News from Beth I. Robinson

Surreal Salon IV Exhibition

2012-01-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Presented by Baton Rouge Gallery center for contemporary art

(BRGCCA), Surreal Salon IV is aimed at engaging audiences in a multi-sensory art experience and shedding light on the growing popularity and exceptional quality of the pop-surrealist/lowbrow movement. This exciting and irreverent movement has come to the forefront of American contemporary art in recent years and Surreal Salon IV will celebrate all the reasons why.

This exhibition will be held from January 3 – 26, 2012 at BRGCCA. The exhibition will feature over 60 works by 54 artists representing 21 different states. This multi-discipline show will include everything from paintings to sculptures, video art to photography and more.

Surreal Salon IV Exhibition Catalog

The Baton Rouge Gallery

"Seeing by Skull Light"

is my work included in this exhibition.

Venez Par!

Thank you to Special Guest Juror artist Casey Weldon

and to the Baton Rouge Gallery

The Art of Communication – 100 Artist Show

2012-01-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

"The Theory of Forms"

The Art of Communication – 100 Artist Show

Artist Reception: February 1, 5-7pm

February 1-March 3rd

During the month of February, the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery will be presenting “The Art of Communication”, the 10th annual 100 Artists show. Participating artists received a blank letter through the mail and were asked to write a thought, a story, a description or whatever they so choose and then send to their “partnered” artist. That artist then interprets the writings that were sent to them and then used the writings as their starting point for their own artwork. The completed maximum size will be 12″ x 12”.

My artist statement for this image:

"The Theory of Forms"

I was very excited when I received my letter so I took my time to slowly look over all the elements of it. The first inspiration was on the back of the envelope where I found the number 85 printed twice once right side up and then right next to it again upside down. I began thinking about duality and it grew as I read Betsy's letter. I was imagining her writing in the past while I was reading. She had asked several questions which sent me researching while also thinking if she had already found the answers. I enjoyed playing with the dichotomy from this simple letter. The idea that as distinct and immaterial substances of this object (a letter)and phenomena (the words on the page that carried ideas and questions) that we perceive in the world are nothing more than mere shadows.

My pen pal is Betsy Moore

Awesome artist and penpal!

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery

Hope you can drop in!

First Friday Artwalk: Fri. Jan. 6, 5:30 - 8:00 @ the Jacobs Gallery

2012-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

I'll be @ the First Friday Artwalk

Fri. Jan. 6, 5:30 - 8:00

The Jacobs Gallery

for the

Small Pleasures Invitational 2011

The Gallery is in the lower level of the 

Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Located between 

7th Ave & Willamette Street, Eugene OR

http://www.jacobsgallery.org/

Gallery Hours:

Tues - Fri, 12 - 4pm

Sat. 11am - 3pm

Come by if you can!

Object Acquisition # 77-108.1.33 Cautery Transformer

2012-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-108.1.33 Cautery Transformer
Object interpreted and Statement by: Isaac Yoder

Veil

The cautery transformer I had picked at random was manufactured in 1928 by The Wappler Electric Company during the tail end of the Comstock laws. At the time public opinion and federal law made it impossible for physicians to disseminate any information regarding contraceptive or reproductive health. The electrical device was used by a local obstetrician for cervical and surgical cauterization. Looking at the object, I was instantly reminded of the wood burning kit my older sister had given me one year as a birthday gift.

Veil, is a series wood burning based off of a selection of historical painting depicting the annunciation; The annunciation is the point at which the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and informs her she will conceive and give birth. Annunciation paintings are accompanied by a criteria of symbolism, all geared at informing the viewer of Mary's pure nature. the original paintings(and source material for my work) dating back from 1436 up onto 1712 were created during the wide spread witch hunts of Western Europe, in an age where seeking out information regarding one's reproductive health was criminalized. Midwives, who had originally been the source of information pertaining to birth control, were labeled witches, hunted down and executed.

I chose to focus solely on Mary's face - all of Mary's faces, at the most critical moment of her life. I wanted to show who she was -- not what she was. I delineated the planes and values of each face as if they were parts of a map, or the wavy lines of a cat scan, to present this historical figure in a contemporary context.

Curator's Note:

I think it is amazing how history comes back on itself... People today are still fighting for reproductive health rights to remain safe and available yet people are quick to burn the witch or critique the single mother. Amazing work!

Wishing you

2011-12-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

And a Bright & Joyful New Year!

from Beth @ Robinpress

& the Robinson Hartpence Family...

This next year for the studio is looking full of more wonderful adventures... please stay tuned...

Write when you can...

Object Acquisition # 77-129.6.6 Rubber Stamps: Interior of Eye

2011-12-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-129.6.6 Rubber Stamps of the Interior of the Eye

Object interpreted and Statement by: Elyse Gambino
to see more of her work go to www.elysegambino.com

Sometimes I forget how creative scientists must be, that Charles Darwin loved to draw and sketch. In my studio I often feel like an explorer making new discoveries, a scientist experimenting with ideas and testing my hypothesis. Art and science are intertwined conceptually as well as historically, and going into OHSU and completing this project gave me the opportunity to examine art and science in a different way. My pieces from the Hunt are creative representations of parts of human anatomy: a set of stamps used for medical publications. I made a large scale "stamp" to hang on the wall and made the subject matter imaginative rather than representational. I was particularly drawn to the stamp of the ocular cavity and had fun experimenting with symbols and objects that are a solely artistic portrayal of the inside of my own eye.

