Studio of Hand-Krafted Art

"... RED ..."

2011-02-02T08:40:00.001-05:00

Meant to post this last year when ii received the go-ahead but wanted to wait for some kind of divine sign that ii wouldn't "f" it up before it got out of the gate (things have a way of not working out for me even though ii am positive that they will).

A book in which ii illustrated and wrote for children will be published later this year - HOPEFULLY!

Presently, working on re-designing the main character, location, and "voice" (the former is a recent addition to the "few" things ii have to change to make it publishable in the eyes of the book gods) ... but NO COMPLAINTS ... it IS a wonderful opportunity to have my book piublished (and a CALDECOTT and PULITZER are just around the corner ... and down the street ... and up the hill :-).

If interested, ii will post before/after/during pics of the process ... but please let me know for it is a time-comsuming endeavor and ii suck at (personal) time-management.

5th ANNUAL SANTA SPEEDO SPRINT

2010-12-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

THREADLESS and Thread Full

2010-10-31T03:42:00.001-04:00

Yet another social address in which to peruse my art-like crap (specifically cartoony and comic-inspired designs for t-shirts). Join THREADLESS.COM and vote on ur fave designs to be printed and help the artist earn some much-needed mun-nay (moola, cash, bills, yadda). ii am kobraKHAI over there and would love for you to visit.

Designs will be uploaded starting early next year (my goal is to design something for every 7-day cycle ... wish me luck but don't hold ur breath :-)!

The UNDEAD Show @ The UAG (part 1 of 2)

2010-10-16T22:55:00.001-04:00

The UNDEAD Show @ The UAG (part 2 of 2)

2010-10-16T22:55:00.000-04:00

EYESHADOW & PAPER EXPLORATIONS

2010-09-09T02:50:00.001-04:00

These are some of my original artworks
that hung in the Side Room of the UAG Gallery
for the "Members Only" Show last month.

They are Mixed Media/Paper Collages, mostly,
utilizing eyeshadow for shading.

"Sophia's Moon"

"Tasty" "I Believe In Angels - I"

"Fearless"

"With These Wings"

"I Believe In Angels - II"

The UAG MEMBERS ONLY Show - 2010 (1/3)

2010-08-09T01:41:00.000-04:00

The UAG MEMBERS ONLY Show - 2010 (2/3)

2010-08-09T01:40:00.001-04:00

The UAG MEMBERS ONLY Show - 2010 (3/3)

2010-08-09T01:40:00.000-04:00

FIRST FRIDAY FRENZY

2010-06-07T18:58:00.023-04:00

All the world was abuzz (or at the very least, Albany was)

when the (un)official start of every month happens:

in these parts it 's called 1st Friday and that day was this past F'day,
the 4th of June.

During this time of year there's more sun, more heat, more art, and most importantly,

more patrons who appreciate that art.

II, personally, made my way to three different locations to
document the festivities and only ran out of gas when
my batteries ceased to work.

1. The UAG - 247 Lark Street

2. The WINE BAR & BISTRO - 200 Lark Street
TOMMY WATKINS (below), one of my faves, is the Featured Artist.

3. 4 CENTRAL AVENUE

photos/text/video (c) kvkhai 2010

OUTSIDE THE CLEF

2010-06-04T02:57:00.000-04:00

NEW BLOG: Outside The Clef is about live music reviews (mostly rock, some classic,

and other types of audio delights)!

Thank you and ROCK ON!!! ( :-D)

maRia aRistidou Haute Couture

2010-05-24T01:29:00.000-04:00

Lark Tavern BENEFIT.wmv

2010-05-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - May 7th: "Fearless"

2010-05-11T21:24:00.009-04:00

"painted" with eyeshadow, outlined w/ pencil on 80lb
drawing/copy paper.

THE "YELLOW" SHOW at the UAG

2010-05-09T23:02:00.003-04:00

This month, the UAG (247 Lark Street, Albany, NY) plays host to the color YELLOW. The exhibit opened on First Friday, May 7 and will end the 28th. Come down and support the artists, gallery and community ... all support is greatly appreciated ... we thank you!!

"BEE TRUE ... " (sold)

2010-05-08T04:16:00.000-04:00

This Paper Collage piece SOLD on 1st Friday, 7 May ... THANK YOU!

SPRING ... Woo Hoo!!

2010-03-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Winter has been licked and SPRING has Sprung ...

three cheers for the extra daylight!!

