Holiday Season 2013

I wrote this post on December 6. Hopefully, everyone had a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year 2014.

Photo Courtesy of Bonfoey Gallery Website

Like it or not, the Holidays are among us. One minute I am sweltering in ninety degree heat and now I’m wearing four layers of clothing when I go out for my weekly run. As a summer lover, I’m beginning to get in the Holiday spirit as the snow blanketed my freshly washed car. I was a beautiful sight.

I walked along Waterloo’s First Friday event checking out what local artists made for the Holiday sale. As a boycotter of “Black Friday,” I would rather spend a few extra dollars and support my neighborhood than stand in a congested line of people gnawing their way to find the best bargains. I say, “No thank you.” as I lay in my comfortable bed well past 6 a.m. when “Big Box” stores open. Go for it and find those bargains. My sister said that most manufacturers produce special products specifically for “Black Friday” so who knows if you’re really getting a deal or not.

Waterloo Arts Holiday Gifts – I adored looking at origami earrings an artist created by their own hand or a moulded “one-of-a-kind” pottery where each piece looks different such as a tiny imperfection or crack makes it something a receiver will cherish. These pieces were more expensive for sure but if you’re looking for something that you won’t find at Walmart, it is worth it. The gallery was crowded when I walked in. Moreover, Cleveland State University students created ornaments by filling them with different confetti patterns selling them in gift bags as a fund-raiser.

Next up, I attended the Bonfoey Gallery’s 120 year anniversary. They exhibited paintings and prints from as far back as the 1940s. A series from an artist who drew in either pencil or charcoal the different areas of downtown – beautifully rendered where you’re amazed how different downtown looks today. There were other paintings that were simple – one that got my attention were these striking green trees in a somber, quiet scene that reminded me of Matisse.

Bonfoey Gallery 120 years of art in Cleveland - These paintings will be on display until Saturday, January 4, 2014.

This is the exact print I own -
courtesy of Viktor Schreckengost website

Plus, the Bonfoey hung a Viktor Schreckengost of playful yet detailed leaves and fruit masterfully done where I just stood and marveled his talent. He illustrates mundane items that come alive as you look at the canvas. He is one of my favorite Cleveland Artists. In honor of Viktor’s 100 year birthday in 2006, I bought a print of Antelopes intertwined at the neck – 5/15. It’s hung in my living room and when I look at it I remember meeting Viktor with his strong handshake telling his nostalgic stories when he was a young saxophone player.

I’ve often sit at the Cleveland Heights Library on Lee Road in the quiet reading room and Viktor is all around me with his iconic vibrant blue “Jazz Bowl” and two giant colorful prints near by: one of a buffet table with a quartered watermelon sitting on a brightly colored, stripped tablecloth; next is a skyline of tall, statuesque buildings – perhaps New York City against an orange, yellow and red sky. Behind me, there is a print of fish stacked in rows of muted greens and browns. You can see his brilliance emanating from these pieces and the care he takes in illustrating the intricate details with flair.

This Holiday season, I wandered through many art and craft shows marveling the talent of artistic Clevelanders. One stand a couple created plaques with used license plates and novelty items such as key chains. Another stand created Arts & Crafts styled lamps with Cleveland nostalgic bridges and iconic areas of the city. Lastly, an artist drew plants and flowers on light switch plates that I thought, “What a fantastic idea.” There were many jewelry tables where the items were beginning to look the same to me. Either way, I highly recommend buying from local vendor than standing in an endless line at Target or worse, Walmart.

As Christmas is only a few days away now, I’m glad I did most of my shopping at these “one of a kind” establishments. I have mentioned this on more than one occasion, buy local; that’s what will ultimately get our economy moving again.

Viktor Schreckengost
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/index.html

Viktor’s Animals
http://www.cmgww.com/historic/viktors/gallery/2d/animals.html

Bonfoey Gallery
http://www.bonfoey.com/index.html

Waterloo Arts
http://artscollinwood.org/

Screw Factory Artists' Studios
http://www.screwfactoryartists.com/

ArtCraft Studio Show
http://artcraftstudio.wordpress.com/

MOCA - Elegant Sculpture at Mayfield and Euclid

Update: I wrote this post prior to my National Writing Month endeavor. A little late, but here was my MOCA experience back in early October. If you haven’t seen the museum, I highly recommend it.

