http://www.jillchristian.com/blog.atomhttp://www.jillchristian.com/image/ab2a9f66-01a621c492-42f0c202-s-0/the-blog-of-jill-christian.jpgZhibit.orgCopyright © 20102009-07-03T01:16:13ZJill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2009-07-03T01:16:13Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/aib-mfa-blogI've started a new blog which will be a journal of my 2 year MFA experience at the AIB: http://jillchristian.blogspot.com/ Jill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2009-06-08T02:43:10Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/new-bbq-restaurant-opening-in-albuquerqueThis past week I stopped by The Cube Restaurant on Central, two blocks west of University. They'll be offering Memphis BBQ and "American" food -- all made from scratch, using fresh ingredients. Their plan is to open in the next two weeks. Bright, clean floors and walls should make it a pleasant place to dine (it's casual). Oh, and they have lots of artwork on the walls by Albuquerque artists (including a few of my pieces -- shameless plug). Jill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2009-04-30T03:15:41Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/heading-off-to-the-art-institute-of-bostonI've been accepted to the low-residency MFA program at The Art Institute of Boston /Lesley University. I head off in June for my first residency. Starting my semester readings I feel both elation and anxiety -- this is A LOT of work. Work that I can't wait to do. Still, re-entering an academic program brings up some feelings of self-doubt. I also know that I am a painterly painter and much of the work I'm seeing is conceptual work and photography. I do know that I feel exhilarated and can't wait to start! Jill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2009-04-24T02:02:21Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/eye-candy-at-the-wooden-cow-gallery-april-29-mayIn May, I am participating in a show at The Wooden Cow Gallery &Art Space. The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space was recently named Best Gallery (tied with 516 Arts ) in the Alibi's Best in Burque edition! If you haven't been to this gallery before, here's a great excuse to stop by. As a plus, right next door is Palette Contemporary Art . "Eye Candy" The Wooden Cow welcomes spring by bringing you the boldest and brightest colors of the season! This visual feast features a juried group of 16 artists plus our featured artists - Meg Butler and Wendell Unzicker. Please join us for the opening reception on May 1 or visit us throughout the month of May! Artist that are part of the juried Eye Candy showcase are: Paul Jameson, Karen Haring, Victoria Inman, Ainsley Skye Waters, Breeze Wise, Nadine Gurule, Erica Hoverter, Ty Beh, RF Buchan, Jill Christian, Gordon Vanus, Julie D’Arcy, Belita Orner, Jan Swan , Robert Tenorio, Jeffrey Schmitt and Sam Kolman. April 29 - May 30, 2009, Opening reception on May 1, from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Wooden Cow Gallery &Art Space 7400 Montgomery Blvd NE Suite 20 (east of Louisiana in Mossman Center) Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-999-1280 http://woodencowgallery.wordpress.com/ Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 5pm Jill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2008-07-03T07:35:45Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/what-is-a-monotypeUnlike other forms of printmaking, which result in multiple copies of a single image, a monotype is a unique, one-of-a-kind print. The artist paints and draws directly onto a plate, often plexiglass, and then transfers the paint or ink onto paper by running the plate and moistened paper through a press or by applying pressure by hand. Monotype is considered to be the most painterly of printmaking processes because of the direct and spontaneous way the ink or paint is applied and removed. Although it is a relatively quick process as compared to painting on canvas, the artist needs to use all their painting and drawing skills -- once the plate is run through the press, there can be no corrections. The artist also needs to be able to understand how the ink will behave and correctly judge and adjust the thickness and wetness of the ink and pressure of the press. Hand pulled monotypes have a special texture and transparency that make them unique from direct painting. Colors are especially light-filled and vivid and beautiful layering affects can be achieved. A freshness of color and gesture make the monotype particularly appealing to many artists and collectors. Pamela Michaelis, founder of The Collector's Guide ( http://www.collectorsguide.com/fa/fa042.shtml ) has written a concise explanation of monotypes and describes the difference between monotypes and monoprints, as well as their relative value as compared to mass-produced prints and paintings on canvas or paper. Jill Christianhttp://www.jillchristian.com/2008-07-02T01:44:52Zhttp://www.jillchristian.com/blog/fourth-of-july-open-house-at-the-new-mexico-teaThe New Mexico Tea Company ( www.nmteaco.com ) on 12th and Mountain in Albuquerque is hosting a Fourth of July open house at the shop all day this Friday, with free iced tea and watermelon to anyone who stops by. The New Mexico Tea Company is showing a series of my monotypes, entitled "Flight", along with work by photographer P.D. Rearick, who is also in the "Photo New Mexico" exhibit at Matrix Fine Art ( http://matrixfineart.com ), which opens on July 5th. The First Friday Artscrawl, a citywide art tour in Albuquerque, is also not to be missed this 4th of July ( http://www.artscrawlabq.org/html/current_first_friday.html ). There's a lot happening in Albuquerque this weekend, so get out there and enjoy!