B.O.S.S [Big. Open. Studio. Space.]

Less than one week to the Big Show!!!

2011-12-03T14:12:00.001-05:00

Below is a glimpse of the mysterious worlds and creatures that you'll meet next Friday. In today's class, Christian helped put the finishing touches on the hard work done by students and parents. The show will be December 9 from 6-9 at Baker-Hunt Art and Cultural Center [map] in the Auditorium. Walk from the parking lot along the sidewalk and it's the second building on your right. We hope to see you there.

The story will be revealed!

Home Stretch (date changes)

2011-11-19T12:05:00.007-05:00

We are steadily and sadly reaching the end of this B.O.S.S. session. It has been a good class and will hopefully be a great art show!

Here is an updated schedule about final classes and art show information:
Wed 11/23 - Class
Sat 11/26 - No class - take a break! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Wed 11/30 - Class
Sat 12/3 Last Class :(
Wed 12/7 Art show set up 2-6
Thurs 12/8 (maybe if we don't finish Wednesday)
Fri 12/9 Art Show!!! 6-9p
Sat 12/10 Pancake 10-11am

Sweets, treats, and drinks are welcome if you would like to bring something to the art show. Feel free to invite friends and family to come and see all the amazing work!!

Class and Teacher info

2011-10-01T10:22:00.003-04:00

Here is some important info about this class:

Students are welcome to come and work on the B.O.S.S. story every Wednesday 2-3:30, and Saturdays 10-2. At least one of the teachers (maybe more) will be there during those times ready to work!

Our last class is Nov 19th.

The art show will be Dec 9 from 6pm-9 at Baker Hunt. Feel free to invite all your friends and family to come! We will provide some snacks and drinks, but we welcome any sweets and goodies that students would like to contribute.

The set up for the art show will be Wednesday Dec 7th 2pm-? and if we don't finish Wednesday we will wrap up what's left on Thursday the 8th 7pm-? The students are encouraged to come for some of the set up to make sure all of their work is there and to make sure their creative vision is realized!

If you have any questions, or would like to get in touch with one of the teachers feel free to send an email to:

Christian Schmit: brokeslimjones@yahoo.com
Annie Brown: AnnieandChip@hotmail.com
Lindsey M Whittle: blackdinothunderranger@gmail.com

The Boss Story!!!

2011-09-30T17:18:00.005-04:00

I didn't get to talk to everyone last Saturday. But I wanted to post some notes from the students (and teachers) that I did get to talk to! It would be great if we could start connecting stories and characters. So feel free to come up with ideas that connect your character to other characters in the story!! We need to elaborate on that quest too!!! Hopefully I will get to talk to more of the students about their characters tomorrow. Looking forward to an awesome class tomorrow!

BOSS STORY

Quest = Saving narwhals from George lucas. Their horns have been stolen to make lightsabers and to rule the world with mutant cars with feet.

Characters:

Elise: Monsters that live in the forrest with walking trees, some are good and some are bad.

Luke: Mad scientist he has a fast food restaurant and never gets the same customer twice because his food is so gross. Does experiments . Sir Something He is the candy cane knight, who drives the tank and all he eats is peppermints and candy canes. Tank shoots out anything it sucks up.

Parker: Scuba Diving fircles

LIndsey: narwhals that George Lucas is capturing.

Christian: Tip top he is a traffic cone. he keeps getting hired to do jobs but he keeps wondering away from the jobs. HE lives in a marsh. He has a Dunce cap and a Marsh mellow friend A "Marshion" Mr Shmallow

Justin: Annoying Orange, Pear can shoot lazors, passion shoots arrows, Midget apple turns people into small people, Grandpa lemon falls asleep, Knife chops people- There are 2 versions of these characters one good and one bad. The bad versions wear sunglasses, but people don't know that.

Emma and Ella: Dermaids live in a sunken Dog house under the water. Walking trees that talk (recorded voice) Wild creatures, made up animals, and alien hopital.

Zaki - combination of a Cowboy, Boba Fett and Humpty Dumpty with a jet pack and a magic mustache that turns you into candy so he can eat you if he gets mad at you.

