stacey l. kirby

UPDATE: The Declaration Project, December 16th, 6-9 pm

2011-12-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The Declaration Project will be performed
one last time at the
Bargain Furniture Building,
309 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC.

December 16, 6-9 pm

Please come out, participate and support

the Durham Storefront Projects!

Big thank you to Alex Maness Photography!

The Declaration Project in Durham, NC

2011-10-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Declaration Project will take place on November 19th & 20th
as part of the Durham Storefront Projects and the Durham Art Walk.

Bargain Furniture building (Holland Brothers Building)
309. E. Chapel Hill St.
Durham, NC

The Declaration Project will be occurring at these times:

Saturday, November 19 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, November 20 1 pm - 5 pm

My installation and selected participants' cards will be on display in west storefront window
until January 2012. Additional performances will occur in December and January.
Information will be posted at this site.

Over 900 people have participated. Please come out and add to the numbers!
Materials and support provided by the Durham Arts Council, Scrap Exchange and Jerry's Artarama.

----------------
The Declaration Project (2007-present) is an ongoing performative interaction set within an installation by interdisciplinary artist Stacey L. Kirby. Objects such as accounting books, vintage office furniture, customized stamps, IN/OUT board, office knick knacks and a typewriter set the stage for the performance. Official letterhead, business licenses, awards and other customized paperwork add to the active office environment. The Declaration Project inspires dialogue among participants about belongings, the recognition of obsolete objects and the definition or purpose of art. Through yearly performances of this work, Kirby continues to facilitate conversations (currently 900+ participants) in various alternative public spaces.

Sherrie Levine, Rodchenko and Anne Bogart overlap

2011-10-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I'm reading the right book at the right time. I just happen to visit a local museum exhibiting a piece by Sherrie Levine titled After Rodchenko: 1-12, 1987/1998 that incorporates this Rodchenko photo - the same one from the cover and then, you act by Anne Bogart referenced in my previous post. Coincidence?

I love when this happens.

and then, you act

2011-10-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

I discovered this wonderfully thought-provoking book in the gift shop at the Getty Villa. Anne Bogart's writing on the creative process in theater has been extremely inspiring. Although my theatrical stage (or installations) are smaller, her words ring true to my process and relationship with the audience. In chapter 5: Magnetism, she speaks to role of participation of the audience or viewer:

It is easy to create something that many people like but they have forgotten about by the time they find their car in the parking lot. If you have asked them to participate, if you have asked them to use themselves and their brains and hearts in the process, if you make them feel needed, then the effort will create a sense of ownership. There will be a feeling that something has been undergone. Experienced. At its core, art is experience. A work of art asks for something from the viewer. The necessary sweat of engagement and participation is rejuvenating and purposeful. The struggle gives life purpose and opens up the possibility of renewal.

- Anne Bogart

Participation of the audience has become a vital component of my art-making practice - especially with The Declaration Project. The energy and conversations with participants (over 900 currently!) fuel my creative fire during my performances. Revisiting these feelings through reading Bogart's writing excites me about future performances.

My Domestic Validity

2011-09-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

postcard to self
september 25, 2011
we will vote down this bill of discrimination on may 8, 2012.

Office_Documentation

2011-07-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Office_0001_ Airport

Office_0002_Chicago

Office_0003_Prosthetics

Office_0004_Driver's_License_01

Office_0004_Driver's_License_02

I'm collecting images of office environments.

Send me a comment if you have any photos to add.

Durham Living + Collaboration with performance artist Marie Garlock and Hueism Pictures

2011-05-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak of a dance phrase from the filming

I recently recentered my existence in Durham (a.k.a. moved) and it has been a fantastic transition for me. My first two weeks of Durham has been a whirlwind of creativity! I was honored to be invited to collaborate on a film project with performance artist/dancer Marie Garlock and Hueism Pictures. The questions posed for this project were:

In the face of uncertainty, due to life-threatening illness, how do we step into the dark space of the unknown? In a realm of chaos or pain, is it possible for people to act as medicine? What is the potential of a “science of hope”?

The response involved evenings filled with improv art-making, community, movement, togetherness, breath and healing. Marie and Andrew's creative enthusiasm stirred up inspiration in my own art-making practice while making connections with a new community.

Postcard to William Pope L.

2011-03-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Image of collaboration on Hueism's website

2011-01-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the image of my collaboration with Hueism Pictures and Mount Moriah for their most recent music video shot in Durham! Hueismpictures.com (You may need to click reload on your browser because there are 4 images on rotation.) I love working in an office with 'dancer furniture!'

Mount Moriah's CD release party is April 15th at the Cat's Cradle. FREE!!

Startin' out 2011 right!

2011-01-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been cranking out a couple of books in my studio to start of 2011.

Bargain Furniture - 2-needle Coptic-bound journal. (foreground) Imagery was taken from 1970's advertisements for the Durham furniture store. I can never find a weekly & monthly planner that satisfies my planning needs so I made my own 2011 calendar with raised-cord binding (background).

Detail of spine and cover of mulberry paper with red machine-sewn stitching.

Detail of interior with hand-stamped lettering and numbering. (Yes. I stamped every day, weekday and month. Very cathartic to start out 2011 with this project!)

