Saturday, December 21, 2013

Art of the Week: For Andy Goldsworthy




Happy winter solstice!  A friend of mine held an artist retreat day today, and we watched Andy Goldsworthy: Rivers & Tides and created ephemeral art in response in the rain.  It was a wonderful experience.

I included some photographs of my work above, in which I arranged yellow gold leaves in a small enclave in the rock of the creek bed running behind her house.  I have a couple of pictures of the piece in process from afar and close up.  I wish I could have spent more time extending the line of leaves even further along the water's edge, to greater mimic the shadow cast on the other side.

My friend's work (below) incorporated yellow green leaves in a slight recess in a rock face along the same creek bed, creating a flow across its surface.  She also created a lovely pattern along the perimeter of the woods out of crusted over tree branches, but I didn't manage to get a photo of that.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Little Black Dress Updates


Little Black Dress will be coming to the Northern Arts Council's 427 Gallery / Pearce Neikirk & Partners, Realtors, LLC in Ferguson, MO in January 2014.  There will be a closing reception on Sat., Feb. 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.  In celebration of the theme, we will revisit the impromptu fashion show and all who wear a "little black dress" will get a prize!

The Northern Arts Council presents:

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit
hours by appointment only
427 Gallery at Pearce Neikirk & Partners, Realtors, LLC
427 S. Florissant
Ferguson, MO 63135
Jan. 8 - Feb. 2, 2014

And don't forget to drop by the show at Sunflower Massage Studio to enter the drawing for a chance to win a $40 gift certificate!  The show runs through Dec. 20.  Ending soon!

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit
hours by appointment only
Sunflower Massage Studio
2104 Bellevue Ave.
Maplewood, MO
Nov. 5 - Dec. 20, 2013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Holiday Shows

So many holiday boutique opportunities for all of your shopping needs...  There are a ton of great art markets happening this year, and I'm participating in a few all over.  Here is a list of all of the holiday shows I am doing this year:

Holiday Boutique
Northern Arts Council
427 Gallery at Pearce Neikirk & Partners, Realtors, LLC
427 S. Florissant
Ferguson, MO
Dec. 2013
Open this Thurs., Dec. 12, 5 - 9 PM during the Carriage Rides.
Open Fridays & Saturdays, 6 - 9 PM through Dec. 21.
Includes selected necklaces.

Simple Treasures 2
Framations
218 North Main St.
St. Charles, MO
Dec. 13, 2013 - Jan. 23, 2014
Reception: Friday, Dec. 13, 6 - 8 PM
Includes my miniature plein air paintings & car vignettes and some jewelry & ornaments.

Alexi Era Gallery Shoppe
1426 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO
Boutique includes selected hand-beaded necklaces by myself.

Give a Gift of Art
Columbia Art League
207 S. Ninth St.
Columbia, MO
Nov. - Dec. 2013
Some of my jewelry & the Roadhouse Guitar plein air painting are on display.

Give the Gift of Art
Capital Arts
1203 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO
Nov. - Dec. 2013
My finger-knitted scarves & ornaments are in this show.

Little Black Dress is currently still on display at Sunflower Massage in Maplewood, though the show ends soon - December 20!  Stop by and check it out before it ends, and enter the drawing for a $40 gift certificate.

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit
hours by appointment only
Sunflower Massage Studio
2104 Bellevue Ave.
Maplewood, MO
Nov. 5 - Dec. 20, 2013

Also, please feel free to check out my work at my new 2ndStory Space studio as well. Most everything of my work is there, from the more provocative to the plein air, jewelry and more.  I am generally there from noon - 3 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays by RSVP (call first so I know to let you in).
Jennifer Weigel artist studio
2ndStory Space
2173A S. Big Bend
Maplewood, MO
above Paramount Hair Salon
http://2ndstoryspace.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/2ndstoryspace
http://4sq.com/1ksxcHR
http://www.jenniferweigelcoaching.com/

Monday, December 9, 2013

This Week

I will have several miniature plein air paintings on display at Framations for their holiday show and food drive.  Please drop by and check it out, and bring something to donate to the food pantry to help those in need.

Simple Treasures 2
Framations
218 North Main St.
St. Charles, MO
Dec. 13, 2013 - Jan. 23, 2014
Reception: Friday, Dec. 13, 6 - 8 PM

Friday, December 6, 2013

This Week

Some of my jewelry is on display at the new Alexi Era Gallery Shoppe, so please stop in and do some holiday shopping.  Alexi Era is gearing up for the big Red Letter Holiday Party tomorrow night, so it's the perfect chance to drop by and check it out.  You could even win some cool swag and fun stuff!

Alexi Era Gallery Shoppe
1426 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Red Letter Holiday Party: Sat., Dec. 7, 7 - 10 PM
Everyone who attends will receive a red letter envelope.  All envelopes contain something fun, and two special envelopes contain $50 & $100 gift cards!

