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Two More Addresses

Wayfinder, detail

I moved to San Francisco from San Jose on Friday. I'm now in a place I will be in for awhile and have a chance to find my way around a little before grad school starts. This move got me thinking about the piece I made in 2014 about all the places I have lived in the United States since the first time I went to school. Wayfinder is a visual record of my homes and is composed of tools to help me find my way back to each of them, to aid my memory of each place. A map, an address book complete with every address of every apartment, a pencil, a compass, and the key to my childhood home. The topmost form represents the four states I have lived in combined to create a new state, my own state, complete with lakes, mountains, and low lands. Delicately inscribed on this map is the path of my movement from one city to the next, each represented by the tiniest of piercings. Now, after only one month, I can add two more addresses to the list for a grand total of 27 places, 12 cities, and five states. I won't alter Wayfinder, but I've been imagining how it would change if I did.

Moving is something I'm used to and something I've come to accept as part of my life. It may not be this way always, but as long as it is I will continue to just go with it, and enjoy it. I dig into a new place with fervor regardless of how long I will be there. I treat each place as if it were a long-term spot. I unpack and nest, I walk everywhere, I figure out where the grocery store is and which coffee shop I like best. I try to learn as much as I can and be as present as possible. San Francisco is a city I have admired for a long time and I'm thrilled to have a chance to get to know it better. It's also the most urban and populated city I have ever lived in, and, most definitely, the opposite of where I was living before, a small town of 1,200 people in the middle of farm country. As I stated with a recent Instagram post, I'm looking forward to the fog, and so much more.

foggy view on the Golden Gate Bridge

Wayfinder, 2014

wearing Wayfinder the day I completed it

detail

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And Further, In Between Pro-Shots

Tools for Making Decisions

A few weeks ago, I got professional images of In Between and Tools for Making Decisions. In Between was photographed by Leslie Williamson, a new photographer for me, based in San Francisco. The Tools images were taken by Hank Drew, whom I have worked with for years. Leslie also took a few images of I Live Here Now at Velvet da Vinci. I highly recommend visiting my website where you can see these images in huge, full-format detail. I have also updated my website with a current resume and statements, including the statement for In Between. Finally, I added a new series of images, called "11 Minutes," that I took on my 40th birthday in Stykkishólmur, Iceland.

In Between

"In Between explores transition through ideas of memory, choice, and place. Transition, or the ‘in between,’ requires patience and contemplation. We often make decisions using observation, logic, instinct, intuition, and collective experience to guide ourselves. Nine necklaces composed of handmade, found, and altered objects, form a group of decision-making tools based on the five traditional and four combined senses. These senses are the basic tools of observation and perception, problem-solving, and choice. One thousand unique paper bows that reference countless memories are suspended above the necklaces in a careful arrangement. The accumulation of these memories forms the foundation of intuition and instinct, complicated by the emotions associated with each experience. Together, the necklaces and bows provide a balanced approach to navigating transition." 

In Between: Intuition, detail

In Between

I Live Here Now at Velvet da Vinci

I Live Here Now at Velvet da Vinci

Tools for Making Decisions: Pain, detail, brass, Dolorimeter

 (a tool for measuring pain threshold)

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Not One, But Two

the attentive crowd at my lecture

I had two back-to-back events at Velvet da Vinci, as you know, and I have to say, two events in a row at that gallery feels pretty special. There were maybe 25 people at my lecture on October 18 and it had an intimate, casual atmosphere. Everyone stood in front me, surrounded by the work, as I talked about each piece individually and detailed my homeland, my heartland and my outerland. It was so good to have a chance to talk about the work in this way. My audience seemed to follow me closely and I loved making eye contact with each person. The following Saturday, I introduced my first installation, "In Between," to a fantastic audience and it was incredible to watch them react to the piece. There was definitely some gasping going on and I heard really positive comments from everyone. A big group of beautiful girls came, too, all students of mine from CCA. It felt great to share that moment with them and with everyone who attended. It was a wonderful night!

