tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257222452024-03-07T12:39:24.869-05:00oranjeA little bit of everything...
Art, Art&Life, ruminationsSusan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-28862907933093804152008-01-11T19:34:00.000-05:002008-01-12T10:06:48.422-05:00Moving day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://oranje.susanconstanse.com">oranje is moving to a new cyber home</a></span><br /></div><br />I have been planning to move my blog for a while now. I have been screwing around with the layout, customizing things a bit, yadda yadda.<br /><br />The only thing that has kept me here this last month is that I was waiting for the close of the <a href="http://thebloggershow.diggignpitt.com/">Blogger Show</a> and the demise of <a href="http://www.diggingpitt.com/">Digging Pitt Gallery</a>.<br /><br />Today is the last day for both the show and the gallery, so I'm moving on, in the Blogosphere and in meatspace.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">So for all of my cyber visitors, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://oranje.susanconstanse.com/">check out my new digs</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, and don't forget to update your links!</span></span><br /><br />and for all of my meatspace pals, you can find me at the <a href="http://blogski.phcapgh.org/">Polish Hill Civic Association</a> and at the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/brilloboxevents">brillobox</a>.<br /><br />God (or somebody with a lot more power than I have) bless John Morris. You're the best.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-28726670011356681412008-01-10T09:21:00.000-05:002008-01-10T17:47:31.133-05:00CollaborationI worked very closely with Stephanie Lee Jackson over the course of <a href="http://thebloggershow.diggingpitt.com/">The Blogger Show</a>. From the beginning, I thought her work was beautiful. She is also that rare combination among artists, combining creative drive and pragmatism.<br /><br /><img name="ring" src="http://www.stephart.com/ring.jpg" height="434" width="576" /><br />Stephanie Lee Jackson<br />"Ring," oil on linen, 36"x 48"<br /><br />As we worked together to bring the Agni Gallery tendril of the Blogger Show to fruition, we both sensed an affinity, not only in our work but in our temperaments. The compatible aspects of our works are overwhelming, which is why I thought collaboration was a possible avenue to explore.<br /><br />I have never collaborated with another artist. It's not that the subject hasn't come up. I am not sure why the early talks that I had with a very few others didn't bear fruit. The time is right, I think. And so is the artist.<br /><br />The working title for the project is seeds, which really seems appropriate for this new venture. Stephanie's first packet has arrived and I have been turning them over in my mind's eye for the last couple days. <br /><br />Please excuse the crappy images. I will be re-shooting these before I start and will replace these images with better ones. These don't do justice to the real things at all.<br /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <div id="photo"> <img src="http://www.susanconstanse.com/artwork/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=30&g2_serialNumber=2" alt="First seed, Stephanie to Susan" longdesc="First seed, Stephanie to Susan Mixed on sandpaper 4" x 6"" height="500" width="331" /><br />Seed 1, Stephanie to Susan<br />Pencil on sandpaper, 4" x 6"<br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <div id="photo"> <img src="http://www.susanconstanse.com/artwork/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=37&g2_serialNumber=2" alt="Second seed, Stephanie to Susan" longdesc="Second seed, Stephanie to Susan Mixed on paper 6" x 4"" height="226" width="350" /> </div> </div>Seed 2, Stephanie to Susan<br /></div> </div>Mixed on paper, 6" x 4"<br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <div id="photo"> <img src="http://www.susanconstanse.com/artwork/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=41&g2_serialNumber=2" alt="Third seed, Stephanie to Susan" longdesc="Third seed, Stephanie to Susan Pencil on paper 6" x 4"" height="225" width="350" /> </div> </div>Seed 3, Stephanie to Susan<br />Pencil on paper, 6" x 4"<br /><br />I am intrigued by these, especially the first seed. What has been interesting, even this early on, is the orientation from which to look at the work. I will be posting about the collaboration process here on oranje. Stephanie has already begun to post about seeds on <a href="http://brooklyndays.blogspot.com/2008/01/collaboration.html">The Brooklyn Days</a>. You can see more of Stephanie's work on her <a href="http://www.stephart.com/">site</a>.<br /><br />I do want to take a moment to thank John Morris. Without his encouragement and the opportunity that the Blogger Show presented, I wouldn't have met Stephanie or any of the other artists involved in the exhibits.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-66220700703207861822008-01-09T08:30:00.000-05:002008-01-09T08:48:15.183-05:00No snow daysEven though it's expected, this brief respite always surprises. This year, January thaw seems early. After all, it began two days ago. According to the forecast, it will extend another couple days.<br /><br />While the air temperature is balmy, the days have been dreary and I know that winter is only a breath away. In the meantime, I have shed my monstrosity of a coat and my sensible hat for something a little more frivolous and just a little cute. <br /><br />As always, every citizen takes to the streets, the youngest among us daring winter by sporting less apparel than they would at the same temperature in a different season. Our neighbors pause to chat on the sidewalk instead of rushing to their warm homes. There is a sense of secret pleasure, like a child that has received an anonymous gift that must be consumed before it is discovered.