yosoh

2009-02-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yosoh: I Wear Your Shirt
February 2, 2009

2009-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

YOSOH on IWearYourShirt.com

Would you turn yourself into an ad space? Jason from Florida is doing just that. Through IWearYourShirt.com the marketer sells his wardrobe for every day of the year at “face value” (January 1st = $1, December 31st = $365).

My day is Feb. 2nd, 2009. For my $33 I will get blog posts, video posts and a live stream. Basically Jason will promote me all day not bad for $33.

Click here to visit i wear your shirt

2008-09-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

I have work featured in a new book entitled
UPSET: Young Contemporary Art
A new breed of contemporary artists is celebrating new found international recognition for their style and approach to creating art that is sprouting from and largely influenced by visual subcultures. The Upset documents the burgeoning artists in this new movement whose works are often figurative and narrative employing classical techniques with great skills to create sculpture, illustration design and painting with the use of spray cans, sharpies and elaborate colour palettes on canvas. In addition to the striking visual work, the book features portraits of artists as well as in-depth interviews with selected artists who are creating outstanding cutting-edge contemporary fine art.

Featured artists:
Maike Abetz / Oliver Drescher, Alexone, Grant Barnhart, Gary Baseman, Tilo Baumgartel, Tim Biskup, Mark Bradford, Daniele Buetti, Cailan Burns, Ray Caesar, Miguel Calderon, John Casey, Paul Chatem, The Clayton Brothers, Joe Coleman, John Currin, Brendan Danielsson, Stephan Doitschinoff, Blaise Drummond, Dzine, Ala Ebtekar, Martin Eder, David Ellis, Ron English, Faile, Christian Farner, Rosemarie Fiore, FriendsWithYou, Camille Rose Garcia, Os Gemeos, Michael Genovese, Charles Glaubitz, Benjamin Güdel, Robert Hardgrave, Maya Hayuk, Ryan Heshka, Femke Hiemstra, Cody Hudson, Gisela Insuaste, Rich Jacobs, John John Jesse, Colin Johnson, Mel Kadel, David Kassan, Aya Kato, David Kinsey, Henning Kles, Kozyndan, Susanne Kuehn, Mia Mäkila, Mateo, Elizabeth McGrath, Casey McKee, Jason McLean, Philip Metten, Moki, Brendan Monroe, Heiko Müller, Muntean/Rosenblum, Yoshimoto Nara, Aaron Nather, Anne Faith Nicholls, Jose Parla, Nigel Peake, Raymond Pettibon, Danielle de Picciotto, Anthony Pontius, Pooch, Johan Potma, Jeremy Pruitt, Leopold Rabus, Scott Radke, Rex Ray, Scott Rench, Daniel Richter, Rostarr, Christoph Ruckhaberle, Mark Ryden, Christoph Schmidberger, David Schnell, Sebastian Schrader, Michael Sieben, Michael Slack, Jeff Soto, Fred Stonehouse, David Stoupakis, Swoon, Johannes Tiepelmann, Chris Uphues, Miss Van, Vania | Ivan Zouravliov, Matthias Weischer, Martin Wittfooth and Chet Zar.

This book is now available in Europe with releases in Asia scheduled for early October and a November release in North America.

Editors: R. Klanten, H. Hellige, S. Ehmann, P. Alonzo
Language: English

Release: September 2008
Price: € 44,00 / $ 69,00 / £ 35,00
Format: 24 x 30 cm
Features: 288 pages, full colour, hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-89955-221-8

2008-09-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Work has been keeping me VERY busy but I am back on production of my new site and working hard to go live with at least a partial version this month. Please keep checking back.

2008-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to Lucky magazine for featuring my work. It was in the regional section so unless you were in Chicago you would have missed it.

2008-05-01T03:50:00.000-07:00

EXTRA. EXTRA. My work will be featured in the regional section of LUCKY MAGAZINES August issue. Learn how to Look amazing in 5 minutes flat and see what I have been up to.

2008-04-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

PITTSBURGH PORTRAITS

While I was walking through downtown Pittsburgh I came across these photos in a window display. Now I have seen lots of sun faded images but these take it to an all new level.

