The Ruzical Zoozical: March 2009

Don Bosco

I am honored to work with people every day who come from Nepal, Burundi, Vietnam, Korea, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Somolia, Iraq, Costa Rica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, China, and EVERYWHERE!! I now work at Don Bosco ESL which is a non-profit funded by the state and fed. government in congruency with Penn Valley Comm. College. The classes are for adults and are free for everyone. We have 9 levels of English classes, 1 being pre-literate (meaning that in the native language, there was no written language) and 8 being GED prep. I have learned so much about the refugee process in the USA as well as how cruel the world is to undocumented immigrants (which I already knew, but now know on a more personal level). Thankfully, they have Don Bosco for support. I love all my students and everyday is ever-changing. I have about 60 students coming and going and I constantly have new students every day. The picture with me is my Hatian student who is a professional soccer player!! Cool.

Arteezy

This was a fun day: Sofija Soleil's first water color. She loved it. The pictures tell all, and since then, we've collaborated on a mother-daughter acrylic diptych (a two-panelled work of art). Love that paint!!!

S.C.O.R.P.I.O.

"The MUTT’s shell is an ambiguous shape that allows artists to take it in any direction. The real fun of this figure comes in the form of its accessories. The roster of add-ons is ever-expanding and open to suggestions and so far includes: shutter shades - arms - rounded animal ears - pointed animal ears - pig snout - mustache - angel wings - bat wings - block teeth - round teeth - haggard teeth - devil horns reg - devil horns large - bunny ears. An artist series is also being planned." -www.toycyte.com

Here is the newest edition from "Loo Diggy's" toy collection: The Self Controlled (or Special Combat) Off-Road Political Invasion Operative: SCORPIO. I think Matt's title is still out for jury, but so far so AWESOME!!

Made from "found objects" and a PVC base toy called "Mutt" (that Matt's good friend T.J. and another friend Tyler developed) this "assemblage sculpture" is one bad mammojamma. The Mutt toy now has national and international recognition! SCORPIO is now in a show in New York City! Woo hoo! Go Matt. Amazing. More info here: http://www.myspace.com/mutttoy

I think my favorite feature on SCORPIO is that my old reading light is the tail and lamp. I never did like that reading lamp until now...I'm always on the lookout for a great reading lamp, so if you find one, I am in need of a new one. No LED! :)

Our Daily Grind

Sofie is the busiest little girl I know. However busy she is during the course of her day, we have these wonderful pockets of calm and gentel quietness where creativity and reflection prevail. I love to watch her create, explore, and reflect the world around her. What an itellegent little girl!