Lee Malerich

Today, I went to my studio. I finished a little, altered book on which I had been working. It had been one of those "freebie" gifts for a doctor from a pharmaceutical company. This one, however, was from 1943. It was a daily journal. It had been blank. I practiced my "imaginary text" over every page, from January 1 through December 31. It was interesting to watch my own faux-handwriting and note which little "made-up" symbols I tended to repeat. I filled in the extra pages in the back, an accounting log of some sort and pages for additional patient information. The few people who have seen it think my writing looks "Arabic". Honestly, I think it is all the forgotten short-hand I tried to learn in high-school finding its own expression.

While I worked, I thought about Lee Malerich--my "goddess" for embroidery whose work so inspires me. She mentioned that her current work has shifted. She no longer spends fifty hours a week stitching the way she had while dealing with and documenting in thread her ordeals with cancer. Her life then unraveled into something else....into mosaics. She talked (before the reception) briefly about a project she had done in Florida. (Unfortunately, I was a bit too nervous about the reception and a bit too pre-occupied with the strange gallery relations and misunderstandings. I talked entirely too much. I would have done myself a favor by SHUTTING UP and letting her talk; but I didn't. Pity!)

Anyway, I "googled" Lee Malerich and found the website with the mosaics in Florida as well as an image from one of Lee's FAMOUS embroideries. These were the things I was thinking about today. I thought I'd post the images. (One is blurry but of Lee. One is of Sandy's Wall, Lee's mosaic in Florida. One is of an embroidery.)

I also heard a funny story about the evening of the reception. An old friend came to the gallery before 5:00 PM. She found two of the wrapped and stitched spools that featured Paul McCarthy and John Lennon. She was convinced that I would not have made only two Beatles---I must have created all four. She looked and looked but didn't find the others. She bought the two and requested the other two.

I was floored. Frankly, I only knew that I'd made one with a Beatles image! I just didn't pay that much attention. I probably didn't recognize one of the faces as belonging to another Beatles at all. Yet, if someone really WANTED to purchase two more spools with Beatles, I could do this! I started looking around my studio for extra, wooden spools. I was hoping to find two. I found thirty-five. Inside the World Book Encyclopedia Yearbook from 1968 (I have 1962-1977 because auction houses and the Salvation Army refuse to take them!), I found color images of the Beatles plus a picture from the movie "Yellow Submarine". I painting and collaged all thirty-five spools--four TOTALLY BEATLES spools.

It's been a strange but productive day--thinking about Lee Malerich and rummaging through images that jump from the war in Vietnam to the mock-up of NYC's World Trade Center to the Space Race to the Cold War to mini-skirts to Maurice Sendak to Martin Luther King to lists of newly accepted "slang" words that I never even knew hadn't been part of the English language.

Mixed Up!

Two posts ago I wrote about last Thursday evening's reception. I uploaded two images to go along with this post but never mentioned them at all. These pictures have nothing whatsoever to do with the reception or the show! I posted them because they are new, finished work from my "Elements of Architecture Series". Most of this series is currently at my solo show in California's Ironstone Vineyards. The two newest ones are XXV and XXVI.













I make these embroideries by first painting a picture on cheap, typing paper. I use heat-activated paints (key ingredient!). Once the paint is totally dry, I turn it face-side-down onto 100% polyester and iron it firmly using the highest heat setting possible. (Actually, I use an old, heavy iron because they get even hotter than the new ones do!) Then, I hand stitch the polyester using heavy, bulky wools and assorted other threads. Finally, I put a piece of sheer nylon chiffon (the kind women use to wear over their hair curlers) over the hand stitching so that I can free-motion embroider into the threads. I zig-zag the edges.

Anyway, since I'm not much of a painter, I have generally collaged the painting onto an 8-ply piece of mat board with other papers, paint, and oil pastels. I just finished creating 16 of these collages. Pictured with this post are the two that correspond to the recent embroideries!

