Overwhelmed by Faulkner

Square in Oxford, Mississippi

When I was in Oxford, Mississippi a short time ago, I was not surprised to be reminded of William Faulkner. The square in Oxford is the square in Jefferson, the town central to many of Faulkner’s novels; Lafayette County, where Oxford is located, is the basis of Yoknapatawpha County. Standing on the square in Oxford and looking at the Courthouse automatically triggers memories of the final scene of The Sound and the Fury. Nonetheless, I was surprised when visiting BTC Grocery in Water Valley, Mississippi, to come across a hummingbird cake made by Cora Ray of Mississippi Mudd. BTC (Be The Change) Grocery has been featured in the New York Times, and Cora Ray of Mississippi Mudd makes a most-excellent cake, but what the name Cora brought to mind was one of the narrators—Cora Tull—in As I Lay Dying—a woman who has come with several other women to keep Addie Bundren company as she is dying and who talks about how she made cakes (not hummingbird cakes, probably) for a rich woman who then decided not to buy them.

B.T.C. Grocery

Addie Bundren has made her husband, Anse, promise to take her from where they live and to bury her in Jefferson, where her people are. One fun question about As I Lay Dying is whether this request and Anse’s subsequent fulfillment of it is Addie’s great revenge on Anse or his great revenge on her. Or—since their children have to accompany the corpse to Jefferson—is it both of their acts of vengeance on their children, who, candidly, don’t have much of a chance against these parents?

Indeed, the entire family is full of delightful dynamics, including one son who is a carpenter and who makes his mother’s coffin as his final gift to her, but does so where she can both hear him at work and—occasionally—see his work when he holds it up at the window to show her. To get to Jefferson, Anse and the children must travel by a wagon pulled by mules. The journey is long enough that the putrefying body attracts buzzards who circle overhead, which is the least of the fun in this novel.

Faulkner statue

But enough of that—during my visit to Oxford, I was most struck by the way in which Faulkner has been incorporated into the town. Given his subject matter, and especially his treatment of the devastating and continuing impact of the Civil War and the relationship between whites and blacks, incorporating Faulkner required some “navigation,” a word useful for describing how people handle the anxiety resulting from a subject that cannot he ignored, a subject that has some degree of attractiveness, and yet a subject that must be carefully walked by, through, or around. While the University of Mississippi hosts the annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, connecting him with the popular world may be a challenge. .

Faulkner is buried in Oxford, and his home, Rowan Oak, located about a mile or so south and west of the Square, is well-maintained and is a lovely place to visit. Downtown on the Square, Faulkner sits on a bench in a small park-like area next to the City Hall. Enclosed by a fence and flowers, it, too, is a lovely, yet somehow inaccessible area. I could not imagine sitting on the bench with him, feeling that he is both present and yet distanced from this spot that for his readers echoes with the moaning of Benjy and the rage of Benjy’s brother, Jason.

Faulkner statue plaque

The University Museum is exhibiting Estelle Faulkner’s paintings. During her life, Estelle Faulkner said that she was reluctant to seek to show her work because she could not tell if people wanted her work or were simply responding to the fact she was married to William Faulkner. Candidly, she is not fortunate in how the paintings are exhibited. And it is impossible to approach her paintings other than as the work of the wife of an overwhelmingly powerful literary artist. They are being shown in a “lecture hall,” which does not lend itself to exhibiting paintings. Fascinating, too, is that the exhibition does not touch on what was a stormy relationship between Faulkner and Estelle, whom he believed regarded his writing as a hobby. Her own side of the marriage emerges from her letters. I do not speculate—not being a Faulkner scholar—on how this marriage colors the romance of the family portrayed in As I Lay Dying.

At the opposite end of the Museum, John Shorb has an exhibition of work that reflects upon Absalom, Absalom! I am not certain how much sense the works make to someone who has not read the novel, but I fear the works only made me wish to re-read the novel—again that massive presence of Faulkner overwhelms, unless enclosed in a fence and flowers. Indeed, so overwhelming is Faulkner’s presence that the only competing voice I could hear was Eudora Welty’s.

