My video project:

Apparently when I upload my video to YouTube, the sound/photos are off a bit.

If you're super curious as to just how awesome this 3 minute video really was, email me (mnolan1@saic.edu) and I will send it to you.

!?! Next week?? How about now!

Okay, I forgot that I need not just the one but TWO lovely posts for each week.

So I will put up a little piece of the art I am looking at for my thesis....

First up, Laurie Simmons, "The Instant Decorator, Yellow Kitchen"


Check out the interview with Simmons, she discusses her interiors and inspirations. The likes of HGTV and the insane ideals that America dreams of attaining are mentioned... I like her.

Next up, Ida Applebroog -Boots.

I interpret this as a commentary on growing up too quickly, being overpowered by a symbol of beauty; the boots represent being a woman. They are sophisticated boots on a crude little figure. Interesting juxtaposition.



I really don't have anywhere to go with this, I am beginning my lesson plans for thesis, which so far are really not what I had in mind... hope this is a good direction. I'm not worried though, because I only have to present it in its' entirety on Wednesday. That leaves, like, two whole days. Cake!

Good luck, all!

CACA... oops CACO

Chicago Artists' Coalition Online

Within a few minutes of navigating the site, I am very aware that I am not a member. That is the one thing most clear, and sort of difficult to review. Even a previous copy of their newsletter (which one might want to PREview before purchasing) is for members only.


I am a litle creeped out at the extreme secrecy... yet intrigued enough to keep digging.

• I like the layout of the text, the tabs to click are straightforward, and the design looks (surprisingly?) like an artist may have had something to do with it.
  
• I am concerned that CAC is too close to CACA for idiots like myself to not make the joke.
• I like the gallery pages, you can actually SEE those! That's nice. I'm always wondering what those Chicago Artists are up to, and some of these look really strong.
  

Also, how had I not heard about this until I saw it on the site???? Thanks CACO! I will definitely pencil that in. Oh wait. It's 2008. Disappointed... Missed it...


I guess there's always next (this) year. At any rate, I am sort of in a lunatic mode, with a lot of strange energy I am not sure where to throw, so I am back to thesis. Until next week kids... until next week.

-Molly

Working material....

If I had seen this any earlier, my project could have been a whole lot better. Just kidding, probably not... but this is the coolest music video of all time.

Happy Easter Doll!

So in my random browsing... I discovered a network of people who communicate by use of... the doll?

I'm not really sure how this works, but I am completely and totally fascinated. After hearing the crazy Aussie sing karaoke in second life, I just can't imagine the internet being used for anything cooler. Until now.

Just google happiness, and I'm sure this will come up.

-Molly

Advertising at its best.

Classes for the fall...ELECTIVES! WHAT?!

Hey all four of my followers---

So I've been a little bit stressed about what classes I should take this fall. It seems strange/sad that finally getting some real art making classes should be stressful... but I can't quite figure out what will benefit my teaching most. Here are my (tentative) plans:

Monday 9-4: Intro to Fiber/Material Studies
Wednesday 9-4: Foundry: Transformed Objects (Sculpture)

And then the 2 required classes I have:
Tuesday 9-6: Fieldwork (Hopefully with Patricia)
Wednesday 6-9: Cultural Approaches to Production

Any comments/Suggestions... let me know.

Andrew McMahon --Hammers and Strings

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's long, but open a new tab and let it play in the background. You won't be disappointed. Andrew McMahon, lead singer for Jack's Mannequin wrote it about giving away his piano (formerly of Something Corporate). It's an odd thing that it makes me feel.... Anyway, click PlaY!

-Molly

Street Level Youth Media

Hello, hello---
Doing my homework early for once! On top of things for today....

I posted this image first, because I am really interested in the programming Street Level Youth Media is doing that relates 100% to my thesis. That is always a good thing for me... Click on the image to see the full movie.

As far as the website for Street Level Youth Media goes, I am feeling pretty confidant that people will all find it very user-friendly. The labels are clear, the homepage is accessible, and the site overall works for me.


The one thing that confused me (before I dug a little deeper) was the mission statement. I think that should be on the TOP of the About Us section. It's a great mission statement, although I still never know what 'urban' means... but that's another story entirely. At any rate, I don't think that the mission statement should be on the side bar, move it right up front. The history of the site is pretty cool too. It starts with modest intentions and curiosities and ends with a great program.

I also noticed that the FreeLance Artists who work there include Matt Woods, who I saw speak at the MCA. He was awesome, and gave a really great presentation on media literacy in the arts programming for teachers. I can see why the media they produce turns out really well.

The site is accessible, easy to use, and I like the design style/layout. I give it a GO!

-Molly