smockshop

Donna Huanca's Michael Jackson Smock in British Vouge Jan 2010 Issue

2010-01-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

Last but not least.....

2009-12-28T04:08:00.001-08:00

We are having a Smockshop meeting tomorrow. It is going to be about the end of Smockshop as we know it and the future of the group formerly known as Smockshop.

It is 4am and I find myself thinking about how Smockshop has impacted my life in various ways. I've been thinking about this on and off for weeks now, but today I started thinking about how I forced my hands to sew the early smocks, sitting on my porch, needle in, needle out, one stitch at a time. It was painstakingly slow, but despite my usual lack of patience, I found myself sitting still for hours, willing myself to complete these smocks.

I only made a few this way since a bit later I set aside my sewing machine fears and finally learned how to thread my Mom's hand me down machine that I had begged off of her months earlier.

Since then sewing seems to be second nature to me and infects almost every piece of art I make these days. Sometimes when I'm sitting at my machine and freestyle stitching painted paper pictures, or doing illustrative sewing machine drawings, I think (as sappy as it sounds) there is no way I'd be here without Smockshop.

I'm always glad to watch and be a part of new things unfolding, but I also want to make a little space to say thanks to Smockshop for making me sew much better than I was.

love,
Ashira

Ethics + Aesthetics at Pratt

2009-12-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of going to New York to see Pratt's latest exhibition at their 14th St. gallery, Ethics + Aesthetics = Sustainable Fashion. The people were perfectly lovely, the show looked beautiful, the opening was very well attended, there's nothing but good things to say so here are a couple of highlights:

Zoe Sheehan's series called "Shopdropping" is so SMART and funny and brilliant and wonderful and I loved seeing it and meeting her. If you don't know her work already you've got to google her, she's great great great and a serious renegade sewer.

Our project definitely seemed to resonate with the viewers. Several people said they were inspired and moved and relieved by the whole idea/experience of smocking. Apparently I'm not the only one overwhelmed with self-loathing brought out specifically by the daily ritual of deciding what to wear...

Finally I was inundated with love and warmth for Andrea's work. New York is a supportive town filled with eager and interested art lovers who come out to see, hear and learn about all the new ideas people are working on. It's like a giant university where admission truly is based on one criteria alone: the desire to attend.

The show is on until February. If you're in the city, don't miss the opportunity to see all the fantastic work:

Ethics + Aesthetics
Sustainable Fashion

Guest curators, Francesca Granata and Sarah Scaturro
November 20, 2009 -
February 20, 2010
Opening reception, Thursday, November 19,
6 – 8 p.m.

This exhibition will survey the work of artists and designers (many of whom are based in New York) who explore practical and symbolic solutions to the question of integrating sustainable practices into the fashion system.

Hostess Gifts for Sprüth Magers

2009-11-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

As a thank you to our lovely hosts at Sprüth Magers, Molly and I made them each a tote - a tradition established by Tony and Kenturah at Sprüth Magers, Berlin.

With limited time to make them while we were in London, we decided to get together when we returned to LA. Using bits from the heaps of material in our studios, we had fun combining prints and colors and their future owners, and thinking about the future of smockshop...

Sprüth Magers, London - Press, WORN THROUGH

2009-11-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

London Fashion Exhibitions:
Andrea Zittel and Garance Dore
By Lucy Collins
October 29, 2009

Sprueth Magers, London - Press, NEW YORK TIMES, The Moment

2009-10-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Popping Up
Andrea Zittel’s Smockshop
By Jill Singer
September 18, 2009

Sprüth Magers, London - Press, LONDON FINANCIAL TIMES

2009-10-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

An Alternative Fashion Week Experience
By Alex Coles
September 26, 2009

our last night in London : ) : (

2009-10-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ana, Niall, Bob (the Saville Row tailor who Niall introduced us to), Victoria and Molly
at an opening party for Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec collection of furniture at Established & Sons LTD Gallery

Molly, Ana, Michelle, Rob II & yummy cocktails.

Clever awning.

London eye says, "Goodnight."

luxury apartment... tres chic.

2009-10-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sprueth Magers put us up in really chi

after party!!

2009-10-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

smockshop London opening at Sprueth Magers ...

2009-10-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Trying it on

2009-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

In the gallery.

2009-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, London!