Snow Day


I'm not gonna make it to the studio today...
The snow's not that bad but I don't have any appointments and I have a bunch of stuff to work on on the computer anyway.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Christmas Traditions Opening Weekend


Wow!  The St. Charles Christmas Traditions event was a truly indescribable experience.  I distributed over 1,000 cards over the course of the weekend, participating for a few hours each day until I ran out of cards to give away.  I cannot imagine how many 10s of 1,000s of cards each official performer must run through over the course of the entire event!  Although I would love to continue being involved, I will have to bow out due to my not being able to keep up with the demand in terms of time and monetary costs.  So I will not be participating outside of the opening weekend, except perhaps to enjoy the festival as an ordinary event-goer.

While participating on Saturday, an event coordinator requested I speak to the mounted police to determine who I was and why I was there.  I was informed that they screen the actors before the event and, though I was doing nothing wrong and they couldn't request me to leave, they would like to do a background check and wanted to remind me that it is a family-friendly event.

I have nothing to hide but must admit the interrogation was somewhat disconcerting, since I had engaged in the activity out of pure innocuous fun and it had never even occurred to me that anyone would do so with criminal intent.  (If anything, I would think that most people considering anything of the sort would do so as a means of self-promotion, but since I know my work runs the gamut and contains some adult content I had chosen to be entirely anonymous.)  The most intimidating and challenging thing was being surrounded by a horde of what must have been 50+ children seeking cards while I was talking to the mounted police.  If the event coordinators had wished to avoid causing a scene, they failed in an epic manner since the scene included a mounted officer, myself and a sea of kids.  (Sadly I don't have any photos.)

Regarding my performance - rather than boisterously taking on a character (acting is truly not my forte), I instead participated in a somewhat low-key manner by handing out cards to those who asked and politely greeting people on the street.  I openly told many passersby that I was actually an audience member and performance artist seeking to blur the distinctions between actor and audience.

The responses I got were really interesting.  Many audience-members just looked blankly at me as though they totally didn't understand.  Some were turned off by my participation and gave me the "stink eye" as though I was some sort of pervert or freak trying to hoodwink them by giving out "knockoff" cards.  Others embraced the idea, saying, "Way to go!," You rock!," "You totally fooled me..." and conversing with me further.  (I may have even inspired a few holiday party themes with my reappropriated tree skirt coat - encouraging hosts to invite guests to wear tree skirts instead of ugly sweaters...)

Anyway, as I'd mentioned, it was an interesting an incredible experience.  The holiday spirit is truly contagious even just as an ordinary event-goer, but even more so when performing and engaging with everyone directly.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Christmas Traditions Update


I had a blast today at Christmas Traditions event but quickly discovered that I'd grossly underestimated the scope of the event and how many trading cards I would need.  I have already distributed 300 (in a span of less than 2 hours) and am now printing more.  Just... wow!

In response I still plan to participate on as many days as I can like I first hoped to, but I will only remain until I run out of cards for the day.  So if you want to try to catch me there that would be awesome but I may arrive later and leave earlier than the festivities run.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thank You!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for following my blog.  I appreciate all of your support, dedication and interest to what I am doing in my art.  I am so very grateful to have so many opportunities to explore possibility, redefine media and push boundaries through my work.

In regards to pushing boundaries, I will be further blurring distinctions between actor & audience by participating as an unsanctioned performer in the historic St. Charles, Missouri holiday Christmas Traditions event, which opens tomorrow.  The 2013 event includes 30 actors & actresses costumed as holiday characters, performing skits and handing out trading cards featuring their likenesses.  (Audience-members of all ages strive to collect a complete set every year.)

During the event I will publicly appear as “The Victorian” Mystery Holiday Guest, handing out “BONUS” trading cards asking, “Who is ‘The Victorian’ Mystery Holiday Guest?... Is she a Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future; an Angel bestowing blessings; a disenchanted Elf Escapee from Santa’s workshop; or a Wild Card Maverick out to wreak some winter mischief?” answering simply, “Nobody really knows."

Feel free to learn more about Christmas Traditions on the web page here.  The event runs from Nov. 29 - Dec. 24 on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with actors & actresses wandering the streets and engaging in scheduled performances.  I plan to attend as many days as my schedule permits, weather-dependent.

http://www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions/

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Open House

Thank you to everyone who came out for my open house.  I had a wonderful weekend and am so glad you could share it with me.  I now have a new Facebook page for 2ndStory Space.  I will be posting events and pictures there as well as the blog and web page.
https://www.facebook.com/2ndstoryspace

If you didn't make it out but want to see the space, please feel free to check in with me and I'll gladly offer a tour.  And while you're in Maplewood you can even drop by Sunflower Massage Studio and check out my current Little Black Dress show!

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit
hours by appointment only
Sunflower Massage Studio
2104 Bellevue Ave.
Maplewood, MO
Nov. 5 - Dec. 20, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

2ndStory Space

Third times a charm!  This is my last post to announce my big open house event at my new 2ndStory Space artist studio, coming up this weekend.  I've also created a new blog for the studio; please feel free to check it out here.
http://2ndstoryspace.blogspot.com/

!!! STUDIO OPENING !!!
Informal Friends & Family Open House
Sat., Nov. 23 & Sun., Nov. 24, 2013
12 - 6 PM, drop by anytime
No RSVP required.

