Running Away To Join The Circus

Ever since I can remember, I've been intrigued by the circus and things that involve carnivals. I love the clowns, the brightly colored handpainted signs, the over-the-top graphics, and the typography. It's Americana at its best.

Years ago, I bought this antique ticket (above) that must have been a beloved keepsake to some child. Below are some of my art pieces that rare inspired by the wild colors and shapes under the Big Top.

I Am A Very Stylish Girl

...as Patricia Neal uttered in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Last week, as I was flipping through the tv channels, I stumbled across the iconic film and settled in for a late night of movie watching. Ironically, just down the block from the real thing (Tiffanys, that is), stands a 50+ foot woman - a line drawing in light - who resembles the fashionable fille. Thank you, Dior, for the eye candy surprise as we rush through the busy streets of Midtown.

This line, is also heard in one of favorite songs by Dmitri From Paris...Une Very Stylish Fille. Just click on the little bubble below. It's music that's a good fit for your very own famously dashing party scene. Now, all you need to add is a cigarette holder, some cocktails, an updo, and a feline companion named "Cat". Don't forget the Little Black Dress!

Muzicons.com

Encounters with Greatness - Sol Lewitt

Sol Lewitt's colorful sculptures on the roof at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (2005)

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Several years ago, as a recent graduate from the arts program at Trinity College, I was invited to participate in a special project lead by artist, (the now late) Sol Lewitt and his assistants. The project was to implement one of Sol Lewitt's drawings into the new student center on Trinity's campus in Hartford, Connecticut.

I was part of a team of art students ready to carry out the project. Above are the plans for the space that were sent over by the artist. Mr. Lewitt later came to the site at Trinity to meet all of us and show us in person  how to re-create his design. There was scaffolding, cans of paint with Lewitt's usual bright colors, brushes of all shapes and sizes, and the sketches  you see here. Having plans to travel to Italy for a friend's wedding, I was not able to stay for the entire project. Upon my return from Italy, I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to find a package from the Lewitt studio with an original gouache by the artist inside as a thank you gift for my help. I don't keep it with me, but someday, I hope to enjoy it in a real house.

Several months later, we were all invited back to Trinity and honored along with the dedication of the completed space. Trinity's art department compiled a special binder of photographs for each of us. The final project also made headlines in the alumni magazine.

A photographer captured me taking in the finished product at the dedication (1998).

New Year's Blogging Anniversary and Art Giveaway

Today marks the one year anniversary of my being an official blogger. This concept makes me laugh a little since it started as my New Year's Resolution for 2010 - and prior with a singular post from 2008 - into now what has become a full-blown obsession. To celebrate this happy occasion, I will be giving away a piece of my artwork (below - no matting or framing included) to one of you lucky readers.

Golden Mean (in Purple), 5" x 7", gouache and pencil on paper from an old chemistry book, 2011

To participate and put your name in the digital hat, please register as a public follower, and leave a comment below. Don't forget to include an email address where you can be contacted. From the comments, I will draw a name at random on Sunday, January 9th around 8 p.m. ET. Good luck and spread the word!

Thank you to those of you who keep coming back for more - looking forward to a great 2011!