2009-10-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

London Images

2009-09-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here, for starters are some photos of London. In the next short while Michelle and I will post a little writeup on our great great great experience!

sites of inspiration

2009-09-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

i bought myself an early birthday present: a ticket to london.

i had the wonderful opportunity to travel to berlin earlier this year, courtesy of Sprüth Magers Gallery, where tony koerner and i played the role of smockshop ambassadors. when it was confirmed that the gallery would bring the project to it's london location for the final sale, i knew i had to go....so i went...and i'm glad.

i joined andrea zittel, michelle brunnick and molly keogh on a memorable trip that solidified my perpetual amazement of the diversity of our group. despite the fact that this exhibition offers the final opportunity for individuals to buy our smocks, i hope that the project will continue to live on through our followers who adopt the pattern for their own creative pursuits. long live the smocks!

i remember watching the episode of Art 21 that featured andrea zittel years ago and being amazed by her diverse, yet cohesive set of skills that make her such an important artist...i never imagined that i'd be able to engage with her and her work so directly; and i never imagined that my sewing habit would venture outside the realm of "hobby". my time in london helped me reflect on all these things. after wandering from the high-end shops of the posh Mayfair neighborhood, where the gallery is located, to the edgy Camden market, i returned to the smockshop with a fresh appreciation of all that the project has to offer...it is my #1 site of inspiration because it has everything: simplicity, complexity, sophistication, grunge, femininity, masculinity, conceptualism, avante garde, colorfulness, subtlety, minimalism, geometry, fluidity, kitsch and personality.

i'm looking forward to our next venture.

k

Explaining the smockshop_attempt 2

2009-08-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I made these videos in 2007. Watching these videos again shows me how alot about the smockshop has changed in the past 2 years. In the beginning of the project, we were paid upfront with each smock we made. It used to be a dependable way to supplement our artist incomes. But then the economy went to shit, and the smockshop had to consign smocks instead. But somehow, I think the smockshop came in at the right time for all of us, and then we grew with it as we became equally invested in our own projects and lives, its become this thing that all of us are very proud to be a part of. So here's another video of Smocker Kate Hillseth, she's a gallerist in Los Angeles.

Explaining the smockshop_attempt 1

2009-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Smockers and Smockshop fans,

We're about to have our last smock sale at the Sprueth Magers gallery in London and so I finally felt it was time that I gave my explanation of this whole thing. At the beginning of the Smockshop project, I had wanted to try and explain it all and I apologize for the lateness of this explanation attempt, but I didn't really have my shit together at the time and Andrea had said an explanation would come with a lot of responsibility so of course I freaked out, got depressed, and didn't go through with it.

But now, I am in an artist residency in Spain, and my allergies have forced me to stay inside and since everyone else here is busy with their "process" it has given me the drive/time to post up what some of the other smockers'have said about the project in hopes that we can share this responsibility of explanation. Here's a lovely video of V. Smiley giving her explanation of the smockshop project. SMOCKSHOP FOREVER!

xo
Peggy Jo

SMOCKSHOP MUNICH: Tanja Pol Galerie

2009-05-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

SMOCKSHOP: MUNICH

http://www.tanjapol.com/exhibitions/7/smockshop_presented_by_andrea_zittel.html

berliners dig into smocks..

2009-02-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Update From Chicago – Remote Recap

Hello Everyone,

I hope all is well across the country and abroad. Of course some news has already spread itself about, but I just wanted to follow up a little with our sale in Berlin at Sprüth Magers. It was (is), as Kenturah already mentioned, simply amazing. And it wouldn’t have been so, if not for all of your generous projects, work, energy, accumulations of thought, and good spirits. Everyone who came in to see the smockshop was genuinely interested, and asked many questions to boggle the mind. I of course did my best to wade through these - but the best part of all - was that in the end, all these questions really solidified how far the smockshop has come over the past two years. It is truly remarkable what the smockshop has accomplished, and only nature knows where it may go next.

My thoughts are just about everywhere on the experience, so please bear with me if they seem somewhat jumbled or out of order – they do compose a whole though – I promise. A few thoughts for now: The Cindy Sherman work in the other Sprüth Magers space below us was superb, and a pleasure to have accompany the smockshop (I think there is some connection between these two, perhaps in a strange way). Inside and outside of the gallery, food was fantastic: everyday the gallery would order in for some scrumptious cuttings, shavings, peace-mealing, of veggies, grains, meats, and treats, to be followed by a quick coffee. And of course we were always finding our way to new haunts in the evenings – on the final night in town we went to a little Turkish deli/restaurant and had falafel, hummus, and döners in Prenzlauer Berg, this will not be forgotten (I am a huge fan of filling the gullet though, so it doesn’t take much to impress me, but this I promise - was extraordinary). Oh, and the Green Tea ice cream we had at a little sushi shop called Kuchi, this was some pretty smooth stuff, pretty smooth. Ahhh, and the Kölsch beer at a little bar close the Volksbuhne theater, fresh from Cologne, this, I’m glad I didn’t miss. Which also, makes me think of crossing between what used to be Berlin West and East Berlin, although I’m by no means savvy enough to talk about the politics of this at length, the little instances that were pointed out, or the few which were more obvious than others were a great learning experience (the old Soviet architecture is awesome). And, lastly, for now, the weather: well, the weather was dark and dreary, a bit snowy, a bit rainy – but it was perfect – it fit, Berlin is just the kind of place to slosh around and enjoy life – I think if the sun were out it would have distracted from all the great things at ground level.