An Invitation to Keep in Touch

I have now been retired for almost three weeks; and while I am still in the process of discovering what that will mean, I am committed to continuing my blog. From here on, the blog is mine and has no relationship—official or unofficial—with Kendall. I will blog about whatever interests me. In the coming weeks, those interests will include a good friend—Ozzie Zehner—whose book on sustainability is creating a most-excellent stir.

I also plan to blog about another friend—Sue Caulfield—whose art fascinates and intrigues me.

And my great interest since childhood—music—will also appear here, especially since Kalamazoo—where I have lived for thirty years—hosts two major musical events: The Gilmore Keyboard Festival and The Stulberg International String Competition.

And just to keep in touch with higher education, I am searching for a MOOC. If you know of one you think is interesting, let me know. Perhaps we can take it together.

Finally, I do plan to continue to blog about Kendall alumni, and so I hope that people will keep in touch.  Let me know what you are up to; and I will try to work it into this ongoing series of observations. You can keep in touch through my Twitter,  Facebook,  or via email oliver@oliverhevans.com.

I do want to say a word of appreciation to a person who has worked with me on many projects, most recently being the videos related to ArtPrize: George Bradshaw. I met George and his wife Carey in NYC when they were considering moving to Grand Rapids; and I hoped from that first meeting that George and I would be able to end up collaborating as colleagues on one project or another.

To me, George is a creative visionary who has benefited me with his nearly two decades of creative experience, both as a creative director and as a filmmaker. George’s extensive experience includes time with Disney and GEM Group (global experiential marketing), where he directed marketing communications for four Olympic campaigns on NBC Universal, culminating in the 2008 Beijing Games as the most-watched U.S. TV event of all time with 211 million viewers.

George is one of those people who—if I did not know him—would intimidate me with the extraordinary range of his experience. What I have found him to be is a person who brings that experience to bear on projects and who allows someone to collaborate with him, to work together to achieve some common goal. And one that both he and I enjoyed working on very much was the series of ArtPrize videos. And one thing he has certainly worked with me to understand is social media, as witness his profile on LinkedIn, his Portfolio, and your can follow him on Twitter, friend him on Facebook, and check him out on Vimeo. And check out his film company, as well as the short film posted on the Public Museum's Facebook page. I encourage people to “Like/Share” them all and then to stay connected with George as a friend/fan. Candidly, I am a friend and a fan of George.

So, I end this “invitation” with words from the Persian poet, Rumi—“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field: I’ll meet you there.

Observing ArtPrize, Part 2

One of the things that's interesting about ArtPrize is that it's changing even now. In fact, we're hearing announcements about 2012 and how it will differ from 2011. It's evolving in many ways, and I think one of the things that is very intriguing about it is the way in which it challenges artists to think about what they want to do during ArtPrize; how do they want to be involved with it, what's the role of public and popularity during it, what's the role of expertise in it, and how do artists create contexts in order for people to have an opportunity to view their art.  

My Commencement

This is my last blog post as Kendall’s president, although I plan to continue “Oliver’s Observatory” after I retire.  And I am posting this last entry two weeks after returning from NeoCon 2012 and the sixteenth NeoCon class that Kendall has offered its students.  2012 was an interesting year to attend NeoCon for the last time as Kendall’s president, especially since Rob Kirkbride has described this NeoCon as one of the most important in years. This class started as the vision of Beverly Russell, whom some will remember from the Beverly Russell International Lecture Series, named for, and organized by, Beverly between 1995 and 2000. Like that lecture series, the class held during NeoCon invited significant designers to speak to Kendall students during NeoCon in Chicago and then to tour a showroom associated with the designer.  Those of us who were there will not forget trying to tour showrooms with such famous designers as Bill Stumpf, designer of the Aeron Ergonomic Office Chair, Margaret McCurry, Eva Maddox, or Carl Magnusson.