I love how overblown the fluorescent lights are in this 

iPhone photo

talking with attendees inside the elevator

some of my lovely CCA students

end of the night last picture...

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I Live Here Now, in a Garage

I exhibited I Live Here Now in the garage at Velvet da Vinci, not a usual space for a show at the gallery. I'm the first person to have work there, as well as the first person to create a piece specifically for the elevator. The garage at Velvet is a fantastic space and is loaded with potential. It has a tiled, concrete floor, particle board walls and fluorescent lights. It's also full of what I consider to be beautiful details, like peeling paint, exposed cables and unfinished spackling. The dual light sources also add to the beauty of the space, a mix of brassy, man-made light and translucent glowing from the frosted panes of the garage door. Together, the textures, patinas, layered light, muted colors and rough edges were a perfect compliment to my work, and vice-versa. The space and the jewelry worked together in a natural and dynamic way.

I spent a day setting up the show and took my time to consider where each piece would look best. It was a fairly simple process because it was the third time installing this exhibition and also because the space was so inspiring to work with.

 

See more pics on Flickr.

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In Between for Two Days More

In Between and I Live Here Now are on view for two more days at Velvet da Vinci. If you haven't had a chance to visit the gallery yet, now is the time. Later in the day on Friday I will take the installation down and pack up the jewelry before returning to the East Coast. I hope you can make it!

Velvet da Vinci is located at 2015 Polk Street in San Francisco.

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Now I am Here, #10

An image taken by Mike Holmes, my wonderful gallerist and friend, after I finished installing "I Live Here Now" in the garage at Velvet da Vinci yesterday. Mike is standing inside the elevator (where my installation will be next weekend) as I look out into the garage. The work looks incredible in the well-worn, distressed room and my exhibition marks the first time it will be used to show work. Special thanks to Nikki Coupee for all her hard work during the day.

Please join us tomorrow, October 18 at 7pm for my lecture and conversation. Then join us again for the opening reception for "In Between," the installation I'm making in conjunction with my residency at CCA on Saturday, October 25 from 6-8pm.

Velvet da Vinci is located at 2015 Polk Street in San Francisco.

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Directions for Installing an Exhibition

Step 8: Step back & look & be happy & go home. Very pleased w/ today, work looks beautiful here.

I drove to Cherry Branch Gallery in Cherry Valley, NY to install my exhibition, "I Live Here Now," early this morning. Then over the course of the day, I systematically installed the work, focusing on one thing at a time which helped me  keep a clear mind and feel relaxed. I'm a little under the weather so I've taken a slow pace all day with little breaks in between each task. The space looks great and I'm very pleased. I was on Twitter throughout the process and the pictures here include captions from Tweets.

The show opens tomorrow, September 6, from 5-7 at the Cherry Branch Gallery.

Arrived at the gallery. Lots to do, but i love installing… show opens tomorrow by the way!

Step 1: unpack the work

Step 2: Get brain food. Coffee, grilled muffin. 

Along the way, I saw my posters in many of the shops.

Step 3: Compose layout. I think I have enough pedestals, there's plenty of wall space. Will be open to adjustments...

 Step 4: Display the work. Everything has a place/enough room & layout feels good

Step 5: Drill holes & hang things. Walls are often tougher than they seem, I need a sharper drill bit.

Step 6: Remove the work & paint the pedestals. Then take a break as the paint dries.

Step 7: Iron my Island and frame it again

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Hot Off the Press

I just got these beautiful posters for my upcoming show at Cherry Branch Gallery. The design is by my friend and graphic designer, Brandon Dawley, who has been designing for me since the beginning. I hung some posters around town which felt rather nostalgic since most communication for events like this tends to be solely online these days. The show opens September 6!

