Assemblog of Michael deMeng

the Artist's Palette

2012-01-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

I recently came across some images of reknowned artist's palettes and I thought it might be interesting to quiz you:

First... the palettes:

10.

11.

12. this is easy

13.

14. another easy one

15.

Got it?

Now the Painters

Degas

Bonnat

Gaughin

Renoir

Turner

Van Gogh

Me (not to put me in the same category)

Delacroix

Monet

Odd Nedrum

Picasso

Velasquez

Whistler

Moreau

Seurat

Answers:

1. Degas

2. Bonnat

3. Delacroix

4. Gaughin

5. Seurat

6. Moreau

7. Odd Nedrum

8. Picasso

9. Renoir

10. Turner

11. Van Gogh

12. Velasquez

13. Whistler

14. Monet

15. Me

The Return of Sketched Out Monday...on Tuesday

2012-01-24T09:26:00.001-07:00

Okay after a long hiatus, I've decided to get Sketched Out Monday back into swing. Now I know you're saying that it is Tuesday...well since I just decided this moments ago...and I didn't want to wait another 6 days to post...you get it on Tuesday.

So today I offer you a couple of images from my Maui trip at the beginning of the year. This first dude is what I call:

Meanie Menehune

For those who don't know what a Menehune, they are basically Hawaiian leprechauns or fairies who live deep in the forest away from human sight. It is also said that if they start something they have to finish it in one night (elves and cobbler). For the most part they are benevolent...but once in awhile...you get someone like the guy above.

Lono:

He's the god of fertility, harvest and rainfall. Like most Hawaiian tiki images, they are often more benevolent than they look.

cheers

Something Fishy

2012-01-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is that I just got back from spending some time in Hawaii and doing a bit of whale watching, snorkeling and getting thrashed around by waves....but the very first piece I created once back from a holiday by the sea was a piece devoted to Ahab and the Whale.

I should start off by mentioning that my top five books of all time (in no particular order) are: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, the Tempest by William Shakespeare, and Moby Dick by Hermann Melville. Interestingly all three plots are nautical tales, (perhaps its my water sign showing through).

Heart of Darkness is a journey up river in the dense African jungle (Apocalypse Now was based on this story).

The Tempest takes place on a remote and mystical island which starts off with a ship being thrashed around and ultimately sunk. My favorite quote comes from this play:
Full fathom five thy Father lies,
Of his bones are Corrall made:
Those are pearles that were his eies,
Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a Sea-change
Into something rich & strange
Sea-Nymphs hourly ring his knell.
Harke now I heare them, ding-dong, bell.

Last but not least on the list is truly an amazing novel (and a pretty awesome movie). Moby Dick, was source of middle school snickers, but when I finally read it I was amazed. First off I need to mention that you need a version with really good footnotes. Second off you need to read the footnotes, because I am unaware of any novel as dense in symbolism and metaphor as this one. At the heart of the story is the infamous Ahab. Leg missing and scarred from a tussle with an albino sperm whale. His ultimate quest, to kill his attacker not matter the cost...be it his own or the lives of others. A single vision. A single purpose.

Ahab is the anti-Jonah. Jonah was swallowed by a whale/leviathan as means to persuade him to do the will of God. Ahab on the other hand was chewed up by a whale and spit out only to become dark obsessed, vengeful and self absorbed. In both cases the sea creature symbolizes a rebirth; Jonah purified, Ahab putrified. In both cases the each man's life is totally transformed by the encounter; the Leviathan is etched into their soul for good or for bad.

Now to my interpretation of the complex Ahab/Moby relationship.

"Something I Ate"

Mixed media, 18" x 6" x 4"

I've been very interested in puppetry as of late, so it should be no surprise if Ahab popped in and out of the whales mouth. For those who need a bit of video to demonstrate:

As usual the piece is made from various flotsam and jetsam, as well as a fair amount of one of my favorite materials: Ave's Apoxy Clay to mold a cupie doll into Ahab.

As for the old whale...he too, is a bunch of Apoxie Clay

But that's not all...

I left the best for last...

The whale was made out of something other than clay. Any ideas?

Here's a hint:

Perhaps a different perspective will help.

Scroll down for the answer

It's amazing what a little clay can do.

Extra Extra Read all about it...

2012-01-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Man, I really don't do that paperboy outfit justice. Actually, after I photoshopped my face in, I realized I used to look like that as kid...minus the baseball cap (I was never into the baseball cap thing).

So a few news worthy things that need immediate attention!!!

On a personal level...I'm married...woo hoo. Over New Years, my beloved...friend, compadre, and fellow artist, Andrea Matus and I, got hitched on the Isle of Maui! Everything was ideal. Weather, company...everything!

Our rings were designed by our buddy Mr. Keith LoBue...who used bits of flotsam and jetsam to create sacred bands of silver and gold.

Thanks Keith!

Our officiant was none other than the lovely Katherine Engen of Valley Ridge Art Studio. She performed an amazingly heartfelt and wonderful ceremony that will be with us for as long as we live.

Thank you Katherine!

Did I mention we had a ukulele player?

Thanks Eric!

And thanks to everyone who made the day special! Especially those folks who couldn't attend but sent up warm wishes and blessings!

Okay now to some business stuff:
Here's what's new on the workshop front:

Valley Ridge
The fore-mentioned Valley Ridge Art Studio 2012 Registration is ready to go live...Saturday July 14th...sign up now. Doing some ventriloquist action and a master's workshop.

Art Unraveled
Also ArtUnraveled is registration going live too Jan 17th. That's the spectacular Scottsdale AZ event...I always look forward to the Friday night bull riding at the Buffalo Chip Saloon.

ArtFest
Don't forget about ArtFest. It's the very very very very last year that of one of my favorite locations and venues. Sign up or it will be too late.

Krampus Toy List

2011-12-16T13:53:00.003-07:00

Well, Krampus time is here again. It's time to honor that dirty rotten dude who hangs with Santa and passes out coal to the naughty boys and girls. This I'd thought I'd put together a Krampus list of toys he might be inclined to pass out to the "baddies". Sometimes it's good to be bad.

Also I just finished my "Professor Dante- Fire King" sideshow piece....I'll show you the final product at the end...but for now....

2011 Krampus Toy List

1. the Bog Monster by Triclops

Now this is a perfect gift for those naughty little tikes. Nice way to surprise your house guests.

2. Deady Bears by Tom Ashman

Now, no Krampus sack is complete with out a collection of Deady Bears, by my buddy Tom Ashman. Grim and cuddly.

3. Ed Roth inspired Hot Rod for toddlers

Remember the hot rod cartoons of Ed Roth. Well you're naughty toddler can burn rubber down on the shady side of the street in this little brain-mobile. Couldn't find the maker of this contraption but awesome!

4. Beth Robinson's Strange Dolls

Old nasty Krampus would definitely have some of these little darlings all wrapped up an ready to go. I met Beth a couple of years ago in Vermont. I was lucky enough to see her studio and all her twisted creations!

5. Anatomy Toys by Jason Freeny

Ever want to know what makes those cartoons tick. Well Micky, Hello Kitty, Super Mario are on the slab for your viewing pleasure.

6. Chris Sickels' Toys

Chris Sickels' work makes me want to be naughty in the hopes that Krampus would bring me a few of his treats. His work is amazing and just as amazing is the way that his work is photographed.

So I'll leave you with my own offering to Krampus:

I present the amazing

Professor Dante

Fire Eater and connoisseur of all things flammable.

He is part of my Carinal Puppet series. He has lots of surprises. Well at least one big surprise.

And of course I made a little video to see him in action. Don't worry, you YouTube junkies...I'll be putting him to lip-synching duty soon enough.

Heres' a basic viddy in the meantime:

http://youtu.be/8fUTaLwW_wk

A Holiday Greeting: The 12 days of Xmas ala deMeng

2011-12-06T20:29:00.003-07:00

I made a made a little Xmas viddy for you and yours....

Here's a little video to get you in the spirit...or make reach for a bottle of spirits, more likely.

