Gingell Ceramics-Handbuilt fucntional ceramics with attitude.

As a way to get to know the Anchorage art scene a little better, I’m hoping to introduce you to some of our community’s local artists/craftspeople. Julie Rabung of Three Dog Designs has graciously agreed to participate. Some of you may already know Julie and/or her work. Here’s a little bit more information, that you may not have known about Julie.

First, a bit of history…

In the fall of 2006, Julie took a glass fusing workshop and fell in love with glass. Julie enjoyed working with glass so much that she talked her husband into getting her a glass kiln for Christmas. Since then, she’s been unstoppable! Julie gets her inspiration from nature, home decor, color and texture.

Julie, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever imagine being an artist?
I thought I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I thought that could be artistic.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I currently own a business called Alaska Accounting Solutions. I have to use both sides of the brain.

How important is it to you to keep art affordable?
Very important. I think there is a lot of stuff out there, but very overpriced. I know it takes a lot of time and creativity to come up with artistic ideas, but if an artist wants to make money, they need to be affordable.

Favorite place to travel?
I just traveled to Europe. Italy. I would love to go back and spend two months, traveling and drinking wine.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
OOPS Wine and food. Oh and jewelry.

What are you working on now?
Jewelry, necklaces mostly!

What do you like about your work?
I like the modern twist it gives on jewelry.

What wouldn’t you do without?
Wine!

I don’t know about you, but I think I’m seeing a theme here. Looks like we should have held the interview at Crush http://crushak.com/site/, another fine institution I would highly recommend checking out.

To see more of Julie’s work, you can find her latest and greatest at: http://www.3dogdesigns.biz

Thank you Julie.

My first fish

While my kiln is down, I’ve been playing with new mediums. Wow. Pen and paper is so much faster than ceramics! Less costly… you can do it anywhere. Hmmm…

Here’s another guy..I’m having fun making these little guys and have decided to try and do at least one little doodle a day. We’ll see how this pans out.. I have big plans for my little guys…

I think these guys need names..Numbers aren't really doing it for me...

Outsider Art Fair Tour 2011

Just click on the above link to see a fantastic video, which by the way, is 11 minutes long. On my computer this seemed to take some time downloading. I’d recommend making yourself a tea or coffee and then setting in for this video. It’s well worth it. I’ve now watched it 4 times myself.

Last year I was lucky enough to visit the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore. I have to say it was one of the most wonderful exhibits I’ve ever seen. So recently I’ve been exploring Outsider art a bit further. Hope you enjoyed the video. I’m currently on a quest to find more outsider art.

RAW magazine is supposed to be great too. I’ve never read it but I think this may be next.

Hope you enjoyed the video.

Wendy

This was a really fun read. Not only was this book a pleasure to read, but it made my think, at least a little bit. If you’re looking for a light summer read, I would highly recommend Farm City. I wish there were more Novella Carpenter’s in the world. I wish she was my neighbor. Having grown up on a farm, I find myself now wanting to bring my rural roots to the city.

Currently I’m planning a vegetable garden for the yard and have been attending various workshops on the local Anchorage gardening scene. Novella’s book offered true inspiration. Though I don’t think I will be buying any hogs this year, I did take an online peek at chicken coops. For any of you who know me and are in Anchorage, relax…I’m not going to get any chickens this year…

This week I plan to attend a workshop on composting! The move north certainly hasn’t altered my sense of fun. Well if you have any wise words regarding when to plant what in Anchorage or any thoughts on chickens in the city, I’d love to hear from you.

Bye for now.
Wendy

CALL FOR 6X6 SMALL WORKS FOR FUND-RAISING SALE 6×6 began as a small fund-raising project, but has grown into an international art phenomenon. Last year over 5,000 artworks from 43 US States and 22 Countries were entered in this exhibition! Help us build an exhibition of artworks from ALL 50 US States with more international participation than last year. Cash prizes awarded by popular vote. Currently 1,200 Artworks have already been received from 36 US States. No entry fee. Questions/prospectus: 585-461-2222 OR http://www.roco6×6.org/6×6x2011_3pages.pdf

Artwork Entries Due: May 1

This just sounds like a tonne of fun. I’m definitely hoping to get a piece in. All art pieces are $20. Online purchasing begins June 6!

Do you see the owl? from Wendy Gingell on Vimeo.

Atlas and Taupin are both flunkies from an assistance dog program. We try our best to continue their education at home. Personally, I don’t see any owl… do you?

I bet you’ve been asking yourself, how do I participate as a vendor? I know I have…Well get reading…

You must fill out a Spenard Farmers Market booth application and release form and fax, mail or deliver this info. to the contacts shown at http://www.spenardfarmersmarket.org/p/vendor-information.html (if you have any trouble downloading please email spenardfarmersmarket@gmail.com and they will email you a pdf).  Payment will be made at the start of each Saturday at the Market.  There is no need to pay in advance

You will be called or emailed by Tuesday the week previous to Market to confirm that you have been chosen for the upcoming market.

Who do I contact? 

