the little fiddly bits

this is the future, comrades

2007-10-17T03:51:09Z

"Seriously, you're growing an ear on your arm?"

This is why I'm still in art.

stolen from Bureau of Workplace Interruptions

2007-09-24T16:25:36Z

THOMAS!

My, Oh MY!

“music and wine – together OR separately!”

(that’s a direct quote from YOU!)

I think you said it best there, my friend!

it’s GENIUS!

Life should be a little more like that – all the time.

Sounds like you really know how to live!

How is life as a Magazine Editor? I always wondered what they really did. Do you do strictly do punctuation corrections and fix grammatical errors? Or do you oversee the whole layout of the magazine, story placements, etc, etc, etc? (I sure hope you don’t do all the grammatical errors. There’s probably a poo-load of those in here!)

Does your email address, TLPRIVATE refer to an army status pre-editorial stage or is it gently suggesting you are a private person? or is it unveiling a secret passion for PIRATES, but you just spelled it wrong? hmmm….. or maybe Private is your middle name? That’s a little less interesting, but I sure hope it’s your middle name—because misspelling pirate would be silly!!! (being an editor and all….)

ANYWAYS!

Enough of that!

Just for the hell of it, I am going to pretend you have a thing for pirates. And if you don’t have a thing for pirates, I am sure you will after I am done.

Pirates are a strange and unusual breed of people. They are usually dirty and sneaky. Sometimes, you can meet a nice pirate and get lots of free gold. Other times, you might meet a pirate, think they are your friend, introduce them to your wife, and then wake up one morning to find both your wife and gold missing.

It’s a potentially tragic situation.

(Unless you were on the brink of filing for divorce, and in that case, the pirate did you a favor and can still be considered a friend by all means!)

Here’s a couple famous pirates that I found interesting to read about…

CAPTAIN BLACKBEARD
http://www.thepiratesrealm.com/Blackbeard.html

ANNE BONNY
http://www.thepiratesrealm.com/Anne%20Bonny.html

CALICO JACK
http://www.thepiratesrealm.com/Jack%20Rackham.html

MARY READ
http://www.thepiratesrealm.com/Mary%20Read.html

Well, Thomas, looks like my job is done here.

Have fun on those pirate links!

Sincerely,

Agent J-10390

ksk cont.

2007-09-24T01:15:09Z

For the record, kinetic stereokids were quite good, and so is their album (even though half of the songs or more are from the old one, and are around a decade since their birth) the loft is quite nice (in spite of a minority of ridiculous dude-bros...okay really just one or two guys disrespecting some personal spaces), everyone (yes everyone) in Flint is nicely tatooed (I saw an amazing boba fett gracing the shoulder of a girl who also works at Dale's where I had lunch the next day) and Luke Z. is now in a band with Cam S. called Kid Condor.

I had no idea that'd I'd see them... I spent the first ten minutes saying to myself (because I was still awkwardly by myself at that point) "no fucking way" and thinking what nice luck. Unfortunately Luke did not seem to share in the excitement of serendipitous meetings with old friends, but Cam did... He told me that he has a baby now too, "but its okay: I love her. She's really cute." And its true, for the record.

ksk!

2007-09-13T13:08:52Z

I'm sitting here, streaming my favorite radio from Seattle and its the first song of their morning show and I'm thinking, damn...this sounds like the kinetic stereokids' style of lofi layering and droning yet gripping melodic vocals. And it is them. On KEXP. And I was pleased enough to tell you people out there... though perhaps this would have been better sent in an email to zac.

pinesforfjords @ 2007-05-22T21:26:00

2007-05-23T01:17:40Z

metal hand sign abuse

pinesforfjords @ 2007-05-21T21:58:00

2007-05-22T01:59:29Z

Now that I've been linked from mixed feelings' journal, I feel obliged to write something a little less spiteful. I haven't used lj as anything other than a ranting place in a long while... but things are good.

I finally got into NEST to make some art... I was overzealous and brought too bags full of stuff to draw and paint with...

I've been thinking about what I've been thinking about lately... I'm appreciative that people have been giving me more to think about than the usual introspection.

I purchased this yesterday.

f-art

2007-05-16T02:47:57Z

I've realized recently that:

1) I have made a mistake as regards my summer.
2) I no longer think about things further than an interesting title for a paper.

I need some book or movie recommendations to help me think about things other than art.

1: elaborated:
I promised all of my time to Allendale township making the sculpture - the studio is only open from 6am-4pm... There's an exhibition changeover so my 20 hours a week job is currently a just-so-long-as-its-under-40 hours a week job... And I'm supposed to be reading and journaling and writing fantastic papers for my independent study. It seems feasible, right? but when am I supposed to do any of the things I keep thinking about doing, like making art or music or camping or anything that isn't work? So I make time to have a life and the only thing thats getting my attention is exhibition changeover, because thats the only thing that has any driving motivation. Its not too shabby a gig, really, but since I'm already feeling a bit overwhelmed and its just the second week of this, I'm thinking something's got to give.

