Mindy Sue Wittock

Whimsconsical the Tiny

2011-12-15T11:29:00.001-06:00

Whimsconsical is an ongoing project that highlights my favorite objects and experiences through my imagination in the state of Wisconsin. I have lived in Wisconsin for most of my life, besides the few years I lived in Tempe, Arizona. Moving away from Wisconsin and then back again has given me new perspectives on what I perceived to be everyday, mundane things in the mid-western state. When I drive on Wisconsin roads the silo peppered landscape delights me and I imagine the silos to be polka dotted, hundreds of them bundled next to each other on the large open fields next to pink barns. I see prancing bovine at neighboring farms and I get angry when California claims “happy cows.” Wisconsin is “Dairy Land” and I take pride living in this Cheese-dom made up of farms, cows, and friendly folks.

Above is an installation in the Stitch Gallery at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. The installation includes a Curd Cloud, Polka Dotted Silos, Glittered Bo(w)vine, and a MOOOOOO Can (tip it over and back again to hear the cows talk).

Little Dingers

2011-11-15T18:53:00.001-06:00

"Little Dingers" are installed in the Studio Arts elevator at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay until Tuesday, November 22nd. Stop by and watch them wiggle, bounce and sparkle while you ride the elevator!

Pink Week

2011-11-14T16:53:00.000-06:00

It is time to celebrate the color Pink for just being Pink! Want to know more about Pink Week? Visit the Pink Week website HERE and learn about the conceptual art project. To celebrate Pink Week, which runs November 14th through the 19th, I have polka-dotted some of the second floor of the Studio Arts building at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. I also have some new work in the Pink Week Exhibition in the 407 Gallery at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Stop by. Get your PINK on!

Pink Barns and Bo(w)vine

2011-10-17T07:16:00.000-05:00

Whimsconsical

2011-09-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

Meet Uncle Dave. He has a farm in Wisconsin.

Bo(w)vine

2011-08-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a little sneak peak of what's to come for the WHIMSCONSICAL installation that will be on display in La Crosse, Wisconsin late September. You are looking at an extreme close-up of "Bo(w)vine." A fun play on the cows here in America's Dairy Land!

Places I Have Lived

2011-08-21T17:49:00.003-05:00

The Trailer Park

Ages 3 to 5

The Niagara Apartment

Age: 4 and 5 (parents brief separation)

B Street

Ages 6 to 9

I am currently working on a visual "database" of all of the homes I had lived in as a child. The series is focused on the floor plans of the the houses I inhabited up until age eighteen, when I moved to college. Each floor plan is stitched with brightly colored craft felt and white thread. Although the floor plans may not be throughly accurate, they reflect my memory of the layout of each home. I used colorful craft felt to enhance a child-like feeling for each piece.

Grandma Paquin

2011-07-30T20:02:00.002-05:00

Little Dingers

2011-05-27T09:48:00.001-05:00

Magical Childhood Memories

2011-03-24T13:33:00.003-05:00

Along with the "My Imagination Poopsies" series, I have been working on some wall panels that have small snippet stories from my childhood. These little stories come from memories I have that, at the time I was little, seemed magical or really fantastical. The panels are made of craft felt, with hand cut letters that are then hand stitched unto a larger piece of craft felt. The process of stitching these stories unto the cloth has let me relive them in an intimate way, keeping them somewhat sacred in that they still have that sense of magic.

My Imagination Poopsies

2011-03-22T19:27:00.004-05:00

This is a new series I have been working on that I call, "My Imagination Poopsies." They are little embellished balls that I like to think hold the magic of my childhood imagination inside of them. They are quite small, measuring about an inch or inch and a half each. I hope to make shelves and shelves of these little poopsies. You can see more images of poopsies here!

Coffee with Sally Series

2011-03-07T15:26:00.003-06:00

I drink a lot of coffee. I drink a lot in the morning and I drink even more when I work in the studio. I love a fresh cup of steaming hot coffee warming me up while stitching in the studio. When I lived in Arizona and was going to graduate school, I took a lot of coffee breaks with my fellow classmate and friend Sally. Sometimes we would take two or three coffee breaks in a span of two hours. It was our time for fellowship, for critiquing each other, for chit chat and friendship. My friend Sally now lives on the opposite end of the map and I find myself really missing her input in the studio, her conversations and friendship. Sure, we talk on the phone. But it isn't the same.

So this is my "Coffee with Sally" series I started last month. I am embroidering little treats on used coffee filters, thinking of my friend Sally. I MISS YOU SALLY!

Introducing...

2011-01-31T12:20:00.003-06:00

My new website!

www.wix.com/mindysuewittock/stitchalicious

I am still going to use this here blog, so be sure to come back and look for updates! I am excited to have a website that lays everything out, my images, new and coming shows, you can even click on an icon and read my curriculum vitae! How cool!