Email: spenardfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Voicemail: 563-6273 (JOE-NARD)
In-person: As for Rene Haag at Blaine’s Art Supply, 1025 Photo Avenue

Mail: P.O. Box 90086, Anchorage, AK 99509
Fax: 562-5988

Where and when will it be?
Market set-up begins at 8:30am and is open to the public at 9am. The market closes at 2pm and clean-up is usually done by 3:30pm. This year’s market opened May 22nd in celebration of Joe Spenard’s birthday. We will continue through September.

What will it cost to participate?
Just a $15 fee per 10’ x 10’ booth space (per day). You can use as many booth spaces as you wish. There is no requirement to book more than one day at the market. Only eligible booths pre-approved in advance will be able to participate.

Where will we bring vendor vehicles?
Vendor entrance to the Market will be off West 26th and Spenard Road (between the windmill and the “Sugarspoon” bakery)

Who are our sponsors?
This event is sponsored by Chilkoot Charlies but is being organized by local residents and business people who wish to build a sense of community in “beautiful, downtown Spenard, Alaska”.

 Booths: 
“Alaska Grown or Caught” Alaska-grown agricultural and seafood products are the highest priority for the limited number of booth spaces. This includes professional produce growers as well as local folks who just want to sell starts, plants or produce on a one-time-only basis.

“Alaska Baked or Cooked”  Locally baked or cooked goods are allowed but only on a “to go” basis. We will be very selective of these items, so that we do not compete against local restaurants and bakeries that may sell similar products.

“Locally Made Arts & Crafts” Next in priority will be high quality locally-made arts and crafts (like the products sold in Bella Boutique.) With few agricultural products in the market in late May and early June, expect more arts and crafts early in the season, and fewer later in the summer when produce is at its peak level of production.

NEW “Blooming Artist Youth Booth” at the Spenard Farmer’s Market

The Spenard Farmers Market is promoting youth art and the entrepreneurial spirit! Is there a “Budding Artist” in your home or does your Youth Group need an arts & crafts fundraising event? How about having your child or youth group participate in our SFM Blooming Artist Youth Booth? Booth space, tent and table are provided and are FREE!
-Arts and craft items for sale must be hand made by children under 17 years of age.
-A Vendor Application must be completed by a parent or legal guardian (available at http://www.spenardfarmersmarket.org/ under Vendor Information.)
-Space is limited and space reservations must be made.
-Adult supervision is required at all times.
-Youth Vendors are responsible for their own chairs, all set-up, take down and sales transactions.
-Youth Booth hours of operation are during normal Market days and hours, with set-up starting at 8 am and being ready for business by 9 am.

For additional information or questions, please contact Cindy Shake, Volunteer Vendor Coordinator at spenardfarmersmarket@gmail.com

A Recent Hike to Portage Glacier

The hike is approximately 2 miles one way across a frozen lake to the foot of the glacier. The day we did this hike the weather was beautiful. One dog friendly, family friendly hike I would highly recommend.

Ok… So in case anyone who was where is reading this…maybe it was a bit slushy…but great weather and beautiful scenery..

Thanks for reading today’s post. I’d love to know about any local hikes you would recommend. Dog friendly hikes are always a plus.

Tell me what you are wanting to read here. Please.

If you’re new here, thanks for visiting!

Currently settling in to our new home in Anchorage, without a place to fire ceramics and with no day job, I now have a bit more time to read. Due to my current situation, I’m going to attempt to write a weekly post about one or more of the book/s or blog/s that I’m reading. The books I plan to discuss will cover a range of topics such as making a living as an artist/craftsperson/creative type, find working as a creative type, social media, marketing ones wares, blogging, the reality of running a craft/art business, networking, writing, ceramics, the lifestyles of artists and inspiration.This week I will be highlighting ‘Seven Days In The Art World’ by Sarah Thornton and ‘The Artist in the Office’ by Summer Pierre.

‘Seven Days In The Art World’ by Sarah Thornton

I’m really enjoying this book. I’ve just begun, but so far I’m finding the book to be really interesting. The author,  with a BA in Art History and a PhD in Sociology, provides a rare view into the contemporary art world. Chapter by chapter, Thornton provides us with an up close look into the auction, the crit, the fair, the prize, the magazine, the studio visit and the biennale.. I’ve just completed the first 2 chapters but am finding this book to be really engaging and a subject area I’m sincerely interested in. If you have any interest in the contemporary art world and how it functions, I’d highly recommend this book.

You can purchase a copy of ‘‘Seven Days In The Art World’ online at Amazon and can probably get it at your local library as well.

‘The Artist in the Office’ by Summer Pierre is a short, fun read. It’s a workbook of sorts. The book illustrates how anyone can survive and even thrive creatively, working in a traditional work environment. This book was written for creative types, I guess, but really can pertain to anyone. ‘The Artist In the Office’ demonstrates how you can hold a traditional job and still find time to work on your craft and/or be creative.  It also talks about applying your creative self at the workplace. For me, this is a feel good book. As you can tell, I’m enjoying this book quite a bit. If you’re looking to add some fun and creativity to your work life, I’d recommend you march yourself down to the local library and check out The Artist in the Office’.

What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear about it. Really. Send me a line. Thanks for visiting.

Wendy