I just finished a very busy and exciting weekend. I was asked to show "Corporate Pillars", even though incomplete, at the Ravenswood Art Walk in Chicago this past weekend. The first public showing. Needless to say I was excited about the opportunity. I am very grateful to Moss Design who extended the invitation and opened their space to me. I also exhibited 5 other of my larger pieces.
Because of the size of the sculpture and the paintings I was exhibiting, I rented a cargo van to transport the work. I felt this was a better idea than trying to stuff things in my car in multiple trips. This was the first time I rented a van for my art work. It was a mini adventure. It also gave my work some importance. It warranted special transport. I really like the idea that my art and my opinion of my art has evolved to the point of treating it with reverence. All went well.
The art walk was very successful. I met many people and I still enjoy others admiring my work. I like talking about my work as well and I have more than enough willing listeners.
Next to the sculpture, I place a box to collect additional business cards for the project. I received a bumper crop of 102 business cards. That is a new event record. I am very pleased with the results. Now I have to shift gears and get ready for the Pilsen Open Studios on Oct 16-17 that I am participating in. I am curious how far I can push the sculpture in the next two weeks.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Corporate Pillars Day 101
I am very proud to announce that this afternoon, I installed the incomplete sculpture of 2704 business cards at Moss Design in Chicago as part of the Ravenswood Art Walk taking place Oct 2-3, 11am-5pm. The sculpture is beginning to take form at roughly 27% complete.
The construction of the arches was a challenge but I believe I worked out the bugs and the next set of arches will go much quicker. Construction aside however, I am really enjoying getting out, meeting new people and talking about the project while asking for business cards. I have been to professional brunches and networking events. I have attended Chamber of Commerce meetings. I'm hoping to attend more networking type events physically and online to continue to bring in more business cards.
Another fun aspect of collecting the business cards is in the past week I have received several hundred business cards from people who I do not directly know or met. These are people who have responded to my call for donations on the Internet. I have received letters containing one card to 100 cards. Each morning I check my mail at the studio in anticipation of how many letters and how many cards may have come in. It is a rush.
As of today, I have received 3899 business cards. This is nearly enough to complete the second stage of the sculpture. I am behind in tracking the number of individuals and number of cities. I hope to catch up early next week. It is over 1200 people and 150 cities but being a bit detailed orientated, I want to know exact numbers.
For those in Chicago this weekend, please stop by and see the incomplete sculpture. It is cool to see it in this state. Thank you to all those who have donated (names listed on my website). To those first hearing about the project, please send me your business cards. A complete project description and mailing information can be also found on my site.
Please pass this information on to those who may find this an interesting project by email, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks in advance!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Corporate Pillars Day 78
I had a relaxing weekend. I spent most of my time running errands and catching up with friends. Saturday night I had dinner with my friend Tim. Chinese food. I hadn't had chinese food in a while. The restaurant also does sushi. Next to the take out menus by the door they had business cards, one for the chinese side, one for the sushi side. I took one of each.
Then, later that evening, Tim and I decided to get a night cap and we ran into Young and Clement who I had brunch with earlier in the day. Young had found 2 additional business cards from one of his associates.
That was 4 for the weekend.
Then this morning, I found one more card on the stairs while I was walking up to my studio. I know have collect 1918 business cards since I began this project.
I worked on the sculpture some today but it was mostly a painting kind of day. I did complete the 8th and 9th levels add begin the finishing work on the arches. I'll post pictures tomorrow with the weekly update
Then, later that evening, Tim and I decided to get a night cap and we ran into Young and Clement who I had brunch with earlier in the day. Young had found 2 additional business cards from one of his associates.
That was 4 for the weekend.
Then this morning, I found one more card on the stairs while I was walking up to my studio. I know have collect 1918 business cards since I began this project.
I worked on the sculpture some today but it was mostly a painting kind of day. I did complete the 8th and 9th levels add begin the finishing work on the arches. I'll post pictures tomorrow with the weekly update
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Corporate Pillars Day 75
Today is Day 75 of the Corporate Pillars business card sculpture project. Two weeks ago, I ran into my friends Young and Clement at a street fair. It had been a few months since we last saw each other. While catching up with each other, I mentioned the business card sculpture and both said they had business cards they could donate to the cause. Schedules being what they are these days, we finally met up this morning for brunch.
