Weird and Surprisingly Good

2012 Book List

2012-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

January3. A wise man's fear by Patrick Rothfuss(currently reading)This is the second book of his trilogy (the third is being written as we speak). It is epic like Lord of the Rings. I love the characters and the plot twists. Time to go back to my book...2. The Creativity Book by Eric Maisel, Ph.D(currently enjoying)For a Christmas present friend from a fellow artist, Celeste gave me this book on

December 2011 Happenings In The Studio

2011-12-30T19:27:00.001-08:00

On the first of every month, I post the Happening in the Studio (H.I.T.S.).I share my trials, triumphs, and behind the scenes of working as a visual artist. 1. I officially filed for copyright protection to all of my art to date. The project for January is to approach stores like IKEA and offer them the chance to buy some of my designs. 2. I made an octopus towel hook for my dojo. It was one

Glass Cactus Lights Commission

2011-12-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth SymingtonGlass Cactus Lights, 20113.5’ and 7’ tallglass containers, black, elastic cord and LEDsInstalled at The Open Matt martial arts school and music venue, Oakland, CA

talent vs. time

2011-12-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here are the magic #'s.Put in 10,000 hours to become an expert. That can be broken down to 1 hr a day over a span of 10 years. What do you want to become an expert in?This came up in conversation with my mom.Talk about good timing with the New Year coming up. I'll get back to you with my thoughts.

How to drill glass

2011-12-05T23:31:00.001-08:00

I needed to drill glass to wire these hanging lights that I call Cactus Lights. I couldn’t find a step-by-step guide on how to drill glass; not at the hardware store, the stained glass store or on the Internet. I kept stumbling across vague information that always included diamond bits and water, but no specifics.I was very nervous about proceeding without directions, because I kept envisioning

November 2011 Happenings In The Studio (H.I.T.S.)

2011-12-02T23:00:00.001-08:00

Each month I recap what I did as a visual artist over the last 30 days, in this monthly post called Happenings in the studio, aka the Hits. Glass Cactus Lights Installed

first triplet of the lights are born

2011-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

The first of three new Cactus Lights is finished and installed!This is the shortie at 3.5 feet tall.The lime green container at the top is a wine bottle that goes up to my hip.Photo courtesy of my Sensei, Matt Lucas.Check out The Open Matt- my Cactus Light is hanging in Matt's music room.I love trading art for kung fu!

October 2011 Happenings in the Studio

2011-10-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to H.I.T.S., (Happenings In The Studio), where I share what I did artistically over the last 31 days. I'm mid-project working on a commission to make hanging lights, which I called Cactus Lights (click to discover what is a Cactus Light). Since how I just want to finish the lights, I'm going to have a super short H.I.T.S. for this month. I'll make it up to you next month with a video of

Jae Rhim Lee: My mushroom burial suit

2011-10-19T22:14:00.001-07:00

Mushrooms will save the world

2011-10-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

In 2011 I heard Paul Stamets speak at the environmental conference, Bioneers, about how mushrooms will save the world. They are the most ancient, keystone species and yet the least studied.In the above photo Paul is holding an Agarikon, which is the oldest mushroom. It can live for up to a 100 years and when it's diluted to 1% it's the effective way to treat the Bird flu.The photo was borrowed

Free Documentary Films

2011-10-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

I found this site, Free Documentary Films, where I can stream 1,800 documentaries. Plus they are commercial free.I'm seriously considering cancelling my netflix account. Why pay $8 when I can stream for free?On Free Documentary Films, I just watched The World According to Monsanto, which talks about this multinational company who's trying to control the world by owning all of the seed.

Thoughts from Bioneers Conference 2011

2011-10-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

Bioneers is the largest, annual environmental conference in the USA. It’s like TED talks, except with a hope filled focus on how to take care of the earth. The three day conference happens every October in the San Francisco Bay Area. The one session that I connected with took place in a small tent, that seated a couple hundred people. Everyone was barefoot and sitting on the ground. We held a

Janet Echelman: Taking imagination seriously | Video on TED.com

2011-10-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

What are Cactus Lights?

