Translate This Page

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Anne Brodie

http://annebrodie.co.uk/

1st Sept 2011 – 1st Nov 2011
Bishops square, Spitalfields, Brushfields st, London, E16AA
The first public art exhibition held simultaneously across eight countries in Europe focuses in relations between art, science, society. As the UK representative, Anne Brodie will present her new artwork, Bee Box for the first time, before showing in Helsinki, Finland during Nov, Dec 20011.
Curators – Howard Bowland & Laura Cinti of C.LAB
Press -  Contact C.LAB at info@C-lab.co.uk
European Public Art Centre (EPAC)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

quote day


If you enjoy the fruit, pluck not the flower - Anonymous

Monday, August 29, 2011

WebhGround 10 & 11

WebhGround 10             7 1/2" x 9"           Beeswax, natural pigment on Papel de Amate y Khadi papers

WebhGround 11            7 1/2" x 9"           Beeswax, natural pigment on Papel de Amate y Khadi papers

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Peace Irene

D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH

Friday, August 26, 2011

red, orange, yellow, blue leafs, redviolet flower, branches, wire, sky grid

red, orange, yellow, blue leafs, redviolet flower, branches, wire, sky grid       2011        ©Greg Patch            

Thursday, August 25, 2011

what if?

from http://bmwguggenheimlab.org/whats-happening/calendar/event/live-feeds-feedforward-4-the-system-as-ecosystem?instance_id=473

Leaving from: BMW Guggenheim Lab
Traveling to: New Jersey Meadowlands
Mode of transportation: van/boat

What if nature and culture were no longer considered two separate systems? What sort of city might you really see?
Creative consulting and design collaborative spurse will lead a voyage by boat to the heart of New York City’s most astonishing postnatural landscapes. On the Hackensack River, where comfort meets waste, we’ll navigate through our future ecosystem: a remediated swamp, a wastewater treatment plant, a mall, a housing development, a capped landfill, and a Superfund site.

Photo: courtesy Johanna Vandemoortele

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

…a pro(c)(g)ressing transformation… in Wabi Sabi MAPS (to Nevada?) group show




POSTPONED TO Sept 2ND

IAC Wabi Sabi Warehouse, http://wabisabiwarehouse.blogspot.com/, Art Opening Friday, September 2, 6 - 9pm
 19 North 9th St.
Wilmington, NC



   Intent with Love, Peace & Co-Creativity

           On Earth Grid Ley Lines

 …a pro(c)(g)ressing transformation…

mixed Earth elements

2010 – 2011…

co-creators:
Camber Caldwell
Peter Champoux
Joan  Dorazio
Paul Dorazio
Barb Hein
Daniella Metz
Robbyn Muse
Ryan Olsen
Greg Patch
Evan Root
Lilly Rousey
Molly Rousey
Tilden Rousey
Damon Savas
Georgia Routsis Savas
Matt Woisen


the co-creative path with the many who are involved in nourishing it. The piece is centralized to Copper Guinea Farm & Kitchen, Atkinson, NC.
Materials:
Jute twine grid sandwiched by two thin sheets Lotka papers made in Nepal
beeswax & natural pigment waxes
Ethiopian Coffea arabica; brain stimulant and increases CNS function, moves chi and blood
Blueberry Vaccinium spp. & Blueberry Vaccinium spp.; supports healthy vision
*Yellow Dock Rumex crispus dyes and mature aerial parts; healing energetics of clearing toxins in liver, gall bladder & kidneys, emetic
* two shades of yellow ochre clay; draws out toxins
* healing energetics of Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura (literal translation is purifier or pacifier of the aura) left/feminine wing feather
* Charcoal, ash & wood
5 wooden sticks to help light the fire
* grasses & dirt
* healing energetics of twig/branch Elder lf & br Sambuca nigra; antiviral and nourishing flavanoid
* Fire
* rain Water
* healing energetics of and leafed acorned twig/branch of Live Oak Quercus spp. This Oak is certified oldest in NC, @500 yrs; rejuvenates life force, strength & longevity
* healing energetics of and leafed fruited twig/branch of Cedar Pinaceae family. Estimated to be up to 1,000 yrs old; resilience & longevity
* healing energetics of and leafs of Long Needle Pine Pinus palustri;  inner peace and resilience

* from grounds/Earth of Copper Guinea Farm & Kitchen Atkinson, NC
natural Damar resin "Obtained from a renewable resource, its production helps support indigenous people and protect the rainforest by replacing other non-renewable industries such as logging."
consider also the healing energetics of the elements; Fire, Water, Air & Earth and grasses, charcoal, clay, the Earth's ley grid lines and the loving, peaceful, co-creative healing intentions of all the participants.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Red Violet Spots

