buzzing bees a-plenty!

Laugh out loud!
These stickers are fabulous!
Who else would have made a grumpy bee
but Jana Kinsman?
What a grand idea!
I would not have expected
such a thing when I backed this
kickstarter project almost a year ago.

Now, I have her fanciful stickers and my very own bee!
As you can see,
her name is Martha
and she's quite a cheerful
little honey
as she flits from
one hawthorne flower
to another,
making sure those buds
will become red berries
for songbirds!

Faustina,
Thank you for supporting Bike-A-Bee on kickstarter. It meant a lot! It was a long and hot summer in Chicago but the bees fared well. Now let's hope for a reasonable winter! Have a lovely holiday season!
<3 Jana K.
Hip-hip-hooray for bees!
Now, what to do with these sweet rewards?
Well, she did say she had gone to an intensive program on beekeeping at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab - and I have family up in that state - so maybe Nikolas and Lillian will get these! We have a responsibility to the next generation to pass along the education!
Bees forever!

boom bats in the house of z

I wish I could say I understood this show.
I do not.
Or is it, I donut?
Here's what I do know: that Z is one odd fellow and "Cthulhu's House of Z" is one odd show.

As Cthulhu, Z has endeavored to look the part, with misshapen face and with straggly hair and beard giving a tentacle-like appearance.

The neon-green sunglasses (just like mine!!!) keep him from being too creepy.

The neon-pink underwear below the trenchcoat and above the high-heeled shoes add that creep factor right back in, a la Dr. Frank N. Furter.
His show features three skits, or, as he calls them "scenarios." All feature donuts.
You heard me correctly: donuts.
Donuts being cut by saws.
Donuts being fresh and warm.
Donuts being smashed.
Donuts being eaten.
Interspersed between the skits are jokes and dances.
Overall, a rather entertaining show in the dark, emceed with a halting tongue and a soothing voice that encourages you to stay, enjoy, make yourself comfortable.
It's all PG, too, so your middle-schoolers could titter about it afterward.
(smile)
But understand it?
Not I.
Even though I was glad to support this kickstarter project.
BOOM BAT GESTURE pushed my comfort zone a bit... and that is good.

hey baby, hey baby, HEY!

Trick or treat!
When I arrived home yesterday, this was waiting in my mailbox.
Woohoo!
I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to view "Gypped" on the big screen at the Trustees Theatre on 30 May of this year, when it was screened for the student showcase. Now, I have my own copy and can enjoy it whenever I want.
What a treat!
Nice to see my name in the credits, too.

Trick or treat is also descriptive of the storyline.
This tale of a young man who relentlessly pursues the wrong girl -
and irks the wrong gypsy -
is quite humorous when the tables are turned and he becomes the object of pursuit.
I think Jesse Newman Lindorf has a bright future - looking to the other side of the box is always an exercise in empathy and certainly makes the world a better, less biased, place for all of us.
As you may recall, this was a local film project from my October 2011 funding spree.
But first, let me remind you why I began funding these projects.
My mother was an artist at heart. Her outlet for creativity lay in sewing and handcrafts and cake decorating. She was never able to practice art as a career.
After my stepdad's recent death, I received some funds from my mother's estate. It was free money: I didn't earn it, it was simply given to me.
That meant I had the option of spending it however I wanted.
Again, it was free money.
I opted to share it with artists. I had recently been introduced to the world of kickstarter through a friend's project and, when I suddenly found myself with funds to invest, I chose kickstarter as the search engine for my investments.

muralcle block party!

I was asked to promote this event, so here we go. Please note that all of the following italicized words were written by the folks at SeeSAW. I have added my photographs in lieu of using theirs.

For Immediate Release
SeeSAW Block Party and David Ellis
Who: SeeSAW (Savannah Art Walls) and Savannah artists Katherine Sandoz, Troy Wandzel, Adolfo Alvarado and visiting artist David Ellis
What: Block Party
Where: SeeSAW Mural Wall | 34th and Habersham Street | Savannah, GA
When: Sunday, October 14 , 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Social Media Feed: Twitter @SavArtWAlls
Follow SeeSAW’s collaboration with David Ellis with the hashtag #EllisSAV on twitter and instagram October 14 - 19.
For info please email info@savannahartwalls.org

SeeSAW (See Savannah Art Walls) is excited to announce a block party this Sunday, October 14 in celebration of a year’s worth of art and community support at the mural wall at 34th and Habersham Street in Savannah, GA. In December of 2011 SeeSAW secured approval from Savannah’s Metropolitan Planning Commission to oversee the first designated rotating mural wall in Savannah. To fund a years worth of murals SeeSAW successfully raised over $7,000.00 on the crowd-sourcing website Kickstarter. Most of the money raised was locally sourced from individual Savannahians and local businesses that support the amplification of public art.
In order to stay in line with the curatorial standard of creating work that is Savannah-centric in nature, SeeSAW selected prominent local artists Katherine Sandoz, Troy Wandzel, and Adolfo Hernandez Alvarado. These three artists were selected to tell a visual story of Savannah because of their consistent history documenting and interacting with the diverse people and geography of Georgia's first city.

