Today's postings

  1. [Baren 32390] Can't resist that old black & white magic (Mary Krieger)
  2. [Baren 32391] year of the boar (Shireen Holman)
  3. [Baren 32392] Re: Baren Digest (old) V37 #3722 ("Marilynn Smith")
  4. [Baren 32393] Re: year of the boar (Charles Morgan)
  5. [Baren 32394] Re: year of the boar (Barbara Mason)
  6. [Baren 32395] Re: year of the boar ("Ellen Shipley")
  7. [Baren 32396] excitement ("Jean Womack")
  8. [Baren 32397] Re: year of the boar (Wanda Robertson)
  9. [Baren 32398] year of the boar ("Oscar Bearinger")
  10. [Baren 32399] Re: year of the boar ("Oscar Bearinger")
  11. [Baren 32400] Re: year of the boar (Wanda Robertson)
  12. [Baren 32401] Year of the Boor ("Doug")
  13. [Baren 32402] Re: year of the boar ("Oscar Bearinger")
  14. [Baren 32403] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
  15. [Baren 32404] Re: Year of the boar - "I apologise for the troubled I am about to cause" (Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com)
Member image

Message 1
From: Mary Krieger
Date: Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:20:23 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32390] Can't resist that old black & white magic
Send Message: To this poster


>Hi all,

I returned to my artistic career full time this past year. It has
been great to spend a substantial amount of time working in the studio.
I wanted to share with you all the suite of woodcuts I recently completed.

http://www.mts.net/~mkrieger/magpie/gallery.html

I've been working the last three months on the next part of the
equation - connecting the work with an audience. The recent
discussion on balancing marketing and creating was most interesting
and helpful.

Thanks for listening.

Mary Krieger
Paintings/Prints
845 Downing St. Winnipeg MB R3G 2P6
mkrieger#mts.net
http://www.mts.net/~mkrieger/
Member image

Message 2
From: Shireen Holman
Date: Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:08:35 -0500
Subject: [Baren 32391] year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

I really enjoy doing the new year's cards, and I would like to sign
up for the year of the boar cards, but I have some reservations. Last
year there were 59 people on the list. I sent out 56 cards (3 people
on the list were people who had been on the previous year's list,
from whom I never received cards that year. I decided to hold on to
those cards and send them out if and when I received cards from
them). I received 30 dog cards, out of 59 people signed up. That
means, obviously, that almost half the people who signed up didn't
send out cards. I don't care about getting them by February - I've
never been nearly that prompt myself - and I do understand that life
interferes and people can't always do the things they plan. But 50%
is a lot, and I'm reluctant to send out so many cards again with that
sort of expectation. Do people have any ideas?
Shireen

***********************************************
Shireen Holman, Printmaker and Book Artist
email: shireen#shireenholman.com
http://www.shireenholman.com
***********************************************
Member image

Message 3
From: "Marilynn Smith"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 07:40:42 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32392] Re: Baren Digest (old) V37 #3722
Send Message: To this poster

Congrats to Barbara Mason. There is all manner of success in this group and
it is fun to see. Please keep sharing.
Marilynn
Member image

Message 4
From: Charles Morgan
Date: Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:49:51 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32393] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Seems I am chronically late myself ... something "more important"
always seems to come up. Please do try to distinguish between those,
like me, who are late and those who never send anything at all.

One suggestion is to just trust everyone ... I do not regard this
exchange as being "tit for tat"

Another suggestion is to send email to those from whom you did not
get a card. Be polite ... tell them you did not get a card and wonder
if it is lost in the mail, etc.

Or some official political hatchet person on Baren could keep track
... suggest to those who try to sign up but have not completed the
previous year's exchange that they focus their attention on the
previous year's commitment instead. I regard this one as being the
least palatable.