Exhibition!

2011-01-10T09:39:00.006-06:00

I am happy to be a part of "The Milkweed Project and Other Flawless Fibers" exhibition at the Eclipse Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin! The opening reception for the show is Friday, January 14th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please visit the Eclipse Gallery's website for more information. I hope to see you there!

The Home Studio

2011-01-10T09:12:00.002-06:00

For the last few years, outside of a couple months of residencies in which I was provided a studio, I have been working in my own home. I realize that this is common practice for a lot of artists, for those of us who cannot afford the time away from our families or the green paper money to pay for an outside of the home studio. I used to have a cute little set up in our small one bedroom's apartment little dining area. It worked out okay, besides leaving my husband and I to eat our meals at the couch every night, it was a nice little niche in our space. Since then we have a little four year old living with us and the use of the dining room table became a necessity. Now my one little desk sits behind a little green chair in our living room and my stuff is everywhere and I am going CRAZY!!! I am longing for my studio I had in graduate school... it smelled really bad sometimes because of some sewage problem with the sink but I would totally not even complain one little bit if I had that studio again... I had a beautiful wall of windows, and a large print table, and a nice desk and a pink Hello Kitty coffee pot and walls and walls I could just pin stuff up on. A large ceiling to hang all my doo dads... I miss you graduate school studio. Nonetheless, I have been able to create new things in my tiny space. I look forward to posting pictures of them all soon. As the New Year begins I am updating to some new technologies. A new computer in February, a new camera in March and a new attitude towards learning the ropes of Twitter. Happy New Year to you all! And if you are working from your home this winter, spreading your supplies across your living area and testing the waters of your spouse or roommate, know that you are not alone my friends!

Whistle Gifts

2010-10-27T10:45:00.002-05:00

These are some new little doo dads I'm working on for a larger installation. I call them "Whistle Gifts." When I was a little girl my family always went to my Aunt Pam's house for Christmas Eve dinner and presents. My cousin Danielle and I would finger through the presents under the tree trying to figure out what we got. One year my Grandma Meyers had these small little presents addressed to each of us. Danielle and I couldn't figure out what they were. We thought perhaps they are whistles? When we opened the gifts they were actually old lady perfumes like "Charlie White" and "Charlie Navy." I don't think we were very impressed....

I am also working on a book that chronicles my Christmas memories as a child. It's made from craft felt and applique. I'll be sure to post images once I get some more of it done.

2010-10-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

princess

2010-10-06T10:46:00.004-05:00

I have been taking some photographs of my nieces toys. As I approach making in my studio, I am recalling how I used to play as a child. My niece has such an imagination and her little scenarios are inspiring me! Here is an image of a vintage doll embellished for her that she has placed inside of her Fisher Price castle. I love it.

Stitchalicious on the Streets

2010-09-24T08:50:00.003-05:00

I am totally pumped to be a part of Art Craftic in Green Bay this weekend! Tomorrow, Saturday September 25th from 10 am to 6 pm the Broadway District in Green Bay will be filled with artists and contemporary crafts people sharing their goods and exhibiting their work! Stop by if you can! I will have a set up near Kavarna coffee shop, across the street from Primal Eye home furnishings store. It's going to be soooooooo sweet!

New Work!

2010-08-23T18:38:00.004-05:00

This is the first piece of a series of stitched pillowcases I started working on. Each pillowcase is hand stitched and embellished with a theme from one of my favorite childhood stories or songs.
I love the back inside of the piece just as much as the front of it! I will post more images as I finish the series.

New Sponge Cake

2010-07-23T14:59:00.006-05:00

I started embellishing this sponge the winter of 2009 and I finally finished it this June! The object is a Scotch-Brite Nail Saver Sponge that I have embellished with sequins and beads. The top and bottom of the sponge is covered with red felt and the top has stitched felt circles on it with some beading. Although it took forvever for me to get around to finishing this little guy, I'm pretty happy with the results. He looks so shiny and crunchy!

Wall of Inspiration

2010-06-13T22:57:00.003-05:00

I have gotten into the habit of creating a wall in my studio space in which I hang images and objects that I find to be pretty or inspiring. In my new studio space at The Craft Alliance I have started my wall. It seems to be rather orange, which is a nice change of pallet as usually everything, even my magazine clippings, seem to be pink! Most of the images are from recent issues of Martha Stewart Living. The photography in Martha's magazines is always exceptional. I really love the colors in the tulips, and I am especially drawn to the stitched plates the tiny springtime desserts sit on! Sometimes it is enough to just look at something beautiful. I like having my wall.