2011-10-14T01:51:00.001-07:00

I first made Cactus Lights three years ago. They are hanging lights with either glass or plastic repurposed containers for lampshades that live inside of a black, knit matrix. I then wire the lights with LEDs and hook them up to a touch pad.I named the lights after the first person to buy them, my friend Cactus Caldwell. The aesthetic stays the same, that of a soothing light, like sitting

progress on glass Cactus Lights

2011-10-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

Since 2009 I've created different versions of my Cactus Light. It's a simple design that is like a Chinese Finger trap game. I knit an elastic tube and shove containers for lampshades inside of the tube. When they are hanging the objects stay in place, just like when you are pulling really hard to get your finger out of the trap, making it more lodged in place. I then wire the lights with LEDs

Make your own Shrinky Dinks

2011-10-08T18:34:00.001-07:00

After calling around for shrinky dinks and only finding precut shapes, I discovered online that you can easily make your own! Instead of buying the expensive plastic sheets, you can use plastic containers that are either #5 or #6.You can use markers or if you want to decorate them with pencils first roughen up the surface with sandpaper.click here to learn how make your own shrinky dinksI drew

September HITS

2011-09-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the monthly post where I recap what went on over the last 30 days in my life as an artist. This month I dragged my feet in writing September’s H.I.T.S., because it takes so much time and energy to evaluate the past month and come up with a game plan for the following 31 days. I’m finding it more and more difficult to do things I find just mildly stimulating, like being on the

more vs. better

2011-09-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this interesting article that doing things better is more important then completing more.

Do Less List

2011-09-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

This image from Jim's blog is so fitting for my motto for the year of to, "Do Less."

How do you Focus?

2011-09-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

There is a fine line between constantly moving and staying still. I catch myself justifying my busy periods by saying that it's part of my focus, so it's important to accomplish. I'm happiest when doing the things that I love, but mostly, when I'm not doing everything that I love.Life is so rich in experiences that I have to limit my exposure, so to really enjoy the present experience more

benefits of having a focus

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

The following are artist whom I admire for their focus, albeit one material or one concept, or both:Lucy MatzgerLucia Matzger uses coffee filters as a medium to create kimonos.By staying in one medium, you can see what the material is capable of doing. It becomes a playful "what if" game. Experimenting is key. Introducing subtle elements, like gold leaf. Trying out different ways of attaching

smile

2011-09-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

I found this on Facebook. Not sure who to credit. It made me smile.

Andy Goldsworthy

2011-09-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

After watching Rivers and Tides, a documentary on the British Land Artist, Andy Goldsworthy, I sought out more images of his work. I found a site that documents his art made from 1976-86, during that time he made 2,700 sculptures. That means he finished and photographed 1.3 sculptures a day.I wanted to look at his less well-known art, like the above photo of Snow and Stone Arch. I think it is

Gently Waking Up

2011-09-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

For years I used a jarring alarm clock to get me out of bed. By setting the alarm for 7 am every day, I trained myself to get up a minute before the awful sound would go off. Then as cell phones evolved, I selected a peaceful song to wake me up, which I actually look forward to hearing. There are other gentle alarm clocks, like the sunrise alarm clock that gradually turns on a light. Sunrise

August Happenings in the Studio

2011-09-02T10:40:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to the monthly post on what I experienced as a visual artist over the last 31 days. Sitting down and reviewing all that went on, shows me why I feel frazzled. Being involved and around so much art is excited, but also tiring. August was so productive, that it feels like it was months long, which reminds me that I prefer to be involved in fewer activities. We’ll see how I pace

2011 Demo Reel

2011-08-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Zen Monastery

2011-08-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

In July I stayed at Green Gulch Farm, a working, organic farm and Zen monastery in Marin, CA. I was a Guest Practice Retreatant, which means I worked three hours a day in the kitchen for a discount on room and board. For $50 day, I got a private room and three organic meals. I wanted to stay longer than four days. Next time I'd like to go as a Guest Student, where I'd work six hours a

Newest Addition to the 2011 Book List

2011-08-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

9. Meditation the complete guide by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor G. Diereck (currently enjoying)Each chapter goes over one form of mediation (I believe there are 20 or so chapters), how to practice and a list of further reading. I find taking time to calm my mind and focus on meditating is really relaxing and replenishing.Click here to see the complete 2011 Book List

July Happenings in the Studio

2011-08-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Since graduating from art school in December 2008, I started writing this monthly post called H.I.T.S. (Happenings In The Studio). On the first of each month I share the progress on my sculptures, art installations and my other artistic endeavors. Besides working on several art projects I also clocked 1000 miles on my bicycle as of 12/1/10. Until moving to the San Francisco Bay Area I didn't

Grace North Church Labyrinth

2011-08-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Grace Cathedral. While reading Meditation: the complete guide, by Monaghan and Diereck, the chapter on labyrinth walking reminded me of a goal I made in college. When living in the dorms I experienced my first labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. It was then that I made a goal of seeking out more. Casually, I’ve come across some in my area and while on vacation, but

Labyrinth Locator

2011-06-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am a total dork and love to walk labyrinths. Even when I'm traveling I seek them out. By doing something repetitive and simple, it relaxes my mind.Find a labyrinth near you by using searching by your city.

