Monday, August 15, 2011

With Every Light




Taking over
We're taking over
Throw the weight up off you shoulders now
That we can show our love
It's almost over it's almost over
No more war and no more soldiers
To stand against his love
Away with all the troubles that you've made
Away with waiting for another day
Away
Look ma the sun is shining on me
Impatient, in love and aching to be
Could you believe in heaven
If heaven was all you had
We're taking over we're taking over
Throw away your four leafed clovers
And stand beside this love
Away with everything you've grown to hate
Away with anything that holds you safe
Away
And every light I've found
Is every light that's shining down on me
I'm never alone
Look ma the sun is shining on me
Taking my time to do as I please
Could you believe in heaven
If heaven was all you had
The sun is beaming, radiating
All the love we are creating
We are creating
And every light I've found
Is every light that's shining down on me
I'm never alone

--Smashing Pumpkins, Machina/The Machines of God, 2000


Viceroy Butterfly






Thursday, August 11, 2011

Viceroy Chrysalis


chrysalis
noun /ˈkrisələs/

3. A preparatory or transitional state

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Cold Song


Cold Genius:

What power art thou, who from below
Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow
From beds of everlasting snow
See’st thou not how stiff and wondrous old
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold,
I can scarcely move or draw my breath
Let me, let me freeze again to death.


From Henry Purcell's King Arthur. Performed by Klaus Nomi.

Viceroy Caterpillar

A wildlife form found in the Lower Huron Metropark, 10 miles west of Detroit.

It resembles a bird dropping, discouraging consumption.

Spiny projections make it difficult to swallow.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Kresge Eminent Artist



Charles McGee from Art X Detroit on Vimeo.
"Art X Detroit is pleased to present a short video by Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Stephen McGee, featuring Kresge Eminent Artist, Charles McGee. This video is part of a series featuring the 2008-2010 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship Awardees and Eminent Artists. Join us on our website, and Facebook and Vimeo pages as we feature a new video each day, leading up to the opening night of Art X Detroit on April 6, 2011."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

SHRED RUIN PORN!

What is Ruin Porn? 

Check out Brendan Cormier's indictment of it's limited focus.

And Thomas Morton's SOMETHING, SOMETHING, SOMETHING, DETROIT Lazy Journalists Love Pictures of Abandoned Stuff

And top that off with Ian Farence's more substantive critique and demarcation between pornographic and artistic image: On 'Ruin Porn'


How about a Ruin Relay instead? Or, a Ruin Walk?


Thursday, July 14, 2011

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Art Healing in the City

NY Times -Arts
Alexander Melamid’s Art Healing Ministry opens on Wednesday in SoHo. Drop by, and let fine art ease your afflictions.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

From "Motown" to "Growtown"!


Hazel Williams picks green tomatoes at an Urban Farming crop in Detroit.
Credit: Fabrizio Costantini/Bloomberg News at www.cityfarmer.info
 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate if I live in Detroit?
Absolutely. The walk begins in New York,  so you'll miss the opening and closing - but that's ok, we'll send you pictures.

I don't consider myself an artist - will the sculpture, theater, etc, be accessible enough for me to take part?
Absolutely. The walk is being made for anyone to participate in regardless of artistic experience.

How much walking will we be doing?
We will be out all day, but mindful of our bodies. So while we'll be up on our feet, we'll also be resting, observing, eating, drinking, lounging and riding in a van.

I've been on one of your walks in NYC - will this one take on a similar shape?
In many ways this will be similar to New York City walks. We will creatively engage the areas around us through the creative focus of the walk leader. The main way the walk will differ is in time. There is a community building element to this walk that will bring participants together over the several days of shared activities.

Will I be able to work things out? Is the larger goal of this walk for all participants to discover new things about themselves?
Yes. There will be ample opportunities for the participants to engage their personal fears, discoveries and prejudices.

Can I take videos/photos?
All walk participants are encouraged to document the walk from their perspective: film, audio, writing - whatever you like.

Will you be filming?
Yes.

Where will I be staying?
We will have group lodging for both nights.

Do I have to pay for my own food?
Yes. You should budget enough for 9 meals (Breakfast x2, Lunch x3, Dinner x3, snacks)

How much should I pack?
Pack light into just two carryon bags. You have three days, so we suggest 4 outfits (in case you need to change one day), comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket and/or umbrella.

Do I have to bring pillows, sheets or towels?
No.

Should I bring a sleeping bag?
You may want to (in one of your carry-ons), but it's not necessary.

How much money do you suggest I bring?
You should bring enough for 9 meals and to purchase any incidentals/souveniers. All other expenses are covered in the walk fee.

Will I have cell phone access?
Yes. If you have a mobile phone you should bring it. Charging stations will be rare so, plan to have it off most of the time.

Will I have internet access?
Probably not. Internet access will not be provided, and Detroit doesn't have public WiFi.

Are we going to any dangerous places?
I won't take you anywhere I wouldn't take my mother. We will not enter into any neighborhood known for criminal activity. We will be vigilant and respectful of the city. Respect the space and it will respect you.

I've heard about Detroit tourist spots like the Renaissance Center, Tiger Stadium and Henry Ford Museum. Will we see any of these?
This is not a sightseeing tour. These locations may be visited, but the focus on the walk is on healing ourselves and the city.

Can I make plans to meet friends and/or family while in Detroit?
Yes, there will be a portion of the walk where other guests are invited to join. Please bring contact info for friends and family so you can invite them when that portion of the walk is revealed.

Do we have any time by ourselves or are we with the group 24/7?
Yes. There will be portions of the walk where you will have free time.

What if I get sick?
We have a first aid kit, and if necessary we will drive you to a family doctor or emergency room.

What if I need to cancel?
Because an airline ticket will be purchased in your name, this walk cannot be refunded or transferred.