Meet me in Saint Louie, Louie!

2010-06-09T14:03:00.006-05:00

I am all moved into my new studio for this summer! It is quite spacious and I am excited to get some work done and fill up the walls and room! If you want to stop by and visit me I am at The Craft Alliance in Grand Center right next to The Fox Theater. It is a beautiful arts district and I am really enjoying my time her so far. I have started a few projects and I will post images as they develop. I am glittering some toilet paper tubes for an installation I have in my head and I have begun making a few sweet "shrubs" for the future installation of Stitchalicious, which is heading in a new, sweeter direction.

I take the bus every day to my studio and I have a view of the Arch every morning and evening as I come and go. I feel really inspired and excited to make new work, so check back often for updated photos!

Summer Residency!

2010-05-20T22:42:00.008-05:00

I am so happy to announce that I will be an artist in residence at The Craft Alliance in Saint Louis this summer! I will officially move into the studio June 3rd. So if you are in the Saint Louis area, be sure to stop by for a visit!

I will be posting updates of my residency on here throughout the summer. The excitement is growing and I just can't wait to get to know the city of Saint Louis! Bon Voyage and see you soon on the banks of the Mississippi!

Bake Sale!

2010-04-28T18:39:00.003-05:00

I am a lover of etsy. I have bought products on the website and always enjoy browsing all the handmade goodness. So, I have decided it is time for Stitchalicious to be available for purchase publicly and have started an etsy shop! You can find many stitched bake sale items here! I feel so entrepreneurish and excited getting Stitchalicious out there for the world to see!

Feel free to browse and look for your favorite Stitchalicious items! I have just opened the shop, so there will be more to come in the next few days.

Stitchalicious in Algoma

2010-04-12T15:12:00.008-05:00

Some Stitchalicious treats at the Hungry? Food & Art exhibition
at The Eclipse Gallery

Hungry? Food & Art

2010-03-25T16:31:00.004-05:00

I am happy to say that I am part of this exhibition at The Eclipse Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin! Hungry? Food & Art opens April 10th with an artist reception from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. The exhibition runs through June 2010. If you are able to stop by the gallery to see the show, be sure to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to an area charity! Hope to see you there! Visit here if you would like to view the list of other participating artists!

Let Them Eat Cake

2010-03-11T15:56:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when I listen to Lady Gaga and watch Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette." Little glittery cakes with feathers and pizazz are born!

"And I said what about Breakfast at Tiffany's..."

2010-03-03T13:45:00.004-06:00

I was recently substituting a textiles class at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and was really inspired by a project the intermediate students had completed. Professor Gates, who runs the textile program at UWGB, had her students read "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote and then had her students make a project that was inspired by the book. I love the book and most of all I really love the movie. And I happen to really love buying things from Tiffany and Co. So, I decided to make a little piece myself that was inspired by these things. The cupcakes are made from hand dyed fleece that was felted around two styrofoam balls. The one with the white ribbon has a cubic zirconia earing in it and the one with the pink polka dot has a little diamond earing in it. Who wouldn't love a little Tiffany cupcake?

Cake Walk

2010-02-22T11:49:00.011-06:00

During my exhibition at The Museum of Wisconsin Art the museum held a fundraiser, Wine and Roses, in which they do every year that coincides with Valentines Day. This year I participated with the fundraiser by donating 15 pieces of art in the form of a Cake Walk. This is how it worked: people were able to purchase raffle tickets to play the Cake Walk. Then fifteen tickets were drawn from a hat and those numbers called were the players. The Stitchalicious cakes were organized on some white pedestals and around the pedestals were large fabric dots numbered one through fifteen. Each player stood on a dot and when the music was played they walked around the dots, musical chairs style. When the music stopped the number they stopped on foretold which cake they won. I had little prizes like Stitchalicious cupcakes and lollipops, to tiny embellished sponge cakes, to big honkin' Stitchalicious cakes! It was so much fun!! I definitely want to try this again sometime! Here are some photos from the event:

The Cakes Ready For Walkin'

Some Stitchalicious treats just waiting to be won!

The people scoping out the goods.

Cake Walkin'

This cake was number 15, the last one called and the lady who won it was so happy!
It was the one she wanted!

Felting Workshop at the MWA!

2010-02-12T17:09:00.008-06:00

Students are preparing their batting to start the felting process.

Here one of the students experiments with painting on her piece of felt with the kool aid dye. It turned out so pretty!

Here is an example of a student felting three dimensionally.

This is my sample piece, a little felted Valentine.

I had a great time teaching this felting workshop at The Museum of Wisconsin Art! It was so much fun meeting new people and felting for the afternoon! The students in the workshop created some really fun pieces, especially once they started dying their wool with kool aid.