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I Live Here Now, Locally

A few weeks ago I mentioned how ever since I Live Here Now opened in Sweden, I've wanted more people to see it...and, thus, the special event at Velvet da Vinci. I've also been thinking about how nice it would be if my family and friends here in my hometown could see the work. As I made the pieces over the winter I considered having an open house in my studio, but it became clear there wouldn't be enough time or space. I haven't stopped thinking about this, though, and two weeks ago remembered the Cherry Branch Gallery in nearby Cherry Valley. I took a drive to see the space again with its big, storefront window, well-worn wooden floor and beautiful natural light, and as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a great place to present the show. I approached the director, Kristen Henderson, and she just happened to have an opening in September! The exhibition opens Saturday, September 6 with a reception from 5-7pm, and I'm very pleased to have a chance to show this special work locally. 

poster design by Brandon Dawley

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Onward Ideas, California Reality, Part 2

another favorite photo from California,

this was taken somewhere between Healdsburg and San Francisco

"This is How I Remember It" opened in 2011 and now, three years later, I'm thrilled to say I'm returning to Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco this October! My gallerist, Mike Holmes, and I have been talking for awhile and finally decided to host what we're referring to as "a conversation with Amy." On October 18 I will give a lecture about my latest body of work, "I Live Here Now," and will have a selection of the pieces on hand. Then I will follow my talk with a casual question and answer session.

After my exhibition at Four in Sweden, I realized I wanted more people to see it and this special showing came from those thoughts.  "I Live Here Now" is the most personal work I have made and, I believe, the strongest. I really like the idea of having a dedicated conversation about the work, something engaging and warm. I'm excited for the opportunity to share "I Live Here Now" in the U.S and honored to have this chance at such a great place. Mike and I are still working on the details and I will tell you more as the event develops. Please mark your calendar for October 18. I would love to see you at Velvet!

Since 1882, Since 1976 from I Live Here Now

Mike and I hanging Collected Memories from This is How I Remember It

standing in front of the completed installation

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Thank You

"I Live Here Now" closes tomorrow and so I've been reflecting on it even more in the last few days. This morning I started thinking about all the people who helped me with the show and I decided I wanted to publicly thank each of them. So much of what I do in my studio is private and solitary, but there comes a time when I have to reach out to friends and colleagues for advice or to simply think out loud. From talks during dinner to phone calls to Skype sessions to emails to hours of Facebook messaging…from thoughtful conversations to championing me...deepest thanks to all of you.

Renee Zettle-Sterling

Jen Townsend

Ele Annand

John Rogers

Raissa Bump
Amanda Lee

My friends who participated in "We Walk on the Same Ground"

Renee Zettle-Sterling

Ele Annand

Adrienne Smart

Catherine Sellergren

Beth Schaible

Rachel K. Garceau

Lisa Norton

Courtney Dodd

Allisyn Levy

Kelly Kelbel

Angie Terry

Raissa Bump

Tara Locklear

Day Hixson

Jenna Warburton

Jen Townsend

Jill Bourne

Janna Marinelli

Janet Link

Suzanne Pugh

Claire Buck

Crystal Thomas

Shava Lawson

Four Gallery and Karin Roy Andersson

My parents and my brother

Sharon and Robert Tavern and Mark Tavern

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Reading and Listening

the corner of my childhood home and site of my earliest memory

My work begins with a vague idea, a translucent thought and/or a broad question based on my memories. Then I read a lot and I also listen, and as I do both, I think and take notes. The following list includes links to articles and podcasts that made an impact on me while I was developing ideas for "I Live Here Now":

The Psychology of Home: Why Where You Live Means So Much 
by Julie Beck at The Atlantic

Home, Dismantled by Olivia Judson at The New York Times

Personal Identity is (Mostly) Performance by Jennifer Ouellette 
at The Atlantic

“Is there an afterlife?” Ghost-Hunting at My Grandmother’s House by Ben Shattuck at Salon

In Grief, Try Personal Rituals by Emily Esfahani Smith

The Definition of Home by Verlyn Klinkenborg at the Smithsonian

Lost and Found on Radiolab

No Place Like Home on This American Life

Away from Home on This American Life

On Not Going Home by James Woods on London Review of Books

porcelain escutcheon cover of the front door 

of my childhood home

lava fields covered in moss, my favorite place in Iceland

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