Sue Seeger's Art

Multi Artist Sale This Sat

2009-11-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. This is the show I'll be participating in this Sat. Scroll down to the previous post to see pics of everything I'll have there sculpture-wise.

Elk River is about 30 - 45 minutes north-west of the twin cities, off Hwy 10. HERE is a map link.

Wear some good walking shoes and take a lovely path through the woods to my own studio, where you can see the equipment I work with, and some works in progress. I'll have my jewelry on display in my shop, available for sale-- great gifts!

Here is some of the "Fast Machine" line I have left. (click pic to enlarge) I also still have plenty of earrings, metal chip and hole necklaces.

I hope to see you. Have a great weekend. :)

50 on 50th

2009-11-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. If you're looking for trees, deer, cats masquerading as deer, or anything else you saw at my booth at 50 on 50th Sat Nov 7th-- you came to the right place.

There's been a slight change of plans. I'll be hanging onto everything for at least another week- giving you more of a chance to purchase directly from me. (Email me at pseudosu@yahoo.com to make arrangements.) Next Sat. I'll be in a show at my next door neighbor's pottery studio too. Details on that at the end of this post.
(Click on any pic to enlarge)

Meanwhile, the freestanding groupings of trees are about 16 x 17 (this is a real approximation because they are all different) and are $85.

They can be combined anyway you like to make a larger display. Individual sculptures are made up of three trees.

I also have the wall groupings for $85.

They too, look good combined.

Leaping deer and cats who just wish they were deer are available for $45 and $35. The little box with the driftwood handle is a one of a kind and available for $30.

I have a lot of jewelry that make great, unique Christmas gifts. Any of these pieces can easily be shipped, or a meet-up somewhere in the metro is possible too.

Earrings are $20, and are made of steel.

"Fast Machine" necklaces are $40. Bracelets are $20.

"Hole" necklaces are adjustable length and $24.

"Metal chip" necklaces are $20.

I also have a number of pendants that can be combined any way you like, or just put on a chain or cord individually. Pendants are $10 each, and come with your choice of cord or ball chain.

To everyone who came out to the show I just want to say thank you. It was so fun seeing some familiar faces and meeting new people. If you purchased a grouping of trees or anything else from me, please know I truly appreciate it. I know art is not inexpensive. When I make my sculptures I take special care with each one to ensure no two are a like, and I haven't absentmindedly fallen into a pattern. I want them to be just as randomly beautiful as trees in nature. Thank you very much for your purchase!

The show next Sat is at 1703 Main st in Elk River (map link) (Turn left right before the bridge and go through the power company's parking lot. Follow signs), which is about 30 to 45 minutes north/west of the metro.

My neighbor Chad Briggs is a well-known local potter and his annual sale usually draws a big crowd. His whole family are artists and will probably be displaying paintings and jewelry and other things too. I'll have things there too. Cool show, check it out of you've got time.

50 on 50th Is this Sat

2009-11-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Quick-- what are you doing this Saturday? How about stopping at a cool art show in S. Minneapolis? It's right by Minnehaha Parkway. You could go for a nice walk or bike ride, see some art... Sounds like a great idea right? Right???
(you can pics click for a bigger view)

It's right at Minnehaha Pkwy, on 50th, at Burroughs School.

Here's the idea board for some new jewelry I'm playing around with.

The pictures are blurry, but I have too much to do to fiddle with them.

You'll just have to come to the show to get a better look!

Hope to see you there!

Get 'em while they're hot...

2009-10-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Preparations continue for 50 on 50th (next Sat!). Here are the respective herds of leaping deer and cats who just like pretending they are deer in my state-of-the-art rusting facility. It's been raining quite a bit so that's going rather well.

When it's wet out this little guy comes to my door to guilt-me-out about him being outside and me being warm and dry in my shop. As you can imagine, a welding shop with metal particles all over the floor and sparks flying all over isn't really a good place for someone who's barefoot and covered in flammable fur though.

This is his, "I can't believe how dumb these humans are. Can't she see what I want her to do is open the door?" look.

I've been making trees like crazy, although as I showed you a few posts back it takes a surprising amount of time to make these all by hand, so quantities are limited.

I've also been working on some new jewelry designs...

For now I'm taking the idea of reserving pieces for 50 on 50th off the table. Anyone who has already reserved anything-- you are all set-- do not fret. But I'm worried about having enough. See, what's happening is that I'm running out of steam here. What I do is pretty physical and certain things get worn-out, like my lungs and back and this joint in my hand.

After a certain number of months in the shop I kind of hit a wall where my body needs a break, and even though I'm surrounded by partially completed pieces and material for new pieces, it's like all the ideas are on the tip of my tongue. Just out of reach.

My brain sort of does this...

Well, in reality I'm lucky. It actually switches over to a writing mode and my ideas become less visual and more about stories and words. But anyway, I can feel this shift happening and it will soon be time for a break.

