OUR STUDIO...and other thoughts

The images below are from my recent visit to Mellwood to drop off our insurance certificate and to see the studio space where we'll be working.  There were a few art cars there and I've included a couple of them here.  The studio faces Mellwood Ave with a parking lot directly across the street.  There's a combination to open the door (it's mechanized), which I'll share with you when we meet next week.  The studio is currently occupied by pipes and other art cars, but Scott said it would be cleared out by early next week.  I'd like to get an available group to go over on Tuesday.

...and other thoughts: Scott has been following our blog and also expressed some reservations about the 'green' theme because he thought that some of our earlier ideas had perhaps a more personal connection to us as a group, such as the idea of recycling some of our studio materials like the mannequin parts in the drawing studio that are rarely used anymore, or expired parking permits, clay objects, paintings, drawings.  Taking a closer look at the ideas that will allow a stronger feeling of ownership and personal connection.  The idea of 'green' is still there but more from a recycling point of view.  I'm hopeful that your discussions during the next five days will be productive.  I don't know if or when I'll be able to check in from Fargo, but I'll try to find some internet access somewhere.  In the meantime, if someone could add a synopsis of your Thursday discussion so those of us who can't be there can remain informed and comment accordingly, that would be great.  See you next week.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE?

There was a full moon yesterday; the financial bail-out failed; the stock market tanked, and 1.2 trillion dollars disappeared.  The energy of the past two weeks has been a little tense ever since that ill-wind named Ike blew through on the 14th.  So we need to regroup.

The discussion today in Seminar eventually uncovered the fact that there has not been enough communication between all of you.  This Thursday the Semianr will meet during our regular time to nail down process and direction.  Please plan to be there.  Part of the discussion today also touched on some hesitation about the 'Green' theme and its potential of being too cliche. Although I would think that between 20 creative individuals, you could easily avoid anything that could be perceived as trite or hackneyed.  The idea itself isn't trite, but the expression of the idea could be if the stereotypes of the idea are not flushed out in our process.   So, simply, make it work.

The quick glance we took at the more comprehensive artcar blog had many examples of both trite and unique.  The more informed we become about how and what to express with our idea the less likely we are to end up with something cliche, and it's up to you to make that happen.

I'll be back this evening with images and information about our studio.

WE'RE INSURED!

We're GREEN to go.  I have received the certificate of liability insurance from Bloomington, so we can begin the actual work on the IUSARTCAR very soon.  I hope to meet with Scott within the next day or so to pass the certificate on to him and to see our space.  Scott originally had us located in one of the four garage spaces that face Mellwood Ave, but he recently informed me that that he and John Clark, Mellwood's owner, have us in a new spot, which has more space and away from the "Gallopoollozer mayhem."

I am leaving town on Wednesday morning for a five day conference in Fargo, ND.  I am going to try to make arrangements with Scott for any or all of you to start getting acclimated to where we'll be working and to possibly take things to the space between then and next Tuesday, such as 'junk' you may have collected, or the donated paints, or any materials you might have that will enable us to begin work (do any of you have chicken wire?). Debra will be delivering the van to our studio next week I think, but I'll check with her on that.  I'd like to get the sanding started soon.

Any consideration about the interior?  Anyone have astro turf?  Ideas?

 

SOME INSPIRATION

BEFORE CLEANING

Here are some images of our artcar before it was bathed. No Hazmat suits were used during this process, although we gave the idea serious consideration.  The image at the top of the first page is the 'blank canvas' ready for the creativity of twenty IUSARTCAR ENTHUSIASTS.

THINKTANK

The above image was generated by Adam in response to altering the shape of the van.  See his comments for a full explanation.

Here are some ideas currently being considered.  And since we have narrowed our concept to a "green" expression, some of the ideas are appropriate and could be expanded in even more directions.  Of course, as we begin actual work who knows where the idea will actually settle. The discussion today about having an interactive component was strong, especially since there are folks out in the world who do not believe that the science, attitude, or way of life that embraces 'green' (global warming?) is an issue.  They may want to include their comments, or even make use of a sledge hammer against our quarter-panels.

What other ideas do you have that fit our concept? 

THE TRANSFORMERS

The U400 Group: Pascalle Ballard, Brittney Bowers, Adam Breeden, Samantha Deitz, Ben Hammond, Kate Hentrup, Kristy Ho, Annie McCollum, Nate Stormer, Laurel Streible

The A401 Group: Julie Anderson, Randy Anderson (no relation to Julie), Brent Collier, Rebecca Crutcher, Lisa Henry, Amanda Kaiser, Jamie Klein, Stephen Korfhage, Sarrah Logsdon, Kaitlin White

With special creative and hands-on labor assistance from Scott Scarboro.

WASH ME

Some of the cleaning crew at work:

Jamie scrubbing the top; Kate sweeping out debris; Kristy and Randy finding the shine; Steve coming out for air; Brian, Samantha, Kate, Kristy, and Randy making a final pass.

  

WHY MAKE AN ART CAR?

When artists create an artcar:

They participate in community events and traditions, and become part of the community.

They develop a greater sense of pride in themselves.

Their concept of the world expands beyond the bounds of their immediate community

They learn to have pride in their accomplishments as a group and as individuals.

They learn to set long term goals and then achieve the satisfaction of reaching those goals.

They master problem-solving skills and develop discipline.

They discover the value of teamwork.

They develop a greater understanding of conflict resolution and compormise.

They learn to appreciate the freedom of expression a project of this nature provides.

Perhaps most important, they gain a greater sense of self.