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  • Tyrone Remembers Robin Williams

    Tyrone Remembers Robin Williams

    For the last couple weeks at Make Studio, artist Tyrone Weedon has been working on a portrait series based on Robin Williams’ notable characters.

    1023141403“To me, Robin Williams is the funniest comedian of all time.” 

    Tyrone appreciates the wild personalities and unique voices of all the characters Williams acted as and voiced.  Like many, Williams’ characters were a very important and inspirational part of Tyrone’s childhood.  He feels Williams connected older and newer generations through his various roles.

    Robin Williams brought joy and laughter to our childhoods. . . Robin is human like all of us.

    Tyrone sees Williams himself relating to many of his characters.  Williams’ charisma and sense of humor made his characters great.

    He has an insane personality and creativity in movies, television, and stand up shows. [He shows us] there is no shame in having a kid inside of us…

    Tyrone picked six of William’s characters to focus on:  Patch Adams, Mrs. Doubtfire, Professor Philip Brainard, the Genie, Mork, and Tyrone’s favorite role Peter Pan.

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    Tyrone thinks Williams as Peter Pan shows that you should never change who you are.  Accept yourself as yourself.

     Robin Williams’ legacy of bringing laughter will live on through people everywhere.

     

  • Our Heroes

    Our Heroes

    We’ve been thinking a lot about heroes lately because of our participation in an exhibition currently on view at Towson Arts Collective’s EBC Art Center.  Many of our artists are represented in  HEROES: Everyday Heroes to Super Heroes, Beyond the Call of Duty,on view from October 1st through 25th, with a reception this Saturday, October 11th from 6 – 8 pm.

    In honor of the show’s opening, some of our artists discussed their work in the show, along with what a hero is to them.

    Gary writes about his work in the HEROES show:

    “In general, heroes stand up to bad guys and protect the innocent. Some of them, like Mickey Mouse, for example, have magical powers and use those powers for good rather than evil.”

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    To Gary Schmedes, a hero is a good guy who does what is right.  The good guys stand up to the bad guys by “punching them in the face.”  Some of Gary’s favorite heroes are Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Fred Flintstone, Homer Simpson, and SpongeBob.  All of these characters are funny (and Gary appreciates good humor) and do what is right (even Homer Simpson, most of the time).  In his everyday life, Gary sees his older sister Mary as a hero because “she helps me a lot and is understanding.” 

    Margie sees a hero a bit differently from Gary.  Margie says about her work:

    “A hero can be big and brave, but he or she can also be a person who does something small and considerate for others.”

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    Margie Smeller thinks it is good to recognize all the different kinds of heroes out there in the world, from the superheroes to the everyday heroes.  In fact, Margie believes everyday heroes are especially relevant in our lives.  For Margie, being brave, as well as having empathy and compassion for others, are important parts of being an everyday hero.

    Jeanne Hannon recognizes the super in the everyday hero.  She writes about her work in the show, which is about some of her favorite presidents and her favorite baseball team:

    “The Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter worked very hard for all of the states throughout the country. They had to swear an oath on the Bible to do their job well, and they are part of a long history.”

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    For Jeanne a lot of presidents are heroes.  She wants us to remember how all the presidents have brought together the United States of America, which in her mind may not be as united if it weren’t for them.  Plus being president is a tough job!  Besides presidents, Jeanne considers Governor O’Malley a hero.  She is also a big O’s fan and sees the Orioles as her heroes, too.  She is very excited with how the O’s have been doing in the play offs and she hopes they make it all the way to the world series. Jeanne has everyday heroes too.  Her family are her heroes, especially Jimmy who is in the Marines.

    Tony Labate also shared his thoughts on heroes.  He writes:

    “They are not faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive but they are always ready to help anyone who is in trouble or needs help.”

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    As his artwork shows, Tony is often inspired by St. Elizabeth School which became his home away from home after his grandmother passed away.  The people at St. Elizabeth’s school are some of Tony’s heroes.  They were always nice and polite to him and made him feel comfortable. He recognizes that there are superheroes who are in comic books, but to Tony a hero does not have to be super or have superpowers, especially since that is all fantasy or science fiction, anyway.  Tony sees a hero as an everyday person who goes beyond the usual scope to help people, like saving someone from drowning or a burning building.

    Make sure to stop by the Towson Arts Collective’s EBC Art Center to see all the wonderful artwork in the HEROES show.  And don’t forget to think about and thank the heroes in your life.

