Maker of Assemblage, 3D collage combining technology, recycled computers with bold color and composition. WWW.melissasglick.com, www.etsy.com/shop/Melsplace
Inspired by the variety of shapes, colors & materials found in outdated technology, Melissa Glick combines e-waste with imagery to make one of a kind home decor, jewelry & accessories called Hacker Creations. Working out of the Artisan’s Asylum since 2013.
Its not even Halloween yet and I have already carved a 100 lb pumpkin. Mine is the farthest on the left. First time partaking in this Artisan’s Asylum tradition. Those gourds are really thick but I think I’d take a different tact next time and leave more of the skin and draw detail into the surface. Like this awesome one from years past……
I love this Pumpkin! Who did this one?
In the Studio
I’ve started working larger! Since I’ve been getting inquiries for Office Decor from Tech Companies and now The Cambridge Arts Council is looking for large work to hang in WeWork co-working space. CAC exhibits art in many of the buildings in Kendal Square, Cambridge, as part of their Creative Marketplace program. Perfect timing since I have finished the first in a series of three tall ones. Agam Totem is 5′ x 1′ made on wood with a white painted frame.
Agam Totem
Blue Construction is 2′ x 2′ and is my first experiment building on a new material. Pink insulation board is extruded Polystyrene and is much lighter than wood. I am discovering a whole new way to attach the parts because the material has very different qualities.
Both are part of a series done over the bright colors of Yacov Agam. Agam is a kinetic artist who is 100 years old and living in Israel. This is the link to his incredible Museum which I would love to visit. I use a portion of the original work, often altering the color and multiply it in Photoshop. I use color photocopies and Mod Podge to “decoupage” a surface for the construction to be built over.
Blue Construction
I have long intended to make work echoing Russian Constructivism. This early abstract movement plays with abstract shapes in compelling compositions. Some notable artists of this era include: Kazimir Malevich,, El Lissitzky &Alexander Rodchenko. Check them out!
I hope you will visit my website to see the latest additions to my Feminism and Technology (formally known as Victorian Ladies) series. The current stable includes: Ada Lovelace, Mermaid, Alice Contemplates the Galaxy, German Engineering and VL, Victorian on Wallpaper. See All my new work at the Winter Market & Open House Dec. 8 & 9.
Holiday Events
Boston Hassle Halloween Market,Cambridge Community Center – Sunday October 28th, from 12pm-6pm – 5 Callender Street, Cambridge.
Google Cambridge Office Holiday Market – Friday December 7, 2018 from 3-5pm
MassArt Made Holiday Sale* will be December 2-8, 2018 – 10:00am to 7:00pm in the Lobby of the Tower Building at MassArt, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA.
Rebar orbs adorn a chain link fence in the Gordon Sq
A few weeks ago I attended the opening days of the first Cleveland Triennial, a 3 month arts event that takes place all across the City. When I saw this fence, it sort of summed up my experience. The way the industrial material of these rebar orbs are treated in an aesthetic way, felt like something I would see at A2, and I wanted to share how I saw Cleveland’s industrial character intertwined with the creative.
As a representative of A2 with VIP access to openings, parties, the press reception and curator led tours – and free non alcoholic drinks at the opening, I got to see how the arts are contributing to the revitalization of this one time booming City.
The event follows in the tradition of the Venice Biennale – the 123 year old tradition in which inclusion has been a significant accomplishment of the most successful and influential artists. Once the economic benefits for the city became apparent to the rest of the world, “biannuals” began to pop up all over. So much so that those in the “art world” report having “bianual burnout“! International gatherings such as World’s Fairs have lost their relevance, while those in the arts are thriving.
FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art is an exhibition consisting of artist commissions, performances, films, and public programs running from July 14 to Sept 30, 2018. An American City: Eleven Cultural Exercises, features collaborations with museums, civic institutions, and alternative spaces across Cleveland, Akron, and Oberlin. Visit the FRONT website for more information.
I had never been to Ohio before and what I knew of its socio-economic history was not positive, so my first view of the city was a happy surprise! The vista across the Cuyahoga river with a multitude of bridges, smoke stacks of steel plants, ornate brick buildings and gigantic reflective skyscrapers was eye popping!
