Final Goodbye

The final act of art (rebellion?) before handing in my keys for my studio.

 In my heart of hearts I will always love this place. 

The heavens declare her handiwork...

Thirty-five stars later and I'm finished! What a marathon. 

Now to cross the pond to install these things. 

Awkward Stars

In less than a week I'm flying to the UK to install my artwork at the Greenbelt Festival. My *new* studio looks like a sweatshop right now. Sewing machine, scraps of fabric everywhere, things pinned to the wall. It feels good to be in full production mode. These stars were inspired by collages I made a few years ago. 

Some of the fabric was found on the streets in my neighbourhood (thoroughly washed of course) and others I found at a church bazaar. I love deconstructing familiar folk quilt shapes. 

Install pictures to come soon!

Homeland, Homesick and Homeless

This week is full with documenting performance collaborations. I made the flag last year, hopeful to propose it as a public art piece for the City of Vancouver.  Not surprisingly, my proposal for honouring sites of squatter communities through the decades was rejected.

 Instead I am finding other ways of reclaiming space in my city. 

"End times"

New work for an upcoming show! Details to come soon. 

They did it again...

The city painted over another Jenny/Street Artist collaboration. And this was my response. 

The stencil was put up a day before I heard the news that I'm being renovicted. I have to be out by the end of the month. I'm not so sure this is an "ode to joy" but it will be nice to have a new space that doesn't smell like mold. 

Any studio leads in the DTES? Let me know! 

Illicit Shadows

Once in a while I make paper cut-outs for a community-engaged, arts-based research project called 'Illicit'. I've learned a lot about the power of suggestion; how a simple shadow can set the stage for a profound work of art. 

I have been loosely connected with this group since last year, when I was invited to make cut-outs for a performance that was installed in a back ally. Since the early days of Macgyvering a set on the fly, they have come a long way and are preparing for a performance at the Orpheum!

Watch this video to learn more. 

Broken Window Collaboration Continued

Right to return

In the wake of the U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem and the past seven weeks of protests in Gaza, this piece feels timely.  I made Diaspora in 2016 after returning from a month long artist residency in Israel/Palestine. It's been sitting in my studio waiting for a wood base forever. I was forced to complete it for a group show next month (see below).

                       

                                   

'Diaspora', ceramics from Hebron, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, olive wood, 2016

The show: 

End times

Last month I had a studio break-in. It was stressful but it came at a good time. It provided me a clean break from the old work so I can make new art for my October show. I'm currently embroidering words that I find on the street (written messages that people leave each other). We have an archaic communication system in the Downtown Eastside but it works. I am intrigued by how the personal and intimate details of someone's life are displayed for anyone who will notice. Some messages are funny or profane, others are tragic. Once in a while I come across street prophecies and bits of wisdom.

I work with Old English Font for a few reasons; nostalgic sentimentality and its over-use in tattoos and street brand clothing. My needle work goes on vintage handkerchiefs but I love the subtle connections with street culture.

Eazy E confirming my font choice.