Simone Westerkamp / artist + art educator

My thesis project is taking over my life (and desk)! I counted today and I have 30 ovals and 10 of the other little shapes. Next comes selecting, arranging, adhering, and pinning!

I love this dude.

Maybe some tracing paper layers as well?

Have quite a few red iron oxide decaled (is that a word?) pieces out now….now I get to play with string! This is very preliminary - I envision much more density, tangles, knots….

She says hello through her map mask and amidst her lace halo.

Here are some red iron oxide decals on small test tiles before they are fired - the imagery is from old photos I have been hoarding (from my aunt Tina I believe), and also lace, hexagons, and maps as additional patterning. They should come out sepia tone ish.

After a long and much needed winter break, school started back up this week. I am feeling kind of stuck, not really sure what to do, but I know that I need to be using ovals. Don’t know why, but I do. I have been looking at maps of brain functions, seeking inspiration for the layout of an installation. Also still experimenting with the ways I can use thread and pins. I think I want to get messier, more tangled, like the image above. It is reminiscent of neurons and also speaks to the way that memory works.

My group’s Saturday Art display! I had 7 & 8th graders. Art Ed can be tough but seeing this show come together, and seeing the students be so proud of their work, makes the long weeks so worth it.