Cleveland was a booming industrial and manufacturing epicenter for about a hundred years. It was a transportation hub where the iron ore was processed into the steel that built this great country, along with many other manufacturing industries. John D. Rockefeller founder of Standard Oil and US Steel started off in Cleveland.
The White Dam, 1939 Raphael Gleitsmann
Cleveland’s biggest boom was during World Wars. It’s decline began in the 1960’s due to industrial restructuring among other things, by ’78 they entered into financial default on federal loans.
During its heyday, prosperous patrons were intent on building a beautiful, culturally rich new city comparable with Paris or London. They were also concerned with the social welfare of the working population, the many immigrants and their families. The beautiful bones of the city can still be seen, amidst the decay, frenzied revitalization, sports stadiums, obnoxiously grand skyscrapers, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cleveland Museum of Art, seen across one of the many parks in the city.
On the East Side, we saw marvels of past including: Olmsted-like parks, the incredible public Library, The Federal Reserve and a shopping arcade with the largest glass & steel beamed roof. An art installation addressing immigration is in one of the many grand library rooms. The Library has a tiny/tidy makerspace with 2 laser cutters, a vinyl cutter, a 3D printer and computers with guitars for working in Rock Band. They have plans for taking over a whole floor since library use is really low.
Installation by Yinka Shonibare, MBE (RA) at Cleveland Public Library
On the West side we saw beautiful murals in neighborhoods, Trinity, The Flats, Ohio City and beautiful Beaux Arts, Art Deco, Sullivanesque brick buildings. The old factories and warehouses, offer loads of great space for artists. We wandered around the 78th street studios, formally headquarters for American Greeting cards -now full of galleries and work spaces. I realized it was comparable in size to The Asylum, but times 4 floors! There is so much space out there! Again, artists have drawn attention to the value of formally unwanted real estate and they are being gobbled up by developers.
Between the developers and artists little areas are being revitalized with murals, art spaces, bars, restaurants, shops and the old time establishments are benefiting.
In an area called Hinge town, the conversion of the The Transformer Building at 1460 West 29th Street has stimulated a lot of activity including a project at SPACES that brings the community together to try to make something positive grow from the shooting of 12 year old Tamir Rice. An installation by Dawoud Bey at St. John’s Church commemorates the Underground Railroad. There is a Cafe and Deli in a beautiful renovated firehouse.
Hingetown: roof deck of the Triennual’s patron who renovated The Transformer Building into an arts space and lives above SPACES, a gallery that features community arts projects.It was interesting to see the beautiful old iron work in conjunction with the video installation about the economy Phil Vanderhyden. Federal Reserve Bank on Detroit Ave.
The Cleveland Museum of Art has an incredible collection! It was awesome to see works by Picasso, Nevelson, Warhol I have never seen before in person
This amazing arrangement of cinder blocks and other debris picked up around the City was the favorite of many people I spoke with. Notice the variety of clamps!!! Brutalismo by Marlon de Azambuja and Luisa LambriWhite and Steel Polars, 1945 by Theodore Roszak. Roszak
My favorite was this sculpture which was made by an artist who worked in the aeronautics industry. I love its smooth, white abstract geometry and its futuristic, satellite-like look. I have a predilection for abstract sculpture and my work is made with materials I find at A2. After reading the wall text, I felt it sounded a lot like A2.
In an era when most sculpture was made by traditional methods such as carving or casting, he instead employed industrial techniques to create his inventive works. His studio was more akin to a machine shop, complete with drill presses, lathes and dies.
Yayoi Kusama
We were pleasantly surprised to find we could get tickets to the sold out Yayoi Kusama show. She was involved with the “god father of assemblage” Joseph Cornell in the 1960’s. I had no idea that her work consisted of infinity mirrors (something I have been planning on doing.) I also recently found out, one of her boxes, which you walk into, is currently at DeCordova Museum in Lincoln. So you can experience it yourself!
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick visit my website or contact me at glick.melissa [at] gmail.com
Melissa’s work reflects the rapid pace which technology becomes obsolete and the resulting glut of old computers. She is concerned that many people don’t know what to do with their old technology and feels manufacturers must begin to take responsibility for the disposal of their products.
