TartanArt's Blog

Sushi

TartanArt — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:43:18 +0000

Sushi is art.

I’ve always been amazed by the many ingredients and designs, and I find the cultural traditions surrounding it fascinating . Still, somehow, I had never eaten any — until now. (I did have a California roll once, but was told that doesn’t count). My Mom had not ever had it either, and she wanted to brave it. So we did.

First we chose a ‘Mr. Rogers Roll’ which was yellowfin tuna, cream cheese (mmm), cilantro, and tempura cracklings (mmm). It was very good! We also ordered Unagi. A strip of eel, fastened with nori onto a bed of rice. That was my favorite. However, I think as Sushi goes, Unagi is a common and mild choice. It was even referred to as ‘candy’ sushi. But after my first sampling, I plan learn more about the overall experience of eating it. I may even learn how to prepare it.

I must not be the only one drawn to the unique aesthetic of Sushi. Look around on the web, and you can find numerous non-food ‘Sushi’ items including candy, clothing, paper designs, toys, and more. Here are links to just a few of the ‘other’ types of Sushi designs.

Toys

Legos! http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdaddynelson/sets/72157606154373202/detail/

Plush http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/c4a6/

Wind Up http://www.amazon.com/SUSHI-Wind-Up-Toy-individually/dp/B001LVU3F4/ref=pd_sim_t_3

Candy

http://media.onsugar.com/files/users/2/22099/51_2007/fab_0.jpg

Cupcakes http://www.thecupcakeblog.com/tag/sushi/

Games (online)

http://games.comcast.net/t_03cm/s-1_1056_13114/AllGames/Time-Management/Youda-Sushi-Chef.html (I’m addicted to this one!)

http://www.filebuzz.com/fileinfo/45632/Sushi_Frenzy.html

Electronics

Flash Drive http://www.bestofferbuy.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=16669&zenid=6rrobi6eiamoi4qifjbpc4pf84

Cell Phone Charm http://www.strapya-world.com/categories/12_3202_1504_4658.html

Crafts

Felt http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2006/09/felt_sushi.html

Felt http://www.theartzoo.com/felted-sushi/

Knit http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/01/knit_sushi.html

Paper http://paperkraft.blogspot.com/2010/09/sushi-lunch-box-papercraft.html

Jewelry

http://www.stylehive.com/site/shanalogic.com/new/grid/0

Furniture

Pillows http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/af69/?cpg=froogle

http://www.dezeen.com/2009/03/13/sushi-by-edward-van-vliet/

Mask

TartanArt — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:55:30 +0000

The Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art (FCMoCA)has a yearly fund raising event called Masks at MoCA**. Participants all receive the same blank ceramic mask from which they can create anything they envision. Masks are auctioned off at a gala event in April. It is an event that I have enjoyed viewing. So this year, I decided to actually participate.

The project has to be completed and turned in by December 5th, even though the show isn’t until March of 2011. Since that is 4 weeks from now, I am going to post my weekly progress. Even I don’t know what I’ll come up with yet. That’s the exciting part!

Week 1

Here is the mask for this year. Just a suggestion of a face. A blank canvas. The possibilities are endless.

Fortunately, there is a practice version on paper to help develop ideas before doing anything permanent! My next post will show some of the themes I’ve been toying with.

**The museum recently changed their name to Fort Collins Museum of Art-FCMoA–no more ‘contemporary’ in the title.

The Secret of Kells

TartanArt — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:06:12 +0000

I have always loved animated movies. The art, colors, and the techniques. I collect them. Now I have just seen a movie that is truly amazing! It’s called The Secret of Kells. http://thesecretofkells.com .

Magic, fantasy, and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes, in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears and venture into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the faerie Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him fulfill his dangerous quest.

The artwork resembles the art of illuminated manuscripts like the book of Kells, but in such an imaginative, modern, explosion of color. And how great to create an art movie about the importance of making and protecting art!

The movie was nominated for an Oscar in 2010 for Best Animated Feature. The Cartoon Saloon is the company that made the film. Tomm Moor, who is Co-Founder and Director, is currently working on the graphic novels of this film. He is also working on a new film called “The Song of the Sea”. I can’t wait.

Scarab

TartanArt — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:09:33 +0000

Recently I got this cheap, er….inexpensive pendant at the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. The scarab was a sacred beetle to the Egyptians. They believed that the scarab pushed the sun across the sky each day. The hieroglyphic symbol of the scarab meant ‘to be transformed’ and it was considered a symbol of new life.

I wasn’t actually going to wear it, but I decided to jazz it up.

I rummaged through my collection of bits and pieces. Something here should do.

Now look at it. Maybe I WILL wear it. It means new life and transformation, after all!