Come To The Amity Creek Annual Fundraiser - March 2, 2013

"black beauty blues"

It's that of year time again...

It's the time when Amity Creek Elementary has their much-anticipated annual auction. 

It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for the school and 100% of the proceeds go to enhancing their children’s amazing educational journey.

Join your fellow Central Oregonians at the Boys & Girls Club (500 NW Wall Street) at 6 pm to join in the silent auction. Amazing arts, goods and services have been donated by many of your favorite establishments and local artists (including the mobile you see above by me). 

A live auction with professional auctioneer, Scott McLean, will take place later in the evening! The live auction will present a full selection of the amazing bowls and artwork created by Amity Creek's own students. 

There are reliable rumors that the Moon Mountain Ramblers will be playing during the silent auction, so be sure to come early and bid often!

This special night is free and open to all ages.

So, if you're downtown with nothing to do, drop in and bid on some cool stuff, chow down on some good grub, and listen to some smokin' good music - all while supporting one of our most unique and supportive schools. 

 

Amity Creek Annual Auction
When: March 2, 2013 
Where: Boys & Girls Club (500 NW Wall Street) 
Time: 6pm - ?

more than meets the eye: 13 steps to making a mobile

"redblack vanilla"

Recently, I've been asked what goes into making one of my mobiles.

Since the truth - a lil' black magic, a teaspoon of cumin, and three molars from a feral boar - probably wouldn't be too believable, I figured I might as well make up something to appease those inquiring minds.

Actually, despite how simple they may appear, every mobile has no less than 13 unique and time-rich steps.

Shall we take a look at them? 

Step 1: Hand draw blade shapes on sheet metal. I trace out a design on sheets of 4' x 3' thin-gauged sheet metal. 

Step 2: Rough cut blades with 16” metal shearers. This is where I cut out around the shapes to remove them from the larger piece of metal. 

Step 3: Fine cut blades with 14” Wiss snub-nosed drop-forged shearers. This is where I actually cut them as close the final shape as possible by hand. 

Step 4: Drill dual arm holes in blades (where the arms attach). 

Step 5: Shape sand blades on belt sander (to smooth out any edge imperfections). Using a standard belt sander, I work to create the most eye-pleasing shapes as possible. Whatever the shape is that emerges from here is the final one, so it's got to be the best I can make it. 

Step 6: Hand sand blade surfaces (to create appropriate surface for paint to adhere). I use an orbital sander with 150-grit sandpaper to get the right surface and to sand out any burrs that were created during Step 5. 

Step 7: Make it!!! No two mobiles are the same. Then, I create the mobile. The blades have been made, but now it's time to actualize the design. I create each mobile using a set of six pliers - each having a different, vital role in how the mobile comes together, including three needlenose (straight small, straight large, and a 45 degree), a flat head, and a tongue-and-groove. 

Then, I also use a rasping file to grind the edges of the metal wire (for the arms), wire snips, and a Phillips screwdriver (to make my connector rings). The wire I use is between 14- and 20-gauge. Everything is done by eye, trial and error and experience. There are no templates, pre-cut wires, or guides to show me the way. 

That's why each mobile is unique. The time it takes to make the mobile ranges based on the complexity of the design. 

Step 8: Disassemble, wash and dry blades (to remove any metal dust and hand oils). Once the mobile has been created, I take it apart to wash it. I use a degreaser and water and basic no-lint paper towels to dry. 

Step 9: Tape blades (to prevent overspray of the paint). Then, I use painters tape to cover the place where the arm of the mobile meets the blade. This allows me to paint over the edges of the blades without worrying that I'll have to clean up a ton of overspray. 

Step 10: Prime blades. I apply one coat of a durable double-strength primer in either gray or white depending on the color palette of the mobile. I use a 3M full face ventilator mask and a homemade paint booth that is powered by a massive tumbler fan which draws the excess paint spray into a heavy-duty filtration pad.  