Growing up, her father worked at Raytheon (1960 –90) and brought home outdated equipment that was being thrown out. Nevertheless she never opened a computer until joining The Artisan’s Asylum, maker space in Somerville, MA where she has had a studio since 2012. She is the recipient of surplus parts, cruft, e-waste from the other members.
The older the computer/tech the bigger and better the parts are. There is a limited supply of the most beautiful parts. She is documenting a period of technological development that quickly becomes history. She finds beauty in the abstract shapes and colors of the wide variety of components. Her work has been described as, “Structural Poetry”.
Disappointing, I didn’t sell any of my actual art. I sold enough earrings, necklaces to cover the fee, plus some. This is when the negative thoughts start. No one likes my work, it’s no good. I’m wasting my time…… Please feel free to disagree!
There were some enthusiastic viewers and some positive reactions, for example a woman was looking at the series I did for Valentines day made with a red circuit board behind laser cut hearts in wildly colored collaged wood. She said “Oh these are great, I work in Pulmonary Medicine.” “Would look great in your office” said I, to no avail. I offered the small piece for a discount of $20 and she still didn’t take it.
Turns out pulmonary is lungs not hearts (cardiac) … but she brought it up!
Melissa Glick makes 3D collage out of old computer parts. Her studio is at The Artisan’s Asylum, a 40K sq. foot “Maker Space” in Somerville, MA. Her work has been described as being “structural poetry”. Visit her website and Etsy shop to see more of her work.
It’s only October but I am getting into the spirit of giving. I’m giving my work to people who will hang them in public spaces. A while back, I heard about an acquaintance who offered her work for free to anyone who wanted it. The following week, she received good fortune including a commission!
Whenever I walked past Monster Mikes Guitars at 869A Mass Ave. up the street from where I live in Central Sq, Cambridge MA., I noticed an empty space in the window. So I just went in, introduced myself and asked if could put my piece there and he said sure. So if you’re in the area check out Tango in Mustard.I also encourage you to patronize this fine establishment.
Tango in Mustard, 2015
This Hacker Creation is a 3D collage of recycled paper, wood, and computer parts – a collection of abstract shapes and patterns unified by the “pea soup” color of the old circuit boards on the top. Press the button and the “muffin fans” spin. The composition combines intricate details from a collection of traditional decorative patterns and an image of dancers painted by John Grillo (from a brochure I picked up at a gallery in Welfleet years ago) with disassembled and surplus parts from old technology. The appropriated image is mounted on a metal hard drive cover and framed by a grid from the plastic flexi-sheet (from under the keyboard keys.) Batteries and wiring are sandwiched between two boards, clipped together with improvised metal parts.
Mario of CLM Mechanics 366 Webster St Cambridge, MA
My mechanic is a great guy, I’ve known him for years and consider him a friend. Today I had to get new brakes on my car and when I picked it up, I gave Mario, Metal Weave to hang in his newly refurbished office/waiting room. I think he liked it. The piece has a lot of silver metal, black plastic and features an old vacuum tube and fits in amidst the car parts, tools and lifts. I’m not going to plug Mario’s garage because it is always too crowded and I like to think it’s my little secret. I doubt they have a website.
My goal is to increase my audience by getting my work out into the world. When people stumble upon it, I hope they will have time to take in the variety of shapes and materials. Get a sense of the balance, composition and patterns. Its a non-verbal thing, if it brings you pleasure then, you get it!
I take pictures of everyone who buys one of my pieces. My audience may be limited and perhaps a collection of odd ducks, but when they say, ” I love it”, I know they are telling me the truth. It is such a thrill when people “get it”, confirming that we share a way of seeing beauty in unusual places.