Red Violet Spots          22" x 30"        beeswax, natural pigment and Khadi papers





Monday, August 22, 2011

8' bamboo ends circular

8' bamboo ends circular                         ©Greg Patch
yesterday went out to friends Damon and Georgia and gathered bamboo with being feasted upon by swarms of mosquitos after a rain. was that really a necessary sacrificing!? Many thanks to Bamboo, Damon, Georgia, My Self and yes, the friggin mosquitos!
after pruning branch and branch nodes i cut 8' lengths and tied together for hanging "Love, Peace & CoCreativity ...a pro(c)(g)ressing transformation...".
"may the circle be unbroken".

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Zappity Do Da Orbs & Florish

Zappity Do Da Orbs                         2011                              ©Greg Patch




Florish                                     2011                                  ©Greg Patch


Saturday, August 20, 2011

seeking bamboo


on a tip from a Tidal Creek Coop worker I found this little grove of bamboo and will go back tomorrow to ask permission from the people who own the land to cut bamboo to hang ...a pro(c)(g)ressing transformation...

Friday, August 19, 2011

what does "how long did it take you to paint this" mean?

this stage of the painting is "about" 16 hrs of working the surface later than the last entry on it>>>



my mother used to tell my two brothers and I she wanted us to "sit enjoying the Sunday meal before us as long as it took her to prepare the meal". If she had said "as long as she spent enjoying preparing the meal before us" it may have had a different effect. She did tell us that because she worked all week and we were doing our thing it gave us the opportunity to catch up with each other. Meanwhile, "don't talk with your mouthful."


