Studio Dormant

Of things to come

2012-01-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

A whole new series of paintings has been developing as I focus on other things. More soon...

Passion at Sea.

2012-01-27T16:13:00.001-08:00

Another snow sculpture almost done. The idea behind this one started out as a serpent or fish eating the head of a bird, but as I was carving I started thinking it was unintentionally becoming a version of Rodin's "The Kiss" with animals. A little while later, two older gentlemen came up to me and asked if they were looking at a Rodin. Ha!

Dirty Bird

2012-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Next week I'll be traveling to Ely, MN to participate in a Snow Sculpting Symposium. Here in Stevens Point, just enough snow fell for me to make a couple blocks to practice on before I go. Last night I carved the smaller, dirtier of the two. I found pine cones, ice chunks, and other debris that made it an extra challenge.

mark making

2011-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

cryptic. primitive. highlighting forms and an idea for the future.

assembling sticks

2011-12-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite pieces which I've been making over the past six months are these little assemblages of found wood and slivers leftover from carving (or splitting fire wood).

In the rough

2011-12-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

Spent the day carving some chunks of basswood.

I'm still working on it, you know?

In more exciting news, my Chimney Swift habitat was chosen for installation at the Stevens Point Sculpture Park. I start construction this spring.

birds and triangles

2011-12-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

A couple paintings from this evening.

friends

2011-11-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today, while stripping the bark from a cherry log, I discovered some fellow artists working beneath the surface.

The little grubs carved a bursting explosion of lines on the surface of the log.

Beautiful work, my friends.

Functional Sculpture / Chimney Swift Tower

2011-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I submitted a proposal to build a functional sculpture / chimney swift tower at the Stevens Point Sculpture Park. The chimney swift is a bird that is rapidly disappearing due to habitat loss. Here's a little sneak peak of what I came up with.

It's basically a large, 12 foot tall vessel constructed with wood strips with a nesting chamber hidden inside.

Accompanying Artist’s statement:

While exploring human interaction with wilderness and wildlife, my work often aims to speak the language of the natural world. I attempt this by using found materials or imitating visual cues from the landscape. With this piece, I take another step in that direction by seeking not only to speak the language, but to physically interact with the natural world by creating a functioning habitat for the chimney swift.

left out

2011-11-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

blue triangles

first snowfall

2011-11-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

wooden strips

2011-10-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

After a month of reading about different canoe building methods, my head is filled with all sorts of projects. A new world has opened itself to me, really. Currently, I'm building wood strip vessels. My first experiment, pictured above, is a vase made of reclaimed red pine.

canoe prototype

2011-08-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Building my first canoe began with a sudden urge to explore the rivers that surround me. After a brief bit of research, I became enchanted with the idea of building skin-on-frame canoes.

Pictured here is my first attempt, which I've been calling the prototype.

I was looking for a way to get paddling asap without spending too much on materials. The process was fast and intuitive. I bought cheapest wood I could find and a few screws, a sheet of vinyl, some staples, and a roll of gorilla tape later I was out on the river.

The paddle was improvised shortly before launching. I'll carve a nicer one in the near future.

I choose vinyl for two reasons, aesthetic value and that I wouldn't have to wait for paint or polyurethane to dry. Unfortunately it's not the most durable of materials which limits this canoe to open waters. I'll be exploring other skin materials in the future.

More canoes to come...

little one for the wind

2011-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

pen box

2011-08-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

I built a box to protect my pens from my dog. It's made of old barn wood, elm I've been told.

stick weaving

2011-07-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

While plundering my garden, the winds this summer have left an abundance of branches to play with.

more to come...

assemblage of the day

2011-06-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I found a box of beautiful pieces of wood discarded on the side of the road. They were collected by a former neighbor who, I am told, once made something similar.

stacking wood

2011-05-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today, a neighbor gave me some pieces of a fallen basswood tree. After stripping the bark, a nice tower came alive.

The wind was too much for this one.

My favorite.

And finally a safer version.

A few days later.

From the past winter

2011-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

A bunch of drawings from my winter sketchbook.

and one from this spring.

