As of Late

I have not posted in quite some time. I have been at a loss for what to even blab about on here. I sometimes wonder if this blog is nothing more then an outlet for my frustrations, my successes, even if they are just tiny glimpses of something that may or may not turn into something bigger. First item of business, I graduated from college. Wait let me say it again. I am a college graduate. I still don't think it has set in quite yet. It's a strange feeling to comprehend. I have been going to school straight since I started kindergarten and now it seems so final to be graduated from college. I don't know if I'm feeling this way because I now have to make some big decisions, or that these decisions are bigger then any I have ever made. Not to mention that these decisions are now pressing on my conscience telling it that they need to be made, and made well if I ever want to achieve the things I want. Is the way I am feeling natural, or normal? I feel like I am stuck in a box that I put myself in and now I have somehow forgotten how to get out of this claustrophobic state I am in. None of this will make sense to any of you, I am almost sure of it. Well for now I will try to remain positive about my not so certain, not so far off future. In any case I would like to show you some things from the past few weeks. Small steps. That is what I have to do if I want to accomplish anything.

First. Graduation

First of all. I would not have made it to where I am if it were not for my family. My parents have helped me through school and been so generous to help me with the things I couldn't do myself. I am so grateful that they inspired me to get an education and to further it even past my undergraduate degree. Steve has been such a great example to me. He is so smart and incredibly positive with his schooling. He has always believed in me and I can't imagine how I would have made it through my last year of school without his support. Secondly, I have made some amazing friends here at Utah State. I feel extra lucky because I did a dual emphasis and in turn had the opportunity to get to know all the fine artists and the designers. It has been so great to build friendships. I really will miss all of my friends that are moving on. Luckily I can be selfish and keep a few for the next year I am here in Logan.

Pictured above: 1. Steve and Me 2. All of my family who came 3. Printer friends 4. Me and Steve enjoying my first magnum ice cream bar here in the states. It was a perfect way to end the day. 5. My parents and me 6. My favorite professor Kathy

(Just a side note... my camera somehow got a fingerprint on it during our walk across campus, so most of my pictures have a huge blurry smudge on them... Depressing. That is why none of my design friends aren't pictured. I still love you all.)

Second. Letterpress Class

I am so lucky to be able to be taking a letterpress class over the summer at the University of Utah. My Dad is taking the class with me as well as my friend Mandy from Design. I have been to two classes so far. It is pretty overwhelming. Lots of rules and information. Kind of an overload. I can't wait until we get some freedom to create! The great thing is, after you take the class you can have access to their facilities! I am so excited to be able to continue using them. Hopefully I will be able to do so. We will see how it goes!

Third. Some Random Design

I have been trying to find things to do with design to further my knowledge and skill. I love doing projects and It is kind of nice to be able to do whatever I want. I made this poster for my cousin and his fiance who are getting married in a week. I wanted to give them something they could hang that wasn't too cheesy. I really loved how it turned out.  I think I shall make more?

Fourth. Tucker

My Sis-in-Law Jenn had to take a class this summer. It was only for two weeks, so she ended up coming and staying with us for some of that time. It has been so much fun watching him. He is such a firecracker. We did so many fun things and laughed so hard. This kid has got some character. It was so much fun having Jenn up here too. It isn't often that we get to hang out. I miss having her and my brother up here in Logan.

Portfolio Box

Well, I finished. Well almost. My Senior BFA show.... actually one of two BFA shows was on Friday night. Call me nerdy, or an overachiever, whichever you prefer, but I am incredibly happy that I decided to do a dual emphasis in Printmaking and Graphic Design. I love them both so much! I have made so many friends in both areas and had an incredible education in both areas. I know people think that the arts is a "fun" or "easy" major, but that is absurd. Ask anybody who actually knows the work that we put into art and design, they will tell you it is anything but easy. Moving on...

The BFA show was a huge success. There were hundreds of people who came. Literally. It was such a great night! I had a box made for my portfolio. It is beautiful. Mike Atha over at Restoration Books made it for me. He is incredibly talented and has really beautiful work. I am so pleased with how it turned out. Here is the outside with my logo.

I decided I wanted to use both design and printmaking to make my box.  I really wanted to incorporate my prints.... so I had Mike use my prints to line the box. I think it turned out really nice.

I also did the same for my cards. I used a woodcut print on one side and printed the other and mounted them on illustration board. I love how they turned out. I really like having things you can touch. It was a lot of work but I LOVE how they turned out. I made about 70 of these and only had 2 left. I think people really liked them, I guess I'll have to make some more?