Thursday, August 18, 2011

astrologer Tom Lescher

http://newpa.info/entry.htm
Astrology Forecast for August, 2011 by Tom Lescher
The year of 2011 will be remembered as the year of the “Liberation of the Self.” While this may sound wonderful, the actual nitty gritty process of identifying and cutting the cords, knots, and chains (many self-created), that have held us bound is not fun. Looking at the broader picture we may see 2010 as us becoming aware of both what we needed/desired and/or what was missing, in our lives. Now 2011comes along and it is time to slash and burn and make room for the creation of that which we identified and wish to now create. 2012, then, will include the process of binding together that which has been torn asunder in a new, “heightened”, shall we say ecstatic, state. We could say that in 2010 we watched a new dance from the sidelines and perhaps tried a step or two of it for a brief time (tripping up now and then). In 2011 we have to go off alone with a teacher or two and learn the steps to the dance so we don’t trip up like we did in 2010. Finally, in 2012 we will have the opportunity to get back out on that dance floor and strut our stuff (provided of course that we learned our steps)!
If we then narrow down our dance experience to that of just 2011 we will see that the beginning of this year was the time to begin our lessons, meet new teachers (partners perhaps), break up and go off alone to “get it” ourselves on a deeper level. It was time to step up and step out, raise our hand and say “Yeah! Pick Me, I’m Ready for something NEW!” As the spring rolled into summer we got picked, and now is the time to stand up, deal with the fear, the embarrassment, the insecurity, and everything that comes up as we stand alone trying to “Dance, Partner, DANCE!”
It may at times be difficult to remember that this is a “fun” experience, this learning how to dance and then doing it! Some may like a basketball game as a better example…. But one way or the other the idea is that we need to make a determined effort to grow, train, discipline, or evolve ourselves INWARDLY in order to participate in our relationships, dances, or games at a higher, more liberating and exciting level. You simply can’t participate in the major league unless you know your “stuff”. In other words, you can’t experience the power, the intensity, the ecstasy, or the nectar of the flower without learning how to fly like a bee first. And the process of learning can be a grueling, painful, lonely, and frustrating experience.
So now we come to the particular month of August. This is a particularly irregular month with spikes of highs and lows, pressure points and pleasure zones. The month begins with Mercury going retrograde (2-26) and Mars going into Cancer on the 3rd. Herein lies the rub….. Mars is fire, heat, passion, and desire while Cancer is sensitive, introverted, and seeking emotional security. When you put these two together, which we have all month…. It spells out the need for each of us to fight for our emotional needs, to stand for ourselves, perhaps by ourselves, cut the cords that have nourished, supported, or in other ways held us up in the past, and become big boys and girls (ouch!). And, if that wasn’t enough, we need to do this ourselves without any help, and not even “knowing” (in a logical, rational way that we can explain) if we should! No mom or dad there telling us anymore, and if they are it’s probably time to talk back to them!
I say this because particularly the 8-10th and again the 23-26th are intense time periods when we will need to act (perhaps quickly) to preserve, secure, or defend/liberate ourselves and we will need to TRUST ourselves, our instincts, our intuitions, and our bodies, in order to take the right steps down the right course toward a future as yet unseen. We must be autonomous, stand alone, and learn our own unique part (identity) in order to play the specific role designed especially for us before we were born. To suppress, deny, or avoid change at these times is miss an important opportunity and to perhaps remain on the sidelines of the future all-star game kicking yourself for caving into fear and panic. These will be times to take decisive action to preserve your integrity, perhaps protect yourself from harm, and on the positive side, begin taking the first few steps of the dance and feeling the power of love/life course through those veins!
Now let us look to all the support (heavenly that is) coming to our aid and rescue, inspiring and inviting us forward with the promise of great fun in the process as well as the “endgame”. We have the Sun moving through Leo, hand in hand with Venus all the way, and joined from the 13-20th by Mercury for a threesome. Leo is “ruled” by the Sun, the Core, the Center, the Source of our vitality, power, and life force. It stands behind us and within us, ever encouraging us to be true to ourselves, to laugh at the game of life, to rise above the petty concerns to our rightful throne of King and Queen, sovereign and dignified. At the very least these days will bring a calm within the storm and at best a dramatic performance of what we have been practicing all year!
Underlining the need to individualize, make our own choices, and break away from “the pack” this month is Mercury retrograde (2-26). This indicates a time when we need to think (Mercury) independently (retrograde) for ourselves (Leo). When a planet goes retrograde it is in a powerful state of individualizing, which prompts revelation, reflection, rebellion, revolution, renunciation, redo, restructure, rebuild….. the list goes on and on. The important point to remember is that when we review our situation we take into account the new info, the new perspective, and the personal, inward revelations that are ever possible with inner work, monitoring and self-observation.
There is a shift in the energy after the 23rd with the 24th being a high peak period of change for the month (after the 9/10th!). The Sun transitions into Virgo, and along with Venus is opposite Neptune/Chiron. All this fire and water that has been steaming up the windows all month begins to have healing effects like a hot yoga class. It may take some blood, sweat, and tears, but you will be more flexible, strong, and in your body than you were before you took the class! Take some time to breathe, relax, and integrate some of the charges/changes that have required such strong will, determination, and fortitude through these days of self-definition.
In the end, our lives are what we have made of them. The choices that we make, the love we withhold or share, the connections we make and break all serve to weave the tapestry that is US when we die. To not make a choice is to make an unconscious choice, to not love or connect is to not weave our thread into the larger tapestry of humanity. This month is an opportune time to dye your thread the exact color that you want, put it through the needle and begin weaving the masterpiece you wish your life to be. While you may stick yourself a few times, bleed, cuss, and swear, it is important to move on, carry on, carry forward to experience the sweetness, the love, and the honor of a dance well done, a game well played, a tapestry unlike any other completely and beautifully YOU.
Powerful days of change (and they CAN be POWERFUL!) are: 3, 9-10, 13, 21, 24-25, 30th

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Monday, August 15, 2011

ConcreteComb w/BrickSteel&Woodgrid

ConcreteComb w/BrickSteel&Woodgrid                                                ©Greg Patch

Sunday, August 14, 2011

"Beacon Landing" George Trakas

shot these two videos from two points within the Trakas installation. does this work imply ∞/infinity of Beacon NY? (follow your basic understanding of horizon to "rotate" video or not)

from http://collegerelations.vassar.edu/2007/2413/
"Internationally lauded installation artist George Trakas will discuss his latest environmental art project in a lecture entitled "Beacon Landing: A Peninsula's Emergence" on Wednesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m., in Sanders Auditorium (Sanders Classroom building, Room 212). This event is free and open to the public.
Trakas's latest work at Beacon Landing, part of the Minetta Brook Foundation's "Hudson River Project," will be unveiled this spring. In his installation, Trakas renovated an eroded abandoned railroad landing in Beacon on the Hudson River, allowing for previously unavailable public access to the waterfront.
The Minetta Brook Foundation promises that the Beacon Point Project, made of steel and wood decks, pathways, and stairways to the river, "will interact with the tides, river currents and waves, creating the sounds of cascading water, and provide views of the Hudson Highlands and points south." Minetta Brook is a non-profit arts organization that presents public art projects, exhibitions, and publications designed to strengthen the relationship between contemporary artists and communities internationally.
Trakas is internationally known for his environmental sculptures, often taking the form of bridges, pathways, and docks. His interest in water resource issues, tides, currents, and shoreline construction have been produced in a wide range of projects – from Berth Haven at the headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Seattle to Sword Bridge in Thiers, France. His work has been exhibited at the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and Documenta 6 and 8, Kassel, Germany. His work is also included in the permanent collections of the Louisiana Museum in Denmark, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City."

