CREO Spring 2010 by CREO Magazine

issue three spring 2010

Nature erutruN

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moth image by Flickr user woodleywonderworks

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Contents

Departments

09| Letter from the editor 10| color, muse and mutter products & projects you should know about 20| Around Town festivals, contests, & exhibits 26| Info Graphic the decline of genius 33| sticker project share your doodles 34| Some Assembly Required personalized leather phone case 38| Design Spur Haiti relief 45| Sketchbook creative abandon and the art of observation submitted by students

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94| Ideation like mother, like daughter

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Features

28| compound careers fusing interests to create opportunity 50| the mestizo institute of culture & art empowering an underrepresented community through art 56| Nature vs. Nurture student responses 74| Dallas Clayton promoting creativity, dreams, and literacy one awesome book at a time 80| Mariah Robertson process released

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86| What did we really learn in kindergarten? the return to child-like creativity

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editor

from the

My daughter is finally old enough to appreciate, well watch, a true genius of cinema: John Hughes. Yes, that guy, the creator of all my adolescent classics and the master of teenage angst. So many are favorites—Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Some Kind of Wonderful. But only one has earned top honor and, in my opinion, should be mandatory viewing for all high school students: the Breakfast Club. After recently watching it, I realized just how much it influenced my ongoing interest in what I consider the great debate, nature versus

contributing interns

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Silvia Viñas writer

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Brie Hiramine writer

Sarah Duzyk writer

nurture. The idea that potential is measured by two simple factors continues to perplex even the smartest researchers. The concept is simple, but the application not so much. In this issue we explored nature versus nurture under the umbrella of visual culture and creativity. Consider these questions as you peruse through the following pages. What influences your creative spirit? Are we nurturing it as a society? How can you tap into your own natural talents? Will your work be my Breakfast Club for somebody else? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sarah Weerth

A special thanks to the student artists in this issue. Visit creomagazine.com for more information on these rising stars: Molly Rapp Jardley Jean-Louis Emily Maehl Megan Frauenhoffer Tatiana Gulenkina John Troxel Meryl Pataky Stephen C. Proski Quoleena Sbrocca Shannon Chong Nessa Ryan

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Chris Asuncion designer

Jennifer Thomas designer

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(top row, from left to right) Sketchbooks and journals have been the confidants of artists and writers since the advent of paper. Today, options are designed for specific hobbies and niche interests. The Walls Notebook, for example, provides 80 “clean” New York City walls neatly contained in a notebook. You’re free to write, draw, paste, or doodle on these

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walls without having to look over your shoulder. The Designer’s Notebook is part sketchbook, part reference. The dotted grid allows for free-form brainstorming or more structured layouts. Every few pages contain prompts to outline and organize the design process. Reference pages identify those design terms that are so often used, but not always remembered

(available in April). Those Moleskine folks are at it again with Passions, a new collection of journals dedicated to some of the most popular hobbies: recipes, wine, books, films, music, wellness. Each journal includes 240 themed pages to record notes, clippings and drawings about your passions. • While the recession has certainly prevented folks from buying the

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album of 24 pictures on durable, water-resistant card stock with front and back covers that can be personalized. • More than 70 years after Snow White, the first AfricanAmerican Disney princess debuted. What controversy does The Princess and the Frog share with the first princess movie? The use of “dark magic.” Catch Tiana and all the voodoo on DVD this March.

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will take away our recession woes and make us think of tropical waters and the comforting escape to that little island in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, it may just remind us that we won’t be able to afford a vacation this year. (bottom row, from left to right). • Here’s another option for a portable or mini portfolio. Memolio turns digital images into a compact

latest gadgets, it hasn’t reduced their “experience consumption.” Case in point: Museum attendance was up in 2009 - an increase that hasn’t been seen since 2001. Americans seem to be buying less, but doing more. • Although your favorite color may be pink, purple or that pukey yellow-green, the color for 2010, as dictated by Pantone, is turquoise. Apparently, this color

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O& J I new kids on the block

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There are some new kids in town and changing the textbook game. Imagine going to school without that extra 20 lbs.–or better yet, replacing that weight with money in your pockets. What if all you had to carry to class was a 1lb. slim case? • Although e-books have been a staple in online classes for years, the trend is now filtering down to high school and traditional

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college classrooms. At the forefront of this movement is California after launching the first open-source digital textbook initiative. Besides cost savings, going digital offers other benefits that the hard-back counterparts can’t: searchable text, embedded videos, audio files, hyperlinked keywords, and up-to-date information. • As this movement grows, the question is

“What device will students use?” Laptops, netbooks, even cell phones are logical choices, but another, possibly cheaper option is e-readers. • Right now the two leaders are Barnes and Noble’s Nook and Amazon’s Kindle. Each bring their own set of benefits: Nook - Oability to play MP3 audio files, & 1million e-books (compared to Kindle’s 380,000), J access

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$ 4 7 6

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category of mobile devices. • It will be interesting to see how the single use e-readers, like Nook and Kindle, compete with the multipurpose iPad. Will Apple experience a repeat of the mid ‘80s when Macintosh computers were the choice for schools? It’s too soon to tell, but one thing is for sure–the new kids are here to stay and textbooks will no longer be the same.

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iPad (to be released in March and April)–a sort of cross between a netbook and an iTouch. With prices starting at $499, it’s a higher investment than an e-reader, but with many more bells and whistles. Intuitive interactivity and a color touch screen are just a couple features consumers have been waiting for in what Apple CEO Steve Jobs calls a new third

to more free books thanks to the ability to support EPUB format, I LCD touchscreen navigation. Kindle - $ best prices on e-books, 4 more newspapers (3x more), magazines (twice as much), and blogs available, 7 button keypad navigation, 6 longer battery life (nearly doubled). • And now the cool kid is fixing to move-in next door. Apple announced its new

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playing with food

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I have to believe that even Neanderthal moms nagged their little caveman kids to stop playing with their food. But the term ‘play’ is definitely relative. To our ancestors of 130 thousand years maybe it meant stop playing soccer with the sabertooth skull. To our grandparents it was probably more along the lines of, “Quit molding your Spam into something you can

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recognize.” And for us, playing with food embodies a more sophisticated approach. Think Food Network meets Giuseppe Arcimboldo. • Take the photography by duo Akiko Ida and Pierre Javelle. The use of miniature figures, strategically placed in the context of food, recreates scenes that we see everyday. With the use of humor and classic poses, the juxtaposition

of human scale reminds us just how big our world really is. The series titled MINIMIAM, with miam meaning ‘yum’ in French, started in 2002 and continues to expand. Besides holding three exhibitions last year, their images can also be found in editorials and advertisements. All images © Minimiam. • There’s no doubt that after a good meal a smile

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opportunity for creative expression. Whether your goal is to use food to create gallery-worthy pieces or stomach-worthy concoctions, the textures, colors, and shapes can inspire as much as elements found in traditional flowers and animals. The next time you walk down the supermarket aisle or sit to have your favorite meal, throw caution to the wind and just play with your food.

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craftsmanship that garmage chefs can admire. Bouquets of flowers, smiling sunshine eggs, and lunch meat animal faces, among other characters, greet gamene everyday at noon. Bento zenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept is simple: Guarantee yourself at least one smile and a zen moment each day by taking the time to prepare healthy, colorful, and artistic lunch boxes. â&#x20AC;˘ Food offers us one more

can appear on even the most cynical of faces. The challenge is to evoke that same harmony before the meal even hits your mouth. That is the goal of bento zen, a blog documenting the daily lunches of a manhattan lawyer. But these are no ordinary PB&Js or salami subs. Blog author and Flickr user gamene creates lunch boxes, or bentos, with the culinary

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be inspired

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A few books are on our radar and share a unique view on design. The following are excerpts from editorial reviews (left to right): The Designer’s Graphic Stew provides visual “ingredients,” such as grid structures, folios, border devices, type treatments, abstract graphic elements, categorized stylistically and functionally. These ingredients are shown in use through a “recipe”

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format to accomplish strategies such as movement, rhythm, organization, contrast, metaphor, etc. Ingredients are coded and cross-referenced among categories for mix and matching purposes as well as demonstrating varied alternate combinations to achieving different approaches to strategies. • Design Play shows how an ordinary project can be turned into

the exceptional simply by using an unexpected twist in format, material or concept to capture the imagination and attention of the target audience. In a world overcrowded with ads that are all openly or surreptitiously trying to pervade our consciousness, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the world’s creative talent to come up with ideas and concepts the

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Berlin and Tokyo. It explores each brand’s cultural resonance, and explains why so many have gained a cult following while continuing to break new ground in a market with unlimited scope for innovation. It is the defining book on the subject and the only one on the market that explores the history of streetwear as well as it’s present day status (available in March).

