago.

Max Kaufman and Nice One work out the details of what will be a very large mural on the side of GroundSwell Gallery and Cannabis Boutique

newest stencil in the past month

This wheat pasted painting appeared in the past month as well. We're into that on our unpainted brick wall, but the stencil to the Right is totally inconsiderate of the brick material. Boo. Also, see left, part of Paul Langway's mural from last Summer on the low wall bordering the alley.

"Own Your Soul, Monster." We're especially into the painting, being not the expected xerox, and the poeticism of this wheat paste.

In closing,
Thank you Denver Artists.

ART by CRAFT at REDLINE

2011-09-27T11:40:00.001-06:00

I am honored to show my work, Migration newly formatted as a stand-on-it's-own sculpture piece, at the Denver Handmade Alliance's Art by Craft exhibition this coming Saturday! The show runs through October 16th and coincides with a craft Market held on Sunday Oct. 9th. Exhibiting the work of the artists listed below, Art by Craft explores craft-based mediums in fine art. I hope you will consider visiting!!

Migration (detail), Rebecca Peebles

Art by Craft Exhibiting Artists:

Adriane Horovitz & Marc Horovitz
Andrea Thurber
Becky Wareing Steele
Beth Wood
Dea Webb
Hope Morgan of Haunted Sparrow
Lara Nickel
Martina Grbac
Pamela Webb
Patrice Washington
Rebecca Peebles
Sandra Fettingis
Sarah Wallace Scott
Vanessa Gochnour

303

2011-09-23T14:56:00.000-06:00

Laney McVicker of 303 Magazine wrote an article about myself and my work. You can see "The Hol Sum Art of Meditation" article on 303's site for the Fall Fashion Issue 2011.

I'm especially grateful to Laney for quoting me when I said about my art work, "Really, it's just a practice of working toward something beautiful or peaceful." This is true for me. I am most accurate as an artist when I'm creating work that offers beauty and opportunity to rest in one's own peace.

hats, sculpture, call them what you will...

2011-09-23T14:19:00.000-06:00

The Bard Graduate Center is hosting an exhibit of 250+ hats curated by Stephen Jones! If I were able to drop everything and travel right now, I'd hop to NYC to see these as part of a long list of shows, meals and otherwise gorgeous outings!

lettering mantras

2011-09-18T11:34:00.001-06:00

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may all attain omniscience.

May it defeat the enemy, wrongdoing.

From the stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death,

From the ocean of samsara, may I free all beings.

By the confidence of the golden sun of the great east,

May the lotus garden of the Rigden’s wisdom bloom.

May the dark ignorance of sentient beings be dispelled.

May all beings enjoy profound brilliant glory.

Studying mantras and poetry for a new project.... Such awesome study.

JUX

2011-09-09T13:25:00.000-06:00

JUXTAPOZE - a juxtaposition of our art work.
Patrick Kelly is a writer and makes art work for special occassions.
I'm an artist, and sometimes I like to do work that's illustrative and narrative.
We thought it might be interesting to put our work side by side to highlight our writer/narrator/illustrator/artist selves.
I'm especially interested to see how our works affect each other by proximity. Up until hanging our work, we haven't seen what the other is doing.
Hope you'll come out and see the work at Hooked On Colfax (3213 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80206)!
Opening night - Saturday Sept. 10, 7 - 10pm
Show up through October 5.

reminder: inspiration is pervasive

2011-08-24T18:06:00.000-06:00

Lecture at Cornell University
Given by Agnes Martin
January 1972

I want to talk to you about "the work", art work.

I will speak of inspiration, the studio, viewing art work, friends of art and artist's temperaments.

But your interest and mine is really "the work" - works of art.

Art work is very important in the way that I will try to show when I speak about inspiration.

I have sometimes put myself ahead of my work in my mind and have suffered in consequence.

I thought, me, me; and I suffered.

I thought I was important. I was taught to think that. I was taught: "You are important; people are important beyond anything else."

But thinking that I suffered very much.

I thought that I was big and "the work" was small. It is not possible to go on that way. To think I am big and the work is big.

The position of pride is not possible either.

And to think I am small and the work is small, the position of modesty, is not possible.

I will go on to inspiration and perhaps you will see what is possible.

As I describe inspiration I do not want you to think I am speaking of religion.

That which takes us by surprise - moments of happiness - that is inspiration. Inspriation which is different from daily care.

Many people as adults are so startled by inspiration which is different from daily care that they think they are unique in having had it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Inspritation is there all the time.

For everyone whose mind is not clouded over with thoughts whether they realize it or not.

Most people have no realization whatever of the moments in which they are inspired.

Inspiration is pervasive but not a power.

It's a peaceful thing.

It is a consolation even to plants and animals.

Do not think that it is unique.

If it were unique, no one would be able to respond to your work.

Do not think it is reserved for a few or anything like that.

It is an untroubled mind.

Of course we know that an untroubled state of mind cannot last. So we say that inspiration comes and goes but really it is there all the time waiting for us to be untroubled again. We can therefore say that it is pervasive. Young children are more untroubled than adults and have many more inspirations. All the moments of inspiration added together make what we call sensibility. The development of sensibility is the most important thing. Some parents put the development of social mores ahead of aesthetic development. Small children are taken to the park for social play; sent to nursery school.... But the little child sitting alone, perhaps even neglected and forgotten, is the one open to inspiration and the development of sensibility.

GroundSwell presents Alan Kitchen

2011-08-22T10:10:00.000-06:00

The start of the GroundSwell Gallery's fourth show, There Was No Sound: paintings by Alan Kitchen, lends us great momentum as we are continuing to develop the workings of the Gallery and relationships with artists and the public. We are proud to have been reviewed by Kyle Macmillan as part of the Denver Post's Art blog and also the Friday, Aug. 19th Entertainment section of the Denver Post. Congratulations are certainly in order for Alan as his first solo show of paintings has brought him such positive attention. We confidently anticipate Alan's growth as an artist remembering his proposal for a show with us. What a joy to receive a proposal with strong conceptual backing for aesthetically solid paintings. Seeing the paintings in person for the first time, I felt the delight one artist feels for another's good work.

Denver Post Blog article: http://blogs.denverpost.com/artmosphere/2011/08/17/a-bustling-block-of-east-colfax-avenue-shows-the-continuing-growth-of-the-denver-art-scene/2004/

Denver Post: Entertainment. August 19th article: http://www.denverpost.com/art/ci_18702507

As a reminder, GroundSwell Gallery is open every day from 10am to 7pm. The Gallery is adjacent to GroundSwell Cannabis Boutique and employees there can help you connect with curators Danette Montoya or Rebecca Peebles. Otherwise, Rebecca and Danette are present in the Gallery every Friday from 12pm - 4pm and can schedule for appointments with interested patrons. You may contact Rebecca at rebecca@groundswelldenver.com or Danette at danette@groundswelldenver.com.

good show!

2011-08-09T14:33:00.000-06:00

Dear Kelsey Dalton, Andrew McClellan and Harold Kleeman,

Thank you for your fine work in the gallery for this past month. As follows, a photo tribute to your awesome work:

Rose Tunezja - Dalton&McClellan, oil on canvas, 29" x 48"

Twinned - Dalton&McClellan, oil on canvas, 48" x 36"


Rose de Sables - Dalton&McClellan, oil on canvas, 16" x 29"


Granny's Crannies Go West - Harold, gypsum, alabaster, plaster installation

Those interested to have more information about these works can contact GroundSwell Gallery curators: Rebecca Peebles (myself) or Danette Montoya at
rebecca@groundswelldenver.com or
danette@groundswelldenver.com

And please let us know if you'd like to be added to our email newsletter list to stay updated on our shows and events.

the new old debate

2011-07-28T09:34:00.001-06:00

The ART OF QUILTING is a phrase that usually makes me think, "Art? Can I be sure?" as I ponder the decorative habits of quilters and the common argument of Art v/s Craft. It's not that I don't want quilting and other craft media to rise into Art's striking realm of beauty and power. I too use craft media such as felting, crochet, ceramics, and weaving to create works I call my art. I recognize the uncomfortable moment when the artist has to ask if the work is really "there." This is a subjective question and answer. I think many quilters, crocheters, knitters, etc. look at their awesome expression of creative power and think, "ART!" but I beg to differ. There is a jumping off point where it's beyond you, the creator, and the work represents a larger beauty than your own and speaks to a larger audience than you can imagine.