Step 11: Paint blades with Belton MolotowPremium paints (two coats) and dry in heated curing room. This paint is the BOMB. It's made in Germany and is designed for graffiti artists. This means extraordinary durability, color fastness and precision. It's a low-pressure paint that applies like butter and is just so uber-juicy and rich. The colors are phenomenal (http://artprimo.com/catalog/spray-paint-belton-molotow-premium-c-26_35.html). In my curing room, I use radiant heat to bake the paint on. In the winter, it's the warmest room in the house! 

Step 12: Detail blades (sandpaper and razor blade to remove any overspray). After the blades have cured for approximately 48 hours, I remove the tape and use a razor blade and low-grit sandpaper to remove any excess paint and to make sure the edge where the blade and the arm meet are pristine and exact. Okay, "pristine" might be a bit of a stretch. 

Step 13: Reassemble and final balance. Then comes my favorite part: putting 'em back together! I reassemble the mobile, hang it, and fine-tune to make sure it "sits" pretty and spins right.

 
Then, of course, there's packaging which is about 13 more steps and takes almost as long as the whole mobile process (not really, but it sure feels like it). 

Each step of every mobile offers me a chance to hone and perfect my craft. I feel pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to be wholly self taught (although my Dad is a raucously cool and extremely talented woodworker and my Mom is almighty fine with her weaving, pottery, painting and poetry, and I have four super-gifted and creative brothers and sisters, so I don't think I came about this on my own by any means).

For those of you who have asked, I hope this gives you a better understanding of how this seemingly simple piece of art comes into being. There is most definitely much more than meets the eye ... and that's exactly what I dig about them: deceptively simple. 

Cheers!

PS - Oh, and thanks to my best friend and brother-from-another-mother Devin for revamping the logo! Awesome!  

PPS - The Bpositiv 9 Charity Art Auction was a huge success. Together, we raised thousands for the organization's super important work. You can donate to the cause any time at: http://bpositiv.org/. As for me, in addition to my donated mobile (which has gone to a fantastic new home), I also won "Hello Lover ... I Mean Lumberjack" by Sarah McMurray (http://sassylittleartist.blogspot.com/) He's the suave chap hanging out to the left of the window in the photo below)!
 

Best Hanging Mobile Testimonial ... EVER!

Need I say more?!

(click image for a larger view of this sweet note from a seven-year-old soul)

Come To The Bpositiv Charity Art Auction - January 26, 2013

Bpositiv 9 Charity Art Auction

January 26, 2013

For nine amazing years, our very own Bpositiv Foundation for Children with Cancer has collaborated with the artists of Central Oregon for a single unifying purpose: to benefit Oregon families who are facing a terminal cancer prognosis for their child.

Now, you have an opportunity to participate in one of our community's most important nights. 

Join your fellow Central Oregonians at McMenamins from 5pm to 10pm on January 26th as we come together to help support this local charity ... and enjoy a silent auction, raffle, music, prizes and much more. 

Artists from across the region have generously donated their finest creations for the auction. I have created a one-of-a-kind mobile especially for the event. "hope warrior" celebrates Hannah's sweet and mighty spirit surrounded by great, great love. 

All net proceeds from the auction will go directly to support the life-changing programs Bpositiv sponsors. So, please get ready to bid on your favorites and let's raise a ton of money for Bpositiv.

This special night is free and open to all ages. 

Please take a moment to learn more about Bpositiv.org and its inspiring history: http://bpositiv.org/history.html 

Bpositiv 9 Charity Art Auction

When: January 26, 2013

Where: McMenamins (Old St. Francis)

Time: 5pm - 10pm

Bend Festival Noel Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Bend Festival Noel Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Hey, I invite you to join me and host of 75 other tasty artists, talented food and dirty cellos for fun, wine and wonder at the Bend Noel Holiday Pop-Up Shop. 

This year, the C3 Events-engineered shop is popping up on Saturday, December 15 (11am-8:30 pm) and Sunday, December 16 (10 am - 8pm) at the Athletic Club of Bend. Swimsuits are optional. 