I'll be bringing whatever I have left after the show to the wonderful galleries I work with, but I just don't have any way of knowing how much I'll have, and at this point I'm not sure how much work I have left in me to get out after. So your best bet is to come to 50 on 50th if you really, really want something. :)

50 on 50th Preparations Continue

2009-10-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. One thing that's really fun about getting ready for the 50 on 50th show (Sat Nov 7th- at Burrough's School in S. Minneapolis) is making things that are kind of outside my normal scope.

I almost always have some kind of jewelry available so people have an affordable option to the metal sculptures. This time I'll have the steel pendants and earrings I've had before, but also a new "line" of sorts. In my head it's called "Fast Machine."

It's inspired by Steampunk, the passion I've developed for mountain biking over the last year (going fast through the woods on two wheels- a combination of mechanization and nature), birds, and the colorful palette of fall.

I'm also working like mad on leaping deer, sprinting cats wearing antlers on their heads (they like to pretend they are deer), and small wall pieces. -- Oh, and of course many more trees.

Mark your calendars. I'd love to see you there!

Wall Groves

2009-10-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'm in high gear right now, getting ready for 50 on 50th- Sat Nov 7th. This is always a good show in S. Minneapolis, with 50 different artists showing their own work, and it's inside. Mark your calendars.

This week I've been working on a new item-- Wall Groves. They are an off-shoot of the popular groupings of trees I make every fall. (Yes-- I'll be making those too.) So far these are coming out really nice. The price will be the same as the free standing ones-- $85, but I may offer a deal on qtys.

They look great when 2 or more are hung together.

You can even hang your mittens etc from the branches if you want.

If this is something you're interested in-- please email me at pesudosu@yahoo.com to reserve one. I'm still trying to decide how many to make. Otherwise-- take your chances and come to 50 on 50th!

Remember you can subscribe to this blog over on the right, and also-- sign up to be a follower. You might win some art!

My show runs all month...

2009-10-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Seasons On St. Croix did a wonderful job (as usual) of displaying my artwork for the opening Friday night.

It runs all month, so you still have plenty of time to go check it out.

I had a number of wall pieces at this show.

People seemed to like them.

I also made a few tables. I like making unique furniture pieces.

Many of my pieces have natural elements incorporated into them.

I'm kind of a stick and rock girl.

This is a huge overhead canopy- large enough to fit over a king sized bed.

I've always enjoyed working with color, but in recent years have really developed a technique. I've learned a lot more about how the steel behaves. I'm coming to grips with the fact that this is another type of art I'm developing that is less sculptural, more like painting. I have a tendency to want to do something with these, some kind of welding because that's typically what I do, but some are so beautiful they should simply be hung. It's an off shoot I guess.

This method is carrying over into my furniture too. I really had fun with some of the table tops.

I got a lot of comments at this show saying my work has changed, seeming to have gone to a next level in terms of design and execution. This surprised me as much as it made me feel good. I suppose I'm always working on it, trying to improve, so I don't see the progression as easily.

In any case people seemed to enjoy seeing the work and that was very gratifying.

Come to my opening tomorrow night!

2009-10-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It's here! My opening at Season's on St. Croix is TOMORROW!

For this show I had two guiding principals in mind. I wanted the experience of making the art- the personal nature of it-- and the beauty of the material at the forefront.

I recently listened to a local musician talking about a self-produced album they put out. He resisted using Protools or other forms of digital trickery insisting instead that he wanted the listener to remember it was real music, made by a human being. "YES"- I thought.

For this exhibit I wanted to keep touches that would constantly remind the viewer that this work is personal- in some cases going back over my perfect, straight cut lines and re-cutting them by hand without a guide. I left my welds exposed rather than ground smooth (partly because I can- they're good welds). I like to weld in a series of small beads and like how it can resemble stitching.

The other main thing I wanted people to notice is how beautiful the material I work with is, almost like holding it up and urging, "No, stop-- really look at it." I'm really happy with how the colors came out- luminous, layered. Can you tell I'm pretty into it?

This gallery is gorgeous! This picture is from last winter- note the Christmas tree- but every time I visit I'm blown away by how airy and inviting it is, and how much beautiful art is on display. It's truly an honor to show my work here.

I've never worked with a gallery that has a more knowledgeable, friendly, or welcoming staff either. That's the owner Ruth on the right. She's doing something right-- all her employees (like Linda on the left) have been there forever, and seem to be quite over-qualified. They're all just so darn NICE.

If you can't make it to the opening tomorrow night, the show runs all month. Hudson is a wonderfully picturesque town along the St. Croix river full of wonderful restaurants and shops to explore. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Seasons On St. Croix- Oct Show

2009-09-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi people. Next weekend my show opens! Seasons is the most beautiful gallery. If you haven't been there recently- they've moved across the street into a completely brand new space and it is AMAZING. I can't wait to see how my stuff looks in this fabulous setting!