The recycle loop has three steps: 1. I keep materials out out of the waste system. 2. They are transformed, given new life as art. 3. When you hang it on your wall at home/office to enjoy. Be a part of the Recycle loop! Visit my Shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/hackercreations
Dali’s Table, 2017 Patterns upon patterns over the distorted red pattern from Dali’s 1956 painting Living Still Life (French: Nature Morte Vivante) Dali painted this piece during a period that he called “Nuclear Mysticism.”[1] Nuclear Mysticism is composed of different theories that try to show the relationships between quantum physics and the conscious mind. The different theories are composed of elements that range from “Catalan philosophers” to “classicism, pop art, and nuclear physics.”[2] The painting, done in 1956, currently resides at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.I find beauty in unexpected places. As a “hacker” I take things apart and re-purpose them in cool new ways. I transform “e-waste”- discarded electronics and outdated computer components into dynamic compositions that combine 2D color and pattern with 3D abstract forms. My work touches upon issues ofintimacy, excess, ecology and raising awareness. My work has been described as being ”structural poetry.”
Growing up, my Dad worked at Raytheon (1960-90) and brought home outdated equipment that was being thrown out. I never opened a computer until I joined The Artisan’s Asylum, maker space in Somerville MA in 2012. Since that time I have learned a great deal about the abundance of outdated technology and the toll it is taking on the world because manufacturers do not take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products.
There’s an element of chance in my work since my materials are given to me and because each series of computer I open is different. It’s like a treasure hunt. I know immediately if a piece is visually interesting or not (unless I’m in an indecisive mood). The visual excitement when a particular shape just POPS when in relation to a particular color or pattern is thrilling.
I weave in my background and love of Modernism by appropriating imagery from the past. Originally I built upon a surface made from old letters, post cards and other personal items that romantic people accumulate. Currently I incorporate digital imagery (mine, Modern Art, random print) which I alter with Photoshop. The compositions place shapes of disassembled technology in relationship with abstract imagery with contrast, balance and repetition and suggest a connection or equivalence.
I grew up going to DeCordova summer camp where my creativity was always encouraged. At the age of ten I saw the Acropolis in Athens and knew I would be studying Art History when I went to college. Between visiting galleries and museums in NYC while at SUNY Purchase and a year in Paris, I developed my aesthetic sense and became focused on contemporary art. After 5 years of doing administrative work at the ICA, I enrolled at Mass College of Art and earned a Masters in Art Education. I have run educational programs at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, Boston Ballet, Museum of Fine Arts. Once I got out of the office and starting making art, I taught at Watertown Arsenal Center for the Arts, Parts & Crafts. I offer workshops to people of all ages at the Artisan’s Asylum and at various community events.
This is the most common question I am asked at craft shows. Here are some of the more interesting origins.
I once received a box of working clock inserts in the mail. The return address was from Malden but I did not recognize/remember who it was from. They have roman numerals but take an unusual battery. Thank you to my donor!
My childhood friend was clearing out her house to be sold and bequeathed upon me her family’s first PC. It was an IBM from 1987. I remember watching Karen annihilate aliens on a tiny 5″x7″ monitor.
At a crowded Flea market a gentleman told me he had some printed circuit boards. We met at a cafe and he gave me 2 boxes of green, shiny as new boards of all sizes. These are samples he said. Let me know if you want more.
July 6/17 I saw a black box on the side of the street the other day…. I thought about picking it up but I walked by. Then next day, it was still there, so I took a closer look. It was a 5 disc CD player. So I grabbed it and put it in the back of my car. I opened it up and found a piece resembling a huge black plastic throwing star. I’ve opened one of these before, but it did not have this design. I was most interested in the black plastic pieces, I photographed against a green background.
I started off making Joseph Cornell-like boxes using the things my father had saved in the dungeon of my childhood home. The house I grew up in was being emptied out to be sold. Examples of my oldest work.
Fellow Artisan’s Asylum members offer me their cruft, (left over parts of unfinished projects, surplus materials.) Generally happy to see them being put into some kind of use, even if it isn’t electronic.
Once after doing a workshop at an after school in Southie, I was “paid” with a tower of PC’s they were upgrading from. Stacked, they were as talk as me.
My 100 sq foot studio is packed with components that need to be taken apart. At Open Studios a visitor said, entering my studio “is like entering another world, there is so much going on.”
Sometimes when I am offered parts, I take them, even if they are nothing special because I am grateful they think of me and for their act of generosity. I am also grateful for the time the other members give to me when they answer my questions. Although they often go into more detail that I need.
