Blue America

Here's what I'm working on- a series of collage/drawing hybrids called "Blue America". I've never done maps before and how they came about is instructive. I was asked to participate in the Artspace annual auction fundraiser and this year they have a theme, the color blue. Typically, I detest themed suggestions because it compels you to not just donate, but do a specific work that is not anything you'd ordinarily do. This means if it doesn't sell, you're stuck with some weird usually sub-par piece. (I have several choice left overs in my flat file. Should I just throw these orphans out?)
But for some reason, after a bit of grumbling, I got interested and have spent the past several days making maps of America. Keeps me out of trouble and stops me complaining about the weather...

I'm having fun! I will ultimately donate one (I have four underway) but I won't feel bad about these pieces being in my portfolio. I am enjoying the toying with ideas about "blue" and "red" America; you will notice that Texas is red in the above map. that was not entirely by design and I was going to collage it all over blue. But then I realized that it was accurate. (I have been trying to cut out the whole of America from one page of a magazine.) It's funny because many artists are inspired by maps, and I have been too, but I've never made art based on them.
I cut out a free hand drawing off the outline of America. I just eyeballed it, not traced it which is why the two above America profiles are different. (I did look at a map while drawing it.)
Health update: My bump is shrinking nicely, but I'm already sick of taking antibiotics! Only three days in...

Another Kind of Eye Candy

As I mentioned, I have been making eyes and eye-obsessive work in my studio. (Thank god I making anything in my studio!!) Sewing and beading are (inexplicably) possible under my visually challenged circumstances; in fact I seem to be plowing ahead just fine. I have seven or eight pieces underway. They will be collated together into some sort of a book, as photocopies of fabric pieces work quite nicely. (I started researching photocopying directly onto fabric but it seems expensive. But the effect is nice).
I have to mention that being the subject of an upcoming fundraiser (to help defray some medically indicated financial obligations... like a hefty deductible) have made me feel awkward. Let's face it: I need the help (thanks to all who have donated thus far!) and as an artist, I love being the center of attention. But there is the peculiar sense of having been turned into one of "Jerry's kids". (Remember he of telethon fame? The one weird fact I know about Jerry Lewis is that he wears a new pair of socks everyday and donates his used ones. Whether washed or not, I can't say. And the French love him...) I really don't want to feel at a disadvantage or that the work I'm producing is entirely therapeutic.
On some level, the making of all these beaded eyes (beady eyes) is a way of working out my preoccupation with sight and that makes sense. I guess I hope that this whole experience makes me a "better" artist in that I'm more in tune with my vision (all kinds) and more fully able to express it in whatever means I have available. I am putting some of my work up, on display at the fundraiser as a way of gently reminding supporters that I have done a huge body of work over the years (some good, some odd and some down right weird!)
I sure hope that people will attend my benefit and have fun, first and foremost. I am really touched by all the work and effort that are being done on my behalf. Family and friends are very generous!