<br /><br />I love January thaw, this one week of weather out of place.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-9925369047410116232008-01-04T20:15:00.000-05:002008-01-17T09:23:06.070-05:00Mandelbrot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2007/media/yOjlGBeNb3V6EwS1BDRFEkKNBnw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2007/media/yOjlGBeNb3V6EwS1BDRFEkKNBnw.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Spears<br />Eveline Berkman<br /><br />Fractal Art contest<br />From their <a href="http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2007/">website</a> -<br /><br /><blockquote>As part of our continuing efforts to promote fractal and algorithmic art, we are organizing a new exhibition to coincide with the Year of Mathematics and Science. This contest is to select some of the artwork that will be used in the exhibition. (The remaining artwork will be selected directly by the contest selection panel and will include artwork created by panel members.)</blockquote><br /><br />Some of these were downright stunning. If you have a minute, go <a href="http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2007/entries.php">check out the entries</a> for the 2007 contest. Thanks, Tom, for the heads up.<br /><br />edit January 8, 2008<br />Went back to the site when I saw that the image had been replaced by this big black box. There is a <a href="http://www.fractalartcontests.com/2007/copyright.php">copyright notice</a> on the page. However, nowhere on the site is there any published contact information. I also found this statement on the <a href="http://www.fractalus.net/about.htm">About page</a> for their host, where they describe themselves as egalitarian. Go figure.<br /><br />edit January 17, 2008<br />Huh. I was puttering around in oranje. Sometime between the first edit and this one, the image was restored. Thank you, Fractal Art.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-9108617427536125442008-01-02T22:00:00.000-05:002008-01-02T22:02:40.049-05:00Remember Spring?Something to warm you up<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8aJStgawAKo&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8aJStgawAKo&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-66930708548072111002008-01-01T14:31:00.000-05:002008-01-01T14:34:44.320-05:00most popular streetsy photos of 2007<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/381083505_0927c17b5e.jpg" /><br /><br />Oh, you soooo need to go <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/streetsy/discuss/72157603595919035">check this out.</a> Thanks Tom.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-32516818002078382832007-12-28T09:20:00.000-05:002007-12-30T11:43:49.970-05:00I can hear the swans singingFor the last two years, I have been working at <a href="http://www.diggingpitt.com">Digging Pitt Gallery</a> for John Morris. The gallery, and its operations, have been a major part of my life for that time. In two years, Digging Pitt has produced over thirty exhibits, not to mention artist talks, workshops and readings. The most recent exhibit, <a href="http://thebloggershow.diggingpitt.com">The Blogger Show</a>, has been a monumental effort. It is also Digging Pitt's swan song.<br /><br />In just two short weeks, the gallery will be closing its doors. We began handing work back to the artists in mid-December. With nearly two hundred artists represented in the flat file archive, this is proving to be as monumental a task as coordinating The Blogger Show. <br /><br />Several people have lent their time and energy to the gallery in significant ways over the last two years that I have worked at the gallery. Jean McClung has been a tireless advocate, closely involved with gallery operations. Larry Swiech has, without fail, been available to assist with his presence when we needed an extra hand. When he was still living in Pittsburgh, Robert Franklin made himself available in a number of ways. There are many other people that have played a part in keeping the gallery alive, too many to catalog here. But please know that all of you have my gratitude for your kindness.<br /><br />And so, we come to the end. But also to the beginning of this fine madness: John Morris.<br /><br /><blockquote>Dear John,<br /><br />Your tireless advocacy of Pittsburgh artists on their home ground is very much appreciated by a significant number of the gallery artists. Your vision cast light on a different path for many of them, encouraging many, and especially me, to consider other avenues. Your generosity in supporting and championing the visual arts is humbling.<br /><br />Thank you, John Morris. You're a hero.<br /><br />Sus<br /></blockquote>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-47338828040539293992007-12-25T13:09:00.000-05:002007-12-25T13:10:49.505-05:00Goodbye and Good Night<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q5-pi8bnuh0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q5-pi8bnuh0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-8806340973636520662007-12-23T17:18:00.000-05:002007-12-23T17:20:37.631-05:00snickerThanks, Tom. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1258.photobucket.com/albums/hh275/pizzler/sucks2bwronglyaccused.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://1258.photobucket.com/albums/hh275/pizzler/sucks2bwronglyaccused.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-56698526493079374322007-12-19T08:14:00.000-05:002007-12-19T08:49:06.773-05:00The elephant in the roomA little late to notice, but it seems that the Pittsburgh Post Gazatte has another arts reviewer. Most of the reviews are written by Mary Thomas, who has been writing for the Post for years.