  • The Newbie: Week 3

    The Newbie: Week 3

    My name is Emma Jo Shatto, and I’m the new fall intern for make Studio. It is week three, and I am constantly observing and getting to know the environment.  I am so happy with how open it is here. For instance, physically the studio is a smaller space, but with its large windows letting sunlight pour in, the entire room opens up. So much of the space is devoted to the artists. It gives me the sense that working for and alongside make Studio artists is incredibly important. The space is laid out with tables for everyone to work. It tends to get cluttered with sketches and such, but there’s always a place for someone to sit down and work. The studio is quiet on Wednesdays. Except for the occasional question/answer session from artist Gary Schmedes or words being passed around between the staff and the artists, the studio remains pretty calm, with only the slight sounds of pencils scratching on paper or some shuffling about, artists getting ready to start projects. I am so entranced with how much focus there is in this one space.

    The most recent thing to peak my interest is the artists and the staff. We are preparing for several different events, one of which is Hampdanfest 2014, which will be this Saturday, September 20th at 11 AM. I am so excited to be there to represent make Studio. The artists here are so interested in their artwork and driven to continue working. Always finishing a project and starting a new one. From what I’ve observed, some of them love to work and create just as much as they love to talk about the art. That pride and happiness that they feel is infectious. I remember witnessing it for the first time, when I volunteered for make Studio at ArtScape 2014.

    I’ve spent a lot of time these first few weeks watching and observing. I love to see how different people interact with one another, and it’s helped me adjust to this new environment. But… I am so excited to start working. My head is bursting with ideas, and I cannot wait to be more involved with helping out the artists and the staff.

    I am so ready!

    Till next time. EJ signing off.

    spongebob-ready

  • Summer: A Great Time to Try Something New

    Summer: A Great Time to Try Something New

    Make Studio is very lucky to have some wonderfully talented and enthusiastic interns this summer. As part of their experience at the studio, we asked our interns Maeve and Acacia to each design, organize, and teach a workshop to the resident artists. Take a look at their reflections about the process of creating a workshop and engaging the members of Make Studio!

    Color Theory with Maeve Goldstein

    “When I was asked to start on a proposal for a workshop, I made observations around the studio to help determine where to start. I wanted to pick something the artists could take home with them to think about and use to improve their own artwork.

    photo mv5

    I sorted through notes from a color theory class I took last year at Hood College.  I made a vocabulary list, color wheel and complimentary color exercise, and drafted an outline of what I would discuss. I included a little bit about the science of perception, the history of color theory, and the basics of the color wheel and color interaction. 

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    At first it took a few minutes for the artists to settle in and focus, but they seemed to be interested. Some asked questions and related the lesson to things they learned in school. Most sat and focused, quietly taking in what I was saying and answering questions when asked.

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    The workshop itself went well. I procured a color wheel poster for reference, as well as a small pocket wheel and a pocket color chart. I even brought some color-aid to show side by side comparisons of warm and cool hues, tints, shades, and tones. Overall it went really smoothly, and gave me a good opportunity for organizational and leadership practice.”

    – Maeve Goldstein

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    Watercolor Washes with Acacia Matheson

    We were thrilled when Acacia decided to share her knowledge of alternative watercolor techniques with Make Studio artists. Acacia prepared examples of different watercolor wash techniques, and activities with the artists included: wet on dry paper, wet on wet paper, one color on top of another, blending colors, creating texture using salt, and plastic wrap on wet paper. Watercolor is a  very popular medium among the artists, and they were fascinated to learn new ways of working through the process. Several artists are still applying the techniques weeks later in their current projects.

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    “Doing the workshop on two different days with different groups of artists affected how the tone of the workshop. The first group was rather quiet and very set in their ways. As such, I had to adapt to them and pay more attention to keeping the focus of the group on the task at hand. The group on the second day went a lot smoother, because I felt what I was trying to teach was more on par with what that group of artists were already doing.

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    The workshop was a helpful building block for them. Everyone was excited and able to keep focus on their own projects, which allowed me to spend one-on-one time with a select few artists who needed it.

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    I  noticed a difference when it came to Make Studio artist Louis Middleton, as he was present for both days of my workshop. For the first day, the workshop didn’t hold his interest for long and his attempts at at new techniques were minimal. However on the second day I noticed such a difference. Other artists in the group were interested in the techniques and involved with their own experiments, and I was able to work with Louis one-on-one. I felt it helped hold his interest more on the workshop and learning the techniques.”