The Archeology Project

Last month I posted an image of the Archeology Project. I've talked about it for months. Until the last post, I never suggested that it was anything but wonderful. It is wonderful. But, I do want more. It can be better. It can grow to include "faux" idols, fanciful archaeological tools, more books, "personal items", vials and jars of mysterious contents, fantasy maps, a tent, a desk, etc. What I've got so far works. It functions just the way I envisioned it would. I wanted people to finger through the contents of these three suitcases, exploring the items, turning them each over to see both sides, and wonder about them. I wanted the individual pieces to suggest a unique, half-hidden story with their fragmented edges and various materials. I used antique prints, text printed in 1655, vintage stamps, Victorian beads, torn up pieces of old embroideries, and collages that included international tidbits. I made it to tap into the common feeling so many people experience when visiting a famous archaeological sight...that desire to take away something from the past, like a rock from Stonehenge, some gravel from Pompeii, or a chip from the coliseum in Rome. I posted images last month. I'm posting this one to remind myself of where the Archeology Project currently stands....and where it needs to go!

The reception

School kids all enjoyed a two hour delay in the start of their day last Thursday. Otherwise, the weather was only a bit colder than normal. I was easily able to deliver fourteen pieces to Corley Elementary School. The art teacher, Ms. Maybin, seemed thrilled to have the work. She promised to hang the little show and take photos for the local free publications that are circulated at the grocery stores. This all seemed so odd. I was delivering a "show" to someone who was willing to hang the work, make the labels, take photos and create the publicity. Sure, this isn't an opportunity that will ever find a place on my resume; but, the care and attention was professional--more professional than the arrangements with I. Pinckney Simons Gallery.

That night, last Thursday, was the reception. It went well. People showed up, though not as many as would have come had the weather been better. Still, I was UNDER-whelmed. This wasn't the sort of exhibit with which I want to be associated in the future. These are not the gallery owners with whom I ever want to be represented. All the "problems" were really "problems". There are no real solutions....except not to do this again!

I shouldn't sound quite so dismal. In truth, I was a "hit". Everyone complimented me, liked the Archeology Project and other pieces, enjoyed the brief gallery talk, and more than a few small items sold. Rick and Irene were quite pleased. In a sense, it was all "perfect"; only it wasn't. This is just not where I want to BE artistically.

Before I try to explain, I ought to highlight the positive things....and there were some outstanding moments! First, Lee Malerich agreed to come to the show early enough to meet me for a drink at Motor Supply (a restaurant) before the show. Lee is one of the most outstanding embroiderers ever. Her work has graced the pages of international fiber and craft publications. She's won the state's craft fellowship three time (after the last win, the award was limited to only two wins per individual!). She teaches now at Coker College in Hartsville. I have admired her ability to document emotions through thread and to pour out her heart and soul on fiber. Any time with Lee Malerich is a highlight!

Another big plus in the evening came from watching people sort through the Archeology Project just as I had intended them to do. People were genuinely thrilled to find one "treasure" after another. Many begged for my comments on various individual pieces. I knew it was a success by watching the enjoyment and sense of exploration.

The other highlight of the evening came in the form of future ideas. One man suggested making a mobile with my metallic fragments. Someone else suggested using mirror shards and even creating a hand mirror. Many wanted personal items. All these suggestions are now floating around in my head with one from my sister Sonya. Earlier, she wrote an email to me to suggest "make-up". While I might not create cosmetic items, this sparked an earlier memory. I had intended to have filled vials--foreign articles suspended in corn syrup. I wanted "imaginary text" labels on spice jars. I forgot about the "chemistry" of archeology. Sonya reminded me! (Thanks!)

While talking to the dozens of people who came, I couldn't help but to see past the immediate scene. I overheard comments too. These were the visions and sounds that "underwhelmed" me. It really is a problem that the gallery doesn't have a dedicated space in which to showcase work. Too many people entered the building and remarked, "Where's the show?" It isn't obvious. It doesn't look like a proper art exhibit. The place emulates a home setting. It suggests to potential clients what it might be like to live with original art. It is not a good gallery, however, to focus on a body of work.

The owners really didn't hang the show, label the pieces, read the exhibition list, and know the artwork well enough to function as knowledgeable agents for the artists. They're nice people, but they are clueless. They relied on me to sell my work. This isn't how it is suppose to be.

I saw my first poster for Radenko Pavlovich's LifeChance Ballet right before the reception. It includes a photo of Aleksander Buber with a the words "Gold Medalist" and an IBC Jackson logo. Aleksander Buber merited something in that competition, but he didn't get anything. He certainly didn't win gold. Yet, this is Columbia. My community allows such errors--even expects them, shrugs them off, and thinks that it doesn't matter. I hear it all the time---this isn't New York, as if that is a valid excuse for piling on mountains of compliments on a mediocre performance.