Courtesy Photo from MOCA Cleveland Flickr Account

One year after the MOCA grandiose gala opening, I enthusiastically volunteered my time again; this year it’s the HEX fundraiser. Unlike last year, the weather cooperated where I was able to wear a sleeveless dress. My favorite duty as a volunteer is the check-in table; it’s the best way to see who’s attending–the whose-who of any event.

You are the greeter and the first person attendee’s see before they enter. It’s an important job, quite frankly. I’m a people person, so this job comes easily to me; I enjoy it.

Attendees wore elaborate dresses or a trendy electric top with tights; anything goes. It’s a contemporary museum for goodness sakes. I remember a lot of blue especially these high platform exquisite blue-suede-shoes; a brilliant red purse with fur trim; gold and fur prints. It was a party where you can wear what feels right.

Everyone was excited to attend another MOCA fundraiser in a sculptural interesting yet bizarre building that’s nothing like it in Cleveland except perhaps the Peter B. Lewis at Case. I heard someone call it a “hunk of coal” and now that is how I think of it. “It’s that black shinny coal building on Euclid and Mayfield.” You either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a middle ground.

Courtesy of MOCA Cleveland

MOCA does, however, have an amazing view of Euclid Avenue from the fourth floor. There are these narrow windows where you gaze onto The Toby Plaza below. There is just enough light where you can see dark figures walking along the street or looking right up at you. The shinny material on the building just glows in the moonlight – it is a conversation starter, for sure. 

Last year when I attending the volunteer orientation meeting, we had a “sneak preview” of the building. The staff said that it took longer to build and install the metal and concrete “grand staircase” than erect the building itself. As you walk up the steps, you can feel the strength of the staircase as you ascend to each level. My favorite, yet scary, part of the staircase is looking down. There are these dramatic, sculptural beams as you look down, it almost takes your breath away. It’s an unbelievable view that you wouldn’t expect by looking at it from the outside.

Moreover, there is a stairwell hidden underneath, painted yellow that doesn’t seem as difficult to climb. You won’t notice it until you open the door from the first floor. You feel disconnected, isolated from the rest of the building as you go up or down. If you must, there is an elevator.

Do I like this building? Yes, I do. Why? Because there isn’t that many unusual buildings here in Cleveland. As a creative individual, I love architecture and art that makes me pause and look around at the unusual view points. Another interesting aspect of the MOCA building, it looks entirely different from the inside – a clean, minimal contemporary interior with white, flush doors that go into the restrooms, to the open floor plan of the Free first floor – artists talks and events are featured here.

Not only is MOCA a sculptural art form but it’s a very sustainable building. The Toby Plaza uses  pervious material where rainwater is absorbed thus eliminating runoff. There are low-flush toilets with blowers to dry your hands. I was ecstatic when I saw this bathroom – very European.

This bold, dramatic black building is worth a look-see that has helped spur development in the neighborhood with new townhouses and apartments. First Saturdays are always free.   

MOCA Cleveland
http://www.mocacleveland.org/

National Novel Writing Month - 2013

It’s December 1, 2013, and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is over. I wrote for 30 consecutive days meeting and exceeding my goal of 1667 words a day. 50,000 words sounds daunting but since this was my forth one, it’s almost business as usual. I won’t say that it was easy. Hence, there were times when I sat and stared at a blank screen for a few minutes not knowing where to go – writers block. Eventually you begin writing and something miraculous happens and you’re on your way to meeting your goal.

    Most of my days I spent at the library pecking away at the keys in isolation. Writing is a something you can only do alone. Therefore, I looked forward to participating in the write-ins where a group of us gather at a library or coffee shop and just write. It’s more like a cathartic environment where we all support each other without collaborating in the writing process. How many words did you write? Or, let’s see how many words you can write in twelve minutes - I got over 350; the winner over 500.