(discard the "yummy" part).

Illustration Friday: SUBTERRANEAN

2010-03-16T15:20:00.003-04:00

I have known of Illustration Friday for awhile but have yet to participate ... until now. Starting with last Friday's prompt, "Subterranean", I will, hopefully, continue to join in the fun of creating art on a whim.

The following is a piece painted with acrylics and outlined with marker on watercolor paper:

THE THIRD TUESDAY

2010-02-21T11:45:00.004-05:00

This past Tuesday, the 16th, was an exciting night at the gallery. Not only did Mother Nature bless us with a delicate and fantastical snowfall as beautiful as any princess's dream, the Albany Spiritual Seekers blessed the space with their presence and brought along some special guests for the evening: James Etsitty, Jr., a traditional Navajo Medicine Man (accompanied by his brother) and Award-winning Filmmaker, Fidel Moreno, who screened a film in which he produced and directed.

The evening included discussions/conversations/questions on "life purpose, soul contract, love and partnership" which were conducted in a traditional talking circle (a beautifully hand-crafted cane was passed to each person and when they held the cane, it was at that time they could ask a question or make a statement - everyone was courteous and no one spoke out of turn). In addition, the brothers drummed one of their Navajo prayers/songs and it was AWESOME!!

There was a tiny "marketplace" in which original jewelry, books, cds and other lovelies were sold.

Snacks, cider and coffee were served, but mostly, the serving of positive energy was, truly, the fulfilling meal.

Take pleasure in the pics and vids that follow:

THE THIRD TUESDAY (con't ...)

2010-02-21T11:19:00.002-05:00

Here are the not-so-great videos of that night:

1. Introduction & 2. Fodder ...

DaNDieS At DuSK

2010-02-19T10:02:00.014-05:00

These were taken at the Washington and Lark Street Intersection in lovely Albany, New York:

1. The Armory (classic lines with a modern flair), 2. fire escape (I love this perspective), & 3. mailbox and pipe (they've been keeping each other company for a long, long time).

OPEN MIC-RONISM

2010-02-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

Braving shrink-your-balls weather (even those without balls ... had them shrink, fall off, and roll away), a heartily determined small group of word lovers left the freezing temps outside and gathered in the warm air of the UAG Gallery to hear a trio of poets from Albany Poets recite their written work: Chris Brozek and Co-Presidents of the Hudson Valley Writers' Guild, Carolee Sherwood & Jill Crammond Wickham.

I, being of not-so-sound mind and delusions of impending greatness, made an attempt to record the festivities but, as you will see, fell short of completing that task to the best of my camera's ability (please forgive her - her name is "Camera D. Ass", just so you know ... she does make a gallant effort to record sound in which one can hear clearly - but she laughs in your face at your obvious ignorance to think that that is a given ... and on occasion, she does take a quality pic, however, that is only "on occasion" and at her discretion).

Please enjoy the video, anyway :-)

ONE TWELTH and COUNTING

2010-01-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

Okay,

January is nearly over

and

ii'd like to know what you have done, thus far,

to improve your life and make 2010 a successful one?

What have ii done?

You first (;-D) ...

MOONLIGHT FLIGHTS

2009-12-08T11:23:00.000-05:00

These pieces were made to give a refreshingly, cool winter feel to your day. Albeit, they also showcase the promise of spring-to-come and the beauty hidden just beyond the light of the moon (please, stop the madness) ...

Painted with Acrylics on Handmade Watercolor Paper.

FIRST On The CONCOURSE

2009-12-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

For a couple of months during the summer, as you may know, i was graciously invited to showcase my art/craftwork (with Cynthia in tow) at the Empire State on the Plaza. I was back again but with the drop in temperature, i was moved inside to the Concourse (off of Madison). Three tables were set aside for me (2 for yours truly and one for Cynthia) but sadly, she was not able to make it and my assistant was a last minute no-show so i was there all by my lonesome.
I was in area that did not get much traffic and later found out that Fridays are usually slow. Besides, the annual tree-lighting ceremony is to take place tomorrow and i'm not invited to that event (boo hoo) and that's when the crowds will descend.
Didn't think it looked good having an empty table but i made the best of it and used both of mine to full capacity (one table had original and printed art and the other held jewelry):

I sold three pieces but only have a close-up of this particular choker that was a favorite of mine and the lady who purchased it for herself:

She also bought a bracelet for her daughter and another patron purchased a necklace.

