the venue, originally uploaded by yodraws.

Yes, it’s official. I’m not participating in ArtPrize this year. Instead I plan to enjoy a lazy summer and anticipate another great ArtPrize event this fall. I hope to see great works of art, huge crowds and a dash of controversy.

flight, originally uploaded by yodraws.

dots, originally uploaded by yodraws.

Today Mike hung some clothesline in the backyard. Perfect because the painting dries faster out in the sun and breeze. I also like seeing this project become a reality. I have a long ways to go and the end of the tunnel is no where in sight, but seeing the dresses pinned up in a row gives me a bit of encouragement that has been lacking the last few days.

Painting one hundred dresses for ArtPrize is not as easy and quick as one might think. OK, I knew it would be a time consuming endeavor. Since the deadline is SOON, I’m looking for ways to speed up the process. Screen printing, rubber stamp, fabric dye are a few ways I can think of making the dress factory production go quicker and maintain my sanity. Here are a few sites I may explore in the next few days:

• printing on fabric or paper
• freezer paper stencil
• different printing on fabric methods
• block printing tutorial
• screen printing
• more stencil

I’ll add more later.

the book, originally uploaded by yodraws.

If you get a chance to read this book, do. Be warned, though, you may cry. I picked it up at the library a couple of years ago to read with India. It planted a seed. A seed that eventually became the main inspiration for the Dresses Like the Sky installation I’m creating for ArtPrize 2009. Others have found this book moving as well. Take a look here, here and here.

fabric paints, originally uploaded by yodraws.

good will, originally uploaded by yodraws.

I’ve been, almost daily, visiting thrift shops and garage sales, posting want ads on craigslist, emailing my friends. The response has been great. I’m overwhelmed by my generous supportive friends and family.

For the month of August, here is what I need:

• old dresses
• any condition
• any style
• girl sizes 6-14

thanks!

artprize wallpaper 1b, originally uploaded by ArtPrize.

Please choose my work for display in your space.

Thank you,Yolanda

dress like the sky, originally uploaded by yodraws.

This painting is inspiring a series of paintings on dresses for an ArtPrize installation. If I secure a venue in two weeks, that is. Today I plan to hit the usual second-hand stores for used girl dresses. I’m thinking size 8-10, so that they’ll fit India. She will be my model for a photography series that’ll document the art process. Now I must breathe.