After an exhausting 36 hour journey, I've made it home safe and sound. It was relatively uneventful travel, just some minor annoyances, sleeping (well, not so much) in the airport, a 3 year old behind me on the 9 hour Munich to Philly flight, a non-reclining seat on that same flight. I luckily just go waved through customs, with no searching necessary. I had a 4 hour lay over in Philadelphia, then was informed that I was bumped from my confirmed flight to Pittsburgh, got moved to standby on the next one to Pittsburgh and also a confirmed seat on the last one. With my upcoming trip to Ann Arbor I was really quite tempted to take the first flight on Firday morning and the free round trip ticket, but if I can avoid using US Airways again, I most certainly will. I was told not to expect to actually get called for the standby, I was just happy to have a seat on the last one, since Mum and Dad were already in Pittsburgh. I hung out in the gate and I did get called for the eariler flight and was in Pittsburgh around 11p, I was able to get my bags from the office without a problem. When I got home I got a nice little note in my bags that TSA checked them, happily, I was found not to be a security risk. They also swiped one of my locks (TSA approved, of course) and busted a zipper on my bag, thanks TSA.
I'm still a little tired, or on soul delay, as one of my favorite authors writes. I'll probably lay low for the next few days and run some errands and visit a few people before Christmas and going to Ann Arbor for New Year's.
Be posting once more, after I've been able to summerize the whole experience.
--AM
21 December 2007
19 December 2007
19 Dec 07
Just about packed and getting ready to go to the train station to begin my 36 plus hour journey home. I'll post one more entry when I get home and settled. Goodbye, Zagreb!
As always, thanks for reading and all my best,
--AM
As always, thanks for reading and all my best,
--AM
16 December 2007
16 Dec 07
This week went by frighteningly fast, as has the past three months.
The week began anticipating a call from the foundry that has been handling my work alerting me the casting process has been completed. I got that call on Tuesday and went to see my casts on Wednesday. When I arrived they were all done just waiting for the patina of my choice and my final stamp of approval. After careful inspection I noticed my signature had been ground or sanded off the piece and the sprue holes needed to be filled. I waited for them to fix one of the pieces, when I saw it, I couldn't tell there were holes there to begin with and the chiseled in signature read better than my writing ever will! So I left the foundry and also my work for the last time. I was only correct in the former prediction. On Thursday I was called to come to the company which bought the work from me to sign certificates of authenticity and check out the packaging that the pieces will be delivered in. The certificates were quite incredible, the company printed them in house, as I would expect. I learned the company is a security printing company that designs and prints smart cards, currency, security cards, and passports. Of course the packaging was as exquisite as the documents, each sculpture was wrapped and placed in royal blue satin with the company logo printed in silver, placed within a silver foil box, and finally tied with pewter and blue ribbons, again printed with the company name.
My friend that I was going to be staying with surprised me with an email telling me she was coming to Zagreb to see me before I go back home! She came in on Thursday night and has stayed until Sunday evening, she is traveling to see a friend in Split and will return on Tuesday. So we spent the past few days walking around the city and checking out some exhibitions and galleries.
I really can't believe that it is Sunday night as I type this update and I will be home at this time next Sunday. So the next few days I will spend cleaning up the studio, packing, and taking care of all the mundane "leaving the country" tasks.
Now I have begun the worries of having too much weight to bring back, even though I was sure to pack clothes and other items I would have no problems saying goodbye to at the end of this adventure. I wouldn't feel quite as uneasy if I had access to a scale so I could weigh my bag before I leave. I am considering scoping out the fitness center in our building for a scale I may borrow for such a task of ensuring I don't have to pay $50 in overweight fees.
I'll try my best to post again before I depart, maybe during my overnight stay at the airport, if Munich has free wifi.
All my best
--AM
The week began anticipating a call from the foundry that has been handling my work alerting me the casting process has been completed. I got that call on Tuesday and went to see my casts on Wednesday. When I arrived they were all done just waiting for the patina of my choice and my final stamp of approval. After careful inspection I noticed my signature had been ground or sanded off the piece and the sprue holes needed to be filled. I waited for them to fix one of the pieces, when I saw it, I couldn't tell there were holes there to begin with and the chiseled in signature read better than my writing ever will! So I left the foundry and also my work for the last time. I was only correct in the former prediction. On Thursday I was called to come to the company which bought the work from me to sign certificates of authenticity and check out the packaging that the pieces will be delivered in. The certificates were quite incredible, the company printed them in house, as I would expect. I learned the company is a security printing company that designs and prints smart cards, currency, security cards, and passports. Of course the packaging was as exquisite as the documents, each sculpture was wrapped and placed in royal blue satin with the company logo printed in silver, placed within a silver foil box, and finally tied with pewter and blue ribbons, again printed with the company name.