Enjoy...earmuffs optional...

deMent-triloquism and Mixed Media Puppetry

2011-11-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

So as of late I've found myself fascinated with the puppets, marionettes, and things with strings.

Part of this recent obsession stems from a show I saw last summer in L.A. featuring the work of John Frame, a very very very inspiring exhibit.

That was not the only source of my inspiration, however. For many years I have dreamt of creating fortune telling automatons such as Zoltar.

Here's a odd fortune telling machine I came across on Coney Island...Granny knows best...I think I like Zoltar better....duh!

Granny sees...an little boy fetching her a nice cup of tea...

Here's a groovy one I found in Oaxaca, Mexico:

Another inspiration was the automated window displays made by Baranger company.

The largest collection of Baranger displays is located in Wisconsin at the amazing House on the Rocks, which also houses oodles and oodles of other machine operated people, places and things. Here's a little video I made last year when Katherine Engen and I visited that palace of Pandemonium.

Last Summer Andrea and I visited the Marionette Museum in Lisbon. Pretty nifty. They had a very nice collection of marionettes from around the globe. One of the more interesting displays was the Vietnamese Water Puppets. The stage is actually waist high deep pool. This type of puppetry is different because the mechanisms come from below as opposed the traditional strings from above.

But perhaps the most inspirational thing was that silly B.B. gun game in front of the Oaxaca City cemetery during Day of the Dead. Shoot the target and the puppets start to dance....a normal thing to do in front of a graveyard.

So finally I have embraced my inner-puppeteer....though, I still hate Kukla, Fran and Ollie (that show gave me the willies).

deMent-triloquisms and Mixed Media Pupetry

I have begun with simple talking heads based on Mexican Dia de los Muertos. They can even carry a tune...sort of...

And for those of you who know the ever enduring tunes of Eduard Khil here is a remixed version of his masterpiece Trololo:

And of course these led to the more complex Spinny Headed Super Freak:

Currently I am working on this strange little dude Despite the prominent lower jaw, ironically his mouth will stay shut and most of the motion will come from his arms and legs.

Well...since I'm in a toy-making mood, I thought I'd leave you with a horrifying memory from my childhood...the Child Catcher of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as he searches the Toymaker's shop.

And now a word from our sponsor: La Maison Fantome

2011-11-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Crusted, Crumbled and Cracked - Art Lab #3: Texture

2011-11-13T23:03:00.004-07:00

Question you may have:

How much does it cost? A: $59.95
When does it begin? A: January 20, 2012
How long does it run? A: The class will be available for 2 months before I change the codes, but students will be able to access information after that date when I send out the new codes.
How does it differ from live class? A: Online classes allow for a bit more in depth explanations of techniques etc.
Will there be video? A: Yes. I have about 180 of minutes of protected video that only students will be able to access.
How many videos? A: Roughly about 180 minutes of video is included in the instruction.
Will it be live? A: No. I will not be doing live video, but I will be setting up a Yahoo Group where I will be available to discuss your questions and issues once a week.
Can you tell me more about the Yahoo Group? A: Students can access this anytime and discuss issues with other students. Once a week I will be available and answer all questions.
Is the class segmented or do I get everything at once? A: I have designed the class so you will have access to all the information at once and can play with it as you like, at your own speed. New weekly videos will pop up with additional tidbits and tips.
What kind of site is being used to host this class? A: I'm using a protected TypePad account.
How will I access the TypePad account? A: When class begins I will send out passwords and usernames to all the students.
What else will be on the blog? A: Along with the Videos I will be posting the major questions as they come up, and the solutions. I will also do weekly video addressing these questions.
Is this for Beginners or Advanced students? A: It's for everyone. I've made it so it is information that can be used by all levels.
Will it be entertaining? A: Geez, I hope so. I will try and make it very un-dry and fun.
How will you accept payment. A: PayPal
What will happen after I sign up? I'll send you a confirmation to say "howdy" and then just sit back until I start the Yahoo group. At that point you'll get an email inviting you to join prior to class and meet some of the other students. Then on Jan. 20th, 2012, I will send out the TypePad site, codes, etc.
How do I sign up? A: Click the little button and you're off and running. WooHoo!

Case # 222-Texture Addict

2011-11-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost

2011-11-09T21:00:00.002-07:00

La Fantome Maison Workshop

If last year's NOLA workshop is any indication the Fantome Maison Workshop in the Big Easy looks to be a blast and a half.

Katherine Engen (of Valley Ridge Art Studio) the organizer of the event, has been working tirelessly to put together tours and experiences to ease you into the Big Easy. In case you were wondering what goodies we had in store for you when you aren't slaving away over rusty metal bits...here's the skinny (which doesn't really apply in NOLA...especially if you eat the maple bacon sundae from Green Goddess...mmmmmm).

The full itinerary is listed at the end of this post but here are a few highlights:

Last year we started our adventure at the Voodoo Museum. It was so interesting and fun last year that we decided to come back again for more dances and ceremonies in the beautiful courtyard setting...oh and watch out for those love potions...oooh la la!

A new treat on this year's schedule is a carriage ride around the French Quarter.

And a trip to NOLA without a stop at one of it's historic cemeteries would be like a hot dog without mustard...three dogs without a night...a bee without a gee.

So you like greenery? The garden district is an amazing display of the historic opulence of this area. There are some excellent bars, restaurants and shops in this area...oh, did I mention the shrubbery?

One thing I missed out on last year was experiencing jazz at Preservation Hall. Everyone who went last year loved it...I know it's only on this year's "suggested itinerary"...but I'm going for sure!!!! Jazz hands!

A couple of notes on a few of the suggested evening events...
First:
The Praline Connection has the BEST fried chicken I have EVER EVER EVER EVER had. I don't normally like fried chicken, but holy perfected poultry, Batman!
Second:
One of the best places to see music at the end of the day is the Spotted Cat. Great vibe, and some excellent retro jazz bands. You may have seen it featured in the HBO series "Treme".

No trip to NOLA is complete without a trip to the Napoleon House. This place was originally meant to be the residence of Bonaparte after his exile. He died before this ever came to fruition. Now it is a great bar and restaraunt. I have enjoyed many a Pimms Cup at this establishment ...delish...not to mention it is wonderfully old and and decrepit. Got to love the walls!

This year Katherine will be taking fashionistas to Fifi Mahoney's for a bit of wig shopping. Maybe I'll pick up a new "teaching wig". Katherine purchased one last year...though not quite as pink as this one:

Muriels is on the schedule for lunch this year. This is the place that gave me the idea for the class. It is said that they have a resident ghost who is served dinner nightly as a way to appease him. Afterwards, we mosey up to their Seance Lounge for an actual seance...cool!

After connecting with the spirits we will need a does of sugar and coffee at the Cafe Du Monde. Most likely a street performer or twelve will give us a bit of a show while we caffeinate.

From there we do a bit of ghost hunting...oooooooooooo...Night time ghost tours. I ain't afraid of no ghost!

We end the workshop with a bang. The city of New Orleans is having a parade in our honor. Nice job Katherine! Actually it is the Krewe du Vieux...a parade that kicks off to the Mardis Gras season.

Art, food and culture...who needs anything more...oh yeah...ghosts!

For more info click here

The itinerary:

Monday, January 30th

6:30 Meet and Greet Party at the Voodoo Museum in their courtyard. Gris gris bags will be prepared for you. Presentation by Voodoo Priestess, Cinnamon. Jumbo, jumbalaya, and king cake.

Tuesday, January 31st: Tour

Horse and carriage tour through the French Quarter, over to the cemetery with time for photographs, tour of the Garden District and drop us off at the end of Decatur Street where there are a number of vintage shops to explore.

• Suggested evening events*

• Dinner at the Royal Oyster for a bowl of boiled peel and eat shrimp.

• Preservation Hall for their jazz performance

 Wednesday, February 1st: Workshop.

Workshop begins: Morning session: 10:00 - 12:30. Lunch*: 12:30 - 1:30. Afternoon session: 1:30 - 4:30.

• Suggested evening events*

• Cocktails in the hotel lounge

• Walk to the Marigny neighborhood

• Dinner at a number of restaurants there. Suggest the Praline Connection Restaurant.