Brendan: Against Zaki's character.

Joshua: Monster vehicle for Grandma Dynamite.

Caleb: Bob who's a teenager formally known as max.

Adam: Don Quixote and his buddy poncho.

Annie: Grandma dynamite. She

Noah: Man eating alarm clock.

Dean: Superman makes people crash into buildings. Tons of people in chicago.

Willow: Making George Lucas. Fuzzy guy and makes people turn into fuzzy people so they can be part of fuzzy army good guys fighting against GL.

Here is a picture of Zaki's character in progress:

-Lindsey

What will today bring?

2011-09-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm curious to see how the Saturday group reacts to what the Wednesday group added to the story. How will the characters interact with each other?

The story continues

2011-09-23T07:12:00.003-04:00

New characters are popping up. What role will Don Quixote play? And don't tell anyone else, but I've heard rumors of a man-eating alarm clock!

The First Day of B.O.S.S. Was BOSS!

2011-09-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

Our first day was Saturday and--no surprise--plenty of crazy stuff is already happening. Our first story brainstorming session yielded the following details:

-We want our story to be about a quest. Not a world-saving quest per se, but one that requires an epic journey.

-There are narwhals. Someone is stealing their horns...was it really George Lucas like people are saying?

-Dermaids=Dog+mermaid. Living in a sunken doghouse.

-There's a Mad Scientist who works in a Mad Scientist shop. Did he have something to do with the Dermaids?

-Tip Top is a traffic cone who repeatedly leaves the construction sites where he is working. This could have something to do with his adventure-seeking marshmallow companion (name undetermined). TT lives in a swamp.

-How about Grandma Dynamite? What's her story? We know that she has blown up many caves...

-There's a terrible teacher character--this could be trouble!

So there you go. We're all excited to see where this story is headed--if the past is any indication, we're in for a wild ride!

Teacher Feature: Kentucky Governors by Christian Schmit

2011-09-11T14:03:00.000-04:00

Christian has been inspired by the early Governors of Kentucky. You may also notice they are street names in Covington including Greenup, the street Baker Hunt is on. The images are cut out of white paper painted black and cut with an exact-o-knife on glass.

Teacher Feature: Christian Schmit

2011-08-22T12:33:00.001-04:00

Get to know one of your co-creators and classroom instructors, Christian Schmit. These are links to some of his works old and new.

"Without being as concretely based in H.G. Wells' novel, Inspiration Nation is nonetheless intended as an "installation studio" class for all ages in which a series of "environments" are realized, all based on narratives of the students' invention. Now giant sea serpents, snowy worlds, red lagoons and glittering robots proliferate on Baker Hunt's campus. Schmit aims to teach that, "You can build your own world and build your own life and do what you want to do."
-Excerpt from A World of His Own Making By Matt Morris

An Epic Tale of Time and Town [via Visualingual]

Artist Website: http://www.daapspace.daap.uc.edu/~schmitct/
Artist Blog A Memory Rocket

Guest Artists

2011-08-08T07:26:00.005-04:00

Some of the guest artists from Inspiration Nation participated in the show.

2011-08-05T08:35:00.001-04:00

2011-08-05T08:31:00.002-04:00

Big Show Pt 2

2011-08-05T08:27:00.002-04:00

Big Show

2011-08-05T08:11:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures from that same Inspiration Nation class, only at the very end. It was estimated we had nearly 400 people come to our opening at Leapin' Lizzard Gallery in Covington!

A Long Time Ago

2011-08-03T17:44:00.002-04:00

To give you a taste of what we're talking about, here are photos from 2007-2008. I'll be posting more soon.
Annie

B.O.S.S. is boss

2011-08-03T16:16:00.003-04:00

When we did this class a few years ago, as Inspiration Nation, it was impressive. 2 rooms of children making art. Parents helping any child that needed it. Visiting artists sharing their work and then working side by side with children. No idea was squelched. If a child wanted to explore something, an adult was willing to help, but not take over. The energy-wow-the place was jumping!