My friend that I was going to be staying with surprised me with an email telling me she was coming to Zagreb to see me before I go back home! She came in on Thursday night and has stayed until Sunday evening, she is traveling to see a friend in Split and will return on Tuesday. So we spent the past few days walking around the city and checking out some exhibitions and galleries.
I really can't believe that it is Sunday night as I type this update and I will be home at this time next Sunday. So the next few days I will spend cleaning up the studio, packing, and taking care of all the mundane "leaving the country" tasks.
Now I have begun the worries of having too much weight to bring back, even though I was sure to pack clothes and other items I would have no problems saying goodbye to at the end of this adventure. I wouldn't feel quite as uneasy if I had access to a scale so I could weigh my bag before I leave. I am considering scoping out the fitness center in our building for a scale I may borrow for such a task of ensuring I don't have to pay $50 in overweight fees.
I'll try my best to post again before I depart, maybe during my overnight stay at the airport, if Munich has free wifi.
All my best
--AM
09 December 2007
Ljubljana, Slovenia
I woefully regret to report that I had to postpone my Poland adventure until my next visit to Europe. I'm hoping that will be in two years...just in time for the next installment of the Biennale di Venzia. I have a lot of obligations to finishing up work in Zagreb and also the workshop I am participating in (see previous post) that my trip would have been rather abbreviated, when I go to Poland, I want to make sure I have enough time to see everything. Traveling there alone was going to take almost two days, whether by plane or train. There are no direct flights between Poland and Croatia right now, during the summer months that changes. I would have had to fly to London, land in Stansted, then get arcoss London to either Luton or Gatwick to then fly to Krakow. Connecting flights are ususally no problem, but changing airports can be a messy and time consuming prospect. In this case, it was going to be more money and time consuming than anything. The flights from Zagreb to London don't line up on the same days as London to Poland, so I need to either get a hostel, or sleep in the airport(s). The train is 20 hours and is over $200 one way. I'm certain I can fly from the US to Poland roundtrip cheaper than the continental flights round trip. I am really disappointed I couldn't make the trip, I was planning to visit a good friend there, but after telling her the possible travel arrangements, she agreed that is it too much for just the few days I would have been able to travel.
Before my decision not to go to Poland my other international friends made arrangements to rent a cabin in a National park near Zadar, a coastal city in Croatia. I told them if my plans were canceled I'd join them, but the cabin was reserved for a certain number of people. So I figured I could get a hostel, it's the off season so the hostels in Zadar require at least a three night booking, one day too long for my schedule. So, I chucked that idea too. I did, however, finally make it to Ljubljana, Slovenia. I had been intending to go earlier in my stay in Croatia, but just didn't get to it. I am so glad I did.
Ljubljana is close enough that it makes a really nice day trip, just 2 hours one way and about $30 round trip by train. I got into the city around 10am and heading for the main square, on my walk there I was thinking, "gezz this town is really dead." Once I got to the square I realized that much like Zagreb, everyone heads to the open air markets on Saturday. The city is a bit smaller than Zagreb, Old Town is quaint, and quite picturesque. I walked around the market and peeked into some churches, but mostly spent the day wandering around. There is a really nice mix of wonderful architecture ranging from the medieval castle, classical, neo classical, baroque, art deco, art nouveau, the list goes on. I coughed up the two Euro and toured the house of Ljubljana's favorite son (sorry Slajov Zizek, they must think you are too subversive or obtuse, I'm not sure which yet) Architect, Joze Plecnik. Pretty cool little house, impressive that his items were so well preserved. It's said that no one architect has shaped a city as much as Plecnik did, everywhere I turned in Ljubljana, I saw something that was of his design, neo-classical to art nouveau. He was also commissioned by the Czech King in 1921 to redesign the Hapsburg Castle in Prague. This was a controversial move since he invited a Slav, not an Austrian. His last work was done in the Croatian region of Istria for Tito. So not only was he commissioned to do work for his capital city, but also two others of neighboring countries, pretty prolific guy. Late afternoon I did the typical Central European thing and got some coffee and relaxed, waiting for dusk to see the Christmas decorations. It was worth the wait, I got a cup of hot wine (another staple that I would like to import into the US) and checked out the lights. All throughout Old Town planets, stars and comets are made from bundles of Christmas lights are hung throughout the streets and across the river. The trees are covered in blue and white lights. Quite easily one of the best light displays, even in its simplicity. I was happily exhausted and headed back to the train station around 6 or 7 and got back in to Zagreb going on 10. Pictures have already been posted on flickr and myspace, along with ones from the first foundry visit.