Art Making Frenzy

2011-06-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

After a six month art making sabbatical I am once again creating sculptures from recycled materials, artsy lights with LEDs, painting murals and whatever else looks fun to make. This is the first Happenings in the Studio post I've written this year. Here I talk about that I have done creatively over the past thirty days.Project #1- Quail Egg Floral ArrangementOver a year ago I made the above

Art Making Sabbatical is OVER!

2011-06-26T06:24:00.001-07:00

Since the New Year I've taken a sabbatical from making art. It wasn’t fulfilling. The art that I chose to create wasn't expressing loud how I was feeling. It was aggravating to create. I needed an active form of art, so I put sculpture on hold and took up martial arts. About six months later, I tweaked my back and neck from repairing one of my installations. I hurt it

Recent Art Commissions using Repurposed Materials

2011-06-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Some of my commissions since graduating in 2008 with a BFA in Sculpture:Elizabeth SymingtonLED Lanterns, 2010tallest light is about 1.5 feetplastic containers (duck soap pump, laundry detergent caps...), bouncy balls, stiffened ribbonElizabeth SymingtonBouncy Ball Curtain, 201059" x 90"950 bouncy balls (AKA super balls), crazy strawsElizabeth SymingtonCactus Lights, 2009approx. 10', 11' and 12'

Art Show

2011-05-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

For two nights only, After the Flood transforms a 1700 square footindustrial space into an interactive sculptural environment with filmand light work, sound design, improvisational performance, andaudience action. Part theater, part elegant trashscape, After theFlood is an immersive sensual experience that explores the tensionbetween our profligate discarding of refuse resources and

Bruce Lee

2011-04-10T09:41:00.001-07:00

A timely email with this image arrived in my inbox. Figuring out how and where to push myself and still having a balanced life, are things that I've been mulling over.What would I do if I wasn't afraid?Why am I afraid?What's the worst that can happen?

Out of my comfort zone

2011-03-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

My mother has an awesome motto for 2011- "Out of my comfort zone and loving it!"What have I done this year that is out of my comfort zone?I tried acupuncture and immediately found that it helps relieve my neck pain. Now I go on a regular basis. After the first visit I've been able to watch my acupuncturist put the needles in. It's like a gentle pinch with an occasional hard pinch.I've taken the

sabbatical for HITS

2011-01-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,I have decided to take a sabbatical from posting my monthly recap as a visual artist. For now I am enjoying other things. In the meantime you are welcome to do some back reading on the HITS (Happenings in the Studio).

my motto

2011-01-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

My motto for the year is "Enjoy doing les."What's yours?

2011 Book List

2011-01-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

November15. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss(I'm loving this book!!)As you can see I havent read anything in a while. I've been so focused on making all of my time "productive" that even my reading choices had to be informative. My friend Jon recommended this book. It is epic like a Tolkien story. It is keeping me up at night and I have even stayed home from kung fu to read. August14.

December 2010 HITS

2010-12-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

This Happenings in the Studio post is a recap of what I've accomplished and experienced as a visual artist over the last 30 days. Short of decorating my Christmas tree with bouncy ball garland and crazy straws, I haven't dedicated time in the studio.In recent posts I've shared that I'm focusing more on what I LOVE doing. Meaning my art needs to shift to a more verbal form of expression, perhaps

2011 Resolutions

2010-12-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

1. Do less!!!2. Eat weird produce2010 resolutions2009 resolutions

LED lantern commission

2010-12-15T18:34:00.001-08:00

This project came up when my friend, Andrew McAleavey, said he had a hard time waking up in the morning due to the lack of sunlight. Andrew's original idea was to commission me to make hanging lights set up to a sunrise alarm clock, so it would get gradually brighter helping him to wake up. After a bunch of prototypes the installation evolved into lanterns made out of

Highlights from Art School

2010-12-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

1. Fencing on the school teamPracticing 4 nights a week 2-3 hours at a shot, built up a camaraderie and a very buff right side of my body. Just like on past teams I've played on, I felt like I belonged somewhere.2. Meeting Ian, my college boy friend.I learned so much about him and from him. Ian taught me to relax, do less, love myself more and to take my health seriously. If it wasn't for his

November 2010 HITS

2010-12-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the November HITS (Happenings in the Studio), where I recap my life as a visual artist. This month I continued studying to be a certified picture framers (CPF), finished the LED lantern commission and started decorating my Christmas tree with bouncy balls and crazy straws.Framing NewsWork continues to be a rewarding challenge where I learn new skills daily. I made up a study