Before I begin to sound too grandiose and pompous, I'll bring this back to the point of this post - Shawn Quinlan's Pop Art Quilts. This weeks email newsletter from Hand/Eye Magazine tells a short story of Quinlan's beginnings as an artist and includes a fantastic slideshow of his work. I recommend you take a look. The works are an awesome assemblage of political satire, the hilarity of pop culture, the art of collage, and the craft of quilting. From the works I viewed, it seems he has two styles of composition: a poster-like, 2D presentation, and a pictorial narrative via a landscape or scene. I'm fond of the latter style as I recognize Quinlan's ability to use the immediately abstracting fabric pieces to create a strong sense of place and mood. Below, an example of the landscape style:

So, as the debate over whether Art and Craft can lie in the same bed continues, I believe that artists will decide. I imagine that the answer will evolve more slowly than art experts and historians prefer because artists will continue to use the media that best represent their concepts.

More about Pittsburgh, PA artist, Shawn Quinlan can be found here: www.shawnquinlan.com

thanks Project Hello!

2011-07-14T15:35:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to Project Hello for the opportunity to create a collaborative drawing with the visitors of that event! There were several hundred visitors (each color rhombus represents one) and many a lovely encounter with them. As planned, the drawing turned out to be an impromptu scatter-plot graph representing the traffic of the event (men, women, girls and boys and about when they came). Statistical accuracy aside, the event was well represented by this drawing. See more detail at www.rebeccapeebles.com

Rebecca and Rob Mack draw... (photo thanks to Jesse Nobbe)

sneak peak (hello!)

2011-06-22T14:51:00.000-06:00

This Saturday at Redline Gallery, I'll be participating at PROJECT HELLO, denver's opportunity to meet artists, designers, poets, writers, and musicians on a personal level. I'll be making an interactive drawing that will represent the overall traffic and demographic of the event. You too could have a part in this drawing... The event is 7 hours long (noon to 7pm), so the window of opportunity is vast! Please come. Here's a sneak peak for what I'm planning...

tropicalismo!

2011-06-15T22:02:00.001-06:00

About a month ago, I competed in Vitamin Water's "Uncapped" Fashion contest to design a garment inspired by one of their beverages. My choice was Vitamin Water Energy - Tropical Citrus (sun yellow drink with metallic gold label). Because of Vitamin Water's sleek graphics and the black-and-white on pop-color contrast, I chose to highlight an urban tropical style. My model Andi Todaro is wearing a wrap on, tie on, polyester satin gold jumpsuit, a black and white contemporary take on Carmen Miranda's "fruit hat," and a peacock and metal necklace. All of these things I made - what progress for me! I hope to receive better photo documentation from Vitamin Water (but the outlook is not good despite the many pro photographers I saw running around). Either way, here's an okay photo (left) and V.W.'s video documentation of the entire event (The garments don't show up until near the middle, so either fast forward or stay with it). The winner was Fallene Wells. She made a whole lot of ruffles for that skirt! Many thanks to Andi for wearing my clothing as though I made it especially for her.

hol sum for mukee

2011-06-10T13:44:00.000-06:00

As part of Microclimates, hol sum teamed up with Mukee to design some custom jewelry for the fashion show! Here are some close ups of the pendants I made using Mukee's recycled skateboard deck "charms." Looking forward to future collaborations with Derek!

In order from top-left clockwise: Dream Charm, Blossom pendant (1), Mayfly pendant, Blossom pendant (2)

Levi Shane Nelson at GroundSwell Gallery

2011-06-09T13:17:00.000-06:00

Ladies and Gentleman,
You really can not miss this show of mixed media, large format, contact prints on canvas by Mr. Levi Shane Nelson.
We're calling it "flawed." It's a show about the perfection of pattern and digital methods contrasted with the idiosyncratic quality of hand labor.

Really, don't miss it.
See you at GroundSwell!

hello

2011-06-07T10:24:00.000-06:00

PROJECT HELLO
I'll be participating this year as one of many artists, designers, musicians, writers and poets at Red Line Art Gallery for an afternoon and evening of "hello." Our assignment: introduce ourselves to Denver (and everyone else for that matter). I'm planning on making art that makes your visit count.

I hope you'll come on down, ANY time between noon and 7pm on Saturday June 25th.

below: an intro-flic from last year! Thanks to Mr. Matt Dunn.

Project Hello - Denver 2010 from Matt Dunn on Vimeo.

Microclimates in the Post and Westword

2011-06-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

Publicity!
Microclimates made the Denver Post Style File, and Westword's well trafficked blog!

thank you Fancy Tiger!

2011-05-31T14:03:00.000-06:00

Fancy Tiger Crafts! You can't beat this place when it comes to the most charming fabrics, notions and trims! Jamie and Amber have donated such lovely items for our project, Microclimates, and I've been incorporating them into several garments for our fashion collaboration!

Don't I look like a pro shopper (errr... dog lover)? That magenta cotton voile made a sweet circle skirt with light pink peek-a-boo hem!

Opening for Microclimates!

2011-05-29T21:15:00.000-06:00

EVERYONE'S INVITED!
I designed and made 13 looks for the fashion show at 7:30.

Super Ordinary Gallery is located at 3126 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205. June 4th... is a Saturday.

hol sum & Fancy Tiger

2011-05-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

That's right! Fancy Tiger Crafts teamed up with Microclimates so that hol sum would have some of the most large and in charge finishing touches and POP colors for the fashion event! Only the best to collaborate with such a color saturated, detail oriented project by Samuel Schimek and Rob Mack!

many garments

2011-05-16T22:40:00.000-06:00

This month is a major garment construction production month for hol sum! In 2 days I'll be competing against 7 other designers in a contest hosted by Vitamin Water at the Museum of Contemporary Art here in Denver. The assignment: Inspired by one Vitamin Water flavor, we each design and create a garment for the runway representing the name, concept, flavor, and color palette of our flavor. I can't say what mine is (don't worry, I'll share images as soon as I can), but I can say that I really wish I had one of these garments (that I'm making) when I was in southern Mexico last Fall!

Photos that I can share are from the next big production in the works: Microclimates! In production by Rob Mack and Samuel Schimek, Microclimates is a walk-through art installation built into Super Ordinary Gallery (On Larimer in Denver's Rino Art District). Including 3 microclimates - Forest, Cave, and Meadow, Rob and Samuel will build and design all the details of such environments. It's going to be a fantastical, graphic explosion of happy, adorable critters in the technicolor/technopattern version of their natural habitat. My job is to collaborate with colors, concept and patterns to create a collection of garments. There's going to be a fashion show at the opening for Microclimates on June 4th! ...this will be my first solo fashion show. How nice is that?! Real nice. Above, a sneak peak of some garments that I'm working on these days with my intern McCall.

grand opened - GroundSwell Gallery

2011-05-16T22:17:00.000-06:00

It's real - Our first show at GroundSwell Gallery opened last Saturday. Paintings by Tony Zellaha were met with smiles, excitement, and curiosity and the gallery was filled with the happy chatter of a good time. I'd do this again. Oh wait, we ARE doing it again!
Stay tuned to GroundSwell Gallery (on Facebook and soon a website) for more good work in the works!

water and wood

2011-05-01T08:29:00.000-06:00

Danette Montoya and I are happy to introduce ourselves as the curators of the new GroundSwell Gallery at 3121 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80206. The first show we offer to Denver presents curious and magical paintings by Tony Zellaha. With some new works created just for this exhibition, Tony will show a collection of paintings linked by common elements, water and wood.

