IUSARTCAR

A Face-Lift

2009-08-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

The IUSARTCAR has been on some adventures in the last few weeks. After the Kentucky Art Car Weekend, that attracted many visitors/comments, we were on Ebay looking for buyer. Sadly, no one bid the minimum, which was cheap, cheap, cheap! So, in order to make the van more functional and aerodynamic, an OCTOPUSECTOMY was performed. Here are a few shots of the results.

If there are any potential Artcar Enthusiasts out there wanting to own a hot-van with a new transmission and tires and lots of great creative details, give us a holler.

Kentucky Art Car Weekend

2009-08-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the parade down Main Street headed for the Mid City Mall and the start of the official Kentucky Art Car Weekend Parade.

Everyone along the route seemed to have a camera in their hands.

The IUSARTCAR got a nice round of applause as it entered the Douglas Loop and was announced over the public address speakers.

Here we were parked along Main Street during the weekend event. We had lots of visitors asking about the project, the campus, and the program.

This is a shot going down Bardstown Road to the resting place at the presbyterian Church.

The weekend was intense...long...hot..., but loaded with lots of interesting folks and lots of fun art car festivities. Brent and Ben came down and sold their work, Ashley came along, Amdana was there part of the day and participated in the parade, Laurel also came down for the parade even though she is a new grandmother and brought Drew along. He seemed to enjoy it a lot. The IUSARTCAR was a star for the two day event.

FOX in the Morning

2009-08-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a detail of the 'bronzevan' that was also on the FOX 41 morning show.

The 'Bronzevan' took 22 years to get to this state and it's amazing to see.

A FOX 41 cameraman shoots the IUSARTCAR.

This morning we went to FOX 41 studios for a quick on-air interview and camera footage of the IUSARTCAR. All reports say we looked and sounded good. There was another art car there, just arrived from Washington, the 'Bronzevan'. It was an amazing vehicle, 10,000 pounds of bronze, including $15,000 worth of coins attached to it. I've included a few images.

TV

2009-07-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I appeared on "The CW Louisville", WBKI, Channel 7, with Karen Welch from the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, to help promote the art car festivities. She was great, I was told my part went well, although I'm hardly a good television-type guy. I was able to talk a little about the IUSARTCAR and the project. It aired this morning, and will repeat, I think, at 4:30 a.m. - be sure to catch it when you're up at that hour sipping on your morning coffee.

Early Morning Filming

2009-07-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Debra and I drove through the rain to WHAS this morning for the filming of the IUSARTCAR. We arrived at about 6:40 a.m. for our 7:00 filming. We pulled into the garage, dried off the van, and watched the cameraman shoot various details. Then he asked us to also be on-camera and talk about artcar. We were caught off guard, and in spite of a lack of coffee at that hour, we represented the project and the students who created it pretty well. The picture above was taken with my phone of the shooting. The broadcast of it will be today at 9:00 a.m., and then again at 6:00 p.m., maybe again at 11:00. Hope you catch it at one of those times.

Art Car Weekend

2009-07-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Donna donated some carpets to add to the interior charm.
We added some jewels around the windows to break up that black nothingness.
The colors have chipped off the airship, but a shiny silver was beneath, we decided to leave it be.
Sweeeeeet.
See you in a few weeks.

The IUSARTCAR is ready for its close-up Louisville. Debra and I washed and spruced things up in preparation for tomorrow's filming at WHAS to promote the art car weekend sponsored by the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. We replaced the jewels that had fallen off, washed and vacuumed, and re-glitter-glued. Looks pretty spiffy. Check the art weekend web site for events and get in touch with me if you're interested in participating. It would be fun to have the old gang back together.

The Horizon, March 2, 2009 (ouch!)

2009-03-03T11:53:00.001-08:00

Steve Korhfage Opening

2009-01-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

The IUSARTCAR crossing the Second Street Bridge.
The IUSARTCAR enroute down Main Street.
Parked in front of the IUS Library for Steve's opening.
Annie, the good artcar sister, points out details to a friend.
Steve talking about some of his experiences shooting the IUSARTCAR process.

Steve opened an exhibition of 26 images from his bigger portfolio of the IUSART car participants and process. The opening was pretty well attended in spite of it being Sunday night, cold, and snowy. However, the paternal side of me was disappointed that most of Steve's artcar brothers and sisters did not show, but that didn't seem to dampen the warm welcome from the Library Host/Hostess, Marty Rosen and Nancy Totten. They have been tremendous in their support of all of our students and their creative expression, even one in the form of a community-built car and its documentation. All the studio faculty were in attendance, and the IUSARTCAR made a special appearance in support of Steve's debut exhibition. Arrangements will be made to have a several day visit by the car during part of the exhibit and we hope to have it parked by the front doors of the Library. Congratulations, Steve, and thank you, Nancy and Marty.

STEVE'S TAKE: A PORTFOLIO and A DATE!

2009-01-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

Steve has finished installing an exhibition of his IUSARTCAR photos in the Library Gallery. The exhibition opening reception will be Sunday, January 25, from 6:00 - 8:00. The art car will be in attendance for the opening. In Steve's own words:"...tell you mothers, tell your fathers, tell your sisters and your brothers; I want the whole world to see this thing."

SMILE!!!

2008-12-15T19:30:00.001-08:00

Off Campus

2008-12-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

The IUSARTCAR has now been moved off campus, temporarily stored in Donna's driveway while Debra is in San Francisco. Driving the van on the streets is an enjoyable experience. While I was maneuvering the traffic during rush hour, two different people stuck cellphones out of their car windows to shoot pictures, others pointed, waved, laughed....a few pretended they didn't see me, although I know they did; I mean, seriously. What's also interesting when you drive the IUSARTCAR, is that you end up waving also, sometimes to people who didn't wave first. We should have designed a uniform for the driver(s) to wear! (What happened to that blond wig from Fargo?)

WE'RE EXPOSED (unveiled)

2008-12-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

After the parachute was removed the appreciative crowd moved around the IUSARTCAR noting all the interesting details and surprises.
As the crowd began heading off in different direction, some started moving into the IUSARTCAR just to keep warm. We'll leave it at McCullough Plaza for a day or so before finding a safe place for it to rest a while.

We loaded the stove, milk, cider, cups and a table into the back of Ben's truck and hauled it over to the IUSARTCAR site for the unveiling today. It was very cold and windy, but we've gotten kind of used to being in the cold since our studio where our work was done was usually colder that it was outside. It was, after all, designed to be a cold environment.

