April 5, 2006
The Karin Update
I'm terrible. I have not updated in forever. I keep meaning to, but you know, life keeps happening.
Geoff and I had our anniversary yesterday. We didn't do much, mostly we celebrated by buying computer equipment on newegg. (video card for him, speakers for me) 2 years have gone by awfully fast.
I graduate next Month. May 5 will be my capstone show at school, 5-7 in Richards hall @ UNL. I won't be attending the graduation ceremony, so that's it. Family, friends, come one, come all. If you know me and don't get a postcard, let me know!
People keep asking what I plan to do next. Truth is, I don't know. I have vacation after I graduate, which will probably be spent lazing about the house and catching up on house projects since I've not had a real vacation since... well, my honeymoon. After that, I have jury duty May 15. Then my birthday May 21, which will be spent doing inventory at work unless I can think of some way to get out of it.
And then I will begin in earnest looking for a new job. I was hoping to replace the lead framer at work when she trots off to Yale, but it's not looking like I'm going to get that job. I would need to start training about now, and I've heard nothing. So I'm not sure what I'll do. I'll put applications everywhere- framing jobs, web jobs, design jobs, photography jobs. All I really want is a full time job, hopefully paying about $10/hour (the minimum, I figure, if I want to at least get my unsubsidized loans paid off in a year, apply to grad schools, and sock away a bit for the move) and that does not drive me insane. It would be a bonus if I could find something that actually made use of what I consider my strengths, but I'm not counting on it.
Other than that, I'll keep painting. I'm trying to decide now if I want to try and get into the Lincoln Arts Festival- it would cost $160 (I already have the tent) plus I'd have to register for the tax number and all that. But, I think the landscapes I've been working on might sell well there, and it might be a lot of fun. I have to decide this month- the deadline is May 2nd.
Besides that, this month is to be spent putting together my final show, writing artists statements (my least favorite thing ever) writing a few papers, and studying for tests. One paper in particular is giving me hives- I'm writing a research paper on the Nebraska State Capitol, its artwork (focusing on the Indian Motifs) and how it came to be decorated as it was. The research I've been doing is focusing mainly on what the people of Nebraska wanted. I've spent so many hours reading microfilm newspapers from the 20's at the historical society that my eyes hurt.
I think it'll be a knockout paper, though. The final show, too. I'm really going to miss school.
w should be good, too. I am really loving school - kinda sad it's almost over.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 5, 2006 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Changes
Made a few changes to my website... I want to promote the capstone show a bit, so I made that a main piece of the front page. I like the basic idea for the front page now, though. People kept asking me where my journal was, because the only link was a tiny one on the main page- now it's a bit more obvious. What used to be the main page is now the "Newest Images" page. I still need to fix some links around the site, and yes, the gallery is in dire need of updating, but that will have to wait until another day.
I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with archives for this page. Obviously they exist, but I kind of like that only a couple of months show on this page. It lets me be a bit more free, knowing that every word isn't out there forever for search engines to hit upon. At the same time, being hit upon by search engines is not a bad thing.
Still thinking.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 5, 2006 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 7, 2006
stuffed
My brain is so full lately. I'm excited and sad. I have so much to do it's kind of scary... I'm not used to school being hard. So far, I've been able to pretty much coast through classes, so this semester has been tough. That's mainly because I do everything 100%- if I'm told to read something, I do. And I'm putting way more time into my art history paper than I suspect most of the other students are. (Just a guess)
It's a lot of fun, though. I don't really want it to end, but I know it has to.
This makes my resolve to go to grad school all that much stronger. I'm really scared about the money thing- going into debt always scares me, and I don't think I'll be able to do it without acquiring any debt. And I really, really really don't want to work whole I'm in grad school. Geez, I feel lazy even saying that. I'm such a mooch. I just want to have one time in my life when I can really devote myself to art. I suspect that may be the only time in my life I am able to do that- because I do have to figure out a way to make a living, as well.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 7, 2006 7:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 8, 2006
%&$*%&
I spent 4 hours at school the other day writing the outline for my paper and the first two pages. It was good. I was happy with it. (this does not happen often AT ALL)
When I was done, I emailed it to myself, as I have done dozens of time in the past.