We hope you'll visit the gallery for the opening on Second Saturday 7pm - 10pm (always the opening event each month along East Colfax's Bluebird district). Or come and see Tony's work Monday through Friday afternoons (Danette and I will be in the gallery on Fridays).
Keep up with GroundSwell on Facebook as we break ground and start building (metaphorically speaking of course)!Our website will be up and running soon!
Stay tuned to Second Saturday's art event happening along East Colfax: www.colfaxsecondsaturday.com

Noah Sodano & Rebecca Peebles at Hooked on Colfax

2011-04-22T14:51:00.001-06:00

New works by Noah Sodano and Rebecca Peebles
at Hooked on Colfax Cafe
3213 East Colfax Ave. (Steele St. and Colfax)
Opening reception Saturday May 14th 7pm
On view May 12 - June 7

sneak peak for May 14

2011-04-15T20:32:00.001-06:00

I'm putting some art on the walls at Hooked on Colfax Cafe (3213 E. Colfax Ave. @ Steele St.) alongside the curious work of Noah Sodano. Here's a sneak peak of my work. Thematically, the works invite one to "feel." I'm considering inviting viewers to "Please touch the artwork."

$$ grant $$ granted!

2011-04-04T13:33:00.000-06:00

We still need you!
If you've been thinking about funding the Microclimates Grant at Kickstarter and haven't yet done so, I hope you'll do it now! Microclimates has gained support from 37 backers so far, and even though we've reached our goal of $2250, we need to go beyond the minimum in order to take our project beyond Colorado!
Please consider giving $5, $20, whatever you can give to support the arts in Denver and REPRESENTING Denver!
We'll use your funds well.
If you'd like to learn more about the project, here's the website: Microclimates
Thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in us.

established AND opening soon...

2011-03-29T15:36:00.001-06:00

I haven't said this already and I don't know why (in the name of sanity, why?), but Hol Sum has some lovely garments for sale at the ever-so-popular Fancy Tiger Clothing boutique! Please visit the store, find some great goods, and try on a Hol Sum piece of clothing!
Their location: 18 South Broadway, Denver, CO.

Also, some newer good news: Hol Sum clothing will be available for purchase soon at the I Heart Denver store! The Opening for the store is Saturday April 9th at 6pm.
Location: 500 16th Street, Unit 264, Denver, CO 80205 (Denver Pavilions Mall at 16th St. and Glenarm Place)

Congratulations to Samuel Schimek for putting together another great retail venue for Denver and Colorado Artists and Designers!

making things for Spring

2011-03-25T17:41:00.000-06:00

This is one piece I'm producing right now that I like very much. The blue with red/white dot-print Swiss shirting is very lightweight and sheer with a touch of stiffness to create a "float" around the torso and arms. A kimono cut with banded arms and waist, this versatile blouse will manifest itself in a few different colors. Lately, I like to start with blue.

Microclimates!

2011-03-23T09:14:00.000-06:00

An installation art exhibition by
Rob Mack &
Samuel Schimek

Ripped from Microclimates' Info Page: "The Super Ordinary Gallery in the RiNo art district of Denver, CO will be transformed for two months into a large scale graphic art environment. Three distinctive microclimates will lead the viewer on an exciting visual journey using life scale graphic installations. Denver Underground artists Samuel Schimek and Rob Mack have come together to manifest this exhibition and will be using their skills in graphic design, found object, and the collaborative art experience. Leading up to the exhibition, viewers are invited to become involved from the ground up by following the online campaign via facebook, twitter, and the website. Followers will have the opportunity to experience exhibition production and see how this exciting collaboration will come together.

During the opening of this exhibition on June 4th, event attendees will have a chance to see the full collaborative power of the Denver art scene. In addition to the exhibition there will be a live fashion show by Denver Designer, Hol Sum, special music project integrated with the graphic environment, and special art POP-Up store containing purchasable pieces of the graphic environments."

This is the work that I'm working on! Hol Sum will produce garments that are integral to the graphic, thematic and environments of the Microclimates exhibition. We are even having fabric printed with graphic elements directly related to the designs produced by Rob and Samuel! Working with these two is a great opportunity for me. Microclimates is a challenge that we're all excited for because Denver needs it's artists and designers to stand up, stand out, and represent this awesome city of creative industry!

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our project on Kickstarter!! Anything you can give will contribute to the Kickstarter grant program - if we can rase our minimum, then Kickstarter doubles it! If we can't raise our minimum, we get nothing. Let's get the minimum!!! Thank you for your help, and please pass on our information to anyone who supports the arts, supports real culture in their cities, and wants to support people who work very hard at what we do!

hyperbolic

2011-03-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

I came across the Wertheim twins' hyperbolic crochet work a few years ago while especially inspired by artists reinventing the role of handicraft. I saw this piece around that time at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art when it hosted a show of works all stitched, knitted, crochet and like handcraft called Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting. In that case, the focus was on the art of craft and roll of craft in contemporary art work. A current show at Washington D.C.'s National Museum of Natural History brings light to the sisters' rooted intention beyond the medium and craft - a relationship between environmental activism and art. American Craft Magazine shares this article about their work and the current (through late April) exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History. These monumental crocheted installations embody Art and beyond Art's sake, provide a venue for raised awareness for coral reefs and fund raising to benefit reef protection.

Mom, I hope you can make the drive to DC to see this show before it closes on April 24! Wish I could come!

DeVelo Magazine

2011-03-02T17:28:00.001-07:00

So it's true that a story about my work as an artist and clothing designer in Denver was published in a local magazine, DeVelo. Kee Nan wrote the story. Photo by Robert Podrasky. Pictured left, a shot of me while I inspect my garments on the rack at the Yes Please More Pop Up Store.

If you'd like to read the article, here's a link: DeVelo Magazine pages 14 & 15

designssss

2011-02-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Working on new designs for the Spring Fashion Show with Microclimates! Check out the site and please consider donating for our kickstarter grant... Seriously, the smallest amount will

go a LONG way toward polishing Denver's creative entrepreneurs Samuel Schimek and Rob Mack's awesome plans for this Spring! (...I'll admit, the grant will definitely help me too.)

This Dress is made using an organic cotton/hemp blend Dobby. The dots are hand painted after the dress is made so each dress's pop is particularly pretty. I think we'll find a meadow for a picnic pick-me-up once the Spring's weather is sunny!

Extra roomy

2011-02-14T06:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's day everyone.

If there's any reason to still be sporting the hoody, maybe this is it.

Pantalaine Sweat-Heart Sweet-Shirt 2004 From McSweeney's 17

15 Point Prescription for a Winning Wardrobe

2011-02-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

I met Steve Boorstein, the "Clothing Doctor," in a chance encounter about one week ago, and I am thankful for this new resource for fabric care! Thanks to his expertise, we have some matter-of-fact advice for how to keep our wardrobe fresh. I think a lot of us have thought about these points but have not really put most into practice. Some ideas were new to me, and I look forward to a little purge here and there as well as more realistic shopping choices to keep my closet from literally bursting!

Below, I quote Steve's website, www.clothingdoctor.com, which outlines good planning and care for a winning wardrobe. I encourage anyone who invests in their wardrobe to go to the site and learn more! What a resource!