How would you like waking up to this every morning?

Hint Hint-- This view could be the last thing you see at night, and the first thing every morning.

Like mixed textures? Bringing natural elements into your home or office?

Hint Hint-- You may want to be sure to attend the opening if you want a crack at some very cool, unique, and scarce (These are one-off's, and there are only a few) occasional tables.

See you there I hope, but if not, the show runs all month. Back to work for me. I have a TON to do in the next week!

Feel free to share, forward etc, as always-- and sign up to be a follower if you want a chance to win some free art!

Oct 2nd Opening!

2009-09-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. People always ask me if I work well on a deadline. This is probably because as one approaches I'm increasingly disheveled and crazed. I guess I'd have to say yes.

I wish it weren't so. I wish I was one of those people who can pace themselves, but anytime I get a gap in my schedule where it would be good to simply work at a sane pace, I manage to fill it with another obligation. As show deadlines approach, particularly for gallery shows, I find myself raising the bar continually, making for some very long workdays.

All I can tell you is that while things aren't going as quickly as I'd like, I am very happy with the results so far. I think this might be the best show I've ever put together. We'll see.

I got the proof for the card the other day. Nice huh? The piece of steel featured will be hanging on a wall at the opening.

I hope you'll all be able to make it. Remember-- a fun night out with free wine and snacks, plus me and a bunch of other cool people hanging out in Hudson for couple hours-- What's not to like?

Please pass this info along to anyone you think might be interested. (Share on FB, forward, etc) Thanks!

2009-09-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hi People. Last week I made a mad dash to the north shore (an over 4 hour drive each way in one day) to deliver the first batch of "Groves" and some swoopy, delicate looking, almost sea creature-like steel and driftwood sculptures to Kahneetah Gallery between Lutsen and Grand Marais. Be sure to stop in if you're going up.

I've actually added a link list of all the galleries I do business with over on the right. Check them out-- all different, all cool.

Second order of business-- the drawing for two tree sculptures is only a few weeks away. Two of the "followers" of this blog will win-- sign up over on the right. It's private and safe, plus, even if you don't win you'll be known far and wide as a cool in the loop person. Who else would follow this blog?? Get on it people.

As far as my work goes, preparations continue for my next show which opens Fri Oct 2nd at Seasons On St. Croix in Hudson WI. Oh- excuse me, got a little loud there. But I'm getting so excited!

I've had birds on the brain. I think there will be some birds present. Also some trees. Yesterday I went for a little walk around my woods and it was like some magical faerie land. I have visions of the canopy I'm working on being like a midnight garden- full of roosting birds and bursting with life.

These- okay I don't even know what they're called but they came from inside water heaters- are mysterious shapes I've been looking at for almost a year. I'm seeing them becoming some kind of cool modern shelves now, we'll see...

This next show will be a melding of my past work- things taken from nature, and of course what's going on with me right now. I really love the material I work with, and my skill level has really gone up in the last few years as far as welding etc.

I love the process of coloring the steel, even when it's being uncooperative as it has been this week. I have about 4 tables I'm pretty psyched about, but the tops are being very stubborn.

The process I use isn't easily controlled. The layers of color need to be like veils- just the right amount of moisture to let the rust come through. Sometimes the steel just doesn't want to oxidize as fast as I want it to and I use salt and vinegar on it.

Sometimes it looks perfect, but when I go back an hour later to check it the rust has completely obliterated the beautiful color I had gotten just right. Layers. Layers and layers of rust and color not always cooperating.

Stay tuned... (Remember to mark your calendars for Oct 2nd, sign up to be a follower, and pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks!)

2009-09-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hi people. I'm working furiously to get things ready for my next show which opens in Hudson WI at Seasons On St. Croix Gallery (click link) Fri Oct 2nd.

I thought I'd talk a little about why I show my work various ways and tease you with some close-ups of the beautiful material I work with-- steel. You'll have to come to the show to see what becomes of the steel pictured in these shots.

Recently I had a show at my place, an open house. It was the first time in years I'd done any such thing and it was a good experience. It gives me a chance to meet some of the people who enjoy my art and get direct feedback. That's why I do the 50 on 50th show every spring and fall too.

Another motivation for doing DIY (do it yourself) shows is that aside from paying an entry fee- you keep whatever $ you make on the art. (Well, kind of. We artists generally give back about 37% of our income after self-employment, income, and soc sec taxes are taken out.)

When you show at a gallery, you as the artist pay them a cut, anywhere from 35 to 50%. If they are a good gallery (as all the ones I work with are) they more than earn this by running an attractive, friendly, beautifully maintained space, displaying and lighting your work to its best advantage, and putting it before many sets of eyes that may otherwise never see it.