Jennifer Weigel Art Studios
2ndStory Space
2173 A S. Big Bend
Maplewood, MO 63117
Above Paramount Hair Salon
314/ 954 - 9247

Please stop by and check it out.
Light refreshments will be served (including hot beverages).

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Journeying On

"Life is a journey, not a destination."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Creativity is also very much a journey.  Sometimes you can't tell where it will take you.  Although I am not a particularly process-driven artist from a media standpoint, I approach my conceptual art as a process.  I don't always know where an idea will take me or what concepts I will find myself wanting to explore.  I try to be fluid and not judge what I want to say before I've had a chance to express it.  In fact, some of my strongest ideas go against what is traditionally celebrated and presented as art, offering alternative perceptions into what art is and can be that would never have occurred to me if I hadn't been willing to see where those ideas led.

In this practice, I don't tend to self-censor well.  Sure, I make artworks that I consider better or worse than others.  But I also recognize that my judgment of what is "good" isn't always reflective of everyone, as is evidenced by how many works I've sold that I'd thought were sub-par.  And I don't tend to stop myself from trying something before I start because I question the integrity of the idea as to whether or not it is "good".  Going with the flow can be a benefit, and can take me to places I wouldn't otherwise have gotten to.

It can get me into trouble too, though, in both my art and my life.  Being so journey-driven and not apt to focus can leave me at the mercy of the ride, where I find myself a passenger and not the driver.  I struggle with being scattered and disjointed, running all over the board but not really getting anywhere.  I can't always describe how I've gotten to where I am, or even where I've been, which makes it difficult to relate to others.

So the journey can be lonely & isolating - I often feel adrift & misunderstood, and I struggle with censorship by others.  Because I don't self-censor well to question what is and isn't appropriate, I open myself up to harsh judgment & criticism, even bullying and ostracization.  When confronted with things that rattle their cages, push the envelope & reevaluate taboos, some people can become outright vile, especially online where there is a sense of anonymity.  Again, I am at the mercy of the ride.

We live in a very goal-oriented world and people don't always know what to make of someone who doesn't fit into this.  So it can also limit others' perceptions of what I can accomplish.  Not having a specific focus is too often equated with a lack of drive, poor self-discipline, laziness...  Lacking a sense of destination can limit what I am capable of because the expectation is lower, inhibiting opportunity.  And even if expectations aren't lowered, it's easier for others to follow along when you have a specific end in sight.

But it is possible to embrace the journey and still have drive & passion about what you are doing.  Hyperfocus isn't all good - being too goal-oriented can mean not even being aware that there are roses along the way to stop and smell.  Neither extreme is ideal, and I know I need to strike a better balance between the two so I feel more in charge of the trip.  I guess it would help if I had a better sense of where I wanted to go, though.  Many of the common goals presented to me (money, fame, etc.) just don't hold that much appeal...

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Studio Opening

It's almost that magical time...

!!! STUDIO OPENING !!!
Informal Friends & Family Open House
Sat., Nov. 23 & Sun., Nov. 24, 2013
12 - 6 PM both days, drop by anytime
No RSVP required.

Jennifer Weigel Artist Studio
2ndStory Space
2173 A S. Big Bend
Maplewood, MO 63117
Above Paramount Hair Salon
314/ 954 - 9247

Please stop by and check it out.
Light refreshments will be served.
My art is installed throughout the space.
Claude offers up a hearty welcome to the living room.
And Barbie has taken over the bathroom!


Sunday, November 10, 2013

From the Other Side


I couldn't attend my friend Aunia Kahn's grand opening reception for her new Alexi Era gallery in person because I was visiting another friend Jackie Weatherly out of town over Veteran's Day.  So Chuck & I arranged for me to Facetime in via i-Phone.  I decided to Dress for the Occasion as though I was calling in "from the other side" so to speak, complete with Dia de los Muertos temporary tattoos.

Friday, November 8, 2013

2ndStory Space Is Coming!


BIG NEWS!!!  It's official!  I have my own studio space!  I have been setting up my 2ndStory Space studio in Maplewood over the course of more than a month now, and I just got my business license today!

2ndStory Space is more than just my art studio: it's a place where I hope to invite others to share in discussion and create an open forum for thought-provoking conversation.  There is a library of art & other books; an entertainment center to watch art videos & movies about art; supply swap shelves; a dining room forum for open discussions, critique groups; and more.

With 2ndStory Space, I am also offering Creative Clarification Coaching to provide individual consulting services to artists who want help with articulating what they do.  Such services include writing assistance & proofreading, critiques, one-on-one attention, studio visits, small format group presentations & workshops, and more.  Please feel free to learn more on the web page here.
http://jenniferweigelcoaching.com/

2ndStory Space will host an informal open house the weekend before Thanksgiving, Saturday, Nov. 23 & Sunday, Nov. 24, with an official grand opening in January, after the holidays.  More details will be forthcoming.  Claude is even coming out of retirement to welcome everyone!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Sunflower Massage Studio


The Little Black Dress show at Sunflower Massage Studio is officially underway.  Please feel free to drop by the blog for more information and stop in and see the show (remember: there's no formal reception, just call ahead to let them know you're coming).