Fashion, personal style, and clothing care are mutually important when building and maintaining a wardrobe. This "Top 15" list will change, over time, but will never stray from the basic premise; we spend too much money on our clothing to not know how to take care of it. I hope you can embrace a few of these suggestions and make them work for you.

Every time you buy a new garment, discard or donate an old one.
Choose a drycleaner for quality, service, convenience, and price - in that order.
Never rub a stain-blot only dab with a dry white napkin.
Show your drycleaner all stains, fabric pills, snags, pressing problems, and minor repairs.
Buy clothing that fits your current body.
Buy clothing that looks great in the store, looks great at home 72 hours later -- and stop buying "maybes."
Apply hairspray, perfume and deodorant before you dress -- let it completely dry.
When you shop, ask yourself, "Is this fabric well-suited for me and for what I do? Will it wear well? Can this fabric be washed at home or will it need professional drycleaning?"
A bargain is only a bargain when quality is part of the package.
Before you reach the cash register, hang the garment, spin it around, and spend two minutes to do the 6-Point Quality CheckTM ; zippers, hooks, hems, seams, shoulder pads, and buttons (Always ask for extra buttons!)
Remove drycleaning plastic but keep the paper shoulder -- covers on each garment.
Use plastic or wooden hangers -- no wire (except on cotton dress shirts).
If you wear only 30% of the clothing in your closet, start weeding out the deadbeats. If not worn for 6 months, move it. 12 months retire it.
If a garment has been lost by your drycleaner, it should be returned or replaced within three weeks.
If a garment is admittedly damaged by the dry cleaner and cannot be repaired to your to your satisfaction, you are entitled to a "like" replacement or a cash settlement within one week.

looking forward to this

2011-02-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is a preview of a movie about Neapolitan tailoring. Not quite ready, it is now in the final editing phases. I'm really looking forward to when I can watch the whole film!

O'MAST from Kid Dandy on Vimeo.

positive despite the negatives

2011-02-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

The high temperature for today was -5 degrees Fahrenheit and the low for tonight is -13.   It's all we can do to keep the work-shop warm. I'm happy to already have motivation to work because usually when it's this cold, I'd like to stay in a fetal position, wrapped in a very warm blanket. So, needless to say, I've got enough projects in the pipeline to keep me up and at'em today despite the freezing frigid cold. ...and I mean SPRING! Yes, I'm designing and making sample garments for the Spring and plan to show them off to a few retailers here in Denver. I'm finally taking the proactive approach to designing clothing because I'm putting myself through the learning phases of "entrepreneurial manufacturing for the retail market" and that means, designing for seasons of the future. I'm probably still behind, but because I'm starting small, I think I'm okay with only being one season ahead of the seasons.

This tulip dress is one of a few styles.   The feature I'm especially excited about is the pockets. When a girl goes out in warm weather, she might want a place to stash a few things without carrying a bag (think - "free from baggage").

Here she is! Medium, 35" bust, 29" waist.

Emily's yoga jacket

2011-01-21T17:28:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Emily, for commissioning this purple version of the Urban Yoga jacket. I had a great time making it especially for you and I hope you enjoy it as much!

um... no thanks.

2011-01-13T19:43:00.001-07:00

If I make dresses that look like this... maybe someone would have the heart to ask me why. And then, maybe I'd think twice about it. At this point in my life designing clothing, I hope both of these possibilities would come to pass, but more so, I hope I never make dresses that look like this. (One exception: costume production).

Found this dress on the internet during random browsing... Yes, this is a style available as a contemporary product.

All I can flatly say is, "wow."

Also, this is the first time on this blog that I am writing with a critical voice. I'm considering not completing the post. No, I'll go ahead and publish it as an example of what I don't do.

buying fabric

2011-01-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

If buying fabric were easy, my job would be all play! It's true - buying fabric is kind of agonizing for me... It's not because I don't love fabric and wouldn't love to have all the fabric I could ever have. The problem is 2 parts - 1. my budget is tight (tight is good for a lot of things... except my budget) and 2. there are so many choices for fabric out there awesome and awful, and I often feel I have to sift through it ALL before I find the good goods.

I'm happy to say that Pickering International, an eco-friendly and sustainable fabric supplier based out of San Fransisco made my day today! I've been looking for sustainable and/or organic fabrics since I won the grant for $500 I said I would spend on said fabrics.... and it's been a journey. Learning about the fabric - from bamboo, recycled plastic, hemp, organic cotton, etc. etc. has been awesome and I'm even more inspired to use the fabrics I want to use! Finding a good supplier of these fabrics (there aren't many) was challenging, but Pickering meets my expectations and more with some beautiful fabric choices.

So, my budget is amplified by a nice grant from YES PLEASE MORE AND I've got 2 handfuls of gorgeous fabric choices! How great to avoid sifting through too many choices of not enough quality and to be more easily able to purchase what I need!
Yahoo!

p.s. these photos are fabric swatch images from Pickering International, Inc.'s website. Top: hemp/organic cotton Indigo denim, Middle: hemp/silk charmeuse, Bottom: soybean & organic cotton blend jersey

holiday spirit

2010-12-20T16:24:00.001-07:00

Dutifully, I made these drawings for some of our holiday cards this year. I'm especially in love with the snow bunnies. If you want to see these up close, click on the image for an enlargement in a new window.

urban yoga

2010-12-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

I practice yoga. I am also a designer - of clothing no less. I find yoga clothing to be wonderfully functional, however scripted and often more athletic than I desire. When I'm headed to yoga, I'm not headed to "work out," but I'm headed to a place and time where I hope to practice the alignment of both my physical and mental states. To me, it's just different than working out.

Lately, when I get ready for Yoga, I put on my snug-fitting, not-going-to-tangle-my-half-bind top and pants. Then I query my closet for the outer layer just for wearing on the way to/from the yoga studio and usually I find the assortment of hoodies and jackets that I wear running, riding my bike, and to work out... not really the yoga attitude I'm looking for. Granted, who cares? Well, I do. I'm a designer of clothing, I want to look like the person I want to be in the world, and I think by dressing in certain ways, we "look the part" and therefore, feel the part.

I should also add, that I live in an urban environment and I want the style of my yoga clothing to correlate with a more urban look. Does this just mean using gray fabric and minimalist detailing? Maybe, maybe not. I think that's my opinion. So, I do hope that other urban yogis might agree! Here I present the urban yoga jacket made from terry-faced gray fleece (soft as sheep on the inside!).

circle skirt party skirt

2010-12-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is the new black party skirt available at the Yes Please More Pop-up store (Denver Pavilions Mall on 16th St. Denver).

Complete with a tulle underskirt for added loft, this circle skirt is the perfect twirl. The high waist accentuated by a smart ruffle makes for go-to party-wear.

jump jump

2010-11-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Dear friends out there,

I made this jumper to layer over sweaters, collared shirts, t-shirts, you name it. It's a versatile jumper with a bit more room in the fit and a bit of adjustability to qualify as play-clothes. Mind you, the denim's super crisp, so however playful this jumper can be, it's sharp. You can pick up this piece at the Yes Please More store at the Denver Pavilions, 16th St. and Glenarm Pl. I can hardly let go of it - I love it for myself!

Urban CO jacket

2010-11-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Selling like hot cakes at the Yes Please More Pop Up Store, 16th Mall Denver Pavilions! Check. It. Out.

Wool/Synthetic blend woven outer with a bright yellow lining.

news worthy

2010-11-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Yes Please More, to all the designers and artists, and especially to Samuel Schimek and Brian Corrigan (Yes Please More's founders and daily hard-workers)! Denver, this store is your chance to see and support your own contemporary designers and artists. Not only do WE think so, the city does too - Yes Please More won one of ten Mayor John Hickenlooper's 2010 Design Awards!