Curators note: Elyse also printed this block. The empty box under the print block was full of prints.

Small Pleasures Invitational 2011

2011-12-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

New Boxes

for the Holiday Season at the

Small Pleasures Invitational 2011

December 9 thru January 28, 2012

Artist Talk: Fri. Dec. 9, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Opening: Fri. Dec 9, 5:30 - 8:00 pm

First Friday Artwalk: Fri. Jan. 6, 5:30 - 8:00

The Jacobs Gallery

The Gallery is in the lower level of the

Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Located between

7th Ave & Willamette Street, Eugene OR

http://www.jacobsgallery.org/

Gallery Hours:

Tues - Fri, 12 - 4pm

Sat. 11am - 3pm

About the Exhibit:

20 artist have been invited to create artwork no larger than 12 inches in any direction. As a special holiday offering, if you purchase a piece of art from this exhibit as a gift, you may take the artwork with you on the day of purchase!

Artists included:

Johnny Beaver, Bets Cole, Betsy Credle, Lavonne Tarbox-Crone, MarDee, Jan Eliot, Ann Blumb Hamilton, Laura Jaszkowski, Jeanne Maasch, Rogene Manas, Sally Metcalf, Jerril Nilson, Rich Norman, Marilyn Odland, Lynn Ihsen Peterson, William Pickard,

Beth I. Robinson, Kirsten Shende,

Jo Warren and Shannon Weber

Special thank you to Beverly Soasey

Symbols, Letters, Words

2011-11-30T14:32:00.001-08:00

"The Between Times"

Looking for a little sun & warmer weather...

How about heading south...

I have some work @

The Umpqua Valley Arts Association

1624 W Harvard, Roseburg, OR 97471

November 4th 2011– January 6th 2012

A great space to see work...

This weekend they are having a great event

Music for the Arts on December 2nd!

You'll need to RSVP soon!

The Harvest

2011-11-24T22:31:00.000-08:00

Happy All Hallows' Evening!

Harvest Moon

The Winter Squash

And lastly

Brother Gus making venison sausage from his recent hunt.

( Max Dog making sure each morsel is used)

These are just some of the things we are thankful for...

Wishing you all the best...

Object Acquisition # 77-363.1 Pneumothorax Apparatus

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-363.1 Pneumothorax Apparatus

Object interpreted and Statement by: Dorothy Sharrar

The object I "found" was a Pneumothorax Apparatus. It was used in the 1930's to collapse a lung diseased by tuberculosis, allowing it to heal while the patient breathed through the other lung. The process was called "resting the lung" and it could take months or years for healing to take effect. There was only about 50% chance of success.

My response to the object was elicited from my family history and my father's personal experience of losing both of his sisters and his father to tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was a stigma, a family secret that my father was taught not to divulge to anyone at the time because of the disgrace it would bring to the family.

During the process of working on this project, I thought a lot about the aunts and the grandfather I never knew, about my grandmother who endured the loss of her daughters and her husband to the disease, and about my father who fed his sister her last meal at 21 years old, witnessing her struggle for breath and life to the very end.

I used materials and processes that were able to reflect the qualities of breathing-- movement, transparency, weightlessness; and at the same time the qualities of the disease process-- the struggle to breathe, the strictures and scarring from the disease as well as from the veil of secrecy surrounding it. I chose to work with fabrics and hand-sewing, utilizing found handkerchiefs; a common item used for personal hygiene, they hold a sense of intimacy and fragility-- cared for, monogrammed, embroidered, tatted-- valued as a personal possession, reflective of the era in which they were used.

My piece is titled "For Kathryn" in memory of my aunt.

Curator's note: Small white crosses embroidered over and over, meditation and reflection.

Chandler & Price Press Finds New Home With an Unlikely Mate

2011-11-14T20:40:00.001-08:00

This is the new press for Robin Press Studio.

This Chandler & Price is from 1889 and is 112 years old.

My sister, Carey, has dubbed him Johnny Tremain.

He needs a little cleaning up, new rollers and a treadle.

In the novel Johnny Tremain, it concludes

on a note of hopefulness for the future.

Although the beginning of the war

has wrought great death and destruction,

American Patriots have defeated the

British army and surrounded Boston,

a doctor will have mended Johnny's hand,

and Cilla and Johnny have exchanged their first kiss.

Johnny recieved a nod from the older(?) printer

Obie - the Epson 9900 I purchased last year.

I think they will be fine mates and

am eager for them to play together.

Note:

Obie is the artificial intelligence with the ability to alter local regions of reality, in Jack L. Chalker's Well World series (1977)

Time to get to work!

Object Acquisition # 77-28.2.66 Drug Kit

2011-11-09T23:46:00.000-08:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-28.2.66 Drug Kit

Object interpreted and Statement by:

Derek Faust www.derekfaust.com

Using my designated object, a late 19th century traveling doctor’s medicine kit, I created “graduated cylinder” using acrylic, mylar and uhmf plastics. I used the shape of the vials filled with various chemicals and remedies to inspire my material choices. Also housed in the kit was a variety of scratch papers, when folded these acted as containers for the doses of powdered medicines to be taken by a patient.

My process began by investigating the visual and conceptual elements of the object. Then I worked with this element through a minimalist and formal approach using materials that resonated with the original but in a contemporary context. I created “graduated cylinder” so that without the original object or context the work would read as a simple gesture, an exploration in an arrangement of materials, whilst within the context the piece begins to reveal the language of the tubes and vials of medicines from the doctor’s kit.

