whee!

spooky coconut man

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The Road is Open Again!

There's a new day in view
There is gold in the blue
There is hope in hearts of men.
All the world's on the way, to a sunnier day,
Cause the road is open again.
There's a note of repair
There's a song in the air
It's the music of busy men,
Every plow in the land, meets a happier hand
Cause the road is open again.
There's an Eagle blue
In the White House, too,
On the shoulders of our President there.
With a lusty call, telling one and all,
Brother, do your share!
There's a new day in view,
There is gold in the blue,
There is hope in the hearts of men,
From the plain to the hill,
From the farm to the mill,
All the road is open, again.

Song written for The Road is Open Again, circa 1933, for this short film by Warner Brothers for the NRA -- that's National Recovery Administration, folks. It was one of several films I saw on a visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico in October. The historic 1931 Lensic theatre hosted an evening of The New Deal on Film. The entire audience sang along. Just before the election, it was uncannily stirring, a real "we're all in this together" moment. The road is open, again.

A Soup the Color of Bougainvillea

I made this soup tonight for Tina B., while we caught up from way too-many months. Tina will have an installation in the upcoming March show.

Beet, Barley, and Black Bean Soup

Do you like beets? Holy cow! This hearty soup turns a crazy brilliant fuchsia from the beets and smells like hot steamy yummy beety dirt. I like that in a soup. I use black caviar lentils, but you could bean it however you like. Soup is vegan if you want it. If I have red wine, I throw that in. Can't hurt.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
Black pepper
8 cups water (or beef or vegetable broth)
4 medium size beets, cubed
3/4 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup tamari
15 oz Black caviar lentils, or black beans
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Dill or sour cream or plain yogurt for garnish

In a stockpot over medium heat, sauté the onion in the olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic, tarragon, and pepper; sauté another minute. Add 8 cups of liquid what-you-got. Add the beets, barley, and tamari, cover, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the beans and simmer for another 10 - 15 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the barley is tender. Add the balsamic vinegar and fresh dill. Garnish with sour cream or yogurt.

I've Been Making Soup

This was a particularly tasty Carrot with Cumin soup cooked up at Molly's house in her big orange pot. Molly likes orange. That evening, we also tested the Twitter Emergency Broadcast System when Molly pulled out a UFO from one of the fresh oysters we'd procurred that evening. Whutever it was, perched on the end of her sharp oyster knife, it stretched out translucent legs and wriggled them. We gasped. We got goosebumps. We threw the rest into the compost. We'd already eaten several. Even now, we shudder to think of it.

But anyway, here's the soup recipe!

Crème de Carottes au Cumin

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup heavy cream (or soy milk)
Raisins
Salt

I really like cumin and carrots and this soup is pretty. I add the raisins at the end, and drop a few on top.

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, for five minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and cook, not letting the carrots and garlic brown, for three minutes. Add the orange juice and 1 quart cold water, increase the heat to high, and heat to a boil. Lower the heat and cook at a simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, adding water as needed.

Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth. Be careful. Just do a little at a time, or let it cool, or you'll have hot bright orange soup everywhere.

Return the soup to the saucepan and set over medium heat. Stir in the cream and cook, beating with a whisk, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add raisins if you like; season to taste with salt. Deelish.

Carlos Amigos' Christmas Cards Were Unusual this year

The day before Christmas, I awoke to find that the reclusive Artist Carlos Amigos had left a newly finished piece on the doorstep.

EVERYTHING MUST GO: Saturday, August 16

It's a yard sale, but we don't have a yard any more because the owners paved it over. It's a garage sale, except we don't have those either. It's a tag sale, but we might just use masking tape, or make everything one dollar. It's a rummage sale, but this stuff too FINE to be just "rummage."

It's, it's...EVERYTHING MUST GO
Polly and Camron Purge: and you win
Saturday, August 16, 10 - 4:00ish
4701 San Leandro Street, Oakland
Donuts, BBQ, Beer, and stuff for cheap or for the takin'

Come early, come often, but please, come and take some of this stuff off our hands.