Stitch 'n Bitchin' Books Class at Women's Studio Workshop, NY

2011-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

I'm teaching Stitch 'n Bitchin' Books at the Women's Studio Workshop in Rosendale, NY, July 18-22. Come to foothills of the Catskill Mountains in NY and make books for a week! I promise lots of laughs and will send you home with a large stack of new handmade books. Check out the class description and registration information at WSW's site.

Collaboration with RALEIGH DENIM

2011-01-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, I visited with Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko at
Raleigh Denim to discuss a collaboration. As I toured RD's Workshop, Sarah walked me through their garment construction process. I discovered fantastic scraps and slopers (patterns) from past seasons to incorporate into our collaborative books to be sold in RD's Curatory.

Bargain Furniture Building in Durham

2010-10-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Bargain Furniture building (formerly the Holland Brothers building/Huntley's) in downtown Durham. Stay tuned for more details...

Interior view of first floor looking towards storefront windows.

Stationery and paperwork from various furniture stores in the area.

Studio drawings/collages/inspiration

2010-10-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Declaration Cards from artSPARK

2010-10-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to upload various declaration cards filled out by participants at artSPARK. They'll be posted here. Below is one favorite:

#652

Photos of The Declaration Project: artSPARK

2010-09-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing to upload photos that I am receiving from participants. You'll see them in the slideshow to the right. Another photographer C. Nolan Huizenga took some wonderful images. Check out his Flickr site. I'm really enjoying seeing the performance and installation from the participants perspective!!

SUCCESS!!! - The Declaration Project: artSPARK

2010-09-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

I spent over 20 hours in a P.O.D.S. storage container last weekend conducting assessments during artSPARK (part of SPARKcon festival). Over 350 people declared their 'personal belongings' and investigated the office installation. (Office hours were from 10 am until sundown. I had no power due to 'departmental budget cuts.') The project was a huge success. Many new discussions ensued as the project continues to evolve. I'd like to thank Rachel Berry, Sarah Powers (both of VAE), the P.O.D.S. people and Tim Kiernan. I will be posting various images, footage and declarations cards in the near future.

The Declaration Project: artSPARK

2010-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Installing walls and carpet in PODS

2010-09-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Declaration Project: artSPARK Sept. 17-19

2010-08-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

artSPARK: PODS Installation Project

Artists (Julia Claire Gartrell, Ann Marie Kennedy, Stacey L. Kirby, Kelly Sheppard Murray & Matthew Zigler) will create temporary installations in moving PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage). The artists will work on their projects at the PODS company site for a few weeks and then the units will be transported to Fayetteville Street for SPARKcon!

WHEN: Friday, September 17th at 3pm - Sunday, September 19th at 5pm
WHERE: Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC

The Declaration Project: SPARKcon/artSPARK 2010

2010-07-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Correspondence received: July 16, 2010 at1:33 p.m. EST

---
To whom it may concern:

Kindly inform Officer Kirby that artSPARK eagerly awaits her assessment at SPARKcon 2010. One Portable On-Demand Storage (PODS) unit will be provided in which to perform the assessment.

artSPARK invites Officer Kirby to an orientation on an as-yet determined day in August on location at the PODS facility in North Raleigh. Officer Kirby will be informed of the exact date and time as soon as such details have been confirmed with PODS management.

Please ask Officer Kirby to reconfirm her intent to perform this assessment.

Regards,
artSPARK of SPARKcon

Correspondence from the Department of Declarations to artSPARK of SPARKcon July 16, 2010 at 4:50 pm EST:

(re)PAIRS collection 1

2010-07-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Most of our clothing purchased in stores is mass produced creating a cheaper product. As a result, clothing is seen as disposable in many of our current societies. This attitude of 'disposability' leads to lack of a relationships with our garments that we wear everyday. We have larger closets with more garments meaning we wear them less. We also replace them more often as fashion trends change.

My past position as a conservation technician in a textile conservation lab at state history museum involved weekly examinations of vintage garments. Having to take notice of construction and previous handmade repairs led me to begin a collection of my own. My ever-growing collection focuses on garments that have handmade repairs. Repairs tell a multi-faceted story of societal values, economic changes and fashion trends throughout history - not to mention a personal history.

I'll be posting images of my (re)PAIRS collection on this blog as it continues to grow.

Above: Repair using yellow thread along side seam of young girl's dress of yellow fabric with flower and circles motif. Oval-shaped repair near hem of skirt of dress with plant motif. Black thread and matching fabric from hem of dress used for repair.

ELSEWHERE Collaborative Living Room Lecture

2010-07-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

Last night, I gave an artist talk at the ELSEWHERE Collaborative in Greensboro, NC. I focused on the evolution of The Declaration Project over the past couple of years. In my preparations for this talk, I discovered deeper connection between the project and my own life. Taking a break from the performance of the work definitely allowed for a new insights into my searching for my own sense of 'personal belongings' in my community. I'm also extremely appreciative of the invitation by ELSEWHERE to speak - although anyone can participate in their third Friday Living Room Lecture Series (or watch them live online!).