As we approached the noon-hour, a small group started to gather around. I heard someone in the crowd say "move that bus." The parachute was flapping in the wind as though it wanted to expedite the process, and so at noon it happened. Everyone pulled the multi-colored cloth off and from the crowd there were audible gasps, laughter, and oh-my-goshes, followed by applause. My very brief comment during the final count down was that the IUSARTCAR was, in fact, a rare exception to the notion that too many cooks spoil the both. It pulled together beautifully, especially in the last two weeks when all those small details got addressed.

Nicely done, gang.

LEAVING MELLWOOD

2008-12-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

The IUSARTCAR ready fot its trip to campus.
Debra peering through the icy mist that the windshield wipers wouldn't touch.

The GPS giving directions to the IUS campus.

Parked and parachuted in Mc Cullough Plaza; ready for the unveiling.

Tonight Debra and I drove to Mellwood to finish cleaning up and getting the IUSARTCAR ready for its trip to the IUS campus. It was very cold and wet; really cold and wet! I was pleasantly surprised to find the garage in order, the newest decal applied, and both sides clear-coated. Debra and I finished cleaning up, loading things into the back of my car, and then waited around for any takers on the trip back to campus; there were none. Hmmmm. So I left my car there and climbed into the van for its maiden voyage as an art car instead of a soccer mom car. It was a rich experience, full of interesting surprises. We got lots of interesting looks and waves, we listened for parts and pieces loosening and ejecting from the car body (it didn't happen). Especially pleasant was the beads in the back jingling like "coins". We tried to see the road through the gossamer film from in-effective windshield wipers ( an overlooked detail). Everything stayed tight, in place, and survived the trip.

After the long circuitous voyage back to campus, we arrived at McCullough Plaza for our two days stay in public view. We're in the Plaza instead of in front of our beautiful Library because of the two inch rainfall and the above freezing temperatures. There was fear the van would sink into oblivion. We were greeted by Amanda, Brent, and...... that was it...hmmmmm. We covered it with a brightly colored parachute that Annie provided. However, little did we know that the wind would be so brisk that the parachute almost took off to unknown regions of the adjacent parking lot. We called Brian Harper, our newest ceramics professor, and he donated bricks to anchor the parachute. We're set for the unveiling, and the forecast is freezing rain. We can only hope for the best with hot chocolate and cider provided.

C'mon over to the IUS campus, Thursday, noon. Hope to see you there.

WRAPPING UP!

2008-12-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Kristy and I got most of the detailing done today, although the seat belts still look awful, but at least the mounts look good. It was pouring down rain so I moved the van back away from the dripping ceiling and due to the humidity, the detailing, especially the trim work, would not dry. We left all the doors ajar so they wouldn't be sealed shut.

What's left? Cleaning the windows, applying the new "IUS Fine Arts" decal, clear-coating the decaled areas, mounting the 'sparkled' hubcaps, cleaning the garage. I can do the clear-coating when I come over, or if you want to do it, have at it. I expect/assume this will be done tomorrow while I'm in the afternoon Printmaking Critique. Of course, Julie and Brent won't be able to make it over until after the critique. We will bring the van to campus around 7:00 p.m. If there could be a car pool over to Mellwood, some of you could ride back to campus in the van. I pulled it out into the sun yesterday and everyone that drove by slowed to gawk at the majesty of it! It's getting lots of attention, and once Kaitlin gets the last decal on, it will be in its most finished state. I'll be there after my critique.

Donna will have some plywood tire supports to keep us from sinking into the ground and I'm supposed to call the IUS Police to let them know as we're arriving tomorrow after dark. I love the idea of sneaking onto campus under the cloak of darkness!

See you tomorrow for the journey to campus.

For Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2008-12-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

I've emailed everyone a punch list, things to do before we leave Mellwood for the IUS campus on Wednesday night. It's extensive, but shouldn't take too long to accomplish. First and foremost, Pasqualle is now Pascalle. My mistake for the past three years and throughout the entire semester on the blog. Sorry Kaitlin for arguing with you about the spelling. Maybe we can change it by hand.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, December 9, 2008) we'll meet on campus during regular class time to deal with some bureaucratic stuff and then move on to Mellwood to deal with the punch list. The artcar is looking really good, but those finishing touches will make a big difference in how we look with folks moving around the car on Thursday during the unveiling.

We have to get rid of the garbage we've accumulated in the last few months. I'll bring garbage bags, and if each of you could take one with you when you leave, it would make it easier on everyone.

See you tomorrow.

Sunday/Pearl Harbor/Jamie's B-Day

2008-12-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

Rooftop additions....
Kaitlin's roster and Jamie's detailing.
New carpet!!

I got to Mellwood this morning about 10:00 and putzed around with various tasks until Adam got there. We began working on the carpeting both wishing it had a bit more bulk, but for a donation it really did give a much cleaner appearance. The final analysis was that it looked pretty good, and I think we were both pretty pleased with that effort. Jamie came by and helped with some detailing, cleaning up on the roster decal for the most part. Today was his 26th birthday so I didn't have any issues about him leaving to go to the various celebrations that had been scheduled throughout the city. That was it for workers today!

Debra came by and did some additional 'foaming' on the roof and will return tomorrow to finish that up with some painting. The eyeball and the legs now have a connection. We're very close. This was a very slow weekend with few of you stopping by to see what you could do to add something to the final resolution. There are some details that need to be addressed, the space needs to be cleaned out, and our stuff needs to be hauled out. How about a team coming over on Tuesday after we meet on campus?

WINDING DOWN

2008-12-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Debra detailing the clearcoat.
Ben finishing up the brush antenna.
Stripes extended to the hood.

Yesterday and today (Friday/Saturday) were intense working days, about seven hours each. Several stopped by to add to the process and we had a lot of major things accomplished, but several were missed in the course of the work which was pretty disappointing. The mannequin still life got mounted/bolted onto the roof, as well as the eyeball. Jamie instructed us through the first phase and we were able to get through the second after he left for work. The difficult part was cutting the 36" screws that were hanging down through the roof. Debra went to Home Depot and rented a thing that cuts through such stuff, plier like device so big, so heavy that we were like lilliputians trying to negotiate this enormous plier. It had to weight 30 pounds! Now we have to figure out how to get the clipped screws capped with some kind or ornamentation.

Amanda, Nate, and Adam came by and worked for a while getting the carpet cut out, but there's a lot that still needs to be done to get that installed. Amanda brought some heavier carpet that we thought might be workable but it wasn't long enough to cover the van so we decided to use it as a base for the blue carpet which has needed some extra body anyway. Laurel came by to say "hi" and see where we were. Kaitlin worked on the roster decal that lists all of those who are part of this project. The antenna brush was completed and Ben also did finishing touches on the front and back bumpers: he didn't like the way I had slopped paint on his ceramic pieces. Debra was a huge help over the past two days. She finished clear coating the interior, and she rented a turbo heater that kept us warm on Friday and Saturday (sadly, it was returned to home depot today). She was a really big help in mounting the roof stuff and I think she'll come by on Sunday for a bit of foaming and painting on the rooftop.