Cheers ...... Charles
Member image

Message 5
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 09:41:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [Baren 32394] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Shireen,
I think you have to consider the cards your "gift" to all your friends on the baren, tben if you get none back, you won't feel bad. I have never kept track of it and when I get one in August or December a year late, I smile and say..."well, good for them, they got it done."
You cannot change people, just yourself....you are a delightful person (Shireen and I shared a room at SGC a few years ago so I personally know this is true) and a great printmaker and I know you put a huge amount of energy into everything you create. Maybe put less engergy into the cards...I don't know the answer to get people to move on keeping their commitments. It is a problem with the 4 yeary exchanges and is making coordinators a little crazy. I guess not participating is an answer, but I would rather 50% than none at all so I will keep on, although I am having trouble coming up with an image....I wanted to use a great boar statue at our local museum as a beginning but they would not let me take a picture of it...silly gards. Guess I will have to go back and draw it...he was so fat and laying down so insolently...just looked like he was so enjoying doing nothing. I have not mastered the art of doing nothing unless I am asleep...it is a true art.

On another note, what did you think of the Chris Papa woodcuts? I found them very interesting. I will be anxious to see them in person.
Best to all,
Barbara
Member image

Message 6
From: "Ellen Shipley"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 10:21:16 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32395] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Hi Shireen,

I can empathize (and I hope I'm not one of the missing cards! I do plan to
catch up!!). I send out around 50 Christmas cards every year and believe
me, a 50% return rate would be a miracle. I send them out because I enjoy
the holiday cheer, and I like to think the recipients do to, but I've long
ago given up on getting much more than that out of it.

These last few years I've even sent out hand printed cards, and still I'm
lucky to get a 30% return rate. Oh well. ;-] It's the thought that
counts.

Ellen


print blog:
http://pressing-issues.blogspot.com/
sketch blog:
http://thepickledpen.blogspot.com/
dog blog:
http://dogblog-catchat.blogspot.com/
Member image

Message 7
From: "Jean Womack"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 11:48:44 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32396] excitement
Send Message: To this poster

< Your new style reminds me of abstract art by Donna Fenstermaker. I think she got an M.F.A. with that stuff.

Jean Womack
Member image

Message 8
From: Wanda Robertson
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 13:52:07 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32397] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

No, there won't be any "political hatchet person on Baren" keeping
track of any "year of the...." exchanges. #1 because we don't have any
"political hatchet persons" only volunteers to keep things running. #2
because the "year of the ...." is a private exchange with nothing to do
with Baren. You are free to send (or not send) to whomsoever you
please.

It usually takes me a while to get mine sent out - and I welcome
reminders from people who haven't gotten them yet. They do go through
the post office, you know. :-) I just hope that people get a smile
when mine arrive. I sure do enjoy getting them from everyone who sends
to me. One of the funnest exchanges I do.

Congratulations Charles, I took the bait! Hahahaha. Maybe someone
else will bite too.

Wanda
Member image

Message 9
From: "Oscar Bearinger"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 16:55:34 -0500
Subject: [Baren 32398] year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Hi Shireen
For a group such as a Baren (where people are involved in MAKING prints)
I think a 50% drop-off or lack of response is too many. I can understand
and appreciate
lateness (experientially!!) and I can appreciate receiving a card a year
late;
however, 50% is too high for me.

I've sent New Year cards for years and I don't expect a card back
(necessarily).
If you drop the family members (obligatory if you will), the other half of
my card list
changes from year to year. Part of this is due to never hearing from this
or that friend.
However, that is not a "group" which has the intention of making cards.

Barbara, I agree interpersonally "you can't change others, you can only
change yourself"
but I disagree with that in a group situation, a group can definitely change
individual behaviour,
or more precisely, can influence an individual to change.
(Let's hope so, for peace to have any chance in this world!!!! -oops,
off-topic)

So I appreciate you speaking up, Shireen, and voicing your concern. This is
the slow nature of change (and growth).
I would be interested in participating in a new year card exchange, however,
not one which is themed on the Chinese year of the ______. I would
participate
if the new year card was left up to the individual to envision and create.