I hope you will visit the store in it's current location on the 16th St. Mall in the Denver Pavilion's shopping mall. The store is located on the 2nd floor of the North end. Because this store is a Pop-Up store, it's location will change every 3-5 months. This location will be in place through January. Keep in touch with Yes Please More via their website: http://yespleasemore.com and blog.

"YesPleaseMore means we want to see more creativity, more energy and really enliven the creative economy here in Colorado," co-founder Samuel Schimek said. Who doesn't want to be a part of this?

Furthermore, there's a grant program for creative entrepreneurs: www.yespleasemore.strutta.com
I won one... it's a great way to get some good exposure and of course, if your proposal is picked, a good jump start for one's design work!

NEW Yes Please More Store

2010-10-03T20:42:00.001-06:00

New Pop-Up Store! Opening this Friday at the Denver Pavilions on the 16th St. Mall. On the 2nd floor across from Express and Forever 21, this location is loaded with gorgeous goods by ONLY colorado designers and artists!!

Don't miss the launch party for the new location this FRIDAY, October 8th featuring all new designed goods, sweet beats, lovely confections, and the people who get it. Be those people.

I'm proud to introduce 2 new dresses, a new jacket, a new clutch/folio and new necklaces as Hol Sum's contribution to the store! Exclusively available at the Pop-Up store, I hope you'll try something on!

Also, Hol Sum got the Yes Please More Creative Entrepreneurial Grant for which you all voted so fervently! As promised, eco-sensitive and sustainable fabrics will make their debut as part of Hol Sum's next additions to the Pop-Up store later this Fall!

felt, always dear.

2010-09-18T20:25:00.002-06:00

HAND/EYE magazine has regular articles about some of my favorite media. The publication usually has a rich depiction of a process or medium via multiple articles/perspectives. This particular article is about Marjolein Dallinga, felt artist under the name Bloomfelt, who works with Cirque de Soleil to create costumes and related elements. It's clear from the photo slide show that she also creates felt art installations and works for the static stage. I recommend viewing the slide show of Marjolein Dallinga's work that accompanies the article (click on this post's title to link to the article).

Felt is certainly one of my favorite art and design mediums. Everything from industrial grade, sometimes rock hard, tough felt to the paper thin, gauze that the animal hair can aspire to.

More articles on felt at HAND/EYE's site and even MORE in their print editions.

"Look what I have created!!!"

2010-09-16T20:44:00.002-06:00

Carrot love... err... something like that.

Garden, 425 Holly St., 2010

September 1st

2010-09-03T14:33:00.002-06:00

On display at Denver's Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday. Spectacles in and outside the building - I think this is probably a nice addition to the current exhibition - Energy Effects.

one week

2010-08-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

One week, at the end of August 2010, this happened:

Christian framed my artwork.
I presented Hol Sum at Pecha Kucha Night #11!
My bicycle was stolen.
I commissioned a new dress with Kelsey.
McCall and I made awesome progress in new Hol Sum clothing for Fall and Winter.
My drawing, CMYK 2 was accepted for the Denver Modernism show and won honorable mention!

And now... a recovery Saturday morning with Christian, coffee, french toast and whipped cream.

woman

2010-08-22T06:59:00.000-06:00

Most of the time, I don't like the taste of art about Barbies and/or the female "body image paradox" (you know, when we want to be thin and lithe and pretty but we don't want to cave into the OCD beauty struggle that sometimes plainly conflicts with natural woman-ness). However, this piece by Maria Gil Ulldemolins strikes another chord of thinking.

The current renewed feminine interest into traditional hand crafts such as knitting and needle point addresses another aspect of womanhood. More women want to take ownership of these traditionally feminine skills. Moreover, artistas worldwide are using the "hand craft" as art media. There is a simple message when putting age old media to use for contemporary female identity themes - there is history in our present condition.

Maria's Cross Stitch Barbie crosses our conflicting ideas of the ideal woman. She addresses more than the physical shape of us by calling out the historically feminine mode in us.
Of course, there's more to this piece that addresses many girls' desire to take apart and often destroy their barbies. I'll leave my comments for the conflicted identity department, but read Maria's own article, Man, I Feel Like a Woman at HAND/EYE magazine's website.

sneaker couture

2010-08-15T10:48:00.000-06:00

Ms. Yoakum with "Goddess Tara" sneaker (photo from NYT)

"Amanda Yoakum paints on sneakers." The un-traditional medium started with a gift for her boyfriend and has now become her couture practice. See the whole article at the New York Times site. Cheers to Amanda for keeping her work commission based.

Pecha Kucha Night Denver #11

2010-08-14T19:27:00.000-06:00

As Part of YesPleaseMore Pop Up Store's Summer Camp closing party, Pecha Kucha presentations for Artists, Designers, Architects is going down at sun down. I'll be presenting Hol Sum along with other designers/artists in Denver represented by YesPleaseMore.

So, plan to be at the Denver Pavilions on Wednesday, Aug. 25 for an 8:30 show start! Before Pecha Kucha begins, be sure to arrive early enough to celebrate all the great designers represented by YesPleaseMore! There will be activities, actors, exciting new products and, and... IT'S ALL FREE! So, come have fun!

wedding details

2010-08-04T13:55:00.000-06:00

I'm making my wedding dress.

There, I said it. It's officially happening.
I've been in a hesitant mode for weeks as I imagine the dress in my mind and imagine it again.
It's true blue.
Taffeta, Dupioni (blue monotone)
The fabric is awesome, as you can see bits here.
Here?
This is the collar - a sculptural neck piece designed to complement the dress without being part of it. Inspired by the artist Karrie Hovey's Garden Grows project and informed by Grace Stanton's fashion intelligentsia, the collar comes to life as of today!

amazing resource

2010-08-02T22:29:00.000-06:00

I've been reading a densely informative blog (blog collection) addressing the eco-sensitive fabric/textile issue I mention in my grant proposal:

find it here: Organic Clothing Blogs

In looking into just what eco sensitive fabrics to use if I receive the grant money (and even if I don't!), Michael provides great clarity around textile production of all kinds (ie: cotton, hemp, silk, bamboo, etc.).

I hope you'll check out this blog if the topic interests you in the least.

I'm tuned into Bamboo fabrics as they have a similar drape and sheen to silk and are derived from such an easily grown plant!

Dependence Upon Initial Conditions : photo-documentation!

2010-07-12T22:46:00.001-06:00

Please take a minute to view these beautiful photographs by Ståle Veipe documenting the dance production, Dependence Upon Initial Conditions. This performance was absolutely as stunnning as these photos imply! I hope you'll consider attending future performances by Louder Than Words Dance Theatre. I intend to continue working as their costume (and sometimes set - see stretchy white fabric!) designer!

What a smashing success!!

rights to ALL PHOTOS owned by Ståle Veipe and Louder Than Words Dance Theatre.

I need your vote! ...every day!

2010-06-29T16:09:00.000-06:00

I've applied for a starter grant from YES PLEASE MORE, a local company supporting the Denver creative economy by offering free co-working space, workshops and starter grants for creative entreprenuers.

I've submitted my request for the $500 starter grant in order to purchase eco-sensitive fabrics in a larger quantity because I want to grow into the local retail fashion market. I want to make this move environmentally sustainable!

Please go to YES PLEASE MORE and register to vote for hol sum. Believe it or not, you can vote every day, and every hour if you want to! I want you to!

please remove your shoes

2010-06-29T13:04:00.000-06:00

Have you seen videos by Patrick Boivin?

highly recommended! The video I pasted here is an hilarious commentary on the hoops we jump through at airports these days. So, I guess it could be worse...

hand/eye

2010-06-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

HAND/EYE magazine is new(ish) and I just found them. Thank you to facebook ads.