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20th century and find inspirations for new graphic styles. • From its origins in American workwear, streetwear has become a global phenomenon. Showcasing over 30 of the most pioneering streetwear brands, Cult Streetwear tells the stories of the people behind the brands from entrepreneurs to graffiti writers, DJs to surf dudes to sneaker nuts, from LA to NYC, London to

consumer finds fresh and exciting. Design Play focuses on tricky, sometimes risky approaches that have proved highly successful. • Taking a trip down memory lane and witnessing a bold and pronounced application of shapes, typefaces and illustration works in contemporary graphic art, Flashback unveils how designers begin to look back to the vivid

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kickstarter.com

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It takes a village to raise a child. And almost any artist, designer, or writer would certainly consider their project a child. How, then, do creative entrepreneurs call upon their village for child support? That’s were Kickstarter comes in–a unique funding platform for artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, inventors, explorers...you name it. Their

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core beliefs are simple: 1) A good idea, communicated well, can spread fast and wide, and 2) A large group of people can be a tremendous source of money and encouragement. Their all-or-nothing funding method, where projects must be fully-funded or no money changes hands, reduces the risk for contributors and allows people to test concepts. • To date Kickstarter

has helped to fund over 500 projects. One might wonder how this model became so successful in just nine short months. In a nutshell the projects are efforts by real people, not corporations, doing things they love–there’s a connection contributors feel with those stories. In addition, supporters can pledge various amounts–a sort of small/medium/large approach

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as a strategy. {designing-obama. com} • Finally, The Underground Library showcases the work of yet-to-be discovered “DIY doers” in NYC and beyond through a literary object. The distribution of the books is nostalgic if not mysterious; members sign their names on the old school library card and pass it to a friend leaving a trail of signatures. {theundergroundlibrary.org}

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pies, coffee, and conversation, but they offer retail and hospitality job training for local youth. The venue also acts as a design center focusing on community development projects. {pielab.org} • Of all the kickstarter projects, Designing Obama seems to be the most popular. The book chronicles the art of Obama’s innovative campaign and the use of design

(like buying your favorite T-shirt). And finally, there are perks in the form of rewards. This may be access to the project blog for updates or a limited edition copy of the project itself. • A few successful projects caught the attention of the CREO staff. First is PieLab in Greensboro, Alabama. Part of a Project M initiative, this community space not only serves up delicious

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OR Leonardo da Vinci and the Art of Sculpture: Inspiration and Invention celebrates da Vinci’s achievements and involvement in the art of sculpture. The Getty Center Los Angeles, CA Mar 23-Jun 20 getty.edu

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Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration features 59 riveting blackand-white images of young immigrants by accomplished documentary photographer Barbara Beirne. Oregon Historical Society Portland, OR Mar 20-May 30 ohs.org

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American Letterpress features 126 historical and contemporary posters and 29 handcarved wooden blocks from Nashville’s Hatch Show Print. Posters from Hatch are works of art steeped in the traditions of American graphic design that embraces both low and high art. Austin Museum of Art Austin, TX Feb 13-May 9 amoa.org

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Jim Henson’s Fantastic World offers a rare peek into the imagination of this brilliant innovator and creator of Kermit, Big Bird, and other beloved characters. Mississippi Museum of Art Jackson, MS through Mar 14 msmuseumart.org

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and span the evolution of his career including both realized and unrealized projects. MoMA New York, NY through Apr 26 moma.org

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Philagrafika 2010 is an international festival showcasing the work of more than 300 artists. This inaugural presentation celebrates the role of print in contemporary art. Multiple venues Philadelphia, PA through Apr 11 philagrafika2010.org

PostSecret brings together 400 powerful, poignant, and beautifully intimate secrets received since the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conception in November 2004. Art Galleries at Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Feb 6-Apr 4 kennesaw.edu

Cross over to the other side and have a glimpse of the Tim Burton exhibit. Many pieces are from Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private collection

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image by 2008

winner Steve

Belkowitz

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image by Flick

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Awards for Winterhouse g & Criticism Design Writin ard Education Aw e s b gin Call for entrie March 2010 l, unts (high schoo en d u st to en Op hose r graduate) w dergraduate o s itiates new idea in g tin ri w f o use ut old ones) abo (or challenges any forms. design in its m aiga.org

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ar oun d t own ck Rappahanno Film Festival Independent issions Call for subm y 26 Deadline: Ma , RIFF is In its third year rt of historic set in the hea , VA. Fredericksburg com rifilmfestival.

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Art House roject The Fiction P 5 gn-up: Feb 1 Deadline to si is massive Be a part of th p build exhibit and hel rt Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Brooklyn A ed on your collection. Bas create a given theme, ) g words (51% narrative usin ur book will and images. Yo e libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be a part of th ill llection and w permanent co e th pulled off of be able to be d through. shelf and looke p.com arthousecoo

ers ation Design lic b u P f o ty e Soci on gn Competiti Student Desi r8 Deadline: Ma s agazine spread Design two m : es ri e five catego from one of th owty/regional, h ci t, en m n ai rt ente en. oney and gre to, business/m with an internship Up for grabs... ine. a major magaz ent-outreach spd.org/stud

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Pan African Film & Arts Festival Feb 10-17 Los Angeles, CA paff.org

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Indie Craft Revolution Mar 13-14 St. Louis, MO revolutioncraftshow.com

Wisconsin Film Festival Apr 15-18 Madison, WI wifilmfest.org

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Journey Fest 2010 Feb 26-28 Brooksville, FL journeyfest.org

Ann Arbor Film Festival Mar 23-28 Ann Arbor, MI aafilmfest.org

The Philadelphia Independent Craft Market May 10 Philadelphia, PA randomsquirrellab.com

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the decline of genius

Last summer the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Education released important legislation creating the Creative Challenge Index, also known as the “Creative Index Bill,” which will help to promote and measure creativity in every Massachusetts public school. Among many arguments in support of the bill was the research of Ken Robinson. His presentations speak to this point and explain that schools don’t promote creativity, instead they educate it out of children. This conclusion is based on the study from George Land and Beth Jarman’s book called, Breakpoint & Beyond: Mastering the Future Today. The 1968 study gave 1,600 3-5 year-olds a creativity test used by NASA to measure divergent thinking in engineers and scientists. The same children were retested at ages 10 and 15. The results are illustrated here on the game board of creativity.

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(Illustration designed by Chris Asuncion)

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Fusing Interests to Create

Opportunity by

Sarah Duzyk

It isn’t news to anyone that the job market is considerably more competitive than it was a few years ago. Since the economic downturn in 2008 job opportunities are often few and far between. This is even more of an issue for students about to enter the “real world” who have far less experience than those who have already been in the work force.

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So how do you get ahead in an increasingly tough job world? There are some ways to relieve the stress that you (and your parents) undoubtedly feel as you approach that looming milestone of graduation. Some of these tips are practically common knowledge (study hard, find internships, build your resume, etc.), but creativity is key when evaluating your talents and their uses when seeking employment. issue

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While I am sure many of your parents are nervous at the thought that their child wants to follow an artistic path in an increasingly tech-oriented world, there are ways to use your passion for art without becoming the “starving artist” of their worst nightmare. Artistic skills can be applied to a number of fields outside of what are usually considered “art” jobs. Combined with other disciplines, visual creativity can be used to your advantage while pursuing careers in science, engineering and the social sciences. Finding a career that satisfies your right-brain creativity and left-brain talents provides an opportunity to achieve the holy grail: a secure, paying job that is actually something you love to do.