Includes:

• high style chrome and glass 1970s 42" square coffee table
• chrome and glass desk
• 1950s diner-style 8ft table
• kitchen odds and ends
• home decor
  
• fabulous costumes/daywear
• chest-sized wicker hamper
• very old picture frame
  
• IKEA Billy bookshelf (free!)
  
• funny little left-leaning side table
  
• IKEA Robin dresser
• IKEA FLEGM wardrobe
  
• random books, year+ of Believer mags
  
• mirror

...and who knows what Camron's got up in there.

The Gallery is Open: Sunday, June 15

Dogtown Track
Beth Grundvig
44" x 56"
Pastel on paper, mounted between plexiglass.
$1250












WELCOME TO MY EVIL EMPIRE: Pastels, Photographs, and Signs
New works by Beth Grundvig, Daniel Dienelt, and Kyle Siler

Closing Party/Open Studio:
Sunday, June 15
1:00 - 5:00

Come see the works in this space in the air. As I sit here today, I am struck by how much the artworks in this exhibition relate to the built environment around me -- even as the pieces reflect the artists' reactions to their own.

Beth Grundvig: large-scale Oak-land-scapes in pastel
Daniel Danielt: Photo based encaustics
Kyle Siler: Installation in my kitchen (from $20, OBO, will swap for dirtbike parts)

LAST CHANCE TO HIT THE SOMETIME GALLERY THIS MONTH! Come enjoy a little civilized soiree. Visit sunny East Oakland for some super-fine art, Sunday Times, home-made strawberry shortcake, tea, champagne. My own works-in-progress will be display as well.

If you purchased a piece, consider dropping by -- art will be available to take home.
Or maybe you've had your eye on something?

NOTE: The Gallery will remain open in teeny-tiny form and the pieces will be for sale online through the end of June. www.thesometimegallery.com

Deaf Thuggery

Visit Daniel Danielt's website, Deaf Thuggery for candid snaps.

look here. the word deaf. means
muthafucker can not hear a sound
externally. don't forget to write! I can
hear writings.

Shown:
Midwestern Hello, Midwestern Goodbye; Morning Drive, Evening Drive. All: Mixed Media on Board, 12" x 12"; $225

Visit the 420 Gallery, While You're At It

Kyle Siler's work is also on display at Jingletown's 420 Gallery, open during East Bay Open Studios.

420 Gallery - 420 Peterson - Oakland CA 94601
June 7 and 8th and 14th and 15th from 11am to 6pm
Kyle Says:
BUY ALL OF THIS SHIT SO YOUR WALLS DONT LOOK SO STUPID
"This Gallery KICKS ASS! There are lots of great artists in this gallery with me. MINE is the BEST. And this is your chance to buy something of mine before I”m FAMOUS. I dont want to be Famous but its in my destiny and I’m not going to fight it. It’d be cool if you’d buy something and I made enough money to buy oil for my dirtbike. There hasnt been any gang related shootings in the neighborhood for quite sometime now which creates a much cheerier atmosphere for everyone. But if there is a shooting we will provide free beer and tell jokes. There is NO BATHROOM!"

Open This Weekend: June 7th and 8th

The Gallery is Open all weekend and serving grilled cheese (after I finish my chores). I could have everything ready by the time I open, but it's more doing that fun with you here. On Sunday, there will be brunch. Gallery hours: 12:oo - 5:00.

Shown: Works from Kyle Siler's installation in my kitchen. From $20, each, OBO. Will swap for dirtbike parts.

Spalding Makes Meme Status

I can haz donuts? We're so proud. Spalding also took photos at last week's reception for the artists. A little shaky, but nice composition. Next time, I'll wear the camera on my neck.