There's a different kind of pressure when preparing for a gallery show. Your work will be shown amid other top notch artist's works, and it needs to stand up. Sometimes you finish creating a piece and while there's nothing wrong with it, it just doesn't have "it". I don't bring those pieces to galleries. Only the very best examples of my work make the cut.

Why is it worth it to you- as an art appreciator to attend both kinds of shows? DIY shows give you a chance to connect personally with the artist if you choose to, and to see some smaller, more value priced pieces you might miss if you stuck only to galleries.

Gallery shows usually have opening night parties that are free and very welcoming and fun to attend. Going to see work in a gallery gives you a chance to see the very best of that artist's efforts, and be exposed to other great artists, new things you'd not see at a DIY show, and you can get ideas for creative ways to group & mix art in your home or office.

Look for sneak peeks in the coming weeks, and don't forget to sign up to be a follower of this blog (on right) and be eligible for the drawing for a "Grove" sculpture.

2009-08-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hi people. It's been a long week in my little welding shop in the woods. I love how my little groupings of trees come out, but making them is a bit tedious. This is a whole day of work. Doesn't look like much does it?

But after a whole bunch of bending (by hand- who needs a rowing machine?), cutting, de-burring, and welding- this is how they come out. This is before several coats of black paint- ran out.

And here are a dozen, ready to get painted, boxed and driven up to Lutsen. I have to make at least 3 dozen more by Nov. (Groans)

But they are pretty, and I'm glad so many people like them. :)

This is the same version I've done for years now, that always sell out before Christmas. The kind I'll be having in the drawing will be smaller- a new version. I decided since I won't have time to make these until Oct., I might as well hold off on the drawing until then.

This will also give stragglers an opportunity to become followers (right hand column)- and be eligible to win!

Now I'll begin preparing for a terrific show in Hudson that opens Oct 2nd with an evening party that is open to the public. There will be free wine & appetizers in the beautiful new Seasons On St. Croix Gallery. Hudson has a number of really good restaurants, so this makes a fun date night.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

2009-08-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hey people. Here is how that commission came out. Pretty nice huh? It looked great in my back yard. I'm going to kind of miss it. I may have to do more of these... you know, for the birds. (All pics are clickable to enlarge)

The people who commissioned it got the idea from seeing one of my tree sculptures at last year's 50 on 50th fall show. (Yes-- they've been waiting THAT long.) These are the little groupings of trees I do every fall that are always really popular and sell out right away.

Here is a larger version...

Shown here with one actual-sized, and one super tiny cat, to both give you and idea of the scale/size, maybe confuse you just a little, and amuse myself.

This year I'm going to be making these same versions, but ALSO some smaller versions, and some wall mount versions. The smaller versions are what will be up for grabs in the drawings. I think I'll give away one small table-top and one small wall version, or maybe give the winners their choice between the two. Haven't actually made any yet because it takes super long to prep all the little tiny branches (like, make Sue lose her mind long), and I've gotten delayed this week by a delivery and another sort of emergency commish that cropped up. Next week I'll let you know exactly what is up.

But those of you who want in on the possible free art need to sign up to become a follower (look in the right hand column). This is really private so don't worry. Like, it doesn't even tell ME your email or anything so winners will have to check the blog to find out the outcome and contact me with their shipping info etc.

All those folks who already signed up are going, "No- don't sign up! Keep being lame so our odds are better!" It's in your hands people. Someone will win some free art-- someone who signed UP. ;D

Stay tuned.... Drawing in about a week... About...

2009-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi people. There's big news at the bottom of this post you won't want to miss, so hang in there!

Here is my latest commission (in progress). It's a big bird sanctuary of sorts-- three trees holding a basin. It's coming out pretty nice. I'm trying to decide whether to add some leaves and/or a small nest somewhere. These clients have been waiting a while, and are long time supporters of my art, so I want it to be really awesome when it's done.

I've had birds on the brain lately. Last week I got this bracelette. I'm much more likely to make jewlery than buy it, but I just couldn't resist this pendant. It's kind of super hero-ish, and looks fast.

It kind of reminded me of the cover of this book I just finished. (Really good if you like sci-fi adventure and YA fiction.)

I've always gotten into making bird and tree related art.

I'm very woods oriented.
Those images work their way into collages and sketches all the time.

There's something very captivating about the energy of a mass of birds in flight.

It somehow speaks to my obsession with tribes, and feeling part of a group
in some symbolic way.

At my open house I had a big canopy that was a view of branches overhead with birds flying through. Someone asked if it could be put over a bed. What a cool idea! Now I totally want to do another one that could fit over a king bed. I'm thinking about the birds-- smaller for this, but lots of energy, like a vortex maybe. We'll have to see.