I hope there's a crew who can come over tomorrow (Sunday) to help get some of these details finished up and start getting the space cleaned up (bring a few garbage bags with you). We'll be working until Wednesday evening before we bring the van to campus. Annie, any news on the parachute?

LAST CLASS DAY

2008-12-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

Boy, we're close now. The interior was finished today and is ready to be clear coated. However, we ran into a little snafu with the Clear Coat, it dissolved some of the paints, particularly the bronze color in the cockpit, it really looks antiqued now. We may look at another alternative for that finishing work. Spray would be better, but that would mean having to mask out all of the non-spray areas again. Who's up for that? The bumpers and the driver side got clear coated, the bumper foam was also finished with a black enamel. The rear door on the outside was finished although parts had to be scraped down to the primer and repainted because of the poly-run. Additional glass beads were added to the passenger side after we scoured the floor for additional stones, so the stones don't stop at the driver door now, but rather continues back. The dog leash holders were put in; the cockpit frames were untapped; trim work was addressed on both the inside and out; detailing on the inside of the windshield and dashboard was done. It was a pretty productive day. Those who participated on this last official day of class were: Randy, Kate, Amanda, Kaitlin, Sarrah, Lisa, Pasqualle, Samantha, Steve, Julie, Kristy, and Annie. Laurel started her new job, but she'll be on hand this weekend. I don't know what happened to Ben, Adam, Nate, Brent, Jamie, and Rebecca, but I'm hopeful they'll be there for the big finish this weekend.

I am going to put together a punch-list tomorrow, a list of all the things that need to be completed and resolved by next Wednesday. I'll post it here and run it by everyone in an email. We're looking at a 12:00 gathering on Saturday, en masse, to address a lot of things to wrap up at Mellwood. The more the merrier!

DECEMBER!!!!

2008-12-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

This is what a little polishing can do to old cracked head lights.
This is a headlight before polishing.
Jamie working with the buffer while Steve supervises.
Annie working on the interior while Steve supervises.

The work groups seem to be getting smaller, but their productivity seems to be getting bigger; we can see the light at the end of the garage.

Jamie did miraculous things with the headlamps - they look new! Kaitlin and Amanda continued to seal up the back mirror mosaic complete with icicles hanging around them (see Steve's portfolio). Annie and Rebecca were getting the interior finished, and Ben and Randy made a stealth delivery of the bumpers yesterday which are now in place ready for final attachment. Pasqualle and Lisa worked in the cockpit installing some framed images from Steve's portfolio, a touching record of our journey. It's all looking really good.

I saw that the forecast for tomorrow calls for 51 and possibly rain, sounds like a perfect day to do some clear coating and I may try to get that started on the exterior. I have a satin clearcoat for the interior and some brushes for you interior folks. Jamie is going to get a long drill bit and bolts to attach the roof goodies and Debra has passed on to me the solar cell/light for the eyeball. It would be great to get that roof stuff done so that we can do the finishing touches on it ASAP. A Saturday session for knocking our some of the final big stuff would be good, that carpet, for example, has to get cut and installed.

The Unveiling is officially set for Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 (noon). I have gotten permission to bring the van over to campus on Wednesday night, park it in place, cover it with something (ideas?), and then unveil it the next day. You all can make those plans, but I know that the department is trying to put together some hot cocoa and cider to serve to our guests. Can't wait for that opening!

CHOICES.....

2008-11-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

Debra came by today and wondered if there was a way to connect the top of the car to the bottom, she wondered if the tires could connect to the top if there was a red-/gold-striping, or gold color? We decided to try it so we painted one of the hubcaps and kind-of reattached it. You all decide...the gold hubcap or the B/W spiral?

Saturday Session

2008-11-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

A trial run of the eyeball and legs.
Laurel grinding a glass bead for the rearview mirror.
Kaitlin working on the back door, Laurel on the mirror, Pasqualle on the interior.
The new checker board on the passenger side.
Kaitlin adding a 'poly' bead in between the mirror parts.

Adam came in at 9:00 and almost finished the checkerboard on the passenger side; Nate finished it up later in the morning. Kaitlin, Pasqualle, and Laurel were part of the session, as they usually are, and could have used more help with some of the tasks, but they seemed to have accomplished a lot. The weather was friendly to us today and we were able to pull out into the parking lot for some sun and much appreciated light. It was good to not be in the dark after working in a dimmed environment for the last few weeks. We're all seeing the end of this phase for the IUSARTCAR, looking ahead to the on-campus unveiling on the 11th, but there's a lot of details to address. The interior trim needs to be resolved and there's a pint of black 'interior' paint for that purpose; the carpet needs to be cut and installed; another coat of 'poly' on the back door would be good; installing the eyeball and the legs/arms; getting the taillights re-installed; most of the interior and exterior needs to be clear coated .....etc....etc.... details....details....details.

Gobble, gobble.

2008-11-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

Kristy adding some details to the interior in spite of her runny and stuffy nose.
The van all aglow in halogen illumination.
Julie, Sarrah, and Kristy detailing the Jules Vernes Acid Trip interior.
Steven, our photographer, caugth in a moment without his camera.

Tuesday, the day after classes ended for Thanksgiving break, and I was impressed with the crew that showed up today. Pasqualle worked hard on the cockpit trying to get our prized cabinet embedded into the lower dash, but our final analysis after hack-sawing it down to a tiny wedge was, no, it's not going to work. Now we'll see if we can mount one of the doors, the next best alternative.

Julie, Kristy, Sarah, Rebeccca continued working on the back interior, and Steve taped out the first phase of the passenger side for the checkerboard, it's now been sprayed blue. Laurel did cleanup on the back window, grouting the areas that were groutless, and continuing with the rear view mirrors. Samantha also continued with the cockpit doing some interesting touches to the GPS and antiquing the space. Debra even stopped by to check out the progress.

It was cold and it was dark - - we couldn't open the door because of the wind-shill factor - - but we forged ahead. We may have an unveiling date of December 11 on the circular lawn in front of the library, but we need to decide if noon or later in the day would be a good time. We have support from the Library and Physical Facilities, now we need to get that event planned. We are, of course, a work-in-progress, but the ideal is to have the van in a 'finished' appearance by the 11th. That means everyone pulling together and getting the big jobs done and the details finished. I'll put together a punch-list this weekend. There's a group planning on a Saturday session, and Sunday is not out of the question.