This is an extraordinarily world conscious, eco-sustainability sensitive, artisan and modern craft magazine and I'm excited to find it! I recommend a read - you can read most of their articles on their site www.handeyemagazine.com. Grammatical errors aside, I enjoyed discovering some new designers and art/design initiatives by well known and unknown designers in the fashion, industrial design, and art worlds! I may even buy the print version!

more please

2010-06-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

I do wish I could see this performance!
I recommend that when you have the opportunity to see a choreographer do a performance art work, you go. please go.
I'm not a choreographer, nor a performance artist (not really), nor a dancer, but having worked closely with them, my appreciation is wide and long.
Please read this NYTimes article about Rob List.
I know it's heady... but awesome! That's all I'll say about that.
Rob's site is here.

dear Deborah

2010-06-07T17:16:00.002-06:00

This is for whom the gray dress was lovingly made!
Thanks Mark and Deb!

This dress fits Deb like a charm (so the pictures say) and I'm glad to see it! A cross country commission is as difficult as designing with one eye open and the other closed. Not to say it wasn't worth it!

Dependence Upon Initial Conditions : production in motion

2010-06-07T17:00:00.001-06:00

Lately I've been working in fabric more than ever before... The costumes for Louder Than Words Dance Theatre's latest show, Dependence Upon Initial Conditions have occupied my best energies for weeks and weeks! As of last Friday, the show is finally open, and it is sensational! I'm more than grateful for the chance to work with Chris Harris, Whit Ryan, and Lacey Erb and the accomplished, beautiful dancers of the LTW company.

Please note that there are still tickets available for this awesome production. Friday June 11 and Saturday, June 12, 7:45pm (doors) at the Newman Center's Byron Theater, DU campus, Denver, CO.
Please visit www.louderthanwordsdance.com for information and tickets.

I made all of the costumes (with a little help from Chris's Mom) as well as the major set piece for act one of the show. That piece, we called "big white" is what I'd like to speak of here. Let it be known that I could not have achieved this on my own and for this, I have great gratitude toward the dancers and designers of this show.

This piece was inspired by the work of my friend, the artist Ana B. Hernandez (currently based out of Philadelphia). On two occasions she has done a performance piece using stretched white fabric over a surface under which she performs a series of physical emotional experiences. Progressing through expressions of confusion, curiosity, frustration, anger, exhaustion, and finally relief and acceptance, Ana's performance was deeply moving to me. I felt a need for her to emerge completely from the fabric and reveal her identity to the audience. I wanted her to discover us, and I felt she may find a moment of love and compassion from us if she could see us and connect with us. I certainly felt compassionate for her various states of emotion.

So, when the Louder Than Words crew offered me the opportunity to make costumes AND take the costumes a step (or many steps) further than clothing as we know it, Ana's performance re-emerged in my thoughts. This was the opportunity to create the under fabric to above fabric experience and expression (replace the word "fabric" with "water" and that sentence seems more logical). If I may make the connection to the story of the mermaid connecting with what and who are above the ocean's surface, that moment of emerging and discovering is quite powerful.

The fabric set covers half of the stage - approximately 1300 square feet - and has clothing elements sewn into it (shirts, pants, gloves). Dancers begin under the fabric and gradually discover the clothing elements (Audience discovers the clothing elements here too - at first, the garments are indefinite penetrations). First pushing themselves into the clothing and emerging above the surface and then realizing the limitations and abilities created by wearing the entire set, the dancers push, pull, are slung by and swallowed by the expanse of white. At first there is a sense of frenetic elation upon discovering the surface. This is followed by a realization of grace and organization within the parameters of the set as costume. Finally, the second half of the stage, perpendicularly touched by ceiling height black, fabric bands, is populated by dancers free from the "under" condition. These dancers move freely and powerfully, leaping and lunging across the floor. The dancers in white respond with great energy, and the whole stage is balanced as we may understand land and ocean to be.

There is certainly more to say about costumes for this production, but I believe I will limit this post to Act one.

Again, I offer great thanks to and admiration for Choreographer and dancer, Chris Harris; Production manager and theater technician, Whit Ryan; Theatre and lighting technician, Lacy Erb; Music designer, Matt Morgan and the dancers:

Julie Anderson, Kelsey Franco, Lauren Keiscome, Lindsay Pepple, Meredith Black, Mimi Ferrie, Natasha Day, Page Jenkins, Victoria Spangler, Yael Japha, and Ying Zhu.

You are all beautiful.

new MILK in the works

2010-05-25T22:32:00.006-06:00

Back to reusing recyclables, the plastic milk jugs find new forms for a projected August show in Denver. See January blog posts for images of the original MILK light installation at Hooked on Colfax Cafe. This next show will use the milk jug's translucent material in a variety of lighting pieces intended to fill the show space. Right now, I'm working out various "chandelier" interpretations. Below, the first successful of my efforts. A compact fluorescent bulb seems the best choice, if we all assume they actually are better for the environment. However, I may go with a larger, translucent, white, globe shaped bulb if only to avoid the hot spot.

By the way, this is our kitchenette. This past March, we moved into a charming house and this daytime sun-soak is one of my favorite places in our space. For the time being, the MILK light perks up the space in the evenings as well.

Dependence Upon Initial Conditions

2010-05-20T16:15:00.000-06:00

Please see below the press release for the newest Louder Than Words Dancetheatre production: Dependence Upon Initial Conditions! We are full of excitement for this Summer's production and we hope you'll come discover why.

Louder Than Words Dancetheatre

Presents

dependence upon initial conditions

Louder Than Words Dancetheatre knows that art can be fun, smart, sexy, entertaining and edifying all at once as they take center stage with dependence upon initial conditions, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, June 4 - 12 in the Byron Theatre in DU’s Newman Center, 2344 East Iliff Avenue, Denver. Tickets are $22 General Admission; $17 Student\seniors and available at the Newman Center Box Office Mon - Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 303-871-7720, on line at Ticketmaster.com or by contacting info@louderthanwordsdance.com..

With dependence upon initial conditions, the LTW Design Team led by Artistic Director and Choreographer Chris Harris puts color, music and fabric front and center in three acts.

In Act I, “The Undersecretary of Understanding”, the dancers utilize a 1300 sq. ft fabric set piece as both set and costume while the other half the stage is peopled by dancers moving more and less freely through the space.

Act II, “The Soundkeeper”, brings in Music and Music Theory including the beautifully languid Legato, a polyrhythmic piece inspired by Steve Reich’s clapping music; and an original composition performed live by Matthew E. Morgan.

“Chroma”, Act III, delves into an exploration of additive and subtractive color theory with an interactive collaboration between lighting and costumes. As dancers move in and out of light, the audience gets to experience traditional color wheels in new and fascinating ways. The Design Team specifically uses the lighting in the way an artist mixes paints, challenging the way our eyes deal with the spectrum of light using the dancers’ costumes as the pallet and the space itself as the canvas.

dependence upon initial conditions is a modern and jazz based dance production inspired by allowing elements of design to become their own characters within in the dance while maintaining high levels of technique and artistic relevance.

As in their June, 2009 show Tensigrity, this show is presented in the round with all three levels of the Byron Theatre open for seating. The audience is encouraged to change seats between acts and to view the dance from different heights and visual perspectives.

Chris Harris, Artistic Director and Choreographer, was born in Denver and has a BFA in Dance from the University of Colorado and a second degree in Architecture. She is currently an Artist in Residence at the Denver School of the Arts; and on the faculty of Dance Kaleidoscope and A Living Arts Centre. She has choreographed for local theaters; been a guest lecturer at The Arts Institute of Colorado and CSU; designed many websites; and is a co-director of the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, the Assistant Artistic Director of Interweave Dancetheatre and the Artistic Director/Choreographer Colorado Youth Dance Theatre in Denver.