Friday, November 1, 2013

This Week


I have several things coming up this week.  Little Black Dress will continue with a show at Sunflower Massage Studio in Maplewood in November & December.  This show won't have a formal reception but as an added perk anyone who goes can enter a drawing to win a $40 gift certificate!  So please drop by, check it out, and enter for a chance to win.

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit
hours by appointment only
Sunflower Massage Studio
2104 Bellevue Ave.
Maplewood, MO
Nov. 5 - Dec. 20, 2013

I am also participating in a couple of holiday Gift of Art shows in Columbia & Jefferson City.

Give the Gift of Art
Capital Arts
1203 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO
Nov. - Dec. 2013
Reception: Sunday, Nov. 3, 1 - 4 PM

Give a Gift of Art
members' holiday show
Columbia Art League
207 S. Ninth St.
Columbia, MO
Nov. - Dec. 2013
Reception: Thursday, Nov. 7,  6 - 8 PM

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Art of the Week: Wedding Vow Renewal


Chuck & I renewed our wedding vows and took a stand for marriage equality this past Saturday at a private event at Art Saint Louis.  Please feel free to share in our celebration and check out the web page here.

http://www.jenniferweigelart.com/Gallery/Identity/Gender/pieces/Marry.php

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

This Week

I am excited to have artworks in a couple of shows coming up: The Music Within in Roseville, CA, in which I will be displaying a triptych made from powdered candy sugar; and Art & the Self at the Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library.  I am excited to be included in the first annual exhibition at the library that I grew up going to!

The Music Within
Blue Line Arts
405 Vernon St. Ste. 100
Roseville, CA
Oct. 2013

Art & the Self
1st Annual ThornArt Exhibition
St. Louis County Library
Thornhill Branch
12863 Willowyck Dr.
St. Louis, MO
Oct. - Nov. 2013
Reception: Monday, Oct. 21, 7 - 8:30 PM

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Expectations opening



The Expectations show is up and looking good!  I brought a bunch of fun miniatures for this show, and Christine Giancola's wonderful black and white photography lends a different take on the theme of expectation, anticipation and women's roles.

The reception last night was a blast - I even had an opportunity to wear the wonderful mustache hat and Victorian collar that Lillian Bates made for me.  Please drop by the show and check it out if you haven't yet done so, and feel free to check out more photos on the Little Black Dress blog here.

http://littleblackdressjenniferweigel.blogspot.com/2013/10/expectations-show.html

http://littleblackdressjenniferweigel.blogspot.com/2013/10/expectations-reception.html

Monday, September 30, 2013

Little Black Dress Strikes Again!


Keep an eye out for my next Little Black Dress show and mark your calendars for the opening reception on Friday, Oct. 11!  I'll be bringing out a bunch of fun miniatures pieces for this showing.

I'm partnering with Christine Giancola for a collaborative Women's Caucus for Art exhibition entitled Expectations in which we will explore various expectations based on gender roles, location and even some explorations into self-imposed and idealized views.

The show will be at Lillian's By Design in Alton, Illinois in October!

Expectations
2-person show with Christine Giancola
includes my Little Black Dress traveling project
St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art
By Design
136 Front St.
Alton, IL
Oct. 2013
Reception: Friday, Oct. 11, 5 - 8 PM

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Some More Thoughts on Art

I have written about the idea of high vs. lowbrow art and institutionalized elitism before, a long time ago (so long ago I cannot seem to find that post again), but I want to revisit the topic and just share some thoughts on my love of art.

I love art!  I love High Art in the institutionalized setting.  I love lowbrow, outsider, untrained art that follows the heart.  I love art that speaks to the soul's song.  I love Classical and traditional art.  I love avant-garde art.  I love art outside the box.  I love uppercase ART that screams something to say.  I love lowercase art that whispers.  I love art that is self-conscious.  I love art that has an ego.  I love art that is best represtented by the anarchy symbol and questions the status quo.  I love art that exists outside of expectations.  I love art that is indistinguishable from life.  I love art that transcends everyday life to embody greater things.  I love art created at all levels: childhood, therapeutic, professional, amateur, hobbyist.  I love art that collaborates.  I love art that refuses to play nice.  I love art that makes a statement.  I love art that has nothing to say.  I love art that is shocking and controversial.  I love art that is pretty.  I love art that questions what art is.  I love art that celebrates beauty.  I love art that conveys ugliness.  I love art that raises awareness.  I love art that explore human relationships.  I love art that plays it safe.  I love art that takes risks.  I love art for art's sake...