I couldn't help but feel like I was part of this hypocrisy. I was part of a staged art exhibit that was a major "success" because.....this isn't New York...we don't have to present the best or even feel the need to try. I looked around the gallery and found it too pathetic. I want more.

Part of the problem is the provincial attitude. Part of the problem is the gallery. Yet, part of the problem is me and my artwork. I know that the work is good. I also know that it is not good enough. If I am ever to escape the problems that I cannot change. I have to change the ones that are within my control. I really need to be more selective with the venues; but I also must concentrate on improving my work--going for more, aiming higher, and producing a quality that could have a place in a sophisticated, suburban setting. Otherwise, I'll end up all the "professional" ballet companies here in town--only good enough for Columbia.

ICE STORM EXPECTED FOR RECEPTION DAY

Mouse House has been so busy this week that I really didn't pay attention to the approaching weather. I've been preoccupied with framing, the upcoming reception at I. Pinckney Simons Gallery tomorrow, updating the Vista Studios website, insisting upon Alex's "grounding" because of poor grades, and producing new artwork. Today, however, the temperatures dipped.

I am suppose to deliver about twelve pieces to Corley Elementary School tomorrow at 1 PM. They will hang for about two months for all the kids and school visitors. I selected several from a series made with assorted, trivial found objects. Each includes letters spelling a popular phrase like "Knick Knack", "Odds and Ends", "Pack Rat", etc. I confirmed my appointment via email today.

The art teacher at Corley Elementary seems geniunely thrilled to have my work for this exhibit. Yet, she is a little worried about tomorrow. She gave me her cell phone number......"just in case". In case of what, I wondered?

Well, by late in the afternoon, Dreher High School decided to call a two-hour delay to the school starting time tomorrow. An ICE STORM is rumored to be headed our way! The rumors now floating around the student population is that maybe school will be cancelled! This on the day of the reception.

I cannot help the weather, but I do hope this is all a gross over-reaction---typical of Southerners who are terrified of snow and cannot drive in rain! I've arranged to meet one of my "goddesses" of embroidery before the reception. Lee Malerich is coming for the show. We are to have drinks beforehand. Here's to crossing my fingers and toes for fair skies!

Architecture Series continues!

This week is the reception for the Archeology Project at I. Pinckney Simons Gallery. I think Janet put it into the Simons' heads that we need to have a gallery talk. While I could discuss my work at length and am generally quite entertaining, I think this is a rather poor idea. We've invited more people that the gallery can sufficiently hold. Obviously, only some will show up; but, it still could be a bit congested as there's not that much space to begin with. Also, the gallery doesn't have a dedicated space for our show. Thus, people will not necessarily be standing near our work while we speak. Plus, the set up of the gallery emulates a "home setting" with partial walls, furniture, tables, etc. There really isn't a "good" place in which to center such a gallery talk. I'm sure Janet just wants to do this. I'll play it by ear.

In the meantime, I'm at work on my continuing Architecture Series. Maybe I'm inspired by the fact that my solo show in California is up and getting some attention. Though I have no contract and haven't the faintest idea what commission I'll be charged for sales, at least I didn't have to write and submit the publicity, design and mail invitations, hang the show, etc. etc. etc.

Right now, I'm on the Ironstone Vineyard's website and the Calavara County website! So, I'm back to stitching buildings.

More that stitching, I took the heat-transfer painted sheets I made in order to get the foundation color and design onto the background and collaged them--all sixteen of the recent images. Of course, I've only stitched six of these so far. I'm planning to take photos soon. First, however, here's Elements of Architecture XXIII and XXIV. I've got the next two done as well, just not photographed.

Roofing and Catalog

It's been more than a year since the end of the reconstruction of the house after the fire. Naturally the "brand new" roof is now no longer under warranty. Naturally, there is now a tiny leak. Naturally, it is where we'd had past problems that were finally fixed before the fire. Fortunately, we have a great friend ready and willing to help. Image, Stephen Chesley, an internationally renown artist and my mentor, climbed up the 32' ladder with Alex, a staple gun, extra shingles, and all the other supplies necessary to make the repairs. They really made me nervous when their legs were hanging over the eaves.