• Jazz at the Spotted Cat.

 Thursday, February 2nd: Workshop  Workshop begins: Morning session: 10:00 - 12:30. Lunch*: 12:30 - 1:30. Afternoon session: 1:30 - 4:30.

• Suggested evening events*

• Meet in the hotel lounge

• Dinner at Napoleons'

• Take the Ferry (free) to Algiers and go to the Old Point Bar for good local music.

 Friday, February 3rd: Tour.

Morning is free time I will take those interested to Fifi Mahony's to try on wigs... and look at their cool accessories. http://fifimahonys.com/

Lunch at Muriel's*  Seance in the Seance Lounge at Muriel's Stop at Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee* Ghost tour in the evening.    Saturday, February 4th: Last Day of Workshop

Workshop begins: Morning session: 10:00 - 12:30. Lunch*: 12:30 - 1:30. Afternoon session: 1:30 - 4:30.

• Suggested evening events*

• Attend the Krewe du Vieux Parade

• Jacques-Imo's on Oak Street

Maple Leaf Bar or Oak Wine Bar for music afterward

http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/new-orleans/home.asp

Ch…ch…changes

2011-11-05T09:58:00.000-06:00

As many of you may have heard…Teesha Moore has announced that 2012 will be the last year of ArtFest. This event is a magical event that truly changed much of the Art and Craft world as we know it. Suddenly artists found new and interesting ways to reach there public, and art students had a chance to spend time to learn and laugh with teachers, colleagues and friends. A wonderful experience for everyone and anyone who attends…this much is certain. Teesha and Tracy Moore deserve a huge shout out for all that they have done for the Art Community.

On a personal note it was Teesha who really gave me my start in this biz…hounding me…and hounding me…and, yes hounding me…until I agreed to teach for her. When I finally said "yes", it forever changed the trajectory of my life. Thanks for that. I am sad to see ArtFest go but as Joseph Campbell said: Follow your Bliss.

I just wanted to let Teesha and Tracy know that I and many many others truly appreciate all that you have done. Happy New Adventures!

cheers
M

Here is the note Teesha sent out yesterday:

Those of you who have known me for most of my art life, have seen a progression from my first little rubber stamp company called Ornamentum (which I sold less than a year later even though it had grown 500%), then onto organizing the MARS Guild (mail artists & rubber stampers) to plan a convention in seattle, then starting Zettiology and getting involved all over the country teaching art and selling our designs. Soon after, we held our first art retreat for 50 people at Dumas Bay, a life changing event for me. We rented an art studio in Snoqualmie and continued to do our weekend art retreats while doing rubber stamp shows, planning my first of 2 Artfests in Bellevue and starting a new magazine called "The Studio". This then all led to starting a new type of retreat that focused more on workshops and less on the vendor show. It was also called Artfest and was held at Fort Worden State Park in the year 2000. In the past 12 years, I finished out 21 issues of The Studio Zine, 4 issues of The Studio Reloaded, 4 Issues of PLAY and then 12 issues of Art & Life. This finally gave way to doing more events which included PLAY-the retreat, ArtFiberfest and Journalfest. All the while I was following my gut...even when it was taking me into scary territory. But each thing was a step higher, a part of my evolution, and an ever increasing way of helping more people in their creative journeys. In that vein of following my intuition wherever it takes me, I was surprised when I sat down to fill out my 2013 Fort Worden reservation that something didn't feel right. Up to that point, I really had never given it any thought, but suddenly I was thinking along a different path. Trust me when I say that I had many many sleepless nights over this dilemma/decision but in the end, my gut was saying that I needed to be ready for the next big thing I was going to do without any future commitments in 2013. So I have made the decision to make Artfest 2012 the last big event for awhile. I am feeling an overwhelming "knowing" that this is the right decision...I just wish I knew what the next BIG thing was as it would make this decision easier to swallow for my friends and family. I still feel a strong need to continue renting our Artfest Annex in Seattle and inviting teachers to come do weekend retreats. I am also feeling like I need to step up my own teaching schedule. I feel open and inclined to plan some smaller art events down the road at new venues. But there is something on the horizon that I think will reveal itself to me as soon as Artfest 2012 has come and gone. So before the rumor mill gets going, I wanted you all to know where I am coming from with my decision, what the REAL skinny is and also to thank you all for your part in my crazy and amazing art journey I'm still on. So, to clarify. At this date, we have canceled plans for Journalfest 2012. "PLAY-the retreat" is still on for jan. 2012 (5 spots left) and Artfest 2012 (about 100 spots left) will be the biggest send-off party....ever! Stay tuned as the mystery reveals itself. ;)

Return to Festival of the Dead

2011-11-03T11:44:00.000-06:00

A peek at Missoula's Festival of the Dead:

Here's an article that Montana Kaimin did on the event

http://www.montanakaimin.com/mobile/opinion/festival-founder-returns-to-walk-among-the-dead-1.2681324

and another from the Missoulian

http://missoulian.com/news/local/downtown-missoula-parade-celebrates-death-as-part-of-life/article_4747b394-05cd-11e1-9b3b-001cc4c03286.html?mode=story

Caffeinated Meanderings: The Archie Bray

2011-10-22T17:20:00.000-06:00

Just had a nice little diversion in Helena, MT. The Archie Bray...a magical haven for clay loving ceramic artists.

Workshop Junkies vs The Crabman

2011-10-19T10:06:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,

My workshop season is coming to an end for 2011. I've been zigging and zagging and now I have one last thing on this year's slate...Valley Ridge Art Studio. One of my mostest favoritest of venues. This year is especially fun. Because not only because I am doing a duo class with the lovely Ms. Jane Wynn but also because were are having a little Grim Reaping Gala afterwords. Complete with Bobbing for Baby Heads, Seek and Slime Find, and a Cruel and Sadistic Gift Exchange. Bwa ha ha!

I just put the final touches for my portion of the Grey Matter Meddling class with Jane.

May I present Crabby Maguillicuddy:

Don't be such a crab!

deMeng Workshop Junkies

Just started a little FaceBook Group called: deMeng Workshop Junkies. I'll be posting workshop and retreat info, as well as student work and class samples. Just getting 2012 calendar figured out so will be listing the retreats on there soon.

This will also be a place for students or potential students to connect and post about their latest flea market finds and/or latest found object creations.Hope to see you over there...and in a class...or wandering around a junkyard.

Go here to join deMeng Workshop Junkies: http://www.facebook.com/groups/176334085786328/

Caffeinated Meanderings: Scary Monsters

2011-10-16T21:45:00.000-06:00

CAFFEINATED MEANDERINGS:

SCARY MONSTERS

A Halloween Treat

It's Halloween time...or at least getting close, so I know everyone is out there getting ready by watching their favorite horror movies. Here's my little tribute:

Part ONE: Intro

Part TWO: Creepy Girls

Part THREE: Zombies

Part FOUR: Vampires

Part FIVE: Nostalgia

Super Scary Bonus

Open if you dare...I'm not kidding...this is not for the mild mannered. I'm warning you...really I am...

...you should have listened.

Happy Halloween!

Caffeinated Meanderings - Volume 1: Season of the Witch

2011-09-29T21:49:00.001-06:00

So I am playing with a new periodic addition to the blog...a periodic video called "Caffeinated Meanderings. This episode I chat a bit about my trip to Portugal (Part One) and then in Part Two I give a little preview to the latest soundtrack for my favorite TV show...True Blood! Woo Hoo!

Part 1:

and

Part 2:

See you next time.

2012…get ready!

2011-08-05T15:06:00.000-06:00

Though it seems far far away actually 2012 is lurking right around the bend. So I thought I'd give you a bit of a preview of some of the goodies you can look forward to:

La Fantome Maison: A New Orleans Adventure

Registrations are filling up for my annual NOLA retreat. Don't get left behind whilst everyone else has a blast.

Click here for the skinny on the Big Easy Workshop.

……………………………………………………………….