<br /><br />I admit that I rarely look at the Post's art reviews. They are somewhat sporadic and generally buried. Like most regional newspapers, the Post doesn't even have a visual arts link in their menu banner. And it seemed to me that the majority of the coverage was on the museum and institution blockbuster shows.<br /><br />But I read Terry Young's review of the Mattress Factory's <span style="font-style: italic;">India</span> this morning --<br /><br /><blockquote>When we look at the intent of the larger exhibition, in relationship to institutional funding in Pittsburgh, we find an ill-informed curator and director who found nothing "New," as the exhibition title suggests, or even contemporary, but instead brought back mediocrity labeled with the exotic misnomer "India."<br /><br />The title "India" fulfills a multicultural prerequisite for contemporary arts funding, the original intent of which, like that of the Mattress Factory itself, was supportive of cultural and aesthetic change decades ago but now serves as a linguistic barrier excluding actual contemporary ideas of cultural and aesthetic change. <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07353/842687-42.stm">Read the article</a></blockquote><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07353/842687-42.stm"></a><br /><br />Oh ouch, I thought. The elephant in the room is finally seen. While I do believe that non-profit funding is a great avenue for promoting work that is unusual, I do tend to agree that "institutional funding" creates a whole other set of aesthetics and influences of what is seen in our non-profit cultural organizations. At any rate, I ran a search and found this <a href="http://www.popcitymedia.com/default.aspx">Pop City</a> article about an exhibit, <span style="font-style: italic;">Appalachian Spring Summer and Fall</span>, that Mr. Young put together a couple years ago. From the article --<br /><br /><blockquote>After leaving Pittsburgh for New York, London and Berlin, Young realized that “how it was everywhere” in the art world was much more trend- and commercial-conscious, and much more gallery oriented. While artists in the art-world capitals were opening vast shows, selling pieces, and striving for an ever-looming specter of fame and success, the artists Young grew up around in Pittsburgh were generally just getting on with the business of making art. <a href="http://www.popcitymedia.com/features/appschool.aspx">Read the article</a><br /><br /></blockquote>Well, but, what's wrong with selling your work? It's almost like he's saying it's okay for Pittsburgh artists to be left out of the "booming art market" that artists in other cities enjoy. Because that's what makes our region's art so, well, regional. I would also point out that this perception of Pittsburgh artists is also what keeps them from competing in the larger arena and forces so many talented artists to leave the region.<br /><br />I am here because I sincerely like this city. But I also sincerely believe that art makers should enjoy the same attributes of success as members of any other profession. I don't believe that poverty is an appropriate ground for the seeds of creativity.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-43675228938399076722007-12-13T11:06:00.000-05:002007-12-13T14:35:24.598-05:00Bad Santa, no cookie<div><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" src="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb146/sustwo/dnd-12-11-07/PICT0003-tn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So, I know it has been awhile since I posted about drink & draw. I've just been a little bit busy lately. I missed about three posts for this, I think. Anyway, December 11 was memorable! Our model was Ian Green, who clowns for Zany Umbrella Circus. He was an amazing model, developing an entire character for the evening.<br /><br />I want to mention, too, that Ian is a painter as well as a clown.<br /><br />We are taking a brief hiatus from drink & draw, but will be returning on January 8 with Brian Czarniecki. Stay tuned!<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" src="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb146/sustwo/dnd-12-11-07/PICT0004-tn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IM_icLJHUQg&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IM_icLJHUQg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="WIDTH: 600px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><embed src="http://w209.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=" width="600" height="180" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_logo.gif" /></a><a href="http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb146/sustwo/dnd-12-11-07/?action=view&current=80e1ef40.pbw" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: right; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_viewshow.gif" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?action=slideshow" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: right; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/album/slideshow/wrapper_getyourown.gif" /></a></div><br /></div>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-87865446311843804142007-12-10T09:18:00.000-05:002007-12-10T09:36:25.055-05:00Don't ForgetChristmas in Fallujah<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRkLvxNOhKY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KRkLvxNOhKY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />Happy Christmas music video by John Lennon<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4GKBE2tw970&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4GKBE2tw970&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />Highway to Hell - Nightmare Before Christmas