During this first visit to ELSEWHERE, I was transported back to my artist residency experiences at the Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito, CA) and the Atlantic Center for the Arts (New Smyrna Beach, FL). My best cohort Sarah Weissberg - a superstar professional non-profiter and fantastic friend - accompanied me for this journey into a visually and mentally inspiring creative hub.

(Sarah climbing the ladder into the the Aviary at Elsewhere (a.k.a. a loft with plush accommodations decorated with mini art installations.)

Diving head first in ELSEWHERE, Stephanie Sherman started us off on exploration followed up by George Scheer leading our full 3-floor tour. George lead us through a ELSEWHERE'S past, present and future projects combining an insane amount of in-house materials. I'm mostly inspired by their acknowledgment of the importance of play and performance combined with the history of ELSEWHERE's 'props' found on the premises....shelves and shelves of upholstery fabric, lace, ribbon, toys, games, books, ongoing racks of clothing, army surplus items, and so on.... (below is their new well-organized fabric workshop - the end result of a recent artist residency.)

(Above: ELSEWHERE Founder George Scheer (left) and Artist-in-Residence Issac Nichols, start out their Saturday mornings reading and constructing a shirt in the fabulous fabric workshop. )

Digital images of my visit can't REALLY do the place justice but I attempted anyways. One must experience it in relation to your own body so go visit. I suggest you visit for their yearly fundraiser on Sept. 25th - A Menagerie of Amusement. The entire 3 floors will be open to the public. This is a highly rare occasion worth the trip!

WE ARE SECRETARIES Exhibit

2010-06-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

My studiomate came across this exhibition information from 1992 at the Bryan Center at Duke University. I really wish I experienced this celebratory show that was a collaboration with Kim Iriwin.

"WE ARE SECRETARIES recognizes all workers as important contributors to the functioning of a successful organization. The label 'secretary' has often been vaguely defined or defined in negative or gender terms by those outside the profession. By coming together today to record our thoughts about our lives and our work, we are beginning to define our own professional roles as secretaries. We like what we do. We are proud of our jobs."

Please leave a comment if you were able to attend this art experience. I am curious to hear more about it.

Exploring BARGAIN Furniture building

2010-06-07T19:39:00.001-07:00

BARGAIN Sales desk

BARGAIN Salesmen

Business cards

Gallery Shibui Class: Raised Cord Binding with Packing

2010-05-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

My students made wonderful books in my recent class! We focused on constructing books using a raised cord binding with packing using paper sold at Gallery Shibui. I'm grateful to have learned this binding as an assistant to Keith Smith at the Penland School of Crafts.

Typically, this type of binding is sewn on a frame in order to support the cords throughout the binding process. Sewing frames are usually constructed of wood with threaded rods and keys. However, book artists have been finding other cheaper solutions to needing support when a wood frame is not available. Using archival materials such as Ethafoam, corrugated blue board and hot glue, I constructed take-home frames for my students. Large pins from my grandmother's florist supplies were inserted into the foam to support the cords. This solution was highly successful for our class!

Also, don't forget to sign up for this fantastic collaborative class that I am co-teaching with papermaker Ann Marie Kennedy in July. The class happens on two consecutive Saturdays (July 17th and 24th). On the 17th, students will learn papermaking at Ann Marie's studio. On the 24th, I will lead a workshop in which we will bind your paper together in a sewn book form. We are still ironing out the details of the paper and book structure but it will definitely be a wonderful experience!

No murmur

2010-05-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I've been carrying this around with me for a while.

mur•mur (mur'mer) 1 a low, indistinct, continuous sound, as of a stream, far-off voices, etc. 2 a mumbled or muttered complaint 3 any abnormal sound heard by auscultation, esp. of the heart

A Friendly Reminder

2010-02-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, I've been exploring the Holland Brothers Building in downtown Durham, NC that once housed the Bargain Furniture business owned by Wade Penny. Mr. Penny also owned other furniture stores that are no longer in business such as Penny Furniture. Remnants of the business still exist throughout the building. One of my favorite artifacts thus far is a 'friendly reminder' pad created in the 1980's to remind customers of their late payments. I am quite impressed with the extremely polite tone of this reminder.

I find the discovery of this 'friendly reminder' quite timely as the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act went into effect today. I'm curious to see the effects of this act on the American public's spending habits.

Hold Tag on Christmas Glockenspiel

2010-01-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to find this hold tag attached to a

Christmas gift that I purchased for someone
special at a Cracker Barrel.

My love with office supplies continues....

BARGAIN Artist-in-Residence

2009-09-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

I just received exciting news from Michelle Smith (of the Rock and Shop Market and IndieNC) and Empire Properties! In October, I will begin as the BARGAIN Artist-in-residence in Durham in the Holland Brothers Building owned by Empire. Using the store front as a studio, I will focus on producing art work involving 'performative interactions' with the public via the windows as well as other installation pieces. An exhibit of my work will take place in the space at the end of the residency. Also, The Scrap Exchange has agreed to donate any materials needed for art produced during the residency. Further details of the timeline and events will be posted soon so stay tuned!!