Tales of a Female Knight

2010-11-30T12:09:00.000-08:00

I grew up in England around castles reading the Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce. The story is about Alanna of Trebond who disguises herself as a boy so she can train to be a knight. Because of those books I've pretended to be a knight with red hair and violet eyes.I recently found out that the author Tamora Pierce has written many more books about the realm of Tortal. Over the past

PPFA Recomended Reading List

2010-11-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

PPFA (professional picture framers association) recommended book list for preparing for the CPF (Certified Picture Framer) exam:I requested that the Berkeley, Oakland, Peninsula and San Francisco Public Libraries consider carrying all of these books. I'll be sure to update this list as they add to their collection.Caring for Your ArtA guide for artists, collectors, galleries, and art institutions

October 2010 HITS

2010-11-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the October HITS (Happenings In The Studio). This is the monthly recap of what's been going on in my life as a visual artist. Over the month of October I've finished setting up my new apartment and art studio. Peg board is on the wall. Tools are organized. Art supplies are sorted and I'm ready to finish the LED Lantern commission.I'm searching for my new rhythm at my new job and

Tool Library

2010-10-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

Could life get better?There really is such a thing as a tool lending library.The tool library is through the public (book) library system.Oakland Tool Lending LibraryBerkeley Tool Lending LibraryBefore heading down to either library, check out their website to see what paperwork you need to bring to verify that you live in the area.

Soon I will have letters after my name

2010-10-19T09:07:00.001-07:00

Coming soon...At my old framing job I asked about taking the test to be a CPF (certified picture framer), but my manager had never heard of the Professional Picture Framers Association, which is an industry trade association who regulates and offers the CPF tests. Also my former manager wasn't interested in paying for the test, which would of resulted in me studying 20+ books on framing.A few

September 2010 HITS

2010-10-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of very month I recap the last 30 days in my life as a visual artist. September was particularly eventful. My efforts of job hunting for a full-time job in a creative position with lots of responsibilities has finally paid off. Since graduating from art school in December of 2008, I've worked lots of odd jobs and a couple of part-time positions while I applied to over 200 jobs.

Golan and Doisneau

2010-09-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Long Island podcast got me hooked on singer song writer Rosi Golan. Every time I hear her song about falling for a man in Paris, I visualize a particular photo by Robert Doisneau. The below video is a pairing of Golan and Doisneau.Enjoy!

August HITS

2010-09-01T17:09:00.001-07:00

LEDs inside of balloons

2010-08-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

I've been working with LEDs for some time now. I've created Cactus Lights, which are constructed from a knit black matrix that holds plastic lampshades (aka plastic cups) in place and lit with LEDs.Right now I am experimenting with paper Chinese lanterns, plastic components and LEDs. I love this idea of lighting a colorful balloon. I can see a link from this balloon project to my lanterns. Hmmm

How do I focus?

2010-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

From the self help books I've read and business classes and seminars I've attended, the mantra is "focus!" I haven't created a full blown self employed art business, because I don't know what to focus on. How do I decide which area of art to pursue?I enjoy working in a variety of art mediums, both on and off the computer. I adore the variety of tasks and the challenge and joy of learning new

Paper lantern progress

2010-08-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

The paper lantern commission is coming right along. Here are some photos of the prototypes. They look finished, but after making them, I realized that the paper is prone to sage too much, and I want to make art that lasts as long as possible.The next phase (starting today) is to experiment with other materials instead of paper strips. A few ideas are fabric, ribbon and canvas.After picking up a

New Food Blog!

2010-08-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I divided up the content on this blog with my new food blog, Surprisingly Thankful. Weird and Surprisingly Good will focus on my art struggles and triumphs.And Surprisingly Thankful will be about eating and cooking gluten and dairy free. There are recipes, food reviews and menu ideas. A lot of the links don't work yet, however everything it is supposed to link to is on that site. This will be

July 2010 HITS

2010-08-01T00:06:00.001-07:00

Click on the envelope to read your letter.

2010-07-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Using JING for free screen captures and to create and host free videos, I made my first video! It's a video tutorial on how to use Photohop to quickly resize images using the actions button.

Interactive booklist

2010-07-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

One of the comments I received from the survey of this blog, was to have more book lists. I couldn't agree more!! Since 2009 this site has a record of books I've read, but it was limited in its interaction. (Click for the 2010 book list.)Thanks to reading Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful web tools for the classroom, I was introduced to an online library called Shelfari, where you can

Designing for Site Specific Art

2010-07-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

June HITS

2010-06-30T20:53:00.000-07:00