Two Artists' News Page

We're Okay.

2007-08-01T20:24:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone... I'm sure that many of you have heard (since it made the BBC only a half an hour after it happened)...

A major bridge collapsed in Minneapolis.

NEWS

Fiona and I are fine. As are most of the people we know that live in the Twin Cities.

At the moment, it's still a bit chaotic. We've been spending some time trying to get a hold of friends and family, and we're assuming that we'll hear soon, if someone is hurt.

But this is about me. Fiona is fine. My mother is fine. Our friends seem to be fine.

We're still waiting to hear from others.

Say a prayer/peaceful thoughts... To the families of the injured and missing.

-- Tucker and Fiona

Wizards, Queens and Smoke Machines

2007-06-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

My apologies for the lack of communication recently in this blogspace, it is definitely my turn to post and I should have done it ages ago. So this being a post that has to sum up events over the month of May and most of June, it will not merely be what we bloggers refer to as a 'cheese sandwich blog' it will be one of those jumbo sandwiches that they make at Subway for parties of 20 people or more.

So the last post that Tucker wrote featured my bike. I am still loving it and I ride it to and from work at The Soap (8 miles) everyday. In addition I have been enjoying the influx of bike events available in the Twin Cities during the Summer. My friend Andy and I very much enjoyed the 'Bike in' at the Bell Museum with bands and open air movie.

Anyhoo enough about my mode of transport. I am simply loving having a lot more time on my hands since quitting the pub (where I had too many hours and too much agro) and starting at the coolest new pub in the Twin Cities, Merlins Rest. The place just has this amazing energy and I haven't enjoyed working the service industry as much since Tucker and I worked at the Bell and Crown in Canterbury. Plus I only work two nights a week, so I actually have time to make my art work. Although having said that The Soap has been pretty busy recently, it goes in fits and waves when there are openings, so I haven't been able to get that much done.

So at The Soap we've just had an exhibition opening this last Saturday (GLBT or LGBT - Brit), a Pride art show and this next week we have a poster show going up, a video projection/installation and another installation with smoke machines in the boiler room. The place is just of hive of activity and I've been loving it!

What else....well Tucker and I had our much belated wedding shower (Stateside) which was lovely. We can now finish stocking up on towels and such at JC Penney as it's not very functional having only one set.

I have now finished my curatorial statement for the 24hr performance festival that I am hopefully organising next year. So I'm just waiting for confirmation and then I can do some real work on it (-;

I didn't get the arts grant, much to everyone's surprise (travel and study grant). so I'm just trying to keep submitting work to shows both here and in Europe. Although I'm certainly bloody-minded enough that if I keep getting rejected I'll just find a way of funding my own shows. It's pretty annoying like filling in job application forms. I've just gone for a show in Bristol and I'd be ecstatic if I actually got it.

I have some good news that I know some of you know about already. My work is to be featured in a book featuring 200 composers and artists influenced by musical notation. With an art show in New York next year as an added bonus here's the preliminary website: http://www.notations21.net/index.html It's amazing that due to the power of the internet they found works that I made at university in 2004.

Um en plus the Agamemnon doggy is well and seems to be mellowing somewhat with age, which is good because I was beginning to think that he was always going to be permanently hyper-active.

Art-making wise. I've actually been painting again in order to develop some film and performance ideas. I'm also going to make a very morbid sculpture out of sillicone rubber because like Goya recognised sometimes a little morbid art work can enlighten people to some of the horrors in the world. In order to make the work I have to get volunteers to put their hands in this molding solution that feels a lot like jello (or Jelly), it actually feels quite nice.

Well anyhoo I should stop blabbing and get on with my painting that I should have finished a week ago for the $99 Sale at The Soap Factory.

Love you all,

Fiona

More excitement THIS past weekend.

2007-05-01T16:53:00.000-05:00

Hi friends and family of the Two Artists.

Fiona has worked VERY hard the past two weeks to prepare for "This Mango is Now an iPod", the first show of the Soap Factory's 2007 season! (See the Soap Factory for more details) The opening reception (Private View to all our Brit friends) was this past weekend, Saturday April 28th. As Fiona's the new Manager of the Volunteer Programs, and me being a good little hubby... I'm of course a volunteer at the Soap Factory this year. Both of us worked our tails off... And the exhibition's opening was a grand success. Fiona, once again, proved her mettle, and "kayed some a's" and "took names."