Saturday, August 13, 2011

circular green

circular green
the plant is Water Chestnut Trapa natans. It's considered to be invasive to water environmental government and non government groups here in the northeast and other western countries where, granted, it may be misplaced and interrupting the ecosytem. If controlled locationally it could be a great source for its' nut nutrient content.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_caltrop
"Investigations of archaeological material from southern Germany indicate that the prehistoric population of that region may well have relied significantly upon wild water chestnuts to supplement their normal diet and, in times of cultivated cereal crop failure, water chestnuts may even have been the main dietary component.[1]
In the Chinese Zhou Dynasty, water caltrop was an important food for worship as prayer offerings. The Rites of Zhou (2nd century BC) mentioned that a worshipper "should use a bamboo basket containing dried water caltrops, the seeds of Euryale ferox and chestnuts" (加籩之實,菱芡栗脯). The Chinese Herbal Medicine Summary (本草備要 published in 1694, written by Wang Ang 汪昂) indicates that water caltrop can help fever and drunkenness.
In India it is known as singhara or paniphal (eastern India) and is widely cultivated in fresh water lakes. The fruits are eaten raw or boiled. When the fruit has been dried, it is ground to a flour called singhare ka atta. Singhare ka atta is used in many religious rituals and can be consumed as a phalahar diet on the Hindu fasting days, the navratas.[2]
It was possible to buy water chestnuts in markets all over Europe until 1880. In northern Italy the nuts were offered roasted, much as sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) are still sold today. In many parts of Europe water chestnuts were known and used for human food until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, however, it is a rare plant. There may be several reasons for its near extinction, such as climate fluctuations, changes in the nutrient content of water bodies, and the drainage of many wetlands, ponds and oxbow lakes.[1]
It was introduced to North America around 1874, and escaped cultivation in the eastern United States, where it has become an invasive species from Vermont to Virginia.[3]
In Australia, and its state of New South Wales water caltrop has been declared a noxious weed.
In the United States, water caltrop is also considered a noxious weed in Florida, North Carolina, and Washington.[4]
Investigations of archaeological material from southern Germany indicate that the prehistoric population of that region may well have relied significantly upon wild water chestnuts to supplement their normal diet and, in times of cultivated cereal crop failure, water chestnuts may even have been the main dietary component.[1]
In the Chinese Zhou Dynasty, water caltrop was an important food for worship as prayer offerings. The Rites of Zhou (2nd century BC) mentioned that a worshipper "should use a bamboo basket containing dried water caltrops, the seeds of Euryale ferox and chestnuts" (加籩之實,菱芡栗脯). The Chinese Herbal Medicine Summary (本草備要 published in 1694, written by Wang Ang 汪昂) indicates that water caltrop can help fever and drunkenness.
In India it is known as singhara or paniphal (eastern India) and is widely cultivated in fresh water lakes. The fruits are eaten raw or boiled. When the fruit has been dried, it is ground to a flour called singhare ka atta. Singhare ka atta is used in many religious rituals and can be consumed as a phalahar diet on the Hindu fasting days, the navratas.[2]
It was possible to buy water chestnuts in markets all over Europe until 1880. In northern Italy the nuts were offered roasted, much as sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) are still sold today. In many parts of Europe water chestnuts were known and used for human food until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, however, it is a rare plant. There may be several reasons for its near extinction, such as climate fluctuations, changes in the nutrient content of water bodies, and the drainage of many wetlands, ponds and oxbow lakes.[1]
It was introduced to North America around 1874, and escaped cultivation in the eastern United States, where it has become an invasive species from Vermont to Virginia.[3]
In Australia, and its state of New South Wales water caltrop has been declared a noxious weed.
In the United States, water caltrop is also considered a noxious weed in Florida, North Carolina, and Washington.[4]
Investigations of archaeological material from southern Germany indicate that the prehistoric population of that region may well have relied significantly upon wild water chestnuts to supplement their normal diet and, in times of cultivated cereal crop failure, water chestnuts may even have been the main dietary component.[1]
In the Chinese Zhou Dynasty, water caltrop was an important food for worship as prayer offerings. The Rites of Zhou (2nd century BC) mentioned that a worshipper "should use a bamboo basket containing dried water caltrops, the seeds of Euryale ferox and chestnuts" (加籩之實,菱芡栗脯). The Chinese Herbal Medicine Summary (本草備要 published in 1694, written by Wang Ang 汪昂) indicates that water caltrop can help fever and drunkenness.
In India it is known as singhara or paniphal (eastern India) and is widely cultivated in fresh water lakes. The fruits are eaten raw or boiled. When the fruit has been dried, it is ground to a flour called singhare ka atta. Singhare ka atta is used in many religious rituals and can be consumed as a phalahar diet on the Hindu fasting days, the navratas.[2]
It was possible to buy water chestnuts in markets all over Europe until 1880. In northern Italy the nuts were offered roasted, much as sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) are still sold today. In many parts of Europe water chestnuts were known and used for human food until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, however, it is a rare plant. There may be several reasons for its near extinction, such as climate fluctuations, changes in the nutrient content of water bodies, and the drainage of many wetlands, ponds and oxbow lakes.[1]
It was introduced to North America around 1874, and escaped cultivation in the eastern United States, where it has become an invasive species from Vermont to Virginia.[3]
In Australia, and its state of New South Wales water caltrop has been declared a noxious weed.
In the United States, water caltrop is also considered a noxious weed in Florida, North Carolina, and Washington.[4]"