This was my last official show of the year but i will be displaying/selling some of the work shown at the gallery. Plus, five of my Mixed Media Butterflies pieces were excepted into this month's exhibit ("Small Works").

Hope to see you there ...

2009-11-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a drawing i originally began in 2004 but just added final details a couple of weeks ago (the original is gray-toned done in charcoal and pencil but i like the feel of the blue hue):

This image will be printed in the original coloring and appear as magnets (2"x3") to be sold for $3/piece at the UAG Gallery on Lark Street until the end of the year. Come on down to see some wonderful art (current exhibit: "Fresh Produce"), make a donation and buy a magnet for the metal in your life.

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

2009-11-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

Something new is on the horizon for the UAG as the gallery welcomes, for the first of hope-to-be-many times, the Albany Spiritual Seekers.

Organized by Lisa Jane (Shadow Walker - pictured above) and Tammy Lynn (left), this scheduled gathering is for those seeking a higher sense of being. No matter your religion, sex, or size, all are welcome to explore one's own spirituality and do it with those that are open-minded, positive and loving.
Just one caveat: leave your negativity behind ... and bring a snack ;-D

Up-coming
meetings will be held the third Tuesdays of
December, 2009 (15th) and Jaunary 19, 2010 from 6-9pm at 247 Lark Street in beautiful Downtown Albany, New York.

Just so you know - Pagan, Native American, and/or Wiccan, are among a few of the ideologies discussed and/or practiced.

ONE BUSY BEE - but NOT ME

2009-11-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

Cynthia has learned a new craft and has been getting to know the ins and outs of air-dry clay. She was excited and began experimenting and after a few mishaps and total losses (she recently had a car accident in which the first masks she made were destroyed because they were in her trunk - or backseat - i forget - but she is fine) she has more than risen to the occasion. She has been making masks all on her own and here are a few new pieces ...

... in addition to some lovely, lovely jewelry (she gets better and better).

Now, if i could just get her to learn glass-blowing so i don't have to ;-D

TROY NIGHT OUT is NOT IN

2009-10-30T08:18:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, TNO will not take place this month (made a few Halloweeny things specifically for this show). But not to worry, for certain jewelry pieces ('pires, pumpkins and bats, oh my) will be rerouted to the gallery.

HAVE A SAFE AND GHOULISH HALLOW'S EVE !!!

MOODY, MOODY MOON

2009-10-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

With Halloween plus a full moon looming (and my psychosis at bay),
i have finished the following:

I was initially going to render it in complete color but decided against it. It was scanned, professionally printed in blue tones and
made into a few magnets
(which can be purchased at the UAG Gallery,
247 Lark Street, Albany, New York
until the end of this year for $3/piece).

BUSY, BUSY, BEE

2009-10-17T06:58:00.000-04:00

If ever a great visionary, relentless go-getter, and/or an enthusiastic starter were needed, then i am your gal. But if your expectations would encompass me finishing anything in a timely matter ... then ... um, well ...

I am a passionate yet sensitive - egad - person who has a plethora of projects that begin with a bang but, somehow, fizzle and die before they come to full fruition.
Don't be fooled, i still manage to get a lot done (but not the amount that's necessary).
I usually fill my time by helping others start and complete their work but from this point on (starting tomorrow - or better yet, next month) i promise to put my projects first. Maybe.

So far, i've completed my mixed media butterfly series (nine 5"x5" canvas pieces - see a sample a few posts below) that will be on display at the UAG for the "Small Works" Show in December. In addition, finished some more jewelry, specifically necklaces, to sell at the Plaza, Troy Night Out and the gallery.

Made a bunch of small origami gift boxes for St. Rose and donated the leftovers (about 10 pieces) to the UAG (to help with some of the fund raising). Also, completed the initial design for the signature bag.

But these things, among others, need some attention: the dot com, the etsy's, the goth line, my writing of entries, you tube, artwork, grant applications, cleaning, organizing, purchasing a new camera, implant, invite, indigo ...

MAKING MERRY and MAYHEM at the MIC

2009-10-11T06:08:00.000-04:00

My camera woes, notwithstanding, i only managed a couple of pics from this past Friday's Open Mic sponsored by AlbanyPoets.com and captured my dear friend - awesome writer Cynthia Solywoda - during her reading of an original song titled "Sweet Jane's Descent".

