Collaborative Zine Project

 For years I've been creating strange shapes as a kind of stream-of-consciousness activity while I'm trying to brainstorm a project or assignment, while taking notes in various classes, or while talking on the phone. Sometimes these doodles take shape and become a recognizeable object, while mostly they remain ambiguous inkblots in which each person sees something else. 

Yearning for a collaborative project, I have decided to invite others, including complete strangers, to submit a phrase, idea, or word for me to ruminate on and then create one of these drawings. Give me inspiration!

I request that submissions be made to this blogpost, in the form of a comment. I'm allowing anonymous comments for the purposes of this collaboration, so those without Google or Blogger accounts may participate.

 The zine will be an open edition creation, ranging from 20-30 pages, depending on the response to my call for submissions. Those whose submissions I select will receive a free copy of the zine, while the submission I deem "most enjoyable" will also be placed in the coveted "centerfold" position of the zine.

 As an added bonus, contributors whose submissions are chosen will recieve a copy of the zine with a hand-embroidered cover if they also follow this blog.

 Deadline for submissions is December 31st at midnight. The zines will finished and sent to contributors at the beginning of February, 2014.

New blobbies in the Etsy shop!

I just listed these 6 new blobbies to my Etsy Shop.

As an incentive for my friends to purchase my goods, I've also created a 20% discount code which is good through the 19th of November: FWENDSGOOD

For anyone who likes/admires my shop and makes a purchase, I will also throw in a surprise goody!

The Blobbies are taking over!!!!!

These things are multiplying like Tribbles.

This is an older picture of some of the blobby sculptures I've been working on this year. They are made from New Mexico Clay's Cashmere porcelaineous clay body, with various cone 6 glazes.

I've sold a few of the ones pictured here, but many remain in my house. And still I make more. They are taking over much of my free space, and because I can't stand to shut them up in boxes, I will be triple-ing my efforts to get them posted to my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/TinTongued .

Be on the lookout for some sweet incentives in the shop to take these off my hands...discounts...free goodies...plus, they are so nice to hold and fondle. Updates to follow ASAP.

The South Valley Marigold Parade aka the Dia de los Muertos Parade

 The blog has been rather quiet this week due to the last minute preparations for the South Valley's Marigold Parade, which took place on Sunday, November 3rd. Albuquerque's Q-Staff Theater has been meeting regularly to reinvigorate itself, and it was decided that the Parade would be a perfect outlet to show the community that it is still alive and quite well. While I spent much time creating a copious amount of paper marigolds, the other Q-Staffers built and honed their stilting skills for the event. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture as many photos as I would have liked to during the day, but Sandy Timmerman enlisted the help of a real photographer (Mike Wolf) to document the day, so more (and better quality) photos to come. Big ups to Sandy Timmerman, Richard van Schouwen, Joe Annabi, Jenni, Camille Sasha, and Matt for their amazing dedication to the performance, and to Steven Nery for being a beast behind the wheel of that Pinzgauer. 

 Camille getting all dolled up.

 Rich putting the finishing touches on Matt.

 Getting there.

 Myself and Steven.

 Me helping Joe get the final touches of his awesome dog costume taped down.

 Me, rippin gaff tape.

 Jenni and Camille getting their stilts on.

Our view from the front seat of the Pinz.

Having viewed the Parade only as on onlooker, it was a strangely wonderful experience to participate from within the Parade itself. It went by in a flash, lasting only about 30-40 minutes from the starting point of the parade route to the end point at the Community Center. It was slightly terrifying to throw candy at hoards of children screaming "CANDY! CANDYYYYYY!", but also understandably satisfying to throw sweets to the wee ones who were too young to be so sugar greedy. In the back of the Pinz were some seriously talented musicians, adding to the sense of theatricality with their violins, saxophone and accordion.  I honestly can't wait to participate in more events with Q-Staff.