My hat’s off to Berlin, thanks again smockshop, thanks again Sprüth Magers!

P.s. If anyone heads out there, definitely visit Kumasch for fabrics on Kantstrasse (at Weimarerstrasse), they have some fine materials, and a really nice selection of Japanese shears. I know I mentioned it in the last post, I guess I wish I could have just taken it home with me.

berlin hearts smockshop hearts berlin

2009-02-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

well, what can i say?....last week went by like a whirlwind. i will do my best to give a synopsis of all that happened over the next few posts as i collect and organize all my memories/thoughts...at this very moment i can confidently say that the smockshop's migration overseas is turning out to be a very good thing. the questions raised in the "state of the smockshop" post a few months ago, along with the conversations since, now seem to swim in a pool of many other possibilities.

...one more thing that i'd like to say about all the "smockers" involved in this project:

YOU ALL ARE AMAZING PEOPLE/TALENTS...i knew this already, but as i was gathering all the pages for the Lookbook and installing for the Sprueth Magers show, this fact became much more tangible. i think i recently shared this thought with tony, kate and michelle, but i feel this is a great moment to reiterate that this is a special collective of artists....another grand thanks to andrea zittel for allowing us to do what we do and giving us this opportunity to shine.

tschuss,

kenturah

smockshop berlin @ Sprüth Magers

2009-02-20T02:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Berlin! - smockers and everyone else beyond!

The Berlin sale here at Spüth Magers has been a great success, by the end of opening night, we had already sold ten smocks! Today we are in the gallery sewing and stitching away at a furious pace: cutting, folding, sewing, etc. After the setup, which took place on Monday and Tuesday we were able to visit Kumasch fabric store east of mitte. They had a great selection and the sweetest circular fluorescent lights we have ever seen. Kenturah picked up some fine cotton prints (pseudo-batik), and I found a great green woolen weave to mate with a simple denim for what I’m hoping will be a sleeved smock.

This has been a great experience and I look forward to sharing more of it with everyone back in the states.

Thank you smockers, thank you Andrea, and thank you Sprüth Magers!

Tschuss, Tony

smockshop berlin!

2009-02-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

ANDREA ZITTEL:

SMOCKSHOP BERLIN

SPRÜTH MAGERS BERLIN

FEBRUARY 18 - APRIL 10 2009

www.spruethmagers.net

Monika Sprüth Philomene Magers

Oranienburger Straße 18

D-10178 Berlin

press release

movement session 9

2008-12-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Return of the Movement Session!

Movement Session #9

Sunday Dec. 28th, 4-4:52pm

Smockshop is pleased to present, under its growing umbrella, a first ever west side movement session. Carole Frances Lung will lead Pilates Ball Beach Ball, a series of post-holiday exercises at the "New Muscle Beach." Muscle Beach is an outdoor beach gym located in Venice on Ocean Front Walk, two blocks north of Venice Blvd. If you would like to come and do not have a ball, let us know in advance, we'll figure it out. Come roll around in the sand and watch the sun set!

To sum up:

Movement session #9

12.28.08

4pm - sunset

Muscle Beach Venice

Bring your Pilates ball

Did we really skip November??????

2008-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Well just to keep the blog updated -

We're going to BERLIN!!!!!

Or actually, we drew straws because only two of us can go, and Tony and Kenturah are going to Berlin. But we will all be there in spirit and smock!

Yay Smockshop!

Ok - who is going to fill in this post with all the nessesery information to keep our peeps informed?

Berlin Berlin Berlin!!! One day I will see you with my own eyes :)

Kenturah and Tony - if you see any of my bike messenger friends, please say hi... maybe I'll send a photo book with one of you for my friend's bike/coffee shop...

In other Smocker news, I ran into Chose General and fellow Smocker, Michelle at the yummy coffee shop across the street from my house in Silverlake last week. Maybe we could have a Smocker Potluck or something soon? I miss you guys.....

And lastly - I'm in this show opening Dec 6th at Crewest Gallery downtown... here's the flyer (which I'm not on by name since I got my work to them after the flyer was made) hope to see some/all of you there!!