But most of all, I was floored by the creativity those children exhibited. It's something I've never forgotten. When grownups step back and let children take the lead on a project like this, the sky's not the limit, because there is no limit! I can't wait to see what they come up with this time.

Annie

Our New Class is Going to be B.O.S.S.!

2011-08-01T09:26:00.005-04:00

We're revamping Inspiration Nation at Baker Hunt with a new name--B.O.S.S. (Big Open Story Studio). Please look at older posts on this blog to see the awesome projects we have done in the past. Here's a longer description than the one that appears in the Fall Catalog:

Big Open Story Studio (B.O.S.S.!)

Project Managers: Annie Brown, Christian Schmit, Lindsey Whittle
Ages: 6-?

Imagine an open studio environment where participants of all walks of life put head and hands together to create a room-sized, narrative installation project! The intended atmosphere of this studio is highly communal and collaborative, a class without a traditional teacher, but one where participants share a wide range of ideas and skills and learn from each other. At the core of the studio are kids and their parents, supported by a rotating cast of visiting artists representing a wide range of artmaking. The project will begin with a period of story ideation, writing and sketching and move into planning, construction and detailing. The finished project will exist as a large-scale, narrative installation piece, essentially an epic story come to life, with multitudinous scenes that exist simultaneously in one place. (Think model train display gone wild.) When the project is done, it will be shown as part of Covington’s First Friday gallery hop, with the potential for hundreds of visitors. Concepts explored in the studio include brainstorming, writing, sketching and planning, sculpting, construction, painting, sound, and lighting. Participants may work at any time during suggested studio hours, or additional hours at discretion of project managers.

Studio Hours:
Wednesdays, 1pm-5pm
Saturdays, 10am-2pm

We are so excited for this class--hope to see you in September!
Register online: http://www.bakerhunt.com/

Animation Inspiration

2010-02-12T09:58:00.001-05:00

Made by student, Jamie Bell. He got 100% on the project. "This is the final piece for my AS art course, a flipbook made entirely out of biro pens. It's something like 2100 pages long, and about 50 jotter books. I'd say I worked on and off it for roughly 3 weeks."

Drawing Class Still Life One More

2010-01-26T09:03:00.000-05:00

Drawing Class Still Life Photos Pt 4

2010-01-26T09:02:00.000-05:00

Drawing Class Still Life Photos Pt 3

2010-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Drawing Class Still Life Photos Pt 2

2010-01-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Drawing Class Still Life Photos Pt 1

2010-01-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

Thanks Ray

2009-09-11T14:37:00.003-04:00

"Libraries raised me. I don't believe in colleges and universities. I believe in libraries because most students don't have any money.... I couldn't go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years." Ray Bradbury

Also, had to share this... Put in requests for any visual reference books you may need for the upcoming classes. ps The first St** Wars class is full.

Breaking News: Inspiration Nation returns September 26tth

2009-09-06T12:00:00.004-04:00

The question remains: what is the status of Christian's beard?
The answer is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42007102@N03/show/

The making of "Monster Stomp"

2009-05-18T19:01:00.001-04:00

How did they do it?

The Premiere!

2009-05-18T18:57:00.001-04:00

Better than Cannes...

The people are loving it...

2009-05-13T19:48:00.003-04:00

Hi all,
Well the show is up in Covington, Kenton County Public Library to be exact (502 Scott Blvd.) Hundreds of people have seen it and the response has been great. Kids of course, the finest connoisseurs of art, are the most enthusiastic but adults have commented on its sophistication and unique perspective. Tell you friends to swing by and see it and don't forget the party at 1PM this Saturday to bid the project farewell.

Teacher Feature: Christian Schmit

2009-04-29T20:29:00.003-04:00

This time the CAC took over the interview....

"CAC: When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?

Chrsitian Schmit: I have always known that I would be an artist. I did stuff all kids do—draw comics, make little animations and movies, sculpt my own Star Wars characters—but I've always known that I would make art for the rest of my life. I still feel this way.

CAC: Are you influenced by any artists currently?

