Studio vs Comfort of home

Thanks to Studio Art Supplies for Sponsoring

One People One Planet event @ Auckland Art Week

It has been 6 months since I made a blog entry. 6months and 13days to be exact.. that is if my maths hasn't failed be and believe it has, on many occasions (despite being Asian, it isn't that surprising).

By now, people should know I am a slack updater. Even my Deviant art account is gathering virtual dust particles of 101000101000. So, I guess with this blog, the best thing to do after a long absence is update this virtual world of what I did.

Here I go:

• Seen snow for the first time! I know many would say "What???" But to me, it was a step out of the protective environment of my mother.. I know I am 23 and all, but times when being Chinese, female and a only child defies any age and brings you the... at most... problems of a over protective mother. But putting that aside.

It was a exciting, all 6 of us friends in a van, driven by Aubrey and Only Aubrey (due to mistakes of getting a manual instead of a automatic). But we made it, all the way to the mountains.

• Got myself a studio! In-fact I actually signed the studio lease before the trip. My little studio space situates among other graduates in a warehouse behind the CEAC or as more of you know it up in Auckland. Corbans Art Estate.

A huge thanks to Selene Simcox! Really she suggested I sign up (so we can work together) knowing of available spaces in the area. The community here is very nice, supportive and constantly busy. A very neat place to get your creative juices flowing.

• Was involved in Metonymy! As some of you may have heard, Metonymy (in its 3rd year this year) happens annually, where a writer and visual artist is made into a pair after selection and given about 2 months to complete a piece of work to be once again.. chosen to be exhibited at the Corban's Art Estate.

Rachael Naomi Heimann, Sin-Mae Chung 2010 Let's see where it takes us.

Multi media, sound, installation. Variable sizes.

Rachael Naomi Heimann, Sin-Mae Chung 2010 Let's see where it takes us.

Close up documentation: Multi media, sound, installation. Variable sizes.

I was teamed up with the lovely Rachael Naomi Heimann. A wonderful writer and a hell of a great character! Definitely enjoyed the entire experience with this project. Our whole entire methodology revolved around pure process. There is a beginning, but there is no end.

And so you all know, we managed to make it in the final selection and exhibited, and was named as being a part of the top 5 works of the year. (I missed the announcement sadly) But we thank the guys of Metonymy for this great experience. I met wonderful people through that!

• Was a part of Auckland's first ever Auckland Art Week! Our team Crossover, was asked by lovely Cleo Barnett of First Thursdays to supervise the children activities for One People One Planet.

Art by Marc 2010 Peace cat, santa.

Face Paint fun. By Rachael Garvey and myself.

Although she is best at it. She did the first spider man and the tiger.

Meghan of Sister Darling and Rachael Garvey watching over the first group of kids.

The Goal of One People One Planet, involves the interaction of children, groups of children from schools and places are asked to create a 1meter sized banner on concepts of peace or what they think of the planet that they will inherit some day (these banners will then be combined to hopefully create the biggest peace banner). It is amazing how children have a strong voice on this subject. After this Auckland art week setting, the banners will be taken to the Beehive and exhibited there.. then flown to the USA to the Whitehouse so the children of the Whitehouse will get their opportunity to contribute to the collabortation. Where it will then be moved to be examined and looked at by the Guinness World Records.

I wish them the best of luck.. and we of Crossover thank them very much (and Cleo) for allowing us to help out and contribute to this event.

All the products used for the two Saturday mini project was sponsored by Studio Art Supplies! Awesome guys! gave us loads of canvas material, felts, crayons, and even the face paint! They are a artist owned/run art supply store located in Ponsonby near Whitespace. Definately check them out, and if you want long rolls of paper, they are great guys to look at.

And so this brings me to now! Currently I am working towards a show in January, and aiming to complete my commission by December. So it is crunch time for me. Can't help shake the feeling that I am a bit behind. And I didn't expect that this update would take me.. quite some time. So for now, I will leave it like this and update you next time (and post some images of course) on works I am doing.

Woooo now that this overload of verbal pollution has stopped pounding you in the eyes. You can now relax and think.. oh my gosh.. did I just waste 15minutes of my time reading that? Yes.. yes you did, and I am amazed and thankful that you continued reading. So here I make my marking off.. and I shall try and keep in touch.

Banana.. peace out..

*Splits*

Links:

Studio Art supplies (Sponsor) - http://www.studioart.co.nz/

One People One Planet Peace Banner -http://www.onepeopleoneplanet.org/

Auckland Art Week - http://artweekauckland.co.nz/

Cleo Barnett/First Thursday's - http://www.firstthursdays.co.nz/

Meghan/Sister Darling (artist) - http://www.sisterdarling.com/

Metonymy - http://metonymy.weebly.com/

CEAC/Corban's Art Estate - http://www.ceac.org.nz/

Aubrey Rodriguez (Photographer/artist/spoken word) - http://www.aubreyrodriguez.com/

Ever burnt a Pringle?