Smockshop at High Desert Test Sites

2008-10-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hey smockshop fans,

The smockshop will have a booth at the High Desert Test Sites on Saturday, November 8th from noon to 5pm at the art swap meet 2008 hosted by Amy and Wendy Yao.

Check it out:

http://www.highdeserttestsites.com/
http://www.amysyao.info/artswapmeet.html

It will be at high desert test sites CB08,
saturday november 8, 12noon - 5 pm
@ the Oleander Hotel.

Come by and get a smock! More info. to come.

Movement Session 8

2008-10-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

These movement sessions are an ongoing series of low impact physical explorations.
They are currently being held at 1711 N. Spring St.
Enter thru the back on Baker St.
Wednesday evenings from 7 until 830.
Please do come!

movement session 8
wednesday Oct 8
This week Veronica Gelbaum (you know her) will lead us thru a series of yoga stretches. We will then work on some exercises she is borrowing from Merce Cunningham. She is a great yoga teacher and I'm going to have fun.

Please note new later time!

Come to my art exhibit Sat night!!

2008-10-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

I have lots of new work!! I've been super busy since getting back from the Hudson River. I was planning on having a slide show presentation of the photo's I shot on "Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea" but that will have to wait until I am done with installing my 1/4 of this show opening on Sat night.

I'm going to be displaying pieces in all my favorite media including painted and printed wood panels, image transfers, and glass over welded reused bicycle cogs. I'll also have a self-published edition of my first photo zine (with the help of an inherited printer). It's the cream of my crop of bicycle photo's from over the years and over the country. I'm really, really excited about it because I've been wanting to do this for a-w-h-i-l-e. And of course I'll be wearing my favorite smock to the opening ;)

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!

Sewing Rebellion

2008-09-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

The first LA Sewing Rebellion met on Saturday Sept. 20! The eager sewer's greeted Frau Fiber at the door, with bags of goods to recycle and reuse. The four hour shift was productive, a wrap shirt was modified and embellished with burnt red thread and buttons, a denim jacket was transformed from boxy to sleek, an old t-shirt was remade into a cute tank top, and the outfit was completed with coordinating mini skirt and owl purse. All in attendance also learned how to hand bind a button hole and sewing on a button.

If you are interested in hosting a Sewing Rebellion, please contact Frau Fiber, at Fraufiber@gmail.com

Stop Shopping, Start Sewing!

more on the Sewing Rebellion

2008-09-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sewing Rebellion

2008-09-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Check out the NEW SMOCKS on smockshop.org

2008-09-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

The newest smocks are up on smockshop.org!

Beautiful new smocks by Kenturah Davis:

Maude Benson:

Vera Neykob:

Tony Koerner:

Peggy Pabustan:

Michelle Brunnick + Sumi Ink Club

Kate Hillseth + Sumi Ink Club

And an awesome capelet, made by Michelle and Kate in collaboration with the Sumi Ink Club

movement sessions 6 and 7

2008-09-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

These movement sessions are an ongoing series of low impact physical explorations.
They are currently being held at the SUMMER SMOCKSHOP in chinatown.
Wednesday evenings from 6 until 730.
936 Mei Ling Way behind Hop Louie.
Please do come!

movement session 6
wednesday sept. 24
We are sneaking in one more movement session tomorrow night at the smockshop space in chinatown, so please come by from 6:30 - 8 for thorough stretching, followed by a series of exercises created by my idol, Anna Halprin.

movement session 7
wednesday oct. 1
Very pleased to announce that for #7 Flora Wiegmann, performer, teacher and bartender, will lead us in doing whatever she likes. This will happen in our new space at 1711 N. Spring St. Enter thu the back on Baker St.

SMOCKSHOP + SUMI INK CLUB

2008-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Sumi Ink Club Smockshop event was a success, we had many visitors and painted until 11! Some cute neighborhood kids joined it too.

SUMI INK CLUB celebration drawing event

2008-09-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Friday evening, Sept 19 from 6 - 10pm, for a collaborative drawing session in celebration of a new line of sumi smocks designed by Chosé General and Kate Hillseth and hand-painted by Sumi Ink Club. What a lovely evening it will be. Everyone is welcome: all ages, all humans, all styles.

Movement Session 5

2008-09-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Please join me for the final movement session in the chinatown space.

Wednesday September 17th, 6:30 til 8pm.

movement session 5
We will start with a half hour of simple stretches, and then Danielle McCullough, a professional librarian, will lead us thru a choral reading of ancient greek verse. This can be a powerful physical experience, especially if you've never done organized yelling before.