Blam! Group Show at the Morning Times Gallery

2009-08-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of BLAM!, then please visit Raleigh’s Morning Times the month of September to see the BLAM! Group show. BLAM! Studios is an artist-run group studio that has lovingly and affordably housed artists working in various media for the past 12 years. We are quite excited to share our new work with the community. The current BLAM! artists participating in the Morning Times show are: Sarah Blackmon, Phoebe Briley, Jen Coon, Stacey Kirby, and Lee Moore. The show will consist of different applied arts including: photography, printmaking, painting, installation, interactives and soundscapes. We look forward to seeing you at our opening on September 4th! You can learn more about both places @ the Morning Times and BLAM! Blog.

Recovery from Bain in book form

2009-08-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

I've been working my way back into my studio and my own art 'flow' by preparing for a book arts class. I'll be teaching a supported concertina binding class at Gallery Shibui on Saturday (August 8th). See my demo book below:

Front cover (5" tall x 6.5" wide)

Book has tape supports sewn to spine pleat.

Four signatures on are sewn to spine pleat with pamphlet stitches. Found original electrical drawings are used for folios and tapes.

Also, I'll be showing work with my Blam! studiomates at the Morning Times in Raleigh, NC. Show opens on September 4th.

Bain Project wins Indie Art Award

2009-07-30T06:15:00.001-07:00

Check it out here!

Further documentation...

2009-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of the incredible photographers that came out this weekend for the Bain Project. Here is one great polaroid by Jenn Werkhoven. Check out others on our Flickr group.

Documentation of the Bain Project by John Dancy-Jones

2009-05-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out:

http://raleighrambles.wordpress.com/2009/05/20/bain-water-permits/

PR about Bain

2009-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the article in the local Independent on the Bain Project.

And the interview on NewRaleigh.com...

Photo by Natasha Johnson

NC Museum of Art Blog

2009-05-13T06:44:00.001-07:00

Check out the interview on NC Museum of Art's blog with fellow Bainer Jen Coon and I.

First BAIN weekend

2009-05-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Our opening weekend was a HUGE success! We had over 500 people attend and expect that next weekend's attendance will be even higher. Thanks to everyone who is coming out and showing support for the BAIN Project.

Check out all the PR and photos being taken at www.bainproject.com!! Please come out for the last weekend from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday - with performances at 2 and 4 pm.

3 Days and Counting until BAIN opens...

2009-05-05T16:56:00.001-07:00

BAIN on the State of Things

2009-05-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the interview with Frank Stasio on The State of Things on NPR with Sarah Powers, Jen Coon, Dana Raymond and Marty Baird of the BAIN Project!

BAIN Project Opening

2009-04-28T10:20:00.001-07:00

Come join us for the opening of the Bain Project!

BAIN Preview at the Morning Times Gallery

2009-04-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

Come out to the Morning Times Gallery on Raleigh's First Friday, April 3rd from 6 pm - 11 pm to catch a preview of the BAIN Project.

Dormant since being phased out in the late eighties, Raleigh’s historic E.B. Bain waterworks will open its doors once again. Tucked away in the Caraleigh Mills neighborhood, just south of the performing arts center on Fayetteville Street, Bain possesses what has been called “One of the finest interior spaces in Raleigh.” 12 local artists have spent the past 9 months taking in the wonder of this architectural gem’s nearly 70 years of history in preparation for the creation of site-specific installations and performance art interacting with the building as it now exists. This temporary event will be open from 1-5pm on May 9^th, 10^th, 16^th and 17^th.

The process of this group’s collaboration inside Bain up to this point will be the focus of the April show at the Morning Times Gallery. On display will be the artists’ drawings, photographs, notes, and other inspired objects from their time in the waterworks.

A Preview of the Bain Project can be seen at the Morning Times Gallery April 3 – April 28, 2009. The Morning Times Gallery is located at 10 E. Hargett Street, Downtown Raleigh. The gallery is open M-F 6:30am – 10pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am – 10pm.

Bain Drawing

2009-02-01T10:50:00.001-08:00

Return to Sender

2009-02-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

My first postcard (12/30/08) that I sent to BAIN has been returned.

RETURN TO SENDER
INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS
UNABLE TO FORWARD

Postcard #2

2009-01-18T09:58:00.001-08:00

Dear Bain,

We are not the only people that want to be inside your walls.

Love,
Stacey

Postcard #1 to Bain

2008-12-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Vein: Temporary dwellings

2008-12-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

A vein of work titled: Temporary Dwellings is evolving.

In the past year, I've been taking notice of different dwellings that are built on construction sites in Raleigh. Typically built of plywood with windows and doors... My most recent find (12/06/08) was at the construction site of a new parking deck beside Poole's in downtown Raleigh:

I noticed over the weekend that this dwelling no longer exists. The appearances and disappearances of such structures have me wondering exactly what defines 'temporary' in current architecture.

I also ponder these questions in relation to the BAIN Project. For me, there is a sadness surrounding the Bain Water Treatment plant because it is an incredibly permanent, beautiful building that has been ignored. It stands silently imprisoned by a barbed wire fence. All the while 'temporary' disposable buildings are demolished and rebuilt each day - such as two new McDonald's - in Raleigh. I hope the work we create through the BAIN Project will prompt visitors to think about this subject.