Okay- now for the big news:
Some of you are familiar with the tree sculptures I do every fall ( I'll post pics next week). I'm getting ready to begin those again and this year plan to make several variations including wall mount pieces, some smaller versions that will be a little less expensive, and some longer versions.

I'm going to be holding some random drawings to give away some of these pieces. I'd like to reward those of you who've shown an interest in my work-- I really appreciate it. I'll be selecting winners from my "Followers" (over on the right). I know many of you aren't official followers even though you are regular visitors, so I'm going to wait a couple of weeks. It's really easy-- you just sign up-- You won't get put on any weird lists or anything.

If you get anyone else to sign up I'll enter your name twice (double your luck!). Just shoot me an email telling me who you recruited. Please feel free to share this, forward it, etc. I'm trying to expand my exposure.

OPEN HOUSE

2009-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hi people. My first Open house was a big success! Thanks to everyone who took the time to come check it out. I couldn't believe how many people came! It was so fun reconnecting with some familiar faces, and meeting new friends and a lot of locals-- some close neighbors I'd just not run into before. Towards the end of the day when things wound-down a little I finally had time to take a couple pictures.

The trail lady was looking especially rad in the sunshine. It was a beautiful day. We really lucked-out. (She's far from complete-- a work in progress.)

This Table is now going in my living room (for now anyway), to replace another I sold. That's one advantage of being an artist-- you can decorate with your own work, and switch stuff out when you feel like a change.

If you weren't able to attend, I do plan on making this an annual event, so you'll get another chance next summer. You missed my official artist get-up-- a rainbow silk sarong and a giant flower in my hair. Who knows-- maybe next year a black beret?

Now I have shows to get ready for and commissions to complete. I have tons of ideas for my upcoming shows, so stay tuned.

EDIT TO ADD: If any of you want to post links to pics of this event or related blog entries feel free to do so in comments. :)

OPEN HOUSE

2009-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hey people. Sunday Aug 2nd-- What's going on? That's right-- My studio open house from 10 to 5:00! All the cool kids are coming so, so should you!

Okay, Here's how to get to my place. Oh, and welcome riders who signed onto my list last Sun-- I only live about 3 miles from Hillside, just down the street from McCoy's if anyone wants to stop for a burger and a beer on the way over... Just sayin'... Super close...

View Larger Map

Look for big red letters on the left by my almost hidden driveway that say SUE'S ART.

You may even be allowed to try on my stylin' welder wear...

Come to say hi and hang out and see what miscellaneous odds and ends I have laying around, and what goodies I've come up with in the last few weeks. My neighbor is a well know local potter (Chad Briggs) and will have some of his stuff out too. Stuff will be priced to move. Cash is always appreciated but checks are okay. No credit cards though, sorry. I'm just some girl welding in the woods, not Macy's. :)

Please feel free to pass this along to friends-- forward, email, share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Pet Project

2009-07-23T06:09:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. This week I was consumed by finishing a client commission (which of course I neglected to get any pics of)-- a small flock of herons. Don't worry-- they aren't the ones I showed you before. I still have those. These were a slightly different style. I've also been working on my latest pet project-- The sculpture for the mountain bike trail. I'm obsessed with her!

Her body will be clad in the cut up parts from an old race car that I'm scavenging from over there. Mysteriously it's buried in the woods, and a couple of big trees have fallen on it over time, so getting more of it out will be a job, but I like how it looks like some kind of racing outfit.

This is the first view people will encounter as they ride across the bridge that is her installation site.

I'm pretty happy with her profile. I have a lot more hair to weld on but you can see her taking shape.

This is the second view they'll get as they ride under the bridge (unless they stop and just check her out 360 as they ride by her- which is unlikely. Zoom!). She'll be perched above them looking down.

I'm pretty into her. I'm undecided about the mask propped up on her head. It actually fits on her face, but I think she's prettier without it. It kind of looks cool up there, like she might put it on later and get up to some adventure or something. Anyone want to weigh in on that? Otherwise she's wearing a crown of bike gears and has antlers.

This is the kind of commission I'd love to get more of-- "Here's a really cool spot we'd like something for, maybe some kind of benevolent figure watching over it-- here's 3 to $5k --go." It's an investment, but I really like being able to just work from my head, and the results are pretty good I think.

Preparations for my Open House Sun Aug 2nd (10 to 5:00) are coming along. I'm kind of frazzled because my sister and her kids are in town and I'm trying to get as much done as I can, but you know how it is when you have out of town guests. (!) I'm hoping to get a lot more turtles made in the coming week, and some other goodies.

Look for a preview and directions next week-- and as always feel free to email this to friends who might be interested, share on facebook, etc etc. Thanks!

Face Value

2009-07-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hi people. I finished cutting, sanding, & polishing about eighty bajillion bike gear pendants and a couple more turtles this week and that was enough to make me really sick of doing production type work. I wanted to start something fresh. So, perhaps against my better judgement, I started working on the lady for the trail.