Starting on the coldest day of the year in February 2012, Katherine Sandoz painted an abstract landscape of Turtle Island, a hammock off the Georgia coast directly due east from the wall at 34th and Habersham. The landscape spanned the length of the 8 ft x 100 ft wall.

In June 2012, rather than obliterate Sandoz’s landscape, Troy Wandzel decided to add a field of flowers along the lower third of the wall. Often in contorted positions, Wandzel painted over 70 portraits from life of everyday Savannah citizens that willingly suffered the June heat with smiles on their faces.

Staying in the theme of adding
to the wall rather than starting
over, in September of 2012
Adolfo Hernandez Alvarado synthesized Sandoz’s landscape and Wandzel’s portraits by painting a centrally located female figure with a crown formed out of seashells and waves. The woman represents
the feminine qualities of Savannah as a city, from its natural and architectural beauty to its motherly embrace.
“La Madre” of Savannah is flanked by two bearded horn players derivative of the fountain in historic Forsyth Park.
To close out the year with a bang, SeeSAW will be bringing in world-renowned NYC-based artist David Ellis for a week of painting “large, mobile, 3D” objects placed on the lawn in front of the wall on 34th Street. SeeSAW co-founders James “DrZ” Zdaniewski and Matt Hebermehl were inspired to create SeeSAW based upon previous experiences assisting Mr. Ellis on projects in Savannah and the Wynwood Walls neighborhood of Miami, FL. David Ellis will be in Savannah October 14 - 19.

Let me tell you, this was quite a block party, too! People from the neighborhood, people from all over Savannah, even people from other cities, all came together to admire the Muralcle and to watch the New Yorker create his motion-based paintings on the side panels of cargo trucks. It was almost like he was dancing! He may well have been, as the crowd was entertained by the sounds of Vinyl Appreciation while slurping Italian ices to stay cool in the sunshine.
Remember how Fliss had her portrait painted in June by Troy Wandzel? Well, the evidence points to his having an influence on Adolfo Alvarado's design. Perhaps he asked that my visage be preserved; perhaps he did not. Whatever the case may be, Fliss remains with "La Madre", peeking out on the lefthand side. Is it mere coincidence that has me nestled near "The Mother"? I prefer to think it was on purpose. Yet another message from beyond, reassuring me that I am spending the money properly.
Thanks, Mama.

bronze bird flies to England

Woohoo! At the end of May, Ray Harryhausen was surprised with the letter of appreciation of his work and with the new bronze statue replica of his prehistoric bird from "Mysterious Island". I think Bruce Bowman did a marvelous job!
In the first week or so of September, he sent a link to me so I could download a copy of the letter for myself. I've only now had time to devote to the printing and framing of the piece.
I'm so very proud to have been part of this endeavor! As a fan of fantasy, mythology, science fiction, and science, I am also a fan of Mr. Harryhausen, even if I had been unaware that he was the mastermind designing the creatures in the movies I loved. I am most certainly aware, now, of the man behind the genius and am thrilled that he has been honored in this way, by fans, while he is still alive.
You see, the man is now 92 years old.
My stepdad was 89 when he tripped while doing laundry, broke his hip, and died.
Every moment is precious, y'all.

Here is a closer view of the message to "Uncle Ray", as he is known to those in the business. I think Bruce did a wonderful job at phrasing the message, don't you?
"There have been so many renowned animators, writers, artists, and filmmakers who have attributed their own creative gifts to your glorious fantasy films. As a sculptor, I humbly count myself among them.
When I learned your 'Phororhacus' model had been recycled for another project, I made it my goal to provide a replica for your shelves. And now with the support of those listed below, I am proud to present you my own recreation of your model.
Kindest regards, Bruce Bowman"

See my name? I'm in almost the middle of the twenty-one signatures.
I only wish I could have signed it in person!
Of course, my scribble wouldn't have been nearly as nicely done.

The artwork was done by a local artist in Portland, Oregon, Bethany Grosvenor. Bruce and his wife saw her pen-and-ink drawings hanging in a bakery and decided then and there to engage her to design this beautiful letter.
It truly is art.
And that is why it is framed and hanging on my wall.

Want to know more about Ray Harryhausen?
Check out this site.
Best bit of trivia to me?
That part about his influence showing up in one of my favorite films, "Monsters, Inc.".
What is your favorite?
And, should you develop a hankering for your very own copy of the Phororhacus, you can order it here. You'll have to bronze it yourself.
(smile)

the flight continues!