BAINful Sunday

2008-12-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Sounds emanating from Tender Fruit --

The rainy day seeping into abandoned spaces --

Thanksgiving inspiration

2008-11-28T19:11:00.000-08:00

My second cousin Grayson Buchanan is in the 3rd grade and loves to draw. I asked him to draw for me and he cranked out an entire series in 30 minutes. Completely beautiful...

BAIN drawing

2008-11-19T14:30:00.001-08:00

Boylan Heights Artwalk: Bain and The Declaration Project

2008-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

For the Boylan Heights Artwalk, I've decided to focus my energies on the Bain Project instead of performing The Declaration Project.* We, Blam and Bain artists, are taking this opportunity to get the word out about this fantastic project taking place in May 2009. We will be selling artwork on my studiomate's porch (link coming soon) as well as sharing information in support of the project. We also hope to encourage conversation regarding daily water usage and hear the public's perspective on water in their lives. Of course, all of this ties into the Bain Project as it will be hosted at Raleigh's first water treatment plant built in the 40's. The Bain web site has current images of the architecture. Other historical images and detailed images of the inner workings are here. Any images that I have taken from inside the building are here. (I apologize for the multiple locations.)

*I will be performing TDP at UNC-CH in 2009! Info coming soon.

N.C.

2008-11-10T18:04:00.001-08:00

I am very proud of our state and country.

Inspiration - Circus Acts and Water Treatment

2008-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

As the NC State Fair begins, I find myself excited about pig races, fried candy bars, the demolition derby and fresh hushpuppies. One never knows what you will learn through this cultural event - how to judge cattle or the fashion trends in rural areas of NC, etc. But the opening of the fair during the 2008 Election seems appropriate. NC's swing state status brings with it a political circus that is hard to ignore. Each day my mailbox is filled with political literature, my voicemail has messages from the democratic headquarters and I feel more hopeful that NC is going blue this year. This circus doesn't bring about frustration but an energized perspective looking foward to change and newness. I even found myself channeling this energy into making a flag to hang from my porch while feelin

g desensitized to the yard signs.

As this political circus intensifies, I have found myself having dreams of elaborate circus acts on election day, loving the costumes and sets of HBO's series Carnivale and looking at beautiful portraits of circus performers in the 20's and 30's. Coincidentally, I recently received a mailer from the Whitney Museum of Art regarding the exhibition of Alexander Calder's work from Paris (1926-1933) with miniature circus scenes. I'm inspired by the evolution of Calder's work from these small scenes carried around in his suitcases (also on exhibit) to his mobiles.

In terms of my own making, I've been focusing on the BAIN Project taking place at the Ernest Bain Water Treatment Plant in May 2009. We - the group of artists chosen to work on this collaborative project - have been meeting twice a month on and off-site to develop this incredible show. I am in the early, more conceptual stages of this project but am looking forward to performance opportunities combining costume and the collecting of artifacts and/or water, etc. From my current perspective, there is definitely a common thread linking my work with the Declaration Project to ideas for the BAIN Project. I hope to continue blog updates about the evolution of this project because it promises to be a excellent one!

Back in action: Classes, performances and other shows

2008-08-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

I finally feel settled after returning from an inspirational education in the U.K. ! (I am slowly adding images from my time abroad. Keep checking back for more.) I learned a great deal about the historical side of fashion and can't wait to incorporate it into my art work. The Map Room within the Cabinet War Rooms definitely spoke to me as you will see in my images. The environment reminded me of my work with the Declaration Project.

Speaking of which, I will be performing the Declaration Project at the Boylan Heights Artwalk on December 7 from 1 pm to 5 pm as part of Blam! Studios. One of my studiomate's homes will be hosting the performance. I will post details as the event unfolds.

New venue ideas for the Declaration Project: Cameron Village Library, grassy area between the Archdale and Legislative buildings in downtown Raleigh and a military base. If anyone has any connections to people that can the last two happen, please send me an email.

Classes: My first two box and bookmaking classes at Gallery Shibui in August were VERY successful. I am scheduled to teach one class a month beginning in October. I'll keep posting classes offered on this blog and they will be on the gallery's website.

I am also excited to announce that I have been chosen to take part in the Bain Project alongside many talented artists. The exhibition will take place at the Bain Water Treatment Plant in Raleigh, NC. More to come regarding this project!

Book and box classes at Gallery Shibui

2008-05-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching bookmaking and boxmaking classes at Gallery Shibui in Cameron Village in Raleigh, NC. My first class is in August and it if filling fast! Please contact the gallery if you are interested or email me at thedeclarationproject@gmail.com if you have any specific questions regarding techniques covered.

Costume History in Brighton, England

2008-05-21T14:38:00.001-07:00

Currently, I am taking a break from The Declaration Project and allowing new ideas to germinate. Meanwhile, I am excited to announce that I will be taking part in an intensive study of fashion and costume history at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England this summer during June and July! The title of the course is:

History of Fashion: Materials, Messages and Meanings:

Human interest in dress and adornment has been evident since pre-history, and dress studies have become an established tool for historians and anthropologists in understanding society. Covering the 1700s to the present day (plus some earlier periods such as Classical Greece), we track styles, themes and values, framing contemporary fashion in terms of inspiration from the past. Using material culture approaches, we view dress within the wider contexts of production and consumption, for example relating a gown from the nineteenth century to Gillray cartoons, Wedgwood porcelain and Jane Austen’s novels. The course will include trips to museums in Brighton and London.

