Pom pom project, part 2

My daughter and I have now created our pom poms (# 121 and 122) for
The pom pom project.

If you would like to see them live – they hang in a tree very close to the wharf
here in Devonport, Auckland.

Hearts for Canterbury

In memory of those who lost their lives in the Canterbury earthquake.
And to support all the people in their difficult time.


Learn to Graffiti

Originally linked to gangs, hip hop and street culture, graffiti is now beginning to take its place in the art world as well. Some critics out there undoubtedly still see graffiti as 'waste of space' vandalism, but for many others it is a way of life. We learn to graffiti to express ourselves and leave our mark. But a huge part of learning to graffiti is learning about graffiti style.
The tools and materials used are largely a part of the writers choosing. You can learn to graffiti with markers, spray paint, pens and pencils - practically anything you can write or mark with.
One essential thing all graffiti writers must have is a graffiti blackbook. As you learn to graffiti your blackbook will be the place where you will practice your graffiti writing style, practice writing your tag name and sketch and plan your future graffiti pieces.
Here are a few tips to help you start with your graffiti writing style and learn to graffiti yourself:
- Start out in your blackbook writing the alphabet copying any graffiti lettering styles you like. Just write the letters over and over so you get an idea of the movements for each letter.
- Write with fluid motion and don't over think it as you write. Keep lines smooth and write with a flow. Graffiti is about freedom of expression, big gestures and experimentation.
- When you have the letters down on a new page write your tag name in big letters in your graffiti style. Add shading, line depth and shadows or 3D effects to make the writing stand out.
- You might want to add colors and shading, sharpies and alcohol based art markers are the best types of markers to use in your blackbook.
- Create your own symbols or characters. This isn't really about writing style, but it can be fun to create your own characters or find symbols to include with your tag.
- Don't be afraid to give any new ideas a go, that's how you will develop your own graffiti style.
When you're first starting to learn to graffiti you will spend a lot of time developing your writing style and copying tags and pieces from other writers. Everyone starts out this way, that's how most graffiti artists learn to graffiti, by copying other more experienced writers. But remember as you're working in your blackbook you need to be developing your own style. You can't go around copying other writers work and then start using it as your own. That's a mark of serious disrespect and 'toy' writers.
To learn to graffiti these days doesn't mean vandalism or illegal writing. An increasing number of graffiti artists are making a career for themselves as professional artists creating canvas works and commissioned murals. As you learn to graffiti the choice is yours as to what you can do with your skills. But no matter how experienced you may get, your graffiti blackbook is one thing you should never be without!

Free Flowing Graffiti on Paper

Street Poster Art - The Concept 
Poster Art secures an important position in the world of Street Art. It is actually Graffiti done on paper. While most of these posters are 100% handmade, some are digital designs as well. Moreover, being a basic art form this genre stayed in the local street corners and roads rather than sitting pretty inside a gala museum or gallery. While experts often debate about the contemporary side of such works, many artists find it the most 'modernist' of styles with free expression.

The History 
During the 1870s decade, the streets of fashion city Paris were literally transformed into the graffiti artists' paradise. Rich street artworks graced the region. The wave also welcomed the initial paper form of advertising as Street Poster Art. Even other cities, like Milan (Italy) and Berlin (Germany) appreciated the Post-Graffiti styles and encouraged street artists.

The Details 
Street posters are displayed on slick or smooth surfaces, mostly walls, by sticking them with the help of wheat paste or gum. The art pieces belonging to Post-Graffiti or Contemporary Post-Graffiti genre admirably have a higher distinctive status than the 'rude' Graffiti or Vandalism. This global art style is especially popular in the urban and the suburban regions of the Eastern and Western countries. Interesting and unique Street Poster Art has found fame among some of the greatest artists.

The Correlations 
Street Poster Art does connect with Graffiti and the other forms, like Wheat Pasting, Stencil Graffiti, and Sticker Art. This Post Graffiti Art form has a distinguished contemporary style, different from the local Graffiti or Vandalism.