More about that night can be found here: TheWrittenArtStudio.blogspot.com

larkFESTation

2009-09-28T04:52:00.000-04:00

Well, the 19th has come to pass and the heavens are great-full (and so am i) ...

A beautiful, yet slightly chilly, late summer day was greatly enhanced by this annual festival that encouraged all people, be they borderline-sane or recently-escaped patients, to come together and make crafts, appreciate art, and gorge on anything rapped in a bun.
WHAT FUNNN :-D!!!

Okay, here was my day in a nutshell: 1. though i live only ten blocks away from where i had to be, i decided to splurge on a cab since i had product for the gallery (UAG at 247 Lark Street ... just in case you didn't know) and i wanted to arrive as sweat/anxiety-free as possible but all streets within six blocks of my destination were all blocked so my cab dropped me off and i wound up walking most of the way anyhow; 2. i twisted my ankle whilst admiring the natural state of the world (ie: was looking up when i should've been looking down); 3. was sweating like a stuffed sow in a sauna (please, no jokes); 4. my anxiety kicked-in (oh, happy, happy day); 5. when i got to the craft area, only the tables/chairs were set out but the tent was not up; 6. had to make my way through crowds to retrieve materials and supplies for the craft-making extravaganza; 7. was asked to man two craft tables - my original: dream catchers and an additional: jewelry making - since the jewelry maker was a no-show (i happily accepted - what an idiot).
i was busy from 11am to 4pm with no break (my choice - i fear that if i were to take a break, i would break away and never return ... never, ever ... ever). My tables were never empty of willing participants and were at every moment filled to capacity (after 2 o'clock, i ran out of dream catcher supplies so the jewelry-making was the last craft standing - or sitting and i have blisters on my ass to prove it). People love to craft, i guess, and in spite of the festival, i still love it, too.
Heard that Moby was at the festival but ...
Promptly went to UAG and opened the gallery until about 8 and was able to sell a few things that would not've been sold (it's usually closed in the evening during the festival).
All-in-all, it was a good day and i might do it next year.

Sorry, no pics because i had no camera, no batteries, no energy, no desire, no time (you get the point ;-)

POETS PRODUCE PASSIONATE PROSE at The UAG

2009-09-12T10:34:00.000-04:00

The writers from Albany Poets returned to the Upstate Artists Guild and for the entire fall season will headline OPEN MIC NIGHT the second Fridays at the gallery (247 Lark Street, Albany, NY) until the end of December.
More in depth coverage with pictures, dates, and times can be found on my sister blog: The Written Art Studio.

A New BOOB On The TUBE

2009-08-14T16:52:00.000-04:00

A quick note:
I'm back on YOUTUBE and my addy is www.youtube.com/handkraftedartstudio.
I am new to making, editing and uploading videos so be gentle.

Here's a taste:

Until Then ...

2009-06-10T16:38:00.000-04:00

See you guys on the 19th of September for LARKFEST which promises to be even more exciting than Art On Lark (I dunno how but we'll soon see) ... and yes, I'll be "teaching" another craft to unsuspecting people at that event, too.
Until then ...Make ART, BUY Art, and APPRECIATE THE GIFT!!!

A Spark On LARK

2009-06-10T15:26:00.000-04:00

Albany's Lark Street was all a creative flutter this past Saturday, the 6th, when the world descended on her for the annual ART On LARK which showcased and taught various artsy, crafty and fun-filled events to people from two to a 100 & 2. There were billions and billions of patrons - my numbers may be slightly off ;-D - who made this extravaganza a resounding success!!
Yours truly didn't get a chance to take in all that was offered for I was teaching (the term is used lightly) in the Creative Chaos Zone all willing bodies how to make Dream Catchers - something I haven't made since I was a wee one - but the teaching and learning went on without a hitch and alot of beautiful dream catchers were made by alot of wonderful kids (and their adults).
Here are some pictures I took after my crafting time came to an end (around 5pm) ... enjoy:

FIRST FRIDAY FRENZY

2009-06-06T02:06:00.000-04:00

June is here and I'm feeling fine (well, pretty damn okay)!

I dragged my lazy butt off to First Friday at the UAG Gallery - host of this month's People's Choice Exhibit which runs from tonight until June 26th, 2009 - and I'm a better person for it.