Art is truly everywhere, and if we're willing to open our minds to the breadth and possibility of human creativity, expression & resilience, we will soon come to find it in everything.  Art = life.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Art of the Week: Piasa Paintings



Here are some pictures of my plein air paintings from Saturday in Alton.  I ventured from the festival grounds to Piasa Park and painted these two 5" x 7" purple Piasa birds based on the cliff mural.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

This Week

I must apologize for letting my blog slip but I haven't been online much.  Time completely got away from me this past week between acquiring a new recumbent bicycle and a lot of really productive studio time framing & gearing up for the upcoming Little Black Dress shows, and I totally forgot to post what I had going on.

Yesterday I participated in the 6th Mississippi Earthtones plein air paint out in Alton, IL.  It was a beautiful day and I ventured from the festival grounds to paint the Piasa Bird.  Since I wandered afield I didn't enter the competition this year, but I am happy with my paintings and may post them later this week if I find time to photograph them.

I also have works in the Two show at the Syndicate Building, which opened last night.  Please drop by and check them out - just call up to Paul & Connie LaFlam who organized the show to make an appointment.  They have been curating shows in the wonderful gallery spaces on the 4th & 5th floors for several years, and are currently showing my Spent Wishes diptych which includes real pennies encased in resin.

Tonight is the reception for the Northern Arts Council fall exhibitions in Ferguson, MO at Cork Wine Bar, Ferguson Brewing Company & Pierce Neikirk & Partners.  My Au Naturel dress & paintings are included.

Mississippi Earthtones Plein Air Festival
Alton, IL
Saturday, Sept. 21, noon - 5 PM

Two
organized by Paul & Connie LaFlam
Syndicate Building - 4th & 5th floors
915 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO
Sept. - Nov. 2013
Reception: Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 - 10 PM

Out of Town
Northern Arts Council
427 Gallery at Pierce Neikirk & Partners, Realtors, LLC
427 S. Florissant
Ferguson, MO
Aug. - Nov. 2013
Reception: Sunday, Sept. 22, 5 - 8 PM

Flora & Fauna
Northern Arts Council art rotations
Cork Wine Bar
423 S. Florissant
Ferguson, MO
Aug. - Nov. 2013
Reception: Sunday, Sept. 22, 5 - 8 PM

This coming week marks the reception for the MOFA Speaking of Fibers show on Friday and several of my tiny plein air paintings on display at Capital Arts in Jefferson City for the Mini-Wonders exhibition, opening next Sunday.

Speaking of Fibers 2013
Missouri Fiber Artists
St. Louis University Museum of Art
3663 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO
Aug. - Sept. 2013
Reception: Friday, Sept. 27, 5 - 8 PM

Mini Wonders
Capital Arts
1203 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO
Sept. - Oct. 2013
Reception: Sunday, Sept. 29, 1 - 4 PM

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Considering Legacy & The Vanishing Folk Pottery of China

I have been considering the importance of legacy & the preservation of art for some time, deeply questioning what is preserved versus what is not and why.  This culminated in my 10-year art anniversary Last Chance! One Night Only! sale and performance, and then again in using the proceeds from that show to start a legacy fund within the local chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art.

I have since been helping the St. Louis Women's Caucus for Art sort and organize its archives for later reference, so that information can be better found, especially pertaining to newsletters and show records such as catalogs, flyers & postcards.  (Note: WCA-STL may be looking to fill in gaps in these chronologies, so if you have archived any past newsletters or show records please keep a lookout for such a call in following months after it is discerned what records may be missing.)

Because of this ongoing consideration, I am aware of others' efforts to preserve and document past and present art for future artists, critics and historians.  On a national level, the Women's Caucus for Art has continued to recognize women artists' longstanding contributions through the Lifetime Achievement Awards.  The group has also produced numerous state-of-the-art show catalogs for national exhibitions, featuring artworks and essays exploring specific themes that affect & celebrate women nationally & internationally, and their roles within & outside of the arts now and throughout history.

Other efforts to preserve and document legacy and art are happening everywhere.  I recently attended a show at Webster University's Cecille R. Hunt Gallery organized by professors Jeri Au (Ceramics) & Jeffrey Hughes (Art History & Criticism).  This exhibition, entitled The Vanishing Folk Pottery of China, features various examples of Chinese minyao, or people's pottery, from the collection of Marie Woo and John & Susanne Stephenson.

Although the Imperial porcelain ceramics created at government kilns have long been well-preserved, traditional wares produced by anonymous local potters for peasantry and villagers' use have not been nearly so well-documented.  By highlighting some of the many longstanding minyao traditions from local Chinese artisan kilns, artworks are preserved that otherwise haven't been, alongside of photographic & written records of potters & their processes

Modernization has greatly reduced the demand for minyao, and so the number of potters in rural China has shrunk dramatically.  A single potter may now be the last artisan executing wares once produced by entire families & larger studios.  Therefore, it is crucial to preserve histories & traditions that may otherwise be lost entirely or delegated to serving a tourist trade, limiting functionality and form to what is most salable in that market.