But the file is corrupted. It's gone. whoosh! I'm pretty sure they erase old data off those computers nightly, too. So I'm gonna have to rewrite tonight.
I was so proud of myself for having finished early- tonight I was just gonna clean it up and spend all day tomorrow polishing up my presentation. Now I'll have to do some major backtracking.
Fuck.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 8, 2006 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
What does being an artist mean?
The end of the school is making me think a lot about what being an artist means to me - not only in the abstract sense, but what it means to make a living as an artist. It seems like the only "valid" way to do it is through the gallery scene- in New York, preferably, but in a major metropolitan area definitely.
I don't know that I agree with this. It's possible to make a living as an artist outside the New York system, and outside the high priced galleries. It's looked down upon, as far as I can tell, though. I'm trying to figure out why. To be a famous artist, one that makes it into the history books, you need not only talent, but a hell of a lot of luck, and to fit in at just the right moment in history.
I guess it's not that important to me, and so I look for other ways to make a living. I'm going to try to get into the Lincoln Arts Festival this year, see how I like that. I'll try to join co-ops. I like the idea of non-rich people buying my art, and putting it in their homes and enjoying it. Something about the Big Name Gallery system just turns me off- the catering to the select, wealthy few that have the power to decide who is in and who is out. Because really, how many people are there than can spend $50,000 on art? And do I want them to be my main audience?
I would like to cultivate an appreciation of art. Not just mine, but everyone's. I think part of the reason there's this bias against making a living at art through fairs and such is that it is assumed you'll start pandering to the lowest common denominator. This is when the ultimate insult "you just wanna be another Thomas Kinkade" comes up. I don't think it has to be like that, though. That thinking is elitist- it assumes that "regular" people could never understand "real" art. Well, I want to prove that all people are intelligent enough to appreciate art. It's true that what I make won't appeal to everyone, but that's true of any artist working in any system. I believe I CAN be true to myself and also be true to my audience, whatever that audience is.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 8, 2006 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 9, 2006
There are no words...
During my research, I came across this.
More or Less Personal, Nebraska State Journal, May 20, 1922
Leading colored people in Lincoln have expressed satisfaction over the attitude of the city council on the problem connected with the use of the municipal swimming pool. The city officers have agreed to the justice of the request that all classes of taxpayers be allowed to use the pool, considered from a purely legal standpoint. The colored folks thereupon agreed not to push a demand for the use of the pool because they do not want to disturb the very cordial relations that exist between the races in Lincoln. No feeling of hostility has ever existed. The employment of colored labor is common and both sides seem satisfied with the arrangement. So long as the colored people take the sensible attitude they have shown in this pool matter there is no danger of any economic discrimination against them.
Couple this with this image from within the capitol:
I just can't imagine this world. Of course, racism still exists, and it's probably even harder to fight against, because it's much more hidden and subversive. I love the capitol, but images like this just make me sad.
What to do about it, though? I don't want it taken down. That's what we've done too much of - cover it up, pretend it never existed, and by doing that, pretend it still doesn't exist. It's funny, too, because of the controversy over putting Malcolm X in the hall of fame.
I want to say more on this but I'm tired and my writing capabilities are barely functioning, so more later.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 9, 2006 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 10, 2006
zzzzz
it seems that ever since spring break, I have been unable to catch up. So tired.... zzzzz
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 10, 2006 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 16, 2006
What a difference a lens makes...
I have been taking lots and lots of pictures of my artwork, and all of them were coming out kind of grainy, even with the camera set to ISO 100. I had been using the lens that came with the digital rebel, so I decided to switch to the one Geoff had for his old rebel (the one it came with, a 50-80mm)
Boy, can I see the difference!
The one on the left is the older lens.
I didn not think there was THAT much of a difference in lens quality- now I see why they offer the kit with the lens for only $100 more dollars! I still like the lens it came with though, in that it can get very close to something pretty well, and with the step up rings I got for it, it's close to a macro (not a true macro, but close enough for me)
Anyway, I've decided I need a fixed focus lens for shooting artwork. I'm thinking a 80mm? hmm.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 16, 2006 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 18, 2006
*heart*
I have tons of homework. So what do I do with my time tonight? Reorganize my computer. I get like that- I could not find something I was looking for, so I reorganized all night. OK, not all night, just for an hour or two. I am in love with my new desktop (and this monitor, how I ever got by with less than 1600x1200 resolution is beyond me. Now I want even more!)