The Artists and the Artworks 
Street artists have shown a cheap and affordable way to produce and display artworks meant to connect primarily with the common public. Exhibition 'Street Art' held in 'Washington Project for the Arts' (1981) displayed work by renowned American artists, such as John Fekner (born 1940) and Lee Quinones (born 1960). Even the art exhibition held at the prestigious Tate Modern Hall in England clearly indicates that the artworks found on the street are not necessarily graffiti.

Interesting and unique Street Poster Art has found fame among some of the greatest artists. Distinctly accomplished Italian poster masterpieces can be witnessed in many prestigious museums and galleries like the International Poster Gallery in Boston, USA.
Conclusion 
Most famous in the US, Street Poster Art has also gained sufficient momentum in Australia and Japan. France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Brunei, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Iran too are the lead contributors to the genre.

Hot hot hot

I have spent a couple of days in Rotorua.
For you who are not familiar with Rotorua, it’s the most geothermal part
of New Zealand with lots of geysers, boiling mud and steaming pools.

We went to Wai-O-Tapu and I had made a woolly tag to leave behind.

(view towards the Champagne pool)


We also went to a very fun place called Agroventures,
where you can fly on a jet stream or do a bungy jump.
Nope I didn’t do any of those but I raced my son in the Shweeb.
Good fun!

(Image from Agroventures)

So I left a tag behind


While in Rotorua, the terrible earthquake in
Christchurch happened.
My thoughts are with you
in this very difficult time...


Sculptures Only For Those Gifted With the Ability to Appreciate

Abstract art refers to that form of art that has a different plane of language and understanding. The emotions of the artists and the flow of imagery in the complex creation are very difficult for people to understand. Similarly most of abstract sculpture is to be understood by persons who have a love for the form of intricate complexities and the refinements involved therein. Abstract sculpture impresses the mind of those who are seeking peace in a world of turmoil.
As such from a layman's point of view abstract sculpture does not have a specific reference to any object o living being in particular. The sculptures are unique and no two sculptures can be alike. Like the abstract painter or the artist, the abstract sculptor creates his object of work from abstraction, there is no resemblance whatsoever to anything either mortal or otherwise. There are various forms of abstract sculpture. The conical shaped mirror showing geometric combinations is one of them. The placement of the mirrors are done in such a way that the same image breaks into multiple small images without a single image closely resembling another. This form of abstract sculpture conveys very little meaning to the layman but has a wealth of value for the creator. That explains why this form of sculptures today is in vogue and is appreciated by the masses. The perfection of the finish the beauty and the hidden glamour that exudes from the masterpiece are apparent when the sculpture is displayed.
Such creations are extremely high priced and are in great demand as well.
The uniqueness of the creation and the ability of the viewer to appreciate the job go on to prove that the abstract sculpture still rules the market. Though many may not actually understand the sculptures, they cannot deny the fact that these sculptures deserve appreciation. It is the mind of the creator that works as the model for the artisan to deliver the job.
Abstract sculpture has a strong presence in the internet too. If you are looking for some such sculpture to beautify your house, you can just surf through the net and find pages of information about this form of sculpture. There are artisans who have websites dedicated with their own work. Some of the more commercial websites will mention the pricing details including shipping and handling charges so that the customer is at peace.
There are various sizes to choose from. For specific tailor made sizes, the website does provide for a live agent to take the details down. It is in abstract sculpture that there is a free use of metal and metal shavings. Junk gets a brand name in the creation of abstract sculptures. Pricing of these sculptures are different and vary greatly. Any work of art as a matter comes at a good price. Though you might not find a direct shop selling such sculptures, there are many internet options always available. Beauty they say lie in the eye of the beholder and nothing can better explain the status of abstract sculpture in the world today.

Family hobby

Mum and sis are visiting from overseas.
They are pretty good at woolly tagging too!