The timing was perfect. I had enough time to drop of the paintings at the studio and grab my ladder before meeting them on the other side of town. Brunch was a blast! Too many cups of coffee later, I left learning about the system used by a major airline employees to book flights. Both guys travel a lot for that fact both work for an airline is no big surprise. It was fun listening to their corporate stories. I am very much removed from that world but it played in perfectly to the sculpture project. Young did have one request. He asked that I put one of his cards at eye level. I don't think that will be an issue.
After brunch, I ran to the hardware store to pick up some ceiling paint. I still have hopes of painting at least one ceiling if not two this holiday weekend. If I do, I will still be on schedule to sell my condo this Fall.
In meeting Young and Clement for brunch, I recieved an additional 382 business cards for the project.
The timing was perfect. I had enough time to drop of the paintings at the studio and grab my ladder before meeting them on the other side of town. Brunch was a blast! Too many cups of coffee later, I left learning about the system used by a major airline employees to book flights. Both guys travel a lot for that fact both work for an airline is no big surprise. It was fun listening to their corporate stories. I am very much removed from that world but it played in perfectly to the sculpture project. Young did have one request. He asked that I put one of his cards at eye level. I don't think that will be an issue.
After brunch, I ran to the hardware store to pick up some ceiling paint. I still have hopes of painting at least one ceiling if not two this holiday weekend. If I do, I will still be on schedule to sell my condo this Fall.
In meeting Young and Clement for brunch, I recieved an additional 382 business cards for the project.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Corporate Pillars Update Week 4
Total # of Business Cards Received: 1234
# of Cards in the sculpture: 1007
# of People Represented: 540
# of Cities: 75
# of Completed Levels: 6 (7 & 8 partial)
# of Hours: 23
During Week 4, I became aware of the magnitude of the project I started. I crossed the 1000 card milestone and I realized that I truly only began constructing. With a need of 4000-5000 additional cards, I have to increase the promotion of the sculpture and myself in order to collect the remaining cards.
I must admit that each morning I am excited to come to the studio and check the mail. Seeing a letter for me which may contain a business card or two (or more) has become very fun. I quickly open the letter to see the card design and where it is from. Unfortunately, some don't always have a return address or name so I can't give credit and thanks to the sender. Regardless, it is fun.
I also enjoy the meditative state I achieve when constructing the main levels of the sculpture. There is not much brain power required for these levels, just action. Repetitive action. I get lost in the action, especially early in the morning when the building is quiet and no music is playing (the norm in my studio).
As usual, I am still soliciting business cards. I have to collect 4500 more, give or take. If you have not yet donated or know someone who would be interest in the project, please visit the project description for the full details.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Corporate Pillars Update Week 2
# of Business Cards Received this Week: 573
Total # of Business Cards Received: 614
# of Cards in the sculpture: 427
# of People Represented: 264
# of Cities: 65
# of Completed Levels: 5
Total # of Business Cards Received: 614
# of Cards in the sculpture: 427
# of People Represented: 264
# of Cities: 65
# of Completed Levels: 5
# of Construction Hours: 11
The structure began to take shape during Week 2. The support pillars are complete and now I am working on building the first arch. Construction of each floor is taking me longer than I was expecting. I am having difficulties keeping each level square with the level below.
In addition to the construction, I am still looking for business card donors. I estimate that the tower will require 4000 more business cards. Instead of throwing away your old cards or the cards from other you have collected, please consider donating to the project and recycle the business cards.
Please visit the project description for the full details.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Corporate Pillars" Business Card Sculpture Update Week 1
Total # of Business Cards Received: 41
# of Cards in the sculpture: 26
# of People Represented: 26
# of Cities: 7
# of Construction Hours: 3
This week, most of my effort has been in getting the word out to begin collecting business cards from donors. I NEED THOUSANDS OF CARDS. My focus so far has been on the Internet (Blog, Facebook, Twitter). If you have suggestions of how to spread the word or collect additional cards, please email me at daniel@nolanstudios.com. I would love to hear your ideas.The picture to the right is beginning of the four towers that will support the sculpture.
Please visit the project description for the full details.
