Opening In San Diego

What a show!! The opening was from 6 to 9 with a non-stop flow of visitors long after 9. People were very inspired and stayed, looking closely at my pieces and asking me questions. It was well worth the long drive and three day installation. I had the opportunity to speak at an art history class at the Design School of San Diego where my close friend Dina teaches. The students asked interesting and thoughtful questions. It was inspiring to share my stroy with them. And,... I sold one piece! to a local San Diego Art blogger, Yes!.

Buoy with propellers

This buoy was used in another art piece that I made in Boston.

Striped Attire with Fears and Hope Inside

Chela Fielding
Presents her work at the
ART Produce Gallery
April 14th to May 5th
3139 University Ave
San Diego, CA

Reception
Saturday April 14th 2007
6 to 9 pm

chelalu@mindspring.com
www.artproducegallery.com

Drawing of my sculpture

Here is a drawing of one of my pieces. My show in San Diego is just around the corner. I can't wait. More information will be posted very soon!!!

Conversations With A Blue Buoy

While walking Lucha out by the bay yesterday, I found a blue buoy washed up by the rocks. I had to bend down and reach deep into the cold salty water to retrieve it. I was thrilled with the find. I love buoys. I decided to do a series called conversations with a blue buoy. I feel that the buoy has had lots of adventures out at sea, and if it could talk.....and so begin the conversations.

Wind Catchers

This was an old sail, a wind catcher. I cut it in two and sewed new seams. This is the second piece of a set of two piece windcatchers. The beginning of a series. I am fascinated by this material.

Old Tire Tubes

I am working with old tire tubes once again. Layers and layers.

1944 Folsom Prison

What is this?

Wow,
Where did this thing come from? Alien?. I am trying to decide if I should add glossy red. Yikes, this might be one of those pieces that is just plain ugly. It use to be a wooden kitchen cabinet. I like the challenge, and there is something provocative. We shall see what happens in the next few days.

In my studio

I am doing it. I am still constantly surprised and grateful to be actually working in my studio. I have a show scheduled for April, at the Art Produce Gallery in San Diego. My opening will be on Satuday April 14th. I will keep you informed. Currently, I am working on small sculptures made from scrap wood and drawings.

Andrew and Bruce

That is Andrew. We installed these photographs of Bruce Nauman. Apparently these pictures have never been shown. There will be a big show of all his past works at the Berkeley Art Museum, opening January 17th.

knocking out sheet rock

I knocked out some small wall sections in my studio, removed a storage loft, and a ceiling. The studio is now more open allowing more light to come in from the windows. It feels really different.

Stripe and Pink Giraffe

I have about 64 of these bread boards. Lots to experiment with. Thinking about themes, series, and groupings.

Wool French Coat, Bread Boards, Suitcase, and Sewing Needles

I am enjoying the bread boards immensely. Their surface, with scratches and remnants of flour are so beautiful to me. Each one very different. It is difficult to change the surface. Instead I am enjoying them as they are and using them in different installations. This one in particular reminds me so much of Joseph Beuys, and Christian Boltanski. It reminds me of lost identity and emptiness.

Found Bread Boards

While out walking, I sometimes pass by Acme bread. I noticed beside their dumpster a beautiful pile of bread boards.
Yes!, I got my pick up truck and loaded the boards into my car. I talked to the bread baker and he said that the boards were splintering and they have changed the surface to metal. He was happy I was taking them.

Joan Brown with her horse

I have been working at the Berkeley Museum.
I love this piece that Joan Brown did.
It's a rag cloth and string horse.
This photograph and this horse
strike an emotion in me.
They feel so familiar to me.
Today I took Monday off to work in my studio.
I had the choice to work and make money at the museum or paint for my friend. Instead I decided that I need to work in the studio. It is a constant challenge for me to understand that my art is my career, and I need to work very hard at it.

Sailing

I am sailing a classic old wooden El Toro sail boat in the SF Bay just off the Berkeley Marina. I was so scared when I pushed off the dock but as soon as the wind caught my sail I sat back and relaxed. Last night, I begin working on my first art piece since my return from Nebraska, what a relief.

Basketball Series Continues

I am reunited with my lovely dog Lucha. The basketball series continues. I will keep finding hoops and shooting balls.
This hoop is right outside my third street studio. I found the hoop on the street about 4 years ago. Goetz Constuction worker, Rico, drilled holes in the cement wall and helped install it.

Home

I am home now. Its time to reflect on my experience and keep making work as I settle into this fascinating bay area landscape and city buzz.

Aimee, Shawn and I

I am in Nevasda now, I will arrive in the Bay Area today. Wow. Transitions take place quickly. This was our very first residency, it couldn't have been a better match. Aimee is on her way to Vermont to another residency, and Shawn back to Seattle. I miss them dearly.