2008-04-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

CLAY & PRINT INVITATIONAL
Pittsburgh, PA @ Artist Image Resource
Here is a small sampling of the work exhibited featuring artists working in ceramics and print.
To see more images from this exhibit click here

Scott Rench

Paul Scott

Paul Wandless

Megumi Naitoh

Charlie Cummings

2008-04-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

NCECA Pittsburgh was fun on many levels due to the fact that it is not from Edinboro University, where I received my MFA, I reconnected with lots of old friends. The first photo is of Ian Short who taught print making for many years at EU as well as the Chair of the Art Department. If you know anything about my story Ian was responsible for giving us a key to the Doucette Hall. It was here that over the course of Xmas break I spent about 15 hours a day teaching myself the Apple computer and the design programs. I wanted to learn them so I could apply them to ceramics and print. Ian and Bob Beckman, also a print teacher of mine, were very supportive of my exploration of ceramics and print. The two of them opened up a workshop/school/gallery in Pittsburgh called Artist Image Resources. Ian and Bob were nice enough to host the Clay & Print exhibit that coincided with the conference. It was really good to reconnect with them and see what a wonderful setup they have.

During the conference I reconnected with many Edinboro alumni that I had not seen for 10-15 years. My old studio partner Steve Dark showed up (guy with cap) from Mobile, Alabama and surprised all of us.

Also pictured above is Gerry Dinnen who was my neighbor at EU and is the only person I know who has held his Ceramic Master Thesis show at a miniature golf course. When I say at a golf course I mean his work was literally on the course.

And then there is my good friend Larry Geiger. Larry is the person responsible for showing me the world of Adobe. In life you never know what people will effect your life or how. My meeting Larry changed my life on so many levels. It changed how I work as an artist and opened the door to my successful career in advertising.

There are lots of people out there who have shaped my life, to many to mention. Many things will come and go from your life, but a good friend is there forever.

2008-03-20T05:53:00.001-07:00

CLAY AND KETCHUP
I am in Pittsburgh, PA. attending the NCECA clay conference home to among other things HEINZ. Last night I caught up with two old friends I have not seen in 15 years. I'll be posting picks of shows and the like a little later. Hope you enjoy the ride.

2008-03-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

My UNIPO figures have arrived. Almost a year ago I was one of 4 lucky winners the UNKL Unipo Fan Series. Well my figure is ready and while different than my orginal design I am still happy to have it.

To purchase this or one of the other 3 in the series visit
your local store or go to: unklbrand.com

2008-03-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that one of my designs is the GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Thanks to everyone that supported me. You can see the results at http://imprintlab.com/archives/407

2008-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

IMPRINT Culture Labs: Design Contest
ICL is hosting a purse design contest which is now in the voting stage. Please stop by and cast a vote for my two submissions and checkout the other entries. visit: http://imprintlab.com/designcontest

2008-01-03T07:05:00.001-08:00

I talked to the folks at UNKL and it seems things are taking a little longer but they think my figure will release in or around March of 2008. My design was one of four chosen as part of a contest. Visit: http://www.unklbrand.com/

2007-12-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last night several inches of the white stuff fell. Being that my mini doesn't fair so well in the snow this meant I had to shovel the walks and a path for the car. It reminds me of when I was a kid, we always used to have a foot of snow on the ground. These days snow seems to be more of a rarity.

2007-12-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today my little lady had her 10th birthday and as usual she decided to be a drama queen. "But I asked for a bigger bone". "This wet food is cold". "I want sparkling water".

2007-11-27T06:42:00.001-08:00

I will have several pieces on display at this years Design Miami

Die Gestalten Verlag, a German publisher, is firmly committed to identifying the zeitgeist of contemporary visual culture. They are constantly exploring all areas of creativity to examine currents in visual codes – from graphic design and illustration to photography, furniture design, interiors, architecture and art.

For Design Miami 2007, dgv presents Fragiles, an extraordinary collection of work created from porcelain, ceramics and glass that indicate how visual culture and high tech production processes are influencing and reshaping this delicate territory in pioneering ways.