Have great Thanksgiving.

Saturday - Return of the Chill

2008-11-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Laurel preparing the back window for some new pieces of glass.
Kate happy to be working on her tree.
Debra and her Heine Brother's coffee starting on the interior back door.
Pasqualle attaching typewriter keys to the ceiling.
Kaitlin addressing some detail.
Rob working on a print glad he's not in a cold garage.

There was a small group today, but the usuals. Adam was there when I arrived, he was working on the checkerboard, but he must have been about ready to go and so he did. I continued to work about 30 minutes when Kaitlin came in looking for something to do as it was too cold to seal the back door, so she started to deal with some of the trim detailing. Debra came by and ended up doing the interior back door by extending some of the side panel work and getting it jeweled. Kate worked on her beautiful tree section. Pasqualle worked in the cockpit with her new toys, the typewriter keys. Laurel finished up the back window and will grout and seal the new stuff this week. I sort of roamed around the car shivering, scraping tape off surfaces, working on the checkerboard, detailing, and shivering.

It's imperative that we get the interior finished so that the carpet can get laid....hmmmm. I've got the mannequins at my house, along with the airship and the tail lights to get them finished before remounting. What's happening with those bumpers???????? When can we remount them? It's time to rejoin the group! Mannequin folks need to find another duty since it wasn't happening. Maybe you can add on to the carpet group?

Thanks to everyone who came in today, it was productive.

GOOD FOLK FEST/SATURDAY WORK PARTY

2008-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

The Good Folk Fest (click) is this weekend at Mellwood, so there may be some pretty interesting and entertaining stuff to occupy our breaks from the iusartcar work party. There's lots of art, lots of music, art cars, interesting folks, good food. Please plan on stopping in to the festivities while you're here. It costs 5 bucks for the day and will continue on Sunday as well.

Thursday's Session

2008-11-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

I didn't have my camera today, so no immediate images to post, but Steve got a bunch of shots that he'll soon have in his portfolio, so stay tuned. Our progress was slower today since we had fewer workers on hand (hmmm), but I understand there will be another group work party on Saturday.

The back door is pulling together nicely and Amanda and Kaitlin gave that area more attention today, we may be ready to do some sealing on Saturday. Lisa did some buffing on the stained glass to remove the grout film. Kristy made a big dent with the interior, and Amanda started doing some trim work with the flat black (the flat is for the interior and the gloss is for the exterior). Amanda also brought in a big bag of keys, so we'll definitely be able to find a place for them somewhere to further unlock imaginations. Sarrah did more sanding on the mannequins to get them into a re-attachable place again after our Liquid Nails fiasco. Jamie stopped by with the luggage rack, maybe we'll be able to have a place for all those legs and arms once we get the rack attached, maybe painted, Jamie said he could do that.

That Blue tape was/is a real headache. We pulled some off of areas that were not going to get any more spray paint, and it wouldn't come off. It had become a semi-permanent part of the car. I had to run to Home Depot to get some razor blades to scrape it off the glass. I went ahead and took a bunch more off of areas that had been taped from some time. If we have to re- tape areas that will be OK, at least we'll be able to get the fresher stuff off without it fighting back. The black parts of the side windows, after they were uncovered, are very...ummm...'van-like'. Something needs to happen in those areas. What can we use on glass? Are there 'special' markers that Rebecca could attack them with? Also, I realized how important the eyeball and the mannequins are going to be in order to change the too-recognizable shape of the vehicle. It needs some protrusions! The group decided that the areas between the roof and the back side panels would be a good piece of real estate to 'sign' the project. The tail-lights will be a gold IU decaled symbol. Where are the bumpers?

There has been some back and forth discussion of the unveiling with several of you. I am going to try to secure the round grassy area in front of the Library for that purpose, but I'm wondering if we should do it during finals week instead of December 4, given all that still has to be done to have a "finished" appearance. Please discuss it and let me know your thoughts. It was also discussed that NATE STORMER, because he has such a great name, should have some kind or role in that ceremony just so we can say: "NATE STORMER (snicker)!" I'm open to any suggestions. Did I hear fog machine? Parade from Mellwood? A pre-unveiling at Mellwood?

Debra got a painting into the "NUDE" exhibition in Lexington and will need the van to make delivery of her work. I'm not sure of the dates yet, but will let you know.

So Saturday, what time?

Damn, It's Cold!

2008-11-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

Kristy working on the interior...the warm interior.
Laurel and Brent applying grout to the stained glass.
Rebecca continuing with the eclectic interior.
Sarrah working with the mannequins to removed the Liquid Nails that did not set.
Kaitlin and Amanda working on the back door and the freshly grouted window.

After the past few work sessions when we were shivering in the dark, todays mid-30s was our biggest chill so far. Paints were kind of gelatinous, adhesives were not sticky, tape was useless, and Liquid Nails never became nails. Some progress was made though on the interior, the back door panel, and the stained glass window. Those who worked on the interior enjoyed the benefits of the car heater and the lamps, those working on the exterior made frequent trips to the coffee shop. The GPS was fixed and the spray foam has been cleaned off the dash. The mannequins are disassembled and we'll need to rethink how that's going to work. Apparently, Jamie found a luggage rack, and with that and some screws and more spray foam, we'll get it to work. There needs to be a little more forward progress on that checker board.

There are some warmer days on the way and by the end of the week we should be in a slightly better place, but it's advisable to dress warmly. Also, anyone who goes over to work and uses the heaters, be sure to re-plug the extension cord that runs over to the other garage after you're finished. It's needed when we're not there for the other space.

Saturday's Work Party (brrrr, again)

2008-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

The lights shining through the rear window was pretty cool.
Kate was very focused on the interior.
The new hood after the leaking ceiling washed away Thursdays clouds.
Thursday's clouds before we began removing them.
Debra inspecting the configuration of legs and arms before liquid nailing them together. We'll also wire them.

We had a good crew in today, and an extra heater. Nate and Adam were working on the lower panels; Kate was on the interior; Pasqualle was in several places; Debra was on the mannequins and the eyeball; Amanda was on the back door; Laurel was on the back door and side mirrors.

When we arrived the rain water was coming in through the ceiling and onto the hood. The clouds that Rebecca and Julie painted on Thursday were also running down the hood. Another lesson for us all about the antipathy of acrylic and enamel. Pasqualle and I finished getting the remnants of the old clouds off and then Pasqualle repainted the hood with new enamel clouds. They look great, we also pulled the van back from under the dripping ceiling.