Curators Note: This is a great reminder for myself... the more you take away the better and more wonderful it can be....

Object Acquisition # Spratt, G.

2011-10-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition# A newly acquired book with anatomical flaps: Spratt, G. Obstetric Tables: Comprising Graphic Illustrations, with Descriptions and Practical Remarks: Exhibiting on Dissected Plates Many Important Subjects in Midwifery. Philadelphia: James A. Bill, 1850
Object interpreted and Statement by Cyan Bott

Thank you for looking.

Can anything be art when imbued with meaning? Is it art or is it memory?

Do they function the same?

For this piece, I was working from the memory of an object, trying to recreate that memory in tangible form. That image that I saw initially - and the meaning I took from it - were the jumping-off point. From there it was just a free-fall of responding to the materials at hand.

Process - based work, created by the natural rhythms of the hands, has a different resonance than that which is premeditated. There is room for evolution, immediacy and expressiveness when responding to things as they surface. It's a process of decision making and being able to follow your gut. Ultimately it is all about the confidence you have in your decisions and the actual conviction behind them.

For me, making is an escape from intellectualism, It's one of the few things that I can do on autopilot, using my eyes and hands to guide me.

"Manipulating material is a way to speak."

Jessica Stockholder

More Heart Valves:

2011-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

OHSU will be highlighting M.Lowell Edwards...

the co-inventor of the Starr Edwards Heart Valve that our hunt show artist Clare Carpenter interpreted.

Hope you can check out these great artifacts.

New exhibit: Oregon's M. Lowell Edwards:

Co-Inventor of the Starr-Edwards Heart Valve

MILES LOWELL EDWARDS (1898 TO 1982)

Object Acquisition # 2007-2.102 Heart Valves

2011-10-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 2007-2.102 Heart Valves

Object interpreted and Statement by 

Clare Carpenter www.tigerfoodpress.com

The prints in this series represent the processing of many complicated sets of dual ideas. Valves, by their nature, are mindless gatekeepers. They are almost binary in their function. Yes, No. Open, Closed. The Mitral Valve is itself a bi-leaf structure, and the artificial Mitral Valve first developed and implanted in 1960 by Portland’s Dr. Albert Starr and engineer Lowell Edwards are defined by dualities. The artificial valve is at once representative of improbability and overwhelmingly successful innovation. In the process of making these prints I wanted to explore representing duality using positive and negative space, abstraction and representation. A heart that is not really a heart, the areas where black and white make grey; because in fact, a valve’s function is not simply binary but may comprise many degrees of open and closed.

Participating in The Hunt has also, for me, been an exploration of duality. At times it’s felt like an exercise in patience with myself and my process. The opportunity to take in so much information from the historic archives at OHSU, to the immense amount of medical information I’ve sifted through, to the personal anecdotes I’ve heard from people who’ve been treated by Dr. Starr, within all of that I could get lost for many, many months. However the incredible help of fellow artists participating in the project, and other artists simply willing to lend an ear when I needed to blurt through everything I’ve taken in to help me discern the tiny nugget that needed to be gleaned from all of that information – that has been a truly wonderful and certainly lasting result.

Recapping the Summer...

2011-10-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

About this time of year as the rain comes down... and I have to remember to wear socks... I reflect on the warmth and lazy days of the summer... and the funny things I take photos of...

Sometimes these make it into work...

other times they feed the work.

Enjoy! & as always thanks for reading these wandering...

Sunrise...

a sign...

to head to the sky for a better look...

landing...

night...

bench sitting...

peeps...

reflecting on the line of people...

back to the beginning...

waiting to rest...

or roll in the grass...

enjoying the last bits of abundance...

Object Acquisition # 2007-11 Acuity Projector

2011-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 2007-11 Acuity Projector

Object interpreted and Statement by Casey Judy www.caseyjudy.com

"It’s not easy growing old"

My 90-year-old- Grandpa is mentally sharp for his age and has always been an avid reader but he has macular degeneration, which blinds some areas in his eyes’ retinas. These days he can’t read nearly as well and is forbidden to drive at night, both of which diminish his quality of life. Because I’ve been living with him for the last three years to keep him company and help him when I can, I see his degeneration first-hand. And, it’s painful to watch.

Grandpa’s failing eyesight became a source of inspiration for my artwork in the OHSU scavenger hunt project – as did a little serendipity. That is, to decide which artist in this exhibition got what object to work from, we pulled numbers associated with the objects from a basket. I blindly selected the acuity projector by Kenneth Swan, founder of the Casey Eye Institute. This turn-of-the-century machine measures the acuity of a person’s vision, which really hit home for me because of my Grandpa; and it’s a funny twist because my name is Casey.

What I have made for this project is very different from my usual work of bright and vibrant colors. My piece is white representing the light projected from the Acuity Projector. Then I have carved the chart into the plaster, but the numbers and letters shown are significant to my Grandpa’s life. Reading this eye chart I have created, all in white makes it difficult for some to even see at all. This is similar to what my Grandpa sees. The splotches of white paint on top of the plaster represent the splotches in his eyes. The complete work reflects what we all must deal with, if we’re lucky: Growing old.

Object Acquisition # 77-96.1.35 Electro Diagnostic Set

2011-10-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-96.1.35

Object interpreted and Statement by Beth I. Robinson www.robinpress.com

Transillumination - enlightenment through the process of examination

“Transillumination maybe explained as directing a highly concentrated, penetrating chromatic light through the process of examination. The transmission of this light through the process, by virtue of reflection and selective absorption enables us to actually see what conditions exist. Darkness or Light, which one for you?”