Since Beverly handed off responsibility for organizing the class, the class has been carried on by such wonderful friends of Kendall as Georgy Olivieri and—for the past several years—Michelle Kleyla and is now supported in part by an endowment from the estate of G. W. Haworth.  This class remains one of the many ways Kendall seeks to connect its students with the professional world of art and design.

I was especially delighted this year that at the opening reception for this class, two recent alums spoke about their careers and what they have been doing since graduation.  Lauren Mitus, now with Material ConneXion, and Yana Carstens, of Elevate Studios, spoke about their challenges and success in navigating the current economy.  And I was especially delighted that Erli Gronberg, formerly the Chair and now Professor Emeritus of Interior Design, was there to introduce students to NeoCon.

When I was a faculty member and later an administrator, I personally always welcomed a change in the presidency in the institution where I happened to be.  Sometimes, of course, presidents do not leave on their own volition—and usually that meant a sense of relief as a new president arrived.  But when a president leaves because, as in the lyrics of the great George Jones song, “[his] heart tells [him] it’s ready,” the possibilities for a college or university are wonderful.  A new president brings new experiences and a new point of view and is himself a new audience for people who have dreams and visions of what they would like to see the institution do.

The 2012-2013 academic year will be an exciting one for Kendall, not only because it will continue the kind of tradition represented by the class the College does at NeoCon, but because three new undergraduate initiatives will also get fully underway—the BFA in Fashion Studies, the BFA in Medical Illustration (done in collaboration with Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine), and the BFA in Collaborative Design.  With these kinds of new programs and building on its past successes, Kendall College of Art & Design will continue to be an important part of design education.

From the point of view of sustaining Kendall’s traditions and the excitement of inaugurating new opportunities, I celebrate that Kendall has an exciting new president in the person of David Rosen and exciting possibilities for the future.  But candidly, my heart has told me “it’s ready”; and I look forward to hearing from a distance about the wonderful places Kendall will go and the wonderful things it will do.

Observing ArtPrize, Part 1

During ArtPrize 2011, I wanted to do a series of videos that would feature ArtPrize, but would also have some interest once ArtPrize was over. I wanted to avoid the whole issue of who might win, and focus instead on why people would participate beyond whether or not they were trying to win the grand prize, and learn what is was that made them want to be part of this experience. Here is the first video in a series I like to call, Observing ArtPrize.  

Portrait of Robert Coombs

Robert (Bob) Coombs

I first heard about Bob Coombs three years ago, when faculty began to talk about a photography student who was doing very, very well. What I came to discover as I got a chance to see some of his early work, and the work he was doing at that time, was indeed somebody with a great deal of potential. And certainly, I could also get a sense of Bob as somebody who was also a very wonderful athlete. Many of the photos he was taking at the time celebrated his ability as a gymnast. Then, of course, came the point of Bob's accident; leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. And you began to think at that time, if you were going to hear about Bob again, you might just hear about a person that occasionally people talked about. It seemed such a challenge that here would be someone who could exceed all expectations as a result of such an injury.

In fact Bob has returned to Kendall, and has established himself as a remarkable presence in the college. And it's a great pleasure to share this profile of Bob Coombs, an outstanding man.

A New Crew

There are some new kids on the block; particularly, at 1111 Godfrey in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtServe Michigan has described them as a "dynamic arts movement," and Con Artist Crew, a collective of recent Kendall grads turned local artists, agree with this description. They further explain themselves, "We are a multifaceted gallery that is creating an artistic community. Bringing to the forefront new emerging artists keeping in mind the artists that came before us." Though they've been on the radar since their tenure at Kendall, I'd like to point out that there is still an element of mystery behind Con Artist Crew. I say this because, despite being well-known within both the Kendall and local art communities, many have yet to discover the recent efforts and ideas co-founders Magdalene Law and Reuben Garcia have contributed to this recent collective. Just weeks ago, Con Artist Crew celebrated its Grand Opening. They celebrated with a show featuring works from several area artists, as well as a few from abroad.

