26 June 2009
overexposure
Thursday was supposed to be at least half a day off, but when I got to the studio at 9 (much better rested, thank you very much) almost the whole class was there, already printing. The energy in there has not abated at all, but I’m sticking to my plan and insisting people take at least a small break at some point, as much for myself as for them. I slept a bit better last night, but I’m going to stay exhausted this whole trip, I’m afraid. This is a beautifully creative insanity, but no less insane.
There are so many things to do, aside from the teaching schedule. We have a big auction next Thursday to benefit the work-study program. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s the official closing party for the session, really, but it’s hard on us 2-D artists. Up here, people would way rather buy a basket or a pot than someone’s clever and hard-won photographic artwork. I have warned my students that this is how it goes, and not to have their feelings hurt if their best picture doesn’t go for much, since every bit helps the program. But I encourage them to come up with some Photographic Object to put in instead. We’ve done well in the past with decks of cards and books and weird cameras and things. Hell, almost any picture with a llama on it sells ok…
There’s also the 4th of July, which will be celebrated here on Wednesday the 1st, since hardly anyone will be here on the Saturday between sessions. This means a big all-school parade, with prizes and things like that, and yet another opportunity (responsibility?) to come up with something clever and Photo-related to do as a group. In addition, we need to think about making a class photo for the Wall of Fame in the studio.
Meanwhile, the weekend is looking very social, what with old friends and new coming to Penland to visit. There are various parties and events every night this weekend, including the big Northlight dance Saturday night, which becomes a bigger deal every time I come here. Apparently, this one will have a 90’s theme – the Core Student organizers have made incredible Letterpress announcements for it with images of Lady Diana, Pulp Fiction, Bill Clinton, etc. They don’t do much by half-measures here.
Of course, the studio work is increasing too, both for my students and for me. I made a new test of the 3-color gum, which would have been good if I hadn’t over-cooked my magenta (grrrr). I left the studio while it was printing to go drop some paperwork at the main office, and when I came back the “Penland Tanning Bed”* had been reset for more time, too much for my exposure. My own fault, of course… but I ended up with a picture of a pink hill. It’s actually kinda cool and rather hilarious, but not exactly what I was trying to do. I wouldn’t mind figuring out a way to make that process more artistically interesting rather than just technically interesting, and yesterday I helped a few students make color separations in order to get their own versions going. I’m hoping someone will do something crazy and gorgeous with it.
As the students hit their stride, I can already feel myself backing away, relishing the very few quiet moments in the studio so I can start thinking about making something for myself. All those beautiful things I saw in the Print Studio on Wednesday (and a second time yesterday) have got me thinking about what I could do in Alexandria, and how to begin here. The Print Assistant, a smart and lovely young woman named Nicole, brought me a couple of sheets of Rives BFK prepped with layers of transparent base, the way they’re working over there, in order to begin a possible collaborative project. I’m not sure the gum bichromate will stick to it, but I’m determined to try. It would, of course, be easier for me to make a gum and then have them print on top, but who does things the easy way around here?
As I carve out a tiny bit of space for my own, I’m finally starting to think about making my own work. I’ve only recently been back in the studio in any real way, and I rely on the inspiration and experimentation of this place to push me into something new. I have quite a few pieces that need finishing, but more than anything, it’s time to start fresh. Maybe some little experiments will help.