Music Video<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IAl1-PGWwM4&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IAl1-PGWwM4&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-13036756574295935202007-12-06T20:06:00.000-05:002007-12-06T20:17:27.979-05:00The SAFE ActYes folks, another WTF moment, brought to you by those lovely folks that we've entrusted with our governance -<br /><br /><blockquote>Wednesday's vote caught Internet companies by surprise: the Democratic leadership rushed the SAFE Act to the floor under a procedure that's supposed to be reserved for noncontroversial legislation. It was introduced October 10, but has never received even one hearing or committee vote. In addition, the legislation approved this week has changed substantially since the earlier <a class="external-link" href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.03791:">version</a> and was <a class="external-link" href="http://www.downsizedc.org/read_the_laws.shtml">not available for public review</a>. - <a href="http://www.news.com/8301-13578_3-9829759-38.html?tag=nefd.top">read the article</a><br /></blockquote><br />The SAFE Act is supposed to protect our children from internet predators. Tell me something, aren't the parents supposed to raise their offspring? Hey, I have an idea: let's legislate ourselves into a soft and fuzzy cocoon so that we don't have to make any hard choices or, heaven forbid, actually sit down and have a real conversation with our children about the world.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-29750101275832974262007-12-04T21:57:00.000-05:002007-12-05T07:15:58.229-05:00December Barely (Merry Christmas) BrunchDecember Barely Brunch is coming! Please forward to any and all interested parties. Barely Brunch will be taking place on the second Sunday of each month.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 127, 64); font-weight: bold;"><br />A special Holiday -</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">B A R E L Y B R U N C H </span><br /><br />Extended session, with two models for five hours!!! 'Cause we love you guys...<br />Oh, this is going to be such a fun way to celebrate the holidays! See you on Sunday ...<br /><br />Brew House<br />Mezzanine<br />Sunday, December 9, 2007<br />12:00pm - 5:00pm,<br />doors open at 11:30am<br />Cost: $10<br />two models<br /><br />All skill levels are welcome, and all mediums. (Sorry! No photography!) This is an uninstructed, drop-in session. We have some tables for your use, but bring your own easel if you can!<br /><br />Please RSVP to this <a href="mailto:barelybrunch@yahoo.com">email</a><br /><br />Pat Barefoot<br />The Brew House<br />2100 Mary Street #402B<br />Pittsburgh PA 15203Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-86476091144181614582007-12-03T19:19:00.000-05:002007-12-03T19:27:14.905-05:00Artist Made Books @Tom Museum<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_0">This Saturday December 8th</span> from <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_1">7pm to 10pm</span> is the opening of the Artist Made Books exhibit AND....MIMA an installation of miniature art pieces by Alberto Almarza. This event is FREE and open to the public.<br /><br />Stop on over and enjoy some HOT and cold beverages, snacks, music, and the latest developments of the Tom Museum.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tommuseum.com">The Tom Museum </a><br /><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_2">410 Sampsonia Way<br />North Side</span> of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_3">Pittsburgh</span><br /><br /><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_4">Saturday, December 8th</span> from <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_5">7pm to 10pm</span><br /><br />Artists exhibiting in the book show include Alexis Covato, etta cetera, Rose Clancy, Becky Spevack, Scott Andrew, Jessica Scott, Chris Kardambikis, Morgan Cahn, Susan Constanse, Claudia Giannini, Alberto Almarza, and Sheila Ali.<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tommuseum.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196727535_6"></span></a><br /><div style="position: absolute; top: -6000px; left: -6000px;" id="lw_menu_bdyw"><div><div class="right"><div class="prev lwPrev" id="lw_prev_container"><div id="prevContent"><div id="lwPrevInline"><table style="margin: 9px 6px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="icon" style="width: 44px;"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/shc/gr/icon_addcalendar.gif" /></td><td class="text"><strong>Saturday, December 8th</strong><br /><a href="http://us.mg2.mail.yahoo.com/dc/blank.html?bn=818.31#">Add to Calendar</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-63982961311346014902007-11-30T12:05:00.000-05:002007-11-30T12:09:07.357-05:00White House PARROTThanks for the giggle, Dave -<br /><br /><blockquote>Laura Bush bought George a parrot for his birthday. She said to Dick Cheney, "That bird is so smart! George has taught him over 200 words!"<br /><br />"Wow, that's pretty impressive," Cheney said. "But you do realize, don't you, that he's just saying the words? He doesn't really understand what they mean."<br /><br />"That's okay," Laura replied. "Neither does the parrot."</blockquote><br /><br />I know that it's puerile, but if I don't laugh about this administration I will sink into the depths of despair. All I can do is grit my teeth and hope for a better future.