Kate worked quietly inside the van finishing up the tree area and visually connecting it to the rear window. She emerged for a brief time when the pizzas arrived and then returned to adhere jewels to the tree; it also looks great.

Adam and Nate worked on the lower panels starting the multi layered checker-board pattern. That should look good once they're finished. Those lower panels will last forever as they now have about inch-thick coat of paint.

Laurel worked with various glass sections, while her son and his friend 'spied' on us. Amanda was also immersed in glass and brushes on the back door panel and I was glad to see that move so well today.

The airship is not cooperating and will not bend with heat, so we'll have to come up with an alternative solution to getting it onto the hood. I foamed some of the empty spaces on the back and we may have to continue that and add some kind of cantilever to get it in place.

Debra got the mannequin parts 'nailed' together and then we've decided to wire them together and then mount them to the roof with the luggage rack attachment that Jamie thinks he can find. If not, we'll find an alternative.

It was a pretty productive day and I was glad to see the turnout. Everyone seemed to have a task to deal with and there were no idle hands. Good work.

THE BFA CRITIQUE

2008-11-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

A RESPONSE.

Thursday's Weather Reprieve

2008-11-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Sam brought her sweet puppy who watched and later danced at the good work that was being done.
Nate began to remask out areas for some additional painting on the infamous lower door panels.

Conditions were much more workable today with temps in the mid-50s. I did some minor detailing around the windshield until the crew began showing around 10:30. Nate, bless his soul, brought us two space heaters. He also began masking out the infamous lower door panels and there are plans to do some kind of checkerboard pattern in those areas. Sam and Nate are the go-to gal/guy with those plans. Kaitlin and Amanda worked on the back door but they're having some adhesion issues, so we discussed some possibilities and may try some kind of 'plasticizing' to seal things down, but it'll require leaving the back door in the up/open position for the materials to set. Nate repainted the hood and Rebecca and Julie then followed with very painterly clouds. The airship will be mounted on top of that, but we'll need to try to form it the hood contour with a heat gun. Kate, Julie, and Rebecca continued working on the very elaborate back interior while Sam and Pasqualle continued the cockpit work. We discussed the GPS mounting and that has been carved for a better fit onto the dash, we're going to try some drilled holes into the dash and expanding foam. Steve did a lot of shooting so we'll see what he posts soon. He'll also pick up the typewriter for Saturday's work party. When I returned to campus I saw the front and back bumpers, now painted blue and red, and ready to have faces and hands mounted onto them.

Wednesday...burrrr

2008-11-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Atomic Art Dog? Here's a detail of an artcar by some highschool kids, they ROCK!

The day was pretty chilly so I didn't hear of anyone working today. I talked with Laurel who's going to do some glass beads or something like that on the 'jeweled' rear-view mirrors. Everyone seems to respond to the 'airship' and the hood seems to be a favorite spot, although there are some folks who have plans for the hood, so let's see how they respond, maybe we'll need to find an alternative space.

Apparently we need more brushes for the back door. Has everyone brought in their old used brushes?

We also need heat and lights. I've sent out a request to Scott and we'll see if he can help us out with those details.

Jamie has a lead on a luggage rack to mount the mannequins.

Is there a work party this weekend? Need a pizza delivery?

Tuesday's Big Chill

2008-11-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

Today definitely felt like mid November, cold and drizzly, and the space at Mellwood wasn't any warmer. I think if we closed the big door that would help, and Nate said he might be able to bring some space heaters over. It was also chilly on other levels, and I've corresponded to some of the "IUSARTCAR Enthusiasts" about the origins of that chill, which I suppose has been building for some time. It's like the straw on the floor that we've been using to cover the oil spills, except today, there was one too many. Ouch!!!! My back!!!

I have no progress images to post, but I'm sure that Steve got some shots that will be 'slideshowing' soon. I saw him pointing at some interesting subjects and was glad that there was some passion in the chill; it helped a lot.

Pasqualle needs some help mounting the GPS since we've arrived at a "don't cut into the dash" kind of place. If the GPS can be carved to fit the contour of the dash it would be easier to mount. Also, we have to figure out how to do the music box, because if it gets mounted, we'll lose the option of the music since the key is on the back; it also needs a little WD40. The mannequins need to be joined, painted, mounted, and then morphed into the rest of the aesthetic (Nate, Adam, Jamie, Lisa). Can the 'airship' I got this weekend at the Flea Market be used (anyone)? Are the brushes going to adhere to the back door (Amanda, Kaitlin)? Can the stained glass get caulked on Thursday (Brent, Laurel)? Is the interior shaping up (Pasqualle, Julie, Sam, Rebecca, Amanda, Kristy, Kaitlin, Kate, Ben, Sarrah, Annie)? Is the hood going to happen (Rebecca, Julie,and Samantha) or are we rethinking that as well? Are the tail lights getting a positive shape or a negative shape for the IU logo (Kaitlin, all)? Did anyone get bumper colors to Ben (Kristy, Jamie)? Is there a schedule for reinstalling the bumpers (Ben, Randy)? Lots of details, many I'm sure I've missed here, and lots of things to think about and resolve in a short span of time.

Let's get past this chill and make the collective passion warm things up.

The eye (in-progress) and new item

2008-11-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Debra has been working on an "eye" for the top front of the roof. This is it in-progress, complete with solar light illuminating the way. Pretty cool.

I also got an image today on my cell phone from Laurel, Rebecca, and Julie, but I don't know how to download from my phone to include with this post, so you'll have to take my word (as I do theirs) that they were getting into some of the various processes on the van. Laurel has been working on the stained glass window and Rebecca and Julie on the interior. I'll run by tomorrow to see their progress.

I also found this wall plaque at the Paradise Rose Flea Market in Fairdale, thought it might be good for something so I bought it.

It's gonna be a little warmer in a few days. Can we have a real work party?

Debra's Saturday Visit

2008-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

I went over today to recharge the battery and help out anyone who might have been there, but, alas, I was there by myself. I jumped the battery and pulled the van out into the sun. While I was letting the engine run for the recharge, I decided to go ahead and paint the stripes as per the Thursday gang's recommendation to tone down the florescent lower panels. While I was there, Debra stopped by to fit the cyclops eye on the roof. We both got a good laugh and decided that it needed more foaming and carving. Debra is also installing a solar light in the eye for night time illumination. She's enjoying her contribution to the project, besides the van, and took the eye back to her studio for additional work.

It was pretty chilly and windy, and surprisingly it was warmer in the space than out in the sun, so that was a good sign for working indoors now that the weather is starting to feel like November. We should look at our schedules to plan a work party in the very near future, a good chunk of time devoted to making a big dent in this process. It is supposed to be warmer next weekend and that may be a time when we can do it. Also, don't forget, don't play the stereo in the van as it will drain the battery, and since our battery cables have disappeared, jumping would be difficult unless you have a set with you. Any thoughts?