I was not able to attend, but I can imagine the show was quite impressive. It would come as no surprise, as both co-founders have previous gallery experience; Law interned at a gallery, providing her with framing knowledge and hanging techniques; while Garcia has had a studio and showcase at 1111 Godfrey.

Galleries Galore

Con Artist Crew hopes to continue having shows and featuring artists from the area and abroad. They also have future plans and shows with the city of Detroit. Their aim is to host or curate shows and events at their space between 3 and 4 times a month. With that said, you should have plenty of chances to see their work, their style, their studio, and the many artists they're endorsing. They say of this, "We are open to all themes and styles of artwork, including high conceptual art to visual arts. We are looking for harder-edge work that relates to audiences on more than just one level."

We are looking for harder-edge work that relates to audiences on more than just one level." – Con Artist Crew

They work both alone and in conjunction with many local groups, organizations, and causes alike. Their shows are examples of the character the Con Artist Crew is demonstrating. And they're curated down to the last detail. On the 19th of May, they contributed to a special show at the Winchester, along with Spectrum Health, titled Reprint - Causing Artistic Creation. It featured work by artists from a continuing care center. What's more, is that even the menu was tailor-made for the show.

The Crew's summer schedule reveals scores of shows, many of which are still being developed or finalized. All of them seem to carry a true sense of grass roots initiative. And, as a result, the community will play a large role in the outcome of these shows. Though, while maintaining this word-of-mouth mysteriousness, Con Artist Crew also hopes to expand its digital and online presence.

Con Artist Crew co-founders, Magdalene Law and Reuben Garcia

But the Crew promotes and supports more than just their shows; they also lease studio spaces, and have already leased five. The group is still finishing construction on the gallery and studio spaces. Once that's complete, they intend to concentrate on shows. Con Artist Crew is establishing a strong presence within the Grand Rapids art community. They've even mentioned taking shows "on the road" in the future. Sunday they completed a photo shoot, and will be featured in July's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. Best of luck to Con Artist Crew.

From Class to Kiln: Kendall Clay Collective

There is a group of students that many of you may notice the next time you walk past the new UICA building. On the bottom floor, something great is taking place between a small group of Kendall students (from all concentrations) and a selfless Assistant Professor - all of whom share a wonderful interest in ceramics. They are known as the Kendall Clay Collective. And they have created quite a reputation for themselves. I say this in a good way, of course. And I say this primarily because of the extensive amount of dedication and effort these students and the alumni before them have demonstrated to pursue their interest in ceramics. Since the collective's start in 2009, nearly 15 students per semester have met regularly to not only create great work, but also to strategize, delegate, vote, and brainstorm for new ways to raise funds for many special trips and workshops that they hold throughout the year. In 2010, Davis and the group attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts (NCECA) Conference in Philadelphia. The group has also attended the Michigan Mud Conference. However, the most involved, and more regular, of the clay collective's outings takes place twice a year at Ox-Bow, in Saugatuck, MI.

I have mentioned Ox-Bow in previous posts, as they offer many wonderful workshops and courses in many concentrations, many of which the students I have written about have attended. However, the clay collective's bi-annual workshops involve an intense study of ceramics, including guest speakers. Rebecca Hutchinson (UMass - Dartmouth) spoke at the collective's most recent fall workshop.

Collective members working in the studio.

It is gratifying to see this group of students working together, and working so diligently, to make these workshops possible. The collective, ran democratically, includes four elected officials.  Current club president, Andrew Doty, says of the collective's initiative, "It shows that everyone involved has a genuine interest in what they're doing." Evan Shurlow, the club's president elect added, "It kind of comes down to who wants to put in the work."

And work may be an understatement. During each Ox-Bow workshop, club members take turns splitting wood, firing and managing the kiln, cleaning, and learning. Davis says of this,"I really want [students] to do it for their interest in ceramics, not as an assignment. It's a great event and folks really enjoy being out there." Davis has mentioned, however, that he does offer the experience as extra credit in his class.