I've just finished the catalog for the Archeology Project. All 110 textiles have thumbnail images and description. All the primarily paper pieces, except the "Imaginary Text" sheets also have thumbnails and descriptions. It is ready to go.

Oh, how did Steve and I repay the favor to Stephen for the roof repairs? We used a long saved, hand silvered and patinaed moulding for one of his recent oil paintings. Stephen Chesley, Mike Williams, Ed Wimberly, and David Yaghjian are having the annual exhibition of new work coming up at the end of the month. One of the most amazing things is this is number 10,449! Okay, he's been creating work for over twenty years, but that's still about 500 finished, cataloged pieces annually! Stephen is amazing....and today he was a roofer!

Gallery 80808/Vista Studios Website

I just realized that I wrote all about changing images, biographies, and various pages on the Gallery 80808/Vista Studios website. I forgot, however, to include a link. Here it is: www.gallery80808vistastudios.com

These are some of the images I recently took of individual pieces in the Archeology Project. Each photo is being used in the creation of the catalog. Each piece will shortly have a price. The range varies from $18 for the small spools to $28 for the wrapped-and-stitched nuts&bolts to $35 for a sheet of the "Imaginary Text". The textiles are going from $25 to $175. The paper pieces are from $35 to $125. This is the way I really wanted the Archeology Project. I wanted viewers to explore the contents of the suitcases, touch the pieces, fall in love with a special "treasure", and be able to purchase a "souvenir". I likened the experience to going to Pompeii or the Coliseum in Rome or to Stonehenge and being overwhelmed with the desire to take away a rock or a "relic" or sorts. This is the essence of the installation: discovery of a mysterious "historical" concept and fulfillment of ownership--even if it is a mere trinket. I couldn't be happier than to offer the pieces individually, to see the Archeology Project function as intended, and to create a running, open-ended catalog of the treasures it contained.

The quality of these images isn't the greatest. I've shrunk each down for use in the catalog. Actually, the catalog's images are even smaller, just thumbnails. Generally, I keep most art images at 300 dpi and fairly large. These, however, are rather small, but nice!

Website Work and Cataloging a Project

I can hardly believe that I haven't written since last Saturday. I've been on an emotional roller-coaster ride, mastered a few "tricks" on the Gallery 80808/Vista Studios website, and started a major catalog for the Archeology Project.

The "roller-coaster": Pricing for the show at I. Pinckney Simons. First (before the show), Janet Kozachek wrote an email suggesting the the gallery owners were worried about how low my artwork might be priced. She strongly suggested that I allow the owners to "adjust" my prices. I felt like a "second-class"artist. I felt apprehension due to my inclusion in an elusive gallery. I felt like my "quality" was being questioned because of my affordable prices. I agreed to let Rick Simons suggest higher prices. Yet, when dropping off my work and hanging the show, he didn't seem interested in re-pricing my pieces. In fact, he admitted being unfamiliar with the average costs of artist- and altered-books and installation of any sort.

Immediately after hanging the show and providing additional pricing tags (these tasks should have been the gallery's responsibility), I started getting email messages from Janet about the Archeology Project. She strongly suggested that I break the collection. She implied a level of dissatisfaction from Rick and Irene Simons, the gallery owners. I had priced the entire installation at $9,500. I never wanted to sell the entire unit, but the worries about my low prices prompted the change. Earlier, she had said that Rick and Irene regularly sold artwork at $8000. She reminded me that they would have to sell 10 of her $800 pieces to net the same commission. She implied that they wouldn't want to work selling some 100 pieces for mine at $80. Thus, I let Rick adjust my prices on other work and also priced the Archeology Project as a "high-ticket" item unit.

Yet, Janet's emails were quite insistent. At first, I resisted. I reminded her that we had submitted the Archeology based work for a show at the Sumter Gallery of Art. Thus, I wasn't eager to sell the work anyway. She wrote back with a note that basically said only museums and non-profit spaces could afford to devote valuable floor space to non-collectible art projects. I was stunned. I was being accused (with nice words but still pressure) of WASTING commercial sales area. At this point, I started crying. I cried on and off for two days. I had been so happy to have the piece on view; then I wished I had taken the entire thing home. I wrote back to Janet to remind her that the piece WAS FOR SALE! In fact, with over 300 pieces for $9500, the average cost per item was just over $26. The piece, as priced, was/is a BARGAIN.