I love my computer lately. I does everyhting I want, and I have been blessedly virus free for a while *knocks on wood* Plus I got new speakers that sound great!
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 18, 2006 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 19, 2006
I. Hate. Waiting.
I bought a whole bunch of 2x4's yesterday- I'm going to build a potting bench type thing to put all our yard crap on. I want it to look nice for my graduation party (May 6th! come one, come all!)
They said thay would be delivered today, so I'm waiting. and trying to write my paper, but mostly just waiting. I can't wait to start building!
I don't know what it is, but I write SO much better at school in the computer lab than at home. It's ridiculous. At school, I'll just be writing away, and then when I get home I can't seem to get any thoughts out. This morning I sat down at my computer, all ready to write, and nothing. :P
I don't get it. It probably has to do with lack of distractions at school, and the fact that I ONLY write there, so the associations are different. I do everything on the home computer- surf the web, email, watch movies, etc, etc. Have I mentioned how much I love my computer?
Speaking of, I'm wondering how long before I don't even have a TV anymore. I'm really hoping that eventually we'll be able to buy one of those big computer monitors and just use it for everything.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 19, 2006 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Yay! (2x4 wooden bench)
My lumber arrived! and I made this:
Now we have more room to put our random garden crap. I built it in about 2.5 hours, not too bad. The design could probably be improved, but it's still ok. I have enough wood left over to make a bench, so I might just do that next.
I need to sand and paint it, but that'll be later.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 19, 2006 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
April 24, 2006
The Joy of Podcasts.
How have I not discovered the joy of podcasts before? Part of it probably has to do with the fact that while in school, I ahve had quite enough information to process, but now that school is winding down, I want more!
There's a few video podcasts on art out there, too, which is even better. I may have to consider getting a video Ipod if I find many more. :) I love that most of them are local, which means I can tap into a local art scene of a city that isn't mine.
This makes me want to make my own, but I feel I am woefully unprepared to do such a thing. The Sheldon (local art museum) has talked about getting podcasts going as an addition to their docent program, and now I'm thinking that would be an amazing thing to be a part of.
Here are some favorites so far:
www.artdispatch.com/index.html
www.kqed.org/arts/gallerycrawl/index.jsp
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 24, 2006 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 25, 2006
Poor Kitty
We caught a feral cat tonight. He's been hanging around our house for about a year, but recently injured himself. We got a trap from the humane society, and he's now in our basement with some food and water. Poor thing is scared to death. He does NOT get along witht he neighbor cats, we think that might be who did the injuring.
Thing is, I'm not quite sure what to do next. I don't want to take him to the humane society, because he'll just be put down. The local no kill shelter is full. At the very least, we'll get him to a vet and have him checked out and spayed/ neutered (not quite sure of the sex). We called the no kill shelter tonight to ask for advice (left message).
I would like to post a pic, but I don't think kitty is up to being photographed.
Anyway, I want a name for him, even though we can't keep him- any suggestions?
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 25, 2006 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Picture - Anime Me
This is a picture a friend drew of me @ work. I colorized it- but I didn't do the best job.
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 25, 2006 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 26, 2006
Kitty, part 2
We took the kitty to the vet today- it will be well over $100 to get him/her all checked out. We won't know if it's a boy or girl till tomorrow.
I really wish the local no kill shelter would call us back - their website says they have a feral cat program that helps with the vet costs, but they are not getting back to us. :P I don'd mind paying, but It'd be nice to get a little help, esp since we're broke until I'm really finally done with school (and a little after, because vacation is the next week, and I'm not working that week)
There was a cat at the vet that could not move his back legs- boy was he fast scooting around, though!
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 26, 2006 8:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
April 27, 2006
*Sniff* - Moeko's Owl
Read this:
No, really, read it. It's really sweet. Made me all teary eyed.
It's from a site About an american english teacher in Japan.
Enjoy!
(I have disabled comments on this entry due to a large amount of spammers)
Posted by Karin Dalziel on April 27, 2006 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)