SCREENING SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6th

2008-09-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

COLD OPERATOR from Carson Mell on Vimeo.

FIELD NOTES FROM DIMENSION X PREVIEW from Carson Mell on Vimeo.

THE PARROT GANG from GRANT FALARDEAU

oh, I am sorry I will miss it.

Movement Sessions 3 and 4

2008-09-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

These movement sessions are an ongoing series of low impact physical explorations.
They are currently being held at the SUMMER SMOCKSHOP in chinatown.
Wednesday evenings from 6 until 730.
936 Mei Ling Way behind Hop Louie.
Please do come!

movement session 3
Wednesday Sept. 3rd
We will open the session with extensive stretching of the spinal column, neck and hips. Designed for drivers!
Then Conor Thompson, who was recently on a basketball team, will lead us through a number of authentic movements.

movement session 4
Wednesday Sept. 10th
Kenny Gilmore, recent Waldorf graduate and keyboardist for Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti,
will co-teach an Intro to Eurythmy with Molly Keogh, who is also a Waldorf graduate.

SCREENERS I

2008-08-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

smockshop presents screeners I
video work for screening and for sale
September 6 - 21, 2008
summer smockshop, 936 Mei Ling Way, Chinatown, Los Angeles

reception/mass screening
September 6, 7 - 11
with live video/performances by
VOS - Yes, We Can Do It�
A video and performance
created by Peggy Jo Pabustan
featuring Amanda Alfieri,
Alexia Lewis, and Peggy Jo Pabustan.
The screening will be accompanied by
VOS performing Cock & Bull - 8pm

Dioscuri
A handmade stop-motion animated short film
by David Klein with live accompaniment
by Klein and Nick Woolley - 7pm

screening and on the shelf
DYSTOPIAN UTOPIAS
artists invited by Glenn Phillips
Enid Baxter Blader, Local 909er

Sam Green, The Rainbow Man

Dale Hoyt, The Remastered Dale Hoyt ('81-'06)

Jennifer Sullivan, One Week Walden

invited by Kate Hillseth
Grant Falardeau, The Parrot Gang
Carson Mell, Cold Operator and Field Notes from Dimension X: Episode B-11 - Oasis

State of the smockshop

2008-08-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

On August 28, 2008 the smockshop held an evening review for all local smockers. Present were Tiprin, Kenturah, Carole, Molly, Kate, Michelle, Vera, Peggy and Andrea.

We reviewed two amazing smocks by Kenturah, which will be available for purchase in the next two weeks, and two more ultra lovely smocks by Vera, which are also available as soon as they have been inventoried.

After the smock review Molly and Michelle and Peggy discussed our upcoming event schedule which is impressively full now that our smockers are now all back in town and in full swing – check the website for full listings

Finally Andrea presented the State of the smockshop address which was then followed by long discussion and dinner. All agreed to continue to work out these decisions over the upcoming weeks via email.

State of the smockshop address:
I love our shop in Chinatown. It is temporary and I wish it was permanent so that we could really fix it up, but it is great having all of the amazing smocks hanging on the racks and a public place where we can do performances and screenings and of course movement sessions. And on the days when fewer people come in (like on Wednesdays which are my shift) it is a good space to chill out and focus on a single project.

But the shop is in trouble. In two months we have only sold one smock –we are not only unable to support the space, but also to support the smockers. Originally the shop was intended to be revenue generating –each member of the project sacrifices time and energy in the hopes that there will be a return that will allow them to pay their own bills and buy time to do their other creative work. We are now running a deficit which means that we can’t afford to pursue another lease in a prime location when this one closes.

About a week ago things seemed pretty bleak until on Wednesday Kate called with an idea that we could rent the space next to Young Art in Highland Park for a cost that is actually affordable. The back of the space will be a movie theatre run by their friend Grant and he is offering us for the front for the smockshop.

If this works out it will solve half of the problem. The other half that we need to examine pertains to the distribution of our “product”. It is my feeling that people just can’t afford the cost of the smocks in this slowing economy. We need to focus on creating something with a range of prices (something for everyone), which can also be sold on line. Since the smocks look different in person then they do in photos, and also because they fit each person differently it has been almost impossible to sell them via the website.

At the meeting of smockers on Thursday November 28th we spoke about the following things:

1. Archiving the current smockshop project (including banner, desks, dress forms, changing rooms, signs, and two excellent smocks from each smocker)

2. Selling out the rest of the existing smocks (maybe even selling smocks until the end of the year?) And possibly releasing the pattern to the masses.