I went to the Martha Stewart Show as an audience member and it was a good thing.

2010-01-23T22:41:00.008-06:00

Martha's Kitchen. It is clean and it is perfect. I loved it.

A very happy Mindy Sue waiting for the Martha show to start!
The show was about exercise and we were asked to come in exercise gear.
I wore a flower in my hair... because that's what I wear when I exercise.

A very beautiful Martha Stewart answering an audience member's question.

No words could express my happiness... I got to be an audience member on the Martha Stewart show! Martha is one of my greatest inspirations. I admire her strive for perfectionism and I feel that she is a great role model for feminists today. I was seated really close to all the action and enjoyed being a part of the audience. Martha was so friendly and after the show was taped she took a couple of questions from the audience! I got to ask her a question! I asked Martha Stewart if she had any tricks for cleaning up glitter. She laughed and suggested to get a really strong vacuum. I got to talk to Martha and it made me so happy! Here are a couple of shots from the show (they let us take pictures when the camera wasn't rolling)!

Dear Martha, if you read this I really enjoy watching your show and using your products, especially the array of glitters you have come out with! I make artwork that I call Stitchalicious and it is reminiscent of cakes and candies and treats. I use your glues and pens and markers and glitter. You truly are one of my greatest inspirations. Love, Mindy Sue

Stitchalicious at the Musuem of Wisconsin Art

2010-01-07T09:29:00.004-06:00

This week I installed Stitchalicious at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend, Wisconsin. The exhibition runs from January 6th to February 14th. How perfect for Stitchalicious to be installed for Valentines Day! Along with the exhibition I am doing a demonstration and talk in the gallery on Friday, January 8 around 10:30 am. Come by and see how I make some of the goodies! You are also welcome to come and take a felting workshop with me on Saturday, February 6th from 1 to 4 pm. Registration is required for the felting workshop, but not for the demo and talk on Friday.

New Cupcakes with a little Sparkle!

2009-12-23T14:51:00.004-06:00

Sparkly Cupcakes!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Studio Break

2009-11-16T09:08:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I have to take a little break from the studio to get married! I wanted to share some photos with you of our wedding cake table we had at the reception. I had to have something a little Stitchalicious-y, of course! Our whole wedding theme was birds and sticks, so to incorporate the theme with the desserts, a really great family friend made a sign that said, "Bon Appe Tweet!" Adorable. The cupcakes were a big hit, and they looked so pretty! My new Husband, who I will call Bubs, and I cut into a large cupcake. It was chocolate with Tiffany Blue polka dots! We also had stacks of cellophane bags filled with old fashioned candies on the table too! It was beautiful and we really had so much fun. But now that the wedding is over and we are getting settled back into our routine, more studio photos are to come!!!

Cakettes!

2009-10-15T17:21:00.005-05:00

Here are some of the Cakettes I have been working on. I just shot the photo in my office at school, so I apologize for the photography... I wanted to get the new little doo dads online! I love these little guys and I can't wait to show them in January at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend!

A New Space Brings New Work

2009-10-06T09:32:00.004-05:00

I just recently finished my studio residency at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay. I had such a great time working in Studio 210 and meeting the staff of the museum! But all good things come to an end, or so I am told. The saddest part of moving out of a studio is finding a new one. Luckily my soon to be husband is very kind and supportive of what I do and doesn't mind me setting up shop in our little dining space in our little apartment! So here it is, my new studio... where the magic happens!

Along with a new studio space comes some new work. I am starting a new series called "Cakettes." They are made from floor scrubber sponges that one of the employees at the Neville gave me! He stocked me up before I had to move out, and for this I am grateful. Below is a picture of one of the first little cakettes I made that was featured in "Eats and Treats" in Nacogdoches, Texas. I am still playing around with how to display them. The one below is on a little cake stand and the one pictured above is on a paper doily. What do you think?

I love finding desserts in new materials and these floor scrubber buffer sponge things are just perfect. More photos of "cakettes" to come!

2009-09-24T09:03:00.002-05:00

"Big Rock Candy Mountain, Ode to Four Peaks"

This is my piece for the Best of Phoenix 2009 Exhibition: Wonderland

The exhibition is at [merz]project and opens First Friday October 3

Please stop by and see all the other pieces created by 50 artists!

This is what embellishment looks like:

2009-09-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

One would think that putting beads and buttons on quilt cakes wouldn't be such a messy task.

Mmmm... pink sugary doo dads on this one!

A little bit of vintage flair for this one. I love the floral fabric, and those buttons.

