Roz Wound Up

"None of the Above" Collating Event

Above: a video look through my packet of art which I brought home. If the embedded video doesn't work see it on YouTube.

Last night I participated in the "None of the Above" collating event at MCBA which was in conjunction with the show of that title—still on display until November 8, 2009. Visit and check out the show in person if you live in the area. There are great pieces from about 143 artists in the gallery, as well as items from private collections providing an historical perspective. Artwork came from artists all over the world.

A Pop-up ATC from Terry Garrett

My friend Terry Garrett sent me one of his recent ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), and it's a pop-up with a cool surprise inside. I wanted you all to see it but my friend Ricë, who is also friends with Terry, saved me the trouble of photographing this little gem. See it on her blog Notes from the Voodoo Cafe. She has taken photos of it from every angle so you will be able to see it in detail. Go check out this marvelous card.

And a thank you to both Terry and Ricë. I don't get a lot of mail art any more, but you two are making feel more than a bit lazy!

Independent Variables: Contemporary Zine Publications—an Art Call from MCBA

Above: Page spread from "Lucky Dog" a single-issue zine I made using sketches from my journal, drawn while Lucky (a beagle) came to stay at Spa Roz, while her family went on vacation. (Activities included adventure walks, body massage, grooming, great food, and intelligent conversation—as well as modeling gigs.) This zine is 4.25 x 5.5 inches, so the spreads are 8.5 inches wide. It was produced using scans of my sketches and QuarkXpress on a Mac.

I have a love-love relationship with zines. Don't get me started, I actually think that they are an important part of the "American way" stretching all the way back to early broadsides. (I told you not to get me started.)

Well MCBA is having a last minute zine show and I wanted to spread the word, in hopes that some of you would consider sending in your work.

None of the Above: An Art Call from MCBA

I have received the following information from Jeff Rathermel, artistic director at Minnesota Center for Book Arts. The following art call outlines an exciting collaborative art project that I hope you will consider being part of. Also spread the word!

Here's what Jeff had to say:

None of the Above
Assembling, Collaborating and Publishing in the Eternal Network
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

In an ambitious assembling-style project, Minnesota Center for Book Arts invites any and all to send 125 copies of anything (within reason—see below) that will fit into a 9” x 12” envelope. This project is in conjunction with MCBA’s upcoming exhibition None of the Above: Assembling, Collaborating and Publishing in the Eternal Network.

Art Shanty Update

While I've been busy catching up on my bookbinding (now that my finger is healed to non-bandage stage) someone has been busy going to visit the Art Shanties I told you about in a Mail Art Call, and there are photos posted at "A Closer Look at Flyover Land." The blog seems to be written by Amy Rea, and if you scroll down to her January 21 post you'll see photos of the Art Shanty Projects. Of course if you are in the Twin Cities you should get over there and see it in person, but if you aren't nearby, well now you can get an idea of the type of fun we have up here in the cold!

While you're at this blog you should check out the Mort's Deli entry. I think I have to go and get myself one of those Reuben's!

Have you sent your mail art in to the Art Shanty post office yet? Why don't you do that right now!

Mail Art Call: Art on Ice

No illustration today. I had a run in with an X-acto blade while making signs for the show opening today: Richard Crammer—Into the Forest of Flowers; I hope you all show up and see the exquisite work of this fine artist, and dearly missed friend. The show is all hung and it is stunning.

So instead of sketching and typing, my friend Mimi sent me this interesting news that I had to share with you…

The Art Shanty Projects 2009
In Minnesota we do things a little differently, perhaps it's the cold. Anyway now you don't have to live in Minneapolis to enjoy and participate in some of our fun-filled cold weather plans. You can send mail art. To read about what the Art Shanty Projects is go to the link I've provided. I went last year and it's a lot of fun to visit all the shanties and talk to the artists. Be careful walking on the ice!

A Mail Art Show
Hosted by: The ArtPost Shanty: The Official Postal Shanty of the Art Shanty Projects 2009
January 17-February 14, 2009