Onesies

Come and get em- adorable onesies, drawn and screenprinted by moi.

$15 each, all 5 for $50

Final Phases: After the Storm

The last few days of rain have had their toll on the sculptures at the Bird Park. The exhibit closes on November 30th when the remaining clay will be collected and formed into a fired piece that will be offered to the interviewee.

More Breakdown

James Castle Workshop

I recently taught a book arts workshop with Jessica Kahle in conjunction with the James Castle exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We are doing two more classes in early December.

Phase II: Break Down

Phase II of Carved in Clay

The second incarnation of the sculptures has begun for Ms. Ba, Ms. Bay and Ms. Thong Sy. Mr. Chankong's piece will be resculpted and recarved later this week.

Reception: Carved in Clay

The reception for Carved in Clay was a success. A nice crowd came out to view the sculptures and silkscreened books. All four seniors that were interviewed attended the reception and seemed very happy with the exhibit.

Last Chance for Phase I

Last chance to see Phase I of Carved in Clay. The sculptures will be remade over the next three days.

Read the stories

I have editioned the stories of Ms. Ba, Mr. Chankong, Ms. Bay and Ms. Thong Sy in four silkscreened books. They are available for ten dollars each or $35 for the set. To read the stories online please visit my website at theabandonedhouses.com

The Storm

The Sculptures

The Bird Park at Gallery Joe
3rd and Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Reception October 11th 3 - 6 pm

In Progress

Carving the text onto the sculpture for Ms. Bay.

Ms. Bay

This fourth sculpture tells the story of Ms. Bay, a Vietnamese senior who lives near me in South Philly. I was recently at her house and she showed me how to make Vietnamese summer rolls. A screenprinted recipe book is on its way.

Beginning of the end

I had expected some vandalism with the high exposure of The Bird Park- but not so soon! Last night, someone threw an empty bottle of Jameson Whiskey and hit the top of the sculpture with Ms. Ba's story. Below is an image of Mr. Chankong's piece, beginning to break down naturally.

Ms. Thong Sy

Ms. Thong Sy Soundara moved here from Vientiane, Laos in the late 90's. She likes Philadelphia because it has a very strong Laotian community. She recently moved to a new house with her husband because his illness has made him unable to climb stairs, but they made sure to stay close to SEAMAAC so she can still attend Jook breakfast on Tuesdays.

Carved in Clay

I have been making lots of friends and have been photographed by many a tourist as I make these sculptures onsite at The Bird Park. The stories on the sculptures are interviews from Ms. Ba of Saigon, Vietnam and Mr. Chankong from Vientienne, Laos. Coming next, Ms. Bay and Ms. Thongsy.

The Bird Park at Gallery Joe
3rd and Arch, SW corner
Philadelphia PA 19106
Open Wed to Sat 12 - 5:30

Carved in Clay

This outdoor exhibit of clay sculptures was inspired by interviews of South East Asian refugees living in Philadelphia. The exhibit opens September 15th and the reception will be October 11th. Postcard design by Doctor Pizzoli.