I might call off the independent study. Besides, so far all she's had me read is a collection of page long essays about how white is the invisible standard of the canon, and isn't it just awful!! White people need to realize that they're white and they are not cultureless nor invincible. Their subtle hegemony is thust REVEALED! Well, here's the thing... and I'm not going to say that I disagree. BUT!~

First off, I've read way better sociological studies that say the same thing in a much more engaging and challenging way. (Does Sigrid think I'm super-challenged when it comes to reading?)

And secondly: we know that the canon is Eurocentric, but all that is changing fast. And there just isn't enough non-Western art historians YET to fill up the gaps. Simultaneously, there's worry that whites will just fill those gaps and perpetuate the problem of whitey white hegemony. Well? Should we say yes, white people need to see a lot of things just like every other shade of skin you can think of... but they certainly can't make a less homogenous focus their life's work! Maybe its about who's applying for the jobs vs who's getting the jobs. Well certainly if I had a choice to learn about Asian art or African art from someone who had an intimate or familial understanding of the culture that produced it, I would hire them over someone who only studied it. There is a difference in contextual understanding. But what if there is no choice? What if there is never any choice, because art history has taken a turn to the self censored lame-land and any thoughtful, construct-battling person would avoid it like the plague, except as a minor side study of interesting cultural products.

And as for Art History:
I've gotten to a point where I can't remember half of the things I've looked at and tried to internalize in my efforts to be a historian... and I haven't seen half of what there is to see. And so what should the canon be?? I respect most of all a holistic presentation of 'cultures' that include philosophy, literature, visual, musical, religious, maybe even fashion and architecture... the way I learned medieval history. Is that so wrong? Is that so ridiculous to want?

Sometimes (oftentimes) I think I'm just sick of this whole art thing. But I can't stop going to the 700's section of the library, and I can't stop pining for the days when I painted, even though it made me insane and miserable. I keep thinking about ways to draw and what to draw, and maybe they might even be interesting. But whats the point? There's no time for it, there's no place for it. I don't want to draw because I feel guilty... and I don't want to make art about art. I want to think again... and not about this crap. If I had something else to ponder, I might be able to make art with some of my soul in it... but right now its all just quippy paper titles and ill-planned art projects.

pinesforfjords @ 2007-04-10T05:07:00

2007-04-10T09:01:38Z

Thanks for all of the advice. March/April is always obnoxiously stressful. (Note that I'm in a computer lab at 5am getting ready to do some last minute x-acto work on an illustration time line.) So yeah, you're all right (except you, Brian) about the staying bit. It'll be worth it.

culture jamming

2007-04-10T02:22:49Z

https://secure.adbusters.org/orders/tvbgone/

pinesforfjords @ 2007-04-04T22:25:00

2007-04-05T02:31:45Z

If I graduate with a BFA, it will be a year and a semester more...
With a BA I could get out in December.
If I do the BA, I could feasibly take classes that I'm interested in taking, and get the F out before I suffer any more rot to my brain. I don't feel as though I've gotten the education I should have. I feel like these "great" opportunities just aren't that great.
If I get the BFA, I'll have assured references, make more art in fine facilities, and possibly have more "great" opportunities.
what are these opportunities? Well, I'm going to OxBow for free and I'm making a public sculpture for Allendale...huge with a $1000 stipend for the summer. Also, I'm working at FM Gardens because of my sculpting hootinannies and there's lots of molten metal to go around.

But I don't feel as though I'm really getting any technical skill, historical knowledge, context, or that I want to be a meat-market artist. I keep thinking that U of M wouldn't have been any better for Art... I've only heard bad things from the kids in that program (or rather people who know people in that program who quit or complain) but at least I would have learned something (more philosophy, history, literature, science?).

I'm sure that I just don't know the extant of what I've learned... but it sure as hell isn't as much as my peers.

So I need opinions. Do I get out with the BA and test my luck with Grad schools? Or do I keep on keepin on and try to make a change?

pinesforfjords @ 2007-03-22T21:41:00

2007-03-23T02:38:04Z

Its been so long since I've posted... and its all because I despise the patronizing and inefficient manner of my Chemistry text book. I'm f-ing sick of it and could not care less. Its trying to teach the subject so that the reader begins to care about fossil fuels and global warming, et c. Not the other way around. So if you're already concerned, the point of the book is no longer relevant except in this long stupid journey of Lewis structures and energies that I just don't give a flying monkey's ass about. Not to mention the class dynamic is so ridiculous and lame that I'm not even interested in complaining about it.

pinesforfjords @ 2007-02-18T19:17:00

2007-02-19T00:11:33Z

What?? I still like Placebo??? Someone tell Beau about "English Summer Rain" on their Sleeping with Ghosts album. Cos its good and I don't have his number anymore. Oh and tell him I'm sorry I didn't come on Saturday - I didn't know how to find him without my phone, or with him without internet. We shall convene with accordians yet, fool!

pinesforfjords @ 2007-02-18T14:16:00

2007-02-18T19:14:40Z

It took a long time to realize it... my despising cliche's kept me from realizing that I've been under the impression that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

In other news, my phone got swept up with the laundry and submerged into oblivion. I'll be getting my replacement on Tuesday, so I'll be needing phone numbers again.