Friday, August 12, 2011

Beacon NY on the Hudson River

Am visiting with my daughters and families along the Hudson Valley for a few days. This morning while being with the Hudson River I sat acknowledging these images... along with Great Blue Heron (self/family/community/greater community), young female Mallard Ducks (youth/feminine/water), the River with its tides going inland further than most Ocean connecting rivers in the world, ...

∞BEACON∞

instillheartbeacon                
and in considerating in healing work the mantra "do no harm" as I pondered a painting proposition to the city of Beacon placing a beeswax rainbow heart echoing out with the grain center of the river worn stump. Am content to instill healing/balance/ease energetically.


this afternoon will spend at the Dia:Beacon
http://www.diaart.org/exhibitions/main/107Blinky Palermo

Blinky Palermo: Retrospective 1964-1977

at Dia:Beacon and CCS Bard June 25, 2011 - October 31, 2011

<p>Blinky Palermo, <i>Graue Scheibe (Gray Disk)</i>, 1970. Oil, synthetic<br> 
paint on cotton on wood-core plywood, 5 3/4 x 10 1/2 x 3/4 inches<br>
 (13.1 x 26.5 x 1.8 cm). Collection Olga Lina and Stella Liza Knoebel.</p>
Blinky Palermo, Graue Scheibe (Gray Disk), 1970. Oil, synthetic
paint on cotton on wood-core plywood, 5 3/4 x 10 1/2 x 3/4 inches
(13.1 x 26.5 x 1.8 cm). Collection Olga Lina and Stella Liza Knoebel.
 
 

Dia Art Foundation and CCS Bard organized the first North American retrospective of the work of Blinky Palermo (1943–1977). The exhibition is curated by Lynne Cooke and culminates its national tour in the Hudson Valley.

CCS Bard will present Palermo’s Works on Paper and early works, 1964–1973; the exhibition at Dia:Beacon will comprise the artist’s Metal Pictures and late works, 1973–1977.

 and more...






Thursday, August 11, 2011

exponential shine

from the yard to the yard to the yard exponentially shine





Wednesday, August 10, 2011

more on new work


since starting this piece a few days ago the topic "infinite" has been coming up for me talking and listening with others. How do you pick a healer to work with? The possibilities are infinite. How do you get to the right posture in yoga? There are infinite possibilities. The weather? Again, within certain seasonal expectations, infinite. Brushstroke?, breast stroke?, stroke?, sitting quietly?, ... 
                                   ∞
I started the layering of color blocking areas left to right, then top left to bottom left, right to left, etc. That got tired for me, rushed, static art, frozen fingers, wrists, arms, a pain in the neck and a dead battery in my camera, indigestion, etc. With all the possibilities manifesting I began realizing this infinite topic reoccuring thing and swung into swirling infinite signs flowing all over, trying to stay on the 22" x 30" paper with out creating static edges, honoring the irregular bevel of of the papermaker and my own liveliness. This is it. 
Will be away from this new work for a few days. 
 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Silent Auction and Raffle at ArtExposure

Silent Auction and Raffle at ArtExposure, Hampstead, NC Second Friday Opening August 12th 6:00-8:00PM (Drawing at 7:00PM) art at great prices.
 