     

  • Bradley’s Summer in the Studio

    Bradley’s Summer in the Studio

    Bradley Jacobs is an artist with us here at Make Studio during the summer. He’s a student otherwise, and likes to travel with his family.

    Bradley comes here to work and as well as attends school in Illinois. He says of this lifestyle:

    “I think its like a relaxation technique I use. it’s like I live in two different worlds, my art world and school world. I love art, I enjoy it.”

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    Bradley Jacobs, In Space

    He works hard and takes his time with his work, ensuring that each piece has an energy of its own. Each piece he makes is based off of different ideas that come from within, such as from experience, places he’s been, things he’s seen. Bradley uses source images from the internet and tweaks it in his own way.

    “I’m an artist, I like expressing myself and showing work that has meaning. I portray an image that has a story. For me, art is an expression to show how I’m feeling at that moment. Making art motivates me, it’s a good form of communication, I can put myself out there in ways I have never done before.”

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    Bradley Jacobs, Tokyo

    As for his travels, he thinks that being fortunate enough to travel and go to different places is eye- opening.

    “I think that to have a new travel experience is like seeing things for the first time. Like when you grow up and you go out on your first day of snow, or you’re seeing a movie for the first time, like when you turn 18 or 21 and have your first night out, it’s very fun. To be self-powered and go different ways and use different techniques in art is very good, and I want to share how I learned everything.”

    “ I believe in diversity, there’s different art with different backgrounds here. The only way for my work to thrive is to have creativity and imagination.”

    According to Bradley, Make Studio is beneficial because it’s unique and diverse. It’s a well-rounded studio and is good for the community of Baltimore. Each painting made here is not entirely about the artist, it’s about what they were thinking and what their imagination comes up with. A part of a painting’s story is the audience’s interpretation of it.

    “It feels good, seeing the expressions on people’s faces for the first time when they see your work. Getting the opportunity to see your name out there, to see your work in people’s homes, and seeing happiness on their faces when they look at a painting is great.”

    Bradley believes Make Studio has broadened his horizons. Speaking about his growth, he says,  “Art is a gateway that allows me to try other things like sculpture and 3D design.” When he started here, he was using pencil, watercolor, and sharpie. After a little while, he moved into using acrylics, then sculptural design. He even writes poetry from time-to-time. He’s still working on processing and stream-lining his many creative ideas, trying to make everything connect and be relevant to his overall message.

    “I have grown because I’m older now and I now grasp how to use different methods, techniques and mediums in making a piece of art. I learn more by doing that just by watching tv or going places. Make Studio is helping me every step of the way. its like a guiding light to show me, not do it for me, but to show me how to make something free from myself. They help give me ideas and I’m doing it my way.”

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    Bradley’s workspace, 2014

     Bradley’s advice for others is this: if you make a mistake, you can’t think of it as a mistake. Think of it as a positive idea.  In art, there is always a creative way to make something new.  Everything can be done differently; just like handwriting, not everything can be the same. Each individual has a way of doing something.

  • An Inspiring Month for Autism Awareness & Acceptance

    An Inspiring Month for Autism Awareness & Acceptance

    Several of Make Studio’s 20 artists identify as persons with autism, autistic, and/or living “on the spectrum”. Every day, their actions, words, and images help “neurotypical” individuals to better understand and celebrate their points-of-view. (And these artists are often commendably patient while doing so!)

    ZM crop1

    Make Studio capped off its celebration of National Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month on April 26 at the 5th annual Honestly Autism Day, hosted by the Autism Society of Baltimore – Chesapeake in partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools and Towson University. The all-day event featured key-note speakers, breakout sessions on a variety of autism-related topics, a panel of teens on the spectrum, and over 30 organizations sharing  information and resources.

    The Autism Society also hosted the Express Yourself Contest – Celebrating Differences 2014, a contest that awarded cash prizes and publication in the ASBC newsletter in six different categories. Make Studio’s very own Zach Manuel won in the Individuals with Autism category. His insightful and honest comic My Name is Zach Manuel, a hand-drawn digital print with colored pencil, describes the personal trials and tribulations Zach encounters in his daily life.

