I’m in

My proposals for the surreal show next May and June at the local art museum were accepted. Now I actually have to make one of them. I like both ideas, but feel a bit more strongly about one of them.

Here’s the ideas. I am going to make the one with the large eye in the sky. To me it looks more surreal. None of the ideas in either piece are novel. Tree people, large eyes, or stairs going into the sky are not new ideas. 

This is what I’m thinking for a title and short statement. In the statement I did not want to explain anything. It will be 24 by 30 and utilize Jennifer Sampou fabrics….sky ombre and chalk and charcoal as well as some silks and whatever else I need to pull this off.

Eye of the Night

There are places we enter only in dreams—where memory shifts, time disappears, and the familiar becomes strange. In the darkness, something waits. Something watches. Something knows.

So now I have to rethink my schedule. I usually wait until January to start working on my recycle piece. It’s due by April. But with the surreal piece as well I think I need to get started on my recycle piece now. 

The theme is once upon a time. I will be using this photo of decaying streetcars as my inspiration. I think it will be about 12 by 16.

Here’s my potential title and statement for it.

The Last Journey

Once upon a time, these streetcars were filled with people going places. Over the years, they fell into disrepair and now sit quietly on decaying tracks.

I grew up in Pittsburgh and rode streetcars to school, to art classes, and into the city. They carry many memories for me—of places I went, things I saw, and a time that is now gone.

They are my once upon a time.

Plastic bags, however, do not disappear so easily. I chose to create this piece from discarded plastic bags, bringing together two very different remnants of the past—one remembered with affection, the other left behind with consequences.

My sister received her gift yesterday on her birthday. It’s a table runner with a family photo of us with our hats. I took the photo and played with it to make it look like Halloween. She loves Halloween and loved the table runner. I forgot to take photos before I sent it. She sent me some, but I’m waiting for one with it on her table with some Halloween decorations. 

Here’s one not so great photo. I think she has it sitting on her bed. I hope to get some better one.

Thanks for reading.

Chris