Text from a small brochure enclosed with Dr. J. C. Bartlett, M.D.’s Electro Diagnostic Set from the Medical Archives at Oregon Health and Science University.

In these transillumination drawings, I am shedding chromatic light on these confused, cold and car-wreck like recontextualized anatomy parts. It is my hope, that We, the people, will see what actual conditions exist within our current healthcare system.

Butterfly stitched spine, white Stonehenge pages with Gampi paper cover, watercolor crayons, digital collage, drawing,

$600 includes box

Curators Note: I was also the curator for this show... My fellow artist twisted my arm to take the last object. I wrote in my curator notes (which I will post the entirety at the end)...

I have been humbled at the excitement of my fellow artists/hunters to join me in “the hunt.”

Each one of these objects randomly chosen made their way to the right person. My own object is a large flashlight used to bring light in dark places. Much like any curator’s job should be.

Peepshow Gets Press

2011-09-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mo looking out to her future of amazin...

Good Luck and Thank you for all your hard work!

You made Eugene stir with art!

Voyeur owner leaves Whiteaker behind!

Bob Keefer wrote a beautiful article

Peepshow in the Weekly

Nice photo of one of the newest images from the

Robin Press Studio...

Come out to the Last Friday Celebrations...

in either Cottage Grove or Eugene....

Support Art!

Apple Pie Antiques Last Friday Events!

2011-09-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Day I wore Invisible Socks

digital collage, edition of 25

Heavy weight paper 8"x10

Last Friday in Cottage Grove...

September 30 6-8 @ Apple Pie Antiques!

Apple Pie Antiques will feature art most of you had only one chance to see last year and new work. Please come and support downtown Cottage Grove and meet the wonderful owners

Susie & Randy. And see their amazing wears!

Not to mention, my dearest friend

Ms. Jennifer Chambers

will be there with her books.

Her new one is about a young girl transported back into the time of Queen Elizabeth. A must read for young readers.

It is true you read the last blog entry right:

I will be showing @ 2 last Friday events

in 2 different cities @ once!

I will be physically at the Lovely Apple Pie Antiques in Cottage Grove, OR until the event is over... about 9 p.m.

Then I will head up to The Voyeur in Eugene.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Apple Pie Antiques

811 E Main St # D

Cottage Grove, OR 97424

541-942-0057

Support Art!

The Voyeur Peep Show Grande Finale!!! One Night Only!

2011-09-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

"The Voyeur will be having one last show before it's time to go. Moving on down the road and so pleased with all that has been accomplished here and so grateful to those who have been a part of this experience."

Mo Bowen owner of The Voyeur

This Peep show will feature the works of local artists: Sean Aaberg, Mo Bowen, CVO Projects, Bill Holderfield, Aidan Holupuch, Lindsay LePon, Sarah Refvem, Beth I. Robinson, and Anthony Slyva.

Also, Tim Lewis presents the best of Picture Eugene...

to be shown outdoors when the sun goes down!

And when we say it's not to be missed... we mean it.

This is ONE NIGHT ONLY!

So don't be a fool. And bring cash, cuz you are going to be impressed! Join us in one hell of a celebration!

Cheers y'all! and Thanks!

Friday, September 30 6:00-11:30 p.m.

The Voyeur, 547 Blair St., Eugene, OR

Object Acquisition #77- 300.4.18 Facial Casts

2011-09-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77- 300.4.18

Object interpreted and Statement by Ben Rood

When I first approached my objects at the Oregon Health and Science University I got the feeling that early science often gives me, the creeps. The plaster casts of facial deformities were crudely assembled and displayed. The molds were coated with a pinkish wax and bits of eyebrows were stuck to them, mounted like medical trophies I couldn’t help being semi-repulsed. I was looking at human faces but to me they did not at all feel like they were human. In response to these objects I created a body of work that examined and abstracted natural structures. A series of small mixed media paintings on board mounted in frames. The level of abstraction forces the viewer to closely examine the paintings but never offers any answer as to what or why. The idea is to create both attraction and frustration, much like I felt looking at the original objects.

Object Acquisition #77-148.1.6 Skull

2011-09-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-148.1.6 Skull

Object interpreted and Statement by brianna cross

"To Toil"

The combined focus of exploring a material and manipulating its intentioned use to create an object is my main motivating factor for art making. It also is about the ability of this process to drown out the continuous cluttered noise of the modern world. For me the act of making is about creating ones own rules. Following instincts and impulses as well as a believing in the existence of visions and epiphanies.

Note from the curator:

I just want to point out that Cross created this fabric by continually sewing over a clear material that dissolves in water. She then cut this amazing piece to create her sculpture.

Object Acquisition # 77-1.1.34 Amputation Kit

2011-09-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77-1.1.34 Amputation Kit

Object interpreted and Statement by Amanda Wall-Graf

"Phantom Limb"

A majority of amputees suffer from Phantom Limb Syndrome: while their appendage may be severed, their brain has not yet caught up to the current situation. They can still feel their missing limb, itching, getting wet or, more often than not, in pain. It's there, but not quite right.

I was inspired by the disquieting amputation kit in OHSU's collection to make a piece that explored the aftermath of such trauma. "Phantom Limb" considers the relationship between the lost extremity and the neural networks that must renegotiated.