    One write-in, a few women sat around a table without any writing materials or computer. The organizer of the group was dumbfounded when they asked, how do you know what to write or where to begin? I instinctively thought about Regina Brett’s book, “God Never Blinks” one of the chapters talks about writing where she astutely says, if you want to write, just write. That is what I did for my first “so-called” book and into my fourth. I had a germ of an idea and just wrote - surprisingly my characters developed into something I never thought possible – the beauty of “NaNoWriMo. I think these individuals wanted someone to give them a quick fix, a formula – this is how it’s done, etc. It’s similar to writing a school paper, the teacher gives you the assignment but ultimately it is up to you to write it and what you’ve learned from the assignment.

    The best write-in was at the Cleveland Heights Library on Lee Road. The librarian brought out an entire shelf of books about “NaNoWriMo” and hand outs: how to develop a character (Character Worksheet) and scenes (Editing Review Sheet). I took a few of those handouts when I’m ready to go back through my “draft” and begin to edit; first, however, I need to finish it.

    Why am I apprehensive about finishing my first draft? Quite honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps the fear of the finished draft that says to me, what will I do with it now? I find it hard to edit blog posts let alone editing an entire book of well over 50,000 words.

    At another write-in, a few more women were there talking to a few of us about how we began our story. It was twenty questions about this or that; the woman was giving me a headache and she was becoming very annoying when she asked if she can read my work. I flatly said, “No!” She was so worried about all this research she needed to do that she was missing out what “NaNoWriMo” is all about – just write and develop your craft. For me at least, it is the discovery that I can write dialogue and build characters that hopefully makes sense. Moreover, it is putting together your experiences into a cohesive manner. To piggy back on what Regina Brett said, writing it down instead of procrastinating about what to write; you’re missing out on the experience. Just like I’m afraid of finishing, these women were afraid to start.
   
    I told another woman what Regina Brett mentioned in her book, “just write.” Oh, I can’t do that she said. I want to take a writing class with other writers. That is perfectly fine to do that but eventually you will need to put pen to paper or fingers to your computer keys. On the same vein, I do remember taking a writing workshop at, “The LIT” several years ago on Fairhill Road. I was extremely nervous because I never really wrote before where I needed to read for the class. I was intimidated when a girl read first and her work was so professional with hundred-dollar-words. We had an in class assignment and I wrote about my mother and the instructor really like it. Why, because I wrote from the heart. I wanted to type it out, and cherish it. I lost it!

     There was another girl at the write-in writing that I was very impressed with. She was in high school and was writing during the evenings. She was applying to colleges, doing her homework and writing during the wee hours of the night. That is what you do when you’re young – you try to do it all no matter how tired you are. I told her my story when I was a senior in high school, I wrote this term paper on F. Scott Fitzgerald on a typewriter where I needed to place the footnotes at the bottom of each page. Can I tell you, that process took me the entire night to finish? I remember my Dad coming down to the kitchen early in the morning to get ready for work and he looked at me surprisingly that I was still pecking away at the electric typewriter.
   
    At my last write-in, another girl wrote her book in long hand. I asked her how she knew she reached her goal? She estimated how many words she wrote per page. As I thought about her process, it might be the best way to write because you’re not editing as you go. During “NaNoWriMo” you shouldn’t be editing, but I do. I read the last paragraph I wrote the night before and edit a few words here and there. If I didn’t do that, I might have more words in my count. I ended 2013 with 58,100 words and some change. Not bad for not deciding until the last minute to do it again this year.

    I’m not entirely sure why I continue to write unfinished books; they are new when I begin and someday I will surprise myself and finish one of them. My characters are an amalgamation of people that I know and crazy experiences that I’ve witnessed. What I enjoy most is having a goal every night and reaching it; creating dynamic characters and dialogue that adds to the story and interweaving my experiences into something that hopefully will interest a reader. Perhaps I should set a goal of finishing.


National Novel Writing Month (November 1 - 30)
www.nanowrimo.org



Regina Brett
http://www.reginabrett.com

The LIT closes it doors in 2011
http://www.cleveland.com/books/index.ssf/2011/08/the_lit_clevelands_organizatio.html