3. Changing our name: Andrea proposes “the group formerly known as smockshop” or just “formerly known as smockshop”

4. Changing the product: something textile related, Possibly variations of products sewn from rectangles or panels of fabric – (i.e. blankets, scarves, table clothes, rugs, towels, bookmarks). Each smocker would develop their own product based on the limitation of the panel format. However I think that we should cull through other options before settling on one so all suggestions are welcome.

5 Maintaining the new space as a “workshop” (places for performances, events, classes, social gatherings etc)

Movement Session was a raging success!

2008-08-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Well Im sorry I didnt give better notice about today's event at the smockshop so that everyone could have planned to come, because you missed a great time. But don't worry! Just come next week!
Peggy and I made signs, she did a walk around Chinatown with hers to pump up interest, and then we just went for it. We did some sun salutations, then she lead a really nice meditation for us. I feel centered and great! We discussed how our bodies are doing, which is always endlessly interesting. Then we choreographed a routine to Mickey Avalon's "Jane Fonda," and finally got our heart rates way up Sweatin' to the Oldies with Richard Simmons. We really did alot in a short time, and i feel optimistic that future sessions will be even more fruitful. Also I brought all my books that seemed relevant, plus my foot acupressure board, which is very pretty.

New! Summer Smockshop Movement Sessions!

2008-08-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow, there will be movement sessions happening every Wednesday at the smockshop, from 12:30 - 2. We will do whatever we like during these sessions, from yoga to dancercise to Qi Gong. There will be also be a rotating cast of guest instructors, (announced here!) who specialize in a variety of movements. These sessions are intended as a time for us come together informally and use the space in a healthy creative way. Please bring a mat if you have it, and any music or exercise DVDs you would like to share. Wear a comfortable smock!

Smock + Terrarium work in progress

2008-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

I believe in wearing my smock every day! It totally frees me up to spend time on other things-- such as work on a new painting for my upcoming show!

Hudson River Smock Tales..

2008-08-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well - ok - no smock notice yet. The smock I made for the boat is still packed away in my duffle bag. But. But. But. I have PLANS!!

Here are a couple photos of three of the seven sister boats of Switchback Sea and some words on what is going on so far.

There are seven boats in the fleet (although there may actually be more like 10). Althea is the steam boat built by Kinetic Steam Works from the Bay Area. A crew of KSW people came out and will be with us throughout the journey. I can't wait to learn about steam!!

Maria is next to Althea in the photo below. She is operated with a GASIFIER, and is supposed to run on stuff like coffee grinds and eggshells. Right now it still is powered by gasoline but that will be fixed soon! This is also the boat that will host the majority of the performance, written by Lisa D'Amour. Alas I do not have a solo part like I was originally told, but I will be singing my heart out in the group songs!

This is Alice. She is unbearably beautiful.

My job is mainly deck hand. Today has been filled with knot learning and water safety training and other important stuff. We even had a lecture on the history of the Hudson River. And amazingly - it is - mostly - safe to swim in these days!! (except after a rain storm or near sewage treatment plans of course)

My plans for the smock include photos.

Flavorpill

2008-08-02T07:17:00.001-07:00

Another one!

Art 21 Blog smockshop coverage

2008-08-01T20:10:00.001-07:00

just found this today....

art21 blog posted about smockshop

So how did it go?

2008-07-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Peggy, Hey Alexia, How did it all go down in NY this weekend? Got any pics?

Some Shop Photo's!

2008-07-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Well, as Kenturah mentioned below, sitting the shop is lovely. I covered Vera's Friday shift last week so I spent two days in a row there. It was soooooo nice to have the large table to cut my cloth on.

I actually stayed a couple hours into Michelle's shift, and we cut a pattern for my undersmock boat pants.

I was hoping to get to the shop today to do some work, but I'm still home, and have decided to do work here instead.

Here are some photo's I shot of the shop last week.

2008-07-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

i am sitting in the shop today, on this lovely afternoon....totally excited that we have wireless internet here....i know, i probably deserve a 'late pass'.

as my shift draws to a close, i look at the smocks all around me and imagine that they are precious puppets, waiting for someone to take them home and animate them into life.

among the occasional visitors that i met, a few mt. washington-ites stopped by today who seemed very impressed with the project. one woman said that her friend really liked one of the smocks and planned to buy it when the smockshop travels to san francisco....the smockshop is going to sf??? that would be fresh!!! (don't fret at the word 'fresh'...i'm bringing it back into style, homeboys and girls.)

well, peggie has just arrived...i'm signing out.

peace,

Guest Blog by Rest In Peace

2008-07-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

I hope you were fortunate enough to witness the amazing debut of VOS (minus one band member) at the Smockshop last night. One of my personal goals were achieved: just enough people showed up so that there was leftover Bacardi that I could put in my freezer last night. All I need now is a sunny Sunday afternoon, some pineapple juice, and a well built go-go boy dancing to Mark Farina in my backyard.