Election Day!!!

2008-11-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a good day voting for you favorite candidate, and I hope you voted correctly (snicker). We had some very productive work today and I'm very glad the weather is being considerate of our tasks. Working out in the sunshine helps with our moods and our vitamin D dosage. I hope Steve got some good shots of all the activity. Progress was made on the back window and door, front side panels, the interior made some big strides also. We got some good ideas from Jamie and Nate for some diagonals along the sides, alternating gold and red. As I heard someone say, "It's very sexy!"

Canadian Maple Leaf?

2008-11-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Was one of the suggestions for this cliched symbol that appeared on the side over the weekend. It took about an hour to sand it off and restore that part of the quarter panel. I was not a happy camper for a while. In my ranting and raving I hope the point was not lost that we are working collaboratively on this project, like an organism, we are conducting our activities of creating this artvan by our separate functions yet we are mutually dependent on each other. If you have a brainstorm of an idea, spread it around and get some feedback before you disrupt an area that has already been planned out. Again, we don't want to spend what time we share on this back-tracking and correcting areas. And, again, please prep before you spray!

OUR GENEROUS DONORS

2008-10-30T18:39:00.001-07:00

THANKS TO THESE GENEROUS DONORS FOR MATERIALS TO MAKE THE IUSARTCAR A REALITY. We've received a gift card from Home Depot to purchase necessary materials, such as exterior paints, adhesive and grout for the stained glass, and other essentials. Carpet Remnant Outlet for the new carpeting for the IUSARTCAR, and Preston Art Center for their huge range of paint colors and brushes for the interior attention to the Steampunk vision. Rainbows Stained Glass has made generous contributions of beautiful stained glass for the back window.Thank you all.

We welcome any donations that might be beneficial to our project: old clocks or clock parts, brass/copper fixtures of any kind, old mannequins, tubing (like vacuum cleaner hoses), used pens, pencils, brushes; anything that has a Victorian flair, old gauges or anything that has a gauge-look, old oriental carpeting 6' x 13' or linoleum that looks like oriental carpeting, blue velvet or velour - at least 14 yds, small frames (the more ornate the better, and the more the better)...or anything that sounds like the aesthetic hinted at above.

Again, sincere thanks to our three first and major donors. We hold a special place in our hearts for each of you.

The Rear Window (so far)

2008-10-30T13:29:00.001-07:00

Pre-Halloween

2008-10-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kristy working on the stained glass window.
Hmmm....
RED!!! That's a showroom color for sure.
Kristy, Randy, and Ben surveying the logistics of bumper removal.
Ben crawling under the van to unlock the back bumper.

When I got to Mellwood today, there was a crew working on the stained glass window and the side of the van was getting a coat of RED!!! It's a very bright red, even I can see that it's red, which is pretty good for someone whose visual history has not included that hue. RED!!! Something will happen to it I'm sure....I hope.....there is a plan, right?

Kristy and I finished it up after I got back with two more cans of RED! Ben and Randy stopped by to pull the back bumper and haul it over to the studio on campus. Ben's casts are looking really good, although I've only seen a few, I'm confident that there'll be two impressive 3-D tableaux of Debra's face and Ben's hands adorning those bumpers after all is said and done.

Samantha came by with all kinds of goodies that she and Pasqualle found at Goodwill, and a very generous supply of studio materials donated by Preston Art Center, Inc. We should be able to really tackle the interior with this full palette of colors. Thanks, Prestons!!

I will be doing portfolio reviews at Manual High School tomorrow, so I'll be scarce around Mellwood. However, tomorrow looks to be a very warm day and with those friendly temperatures, I'm hopeful that many of you will be over making a big dent, maybe you could take a break to run by Galerie Hertz to see my exhibition.

We still need more rooftop still-life materials, and those of you who are going to work with Scott on getting that put together might run up to his office tomorrow and see if he can come down to the space and give you some pointers. It may also be a good idea to put it together before it all gets painted as contact/adhesive points may not hold as well if it's all painted gold beforehand, although those points could be sanded.

One last thought, try to be more mindful of the prep work you're doing especially if you're spraying paint. Kristy and I had to redo some areas that were not masked out or that were masked too much. Part of the hood had to be repainted, a tire, part of the roof, the windows scraped. Rather than having to do a lot of back-tracking, think through what you're doing so as not to interfere with someone else's work. It'll save us a lot of time.

What's New?

2008-10-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

We have a few computer issues happening on Steve's end this week (last week it was mine), but Steve is trying to get it resolved soon so we'll have more images to post, I hope, by the weekend.

Laurel has obtained a 'gift card' from Home Depot for materials, such as paints, grout, and adhesives. Laurel has done an excellent job getting donations for this project. I'll start a "donors" section soon as we now have two donors to the IUSARTCAR project. I'll be posting their corporate logos soon so those who are visiting our blog might stop by those establishments and get some stuff for their own art cars.

Anyone have access to E6000 adhesive, bring it over with you, the more the sticky-merrier.

Where are those mannequins? How about those pens, pencils, and brushes? How about those clock parts? Vacuum cleaner hoses? Or bring the clocks and we'll mine for the parts. Any old type-writers out there? The back tail gate has ben claimed and there are serious plans for that space, this has apparently been an agreement with those who've been at Mellwood on a consistent basis. Check with Laurel or Kaitlin for details. Remember that this is a collaborative project, so if you do something that's not 'part of the plan', you may find it covered with rubber duckies the next time you stop by to work.

The weekend is forecast to be warm (70 degrees) and it may be our last opportunity, our last possibility to work comfortably. This past week has been pretty chilly. You may want to coordinate a work-party that moves the project into a very productive direction. You can communicate with each other by using an old email from me, eliminate me from the list if you'd like to make plans that don't include me, my feelings won't be hurt. Then I can just be surprised when I stop by at some point over the weekend. Although to be honest, it would be nice to see more consideration happening in the back interior, that activity was not considerate of the Steamerpunk idea that had been embraced or the assignments that had been distributed. REMEMBER, it's collaborative, you're looking for consensus, you're creating something as a community that says something about you as artists who are working collaboratively. If you're working independently of everyone else, you're taking away someone else's creative opportunities. Everyone has some 'grunt work' and everyone has some 'creative work'...like Obama, "spread the wealth."(chuckle)