Legacy and the preservation of history is important at all levels, from traditional forms made by anonymous artists & artisans to contemporary works & artists, emerging & established.  With modern technologies, information is more widely available than ever before but, due to rapid technological evolution and constant uploading of new content, even these records are at risk, falling off of search engines and becoming lost as systems & servers are retired or reappropriated for other tasks.  So legacy doesn't end with any particular show or with content being uploaded online; we must remain aware & diligent in our efforts to promote further posterity.

Monday, September 2, 2013

This Weekend & C.A.M.P. Preview


This weekend I have a lot going on with the debut of the Little Black Dress project kickoff at C.A.M.P.  I began hanging the show today, so here's a preview pic!  (Another fun preview pic has been posted to the Little Black Dress blog, so be sure to check it out...)

http://littleblackdressjenniferweigel.blogspot.com/
http://jenniferweigelart.com/Gallery/Identity/pieces/LittleBlackDress.php

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit with interactive project kickoff dress exchange & impromptu style event
C.A.M.P.
3026 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO
Sat. Sept. 7 & Sun. Sept. 8, 2013, 1 - 4 PM
Show runs through Sept. 13; additional hours by appointment only.

I also have artworks in two other shows opening this weekend: Plein Air Missouri at Chesterfield Arts & The Photographic Self at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, IL, both opening on Friday.

Plein Air Missouri
Chesterfield Arts
444 Chesterfield Center
Chesterfield, MO
Sept. - Oct. 2013
Reception: Fri., Sept. 6, 6 - 8 PM
I have two paintings from the 2013 Augusta plein air event in this show.

The Photographic Self
Woman Made Gallery
685 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL
Sept. - Oct. 2013
My Memories lamp incorporating film negatives from my childhood will be on display during this exhibit.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Little Black Dress is coming!


My Little Black Dress show is about to debut!  The kickoff event is coming up next weekend at C.A.M.P. and will include a showing of the Little Black Dress photo project and impromptu style event.  The show will then travel throughout the St. Louis region through 2014.

Learn more on the blog and web page here.
http://littleblackdressjenniferweigel.blogspot.com/
http://jenniferweigelart.com/Gallery/Identity/pieces/LittleBlackDress.php

Little Black Dress
solo exhibit with interactive project kickoff dress exchange & impromptu style event
C.A.M.P.
3026 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO
Sept. 7 & 8, 2013, 1 - 4 PM
Show runs through Sept. 13; additional hours by appointment only.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

MOFA show review

I recently got a mention and was quoted in the St. Louis Beacon in response to the Missouri Fiber Artists show at the St. Louis University Museum of Art.  Feel free to check it out here.

Speaking of Fiber pulls strings in the St. Louis community
by Caroline Ludeman

Speaking of Fibers 2013
Missouri Fiber Artists
St. Louis University Museum of Art
3663 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO
Aug. - Sept. 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

Some Thoughts on Real Men

The idea of manhood and what it means to be a "real man" has once again come to the forefront of debate.  Real men love babies as seen on a pro-life billboard.  Real men use (this product) is used to sell merchandise.  Real men are sensitive...  Real men hide their emotions...  And so on and so forth.

I have but one thought on this:
Real men shouldn't have to question the integrity of their manhood.

Not that we don't all have doubts or wonder about our roles, sincerity, or whether or not we'll be accepted, but no one should exploit those doubts to sell ideas and products.  That is in and of itself ingenuine, and this is supposedly about what is "real".  I try not to take my cues about what has integrity from those that have shown themselves not to, by offering some misguided idea on the surface of some deeper hidden agenda (usually selling something).

But, that said, I still question my own being constantly and find myself drawn to wanting to fit in and be "normal", yearning to be sexy despite not fitting into the cultural definition of what is hot, while in truth just wanting to be loved...  I all-too-easily fall victim to the whole "Perfection or bust" attitude.  I find it bothersome that everyone, male and female, is encouraged to feel that they have to prove themselves constantly.  Are we "real"?  Are we hot?  Are we good enough?  Are we worthy?...  So much exists solely to prey on our insecurities about ourselves and our desire for acceptance.

The whole discourse regarding manhood comes as little surprise because culturally there is more acceptance across the gender spectrum and gender lines are being redefined.  With any forward momentum and radical redefining of roles, there is often a sort of backlash throwback movement of mass-marketed cultural tropes.  This is also likely where the whole Princess movement started before being exploited as a money-making scheme and taking on a life of its own through the Disney merchandising machine.

All in all, for all that it's a struggle sometimes, I am grateful to live now, on the cusp of and amidst change, and I am trying to do what I can to be a part of that momentum by creating artwork that reexamines cultural expectations about identity and gender roles.  I will end this blog post by offering some links to amazing and provocative discussions of manhood:

Gorgeous Portraits Capture the Feminine Side of Masculinity, the Huffington Post

The Mask You Live In, documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

This Week

I am very excited about the upcoming Interpretations show at Columbia Art League, opening this Saturday.  I have long anticipated this exhibition, which pairs off artists and writers so that they may respond to one anothers' works.  Each artist submitted an artwork for a writer to respond to and vice versa, so everyone will have two works in the show, one in which their original piece was responded to and one which was a response to another.  Artists and writers were paired off by lottery and given works to respond to anonymously, so nobody has any idea how these responses play out, though I'm sure some have their suspicions about whose work they were given to work with.  I'm less savvy to this than many of the others, though, since I don't live in Columbia and so am not as well-acquainted with everyone's styles.

