kitten mittens

A small peak into my life as a grad student...featuring the c-printing lab, screen printing studio, and my personal studio, which I share with the three other first-year photo grads.













In our printmaking class, we have to made a trade print in an edition to share with each person in the class. A lot of people are doing "kitten mittens" as their theme, because we're allowed to do anything we want for this one print. "Kitten mittens" is from the tv show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I'm debating on whether or not I should do a kitten mittens print, or something else, since I don't really like that show (gasp--sorry for those who do!).

new work, pt 1

6"x6", silver gelatin prints, 2010.

My next few posts are going to be about new work I've done since beginning grad school. I've been holding out on sharing it, but I feel now is a good time to start.

These first three are from a class I took last quarter called Alternative Camera Systems. We explored the use of plastic cameras and pinhole cameras. These images are from my final project, a documentary on roadside farm markets in central Ohio. The series (as of now) includes 12 images total, so I'll post more soon. I'm going to be continuing the project, but I'm not sure if I'll keep using a Holga to shoot them.

I've always been a 35 mm kind of girl, but using the Holga opened my eyes to medium format. It sounds silly to say, as if I didn't already know how much better medium format would be. I did, but I was adverse to the change. It costs more to shoot medium format and I don't own a medium format camera (besides the Holga). I've been convinced and now I'm in the market for something more substantial. I've been doing my research and I have a few cameras in mind (my budget will afford me something vintage--yes, let's use that charming adjective--maybe when I'm rich and famous I'll get an automatic Hassy) so before long I'm hoping you'll be reading an entry here about my new camera.

p.s. That first image is available as my swap print this week at my project Swap with Me 2011. Somebody be the first swapper! I'm ready to get this project off the ground.

the beginnings of grad school

Dear friends,

I apologize for being away for the past little while. It seems life in grad school moves at a slightly faster pace than normal (and considering its normal speed, who knew that was possible?).

Here are two pictures from my studio after I had just moved in. It's filling up rather quickly now, with various objects (like terrariums I am making and photographing with homemade pinhole cameras) and photographs. The top photo above was taken right after I taught my first class a month ago...that's right...I'm teaching...a college class!? I know, it's a crazy thought! It's actually pretty fun. I have 25 students and my class is Intro to Photography.

I'll try to keep up with posts more. Here's to fall!

Kristen

the buckeye state

Last week I visited Ohio State University...I may be going to graduate school there in the fall! I've been accepted to the MFA Photography program.



Arnold Schwarzenegger was in town while I was visiting.


One of the art buildings on campus...

I apologize for a lack of posts lately, but things are settling back down to normal now so you should hear more from me soon. :)

so long, undergrad

I graduated!
I now have my BFA!

when it's over, it's over

Peace.

The BA/BFA Exhibit is up and running! The first opening was wonderful. So many people came and showed their support. I loved it. There is another opening today, and the show runs through December 3rd.

I have less than one month of undergraduate school left! I'm done with almost everything, so I want to spend these last few weeks soaking it all up. It's hard to believe it's almost all said and done. My experience here has been excellent. I know without a doubt that I chose the right place to go to school. I've learned so much, it's hard to put into words how I feel about it. "Real world," I am ready for you.

And some of my latest efforts from the kitchen:


Apple cider donuts (these are the donut holes...yes, heart-shaped!). I made these from the recipe on Smitten Kitchen. The recipe itself was very good, but seeing as I am the World's Worst Fryer, I kept messing them up while trying to fry them, so I ended up baking them. They are okay. They would be better with a crispy outside. If you are good at frying, you will like this recipe.

These are vegan banana waffles (recipe does not say explicitly that they are banana-flavored, but let's be real, when you use bananas as a substitute in baking, the end result is a banana-flavored product, always) topped with natural peanut butter. Soooo delicious. I made these with Corey for brunch on Saturday. We made a few adaptations, such as substituting part of the wheat flour with oatmeal flour (my favorite), and using 2 Tbsp vegetable oil rather than apple sauce (didn't have any). They turned out amazingly. They take like a slice of banana bread in a waffle.

identity

Last week I spent framing everything for my senior exhibit which opens this Thursday! Hanging begins tomorrow...

We also had an opening in the Black Box and it was a big hit. I love how it turned out! The show was juried, so all students were invited to enter work. At the last minute, my fellow co-directors and I came up with the idea for a photo-taking wall to use at the opening, which turned out to be lots of fun. The photo wall went with the show's theme, "identity."

Working in the Black Box is easily one of the best and most fulfilling things I have done in college. I'll miss it! It has been such an interesting job, and I've gotten to know so many people through it. I'm so proud of how it has evolved in the past few years. I think the space has great things in store for it in the future.

This week I have way too many things to do! Hanging work for the show, an online test due Thursday, the show opening on Thursday (easily the best part of the week!), a 10-page paper due Friday, and a photography project due Friday. I'm trying to get everything finished before the show opens so I can just enjoy Thursday and not worry about what's due on Friday! That is going to be difficult, however....

a slower start

Hello, world. This morning I am up with the rain, a cup of warm coffee at my fingertips and a slice of homemade bread waiting for me in the pantry. My first class is canceled, so I am getting a slower start to my morning. It is wonderful--I hate rushing. I am ready to live more slowly every day. I am hoping this happens after graduating. It is my mission! I don't mean that I want to be lazy, or let go of my dreams and goals. Of course, I won't do that. But I have been putting too many things into each day and I can't go on like this forever. I just want more time to enjoy my friends and family, to sit down and drink a cup of coffee, to go for a run, to take a weekend adventure and not have a lengthy to-do list in the back of my mind.

too busy for fall

Things I have made lately....1. pumpkin smoothie, 2. stir fry with farmer's market finds + basmati rice, 3. vegan peanut butter cookies, 4. lettuceless salad, homemade croutons, and iced tea, 5. roasted red pepper hummus.