What do you get when you mix super-pretty people, wonderfully delightful weather, awesomely diverse art and free finger food??? You get a helluva a party to welcome in a very highly-anticipated show and a promising weekend (ART On LARK is tomorrow)! Here are a plethora of pictures showcasing some of the happy souls that made the night a resounding success (more than 6oo and 70 of them) followed by some of that awesomely diverse artwork:

AS MAY SLIPS AWAY

2009-05-31T03:22:00.000-04:00

How did I let May slip away? Unfortunately, it was not hard at all.

Its departure will be a sad one for I am no closer to finishing certain projects than I was when it arrived. Boo Hoo! Ill feelings, ill nest and the unrealistic goal to be "perfect" have sidelined me for its duration (I missed the annual Tulip Festival, First Friday, two stage plays, three movies, a picnic, a dinner and a couple of deadlines) . Boo Hoo Hoo!!
But June will be here soon and I am all aflutter. I am renewed with vigor , hope and high doses of green tea and will be soon posting my latest creative endeavors (although my camera is still not with its mother, I shall persevere).

Upward, onward and beyond :-D ...

FIBRE FILL FABULOUS

2009-04-17T00:12:00.000-04:00

My organic fiber stuffing is finally here (but my camera isn't so no pics until later) ... now many wonderfully, sustainable plushies can be born - WOO HOO! But not until I finish that pie ...

NEW BLOG ALERT

2009-04-13T01:13:00.000-04:00

I've been saying I'm a writer in addition to being an artist/designer but my pen has been on sabbatical ... but now it's time for it to get back to work! Check out my writer's blog - TheWrittenArtStudio.blogspot.com - for my journey into, out of and around the world of the overly-written diatribic, poetic monologues produced by those anti-social, overly-psychotic creative types (got you curious, didn't I ;-D)?
Okay, okay - it'll mostly be about me and my own written crap!

HAPPY, HOPPY HOLIDAY (& PASSOVER, too)

2009-04-12T23:14:00.000-04:00

Here is the preliminary drawing (from Bri and I) for "Bumble Bunny" of the aforementioned Tumble, Bumble, and Bee. More critters are to come but, in the meantime, here she is in almost all her glory and she wishes you a very Hoppy Holiday (corny, I know, but I'm allowed - it's Easter (:-D)!

FIBRE FABULOUS

2009-04-05T00:49:00.000-04:00

Missed April's First Friday but here's the info for this month's exhibit titled LOOSE THREADS -

This is a great month to finally get out - if you haven't already - and enjoy the sunny but chilly weather and wrap yourself up in these beautiful works of art. Hurry in for the show will be laundered on the 24th of April, 2009 (not "8" like the flier says).

And no, I don't have anything exhibited this month ... I could kick myself since I mostly work with fabrics. Maybe by the next exhibit, I'll be ready with a masterpiece (highly doubtful, tho') ...

say chee - zee!!

NEW SITES TO FILL

2009-03-31T22:18:00.000-04:00

Once I get my head straight, my fingers moving and my ass of the coach, I'm gonna make something great for my own shops.

But until then, I'll be helping others fill their coffers with splendid, eco-friendly, wonderfully-crafted products for their stores: Abrielle is working on her own ETSY shop (TumbleBumbleandBee.etsy.com) which she'll officially launch in June. Since she helps me doing mundane things like loading, scanning and taking pics, I'll do the same for her (within reason, of course) and will also be making some of the plushies she's planning to sell. She actually loved the sock monkeys I did for Namalia and wants me to make some for her but with different colored/designed socks (she must not've gotten my memo about "no more sock monkeys" :-O). And I'll be making some fashion accessories for her ultra ego "GiGi" under GiGi Confidential (BLOGSPOT and ETSY).
Lisa Jane is "missing in action" and took a job down south so we do all of our business through wire connections though I have to catch her up with store happenings.
Cynthia - dear, dear Luna-C - will finally be out of school in about six weeks and will have more time to make those gorgeously intricate bracelets and necklaces. She will also be designing, with yours truly, a line of cross-stitch kits and continuing her writing (as I, also, should).
And I'm thinking of joining a committee for the UAG Gallery to offer more help where needed.

Okay, now back to my own work ...

TNO not TKO

2009-03-28T04:03:00.000-04:00

I was trying to talk myself out of going and would've succeeded if it had not been for Cynthia ... I gave her my word and she was looking forward to TROY NIGHT OUT so we set sail and only got to the space (on the corner, a couple of doors down from the previous spot) a few minutes late (remember the timing fiasco of the first go-round?).