ArtFest

The ever amazing Art Venue in Port Townsend Washington is once again kicking it with a stellar lineup. Registration started so get crackin' and get thee to an art-ery. I'll be teaching

Classes by Me

Good Brushes Gone Bad

Zoo-illogicals

Eye of Fatima

As it turns out my fiance, Andrea Matus, will be there as well doing her schtick. Here's some of her samples:

Classes by Andrea Matus

Collaging the Translucent

Dorian Gray Portrait

Suspended Souls

For more info about ARTFEST Click Here

…………………………………………………………………….

End of the World Workshop

Oaxaca Mexico, Day of the Dead

Oct. 26 - Nov 3, 2012

Don't fear the reaper! The Mayan Calendar is coming to an end so what better place to celebrate the end of the world than in the Mesoamerica…and…what better time to celebrate it than Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)? The details are getting ironed out but I can tell you that for a class project we will be making a Time Capsule. Appropriate, don't you thing? My organizer Colleen is taking names and email of folks who are interested. I anticipate this will fill up fast fast fast. So get on the info list.

Contact Colleen Darling

805-688-1221

colleen950@gmail.com

To Live and Die in L.A.

2011-07-11T17:34:00.002-06:00

So when we last spoke I was rolling down the mountain high above the Palm Dessert, and heading to the beautiful beachfront Santa Monica to teach at the Urban Craft Center.

Had a great time hangin', plus it was broken up in two night classes I got to do a bit of exploring. First stop the beach of course.

Then a bit more sight seeing around Venice…one thing though if you're driving on Main St. don't look up if you're afraid of clowns.

Next stop over to Hollywood to check of the shows at La Luz de Jesus gallery. If you have every read Juxtapose magazine, many of the artist in that are represented here.

Then the obvious next stop is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery…

which is filled with the bones of famous Hollywood folks. Such as

Johnny Ramone of the Ramones…

though, he may not actually be dead…it looks sort of like he is frozen in carbonite.

Also here is Cecil B. DeMille, Faye Wray, and the most important grave of all…VAMPIRA!

I should mention that this cemetery does some really cool things…first, they have a huge Dia de los Muertos celebration every year…and in the summer they have outdoor cinemas... projected on the mausoleum.

How friggin' cool is that?

So just to whet your appetite…I'll tell you that plans are in the works…big plans for next summer with the Urban Craft Center to something FANGtastic, that will include some nifty L.A. haunts…including a trip to this joint for some night time flix. More later…can't wait to spill the beans!

Stay tuned:

In the next post,

I find that Santa has been kidnapped from his beach home of Carpinteria

and

I get Dane and boogie in Solvang at the Art Clinic.

Wild and Idle in Idyllwild

2011-07-08T18:52:00.000-06:00

So still doing my little Southern Cal thang. Goin' on week three. When we last met I was busy gathering squirrel feet at Necromance….

From there I wandered up the hill to Idyllwild, a high dessert town with an awesome art school.

If you ever get a chance wander up that way to teach or take classes. Great great great group of folks.

And it is the land of the Idyllbeast.

While I was up there I had a bit of down time so having been recently puppet inspired I started making a bunch of puppet heads…soon to be altered with found thingies.

Another cool thing at Idyllwild was this piece of art at the house they rented for me.

Sure it just looks like the Ten Commandments at a L.A. drive in…but it is made entirely of colored duct tape.

Awesome!

Sun, Fun and Creepy Things in Southern Cal

2011-06-27T19:56:00.001-06:00

I've started my 3 week tour of Southern Cal. Had a great three days at Zinnia teaching and hanging with friends. Next stop I head up to Idyllwild.

I always feel a bit of nostalgia when I visit Pasadena. My grandparents had a biz here…Crown Contact Lens. I especially feel this way when I see this sight:

Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena. Always a welcome sight to me.

Part of my L.A. adventure included a visit with friends at renowned chef Susan Fenigar's restaurant STREET with my friends Dawn and Mike.

Kind of a tapas joint with very nice and dishes with unexpected flavors. Try the Kaya Toast…I know, toast, but it's excellent.

Three Fragments of a Lost Tale
Today a buddy of mine, the penguin woman of SeaWorld, Deb Denton, popped up from San Diego to visit. Originally we were going to check out the Tim Burton exhibit. I was however encouraged to check out a different exhibit. John Frame at the Huntington.

OMG am I glad we did. Amazing, inspiring, amazing and yet even more inspiring. He carves these wonderful marionette like figures with stages and settings. He also has put them to life with stop animation. This was the last day of this exhibit but look him up and see his work in person if you can. Each tiny little hand is carved and complete with hinged articulations. UNFLIPPIN' BELIEVABLE!

Here's a link to the press kit of the show to give you a sense of scale and kick-ass-ness of the show. http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary_02.aspx?id=8368

Next stop Melrose.
Deb had never been to Necromance, an interestingly creepy little store.

Goth in one part, bones and biologicals on the other. I snagged some bones and eyeballs…you know the usual.

Next stop Idyllwild…then Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica…then Art Clinic in Solvang.

How Flash Gordon and Batman Saved My Life

2011-05-31T14:17:00.000-06:00

What does one do on a rainy Memorial Day weekend? Well, they spend it watching several hours of Flash Gordon all 13 episodes of the 1930’s serial. So you might be wondering what was so compelling about this series to suck away so much of my precious time.

Was it the spaceships with sparklers in the exhaust? Was it the dragons created by adding horns to iguanas? Or perhaps it was the highly technical terminology used in those episodes, like “spaceogram” (for Skype-ing). Actually the reason that I found myself engrossed is for reasons of nostalgia, after all Flash Gordon saved my life but not just him, Batman too.

Before I get into that let me give you a bit of Flash Gordon background for those who are unfamiliar comics, movies or cartoons.

Depending on the source the version might vary but the basic story is that the Planet Mongo traveling through space heading towards earth; the planet is ruled by the evil Ming the Merciless (Emperor of the Universe), who, like most evil villains, want to take over earth. I suppose, if he is the Emperor of the Universe that would be within his rights. Flash is a polo player or football player (two very interchangeable sports) but ends up getting caught up with genius (and slightly loony) Dr. Zarkov and reporter Dale Arden. Long story short they hop into Zarkov's rocket to intercept the planet Mongo. Once on Mongo they encounter the various kingdoms of Mongo (tree people, lion people, shark people, hawk people, etc) all of which are infighting due to Ming's plans to keep them under his thumb. The storyline is riddled with internal conflicts (Flash loves Dale, Ming’s daughter loves Flash, Flash’s buddy Barin loves Ming’s Daughter, Ming loves Dale). Ok you're up to speed.

As a kid I a local TV station played this serial every Saturday morning. I would watch the cartoon version “the New Adventures of Flash Gordon” and then flip over to the 1930’s serial starring Buster Crabbe (Olympic gold medalist in swimming and star of other cliffhanger serials such as Tarzan and Buck Rogers). As a kid I thing the thing that enthralled me about Flash Gordon was that it was the wonderfully strange world that the hero was thrust into. Mongo was a planet where old and modern meet…Medieval meets Art Deco. And what a world it was, filled with Sharkmen, Hawkmen, Lionmen , and Monkeymen; also a place strange kindoms like the ice kindom of Frigia, the forest world of Arboria, or the compass confusing Magnetic Mountains. If you can think it, there is a good chance it happens on Mongo. More than that, though, Flash was someone thrust into strange unfamiliar lands and managed to defeat every obstacle that came his way.

So how did this polo player turned galactic explorer come to save my life. Well, basically you need to know that as a kid I was very shy and very reclusive. Much of that had to do with the fact that my family moved around a fair bit and though I don’t think that that caused my shyness, it certainly exaggerated it as well as my insecurities. My savior was my art and my parents for continually encouraging me to do art, but it is comic book characters like Flash Gordon and Batman that helped my subconscious navigate a world that I y felt out of place in.

Here was a mere earthling that took on the Emperor of the Universe. His obstacles were adventures…not tragedies. In my mind Flash Gordon was my ideal self that could move from city to city, school to school and feel confident and secure. It made recognize that perhaps, I too, could face whatever the universe hurled at me.