CS: Oh yes, Kveta Pacovska, Peter Sis, Lisbeth Zwerger, Tove Jansson—these are all children's book illustrators. Camilla Engman, Marcel Dzama, Saul Steinberg, Misaki Kawai—more artists I really like. I love Hayao Miyazaki's movies, they are so imaginative and personal. I could go on and on..."

Read the full interview

Will it Fly? Revisited

2009-04-15T17:22:00.007-04:00

Our kite building session was a success. We experienced that great thrill when you don't really know what you are doing but forge ahead. And little things can make a big impression. I relyed on a manual to learn a new construction style which I hope to apply to non-kite building. It reminds me of what a great teacher once told me, "You should never begin learning with a full cup. What you could have learned won't have anywhere to go."

Make some kites or find new ideas:
Simple kite
Aerial Photography with kites
Kite books
We still haven't test flown the kites. But stay tuned for that fun day coming soon...

Teacher Feature: Anthony Wolking

2009-03-23T16:27:00.004-04:00

Thank you to Anthony for stopping in Inspiration Nation this Saturday. He showed us how to make a mold and cast just about anything you can think of. If you are interested in learning more, he teaches classes at Baker Hunt too.

1. What is the last inspiration you remember having?
Recent research into Graham Hudson is making me rethink sculptural possibilities.

2. What kind of things get you thinking and making stuff?
I am inspired daily looking at nature, life, artists, and reactions to happenings and interactions that seem out of place.

3. When you were younger what were you like and what did you like?
I enjoyed making all art. I like flying kites and fishing.

4. Tell us some details about where you are sitting to write this or your favorite place to make stuff.
I don't have one generally. I have to work in a studio since I need equipment to facilitate my creative processes.

5. Make something in your mind. Someone gives you a roll of paper towels, a straw, some grape juice, and a sharpie. What do you make?
I would unroll the paper towel, floor to ceiling along a wall. Pour the grape juice through the straw on the floor and record how far up the grapejuice leaches up the towels hung vertically, marking with the sharpie on a regualr time interval.

Teacher Feature: Lindsey Whittle

2009-03-12T09:03:00.003-04:00

Interview with Lindsey Whittle

Kite Making Fun

2009-03-11T20:24:00.002-04:00

A prelude to kite flying in Devou Park in April....

Will it fly?
Kite making get together for family and friends: with recycled materials

Awards for:

* The most unlikely to fly award
* Belongs in a museum
* I'd totally wear that
* Fit for a mouse
* May lift a monster truck
* What in the world?
* And categories decided by you...

Christian will make his famous grill cheese sandwiches...
Dates: 3/15 & 3/29
Time: 1:30-4PM
Place: upstairs meeting room at Kenton County Public Library, Covington
502 Scott St., Covington, KY 41011

Brought to you by:
Art and Co. Recycled Art Supplies
Dumpty's Online Store
Tool Academy

Bring recyclables if you can:
A friend or two...
string
plastic bags
old tapes
paper bags
tape
glue
color

Teacher Feature: David Rice

2009-02-20T15:32:00.003-05:00

This week's Inspiration Nation guest artist is David Rice. He is a sculptor and metalworker in Covington, KY. He's been doing some pretty cool science experiments lately too. For more on David, follow the links below or come to class 1-3PM this Saturday at Baker-Hunt.

Farney Park

Artist Profile

Resource-o-saurus: READ THIS

2009-02-11T08:39:00.004-05:00

Erin from the library introduced me to the Arty Facts book series. They are colorful, easy to look at books that can inspire art projects for any age. I'll try to bring some in to the next Nation.

Samples with pictures

More from the library

Transformers: not just a tv show and major motion picture

2009-02-04T17:56:00.007-05:00

Can you see this? This is called transforming materials. I collect all kinds of plastic marketing junk in my job. Most of it has specific intentions such as filing nails, keeping drinks cool, flying through the air, keeping paper together etc. As you can see below, Christian turned one of the fridge, magnet, paper clips into a page holder when he reads. That's right folks, pure brilliance.

Post comments or send in stories and pictures of what you have turned into something else.