I'm currently listening to this other student's music and every song is great - someone made it for her, which makes me want to know who it is, for I think we might make great friends, or at least have enough music material to have a solid conversation.

In other news, I am newly resolved to re-commit to my school work. Because this weekend's been fun enough for now.

zac... I think you'd like this band (Lucky Dragons)

2007-01-16T04:37:18Z

http://www.last.fm/music/Lucky+Dragons
clicky synth claptaphappy.

My birthday was good. I shared it with Alex and Tim...Tim having the surprise party. I went to a couple bars with Frances and Graham - The People were great and greatly appreciated our rousing response to their cover of My Name is Jonas. Made their whole night.

Feb 1 is the tentative reception for an installation collaboration sensation vacation. Well not a vacation really. 5pm-7pm though.. Tentatively.

Okay. Um. Call me and we'll hang out.

pinesforfjords @ 2006-12-08T00:02:00

2006-12-08T05:02:35Z

http://www.n55.dk/MANUALS/N55ROCKETSYSTEM/N55ROCKETSYSTEM.html

Thankyou N55, we love you. Here's to the future of rocket launched protest.

pinesforfjords @ 2006-11-19T11:52:00

2006-11-19T16:52:10Z

pinesforfjords @ 2006-11-15T20:19:00

2006-11-16T01:19:41Z

Finally, something nice to read about Africa and the marriage debate.

"South Africa's constitution is one of the most advanced and progressive anywhere in the world.

In an effort to reverse the wrongs of apartheid, the 1994 constitution ensures that human rights, gender equality and gay and lesbian rights are all properly protected." -bbc news

from this article

And they make a really cute couple, too.

two funny things about today

2006-11-14T02:46:21Z

1.
At Meijer's Duct tape rings up as "Duck Tape."

2.
In soc, we're talking about cults. Kathleen Taylor, in her book Brainwashing says the following:
"If someone disagrees with you, you can of course kill him, but that is risky." (p 5)

pinesforfjords @ 2006-11-12T21:42:00

2006-11-13T02:42:32Z

pinesforfjords @ 2006-11-12T10:16:00

2006-11-12T15:16:02Z

When it comes to roommates and getting along: 'Let sleeping dogs lie.'

Sheesh.

pinesforfjords @ 2006-11-06T03:34:00

2006-11-06T08:34:15Z

You should watch this clip of Four eyed monsters and request that it comes to Grand Rapids... because it looks tremendously good... something about creative nonfiction fiction... looks a little like eternal sunshine, science of sleep, the music video for take on me... um... yes. go, look.

pinesforfjords @ 2006-10-30T21:48:00

2006-10-31T02:44:31Z

My favorite "artist" Mark Horowitz was picked up by Nissan to plug their Sentra. Oddly enough, LJ is plugging it too, but I didn't notice until after I checked up on www.ineedtostopsoon.com
So here's the more officious-than-lj blog, complete with Nissan commercials. This guy is so crazy: it is great. Why oh why did I not go to that party when he was here?! http://7daysinasentra.blogs.com

pinesforfjords @ 2006-10-26T01:27:00

2006-10-26T05:27:39Z

So, taking a brief break from stuff in general, I decided to see if there was anything new to know about Ben Folds. Turns out that he has 3 songs on the "Over the Hedge" soundtrack, one of which being "Rockin' the Suburbs" with completely new lyrics...you know, since the original ones are in no way appropriate for children (sounding more than a little forced, but with a few clever little moments) and featuring William Shatner. http://epicrecords.com/overthehedge/ <- You can listen to it here... if you dare.
I'm intrigued by this movie. Its about how suburban sprawl is destroying ecosystems and displacing the animals within them, making them suddenly vermin. I had originally dismissed it, I think because the movie market has been a little saturated with those squeaky-clean CG films. I still don't know if I would see it out of the context of Alex's house, assuming that they've moved on from Robots or Cars or whatever the hell movie was on loop the last time we went over there. You know I love my family, but geesh I can't handle those movies being on for more hours in the day than people are awake to watch them.

Back to work.

pinesforfjords @ 2006-10-16T23:36:00

2006-10-17T03:41:29Z

I was inspired to draw your attention to Banksy.

Banksy at the West Bank Barrier
Abu Ghraib detainee in Disneyland and Paris Hilton hoax cds

http://www.banksy.co.uk

pinesforfjords @ 2006-10-15T21:31:00

2006-10-16T01:28:02Z

I used read philosophy with a very maleable perspective.
Right now, reading about Buddhism, I'd like nothing better than to be on the couch with my boyfriend eating icecream and watching cartoons. I can neither grasp nor push away: I can just label the thought "thinking" and let it dissolve and return to the breath.

I need to get caught up with everything. This week.