Figure Drawing Session

The model's name tonight was Michael, who had amazing poses that were both dramatic and often were a countrapose. I am happy with several of the drawings, but especially like the side profile with red.

My favorite and most enjoyable to draw.

De Young Museum Call for Student Art

A few years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to act as an Exhibition Designer at the de Young Art Museum for a couple of shows featuring work by college students. I strongly believe in this ongoing project and hope that you will share it with others.

For more information, visit www.famsf.org

Figure Drawing Exercise

Years ago, I remember an art instructor of mine had us complete an exercise that I have always remembered. Take a drawing that you don't like and work with it again until you are satisfied. So tonight I used a drawing from my previous figure drawing session that I didn't like the proportions. I'm disappointed that I don't have the before pic, but here is the final results.

Figure Drawing Attended

Tonight I had invited a bunch of artist friends, but I was the only one who went. That said, the art session was packed with plenty of attendees. The model's name was Christopher.

Stephanie Syjuco Art Opening

The art exhibition will take place Friday, January 24, 2014, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. andSaturday, January 25, 2014, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Additional viewing hours: Tuesday, January 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
This show features artwork made by Yulia Pinkusevich; Stephanie Syjuco and Brittany Watkins during their residencies at Recology.

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Not surprisingly, Stephanie's work was funny, thoughtful, and clearly executed. She is definitely an inspiration.

You're W, I'm W, Repeat: 24

Here is today's work.

You're W, I'm W, Repeat: 23

This is the last two day's work.

You're W, I'm W, Repeat: 22

Here is today's work.

Painting with Nephews

Had a nice day drawing and painting with my nephews.

Ethan Richards
Colors Mixed to Make Colors
2013/2014

Zane Richards
Tree
2013/2014

Terrance Graven
Teeth in Colors
2013/2014

Spooky Doll Project

My sisters and their spouses are going to stay at a supposed haunted motel. To prepare for this adventure, my sister Katrina and I transformed this doll to hopefully scare my sister's wife. I think the doll looks better than ever.

Upcoming Performance

I have an upcoming performance at SOMArts on January 4th. The curator e-mailed a humorous message:

Dear Terrance,  

Congratulations, your work has been selected to be part of 100 Performances for the Hole on January 4th, 2014.    

Two years ago the smell of your piece was lingering and people still talk about it.  What was it that you poured out on the ground?.  This year I will need to know beforehand what the liquid is and how you plan to contain it.  Plastic sheets or absorbent paper would work and we can help provide this if you need.   

I will follow up this email with more, but just to let you know you're in.  I'm are very excited to be presenting your work.   J.

Here is my response:

J., 

The first year, the mixture was water, marble dust, bodily fluids from my accident 9 years ago, and camphor oil. 

Last year, the mixture was bodily fluids from my accident 9 years ago, chrysanthemums, and spoiled milk. 

This year, I will use the second mixture again, but will place a black, non-absorbent board in the pit, so that no trace amount will remain. There is always the chance that I may get sick. 

Can you think of a nice way to cue me after one minute is up? Perhaps you could ring a small bell for me? I lose track of time and really hate if I go over. To clarify, it's 1 minute set up, 2 minute performance, 1 minute clean up?

Here is my script: 

• 0:00-1:00  SETUP: place black board and mix two liquids together

• 1:00-2:00  hold mixture in mouth while staring at person directly in front of pit

• 2:00-3:00  bow in pit and spit mixture on board

• 3:00-4:00  CLEANUP: place absorbent white cloth on top, and leave 

And the e-mail communications continue:

Terrance,

 I'm getting plastic sheeting for the pit and absorbent paper and other materials to help clean up. Let's keep it like leave no trace. 

My response:

Hey J, 

I would prefer that there be nothing in the hole (plastic sheeting, etc.). I will provide a 3'x3' thin, black plywood sheet that will sit in the bottom of the hole. 

My assistant will place it and I will remove it. There will be a very small amount of liquid that will ONLY be on top of the sheeting and I will clean this up with an absorbent "altar" cloth. In other words, all liquid will be contained and nothing will be left behind. 

I will have a small plastic bag, in case of sickness.

J's response:

You're good to go but please, please make sure that the smell doesn't linger.  All the fluid must be contained.  I had to deal with such a host of complaints last time about lingering smells from your fluids. 

;)   Sorry to be so direct about it.  

I love what your work symbolizes and does to the space so please go ahead with your project as you need.

