GLOBAL ACADEMY OF SUPER HEROES

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This past Friday was the opening for the show, SUPER HEROES WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE....at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts on Bainbridge Island in WA. The show will be available for viewing Feb.1-25. I am in good company with the following participating artists: Morgan Brig, Lynn Brunelle, Andy Caro, Linda Costello, Megan Drew, Garth Edwards, Denise Harris, Sandra Hurd, M.J. Linford, Linnea Lundmark, Deborah Peek, Joan Peter and Laurie Lewis.

When I was asked to be part of this show I went quickly from elation (what a fun theme) to apprehension (how to pull this off without crossing the 'too cute' line). For me, being on the 'correct' side of that line is important and necessary. That boundary keeps me in alignment with my vision which usually includes...imagery and words that are somewhat clever, quirky and slightly unusual...a way of seeing the world that is unique but still has a universal truth about it...a nostalgic longing...and some kind of hook that allows everyone (young or old, rich or poor, sophisticated or not so much) to relate to the theme. Yes, apparently I like to put a little pressure on myself.

I originally had 2 or 3 different ideas in mind but couldn't seem to settle on how to proceed. Finally I combined these ideas to make one inclusive piece. I kept thinking about how Super Heroes develop their skills...is there a school for such a thing? So....I decided to create the GLOBAL ACADEMY OF SUPER HEROES. This piece measures approx. 34" tall by 14.4" wide with a depth of about 2.5"

At the very top of the sculpture is a flying boy finial that is photo etched in nickel.

The top panel, also photo etched nickel, is a representation of the actual academy and training facility. The lightening bolt is the official symbol of the school and is also etched on the front of the book. You can read more about the book a little further down.

The middle panel is an overview of the 12 most recent graduates from the academy. This is protected behind glass.

The bottom panel is mica attached to a tilting shelf. Resting on the shelf is the official year book of the Global Academy. The book, complete with a copper spiral binding, is photo etched brass. Within the book are the 12 most recent graduates from the academy and a brief description of their special powers. Here is a list of the current curriculum and just a few of the featured Super Heroes.

And last, but certainly not least, is a photo of Anne who is one of the worker bees at the gallery wearing my super hero goggles. I think she looks great!!! Maybe she will try out for next years group of trainees at the GLOBAL ACADEMY OF SUPER HEROES.

BALLAST FOR THE WINDCHASER

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Tomorrow evening I will be at the opening of a new show at BAINBRIDGE ARTS AND CRAFTS on Bainbridge Island called LOST AND FOUND: ASSEMBLAGE. I am one of ten artists participating in this exhibit. The artists include: LINDA COSTELLO, BIL FLEMING, CHRIS GIFFIN, NANCY HEWETT, RON HO, LINDA JARVIS, MICHOLE MADDEN, MARK OSBORN, DEBORAH PEEK and me....SHANE MILLER. KAREN HACKENBERG is being featured in the larger gallery. Her paintings are of discarded mass produced items that are found littering the edges, cracks and seams of our natural world. Many items were found along the edge of beaches here in the Pacific Northwest. Both of these shows will be on exhibit from November 2- Dec.3. The reception is Friday, November 2, 6-8pm.

The image above...BALLAST FOR THE WINDCHASER... is one of 3 pieces I will have in the show. I really enjoyed making this sculpture and was a little sad to deliver it to the gallery knowing that I might never see it again. The body of the boat .... THE WINDCHASER...is an old weaving shuttle. The wood is very worn....a little primitive....and has a great patina. The ballast passengers are stones I picked up on Rialto Beach out on the coast. One of the stones wears a jaunty expression due, in part, to the red waxed linen string attire. The sail is gampi paper printed with one of my photographs of clouds. I remember the day I took the photo....there must have been a strong wind up at cloud level because bits of the clouds were being pulled off and stretched in wisps like cotton candy. Two rear wheels and one tiny front wheel carry the load. This is a simple piece that has a sort of innocence. BALLAST FOR THE WINDCHASER measures 14" long x 9.5" tall x 2.75" wide.

I am so looking forward to the opening tomorrow night. I am always happy when my friend and fellow artist, Linda Jarvis and I share a show. It means we can ride to Bainbridge Island together from Port Townsend and catch up on our lives and on the return trip we get to share notes about the opening....it's always fun. Also, my friend, Chris Giffin, from OR is one of the participating artists. I've been told she is supposed to be at the opening and it will be good to see her. I used to do a large circuit of outdoor shows and saw Chris on a regular basis but since I quit doing outdoor shows I only see Chris every blue moon or so. I am also looking forward to seeing Ron Ho. He is quite a well known jeweler here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He was a student of Ramona Solberg and it is easy to see her influence in his work even though his style is his own. Yesterday when Linda and I delivered our work we got to see a sneak peek at Ron's mixed media found object neckpiece. It is so beautiful and so lovingly crafted. I am honored to be in a show with Ron Ho.

DETAIL OF BALLAST FOR THE WINDCHASER

Linda Jarvis and I just got invited to participate in a show at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts next June. The title of that show is SETTING SAIL....ARTISTS AT SEA. I do love having these carrots dangled out in front of me....they keep me moving forward as good dangled carrots should. So stay tuned for more boats and sailing ships.