Thanks Ray

"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

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"

How did they do it?

The Premiere!

Better than Cannes...

The people are loving it...

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

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

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

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

Interview with Lindsey Whittle

Kite Making Fun

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

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

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

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

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

Will you join us in 2009? Hope you do!

thenation