There will be plenty more opportunities to witness my amazing dance technique (I promise I will be properly waxed next time) and Peggy's ingenuity. But it won't always be me cavorting around with a performance flag.

Last night was more about me as Rest In Peace being the 21st century Mammy/exoticed object, and I wanted it to connect this in a practical way to our upcoming performance in New York: we'll do anything for art (spending all our savings for an opportunity at fame), and feel no shame in asking the general public to give us money for using our female, minority bodies (kissing, hair touching). The whole Mammy part for me was the advice I gave out when people gave us money - my friends are always asking me for advice about their lives (as if I know what I'm talking about), so I figured, might as well capitalize on it.

Pictures and video will follow. No, I'm not even gonna try and act like I hit that green light post on purpose - it was a total mess up. I made it all up as I went along. A further testament to my brilliance.

Now, I need to use my body for the Smockshop so that we can all have more money - Rest In Peace, after all, is the biggest art hoe of them all.

Hoes Take Off Your Clothes - DJ Assault

I missed Peggy's show at Smockshop tonight :(

2008-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Peggy I'm sorry I had to miss it.. How did it go?? do you have pictures? Should we have posted it up here?

--------

I'll be at Smockshop tomorrow from 12-4. Last Thursday, I ended up staying at the shop until 8pm. I found myself getting so much work done. A few people came in and tried on smocks. One woman looked beautiful in Molly's long silk navy blue smock. It was perfect. But I guess it wasn't hers. Does anyone else feel like the smocks kinda find the right people to wear them?

hmmm that would make the cutest animation... not that I do animation... I'm just sayin'

As for tomorrow, I will be on my way to finishing 2 smocks, and possibly I will start making pants for the boat.

Feel free to come and say Hi!

x Ashira

Great News!

2008-07-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sold a smock- loved every minute of it- I had the marvelous reward of meeting the end user-

looking forward to seeing this same post from someone else soon!!

bloglines and user names

2008-07-19T17:03:00.001-07:00

Karen just gave us a tip so that we can know when the smockshop blog has been updated:

"If you subscribe to the blog through bloglines.com, then it will show up as bold when there has been a post."

Also I was wondering if those of you who have signed up under "user names" can also include your real names so that we know who you are when you add a post?

Thanks!!

Who's got their smock on?!

2008-07-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Who's read about the Maker's Movement?

"...when a company engages with its consumers, it gets passionate advocates of its products- true believers who will give them free publicity and increase sales with very little effort."

I think this justifies me wearing the same thing everyday for 2 years. Anyone else care to join the movement?

More at:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyld=92508461

Strong Texans make smocks

2008-07-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.arthousetexas.org/blog/?p=20

Mapping To The Smockshop

2008-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Maybe this map will help people navigate the little streets around the Smockshop. If you're visiting by car, keep in mind that the Smockshop is located centrally between the Pasadena freeway (110), the Golden State freeway (5), the Santa Ana freeway (101), and the San Bernardino freeway (10). The 10 & 101 freeways sort of merge along a straight path at one point. As far as locating oneself, the Smockshop is a bit north&east of downtown L.A., a bit south of Dodger Stadium (on the other side of the 110 freeway). Lastly, the two closest L.A. Metro stops are at Chinatown and Union Station.

Unrelated Photo!

2008-07-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just to get some images up, here's a shot taken by Sean Dungan for the book I'm making...

7/11 4-8 pm

2008-07-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Many visitors, so many that I had no time to write this. Residents and business owners welcoming us to the neighborhood. A qigong session. Sarah Anderson, of Sumi Ink Club/Lucky Dragons, stopped in to discuss a collaborative event between Sumi Ink Club, Ooga Booga and SmockShop (a great Kate idea!)- we had a few meetings earlier in the week and possibilities are bubbling, Im compiling notes to get your feedback (Ashira, we're talking screen prints! And, yes to the pants). Wendy Yao and Tessa, of OogaBooga stopped in to discuss neighborhood business - summer is generally slow - and check out the smocks - much love.

Vital signs: many visitors questioned whether we were a studio or business. I cut a few pieces of plywood for 2 sandwich board signs and handed them over to Kate for painting. The wood has a beautiful veneer to be incorporated into the graphics - AZ style. A banner/flag in the front would be nice.

I love smockshopkeeping!

Raft Smocks? (hehehe!!!)

