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The previously unknown, squirrel-size species is the world’s largest known elephant shrew and the only new species from the group to be discovered in more than a century, wildlife researchers say. Weighing about 1.5 pounds (700 grams), the gray-faced sengi (Rhynchocyon udzungwensis) is up to 50 percent heavier than the next largest species of elephant shrew, according to the study team that named the long-snouted creature. The animal was first identified in 2005 by motion-sensing cameras set up in the Udzungwa Mountains of south-central Tanzania by Francesco Rovero of the Trento Museum of Natural Sciences in Italy. National Geographic News
If you ask Renee Stout about her work she might first tell you that she is a “healer” or a “medicine woman” and in the same breath she might say she is a big-picture woman seeking music and metaphor to voice the communal energy and exchange that she witnesses on a daily basis. And in her next breath, she will probably neglect to mention that her current exhibit, Journal: Book One is a visual testimonial to her soundtrack. Since Stout is mildly tight-lipped about her solo exhibit at the Hemphill Fine Arts Gallery in Washington, DC. It leaves some to ponder, Will her work be synonymous to ‘The Book as Art’ at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in 2006? Or will Stout’s alter ego, Fatima Mayfield, show us more “Fragments of a Secret Life” from Hemphill and the Hammonds House Gallery in 2005?” Either way Stout’s new work is sure to conjure something in us that will inspire. Journal: Book One offers 26 examples of dialogue and experience through acrylic, collage, mixed media, murky glass bottles, metal objects of Spiritual Supplies (2007) interlaced with Stout’s words. Some collages evoke a Wangechi Mutu-like sentiment of present-past versus human-ethereal while noting Stout’s unique process and experience. Originally from Pittsburgh, Stout has been in Washington, DC since 1985. Although she is quick to say what she has gained from living in the area, her modesty will not allow her to talk about the many seeds that she has sown in the same community she draws from. As the first American to exhibit at the National Museum of African Art accompanied by, Astonishment & Power: The Eyes of Understanding, a catalog published by the Smithsonian (1993) http://www.si.edu/, Stout’s work establishes precedent and possesses a keen understanding of her community. Stout’s work not only evokes community, but also engages other mediums. This is the Place (1997) and Hoodoo You Love: Prose, Poetry, and Art from the Black Rooster Workshop (1998) feature Stout’s art and poetry, along with prose from members of the Black Rooster Collective. These two seminal books have influenced the next generation of visual artists and poets in the DC metro area. And with gravity of Stout’s past works and current exhibit, we are happy she shares, and hopes she continues to do so. Journal: Book One is at the Hemphill in Washington, DC through October 27.
I’ve been painting a picture of the Incredible Hulk on a t-shirt for a while now. I’m almost done, but I feel like the painting is always looking back at me saying something like, “Fix this, fix that.” I know it’s not really the painting that’s too picky and unsatisfied; It’s me. All my artwork goes through the same hyper-scrutiny. No drawing is ever good enough, and so, a lot of my work goes unfinished. Before this painting, I can’t remember the last time I drew anything, let alone produce a finished work. Even though the Hulk isn’t coming out the way I want him to, I’m determined to get him finished. We forget how easily we all produced works of art for our parents in kindergarten. We drew a house and a happy sun in the sky in 2 minutes flat, and showed the drawing off like it was being displayed in a museum. Sometimes those days seem too long ago. Over time, we learn to beat ourselves down, and count ourselves out. We learn to pick ourselves apart and let everything eat up our creativity. No more of that crappy thinking. While bringing the Hulk to life, I learned a few things. 1. Remember what you have done! A lot of confidence can be gained from remembering past work that you are proud of. If you are fortunate enough to have an old work of art, hang it up. If you have an old research paper, reread it. Maybe last month you wrote a funny email. Dig it up. If you can’t think of anything, ask your friends. Sometimes we are blind to our greatest accomplishments. You might be surprised what other people appreciate about you. 3. Relax! You aren’t performing heart surgery. Take a chill pill. Have some fun with what you are doing. You don’t have to separate focus and determination from having a little fun. 4. Take breaks! If you are getting bored with your project, take a short break and come back to it with a refreshed mindset. Your project won’t get up and walk away on its own. Pinky promise. 5. Don’t work when you are hungry! This is especially true when painting the Hulk, because he always looks hungry. Don’t starve yourself for the sake of getting something done faster. Your brain is supposed to feed you ideas, not your stomach. Ok, time for dinner. Want to see the Hulk shirt I made? Stay tuned. Image by Tedsblog
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