And we're both glad that we went: It started off slow but the weather was lovely and light and the foot-traffic was heavy and agreeable. There was a live band (does two warblers - not the birds - make a "band"?) who sang a bevy of songs from an Irish repretoire for the duration of the show (5-9pm) ... liked them alot but their speakers were quite loud and that impeded my complete enjoyment (the C concurred). Well, to make this as short as possible, a few jewelry pieces were sold (a couple of Cynthia's necklaces, a couple of my bracelet sets and a locket necklace) ... it was only pocket change but our pockets were quite happy (and it didn't hurt or confidence either [-:).

Sorry, didn't get pics of C's, but here's the necklace that was sold:

The bracelet sets that were sold were partially made from beads recycled from glass bottles (btw, you can see a few samples of my weightier recycled glass bracelets in the shop - http://EcoEmporium.etsy.com/ - try to find them among the avalanche of commercial patterns).

The next TNO should be held the last Friday of next month but that's up-in-the-air because our normal spaces are housed in buildings that were recently sold (hopefully, to an art-loving patron ;-D) ... will keep you posted.

~ Kava

KINDA LOST & SORTA FOUND but STILL ROUND

2009-03-24T06:33:00.000-04:00

OMG!!!

A long-lost and very dear friend has found me!

My good friend Lissette and I came of age on the streets of New York and the beaches of Florida (some good times though mostly bad) and lost contact over the years (it happens to the best of us). I've also been found by her sister, Geovanna, who became a confidant for me when I lost touch with Lissette. Mixed emotions but happier than a fig trapped in a newton.

I must go and cry now ... from sheer joy, no doubt [-;!

GETTING BACK TO BASICS

2009-03-21T03:22:00.000-04:00

I must tie myself down and create some work of my own ... gotta get back to my therapeutic basics like drawing, painting, sewing, designing, illustrating, and writing (forgive me if I omitted anything).

But I must prepare for the next TROY NIGHT OUT (Friday - 27 March, '09) and all of my energy and preparation is being spent on that upcoming art show in which Cynthia will accompany me. She will be selling her gorgeously intricate jewelry and I'll be selling some prints from past works and jewelry pieces of my own.

Also, trying to keep http://EcoEmporium.etsy.com/ afloat is more difficult than expected. The idea is to have anything that is sold in that "store" NOT to imprint this world any further than it has already been: Recylables, upcyclables, the reclaimed, organic and toxic-free, etc. will all be included. But, sometimes, these things are more expensive to produce and you have to take the word of others that these materials, supplies, et al. are what they're labeled. Speaking of which, am now waiting on delivery of my organic, bamboo fiber filling for all the plush animals and dolls I "dream" of making :-D (but being a procrastinator doesn't help D-:) .

Stay tuned ...

POETS & MUSIC

2009-03-15T02:23:00.000-04:00

Last night and this evening found me at the Gallery where I was the shepherd of poetic and musical flocks.

FRIDAY, the 13th:

Amy HALLORAN and Matthew KLANE were the featured poets of the night and they got the ball rolling for an evening of sheer entertainment.

Miss Halloran delivered her pieces with a fantastical, quasi-melodramatic yet very humorous diatribe-ick (dare I say) slant that left me pondering, laughing, and wanting more.

Mr. Klane, on the other-hand, should've gone before Amy for his reading erased all light and laughter Miss Halloran's had so graciously instilled. His piece (or pieces - it was hard to tell where it all began and ended) was served in a melancholic monotone of measured pauses between each and every word, sentence, and thought. I was almost comatose. Not only that, they were very dark, negative and - dare I say - powerful? Powerful in the sense that I felt the need to go back on the meds and was very thankful there wasn't a ledge at arm's length!

Now onto noisier enter-containment ... Five extremely audible but innovative new-age, alternative, left-wing, yadda, yadda, yadda rock bands played: 1. Grab Ass Cowboys, 2. Ghoul Poon (my favorite - believe it or not), 3. Coma, 4. Severe, Severe and 5. Human Host.

SATURDAY:

Not to be outdone by the rock bands, the hip-hop, classic rap and dance bands blew it up tonight: 1. Prayers For Atheists (pleasantly surprised by how entertained I was - very slam poetic, set to contemporary but retro-induced dance beats), 2. B. Dolan (spoken word - though I laughed my booty off, I "hated" his rant about J. Timberlake), 3. MC Graffiti (see below), 4. Unsound Mind and 5. Sapient.