Only 40 artists and 40 writers were selected to create 80 works between them, and I was accepted as both an artist and as a writer, which is a great honor.  So I will have two artworks on display as well as two poems.  The artwork I first submitted is my Traces Left piece, as seen at Framations earlier this year.  I chose this work because it begs more questions than it answers and is just a little creepy, causing one to wonder what happened.  I cannot wait to see what someone writes in response.  The Artwork I created in response to another writer's work Is the World Binary or Not? is my assemblage, She Wasn't Sure If Her Universe Was Expanding or Contracting.

Interpretations
artists & writers respond to one anothers' works
Columbia Art League
207 S. Ninth St.
Columbia, MO
Aug. - Oct. 2013
Reception: Saturday, Aug.24, 6 - 8 PM

And I recently found out that there will be a publication from the exhibition so that artwork and writing may be documented and presented together.  I cannot wait to see it!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

This Week

This week I will be participating in Venus Envy with a preview book of photographs from my Little Black Dress show to help promote the kickoff solo show & event down the street at CAMP coming up less than a month later on Sept. 7 & 8.

Venus Envy
2720 Cherokee
St. Louis, MO
Aug. 16 & 17, 2013
Friday, Aug. 16: VIP preview 5:30, doors open: 7 - 12
Sat., Aug. 17: 7 - 12
$15 per night, $25 both nights, $50 VIP preview and both nights
Performance schedule available on the website.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Visionary, Idiot Savant or Sage

I haven't ranted in awhile, but I'm becoming more and more annoyed by the application of education as qualifying criteria in art.  Perhaps I'm just bitter because I've often found myself in limbo due to this, especially when seeking solo endeavors.  I have a BFA so I'm not a self-taught "idiot savant" whose talent and creativity supposedly developed free from outside influence, as if incubated and blossoming forth solely from within my soul.  And I don't have an advanced degree so I'm not a "sage" whose focus and dedication has proven my devotion to my art and the study of it.  But I think that art should speak for itself, and that a person should be judged by the merits of their actual work more than where they went to school or didn't. 

I won't deny that higher education can teach focus, hone technical skills and really encourage artists to delve into why they do what they do.  Nor will I ignore the effects of higher education in influencing less strong-willed and/or self-aware students to adapt to program preferences and adopt their professors' principles and styles to strive for acceptance, fit in and get better grades.  But that isn't always the case either way, and focusing on elevating the "idiot savant" or "sage" is limiting and perpetuates stereotypes associated with art and higher education in both directions.

Truly visionaries exist in all range of artists, from the untrained to the scholarly.  Being a visionary has less to do with what letters an artist has or doesn't have behind their name and more to do with how they present themselves in action.  It's more about having the courage to go out on a limb despite being misunderstood and even sometimes villified, and often doing so in isolation, persevering through rejection to chase a dream that no one else understands.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

This Week


I am excited to be doing some performance / interactive art this week.  Friday night, during the reception for It's Raining Cats & Dogs, I will be Dread Pirate Queen Miss Kitty in an interactive performance fundraiser piece entitled Buried Treasure!  Please drop by and check it out.  The show is free to attend and the reception benefits Dr. Doug's Vet-Pet Rescue, with the exhibition opening, an adoption event, silent auction, live entertainment by Kevin Renick & Ted Moniak, and my performance.

It's Raining Cats & Dogs
guest performance
Soulard Art Market
2028 S. 12th St.
St. Louis, MO
Aug. 9, 2013, 7 - 10 PM

I will also be doing an interactive variant of my LOST piece for She Speaks Art at the Factory this Saturday.   The show, organized by Angelia Young, features works by St. Louis women artists about art, creativity and making art while visioning equal placement for men and women in the arts both locally and beyond.  For those planning to attend, please note there will be a $5 cover charge at the door.

She Speaks Art
organized by Angelia Young
the Factory
1128 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO
Aug. 10, 2013
7 PM - 1 AM

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Art of the Week: Plein Air Vignettes


Some of my miniature plein air paintings measuring 2" x 2" - 3" x 3" are on display at Webster House Galleries for Hot Town, Summer in the City, so please feel free to check them out.  I was able to preview the show today since I'll be out of town tomorrow for the receptions in Cape Girardeau, and there's a lot of fun artwork.

Hot Town, Summer in the City
Webster House Galleries
7522 & 7526 Big Bend
Webster Groves, MO
Aug. - Sept. 2013
Reception: Friday, Aug. 2

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

This Week

August is panning out to be another busy month, and I have artworks in several shows opening this week both locally and out of town.  I am looking forward to seeing the shows in Cape Girardeau & Mt. Vernon this weekend and am excited to be included in the two landscape shows as well.