2008-07-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

I've probably mentioned to some of you that I'll be floating down the Hudson River for three weeks (starting Aug. 15) with "Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea", a flotilla of seven alternatively powered raft/boats headed up by printmaker, street and installation artist Swoon.

Well, last night I was thinking about what I could make that would be good to wear on the boats... and duh! Smocks! Some nice airy, summery, comfy, beautiful, smocks that will get camped in and boated in and floated in and muddy from jumping in the river to dock the boats, and frayed from too much sun, and totally lived in by the time I get back!!!!!

Michelle - will you help me make some cute pants?

ps - we finally got the silkscreen press!

Smockshop buddies, anyone?

2008-07-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to hearing about how some of you other smock sitters are handling the down time at the shop. Personally I'd love to share my time slot with any interested parties since it got a little too quiet for me last Sunday. Any takers??

Available Space?

2008-07-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Just got the following info in an email from Bart Exposito:
Also, there's a space available on Chung King Rd. It's the newer Black Dragon space. I don't know if you've seen it, but it's pretty nice. $1,700.00 a month, and they may want some money down for some of the work (lights, walls, etc.) they put into it. Most likely negotiable, though. If you're interested, let me know and I'll put you in touch with them.
Has anyone seen this space? Idon't think that we could afford the entire thing, but if it is a bi-level perhaps we could rent out the downstairs as a studio to an artist? It would be great to have a new space lined up by the time that we have to move out of this one.

Friday perk!

2008-07-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

http://pipeline.refinery29.com/news/traveling_smockshow_smockshop.php#more
http://la.racked.com/archives/2008/07/11/popup_smock_smockshop_hits_chinatown.php

summer smockshop

2008-07-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

So here is our new blog - You may notice that I'm still fussing around with the format, so forgive me if the look keeps changing for the next few days. In the meantime I'm really curious to hear how things are going in the store? And we have a few press requests for photos - I left a digital camera in the desk and was wondering if anyone can take some photos when the light is good and send them to me? Also would be good to post some on the blog!

smockshop

Donna Huanca's Michael Jackson Smock in British Vouge Jan 2010 Issue

Last but not least.....

Ethics + Aesthetics at Pratt

Hostess Gifts for Sprüth Magers

Sprüth Magers, London - Press, WORN THROUGH

London Fashion Exhibitions:Andrea Zittel and Garance DoreBy Lucy CollinsOctober 29, 2009

Sprueth Magers, London - Press, NEW YORK TIMES, The Moment

Popping UpAndrea Zittel’s SmockshopBy Jill SingerSeptember 18, 2009

Sprüth Magers, London - Press, LONDON FINANCIAL TIMES

An Alternative Fashion Week ExperienceBy Alex ColesSeptember 26, 2009

our last night in London : ) : (

luxury apartment... tres chic.

after party!!

smockshop London opening at Sprueth Magers ...

Trying it on

In the gallery.

Hello, London!

London Images

sites of inspiration

Explaining the smockshop_attempt 2

Explaining the smockshop_attempt 1

SMOCKSHOP MUNICH: Tanja Pol Galerie

berliners dig into smocks..

berlin hearts smockshop hearts berlin

smockshop berlin @ Sprüth Magers

smockshop berlin!

movement session 9

Did we really skip November??????

Smockshop at High Desert Test Sites

Movement Session 8

Come to my art exhibit Sat night!!

Sewing Rebellion

more on the Sewing Rebellion

Sewing Rebellion

Check out the NEW SMOCKS on smockshop.org

movement sessions 6 and 7

SMOCKSHOP + SUMI INK CLUB

SUMI INK CLUB celebration drawing event

Movement Session 5

SCREENING SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6th

Movement Sessions 3 and 4

SCREENERS I

State of the smockshop

Movement Session was a raging success!

New! Summer Smockshop Movement Sessions!

Smock + Terrarium work in progress

Hudson River Smock Tales..

Flavorpill

Art 21 Blog smockshop coverage

So how did it go?

Some Shop Photo's!

Guest Blog by Rest In Peace

I missed Peggy's show at Smockshop tonight :(

Great News!

bloglines and user names

Who's got their smock on?!

Strong Texans make smocks

Mapping To The Smockshop

Unrelated Photo!

7/11 4-8 pm

Raft Smocks? (hehehe!!!)

Smockshop buddies, anyone?

Available Space?

Friday perk!

summer smockshop

London Fashion Exhibitions:
Andrea Zittel and Garance Dore
By Lucy Collins
October 29, 2009

Popping Up
Andrea Zittel’s Smockshop
By Jill Singer
September 18, 2009

An Alternative Fashion Week Experience
By Alex Coles
September 26, 2009