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    Zach accepted his award in person at Honestly Autism Day, giving a speech in front of large crowd for the Express Yourself contest winner presentation. You can see his acceptance speech below!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0McofnFpCoU

    Make Studio artists also made a short video, in which artists spoke about their artwork and what it means to them to be on the spectrum. The video was screened continuously at Honestly Autism Day for all to see. Take a look and let the artists know what you think!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2NMOL8Ym-c

     

     

  • The Circus is Coming to Town!

    The Circus is Coming to Town!

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    Jerry Williams makes paintings, drawings, sculpture, and often uses found materials. The Ringling Brothers’ Barnum & Bailey Circus is a major theme in his artwork. Jerry’s been going to the circus with his family since he was a little kid. He loves watching the animal trainers interact with the animals and the ringmaster leading the show. He goes out of his way to meet his favorite circus stars, and he collects all kinds of merchandise. Two years ago he became friends with two very special elephants, Sammy and Banko. Jerry is looking forward to the new surprises of this year’s show and celebrating his birthday there on March 30th.

    As Jerry likes to say, “finally Partyman is back at the Greatest Show on Earth, and the Greatest Show on Earth is finally back in Baltimore, Maryland!”

    jw_rbbb_table

    For Make Studio’s fourth anniversary exhibition, All Fo(u)r One and One Fo(u)r All, Jerry decided to take on a new challenge: a circus-themed coffee table. Jerry has never designed furniture before! On the surface of the table is a bird’s eye view of the arena, filled with visitors laughing and cameras flashing. The table legs are made to look like top hats a ringmaster might wear. Currently the table (and several other pieces) are on view in the exhibition Amazing Marvels, a show featuring work inspired by the circus, sideshow or carnivals acts at Art Enables’ Off-Rhode Gallery in Washington, D.C. The show will be up through April 18th, 2014.

    Here are a few more examples of Jerry’s work that focus on the spectacles and performers that can only be found at the circus!

  • Exploring Pulp Fiction in Three Dimensions…

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    For Make Studio’s 4th Anniversary Show Tony Labate decided to try several new techniques for his special project. For starters he increased the scale of his latest characters, so they stand three feet tall instead of three inches. He also decided to do three dimensional wood cut-outs instead of traditional illustration. Tony chose to return to familiar subject matter by popular demand: the characters of Pulp Fiction. For this piece he depicts Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega, played by Uma Thurman and John Travolta, from the dance scene at Jack Rabbit Slim’s….

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    “Pulp Fiction” is one of my favorite movies. Today, Tuesday February 18th, 2014, John Travolta turns sixty years old. The Jack Rabbit Slim’s diner in “Pulp Fiction” reminds me of the 1950’s style restaurant called Fuddrucker’s. My favorite part of making this piece is finishing it. I enjoyed thinking of John Travolta’s movies and the television show “Welcome Back, Cotter” while working on the sculpture.

    – Tony Labate

  • Taking on a Series: A Real Challenge

    by Gary Schmedes

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    Make Studio has a new show coming up to celebrate our fourth anniversary. I decided to do something I’ve never done before. I started a series of drawings using the same group of original characters and events  that could be part of the same story line. It was pretty challenging. The characters were Bart Katson (the cat), Teddy Hareman, Boom-Boom, and Mindy (the rabbit family). Compared to Bugs Bunny, it’s original for a rabbit like Teddy to not be very clever. I see Bart as a cat version of Fred Flintstone. I did more than one drawing, and it felt kind of hard.

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  • Colonial house. What is luxury to you?

    by Louis Middleton, Jr.

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    Make Studio is about to turn four years old!  We are busy making special new projects to celebrate this event.  I am making a special project.  Right now I am sketching my ideas for a luxury Colonial house.  So far I have the exterior and the interior.  I am feeling super excited about this project.  I think what’s really exciting is the idea of luxury.  Luxury to me is having a kitchen with a family room and a breakfast room attached, three bathrooms and a powder room, and a bedroom with a large walk-in closet. I asked Garrett, Bess, and Chuck what luxury was to them.  Garrett thought the house should have a king’s room with jewels, gold, and a crown.  Bess thought there should be a throne room and a luxury library with a secret door.  I thought, in addition to that, the secret door would lead to the computer room.  I added to the Lumsden idea!  And, Chuck thought there would be wood furniture, like at his uncle’s house.  Cathy thought there should be a large whirlpool tub for taking relaxing bubble baths.  Now, I want to know, WHAT IS LUXURY TO YOU?!  Please comment.Unknown