Taking to the air once more, this steampunk film is working mightily to soar - and I'm on board again!
Previously presented on kickstarter, the film failed to attain its funding goal... so it received nothing. Those are the rules: attain goal, receive all funds pledged; fall short of goal, receive nothing. The backers have rules, too: if goal is reached, the backers receive the rewards for their pledge levels. However, if the project fails to hit goal, the backers do not receive rewards - and their monies pledged are not collected.
Jennifer Marie Bird, the writer and director of photography of "The Flight", did not get discouraged. In fact, I believe she became even more determined that this "kickass steampunk film" see the light of day. Festival exposure is critical to the growth of this short into a feature-length story.
At this point, the film is finished, edited, locked - all of that. So now to get the backing to take it on the road, show it to the world, let the LGBTQ community have another pathfinder, especially for youth.
So, she brought it to indiegogo.
The rules are different here. The project creator receives all monies pledged, whether the funding goal is attained or not. And, the backers are guaranteed to receive the rewards they have chosen, as the pledged funds are collected instantly when pledged.
I guess this manner of crowdsourcing relies upon better preparation than does kickstarter.
At any rate, I know I will receive the dvd of the film, this time.
Thanks, Jenn, for reminding me a few days ago about this new aim for the skies!

from venice, with thanks

It hasn't yet been a year since I backed her printmaking trip to Venice. In the past three months, I've been to Italy, she's been to Italy, and we are both back safely home again.
Say what? I went to Italy?
Yes, I did!
I shared the news with Rachel Singel in May:

fliss on May 11, 2012
Rachel, I leave for Italy on Sunday!
The Health Professions group at the university where I teach are going there for a Study Abroad trip and I was fortunate enough to snag one of the seats that opened up in February. This is only my second trip there; my first was ten years ago.
I will not be going to Venice, but I will go to Salerno, Siena, and Roma - perhaps one day I'll make it to Venice!
Happy travels to you!

Her quick reply had been:
Rachel Singel
May 11, 2012
Hi Faustina! Wow! That is so great!!! I sure hope you have an amazing time! Safe travel to you, too! :)

My travels had me home again before she left on hers. Then sometime in July, she returned, sharing her photographs of her adventures and ... TA DA! some of her artwork she had created in Venice! Wow!
Today, the thirty-six page book she had made for me arrived on my doorstep.

Notice the four binding cords
holding it all together,
the indentation for the bookplate,
the creamy color
and rich texture of the pages,
the 'wispy clouds
on a summer day
in Venice
in an old black & white movie"
design of the cover of the book.
Beautiful, isn't it?
Perhaps I will, one day, share it with my bff.
Perhaps I will use this book, this unique piece of art, to record the adventure she and I shall have when we go to Venice for Carnival in a few years.
Perhaps that will be best - the book will return to Italy with us!

student aid

At the beginning of each new school year, in the fall, the University has a drive to raise funds for on-campus projects. The campaign is called First Day, but it is held through the end of the first month.
Today is the end of First Day.
For those who gave above a certain threshold amount, the school offered a special gift, hoping to encourage folks to be generous. After all, the threshold was only US$125.
The First Day campaign even allowed donors to select a general fund or specific projects for the money to support. Nice! I chose the Science Bowl project, partly because I participate with that project as a reader every January and February, but also because it encourages an interest in science for high school students. I recall fondly the science projects I was fortunate enough to be part of in middle school and high school. I know firsthand what a postitive impact that has had on my life and am proud to be able to "pay it forward", so to speak.
As I was saying, the University set up a reward program for First Day donors. The picture above is one of eight notecards I received, each with a different photograph taken on campus grounds.
Very nice!
I look forward to using each and every one of the cards!

civilization starter kit

If
I were of a mind
to build my own house
from the dirt below my feet,
I now have the instructions
which would allow me to construct
my own Soil Pulverizer (to loosen the dirt below my feet),
my own Tractor (to transfer the soil from the dig site),
my own Compressed Earth Brick Press (to mold the material into stackable units),
and my own Power Cube (to energize all pieces).

And so could you.

Thanks to Marcin Jakubowski and Factor e Farm in Missouri, anyone in the world can obtain these massive tools for a fraction of the cost of buying them preconstructed.
Thanks to this kickstarter project, the blueprints may be easily accessed by anyone with a computer and internet connection. Everything I have on this DVD, you can now access right here.
Everything.
The Soil Pulverizer, or Rototiller: go here.
The Tractor's instructions are here.
Then check here for the CEB Press, aka The Liberator.
And what else? Oh, yes, the Power Cube.
Gather all of the materials, use the instructions and videos to construct the tools, and then you can build the house, known by them as the HabLab, where they all live and work on Factor e Farm.
This is Jakubowski's Christmas gift to the World.
I once dreamt of technology and knowledge being open source, available to all, free.
I am now seeing that I did not dream alone.
Thank you, Marcin, and thank you to your fine crew.