Selected works by:
* Arne Quinze
* Jaime Hayon
* Scott Rench
* Marcel Wanders
* Jerszy Seymour
* Hella Jongerius
* Jurgen Bey
* Hans Van Bentem
* Stephen Burks
* Nik Schweiger | 3deluxe
* Stephanie DeArmond
* Charles Krafft
* Emma Woffenden & Tord Boontje
* Alessandro Mendini
* Commonwealth & Joshua Davis
* Malin Lundmark
* Maxim Velcovsky
* George J. Sowden
* Wendy Walgate
* Christie Wright | Elastichome
* Lola Goldstein
* Cynthia Hathaway
* David Amar
* Emily Forgot
* Frida Andersson & James Steiner
* Giordano Redaelli
* Miwa Koizumi
* Guillaume Delvigne
* Hana Vitkova
* Ineke Hans
* Jakub Berdych
* Kate Hume
* Laura Mckibbon | Cul De Sac
* Sebastian Menschhorn
* Lisa Goldberg
* Megan Bogonovich
* Katie Parker
* Mimi Joung
* tjep.
* Nathalie Schaap
* Doodle
* Nicolas Bovesse
* Robert Dawson
* Sarah Cihat
* Milan Pekar
* Guillaume Delvigne & Ionna Vautrin
* Thomas Paul
* Jason Miller
* Tamsin van Essen
* to22
* o-d-a
* Louise Hindsgavl
* KleinReid
* Dan Yeffet
* Dror Benshetrit
* Bathsheba Grossman
* Assa Ashuach

///////// visit: http://www.die-gestalten.de/fragiles/

2007-11-13T09:07:00.001-08:00

I have a new t-shirt available through threadless.com. This 10 color shirt features black flocking and glow-in-the-dark ink. It's called ME VS. ME ss an homage to human regret. A visualization of the little voices inside your head that have you constantly second-guessing the decisions you make as you travel through life.

2007-11-11T07:30:00.001-08:00

Well, I am back in Chicago now. Denmark was one of the top 3 journeys of my life and it has me looking and reflecting on my life. This trip has changed me in ways I cannot put into words. I am so grateful to all the new friends I've made. You made my trip special and I am glad we could share it together. I would be remiss in not thanking my friend Paul Scott for yet another amazing opportunity.

2007-11-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what this says in Danish, but when I pushed the button I farted.

It was time for me to board the train to the airport. Before leaving, I went to the room where all men go to reflect on their life. The bathroom.

2007-11-11T07:11:00.001-08:00

There was one thing I wanted to try that alluded me on our last trip to Copenhagen and that was these open air hot dog stands. I am told they are owned and run by people with disabilities. There was this lovely older lady running one near the city center train station. She could see my fascination and invited me into her stand so I could take more photos. I bought Fransk Hotdog for 20 Danish Krone's with the weak US dollar came to about $5 I think. It consists of a hallowed out roll filled with you choice of mayo, mayo with chopped pickles, ketchup or mustard. I went for the Danish choice which is mayo with chopped pickles. It was amazingly good. My mouth is watering just thinking about now. It was so good I walked back 5 minutes later and asked her for another.

2007-11-11T07:07:00.001-08:00

I present to you Copenhagen's Chinatown. I was looking in the store windows and saw these cool boxes. You can bet this will show up in future work. I am attracted to the shapes, colors and repetition.

2007-11-11T07:04:00.001-08:00

CLICK on any image to see a larger photo.

2007-11-11T06:55:00.001-08:00

Copenhagen and much of what I saw while in Denmark was bike friendly with dedicated lanes for cyclists. It was really refreshing to see so many people riding from the littlest tike's, a father with his children to elderly. Chicago may have a bike lane but there is always some car parked illegally in the bike lane. It's to bad our city planners did not take cycling into account. To add cyclist dedicated lanes would be nearly impossible now.

These two photos on represent a small fraction of bikes in and around the city center train station. Maybe I should move to Copenhagen and open up a repair shop.

2007-11-11T06:43:00.001-08:00

Here are some random images while cruising around Copenhagen.

Who wouldn't want to look this pretty?

BR toy store

Taking a taxi in Copenhagen is pure luxury as you are transported in either a BMW sedan or Mercedes. Think of that that next time you're in a stinky US cab.

2007-11-11T06:15:00.001-08:00

The US could learn a lot from Denmark about the pace of life. It is against the law to have your business open on Sunday. There is an exception, if your business is small and makes below a certain amount you can apply for permission to be open. The Danish have a mentality of nothing is so important that it cannot wait.