In case you don't remember, on top of all the shows etc I've committed to, I agreed to make a sculpture for the mountain bike trail I run and ride at. It's a public park in my hometown. I totally love it over there, and there is a hardworking loyal crew of supporters who volunteer tons of time and even materials to make it one of the premier mtb trails in the state. I was happy to be asked to contribute.

Like every major project I begin, I want this piece to be my best ever. I've been wanting to take my human figures to another level-- now I have a good excuse. First step, face- get a profile going. I've learned I can do bodies pretty easily, with some tweaking of course, but the face is the hardest part. I need to start there.

My idea for this sculpture is a sort of mythical character-- a protector of the woods who watches the antics of the bikers there with curious amusement. The trails guys gave me some antlers that tore off a deer statue they stuck over there for me to use if I want. So far I want.

It sounds weird to need to really look at a real life face to figure this out, but if you were going to make a 3D face out of thin air, think about all the stuff you'd have to map out. Are the chin and forehead on the same plane? How far does a noes stick out? What does a nose really look like?

Ridiculously, just getting the profile I wanted took a couple of hours.

Then I moved on to the outline of the head. When I got the basics framed in, I checked the mirror for reference. The head is a little bigger than mine, but I'm not concerned. It'll still be proportional once the whole thing is done. Had I been paying closer attention, or known what to look for, this shot would have alerted me to a real problem though, and saved me a lot of time.

But, oblivious, I proceeded. I was happy it looked human so far, and concentrated on getting the features placed correctly.

Just getting it to this point took over 5 hours. Unbelievable huh? And look-- the cheekbones are all wrong. She looks like she's blowing out birthday candles. Already she'd be undergoing her first reconstructive surgery.

I've been covering the framework of my faces with wire up until now. Some of you may remember Jez, my last person sculpture. On her I also added a mask and warpaint. For this one I want to put skin over the whole face. A major concern with this is avoiding a Frankenstein appearance. I'd have to really think about where I wanted seams, because they may look like wrinkles. Don't want a bunch of unattractive lines in the wrong places. I want her to be pretty, and for disbelief to be suspended, kind of like in writing-- where, when people look at her they get swept up in the character, and not the fabrication process or materials.

To be really honest I was not at all sure I could pull this off, but I got a pretty good start. No going back now. (or so I thought)

After three days of making the underlying framework, then cutting and placing the outer pieces, pounding them into shape where I had to, and TONS of tweaking and picky fitting, I was done. Tahdaaahh! I was contemplating whether to give her a cool super heroic mask when I noticed...

Um.... her??? This totally looks like a DUDE! Look at him smirking at me, like he's about to go charging off to perform some swashbuckely guy antics. "Look, I don't know how to tell you this-- whoever you are--sir-- but you are supposed to be a GIRL! A swashbuckely, daring, rather invincible girl maybe-- but a girl!"

I was so bummed, and had to figure out why this happened-- what about this face made it a guy face? I started covering different sections with a towel to help me focus on what I did right and wrong. I decided it was the jawline and chin. Jaw too square, chin too wide. Remember the mirror picture? If you go back and look that will be obvious, but I didn't see it then. Another surgery was in order.

I had to cut apart the lower part of the face, all my careful welds and meticulously sanded seams, but, after now 4 days of work-- SHE has appeared.

She's still a very strong figure, not willowy or elfin, but that's okay. I like her expression.

And if you can picture her with flowing wild hair and a crown of bike gears... I'm kind of seeing her now. Formidable, and kind of regal-- it's her woods, but she's letting us play in it-- as long as we don't wreck the place.

I'm hoping now that the hard part is done the body will go MUCH faster because I feel very crunched for time right now. I may have to set her aside to work on more things for the big open house in a couple of weeks.

Remember-- Sun Aug 2nd-- 10 to 5-- my place. (1433 Main St, Elk River- google map it) I'll do another post next week about it too and give better directions.

If you come you'll see how far I've gotten on her-- and get to maybe pick up a great deal on an odd or end, plus see all the art as yet undelivered to the Door County gallery and get an extra good deal on that stuff.

New Venue

2009-07-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Hi people. Here's what showed up yesterday at my little welding shop in the woods-- a turtle. His shell is made of remnants from the Polynesian Dancer's Dress. Pretty huh?

It's a bit of a trick getting all the pieces to match up once I begin pounding the curvature in. Hopefully I'll get it down and get faster so these guys are worth making. Right now I'd say $40. If I figure out the formula and get way faster- maybe less.

I've restocked the fish pond too. These are normally $45 in the gallery. $30 is good.