Evan Shurlow - President-elect, Kendall Clay Collective

It's impressive because collective seeks to go beyond formal education to create a brand of interest and achievement, all their own. In an effort to further inspire collective members, Davis brings a handful of ceramics enthusiasts from the around community to Ox-Bow. Davis says of this, "[Students] are working with people who aren't driven by a grade at that point. They're driven by their own desire to learn more. It's a great exchange of information and where people's passions are. They get a fine education at Kendall, but they also have to know how to get past school."

Doty has been awarded two two-week scholarships this summer. One at Penland School of Crafts, and another at Ox-Bow. Jessica Shelton (Metals / Jewelry '12) also received a full two-week scholarship at Ox-Bow this summer. Many other members have been awarded scholarships, instructed classes, and have continued their involvement with ceramics between semesters. Davis will also be teaching a course on screen printing on clay this summer at Penland. In August, he will travel to Muggia, Italy, where he and a colleague designed and built a wood kiln.

“It shows that everyone involved has a genuine interest in what they’re doing.
”

— Andrew Doty - President, Kendall Clay Collective

Israel Davis checking kiln temperature

The Kendall Clay Collective has a website. Its homepage states that "The Kendall Clay Collective is a student group dedicated to the advancement of art education through ceramics."  It really is a remarkable mission; one they certainly continue to live (and learn) up to. "We're working on an online presence," says Davis. They hope to raise more funds for future workshops by working with local retailers, as they begin prototyping a signature line of ceramics that will soon bare the stamp of the Kendall Clay Collective.

Rebecca Green: Old World, New World

Not long since her first appearance on the Observatory, which made note of her first solo show in early December, Rebecca Green has seen a sharp increase in attention.

You and Me Against the World - by Rebecca Green

Now a recognized name in Grand Rapids, Rebecca Green’s acclaim continues to rise in West Michigan and beyond. Recently joining the online artist network Dribbble, she has quickly gained 50 avid followers. Her current work, titled Old World, New World, will debut in Saugatuck tomorrow at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 6 to 8 p.m. It will remain on display until April 28th.

This trip down the lakeshore comes as a significant development for Rebecca. She says of the show, “So far I’ve worked primarily in Grand Rapids, and this is my first solo debut in a different city. I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”

The event is also a first for another Kendall alum. The show was brought to fruition by Miranda Krajniak, who graduated from Kendall in 2006. Now an Education Manager, Miranda has made her curatorial debut with this show. She says of this, "We've never shown a young progressive artist from Grand Rapids in a solo format, and hope in doing so to bring a younger, more adventurous perspective to an area often regarded as older."

“I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”

— Rebecca Green

In The Trees - by Rebecca Green

Among Rebecca’s collection of paintings and drawings are some of her largest works, to date. She has taken elements and themes from past works and placed a stronger focus on pattern. Rebecca has also taken a different approach to size and layout; she says of this, “it intensifies the world that I’ve created.”

I urge anyone who can make it to the show to do so. Rebecca is a talented and productive artist - one whom I feel always seems to intrigue a crowd. The SCA seems to agree; they say of her, “We’ll be thrilled to say we had her here 10 years down the road.” I hope that statement rings true. Additionally tied to her styling and sensibilities, the opening includes a full vegan spread prepared on site and complimentary drinks will further enhance the cohesive effort.

Video: A Visit to Black Cloud Gallery

I hope that alumni will stay in touch with me, and let me know what they are up to. Recently, one of our alums in Chicago, who is involved with a gallery called Black Cloud Gallery, told me about it. He told me about the area of Chicago where the gallery is located. He told me about the kind of revitalization that's going on there. And, as a result, I had an opportunity to go and visit.

I found it fascinating. And it's fascinating for several reasons. For one, it is a way in which a person is following a career path that involves the arts. But secondly, it involves the way in which young artists are connecting with the community and enriching the place in which they live. Black Cloud Gallery was a real find. And I know that many alumni are involved in a variety of other interesting projects. I hope they will let me know about them.

