Time just vanishes here...

Research Symposium
   Here at ODU there is a research symposium where faculty are encouraged to have students participate in order to publicly discuss their current projects. The students involved are not simply executing assignments that have been given to them, but rather have taken it upon themselves to research different topics, craft studies, technology, and aspects of art history.
   The metals department had three students involved this year. One student was from our blacksmithing course (Thomas), one was an intro to metals student (Jesse), and then our advanced tutorial student (Patrick). Patrick's focus was on abstract raising in copper with a display of process pieces as well as finished work. Thomas was a nice addition to the event with his blacksmithing work. He exemplified how the skills could be used for functional and decorative arts as well as discussing his future plans in the craft. Jesse was our intro student but you wouldn't know it by simply looking at the craftsman. With fabricated and cast pieces Jesse discussed adornment for men - but not your usual brooch or cufflink was on display. His research involved beard jewelry. Having researched historical use and designs, he created pieces that definitely had people talking.    

NY trip
  Another ODU event of the year is the trip to NYC for a couple of days right before spring break begins. With about 50 students and a handful of faculty we take a charter bus up to the city and then stay overnight to make it a solid two days stay. The different faculty plan alternate schedules and the students are allowed to take part in whichever they choose (so long as its not a course requirement made by an attending professor.) The group I was a part of spent all of Saturday in Chelsea and I admit it was a pretty great day. All of the galleries were full of work and the weather couldn't have been better. We started the morning out at a diner that could actually fit all of us and then we headed to Highline before doing our gallery hop.
   All in all it was a great trip. No drama, not lost students, no lost faculty. We did momentarily lose a purse but it was recovered thanks to wonderful shop keepers. But even that was an adventure! I also was lucky enough to steal an hour or so away to myself to enjoy time with friends that I probably had not seen in almost three years. Well worth it. Art, conversation, loved ones, new friends, and good food.

  And did I mention we went to the beastly event by Wolfbat? Yeah we did that too. Go Brooklyn.
Can't beat Wolfbat, vikings, moshpits, and live music all in one Van's skate park with crazy decor and lighting. Win. Thanks DENNIS MCNETT.
Wolfbat

Studio
   As always, things are always moving and shaking in that building. We had the craft event in the building last Sunday and it went pretty well. I felt a bit like the odd man out but in my opinion that is not always a bad thing! I had a lot of good conversation and feedback from the locals. Since my work hasn't really been seen around here it was nice to give people a little peek.  
   In regards to my work, I have a bunch of projects happening. Some are continued aspects of my recent work while others are a new body entirely. Can't wait to share it all when its complete.

Cranbrook
   It is thesis and degree show time. Knowing how that is I wish you all the best and know that it will all be epic and admirable. Sadly I will not be at the degree show opening but I will be there the last week its up and can't wait to see my friends walk across the stage with all the AIRS and go party hard. I will also be helping metals deinstall so hey, gotta love me right?
   Miss and love you guys. See you in May.
Cranbrook metals