Since I was traveling on a Sunday I couldn't get a train direct to the Copenhagen airport. This meant I would have to stop at the city center and switch trains. I looked at my watch and thought I would have more fun exploring Copenhagen for a couple of hours than sitting at the airport. I had also heard there was some festival which meant many of the stores would be open.

As I walked out of the train station I was greeted by this wonderful shirt. It's nice to see the Danish are worried about Britney too.

I headed toward the familiar, so I went back the area by the Hotel Fox where we had stayed previously. It is a really cool area full of great restaurants and shops. Sadly all the things I wanted to see were not open nonetheless I still enjoyed walking around. I was really sad to be leaving Denmark. I could really see myself making a life there.

2007-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos I shot from the bus which depict rural Denmark. Sorry no sound. I really enjoyed my stay and could actually see myself living there.

2007-11-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

On the morning of Sunday November 4th I left Guldagerard, my home for 3 weeks, pulling my suitcase behind. Jen accompanied me to the bus stop. I had to take a bus from Skaelskor to Slagelse to catch the train to Copenhagen.

Along the way I saw what must have been a glow-in-the-dark spider a cast off remnant from Halloween. It was a fitting good bye and one of the things I remember most about my stay. I have never seen the variety and number of spiders I experienced in the center.

Here is a classic Euro go-round a frequent route to the harbor and bar.

I know it is silly and immature but there are lots of funny signs.

Jen Woodin sees me off on the bus as I begin my journey back to Chicago.

2007-11-09T03:28:00.001-08:00

Sadly this was my last dinner at the Denmark International Ceramic Research Center. I spent 3 weeks there, but it felt like 6 months. In the end it really started to feel like home and I was sad to leave.

This night we dined on a Mexican spread. It is certainly challenging cooking for 16 people. Each night a team of two had to factor in allergies, vegans and vegetarians. I was worried my trip would involve 100 ways to eat smoked fish but in the end I ate like a king.

2007-11-09T03:24:00.001-08:00

I could spend all day watching the windmills. Look for a previous post which features a video where you can hear the sound of the blades cutting through the air.

As I was looking up I noticed a dragon in the clouds. Can you see it?

2007-11-09T03:16:00.001-08:00

You are now entering the town of Skaelskor

You are now leaving the town of Skaelskor

2007-11-09T02:56:00.001-08:00

On Saturday November 3rd, Jen Woodin and I went for a bike ride to the windmills here are some random things I saw along the way.

In the area there are several apple orchards and its not uncommon to see an honor based apple stand. In the center you can see the metal cash box.

This way to the Harboe Brewery. If you have been following my Danish adventures than you know I am big fan of their products.

This sign means you are leaving town.

2007-11-07T17:59:00.001-08:00

On Friday November, 2nd at 9:00 PM the Danish beer companies released their Christmas beer. I am told in the larger cities, trucks hand out FREE Christmas beer. It's a Danish tradition and apparently a big party. The entire house decided to embrace this tradition with open arms. So the 18 or so of us descended on the two bar town. Going to the bar can be expensive so the locals do a little partying at home and show up around 12:00.

As the night went on we embraced the Christmas beer more and more. The girls started dancing and quickly over took the local couple trying to have their night out. On several occasions they tried to drag me on the dance floor. I explained to them that I only dance once a year usually at weddings when I have had way to much to drink.

There was plenty of laughter and tom foolery. At times our tables lay hidden under a sea of Christmas bottles.

Ane heard me exclaim "I want a Christmas hat" and bought the one a big sweaty man was wearing. The gesture meant a lot, so sweat soaked and all I wore that hat with Danish pride.

Filling up on the Christmas brew I fulfilled my dance quota for the year. I danced at a feverish pace displaying a series of moves which included, the running man, the robot, cabbage patch, and many more. The next morning you could feel the collective pain of the house, some did not make it out of bed until dinner time.

2007-11-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a video Nick shot on the way to Castle Borreby October 29th. This was the road that had endless spider webs strung across the road. You could feel them all trailing off of you.