My response: 

It might be best for me to bow out and I appreciate your candidness and professionalism. 
I completely understand the intrusiveness of my work and I do not want to disrespect other artists. I do want to be able to create an atmosphere that may provoke and challenge the audience. As you know, my work creates a forum wherein viewers may freely explore their feelings about mortality, loss, and their relationship to their bodies. Perhaps this is not the correct venue for this expression. 

Thank you anyway for the opportunity and look forward to seeing you in the near future.

His response:

Terrance,  

This is exactly the thing that makes your work so interesting. By no means should you bow out. 

I just wanted to be up front. I love what you're working with and how you produce it. Keep it coming. Just wanted to share my concerns. That is all. Thanks for letting me speak it out loud.  

The spot is yours and I'd feel remiss if you weren't going to perform with us. Please reconsider.   

Best regards,

My response: 

Hey J,

Thanks for the kind words! When I was in college for art, I remember having many, many discussions with my artist friend Heather, about the responsibilities of working with visual art mediums such as sculptures, paintings, and photography versus ones that completely encompass the audience's experience such as installations, smells, lighting, soundscapes, etc. 

It was because of these valuable contemplations that I understand the importance of boundaries, especially within a group show. In previous years with 100 PftH, I have overstepped these lines with, not only these pervasive elements, but also by accidentally going over on my allotted time. 

I hope you accept my apology for my previous errors and with respect, I think my piece may not work because even though there will be nothing left in the hole, the smell may linger in the air. 

I would be excited to participate in any future events and next time I will propose a more appropriate artwork.

His response:

I understand and believe what you're working with is super valuable.  If you'd like I can put you last and that will take care of the smell issue.  I really don't want to lose you from this program.   

Think it over.  If I don't hear from you by 5 pm today then I will take you off the list of performers. That would be a shame.  

North Carolina Art Museum Visit

This museum is really something special. The collection is well rounded and the huge new building is amazing. Here are some highlights.

Roxy Paine's metal tree sculpture with a real hawk sitting in it.

My favorite piece in their collection.

I really fell in love with this painting.

Anthonie Palamedesz
Dutch, 1601–1673
Merry Company
Oil on panel

Andrew Newell Wyeth
American, 1917–2009
Winter 1946
1946
Tempera on board

Although beloved as the illustrator of such children's classics as "Treasure Island" and "Robin Hood", N.C. Wyeth sought greater respect as a fine artist. Unfortunately, many critics dismissed his paintings of rural life as sentimental and old fashioned. Increasingly frustrated, N.C. transferred to his son Andrew the burden of his hopes.

The weight of that burden is apparent is "Winter 1946", which Andrew Wyeth painted in the aftermath of his father's tragic death in an accident at a railroad crossing–a crossing that lies on the other side of the hill. According to the artist, the hill became a symbolic portrait of his domineering father, and figure of the boy running aimlessly "was me, at a loss–that hand drifting in the air was my free soul, groping."

The brittle clarity of "Winter 1946" results from Wyeth's use of the egg tempera medium: ground earth and mineral colors mixed with yolk and thinned with water. The artist once said that he liked tempera for its "feeling of dry lostness."

Andrew Newell Wyeth
American, 1917–2009
Sea Dog
1971
Tempera on board

Thomas Moran

"Fiercely the red sun descending / Burned his way along the heavens"

1875–1876

Oil canvas

This is some of the best brushwork...I adore this painting (also see detail below).

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha" tells the story of a Ojibwa chief and his valiant struggle against evil. First published in 1855, "Hiawatha" inspired many artists, most notably Thomas Moran, The title of this painting sets the scene for Hiawatha's struggle against the magician who murdered his grandfather. Nokomis, the hero's grandmother, directs his journey across the black water to the West, where "fiercely the red sun descending/ Burned his way along the heavens." Just as the poet sought to create an indigenous American mythology, the painter imagines a mythic landscape, more emotional than real.

Bernardo Strozzi
Italian, 1581/1582–1644
Portrait of a Gentleman
circa 1625–1632
Oil on canvas

Cosmetic Tube and Applicator

Egyptian, Medieval

8th century

Blown glass

Using a cosmetic palette and small stone, Egyptians ground minerals to a fine powder and mixed them with oils or fats to create cosmetics for both men and women. Kohl–eye makeup that often contained galena (a lead ore)–was used to paint the rims of the eyes (like eyeliner) as well as the lashes (like mascara). Not only was kohl a popular beauty  product; it was also a remedy for inflamed eyes. Such eye makeup could be stored in a long, thin tube that held an applicator.

Cosmetic Palette in the Form of a Fish

Egyptian, Predynastic Period

Nagada II, crica 3500–3150 B.C.E.