the dirt

The saying goes ‘A bad day diving is better than a good day at work’, this day worked out to be a little of both.

We prepped, we planned, we thought we had all of our ducks in a row and then just about everything we didn’t plan for happened. Every diver had something go wrong at some point from failed gear to forgotten gear to seasick bellies but as a good team always does, we adapted, switched gears and carried on to make it a very successful day diving and working! Have I mentioned that I love my job?

Here are a few images from the deck of the boat to tease you as the underwater shots get processed -I promise you they are worth the wait! In the meantime, check out Herb Segars beautiful underwater photos HERE. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
on the deck photos: Wes Dalzell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Early tomorrow morning we meet at the boat, load the gear and head out to the Atlantic. The plan is to dive a wreck called The Dykes, an artificial reef off the Jersey Shore about 70′ down (yes there is good diving off the Jersey Shore!) and it’s where new work from my Bone Series will have its next photo shoot with photographer and friend Herb Segars.

In the beginning it seemed like a simple idea, just bring the work down, place it and photograph it but after lots of discussion with my crew (my husband Nate, my parents Beth & Wes and Herb’s wife Veronica) we realized that it was going to be a little more complicated getting us and fragile art to the bottom without breaking anything or putting ourselves in an unsafe situation. So today we devised a packing system for the art that will sink, protect the art, be easy to unpack and repack underwater while wearing thick gloves while remaining safe. This system includes lots of zip-ties, plastic tubs, rope and flexible cutting boards.

Wish us luck on this Atlantic Art Adventure!

Last week was the first time since I started posting that I hadn’t posted anything to The Dirt for a whole seven days. A week slipped by so quickly in the process of finishing classes, catching up with long lost friends, preparing for travels, upcoming shows and celebrating with family. I haven’t forgotten about you, I’ve just switched gears as I spend time with family and friends while the studio is closed for a few months.

I will be in touch with upcoming projects, events and inspiration from my travels and I look forward to sharing with you!

 

A while back I wrote a post about what happens when you marry an artist. Well, here’s just one more example of how I just couldn’t do what I do without my talented husband Nate’s help. I’m shipping pieces freight for the first time to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan and its been a learning experience for the both of us. This weekend Nate built me a sturdy wooden crate that all of my pieces will (hopefully) stay safe and sound in as they make their way across the country. I believe he has the potential to start a new business here, Nate’s Crates Inc. …not sure if he agrees!