2007-11-05T03:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I arrived in Chicago late Sunday and I have to say this trip to Denmark is unlike any I have taken. The trip has me rethinking my whole life. I am sad not to be in Skaelskor any longer as it was really starting to feel like home and during my stay I formed what I hope will be some life long friendships. I have lots of photos and stories from my trip so please keep coming back. I have really enjoyed the blog process and have decided to keep taking photos and sharing my life, so keep checking back to see what happens next. Scott

2007-11-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

It's 12:07 PM now Sunday morning. I am off to bed soon and at 9 AM I am headed back to the US. I have more to blog. I had hoped to get more done today but last night the beer companies released the Christmas beer. It's a big deal in Denmark. The whole house went to bar and drank way to much. You could feel the collective pain of the house in the morning. I spent today cleaning the studio and trying to process the hundreds of photos I have taken. Jen and I headed out to the windmills for one last look. Here is a video with the great sound these make.

2007-11-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thursday back in Skaelskor. I wanted to make one more piece for the center. I took my time getting in a run to the windmills while waiting for things to dry. There are 15 new people at the center all of them are recent MFA grads. They are participating in Network Europe 2007 where they will work together for 6 weeks to produce a group show. As I have mentioned before your experience at the center is seldom the same. The people and the group as a whole are always changing and different people bring different experiences. If you are a clay artist I would highly recommend coming to work here.

2007-11-03T15:53:00.001-07:00

Ingrid and Nick were flying out of Copenhagen the next morning. I was headed back to Skaelskor but before we parted we had pizza and beer again. I cannot imagine my time in Denmark with out them and Jen.

2007-11-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Danish have a great parking window system. You are allowed to only park for a specified amount of time. In the window of cars is a clock on it you show the time you arrived. If you falsify your time its a $500 fine.

2007-11-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing pizza from this little shop that sold it by the slice. The bread was unlike any I have ever eaten. It was served folded in half wrapped in paper.

2007-11-03T15:36:00.001-07:00

We visited the world famous Royal Copehagen porcelain show room.

2007-11-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

There's a big election about to take place and all over Copenhagen ther are political posters. A group of artist has taken some of these posters and altered them and then rehung them. In hindsight I wish I would have taken some of these but with my luck I would get accused of putting them up.

2007-11-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here are various pics of Copenhagen.

2007-11-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the doors to other artists rooms I could not get into.

2007-11-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

After breakfast I decided to see what the rest of the hotel looked like and found a couple open for cleaning. The first room is by a Swiss artist named Benjamin Gudel and the second by Australian artists Pandarosa.

2007-11-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning we headed down to the lobby of the hotel for our free breakfast. It was quite tasty. As we were eating a couple came down and sat right across from us and I am 99.9% sure it was Tommy Hilfiger. They were talking very softly as to not draw attention. At one point Tommy went to the two turn tables and pretended to be a DJ. We looked at each other and he smiled. You be the judge.

2007-11-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

To end our evening off right we searched for a cool bar. Its funny, wherever you go in the world there is always some annoying guy trying to talk to women who want nothing to do with them.

2007-11-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

From the $18 gin and tonic we moved onto our $9 beers and Thai food.

2007-11-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Random store windows. The first shot is from a vintage clothing store. The second image is from a tattoo shop. It seems Barbie has given into her dark side. The last is a beauty shop.

2007-11-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our feet were rather tired so we decided to have a pre-dinner cocktail. I present to you my $18 gin and tonic. It was good but it wasn't $18 good. We only had one and moved on.

2007-11-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

On our gallery tour saw the work of a local Danish artist who creates custom vinyl albums which you are invited to play.

2007-11-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

We visited several galleries one which featured the work of a recent grad. His new piece looks familiar but the context throws you off. Behind the walls he has mounted giant cooling coils which cause frost to form on the walls. The forms are constantly evolving.

2007-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling from my bike fetish. The bike labeled URBAN is city bike that for a small fee you can rent to get you from point A to point B.

2007-11-03T10:38:00.001-07:00

Here are some random bits I saw on the streets of Copenhagen. The skull-biker is a back-lit sign telling cyclists to use lights on their bike. Lots of people ride here, it's great to see so many cyclists. The has bike only lanes which encourages people to ride.

2007-11-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our first Copenhagen destination was the design museum.

2007-11-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

The room we ended up with was designed by FRIENDS WITH YOU. The bed is GINORMOUS and has a little stump friend help you get on to the bed. There is a one-of-a-kind carpet with flowers and a happy cloud, the windows feature blue and white cloud curtains. In the corner is Malfi, one of FWY signature characters, in the form of a bean bag chair. The have not done a great job at maintaining the carpets and rooms in general. It's disappointing to see something this special run down.