My affinity to the Batman, started much younger. Of course the TV series was the initial introduction. I watched the campy Batman “Kapow” and “Biff” all through my childhood. Then came the comics, which were much darker and sinister. The Batman was tragic soul surrounded by the haunting memories of his parents murder. He is a villain the turned into a good guy. A dark dude who finds a way to make his demons work for him; he did this by embracing them. This is what the Dark Knight taught me.

While Flash Gordon gave me a sense of hope in my life, the Caped Crusader gave me a methodology to face my fears. Instead of fleeing from my fears I would embrace them, and where I would embrace them was in my art. The darker elements that you see in my art to this day are the product of my internal battles. I have found a way to harness those dark thoughts and put them to good use. Bear in mind that much of this was done without my knowledge. I did not wake up one day and say “this is what I need to do”, rather through time I was able to look back and reflect to see what led me to where I am today. Back then, as child and teen, it seemed like aimless meanderings. As I look back now, I see how those meanderings were really useful adaptive tools.

I bring these issues to light for two reasons. First of all, I wanted to point out that even a comic book character can make a difference in a child’s life. They are the contemporary brethren of King Arther, Odysseus, or the Zapotec princess Donaji. They are what Joseph Campbell called “the hero of a thousand faces”. . It is the same myth culture-to-culture, era-to-era. An average “Joe” summoned to face trials and tribulations that will ultimately transform that person…hopefully for the better.

The second reason I bring up this topic is to emphasize the importance of art in a child’s life. Not just looking at art or listening to music, but creating it. Not every child will gain from it to the degree that I did but all people will be enriched by it. In my case the ability to have access to art supplies helped me through difficult times. I see the current trends in school being a singular emphasis on “reading, writing, ‘rithmatic” and a disregard for the value for art in the lives in children. I often ponder what would have happened without my parents’ encouragement to use pencil and paper to battle my foes. It seems to me that people will address their issues either creatively or destructively. A paintbrush is a better solution than smashing car windows. In my case, art allowed me my to address my “issues” in ways that don’t harm others and perhaps might even be considered a benefit.

Through the years I hav e seen how art literally saves lives. A friend of mine is battling a very tenacious cancer; even as the disease slows her down, her art moves her forward. It gives her strength, and it feeds her spirit. I am also reminded of a project that an art therapist I know was involved with that focused on children directly affected by the hurricane, Katrina. It was called Through the Eyes of Children with the goal of using art therapy as a method for addressing and easing the psychological stresses associated with that catastrophe.

I’ve come across multitudes people who are faced with various tragedies of all sorts ranging from disease to disaster to divorce. The thing that saved them, the thing that guided them through difficulty and despair was their art. Some people don’t believe in superheroes. I do. I see them everyday. I see people defying all odds, conquering universes, and doing miraculous things, all because they have a superhuman power called: creativity.

Links that might interest you on the topic
Through the Eyes of Children: http://www.katrinaexhibit.org/photoalbum/index.htm
VSA Arts: http://www.vsarts.org/
Living Arts of Montana: http://www.livingartofmontana.org/Home.asp
Art Saves: Jenny Doh's project: http://www.crescendoh.com/artsaves.shtml

L.A. Confidential

2011-05-24T10:12:00.000-06:00

So I'm sitting here in the Asheville Airport after a wonderful 4 day workshop at Random Arts in Saluda North Carolina. Love coming out here and just finished a bit of junking at my favorite antique store Needful Things (I probably like it because of the Stephen King book by the same title…but thats just me). Picked up a nifty old carriage lantern, a fish scale and a trippy looking boring tool (which really isn't all that boring).

So I was looking into my crystal ball to see what was in my future…and lo and behold I'm going to be in Southern Cal for almost an entire month. As it turns out I'll be down in L.A. for a couple of pretty nifty exhibits. The Tim Burton Exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

and the Art in the Streets exhibit at the L.A. MOCA.

Good timing. Of course, the real reason I'll be hangin' in the birthplace of your's truly (Glendale to be exact) is to do a few workshops. So here's what I got planned…

Kroma Crackle hits L.A.

Those of you taking my Cold Blooded Journal Classes get the inside skinny of my new favorit-est thing thing in the world Kroma Crackle…I found a nifty way to make this lizardy medium instantaneous…so check it out near you. Art Clinic, Zinnia, and Idyllwild Arts

so here is the schedule:

Zinnia

This cool store in South Pasadena is a whisper away from where my grandparents had a contact lens biz…memories. Love hangin' here with Tamara and Joe and Paul.

Friday June 24 - Cold Blooded Journals

Sat June 25 - Lonely Hearts

Sun June 26 - Pretty Vial Things
Here's the scoop: http://www.zinnia.biz/zinnia.biz/Michael_deMeng.html

Idyllwild Arts

Next stop up into the mountains…above Palm Dessert, the small and arty little town of Idyllwild. This is such a nice relaxing little place for me to teach…and the Aroma Cafe is some of the best food anywhere.

Thurs June 30- Fri June 1

- Cold Blooded Journals

Sat July 2 - Sun July 3

- Casa Embossa

here's the scoop: http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer.aspx

Urban Craft Center

Down the mountain I go…to the gorgeous beach town of Santa Monica. Once again I'll be at Urban Craft Center. I'm doing something a bit different here…I'm going to be doing evening classes…were are going to make some part man/part animal creations over two evenings.

Tues July 5th and Wed July 6th - Zoophilia

here's the skinny: http://www.theurbancraftcenter.com/

Art Clinic

Then I head north to the Danish inspired town of Solvang…not to confused with the Transylvanian inspired California town Sol-fang…har har. What in the world is this doing in Southern Cal…well I'll have to find out. I'll be hangin at the Art Clinic teaching some classes for few days as we watch the windmills spin.

Sat July 9- Cold Blooded Journals

Sun July 10 - Pretty Vial Things

check it out: http://artclinic.blogspot.com/2011/02/carol-and-syd-at-art-clinic-are-excited.html

Hope to see everyone there….get ready to Crackle!

NOLA 2012: La Maison Fantôme

2011-05-11T14:16:00.002-06:00

So Katherine Engen of Valley Ridge Art Studio and I are teaming up once again for another amazing adventure down in the enchanting and mysterious city of New Orleans. Jan 30 - Feb 4, 2012 is the date to keep on your calendar. This year's class: La Maison Fantôme. Here's the skinny:

La Maison Fantôme

Ghost Story:
In New Orleans there is a restaurant off Jackson Square called Muriels. Good food, great historic French Quarter atmosphere, and best of all…it’s haunted. That’s right, oooooooo…..haunted. Here’s a little back story: After a devasting fire in the French Quarter, this property was aquired and restored to its orginal grandeur by a man named Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. His home was his pride and joy, however he had a nasty gambling habit and one night in 1814 he wagered his most prized possession, his magnificent home. The cards turned against him and he lost. Before he could honor his wager he shot himself on the second floor, which is now a séance lounge for the restaurant, where he is said to roam to this day.
Through the years, the ghost of Mr. Jourdan caused mischief for the various residents of the property, by breaking wine glasses or appearing as sparkling lights. The owners of Muriel’s restaurant have found an interesting solution to their resident phantom; they set a table for him each night, where he is served food and drink. This seems to appease the former master of the house and the business has been thriving, since.

The Class:
It is said that my home is haunted (though I have never seen alleged spirit) but have had a number of friends who swear they exist and have experienced a variety of eerie occurrences with ghostly types. So it dawned on me that perhaps these ghosts just need a little bit of pampering, and this got me thinking about an interesting idea for a class: la maison fantôme, a ghost house.

Using found objects and the art of assemblage attendees will create a little shrine where you can leave little treats or offerings to appease the supernatural inhabitant. Hopefully this will keep them content and they will no longer move furniture, break wine glasses or make prank phone calls. Whether you currently have a spirit or need to prevent one from settling in, a Maison Fantome is a must for any home. Oh remember, whatever you leave as an offering should be: “ectoplasmmm…mmm…good.”

Now doesn't that sound nifty? Katherine is busy making hotel arrangements and figuring out this year's tours…I think a trip to the Seance Lounge in Muriel's is in order, don't you? If you're interested you can register here:

http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/new-orleans/

See you there!

