The art of sitting still

One added bonus of this job...besides the need to assert myself more and the fact that I'm in Hawaii...the schedule is fairly light and I can arrange my own hours. As a result, I an free up time in the afternoon when, lets say the art department calls in need of a model.

Three hours of zen...

So far the university is the only place I've found in search of models. I don't know of many private studios. But given how popular the arts scene is here, they have to be out there. Although....particularly with First Fridays....I'm not sure I'm ready to have my person displayed all over the island...considering how small it really is. And how distinctive the tattoo is...

The class is a nice change of pace from what I'm used to though...an oil painting class that's part of the master's program. So older students. And students who are serious about their studies, and not just there to fulfill a requirement. And a painter's class of course means longer poses.

That reminds me...First Friday is this weekend already...I've been here for over two months...

Hmmm...Red Wine

One of the fun little weekly traditions developed by some of the newbies here at this theatre is the post work happy hour. Not at some oak paneled pub or dive bar, but at a classy wine bar...a brasserie (not brassiere you pervs...). We sit out on the patio in the twilight, drinking shiraz, noshing on bread, baked brie and olives. And the occasional creme brulee.

It started out as just three of us decompressing after a particularly rough day. Now slowly our numbers are climbing. Oddly, most of those joining us are of the administration. It seems weird to vent and unwind in front of the person ultimately responsible for signing our paychecks. But I like to think of it this way: My boss complained of a divide between the artistic staff and the administration. We three have become ambassadors trying to bridge the gap. If nothing else, it is job security. Especially when we discover we are not alone in our feelings towards one individual. Turns out the schism is ultimately his fault.

Really? It's that time again, huh?

I'm not sure if it's the six week marker or the curse of October that seems to follow me everywhere I go, but I'm seriously considering hibernating for the next two weeks, lest I pick up smoking again. Or some other unpleasantries.

A bad joke

A priest, a sailor and a politician met up at a bar to lament the same girl. The priest commented how she would come to him for guidance. He missed offering acts of contrition and setting her on the right path. The politician spoke of how she seemed amused by his half truths, white lies and bleeding heart promises. He missed the tolerant ear she offered while he was spinning yarns. The sailor sat quietly with his beer, a smile on his face. The other two pressed him, saying they knew he still saw her from time to time. He smirked and said, "what can I say...she likes seamen."

Yes, there is an inside story behind this. And no, I am not going to tell you within a public forum.

A commercial venture

I've long thought of launching a small commercial venture, whether is was cos play costumes, masks or wedding apparel. But a new thought occurred...Aloha corsets.

What better irony than the combination of the constricting, hardware laden garment of a dark subculture with the cheery fabric of a very lax and sunshiny island culture.

Hmmm...juxtaposition.

Enchiladas

Suddenly the blog seems more food than costume oriented. Funny..seven years of upper education to become thoroughly domesticated...

Though Little Susie Homemaker isn't likely to tailor a suit from scratch or make a boned corset.

Dinner was a hit on Saturday. Though most people seem awe inspired at anything made from scratch. From salsa to guac, to spanish rice to the enchilada sauce itself. Nothing boxed, canned or otherwise prepackaged (okay...with the exception of the tomato base and chicken broth)

The only alteration to the enchilada recipe was the filling...chicken instead of ground beef. And more cream based...in lue of stewed tomatoes I mixed in sour cream. I should have gone a little lighter on the chili powder in the filling (I kept it hot in the sauce). Next time maybe fire roasted green chilies instead of the cumin and red chili powder...

The rice was a bit bland, but better than plain white rice or a boxed version. And besides, everything is improved with a dollop of sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

I'll get to tweak it again in a few weeks...this time with margaritas and co-workers thrown in.

And over dinner...the all important relationship talk.