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Have any interest in the more technical side of color? Color scientists blend more methodical subjects like chemistry, computer science, and physics with psychology to observe and study color as it relates to people and products. Color scientists can have any type of undergraduate degree, as long as relevant science courses are covered, before continuing to graduate study. Color scientists often pursue careers related to the science of color in digital cameras and photography, image reproduction, broadcast imaging, optical engineering or as an imaging scientist. To look into potential careers check companies like Texas Instruments, Xerox Corporation, Eastman Kodak, Sony Corporation, and HewlettPackard. These and other companies who design and/or make machines that produce color images such as printers, projectors, and digital screens, employ many graduates of color science programs. Another avenue to pursue is with design manufacturers, like those for clothing or automotive. These companies often use color technicians in their product development or quality control departments.

Picturing information

changing

The title of â&#x20AC;&#x153;illustratorâ&#x20AC;? typically evokes the idea of images in books, yet illustrators can also be found in court rooms, police stations, and in the field of medicine. Medical illustrators, work within the medical community by producing models, images, and interactive components to promote better understanding of concepts and procedures. Most of their work involves the use of computer programs to create the visual product, drawing upon design, science, and technology. Many students in college who pursue this career path study both art and premedical curriculum, and often follow undergraduate study with a masters degree in medical illustration. Medical illustrations can be used in a wide range of fields including health care, advertising, and education. This variety of uses opens many employment opportunities at places such as medical schools, publishing companies, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals. This career is an awesome blend of science and art, allowing you to use your technical skills to explain a complicated subject to the masses. Other types of illustrators include forensic artists and courtroom illustrators.

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Commercial and industrial designers affect the lives of millions of people by designing objects we use every day from toys to kitchen appliances to cars. Besides an eye for three-dimensional design, knowledge of materials used to create products, product function, safety standards, and marketing is a must. A bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in a field such as engineering, industrial design or architecture is necessary to gain access to entry level jobs. While study in these areas is imperative, it is also vital to have knowledge of color, style, and aesthetics in order to design a product that is not only functional but also visually appealing to the public. This field continues to grow, is always on the cutting edge of technology, and

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offers unique opportunities to literally touch peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives on a daily basis. Think how impressed your family would be if you designed part of their car! If you are interested in a career in commercial or industrial design check out independent design firms in your area as many companies are now outsourcing their work. If you would rather work directly for a company the options are endlessindustrial designers have been hired in industries ranging from footwear to toys, depending on professional specialty. When looking at companies for employment make sure to check out their research and development departments, where designers create new products.

saving for the future

being practical

Historic preservation professionals work to protect and restore precious marks of culture including architecture, paintings, furniture, visual and print media and historic sites. This wide range of subjects provides an equally wide range of places to work. Specialties are focused, resulting in a career centered on your particular interests. While graduate work is usually a must, first-hand experience while studying is also key. To find further information on work in this field look into historic trusts, museums, universities, and libraries. Government agencies, like the National Park Service, provide more opportunities. In fact, all federal government departments are required to have a preservation officer. This career allows you to keep history alive for generations to come!

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revitalizing

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Art therapists utilize creative processes of art to aid individuals with emotional and mental disabilities or disorders. Modalities in music, painting, and dance also connect victims of trauma with treatment. New studies continually support the therapeutic power of art, and this human service profession is a way to see it firsthand. There are opportunities to work with all ages in many different settings including hospitals, recreational centers, educational centers, and private practice. Depending on what type of problems you want to address, research assisted living centers, national health care companies, and wellness centers about employment. Most professionals study psychology or another related field before continuing their education with graduate study.

require practitioners to be licensed, so check on the specific requirements for where you want to practice. Students of urban design and planning can establish careers in either the public or private sectors. Many seek careers in private architecture firms and consulting agencies. Those interested in the public sector have been employed by government offices such as port authorities of various cities, city planning departments, statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; departments of conservation, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. While this mix of design, engineering and architecture is an exciting career choice, what is even more encouraging is that the field is expected to grow faster than average over the next several years.

healing through art

If you are passionate about going green or cleaning up cities and towns, urban planning offers an opportunity to use your design talent with your social interests to provide a new look to cities while using the latest technology. Professionals must determine how to best use the resources available in areas to meet the needs of the public while accounting for political, social, economic and structural issues that may occur. The current trend is increasingly focused on being environmentally friendly, allowing for creative problem solving and the application of new ideas. Most urban planners earn a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in areas such as geography, environmental design or political science, and then a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree. Some states also

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These careers offer diverse opportunities to fuse your love of art with other talents, but they are only a small sampling of such professions. Other possibilities include pastry chef (think how sweet it would be to design fivelayer cakes), visual effect editor (this can involve work on major projects like movies), and landscape architect (an opportunity to blend horticulture with design).

While there are many professions already established, there is always room for more. If there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a service or product available that you think should be, create it! Many organizations along with government agencies award grants and financial backing to entrepreneurs. Starting from scratch may be the best way to use multiple talents to your advantage.

how do you begin pursuing some of these hybrid careers or creating your own?

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First it is important to understand where your interests lie and what talents you have. What do you do in your spare time? What hobbies do you have? What subjects interest you?

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After answering these questions, research potential careers that combine your interests. The previous descriptions are only the beginning of information available. It is important to do your homework about potential jobs, as well as employers.

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The more information you have at your disposal the more prepared you will be while searching and interviewing for jobs. At a time when the job market is as competitive as it has ever been, preparedness and creativity are the best ways to having a successful job search, and later career.

While there is a good deal of information on the web and in professional publications, one of the best ways to get firsthand knowledge about a career is to do an informational interview with a person practicing in the field. This can give a more detailed idea of the positive and not-so-positive aspects of the job, including how many hours per week are expected and the average salary.

s ha re

share your perspective

s t i cker pr oject

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ective persp

(Illustration designed by Chris Asuncion)

Instructions: 1. Print the cut-outs on your printer. 2. Add your own doodles and drawings (remember to use waterproof ink!). 3. Cut them with a knife or scissors. 4. Apply glueâ&#x20AC;Ś wheat paste is a great adhesive (recipe is on our website). 5. Have Fun! WARNING: Defacing public and private spaces is vandalism and subject for fines. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be clear, CREO Magazine does not support vandalism. We do, however, advocate common sense. Have fun and be safe!

follow creo tailgating allowed

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CREO is now more mobile than ever. Issuu.com has downsized - but in a good way! You can now read all your favorite independent magazines on your Android phone. Visit m.issuu.com on your phone’s browser and start exploring. Apple lovers, don’t fret, your turn is coming shortly! Needless to say this exciting news prompted our project for this issue–a personalized leather iPhone case. Of course it can be adapted to other brands, too.

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Materials: • Leather (use swatches from furniture store samples or repurposed bags from the thrift shop) • Heavy thread • Scissors • Sewing machine (OR) needle and pushpin • Iron-on transfer sheets for dark fabric (optional)

Getting Started: 1. Print out the template. Click on the image to download. 2. Cut out all the shapes in leather (Hint: Use cardstock when printing out the pattern - it makes tracing easier.) 3. If you want to use the iron-on transfer, use the template shape to mask your image in any design software. Or use the one we designed below. Iron your transfer on before you cut out the shapes.