Please send business cards to:
Nolan Studios
c/o Daniel Nolan
2150 S. Canalport Ave
5C-3
Chicago, IL 60608
Friday, July 30, 2010
Featured Member on Ovation TV Arts Community
I've been named the August Featured Member on the Ovation TV Arts Community! Thanks Ovation TV!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sculpture: Corporate Pillars (working title)
I was in corporate America for 16 years and I felt like a small cog in a very large machine. I had a difficult time seeing how my daily efforts made an impact to the company, its goals and society. On occasion, I felt like cattle being herded into my office cubicle to do as I was told in order to satisfy the needs of the organization. I was a beast of burden. I was a human resource, not a person. I felt strip of my individuality. Yet, I am an individual and my contributions do matter. Others depended on me as I depended on others. Together, we got the job done.
Although I have made the professional transition out of Corporate America, there are many aspects of the lifestyle and culture that live on within me. This sculpture is to honor my past as well as all the individuals who collectively compose the corporate culture.
What will the sculpture look like?
The sculpture will be an office tower made out of donated business cards reaching between 6-8 feet high and roughly 2 foot square at the base.
Why an office building?
The corporate office building exists to house the people who make up the corporation. It is often the symbol and prestige of the corporate organization. It is where the corporate warrior spends the majority of his/hers life, often sacrificing personal life on behave of the corporate collective. It is where money is worshipped. The office building is a modern temple.
Why build a house of cards?
When the cards are arranged in specific patterns, the cards produce a stable edifice. Individually, the cards fall under the pressure of gravity. Collectively, they can grow upward producing structurally sound and amazing results. Remove one card, however, and the entire building can collapse. There is interdependency among the individuals in order support the structure.
Why use donated business cards?
Business cards are the main construction component to represent the masses of individuals that assemble a corporation. The sculpture, like a corporation, comes to life due to the collective efforts and contributions of individuals. As workers agree to participate in the corporate structure, the donations are the agreement to participate in this sculpture.
Where can I send business cards?
Please send business cards to:
Nolan Studios
c/o Daniel Nolan
2150 S. Canalport Avenue
5C-3
Chicago, IL 60608
All cards are accepted and greatly appreciated, whether it is 1 or 100, current or from a former position.
What do I get out of donating business cards?
Donors receive three things.
1.) Donors will be participating in a collective art project. It cannot exist without you.
2.) All those who donate business cards will be receive the Nolan Studios Monthly Newsletter which will track the progress of building of the sculpture as well as other art projects.
3.) In addition, your name will be added to the list of donors on the Nolan Studios web site (http://www.nolanstudios.com/). The list of donors will be incorporated into the sculpture as well.
When will the sculpture be completed?
The project began on July 15, 2010. The hope is to complete the sculpture as soon as possible. The timeframe is greatly dependent on the number of donated business cards received.
How can I track progress of the sculpture?
Updates will be posted in the
1.) Nolan Studios Monthly Newsletter
2.) Tracking page on the Nolan Studios web site (www.nolanstudios.com)
3.) Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/danielnolanfanpage)
For additional information, please email me directly at daniel@nolanstudios.com.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Do You Have Extra Business Cards?
I'm starting a new project next week, a combo scuplture and card house. I'm asking your help. I need business cards. All types accepted, current or old. The business cards are a key element to the sculpture.
Please send to
Nolan Studios
c/o Daniel Nolan
2150 S. Canalport Ave
5C-3
Chicago, IL 60608
All donations will be posted on my website documenting my progress.
Please send to
Nolan Studios
c/o Daniel Nolan
2150 S. Canalport Ave
5C-3
Chicago, IL 60608
All donations will be posted on my website documenting my progress.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
What Inspires Me?
Recently, I have been getting a similar question over and over, namely, what inspires me? The idea of inspiration can for some take on a mystical quality and at some level I suppose it does for me as well, especially of when I think of the times when I know I am experiencing inspiration in the moment. Unfortunately, I'm not aware it occurring often. The frequency is increasing however, which is definitely a good thing.
A month ago, I was sitting in a Starbucks that I go to in my neighborhood when I feel the need to be around people. I was sitting in a chair that I have sat countless times over the past 13 years I've lived in the neighborhood. On the wall hung the typical Starbuck mass produced coffee themed art. Something caught my eye and I stared. First, I found it odd that I was staring at a picture I didn't particularly liked and I had seen many times over the years but something was different. I then noticed that I was studying it intently, the color, forms and shapes, the feeling. I took a quick picture with my cell phone and went back to my work. Periodically, I would look back up at it.