During my studies, I will also be attending Dress and the Natural World. This conference at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London "aims to explore the convergence of dress and the natural world....From feathers to leathers, bones to stones, jewels and furs and hair, people have long adorned their bodies with such materials, or their facsimiles. Clothing and other types of adornment made from animal parts or representing other elements of nature has provided some of the most striking dress through time and across cultures." I am looking forward to many of the speakers including:

- Women’s attitude towards birds and feathers used for adornment of hats, fans and dresses in Poland (1850-1914) Speaker: Joanna R Kowalska, National Museum, Krako

- Dressing the body in meaning: Symbolism and Mythology from nature in traditional Japanese tattooing Speaker: Kaoime E Malloy, University of Wisconsin, USA

- Flax, Feathers and Fur: Maori clothing in Aotearoa, New Zealand Speakers: Chanel Clarke, Auckland Museum & Awhina Tamarapa, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington

The Declaration Project: Artspace

2008-04-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Declaration Project : Artspace at Artspace in Raleigh, NC has been a huge success. Over 325 people have participated in the piece! Two assessments were conducted during First Friday Art Walks on March 7th and April 4th.

Many people had questions concerning the reasoning behind the project. (Of course, the answer involves multiple layers of which I am peeling back and examining as this work evolves.) I continue to be fascinated by the conversation that happens regarding my choice of creating such a work. During these performances, many people contemplate their own definition of art while standing in front of my desk with clipboard in hand. One woman kept asking me if I was the artist or the actor. (That, in itself, is a very deep question that I am continuing to ponder.) Obviously skeptical of my truthfulness, she turned down the opportunity to take part in the piece. On the whole, I'm finding that participants are generally excited about the opportunity to take part in a discussion with me about The Declaration Project.

The most entertaining times of the evening occurred when visitors approached my desk asking for information regarding purchasing other work in the exhibition. Apparently, my office setting was very convincing and visitors assumed I worked for Artspace. I began to offer information about the other artists' work (directing them to printed information) in exchange for participation in the project. I also often used the direct approach and explained that I was doing a performance as an artist in the show. I experienced their shifts in perception as they suddenly realized that they were interacting with the art.

Other observations that I have made -

- People participate in waves. Once 3 people are writing and explaining the project to friends, then suddenly there is a rush to participate. It only takes that one person in a group to convince the other skeptics to take part.

- Younger people are more active participants and less skeptical about the project. They are also excited about receiving a button for participating. Many children drag their parents up to the desk to take part.

- The older generation is more thorough when filling out the card. I often have to remind younger participants to include their signatures on the back. Maybe we can attribute this to technology and shorter attention spans?

Image above courtesy of Andrew Synowiez. Images and step-by-step explanation of The Declaration Project: Headlands can be found here.

News and Observer: Art Picks

2008-04-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Michele Natale of the Raleigh News and Observer picks Looking Back as her top choice for the First Friday Artwalk. She also gives a shout out to the Declaration Project.

Next performance: April 4th, 2008

2008-03-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that came out to Artspace for The Declaration Project: Artspace on March 7th. Over 120 people participated in the assessment. Documentation will be posted here soon!

If you weren't able to make this assessment, then you will have another chance! It was such a success that Artspace has scheduled another assessment on the next First Friday, April 4th from 6-9:30pm in the upstairs Gallery Two. Please come participate and to see works by past Regional Emerging Artists In Residence at Artspace!

The Department of Declarations is always looking for new venues to conduct an assessment. Please send an email to thedeclarationproject@gmail.com if you know of a venue that would like to host an assessment.

The Declaration Project at Artspace March 7th, 2008, 6-9:30pm

2008-01-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Looking Back Regional Emerging Artists-in-Residence 2000-2004 opens at Artspace in Gallery Two on March 7th from 6-10pm. I will be installing and performing a new version of The Declaration Project at Artspace in Raleigh, NC on March 7th. My performance is ongoing and everyone is invited to take part in the piece between 6- 9:30 pm. I am currently collaborating with Luke Buchanan on creating a new card catalog for my installation. (Thank you to the United Arts Council for the grant supporting this work!) Other artists included in the exhibition: Lauren F. Adams, Luke Buchanan, Huong Ngo and more.

Please come out and take part in The Declaration Project!

Email me with any questions: thedeclarationproject@gmail.com

Stacey

Artist Book Class at Artspace

2008-01-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching an artist book class titled: Bring on the Books 101 at Artspace in Raleigh, NC during the weekend of April 12th. Please contact Artspace if you are interested in participating. Beginners are welcome! Feel free to email me with any questions that you might have.

United Arts Project Grant

2008-01-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Great news! I am a recipient of a project grant from United Arts for 2008. I will be using this funding for the performance of The Declaration Project and other works at Artspace in Raleigh, NC. (March/April)

Flat-patterning skills...