I am really excited for this workshop that I will be working with, as dorky as it is, I am happy to be reading some theory again (oh my God, did I just write that?). Since I am late to joining the workshop I wasn't fully aware of the goings on, and it turns out the work that is done in the workshop will be exhibited, the one leader on the Zagreb end of things wants me to get a piece together pretty quickly to be exhibited next weekend. So that will end up being two shows going on in the same week, luckily the one is pretty much an inconspicuous performance during the opening, so not much prep is needed, but this other show, my ideas might be getting a little too complex for only having a few days to pull it together. I have a meeting with my New Media professor on Monday to get everything finalized and help with completing the piece.
I'll probably only have a few more posts before I am home. That's a concept I'm struggling to fathom since there seems like, and there is, so much work for me to do between now and then. Better get to work.
--AM
PS: After some digging around (and no thanks to Wikipedia, one of the few times they have failed me), I figured out what exactly Rakija is...it's homemade Plum Brandy with a relatively low alcohol concentration compared to other similar liquors.
Before my decision not to go to Poland my other international friends made arrangements to rent a cabin in a National park near Zadar, a coastal city in Croatia. I told them if my plans were canceled I'd join them, but the cabin was reserved for a certain number of people. So I figured I could get a hostel, it's the off season so the hostels in Zadar require at least a three night booking, one day too long for my schedule. So, I chucked that idea too. I did, however, finally make it to Ljubljana, Slovenia. I had been intending to go earlier in my stay in Croatia, but just didn't get to it. I am so glad I did.
Ljubljana is close enough that it makes a really nice day trip, just 2 hours one way and about $30 round trip by train. I got into the city around 10am and heading for the main square, on my walk there I was thinking, "gezz this town is really dead." Once I got to the square I realized that much like Zagreb, everyone heads to the open air markets on Saturday. The city is a bit smaller than Zagreb, Old Town is quaint, and quite picturesque. I walked around the market and peeked into some churches, but mostly spent the day wandering around. There is a really nice mix of wonderful architecture ranging from the medieval castle, classical, neo classical, baroque, art deco, art nouveau, the list goes on. I coughed up the two Euro and toured the house of Ljubljana's favorite son (sorry Slajov Zizek, they must think you are too subversive or obtuse, I'm not sure which yet) Architect, Joze Plecnik. Pretty cool little house, impressive that his items were so well preserved. It's said that no one architect has shaped a city as much as Plecnik did, everywhere I turned in Ljubljana, I saw something that was of his design, neo-classical to art nouveau. He was also commissioned by the Czech King in 1921 to redesign the Hapsburg Castle in Prague. This was a controversial move since he invited a Slav, not an Austrian. His last work was done in the Croatian region of Istria for Tito. So not only was he commissioned to do work for his capital city, but also two others of neighboring countries, pretty prolific guy. Late afternoon I did the typical Central European thing and got some coffee and relaxed, waiting for dusk to see the Christmas decorations. It was worth the wait, I got a cup of hot wine (another staple that I would like to import into the US) and checked out the lights. All throughout Old Town planets, stars and comets are made from bundles of Christmas lights are hung throughout the streets and across the river. The trees are covered in blue and white lights. Quite easily one of the best light displays, even in its simplicity. I was happily exhausted and headed back to the train station around 6 or 7 and got back in to Zagreb going on 10. Pictures have already been posted on flickr and myspace, along with ones from the first foundry visit.
I am really excited for this workshop that I will be working with, as dorky as it is, I am happy to be reading some theory again (oh my God, did I just write that?). Since I am late to joining the workshop I wasn't fully aware of the goings on, and it turns out the work that is done in the workshop will be exhibited, the one leader on the Zagreb end of things wants me to get a piece together pretty quickly to be exhibited next weekend. So that will end up being two shows going on in the same week, luckily the one is pretty much an inconspicuous performance during the opening, so not much prep is needed, but this other show, my ideas might be getting a little too complex for only having a few days to pull it together. I have a meeting with my New Media professor on Monday to get everything finalized and help with completing the piece.