After all was said and eaten...as we left on Sunday we encountered the end of a domestic scene. A woman pummeled by her fiance in the parking lot was balling by the elevators as we headed down. The recently minted cop in my companion came out and we went back up to see if help was needed. Another couple had witnessed it...the husband headed out to the lot to keep an eye on the guy. The wife and my companion calmed the woman and kept her in the lobby until the police and her friend came. I got to babysit a squirming happy two-year old while statements were taken. There was nothing they could do for the woman. The guy went back up to his mother's apartment with a stern talking to. A brief moment of panic when the assailant stormed through the lobby I was standing alone in with the kid. Thankfully he just stormed through. My companion wasn't too far behind to make sure he hadn't taken his anger out on anyone else. The woman headed off to a friend. There's no safe house in Honolulu for her or her child. No arrest for assault despite the witnesses and her statement. If she chooses to press charges the courts will step in...it's scary. And at the same time, it was refreshing to see that many passers-by and even the assailant's mom, stop to make sure she would be taken care of. Suddenly, the episodes of Dog the Bounty Hunter we'd been watching the night before seemed all the more real.

The sad reality

Today I was suppose to meet with my apprentices to discuss the preliminarily designs for the Tempest. Shortly before the appointed time, I received a call from one of the girls...she had to withdraw from the program for personal reasons.

It tears my heart, to see someone so engrossed and passionate about something, not able to follow through because of the realities of the world around them...family problems, health, financial limitations...

This program provided an outlet. She no longer has that outlet.

The other girl...

Well, she really just needs a dose of responsibility.

The Unexpected Party

Yesterday was a pleasant surprise...a call at 7am from an aunt and uncle I haven't seen in...probably seven years. An impromptu lunch date (thank god for being able to set my own schedule after a rough tech week). And hugs goodbye. It was a brief meeting, but this far away from everyone I used to be close to...every minute is a joy.

Prior to lunch I had been hunched over a computer screen going line by line over budget spreadsheets to find out why my numbers did not match my boss's...emailing every few minutes to ask about an expenses that I know I wasn't responsible for. Only to find he had applied costs for tee shirts for the touring company (more of a tour expense than a costume expense), makeup (though I was told makeup and fx had it's own budget), and a $160+ charge on the last show. For glow paint. Paint which the scene shop had purchased for a previous show. Paint which I used less than an ounce of. Apparently for auditing purposes, he decided to list expenses where they are actually used. Something the business office requested. Funny, the business office found it ludicrous he was shifting around expenses for receipts long turned in. I politely (okay, maybe a little aggressively) suggested that as I had hardly used $160+ of paint for the show, I would prefer that expense be applied to shop overhead since, as it was purchased for a previous show, can now be more accurately described as stock. One of my co-workers laughed when I mentioned the email...saying I finally put on my bitch-kitty shoes. Apparently they're black patent leather with a 6" metal stiletto.

Part of me fears I may have overstepped my bounds. But as he insists he will not micromanage...I likewise refuse to BE micromanaged. If he wanted a ditz he could manipulate and control...he should have hired a ditz.

Experiments in Food

Now that the first hurdle of the season is over, and budgets sorted out, paperwork done and cleaning commenced...it is back to an old enjoyment.

Ahhh...food.

I've been here six, seven weeks now and I still have yet to really experiment with local cuisine. Of course much of local means spam, barbecue and sushi...three things that don't particularly lend themselves well to my kitchen. Perhaps sushi, some day.

I've a tendency to shop sales at the grocery store instead of from a list. As long as I have a predetermined ratio of carbs to protein to produce in my basket I'm happy (oddly, I always seem to be heavy on the breakfast foods).

The most recent experiment was courtesy of a Japanese curry paste I found. I opted for pork over chicken or beef (again, the "what was on sale" logic). And something sweet...apples typically go well with pork. Pineapple and coconut are common companions to curry. Since I needed a starch too...sweet potato filled the spot. And a handful of peas for color:

Browned 1.5 lbs cubed pork loin
Added 2 cups water (or broth if so inclined)
Dissolved one package Golden Curry paste
Added one baked and cubed sweet potato
Tossed in one handful of frozen peas
Simmered for about 20 minutes

Didn't turn out too bad. Now I need a non-meat version. Squash substitute maybe?

This weekend I'm field testing a chicken version of the enchilada recipe many of you have fond memories of. With more heat too. The victim is a native Texan, so I should get a thorough critique. I'll let you know how it goes.

Obake!

The first review is out. Not the most positive, but certainly dead on for this production. Of course the person who took greatest pride in their work and who refused to compromise their design for ease and flow of the show took the most offense, but the critique is a very honest one. I wondered myself why fishnets hung in a graveyard...

Kabuki is not everyone's cup a tea...in fact the tea ceremony metaphor is perfect for this production.

C'est la vie. I quite enjoyed the review.