Today, as I sit here staring at the clock on the side bar; wondering when my next creative spill will be. I simmer... in old and unhealthy thoughts, like peanut butter on a spoon. Butter in a sugary mix. Burning a pringle... (And my lord does that pringle soak in fat).

Oh how I miss those days of stupid experiments... stupid but creative! Though something sounds silly and isn't justified with academics, it is still worth it in value of knowledge and learning. Unless it is life threatening, but at least that will teach others what would kill a person or not (So I am slightly on the fence with that one).

But today, I submit this post not to randomly spill my thoughts. But to share a idea, something that hopefully will help in someone's survival.



Angela Taituma: a 36 year old beautiful lady and her 4 year old son in the above image, she is fighting cancer.


I read about her story one day through the list that was featured on Yahoo's home page. This would be her second fight in cancer, and my.. she is fighting. Here in her state, she needs medical treatment and that involves pills which she pays a huge amount of over TWO GRAND (NZD) fortnightly and she may also need to fly out of the country for other treatments. And what has she been doing to financially support that? She has been organising her own fundraising. She is serious on Surviving, and that is what I admire, and with that I am willing to help.

I propose a small fund-raising of selling artworks, so far I myself and one other artist is interested in making art for her survival. I have posted up stuff on facebook to find that there wasn't much response. So I am hoping bloggers might be able to pass this message around. If not about making art, at least get some more recognition and help for this lady. Hopefully if I do get enough people interested, we could put up one day shows or openings for the cause. If not, propose for some window display areas, or do some street installation (Of course with council permission). So if your interested, pass me a message.


My email: mae.mc@xtra.co.nz

Looking forward to hearing back from anyone. But before that, check out Angela's website called Fighting Spirit!

http://www.fightingspirit.co.nz/

she can also be followed on Facebook as well! So definitely add her.
But anyways guys, like the days, this blog entry has got to end somewhere. Else I could imagine yourselves Glazing over while reading this. I thank you for your time. Appreciate you popping by! Definitely comment so I can check our your blogs as well! Have a good one.



Sin-Mae

First Thursday's update/ Infusion invite

Thanks to Maj out there for the comment(what I reckon is the best comment ever)on my work:


"For such an INNOCENT girl, your work is all SEX!!!" - Maj


That made my day..


With this show, I felt a little pressure to perform at my best as eyes were on me to bring something a little new and refreshing to the one night only show. An installation set up with strings! Where I would have to set up the day before the show (with some damage of the walls intended but needed for the process)... poor Te Karanga Gallery...


Although, once the set up was done.. it seemed I received great feedback.. and thank lord!


The First Thursday's show on the 4th Feb would have been the second one since their kick off in December last year... although it proved to be a great hit with the art community! Congratulations to Cleo for a great show then and an even better one last week! The show was split up into Three locations this time round, with my stuff in the Te Karanga Gallery across the road from St Kevin's. Although at first it started off quiet due to everyone being at the Arcade.. but during the evening the audience picked up and foot traffic brought many people around the see the works. Anyways.. I will show you a glimpse of the work I put in.. and here it is:

haha, I will post up some close up images soon.. this is just a small general view.. hope you can see the pictures, since they are from facebook.

Oh and here are some few random pictures of me and my work:

Check out the First Thursday's website for more information, they are constantly looking for New Zealand artists. OR... click on this following link for more PHOTOS

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Okay time for the next topic.. You are invited to the INFUSION show happening at the New Zealand Steel Gallery on this Friday .

This time I am submitting my paintings instead of an installation.. woo... having two shows week after another isn't really a good idea.. for those of you who are new to the concept of exhibitions and showing at galleries.. try not to over book yourself unless you absolutely know.. you will make it.. XD


Anyways.. hope to see some of you guys there.. There will be dragon dancers to celebrate the Chinese New Year.. oh.. and there is this artist video thing which I am on.. so... yeah.. i don't look too good in it.. actually I just don't look good in it at all.. wah! D:


Well hey.. I might post up some screen shots if you all are nice XD


Will give you guys an update on that show too. Anyways.. thank you all for reading.. hope all the images make it a little entertaining and laggy.. MUAHAHAHA




Love yall!

Taking another step to life

Friday 28th November 2008.
Whitecliffe college's Graduation day.




My four years as a student at Whitecliffe college of Arts and Design has finally ended last week, as the long awaited capping took place at the Town hall in the city of Auckland on Friday. Both feelings of freedom and sadness arose while we all bid our lecturers and fellow class mates "Bye, I will miss you.. SEE YOU ON FACEBOOK" throughout that day and into the morning.

Now the question that all graduates face, "Now what???".

But before I continue my dilemma of facing life out in the big big world, I will recap all that happened before our day on stage.


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Tuesday the 25th November 2008.
Whitecliffe college's annual graduates show, class of 2008.




The evening opened up to a crowd of art lovers that jammed corridors and spaces, filling up the entire Randolph street studios. This was an evening where not just the Fine art majors get to shine, but the entire collection of Whitecliffe's BFA degree. It was an evening where design, photography, fashion and the fine arts combine their creative ambitions and collect into this one final show.

