artist of interest: Kyle Field

Last weekend before seeing Whispering Pines 10, I checked out Thirty Days NY. It was very cool. Shana Moulton is actually performing there in May, and I will do my best to make it there to see her. Anyway, Kyle Field had this work on display there. I really like his stuff! I think I'm drawn to the messy weirdness of the characters, the colors, and the humor. I don't know if all the text is readable here, but I actually laughed out loud in the gallery while reading this illustration.

Today's Gems: Agate & Moonstone

I collect a lot of jewelry that contains crystals & gems, and I thought it would be a cool idea to write a post about the different crystals I wear day-to-day. So without further or due, here's what I'm wearing today:


Botswana Agate is a common agate found in Botswana, Africa. The stone varies in the color of Gray, Pink, or Apricot with fine white patterns of circles or ovoids. Usually, it is found in the form of nodules, similar to a geode. Botswana Agate is of the trigonal crystal system and it's chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO2).

Botswana Agate can be used to stimulate the exploration of the unknown and to further one's quest towards the enlightened state. Many feel that it has an anti-depressant quality. It can be helpful for those who are struggling to be genuine in their lifestyle, as it promotes an understanding of the need for deeper meaning. Carry Botswana Agate to promote creative ability in any project or goal. It encourages one to find solutions rather than focusing on negative aspects of daily challenges. Botswana Agate is also said to stimulate the crown chakra, encouraging eternal love and allowing for the recognition that eternal love is a constant in the ever-changing universe. (Reference: Healing Crystals)

Moonstone is a type of feldspar made up of potassium aluminum silicate. Moonstone is known for it's beautiful sheen called labradorescence, which is a light effect caused by parallel hairlike fractures within the crytalline structure that bounce light at certain angles, creating different colored effects.

In crystal healing, Moonstone is considered symbolic for enhancing feminine energy, bringing inner peace and calm. Helping one to fully relax and enjoy the moment, it is often used to alleviate sexual anxiety, in addition to helping one fully love and appreciate others. Although it is traditionally known for having female qualities, it is good for anyone seeking to strengthen their intuition, especially with regard to potential love interests. Moonstone energy can be of great use in ridding oneself of toxic relationships or people. It encourages growth and the abilitiy to "go with the flow," as well as acts as a guide to new love. (References: Gems of Wisdom, Gems of Power by Teresa Kennedy; Crystals by Jennie Harding)

do you really think he'll pull through?

I’ll be moving into my new apartment within the next two weeks. I just bought the most comfortable bed that you just sink into and some velvety, ruby red slip covers for my couches. I have a huge empty wall space above my couch which I’ve decided is the perfect place for a new painting. I don’t know why, but I really want to paint a walrus. I haven’t made a painting in quite a while, but I’m pretty confident I can churn out a giant walrus in a few weeks.

And I have the strangest desire to title it “Walrus in a Coma.” And maybe he’ll have rubies for eyes.

Imajica is Majical

I just felt like sharing a wonderful chapter from a really wonderful book.

girly pearls

I've had this obsession with pearls, lately. Not only because they are beautiful, but I love that they are considered a "gemstone," yet they grow from within a shellfish! It's literally the hardened secreation of a slimely little mollusc!

I've also been obsessed with looking up the healing and emotional uses for gemstones. Pearls emit peace and tranquility. They are symbolic of the moon and it's effect on the human body, balancing the hormones. Pearls also represent fertility and purity, as well as influence the wearer to more openly accept love (for themselves and others). I believe the pearl is also a great symbol of femininity and womanhood.

I had used pearls, or the idea of pearls, in my work in the past (see here and here). I recently felt the urge to continuing exploring pearls and femininity in my work. Out of nowhere I had this idea for a stop-motion video. I've never done stop motion before, nor have I ever wanted to.

Images of baby oysters on a beach, the birthing of a stream of fluid and pearls from a human womb, and a bird warming a pearl in it's gooey nest were flowing through my mind.

formspring.me

Do you have an exact, personalized definition of 'success' when it comes to your artwork? by godownmatthew

No, not really. I don't have a formula or a checklist. If I am successful with a piece of my work I have: faced and completed challenges I have given myself; solved unforeseen problems that may have occurred to the best of my ability; and have completed or went beyond my own expectations of myself or the work.

I'm pretty easy to please and I don't place too much pressure on most things I do. When I work I usually have an initial idea or goal, but the fleshing out comes during the process of creating the work. I go with the flow and try to make what I have work. And if it doesn't work, it gets placed to the side and I keep going.

Some pieces are more successful than others not because they are better crafted or more aesthetically pleasing, but because in the end I translated my thoughts more clearly.

This sounds conceited, but I usually like most things I make. I think because I start to actually love them like my own babies.

Ask me anything

Space Rocks, mission complete

My installation of Space Rocks: A Look at Far-Out Minerals has come and gone. I really enjoyed this project, from start to finish. In total, it makes so much sense to me and represents me as a creator and a human being. I'm really sad that it's over, but I'm extremely proud of myself. Everything worked out beyond my expectations and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Of course, a lot of thanks to friends and collaborators, who brought wonder, skills, and a lot of personality to the project.

The video is finally up!


Space Rocks: A Look at Far-Out Minerals from Madeleine Bliss on Vimeo.


If you'd like to buy a DVD, email me at madeleine.m.bliss@gmail.com.

New challenges await me, and I'm excited for what the future brings... in other words, "what the hell to do next?"