- Oliver

MFA Graduate's Show Opens In Northern CA

Kelly Allen (photo via kellyallen.com)

Tonight is the opening of Make It All True, a show featuring a collection of paintings and mixed media works by Kendall MFA graduate, Kelly Allen. The show, held at Humboldt State University's First Street Gallery, will run until March 4th. Kelly came to Kendall in 2006 as a Scholarship of Merit recipient, and earned her MFA in Drawing in 2008. Though she is a Michigan native, Kelly now lives in San Francisco, where she has been a part of many shows along California's coast, as well as abroad.

"A Star Is A Seed" by Kelly Allen (via kellyallen.com)

One of the more recent shows, titled Dig For Fire, took place in Venice, CA. It included the works of several artists, and, though I did not attend, I found the show's theme to be particularly interesting because the entire collection of works was inspired by music from the band, The Pixies. Kelly has been featured twice in Hi-Fructose; once for her painted collages, and again for a studio visit.

Her breadth of work is very vibrant; it is full of color, and life. As Humboldt State Now puts it, Kelly's current works "portray the unity of life on earth." I always enjoy reading about Kelly and her work. I recommend this show to anyone in the Northern California area.  Kelly also has a lovely website and blog, where readers can learn more about her work.

Connecting at Material ConneXion

Dr. Evans with KCAD alumni at Material ConneXion

Material ConneXion was the vision of George Beylerian. It is a source for designers and artists to learn about, discover, and discuss new and innovative materials. While an exciting visit in New York City, Kendall happens to have a Material ConneXion library that stands as the largest in academia. The library is a helpful resource for students and staff. The following takes place at Material ConneXion in New York, where I enjoyed meeting with several KCAD alumni, colleagues, and friends.

Production: By George! Pictures http://www.bygeorgepictures.com/ Music: Selectronics http://selectronics.bandcamp.com/

Friend, Graduate, and One of Two Featured in Local Show

Crop of Illustration by Greg Oberle

I would like to announce a show at Byrneboehm Gallery that features recent Kendall graduate and friend of mine, Greg Oberle, along with current Kendall student, Taylor Mazer. The show, titled Colluvium, opens (softly) tonight, with an artists' reception taking place this Friday at 6 p.m. I am familiar with Byrneboehm Gallery, and understand that many talented Kendall students and graduates have had the opportunity to show works there from time to time. However, I was curious as to how Greg collaborated with Mazer to co-curate this particular show, which features ink drawings, illustrations, and paintings. Greg said of their joint effort, "I think we were dealing with a similar psychology in what we're trying to demonstrate."

Greg explains his work as being derived from previous thoughts or memories, which may have become unclear over the years. He says of his work, "I've been thinking about the architecture of thoughts."

After receiving his degree in Illustration last summer, Greg has illustrated and designed for several clients in and around Grand Rapids. He has even submitted illustrations for the Observatory (i.e. my Observing Artprize self-portrait). I hope to include more of his work in future posts.

Illustration by Greg Oberle

Greg has expressed how working artists make a living by using their creativity, but can sometimes be stifled by the demands of the work, client, need, problem, etc. Fortunately, he has found a sense of creative freedom in the works he will be showing at Byrneboehm. He said of this freedom, "I had no limits in the terms of what I could create."

I am happy that Keven Boehm, of Byrneboehm, has invited these two artists to show their works at the gallery, starting today and showing through February 29th, with an artists' reception at the end of this week. Greg will be showing a total of nine canvases. Taylor, 12. I look forward to visiting Byrneboehm in the next month to see what these two gentleman have created for this particular show.

January Illustrated

Illustration by Amy Bates

There is much ado about illustration this month at Kendall. Since the 9th of January, Original Art, has been showing in the Kendall Gallery. The show features works from 40 artists. Among them are Wendell Minor (Wendell spoke at the gallery earlier today), C.F. Payne, Mary GrandPré, and last year's Caldecott winner, Erin Stead. Originating from the Society of Illustrators in New York, the show has made its way to Kendall, and will be up until February 4th. Visitors are welcome to see the fine illustrations, as well as sit and read  a collection of children's books that feature the very works they came to see. KCAD Director of Exhibitions, Sarah Joseph, says of the show: "I've enjoyed seeing a variety of people interact with the show, both by viewing the pieces on the wall and by spending time in our 'reading nook' poring over the books that came with the exhibition. Not only do they get to read the stories, but they have the chance to see all of the illustrations for each of the books."