It was surprising to see the turn out for the evening, as always the food and alcohol went as quick as lightning, but despite that many stayed to absorb the art that we generated.

Within this show, I showed three video works and occupied two spaces, exhibiting my most recent works titled Volatile Matter. I will be exhibiting these same video works and more for an up coming exhibition at Satellite Gallery located in Newton on the 27th January 2009.

While speaking to many that evening, I have received many compliments along with comments on the surprise in sudden abstract works and change of medium. Taking a step back and looking at my creative processes throughout my recent years, I understand where these comments come from. Originally I came from a painting and drawing background. But eventually it slowly shifted, painting/drawing to painting/installation, to installation and video works, to video works and performance. Before I started studying I would of never thought that I would even think of creating abstract and video works, but I surely am glad that I have come this far (with a lot of thanks to the support of the school, lecturers and friends).

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Wednesday the 18th November 2008
Whitecliffe College's Fashion show, Years 2, 3 and Graduates.


The week before our crazy deadline and preparation for end of year show, was the Whitecliffe 2008 fashion show that took place at the Alingi Yacht shed. Featured in this show are some of my fellow friends that took this day as their time to shine in the upbeat pace of New Zealand's Fashion industry.

I was privileged to be invited backstage and witness some of the fashion student's most intense hours before unveiling, and saw some of the excitement and glam in between. After spending sometime there it soon appeared that I was needed by my friend Ho-Ki Lee (featured in the image above) to help watch over her groups rehearsal and time it against the video that I offered put together.

It was interesting to finally see where they had decided to place the projection this year, although it soon dawned that the design that I had come up with intended to be projected near the entrance had been shifted to the end of the run way. But despite this change I thought it would have been better for it as the video could have been a distraction towards the fashion walk.

Following is the video for Ho-Ki Lee's 2008 cat walk, entitled Urban Experience.

The over all the talents presented at the fashion show demonstrated some amazing professionalism and sewing skills.

I look forward to seeing the fashion folk's names in stores and around the world.. I wish all of them and fellow old class mates the best of luck in fighting the creative industry.

Exhibition: Comma

Every year Whitecliffe College requires Year 3 Bachelor of Fine art students (in all majors) to complete an internship or an exhibition (Fine Art) to advance to the next year. Although it may sound harsh to student ears, those who are smart will understand that it is an excellent idea to push students into gaining experiences in this field. From sponsorship hunting, proposals, networking and writing reports; this assignments makes them do it all.

Taking place on Monday the 6th of October @ 5:30pm, will be the opening to the COMMA exhibition. Organised by two Year 3 students with the assistance of both Year 2 and Year 4 undergraduates, this exhibition will present works from Graphic Designers, Photographers and Fine Artists.

Do not under estimate these students, working along side these young artist has given me a clear indication of the dedication and love for their profession. In this exhibition I will be among the Seven featured, expect to see video works, painting and installations.



Featured artists:

• Byung Hyun Ryoo
• Hara Kang
• Joon Seok Yoon
• Masumi Arita
• Nuri Kim
• Rachel Kang
• Sin-Mae Chung

Held at Whitecliffe College's Randolph street studios:

26 Randolph street,
Newton
AUCKLAND.

From: 6th - 16th October

Opening Night: Monday 6th Oct, 5.30pm-7pm



This event is Sponsored by:

Red Bull
Sunzwell
Art&Design Institute
clay&learn
Eun Kee Kim food services

Venue proudly supported by: Whitecliffe College of Art and Design

Stepping it up

Stepping it up: at the Whitecliffe College Year 4 Graduate show.

Date: Tuesday 26^th November 2008, 5:30pm

Venue: Randolph Street Studios, 26 Randolph Street, Newton, AUCKLAND.

Free Admission

Last year, Artist Alliance Magazine wrote that Whitecliffe College of Art and Design’s 2007 Graduate show boosted the standards among all others art institutions, delivering an impression of outstanding care in showcasing artistic talents and the professionalism of their graduates.

The young and emerging artists of 2008 are feeling the pressure as many are having high hopes and expectations after last years show and praising article. But despite this factor, the attitudes of Whitecliffe’s forth year students remain high and it will be expected that ‘The Class of 2008’ will be as impressive as the rest, and there is doubt that there will be any disappointments in this show.

Whitecliffe College’s Graduate show is a combination of all majors in the Bachelor of Fine Art degree, showing works of Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Film & Photography and of course Fine Art. I will be among the 20 students of the Fine art major exhibiting in this show where I am planning and working towards presenting a body of video installations.

Within my practice I am powered by my interest in producing low tech and low costing works that reflect an idea of process and the development in art making which has been inspired by research into Minimalist works. Through film I aim to explore an altered sense of the familiar, challenging our natural senses and logic of physics and perception. Artist whom influence my practice are Richard Serra, Daniel von Sturmer, and Saskia Olde Wolbers.

Don’t miss the chance to see the works of the 2008 Whitecliffe Graduate’s show. This event will be held for ONE night only, on Tuesday the 26^th of November from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Paid and Free parking are available around the facility, admission is free.

This event is proudly sponsored by Whitecliff Wines.