I decided that I had to create my version of what I saw when I returned to my studio the next day.
A few weeks later, I was again at the same Starbucks and there was the picture that inspired me. But it appeared different to me. The colors and feeling were different compared to the last time I was there. Thinking I may have lost my mind, I looked at the photo I took and it matched up with what I was seeing, not what I had saw. That was when I realized that I had a moment of inspiration. I saw something interesting, something different, than I had seen before. Since then, I have had that experience a few more times and fortunately I am learning to pay attention to those moments.
So, when people ask what inspires me, the answer is everything. I don't know where it will come from or when but it often is something common and often overlooked. I just get a chance to see it in a different way than before and that seems to be enough to trigger something in me to go with it.
On a side note, the paintings that came from my Starbucks experience do not look like the painting in Starbucks. They are however some of the best work I have done to date. Photos will be available shortly. I'm in the process of having these developed as prints.
A month ago, I was sitting in a Starbucks that I go to in my neighborhood when I feel the need to be around people. I was sitting in a chair that I have sat countless times over the past 13 years I've lived in the neighborhood. On the wall hung the typical Starbuck mass produced coffee themed art. Something caught my eye and I stared. First, I found it odd that I was staring at a picture I didn't particularly liked and I had seen many times over the years but something was different. I then noticed that I was studying it intently, the color, forms and shapes, the feeling. I took a quick picture with my cell phone and went back to my work. Periodically, I would look back up at it.
I decided that I had to create my version of what I saw when I returned to my studio the next day.
A few weeks later, I was again at the same Starbucks and there was the picture that inspired me. But it appeared different to me. The colors and feeling were different compared to the last time I was there. Thinking I may have lost my mind, I looked at the photo I took and it matched up with what I was seeing, not what I had saw. That was when I realized that I had a moment of inspiration. I saw something interesting, something different, than I had seen before. Since then, I have had that experience a few more times and fortunately I am learning to pay attention to those moments.
So, when people ask what inspires me, the answer is everything. I don't know where it will come from or when but it often is something common and often overlooked. I just get a chance to see it in a different way than before and that seems to be enough to trigger something in me to go with it.
On a side note, the paintings that came from my Starbucks experience do not look like the painting in Starbucks. They are however some of the best work I have done to date. Photos will be available shortly. I'm in the process of having these developed as prints.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
In the New Studio!
This is my first blog since moving into my new art studio. So far it has been adventure and I'm looking forward to the next twist and turns. To start, days before the move, I became anxious and nervous. Change can be challenging, especially big change. I saw moving into the studio a big change. Fortunately, the space wasn't ready as scheduled and the move was delayed 2 days. That gave me some time to breath, relax, and regroup. Come Monday morning, I was ready and eager to go.
When I got to the building, the building management and maintenance crew helped me unload the first car load. 15 minutes, boom, I was in. Oops! No electricity in the space yet. They building staff was working on it and I really didn't care since I was just moving in. I didn't plan on painting at all.
I drove home, picked up lunch and another load to stuff. The afternoon unload I had to do alone, which I had planned. The elevator was out of service however, something I had not planned. So, I carried everything up 5 flights of stairs. And I continued to do that for the remainder of the week. Great exercise! I didn't have to go to the gym. That was the best time saver.
Slowly, as the week progressed, the studio began to take shape. By Wednesday I started painting again. It felt good (I was still in the dark but the sun was shining and I worked by the window). Did I mention there is a huge window in the space?
I am now in week 2 of the studio. The experience so far has been and continues to be incredible. I now have electricity and lights. I am painting longer and longer each day and now I'm to the point I have to tell myself to stop and go home. I have also noticed a shift in my style. It appears to be loosening up and becoming a bit more experimental.
All in all, I am very happy I decided to get a dedicated space for creating art work. This will be a great learning experience.
2150 S. Canalport Ave., 5C-3, Chicago, IL 60608 (That is in the Pilsen neighborhood just west of Halsted)
When I got to the building, the building management and maintenance crew helped me unload the first car load. 15 minutes, boom, I was in. Oops! No electricity in the space yet. They building staff was working on it and I really didn't care since I was just moving in. I didn't plan on painting at all.