Janet finally relented saying, "Fine". I haven't heard from her since. Still, I was upset and wondering if I was in trouble with the Simons. I had just hand addressed over 380 envelops with invitations inside. Each invitation also carried a hand-written note: I hope you can come. I was exhausted and insulted. I didn't know if I were even welcome to my own reception. Finally, I went to the gallery.

Irene was there. Rick was in their gallery in Beaufort. They weren't upset. They didn't carry if I kept the work as a unit or broke it. They knew that breaking it would mean work. They were up to the task. They also said that Janet was just dying to purchase one of the individual pieces! Perhaps, a mystery had been solved.

Since I always planned to sell the pieces individually, I photographed them--over 300 images (most had both a front and back). I've been working on a catalog ever since. Still, I don't care if any of it sells or not. It has been a labor of love--the fantasy dream of a fictional archaeologist (me)! Such a "professional" would naturally have an image and a description of all the "artifacts" uncovered.

I created labels to go with any sold piece. Each says: Artifact #_____Excavated by hand and machine by mixed media artist and fantasy archaeologist Susan Lenz in 2006. Formerly in the I. Pinckney Simons Collection.

I'm assuming that the "unit" will not sell (even if it is a BARGAIN; it is still $9500, a lot of money!). I'm also assuming that only a few, if any, of the individual pieces will sell. I've been working on a catalog with thumbnail images for myself, for the Project, as if I were an archaeologist recording my discoveries.

In the meantime, I've been working on the Gallery 80808/Vista Studios website. I've figured out all sorts of things. I've changed images for David Yaghjian and updated his biography. I added a resume for Sharon Licata under her one-paragraph biography. Then I figured out how to change the Calendar page and also the Featured Show. Successfully altering a website is a most elating experience. For someone who couldn't burn a CD last month, I've made remarkable experience!

Buildings in Stitches at Ironstone Vineyard!

The Ironstone Vineyard website has been updated with information about my solo exhibition and the RECEPTION! I'm thrilled.

http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/store/eventsdetail.asp?Category_ID=13&Product_ID=359

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2007
Susan’s Exhibit at Ironstone Vineyards is titled “Fiber Architecture: Buildings in Stitches” and will be available for public viewing and purchase in our galleria from 10 am to 5 pm. The exhibition will end with a fabulous closing reception also open to the public on February 24th at 5 pm that will include, wine and hors d’ oeuvres as well as a chance to meet the artist.
Collaging fabric, foiling, and transferring paint through heat-activated process provides fiber artist Susan Lenz a marvelous way to explore the world of architecture. Windows, facades, towers, staircases, floor plans, wall treatments, bays, domes, eaves, columns and archways overlap. Historical periods and distant cultures relate and are tied together through free machine stitching. Many of the techniques used are very contemporary. Fabrics are manipulated and the materials are used in ways quite different than their normal functions or their manufacture’s instructions. The resulting artwork is more than just beautiful; it is interesting and leaves the viewer wondering just how it was accomplished. These new technologies are in the forefront of international fiber arts.
The series is on-going and debuted at Gallery 80808 in Columbia’s Conagree Vista during September 2002. All pieces are professionally framed. The series is machine embroidered. Additional pieces are individually titled and are hand embroidered or use a combination of hand and machine stitching.

Love is the Wisdom of the Fool

Well, this morning I am off to Charleston. My only "real" framing client--the one I still cater to with corner samples, hanging artwork services, and even office/house calls--is Leonard Long. It is my honor to work for an important man like Leonard. He has trusted me with this art collection that includes about fifteen original pastels by Elizabeth O'Neill Verner, a watercolor by Hutty, numerous oils by Linda Fantuzzo, and work by Manning Williams. I've framed three golf clubhouses, three houses, and several offices for Leonard. When he calls, I jump. Today, I'm jumping.

Before I leave, however, I wanted to see if Blogger was uploading images at any pace quicker that a snail. It is. So, here's one of the other pieces that I'm submitting for the McKissick Museum "A Fool for Art" charity event. The quotation is by Samuel Johnson and reads: Love is the Wisdom of the Fool and the Folly of the Wise. The piece is a paper collage with both hand and machine embroidery.

