Material World at Mass Moca

The exhibition "Material World" consisted of massive installations by seven artists that totally transformed the gallery space using huge quantities of materials such as ropes, paper, aluminum, etc.  The fact that some of the installations were a bit deja vues didn't make them less impressive:

Orly Genger (b.1979) - Big Boss - Rope & paint

Wade Kavanaugh and Stephen B. Nguyen (b. 1979 & 1976) - White Stag - Paper & wood:

Tobiah Putrih (b.1972), Re-projection: Hoosac, Monofilament & spotlights:

Alyson Shotz (b. 1974) - The Geometry of light- Plastic Fresnel lens sheets, silvered glass beads and stainless steel wire:



Read more about the exhibition and artists here.

There also was a great exhibition / installation of Petah Coyne's work but you couldn't take pictures so you'll have to go see for yourself.. Here's just a taste to give you an idea:

  

Escaping the Snow at Porches and Mass Moca

As Boston was getting hit by the snow storm, we "escaped" and drove to North Adams in Western Mass, to stay at the lovely lovely Porches Inn right across from Mass Moca.

As you can see, it wasn't quite an escape from the snow but what a great place to be snow bound.. Stay tuned for a post on the art we got to see..

Getting ready for Christmas

Walk in Belle Isle

Harvard Square Christmas lights

Our very first Christmas stockings..

Wishing you all a very joyful and peaceful Christmas...

Peeved...

I got the message... no homemade sweater for Lucy Lu... (or maybe it's just the color she didn't like???)

Rumi and Whirling Dervishes

After a mini breakdown in the midst of Christmas shopping (on a Saturday afternoon mind you, what was I thinking..), I listened to this program on Rumi on Being and  watched these amazing whirling dervishes:

They'll make you dizzy but not in the same way that Christmas shopping does..

Sasakawa Kenichi Glass Vessel

To make you gasp...

"Utsuwagata", glass, 2 3/4"h x 1 1/2" dia.


Yes, it is glass... I want it. Too bad I missed the show at the Keiko Gallery last month.  You can see more of Sasakawa's work on her website but that's truly my favorite.

Judith Scott Fiber Sculptures

I am feeling a bit in a creative rut these days so as usual, I turn towards long standing favorite artists of mine for inspiration.  Outsider artist Judith Scott (1943-2005) is one of them.

You can read about Judith's interesting story here, or get the book "Metamorphosis" by John MacGregor at Creative Growth, which is an amazing place that works with artists with disabilities and where she practiced her art. I strongly recommend a visit when in the Oakland area, it's truly an inspiring place.

I bet you don't have nice Christmas lights like this in your neck of the woods

And nothing such as going out at night to take pictures of Christmas decorations in a brutal 18 degrees weather..  HoHoHo!!

As you can see, there's no sparing of electricity. Inflatable is definitely in, along with giant snow globes. And so are candy canes and presents.

So get on it... If you find better decorations than those, send them over and I'll post them but I bet you'll have a hard time.. we take it very seriously around it :)

All pictures from Chelsea & Revere (MA) neighborhood - taken during a 45 minutes tour - density is definitely an awe factor..