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-48840945884655573462007-11-29T11:20:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:36:19.320-05:00Artist reception @Digging Pitt Too<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGuy4V0wlVXSQJSFpvIpnWXehLizKXR1t06KX5jetoQ9Bjz2upA55gktaRm4rsQVUYkDIcf0RC8Ji3l1h08RsaHvPV9kyqJMxuWnBqY6GrMT-OdlGI3BU2T6NeiRN03A_-qarRQ/s1600-h/PICT0009-tn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGuy4V0wlVXSQJSFpvIpnWXehLizKXR1t06KX5jetoQ9Bjz2upA55gktaRm4rsQVUYkDIcf0RC8Ji3l1h08RsaHvPV9kyqJMxuWnBqY6GrMT-OdlGI3BU2T6NeiRN03A_-qarRQ/s400/PICT0009-tn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138298431486170850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Continuing with <a href="http://thebloggershow.diggingpitt.com">The Blogger Show</a>, I am pleased to announce the artist reception at Digging Pitt Too. I will be showing my work along side the work of Bill Gusky, a fellow blogger. Below is an installation shot from the gallery. Additional images are available. Panza Gallery, where my work is also on display, has an artist reception on December 15. I hope to see you there.<br /><br />In November, <a href="http://www.diggingpitt.com">Digging Pitt</a> (Pittsburgh PA) will begin a joint effort with Agni Gallery (New York, NY) and <a href="http://web.mac.com/panzagallery/iWeb/Panza%20Gallery/Panza%20Frame%20%26%20Gallery.html">Panza Gallery</a> (Millvale, PA) to present The <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_3">Blogger</span> Show. The exhibits showcase the work of over thirty artists whose common interest is in clarifying artistic discourse through their blogs. All of the exhibits will take place between November 3, 2007 and <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_4">January 12, 2008</span>.<br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">The <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_9">Blogger</span> Show @Digging Pitt Too </b><b style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">- November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008</b><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">Public reception <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_10">December 8, 6-9PM</span></span><br /></span>Digging Pitt Too - 45th & Plummer Streets - <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_11">Pittsburgh PA 15201</span><br />SA 12 – 5 and by appointment - <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_12">412-605-0450</span><br />Susan Constanse and Bill Gusky will be sharing Digging Pitt Too. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.diggingpitt.com/events/07-blog-too.htm"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_13">Read more</span></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Appearing @Digging Pitt Too</b> (Pittsburgh PA)<br />Susan Constanse (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_14">Pittsburgh, PA</span>) - Oranje<br />Bill Gusky (<span style="color:black;">Canton, CT) </span>- <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://artblogcomments.blogspot.com/" id="uzdx" title="Artblog Comments"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_16">Artblog Comments</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://artblogcomments.blogspot.com/" id="uzdx" title="Artblog Comments"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_16"></span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.susanconstanse.com/stream/PICT0031_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.susanconstanse.com/stream/PICT0031_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Also coming up is the artist reception at Panza Gallery<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><b style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">The <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_18">Blogger</span> Show @Panza Gallery</b><b style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008 </b><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">Public reception <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_19">December 15, 6-9PM</span><br /></span></span>Panza Gallery - <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_20">115 Sedgwick Street - Millvale PA 15209</span><br />WE/Th/FR 10-5 SA 10-3 and by appointment - <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_21">412-821-0959</span><br />Panza Gallery will have a regional focus, showcasing Pittsburgh's local bloggers. There will also be a presentation of work created by artist journaling. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.diggingpitt.com/events/07-blog-panza.htm"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_22">Read more</span><br /></a><b><br />Appearing @Panza Gallery </b>(Millvale PA) <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://softsoftpink.blogspot.com/" id="tsgy" title="soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_23">soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void</span></a><br />Susan Constanse (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_24">Pittsburgh, PA</span>) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://wwworanje.blogspot.com/" id="owz0" title="Oranje"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_25">Oranje</span></a><br />Christiane D (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_26">Pittsburgh PA</span>) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://blog.myspace.com/christianed" id="i582" title="Christiane D"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_27">Christiane D</span></a><br />David Grim (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_28">Pittsburgh, PA</span>) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://dgrim.blogspot.com/" id="fjd3" title="Serendipity"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_29">Serendipity</span></a><br />Sophie Klahr (Pittsburgh PA) - <a rel="nofollow" title="the story of how it is" target="_blank" href="http://mysneaker.livejournal.com/" id="u:d4"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_30">the story of how it is</span></a><br />John Morris (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_31">Pittsburgh, PA</span>) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://diggingpitt.blogspot.com/" id="wx92" title="Digging Pittsburgh Arts"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_32">Digging Pittsburgh Arts</span></a><br />David Pohl (<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_33">Pittsburgh, PA</span>) - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://findthetimetorhyme.blogspot.com/" id="jc_n" title="find the time to rhyme"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_34">find the time to rhyme</span></a><br />Amy <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_35">Wilson New York</span>, NY) - <a rel="nofollow" title="working" target="_blank" href="http://amywilson.wordpress.com/" id="pm34"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1196353406_36">working</span></a></p>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-56422124373975880712007-11-23T09:30:00.000-05:002007-11-23T10:10:30.644-05:00Pay It Forward - RepostWell, this offer has been open for quite a while - the original post went up before Halloween! Not a single nibble, so I am moving it to the top of the posts. <br /><br />I was checking out some of the blogs of artists in the Blogger Show, and ran into a wonderful offer from Mary Klein -<br /><br /><blockquote><p><strong>Pay It Forward</strong> (via <a href="http://mary-klein.blogspot.com/">Mary</a> via <em><a href="http://artistemerging.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Deanna</span></a></em>, via <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" href="http://www.siagrafica.com/somersaulting.html"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Sia</span></a>, via <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" href="http://smosch.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Sandra</span></a> via <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-style: italic;" href="http://camillaengman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Camilla</span></a>, via <a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 204); font-style: italic;" href="http://bibbiforsman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Bibbi</span></a> and so on) - here are the rules:<br /><br />I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this <strong>PIF</strong> exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.</p></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">When you leave your comment, please also do one of two things: leave your post address or </span><a href="mailto:susanconstanse@yahoo.com"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">e-mail</span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> it to me.</span><br /><br />I'm sure a lot of people have seen "Pay it Forward" with Helen Hunt. But let me tell you, the <a href="http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/home.html">book</a> was a hundred time better.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-21273038485609146842007-11-19T08:53:00.000-05:002007-11-19T08:10:37.507-05:00Look for the Union labelThe Intrepid Art Collector broached a subject in her blog this week that I find painful. - <a href="http://howtobuyart.blogspot.com/2007/11/do-artists-need-union.html">Do Artists Need a Union?</a><br /><br />The simple answer is, of course we do. Actors, writers and musicians have a union. Why not us? But answers, no matter how reasonable, don't always translate to action. There are insurmountable difficulties in putting a visual arts union in place.<br /><br />A "Booming Art Market" notwithstanding, the vast majority of visual artists are not able to assign a monetary value to their work that is commensurate with their efforts. The local markets simply won't bear it. Conventional wisdom in local and regional art markets is that sales over $1000.00 for an individual artwork is unrealistic and if you want to sell your work than you should keep it under that ceiling.<br /><br />Gallery representation does not guarantee that you will get a reasonable asking price. Most patrons that walk in the door with the intention of purchasing are accompanied by the intention to haggle the price down. Most want at least a 20% discount and some ask for 30% and upwards.<br /><br />The justifications for these attitudes towards purchasing artwork are myriad. Some believe that, since art is an innate talent, the artist should be happy that anyone even wants to see their work. Making money off of it is just a bonus. <br /><br />It's not just the individual patrons either. Art organizations have the same attitude about visual artists. Not too long ago, a call for artists from a local organization went out to put together street-level art and entertainment for a conference in our fair city. The performing groups of musicians and dancers were given $1000.00 for taking part. Visual artists that were chosen to decorate the windows of empty storefronts were given $500.00. Their materials had to come from that budget too.<br /><br />The problem is that visual artists really are so cash poor that they are willing to work for the level of compensation that is offered. Anything being better than nothing. Unlike the performing arts, mass market avenues do not exist in the visual arts. That is not to say that performing artists are all trying to appeal to mass markets: it's just that there is more capital in those fields in general, which does change the environment.<br /><br />There must be mainstream interest in order for visual artists to gain enough support to implement unionization. Mainstream interest in the visual arts is limited to the occasional news story about some outrageous sum that is paid for a masterwork. Also, if enough artists were making a reasonable living on selling their work, it would increase the pool of resources for the visual arts community, emulating the other creative communities that have implemented unions.