One More Month to Register

2011-04-27T16:33:00.000-06:00

Hey there,
Made a geeky little video to remind you about the Alchemist's Toolbox Online class. Class begins May 27th. Register Now.

For more info click here:

http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/2011/03/art-lab-2-alchemist-toolbox-register.html

Full Fathom Five

2011-04-23T14:22:00.000-06:00

"Full fathom five thy father lies;

Of his bones are coral made;

Those are pearls that were his eyes:

Nothing of him that doth fade,

But doth suffer a sea-change

Into something rich and strange.

Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell: Ding-dong

Hark! now I hear them,—Ding-dong, bell."

— William Shakespeare (The Tempest)

So I've been on a sea-faring kick lately....perhaps it is because I've been hanging out in the Pacific Northwest for the last month or so....Vancouver, Victoria, Port Townsend, Seattle, Portland and back to Vancouver again. My girlfriend, Andrea has been showing the sights around B.C. and a trip with her and her girls to the Vancouver Aquarium to punctuate the aquatic theme.

Water, water, everywhere,

Nor any drop to drink.

Being surrounded by the briny deep affected me artistically which was really kicked in after hanging out in Portland and coming across these:

Then...I picked up a belllows at the famous Baker's Dozen Antique store...and this is where it started...

This is where my Sea-faring adventures begins...

Chapter i: Loomings

Call me Ishmael...but Michael is what I typically go by. Anyway, I always start the same way...I get a basic structure together then build from that. I know when I posted the above image on Facebook a few folks thought I might actually keep the pink tentacles but that is really not my thing. I usually know that paint is going to take the objects and bring together.

Before I show you the finished piece...let's talk Squid legs

There is something oddly eerie about the legs of squids and octopi.

Incredibly disconcerting yet strangely compelling. Of course early sea-farers probably had a similar point of view and these became the stuff of sea-monster tales.

I think there is an other worldly quality about these critters, especially the way the tentacles seem to move so smoothly yet powerfully...I have to admit, tentacle hands would be coooool. It's true I have tentacle envy.

Now some of you may be Pirates of the Caribbean fans and you might be familiar with the strange character of Davy Jones...a octopus faced character.

Yes he does have nice legs...but as interesting as he may be this is not the first...

Neither is this

and I don't mean him either

The first tentacle faced villain (that I'm aware of) goes back to the February 1928 publication "Weird Tales". The story was called Call of Cthulhu

and the author, famed horror/fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft

He created a villainous demon from outer space called Cthulu, who had "...a pulpy, tentacled head surmounted a grotesque scaly body with rudimentary wings". My piece was not really inspired by the story of Cthulhu but nonetheless I find the concept of a celestial octo-man very intriguing. In fact if you're looking for a great Xmas gift for the kids:

Dreamland Toys has just the thing for you. "My Little Cthulhu" vinyl toy.

Okay now to the finished piece:

I consider this to be a psuedo-biological contraption...what it does I haven't a clue.

I have to admit many of the items I used for the piece came from items I purloined from Andrea. That horn on the bottom was perfect...thanks A.

The propeller was a last minute item...

I added it as because it needed something in that spot, but more than that it needed something that made the piece seem like it had a function.

So that's my latest critter-chine...looks kind of like a weed wacker...maybe the tentacles pull out weeds. I'll give it a whirl...

Cold Blooded Journals with Kroma Crackle

2011-04-04T11:51:00.000-06:00

Just finished a nifty little class in British Columbia...Cold Blooded Journals.

Basically they are lizardy journals

Here's one that Megan (the owner of Upstart Crow) made in the class:

What we used to create these nifty cold blooded critter effects is a product made by Kroma Paint in Vancouver BC.

The store is located at one of the coolest places in Vancouver...Granville Island

It's an great place filled with galleries, artists, markets, and other things arty.

So I recently went out there and hung out with the owner, Kevin...who rode up on his skateboard.

I wanted to mention a cool product that I used in class...Kroma Crackle. This has just started to be distributed in the states. It's an amazing product....with killer effects. Kroma has devoted an etire website to this stuff: www.kromacrackle.com

If you go to the site, it will tell you how to use the goods.

Here's the cool part...

Typically it takes a day or so the get the full crackle effect....

I've figured out how to get it to crackle INSTANTANEOUSLY!!!

That's right INSTANT CRACKLE Woo Hoo!

For now it is Top Secret...In fact I haven't even told Kevin how to do it yet...he he he...

Don't worry I'll share...for now though, I'm keeping it special for the Cold Blooded Journal Classes this year.

Here's where I'll be doin' this Crackle technique this year:

Zinnia - S. Pasadena CA

Art Clinic - Solvang CA

Collage - Portland OR

Idyllwild Arts CA

Art is You -Petaluma, CA

Art is You - Danbury CT

Art Lab #2: the Alchemist Toolbox. REGISTER NOW!!!!!

2011-03-23T15:55:00.003-06:00

Another OnLine class is on the way! Yee haw!

This time: TOOLS. Specifically, tools that I use and how I use them in my work. I mean we have to figure out ways dissect things and then resect thing in weird and wonderful ways. This is Humpty Dumpty 101...except we are going to actually put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

To do this we need tools. Some hand tools but also power tools....yay! I know many folks are what I call "powertool-o-phobes".

My goal is to show you how to use them safely and with confidence. So don't fret!

Each artist uses different tools to do the voodoo that they do so well.
For instance, one of the things we will be spending a fair amount of time on is the Dremel rotary tool. It comes with lots of bits and I'll shed some light on those various attachments and what in the heck they are for. Of course I'll also show you how to make cool sparks...see..

Then of course there are things like drills....though much smaller than this one:

We will start off with the hand held power drill before we get into the Journey to the Center of the Earth machines.

And then we will chat about things like: rivet guns, torches, Crop-a-diles, vices (the tool kind...not the martini kind), and a bunch of other stuff.

Fear not ! Tools are you friend.

Ready to sign up?
Starts on May 27, 2011

$59.99

Anticipated Questions

How much does it cost? A: $59.95
When does it begin? A: May 27, 2011
How long does it run? A: The class will be available for 2 months before I change the codes, but students will be able to access information after that date when I send out the new codes.
How does it differ from live class? A: Online classes allow for a bit more in depth explanations of techniques etc.
Will there be video? A: Yes. I have about 180 of minutes of protected video that only students will be able to access.
How many videos? A: Roughly about 180 minutes of video is included in the instruction.
Will there be PDFs? A: Yes. You will be able to download these to your computer and access them anytime you desire.
Will it be live? A: No. I will not be doing live video, but I will be setting up a Yahoo Group where I will be available to discuss your questions and issues once a week.
Can you tell me more about the Yahoo Group? A: Students can access this anytime and discuss issues with other students. Once a week I will be available and answer all questions.
Is the class segmented or do I get everything at once? A: I have designed the class so you will have access to all the information at once and can play with it as you like, at your own speed. New weekly videos will pop up with additional tidbits and tips.
What kind of site is being used to host this class? A: I'm using a protected TypePad account.
How will I access the TypePad account? A: When class begins I will send out passwords and usernames to all the students.
What else will be on the blog? A: Along with the PDFs and Videos I will be posting the major questions as they come up, and the solutions. I will also do weekly video addressing these questions.
Is this for Beginners or Advanced students? A: It's for everyone. I've made it so it is information that can be used by all levels.
Will it be entertaining? A: Geez, I hope so. I will try and make it very un-dry and fun.
How will you accept payment. A: PayPal
What will happen after I sign up? I'll send you a confirmation to say "howdy" and then just sit back until I start the Yahoo group. At that point you'll get an email inviting you to join prior to class and meet some of the other students. Then on 5/27/11 I will send out the TypePad site, codes, etc.
How do I sign up? A: Click the little button and you're off and running. WooHoo!

click here

The Cowmanthemum

2011-03-14T19:23:00.000-06:00

In my last blog post I made a video (click here to see video) that made reference to what I thought to be an imaginary creature...the Cowmanthemum. I have received a number of queries about this creature and have found out that it did in fact exist., although very rare.