Saturday's Working Session

2008-10-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our work session on Saturday was a little under-whelming, since there were only four of us there, but we did get some things done in the absence of a quorum. Pacalle had the canvas and was pinning it to fit the front seats and discussed some things that are needed for the Steampunk interior theme. She's sent out a call to all of us for those materials, such as clocks, small picture frames, vaccum cleaner tubing, wire, old type-writers, etc. We have to start getting some of these materials to the space so we know what we're working with. Also, our brushes, pencils, and pens collection is mimimal at best. BRING MATERIALS WITH YOU WHEN YOU COME TO THE SPACE!!! Nate, Adam, and I worked on the hood, applying a blue undercoat with a nice blend coming in from the edges (starting to think flames would be fun....nay). Scott is going to help put together the still-life sculpture that we'll be mounting on the top, so someone needs to get those materials from the drawing studio and supplement it with other materials that you feel would make an engaging still life and bring it all over. Have you all checked out the thrift stores, Salvation Army stores, Good Will, any place where you can gather some interesting materials? Your garages, attics, and basements? Can anyone bring caulking guns? I can pick up the adhesives. As our time is getting short, we may have to have a definite division of work so that those of you who come over to watch can actually have a part in this process. Right now we need action more than an audience. The interior needs to have some color, and there are lots of jars of acrylics on hand and lots of surfaces on which you can paint images, patterns, self-portraits, anything......

A PRODUCTIVE DAY (for the most part)

2008-10-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our new art car...thanks, Kristy.
Brian and Kristy surveying the prospects.
Amanda touching up the lift-gate.
Brian spiraling, but not enabling.
Kristy on the interior.
Ohhhh, that's cool.
Brent cutting glass.
Brent and Laurel finding the muse.

I think the interior is finally primed, although I'll double check it tomorrow (Friday), and the carpet removed (dust masks were in order). Maybe there'll be some activity while I'm gone, but I'll check in at Mellwood when I return at 4:00-ish to see how the transformation is going and if it progressed any.

We're continuing the spiral from the tires along each side of the lower door panels, so the template that we used on the tires was also used for some multiple overlapping florescent spirals (repetition is our friend). They turned out pretty nice, layering and spraying along that surface with yellow, orange, blue, and green. The outside rear-view mirrors were started, one picks up the colors of the spirals and may contain a ruby (no, not a real one), and the other has a diamond that will soon sparkle. Some started working on the hood and I'm not really sure what they decided, but it will NOT have a "snap" on it (that's what we call conflict resolution). Appropriating images and/or slogans from popular culture will age too fast and be too cliche too soon. Think original (to the extent that we can).

The interior is all acrylic/laytex, the exterior all oil. Oil-based paints clean up with mineral spirits, laytex with soap/water. The two don't mix, so don't think that they will. The bucket of water that we dip into is for the laytex/acrylic, washing hands, etc. The two cans of mineral spirits are for cleaning up the oil based stuff.

A new shiny black car owned by one of the artcar enthusiasts was branded today with florescent pink, their name sprayed across the hood (yikes!), the "sprayer" feared that the police would show up at his door this evening (we'll see, and if we don't see him for a few days, we'll know why). Before I realized what was going on it was done, so there was no stopping it. So we actually have two art cars in process. A brave soul!

Progress was made on the rear window, the template was placed and the essential lines traced onto the glass for mounting the stained glass (again, picking up on the spirals, Van Gogh had an eye for spirals). It'll be a beautiful feature.

Working in the space requires materials. I've hauled over a bunch of stuff, but extra newspaper would be good, bring some over. Brushes, exactos, any colored enamels, stuff for the steamer-punk interior, think it through. We didn't touch the dashboard area so the steamer-punk crew can begin addressing that tomorrow maybe, and there were a few people who said they had things to contribute to that theme. There are a lot of color available as I brought over all of my jars of acrylic color. They can be mixed with the can of white for tints. There are also brushes available, but if you have favorites, bring them. Someone will be working on the tail-lights decals for the IUS logo.

We need to start putting together the drawing studio still-life materials to mount to the roof. It all needs to be arranged and somehow bolted together as one piece (without the bolts/attaching mechanism showing, figure it out). If it's going to be "GOLD", how about a royal blue base? Maybe royal blue that fades to deep red? Ohhhhh., that would be so nice with a gold-leaf still life. Maybe measuring the length of the roof will help to establish the length of the still life.

I understand there's an artcar working-party at the space on Saturday. I'll be by to see how much fun we're having.

Where We Are

2008-10-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Steve rolling the roof.
Where we are now.

The exterior in now a 'primed canvas' and ready for painting, adhering, stenciling, whatever you want to do. Keep in mind that the surface is oil-based, so if you're painting, used an oil-based paint. If you're adhering, sand the area to receive the glue. If you're drawing, the surface should work really well since it's a flat white.

The interior is about ready, although it would be good to get the painting/priming completed, and that carpet out in as close to one piece as possible to use as a template for the new stuff. The seats have been measured and I have donated canvas for the new coverings. Pascalle and Samantha are working on that. Brent and Laurel will be working on the stained glass, Ben on the faces. What are you doing?

You all need to decide what's happening to the exterior and what's needed to get it done. I think right now the only things that have been brought over are the things I brought and the few brushes that Randy brought over. So we definitely need more pencils, pens, and brushes donations. We'll also need some newspaper to cover the windows for any spray work, bring the morning paper with you on Thursday.

DEBRA'S CASTING

2008-10-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Debra's face was cast this afternoon so that Ben could do a variable edition of it for mounting on the bumpers, and any where else we may find to put a face. And since we are the fortunate beneficiaries of her generous contribution to the project (the van), it seems only fitting that her face be 'plastered' across the front and back. Clay and printmaking seems like a fun combination ( a dirty variable edition, get it?). Steve will include the entire process in his portfolio "Steve's Take", so stay tuned. It'll be beautiful, I'm sure, especially since we got the slide show up and running. In the meanwhile, Ben will create a multiple of Debra's 'portraits' and I think he's planning on other "body parts" to also incorporate for an interaction that's not so repetitious. "Identifying" parts, he says. He has the bumper in the clay studio. Stay tuned.

WERE IN!!!

2008-10-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Oct. 16: Several of us met today at Mellwood. The rent has been paid!!!! The van was moved into the space and we attacked it: taping out the essentials we wanted to protect; beginning to prime the interior; figuring out how to remove the seats in order to remove the carpet (we want to use it for a template); untangling the bead screen; removing hubcaps and bumpers (Ben has that on campus to measure for Debra's face molds), discussing the logitstics of the antenna/brush; how the tire-spirals will work...and exploring the rooftop (not of the van, but of Mellwood), which seems to be an interesting rendezvous spot as indicated by some left-over evidence. It was a pretty fast and furious two hours. However, we need to figure out how to find bigger chunks of time to get this in a presentable form by December 4. I'll post some images from today after Steve processes. I saw him several times crawling around in the belly of Mellwood shooting our antics. I also spoke with Rob about some exterior primers (he's my car restorer guru), and I'll look for his suggestions tomorrow (Friday) before I go over...I'll be there around 1:00-ish, so if anyone is available, c'mon over. Thanks to Alan Evil for the warning about the leaky ceiling and to Conrad Bladey (peasant) for all kinds of adhesion tips (see THINKTANK II). Hope to see some of you tomorrow.