{Using the above stitching template, sew the top edge of each side.}

{Next, stitch both sides together using this stitching template.}

www.creomagazine.com • This template is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

{If you want to include this earbud tab, sew it on one side before you continue to step 3.}

{Cut out the template shapes in leather. You could also use felt, fleece, or any other fabric that doesn’t fray.}

DIY Leather iPhone Case Template

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{If you want to include this earbud tab, sew it on one side before you continue to step 3.}

your perspective share

{Next, stitch both sides together using this stitching template.}

www.creomagazine.com • This template is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

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{Using the above stitching template, sew the top edge of each side.}

{Print the template on iron-on transfers for dark fabric. Iron them on and then cut the leather along the edge.}

DIY Leather iPhone Case Template

helpful

hints

s ome as sembly r eq u ir e d Stitch the top edge of each side separately. Pull the end threads through to the back and tie a knot.

If you’re going to add the earbud loop, stitch it to the back piece where indicated.

Join the front and the back by stitching them together around the bottom and sides where indicated. Follow the 1/4” seam allowance for the best fit.

Use the slowest speed and a longer stitch length.

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Our template is an adaptation of two online tutorials from the following designers: GMJHowe & Cathe Holden. Follow their links for more ideas and detailed instructions.

Pre-punch holes every 55mm (1/5”). Use two needles passing through the same hole in opposite directions.

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Artists have stepped up their efforts to raise money for Haiti. Many have donated sales to the relief effort. (left) Chilean art director Chris Leskovsek created this themed poster and will donate all proceeds to Haitian relief. For more information visit nadameansnothing.com. (right) Canadian designer James White raised $1,187.02 by donating 100% of his sales for a week. He also included this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For Haitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; poster free with each purchase. For more information visit signalnoise.com

}

Organize an art show at a local restaurant or coffee house. Ask the venue to donate a portion of their sales for the duration. On your website, exchange digital downloads for donations.

Organize a collection drive for items such as food, toys, books, first aid kits, or supplies. Use your design skills to market your efforts. Sell your wares at your local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market or weekend street fair. Advertise how much of your sales you are donating.

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Create and present a drama or music production and donate the ticket sales.

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design+awareness=change D esign S pur

is a call to action. How can you use your creativity to inspire change? Each issue will pose a design challenge. The goal? To create a solution that promotes awareness in your own community.

call to action

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The needs of Haitians will continue well beyond our deadline. But in order to be included in the next issue, send your ideas in action by April 1, 2010, to editor@creomagazine.com. 00

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Create a fundraising campaign to assist with the Haiti relief effort. Every little bit helps but as a student you may not have any extra in your budget. What you do have is creativity and skills and your friends do, too. Consider your talentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;painting, web design, singing, photography, dancing. Combine your skills with those of your friends and you have the making of a fundraiser. Contact local businesses for donation matching and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve doubled the amount raised.

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work projects administration

these wpa posters were created over half a century ago.

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1936 to 1943 many of these issues are still being discussed today.

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WPA posters were designed to publicize exhibits, community activities, theatrical productions, and health and educational programs in seventeen states and the District of Columbia, with the strongest representation from California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Posters from the WPA are available to study online at the Library of Congress website.

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the Paradise Photography, as an artform, has

The French parliament is currently

And if so, do they directly impact

always created the illusion of

debating this very issue. The

our image of self? Or do we look

truth. But for every detail captured

proposal:

to the paradise in these photos

within the frame, there are many

label

digitally

enhanced

as part of a dream, an escape

more excluded. This is the truth

photographs of people used in

from reality? Should there be a

we accept. But do we also

advertising as retouched. One

line between honesty and art in

accept ‘truths’ that are added,

side argues that it’s a matter of

advertising?

say, in the form of smoother

honesty and claims it will reduce

skin, brighter teeth, a leaner

anorexia. While the other insists

figure–or do we interpret them

the focus is aimed at the wrong

as fact? Is retouching an image

target. Where do you stand

all

requirement

on this debate? Do retouched

on the ladder toward negative

photos create the demand for

body image?

an unattainable idealized body?

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photographic art or the next rung

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image

(Label concept designed by Jennifer Thomas.)

“

People say ,’It is only a sketch.’ It takes the genius of a real artist to make a good sketch—to express the most important things in life—the fairness of a face— to represent air and light and to do it all with such simple shorthand means. One must have wit to make a sketch. Pictures that have had months of labor expended on them may be more incomplete than a sketch.

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–Robert Henri, The Art Spirit

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Sketchb-k

Molly Rapp

New York, NY School of Visual Arts

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Self Portrait mixed media - digital c-print, paper, paint & plastic mask

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s k e tch bo ok

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Jardley Jean-Louis

Queens Village, NY School of Visual Arts

Pour Elle #2 watercolor, pen, pencil

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“During that time somehow everything in a particular relationship was falling apart. I missed the quirks and the familiarities and I couldn’t express it verbally. And it was all I could think about.”

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s k e tch bo ok

Blogs for sketchbook inspiration: *Notebook Stories *Finger Painting: A weekly sketch and video of New York City, by Jorge Colombo *Art House Co-op Weekly Projects

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*Hula Seventy

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the Mestizo Institute

* of Culture and Art

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Empowering an

Underrepresented

Community through Art

Silvia Viñas

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The Mestizo Institute of Culture and Art (MICA) in Salt Lake City, Utah provides a space where underrepresented communities can tell their own story through art. Artist Ruby Chacón, one of its founders, describes the reasons behind her decision to open MICA, the first museum and community organized institute of its kind on Salt Lake City’s West side.

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Characterized by it’s high

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Latino and working-class population, a sector prime for discrimination and alienation from more affluent communities, the West side lacked cultural representation. Chacón and writer and MICA co-founder Terry Hurst realized that a space where their community was represented and inspired through art could be

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the solution. Instead of wallowing about what should be, Chacón and Hurst took action. Today, MICA is a strong community built, grass-roots endeavor. Called Mestizo by its members, the institute, housed in Mestizo Coffeehouse, provides an alternating gallery showcasing local, national and

international artists, and programs for the community. Chacón admits that, “the passion and the heart the volunteers carry, and the vision that they are a part of now is what’s keeping us going from day to day.” Many of the volunteers and participants of the programs offered at Mestizo are young high school and college-age students.

c o mmun i ty • crea tiv ity•co lla b o r a tio n The Muralism projects, which partners with NeighborWorks Salt Lake Youthworks program, extend the give-and-take teaching and learning model from the classroom at Mestizo Coffeehouse to the community. Before the design is even conceived, young artists go to the mural location to ask questions and learn about the area. They use the answers as a guide to ensure that the images created will accurately reflect the surrounding community. The Mestizo Arts and Activism (MAA) program takes the research process a step further. The program partners with University of Utah professors Dr. Caitlin Cahill, Dr. Matt Bradley, and Dr. David Quijada. Chacón explains that, “art is used as a tool to concrete an action plan and put the research together into a format to teach the community what [the young people] came up with.” In MAA, students, together with facilitators as their equal peers, look within their neighborhood to find issues that are most pressing to their community. After brainstorming, the participants are guided through the research process and eventually create a project that is presented through some sort of art medium.

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that we learn as much from them as they can learn from us.”

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teaching models, where the teachers and facilitators learn as much from the students as the students do from them: ”I would like the students to feel that they are already leaders of the community, and they don’t have to wait until they are such and such age to take charge and take action and take leadership, that they already have that inside them, and

Chacón explained that before MICA ever existed, the young participants had been eager to contribute to their community; they just didn’t have the tools or the resources to do it. And this is why the in-house programs, like Muralism and Mestizo Arts and Activism, mainly reaches out to this age group. Chacón described these programs as reciprocal learning and

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MAA draws in youth from all types of academic and artistic backgrounds and interests. Orion Chacón-Hurst, a musician and son of Ruby Chacón, explained that while he was part of MAA, his peers represented a broad group of young people from the West side, from graffiti artists, to those who had never been exposed to visual art before—being true to their mission, MAA and MICA do not discriminate. When asked about what he had gained from his experience Chacón-Hurst shared that, “The main thing it probably taught me was that youth cannot only be involved in their community, but they need to be involved in their communities. They are the best people to make change.“

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The Mestizo Institute of Culture and Art is growing rapidly thanks to the generous community support that it has received from both young and old contributors. Their goal is to move to a bigger location in the near future, and to reach that goal Hurst has taken on a whole new method of fundraising. Dubbed “The Five Million Dollar Fund,” and as the name suggests, they are trying to raise $5 million to build a new structure, still on the West side, to house the institute for good. Since September 23 of last year, Hurst— your average, out-of-shape guy— has been on a bike ride around the United States spreading the word about MICA, community building, organizing, and as Chacón put it, “pretty much the idea that we are all capable of making changes, whether it be through housing or feeding a person, or even contributing just a dollar on our website.”