2007-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday morning Nick, Ingrid and I headed to Copenhagen. After a good hike we ended up at the Hotel Fox. 61 rooms, 21 artist, 1,000 ideas. Each room is an individual piece of art. I made a reservation and explained it would be 3 people. But when we showed up we tried to register our room and she would not let us have our room. After much drama the girl gave us the honeymoon suite with a GIANT bed. The 3 of us slept quite comfortably without touching. I would like to point out Ingrid snores loud, but if you give her a quick elbow to ribs she stops momentarily. And I quote "I love being between a manwhich." http://www.hotelfox.dk/

2007-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today I went for a run and headed toward the windmills. They are so beautiful and hypnotic. There was a slight breeze which had them all spinning. The sound they make is wonderful. I guess the locals were not so welcoming of them. Weather permitting I am hoping to post some video with sound so everyone can enjoy.

2007-11-01T02:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of a piece I finished on Monday entitled Portrait of Communication. The personality of the Skaelskor center is constantly in flux. Each group and each person staying here creates a completely new experience. Ingrid and Nick, part of the US team, have left the center now and there is a new batch of 15. Yesterday the 15 arrived to take part in a program called Network which gives graduating MFA students a place to create work and meet new people within the ceramics field. Up until now I have been working in a giant studio by myself now I will share the space with many. Luckily I am finishing up my time in the studio and will try to enjoy some leisure time before I get thrown back into the crazy pace of my life in the States.

2007-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am back in Skaelskor after 2 days in Copenhagen. I have lots of photos and lots of stories so look for multiple posts over the next couple days. I am back in the US on Nov. 4th.
Enjoy.

2007-10-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I finally made some head way in the studio. Here is my self-portrait emoticon, 40cm x 50cm

2007-10-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived in Skaelskor I was greeted by succession of modern windmills. Before I left I really wanted to see them up close. So after leaving Borreby Castle we headed toward the windmills off in the distance. I was hoping to hear if the windmills made any sounds, but the day of our ride the wind was almost nonexistent. The silence in Skaelskor is almost maddening, it is wonderful and at the same time eerie.

2007-10-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday should have been spent in the studio, but it ended up being a day of leisure. We borrowed the centers bicycles and set out. Our first destination was a local castle. Along the way we cut through ribbons and ribbons of spider web strung across the road. We found a plaque that described Borreby castles history . The castle and grounds still have people living in it, there were so many interesting details. Earlier that morning we all heard what we thought were gun shot after gun shot. Once inside the castle grounds it was apparent what all the noise was from. Some 400 plus quail lay in presentation from the earlier shoot. We arrived as the hunters were filing by in full hunting gear. The sport of killing bothered me, I hope they will at least be eaten.

2007-10-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

Friday night we were all ready for a little action so we went on a pub crawl visiting the two bars Skaelskor has to offer. The first bar we went to was dead, it seems everyone waits until 12:00 to hit the bars because it is to expensive. Ingrid wanted peanuts and we were refused because people were smoking. YES, you read correctly. They were not allowed to sell us peanuts because patrons were smoking. It has something to do with Danish law. Then we hit the other bar and it was much livelier. We thought we would play a game of pool only it was completely different. They did their best to explain it but in the end we just made our own rules. It's a combination of pool and bowling with out the nachos and stinky shoes.

2007-10-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

While the workshop participants finished their work I spent some time in the yard surrounding the center. Here you can see the center from the backyard which include the tree with one eye or a butt, a brick tower, a cement sculpture and our unofficial Skaelskor mascot Cecil the crab.

2007-10-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Friday lacked drama so Ingrid decided to added a little of her own. Nick and Ingrid stayed up all night firing a small wood fire kiln and in the course of chopping wood Ingrid tried to chop off her fingers as well. There was a lot of blood, but everything was okay in the end. That night I was asked to grate beets which given what I had seen only hours earlier was really hard to stomach.

2007-10-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday, everyone was either trying to finish work or trying to get in one last piece. In the end everything worked out and I think everyone walked away having learned something.

