First Seattle Art Show-Ok Gallery-August 7th 2008

(me with Journey, acrylic collage on canvas, 18x24,2008.)

(me with my other paintings: Surf Till Sunset, oil on canvas, 30x40, 2008, Frayed, acrylic collage on canvas, 9x12, 2008, Dino, acrylic collage on canvas, 6x6, 2007.)

Last Thursday, during the 1st Thursday Artwalk in the Pioneer Square district in Seattle, I displayed some of my recent artwork! It was my first showing in Seattle. The show is a group show on display at Gallery OK till the end of the month. It is an old hotel, turned into Gallery. The opening was quite successful, from the number of attendees. I was happy to see people looking at my work and reading my artist statement. This exhibit was my first exhibit in which I showed some of my less-than-representational work. Lately my artwork has been taking more of a collage form in sketchbooks. I have been trying to transfer this sketchbook method onto canvas. The surf painting was inspired by my first ever surf experience. The other paintings are abstract narratives of my emotional train of thought.

I'd like to thank everyone who attended the opening and all of you who wished me luck. Thank you for supporting my artistic endeavors.

(Petra with my paintings.)

(artist statement)

Photography was the means by which I started making art. I view my experience with different media as a transition from the mechanical to the creative. Soon after I began developing my own prints, I became interested in drawing; it allowed me more freedom. Drawing led me to working with inks on paper. Quickly thereafter I began painting with acrylics and oil on canvas. Painting allows me to express myself in color and texture, which was not so easily done in my photography. I enjoy this medium because of its versatility and flexibility. It allows for revision and experimentation. This is currently the medium I use to make my art. Most of the subject matter used in my paintings is taken either directly or indirectly from photographs I have taken. In this most recent body of work, I have been using leftover materials, such as fabric, colored palette sheets and paper to collage onto the canvas. Recently I have consciously tried to use and reuse all supplies, sketches and drawings that I have. Collage lends itself fabulously to this method.

In January I moved to Seattle from Chicago. Both of these urban environments, as well as places I have traveled have greatly influenced my artwork. The act of painting allows me to use my emotions to make art and represent what is happening inside. I paint to relax and to concentrate on my thoughts. I believe that I am expresseing through my work, a portrait of myself.

-Brigid Blume, 2008

08.08.08

Happy 08.08.08!

Twenty years ago today the Chicago Cubs played their first night game with lights!

Go Cubs Go!

My trip "back east"

So a few months ago, my mom gave me her final answer about Clifftop. She was definitely going, so I decided to purchase an airplane ticket to fly to West Virginia and meet her. It was pricey, flying from Seattle(SEA) to Charleston(CRW) on over the weekend in the middle of the summer with gas prices soaring through the roof, I was expecting a high price. At least I received mileage for the flights.

Anyways, I had purchased the ticket sometime in June and had been telling everyone about my trip, explaining to them that it would be worth it. This music festival, colloquially known as "clifftop", officially named the "Appalachian String Band Music Festival" has been going on for 18 years in the rural hills of West Virgina. I first started going as a child, I think I was 11 when I first attended, which would have been back in 1994. The last year my family went was 1998. I believe it was then that I stopped playing banjo. Two years ago, a good friend and I drove down to Clifftop. It was that year that I rediscovered the magic that happens there. Last year I was unable to attend. This year, however I met my mom there, it was her first time back at Clifftop in 10 years. She bravely entered the clogging contest. Below is a photo I got of her mid step.

Many friends here in Seattle referred to my trip to Clifftop as "going back east". I thought it was funny how any time someone travels east of the Rockies, they are going "back east". It's as if we have all traveled "out west" on the pioneer trail, and now are heading back to where we came from. I guess this is true in my case and in the cases of many other transplants.

So, wondering why I don't have any photos of people playing music? I was too busy clawing my banjo and indulging my hearing to the wonderful sounds. Clifftop is probably the best jamming festival I have ever been to. For a week musicians come from all over the world to play tunes non-stop. It's absolute craziness how many tunes are played in this short amount of time. Intense music from people who can't get enough.My mom and I really enjoyed the atmosphere and time we spent together listening and playing.

Clouds are sometimes beautifully captivating. Especially when they are not looming over you.