2007-12-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not updating this blog! I've been rather busy with applying for grants and taking a class at UNC-CH in the Dramatic Arts department. I decided that I will be creating costumes for my performances and needed to brush up on sewing and construction skills. For the past semester, I have been developing my flat-patterning skills in the costume shop at UNC. Basically, I learned how patterns are created from body measurements for clothing and costumes.

Weekly, we were assigned a specific type of construction and a clothing part - such as a sleeve or bodice. We then had to design our own garment, create a pattern and sew it in fabric. Each class we pinned our assignments to our dress forms and had a critique. This class really blew my mind wide open in terms of transitioning back and forth between two dimensions on paper and three dimensions in fabric. Our final project consisted of a bodice with a collar, skirt and sleeve.

I will be continuing classes at UNC by taking the draping course - the counterpart to flat patterning in which you work with fabric on the dress form. This technique is much more immediate.

I am very excited to use these skills to create a 50's-inspired bodice and skirt uniform for The Declaration Project!

08/19/07 - The Declaration Project at Blam! Studios

2007-08-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Declaration Project at Blam! Studios was a success! The final count is not yet in but there were an estimated 50 people that participated in the project. New additions to the project were: another Declarations Officer (Jen Coon) was present typing a record of events and taking photographs of the project and also buttons were handed out to participants. Pictures will be posted soon. Keep checking back for updates!

Thanks to everyone that participated!

Voicethread.com

2007-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Please take a minute to look at this new site that friends at Hueism.com have created: Voicethread.com This site linking voice with imagery creates a wonderful opportunity to share your story in your own voice. (There are many other fantastic aspects to this site that I am only beginning to discover.) The best part is that it is FREE.

The Declaration Project at Blam! Studios

2007-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

The second performance of The Declaration Project* will be taking place on Sunday, August 19th from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at Blam! Studios during an open studio tour. Please come out and take part in an interactive performance with me while meeting other Blam artists! This event will coincide with the Boylan Heights Bash that will celebrate the historic neighborhood's 100th yr! The celebration will feature live music, food and other festivities from 5 - 9 pm.

*For information concerning The Declaration Project (developed during my residency at The Headlands Center for the Arts) please see earlier entries or click on link.

Thanks!

The Final stretch

2007-05-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

• • • pics of The Declaration Project • • •

• • • pics of m(y)grant belongings • • •

Busy, Busy Bee

2007-04-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

I sincerely apologize for not updating this earlier! I have been
busier than I had imagined I would be. Here are just a couple of
experiences that I have been having (there are many more!):

1. Giving a presentation of my work and feeling that I have made progress in the vocabulary for my newer work. (I hope to put some of the images online soon.) In my presentation, I was finally able to communicate the equal importance of the research, the journey/process and the physical installation in my work. I find that I learn how to better tell a story each time I speak about my work. I am also realizing that I am very interested in the performance aspects of my work.

2. Allowing m(y)grant belongings to inspire work and research while being in my studio.

3. I have been exploring surrounding cities with fellow artists-in-residence for materials. There are incredible surplus and fabric stores that have EVERYTHING that an artist could ever want. At Urban Ore (basically an AMAZING recycling center for building materials, etc.) i purchased:
1. 10 clipboards
2. an old metal stapler
3. a coffee travel mug
4. a wooden box
5. an Orange plastic box with handle to keep food in my studio away from mice!
6. a roledex
7. a stamp and stamp pad
9. an army shirt, pants, hat, belt and handkerchief
10. a slide ruler

From this list, I know that you are wondering why I am buying these objects. This leads me to the next item on my list of experiences...

4. I have been working diligently on a The Declaration Project. This is a work-in-progress that I will be testing out at the Headlands Spring Open House on April 22nd. (Apparently, there will be about 800 - 1000 people coming through my studio in 5 hours!) As visitors walk into my studio, they will be confronted with an office/institutional environment involving a large wooden desk, chairs and office supplies. I will be in costume as an officer from 'the Declarations Department.' They will be asked to fill out Declarations paperwork as they cross over the threshold or border into my territory. I am interesting in their reflections upon m(y)grant belongings (which will be on display) and their own 'belongings' (physical or mental) that they carry with them into my space. (Written consent is considered in the information provided to the visitors.) After the paperwork is complete, i will sign and stamp their 'declarations' to be filed into an archive. The archive will be available for visitors to look through (as you would a card catalog) and review entries while on display as part of the installation. My goal is to continue presenting this performance/participatory piece at a variety of venues. I am hoping that eventually the visitors will be able to revisit their 'Declarations' in the archive from a previous visit, reflect upon their entries and submit new 'Declarations.' (I can expand on my inspirations and research at a later time. Also, if anyone would like to host The Declaration Project at a specific venue, please email me @ kirby.stacey@gmail.com.)

5. Hiking to the Point Bonita Lighthouse.

(These images are taken from the path that you take as you make your way to the lighthouse. There is so much to see along the way: sea lions, tunnels through cliffs, remnants of past structures, the coastline of California, barges floating out into the Pacific Ocean, etc.)

6. Seeing remnants of structures in the surrounding landscape that speak to me

This structure is part of a pier in Bonita Cove near the lighthouse where the Point Bonita Life-Saving Station once existed (est. early 1900's).
I have been drawing (with needle and thread on paper) many of these structures that I am finding. I will be adding images of these sewn drawings on my blog soon.