2007-10-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

At the center teams of people take turns making dinner for the group. The US team, consisting of Ingrid, Nick and honorary member Hrefna(iceland) treated the group to a classic American dinner of meatloaf, baked mac'n cheese, peas and carrots and for desert homemade chocolate ship cookies. I know some of them thought it was a bit much but I loved it. Overheard: "that heavy American food" Huh! I was little worried what the food was going to be like here, but I have to say I have had some great meals.

2007-10-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone was excited to printing and the studio was a buzz with energy long into the wee hours. With everyone busily at work I enjoyed a local beverage.

2007-10-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from Thursday's class print bonanza.

2007-10-27T03:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, everyone had images on screens and were eager to print. In between answering questions and lending a hand I made some bits from my demo.

2007-10-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

In the main house there is this really funny fire blanket kit that as far as I can tell says in case of fire put on high heels and wrap myself in the fire blanket and roll.

2007-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well the three of us from the US have been thoroughly enjoying the Danish beer selections. We found one locally brewed beer called Harboe Bjørne Bryg to be quite nice. The locals say it is really cheap beer and turn their noses. I guess it is the Danish PBR but we love it.

2007-10-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

Well, today is the final day of the workshop and while we did have some bumps in the road it seems to have been a success. I have aged 10 years in the process. Lots of photos will try to post more later today.

2007-10-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well I have been a little to busy to blog much the last couple of days. The group is making progress and I hope enjoying themselves. I was not wrong about the orginal bulb, it was most likely damaged in transit. The people kept telling us you cannot see the light because it's UV. Uhmmmmmmm. What? Well, I ran a test exposure today showing what different exposures would produce. Most of the screens seem to be working out. Tomorrow will be a full on work day for the participants. Okay time for bed.

2007-10-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

DANISH RAMEN: THE UNBOXING. Well I finally cracked open my Danish ramen noodles which included dried veggies, packet of beef flavor, pouch of mystery oil, lil fork and napkin. It was your typical airport vending machine ramen. It's the closest thing you'll come to a Chinatown.

2007-10-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

I present to you the Skaelskor workshop participants. I have never had my EVERY move in photoshop photographed by a digital camera.

2007-10-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of my workshop and things went pretty well. We have some obstacles to overcome but everyone seems patient enough. Its been a long day and I am off to bed.

2007-10-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I had another pretty much sleepless night. Saturday was a really good day, I was in the studio feeling good about myself and making work. I woke up to a great sunrise, only to head into the studio only to see my piece had a giant crack in it. I let out a YELL that sent birds flying out of trees for a 10 miles radius. I yelled and I yelled again. Some time I really hate clay.

So with the crack being so large I scrapped my work and started over and cranked out two new pieces only to have them crack as well. I am not sure if it is me or the clay body. My studio mates have been really supportive and did what they could to keep me from losing it. It seemed I just can't catch a break. I soldiered on with my day and my lists of things to do while continuing to try and salvage the new work.

I went in for a second and was greeted by an amazing breakfast that I could not pass up. I wrapped up the day with getting the studio ready for tomorrows workshop and finished the work I started at least enough to show the workshop participants. I doubt either piece will come out of the kiln a success.

2007-10-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight the group decided to skip the two bar pub crawl and instead we had a pizza, beer and movie party. The pizza choices here are WEIRD. You can get spaghetti on your pizza. If you look closely there is a veggie pizza and the other has shredded ham strips that resmble pasta, bacon and onion. It didn't look good but tasted good. I am with a really good group of people who are great to be around. Oh, the other strange thing is if you look at the guy on the pizza box he is not wearing any pants? What am I supposed to read into that?

2007-10-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

It felt really good to be in the studio actually working. I am trying and idea I have had for a while stay tuned to see if it works out. Here are a series of photos from the studio today.

2007-10-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Going to the market can be a little confusing. If you look at this carton by its name its apple juice? But it is actually orange juice. CRAZY. I meant to write about this early but it fell through the cracks.

2007-10-20T03:55:00.000-07:00

My body is still fighting with my Chicago timezone so I am getting a late start today. Went for a run today out through what is the industrial area of Skaelskor. I saw tons of great imagery. The work that will come from my visit probably won't start until I get home and process all the visual information I am taking in. Not to far from here are giant modern electricity generating turbines. I will post photos of them in the next day or so. Time to get showered and into the studio.