Melissa Glick has been an inmate at the Artisan’s Asylum in Somerville, MA since 2012. She grew up in a home where recycling and saving cool looking things was the norm. She studied Art History at SUNY Purchase and got a masters in art education at Mass College of Art.
Between the Powderhouse rotary and McGrath Highway in Somerville MA is an eclectic strip of stores and restaurants frequented by Tufts students and neighbors. Ball Square is a round peg in a square hole. It’s a locale you probably wouldn’t go to unless you had the insider scoop….. brunch at Sound Bites or cakes fromLyndell’s.
I’ve spent a bit of time in Ball Square because my best friend lives there, the Nave Gallery is near by and it’s where the Blue Cloud Gallery is located. Blue Cloud is located at 713 Broadway, on a busy thoroughfare next to a coffee shop and across from 2 excellent eateries. It is run by one of the sweetest most supportive people you will ever meet.
The first time I hung out with Betsy Lenora was at the Trash Bash in Union Squarewhere I was displaying my Hacker Creations. Betsy was set up next to me selling “Memory Men”, little figures made from old computer RAM and pipe cleaners. Having the recycled technology in common, I struck up a conversation only to learn it was the work of an artist she features in her gallery. That is the kind of dedication and generosity Betsy is known for.
Betsy gives emerging artists a break and often says things like “You are under valuing your work! You should charge more!” Last Spring, Betsy hosted a wine tasting event to encourage business during the post holiday slump. She invited 6 of us to demonstrate our craft in the already packed to the gills shop.
encourage business during the post holiday slump. She invited 6 of us to demonstrate our craft in the already packed to the gills shop.
Wine Tasting and Demo Day
Interview with Betsy Lenora of Blue Cloud Gift Gallery
How did you come to be running Blue Cloud? A long, long time ago…I met and made friends with BCG’s original owner, Patricia Wellenkamp. I was working at the time at Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative, the award-winning craft gallery in Harvard SQ on Church St. I worked there for a total of 15 years, 7 of which were as manager. In the economic downturn, I was laid off. Patricia helped me out by hiring me to work one day a week, a situation that lasted about a year. She then informed me she was closing Blue Cloud Gallery and offered to sell it to me. In April of 2011, I became the proud new owner just in time as my unemployment was running out! It has been a dream come true as I love supporting the artists and helping customers. I have always thought of myself as a facilitator.
How do you find, choose, the work you sell?
At last count, there is work by 140 artists in the gallery. Most of them are local (meaning the Metro-Boston area). A handful are either from New England or states further away. When I first started, I asked many of the artists I knew from the Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative since I had a relationship with them. I then put out a Call for Artwork via the Somerville Arts Council and got quite a few that way. Since then, I get the majority of new work from being contacted directly by artists. I choose the work based on 3 criteria: uniqueness, quality of workmanship and do I think it will be a good match for my store – for my customers.
What sells the best? Jewelry – specifically earrings – and pottery – specifically mugs. And cards! I have the largest selection of locally made cards than anywhere else that I know of. Half the people who come in my store come to buy cards.
Who shops at Blue Cloud? I am supported primarily by the neighborhood that’s around my store, which is made up of young professionals, families, some students (from Tufts) and older women who appreciate creativity.
We you share a story that occurred at the gallery ? There are several heart-touching stories involving children in my store. Yesterday, a little girl I’d guess around 5 years old came back in with her father and went directly to a little fabric mouse living in a fabric ‘can of pumpkin’ and holding a tiny broom; she had her heart set on giving this to her mother, her dad said. (They had been in the store briefly the day before.) While dad starts to pay, little girl pipes up loud and clear that her birthday was April 12th (3 days hence). Hmmmm. She was so cute – wearing a long, white multi-ruffled layered dress that she opened her coat to show me. I have another customer with a young daughter who’s been coming in since she was 3; every time they buy a finger puppet for mom who must have 20 or more by now!
Anything else you would like to add? The world of art and craft is not an easy one to survive in. As an artist, one needs to be talented and skilled at their craft AND be skilled at marketing their craft. It is my mission to support artists in what they do by presenting their work the best I can, marketing my store the best I can. Customers, artists and sellers are in this together; I believe we can support each other in making local, selling local and buying local!