Opening Tonight: 7:00

Welcome to My Evil Empire! Over 100 works by three artists are hanging, cheese has been purchased; the white carpet, vacuumed. Sometime Improvements for this show include postcards, a hammer drill, and lighting. The Gallery is Open and I have laid in some Hamm's. Tonight only: artist autographs, pocket magic, hair combs, cat photography, goat rides, balloons for children. C U, here.

Shown: Works by Daniel Dienelt. Photographic encaustic collage; $150 - $275

Welcome To My Evil Empire: Paintings, Photographs, and Signs

New works by Beth Grundvig, Daniel Dienelt, and Kyle Siler
May - June 2008

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK???

Of course you aren't. I'm not ready to rock. I have an art gallery to run.

ARE YOU READY TO COME TO A KILLER ART SHOW?

Yeah? Well ok! 'Cause I'm having one!

KILLER ART SHOW ARTIST'S RECEPTION
THURSDAY MAY 22.
7:00

WELCOME TO MY EVIL EMPIRE: Paintings, Photographs, and Signs
New works by Beth Grundvig, Daniel Dienelt, and Kyle Siler

I am so excited to host the work of these three artists in the gallery. So excited I brought out the italics!!!

Overjoyed at the Underpass: Beth Grundvig's stark and realistic urbanscapes are the empty spaces, ends of streets and alleys, the undersides of freeways, dumpsters, puddles, bricks, and beams, building-size and still, life. They're skillfully executed pastels in polaroid color. Wait til you see her twelvetych. Beth's studio is in Emeryville.

I envisioned abstract photography as working well with Beth's pieces, and Daniel Dienelt, an artist in Fort Wayne, Indiana was suggested. I appreciate Daniel's willingness to participate from across the country. Daniel's photography gets manipulated and worked, digitally and physically, through collage and encaustic wax. He frequently shoots with experimental cameras and techniques. I like his sense of composition and subject matter: buildings and skateboarding.

Kyle Siler is an evil genius and if you don't believe it just ask him. No really, do. Kyle's work is the ping and pong of lost and found, sweet and vulgar, profound, banal. It's also hanging from my ceilings, an arch wave of wooden wrath n' luv, and he keeps bringing more. You can check it out here, shot on location in scenic Westport, CA, but be careful because there are some dirty words.

THE GALLERY IS OPEN

Thursday, May 22: Reception for the Artists
7:00 - 10:00

Wednesday, May 28: Hosting Dorkbot SF

Saturday and Sunday, June 7 - 8
11:00 - 5:00
(Also East Bay Open Studios)

Saturday and Sunday, June 14 - 15
11:00 - 5:00
(Also East Bay Open Studios)

Closing Reception and Waffletime: June 15

Other events TBA.

GETTING HERE:
BY CAR: Google's directions are incorrect; take San Leandro South at High.
BY BART: Fruitvale is the closest; it's a $6 cab ride and worth it at night or walk with friends.
BIKE: Ride your bike fast and wear a helmet.

Look for a sign | Park on the street | stroll to the rear | step up three flights.
In the Big Green Building at the Dutch Boy: 4701 San Leandro Street, in rockin' East Oakland, 94601. (510) 536-6970 www.thesometimegallery.com

Dorkbot is People Doing Strange Things With Electricity

And I've got outlets like every 12 feet! How cool is that! I'm dee-lighted to host Dorkbot SF.

Wednesday, May 28
7:30
Welcome Dorks: Bar and snax

DV Rogers' Seismic Art
Parkfield Interventional EQ Fieldwork (PIEQF)
The Parkfield Interventional EQ Fieldwork (PIEQF) is a geologically interactive, kinetic earthwork that will take place in the township of Parkfield, Central California between the 28th June and 28th September 2008. This machine controlled installation converges a USGS reported Californian earthquake list with the near real time control of a hydraulically actuated earthquake shake table. Each time an earthquake occurs, an array of 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch steel rods attached to the shake table will oscillate and resonate, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Californian landscape.