Circulate

from my new work space

2011-05-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Black 2
mixed media on canvas
19" x 33"

Red 2
mixed media on canvas
19" x 33"

and other fun things.

one, two, three beauties

2011-04-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

cut, burned, and stained
assemblage of wood found in my garage attic.

of objects to come

2011-04-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

found sticks

circle piece

2011-04-11T14:54:00.001-07:00

now hanging in the Spring Spherical Spectacular show at Second Space, a casual sculpture viewing area located at 908 Second Street, Stevens Point, WI.

Bursted Bubble

2011-04-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Petri dish bubble sculpture a few hours before collapsing under its own weight.

in the works

2011-04-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

something in the works on gloomy spring day.

day 2

snow Guitar

2011-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

day 3

day 1

a quick one, because it's too cold to be outside all night.

-inspired by Picasso's Blue Guitar

Slipped Away

2011-02-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

All this gold

2011-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

falling from my roof.

Dancing in the snow

2010-12-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Snow, it's too much fun.
Love.
Love.

Fox Fish Man

2010-12-16T12:56:00.001-08:00

Mixed media on board
15" x 24"

Colour these Leaves

2010-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

When the winds blow. Ink on paper

A few for the fall

2010-10-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've moved to a new town and spent a nice summer with my hands in the soil. With the growing season coming to an end I find myself back at the drawing board.

Fan Tattoo

2010-04-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest fans had my artwork included in a sleeve done by Dan Dittmer. Rad! Thanks Nick!

To Houghton and back

2010-03-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful ride to Houghton, MI, I have for you a pic of me standing in front of my work at the Finlandia University Gallery.

Drama

2010-03-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Another old drawing that I recently painted.
Ink and acrylic on wood
7"x6.5"

At the Tip of MY Finger

2010-03-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

An old drawing that I recently painted
Ink and acrylic on wood
7"x6.5"

Hoof Hoof

2010-03-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ten Boob Buck
Acrylic on board
7.5"x30"

Deer me

2010-03-08T23:00:00.000-08:00

Two
Acrylic and on board
7"x18"

Flowerchild

2010-03-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ink and acrylic on paper
4.25"x5.5"

Midnight Bird

2010-02-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

Cock Heads
Ink on Paper
4"x5.5"

Two Heads

2010-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Two Bear One Bird
Ink and acrylic on paper
5.5"x4"

Beast
Ink on paper
4.25"x5.5"

Midnight Bat

2010-02-27T00:19:00.000-08:00

Bat
Ink on paper
2"x3.5"

Domesticated Beasts

2010-02-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

Black Kitty
Ink on paper
4"x5.25"

Dodgey Dog
Ink and acrylic on paper
3.5"x5"

It's Just an Animal of a Day

2010-02-24T15:13:00.000-08:00

Furrrball
Ink and acrylic on paper
5"x4"

Icey Bear
Ink and acrylic on paper
5.5"x4"

Online Art Show

2010-02-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

I've been selected for Artbistro.com's February Art Show. Honestly, I don't know what to think about online art shows, but it's always nice to be appreciated.

Check it out here: http://artbistro.monster.com/content/art_bistro_curated_art_gallery_feb10

My portfolio will also be featured on the Artbistro.com's home page April 6th and will be up for a week.

Below are a couple pieces that I made in the summer of 2007.

Plaid Bird Caught
2007
8"x10"
Acrylic and Ink on Paper

Bird Doo
2007
8"x10"
Mixed Media

Fly Owl Fly

2010-02-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Ink on paper
5.5" x 4.5"

I spent the past week in the Keweenaw, hiking, snowboarding, and x-country skiing my way to bliss. Thursday evening, I attended the opening reception for the Finlandia University ISAD Alumni Exhibit and was quite encouraged by the response to my work. Thanks to everyone for your kind comments.

Above is a small drawing I did while sitting on my grandmother's couch.

Flowering

2010-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

A quick, abstract piece done right before falling asleep.
5"x10"x2"
Paint markers and acrylic on canvas

ISAD Alumni Art Show

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'll have a few pieces hanging at the Finlandia University International School of Art & Design: Alumni Exhibit 2010

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University International School of Art & Design (ISAD) will present its first alumni exhibit at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from February 18 to March 24, 2010.

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

http://www.finlandia.edu/index.php?id=3803

Bubbles

2010-02-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Bird Bubbles
11.5"x20"
Ink and acrylic on wood

Fishies

2010-02-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Separate Ways
16"x5"x2"
Acrylic, red pencil, and paint markers on canvas wrapped styrofoam

Rooster

2010-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

6"x9"
Ink and Paint marker on coffee-stained paper wrapped over styrofoam block

Tree Owl Bubbles

2010-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

18"x48"
Acrylic and paint markers on board

*updated 02/12/10 full image

For Birds

2010-01-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

This one ate the last weekend of the month.