For more of Amanda Wall-Grafs work

Object Acquisition # 77- 106.1.81 German Field Surgical Kit

2011-08-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77- 106.1.81 German Field Surgical Kit

Object interpreted and Statement by

Allie Bentley http://www.etsy.com/shop/alliebonline

At the time of conception for this project the US was actively fighting war in four countries. The year is 2011.

When I began “The Hunt” earlier this winter and experienced my object I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed by the sadness of war. My original object being a World War II German Surgical Field Kit had been used in active duty. The box – not much bigger than a shoebox – shone brightly in high-polished steel and held tray after tray of instruments meticulously fit inside one another for known placement upon urgent need.

I felt a sense of uselessness for this entire object. If it exists only to heal or cure those who do harm, why heal them? Why heal the warmonger if they will only continue to cause death and destruction?

I’ve titled this piece, “…And after all the years we still haven’t learned to love” (from the 1960’s film It Started in Naples) because I feel as though we, the human race, haven’t learned to love. We haven’t learned from our history of death and destruction; haven’t moved forward from those fighting days in World War II when today, we continue this uselessness.

Object Acquisition # 77- 206-46.4 Metal Nipple Shields

2011-08-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition #
77- 206-46.4 Metal Nipple Shields

Object interpreted and Statement by Alex Weber

Carbon, glass, and nipple

“For the prevention and cure of Sore Nipple, these Shields should be applied as soon after delivery as possible, and in using them the only attention required is to wipe the Nipple previously to nursing and apply the Shield again immediately afterwards. They are in no way likely to be injurious to the infact…Should the edge of the Shield become inverted, it may be instantly restored by being laid on a flat surface, and rubbed round with the finger.”

Directions for the use of Dr. Wansbrough’s Metallic Nipple Shields, July 1842

The relationship that a mother’s nipple has to a child’s development is fundamental. Humans are nursed to maturation. A woman’s nipple comes into contact with a nursing infant a bodily connection is formed; the nourishment of life through milk.

Of particular curiosity in this creative process was the point at which a child makes a physical connection with a mother. After discovering information on my assigned medical object, Metallic Nipple Shields, I realized my interest lay in creatively responding to this object using an early photographic technique. These techniques are commonly described as alternative processes. Here a glass pane has been smoked and a layer of carbon applied to one surface, thus allowing a print to register. This pane then served as a negative in a Photogram-like process.

Young women, possibly future mothers themselves, created a social dimension to this project. They graciously lent their nipples for the creation of this piece. A special thanks to Hannah, Claire, Katrina, and Katie.

Carbon, glass, and nipple

Carbon, glass & nipple print

Object Acquisition # 77- 41.1.2 Einhorn Saccharometer

2011-08-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Documenting objects from The Hunt Show:

Object Acquisition # 77- 41.1.2 Einhorn Saccharometer

Object interpreted and Statement by Amanda Pentzak

The Einhorn Saccharometer is a device used to determine the gravity and density of sugar in a liquid solution. Though first used in making wine, sorbet, and ice-cream, it later became the primary way to test blood sugar, and diagnose diabetes.

The Saccharometer made it possible to prefect the indulgence of sugar, while also identifying illness caused by that very same knowledge. I wanted to play with the sense of duality the object possessed.

Dolly Dimples was known as "The World's Most Beautiful Fat Lady". She was one of the most popular sideshow performers at the Ringling Brothers circus. While well over 500lbs. Dolly had many suitors and was quite glamorous. I was inspired by circus prints and the structure of the sugar molecule and human blood cells. I wanted my materials and color palette to reflect her personality. A portrait of Dolly, and her life on display.

Dolly

Dolly detail

Enjoying a little summer!

2011-08-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

After the show, I needed a little break...

So I made a hard deal with myself...

no computer, internet, phone, studio ect... for a week...

So I went to the desert...

Got a lot of reading, walking and resting done...

In the next couple of weeks,

I'll be posting each object from

The Hunt show with the artist statements.

Hope your getting in your last bits of summer.

Hope you get a closer look at The Hunt before it closes!

2011-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Hunt is a group show that documents a gentle “scavenger hunt” within Oregon Health and Science University’s Historical Collection and Archives. The item "found" was interpreted or utilized as inspiration by each of the artists into the creation of a new piece (without any harm done to the item "found.")

Artist Warren Buss received the number

77-271.1.2 for the Phoropter-Ocular

This is his artist statement:

I have provided for the purposes of this exhibition the last series of phoroptical images in my collection, the rest having decayed beyond usability. Even these are quickly fading. What you see are all that remain as testament to my many years of research and meditation. My sole purpose in making these images has been to improve the lives of my subjects, by increasing their insight into the deepest, most obscure parts of their psyches.

My device, which I have called a phoroptor*, enables me to look deeply into the eyes of my subjects, reading with great precision things of which they themselves are not aware. Images of these depths are captured by my device for me to interpret at my leisure. While the capture of these images is in itself miraculous, the true value comes from my interpretation of these images, based on my accumulated experience and wisdom.

In my research I have discovered that the eyes are not duplicates of one another – they do not both hold the same information. The right eye most often speaks to appearances, to objective experience, to whatever self-awareness the subject already possesses; while the left frequently speaks to what is hidden from the subject, to things they are not aware of about themselves and their lives.

By combining the information from both eyes, I can provide for my subjects a balanced insight into their psyches – information they can use to better their lives at the most profound levels – not the superficial levels offered by so-called scientists. For an example of how these charlatans would seek to devalue my work, one of them has noted that a byproduct of my reading process produces a random series of numbers, which, when used in the formulation and refinement of ground glass, improves the eyesight of the subject.