Sorry to go on, but it's a slow Saturday and I'm recovering from a cold....
:o)

Happy printing, everyone,
Oscar
Member image

Message 10
From: "Oscar Bearinger"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 17:02:43 -0500
Subject: [Baren 32399] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

hi Wanda
I just read your posting after I posted.

>#2 because the "year of the ...." is a private exchange with nothing to do
> with Baren. You are free to send (or not send) to whomsoever you
> please.
I thought this was an exchange (albeit un-coodinated, hehehe!)
Where can I get the info on how this new year card gig works?

Yeah, we sure dont need "hatchet persons" :o)
I have been very impressed with the volunteers in Baren,
and especially the amount of work done by the formal exchange co-ordinators.
They need our thanks again and again.

Oscar
Member image

Message 11
From: Wanda Robertson
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 14:33:52 -0800
Subject: [Baren 32400] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Thank you Oscar - nice to be appreciated!

Julio started it before the year of the Dragon. I've participated in
it since it started. And it is one of the most creative of exchanges.
I use those little (4"x6" for mine) as experiments & just have a
wonderful time with them. And no I don't hold back, sometimes those
little creatures are 4 or 5 blocks. Like David Bull says: If it's
fun, shouldn't it take a long time? or something like that. :-)

However, there are people who just kind of wander through & sign up.
Now whether they really intended to participate or not, who knows? And
I know several people who really do intend to participate - but their
lives are so full & they just have obligations all over the place.
Some of them are 2 or 3 years behind, but their intentions are still
good. You have to admire that - they don't just give up!

Oh, here we go- Chinese New Year exchange:


Baren forum sponsors it - we just don't *run* it! Clear as mud, huh?
You can also see results of previous years' endeavors, although the Dog
Gallery needs updating. :-) volunteers, remember? Plus, there really
isn't any requirement to stick to the animal of the year. You could do
whatever you wanted to do, as far as I know. Join it, you will like
it, I can almost guarantee it!

Wanda
Member image

Message 12
From: "Doug"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 15:57:02 -0700
Subject: [Baren 32401] Year of the Boor
Send Message: To this poster

For the last couple of years, I have sent and given out around a hundred
or so of my new years card. Sometimes I get something in return, sometimes
not. I do it as a gift, or as with my regular clients, a goodwill gesture.

I don't engage with the BarenForum on these, as I silkscreen them, and don't
need the Hanga police knocking at my door.

Still, there may be a few of you whom I corespond that will recieve one.

cheers,

Doug
www.haugdesigns.com

2521 W. Dale Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Member image

Message 13
From: "Oscar Bearinger"
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 21:44:36 -0500
Subject: [Baren 32402] Re: year of the boar
Send Message: To this poster

Thanks, Wanda, for the info. Now, I can relate to dragons!!!!
Doug, I note there is no necessity to do a particular printing process....

> From: Wanda Robertson
> Julio started it before the year of the Dragon..............
[snip]
>........Plus, there really isn't any requirement to stick to the animal of
the year. You could do
> whatever you wanted to do, as far as I know. Join it, you will like
> it, I can almost guarantee it!

Well, I will muse on it, and see if a Muse strikes me!
Cards certainly are fun!
(I do want one from Shireen though - I just love your stuff!)

Think I'll have printy dreams tonight :o)
Oscar
Member image

Message 14
From: Blog Manager
Date: 10 Dec 2006 04:55:14 -0000
Subject: [Baren 32403] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification
Send Message: To this poster

This is an automatic update message being sent to [Baren] by the forum blog software.