Illustration by Erin Stead

It has been exciting to see such an elaborate, inclusive illustration show at Kendall, but the well-known illustrators aren't the only ones with works in our gallery; the Student Gallery also features the works of both current and past illustration students. Joseph says of the student show: "We've included works that have been published as well as projects from the Children's Book Illustration class.  Professor Molly Alicki Corriveau did a great job of curating the exhibition." The student show wraps up this Saturday. I encourage everyone to visit the galleries before these shows close.

Mobile Applications? There's a Designer for That

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit with many KCAD alumni at a reception held at Material ConneXion in New York City.  I had the privilege of catching up with several alumni, friends, and colleagues; many of whom I plan to post about in January. At the reception, however, I happened to miss a recent Kendall graduate, Diana Frurip. But I have come across her work.

Diana graduated in 2009 with a degree in Interactive Design, now a part of Digital Media. She then left Grand Rapids for New York City,  where she was awarded an internship at Kargo, a mobile development company. She spent her first summer there, and then took a full-time position with Sanborn Media Factory, which Frurip describes as a “multi-faceted design shop."

While Diana continued to develop her motion graphics and web design skills, she found herself working on many mobile projects, and for a broad range of clients. She says of her mobile experience, "the company was producing their first iPhone app when I started so I was learning to design apps as the company was learning how to build them." She spent two years at Sanborn Media Factory, sharpening her mobile app design skills by working on both iPhone and iPad applications. Then she moved on. Her current position is with R/GA, where she is the main designer for the mobile group (with a focus on the Android applications).

Diana describes her design process as heavily research-oriented. She explains, "when I start designing an application, I spend a good amount of time coming up with an audit of what apps exist in the same market and what new trends and features could be implemented."

Diana has worn several hats, with titles including interaction designer and visual designer. She uses her past experience when creating wireframes, and uses her branding experience by taking brand elements and working them into the application. She says of this, "Just because a brand's colors are pink and yellow doesn't mean that a pink and yellow app is the best answer." Diana mentioned that she frequently talks with developers during her process. This is important to insure that her ideas are applicable to each application.

It's quite fascinating, the world of mobile design. Primarily because it's such a young one. Also, it takes the right kind of designers to adjust, adapt, and adhere to the ever-changing process. With that said, there are fewer resources available to such designers. This is why Diana launched her own blog, Lovely UI. She mentioned Pattern Tap as her favorite resource for web design elements, but said "I was so frustrated when I couldn't find something similar for mobile. Then I thought, 'if I was looking for a resource like this, other people must be too.'"

Lovely UI

So she started her own by tracking key elements that she likes, but also tracking patterns and trends in mobile app design. Not bad. Lovely UI consists of iPhone and iPad screenshots. She said of her blog, "Starting Lovely UI was a real confidence booster because it allowed me to be an expert in my office and in my field. It helped show me I had a valid opinion even though I am pretty young in the industry. I'm very interested in the education side of it and soon I am going to use the space to talk about trends and best practices in mobile design."

Right now, the interactive world is very male dominated industry. I was curious to get some of Diana's thought about her role within the field. She says of this, "It's easy, for women especially, to take a back seat...But it is really important to know how to voice your opinion. UI is as much about knowledge as it is about opinion." With Lovely UI up and running, Diana is as many parts innovator and expert in the industry as she is designer.

Alum Awarded Penland Residency

I would like to share some great news from former Kendall graduate, Dustin Farnsworth. Currently, Dustin is finishing a residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. What's more, Dustin has informed me that upon the completion of this residency in May, he will immediately be moving to North Carolina, as he has been selected for a three-year Penland Residency at Pendland School of Crafts. I am very excited, and very happy for Dustin. I wish him the best of luck. You may read more about him, as well as view his work on his website. Some of his work is also available for sale here.