Archeology Project at I. Pinckney Simons Gallery

Well, I read two chapters on de Kooning while uploading images. I forgot some of the statements I just wrote on the previous post. Likely, I need to add an explanation. I said something about being both "well" and "injured". Explanation: I accidentally fell down the back steps yesterday, ruined the pants I was wearing, bloodied both knees, and I couldn't stand for over five minutes. I've had to take aspirin to get over the pain, but otherwise I'm quite healthy and I feel much better today!

I also mentioned being "down in the dumps" and "on top of the world". Well, yesterday I delivered my artwork to the show at I. Pinckney Simons Gallery. I thought I was just going to drop everything off. All the pieces were nicely labeled, cataloged, and ready to hang. I provided an exhibition list, plenty of extra bios and business cards, and had this paperwork printed on card stock and inside a three-ring binder.

I was shocked to learn that Rick Simons expected, no....required..., Janet and I to actually HANG THE SHOW!. This job took all afternoon. Once finished, Rick Simons announced that he needed....no...required.....typed labels for all the pieces. He explained that clients needed to "see the prices"....not have to turn the pieces over or ask. Sure, I see the point......but, isn't the gallery suppose to do this.....or something? Basically, Janet and I have done all the publicity, paid for the invitations, are doing all the mailing, hung the show....and now I created labels for all the pieces...both mine and Janet's. (How was she going to generate typed labels in Orangeburg overnight and return to Columbia?) Today, I tagged all my artwork and the collaborations. I insisted that Rick had to figure out which tag belonged to which of Janet's works.

So, in a sense, I've been down in the dumps because this gallery really isn't WORKING for the 40% commission....providing they manage to sell anything. Let's hope all my words here are one's I'll soon regret because their salesmanship abilities will far exceed my wildest expectations. (I'm not going to hold my breathe!)

I've also been "on top of the world". My Archeology Project is right in the middle of the gallery on an ornate round table, a focal point. It looks great. Also, my other show is on the Ironstone Vineyard website! I am thrilled. Steve booked my accommodations (a really sweet deal) at a quaint place called The Jumping Frog Inn. So, soon I'll have an opening in Columbia, a trip with Steve to DC, a trip to Birmingham to see Mathias and ballet, and finally both a trip and opening in California. Yes.....even if I'm rejected from the local McKissick Museum charity event, I'm on top of the world!

Art in the New Year!

I've been busy! I'm been sad and happy, well and injured, down in the dumps, and on top of the world.

Mostly, I've been busy!

Over the holidays, I hand stitched two more in the Elements of Architecture Series. These were machine embroidered upon my return to Columbia, my studio, and my wonderful Bernina sewing machines.

Yet, I've also managed to create four new pieces in my "In Box" series. Posted here is a detail from In Box XII and a full shot of In Box XIX.

I planned to upload more images but Blogger is taking more time that I can stand. I'm even reading great portions from my de Kooning book while waiting, but it is still taking too much time. Maybe tomorrow I'll post other images.

I created these four In Box pieces in a furor of activity. The annual McKissick Museum of Art's fund raiser is just around the corner. I've been one of the invited artist for the past few years. I've sold work each year. However, this year the event has changed into a JURIED event. Of course, Wim Roefs, our local Dutch art expert, is the juror. I cried when I read the notice. I figured that this was the end of my participation.

Alex, however, reminded me that I often spend $30 or more dollars submitting slides or CDs of images to juried shows in which I stand little to no chance of acceptance. This McKissick opportunity carries no entry fee. The only thing different about this juried show and others is that I know the juror who might reject me. (Wim has told me how to reframe my work so that it "at least LOOKS like art". He has admired my In Box series only after I've mentioned that all were sold.) Anyway, I decided that Alex was right. I had no money to lose and already knew the likelihood of rejection. I also figured that if Wim was even half serious about liking my In Box series, I needed to get to work and produce more. So, I made four more.

I like making these pieces. They've always sold well. They allow my mind to wander while ironing. I am always rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment. So, now I have four more. The submission for the McKissick charity event (it is called "A Fool for Art) allows ten images. So I sent five from my Life Everlasting Series and one that I did last year about a "fool". It is a mixed media piece using a quote from Samuel Johnson. I'll post an image tomorrow, if Blogger is up to it!