Some New Sweeties in the Studio

2009-08-22T09:50:00.001-05:00

Quilt Cake Update

2009-08-21T09:33:00.009-05:00

I have learned some new information about the origination of the quilt squares! Like I said in the previous post, I was given the quilt squares by a dear family friend, Miss Ann. Well, Miss Ann has told me that the quilt squares were made my her mother in law, Miss Helen. I feel that I now need to call the quilt cakes, "Miss Helen's Quilt Cakes."

Miss Helen is a dear grandmother and I can't wait to finish one of these cakes for her. Over the years I have accumulated some of Miss Helen's treasures. I have costume jewelry, vintage hats that she wore in the '50's and '60's, a collection of buttons she saved from clothing that was worn out. This woman has contributed to much of my stock fabric and notions supplies! I am happy that her quilt squares are being used again!

I have just begun to embellish the cakes. Here is a small sampling. There are twenty two cakes in total. These photographs are taken in my studio at the Neville Public Museum. I am working in the museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Studio 210. Stop by and see me and "Miss Helen's Quilt Cakes."

Miss Ann's Quilt Cakes

2009-08-12T15:54:00.002-05:00

Here is a little sneak peak of a new piece I am working on. A dear family friend had given me these quilt squares a while back. I absolutely love the fabrics and colors, but I wasn't sure what to do with them. I know that these quilt squares have been in her family for a while and I wanted to do something special with them. So I have taken them out of my fabric bin and have turned them into little cakes! I will post more images once I have finished the piece.

Eats and Treats!

2009-07-23T17:20:00.004-05:00

Hungry? Thinkin' about cake? How about really taking care to think about what you eat? Do you like to gander at fine photography and sculpture? If you answered Yes to any of these questions stop by "Eats and Treats" an exhibition I am currently in with photographer Mark Menjivar.

The exhibition runs from July 17 to August 29, 2009.
You can find it at The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House
Ledbetter Gallery in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Summer gallery hours are: Tuesday-Friday 12:30-5pm Saturday 10am-5pm

Eats! Mark Menjivar photographs the interior of people's refrigerators. These photos are a part of his series, "You Are What You Eat"

Treats! Some of my sculpture included in the exhibition.

Would you like a giant Donut with your coffee?

2009-06-23T08:56:00.003-05:00

I'll bring the donuts to the morning meeting! This is my newly finished piece from my residency at the Neville Public Museum. I have been experimenting with stitching around different forms. I tend to use a lot of fiber fill to stuff things and have been searching for new ways to create puffy confections. During one of my department store material search strolls, I came upon the summer section. Inflatables! Tubes, balls, those arm things you put on kids so their arms float... GLORIOUS! So now I have all these great inflatable forms that not only make great donuts, but also weigh a lot less than the stuffed forms! I am super excited to experiment more with this idea and have started to stitch over an enormous beach ball. More photos to come soon. Meanwhile, Homer Simpson, stay away from my Donut!

Some Sweet Stuff

2009-05-26T19:17:00.004-05:00

Just thought I would post a few photos of some of the things I am working on at my residency at the Neville Public Museum. Come by and see me if you are in the area! I am in the studio working every Tuesday from 1 pm to 5 pm and every Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm. I am really enjoying working at the Neville and meeting all the people who run the museum. I have a lot space to work in and it has been helpful in order to get more projects completed! Enjoy the photos!

My Summer Residency!

2009-05-07T19:36:00.004-05:00

This is the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I have been selected to be a resident artist here May through August!

I just love it. The museum sits right on the Fox River and is situated in downtown Green Bay, within walking distance to two breweries, a great coffee shop, and a fun antique shop.

This is Studio 210, the space that the resident artists have to work in. My space is in the middle. There are windows that look out to some pretty trees and once in a while a train passes through.

This is a piece I started my first day in the studio. It is made from facial pads and felt, stitched together. I am making a series of "tortes" with my Aveeno face wipes.

I will post more as I work in the studio! I am currently scheduled to be at the museum every Tuesday from 1 pm to 5pm and every Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm. Once the semester ends at school, I will surely be spending more time in the Museum! Stop by and visit me if you can! Check out the Neville here for more information on their current exhibitions and hours of operation. Hope to see you there!

A New Little Sponge Cake

2009-04-30T10:02:00.002-05:00

Another little sponge cake finished! It is part of a series of little sponge cakes I am making, like the Cake Antoinette from a previous post. I am working on three more, another pink one, a blue one and a green one. I just love these sponges so much! This cake is made with felt, a piece of an old shirt I had, and puff balls. I am hoping to have at least a dozen of these, if not more for an upcoming exhibition. I think they are adorable and cute and there is nothing I love more than adorable, cute artwork!

Miniature Leftovers

2009-04-17T15:58:00.004-05:00

Clare, my mentor and Professor from ASU, gave me these little baggies before I left. Now I am finally putting them to use! Thanks, Clare! There are just so many little itty bitty pieces around, and they are pretty and cute, so instead of tossing them, I stitch on them and display them as "Leftovers". These ones are miniature.