I ask you: when judged against the self-knowledge my readings impart, how does merely having better eyesight compare in any meaningful way? Meaning in life is found by looking inward, not out.

Let me conclude. By presenting to you the evidence and theory behind my device, I hope to rescue it within your estimation from the depredations of those who would seek to either discredit it as mere quackery or to subvert it to more base purposes. Thereby to reserve for myself and my research their proper place in history.

Yours truly etc.

W.K. Buss Phoroptorist

* from the Ancient Greek: “bringer of sight”

This is the last series of

phoroptical images in W.K Buss collection

W.K. Buss Website

Your Official Invite to The Hunt Opening!!

2011-06-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Hunt

Curated by Beth I. Robinson

July 7- July 27, 2011

The Hoffman Gallery on the Oregon College of Art and Craft Campus

Opening reception on Thursday, July 7 from 4:00-7:00

This group show documents a gentle “scavenger hunt” within

Oregon Health and Science University’s

Historical Collection and Archives.

The item "found" was interpreted or utilized as

inspiration by each of the artists into the creation of a

new piece (without any harm done to the item "found.")

It will be a great opportunity for artists and viewers

to reflect on the importance of these collections.

Special Thank You to:

Ian Terrell, Jessie Benenson & Tiger Harry

Sarah, Karen & Maija from Oregon Health & Science University

Historical Archive and Collections

Arthur @ the Hoffman Gallery

Oregon College of Art and Craft

The 30 Amazing Artists

Maria & Marilyn

Robert: my sweet understanding fella

The Hunt Show Artist: Liv Rainey-Smith offers a peek at her piece...

2011-06-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

Liv Rainey-Smith is one of the artist who

has offered to take me up on

heading into the medical archives.

Please head to her blog spot to read

her thoughts on the process...
The Art of Liv Rainey-Smith

Will up date more as it comes in!

It Is June and Still Wearing a Wool Coat?!?

2011-06-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have to say I have always loved the rain in Oregon....

but I am finding myself these days wishing

for white sand and sunshine.

Maybe today...

News from the studio:

All is moving along well for "The Hunt" Show

I have had many studio visits in the last month.

Looking @ everyones work...

I am ever amazed by the talented artist around me.

Here is a brief look at my own object:

I am working on about a 30 page book of

collage, cut work, mixed media and "scanography."

Posting more images as they come of my own and the other artist.

Hope to see you @ the opening on July 7 @ the Hoffman in PDX!

This is my Friend Shannon...

2011-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite piece of hers

she is a weaver...

likes to make forts...

and is really fun...

and she was on art beat last night...

Congrats! Yeah!

Oregon Art Beat: Shannon Weber

Shannon Weber.com

Balloon's as Flipbooks?

2011-05-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

YES!!

Balloon Popping Flipbook

More Pop Up Books...

2011-05-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

The Duke Library is exhibiting some really

lovely anatomical flap books...

-Animated Anatomies-

Virtual autopsies by unfolding the movable leaves

while simulating the act of human dissection.

Take a look...

esp. with "The Hunt" coming up..

so inspiring...

Have I Ever Told U...

2011-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

while I am working in my studio

one of my favorite studio mates is

Led Zeppelin....

I never thought I would have

the chance to see them in person...

but dear Robert Plant has made a

new band called the Band of Joy...

I recently saw them in pdx...

and all I can say is that

they are true to their name...

A Band of Joy...

What an amazing night...

Stop in Studio Event...

2011-04-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

a print for the year of the Rabbit...

A couple of months ago

the University of Oregon Book store

asked me to create a stop in studio event,

I'm just testing the water on teaching and

what folks are really interested in.

I demo an simple printing technique

that I think was a real hit.

I was very pleased with the results.

I hope the 20 folks who opted to spend a rare

Oregon sunny day with me enjoyed it as well.

Great questions and interest!

Thank you to all who attended.

Special thanks to Christopher @ The Duck Store

Stop in Studio List of Events

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Lent is over... Easter is here...

Looks like sin is in... again! whew I made it

I hope you did to... ;O)

Have a Happy!

Your Mama's Pop Up Books...

2011-04-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

An online exhibition of

Harold Goralnick's Pop Up Book Collection

@ the Bowdoin College Library

3000 College Station

Brunswick, Maine 04011-8421

This Is Not Your Mama's Pop Up Book...

2011-04-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

All the little pigs are talking about

a new twist on The 3 Little Pigs...

Pop up for ipad...

I can hardly wait to make some artist books like this!

Where does wind come from...

2011-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

"An Explanation of Wind"

9"x12"

Heavy Weight Paper, Collage, Mixed Media & Digital

Washington D.C

2011-04-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last month I took a trip.

As you can tell I love history.

History helps me to understand

where people have been before me,

how they choose to solve their problems

and how it has effected our world today.

It also helps me to think that just maybe

they had some of the same problems

we are dealing with today and

they made it through.

The new National Museum of the Native American Indian

Is a wonderful and thoughtful place.

The wampum is a record of events... or a book...

Then I Walked across the Mall to

the American History Museum:

Ruby Slippers

every girl should have a pair

Stumbled into an Excellent Pop Up Book Show!

Stopped @ Julia Child's Kitchen for a chat -

Had dinner with Julia...

"Julia, I can not thank you enough for making

my mother into a wonderful cook," I said.

Then I went and paid my respects...

Arlington Cemetery

The Tomb of the Unknown

and left with wise words to carry home...

I went to my favorite look out

the old post office...