sean won't be coming after all

My heart breaks for Pat Alley. Her dream of bringing the Sean Curran Company here for the Savannah Dance Festival will not be coming true.
At least, not for this year's event.
The funds sought via kickstarter to bring the troupe did not accumulate sufficiently.
Maybe another time?
Meanwhile, remember: You were born to DANCE!

savannah stage company fall educational tour

They're local! They're talented!! And they want to educate children!!!
Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
The schools gain some much-needed artistic input, disguised as free-lance show-and-tell, and the children gain education, disguised as entertainment.
Their first work will be an original play, titled "Rip Van Winkle: The Musical". You already know my fondness for musicals, as I have backed not one, not two, or even three - no, keep counting!
But this is, I believe, the first musical geared toward children.
So, sure, that warrants a Benjamin for the kitty.
Me? No, I don't have any children of my own to benefit from this endeavor.
No, I sure don't.
But I do have nieces and nephews who are still in school. I also have great-nieces and great-nephews who will be blessed by this talented troupe.
With any luck, my schedule will even allow me to see the live performance of the show!
However, at the very least, I'll have a dvd of "Rip Van Winkle" to enjoy at my leisure.
And my name will be associated with the show as a backer.
Woohoo!

if we get sean, they will come

Pat Alley is trying to raise awareness of the Savannah Dance festival. She came to kickstarter with a definite goal: get the funds to bring the Sean Curran Company to town, as the headliner.
Dream big or go home, right?
I don't know much about Sean Curran, except that he was one of the original members of Stomp. That's good enough street cred(entials) for me! I was at their 2005 show when they came to Savannah and consider myself very fortunate. Part of the beauty of the performances was watching the shadows on the walls of the Johnny Mercer Theatre as the dancers leapt and spun and stomped! - it was incredible and I could hardly sit still, dancing my way out into the streets after the show!
So, if the goal was to bring a dance troupe that talented to Savannah for all to enjoy, then sure! I'll put up some cold hard cash for that!
Especially as I'll get two rewards: 1) the posted reward of a T-shirt from the every day i'm shufflin' flash mob event that occured for the 4th of July here, and 2) the reward of being present at the Savannah Dance Festival. Win-win!

digitul monsterz, once more

Very nice! He's back with a new project to table his creatures in a book!
As you may recall, he had an unsuccessful go with this design venture earlier this year. His geometrically themed monsters did their best, but Mr. Wigfall had to step back and regroup. He also had to determine a new funding amount and new focus for his work.
Now, he's back!
This time around, I doubled my support for the project.
In rewardspeak, that means I'll also receive 9x12's of two of his gorgeously hued and wonderfully drawn monsters.
I am so excited - for me, for him, and for monster lovers everywhere!!!

real outdoorsmen - an adventure documentary

Well, bless Pete! The two real outdoorsmen of California are giving it another try!
Disclaimer: I am not disparaging the good people of that large, western state who enjoy being outdoors. One of my best friends is in El Cerrito and is an avid hiker and enjoyer of nature. My little sister, in the southern part of California, takes her family camping on a regular basis.
So, there.
Back to the tale at hand...
When we last tuned in, they were trying to complete a film of their hikes in the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia. It was to be a regular guy's hike, not that of a naturalist or expert. Just a person with a camera, enjoying the views, the flora, and the fauna, with a good buddy.
When they alerted me to their revived venture, I jumped on in, of course.
I'm their first backer this time, too!
Let's hope they have better fortune this time.

a better summer

For a project which is now a decade old, it sure has turned into a beautiful baby. "God Help The Girl", the brainchild of Stuart Murdoch, begins filming in Glasgow today.
Today.
Actually, as I write this I realize they are probably wrapping up the first day's shoot. Twenty-four more days on the set!
Originally, the songwriter simply wanted to write songs for girl singers to sing. Belle & Sebastian, the band he is in, is not a girl band. It has a girl in it, yes, but is not predominantly girls and Stuart is the lead. So, in 2004, he developed this concept of songs to be sung by girls, songs about girls and young women. Then, he auditioned and finally found the ones to sing on this album he was constructing, of girls singing about girls. Finally, in 2009, God Help The Girl was completed and released.
A couple of the songs made it onto other albums by the band. Here's a video of Stuart singing "Funny Little Frog", a tune found on GHTG as well as The Life Pursuit.
Even with the completion of the album, he wasn't done dreaming about it and the songs. Now, that dream was to turn the music into a film. So he started talking to the kind of people you talk to when you're trying to make a film. No one would buy into his dream.
No one.
At least, not until Barry Mendel stepped in. He would produce the film, but financial backing was needed, more than he could give.
So they tried to obtain funding from the usual sources and no one would agree to underwrite the costs of turning the dream into reality.
No one.
Not until they found www.kickstarter.com. That's where I found out about this grand dream and bought my way into it. I know Mama would definitely see the merit of this use of her money.
Now, I'm one of the collaborators on this project.
Because I "get it", as Stuart said.
I've even received two of my rewards already! I'm listed as one of the 1,334 Supporters on the website for the film. And I received a digital postcard of thanks! (I even printed it and framed it!)
I am so very grateful to have found this beautiful, hopeful project!
Break a leg, y'all!