7. (Did I mention that I am getting ready for 800 - 1000 people to come through my studio?) The Open House was really the theme of last week and still is this week! Wish me luck!

Snail mail

2007-03-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Just in case you'd like to send me packages full of wonderful little treats or postcards...here my address until May 21st:

Stacey Kirby
Headlands Center for the Arts
944 Fort Barry
House 934B
Sausalito, CA 94965

Here is a view that I discovered today while hiking...

The Lion King(dom)

2007-03-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning to post anything for a couple of days but it has been a
day of breathtaking encounters. First off, I have to say that I've
seen a great deal of wildlife having worked at an outdoors camp
in the mountains of Colorado. But it still makes your heart beat
fast when you walk into an open field of green grass and you see
a large feline walking towards you.

Meet the bobcat family - one of the many treasures in the Marin Headlands.

(There has been a young mountain lion spotted around
the center which is a little unusual. So, needless to say i
was sweating the possibility that it could have been a
mountain lion. Don't worry mom, I used the zoom
on my camera.)

"Bob" was apparently looking to pick up a game of basketball
on the outdoor courts but there wasn't a soul around that was interested.

Afterwards, I felt it was appropriate to go to my studio
and blast the African music portion of The Lion King
soundtrack. I thought those of you who know me well
would get a kick out of that since you know that I
recently worked backstage dressing cast members
for The Lion King. For those of you who don't know, the
highlight of that job was putting incredibly talented
actors/dancers dressed in giraffe costumes on stilts -
specifically Tim Hunter. (Tim is the giraffe on the
left in the image below.)

The effects of regularly working
backstage at incredible Broadway
shows will definitely be surfacing
in my artwork. I look forward
to seeing the influence of
theatre on my work.

I made it to Headlands!

2007-03-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

It is day 3 of my residency at the Headlands Center for the Arts in
Sausalito, CA. I feel very fortunate to be here and I know that the
rest of my career as an artist will be split into two time periods:
B.H. and A.H. or Before Headlands and After Headlands.
The space - mental and physical - that exists here for artists to
create is incredible and very exciting. Here are a couple of
photos to show you the physical spaces:

This is the view from my front porch.
(Please excuse the rough edges of this photo collage.)
And this is my house - 934B.

Below is the Headlands Center for the Arts (large bldg in middle)
and my studio building (large building on right). This is the landscape
that I traverse each morning on the way to my very spacious studio.

Yep. This place is to amazing.

My first piece that i am working on is m(y)grant belongings.
It involves the unpacking of 13 boxes (!) of materials/tools/inspirations
that I shipped here. This is a detail of boxes and contents:

I am documenting the methodical unpacking process of emptying
each box and laying out the contents in an organized fashion.
The documentation consists of digital images, audio and
a catalogue describing all items and my "intentions" for being
included.

I have been extremely embarassed about the fact that I shipped
such a large amount of my belongings to California. I understand that it
is a luxury to have the ability to do so. I am curious about my
reasoning behind the items I chose to bring and what this reveals.

Part of this installation will involve an evening when I invite the other
artists in residence and staff members at Headlands into my studio to
view m(y)grant belongings. I hope to encourage conversation about
my personal work and also the idea of belongings that we all carry
with us in our pockets, bags and lives.

The title, m(y)grant belongings, is partly influenced by stories told
by my dear friend Jay Young who works for Humane Borders in
Tucson, AZ. Jay has described in detail the migrants' belongings found
while refilling water barrels at the border. The migrants abandon
their belongings for survival reasons after crossing the border from
Mexico into the United States. Through research, I intend to dive
deeper into the migrants' choices behind what they carry and this
transformation that occurs over the border. (Please note that I am not
equating the migrants struggle of crossing the border with my being
at this residency. I see my belongings that I carry with me as
excessive and the migrants' as a method of survival.) I will speak
more indepth about these stories and influences within my work
later in this blog. This is an evolving project at this time.

------
I'd like to thank the N.C. Arts Council for offering this
artist-in-residence opportunity to N.C. artists. I encourage every
artist living in N.C. (at least a year) to apply. The link to this
application is here and it is due in June.

silence

2007-02-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

i am considering taking the opportunity to be silent for an entire 24 hrs during my residency.

still a secret

2007-02-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

this is a secret blog at this point.

why? i am still coming to terms with actually having a blog and displaying my:self/life/art on the internet.

**i am 'sewing in transition' from topsail island to the marin headlands. i am currently transitioning from North Carolina to California. i will be an artist-in-residence at the headlands center for the arts (March 26th - May 21st) for two lovely months.

research: artists and collections

2007-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

**Sue Lawty is an artist-in-residence at the V&A within the Textile Department. This is her blog. I love the idea of artists studying institutions' collections from the inside. It is an important relationship to continue to nuture.

-----
**The Victorian Shell Collection 1845-1928
An amazing shell collection and visual inspiration.

research: fashion

2007-02-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Spring 2007 - Couture, Christian Dior - Runway

I love the Japanese influences in Christian Dior's Spring line.