It is the tallest building in Washington,

as it was built before the Capitol.

After the Capitol was finished

no building would be taller.

It is the best view and the least crowded.

I wished I could have been there to

witness the bell ringers in action.

And lastly, one more late night stroll...

with the sound of someone else returning

to the White House... after a long day.

OHSU Archivists Will Blog About Their Experience With "The Hunt"

2011-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

To see what they are saying about the project:

Click here for Historical Notes from OHSU

Thank you Maija & Karen...

The Hunt is on...

2011-02-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the party for the beginning of "The Hunt"

I am very pleased @ the excitement & interest.

I am bowled over how the objects from the archive

seem to have found the right artists to interpret them.

A lovely night had by all!

Thank you Artists, Archivist, Maria, Marilyn & Arthur...

Amazing night for the kick off for the Hunt Show!

The foxes are running!

Happy Valentines 2011

2011-02-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

And the Head Count for "The Hunt" is...

2011-02-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

Head Count....

For Immediate Release:

Beth I. Robinson will be curating a show entitled

"The Hunt" for the Hoffman Gallery on

Oregon College of Art and Craft Campus

in July of 2011.

Robinson will send a group of artists, including herself,

on a gentle "hunt" through the

OHSU Historical Collection & Archives.

The item "found" will then be interpreted or utilized as

inspiration by each of the involved artists into the creation of

a new piece (without any harm done to the item "found.")

It will be a great opportunity for artists and viewers

to reflect on the importance of these collections.

It is with great pleasure to announce

the artists to participate in "The Hunt":

Allie Bentley

Amanda Pentzak

Amanda Wall-Graf

Amy Johnston

Aria Benner

Alex Weber

Benjamin Rood

Beth I. Robinson

brianna cross

Cyan Bott

Dorothy Sharrar

Erin Gallagher

Jessie Benenson

Isaac Yoder

Liv Rainey - Smith

Maria Cardenas

Marilyn Joyce

MaryAnn Puls

Mo Bowen

Moe Snyder

Nicholas Musso

Stephanie Marinone

Stephen Takacs

Warren K. Buss

Zoe Umholtz

This is the link for the proposal.

Special Thank You to:

Ian Terrell, Jessie Benenson & Tiger Harry

Sarah, Karen & Maija from Oregon Health & Science University

Arthur @ the Hoffman Gallery

Oregon College of Art and Craft

The 28 Amazin Artists

Maria & Marilyn

These are some great resources about the Archive:

Historical Notes from OHSU

OHSU Website

Inspired go check out their current exhibition:

The Literature of Quackery:

Amusement and Understanding

Oregon Health & Science University

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road

Portland, OR 97239-3098

503-494-3239

The Voyeur Show Pics!

2011-01-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

Mural on outside

The Voyeur Presents

Books 2...

Flyover

- Mixed Media Collage printed on Kitakata paper 7" x 11"-

L to R Bess, Apple of Discord, Missing Bird,

Leaping Formidable Rapids

L to R A Grateful Heart, Leaping Formidable Rapids,

Shadowlands

-Luck Altar-

takes some or leave some

Me & Mo

Thank you for supporting ARt!! Call this one SOLD...

Special thanks to Mo Bowen owner of The Voyeur

and everyone who came out to support the show

Moved the Studio Shack

2011-01-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the infrequent posts...

we pulled up steaks and moved the shack...

web page stays the same but a new physical address:

79516 Fire Road,

Lorane OR 97451

United States

Write when you can...

Happy New Years 2011!

2011-01-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

"Then Jesus Showed Up"... Framed 11"x14" $75.00

Whoa! 2011 shouldn't we be driving around in space ships....

The Voyeur & I Get Some Lovely Press!

2010-12-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

The is the exterior view of the Voyeur Gallery....

We made the front page of the of The Register Guard Art Section...

I can not tell you how pleased I have been to show here and work

with the Voyeur's amazing curator and owner Mo Bowen.

What an lovely month and homecoming to Eugene!

This will take you to the Register Guard Article about The Voyeur.

Santa Came!

2010-12-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Merry & Bright Christmas!

Beth

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T23:10:00.000-08:00

I hope you are full of thankfulness and turkey...

Hope 2 see you @ the opening on Friday the 26th... Starts @ 5:30

" Boundaries Between” a solo exhibition

2010-10-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

A page from the book "A Tail"

@ The Voyeur Gallery,

547 Blair St. in Eugene, OR.

In these new collages I hope to blur the

boundaries between the real and the imaginary.

The opening will be included in the last Friday Artwalk in the

Whiteaker Neighborhood on November 26 from 5:30 - 9:30.

I will give a class on the sketchbook and different

ways to fill those empty pages on December 9th 6:00.

The artist talk is on December 17 at 6:00.

Show runs from November 26th to December 23rd

The Voyeur hours:

Tues.-Sat. noonish-9pm.

(541) 912-7544

To sign up for a class or check out the gallery:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Voyeur/107601012613412

Information about the last Friday Artwalk Festivities in the Whiteaker Neighborhood:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whiteaker-Last-Friday-Art-Walk/437955940135

Special Thanks to Moe!

Happy All Hallows Eve!

2010-10-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Dia de los Muertos Group Show 2010

2010-10-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

"With Help & Consulation from the Angels of the Deep"

Mixed Media, Stonehedge Paper, 9" x 7"x 3"

This ancient holiday began as a day of thanks for the harvest. Over time, it became a time to remember the ancestors and beloved ones who have died. Once one knows death intimately, death is no longer wrapped in a cloak of mystery or a reason to fear the darkness. Many customs and traditions have been added over the years, but for the most part, this ancient holiday is as it always was -- a time of remembrance and love.