2007-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today was a very tiring day. I solved one problem only to have others takes its place. I am told the Danish are very patient, I hope the people coming have a sense of humor too. I worked a power washer today trying to blast out old images from past visitors. It seems BLEACH is a four letter word in Denmark. We scoured the grocery store in search of bleach but much of it is diliuted with something flowery. I am cold wet and frustrated. If I was a conceptual artist I could talk about the images that are not there.

Thankfully I brought some of my own supplies but I still need to pull a rabbit out of my hat.

2007-10-18T23:48:00.001-07:00

Well, I think I slept an hour last night. I tossed and turned thinking about all I need to do today. I wish there were an off switch on my head sometimes. Today might be a little light in the blogging as I prepare for Monday. On Saturday we are off to explore the Danish pub scene which I am really looking forward to already.

2007-10-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today I went shoping for dinner with three people from the States. It sounds like they've been away from home for quite a while. Craving a little bit of home they made burgers on the grille with homemade french fries. While we were out I managed to find the Danish version of ramen noodles, I'll let you know how they turn out. Here are some pics from our adventure.

2007-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

In the windows of the studio they have created sealed display cases that house work from past artists. In one of the windows you can see a classic Paul Scott willow.

2007-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Today they started clearing out the space for my workshop. It's progress, slow but progess. I have so much to sort out before Monday. I eat stress for breakfast lunch and dinner.

2007-10-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well the sun is shining today probably in the lower 50's temperature wise and VERY windy. More often than not overseas workshops take a great deal of patience. In the US we are a bit spoiled, everything is I need it yesterday or can you FedEx that to me for tomorrow. Elseware things move at a more relaxed pace which can be a litle unnerving. I still get frustrated but having a gone through this process several times now I am starting to understand it is just part of the process. I hope to post some progress later today.

2007-10-17T13:08:00.001-07:00

I some times leave out details or assume people know what I am talking about. So here's a recap. I am currently in Skælskør, Denmark, I was invited here to give a 5 day workshop on my ceramic print process. I've been invited to stay at the center with the opportunity to work away from my kaotic life.

When I started doing this nearly 15 years ago there were no books. I was totally unaware others were also exploring print and clay. I developed solutions to my specific problems some of which are unique to me. Printing on clay is tricky at best and even after 15 years I still don't have it sorted out. No two prints are ever a like and I like that fact.

To see more of my work visit www.yosoh.com

2007-10-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

Its funny many of the sites I visit see my location as Denmark and all the content is displayed in Danish. I need to figure out how to over ride this if possible. I've had a chance to snap some pics of the main center where I am staying and it is really quite nice. There is a really homey feel about it. In the pics you will see the kitchen, some cups, the common areas, the TV room and so on.

2007-10-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

The building I am in is really nice I am hoping to take pic later today depending on the lighting. Here are two photos of my room.

2007-10-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Woke up around 3am and tossed and turned. It's so quite here you can hear a mouses heart beat. I am used to Chicago with its exchange of gun fire, the local bum dropping every lid of every can and the overhead neighbor who insists I listen to his bad collection of music. It is now 9 am or so 2 am in Chicago. I had wanted to go running but its raining out so I will have to for go those plans.

2007-10-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well, now I am settling into my room. I met the residents who are here now 3 of which are from the US so I should have some accomplises in checking out the local pubs. Each night people take turns cooking dinner. Tonight we had veal, fresh bread, potatos and a tasty vegtable. It is erily quite here compared to my Chicago apartment. I am still jet and xanax lagged. Still lots to sort out before I can start making work. Here is a pic out my window at the studios across the way.

2007-10-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I arrived in Denmark. Had to get on a trail and wouldn't you know it I got on the wrong train. Had to get off at the next stop and find the right train. Then I fell asleep luckily the conductor came back and woke me up or I would still be on the train.

After I made it to my destination I had to take a bus along the way I saw this graffiti which reads "Killing in the name of GOD."

2007-10-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

On my way out to O'hare airport I road in an entirely empty car. In the 10 years I have lived in Chicago this had never happened to me.

2007-10-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

Well I am off to Denmark today, I am going to try and update this blog on a daily basis so others can share my adventures.
This is my first attempt at blogging so we will see how this goes. Hope you enjoy.