And production stills, as promised...

A new project

One of the benefits of being a big fish in a small pond is the ability to branch into other areas of costumes. Such as period reproduction and museum curation. I have been given the joy of working to replicate a wedding dress (which some of us actually believe to be an undergarment) of a dress from 1830. Well, it may be dated 1830, but the style many would consider to be more of the 1810's. Considering the woman who made and wore it was a missionary about to embark from Delaware to Hawaii, the 15-20 style difference makes sense.

Mission House Museum found my name from contacts at the Hawaii Theatre (samples of my period costume construction have been circulating the island since I was hired for the Tempest). They wanted a copy of the original dress for use in historical vignettes, living histories and the such, so that the original may be preserved. Several of the original woman's family have also requested copies of the dress.

Maybe I should look into that doctorate in costume and textile history and museum curation while I'm out here.

Roughing it

Yesterday, sore, tired and covered in a fine layer of red dust I returned from a leadership retreat with high schoolers. The retreat was part the theatre apprenticeship program with which I have recently become involved.

These kids are incredibly focused, talented and full of lofty goals and notions. They are passionate enough about their art to have sought out this program in what seems to be a generally barren arts education scene. They are years ahead of where I was at their age. I hope their passion does not fade. I hope they do not become disillusioned as they began to face the harsher realities of the field. There was a refreshing naivety and optimism. While I know they only gain more experience and the green fades away, but I hope it does not become replaced by cynicism.

When do you tell someone in the arts that when you first break into the scene, the art you are passionate about cannot clothe you, feed you or house you? When do you tell them their time and health is worth more than what many theatres offer? How do you show them how to balance their health and time so they can continue to pursue this passion? How do you show them how to be in the right place at the right time...that happy serendipity that is a huge part of breaking in...perhaps more so than hard work or raw talent? And how do you explain when someone seemingly less qualified gets that lucky break and they didn't? How do you keep them from burning out? How do you push without pushing too far? How to you criticize without crushing? How do you prepare them to stay unique in a field that, at least commercially, is slowly homogenizing the art form?

This is a tough group of kids. I'm really eager to see how they rise to these challenges.

Because tech week and being sick isn't enough

Last night I finished knitting a cap for a Dumb Donald costume. Not for fun...it was a request from my room mate's friend...I was paid...

But it did force me to learn to knit.

And it didn't turn out too shabby...

But now I'm off to see the show with it's first audience...a bouncy bunch of 4th and 5th graders.

We have a show!

And the cold is slowly seeping away. The last three days were by no means the toughest or most stressful I've been through. Though it was the most frustrating and unhappy tech I've sat though. But we got through it. We have a decent show. Not high art. But definitely not what you'd typically expect from a children's show. Everything came together in the end...today we do two back to back runs...simulating show conditions (they have two morning performances a half hour apart most weekdays). Followed by notes. My biggest challenge today is treating the samurai with UV reactive paint. Too bad I won't be able to work on it until after they take the archive shots this morning.

Ah well.

I'm happy. Still. Frustrated this week, but still happy.

And I get to go hiking in the wilderness of Hawaii this weekend....with 25 high schoolers...

Sick as a dog

But I still went in yesterday. Any sane person would have called in sick. Granted its only a cold and it seems to be clearing up, but did I really get more done in my fuzzy headed state than if I had spent the day recovering to be more productive today? Unfortunately the answer is yes. Deadlines too tight, resources too sparse and it's not my fault, but it is my problem and to not solve said problem I risk my job. It's ugly. But we all do this in theatre? Why? It's not some life altering event. If the show doesn't go on on time, the world will not end, no one will die. Opening nights have been postponed before...

But it's not all bad. There's still a lot for two people to be doing, but everything is wearable and functional. I hate to say it, but a few things may even be able to wait until after opening night.

And a pleasant surprise...a friend passed his DOD police exam and will officially be handed his badge on Friday. To share the good news in person...I found him waiting outside the theatre until we were done to drive me home (Honolulu's not really a place to wander alone that far after 9pm). Hooray for random acts of kindness.

And Halloween coming up. And maybe a brief jaunt to the Big Island for Thanksgiving. And homeward bound for Christmas and New Years. Reprieve is in sight.

As is the end of this cold.

And this show.

I don't know what I'm doing....