Jeff Wishnie
Harsh Computing: Designing Computing and Communications System for Way Out There
Inveneo is non-profit that designs, implements and deploys computing and communications systems in the toughest of environments: the remote rural developing world. They will show off some of their toys and describe the key considerations when deploying computers out there--like a school hours away from the nearest urban center: Timbuktu. They'll also discuss some of their surprise adversaries including rats, bees, and the International Committee for the Red Cross.

Jeremy Bornstein
Genetic Algorithm Based Soap
At first I thought it said soup. Jeremy's program starts with a batch of randomly-generated soap recipes, and each is evaluated to determine the qualities of the resulting soap. The best recipes are combined with each other in a way which is statistically likely to produce an improvement, and the process is repeated until a soap is produced which has the right balance of oils. This is called a genetic algorithm because it simulates (in a very simple fashion) some of the processes which occur in nature as organisms evolve. Delicious!

David Calkins
Robogames
RoboGames is the world's largest open robot competition (even the Guinness Book of World Records says so!)

Please mail Karen Marcelo (dorkbotSF [at] dorkbot [dot] org) if you would like to open dork (10-15 min mini-presentation).

Good Morning Art Fans!

Do you think Mary Boone is up a ladder at 7:00 am patching walls in her underpants? Maybe.

Where is It?

View Larger Map
Right here!

Melodic Loopiness! Hardcore Noise!

What a delightful afternoon! The afternoon began with Two Cuisinarts and a Waffletone, manned by Molly and Tina B. (Wafflesale donations went to a friend.) Waffles and more waffles were had by all. I tried to make a waffle but burned it. People took their seats; people spread out on the carpet, and people were engaged as the ensemble members coaxed sound from unexpected objects in unfamiliar ways. Thanks for a great turnout and talented performers. The Crank Ensemble's new website is great! Photos on Flickr.

4/20: The Waffletime is 1:00

Whereas Waffelicious has gone missing (eaten by a tiger in India?) the Waffleshow must go on. Wafflesale! The Proprietor and Friends will perform Random Acts of Waffles for your Sunday brunch. Waffletime donations go to the aid of a friend. Consider coming early for a treat. A few beverages will be on hand, but you're welcome to bring Mimosa supplies or coffee.

4/20: La Grande Jatte Crank

Polly Harrold's Sometime Gallery hosts an afternoon of musical performance art and waffles on April 20th. Come hear Crank Ensemble and Cheryl Leonard in the glass-lined sun-shined aerie. Popping, plinking, clacking, clicking, Larnie Fox's Crank Ensemble creates rhythmic and repetitive patterns using handmade crank-operated machines. Cheryl E. Leonard, with A.L. Dentel and Karen Stackpole, will perform new compositions and improvisations inspired by ocean tides. Instruments will include shells, kelp, salt, sand, water and stones.
The Waffletime is 1:00; Musical Performances start at 2:00. $10. Tickets are available at the door, or through the performer's webpages. Come early and enjoy conceptual waffle performance by the Proprietor and Assistants; donations to benefit a friend. Park on the street | stroll to the rear | step up three flights. Look for a sign. In the Big Green Building at the Dutch Boy: 4701 San Leandro Street, Oakland, 94601. (510) 536-6970 www.thesometimegallery.com

Good Advice, Wherever You Are

That's right: FOLLOW THE GUIDE CLOSELY TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TOUR! For here, at Mystery Spot, the normal laws of gravity and observation do not apply. And why is that? "Some speculate that cones of metal were secretly brought here and buried in our earth as guidance systems for their spacecraft. Some think that it is in fact the spacecraft itself buried deep within the ground. Other theories include carbon dioxide permeating from the earth, a hole in the ozone layer, a magma vortex, the highest dielectric biocosmic radiation known anywhere in the world, and radiesthesia." Me, I think it's all those things. That's why I use the handrail. And check it out: The Mystery Spot is hiring.