Though I couldn't stay for the whole thing (because I'm tired, in pain and broke), I enjoyed what the night allowed me to experience and that experience would've been more painful if it had not been for my favorite rapper of all time ... drum roll, pleeeeease ... MC GRAFFITI (notice the clear pic of him and of no one else [-:)!

MC GRAFFITI

(he can't be all that bad for he also appreciates the genius that is MIKE SHINODA)

Note to self: please make arrangements to get Mr. S & MC G together because they'll make some of the greatest , new music this mill - oh, and the opportunity to fondle Mr. S wouldn't hurt either ;-D).

THANKS A MILLION to NaNa for her company at the Gallery and to Cynthia for picking me up in a pinch - luv ya, guys!!!

SO MANY ISSUES

2009-03-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I missed the opening reception for this month's exhibit because

I've been busy, busy, busy with other endeavors.

So, today I ventured to the gallery (I was scheduled to sit) and took a quick peak at the work on display and here's an overview: ISSUES ...

As a whole, we were burdened with personal and social issues before the winter settled upon our shoulders, adding to the strife and that verboten feeling of helplessness. But now that the spring is upon us, we can shake off those monkeys and instead of shoveling the snow from our walkways, we can begin to shovel the crap from our lives.

Let's begin with those morons ... ah, I mean, those well-intended, morally-sounded patrons of the people ;-O ... in Washington who strive to stimulate those who haven't been stimulated in a long, long while.

And what better way to begin that process of inappropriate touching than this exhibit? There is none, I tell you, NONE!

This goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway: This month's art is on point and the artists, themselves, have an innate ability to showcase, succinctly, what we all feel at one time or other.

CHECKOUT: Gary Masline's take on a true vampiress (hee hee - you're gonna luv it)!

NEWLY ACQUIRED:

2009-02-28T13:07:00.000-05:00

Since this past January, I have enjoyed the readings of various poets who've come to the UAG Gallery to perform their written words for many admirers (myself, included). And to show my appreciation, I have purchased a few of their chapbooks.

Miriam Axel-Lute was featured last month and I, not only enjoyed, but was empathetic to her take on social depravity, gender ideologies, and relational divides. Almost any female could find pride in herself by weaving in and out of Axel-Lute's Saved By The Word's maze of gender quality AND equality. Also, the title piece, Packing To Stay, made me want to stay, and then leave, and then stay where I was left - hard to explain, so I won't even try ;-].

The following were featured poets for Friday, 27 February, 2009:

Matt Galletta is charming, easy on the eyes, to-the-point, and quite funny. And his poetry does not betray these first and continuing impressions. A simple yet tightly-woven piece was Nothing was ever certain with her; and Homecoming was calm but surprisingly sad.

Margot Malia Lynch should package herself and be sold as "Best Friend In A Bottle" because her zest and exuberance for art, poetry, music, and life is contagious. A multi-talented ingenue - in the true sense of the word - for she actually "performed" her piece with flute-playing, singing and in a harmonious and rhythmic speak. I was partial to Merwoman because I love to draw, paint and create mermaids. And Superwoman is a must-read.

Have yet to listen to her CD, Lava Moon, but I look forward to it.

~ Kava

IS THIS MIC ON?

2009-02-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

Artists of the written word came to the gallery during

OPEN MIC NIGHT

to beguile those in need of beguiling.

Friday, the 13th, was not as frightening as it would've been had it not been for the local poets and the president of AlbanyPoets.com, Thom Francis, and their unfletching generosity to share what so few like to share: one's deepest thoughts on love, pain and regret. Mostly love, though, since this was A Valentine's Day - Love Poem event. People, including yours truly, came from near and even nearer and packed into 247 Lark Street to hear what these poets had to say. And boy, did they have alot of "lovely" things to say ...

Matt DE JOSEPH

MATT Galletta

DAN Stalter

Harvey HAVEL

SEAN Gallagher

Dan WILCOX

RM Engelhardt

Brigid SCHMIDT

Dominick RIZZO

THOM Francis

And, indeed, I was beguiled, as I am sure all others were. But I must admit to one of my favorites: Sean Gallagher's take on a haiku challenge (SeanHaiku.wordpress.com) was downright delightful (sorry, that's the only adjective you're gonna get {-:).

