Racism in Lake O

So... Today I was at work when the phone rings. I answer it, saying what I'm supposed to say blah blah blah. Anyways the lady that called ordered a pizza and needed to give me her card number. I asked her for her name and she says "It's blah blah but that mexican man with the accent answered before so I don't think he got it right". Strike one. So I take her card number and enter it and all that jazz. Then I tell her how long it will be for her pizza to be delivered, and am about to hang up when she says "Ok great. Thanks you. You should tell your manager not to let those mexican men answer the phone because I can never understand their accents and they always get my address wrong". Strike two. In my book, you only need two strikes before you're out. It just made me so mad! All of the people who answer phones, regardless of race, speak great english! And for the record Francisco (The man who originally answered the phone) got her name and address 100% correct. It just makes me so mad because everyone is so nice and to single someone out because of the way they talk is just wrong! Gahhlhjsvc;qhVF;UHEVW. I didn't tell my manager because I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings if someone overheard the conversation. But f her anyways, she wasn't even nice about it. ANYWAYS, that gave me the idea to use racism in my project. I'm thinking of using a head (it doesn't have to be clay) and having it be white, then use another white instrument  to peel off layers from the head so it kinda looks like a cut. Inside the cut would be different layers of colors starting with white and going through a rainbow until it ended at brown or black. Any suggestions?

So this week we're supposed to make a piece of shocking artwork. I'm thinking of something along the lines of abuse, teenage pregnancy, or something to do with the Bible. (Not that those three have any direct relation in my mind). I posted a link to Elizabeth Hoff's website on my blog and under Sculpture 1, there is an image titled 'Secrets'. I really like that piece because it said so much. I also really liked the title of the work. Another artist, Si-La-Gi, has a piece titled 'America Settlement' that speaks to the obesity of our country. Right now I just have a bunch of ideas floating around my brain but hopefully I'll be able to snatch a few and bring them to  life.

Another view of my stick stream

Retreattttt

So.. Last weekend was our retreat at Menucha. Before we left, I was kind of nervous to see how things would go. Things were awkward at first, but eventually we all became a little more comfortable with each other. At the end of the retreat I got to know everyone better, and I think it's going to be fun having a family-type class. I really enjoyed out guest artist. Even though I didn't read the essay... I thought it made a good point with individualism vs. originality. I think that's going to be an idea I carry on throughout the year. My favorite part of the retreat was the Andy Goldsworthy inspired project. I think his stuff is pretty cool, but I think he is a little crazy.. Anyways, my project was a stick river coming out of a drain pipe I found while walking in the forest. Water is an element that inspires my thinking so I wanted to incorporate it somehow. I think I saw a group of sticks bundled on the path and it made me think to make some sort of stream out of them. I took one picture when I was almost done, but I later added giant green leaves around the edge of the stream for more contrast.   Alsooo... Menucha was really pretty :)