I'll probably only have a few more posts before I am home. That's a concept I'm struggling to fathom since there seems like, and there is, so much work for me to do between now and then. Better get to work.
--AM
PS: After some digging around (and no thanks to Wikipedia, one of the few times they have failed me), I figured out what exactly Rakija is...it's homemade Plum Brandy with a relatively low alcohol concentration compared to other similar liquors.
05 December 2007
5 Nov 07
Ok, ok, enough heckling, Aasta. Sorry for the delay in updating the blog, I've only got two weeks left and still plenty of things I want to accomplish. Surprisingly once the show was up I thought everything would slow down a bit. I was of course wrong in that assumption. Although I wouldn't be able to stand it if I didn't have much to do.
This morning I went to the foundry that is producing my bronze pieces to sign, date, and number the waxes. I needed to be there around 9 am so I left the dorm at 7.30 to take a tram to the end of the line, a bus ride, and a 15 mitues walk finally got me to the foundry. I spent the next two hours checking the place out, I got to watch them do a bronze pour, (they've got a pretty slick system!) making sure my wax positives are just the way I want them, then carefully signing them. As I was leaving they were already putting the sprues onto some of them. Once they are poured, I will return to pick out the petina that I'd like to have on them. I'm not sure what the copper to brass ratio will be in the bronze, but if it's got more copper in it, I'll just leave it, but if not, I'll see if I can get a reddish petina applied to it. I think I might have to return as early as Monday or Tuesday. It'll be really nice to see them finished before I leave! (pics on flickr)
Next week is the Fair of Culture sponsored by the Student Centar in Zagreb. Its the bigger event that is going on, in which there is also an exhibitiont that I was selected to be a part of. Another part of the visual arts segment in the fair are collaborative workshops with artists from Zagreb and some from other countries. I applied and will be working with other new media students from Zagreb with Professor Nicole Hewitt and then we are working with a group of students from Vienna, and another artist. The workshop will focus on Post-Conceptual Art Practices and examine "alien spaces and migratory processes" that are inextricably linked to the remnants of colonialism, neoliberalism, and global capitalism, through reading critical texts, presentations, films, video, etc.
I am hoping to escape Zagreb this weekend to get to Poland, my friend is really looking forward to my visit, as am I. Although with this workshop, show, and foundry work, the trip will be shortened. I don't anticipate that I will need to cancel it all together, I'll just have to keep it to the basics. The soonest I will be able to leave is late Thrusday night, I probably won't be able to write again before my departure, so I'll be writing after my Poland adventure!
All the best,
AM
This morning I went to the foundry that is producing my bronze pieces to sign, date, and number the waxes. I needed to be there around 9 am so I left the dorm at 7.30 to take a tram to the end of the line, a bus ride, and a 15 mitues walk finally got me to the foundry. I spent the next two hours checking the place out, I got to watch them do a bronze pour, (they've got a pretty slick system!) making sure my wax positives are just the way I want them, then carefully signing them. As I was leaving they were already putting the sprues onto some of them. Once they are poured, I will return to pick out the petina that I'd like to have on them. I'm not sure what the copper to brass ratio will be in the bronze, but if it's got more copper in it, I'll just leave it, but if not, I'll see if I can get a reddish petina applied to it. I think I might have to return as early as Monday or Tuesday. It'll be really nice to see them finished before I leave! (pics on flickr)
Next week is the Fair of Culture sponsored by the Student Centar in Zagreb. Its the bigger event that is going on, in which there is also an exhibitiont that I was selected to be a part of. Another part of the visual arts segment in the fair are collaborative workshops with artists from Zagreb and some from other countries. I applied and will be working with other new media students from Zagreb with Professor Nicole Hewitt and then we are working with a group of students from Vienna, and another artist. The workshop will focus on Post-Conceptual Art Practices and examine "alien spaces and migratory processes" that are inextricably linked to the remnants of colonialism, neoliberalism, and global capitalism, through reading critical texts, presentations, films, video, etc.
I am hoping to escape Zagreb this weekend to get to Poland, my friend is really looking forward to my visit, as am I. Although with this workshop, show, and foundry work, the trip will be shortened. I don't anticipate that I will need to cancel it all together, I'll just have to keep it to the basics. The soonest I will be able to leave is late Thrusday night, I probably won't be able to write again before my departure, so I'll be writing after my Poland adventure!
All the best,
AM
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