Couch for Studio

I think I'd like to have a sofa bed for my studio space. First off, a couch would be a nice relaxation destination. I could place it facing a wall with a new art piece is hanging, thus becoming a critique couch. Or I could have it facing whatever work I'm currently working on. This would let me really practice my Thinking Artist mime pose. Kidding. Just kidding.

I found a couple different options at IKEA. The one I think I like the best is their Beddinge Havet. With this one, I can add storage under it (I'd probably put sheets, extra pillows and/or blankets), and pick a nice slipcover or two.

For $299.00+tax I'd get a nice place to sit when painting, and an interesting room for guests to sleep in.

For $30.00+tax I could get a storage bin for under the sofa.

For $69.98+tax I could add two cushions at the ends of the couch to act as art rests.

i found a couple slip covers that could be fun. However, it was only in a Flash app on Ikea, so I can't post them.

Daydreaming of a private studio space: A project description

I've been feeling really cramped in the space I'm currently painting and living in. I've recently concerted a portion of my kitchen into a studio space. Its not a large space, but it includes the 4'x2' dining table and an A-shaped easel. My supply storage is in my office space, so I move whatever I need onto the kitchen table for easier access. This also means I have to put a lot of stuff away when I have guests over. I am mentally ready to move into someplace larger, so I've been daydreaming about what I'd like for my new home. At the very least I would like an extra bedroom with closet space and a sunlight as space to use as a studio. Maybe a private sunroom or a porch would be good additional portions to the space? Or perhaps a detached garage could serve as both a studio space and a teaching space? The possibilities are endless when you're daydreaming.

Until I am financially ready to move into a larger home I intend to post things I find online that match up with what I'm visualizing for my future private studio space, from furniture to art supplies and lighting to layouts.

Pixel's Chair

This is Pixel's chair. Recently I made this chair a weekend craft project. I wrapped the legs and chair back with blue, white and red yarns. Then I accessorized the chair with toys and padding. She likes to scratch the legs, get all crazy in the monkey bar bottom, and runs across the room to attack the two dangling balls. After she plays she usually gets pretty sleepy. So she then lays out on a folded pillow sham I never use and a neck pillow I had laying around.

"Bizarre" Student Interaction

Today is a half-day, so school will be dismissed at noon. I am currently in the computer lab, having different classes and students arrive in my classroom. So far today I had a student tell me I look tired. His discription had been rather poetic.

"Ms. Egolf, you normally look like a bonfire but today you are like the embers left over."

Lovely. Made me smile. This is one of the students I wish I had the chance to have in my class. Instead, I've made a deal with him where he can serve any detention time he has with me in room 219. He has been scanning in some of his oh so awesome manga-inspired sketchbook images, and editing these in Adobe Photoshop.

Last hour I had a student walk into the lab to talk with one of the students in an English class. When I was attempting to ask him where he was going, he acted like he didn't speak English and delivered some strange dialog. He eventually left. I looked at one of the girls who had been closest to the incident and described it to her as "bizarre". She found the word funny, and said she was going to start using it. Sooo.... I talk some "slang" today. Ha!

The New Job - An Introduction

The last eight weeks I have been working at a local high school in my area. Its not a full time gig, but a 20% teaching position as a graphic arts teacher and a 40% lab monitor position. I accepted this position because I wanted to get working in the area using my newly earned degree, and be in the school for longer than 50 minutes so that I may be building relationships with students and promoting my class for the following year.

This is for this semester only. I wish it were possible for the school to extend my contract for the following semester. I've met some really great seniors who I won't be able to have because they are graduating and my course won't be offered in the spring semester.

The class I am teaching is an introduction to graphic design. It is technically called "Graphic Communication Technology" and it is in the business department, not the art department. The advantage to being in the business department is that the department gets money from the state of Illinois for each student that is enrolled in the class. The disadvantage has been I had to apply for a second certification in Industrial Arts. It cause me $50 to apply for this certification. This has the potential to turn into something really good, as individuals certified in Industrial Arts have been on a downhill slope. If I look for positions in departments that seek this certification, compared to the fine arts department, I will always be able to find a job.

The head of my department, Diane, has spoken with me about next year. While it is still tentitive until the students register for the 2010-2011 school year, I should be able to teach more course and hopefully be full-time. I may be able to be have within the business department and take any overflow from the art department.

CFK - Final Day of Class

Thursday had been the last day of classes for my Parkland College for Kid's Claymation class. I had scheduled a movie premier of all the work that the students had completed during the last two week. I was blown away by the outcome, as I had been assuming about 2 people to come for every student. The room was packed with people! There were so many smiles and so much laugher marking the enjoyment of all that were watching the creations of my students. Below is a sample of the final work produced (with the addition of music by Aphex Twin, titles and credits).