Float / Play Exhibit

I am in this exhibit till the end of the month.

"Float/Play, a highly unique and whimsical interactive installation of video, art and soundscape, has opened in UMA's Danforth Gallery and runs until January 30th.

An electronic arts collaboration of UMA faculty and students, Float/Play features the works of Susan Bickford, Kerstin Gilg, Robert Rainey and Clay Waits in an arrangement that playfully transforms the viewer's experience in time and space.

The exhibition, which consists of seven unique projects providing a carefully choreographed journey through a complex web of interactions, includes: a 25-foot interactive projection screen activated by an electronic fishing pole interface creating virtual ripples along the "pond" surface; a whimsical 25x25 foot submerged lake-bottom manifested in ink; and three 10-foot floating beach balls displaying projected images including the viewer's face translated into graphic zeros and ones..."

Young Artist Alden

We have been trying to get Alden to explore his art supplies more frequently. He is not particularly interested in sitting and drawing on paper, and when he does draw he quickly gets distracted and moves on to other things... although that is true for most stuff he does.

I am not sure where the bell-curve is for three year old interest in art, but as a parent, want some refrigerator coverings. Today I discovered that he prefers boxes to working on paper and believe may have witnessed a creative breakthrough.

Some earlier work of young artist Alden.

Variations 3

Artdogs exhibit Variations III (June 18 - July 14). Featured artists, Karen Adrienne, Nancy Barron, John Carnes, Kerstin Gilg, Karen Klitgaard, and Scott Minzy. Opening reception was held on Sunday June 20 from 4 - 6 PM. The exhibit investigates the ways in which six artists viewed and responded to separate objects that were selected and then exchanged.

Object 1- the history book (on the left)

Object 2- The brass star lantern

Object 3- vintage binoculars (on the left)

Object 4- wire cage with five balls in it (right)

Object 5- A Cripple tag (right)
Object 6- vintage box of Atlas tacks (left)

Artwalk December 4

I took Alden to the Gardiner Artwalk. We actually went early so I could help set up some tree lights in McKay Park. Of course, Alden was not into hanging lights and his lack of interest hindered my usefulness considerably. I found my niche being a gopher for an hour, finding supplies and whatnot. In the end the lights came out very nicely, thanks to some unexpected help from some folks from the city. There is still more to do, but we got 5 of out the 10 rings completed.

The art walk was successful. Lots of people. lots of good food, and even some artists sold some works. Alden was annoyingly shy around groups of people, so when the crowds started getting large we would move to quieter surroundings. This little chess game continued throughout the event.
We ended up at Sarah's apartment (she lives on the top floor of Artdogs) which was closed to the public. Alden spent a lot of time that night playing with a totem-cat on her stairs. It can be seen in the background of the video.

Alden says hi.

He LOVES looking through the back of the camera at the world around him.

Alden's First Installation

I took Alden to the Point of Connection installation opening at the North Dam Mill in Biddeford. Karen often helps watch Alden on Fridays, however she could only do a half day this time. I had some work errands to do so I brought Alden along.

I left from work around noon and had lunch with Alden and Karen. Alden and I then drove to Portland to see David Wolfe at his studio. David was awarded a Fellowship this year and we are making a video about his work (typesetting) at the agency. Alden and I checked in with him to make sure the rough-cut was on track. Alden and I then went around downtown Portland putting up posters for the Fellowship award event.

At four we headed to Biddeford for the opening. Alden fell asleep on the way so I put him in the ergo-pack and carried him around to start with. By about 5:30 Alden woke up and was really upset not to be sleeping. He complain-cried for several minutes till he saw the big yellow triangle piece. He loved seeing the sculpture and ran to it. Then he climbed up the side as far as his little legs would carry him and slid down to the floor. Things were all better after that.

Alden has a well honed appreciation for installation art from the many artwalks he has done in Gardiner. He especially liked running around the big mill hallways. People seemed to get a kick out of him as well.