Imperfection and abuse

I’ve been thinking a lot about perfection vs. imperfection — the idea that even a “handmade” object that is supposed to bear the marks of humanity and imperfection can wind up defying those definitions and looking somewhat…perfect.

Case in point: I spent most of the afternoon and evening working on a test of the “Craftsman” project that involved building a small Stickley-designed wall shelf, only made out of cardboard and paper mache. The goal was that the material itself would betray the imperfections of the project and that it would be warped and be perhaps even…sad…in some way.

I upset myself to no end when after hours of working on it i realized that it was, well, too perfect. I’ve gotten so good with working with certain materials that i know what to do with it in too many ways. I think i need to throw in some sort of “x” factor to keep my hands guessing about how to treat the material and create the type of imperfections I need. Yargh. Funny how that works.

duh! it’s about the division of labor!

Just stumbled upon an interesting thought regarding the American Arts and Crafts Movement as posted on wikipedia:

In fact, the proponents of the Arts and Crafts movement were against the principle of a division of labour, which in some cases could be independent of the presence or absence of machines. They were in favour of the idea of the master craftsman, creating all the parts of an item of furniture, for instance, and also taking a part in its assembly and finishing, with some possible help by apprentices. This was in contrast to work environments such as the French Manufactories, where everything was oriented towards the fastest production possible. (For example, one person or team would handle all the legs of a piece of furniture, another all the panels, another assembled the parts and yet another painted and varnished or handled other finishing work, all according to a plan laid out by a furniture designer who would never actually work on the item during its creation.) The Arts and Crafts movement sought to reunite what had been ripped asunder in the nature of human work, having the designer work with his hands at every step of creation. Some of the most famous apostles of the movement, such as Morris, were more than willing to design products for machine production, when this did not involve the wretched division of labour and loss of craft talent, which they denounced. Morris designed numerous carpets for machine production in series.

I’m realizing that part of what interests me in handmaking everything (from the Anti-Factory clothing line to the foamboard sculptural works) is that my hands follow through on every aspect of the production process. Granted, there are some works that I create that involve production that I have to outsource (printing, etc), but i guess what struck me about this quote is how much it resonates with me in regards to Anti-Factory.

I was being phone interviewed with Sabrian Gschwandtner yesterday (of knitknit fame) and she’s writing an article on craft and politics for the next American Craft magazine. I’ve always presented Anti-Factory as a one-woman endeavor that will never expand beyond a single person’s ability to produce and sell an object, which flies against the face of any successful business model today. So I realize now that it’s some weird form of being involved in every single step of the way, almost like an artisan model.

I’m getting really excited to start working on a set of American Craftsman furniture made out of cardboard and paper mache — an entire large set complete with mantle, fixtures, chairs, tables, etc., and they’ll be kind of lumpy and handmade and humanly humble. The cardboard will all be recycled from “industry” — packaging boxes, etc. — and i’m considering showing some of the preexisting logos and printed packaging on the outsides of the constructions. Not sure yet, but i’m getting excited!!!!

I’d love to partner with a museum that has a collection of Craftsman furniture that I can use as study models. Hmmmm……

And wonders of wonders: one can download an entire 600+ page PDF collection of “The American Craftsman,” from the early 1900’s. The damn thing is copyright free and in the public domain on google. Jesus!

More than you’ll ever want to know

Somehow I got sucked into HOURS of updating the “Reviews” section of my website. Basically, there is now more than you would ever want to know about what has been written about me. And it’s not over yet: I have to tackle some earlier articles and images, but there you have it for now.

Reading material. Lots of it!

Auction-o-rama: the good cause

Artists are always getting hit up for work to donate to auctions for nonprofit spaces, and I’m such a sucker for the cause that lately I’ve been (almost always) saying yes… Last month was the Southern Exposure Auction held at SoMarts and coming up are the Headlands Center for the Arts, Intersection for the Arts, KALA Art Institute, (all of which I have work in) and an art auction fundraiser for local friend Tiana Lyons.

While all are good causes (nonprofit artspaces? who would disagree?), I’m especially moved by the benefit for Tiana, who was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Her family is devastated and the art community is galvanizing to help raise funds for her treatment. I’ve known her husband, Leo, for over a decade and he’s an amazing artist and painter. Below is the info for Tiana’s benefit, which has an amazing roster of local luminaries donating artwork, plus a dance party and gathering to raise funds… For more info, the official website is http://www.friendsoftiana.com

Please join us in a celebration of our friend Tiana Lyons for a fundraiser auction. Tiana has been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. We her family and friends are joining forces to raise the funds to help support Tiana and her family; daughter, Olive (4) and husband, Leo at this critical time. It is our hope to raise $100K to ease the strain during this stressful time of treatment. Bring your love and support, and share in a wonderful evening of auction including art, services and goods from local artists and businesses. Take this opportunity to remember those in your heart and life who need a little extra help in these most unexpected times of need.

6PM door
cocktail reception and silent auction

8:30 Live Auction and Raffle
(Silent auction will close after live auction)

10PM – 2AM Dance Party

$20 at the door
$5 donation bar

3170 23rd Street (Between South Van Ness and Shotwell)
San Francisco, CA

Donating Artists include:
Leo Bersamina
Enrique Chagoya
Euan MacDonald
Stephanie Syjuco
Mike Arcega
Terry Hoff
Rigo 23
Jason Jagel
Kelly Yon
Carolyn Castaño
Rebeca Bollinger
Reanne Estrada
Megan Wilson
Chris Oliveria
David Arnn
Maizie Gilbert
Eliza Barrios
Todd Hido
Chris Johanson
Jo Jackson
Orfeo Quagliata
Heath Ceramics
Tracey Ginsburg
Adam Silverman – Atwater Pottery
Ari Marcopolous
Nome Edonna
Sham Saenz
Cheryl Dunn
Dave Schubert
Amanda Eicher
Amy Trachtenberg
Tia Factor
Jeronimo Elespe
and many many more.

Updated Artist Listings and More information and Donations at:
www.friendsoftiana.com

SPARK* art documentary segment airs!

It’s wonderful to see a final edit of the SPARK* KQED documentary that just wrapped and aired on local Channel 9 last Wednesday and Friday. The wonderful director/producer, editor, and sound guy really put together a quality piece that features myself and The Counterfeit Crochet Project. Below is the listing for the final air dates of the show, but it’s also permanently archived online so you can watch it on streaming video!

And from the website:

What is Spark?
Produced by KQED Public Television, Spark is about Bay Area artists and arts organizations — it is a weekly television show, an educational outreach program and a Web site. More than a showcase for art objects and the artists who make them, Spark takes the audience inside the creative process to witness the challenges, opportunities and rewards of making art.

SCHEDULE – Upcoming Broadcasts
Spark airs on Wednesdays at 7:30pm on KQED-TV 9 and KQET-TV 25 and on Saturdays at 4pm on KTEH-TV 54. Repeat broadcasts can also be seen on KQED’s digital channels.

Monday, May 12, 2008
KQED Channel 9
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 3:00am
KQED HD
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 3:00am
KQED Life-Encore
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 12:00pm

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
KQED Channel 9
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 2:30am
KQED HD
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 2:30am

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
KQED HD
Salimpour, Syjuco, and Yi – 7:00pm