Silence may not necessarily be golden. I was going to apologize for being so radio silent, but so much has happened to me, and my big world, that I had only so much space, and only so much ability to be discrete, tactful and adult (places I am not comfortable being)...that silence was my only way to manage. To, that, I have and to that, I feel that I am coming out of the last half year changed, evolving and yet able to come back to talk to you, my friends.
So, though apologies are not forthcoming, I am glad to be back. Really glad.
As you can see, the House of Q. is undergoing a template transition. Hated the old blog format...and really was worried about the gallery representations too...so I am trying this template on for size just to switch things out, and spur some activity. I think it looks a bit better. You?
So a bit of an update. My sweet cousin Martha, Martha Giltinan died mid December from a swift moving cancer/leukemia (Obituary WVGazette>). She had faith and continued to teach until the last moment of her life with us--and continues to teach even in her departure. She lived her last year deliberately, delightfully and in an inspired way. Truly, she went out like the rock star she was...living, expressing, loving, giving. It was a blow to all of us, and colored/heightened the dark months of the winter. I will in time, describe the amazing service for her in Pittsburgh which was, a singular moment for me, and I am sure, for many others.
Other news: My ankle. Well, it wasn't getting any better. Painful to say the least...and my life evolved around planning my movement (when I go from here to there, what do I need to do, what do I need to take so I do not have to backtrack etc) so in mid May, I had all the hardware taken out of my ankle and am now in v.2 (as the word of technology says) with no hardware, bones filling in, and surprising less significant pain, but more healing pain, swelling (OMG) and range of motion pain. However, it is better...truly-- and though I continue to live with an icepack snug around my ankle, and I watch junky t.v. with the peddling machine-- things are beginning to look up. Beginning, mind you...but better than before May. The orange cane and compression socks are still in use. However, I wait and anticipate.
Rob got his building open. It is truly outstanding. A stellar achievement--for all involved. That is a remarkable 10year investment...and the results are, well, you will have to go to see it yourself. I am one not to gush...but I am stunned by how glorious the space is. Spiritual doesn't even begin to capture the feeling.
The Museum Association of New York had their annual convention in Corning (April) which was delightful and fun. I had the opportunity to speak which is always fun and surprisingly full of great energy. And it was a great platform for Rob, Devin and Dana to express the how MANY has changed and continues to change. There is some amazing stuff on the verge of happening...more to discuss.
Kitty finished up a long year of working at Petrune (a vintage clothing store) and at the Rongo as an expiditer. Lots learned...and out the blue had an offer to join a group of people to be part of the costume shop for the Aspen Music Festival--So she is there now...and I will update.
Alex Cassetti, 2015
Rob Cassetti | The Falls | May 2015
Alex is still at SVA (School of Visual Arts). Still reveling in the work, his new friends and mentors and taking really nice shots. He is still working predominantly in black and white, but his portraits and fashion related work are amazing. More for the proud mama to share. Here is his website for more examples of what is coming out of Alex's darkroom> Pretty good for a 21 yr. older...
I am still working with the local producers. I counted on my hands in a moment of boredom...how many labels I did over the winter and I think it was in the range of 15. Additionally, I did a brand for the new Finger Lakes Cider House, a new website for Sagamore along with IT work getting them set up with a new mail/ email service etc. So, the volunteer stuff hasn't gone away though I resigned from the Farmer's Market as they had the right people to do the job...and I had lost steam around that project.
Additionally, I now have a remarkable "WOW" client that I am not at liberty to discuss (yet). Lets just put it mildly, it rocks my world and it is equal to the USPS (to my thinking) as this company is global, touches a lot of people directly, is very "for the people" and is design driven. The project was swift and yielded some nice work...so August 2016 is going to be something special for me as I will be able to discuss more broadly. Lots of steam behind this...keep your fingers crossed that the work turns out well.
I am back. I could gab on all day and burn myself out...but time is on our side. More tomorrow. I promise.