The following new entries were found on the listed printmaker's websites during the past 24 hours. (25 sites checked, five minutes before midnight Eastern time)

*****************

Site Name: David Bull, Woodblock Printmaker

Item: Exhibition announcement card is ready ...
http://woodblock.com/roundtable/archives/2006/12/exhibition_anno.html

*****************

Site Name: pressing-issues

Author: Ellen Shipley
Item: Spirals and Leaves
http://pressing-issues.blogspot.com/2006/12/spirals-and-leaves.html

*****************

[Baren] members: if you have a printmaking blog (or a website with a published ATOM feed), and wish it to be included in this daily checklist, please write to the Baren Blog Manager at:
http://barenforum.org/contact_baren.php

For reference, sites/blogs currently being checked are:
http://barenforum.org/blog
http://woodblock.com
http://woodblockdreams.blogspot.com
http://studiodiary.blogspot.com
http://larimerart.blogspot.com
http://artflights.blogspot.com
http://printmakersmaterials.blogspot.com
http://mlyon.com/blog
http://room535.blogspot.com
http://mleeprints.blogspot.com
http://snowgum.blogspot.com
http://onthisblock.blogspot.com
http://pressing-issues.blogspot.com
http://www.1000woodcuts.com
http://theitinerantartist.blogspot.com
http://PLawing-Printmaker.blogspot.com
http://readdevine.blogspot.com
http://mokuhankan.com/conversations
http://mokuhankan.com
http://belindadelpesco.blogspot.com
http://vizart.blogspot.com
http://phare-camp.blogspot.com
http://amymstoner.blogspot.com
http://williamleeholtfineart.blogspot.com
http://web.mac.com/g_wohlken/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html
Member image

Message 15
From: Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 01:22:43 -0600
Subject: [Baren 32404] Re: Year of the boar - "I apologise for the troubled I am about to cause"
Send Message: To this poster

Doug, the New Year exchange is open to any process...except digital
prints. A combination of digital and other processes is ok.
The Year of the..... exchange goes back to the fall of 1999...that year
barener Pete White put up his own website and took names for the exchange
of the Dragon. The original idea for exchanging cards within this group
came from an email by Print Australia's Josephine Severn who had been in
contact with Professor Peggy Prentice from Oregon University who was
already doing something similar with her students (read Baren #6558 in the
Archives from Nov. 1999)

"In Japan there is a tradition of exchanging New Years cards that are hand
made and the size of a postcard, 4" x 6". Each year everyone makes an
image of the animal that belongs to that year, dog, monkey, etc. This New
Year it is the Dragon for 2000. What a great mythic animal for the
beginning of the next century. Last summer Moya Bligh, a part time
printmaking instructor from Kyoto-Seika University in Japan, was teaching
a workshop in Japanese waterbase woodcut printmaking here at the Univ. of
Oregon. (I hosted her and taught with her.) She talked about this
tradition and invited my print
students to make dragon postcards to exchange with each other and with
students in Japan. Each person will then have a little collection of
dragon prints. My students are having such a great time making these
prints (not in a limited edition) that I thought it might be fun to
suggest this exchange to the print list.I don't know exactly how the
exchange could or should be done but each person making a card could make
as many as they like and somehow contact others making them to arrange for
an exchange of cards. Is this idea just too unmanageable? What do you
think of the idea and do you have any suggestions about how the exchange
could be done?

Peggy Prentice
Printmaking Coordinator
Art Department
University of Oregon, Eugene"


The exchange was very successful and many dragons flew around the world to
their new homes. Since those early days Baren has facilitated the exchange
by adding a signup page but the exchanges are not part of the
formal/quarterly exchanges sponsored by Baren and coordinated by Mike
Lyon. The New Year exchanges have been exhibited in a number of locations
across the country.

As for my own...back in those days I was getting woodblock Xmas cards from
David Bull, Maria Arango and other folks and I thought about what a nice
idea that was to share with fellow baren friends and at the same time
promote your own printmaking....so I signed up for the exchange too...
When Pete stopped doing the new year list the third year I started to put
up the signup on the Baren website. Except for that first year when just
about all people sent prints...the number of people failing to send prints
after signing up has increased year by year....I myself failed to send
cards one year and I am terribly behind with my doggies....

Last year with the doggies as prints came in I would highlight that name
on the website...sort of a checkmark....but it did not seem to make much
difference in the number of dropouts...perhaps we can have two signup
lists...one for those that are going to make & send prints...and another
for those that can't/won't make prints but would like to receive one
anyways.... ;-)

Julio