I drove home, picked up lunch and another load to stuff. The afternoon unload I had to do alone, which I had planned. The elevator was out of service however, something I had not planned. So, I carried everything up 5 flights of stairs. And I continued to do that for the remainder of the week. Great exercise! I didn't have to go to the gym. That was the best time saver.
Slowly, as the week progressed, the studio began to take shape. By Wednesday I started painting again. It felt good (I was still in the dark but the sun was shining and I worked by the window). Did I mention there is a huge window in the space?
I am now in week 2 of the studio. The experience so far has been and continues to be incredible. I now have electricity and lights. I am painting longer and longer each day and now I'm to the point I have to tell myself to stop and go home. I have also noticed a shift in my style. It appears to be loosening up and becoming a bit more experimental.
All in all, I am very happy I decided to get a dedicated space for creating art work. This will be a great learning experience.
2150 S. Canalport Ave., 5C-3, Chicago, IL 60608 (That is in the Pilsen neighborhood just west of Halsted)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Inspiration
I enjoy hearing random people I speak with that they are not "creative". I don't believe it but I usually let them finish their explanation. It is sometimes coupled with praise for my work which makes it more difficult for me to challenge their view of "not being creative" without losing the praise. I like getting the praise. As I have written about before, I believe all are creative in one way or another. People get ideas and then they do something as a result of the idea.
Being creative has two major components, idea and action. Another ingredient or possibly a catalyst is inspiration. For me, I experience two types of inspiration, inspriation that leads to ideas and inspiration that leads to taking action.
When I'm dreaming, walking down the street, on the verge of waking up or falling asleep, meditating, watching tv or reading a magazine, I "receive" images or ideas for art projects (and not art projects). I describe this as receiving the ideas because the often feel like they come out of no where and are unrelated to what I am thinking or doing at the time. They feel like a gift. With the ideas I receive is typically a purse of energy. It is this energy consider to be inspiration. It is fuel for the idea.
But after I have the idea, it is not uncommon for it to sit in my head for weeks or sometimes months or years before it comes out in any form (if ever). An idea is just and idea after all.
Fortunately, I also experience an inspiration to take action. This is a little more than feeling motivated to push an idea forward. When this occurs, I'm excited, energized, motivated, encouraged to bring my idea into reality. This is a need or desire to take action and the action feels good, physically and emotionally. As long as I can focus on the inspiration, I am able to ride the wave and continue to take action. But, on occassion, I get distracted, the flow it broken and the momentum seems to slip away. I can get the inspiration back with concentrated effort. Distractions however will come back to haunt me.
I've learned that the inspiration that leads to ideas and the inspiration that leads to action don't necessarily come at the same time or are even on similar schedules. Fortunately, with patience and perservernce, both will return and the combination of the two allow me to be creative.
Being creative has two major components, idea and action. Another ingredient or possibly a catalyst is inspiration. For me, I experience two types of inspiration, inspriation that leads to ideas and inspiration that leads to taking action.
When I'm dreaming, walking down the street, on the verge of waking up or falling asleep, meditating, watching tv or reading a magazine, I "receive" images or ideas for art projects (and not art projects). I describe this as receiving the ideas because the often feel like they come out of no where and are unrelated to what I am thinking or doing at the time. They feel like a gift. With the ideas I receive is typically a purse of energy. It is this energy consider to be inspiration. It is fuel for the idea.
But after I have the idea, it is not uncommon for it to sit in my head for weeks or sometimes months or years before it comes out in any form (if ever). An idea is just and idea after all.
Fortunately, I also experience an inspiration to take action. This is a little more than feeling motivated to push an idea forward. When this occurs, I'm excited, energized, motivated, encouraged to bring my idea into reality. This is a need or desire to take action and the action feels good, physically and emotionally. As long as I can focus on the inspiration, I am able to ride the wave and continue to take action. But, on occassion, I get distracted, the flow it broken and the momentum seems to slip away. I can get the inspiration back with concentrated effort. Distractions however will come back to haunt me.
I've learned that the inspiration that leads to ideas and the inspiration that leads to action don't necessarily come at the same time or are even on similar schedules. Fortunately, with patience and perservernce, both will return and the combination of the two allow me to be creative.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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