Not Just Landscapes
Sebastopol Center for the Arts
282 S. High St., Sebastopol, CA
Aug. 2013

Hot Town, Summer in the City
Webster House Galleries
7522 & 7526 Big Bend
Webster Groves, MO
Aug. - Sept. 2013
Reception: Friday, Aug. 2

Contemporary Female Perspectives
Rosemary Burkel & Harry L. Crisp Museum
Southeast Missouri State University - River Campus
518 S. Fountain St.
Cape Girardeau, MO
July - Sept. 2013
Reception and artist's talk: Friday, Aug. 2, 5:30 PM

Cedarhurst Biennial
Mitchell Museum
Cedahurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Rd., Mt. Vernon, IL
Aug. - Oct. 2013
Members' preview: Saturday, Aug. 3, 6 PM

Highlights from Kansas

I just got home from a delightful trip through Kansas with my mother, touring roadside attractions, art & oddities, and visiting a friend.  Here are some highlights from the trip.

Wheat Liberty Bell, Mennonite Heritage Museum, Goessel, KS

Dala Horse, Lindsborg, KS

 ReBarb artworks & installation, Grassroots Art Center, Lucas, KS

 Twine Ball, Cawker City, KS

Concrete Teepee, Lawrence, KS

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Cat's Out of the Bag

A long time ago I posted some preview pictures of some artworks I donated for an anonymous fundraiser event.  These pieces were Werewolf & I'm Not Speaking to You.  Now that the exhibition itself is over, I will let you know more about where they went below even though they are technically still anonymous.  (Consider it a blog readership perk that you get this kind of insider information...)

And as an added bonus, they are still available for purchase along with a bunch of other incredible works (I purchased two myself), so scroll through the show and look around.  There are a lot of amazing pieces, both sold and remaining.

6 x 6 x 2013
Benefit of mail art sold anonymously for $20 per artwork

Rochester Contemporary Art Center
137 East Ave.
Rochester, NY 14604
http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

June - July 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Art of the Week: Figure Drawing



I finally made it out to figure drawing again this week after several weeks off with travel and other conflicts.  We met in a sculpture studio this time, so I enjoyed translating some of the sculptures into this drawing.  The model was actually leaning on some stone blocks, but I added the bust for greater interest, and as an added bonus it lends a sort of Judith and Holofernes feel.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Art of the Week: Please Recycle




Please Recycle incorporates a digital print of Chuck's hands reaching out from a recycle bin as photographed during Artist's Day at Circus Flora on June 15, 2013.  The photos have been inserted into cleaned recyclable plastic bottles with labels removed, with the end result touching on similar environmental themes as Water:Life & Cast Off.

The first edition includes 14 bottles found during a walk from my house to the grocery store and back, less than two miles.  And there were many more bottles that I did not collect, already too crushed & filthy to gather easily and ill-suited to this project.  All of these bottles could have been recycled but instead were found littering the street among all sorts of other refuse.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Interview & More Menstruation Art

I was recently interviewed by Chloe Cross of VICE UK for an article about my menstruation artworks, which has been published online through ThoughtCatalog here.
http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/i-make-art-out-of-my-own-period-blood/

In the wake of the recent countrywide legislature aimed at closing health clinics that provide abortions (among other services), I feel that it is even more imperative to foster and promote discussion about female reproductive health, especially after the confiscation of tampons during the recent Texas legislative meeting.

In response (and sort of in conjunction with my Dressing for the Occasion works), I have created menstrual jewelry incorporating tampons, making approximately 30 pairs of earrings and 4 necklaces which I then distributed to women I know throughout the country.  Feel free to check out my jewelry design in the photo here.  The necklaces include cotton cord & plastic beads and the earrings are formed onto surgical steel earring wires (I adapted mine to attach to some existing clip-ons) with just tampons and plastic beads, using the tampon strings to attach everything.  I encourage you to design and make your own tampon jewelry to help promote discussion and address the taboo and stigma associated with menstruation.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Art of the Week: California Dreaming














I took some watercolors and paint pens with me on the trip to create some plein air paintings on paper.  Here are some highlights as art of the week.  These pieces range from 4" x 6" - 8" x 10" and are for sale at very economical unframed prices starting at $20 (matting and/or framing will cost more).  If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to email me at jennifer (at) jenniferweigelart,com.

Monday, July 15, 2013

What a trip!

We're back from our big adventure!  We enjoyed a lovely visit in Phoenix, Arizona with Chuck's family over July 4 to celebrate his grandparents' 70th wedding anniversary.  Then we rented a car and drove to San Francisco for the Sweet & Subversive reception, visiting some of Chuck's Rock Band friends in LA and taking Highway 1 up the coast.  Here are some photos from our journey.

 Cambria, CA

Nitt Witt Ridge, Cambria, CA

 Elephant Seals, San Simeon, CA

 Monterey, CA

Bicycling in Monterey, CA

 Sharky's, Monterey, CA

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

 Red Victorian B&B, San Francisco, CA