BAM! member Melissa Glick has been making Hacker Creations from recycled materials including disassembled computers, printers, scanners and other cruft. She breaks them down to their smallest pieces which uses as abstract elements in bold, colorful compositions. She combines 2D collage with 3D assemblage in her work which has been described as structural poetry. Melissa has been an “inmate” at the Artisan’s Asylum, for the past 3 years, one of the largest maker spaces in the country. She teaches classes there and a various community events. For more on Melissa’s work visit: www.melissasglick.com and www.etsy.com/shop/melsplace .
There is a show at the MFA that is up until Jan 10th that you must see! It’s called Crafted: Objects in Flux. The show is a collection of work made in methods traditionally considered to be crafts including, ceramics, wood, textiles. The idea that techniques used since the dawn of civilization to make functional things we need to live such as, dishes, clothing, utensils and furniture are not fine art, is blown out of the water. The show is divided into three categories each poses thought provoking questions which stimulated me to see the work in new ways and to understand many new concepts. I will describe 4 of the 50 incredible works which were made by 41 artists – all since 2003. Crafted: Objects in Flux, demonstrates the use of traditional craft techniques in unique, masterful, experimental and transformative ways.
The Hair Craft Project: Hairstylists with Sonya by Sonya Clark
On one wall are 11 color photos of the artist with intricate braided hair styles. Beside her stands the hairdresser. Directly across are flattened out representations of the hair styles done in needle point. As part of the The Performative Object section of the show, which asks the question: How might an object be made through performance, perform in the world, or perform its own making? The Hair Craft Project: Hairstylists with Sonya by Sonya Clark communicates a visseral understanding of the physical labor and manual dexterity required.
Perimeter with Crumpled Center by Brie Ruais
This abstract sculpture was also in The Performance Object section. After reading the wall text, I was able to experience the piece in a deeper way. Imagining the artists’ process, I could see the soft clay being pulled and cut and then plopping onto the floor. I imagine that at that moment the idea for the piece was discovered.
The shows next theme The Immersive Object is framed by the question: How can shifting the physical encounter in the gallery change our perception and understanding of the crafted object? Here is one example: Entering this part of the show felt very exciting. Suddenly you are surrounded by large collections of objects, traditional craft materials including ceramics, glass and wood— being used in very non-functional ways. Shards of pottery explode into space; shimmering mirrors dangle from the ceiling, light is filtered through beautiful colors and unusual shapes.* Off the main gallery I came upon an alcove where fabric was hanging down from the 20 ft. high ceiling. The blue/green fabric fell just about to my waist and invited me to explore. As I walk into the piece, I focus on the texture and uniform stitches on wide overlapping seams. I realize it is leading me in a spiral, but when I arrive at the center, nothing is there. As I turn to leave, a wall covered with wilting, aromatic green leaves, perhaps basil, comes into view. At that moment, I am transported to a memory of a quiet pine forest.
Mobile Section, 2015 by Roland Ricketts
The third theme, The Re-Tooled Object , hits close to home with the question: How do new modes of fabrication, whether digital or analog, expand artistic possibilities? For the past 4 years I have had the opportunity to use many new fabrication technologies at The Artisan’s Asylum where I have my studio. I had big dreams of using the laser cutter and cnc machines to cut perfect wood parts with the touch of a button that would increase the finished quality of my work. But I was stymied by having to learn new software, the gate way to digital design.
An Architecture of Touch by Del Harrow
A collection of black & white objects are displayed on a 3 leveled wall unit. From a distance I was not able to identify the material from which the squares, cones, cylindrical and other shapes were made. Again the label provided necessary information. The white side is made of clay and the black side was 3D printed, in other words, plastic. Strings of plastic are melted and then layered one on top of the other in a tediously long time consuming process. At the Asylum, I mostly see people designing mechanical parts and other functional products.
This piece encourages me because I feel it’s the first time I’ve seen the process explored in an artistic manner. As I examined the surfaces, I saw texture and color variations – which I then compared to the ceramic pieces. I see the artist is speaking in an artistic language by producing shapes traditionally used in learning to drawing perspective and shading, the tools of creating the illusion of 3 dimensionality. One can look at 3D printing like casting and mold making. In any case, I am not sold on working in toxic plastic- but I am motivated to get back to learning software so that I can pursue my original ideas.