I recommend clicking on the image for a larger view.

48"x24"
Ink drawing on painted board.

Ha ha! Ah ha!

2010-01-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Ishmael?
48"x24"
Ink and acrylic on board

*updated from my gorilla sketch

Bird in Glove, it's going to be all right

2010-01-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Gloves
48"x24"
Paint and ink on board.
I danced through the night. Some are finished before they really ever get started.

Gorilla Sketch

2010-01-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

Ink on board

Sketch Book

2010-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today I've got a few pages from my sketch book share.

Ghost of the Past

2010-01-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

Oh my...

Ghost of the past
48"x 24"
Paint and Ink on board

And below we have a snippet of a painting in the works.

Oh hawk

2010-01-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Oh Hawk
24"x 48"
Mixed media on board

Grey air

2009-12-16T23:33:00.001-08:00

We are...

2009-09-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are, I mean, I am back to work. Here is the start of something new. Love, love.

Taboo

2009-01-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

I spent last week with my good friend, Nick. Above is a drawing I did of his canine companion, Taboo.

Storming in!

2008-12-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

On a hill top.

2008-11-22T02:46:00.000-08:00

first Lobster

2008-10-24T13:23:00.001-07:00

clown mask

2008-10-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

This old mask always demands attention.

Dream girl

2008-09-24T01:41:00.000-07:00

swirly eye

2008-09-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Scared dancing through the seas.

Happenings

2008-08-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

at Studio Dormant today.

How it's done

2008-08-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

The process of creating my masks can be broken down into three steps.
1. A wire frame is constructed. I use 17 gauge aluminum wire.

2.The wire frame is covered. I've been using a combination of masking tape and paper-mache to cover the wire structures.

3. Multiple coats of paint are applied. I will begin painting late this week.

Serve 'em up!

2008-08-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more masks in their infancy.

Magic!

2008-08-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

A little taste of what's happening at Studio Dormant tonight.

Landed On Another Planet?

2008-08-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Due to problems with my hosting service, I've temporarily redirected all traffic from mikegodell.com to here. I hope to have my web portfolio back up within the week. Maybe I'll even update it, but don't hold your breath. For now, take a trip back through my blog.
Thanks to everyone who let me know that my site wasn't working.

Preview: Masks

2008-08-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are a few of the masks. They are still waiting to be painted, stabbed, stitched, and stapled.

Tell your Friends

2008-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, the rumors are true! I'll be offering a limited number of handmade masks this fall. Information, including; images, prices, and how to get your hands on one will be made available in the coming weeks. Come back soon!

owl from outta

2008-07-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

royal owl

2008-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

fear of falling

2008-06-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't enjoy the busy background in the drawing I posted earlier in the week, so I've transferred the image onto a photograph.

Hand of Fish

2008-06-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

dead bird falling

2008-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Snowman

2008-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Like the birds outside my window

2008-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

These birds are free.

Ink and acrylic on wood panel.

almost wrapped up

2008-06-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

They're not hoping for a purpose from above.

Family Photo

2008-06-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

I've never met a mixed-species family, yet.

A hole in my chest

2008-06-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

weather abound

2008-06-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hold on to your leaves kids.

Bird Flow

2008-06-04T22:12:00.001-07:00

This bird is over a year old. I never enjoyed it until today.

moon box

2008-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

I've been building little boxes. My intention is to add keys transforming them into thumb pianos. I haven't played with a wood burner for years. I'm enjoying the result and may leave some of them without keys.
I've also built a few tongue drums which I'm finally finishing. I'll post those soon.

boxes

2008-05-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

one dead, one alive

2008-04-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Owl's

2008-03-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

glow wing

2008-03-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

going down

2008-03-22T16:02:00.001-07:00

back to the sea

2008-02-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Catch it.

2008-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Creature

2008-01-01T01:27:00.000-08:00

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In the sea that washes my mind

2007-12-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

Owl Tree

2007-12-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

farther from here

2007-11-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

[insert image here]

in due time

in due time

truck

2007-11-15T16:57:00.000-08:00