Also, I got an opportunity to try out a new venue. There are a couple of mountain bike races at the trail I frequent, and I'm going to set up my old show tent and sell some of my bike gear pendants. If you are looking for something different to check out, the first race is this Sat at Hillside Park in Elk River. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Mountain bikers tend to be a little out there, so I get to let my wacky side out with my display at this thing. Truthfully, it's way more effort to rein it in most of the time. Here is one of the tamer pretend testimonials for my booth.

So, the truth is now out. A lot of this art gig is about amusing myself, and, you know, you-- hopefully. ;)

Edit to add: Okay, a number of you don't get this picture, so I apologise for the poor quality and possibly lame humor. It's hard to see but the guy is "wearing" one of the pendants (pinned to the picture). It's changed his whole life-- even his sandwich tastes better now! Just go with it. Kind of funny right? (humor me people)

New Plan

2009-07-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Hi people. So, here's how my Polynesian Dancer came out.

I'm much happier with her.

I did a lot more work on her face too. Now she shows the thoughtful confidence I always knew she had. In the past my human figures have sold for $3000- $5000. I'd like to get at least $1500 for her. I have no idea what a gallery would put on her but it would be higher.

As for other stuff:

Okay-- I know what I said last week but I'm already changing it a bit. (As one of those flaky art types I do get a way with rather a lot of this kind of thing. Nice gig.) For one thing, as far as getting stuff over to Door County for the summer season- let's face it- I've already missed that boat. Another week or two won't make any difference. Also, my sister and her kids are coming into town for a visit right when I was planning on being gone. SO..... (and I think you'll like this even better anyway)

I decided to extend this "get an extra good deal/summer blowout" period until the end of the month and have an open house
Sun Aug 2nd!

This won't be one of those fancy wine and cheese deals (this is a welding shop people). It'll be more like me sitting in a lawn chair reading, working on my novel, possibly applying toenail polish, and visiting with whoever wants to hang out.

This way you can check out where I work (fair warning, welding shops, even arty ones = dirty, with sharp, rusty stuff laying around), and possibly pick-up a really sweet deal like --
A stained glass sun. These have usually sold for about $300- $325, but hey, at Casa Sue-- yours for $250.

Heck, take your pick. I just want one for me, and naturally like them both. :)

(Edit to add: The sun on the right has been claimed, but I guess I would part with both if anyone wants the other one.)

I have three of these guys left. The gallery will mark them up to $250.
Yours for $200.

I also have lots of mysterious odds and ends laying around that I'd be willing to part with. This is an old favorite of mine that resonates with some people, but so far no one with a lot of cash. I'd part with it for $150. It took a ton of time. If you're interested, I can tell you about its bizarre literary inspiration-- or not. Whatever.

This is a base for what I used to use for a light table for doing stained glass. It's bar height, and could be a cool addition to a kitchen, like an island maybe?? Anyway, I'd be happy if someone would give me like, $50 for it. (make offer)

This is actually pretty cool, as long as you don't have little kids or big dogs running around. It's a table base for a console table. A glass top would go on it and it is fine in a spot where it won't get bumped, but, unfortunately, wobbles if you do bump it. (Doesn't fall apart, but moves a bit.) It's really pretty though. (sighs) I'd let her go for, I don't know, $150?

Don't ask me what this thing is, but it's kind of cool looking right? Sort of Asian influence? It could be a cool plant stand, or maybe a really tall table base. I could cut it shorter if you're into that idea. Someone suggested it would look cool with a light inside it. Whatever on this. Make me an offer.

This is a pedestal that I've always liked. It's pretty modern, but wobbles if you knock into it. Come on, don't you need some thrilling adventure in your life? Make an offer.

I also have stuff around that is mine, but I might be talked into selling if someone really fell in love with...

And some stuff that's mine and not for sale, but may give you an idea of something you may want to commission (order).

Basically-- I'll have all the stuff I intend to bring over to Door County, plus odds and ends, plus, you know, me, and my cool shop. So you should definitely check this out. I only live about 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis (in Elk River).

I'll post up more stuff as I get it made (I have lots of smaller stuff that's "in process"), and more details as we get closer to the end of the month.

As always, if something interests you, email me, because-- like last week (the heron gate) , some things go right away. First come first served.

Naked Ambition

2009-06-24T14:20:00.001-07:00

Hi people. Here's what's been going on in my shop this week. This sketch led to...

This gate design. It's 99% done- the screen just has to be attached to the metal frame.
EDIT TO ADD: Sorry folks, the Heron Gate is no longer available. :) Sold.

The whispy little feathers took forever to deburr, but I like how it came out. If this was a sculpture I probably wouldn't have been as thorough about that, but since it's a gate/door people will be touching it. It even has a "security system".

Well, kind of. :)

Yesterday something unexpected and wonderful happened.

The tree by our driveway that spends most of the year looking like it should be outside a haunted house bloomed, dropping exotic frilly orchid-like flowers all over the lawn. It's called a Catalpa tree, and it always catches me off guard, like suddenly a little patch of my yard has been transported to Hawaii.

