dress up

emilie and i happened across these dresses in the basement while we were sewing the other night. grandma had been cutting them to make them into rugs, but thankfully we got a hold of these before they were demolished.

Lantern Installation

So for May Term, as some of you know, I've been making paper and using it to make paper lanterns. The project ultimately culminated in an installation last night in a little courtyard in one of the buildings on campus. I began this project focusing on the sustainability aspect of handmade paper, using only recycled paper and recycled/found objects as the base for the paper. I then experimented with making different types of paper, the addition of different objects and things to the paper pulp, etc.

While I was originally planning on using wire to build the frames of many of the lanterns, I found myself frustrated with the inorganic shapes I was producing. The structures didn't feel as though they went with the paper itself, so I began trying to conceptualize a different sort of frame. I eventually decided to just work with sticks and branches and allow their natural shapes and forms to provide the structure for the lanterns. This decision shaped the entire foundation of the project, adding an earthy element that continued through much of the paper in the form of leaves, grasses, etc.


I ended up with about twelve lanterns altogether, 2 larger and the rest small (about a foot or so in height). The installation involved the lanterns, some hanging from trees but most situated on the ground, as well as just little tea candles placed around the courtyard. It created a wonderful space in which people could come and take a moment away from the hectic paper we are all so frantically trying to finish. We all just sat for a while and had a chance to talk and be with each other before we head out.

Who does this famous painter look like???

Is Curt Schrock a close match??

John Singer Sargent

American Painter

1856-1925

John Singer Sargent was an American painter by birth-right. He loved his country yet he spent most of his life in Europe. He was the most celebrated portraitist of his time but left it at the very height of his fame to devote full time to landscape painting, water colors and public art.
Hmmm...I wonder if we have any Sargent's in our Geneology?

Day at Monticello

After saying goodbye to Ben, Monica, Alex and Haley, we headed west to Charlottesville for a tour of Thomas Jefferson's Home at Monticello. It is a very beautiful and relaxing setting with a direct view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jefferson was a lover of architecture, gardening, books and education.

Lunch@Terrible Ted's--A.K.A. The Hill Cafe

We drove to Richmond today so we could eat at one of Ted Wallof's Restaurants. We chose The Hill Cafe in the Old Historic Church District. Clara was our waitress, and she took excellent care of us! The food was fabulous so if you're ever in Richmond, you've got to try it!

Vacation in Virgina

We're down in Virginia celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary with Ben, Monica, Alex, and Haley. Marlin & I took our time driving down yesterday and went to the New River Gorge which is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East". Marlin kept saying, "Man, I wish I was on my motorcycle." Haha! Today we started the day off with a few minor injuries. While we were at the playground, Ben stepped in a hole and hurt his bad ankle. Alex fell and had two mishaps with the coffee table so far, the last being what I believe will be a black eye. We went swimming this afternoon. I'll try to post a few pics for you of our travels thus far. We plan on going to Richmond tomorrow and hopefully eat supper at one of Ted's fine establishments.

Babysitting Daylen

Last night, I took a break from IWU and went home to babysit Daylen. I loved every minute of it -- he repeated almost anything I said. Hope you enjoy the video!

Love, love,
Emilie

Painting for Angelina's Bistro in Detroit, MI

A restaurant in down town Detroit commissioned Julie for this painting. She just finished it and we shipped it to them this week.

Schrockapalooza is the best

This blog is great!

Julie just finished a 5' x 8' painting for a commission in Detroit. When I have an image I will post it for the family to see. We're doing well - busy planting our little vegetable garden. Also, for those who like music, the band I play with has a myspace with some songs posted. www.myspace.com/owlsburg
Rich Blessings in the name of Christ to our family!

Curt and Julie