 Art work will be on display beginning August 9th and available for bidding.
bidding available at ArtExposure or online through paypal.
22527 Highway 17
Hampstead, NC
(just south of Lowes and Highway 210E)
www.artexposure50.com
         
 

Monday, August 8, 2011

new work

beginning of new work on 22" x 30" Khadi paper 210 weight. "Randomly" torn and "randomly" selected pieces of Khadi paper are laid on the base sheet and wheat pasted to the foundation layer of paper. "Randomly" torn and selected? "I" directed this process in terms of tearing the approximate shape and size but the tear has more to due with gravity and the material of the Khadi paper's physics. Who made that paper? What had they experienced up until that point of pouring the liquified recycled cotton rags to form the sheets. Does random as we understand it truly even exist? I also orchestrated laying the pieces in grid like fashion. My projection was to create an unmathemetical grid. A random? grid. Can mathematics define "random"? Mathematics is in itself finite. Is that for now a philosophic and theological regard? These disciplines can overlap, but is there a point where they can be whole?
The torn pieces first layer of color is green, then blue, then will come violet. My direction according to the spectrum order. Rainbow observations or human creation? We have eyes to see. Base layer red, orange then "I" will yellow. Using white to edge base with torn pieces. Overall violet red layer will be drawn over the whole. Where did it come from? Where will it go? How will it be perceived? The source is. The pro(g)(c)ess is. The result is. I/We/You are.
The process is my meditative action until you pick up a marker and create. This "finished" piece an observatory and meditative experience with I/We/You.


 
...four hours later...









Sunday, August 7, 2011

WebhGround 10 & 11

       
       WebhGround 10       
 beeswax, natural pigments, dammar varnish
 on Papel de Amate and Khadi paper
4" x 8"
2011


         WebhGround 11       
 beeswax, natural pigments, dammar varnish
 on Papel de Amate and Khadi paper
   3 1/2" x 8 1/4"
  2011

Saturday, August 6, 2011

quote day

"there is nature and there is nature" - nature

Friday, August 5, 2011

dotswriting 40 - 44

40.  Beeswax, natural pigments, Dandelion dye, cassein fixative on Khadi paper

41.  Beeswax, natural pigments, Dandelion dye, Yam, cassein fixative on Khadi paper

42.  Beeswax, natural pigments, Dandelion dye, Yam, cassein fixative on Khadi paper

43.  Beeswax, natural pigments, Dandelion dye, Yam, cassein fixative on Khadi paper

44.  Beeswax, natural pigments, Dandelion dye, Yam, cassein fixative on Khadi paper


for easier visual access to all the dotswriting pages and more writing about them go to http://gregpatchart.com
Before you go please read about them on the right hand column of this window if you haven't already.

numbers are for sale and archival reasoning only. these pages are acummulatively "dotswriting".

Thursday, August 4, 2011

dotswriting 37 -39

for easier visual access to all the dotswriting pages and more writing about them go to http://gregpatchart.com
Before you go please read about them on the right hand column of this window if you haven't already.

37 - 39 are done with beeswax, natural pigment, Dandelion greens dye & cassein fixative on Khadi papers (210g)

numbers are for sale and archival reasoning only. they are acummulatively "dotswriting".

37

38

39

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Mercury Retrograde

from http://www.astrologycom.com/mercmarg.html

Mercury Retrograde
Above the Hype and Beyond the Spin

Marguerite Manning, author of Cosmic Karma: Understanding Your Contract With The Universe is a talented and thoughtful astrologer whose interests focus on our relationships at a karmic level. The view she puts in this article argues that the Mercury retrograde period is a time for discovering hidden information, not just a phase of annoying inconveniences. Now, read on...
Call me crazy, but Mercury retrograde doesn’t scare me. In fact, I may be one of the few astrologers I know who actually looks forward to those three weeks in every Mercury orbit when we here on this planet end up with a ringside seat to the most famous of cosmic optical illusions. Yes, illusion, because, as most of us already know, that’s what Mercury retrograde is. A three-week celestial “psych” in which Mercury, the astrological planet of the mind, cleverly messes with ours by appearing to travel backward in the sky.