flower power muralcle

Oh, wow! Fliss has been immortalized!!! Well, at least for a few months, right? I mean, a few months on the Savannah Art Wall at 34th and Habersham Streets, but who knows how long on the internet?
This kickstarter project has been very good to me!
Even if it did come as a little shock to me that I had so much gray in my hair. (Odd; the mirror must lie!)
Two weeks ago, I received a notice from the the good folks at SeeSAW that Troy Wandzel was the next artist to paint the Wall. He likes live models and had asked that local kickstarter supporters, as well as all interested others, come by during his week to get their portraits done. Of course I went!
Thursday, June 21st, fit nicely into my schedule. I had to wait my turn behind three young blonde lasses, but the day was gorgeous and music was provided, so I was good! I even danced a little! Then it was my turn to be captured.
Troy was very fast with his painting. That was partly due to the fast-drying nature of the paint, but also it was his style, perfected over the years. A few quick strokes, some washes of color, and a little fine-tuning: done!

These last two are of the finished Wandzel painting, taken today. I was very pleased that he had incorporated the "Turtle Island" landscape into his world of flower people. Then again, it speaks well of him that he has such respect for another's work.
I wonder what the next artist will do?

TONYC has poetry on the streets!

Last night,
Concrete Justice,
the acting troupe of the Theatre of the Oppressed in New YorK City,
had the grand launch party
for their kickstarter-funded book,
"Street Poetry".
Success!
I have my very own copy, as you see here.
Someone in a homeless shelter
also has a copy of this book,
thanks to my support.
Thirteen other homeless shelters
also have copies of the book,
thanks to other backers of the project.
Think about that for a moment.

Fourteen shelters of the homeless,
all reading the words and seeing the artwork
contributed by other homeless men and women.
Fourteen shelters of the homeless,
each receiving the same book as a reward
as did I and thirteen other supporters.
You see, I backed the project at the level
which would not only garner a reward for me,
but for someone less fortunate.
Much as I did for another book project.
I can't speak for the rationales of the other supporters, though it is good to know they were willing to back the project at the same level - or higher - than I did. I can only speak of my motivation. You see, I'm grateful to be able to share the lagniappe from my mother's estate with others. I know she would want me to use the money in a good way - and I think kickstarter has allowed me to be a proud supporter of the creative endeavors of talented people in this world ccommunity.
Even better, I can benefit others who don't even know about these projects.
That is definitely a win-win situation.
And, as I had said before, I'll make sure my middle brother benefits from this book, too.
Maybe others in Georgia will be interested in the book, maybe even inspired to create their own outlets for their thoughts and emotions and perspectives.
Maybe someone will feel less alone and more part of a community.
One can always hope.

sunset starlet takes flight

It's truly a "GO!"
After successfully landing Sally Kirkland (an Oscar-nominee and Golden Globe winner for Best Actress for 1987's "Anna"), as the absentee mom, "The Curse of the Sunset Starlet" took wing today! Woohoo!

Lori Precious, the director and co-writer of the script, wrote this update for me (as well as her other 73 kickstarter backers) yesterday:
We'll be on set!

Lots of last minute details to tend to-- but we will be ready by our call time Monday at 7am!

Production designer Tana is working with her team to transform our house into a set. (My kids and Steve have been totally displaced which has made the kids grouchy); Miles is drawing zombies for the character of Ryder; Sally changed her wardrobe; I'm altering the scene breakdown after rehearsals; Will, my neighbor, let us use him super clean garage for hair and make up because my house is too small; my mother-in-law Jo Erickson has not only allowed me to use her glamorous headshots from her days as a bona fide starlet (Hurrell-like photographs by Steve's dad) to be the mummified starlet but she has taken on the epic task of catering the whole shoot. No small feat feeding 30 people 2x times per day for 4 days. She has a battalion of her buddies (thank you Adrienne!) helping her and since they are all terrific cooks, the crew will be well fed.

Say a prayer to the Film Gods that all goes smoothly. You are all on this adventure with me! I'll try to update each night if I can (I wish Kickstarter didn't make it so hard to post photos---I'll post them on my website for sure after the shoot)

With gratitude,

Lori

As I do my best to keep up with her and lend support, I responded:
Wow!!! I am SOOO excited for you and everyone involved!! What a marvelous adventure you are on together, making memories AND a movie!

