We went to see the 1000 Journals movie at the Phoenix Art Museum today. While I was familiar with the project and we even carried the book at the shop, I wasn't sure how it would come across in a film. Some info for those who may not know the background on this project. - In the year 2000, Brian (aka. Someguy) inspired by bathroom graffiti, created a project to get 1000 journals out in the world by placing them in cafes, restaurants, parks, bookstores, on streets, and in many other places where random people would be likely to find them. The covers were decorated and he invited people to contribute some content, then pass them on, and asked that the filled journals be returned. His message to those who found the journals said: "This is an experiment and you are part of it." It took him a couple of years to finance 1000 journals. Can you imagine going to the bookstore--"I'll take 1000 of those blank journals"...
The film shows how Brian conceived and orchestrated the project and then it looks at how many, after the full 1,000 journals went out into the world, came back? How long did it take before he began receiving any completed journals at all? This film documents a few of the journals and the people who received them. Some people kept them for a year. Some kept them longer. The majority of journals have not returned at all.
The film is well done--it's interesting & entertaining, populated with memorable characters, fascinating scenes and fabulous music. But is not all happy and upbeat (I had to dig in my purse for Kleenex). It shows a microcosm of society's personalities from normal, funny, bizarre to heartwrenching & poignant while weaving in the events happening in the world from 911 to hurricanes in Florida.
At the end of the showing, the filmmaker, Andrea Krueghage answered audience questions as well as spoke about her experience with the project. She was so committed to making the film, she sold her house to finance it. Wow.
Currently, an exhibit of the journals that have been returned are at MOMA in San Francisco until April 2009. If this film is showing in your area, do NOT miss this extraordinary work! Or, go out get the DVD--it has lots more interesting footage and info that are in addition to the film.
I'm way late but I just had to post the photos from Columbia College's Demo Magazine because they featured book arts! It's just such a visual treat!
Jessica Spring--
Ben Blount
Miriam Centeno
There will also be an artists' lecture on 9/30 at 7:00 pm.
A few months ago Lisa 
Swarm Pattern
(detail)
The image on the front of the article are plates I made with lace and a dryer sheet--mostly for background texture.
They even posted an online article with one of samples of "hammer printing" where you can make simple nature prints with out using ink and just a few bangs with a hammer. You can see this online technique at: 
While we wouldn't trade our 
Notice the suction cups under its body--helps him climb! It is a really interesting creature and it eats a lot of annoying things like termites and scorpions. 
I released it in the desert wash--back to the wild (albeit--much farther away from our house). I read that they actually avoid the sun and that seemed to be true because it traversed over lots of rocks and sticks for quite a ways before heading into a shady thicket of brush and disappearing.
The Power of the Press:Shared Visions 
The duo presented cooking demonstrations featuring local ingredients from the farmer's market. We got to see our fave from last 
It was fun hearing the scoop about how the show runs. Plus, they made a delicious food for us!
Now, this is my kind of bookstore--one with cats in residence. Nikko, the really big kitty.
Harriet the little 12 year old kitty. So nice! Check out 
The fun just never ends in this magazine! The front inside cover had a fold-y thing and the back inside cover has a thematic music CD--this month it's Good News. I got a kick out of hearing all the selections.