How is that possible? Well, when it comes to Mercury, just about anything is. After all, this is the planet our ancient astronomers named after the winged messenger of the Gods. The planet so blindingly fast and incredibly agile that they professionally acknowledged it as the universal influence responsible for connecting us to each other, which is how it officially became the astrological poster planet for language, information, people, and ideas. Then again, even by today’s standards, what could personify speed and networking better than Mercury? As the closest planet to the Sun, it has the shortest orbit in the solar system and takes only 88 days to make one complete trip around the Sun. If that isn’t impressive enough, it somehow manages to pass the earth twice every time that it does: first, when it whizzes by us on the same side of the solar system where we can see it, and then a few weeks later, when it loops around and zooms past us again on the opposite side of the Sun where we can’t. No wonder the ancients believed this planet was “quicker than the eye.” In fact, the retrograde fun and games only take place because once every 88 days, Mercury actually is.

It all begins when almost immediately after passing us on that first Mercury “drive-by” this very small planet comes to the end of that very short orbit, and almost just as immediately (instead of continuing on the same angle in the sky), “swings” into that loop on its way to the other side of the solar system. Now here’s the reality-buster for us: we never see that happen. Why? Because even though we never lose sight of Mercury after it zips ahead of us in the solar system, we’re never at an angle where we can actually see Mercury “loop” to the other side of it. So when it does, we don’t realize it has. That is the stuff that cosmic illusions are made of, because once Mercury gets there and starts heading for the other side of the Sun, to all of us here on this planet, it “appears” to start drifting backwards against the stars.
Perspective is Everything
Now don’t be fooled, perspective is everything in astrology. So while it’s true that Mercury’s backward motion is not an actual celestial occurrence, that doesn’t mean Mercury retrograde is not a powerful astrological influence. We all know it is. What I think many of us don’t realize, however, is that it’s not a negative one. But then, I have always believed we practice astrology backwards (you know, by focusing more on the effects of certain astrological influences in our lives, rather than the universal purpose for them). Ironically (when it comes to Mercury retrograde), I’m convinced our perspective couldn’t be more backward, because when it comes to this particular heavenly happening, the hype couldn’t be more negative. I mean really. We’re told not to buy, not to sign, not to fly, not to call, but most of all during these three weeks, we’re told not to expect anything other than frustrating setbacks and irritating snafus. So we don’t. What’s more, we go out of our way to make sure we stay out of Mercury’s way while never once wondering why it spends 21 days “pretending” to go out of its way for us. We count the days until it goes direct, believing that when it does, having dodged the “retrograde bullet,” our lives (and Internet access) will return to normal, and we’ll be back at the top of our intellectual game once again. I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, as a practicing astrologer who is no stranger to the astrological whims and antics of Mercury (Gemini Sun, rising Virgo), it’s both my professional opinion and my personal experience that Mercury retrograde gets an incredibly overblown and equally undeserved rap, mostly because after years of being on the receiving end of it (and anything else this planet has to offer), I now know better. This is one universal influence that is not only highly misunderstood, but thanks to the astrological “Chicken Little effect,” sadly underused. Then again, with half the population hiding under their beds every 88 days, how could it not be?

