like your mom always told you...

jerk 2010 4"x 4" mixed media

If you don't have anything nice to say, disguise it as adorable and say it anyway.

(jen)

catch of the day

mr. pickles 4 x 4 2010

It was a nice weekend filled with art. I finished a set of three snarky birds that I'll share on another day, and the above petite piece.

I spent all of Saturday painting set pieces for my daughter's high school musical production of No No Nanette. I must have been a slacker back in the day, because this youth worked impressively hard all day long. Everywhere I turned, everyone was doing something--a duet in a corner improvising a new dance routine, a gang of guys outside hammering & sawing bits of the set, groups of gals backstage harmonizing, still standing individuals with arms spread out while a parent helper altered costumes, passers-by tap dancing their counts as they walk [or tap] to and fro, kids spread out on the theatre audience floor with their SAT, chem, and math books studying as they wait for their routine to queue up for practice, and painters painting and repainting sets to get them 'just right' (which is where I was). I was extremely impressed with the set painter who directed me all day--a junior. She has high standards and runs a tight ship. I learned a few things from her, proving to me (and possibly her) you can teach an old dog new tricks.

(jen)

Back to life

pussy willows 2010 by jennifer culp

So I took a few days off to try and get some outstanding things accomplished...and well, I can at least say I finished the piece above. Today. On my last day of vacation.

It's meant to hang in a bedroom over the head board, and I'm hoping the recipients will be pleased.--Oh and by the way, it pains me to see the quality of photo I've posted here; crooked, bad lighting, far away, with another piece of art peeking out from behind the left piece, but I at least wanted to post it--proving I've done something.

Also, today marks a life changing day, the day I gave up TV. Yes, today I turned in my digital cable box, which means no TV. I have no profound reason for doing it, I just feel no TV will help facilitate living a creative life. BUT, I anticipate this to be a difficult change. You see, TV & me go way back. We're best friends. TV's always there for me, early in the morning, late at night, and never talks back. But, TV is a bit like the attractive bad boyfriend--looks good, but isn't necessarily good for you. So farewell TV.

jen