SupercalifragilisticexpiNacogdoches!

2009-04-02T08:38:00.005-05:00

Howdy, Y'all! I just got back from visiting Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. While in Nacogdoches, I gave two felting workshops, one to the students and one to the community. I had so much fun getting to know the lovely Texans, and working with all these new people that were just absolutely fantastic. During the workshops we made felt, dyed the fleece with kool aid, and did some embroidery and stitching. Here are a few photos from the experience.

Here you see silk organza in the felt. This gal wanted to try the "inlay" and the organza took beautifully!

This is Professor McAdams attempting a flat piece of felt. Her inlay looks fabulous! Professor McAdams, you did great!

Thank-you so much to Lauren and Christian, and all the students and community members who had me for a visit in Nacogdoches. Your town is lovely and I really enjoyed meeting all of you. Take care and I hope to see you again, either in Texas or way up here in Wisconsin!

A Taste of What's to Come

2009-02-19T08:57:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't posted anything new in a while, but I have been working hard on some new pieces. Here is a sneak peak of a new series I have started that I am calling "Toot Sweets." I am starting to think about packaging and display of "Stitchalicious" and have started to play around with these little boxes by Martha Stewart. I love individualizing some of the smaller pieces a bit more by giving them their own special box. I get really attached to even the smallest of doo dads when I am working. It is like when I was a kid and had to kiss every stuffed animal I owned good night so none of them would feel left out, this is how I feel about my little artworks.

Love Letters

2009-01-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

"Love Letters" is an exhibition opening at Modified Arts in Phoenix, Arizona Friday January 16th. The show is curated by a dear friend of mine and consists of artworks inspired by the alphabet. The letter given to me to work with was "M". I wanted to do something a little bit whimsical and very valentiney. So this is my "Martha Stewart Love Cake Pillow." I love Martha. And I dedicate this Valentine to her! It's made with felt, beads, thread, fiber fill, yarn and paper. If you are in the area, please stop by Modified and check out the exhibition! It runs until Sunday, February 15th. The opening is this Third Friday and if you don't get a chance to get out then, be sure to stop by on First Friday, February 6th!

A New Piece, Finished!

2009-01-06T17:18:00.000-06:00

I am so happy to have finished this piece! I started it a while ago, as you can see in the older posts, and had only gotten the white beads around the sponge. Now I have finished beading the top of the sponge and also attached the bead covered pom poms. So I have met my goal in finishing two pieces over the winter break... and I still have a few weeks left, so more work is to be done! This little sponge cake is "Cake Antoinette" I titled it after Marie Antoinette, as she was my inspiration for this piece specifically. I like to think of adornment and extravagance when making my pieces. Marie Antoinette was quite extravagant and I think if this little cake was real, perhaps it would have graced one of her china cake plates in her parlor. Perhaps.

2008-12-23T14:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays!

There has been a lot of excitement around here these days! Not only is Christmas just around the corner, but I have been recently engaged, moved across the country from Phoenix, Arizona to Green Bay, Wisconsin, start teaching at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in January, and working my hinder off to finish pieces for some up coming exhibition entries! In the mean time you can read about Stitchalicious at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in USA Today!

I wish you all a very Happy Holiday and a great start to a New Year. 2009... can you believe it?!

Stitchalicious at Sky Harbor Airport!

2008-11-26T16:32:00.000-06:00

These are a few snapshots from my installation at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. I have two large glass cases in Terminal 3 on level 2 next to the Starbucks! You can go here to read more about Sky Harbor's airport museum. If you happen to be flying through Phoenix, dropping somebody off at the airport, or have an extended layover, please check it out!

2008-11-14T16:26:00.000-06:00

If you happen to be around this Sunday and you want to get some Holiday shopping out of the way, you should stop on by ASU in front of the art building for the Art Swap! Loads of ASU graduate students will have tables with all sorts of doo dads for your liking! I will be there as well, with some Stitchalicious goodies! Come on by!

Yummy New Treats!

2008-10-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

These are some current pieces I am working on in the studio. I found these beautiful pink sponges at Target and decided they needed to become little beaded cakes. I'm working on a series of blue and green ones too. The image below is the start of a new series of little desserts made from Swiffer dusters and beads. Sometimes a walk through the cleaning supply aisle at Target really gets me inspired!

Stitchalicious a Success!

2008-09-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

One week ago I installed my thesis exhibition Stitchalicious. The install went so smoothly thanks to a great team of friends! I passed the orals and am now a proud bearer of a Master of Fine Arts degree! Yippeee! Now it's time to search for jobs... Here are a few photos from the exhibition, taken by Becky Stern.