Rounding out the LTW Design Team are Whit Ryan, Co-founder and Executive Director, who holds a BA in Technical Theatre from CU Boulder; Lighting Designer Lacey Erb, currently a Technical Director at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder and a Guest Artist at the Denver School of the Arts, Matthew Morgan, Technical Director, Sound Designer and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and newest addition, Costume Designer studio and textile artist Rebecca Peebles .

Louder Than Words Dancetheatre

Dependence Upon Initial Conditions

June 4 -12

Fri. & Sat. @ 8 p.m.

Byron Theatre located in DU’s Newman Center, 2344 East Iliff Avenue

Tickets: $22 General Admission; $17 Student\seniors

303-871-7720, info@louderthanwordsdancetheatre.com, on line at or at Ticketmaster.com

Newman Center Box Office Mon - Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information at www.louderthanwordsdance.com, or 720-949-4480

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom

2010-05-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

interviews with artists

2010-05-08T08:06:00.002-06:00

William Furlong, an English artist, realized during his early career that artists' concerns and perspectives were too valuable to the art community to go unheard. "(In)"Speaking of Art," a conceptual artist named William Furlong offers a sampling of interviews from Audio Arts, a "magazine" composed solely of cassette recordings of interviews with artists he found interesting.

See the article on the New York Times website.

You can hear many hours from over the years of interviews by Furlong at Tate Britian's archives online. The Tate Museum presents these interviews as the world's largest collection of artist's voices.

I also think it's worth a few minutes to listen to these tiny NYTimes interviews with artists: LINK

meditation script

2010-04-20T22:36:00.003-06:00

This is the beginning of Meditation Script. A series of mark making. Each mark, viewed one at a time, one after the other, repeating a pattern of watching so as to bring the mind to one sustained consciousness. This is to practice contemplation of only the simplest term in order to relieve the mind of life's cacophony and make space in one's being.

Coinciding with my static work in meditative mark making, this is a dynamic script for sustained, repeated action - that is meditation.

Japanese prints

2010-04-16T12:52:00.001-06:00

Beautiful prints.
Good article.
Thanks NYTimes, Arthur Miller, and the Japan Society, Manhattan.

lots of white fabric

2010-04-04T21:07:00.000-06:00

My sewing machine and I spent the day surrounded by white fabric. I've been making this huge piece for Louder Than Words Dance Theater's June show at the Newman Center's Byron Theater. This piece acts as set and costume. Clothing half the stage in white fabric under which the dancers perform.

Today I attached to the large piece, pants and shirts made from the same fabric. The idea is, performers arrive at the clothing elements from under the fabric, find the shirt or pants or gloves, and push into the clothing through to the surface. Wearing the clothing elements changes the effects performers can have on the fabric piece at large. Also added to the piece, a tube running the length of the perimeter. Yards and yards of sewn length.... very time consuming.

Nonetheless, I did have a Sunday break with my friends. Christian, Michael and Fil made a picnic to enjoy on our back lawn - the first picnic of 2010!

one of my favorite things

2010-03-25T09:17:00.001-06:00

While in Barcelona last Fall, one of my favorite things to find was graffiti. The city is rife with artful graffiti and bold, sometimes clever, placement of such. I took as many photos as there was graffiti where I went, but the city's collection was far more expansive than my tourista legs were walking. Barcelona's visual identity was and is powerfully vibrant and distinctive while in colorful graphic flux. I imagine the city has it's issues with vandalism, but it has learned to embrace the ever-present street arts as it's own. Today, International Design Network's (IdN) facebook post brought this to my attention: ART BRUT : A Tribute to the Barcelona Graffiti Scene.

what is up

2010-03-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

Working on:
hundreds of yards of fabric and finishing Deb's DRESS!

J. Albers & K. Price

2010-03-19T22:58:00.000-06:00

Reading about Josef Albers (1888-1976) and Ken Price (b.1935) now showing in SoHo at the Brooke Alexander Gallery, I remember again one of my favorite artists of all time.... Apparently Albers was and is a great inspiration to another (and many others, I suppose). The juxtaposition of these artists' works is as much complementary as it is one-stemming-from-another.

"The passion for the inexhaustible possibilities of color is the strongest link here, but the profusion of dots to be connected, of shared interests, inspirations and references, is close to mind boggling." -Roberta Smith, New York Times, 3.18.2010

To read more, please follow the link to the New York Times Article by R. Smith: Bauhaus Meets Venice Beach

ill iterate

2010-03-18T22:40:00.001-06:00

ILL iterate media, Denver. Please take a minute to see this rich, dense collection of good hard (art)work. So glad ILL is in my town. Submit art, design, and writing....

I'm into one of their blog posts on the Denver paper fashion show this week including a short history of origami. This Gorilla and other photos re-inspire the origami in me.

In physical (not cyber) space,
ILLiterate can be visited at the address:

82 S. Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80209

at these times:
11am - 7pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Shift

2010-03-09T20:29:00.002-07:00

"Give my your tired your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Emma Lazarus, 1883, exerpt from "The New Colossus"

Before the new year, I worked with Chris, Whit and Lacey of Louder Than Words Dance Theater to design a portion of costumes for their January production, Shift. That was a load of good, hard work, loved by all involved! Please take a look at the costumes from that performance on this flickr photostream:

For the show's costumes, I consulted with choreographer, Chris Harris and technical designers Lacey Erb and Whit Ryan. I also had the honor of designing and fabricating costumes (seen in photo at right and at top) for a segment of the show entitled Mourning Grace. The tops are screen-printed with phrases from the song, "This Land" and the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty, "The New Colossus." Shift addressed our ways of shifting our thoughts - thereby challenging one's understanding of the general American identity, gender expression, sex, violence and peace.
Furthermore, viewers became more than viewers as the spatial experience of a dance performance changed from audience-seated to audience-amid-performance. Standing among powerfully graceful and athletic dancers of this contemporary dance group, one is immediately face to face with some odd and sometimes offensive realities of American tradition and character. It was a pleasure to work with this crew, and I look forward to our next collaboration.

Next up, a large, LARGE dancer-interactive fabric installation... Coming early June 2010!

Photos copyright Staale Veipe

moda

2010-02-22T15:25:00.001-07:00

completion phase! Here we see the final of the winter dress commissioned by dear Kristan Vaughn! Kristan, this is a message to you that I'm taking your dress (hostage? no, keeping it.) with no intention of holding up my end of the commission deal... I'm too in love with this piece to pass it on to you. As a matter of fact, this may be the most satisfied I've ever felt with a finished couture piece! Sorry sister....

OK, ok, not really... I'll be the honest lady that I want to be and sell you this dress as promised. I'm so lucky to be able to to wear it and photograph it and ...use the pattern to make my very own winter dress! Only a few changes along the way and really, no notable hang ups after making the mock up jacket (see left). But seriously, in terms of garment design (draped pattern based on the above drawing and Kristan's measurements) and construction, this is quite a success!

moving this week

2010-02-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Packing up the apartment and moving a few neighborhoods East, we're shifting home again... Here are a few photographs of notable moments in the apartment where we lived this year. Ciao 1302 Columbine.

M I L K on tour

2010-02-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

This Friday and Saturday, M I L K takes a trip over to 425 Lincoln Ave. Denver, to show as part of the event Pathways: To The Source. With the focus to initiate a dialog about the critical issues facing our society, and how we, as artists, can facilitate change. Art, Music, and People : thematically linked by our need to constructively and creatively recognize and care for our natural resources and fragile ecosystems. M I L K uses recycled materials and represents a simple but powerful way that re-used material can transform into art media.