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c o mmun i ty • crea tiv ity•co lla b o r a tio n pgs. 46-47 (Caution artists): Lluviany Ceballos, José Hernández, Alonso Reyna, Mariana Ramiro, Laura Cobian, and Cindy De Dios pg. 48 (left): Ruby Chacón and Youthworks focus group inside the art studio discuss the Humanities mural, I Belong, We Belong, in progress. pg. 48 (right): Shake Your Peace performs for a MICA fundraiser sponsored by Say it Green! pg. 50 (top): Lluviany Ceballos, José Hernández, and Alonso Reyna present the “Educate” project at a fundraiser that sent them and other youth to the Free Minds Free People conference in Houston. In the back, 136Krew graffiti art is displayed for that month’s gallery exhibit on the subject.

pg. 51: Natalie Fang, Jessica Alfaro, and Caitlin Cahill review their photos. For more information visit mestizoarts.org. All images and descriptions courtesy of The Mestizo Institute of Culture and Art.

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By creating a space where art and dialog can further build their West side community, and extending that reach nationally through “The Five Million Dollar Fund,” it is clear that the team at Mestizo likes to practice what they preach. Their success as community builders is attributed to their passion for their heritage, diversity, tolerance and art.

pg. 50 (bottom): Students listen to Sacramento artist Xico Gonzalez during a silkscreen workshop cosponsored by CESA’s U of U during his exhibit.

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erutaN Nurture

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by Brie Hiramine

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Though we live in the age of smart phones and test-tube babies, science has yet to unravel the mysteries of exactly how we turn out the way we do. It’s the old-time “nature versus nurture” debate: Are we born tabula rasa, as a blank slate? Or do we inherently have certain personality traits and abilities? reconsider how you’ve been taught to treat your creativity as you’ve grown up. Make sure to check out our interviews with real-life creatives Dallas Clayton and Mariah Robertson for advice on how to maintain a productive creative spirit. Then browse through the gallery of student submissions. Think about what created the impetus for a piece, think about the personality behind it. Then, maybe, tender your own reaction.

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Headcase created by Megan Frauenhoffer. More of her work can be viewed on page 60.

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person would. Maybe you grew up in a delightfully odd (or rather mundane) town. Maybe, like your mother, you automatically recoil against a particular smell. Maybe you’re just instinctually drawn to certain things and you don’t know why. The manifestation of our creativity is not exclusively dependent on an experience; it is also dependent on how naturally we let ourselves respond. • Read about the uninhibited nature of childhood artistic perceptions in “How much did we really learn in kindergarten?” and

Let’s leave the nittygritty talk about genes and heritability to the scientists, but consider where creativity fits into the mix—is it an inherited trait? • Think about where you draw inspiration. You see, you smell, you touch, you taste, you hear. You experience. And then you react. You manifest that little spark—your instinctive, gut response— into something: a solution, a new question, an understanding. A few lines of poetry, a great piece of artwork, the possibilities are endlessly unique. • You respond differently than another

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Emily Maehl

Chicago, IL University of Illinois at Chicago Beautiful Mess 35mm color photographs What shapes your inspiration? The world around me shapes my inspiration. My environment or the people surrounding me can effect my mood, my pace, or my concentration. I consider myself to be someone who is secretly observant, and I feed off of others’ creativity. Why is your subject interesting? My idea behind the “Beautiful Mess” series was this: There are pockets of life most people choose not to share with others. It’s a culmination of past mistakes, shortcomings, and regrets and to let our history be known would be, well, messy. I wanted to let that “mess” to be visible on the outside. It’s interesting because it makes the viewer consider all the possibilities of what happened to this girl in the dress, and what’s in her past.

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Color inside or outside the lines? I have always been the type of person that would color inside the lines. I think clean work is always important and says a lot about your dedication to a project. Being restrained by lines can also be a good exercise and teaches some artistic discipline.

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Megan Frauenhoffer Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis College of Art and Design (from left to right)

The Swarm, linocut The Wound, graphite, ink, conte, spraypaint, tea stain, and color pencil The Hive, inkjet print, silkscreen, tea stain, ink, color pencil, conte Why is your subject interesting? My subject is exploring narratives, such as myth, fables, and fairy tale in a contemporary setting. I find my subject interesting to investigate for both its psychological attachments and visual elements. A lot of these stories are taken at face value as being simplistic and instructional, but when deconstructed, there’s layers of meaning that can be taken from the narrative. I want to deconstruct the stories and add them to my own mythology. Color inside or outside the lines? I used to be rigid in how I rendered my drawings/prints, but I’m learning to break that rule. There’s something interesting that happens when you allow the color to be off-registered or ignore the lines completely.

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Top of my playlist… Anything by these three bands: Joanna Newsom, Fleet Foxes, Phoenix. I like to listen to a lot of comedians and audiobooks when I work as well.

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Most creative time of the day… Late night. When I have insomnia, I can spend hours with my sketchbook jotting down everything that comes to my mind. Surprisingly, I find this time the most productive because I often come up with new concepts for art projects. Why is your subject interesting? I like to photograph things that are “slightly abnormal”. First, they appear very familiar; but the more one looks at them, the more bizarre they seem to be.

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Color inside or outside the lines? Color outside and use imagination, but only after you learn how to color inside.

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Tatiana Gulenkina Baltimore, MD Maryland Institute College of Art

Growth digital photograph with Photoshop

John Troxel Chicago, IL TC High School

Western Influence 35mm color photograph Most creative time of the dayâ&#x20AC;Ś Either during my Bio lectures or right after school when I get home. The light comes in the windows and the mood is just right to think about photo shoots and projects. Why is your subject interesting? In terms of my photography, I think all of my subjects are interesting. Some may seem more photogenic than others or more beautiful, but I think it is really the subjects that completely let down their guard and show emotion in photographs that are the interesting ones. Color inside or outside the lines? Forget the lines, just color were you want.

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Favorite historical figureâ&#x20AC;Ś Van Gogh did it all right.

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Meryl Pataky

San Francisco, California Academy of Art University (from left to right)

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My Mother’s Daughter, “Inner Workings” steel, deer hide, mulch, paper, tattoo Playground Love neon Tread Softly tire, steel, rubber, sod, paper

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What shapes your inspiration? Life, my experiences, strife and friction. Why is your subject interesting? I think most people can identify with the learning experience of life and how it’s comprised of a bunch of learning experiences. We are nothing without happenings, good or bad.

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Color inside or outside the lines? Outside for concepts, inside for execution. I think pushing the boundaries as far as your ideas, as an artist, is a good thing. This is the time when you are thinking about materials and installation, etc. I’m a big fan of pushing the boundaries of my materials, their intended meanings vs. their inherent meanings. Inside the lines for execution because I’m a big fan of clean installation and display. For example, no chipped or dirty pedestals, clean walls, good hardware choices and if you HAVE to use epoxy or PC7, make sure people can’t see it!!!

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Kiel McGuinness Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (from left to right)

Mr. Tiger, Mr. Lion, Mr. Leopard mixed media What shapes your inspiration? My surroundings and everything that makes up who I am shapes what inspires me. I love animals, sports, and people and like to show them in a creative way in my work. I let who I am shape the work not the work shape who I am. Why is your subject interesting? I believe my work is interesting because it takes everyday images of things people may see and puts a creative twist on them. I also like to use a lot of mediums that my not be common, like ball point pen on canvas. I use many mediums to create one coherent piece.