Faustina "Fliss" Smith

I am so excited! I really wish I could be there - though I would probably be star-stuck and in the way!

the shadow out of providence: a lovecraftical metatext

One thing leads to another, as The Fixx tells us.
That is certainly true in the case of this kickstarter project.
Literally.
I had discovered Erik Bauer's wrapping paper at the crowd-sourcing site and, as I was reading his updates, I was referred to Ezra Claverie's book in the making.
Nice, right?
So, I added my $37 to obtain a hardcover copy for myself.
Is the book about Cthulhu?
No.
Oh... then what is the draw for me?
This one book will be comprised of a play and two short stories, all inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, the man, warts and all. In particular, Ezra promises to explore Lovecraft's belief in the use of print media to portray the unknown as a source of fear and to utilize ignorance as a defense against that fear.
That should be an interesting collection, though perhaps not one for late-night reading, as it promises to include slime, the living dead, tentacles, and such.
You better believe I'll leave the light on for it!

cthulhu's house of z

How did I find myself involved in this project?
The same way I became a supporter of this one: as I have discovered, I have several friends who are fans of that mythology.
You know, the mythology of Cthulhu.
For me, my interest was kindled by a fundraiser last year. Two dear friends had opened a new venue for artists of all types to display their creative talents. After that two-night event, Cthulhu was definitely on my radar.
Or should that be "on my sonar"?
(smile)
In either case, whenever I see the name, I read on.
This kickstarter project sounds like something that would be right at home at Muse Arts Warehouse. If it were, I would certainly be there to see it!
As it is not local, I will do the next best thing. I will support it financially, along with a few other folks. BOOM BAT GESTURE is so close to their goal!
My thirty-three bucks will help push them toward that goal... and gain me a DVD of their show! Sah-weet! It'll be as close as I will be able to get to a performance art show in New York City.
Break a leg, y'all!

12:15 sunday safely landed

Woohoo!
I had received the above still back in March,
along with these others.
Filming had wrapped and
the creator of this kickstarter project wanted to share the good news.
Lookin' good, Taylor!

And here's the link to the trailer.
Then I was fortunate enough to actually watch the film on the silver screen. The Savannah College of Art And Design held the "16 x 9 Revealed" student showcase at the Trustees Theatre, on the two final days in May. Woohoo! Happy birthday to me!!!

The film was done beautifully. The transitions between the elderly veteran's narrative and the dramatic reenactments of the events on Sunday, January 20, 1945, were executed very well - bravo!
Apparently, I was not the only one impressed. When the 2012 SCADemy Awards were given, "12:15 Sunday" walked away with two of them! Best Documentary Film Undergraduate! Best Sound Design For An Undergraduate Film! Taylor, himself, was awarded as Best Director For An Undergraduate Film - making history at the school for being the first documentary director to win. Congratulations!
I am so very proud of the work done here. I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to something I believed in, a project which I could back in memory of my stepdad, Francis Ignacius Barry.
Thank you, Taylor Jenkins.

Speaking of such, here is the thank-you email I received from him:

June 3, 2012
Taylor Jenkins says:

Hello all!

This is the official Thank You email to all 12:15 Sunday Kickstarter supporters! We've finally seen this documentary through to the end! It's been a long journey with numerous challenges along the way, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else!

The film was completed just this last week, and screened at our local Senior Showcase as well as the SCAD Film and Television award ceremony. We were nominated for Best Sound Design, Best Documentary, and Best Director,...and 12:15 Sunday ended up winning each nomination! I'm humbled by how positively people are reacting to the film, so I can't wait to share it with everyone!

But it is only because of the support and contributions of everyone here that brought this film to life. So I now extend my thanks, and wish I could fully express how deeply grateful I truly am. I've loved people checking in with the project to see its progress and anticipating the film's completion. Well the wait is now over.

I will be uploading the film to a private online viewing website very soon! I'll notify everyone once the film is uploaded online for viewing!

The next step in the film's journey is sending it around to festivals for potential screenings! I feel confident for its future!

Again, thank you everyone so very much for making this film possible! And thank you for bringing John's story to life.

Sincerely,

Taylor Jenkins

Nice!
Tonight, he sent the link for the full-length film to me!
Sadly, I cannot share it here.
It's only for me and twelve other supporters of the project!
But, if you ask, I will gladly let you watch it with me. Gladly!

PINK is my guardian partridge

As one of the many rewards for backing her kickstarter project, Connie Noyes,
soon to be world-famous artist,
said she would send an autographed 4"x4" art print,
of my choice.
"Guardian Partridge"
was the one I selected,
with the colorful bird
perched on the feet of two different people.
Perhaps my selection process was colored by my taste for the grilled quail featured at a local all-hours diner. Quail, like partridges, are pretty little game fowl, n'est-ce pas?

I also have her autograph
on the catalogue for her PINK SPACE exhibit in Chicago.
I don't know
if I mentioned it or not,
but that exhibit features work
that is dear to my heart.
"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"
has long been my mantra,
and she follows that call
with flying colors
- in shades of pink!
By "elevating the prestige of mundane materials," she literally turns trash into art, granting it a new life. She also sent me a snazzy placard for the new website. I just may turn that into a magnet for my fridge. I do like the hot pink fading to black above and below!