But I guess I'll keep doing it. Yesterday went very well. Despite the fact that it seemed to be the most tedious and under prepared tech I've been privy too. And in part due to sound difficulties...with the wonder of technology, a mini-disc of cues was mysteriously eaten and the tools to burn a new one where unavailable at the theater...

Attitudes were quite calm...despite the potential departure of my closer colleagues at the end of the run. If she is indeed leaving, til be rough. I liked her, but something doesn't meld right between her and one of the higher ups. Unfortunately, personality and management style go a long way in determining your value, particularly if your method or personality no matter how good, doesn't meld well with the boss'.

But whatever issues she and another colleague have had...I personally have not had to experience. They do like me here. I have to make sure this week doesn't kill me...but things will get done. I'm not sure exactly what about me exudes control and confidence, but apparently I'm more trusted and prepared than any of the other newbies...and the micro-managing gloves steer clear.

Meh

Blah

Sick plus tech week equals not good. You know that cold you get in the middle of the summer that's particularly bad because the weather is warm and muggy too? Yeah...kind of like that.

Hooray for Emergen-C

The light ! The light! I can see the light!

Today is our last work day before the clothes hit the stage. Thankfully everything is already wearable. The last two days the actors have been using the clothing already. They've worked out all of the quick changes. They're generally happy. We will finish everything.

I really want a full day off.

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Enter Samurai.

At least the view is beautiful

Yesterday was a day of running around, shopping, running errands. The typical woman loves shopping. I detest it.

But at least the view from every major shopping center in Honolulu is beautiful. And thanks to the wonders of technology, I was able to share the sunset with a loved on as it happened. And now I can share it with all my other loved ones (and maybe perk up the day of the random visitor as well).

Oh, and the Super Ferry is still sitting dead in the water as per the decision by a Maui judge yesterday. And contrary to what maybe heard on the mainland, it is not about saving the whales. This is capitalism at it's finest. And the lack of representation. Private interest. Tourism. And tensions between the local culture and western government.

Really?

Columbus day? Really? Do the banks really need to be closed today? There was a reason I insisted I receive a petty cash check on Friday. That reason was so that I could cash that petty cash check before the banks closed for a three day weekend. Well not really three days as many banks are open on Saturday. Still doesn't matter since I didn't get said check until SATURDAY AFTERNOON! AFTER all branches had closed.

No shopping for the show on Sunday as planned. No shopping for the show today to make up for not shopping Sunday. And with a fitting tomorrow that I have yet to purchase things for...

UGH!!!

Things will get better. These are just growing pains. I'm new. The system will work itself out. I will make the system work itself out. I will beat the system into submission. I will not be walked over.

And I will figure out how to alternate knit stitches and purl stitches for a rib knit so I can finally finish this Halloween costume I somehow agreed to do!

ARGH!


Oh look a castle!

Welcome to Monday

I have a strong urge to play hooky until the communication glitches blow over, but alas, the work would not get done on time, and it'd be incredibly unfair to my cohort who would have to face the fall out all over again.

The next two weeks will be rough. But an opening night followed by an artistic leadership retreat on the Northshore with the high school apprentices is in sight. Followed by free time. Sweet sweet free time. A long hike across Diamond Head and maybe a getaway to the Big Island and the black sand beaches during Thanksgiving. And possibly the opportunity to cook for those of us missing the Mainland home style. The enchiladas are cheap to make in the Midwest. I wonder how much the price will jump out here?

Happy

I love the variety of a Friday night! My original plan, weeks ago, was to partake of First Friday...the art galleries, film fest, bars and Dim Sum that overtake Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu on the first Friday of every month. And then I made a friend just over a week ago now who suggested more of a pub crawl in Pearl City...his neck of the woods. Last minute change of plans, one of us felt under the weather and opted for a night in with pizza and a movie.

Given the reason for last night's change of plans..I may be canceling on tonight's event as well. I really cannot afford to get sick now. Well, that and I still have to put in a few hours work today. Pity. I was looking forward to it too when I first saw the flier. Perhaps there'll be another. Though it looks more like a dance club with overpriced drinks than anything else.

But at a friend's persistence I may be picking up a new hobby...it was suggested I join a Capoeira class. I would have liked to ease back on balance with Tai Chi, but after hearing so much about capoeira from a co-worker at APT, I may follow up on his suggestion. Besides, I need a good reason to laugh at myself and if a hard fall on the ass doesn't do it, I'm not sure what will.