TO "HELP" OR NOT TO HELP

2009-02-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

When a loved one asks you to "help" her do something,

she does not mean, necessarily, for you to do the "helping".

Case in point: When my dear, dear friend, Namalia, asked me to assist her in the making of sock monkeys for her ETSY shop (Namalia.etsy.com), I didn't hesitate. She lacks in the sewing department so I thought, with my skills, I could teach her how to sew. She also needed help in how-to design, cut, stuff, start, finish, put-together, and the list goes on and on (most skills of which she lacks). But it gets better - she didn't have to make just 1 monkey, or even 5 monkeys ... she had to fulfill an order of 20 monkeys.

TWENTY FRIGGIN' SOCK MONKEYS!!!

Although I have made plush animals in the past (of my own designs rarely using socks), even I had never made a sock monkey before. Well, to cut this diatribe as short as possible, you know, as I know, that I am the one who did the bulk of the work and she, in actuality, helped me.

And now for the drum roll ...

By the way, if I hear the words "sock monkey" uttered, for any reason ... I'll go ape :-O!

And The FEATURED ARTIST Is ...

2009-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

The work by this month's featured artist, Jason Cosco, is on display

in the back room of the UAG Gallery.

Here are some more fans and friends of the Upstate Artists Guild

and now for a couple of my own fans ...

BLUE ... JUST FOR YOU.

2009-02-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

More about a few of the wonderful artists and their "Blue" pieces:

Jessyka Neitzel

Illustration I (left) and Illustration II (below)

Michael Nero Sarah's World II (above), Another World (right), and The Intersection In Blue (below)

Shannon Miya Russell

Untitled (right)

Whiskey Sour

Eat Me

Twilight At The Bridge by Liz Maloney

Cold Personality by Thomasa Dwyer Nielsen

Parked by Lorenz Worden

IN A BLUE, BLUE MOOD

2009-02-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

From the Last Friday (TROY) to the First (ALBANY), fun was had by all who ventured out of the cold and into the warm and friendly UAG Gallery on Lark Street in Downtown Albany, New York. Friends, families, neighbors, art-lovers and all-around marathon minglers enjoyed each other's company, the wine, the cheese (my favorite), the crackers, and most of all, the reception for "The Blue Show".

Can you think of a better way to chase away the winter blues?

I think not ...

So, lift a glass, toast to fun and revel in the glorification of yadda, yadda, yadda and blah, blah, blah ;-] !

TROY - Oh, Boy!!!

2009-02-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

Last Friday (30 January, 2009) was a great day to get out and enjoy the company of strangers - and that's just what I did!
I was invited to attend, along with five other artists, a gallery showing of my work in Troy, New York. It was a new experience for me but one that was quite enjoyable. The last time I had ventured to Troy was to go see/hear a reading by a Pulitzer Prize winner at the RPI Campus - but that was back in May of 2007. Then, it was a Springtime day trip in which public transportation was used.
But this trip was dark and cold with flurries all about - and most importantly - Cynthia (my co-hort in a few creative endeavors) drove she and I up and that was a daring trip, to say the least (more about that later ... maybe;-]).

It was a small venue on Third Street and we were an hour late (like I said - more about that later). But my fellow members of the Upstate Artists Guild (the UAG) gave me (us) a prime spot with lots of light right by the entrance door. Amanda (ceramicist - loved her cups), Liz (mixed media - and whom was also the "invitor" - loved the purple heart), M-J (photographer - loved the "sensual" orchid - or lily?), Barbara (fiber artist - loved that particular panel -it will be mine one of these days), and Mark (mixed media - was partial to the "back" of his installation piece) were all in cheery attendance and I couldn't help but to follow suit.
Also, there was local entertainment through-out the duration of the show (5-9pm). There was an 11 year-old guitar genius (aaroncivic.com) for half of the night and when he left (with mom, sis and manager/dad in tow), a 24-year old singer/songwriter genius beguiled us with his talent until closing (boneswiley.com).

Though I sold none of my work (mixed media on canvas, matted prints, and some jewelry), I had a wonderful time and made new "friends", in addition, Cynthia sold one of her necklace and bracelet sets.

Next up is First Friday (6 Feb., '09) at the UAG Gallery in Albany- "The Blue Show" - and my mixed media, acrylic-on-canvas piece titled Birth of A Star was chosen to hang among other work by local artists - I'm so excited!
See you there ...

-Kava