This is my favorite piece
from the PINK SPACE installation.
So many different textures!
Apparently,
for this art,
touching was encouraged!
With my predisposition
to running my fingers
along surfaces,
I would have had
a blast there!
My mother's admonition
to me
as a child to
"keep your hands in your pockets"
wouldn't have needed to be uttered.
Ah, to be in that Windy City for the show!
Meanwhile, let me close my eyes and see if I can feel the textures through the printed pages...

birth

Today, I received an update on this kickstarter project. Art takes a bit longer than artists tend to estimate for its completion. Especially when you are composing a film using 6000+ individual paintings. Definitely.
Erica Farrel has quite a dream baby with "Samsara"! So her original estimate of a nine-month "due date" may well be off. Then again, first human babies are usually not on time, either.
Here is her message to me and the other 36 backers:

Update #6 - For backers only
Jun 1, 2012
Update on Samsara

Hi guys,

Its been a while since i have updated the project. I have been working long and hard on Samsara for the last 5 months, and it's looking beautiful. In fact i have been a little obsessive and have redone the entire beginning half of the animation and it has set me back quite a bit. Due to other travel reasons as well i will be postponing the project deadline and prizes (since they all include the DVD) until Dec 2013. Your donations have helped me so much and have encouraged me to intensify the project, by length and quality. I hope everyone understands and again thanks for all your help!

Best, Erica Farrel

Still, I will keep in mind that art takes time. That said, I will still hope to have a Christmas gift in 2013 of the completed work. That will be quite nice!
Actually, it would be two presents: one to watch on video and one to grace my wall.
I'll keep you posted!

the dreamer and the devil meet on stage

Photo 1: "We're Gonna Show 'Em"; full cast; the citizens of Chicago are eager to have their city be chosen as the site of the new World's Fair.
(Please note: photo by Rich Seidelman)

I was not one of the fortunate few who were physically present at this reading of the new musical, "The Dreamer And The Devil" - but I was certainly there in spirit! Here's the report from the website of Jenny Seidelman:
May 23, 2012
Reading of The Dreamer and the Devil a Success

An enthusiastic audience of supporters and theater-industry professionals attended a reading of the new, full-length musical The Dreamer and the Devil on May 21, 2012 at Stage 773 in Chicago. The show features book and additional lyrics by Jenny Seidelman and music, lyrics and additional book by Jonathan Wagner. Richard Shavzin served as director and Claire Shavzin was stage manager/assistant director.

The cast featured an outstanding array of talent including: Larry Adams (Daniel Burnham); Michael Mahler (H.H. Holmes); George Keating (John Root); Doug Pawlik (Sol Bloom); Kevin Gudahl (Carter Harrison); Marc Pera (Patrick Prendergast); Charissa Armon (Julia Conner); Karl Hamilton (Detective Geyer); Erin Myover-Piotrowski (Annie Howard); Andrew Roy Ritter (Ned Conner); Dave Nadolski (Ben Pietzel); Sharriese Hamilton (ensemble); Mandy Modic (ensemble); Jeny Wasilewski (ensemble); Chris Gorton (ensemble); Dave Carmona (ensemble); Ed Rutherford (ensemble).

The reading of The Dreamer and the Devil was supported through a major fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, which also helped to pay for a forthcoming cast recording.

The Dreamer and the Devil's artistic team are currently determining the next steps for the show.

Wow!!!
And here's the news from that artistic team:
Update #6
May 23 2012
"The Dreamer and the Devil" Reading is a Smashing Success!

We’re so excited to tell you that we finally had the official reading of The Dreamer and the Devil this past Monday and it was quite a success!

Approximately 100 supporters and theater industry professionals joined us at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave.) in Chicago for this amazing event. The audience response was incredibly positive and we’re very excited for what the future holds for The Dreamer and the Devil.

Thanks to the support of our Kickstarter donors, we were able to have the show professionally recorded so that we can send c.d.s. to investors/producers/artistic directors in the Chicago area who were unable to attend the reading. (Donors of $25 and above will also receive a c.d. in a month or two.)

We were also able to hire a top-notch stage manager/assistant director, Claire Shavzin, and a truly outstanding cast of both Equity and non-Equity professionals, including: Larry Adams (Daniel Burnham); Michael Mahler (H.H. Holmes); George Keating (John Root); Doug Pawlik (Sol Bloom); Kevin Gudahl (Carter Harrison); Marc Pera (Patrick Prendergast); Charissa Armon (Julia Conner); Karl Hamilton (Detective Geyer); Erin Myover-Piotrowski (Annie Howard); Andrew Roy Ritter (Ned Conner); Dave Nadolski (Ben Pietzel); Sharriese Hamilton (Miss Halifax); Mandy Modic (Myrta Holmes); Jeny Wasilewski (Minnie Williams); Chris Gorton (O'Hara); Dave Carmona (Lyman Gage); Ed Rutherford (Angry Republican).