After the opening reception, my friends and I celebrated with an after party at beautiful Cafe Boa on Mill Avenue in Tempe. They all surprised me with gorgeous cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes. It was a perfect end to a perfect evening.

If you would like to check out more images from the opening you can visit Arizona Foothills Magazine and also the Craft Zine Blog

Thanks to everybody who made it out to see the show! And a special thanks to all my friends and family for your support and encouragement.

Preparing to Install "Stitchalicious"

2008-09-11T01:04:00.001-05:00

This is what I have left to do.

My little box of installation supplies.

It is almost time to install my thesis exhibition. I am so excited! Things are coming together quite well. I am crossing more and more items off my list and starting to pack up my little box of installation tools, which includes scented room sprays from Bath and Body Works and beautiful pink pins. I felt so excited this morning in my studio that I had to put on a little Wanda Jackson and dance around, while looking through all my boxes to make sure I have enough art for the space.

I think I will be okay.

2008-08-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

I am starting to feel really excited for the thesis show. It is officially titled "Stitchalicious" and I have been working on the installation plans and it is going to be delicious!!! It's hard to be down in the dumps when working in my studio with all the pinkness, the plushies, and of course the glitter. Oh the glitter... as I was sprinkling a cake yesterday and trying to stand it up again, this a like a 7 footer, the glitter showered all over me. I felt compelled to dance around singing "How do you know?" from "Enchanted". This is a good feeling five weeks before the show!

2008-08-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I am working in the studio I need to take a moment to collect my thoughts, and I call this my quiet time. I listen to the Amelie soundtrack, turn off the fluorescent lights, and have a cup of coffee. I love my pretty tea-cup! I am still addicted to French things as well, and read and look at pictures while I am having my quiet time. I so long to go to Paris again. This is my escape from thinking about thesis stuff! But for now, Je dois y aller! I must go!

A Girl in her Stood Worried and Blue

2008-07-15T20:58:00.000-05:00

The past few months have been extremely exciting and successful concerning my art life. But now, as the thesis show creeps up, only 10 weeks away, I feel I have lost all will to make art. This is a very dangerous feeling and even a more dangerous action- to not make the art. These past few days have been torture in the studio. Everything is starting to look the same to me, towering blobs of felt as cakes, little sewn doo-dads being stuffed and stitched, cupcake after cupcake after cupcake. AHHH! What if I fail graduate school, after three years? What if I fail my oral examinations after all this work? These thoughts are starting to haunt me, more often now that it's getting closer and closer. I took sometime today to look through some old art books that always seem to get me excited. Louise Bourgeois in particular. I like to go back and re-read interviews she has given. Today I came across a quote from her that reads, (when making, exhibiting art) "The only responsibility lies in being completely truthful to yourself." I thought about that for a minute and then thought of all my graduate school education and how in the end, it is always about telling the truth. Being honest. This is something I learned my first year in graduate school, in critique. Be honest. The fear of failing my thesis show is a common one amongst grad students, I believe. And to conquer that fear I just have to be honest with myself. I know my work, I know what I'm doing now (it's taken quite a while to get to this point, but I'm finally here) and the sameness that is happening in the studio now just means I need to perk up and keep making. Once in a while I need to go back and remember wise words from some of my favorite art heroes, Louise Bourgeois and Mark Newport. Be honest, Mindy. Honestly, I need some comfort food (real, not felt or spackle)!

Portrait sewing doo-dads that will eventually become hanging candies.

Small Town Charm

2008-06-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a journey home is all one needs for a pick me up. I have had the luxury to spend two weeks in my tiny hometown, Iron Mountain, Michigan. It has not only been a great relief from the 112 degree Phoenix forecast, but a great source of inspiration to get the thesis work done. One of my favorite places to visit while I am home is Cuisine Art, a local shop that houses beautiful kitchen ware and kitchen supply services. The owner of this fabulous store, Debbie Gursky (pictured above), has a natural knack for knowing what your kitchen needs. Stacks of colorful bowls, rows of gorgeous bottles of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and an array of amazing little gadgets await your purchase at this charming, friendly shop. If you are in Iron Mountain, I highly recommend a visit: 215 E. Hughitt Street, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

Cupcake Wall Panels

2008-06-04T00:12:00.001-05:00

16 feet of delicious fabric! These are some panels I am working on for my thesis exhibition. I am hoping to use the fabric to help define the space in the gallery. There is more printing to be done, but after finishing these I am pretty excited! Yummy!

New Treats in the Stood

2008-05-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

I usually hate going to the hardware store. It feels cold and manly and confusing. Except this last time I went and found supplies to make glorious treats! A little bit of spackle, a small dab of caulk, and a couple of squeezes of wood glue later, you got yourself some tasty looking suckers and fine scoops of gelati! Don't they look yummy?!