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-63138863104284005962007-11-18T11:53:00.000-05:002007-11-18T12:06:16.338-05:00A feastI got to <a href="http://www.boxheart.org/nn/home.html">Boxheart</a> early enough last night that I had an unobstructed view of Tracy's work, at least for a few moments anyway. The solo exhibit of Tracy Helgeson's landscapes is a feast for the senses, with the warm-to-burning tones of these extraordinary paintings. If you are in the area, make a point of stopping in.<br /><br />A gently reminder - Tracy's work is included in the <a href="http://thebloggershow.diggingpitt.com">Blogger Show</a> at Agni and Digging Pitt Galleries.<br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=176&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0002-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=179&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0005-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=181&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0006-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=183&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0007-tn" height="412" width="500" /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=185&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0008-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><a href="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_itemId=174">Additional images</a> from the Boxheart exhibit are available.<br /><br /></div></div></div></div>November 13 - December 8<br />Landscapes<br />Paintings by Tracy Helgeson<br />BoxHeart Gallery<br />4523 Liberty Avenue<br />Pittsburgh, PA 15224<br />P. 412 687 8858<br />F. 412 687 6338Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-41132207451829694132007-11-16T08:08:00.000-05:002007-11-16T16:10:04.381-05:00Agni Gallery installation imagesHello everyone,<br />I have been extremely busy installing the shows at Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too over the last two weeks. I had meant to post these installation images last week, but with John Morris in New York at Agni, I have had my hands full.<br /><br />Anyway, here are some installation shots that I took just before the reception started. There are some obvious gaps, so if you have images, please <a href="mailto:susanconstanse@yahoo.com">send them to me</a> and I will post them forthwith!<br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=64&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="pre-show-2-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><br /><img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=62&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="pre-show1-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><br /><img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=58&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="leftwall1-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=56&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="detail3-tn" height="376" width="500" /> </div><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=52&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="detail1-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=73&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="rightwall-1-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=66&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="rightwall2-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=68&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="rosof-fallon-install-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br /></div><br /><img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=50&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="clancy-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /></div><br /><img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=48&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="backwall-tn" height="372" width="500" /> </div>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-40556615271003021782007-11-12T10:45:00.000-05:002007-11-19T08:11:32.951-05:00The eleventh monthAh November! The frantic pace, the cold, the back-to-back parties, events, openings and tasks. The eleventh month is just like the eleventh hour, with everything due at the same time and all of the things that you didn't have time for over the rest of the year scheduled, no crammed, into a few short weeks.<br /><br />Here's what is happening -<br />I am starting a new job today at the Polish Hill Civic Association. Nice bunch of people, very homey, great neighborhood. Polish Hill runs between Liberty Ave and Bigelow Blvd, on the hillside above the Strip District. I am so looking forward to this. The Board President, Terry Doloughty, is enthusiastic and charming.<br /><br />Last week, I started a p/t job with the brillobox. I love those guys, all of them. Janessa and Lou, who tend bar. Ben, their new cook, and of course Renee Ickes and Eric Stern, who own the brillobox. A very nice group of people.<br /><br />I also submitted a proposal for Group A's Hide and Seek exhibit. Keep your fingers crossed, this sounds like a fun show to work on.<br /><br />Did I mention happenings at Digging Pitt? After my return from a whirlwind opening at Agni Gallery, I started on the installation at Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too. Here is a shot at Too of my work and Bill Gusky's work -<br /><span></span><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=81&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="PICT0064-tn" height="375" width="500" /> </div><br />The exhibit is open, but the artists' reception isn't until December 8. The installation at Panza Gallery is complete, but I don't have any installation shots, sorry to say.