And, of course, the Kickstarter campaign helped us pay for the all-important copies of scripts and music, programs for the event, water and coffee for the cast, and rental of Stage 773 for rehearsals and the performance.

Now that the big event is over, we are taking a much-needed “breather” for a week or two – but we look forward to reconvening to discuss audience feedback, responses from potential producers/investors, and figuring out the next steps to take in pursuit of a full production.

As a generous Kickstarter donor, we will keep you apprised of major developments with the show – future readings, productions, etc.

Thank you again for your truly generous support. We couldn’t have done it without you!

~ Jenny Seidelman, Jonathan Wagner and Richard Shavzin ~

Wowzie wow WOW!!! I am so excited about this - just in time for my birthday, too.
Thanks, y'all!

spotlight players are flappers!

Ah! Again, my only lament is my living too far away to see this show!
Just two scant months ago, the third - and charmed - kickstarter plea went out for funding. I responded, as did eighteen others, almost tripling the funding goal! Bravo for the Spotlight "Still Got It" Players of Michigan and for Debbie Lannen!
Even though I won't be able to see the show itself, I have been treated to two previews. In the first, back in the first week of April, we see a featured player touting the joys of being a flapper. Then, in the second video, we have an ensemble singing about dancing the Charleston!
Tonight is opening night for the musical, Flapper!, and I have one thing to say: Break a leg, y'all!
But not really, okay?
(Smile!)

sustainable love from hawaii

Using the vintage scarves which are her specialty,
the flowing beach blouse on the card
is one of the many designs by
Katrina Langford.
I am so fortunate to be counted as
one of the 133 supporters
of her kickstarter campaign to grow her business!

Today, in addition to the lovely card of thanks (ah... I can almost smell the salt air swirling the soft fabric!) and the stickers with the lovely clamshell-style design, I also received a versatile, three-way, garment bag! Not only is it made from green materials, it can be used as a traditional bag for hanging garments, or as an over the shoulder gym bag, or a pack-it-full-from-the-bottom duffel bag. Wow!
The fabric allows it to be folded, so it can be tucked into your luggage for travel. Then, when new clothes or other goods, like souvenirs for family and friends, are purchased on your trip, you have a safe place to keep them for the trip home.
The reason I am thinking of that is this: I am soon to travel to Italy! I intend to leave old clothing favorites there and bring new ones home... so maybe this garment bag will make the trip, too.
Or maybe I'll let it's first trip with me be a return to its island of origin. Yeah, I think that may be what I'll do! Now, to plan a trip to those Pacific isles!

starfish

Today, the folks behind this project, including Ted Cheecharoan, made a special trip to campus to deliver Creative Kitchen to my eager hands. A personal trip, partly so they could meet me and thank me for supporting their endeavors.
Very nice - that meant a lot to me me and made me feel very appreciated.

The following is a transcript of what I had written earlier in my other blog.

I had tagged this project some time ago, then forgotten about it until the alert that funding for it was to soon end. I decided to opt in, for a variety of positive reasons. For starters, it's a local project, meaning the money stays here and helps HERE. It's also associated with the Starfish Cafe, a training ground for those serious about turning their life in a positive direction in addition to mastering the art of being a chef. I believe in the work they are doing and am already a supporter of them, having given two of their cookbooks to family members this Christmas.
Partly, though, my interest in the project is based on a dinner party I attended just a few weeks ago. That dinner party, hosted by the niece who could pass for my daughter and her husband, had at its center a game I had given them a couple of years ago, a game called Stir Crazy. In that game, two teams of would-be chefs are pitted against each other to create an appetizer, an entree, AND either a side dish or a dessert. All to be accomplished in ninety minutes and making use of all ingredients acquired by that team during the selection process. The thirteen ingredients for the team I was on included: tofu, bok choi, mandarin orange slices, ginger, pork. The opposing team (all guys) had to use bananas, kiwi, beef, green onions, noodles, and chicken.
Wow! I was impressed with our creations: spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables with pork strips, and a creamy dessert I myself concocted with the orange slices, ginger, and mashed tofu. Alas, as soon as the word spread that the dessert contained tofu, no one wanted to even try it. (My niece eventually did and said she was surprised but she liked it.) My dessert was even voted "dish you wouldn't feed the dog"!
Still, the point is that we all had dinner using ingredients we don't normally cook and we all learned to be more improvisational in our culinary efforts. I think this new game will add a bit more zest to future dinner parties and look forward to surprising my guests - and myself! - in this coming year. Bon appetit, y'all!

Bon appetit, indeed.
And we'll have these fun coasters for our drinks when we play the game.
Very nice!
Though I'll make sure all glasses are dry before they are set on the coasters.
Of course!
I think I'm going to like cooking creatively!