The weekend begins with an opening event in the Gallery (upstairs) on Friday from 6pm to 12am with DJs and a bar. (M I L K's two parts are situated one behind the DJs' rig and one behind the bar, facing each other across the gallery's width.) On Saturday, the gallery is open from noon until 8pm. From 10pm to 4am on Saturday(Sunday), the Party starts downstairs with live art, live dancing and live music (meanwhile, visitors can take a private tour of the gallery).

fabric arrival & sewing machine's new lease on life

2010-01-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Only talking about M I L K for the past month, I should also point out that the month of January has been busy with sewing projects. January started with Louder Than Words Dance Theater's production, SHIFT, for which I did costume consultation and design. It was a screenprinting, cutting and sewing whirlwind that whirled right onto the dancers as they performed excellently for the first 2 weekends of January. How fortunate I am to work with a brilliant choreographer, lighting and sound designers and dancers in this company. Pictures are yet to come, but I will be certain to include them here when available. As for now, work is underway with the winter dress for Kristan. You can see the beginnings of mock-up work there on the dress form. Kristan will have a dark gray wool outer and a golden yellow lining; that fabric just arrived yesterday afternoon! After a tune-up at Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vaccuum, the little Kenmore is finally in smooth working order! It's about half the size of my other Kenmore and has those great shiny knobs! Now that the machine with stretch stitch is in service, I'll be able to make headway on the latin ballroom dancing costume that's been a work in progress for a few months. With a few commissions going on and sewing lessons still a regular part of the week, sewing is a busy aspect of hol sum's current happenings.

m i l k : documentation

2010-01-19T14:20:00.001-07:00

M I L K and the space between. Photo by Charlie Smith.

documentation for M I L K can be found via Flickr. See below or follow this link to hol sum's flickr page. Art by Hol Sum.

M I L K's opening night. photo by Charlie Smith.

m i l k : an installation by hol sum

2010-01-05T14:28:00.004-07:00

There's M I L K on the wall. This is hol sum's latest site specific installation, newly installed last night. Entitled M I L K because the main media is repurposed milk jugs, the resulting texture and luminance reference the original containers' purpose and the location's daily production. Each square foot of these 4' x 8' panels represents an average day's worth of milk consumption at Hooked on Colfax Cafe on Denver's near East side (3213 E. Colfax Ave.). On a grand scale, M I L K glorifies milk as it has re-identified as one of America's favorite beverages - heated and aerated in our lattes of course.

Apart from the site and media's inherent messages, this work correlates with my body of work dealing with repetitive/meditative processes, repetitive elements, and minimal aesthetics.

2009-12-29T18:15:00.001-07:00

the newest art installation, MILK going up at Hooked on Colfax Cafe, 3213 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, Co 80206. Showing January 5 through February 8, 2010.

Entitled MILK, referencing the material's original purpose, this installation resonates with previous installations by HOL SUM.

The major theme for HOL SUM's installations: the material of the installation is a product, by-product or waste product from the environment in which the piece is installed. The material is revised and re-purposed from its original function and appearance, then installed as a textural reference to where it is placed.

christmas in chesterfield

2009-12-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

I spent Christmas in Chesterfield, VA, the county where I grew up. Directly below the "D" in CHESTERFIELD, you'll see Chester. My parents live in the middle of that town and so did I until I went to college.

Blessings over my Grandma Kay, it's a difficult time for her right now. Cheers to my sister and her good life and good friends. Love to my parents leading fulfilling and strong lives in this community.

Returning to Denver tomorrow...

The week ahead:
1. work on screen-printing, cutting and sewing 9 costumes for Louder Than Words Theater's dance production, Shift premiering Friday January 8th. Tickets on sale at Hooked on Colfax Cafe!

2. work on the site specific art installation going up at Hooked on Colfax Cafe January 4th... more information to come!

3. Snowboarding?

4. 2010!!

another new york (times) minute

2009-12-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

Aaron Koblin’s “Flight Patterns” shows a real-time image of the aircraft flight paths over the United States.

Alice Rawsthorn writes about the digital art show at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I recommend reading the article and wish the show were here for me to see on my non-traveling budget! I've often felt awkward about digital art, but I think mostly because I use my computer mostly for what I'd call graphic design and for my art works, the computer comes in handy for making templates and precise measuring sans tedious ruler work. I'd say it's just not my bag - I crave the physical processes of drawing, painting, printing, sculpting, sewing, etc. etc. - so my attraction to digital art has been limited. This show, on the other hand, is greatly attractive to me and it brings to mind the digital works seen now and then (individual works, not a whole show) that have peeked my curiosity and art loving joy!

That all sounds a bit art lover-ish. From the perspective of an artist who makes art related to repetitive and meditative processes, the image of Aaron Koblin's work, "Flight Patterns" touches home. If in each plane flight stretched a brilliant colored thread from departure to arrival, the representation of repetition, much like weaving weft back and forth through the warp, could be gorgeous. (How appropriate that it is digitally represented as the consequences of this project in physical space would obviously create environmental and social problems - Christo and Jean-Claude could have told us that!).

speaking of circles

2009-12-12T08:07:00.005-07:00

Circles of Circles on view and sale at Hooked on Colfax Cafe (E. Colfax between Steele and Adams Streets) as part of a Barista Art show there for the month of December! The secret's out, I'm a Barista. All of the proceeds from sales at the show support the smiling faces and growling tummies of your favorite caffeine dealer. I easily assume you would consider any of us your favorite, even if it's your first time at Hooked. Come on out. 7pm onward.

But speaking of circles, the New York Times' Natalie Angier wrote an article about the The Circular Logic of the Universe. She specifically mentions the art of Vasily Kandinsky, a wizard of circles, now on view at the Guggenheim (how appropriate).

Several Circles Vasily Kandinsky 1926
(this image belongs to the NYT co.)

winter wear

2009-12-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

This winter is loaded with projects! One of which, the winter dress, wearable as a jacket. Soft wool with a smooth polyester lining. Tabs and buttons down the front, fold over, stand-up cowl neck, empire waste and cap sleeves. Light sweaters fit under it and coats fit over it. Leggings, tights or jeans... layer it up! We love dresses and we want to be warm in the winter; these are not mutually exclusive factors of fashion.

current

2009-11-23T16:02:00.001-07:00

Circle of Circles. A simple template of circles that I'm filling repeatedly with the classic rainbow pencil - 4 color lead; red, yellow, green and blue. Each composition is dependent upon the amount of each color in the pencils' irregular lead and however the pencil is sharpened.

circle of circles 4
Lyra 4-color pencil on paper

Flock to get Hooked

2009-11-17T11:15:00.005-07:00

Bomb it. The newest art installation: a legal stencil.

Commissioned by Hooked on Colfax Cafe (3213 E. Colfax Ave.) owners Scott and Malissa Spero, this new flock joins the neighborhood hooked on the warmth and affection of the baristas and coffee.

happy birthday to my sister and to me

2009-11-17T09:25:00.001-07:00

I didn't put this post up on my birthday because... well, I had to send Erin's gift to her before I could exploit it on my blog! So, back to some of my drawing roots, I made a drawing for my twin sister that (I think) speaks to her soul (and frankly speaks to mine too).

Erin's always had a fondness for the complex and beautiful celtic knots, so I bit the bullet and figured one out. Saturn finds a place in the work because we're 28 this year - Saturn's orbit is 28 years long. So, here we are again, Erin - two fish swimming to find our place in the world; two birds in free flight toward the stars. I should mention that Erin always loved raccoons when we were children, so inevitably, I love them too. The curious face, turns to see what is.