If you go see Crafted: Objects In Flux, please come back and share your impressions in the comments below!
Flux was curated by Emily Zilber (MFA Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick) Curator of Contemporary Decorative Art and consists of over 50 incredible works by 41 artists- all made since 2003. Learn about free tours of the show as well as a 3 week lecture series The Path to Contemporary Craft being held Dec. 1 – 15
The first con I vend at has a Post-Apocalyptic theme. The 10th annual, Temple Con was 4 days of costumes, games, role play, contests, workshops, readings and vendors at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI, Aug 25-28, 2016.
For some time, I have had an affinity for clock parts, Victorian era costume & fictitious mechanical contraptions with magic powers – the aesthetic of Steampunk. A time when men wore top hats & vests and ladies wore corsets and bustles (with hidden mechanical accouterments – of course.)
I thought these Con-folk would be a good audience for my Hacker Creations, 3D collage/assemblage made from disassembled technology, combined with bright colors and bold composition. I also brought a collection of specifically Steampunk items made just for the event.
A parade of people in incredible costumes past my booth in the big white “wedding tent” set up behind the hotel. It was great to hang out with my friend Eric Bornstein of Behind the Mask,who was offering amazing handmade masks. He also secured first place in the costume contest with his enormous lion head that looks like it came from The Lion King.
Among the items for sale by the approximately 120 vendors were game software, original card games, miniatures used in board games, costumes, corsets, leather “tool” belts with attachments including a fine china teacup holster, wigs, jewelry & watches. Only a few people selling fine art which included prints, paintings & anime drawings. The most popular items were small felted and polymer clay fantasy characters.
With my best set up to date, I displayed 9 sculptures on my ladder shelf and 5 more on a shoe shelf along with bowler hats with broaches made from hard drive platters & stators in retro tech designs. On a table covered with a new shiny grey table cloth I made – were earrings displayed on a former computer monitor, a stand with necklaces and my little Steampunk Trunk which held the SP pieces (pictured above). An old brown travel case from my childhood – a true time machine retaining the musty smell I remember from long car trips to visit Grandma in the 1960’s.
Although many attendees were attracted to my work and happily identify parts, “I work in software”, not many made the leap from the geek, gamer, steampunk/cosplay genre – to collector of retro-technology, multi-media, cyber punk expression.
The biggest impression of Templecon was left by 16 hours spent positioned between 2 of the most popular vendors in the Garden Pavilion. On my left were veterans Leanna Renee Hieber and Thom Truelove. Dressed in black Victorian garb, Leanna is an actress and author of nine Gothic Victorian Paranormal novels for adults and teens, set in 1880s New York City and London including, the Strangely Beautiful saga, Darker Still & the Gaslamp Fantasy trilogy. In addition to selling and signing her books – she was selling colorful fictitious military metals and was an integral part of the convention. She gave readings, served on panels and judged contests.
Thom Truelove, a purveyor of interesting and eclectic antiques would say, “Have you been introduced to Pandora’s pets? They worry about the little things, so that you can pay attention to the more important matters.” Attracting many to see the polymer clay entities he and Leanna make together.
On my right was the best vendor display in the tent. Tiffany Flanagan’s fantastic collection of sculpted artifacts from the explorations and experiments of one Dr. Von Drachen set up as a shop of curiosities. Amazingly her first show! She has a very exciting future ahead of her!
It was fun talking to Kassundra Katze, a fellow Bay Stater, she works with youth and runs a gamer store in Maynard called Excelsior Comics and Games. She and her partner were vending as Phoenix Latex offering costumes and producing on the spot vinyl cutting for personalized shot glasses.
All in all I enjoyed being part of this collision of technology and reenactment. I especially liked the costumes and room full of console games from the 80’s. I am proud to have been one of Temple Con MMXVI vendors, representing a wide range of creativity, innovation and resourcefulness required to provide just the right mix of bizarre implements and adornments.
Hacker Creations 