KCAD Alum to be Featured in First Solo Show

Rebecca Green - Photo by Ryan Pavlovich

Recent Kendall graduate, Rebecca Green, will be featured in her first solo show this month. The show, titled We Live, will be housed in the Devos Center for Arts and Worship at Grand Rapids Christian High School. She explains that her show will be a "visual exploration of life's little happenings." It begins December 8th and will be up until February 10th of next year.Rebecca graduated from Kendall with a BFA in Illustration. Since school, she has created many works in illustration and painting. She had her first gallery show, a split with another local artist, on March of this year at Byrneboehm Gallery. If you visit Rebecca's website, My Blank Paper, you'll find an array of splendid paintings, most of which were featured in that Byrneboehm show.

She says of her work: "When painting, I always start on a colored board, then I lay down graphite and fill in bit by bit. All of the pieces are coated with a glaze to bring the whole painting together, and under the same 'light'."

"Fitting In" by Rebecca Green

Rebecca was involved with ArtPrize, as well as a show earlier this year at the GreenLion Gallery. This show was another split, featuring the work of both Rebecca and fellow Kendall alum, Peregrine Angthius. Throughout November, she was included in a group show titled Six by Six, at Byrneboehm Gallery.

What makes Rebecca's post-collegiate career particularly interesting is that she has been keeping as busy with commercial work as she has her personal shows. She currently has a full-time job making fine art and commercial illustration. She's an illustrator for Grand Rapids Community College, namely, its "GRCC Works" campaign. She also designs extraordinary paper dolls for each issue of CraftSanity. Rebecca also revealed that she will begin a new, larger project for CraftSanity. The project will be released this month, as well. By staying busy locally, Rebecca is influenced mostly by the many things that surround her.

"This Is Home" by Rebecca Green

She says of her influences: "I'd say I'm influenced most by my immediate everyday surroundings. Little pieces of color, tiles, animals, people. These days, I think we are overloaded by images, and thoughts about who we are or who we should be. It leaves a lot of people feeling attached to items and others outside of themselves, therefore, devaluing who they are, and how unique they are."

It is because of this that Rebecca says she does not watch television. Nor does she listen to the radio, or browse the internet. She considers herself a hermit, and believes it is because of this that her work "often seems simple and fit for everyday."

However, Rebecca maintains an online presence through a lovely blog on her website that she updates frequently. There, Rebecca sheds light on her process as much as her personality. It serves as a great way to stay up-to-date on her current work and illustrations, while viewing pieces from her body of work. Some of which is even for sale on her site. I hope to see Rebecca's first solo show this month.

News of a Woodworking Alum

Round Stools (Photo via whitcombandcompany.com)

KCAD Graduate, Andy Whitcomb, has been featured on Design Sponge for his wonderful woodworking and furniture design. Andy currently lives and works in Seattle. You can read about his works on his company website, or follow his company on Facebook. The Design Sponge story, by Grace Bonney, here.  

Honeysuckle: A Hue in Review

As I look each year to Pantone's color of the year forecast, I came across a post today (via Trendir) that made me want to take a closer look at the 2011 color of the year, honeysuckle pink. The Papillon sofa bed, by Bonaldo, is just one beautiful example of the color's effect in design. See more examples here (via A Designer Spot).

As Pantone puts it:

A Color for All Seasons. Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

Photo via Trendir.com

I happen to agree; it seems the pinks that kept us colorful in the spring continued to "carry [us] through the year," as it still brightens the design landscape. However, a changing of the guard is in the future, and I look forward to Pantone's selection for 2012.

Classic Chair Takes New Form

Image courtesy of http://dspoke.wordpress.com/

This time-lapse video shows how Matthias Pliessnig turned a Thonet chair into a sculpture by using steam-bent oak. I found the video on Dezeen this week and really enjoyed it.

See the video here.