There will be all kinds of gourmet Oregonian eats, overflowing cheer in a glass, super swell performers like Pink Martini and the Portland Cello Project, and - of course - local artists and shops, including my firecracker of a neighbor, Jen, and her Just a Little Charm juggernaut.

I can't promise anything, but that jolly guy who  seems to likes to wear red fur coats and black satin boots is rumored to be hanging out all weekend long. 

And, if that weren't enough to get you all hopped up on holiday fumes, I'll be offering a 10% discount on all my mobiles (from my listed Etsy prices) AND donating 10% of the proceeds from all my sales to Neighbor Impact.

So, jumpstart your reindeer, fire up your sleigh, stuff your pockets with some of that green stuff and come on down (or up, or over, or around) and make an awesome day of it - all while supporting your local community.

Happy goodness to you and yours!

Mark Leary Mobiles Featured On Herman Miller

eames molded plastic chair in my garden with beat-up mobile

 

My "studio" and I are honored to be featured on Herman Miller's Lifework blog this week.

You can read the entire interview here (http://www.hermanmiller.com/lifework/studio-tour-artist-mobilist-mark-leary/)

Many thanks to the incomparable Amy Feezor for writing the piece. In addition to being the blog editor at Herman Miller and the copy director at Real Simple magazine and a contributing writer for ecofabulous.com and the owner of a smashing blog of her own (www.m-dashing.com), Ms. Feezor is also just pretty dang cool. 

Thanks again!

red rover featured in babytalk magazine

"red rover red rover" featured in babytalk magazine"

baby talk:

1) n. A style of speech used by adults in addressing children, pets, or sweethearts, and formed in imitation of the voice and pronunciation of children learning to talk.

... AND ...

2) The magazine that just featured one of my mobiles in its May 2012 print edition!

I'm honored that one of my favorite mobiles, "red rover, red rover," is showcased in their "sweet spots" section ... right next to a big blue egg-shaped nightlight!

Published for over 75 years by Bonnier Corporation (home to such fine magazines as Saveur (yum), Popular Photography (yo snap), Parenting (oooh), and Popular Science (ahhh)), babytalk is the nation's oldest baby magazine.

Thanks so much to the folks at babytalk magazine and Hanging Mobile Gallery for your awesome and ongoing support. Very cool!

Mark Leary's Typewriter Mobile @ Atelier 6000 Upcycled Art Show - April 6-30, 2012

"1928 Underwood No. 3 Standard Typewriter ... sort of!"

As they say, one person's meat is another person's poison...

Oh wait a minute, nobody really says that, do they?

But, they do say one person's junk is another person's treasure...

Join me and a host of other upcycling artists as we fill Atelier 6000 with everyday stuffs that have been given a new lease on life in the form of artwork.

For the exhibition, I've created a free-form hanging art mobile made from the workings of a 1928 Underwood No. 3 Standard Typewriter.

I found the Underwood years ago in a back alley in Harrisonburg, VA. It was overgrown with vines and, if memory serves me, it had a can of PBR smashed into where a piece of paper should've been. I have slowly been creating "stuff" out of it ever since, including the eye of "Rough the Dog" and almost all the parts of my doorbell (see below).

I'll also be showing "levolor 42" - my latest mobile made from used Levlor blinds.

The "Upcycled Art" exhibition runs from April 6th through April 30 at Atelier 6000 Printmaking Studio & Gallery (389 SW Scalehouse Ct., #120 Bend, OR 97702) just outside the Old Mill in Bend, Oregon.

From the gallery hosts:

"This exhibition highlights artists aiming at good usable design and real beauty taking the notion of reprocessing and conservation to a new height in original prints from collagraphic plates of found objects, as well as 2D and 3D mixed media art to create Upcycled Art."

Join me and the other artists at the opening reception on April 6th (as part of the First Friday Artwalk experience).

To learn more about Atelier 6000, click here (http://www.atelier6000.org/). Founder Patricia Clark and her crew are doing some *amazing* things there!

