So I’ll be posting a few art pieces but wanted to update folks on where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to for the past 2 months (and what I will be up to 
iAMDA is in the process of launching its 2nd annual international conference, MobileArtCon 2011, in NYC! The event runs from September 30th through October 2nd at NYU’s ITP (for a 2nd year). The website is now live, registration is open and the workshop proposals are coming in! Should be a great event. If you’re interested in learning more about the org or the conference, check the website! And yes, I’ll be spending a lot of time working out the logistics with the rest of our fine iAMDA crew.
I also just returned from an absolutely AWESOME time in Spain–where I met two of my favorite peeps in the world, Benjamin Rabe and Heiki Roegler. They both came over from Hamburg.
It started off with the OFFF Conference, arts and design based confere
nce attended by some of the world’s leading graphic designers and street artists. (As a non-designer who is more centered around fine art, I can say this conference REALLY took me by surprise–in a good way. Definitely walked away inspired and ready to explore some new territory so far as my own art is concerned…)
Benjamin Rabe also gave a well attended presentation about mobile digital art. His workshop was entitled “Artists in Transit”, which featured a few of my metro drawings, presented the idea of mobile digital art as a transitional artform (we don’t quite know where its going or where it will end up–and we don’t care (yes, he actually said that…lol). As a friend and colleague, I can say that his perspective on the subject always intrigues me. It was also very well received by the crowd.
Post-presentation, we spent the rest of our time attending workshops (some so crowded ya had to sit on the floor! lol) and then the rest of our week and half stay exploring Barcelona, which is absolutely beautiful. Artist/Doctor/Historian, JoseAndres also made it up from Cuenca (still sorry to say I didn’t make it there), and totally blew us a way with the most awesome day I think I’ve ever have (and will not likely forget!) Really unbelivable. 
Favorite places for sure: Picasso Museum (I could probably sleep there the same way I used to sleep in Hirshorn , Sagrada Di Familia (tho I never made it inside), Barceloneta, Carrer De Villadomat (our flat was awesomeness), Las Ramblas (with JoseAndres walking you through it…really amazing to go through with someone who knows the history), Pokey and Gumby (okay…long story short–I brought Pokey and Gumby figurines as a small gift for my housemates. Turns out they loved the figurines so much we took them with us everywhere we went. So you’ll see them in many of the photos), Cuatro Gats, Paseig De Gracia, Cafe Mercadillo…you catch my drift–everything. More than that…I was really inspired by the street (graffiti) art that sat so comfortably among those beautiful modernist buildings (including the gorgeous Gaudi buildings). Definitely a place to go if you like art…or just like beautiful places.
I also flew down south to Torrevieja (a resort town) to meet my dad. I spent a week there. Much time in the markets (Morrocan inspired) and on the shores of the beach. We also took a day trip to the historic (and quite beautiful) city of Murcia. Did a quick walk through the history museum and a 600 year old cathedral (tho were only there a few hours, it was really great)
Flew up to Madrid. I had a fabulous dinner with my stepmom there and got to spend some time in the downtown area before heading back to DC the next day.
I produced a few pieces (but not many) while I was there. Mostly spent the time tweaking old pieces. I am among 10 artists who were invited to be a part of the first ever museum exhibit of fingerpaintings at the Museum of Arts & Crafts in Hamburg (MKG Hamburg) and hope to go in September for the opening events (a public art display and youth program)–very exciting! Lots of preparation for that. (you’ll see more in a new post (or check exhibitions & projects).
Aside from all this, now that I am back state side (and fully recovered from the jet lag), I’ve devoted my very rare downtime to exploring display methods for my artwork. What does this mean? 6 months from now, I doubt I will be printing and signing my work. What I will do with it, I’m not sure. I guess I have to figure it all out.
In the past 2 months, I’ve discovered that I adore street art, graffiti and design and think there’s something quite magnificent to the craft. I’m down for a collaboration or two there. Also love spending time with other artists and creative types–of course those mobile digital artists too–and think that they some of the world’s best collaborators. I love that all the artists are moving their work and exploring new terrain and look forward to seeing what we collectively do next. Til then…we paint (or take those gorgeous photos…or make movies…or put together some crazy multimedia contraption that keeps the wheels spinning! whoop!