<br /><br />Anyway, I will probably forgo a lot of blog posting on Oranje over the next couple weeks. Things are just to frantic right now.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-50844334677620960562007-11-08T09:39:00.000-05:002007-11-08T09:41:05.553-05:00Flight patternsThanks again, Tom, for pointing this out.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dPv8psZsvIU&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dPv8psZsvIU&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-69944904930194070902007-11-06T08:22:00.000-05:002007-11-06T07:41:56.564-05:00An unmistakable sense of connectionI went to New York for the opening reception of <a href="http://thebloggershow.blogspot.com/">The Blogger Show</a>, my first trip there in several years. AMTRAK rocks; what a great way to travel. You wouldn't believe how much carry-on luggage they allow! The trip up was amazing, with the fire of autumn colors razing the hills against a crystal blue that you could lose yourself in.<br /><br />I got off the train at Penn Station at 5PM, in the middle of rush hour. It struck me as eerie, that with all of those people the only thing you hear is the sound of feet hammering the concrete. Hardly a single voice could be heard, not even a murmur to ground the beat of those thundering feet.<br /><br />I stayed with my good friend <a href="http://urbanbytes.blogspot.com/">Jean McClung</a> at the Larchmont Hotel on W 11h St., which is a really handy place to stay, let me tell you. (And thank you, Jean. I don't know how we could have pulled this show off without you.) It was close to all of the places I wanted to visit and needed to be while I was there (well, this was a business trip) and there were places that I had to be. One of the places that I made a specific point of going to was <a href="http://www.nycentralart.com/">New York Central Art Supply</a>. Interesting place; it was recommended by couple of people when I mentioned that I was searching for unusual papers.<br /><br />The Blogger Show reception was packed, as I have <a href="http://wwworanje.blogspot.com/2007/11/opening-reception-agni-gallery.html">already mentioned</a>. It was a pleasure to finally meet some of the people that I have worked with over the last several months in the ether. <a href="http://ohprettylady.blogspot.com/">Stephanie Lee Jackson</a> and <a href="http://artblogcomments.blogspot.com/">Bill Gusky</a> in particular. I will be sharing Digging Pitt Too with Bill for one of the Blogger Shows. And watch this space for further developments with Stephanie.<br /><br />I took an installation shot --<br /><br /><div id="gsImageView" class="gbBlock"> <img src="http://images.susanconstanse.com/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=54&g2_serialNumber=1" alt="detail2-tn" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br />Okay, so here's where it gets interesting. Stephanie, whose piece is on the upper right, laid out and installed the exhibit. She is someone that I was beginning to feel an affinity for during the run-up to this exhibit, which was confirmed when I met her, <a href="http://thinkingaboutart.blogs.com/">JT Kirkland</a>, whose piece is on the upper left, brokered a trade of my work in his Barter project. That's my work under his on the lower left. And on the lower right? That is only the work of my BFF <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/christianed">Chris</a>, who I met when I first moved to Pittsburgh nearly ten years ago. How cool is that?<br /><br />So, you would think it would be over with my getting up on Sunday morning for the trip back to da 'burgh, right? Huh-uh, it just got cooler. I got to Penn Station a little early, so I went to Borders to pick up some reading material. I checked under E to see if one of my favorite authors had published anything new. Lucky me! he had! So, I happily picked up a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zeroville-Steve-Erickson/dp/1933372397/ref=sr_1_2/103-2548862-8839057?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194305701&sr=1-2">Zeroville</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Erickson">Steve Erickson</a> to read on the train on the way home.<br /><br />Wait, it gets better--<br /><br />Okay, so I smoke. (Shut up, I know it's a bad habit that will most likely kill me, yadayada.) So, I got off the train and in my wild desire to inhale two nicotine packages, I watch as all of the cabs and jitneys were taken. The last jitney driver said he'd be back shortly; his fare was only going to a downtown hotel. (I did try to call for a cab. You know what the operator said? There weren't any cabs available.)<br /><br />I'm waiting for the jitney driver to come back when I notice all of these flashing lights and I think, great, the driver is probably stuck behind whatever is going on. It didn't look like an accident, no ambulance. At first, I thought it was some dignitary being escorted through da 'burgh. You'll never guess.<br /><br />It was elephants.<br /><br />I am not joking. 8:30pm, dark as pitch, and there was a line of eight elephants, followed by zebras and horses, being escorted through the outer edges of downtown. And my camera was packed.<br /></div>Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25722245.post-30101356903570108492007-11-06T07:34:00.000-05:002007-11-06T07:36:37.886-05:00Airport insecurity<embed src="http://www.truveo.com/truveo_videoWidget.swf?query=id:1412184313" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="110" ></embed><br />I'm not a fan, ya know? But WTF? Thanks, Tom, for pointing this out.Susan Constansehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020412045368974973noreply@blogger.com0