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Color inside or outside the lines? This is another tricky question. While all my work is solid work in between the lines, some of my favorite work is art that is more loose and outside the lines. My favorite artist of all time is Dr. Seuss. His work, while still colored in between the lines, was very loose and whimsical. My problem in my artwork is I am a perfectionist and creating looser more representational work is hard for me to do. That is what my newest work is trying to do. Push some of the realism out and add more creativity. issue

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Nomads in Pigpens Conspiracy theories fit perfectly in paper cups the water-gate frozen shut by speckled rocks; gemstones, marble slabs, and blackened ice Magnified moon landings – polarity – north meet south caps melting, troposphere burning (ninety-percent of it leaks through prufrock) Constructive criticisms found in cold caverns reviews held ransom, shortcomings of sustainable growth skyscrapers implode Long live our fatal harvest! Crops of corn, spam, and fructose DNA samples genetically altered Meet your meat maker Mr. Meth Monster spoiled sport, soda jerk Sweet concessions – religion – sold at lonely kiosks in the mall vending machine vomit stock options and fast-food incentive We are a nation of gluttons; cattle waiting to be killed in 4’ x 4’ boxes, cradles are coffins On sale for the rest of the year clearance since conception Hypothesis: expectancy is a rhetorical question

Stephen C. Proski

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Kansas City, MO Kansas City Art Institute

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What shapes your inspiration? The people I am involved with whether they be friends, acquaintances, enemies, the woman prostituting herself on the street corner to feed her six-year-old son. Anything really, being poor has a lot to do with it, as well as where I came from and how I grew up. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to portray things as beautiful because that term has become so ambiguous and such a misconception, but maybe there is merit or worth in whatever it is I am writing that can be taken for as something attractive. I think words in general are nice to look at and very sexy. At what age did you realize you were an artist? My mother told me at the age of two when we would go to church I would take pens from her purse and draw on the inside pages of the bible. Favorite historical figureâ&#x20AC;Ś John Hughes, Jim Henson, Albert Camus, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Arthur Rimbaud, Bob Dylan (circa 1960s), and even Jesus. Not sure.

Planet Diet mushroom clouds grow old in Petri dishes while goldfish swim in bowls filled with vodka societies play a game of charades as the caged animals learn to build better bombs the zookeeper is in Zimbabwe on vacation Vermont voted cleanest state in the nation Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest is still in business, and the world continues to turn on a discordance axis

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equator unleveled loosely fit gravitational trousers invisible belt rendered obsolete population: weight loss

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Quoleena Sbrocca Miami, FL Academy of Art University

What shapes your inspiration? Cinema: Quentin Tarantino, Larry Fongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work in the film 300; books and literature: Leo Tolstoy, Jane Austen, and Anne Rice; Photography: Richard Avedon, Nikki S Lee, among many others. Why is your subject interesting? It asks the viewer to reflect upon his/her daily encounters with others.

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Favorite historical figureâ&#x20AC;Ś Jane Austen. Her beautiful ability to write characters so succinctly and believably stands as one of my inspirations for my invented portraiture photography.

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Scratch the Surface (series) digital photographs

Shannon Chong

Sarasota, FL Ringling College of Art and Design Parcel watercolor & ink

Most creative time of the day... Creativity is an all day thing with me. Late at night is usually when I come up with my best ideas, and during the day is when I like to execute those ideas and develop them. I think my creative process had to do with the idea that daytime is when the sun is out and can give you energy to work, while nighttime is a more contemplative time in which you unwind. What shapes your inspiration? Conceptually, experience–both personal, and through the expression of others, such as in music or when a friend shares a story with you. On an aesthetic level, I’m very much inspired by Aubrey Beardsley, and most recently, Chelsea Conboy.

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Color inside or outside the lines? Color inside of the lines, because I’m sort of a massive perfectionist. issue

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Nessa Ryan

Atlanta, GA Emory University Rollins School of Public Health Three Figures: Nature, Nurture, Somewhere in Between gesso and acrylic paint on tar paper What shapes your inspiration? Interstices. Why is your subject interesting? The human condition is always interesting. Color inside or outside the lines? Depends on for whom youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making the picture.

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Favorite historical figureâ&#x20AC;Ś Berthe Morisot.

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Writer and artist Dallas Clayton has emerged as a hidden gem of wisdom and talent, standing out from the superficial and ephemeral glamour that stereotypes his home, Los Angeles. Even though his first book, “An Awesome Book”—which he wrote and illustrated—falls into the genre of children’s literature, its insights could fill the shelves of the “philosophy” section at your preferred bookstore. While on the job promoting and reading his book, writing, and working for The Awesome World Foundation, Dallas took the time to answer some questions about his career, his thoughts on creativity, his awesome book, and his charitable foundation.

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Excerpts from An Awesome Book. You can preview the entire book here.

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I’ve been writing since I was about 13. I started writing zines and making them and selling them to people at shows and art galleries and places where people gather. When I was 18 I moved to Los Angeles and realized there were enough of those gatherings every day here that I could make enough writing and sell enough of it to make a living. Eventually people started hiring me to write things for them. I haven’t stopped since. Drawing is a bit newer, I’ve really only been drawing this year as a gig, since I put out An Awesome Book. I drew it as a default because I didn’t know anyone else who would draw it for me. Turns out I’m okay at drawing too, which is rad because now I have a whole new extra career. What do you enjoy the most, writing/drawing for children or for adults? Why? It’s kind of the same. I like to write in terms of themes rather than stories. So for instance if I want

What inspires you?

Do you think that we lose creativity as we grow older? If so, what things make us lose our creativity?

I’m inspired by anyone and everyone who has ever made something they weren’t supposed to be able to make. Everyone who has ever done something for free just to make other people happy. All of my friends, small happenings throughout the day, the weather, my son, pretty much all things can inspire me in some way.

thoughts on creativity Dallas shared his thoughts on the creative process, a theme that reoccurs in the poems he shares on his website. He also gave great advice for artists who yearn to nurture their creativity. Is creativity something you are born with? Or something that you have to nurture? Everyone is creative, the nurturing comes in finding an outlet for your creativity and surrounding yourself with people who can help support that rather than tear it down.

I don’t even think about it. My creativity is basically my life, my job, and my hobby all rolled into one. The more people I meet, the more conversations I have, the more creative I feel. I have pretty much built a lifestyle that allows for perpetual creativity. Ha!

I think we definitely stop expressing ourselves as much. We pair off, we stop welcoming in new ideas. We fix our opinions. We say things like “I’m too old for ________”. Even the idea that most people from age 1 to around age 12 draw, write, and interact with a large group of people with differing backgrounds and opinions almost every single day says a lot about what being an adult means. Think about how infrequently most adults draw a picture or write a paragraph that isn’t an email. What can artists do to keep their creativity alive? Just keep trying new things as often as you can. Don’t ever let yourself get so closed off that you can’t do new things.

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When did you start writing and drawing? What made you take this career path?

How do you personally nurture your creativity?

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Dallas has had a successful but unpretentious career as a young artist. In this interview, he talked about his early start, his preference over writing on themes rather than stories, and his inspiration.

to talk about being happy I just talk about being happy rather than creating a big long story with characters and situations who represent happiness. It’s more direct that way and, I figure appeals to a broader audience – kids, adults, black, white, all countries, all groups – everyone can relate to happiness in some way.

career as an artist

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an awesome book and the awesome world foundation Dallas has traveled both nationally and internationally reading and promoting An Awesome Book, which was recently translated into Russian. Dallas talked about the theme of the book— dreams—and about The Awesome World Foundation, which he created as a way to give back and promote literacy: for every Awesome Book that is bought, a copy is donated though the foundation. In An Awesome Book you talk about dreams. Have you followed your dreams? Would you consider yourself a dreamer? Yes for sure. I am basically living a rad dream every day. Just coming up with ideas and figuring out ways to execute them, traveling around and meeting new people. Yes, every day is a dream. Out of all the topics that you could have written about in your first book, you decided to write about dreams. Why?