That got me thinking about her-- the first person sculpture I ever did. We'd just come back from a trip to Hawaii and I loved some of the powerful movements of the dancers we saw there. One dance in particular stuck in my mind, and I tried to capture the proud, almost aggressive posture.

There was a lot I liked about her. I put her in one show and when she didn't sell I happily took that as a sign from the universe (excuse) to keep her for myself. As time went by I kept looking at her and finding things I didn't like anymore. I think when I made her she did represent the best of my abilities, but I've gotten better.

I didn't like her dress now, and she had sort of weird body positioning-- a bit off kilter. (Nice arms though right? and shoulders? Hmm... The nekkid parts look pretty okay.)

I'm supposed to be making gates, but am not big on doing what I'm supposed to anyway. Inspired by the flower storm in my backyard, I decided to give my girl a makeover. First step-- get her clothes off! That dress had to go!

When I was little and people would talk about how nudes were "art" because the human body is beautiful etc etc I'd think, "Whatever perv- hee hee hee", but thankfully now I'm (slightly) more mature and get it.

When I first made her I was thrilled at being able to make a person from thin air, but there was a lot I still didn't really get about bodies-- making them that is. I was focused on the dress (if you can believe it- that horrid dress!). Getting the body biomechnaically correct is key. Now I have to practically make a naked person and put clothes on them afterwards to ensure this.

First her wonky lower back had to be fixed, then her carriage. That led to a hip replacement, butt lift, torso realignment, and a boob job. I had to stop myself from totally redoing her legs because they will be covered by a full skirt, but I'm eyeing her calves. One is a whole inch bigger around.

It took all day, and I'm not finished, but she now at least has the head/shoulder/hip/knee/ankle alignment needed for good balance, and her body is a bit more rockin' than it was. She's very glad her boobs aren't riding so high she can't breath and growing half out of her armpits anymore.

Her new skirt will be made of giant leaves cut from this piece of steel. Gorgeous huh? It reminds me of planet Earth. Her top will be covered in form-fitting leaves and wavy pieces cut from her original dress-- the coloring of it is cool and can be reused.

I've got several more gate ideas in the bullpen. Trying not to take this "incident" personal, but a "revenge of the fallen" gate might be in order-- with birds dive-bombing an annoyed cat.

I think I'll also have to send my revamped dancer out into the world again. I'm planning to deliver all the gates, some garden sculptures, the dancer, and another female figure to Door county July 16th or 17th, and am ready to deal.

It's easier for me to sell things right from my shop than to drive them 8 hours away. I'm willing, because of the distance and my costs of delivery etc, to offer these pieces at a significant discount if you buy them directly from me before the 16th.

Early next week I'll post again showing what's up for grabs with some pricing info. You can scroll back through some recent posts to get some idea, but there will be more and more produced until I load up too. Feel free to pass this along, email, forward, share on facebook, etc.

Thanks!

New Garden Gate

2009-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hi people. This is my cat Mike, once a mighty warrior, now a fifteen-year-old furry bag of bones who mostly naps. (Yes, as you can see he has it pretty rough.)

Now that he's in his retirement years he also spends long hours staring out the window contemplating the state of the world and reflecting on his life. --Okay, not really.

In truth, when not attempting to embark on some kind of killing spree, most of my cats spend their time like this-- My place is kind of a cat spa...

Back in the day though, Mike was a formidable predator. Much to my dismay, he waged an ugly and unrepentant war on the bird world. (Don't hassle me about this please. He started out as a barn cat. They don't live inside. Plus, I've spent untold hours rescuing his victims over the years, and feeling super guilty about the fallen.)

Thinking about the ways of cats and birds led me to this design...
(This is a garden gate, made from a reclaimed screen)

Here's how the finished product (almost, still have to paint on the lettering- "Mikey can't be trusted -- In the garden at night.") came out. I'm pretty happy with it. Welding in 85 degree super humid weather is not fun in and of itself, but I did have fun working out this design and assembling it.

I even made a fancy little gate latch for it. Cute huh?

If you would like to be kept abreast of goings on in my little welding shop in the woods please "Subscribe" by clicking one of the two options above (upper right). I'm going to being posting about once a week. Thanks for stopping by. :)

2009-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge)

Come one come all to the Fri night opening party at Mudlake Furniture in Watertown MN. Food, drinks, music, and cool art-- what's not to like?

2009-05-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

What are YOU doing the last weekend in May? What's that?-- You're not sure? Let me help you out-- You're heading west of Excelsior to Watertown and checking out this event:

(Click to enlarge)

Where is Watertown? What's Watertown? What's this "Muddlake Furniture" place?

I don't know either, but supposedly it's cool, and there are some good artists in this show. Besides, how fun does this guy Ken look?

I'll be premiering my fanciful garden gates here, so come check them out.