New Project

I came across this photo and it sparked the idea for a few ink sketches. Perhaps with some watercolor wash. It's been a long while since I painted or drew just for the sake of it. This may not happen until after the show is up...but I'll post progress as it occurs.

Persistance of a memory

Yesterday found me not only sentimental but also reflective. Pensive. Particularly about memory. Emotional connections....

I blame a recent viewing of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I've never regretted the things I've done, but that movie made me ponder missed opportunities...and a reason to treasure memories even more. When at the moment, those memories are all I really have of some of you. Photos, yes. The occasional phone call (even when spoken in animal tongues). But mostly memories.

This particular train of thought struck as I wandered through the campus at University of Hawaii, Manoa. I look just like any other college kid, though I'm not any longer, nor do I have a desire to be. But it recalled the days back in Stevens Point. With the family. And I began not only recalling memories, but reflecting upon what memories actually are.

I could not derive any emotional connection from those images. My memories...primarily images. Flickering reels of film dotted with static, jittery, unfocused and from one perspective. Fun to watch. Black and white, without the sound track. Eliciting a general sense of happiness or sorrow depending on the memory, but no deep emotional connection. I feared I may be monstrous, devoid of emotion, cold. But I know this is not the case.

Recalling images...the memories themselves, could not conjure the feelings I felt during those times. To recall the emotion connected to the memory it takes much more...the environment. Sounds, smells, visuals. But even more than just these. The deepest sense memories, the most powerful reactions, always seemed to stem from vulnerability. The feeling of insecurity. In my most delicate moments, the strongest memories are created. And the most powerful emotional reactions recorded...love, fear, anger. When the walls come down. Then the memories and emotions flood forward.

And upon reflecting on memories, I was astounded at how much a happy moment was soured by the actions that followed it. By the imposition of anther's interpretation upon the scenario. I love allowing an event to unfold, to see what the next progression may be, without forcing it, without trying to define, analyze or interpret it as it happens. But to experience the moment itself. Recently, memories have been forged with the bitter taste of someone else's push to make the event into something other than what it was. To read too much into it, instead of enjoying it for what it was.

Of course, I'm one to talk...I always find myself in my own head. In my own thoughts...analyzing, interpreting. But I hope that I never, ever try to impose an impression upon a memory. Share the significance yes...but never an attempt to force the memory to be viewed from a completely different angle. Each memory is unique to the individual. I'm not saying one shouldn't attempt to see something from a different angle, to walk in another's shoes. I'm talking about attempts to vandalize a memory. Distort your own unique perspective. There is no reason why you can't maintain your own personal snap shot while still glancing upon what another's photo may be. But please...do not defame, vandalize the original. It is the uniqueness that makes the memories special...personal.

It is the imposition of another's lens that makes the memory devoid of what made it special to you in the first place.

Duck and cover!

Because the shit is about to hit the fan. The show I was told would be completely done before I even arrived isn't. I was told my hands were completely clean of this project...so I didn't push to be kept in the loop. I was told my cohort in the costume shop would only have to do a little shopping for one character, spray paint a helmet and maybe coordinate fittings. It shouldn't have been an issue. They hired a man to build most of the show. Today my cohort went to pick the finished costumes. Today was the costume parade. Today...the costumes were not ready.

I have a boss who...I am slowly discovering...only says he doesn't want to micromange because that is what he desparately wants to do. Unfortunately, in an effort to NOT micromanage, several co-workers feel as thought they suddenly need to become mind readers. Not pleasant.

This poor little show...it is preventing the next one from getting done. I have two weeks to completely finish the Kabuki-esque show. I fear I may be putting in longer days than I want to. Pity too...when I suddenly seemed to have developed quite the social life.

Current social dilemma...First Friday...getting pissed with co-workers and look at free art...or just getting pissed with a new friend in one of the cities bordering Honolulu...

The walk home

Several amazing historic landmarks and examples of stunning architecture line the route along Beretania Street in Honolulu. Beretania seems to be one of the major roads running windward (west-ish) across the city. It's a great half hour walk to downtown. When one has comfortable shoes.

Yup...mangoes grow on trees...too bad the season is almost over.