Here is one of the only photographs of the flowery bovine, taken in 1911 by a Zachariah B. Cribboltz of Fester's Butte Iowa:

He later stated:

"I 'member that day, sittin' by the river. I smelled somethin'...unusual. Not quite pleasant, not quite unpleasant. It was like a bouquet of flowers in a cow pie. Then I saw it... in glorious yella and black."

Cribboltz managed to capture what came to be know as the Cowmanthemum and later sold the beast to a French cheese maker, name Philippe Bourdon.

The Cowmanthemum's floral scented cheese was quite the rave in elite Parisian circles. Customers would frequent the likes of le Dome and nosh the freshly cut cheese.

Then tragedy struck...

On May 12th 1912, aphids by the millions attacked vegetation throughout the French countryside. This would be infamously known as "Aphid Tuesday".

Millions of flowers dead by the end of the day...but there was yet another casualty...

The Cowmantheum.

Thousands attended the funeral....

but only one flower was present...that of the floral bovine.

Believe it...

Not

Coming Soon: ArtLab #2 The Alchemist's Toolbox

2011-03-14T00:18:00.000-06:00

ArtLab #1 was a great success. Another Online Class is on it way. Class starts May 27th. Registration begins March 24th. Check back for more info.

Why Can't We Be Phrens?

2011-03-05T18:38:00.002-07:00

So I just spent the afternoon doing tax stuff and adding up receipts until my head was about to explode, and then decided to treat myself with a little matinee. My choice?

Micmacks

directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet

You may be familiar with some of his other films...

Amelie

and City of Lost Children

So Jeunet's new film is about a man, Bazil, who seeks revenge against the two weapons manufacturers. One that is behind his fathers death and another that made the bullet that remains lodged in his head after a random shooting. Don't let the premise fool you...it is actually very light hearted fun

Hey gains the assistance of a band of down and out misfits who have created an incredible junkyard palace.

Assemblage and found object artists will love this flick. And the cinematography is phenomenal. Also there are some pretty nifty animated effects when Bazil is having brain troubles.

Ironically I was going to do a blog post today to promote Jane Wynn and my duo class at Valley Ridge this fall. Here's the irony...it's called Grey Matter Meddling...here's the skinny on that:

Grey Matter Meddling

A note from the mad scientists, Jane Wynn and Michael deMeng:

We know we are not the only ones out there that have had a fascination with pop-culture Mad Scientists. You know what we are talking about, the Creature Feature doctors who switch brain like they’re changing light bulbs. Well now is your chance to test out your maniacal surgery skills where we team up teach a bit of mixed media surgery.

The basic idea starts with a doll or mannequin head which will be Franken-styled with found objects using deMengian methods of assemblage and painting. Now for the invasive surgery, we move inside to the cranial cavity where strange devises, music box, or gizmo will be altered using various Wynn-esque techniques. The top of the head will be hinged or attached in a way where the inner mechanisms can be viewed and fiddled with....bwa ha ha.

Now if this doesn’t sound like the perfect Halloween workshop then I don’t know what? A definite mind altering experience.

Signed,

Dr. Jane Wynn - P.H.D. (Professor of Headless Dolls)

and

Dr. Michael deMeng - D.D.S. (Doctor of deMented Science)

Last I heard there were only 4 spots left...so sign up now!!!!!

click here to enroll

NOLA Part 3 The Workshop

2011-03-01T23:46:00.002-07:00

Feb 17th - 19th. New Orleans Workshop Begins! Woo Hoo!!!!

Ok...it was time to hunker down and leave the distractions of New Orleans outside...at least until the stroke of 4pm each day....all work and no play, you know, but we had apothecary kits to make, only 3 days to do 'em!!!!

So over the next three days the NOLA krewe sweated and toiled and listened to my corny jokes.

And I worked them to the bone...

Finally, after three grueling days, the clock struck 3:30 (ish) and the infamous Good, Bad, and the Ugly theme song blared through the room. That is the indicator that it's "times up, pencils down!". Time to see what everybody did. Lets take a look:

Bonnie:

Bruce:

Christine:

Connie

Deb:

Gary

Janet

Juliana

Jeanne

Karen

Kelley

Marilyn

Mary Ann

Michele

Nicki

Nikki

Shari

Sue

Ursula

Yee Haw! Time to party!

And in honor of the New Orleans krewes' stellar work. The city of NOLA had a parade for us.

Well, not exactly for us...Krewe du Vieux actually...the beginning of Mardi Gras season, but, hell, we'll take it.

After that we had another day of touring and a birthday party for Marilyn, but gradually everyone drifted away.... sob... sob.

However as a surprise to me (for my birthday) the clan got together and picked up a little gift for yours truly:

I say this with all my heart...

it is one of the best gifts I have ever received. I will cherish my little demon spawn always.

Honestly, this was a truly wonderful experience for me. New Orleans is truly a magical city, but what really made this trip so special to me, was the wonderful group of friends I shared this experience with. So, thank you all! It was truly a remarkable time.

Until we meet again...Salut!

I leave you with a man, a guitar, a woman, and a saw...

the Jaded Optimists:

NOLA...part two

2011-02-27T15:36:00.001-07:00

Feb 16

Wakey wakey...its a full day ahead of us. Officially Day One of the Notions and Potions workshop in New Orleans. Field trips on the itinerary today....First on the schedule for the class:

THE ÜBER COOL

Pharmacy Museum

We wandered to the French Quartier and stopped in this very old phamacy. I loved this place and what a great pre place to inspire the class to make apothecary thingies.

If only I could have taken a few things with me....

Perhaps not the leeches.

Next stop

St. Louis Cemetery

The famous above ground graves of NOLA. Above ground because New Orleans is below sea leve and the graves would be filled with water otherwise.

Ahhhh, a cemetery...Well you know I like this kind of thing...

Below is from the tomb of voodoo mama Marie Laveau. The XXXs are wishes...you are supposed to bring three items, write three Xs or knock three times to have your wish come true. And yes...I did knock three times...you never know.

I love the rust stains below the fence:

Bored?

Okay lets get moving...

The rest of the day was a free day so Andrea and I split up from the group and headed to Royal Street to see some galleries and antique stores.

Along the way we saw this dude:

Andrea was filming him "Matrix" style and she walked over to me to show me her footage. We then hear a very audible "AHEM!" from Uncle Sam. She promptly returned and plunked some money in the hat.

We also saw these Cajun dudes...on certain times of the day there were as many as twenty or so of this group hangin' out playing on this corner.

Happy Hour...

Time to try a Sazerac at the beautifully Art Deco Roosevelt Hotel.

Then dinner at Coops...a bit of the wait...however the waitress was friendly... and actually she was pretty tipsy...but, then again, so were we.

A few doors down...I see my long lost children, Ben and Scary, in a shop window.

Another door down we came across a pretty nifty psuedo-Soviet absinthe bar called Pravda.

Photo by Gary Niebuhr

I have to say really like the idea of absinthe, I love the presentation and the history, but I just don't like the flavor of anise. I did try a Swiss brand (that was clear and not green), which only had a subtle licorice flavor....Now, that, I liked.

...a long fun day is over...

I had to get rested...the next morning was the first day of class.

to be continued

NOLA...what a friggin' cool trip. Part One

2011-02-26T20:40:00.001-07:00

Well returned from New Orleans last week...75 degrees to 0...yikes...that was an eye opener! The workshop was an amazing and fun experience. Here's what went down...

Feb 14th

Arrived on Valentines Day... wandered around as I waited for the organizer, Katherine Engen, and my girlfriend, Andrea Matus, to arrive. I came across this little procession...which at first I thought to be an actual Jazz Funeral...no casket, though.

Andrea and I grabbed a little dinner while some of the other arrivers headed to Emeril's. I called Katherine after din din and said lets meet at the R Bar for an after dinner cocktail.

Afterall...it was Shot and a Haircut night...

No one in our group partook of the offer so we headed to a little bar called the Spotted Cat

dancing everywhere...look at Katherine go

and even this little guy got into the scene

Feb 15th

Next morin'...the early arrivers are feeling the effects of a late night in NOLA...so off we go to the world Elizabeth's for breakfast...

