Monday, March 7, 2011

Naming Art

I frequently have titles for my art before the work has even hit the studio table. Case in point, this artist book.
SPAM and Geisha existed in mi cabeza from the moment I bought the can of sugar-free Arizona green tea (with ginger). The tea was yummy; the image was a gotta-have-it moment. Yes, I do realize that the image is cliché, rather 19th century and all, but I am such a connoisseur of can icons, especially when they are printed directly onto the metal. And this one was a beauty in all its 3-colors PLUS metalics, PLUS black and white. Lovely.
Speaking of soda cans, did you know that you can cut them with a regular pair of scissors? They cut “like buttah”. The main trick is in not cutting yourself on the can edges. Regular scissors work well on metal food tins, too. Same note of caution.
Once you’ve used the scissors on metal, they won’t be good for fabric again until you have them sharpened. My motto is, keep a few pairs of scissors for each.
You can also sew the metal soda cans. As with the scissors, once you’ve used the needle on a soda can, it won’t be any good for fabric, so keep separate sets and change them as needed. The trick with sewing soda cans is that regular thread will break, so use metal or nylon thread. It’s made in nice colors for computers. Just saying.
Back to SPAM and Geisha. It goes on display this week at my art space in the Escondido Municipal Gallery building, 262 E. Grand Ave, Esc. CA 92025.
The opening reception is this Saturday, March 12, 5:30-7 p.m. All are welcome to stop by. Free parking and free eats. Does it get any better?

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