The show features artists creating artwork to commemorate their ancestors and departed loved ones. The art ranges from whimsical, political, to painfully personal. Reclaiming this Mexican American tradition, these artists translate it into their own personal interpretation.

Come pay your respects @

Guardino Gallery

2939 NE Alberta ◊ Portland, OR 97211

Open: Tues. 11 to 5 PM, Wed. through Sat. 11 to 6 PM, Sun 11 to 4 PM

Hope to See you @ the Last Thursday on October 28th...

Dia de los Muertos Group Show is

curated by Stephanie Brockway.

Special thank you to Donna & Stephanie

for this great opportunity to show.

Also included in the show are:
Robin Bachtler Cushman
Stephanie Brockway
Tory Brokenshire
Scot Cameron-Bell
Greg Carrigan
Mar Gorman
Denise Graham
Teo Guardino
Kim Hamblin
Janet Julian
Sylvia Miller
Cynthia Mooney
Kim Murton
Tabor Porter
Darlene Schaper
Gloria Sowell
Jill Torberson
Cathie Joy Young

To see the work:
http://www.guardinogallery.com/feature-gallery

Pileated Woodpecker Spotted

2010-10-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Bud saw a pileated woodpecker

on his wood pile yesterday...

so we waited all the rest of the day to see it again...

But to no avail...

Oh Charles! I heart you...

2010-09-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Charles Ledray

Thank You!

2010-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

I wanted thank all the folks who gave a hand & came out

the other night to the Cottage Grove Last Friday.

It was lovely!

Getting Ready for Solo Show in December...

2010-09-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hoping to have many birds cut out before the opening...

In my other shows I have always wanted

a little interaction with the audience.
I hope people will purchase these cut outs and write their wish, desire or hope on the back. Then date it. Hang it some place or pack it away to be found again next year. Some times for things to start to change all one has to do is acknowledge it by writing or saying it aloud.

Playing with water and things...

Shy studio assistant...

Tired studio assistant...

Studio @ work... and yes those are sock mannequin legs
(I am workin on what to do with them)

Thanks for stopping by..

You're invited!

2010-09-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

Recently returned London Springer & Book Artist,

Beth Robinson

will show & discuss her travels in the world of book & box making.

at the Last Friday Artwalk on September 24th from 6:00 - 8:00

@ Kalapuya Books - new, used & rare

637 E Main Street, Cottage Grove

541-942-6143

Artist talk starts at 7:00.

Refreshment will be served.

I hope to see you!

bailliwik Issue 08 link is online!

2010-08-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Bailliwik is a self-published, periodical book (and website) of work made by an ever-changing roster of members from around the world. Each year since 2004, we have come together to publish and distribute ongoing projects, new pieces, and limited-edition art works. All of the work in the book, some additional material, and past issues are available for viewing this website:

www.bailliwik.org

Thank you Surabhi and Rob for including me!

The Regional Assembly of Text

2010-08-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance check out this great link:

http://www.assemblyoftext.com/our_store

for a store focusing on text as the theme.

They even have a letter writing night with old school typewriters!

A special note to friends in faraway places..

2010-08-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th...

esp. to my friends in far away places..

Hoffman Gallery Write up in helloportland.com

2010-07-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Hoffman Gallery is the place where "the hunt" will be shown...

There are amazing shows each month.

Next time your in pdx please stop by.

This is a resent write up with a little background information

on the location from helloportland.com

http://www.helloportland.com/Articles/Attraction/3025/

Hoffman_Gallery_An_underlooked_gallery_full_of_eye-catching_art.cfm

Found my way..

2010-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Witness

24" x 36" Heavy Weight Paper

Mixed Media Collage

Found myself in the studio the other day... Whew..

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives agrees to "the hunt"...

2010-07-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure I announce that
Archivist Sara Piasecki & Karen Peterson

of the OHSU Historical Collections & Archives
have agreed whole heartily to helping and allowing
my fellow artist and myself to the material to
inspire "the scavenger hunt."

This is an amazing opportunity for all.

This treasure filled collection will be gently “hunted” and recontextualized for the modern viewer. I will send a group of artist including myself on a structured “scavenger hunt” in the OHSU collection. The item “found” will then be interpreted, inspire, be recreated and any other number of possibilities into the creation of new pieces (without any harm done to the item “found”) in hope of creating a new “solution.” It will be a great opportunity for artist and viewers to reflect on the importance of these collections.

Now to pull the artists together...
I'll keep you updated on events as they transpire.

I want to thank OHSU & Sara & Karen for
their part in making this idea a reality.

Please support these archives in anyway you can.

Their current exhibit is until September:

Beautiful Gross Anatomy
Clarice Ashworth Francone
Medical Illustrator

Her glasses are just awesome... not to mention her work.

This is the link:

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/library/about/collections/historical-collections-archives/

Work Accepted into the Autumn Bailliwik

2010-07-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

Bailliwik is the Middle English spelling of the word

bailiwick – n. an area of activity in which somebody has

particular responsibility, or in which he or she has
specialized knowledge or ability.

Bailliwik is an organization of artists whose purpose is to create a periodic

publication of their work with an online showing.

Thank you Surabhi & Rob for including
Shadowlands & Seeing by Skull Light
in the 08 - Autumn 10 issue.