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I was always shocked by how vivid my sons dreams were at such a young age, even by the fact that when he went to sleep he had dreams about things that he had never actually seen or

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experienced. Obviously the world of dreaming is so mysterious and powerful to so many people I liked the idea of exploring it and playing it against our adult concept of “dreams” as goals or aspirations. Basically I wanted to remind kids that their day time real life goals could be just as wild and unfettered as the dreams they have when they are sleeping. You’ve created a charity, The Awesome World Foundation, which donates a copy of An Awesome Book to local and international libraries, schools, camps, shelters and hospitals for every copy that is bought through Awesome World llc. What made you want to start this foundation in the first place? Well, I really wanted to be able to give back to the people that have supported me. I wanted to be able to share the book with as many people as possible regardless of their backgrounds, whether they had money, whether they were expecting it. I just wanted to travel the world and help inspire kids to dream big!

In your many travels reading your book and working for The Awesome World Foundation you’ve probably had a lot of awesome experiences. What would you consider the most enriching aspect of this journey so far? There are so many experiences on this journey that have blown my mind and I still feel like I am just at the beginning of it all. The fact that people I have never met in my entire life are reading something I wrote to their children, the most precious, innocent, powerful thing any of them could name – the fact that they are reading my book to them knocks me out. Then you multiply that every day and move it further and further away from your base of operations to other countries, and other languages–they just printed An Awesome Book in Russian! That is insane! The fact that I can be a part of all of those people’s lives and help in whatever way I can to inspire them, or even just offer a feeling of appreciation or understanding, commonality of life experience–I count that as a huge victory. In addition, touring just helps to solidify that same tenet, people are awesome, people want to love, want to share, want to be friendly, want to inspire and be inspired, sometimes you just have to offer them the opportunity.

You are promoting literacy through your foundation by donating books. But you are also promoting dreaming through your book. What is the importance/significance of promoting these two things? Well literacy is just fundamental. Being able to read and communicate and dialogue without feeling inadequate is a huge step for any human. I am very much a supporter of providing for those who have less than I do, I try to raise my son with the same. I think the more basics we can provide for people the easier it is to inspire everyone to do bigger and better things. With the foundation that is the duality. The basic provision is literacy, and the infinite reach is reminding kids to keep thinking bigger and bigger things.

the future Dallas Clayton’s future as an artist in undoubtedly bright. As a closing, Dallas shared his plans for the first year of the new decade. You have had a great success with your first book. What does the future hold for you? Do you want to continue writing children’s books? Or do you have any other projects you are working on? I’ve finished 3 books this year, kids and adults, and will be releasing them throughout 2010, touring, writing, reading, meeting people and exploring the world. Pretty much total and complete awesomeness.

(below): Dallas Clayton reading to students. For more information visit dallasclayton.com. All images and illustrations (76-79) are courtesy of the artist.

Going back to the idea of creativity. Does literacy nurture creativity? Could literature be a way to reduce or slow down the loss of creativity we experience as we get older?

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Of course, I think that’s pretty much what I just talked about in the last few questions. The more you read, the more you take in, the more your brain works, the easier it is for you to create and exchange.

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process released by Brie Hiramine

For those of you who enjoy your classifications neat and tidy, you’re out of luck if you want to describe Mariah Robertson’s work with one simple term. Sure, she can automatically work a camera’s aperture system and is well aware of the proper way to develop photos, but you can’t really call her a traditional photographer. For her, creating a product can involve processes like chopping up negatives and experimenting with chemicals, making her work look, literally, out of this world. Though Robertson initially studied East Asian Buddhism at UC Berkeley, she couldn’t keep away from studying art. In 2005, she received her MFA in Sculpture from Yale University, a degree that encompassed, at least for Robertson, performance art rather than conventional sculpture. Now New Yorkbased, Mariah is currently a full-time artist.

Growing up, was your creativity nurtured or inhibited? It was definitely allowed to thrive, but my family is very Midwestern and really practical. Maybe they nurtured it, but hoped it would be a hobby and that I would do something more practical. But you eventually went on to get your MFA at Yale. You majored in sculpture, so how did you start working with photography? Where I went to college [at UC Berkeley], they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let you take photography classes unless you were an architecture student, so I studied photography in classes here and there in San Francisco. I learned photography right before computers became pretty standard. They were there, but you still had to learn in the traditional way. So I do have a lot of photographer baggage. What do you mean by that?

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In photography, there are a lot of technical rules to get things to work and I have a lot of baggage in my head from things I have learned. Sometimes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the darkroom cackling, like doing the exact opposite of what I was taught. And I can hear that stuff still ringing in my head.

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So then why do you tend to use traditional photo methods instead of going into digital for your art? I use digital for a lot of things—for documenting and sometimes I do freelance retouching for people and I love Photoshop, actually—but I can have more control over all the little technical aspects. There are more opportunities for chaos and chance occurrences. Like you’re supposed to do the chemicals at this temperature, but what if you push the temperature up a little bit—what’s going to happen? What if you shine the paper—accidentally— when it’s not fully developed and then you have to put it back in the developer? The traditional processes are really fun to explore because it’s taking me forever to figure out all these technical things. And I think you can go your whole life and never exhaust them. About ninety percent of what I do is focused on the materials of photo and the photo process, how I make stuff in the darkroom. Speaking of your process, do you know what you want your piece to look like from the start? Is it something that happens naturally along the way?

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It changes. The last couple of years I’ve been starting from sketches. There’s a lot that occurs in the actual making of the print, like the colors and the density and the light, but I start with an overall aesthetic plan. There is a lot of leeway within that, and most of them don’t turn out like I planned. It’s a bit like rolling a dice at a craps table: you have to do it twelve times for anything to come out half-way decent.

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How do you keep that creative momentum going? A friend of mine once gave me advice that you just have to keep making stuff, even if you are making bad stuff you just have to keep making it until you get good again. It’s basically just discipline. You just force yourself to work, even though it’s bad. You just go back to your notes and your ideas and you keep hammering at it and eventually, for whatever reason, it will start to flow again. Would you say that creative or the technical aspect is more difficult? They’re kind of the same. There are the aesthetics parts of it, which are kind of planned and kind of unplanned. I just showed somebody some pictures recently and they were like, “Ohhh! Psychedelic!” And I’m like, “No, not psychedelic…It was just kind of an accident.”

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Part of the process is probably inherent choices that I’m making, which I’m not totally aware of. Part of it is intentionally joking around and enjoying how it approaches abstract painting. Sometimes it is really funny to make photos that look like paintings or are encroaching on painting territory.

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You do use almost jarringly unnatural, saturated coloring. Is there any reason you do that? Well, it might just be fun. To me, the photos I take are a conceptual project about photography. The way they look is almost unimportant to how they look as artworks to me. Even the ugly ones, the ones that look like trash— they’re still functioning in the same way to be about the process of photography. But some of them really come together visually. It’s the exploration of all art in general—to what degree are they living as aesthetic, beautiful things? To what degree are they questioning perceived ideas and established ways of thinking? I’m not so interested in taking pictures where the subject matter is inherently interesting. That’s great for other people’s things, but I’m more frustrated with all the rules that people follow.

(pg. 80) Untitled, 2009 Unique c-print (pg. 82) Untitled, 2009 Unique photogram (top) Untitled, 2009 Unique photogram (bottom) Untitled, 2009 Unique c-print To see more of Mariah Roberston’s work visit www.m-a-r-i-a-h.com.

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All images courtesy of Mariah Robertson & Marvelli Gallery.

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You should always examine the sets of rules you get. Question everything and after you question it, maybe you can accept it and feel good about it. I’m in this phase where I’m asking myself, “What is art all about? Why am I spending my whole life doing this?” The thing I keep coming back to is that in order to make a positive contribution, you need to do your best on your little slice of the world, to do the most dynamic kind of problem-solving so you don’t get stuck repeating all the stuff that other people have done.