We need: some cat litter to absorb some the oil on the floor (anyone have cats?); newspaper to mask out windows; more pens, brushes, and pencils donations (Randy brought in a small stash);...

Thursday, October 16 (posted the 15th): We'll be meeting at Mellwood. I'm meeting Debra at 9:00 a.m. to move the van there and then I'll be taking her back to her place so she can get her regular auto to get to campus. I'll see the rest of you in the 12:20-ish range. Bring anything you've collected for the cause. We can get things taped out we want to protect like the windows, and start on the interior (removing carpet and getting it measured.). I don't know if Susan and Donna have sorted the drawing still-life materials, but someone might check with them to see if there's some of that to bring over. We'll need some tools to take off bumpers for Ben to work with, bring what you can to accomplish that, keep in mind that we'll have to put them back on. I haven't (obviously) scanned the sketches yet, but will within the next few days. I've been busy getting ready for my exhibit that opens on Sunday at Galerie Hertz. The reception if from 1:00-4:00, so please stop by if you have the time. It's new work I've done while on my sabbatical last year.

Later in the day: The above images will show the transformation of the studio space that Brian and Scott accomplished in a fairly short period of time. Not only sweeping up the debris, but also driving and pushing the other two art cars out of the space. In the third image you can see the one art car that we pushed out of the studio across Mellwood avenue into the gravel lot.

Scott was a big help in getting the space ready for us.

There were a lot of decisions made a few days ago, some examples: Ben is going to cast Debra's face for a clay mold to line the bumpers, he'll manipulate each one so they'll be a little different, he's also going to address the antenna, it'll be a paint brush, and he's going to spiral the tires (thanks, Ben); Brent, Laurel and company will create a stained glass image of Van Gogh's, Starry Night, for the back window, they're working out the logistics of applying and stabilizing the image (thanks, Laurel and Brent). This is an experienced glass group and they assured us it could be done by December 4 (that's our initial deadline); Samantha and Pascalle are going to start working on the seat covers, Although we may start referring to them as something different. They both have textile experience and can bring a new point of view to "seat covers" (thanks Samantha and Pascalle). We need pens, pencils, and brushes donations. Please give what you can! Bring them to my office or to Mellwood. The Drawing program is donating some of the old still-life materials, such as old mannequin parts and other still-life materials that are not used very much but have been drawn a lot over the years (thanks Susan and Donna for sorting out those materials). I have a lot of sketches, some of which I'll post in THINKTANK II when I get some room to breath.

Would loved to have had more help in the studio, may have to find a hot tub to soak off the car pushing....ohhhhh, I found one!

See you Thursday at the Mellwood space, and don't forget your magical camera and eye, Steve.

We Have Carpet

2008-10-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Laurel has a commitment from a carpet store to supply us with navy auto floor covering. She spoke with the store manager about linoleum and he thought the carpet would be easier to install over the corrugated floor of the van. Navy sounds kind of nice and offers all kinds of possibilities for interior changes, especially if we can get some clashing compliments in there. Pascalle, any ideas for seat covers? Laurel is also going to meet with the store manager at Home Depot today. Good luck, Laurel.

Art Car Central

2008-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

We've gotten a great plug on Art Car Central and linked to it, so there'll be folks from all over keeping up with our progress. Take some time and browse that site, there's a lot there to fuel our inspiration. See you all tomorrow.

CHECK OUT:

2008-10-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

www.artcar.blogspot.com

SANDING DAY: Final thoughts

2008-10-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Randy, Sarrah, Samantha, Pascalle, Kate, and Ben sanding the finish off the van.
Ben removing Caravan. Sadly the Dodge emblem went as well in spite of my pleas. I presented it to Debra.
The roughened finish.

The finish was ripped off the van today by almost everyone in the group. We now have better pictures after our official photographer, Steve, processed his shots (see above). Here are a few that I shot that are not near as fun. I'm glad that we have also have good shot of Amanda sitting on top of the van with her palm sander buzzing. I think we got the entire surface roughened in about an hour. Debra looked out the window after we were finished to see how we had transformed her van and initially couldn't find it; she was still thinking shiney green. Now it's dull grey.

THINKTANK II

2008-10-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

The sketches below are some of those generated a few days ago. I didn't post them all since many weren't sketches words and were not legible after scanning. If you click on the images you should get a larger version. I personally like the idea of painting a "still-life" on the hood of the car. We have some flat white Rustoleum that would make a good paint surface, but we'll have to use enamels or oils since our exterior base is enamels and will not be very stable for laytex/arcylic. Oil based would work and then clear-coated. There is also the idea of adding "art quotes" from everyone in inconspicuous areas, either your quotes or from your readings about artists and their work. There was a Lowrider idea; hmmmm. Creating a still life on the tops of the roof with discarded materials from the drawing studio. Those old mannequin parts spray painted a brilliant gold might be nice? We have some florescent colors now (spray); the beads are almost untangled, and the interior is almost 'primed', some activity between now and Tuesday would be a big plus for the cause.

SEE COMMENTS SECTION

Thinktank II is our current arena for honing a plan of attack. I will see to it that visuals get posted, but you have to see to it that ideas get discussed and executed.

So here we go, the IUSARTCAR is going to be an Artcar. The green theme is abandoned, replaced by a near consensus artists expressing art for the sake of art, in the name of art, and for the love of art.

The second prep phase (wash me was the first) will be Thursday, October 9, from 12:20-1:10 at the same loading dock behind ceramics. We're going to knock that glistening finish off and get it ready for paint, adhesives, and even some interior design considerations. Bring any materials that you feel would expedite the process. Also, take a look at the wikihow website: www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Art-Car, there are some good and valuable tips here for us.

Update: There are some great shots from Steve, but I'm trying to figure out how to present them as a slideshow so they don't take us so much physical space. Maybe I can archive the first batch so the second batch of you all in the studio could be posted in that spot. Lemme see....

OK, let's go......

OUR STUDIO...and other thoughts

2008-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-09-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

BEFORE CLEANING

2008-09-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-23T10:44:00.001-07:00

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.