It's what the Nation and art are all about.

Snow Day: a chance to get ready

2009-01-28T15:30:00.005-05:00

Inspiration Nation starts this Saturday. To be honest, I can't wait (even though unfortunately I can't make the first session). I'll get caught up though don't worry. I have some ideas brewing but nothing solid until I see where everyone wants to take it.

This session we are going to pay particular attention to the recycling and organizing aspect of the materials. It's a good thing because the cleaning up and sorting part of the creative process can be as insightful as any brainstorm. I can hear the echo of BH instructor's, Anthony W, voice... Respect the materials!

Baker Hunt (Thanks Ann D) has graciously allowed us to designate the "fireplace room" as a store for materials. So as you finish up homework, watch some tv, and head out to make some snow angels, take a moment to stroll through the house and look for any recyclables to bring in. Below is a partial list of recommended items and things that just don't work. The general rule is would you let a 5 year old handle and make something with it. With that said, if any object inspires you (and it isn't toxic or dangerous) bring it in and make something cool. Christian and the rest of us are always there to help you figure out how to bring it to life. More details to follow on the store. See you soon -Ann S.

Yes, please bring in:
Paper egg cartons
Brown paper bags
Plastic yogurt and other (such as pickle or pudding) cups
Oatmeal containers
Clear tubing
Entact cardboard food boxes (cereal, spaghetti, tea, macaroni, snack packs, etc.)
Paper tubes (paper towel, tp, wrapping, mail, etc.)
Unwanted toy parts
Interesting plastic pieces (not just box shaped takeout and grocery)
Coffee cans with no sharp edges
Wire (not chicken)
Aluminum foil
Washers and other safe metal parts
Wood dowels
Water based paint
Cork
Pipe cleaners, yarn, ribbon, thread, fabric
Plastic caps
Pizza tables
Fake plants
Buttons, bead, felt, cotton balls, pillow stuffing
Paint swatches, battery powered lights
Anything you can buy at a art supply or craft store

No thank you:
Corrugated cardboard or boxes
Plastic bags
Plastic 2 liters
Fast food containers
Milk jugs
Books or magazines (Take to the library)
Whole computers or electronics (usable pieces ok)
Phone books
Anything dangerous or dirty
Anything you want to bring back home later

Inspiration Nation 2008

2009-01-14T19:06:00.002-05:00

Will you join us in 2009? Hope you do!

thenation

Christian's been busy...

2008-12-19T22:25:00.004-05:00

Check them out in person at ArtWorks: http://www.artworkscincinnati.org/gallery/shows/08_winteryoohoo/index.shtml

hats by Katie S.

See everybody in the new year...

Let it snow...

2008-11-28T17:13:00.003-05:00

The weather outside might be frightful but we always have something to make.

Spotlight on the nation

2008-11-10T20:47:00.003-05:00

Looks like somebody's been doing some extra credit. Cutouts and shadows of the recent Inspiration Nation storyline... Plus, the display won honorable mention in the First Annual Covington Holiday Window Display Competition.

Thank you to Cynthia and Family!

2008-11-10T17:17:00.002-05:00

Art Off Pike, Inspiration Nation, October 11, 2008

Reminder

2008-11-01T11:25:00.003-04:00

The workshop is open today at Baker-Hunt. Stop by and help out Christian starting at 1PM...

Don't forget next Friday, November 7th is the Gallery Hop, Madison Avenue Spotlight, and Screen printing extravagenza. For those of you who missed Art Off Pike this should be even better. See you there....map

Check the map for updates as we get closer to Friday...

A class to consider

2008-10-23T11:40:00.007-04:00

Christian and I took Phil Franks' animation class this summer at Baker-Hunt. We had a blast and learned a lot about story telling. I think you may see some influence in future work. Here are some of the results. -Ann

Butch listens intently to Nick

2008-10-18T12:13:00.003-04:00

-Courtesy of Ron Einhaus

adjectives

2008-10-17T17:26:00.002-04:00

These are some of the adjectives I collected from people on the street who saw the installation:
dimensional, wow, interactive, innovative, really cool, what? , stupendous, elegant, high concept, amazing, tactile, very, very creative.

