A Return to Normal

It's been a rough few weeks for just about everyone around these parts, but things are finally starting to return to normal.  Most schools have re-opened, including mine.  Most people have power again.  Molly and I discussed whether or not we should hold a critique group this month, and decided that it would be another sign that life was returning to normal.  So seven of us gathered there in the basement, and while the storm did have some impact on the art, it was very much like a typical critique.

Above is a view of the first wave of artworks.  Top row, from left to right: Mary's painting, Harriet's talking stick, my current boardwalk block.  Bottom row, Mary's readymade sculpture, Molly's comic book, and Lisa's sculptures.  Below is a close-up of Lisa's pieces in progress.  There is a large cherry pie slice featuring a crust made of coffee cup sleeves on the left, a miniature tornado made of plastic cup lids on the right, and in the middle two shrimp, but you're better off not knowing what they're made from.

Above, Mary's small readymade sculpture, made from a piece of electrical cord and used wooden matches (used to light the stove during the black out).  Is it a lion, an insect, an idol representing sexuality?  There were differing opinions tonight.  Below, two new paintings from Vince, part of his grid based body of work, destined for an exhibition early next month.

Molly showed two things.  Above is the beginning of a comic book project, something created with her daughters while they were riding out the long power failure, and influenced by that event.  Below are some carved and painted tabletops, finally coated with resin and ready to be picked up by the new owners.

I showed my current block, the Asbury scene, and briefly talked about the changes I had made in the one session I had to work on it before Sandy shut down my new art for month.  Mostly I used it to introduce the idea that I eventually expect there to be a boardwalk print based on the destruction caused by the hurricane.  Some liked the idea, while others were concerned that it wouldn't fit in with the rest of the series.  It would be a while before I could have time to actually start it, so I have time to think about how it would work.