Like, I have a lot of male nudes in my photos. It’s fine to have naked pictures of ladies, but you have the opportunity in fine art to question everything. Considering that naked women are—along with sunsets, puppies, babies, and flowers—the most heavily photographed subjects on earth, do you really need to have any more pictures like that don’t have a sense of humor or criticality? Because here in the special world of fine art, we have the opportunity to do that.

So you’re a rule-breaker?

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you

remember

when

you

first

started going to school? When coloring was part of curriculum and you were encouraged to finger-paint masterpieces and build cities out of play-dough? Do you remember always receiving support to create without critique? Those first years were focused on enabling us to be more cognizant of our world. The school of thought was, and continues to be, that when children are still learning to use words the easiest way to do this is through creativity–drawing, painting, etc. But, as children continue through school they often leave their creativity behind. They are taught that realism rules in every subject and that they should color within the lines. Math problems must be solved correctly and words must be spelled as defined by Merriam-Webtser (although I am still struggling with both). Answers become definite, and solving for them becomes routine. This thinking has been clearly applied to math, science, and some language structures—there are rules you must follow to achieve the right answer— but should they apply to creativity? As we

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grow up, is creativity “taught” out of us?

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what did we

really

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Sarah Duzyk

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monster engine While some artists exhibit child-like qualities in their art, Dave Devries takes this concept to another level. The professor of illustration has become famous for his renditions of drawings that were created by kids. Originally inspired by his young niece’s doodles that appeared in his sketchbook, Devries began to wonder what her works would look like if given a more “realistic quality.” The result has been The Monster Engine, a book, lecture, demonstration and gallery exhibition featuring children’s works transformed into three-dimensional images. While bringing children’s imagined monsters and superheroes to life Devries stays true to the original drawing, using an opaque projector to trace the image before painting it in a realistic manor. He has received numerous awards and gained some high profile clients, including George Lucas, as a result. Devries’ success shows that children have great vision. Their creative ideas coupled with Devries’ technical training show the best of both worlds, and the possibility that lies within the unique viewpoints of children. For more information and to see additional images visit themonsterengine.com. All images courtesy of Dave Devries and MWH

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Research shows we are affected by nature and nurture in different ways as we age. Toddlers and preschoolers use drawing to explore the world around them and as a way of understanding what they see. Although not perceived as realistic, their imagery is the best way for them to communicate before they learn numbers and letters. As a result, being creative is a necessity to their growth, understanding and expression. Children’s drawings at these early ages are usually described as scribbles. We as adults see lines and colors all over the page that make little sense. But when you look again, these works of art actually pick out key characteristics of people and places. A pointy nose becomes a sharp triangle and large ears can suddenly rival Dumbo. As children develop better handeye coordination, they move from finger painting and “scribbles” to depictions of themselves. These pictures are often abstract and take on a life of their own, showing children in fantasy worlds or a hyper-reality that only they can envision. Flowers of all different colors abound, undiscovered birds fly in brightly colored skies and the ocean exists in backyards of land-locked areas. As we climb through the ranks of elementary school, creativity is no longer our only means of communication. As a result, realism becomes important for most of us around age ten or eleven. We begin to receive praise for how “life-like” our drawings are and continue to create perfect renditions of reality. Most people keep this positive association with realistic renderings for their entire life, whether enforced through education and society or on their own volition. Many others, however, revert back to trends exhibited by children; the use of color, distortion, lines of standard width and two-dimensionality. What changes in a person between finger paint and commissioned pieces? How are some people capable of holding on to that imagination that sees themselves in neon colors set in a world of shapes and creatures so unlike what most people see?

ol d s chool This range of creativity can be tracked through the development of self through art. History has looked more favorably on artists who captured likenesses most realistically. Artists like Albrecht Duhrer and Judith Leyster created self-portraits that portrayed themselves as the world actually saw them. Viewers can look at their works and not only be certain of who is pictured, but also find clues to their identity as a painter, land owner, husband or parent. All of these details refer to issues of status, which in addition to realistic impressions become increasingly important the farther we journey into the adult world and away from child-like imagination.

click on the images

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While the accepted standards of selfrepresentation traditionally grow stricter as we age, the last hundred years has seen a reversal in these rules. Artists such as Picasso, Miro, Bacon and Warhol produced abstract visions of themselves, breaking the mold of realistic images. Picasso’s self portrait shows his facial features distorted in size and without depth. His face is green and partially blends in to the background. Miro’s work shows semi-realistic and semi-distorted features sketched in the background, yet he emphasizes the sketch with abstract thick black lines highlighted with bright colors. Bacon’s typically haunting work completely distorts his face, revealing a fractured form and evoking feeling instead of reality. Warhol’s portrait, while based on the reality of a photograph, is given a whimsical quality by the altered coloration and his own expression.

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All of these portraits feature certain realistic qualities but also contain child-like elements: distorted features, thick lines, abstraction and saturated colors. They show that creative representation can be retained as we age. This is perhaps most evident through Picasso’s break from traditional methods. He soon grew bored of these limitations and began creating the cubist work for which he’s now famous. All of these artists’ work suggest societal trends that have allowed this type of creativity to exist in adults more now than in previous centuries. Over the years boundaries that define “good” art and “correct” interpretation have been pushed and broken. Perhaps this is a sign of artists rebelling against the standard imposed on us as school children; perhaps this is a break from the cookiecutter mold that is often seen as an equalizer among youth, but really shrinks the creative potential of children.

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But why now? There are obviously many differences in daily life from a hundred or two hundred years ago and today. Technology has clearly had a large impact, particularly in the field of communication. Ideas can be shared quickly and easily, enabling artists to see others’ work and to build on it. The evolution of art and what is considered ground breaking or historically important has diverged down many different paths, allowing unlimited room for growth and new ideas and concepts. It is also hard to ignore historical events that have preceded and occurred during this reincorporation of child-like creativity–from wars throughout Europe (think Picasso’s Spanish Civil War inspired Guernica) to cultural shifts (Warhol’s Factory in 1960’s New York). Culture changing events have occurred since the beginning of time, but the increase of globalism and communication have projected these events on a much larger and in fact world-wide scale. Perhaps these life-altering events and times combined with the increase in communication have resulted in a return to a childlike state of imagination. Maybe we have seen too much “reality” to continue producing art as we have in the past. Or maybe children have a gift of seeing the world differently, of focusing on what initially seems like abstraction and imaginatory worlds but in reality is a valid interpretation of surroundings. This trend of child-like rendering can be considered regressive, but it is in fact quite the opposite. However artists have managed to re-find their creativity after growing up, or never losing it in the first place, the results continue to inspire and change the face or art and the view of reality. Outgrowing what we have been taught is creating new art, new ideas, and new opportunities that is more important to our growth now more than ever.

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nature and nurture in an altered reality opted to work with scientists to

documentation of Alzheimer’s

was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

continue studying the deterioration

effects on the right side of the

Utermohlen was a highly trained

of perception as the disease

brain, but also show the effects

artist who studied both in the

progressed. He created a series

of nature and nurture as his

United States and Europe, drawing

of self portraits throughout his

nurtured ability began to fade.

inspiration from Velazquez

struggle showing the devolution

The study has been very important

and Giotto prior to his disease.

of perception. Utermohlen’s

to scientists, but also shows how

Alzheimer’s notoriously affects

self portraits begin looking very

nature and nurture play into our

visualization, and therefore is a

realistic, but gradually become

perception. For more information

particularly disturbing diagnosis

more abstract, disproportioned,

visit williamutermohlen.org. Images

for a visual artist. Instead of giving

and disorienting. His works

courtesy of Galerie Beckel Odille

in to the disease, Utermohlen

have been a tremendous

Boïcos, Paris.

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In 1995 artist Bill Utermohlen

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image by Flickr user CharlotteSpeaks

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