School is so busy, busy, busy for me right now. My life will return to normal after November 12, the opening of the BA/BFA Exhibit. I can't wait to have free time again! It's all I can do right now to keep my apartment clean and throw together these simple foods in what little leisurely time I have.

as of late...

Let's see...lately I have been...

1. Getting into my new class schedule. It's the final sprint...it seems impossibly short to accomplish all I need to. I keep telling myself I'll make it! I can't believe I will be a college graduate in three months...that's crazy!

2. Enjoying my new apartment a lot and cooking amazing things. I sometimes miss the cafeteria, where I dined multiple times daily for four years, but not as much as I thought I would. I knew I loved cooking and baking, but before now it was more of a hobby than a necessity. I feel like the habits I let myself keep now will likely follow me into my post-grad life, so I'm trying not to use excuses like "it's only for a few months" when it comes to cooking and housekeeping. What I've learned in my "adult life" so far is that there really won't ever be a time when you can't claim busyness as an excuse. So when I'm busy, I just try to throw together simple but balanced meals that are quick and use up what groceries I already have.

3. Starting my final photography series for undergraduate school...scary! I know it's not the end all, be all, pinnacle of my career as an artist, I just want it to be good. I'll post more on it when I have images to share...hopefully very soon.

4. Crafting and reading in my spare time (spare time--what's that?). I've been making jewelry and reading In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. I highly recommend both activities. This is my third Pollan and definitely my favorite. I think a career dealing with some type of food counterculture movement and combining my art in some way would suit all of my interests. Does such a job exists? If not, can I make one? These are the questions in my brain as of late.

5. And now I leave you with some pictures from my latest cooking and food photographing endeavors (I think I'm getting better at the food photographing part!)...Some of these veggies are from the local farmer's market.

goodbye summer, hello fall

I am no longer an intern! 300 hours down. It feels amazing to have that weight off my shoulders. This week brings cleaning, packing, organizing. Boxes, boxes, boxes. I am excited for new things--a new apartment, a new roommate, a new kitchen (finally), a new schedule...and familiar things--old friends, favorite professors, my on-campus jobs. I'm saying goodbye, undergraduate school the best way I know how--lots of hard work mixed with lots of fun times. I plan on soaking up every second of this coming semester. Fall is my favorite time of year, so bring it on!

summer, surprise me

I am pleased to announce that a short series of my photographs has been featured on the online literature and art magazine, Anderbo. It's really a great online publication, and you should check it out if you like short stories, nonfiction pieces, poetry, or photography. I'm very excited about being on the site!



Well, this week is finals week, and I'm moving out of my dorm on Sunday. It's my last few days in the dorm...ever! For my final semester, I will be living in an apartment. I feel I have earned that privilege after four years sans-kitchen or my own furniture. Living on campus has certainly had its perks, however, and I'm glad for the time I spent here.

I was so fortunate this semester as to have only one final exam...and it was online. However, before anyone tells me how lucky that makes me, keep in mind that the life of an art student revolves around projects more often than tests. My finals week = final projects coming out of my ears (if that happened literally, I would not be surprised), my thesis on Friday!, packing, cleaning, seeing friends graduating (am I really that old already!? yes, I am...), etc.

This summer I hope to accomplish a lot. I've been making lists and setting goals for myself. As someone who loves school, I am trying to adjust to the concept of no deadlines, no professors, and no assignments. I am learning. By the time I graduate (December!), I'll be good to go.

chocolate hearts & chocolate cake

My weekend was incredibly busy, but rewarding! I spent Friday night finishing up my items for our arts and crafts sale, and a good portion of Saturday at the sale. It was a lot of fun, as always! Here are some pictures.

Our very official sign.

Alex and Tori attracted visitors by hula-hooping.

This is my half of the table I shared with Casey. I sold polymer clay and ceramic jewelry, photographs, drawings, 'zines, and chocolate espresso bean hearts (!!!). I tried selling this one very pink purse I've been trying to sell for awhile, but it didn't sell, again. For our next sale I'm going to be sure to make time to make a lot more sewn items (in less obtrusive colors). I think they would go over well.

Alex looking at my jewelry.

After the sale, I headed to my parents' house to work on the final project for this Very Interesting class I have, Meal Management. Allow me to explain. I started college as a Family & Consumer Science major, and after switching to art (a much better fit for me), I had half the credits necessary to have a minor in FACS. I decided to finish out the minor, because some of the classes I do find interesting (especially the textiles/sewing and food science ones). This semester, I am in a FACS class called Meal Management. We learn about food preparation, food safety, and meal planning. The final project is to throw a formal dinner, then make a presentation about it, complete with pictures. Since I have neither a kitchen, dining room table, or even a matching set of dishes (thanks to living for a dorm for four years), my sweet mother told me I could do the project at home.

It turned out very successfully! The dinner was delicious, and I think my whole family had fun dressing up and having a fancy meal on a regular day (i.e. not a holiday dinner, when we usually have something extra special). The menu included faux chicken breast (made from wheat) with an orange and soy sauce glaze, herbed new potatoes, green beans almandine, salad, rolls, and devil's food cake with strawberries and whipped cream.

I'll be happy to post recipes if anyone is interested! When I returned to school, I had a long night of being darkroom monitor. I am also monitor tonight and tomorrow night (whew). I usually only work one or two nights a week, but last night I filled in for another monitor. Tuesday night will be my time as monitor until fall semester! I'm a little sad about that, because next semester the people coming won't be the same. Oh well, ecco fatto. This week is full of finishing final projects. Ironically, next week, finals week, should be a little less stressful.