The French Are So Inspiring!

2008-05-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

I can't help but love Sofia Coppola's take on Marie Antoinette. The movie is so delicious and every scene is a treat for the eyes. I am attracted to the feathers, shoes, wigs, gowns, make-up, and of course confectionaries in the film. The stacks of cakes and cookies are absolutely gorgeous. And how perfect that this noted Queen surrounded herself with with the most beautiful sweets France had to offer. Maybe she did this in real life, maybe not, but the point is she had comfort in pretty things. And who can blame her? This particular movie gets me excited about things that are fluffy and pink and pastel and french and for that, I thank you Miss Coppola.

I should also note that I have an obsession with all things French at the moment. I think the language is beautiful, the eatery delicate, and the macaroons delightful. I have taken it upon myself to learn the language as I am working in the studio. I have decided that France is a point of interest after graduate school, whether it be a small inspiring holiday, an artist residency perhaps, or something else- I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I must see Versailles.

"Number Ones"

2008-04-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

If you happen to be out and about this First Friday in Phoenix, be sure to stop by the LAS Gallery at 815 West Madison Street for "Number Ones" a group show with 11 artists depicting each one of Britney Spears' number one hits. Peter Bugg, a graduate student in photo at ASU, curated the exhibition as his artwork involves the research of Brit and other celebs that are often featured in the lime light. To read more about the exhibition click here.

This is the piece I will have in the exhibition. It's titled "I'm that innocent" for her number one "Oops! I did it again."
It is made from hand stitched plastic lacey table cloth material, glittered measuring spoons, and wax paper.

Be sure to check out the exhibition!

2008-04-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

I just finished this print that I like to call "Fruit Salad." It measures about 6 ft x 3 ft. I haven't printed for a long time and decided it was time again. I love screen printing and have decided that I may incorporate prints into my thesis exhibition. I'm really excited about the possibilities this brings for my overall show. I am imagining a wall paper-esque feeling or even just large printed panels. What fun!

2008-03-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

Last night was a whirl of openings! The Arizona Museum for Youth held it's opening for the exhibition Table Manners and it was packed with great artists and people from the area! The cupcakes (pictured above) and my cake got rave reviews and I think the kids really liked them too. It's a great exhibition with activities for children throughout that coincide with the artwork. If you bring your kids there they can design their own china, learn how to properly set a table, and feast their eyes on some artwork! (the cake looks small in this photo, but it's 8 feet tall!)

My professor Susan Beiner also had an opening at the Ceramic Research Center at ASU. Her work is divine! She filled a wall with these ceramic plant forms that seemed to be taking over the gallery space. Susan is on my thesis committee and I am so happy to have her involved with my educational growing. She is a fantastic lady with a lot of drive and enthusiasm. Here are some photos of her work.

Leftovers

2008-03-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone! I have a solo exhibition opening May 16th at the Eye Lounge This is a detailed photo of a large scale piece I will be installing at the show. There are about 200 ziploc sandwich baggies with pieces of stitched food, or stitched things that look like food, or something of the like. This photo is a stitched cupcake. Come and check out the show if you happen to be in the Phoenix area. I will post images of the exhibition once it is installed.

2008-03-19T12:37:00.000-05:00

So, I am working on a slide presentation about third wave feminism and my work for the Wisconsin Women Studies Conference, and I came upon this little quote from Martha Stewart, "I consider myself one of the original feminists. I'm trying to help give women back a sense of pleasure and accomplishment in their homes." I don't know if we could consider Martha one of the original feminists considering "feminists" have been around much before Martha was even born, but I like the second part of that quote. I am finding pleasure in being involved in home duties. I do not cook big home made meals too often, but I find recently that when I do I feel real nice. I hope to find that sense of accomplishment in the home soon... so much spring cleaning to be done!

Coconut Snowball Layer Cake

2008-03-09T20:49:00.001-05:00

Some of my goodies are starting to get quite large! You can see this cake in the Harry Wood Gallery in the Art building at ASU. It's in a scholarship competition exhibition for a summer travel award. I proposed to travel to France, Switzerland, and Austria to study window and shop displays at bakeries and chocolatiers. We'll find out who wins the awards in two weeks!

2008-03-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

These are some new "cookies" I am working on in my studio.

A New Blog

2008-03-05T00:38:00.000-06:00

I have decided to start a blog as a way to communicate with friends, family, and art people! I will use this space on the world wide web to post new images of work, thoughts, inspirations, news, updates and the like. So watch out for some Mindy Sue!!

2008-03-03T16:11:00.000-06:00