The Aftermath

2008-10-17T10:39:00.002-04:00

Wow. That was great. I am finally able to think about making some art again though the color light green will be on the shelf for awhile. Please send any photos or video you have of the event and show. We'll post it. Highlights: Nick talking to the Mayor, Cynthia's tours, the great selloff (how much did you guys make?), all the cool people who loved it, the little girl who said, "this is soooo cool" and seeing all the work come together. What were your highlights? Who is ready for the next one? -Ann

ps I added a new link to our friends list. Check out what Lindsey is up to in Japan!
Hopefully she can post some pictures of what it's like over there.

Inspiration Nation: The 18th thing?

2008-10-09T22:35:00.001-04:00

Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVQSZA9zSk

Can someone please film Inspiration Nation this Sat at Art Off Pike and submit to You Tube?

annd.

NKY Needs One of these

2008-10-09T09:41:00.001-04:00

Learning: your brain digs it.

2008-09-29T11:47:00.004-04:00

Ever wonder why you feel so good when you find something out or visit a new city? Well, your brain likes new smells, sights, sounds, and experiences (Recommended reading on this topic: Berns/Satisfacton)

That sounds like learning to me.

These days there is so much to feed our brains with that what we really need is more time. For example, did you know that MIT opens up their courses so that anyone can see how the classes are structured and the readings required? If you wanted, you could give yourself an MIT education. Or perhaps Berkeley.

I can see Nationers putting out info on how to paper mache, robot building, sourcing materials, squeegee, etc. etc. etc. How about how to make a classroom the place to be?

More learning:
http://www.archive.org/details/education
http://www.merlot.org/merlot/index.htm
http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/

A little more preview...

2008-09-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

The Nation Summer 2008

live happy and get inspired!

2008-09-25T12:25:00.004-04:00

hello inspiration nation'ers, glad to be part of this blog!

i'm gonna dive write in: lately i've been thinkin' a lot about what it means to "live happy". its the mantra that i adopted a few years back when i had the epiphany that happiness is a conscious decision. i believe it now more than ever. with the craziness of the current financial crisis, the absurd political theatre going on, and how this modern world seems to be getting tougher for the average working person; i think its really important for creatives to make the decision to be happy and to generate positive vibes through their work. i understand the old adage that art imitates life and when life is tough its possibly easier to create work that is inline with the negative energy. i know that that may be therapeutic at times, still, i believe that the general public needs to be reminded that life is beautiful and this crazy experiment called consciousness is something to be treasured. we have the opportunity to remind them of that through our work and though it doesn't always seem like it, the positive energy will be returned at some point. i've found that though good karma can get lost out there for awhile, it'll return at some point. many times when you least expect it.

feel free to disagree with any or all of what i just wrote. i think that's what'll make this forum super-interesting. thanks Christian for getting the ball rolling! live happy people!!

drewlaplante.com

Preview of the upcoming show...

2008-09-24T19:44:00.001-04:00

What happens if we don't listen to Christian...

2008-09-22T20:30:00.001-04:00

IN's next project

2008-09-22T20:28:00.001-04:00

I don't know about this blog (grumble)

2008-09-11T11:28:00.002-04:00

Dear Inspiration Nationers,
Are we seriously going to fill this blog up with videos of cute squirrels? Come on now. We've got paper mache mountains to make people. There ain't time for this kind of nonsense. Things are going really well and on October 11 people will witness a battle of epic proportions played out in a space 6 by 20 feet. Let's get the glue guns loaded, foam flying, and bring this baby home. Love, Christian

Count down to launch...

2008-09-10T18:29:00.001-04:00

30 days until the battle begins.

What can squirrels do?

2008-09-10T18:27:00.002-04:00

More than us apparently....

Learn and sing too.

2008-09-01T17:59:00.000-04:00

Hop This Friday in Covington (September 5)

2008-08-31T16:20:00.001-04:00

We'll meet at 6PM at the Frank Duveneck Center....

Then we'll check out the rest...