So how do we move past the “run for cover” rhetoric of Mercury retrograde and make it work for us? By fighting fire with astrological fire and changing our perspective on what this influence does to us. In fact, if there’s one way to turn the universal tables on Mercury retrograde, it would have to be by looking beyond the dropped calls and lost baggage we’re convinced it creates, and instead focusing on its primary purpose for being at the universal table to begin with. So what would that be? What universal purpose could this astrological planet of communications and networking possibly serve by “appearing” to travel backwards in the heavens for 21 days out of every 88-day orbit? Good question, but the way I see it, only one answer: Mercury retrograde is the astrological influence that “cosmically” revisits, retrieves, and reveals everything that managed to elude our conscious awareness in the preceding 88 days, because its one universal purpose is to provide us with an opportunity to discover anything that actually did. Think about that for a minute, because once you do Mercury retrograde becomes more than just an astrological excuse for all the less than perfect data, communications, and merchandise that we can’t help but encounter during that dreaded three-week period. A lot more. It becomes what I believe it has always been since the beginning of time: a universal instrument for bringing them to our attention. In short, that intellectual “second chance” we all yearn for to go back and find the facts, after the fact.
Annoying Inconveniences?
That being the case, is it any wonder then that unforeseen delays, unknown defects, and unlimited do-overs are part of the Mercury retrograde big picture? It shouldn’t be. Not when we look at the entire picture from the right perspective, because once we do, we can’t help but see these things for what they really are: annoying inconveniences. The kind that always comes with unexpected findings. So when the new toaster has to be returned or the flight home has to be cancelled, wouldn’t it make more sense to pay more attention to the actual data, words, thoughts, or individuals that suddenly emerged and caused those things to happen? Or better yet, to what could have happened if they hadn’t emerged when they did? Besides, when anything unknown finally makes its way to the 11th hour surface of our 10th hour conscious awareness, how could that not be a good thing? It can’t. Even if we’re not prepared for it.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should be signing major contracts or getting married when Mercury goes retrograde. Come on, if you've been paying attention you know by now that this particular influence is our universal “recall,” the one that provokes anything hidden to rear its ugly head. So until it passes and Mercury goes direct, there’s bound to be fallout. But here’s the thing: whatever that ugly “head” is, you really do want to know about it. You just don’t want to be committed to it before you do, which is exactly why the “hiding under the bed” solution to Mercury retrograde is really no solution at all. It’s also why I believe this is not just a great time to go looking for the perfect partner, but the perfect time to actually find the right one. In fact, I personally encourage everyone in general, and women in particular, to use the powers of Mercury retrograde for just such a purpose. Why? Because if you’re out there actively looking for “Mr. Right” during these 21 days, one thing’s for sure: he can run, but he can’t hide. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, neither can “Mr. Nobody,” “Mr. Wrong,” and “Mr. Loser.” This is really a whole lot better than it sounds, because while it does mean you might have to deal with every Tom, Dick, and Harry stumbling across your radar screen during a retrograde happy hour, it also means you’ll never have to worry about any Moe, Larry, or Curly sneaking under it. It just can’t happen when this little planet is out there leaving no stone unturned and no punch un-pulled. Mostly because when it is, we can’t help but find, learn, and see something that we might have missed before. Or, for that matter, already did. Which makes the truth of the Mercury retrograde matter really quite simple: the trivial frustrations we’re forced to deal with when concealed information comes to our attention always pale in comparison to the intellectual power that becomes available to us whenever it does. Always.
Discovering Hidden Information
I don’t know about you, but I can live with that. In fact, because I do, I’ve learned to work with it as well, and quite effectively. What's more, based on that personal experience, in my humble opinion, there is really no better time to uncover elusive information, find lost articles, or learn what you absolutely need to know than when this little planet is doing it’s dreaded "backstroke" through the universe. Really. In fact, for that very reason I now use those three weeks for that very purpose: uncovering information that’s been eluding me, understanding concepts that have been escaping me, or discovering hidden sources that were unknown to me. Not to mention the even more critical ones, like finding that perfect kitchen wallpaper, locating that lost set of keys, or “accidentally” running into those otherwise normally tight-lipped individuals who at this particular time (through no fault of their own) just can’t, don’t, or won’t keep a secret (pay dirt). After all, it goes without saying that during this particular three-week period, nothing goes without saying. Nothing. However, by just being aware of that, I have found that you’re a lot more likely to get the scoop you’re looking for and a lot less likely to spill your own guilty guts while you’re looking for it. Still, you’d be wise to always keep a few well-polished apologies handy during this period and even wiser to never hit the “send” button without verifying exactly whom you’re sending what to (it happens). As far as I’m concerned, a small price to pay for all the power that’s up for grabs. The power that comes with being “in the know.”

So how can we harness it? For starters, we can put this untapped celestial search engine to good use. If Mercury’s primary universal purpose is to teach us that knowledge is power, doesn’t it make sense that it only goes retrograde to remind us that ignorance is not bliss? It does to me, which is why I make a checklist of "Things-I-Absolutely-Need-To-Know” for each Mercury “rewind.” Trust me, you should too. It’s as effective as it is empowering. In fact, the next time Mercury goes retrograde, why not throw a little cosmic caution to the wind and get out from under that bed and start looking for something. Anything. In fact, start looking for everything you’ve never been able to find on those seemingly perfect “direct days.” You’ve got nothing to lose. Literally. Not only will you find what you’re looking for, I’m willing to bet you’ll find what you didn’t know you lost. Or better yet, what you didn’t know you even wanted (real pay dirt!). Sound crazy? Possibly. I may be the only Gemini Sun with a rising Virgo who actually sees Mercury retrograde as a period of empowering enlightenment, not debilitating disaster. Then again, I may be the only one out there looking for wallpaper.
This is the end of the article.

Go Forward Marguerite hosts her popular on line radio program every other Wednesday at 7PM, “Therapy For The Soul” with Marguerite Manning.
This article was originally published by The Llewellyn Journal, an excellent publication that is well worth a look!
COPYRIGHT 2008, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. All rights reserved.