PS - Look for my mobiles in the May print edition of BabyTalk Magazine (more on that, a fun interview with the folks at Herman Miller, and some really exciting news in upcoming posts).

how to make a mobile in 7 minutes or less (video)

Click here to watch on YouTube...

okay, okay, if you don't want to lop off a finger or poke out an eye, making a Calder-style mobile in seven minutes or less probably isn't possible ... unless you put it into VIDEO HYPERDRIVE like buddy & I did!

...proving once again that anything is possible, if not always perfect, when you start with a deep breath, keep your eyes OPEN, and give it your best.

what will you do the next time you have seven minutes to spare?

Mark’s Mobiles @ Milwaukee Art Museum

I am honored to announce that, beginning in January 2012, a selection of my mobiles will be available at the celebrated Milwaukee Art Museum (http://mam.org/) in their amazing museum store.

When you think of the Brew City, Miltown, Mildoggy, The Mil, or just plain ol’ Milwaukee, do you think of a mecca for the world’s finest art, architecture and education?

If not, you should.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is iconic. It contains 20,000 works of art. Is visited by 300,000+ people a year. Offers some of the nation’s best educational art programs for kids of all ages. And, has been collecting art for over 120 years since its start as Milwaukee’s first art gallery way back in 1888.

The 341,000-square-foot museum is also one of the world’s most progressive architectural wonders and was designed by the likes of Eero Saarinen, David Kahler, and Santiago Calatrava.

I’m so pleased that a handpicked collection of my mobile designs will now be available in this premier destination for art and culture.

The museum’s tagline is “ART LIVES HERE.”

And, now, I’m thrilled to be living (t)here, too.

If you’re in Wisconsin or just have a few minutes to explore their site online, I highly encourage you to spend a day discovering all this marvelous museum located right on the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee has to offer.

Mark Leary Mobiles Featured in World of Interiors, January 2012

I am honored to announce that one of my all-time favorite mobiles, Red Rover Red Rover, will be featured in the incomparable World of Interiors, January 2012 edition, page 110.

Published by Condé Nast – the same folks who slap together lil’ magazines like Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, and Style – World of Interiors is a UK pub described as “the most influential, inspiring and lavishly produced design and decoration magazine money can buy. The integrity of its editorial is matched by the quality of its production and by its ability to bring together the broadest spectrum of houses, art features and product shoots. It is a unique resource for affluent and intelligent individuals who are passionate about the way they live.”

If you ask me, it’s just damn sexy.

And, I am stoked that the World of Interiors’ “Inspiration Editor,” Annabel Freyberg took a liking to my mobiles and chose to shout out across the big blue to showcase Red Rover Red Rover in their first edition of 2012. This is the same mag that did a phenomenal Alexander Calder story in their recent May splash featured on Calder.org itself!

My mobile complements a pictorial editorial (say that 10 times fast) about the Paraná Delta retreat of famed Argentinean designer Roberto Bergero.

Whoa! Hands down one of the coolest pads I’ve ever seen. What’s for dinner, Roberto? I’ll bring the Malbec!

Thanks to Kathryn & Matt @ Hanging Mobile Gallery for helping making this all happen.

And, cheers to all for a magnificent 2012 filled with life, love, laughter and lots of deep breathing.

Now Spinning @ The Original - Permanently!

I'm pleased to announce that The Original Dinerant in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon is now the permanent home to eight of my larger mobiles.

Designed and created for the lollipop circus art exhibition in June, the swirling whirlers were just too perfect of a fit to go anywhere else, so The Original snatched 'em all up! Many of these spinners are one-of-a-kind and were custom made just for this show, so you'll only see them blowing here.

So, next time you're passing through the PDX and have a hankering for ridiculously scrumptious food and art that moves, do your tummy and art-heart a favor and head over 300 SW 6th Avenue.

In addition to its permanent collection, The Original always has fabulous traveling shows with some of the best local and national artists anywhere ... and they serve up a mean martini, too.

Cheers!