Waiting for food....

so Katherine and I decide on a little hair of the dog...Bloody Marys...mmmmmmmmm

A bit of wandering and shopping then it is off to the Napoleon House for lunch

Andrea and I hanging beneath the fronds in the courtyard..

No one can resist the famous Napoleon House Pimms Cups....

that evening:

Meet and Greet

at the Voodoo Museum

A very interesting and amazing experience...

Here's the famous Voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau:

Cinnamon makes love potions and gris gris bags...

that's it for now...

to be continued........

Strange Angels

2011-02-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Strange Angels Exhibit

the Brink,

111 Front St.

Missoula MT

On display thru the end of the Month

Artist Talk on Feb 24th 7:00pm

for more info go to their website: http://www.thebrinkgallery.com/

Last Friday was the opening reception for my exhibit at the Brink. What a blast! It was packed all night. Thank everyone who came by. Don't forget if you want to learn a bit more about the various Strange Angels come on by Thurs. Feb 24 at 7 pm for a little lecture. In the meantime I thought I'd give you a little tour of the exhibit. Each piece was based on a particular angel from either Judaic, Christian or Islamic writings. So here we go:

Strange Angels

Divine envoys. This is the traditional definition of an angel. The western traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are full of legends and tales of humankind’s relationship with these messengers. Their numbers vast, and in some writings, considered countless, and each with task that aligns with certain attributes of that particular angel. There are good angels and bad angels (usually called demons). There are angels of water, of death, of the moon, of the streams, of alchemy, of sea creatures, etc. If it can be conceived, most likely there is a legend that connects an angel to it.

Traditionally perceived as soft, fluffy, ethereal things that float through clouds like butterflies huffing helium, I decided to reinterpret these strange beings. Since they were allegedly created before the tangible universe, it seemed to me that these creatures might need to make certain adjustments in order to enter the physical realm. My goal was to transform these messengers into a combination of physical and supernatural manifestations. Like mystical mechanisms, they remain ethereal and otherworldly yet with a dose of the familiar and tactile.

Sariel

Mostly found in Judaic traditions, Sariel is often invoked for his protective powers. Considered to be a benevolent angel of death. Legend has it that it was Sariel who retrieved the soul of Moses.

Israfel

In Islamic traditions, it is said that four angels were sent  to gather dust from the four corners of the world, but only Israfel succeeded; it was from this dust that Adam was created.  According to legend he waits century after century prepared to blow his trumpet to announce the Last Judgment.

Golem of Prague
Not an angel or demon in the strict sense of the words, this protector was created by man.
Rabbi Loew created the Golem out of clay and alchemy as means to protect the Jews from anti-Semitic attacks in the Jewish ghetto of Prague during the 16^th century.

Leviathan
A primordial beast of the deep and a massive sea serpent, which, according to legend, is destined to be destroyed at the end of time.

Michael
The archangel, who according to Christian legend was God’s lead warrior and commander in the battle of the armies of Light and the armies of darkness.
  Often depicted in struggle with Lucifer as he casts him out of Heaven.

If you're wondering what is hanging next to the piece...
Guad Pods
little Guadalupes made from tree pods I found in Oaxaca

Cassiel

This angel watches the events of the Cosmos unfold but does little or nothing to interfere as the time and history unfolds. Angel of solitude and tears, he is said to preside over the death of kings.

Raziel
:  The Angel of Mysteries and the keeper of all secret knowledge.  According to myth Raziel is said to have come to the aid of Adam and Eve after their expulsion from Eden by giving them the book Sefer Raziel HaMalach  (Book of Raziel the Angel) as a way for them to find there way back and to better understand their creator.  Other angels disliked this and stole the book from Adam, casting it into the ocean.  Instead of punishing Raziel, God retrieves the book from the sea, with the help of Rahab, and returns it to Adam and Eve.

Rahab
A defiant angel of the primordial sea. Legend has it that Rehab defied God and was destroyed for refusing to separate the upper and lower waters ate the time of creation. Rahab was once again destroyed for not cooperating, as the Hebrews fled Pharaoh during the parting of the Red Sea.

Lilith
Lilith and demon daughters: Jewish legend has her made of the same material and equal to Adam. She was his partner before Eve but her refusal to submit to Adam’s will, resulted in her banishment.
She fled to the Red Sea where she mated with demons giving birth to a hundred demon children per day.  To spite God she vowed revenge against the descendants of Eve.  Pregnant mothers and young children were at particular risk to Lilith’s revenge.

Raphael
Angel of healing. He had the task of binding and casting the demon Azazel into a hole and covering him with jagged rocks until Judgment day.

Beelzebub
: Some myths hold him as the demon associated with gluttony, others with pride. Considered to be a prominent fallen angel during the war in Heaven.

Uriel
Angel of repentance who watches over the Gates of Eden with a fiery sword, and considered to be as unsympathetic as any demon might be. He is the holder of the key to the Pit of Hell.

Metatron
One of the most important angels in Jewish mythology in that this angel was one of the few that was allowed to look onto God’s countenance as well as to sit next to Him. The reason for this is that he is attributed to being a divine scribe, a keeper of heavenly secrets, and a recorder of the sins and merits of humanity.

There you have it....hope to see you on the 24th.

Nosferatu 2

2011-01-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to try out a little stop animation...so here's my first go at it...

Art Exhibits...East to West

2011-01-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

It is a busy year for exhibits for me. Of course you can always see my work in person at teaching venues but it is nice to have a bunch of white walls at your disposal.

So here's what's going on:

Diablos and Retablos

Jan 25th - March 4th

New England College Gallery

98 Bridge Street, Henniker NH

Click here for more info: New College Art Gallery

In the Balcony Gallery during this time, visitors to the gallery will experience Michael deMeng:Diablos and Detablos - assemblages of transformation. deMeng’s work incorporates found objects with collage, new painting, and drawing. While deMeng uses discarded objects, his selection process reveals his preference for objects that reference a pop art influence, offered with a post-modern sensibility.

Strange Angels

Feb 4 -28

The Brink

111 w Front Street
Missoula, MT 59802

Opening Recepition Friday Feb 4th

http://www.thebrinkgallery.com/

Santos Y Diablos

April 1- 30

Artisans on Taylor

236 Taylor Street Port Townsend,

WA 98368

Opening Reception April 7th

http://www.artisansontaylor.com/

Just in time for ArtFest. I'll be doing an exhibit featuring the work from my book Dusty Diablos. Thursday, April 7th will include an artist's reception and readings from my book.

See everyone somewhere...

Coming Soon: deMeng and a World of Rusty Things

2011-01-18T21:19:00.004-07:00

Hey Gang

Workshop schedule is filling up fast. Here's a list of upcoming events. And best yet I made you a little movie trailer to celebrate the 2011 season:

Big Easy deMeng, New Orleans, Feb 16-20
Upstart Crow, Vancouver BC, Apr 1-3
ArtFest, Port Townsend WA, April 6-10
Random Arts, Saluda NC, May 21-22
Mecca, Eugen OR, June 11-12
Collage, Portland OR, June 18-19
Zinnia, S. Pasadena CA, June 25-26
Idyllwild Arts, Idyllwild CA, June 30- July 3
Santa Barbara-July 9-10- more info soon
Art Unraveled, Scottsdale, Aug 2-9
Art Paradise, Lisbon Portugal, Aug 21-29
Artists Nook, Fort Collins CO, Sept 9-11
Art is...Petaluma CA, Sept 22- 27
Lemoncholy, New Jersey, Oct 1-2
Art is You, Danbury CT, Oct 6-11
Valley Ridge, Muscoda WI with Jane Wynn, Oct 28-30 more soon,

Fistful of Brushes

2011-01-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hey there pardners. I've been busy getting the ArtLab up and running. So I made a little video for the class and thought I might share it with you guys. Enjoy my Academy Award winning performance in:
Fistful of Brushes.

fistfulofbrushes from Michael deMeng on Vimeo.

Adios Amigos