Anyhoo... It was a romp, and we're glad that the hard bit is over. Fiona is, of course, keeping busy with the Soap, 'cause she has to organise all the volunteers to do 'gallery guarding' or 'invigilating' of the exhibition.

We took some time off today, however, to go "bike shopping."

Fiona LOVES her new bike... And I'll throw up a few photos of her new baby.

Fi and her new bike

The bike's brand is: Pake, as you can tell from the frame. Yes, Brits... It's pronounced the "bad way." We have a feeling that this particular brand wouldn't sell very well in Pakistani neighbourhoods in Britain.

Fi and her bike, last one...

So... There's what's up in our life. We're off to see my mother for dinner. Yay! She buys when we all three go out. You have to love parents! They're great!

Smiles all...

-- Tucker

The Art Crawl draws to a close...

2007-04-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

Greetings all:

Fiona and I are knackered. There's a few minutes left of the Saint Paul Art Crawl, and it's been really interesting.

It wasn't as busy as we were hoping, but considering this is the FIRST year the Carleton Artist Lofts have existed and participated in the Crawl, it wasn't too bad. There were only four studios open in OUR building, and many more over in the other building/wing of our complex. They did a bit better than us, but... Our building was just opened when the registration for the Art Crawl was DUE so only a few of us "early" folk were able to get in on it. I'm sure that in the Autumn, it will be a bit more busy, and fun.

Our home has been turned into a gallery, and I'm looking forward to having it BACK as a home. But it's been really fun. We had a nice time on Saturday night, with friends from work coming to see our show, and plenty of food (supplied by our patron, my mother- Thanks Mom!) and drink. After the event was over for the day, Fiona and I went down to our neighbours flat for an 'after party' sort of event.

That made getting up today a bit difficult, but we made it.

I want to apologise to our readers for being so horrible at updating our Two Artists' News. We get busy, and the website is sort of the LAST thing to get attention. We'll both try harder next time.

I'll throw up a few photos, so you TOO can see the beauty that is our work.

--- snicker ---

Welcome to our flat

Art all the way through

Fiona's October performance being screened, and selling her 'phones'

Fiona's "The Women of Mass Distraction" series Copyright© 2007, by the Two Artists, being started, and our "cards for sale" on the shelf.

Drawing, Crawling, Army-guys. By Fiona. You sort of have to see this 'work' to get it. However, it was the biggest hit in the show!

My: "Grandma's Attic" photographic installation.

And that's about it. Not that there aren't a million other photos I could post, but you get the gist, right?

Okay... I'm finishing this post now, with eight minutes left to be open.

Hope you had fun taking a look into the lives of the Two-Artists!

Smiles,
Tucker

St. Paul Art Crawl

2007-04-20T12:40:00.000-05:00

In case you've been wondering why we've not "been here" for so long:

We've been busy!

Come see us!

Carleton Artist Lofts, St. Paul! E-mail: Two Artists for more details!

-- Tucker

Fabulous News!

2007-02-24T13:13:00.000-06:00

Hello friends and family of "Two Artists"

Fiona had an interview at the Soap Factory Contemporary Art Gallery in Minneapolis today.

One half hour ago, Fiona received a phone-call from the Director, Ben Heywood.

Fiona is now the new Volunteer Coordinator for the Soap Factory.

We're sufficiently chuffed, take my word for it.

Hope all are well.

-- Tucker

Oy Vay!

2007-02-18T18:36:00.000-06:00

Greetings friends and family of the Two Artists, Fiona and Tucker MacNeill!

Fiona and Tucker, at about 3:30am on Sunday morning (Feb 18th)

Well, it's been a bit of time, and I'm sure many of you are wondering just what the heck we're up to, here in the cold and frigid land of Minne-no-snow-ta. Here's an example:

Fiona, Anne and Brett (L to R). Shooting the "Anne Selden Fashion-line" in the Dance Studio at Carleton Artist Lofts, St. Paul.

Yep, we're doing art stuff. Our friends, Brett and Anne also live at the Carleton Artist Lofts (CAL for short). Last night into this morning, we were using a really nice digital-set-up to shoot Anne's line of clothing. It was a pretty amazing ordeal, but strangely enough, all of us agreed... It was quite fun! Of course, as you can see from the first picture, I was bloody well KNACKERED. Somehow, Fiona came through with limited issues. I, however, am a pretty tired kitten today. But again, it was really fun. It reminded us "oldsters" of our undergrad days. I find that I don't recover as quickly as I did 10 years ago, but it was rather worth it, just for the pure nostalgia of it.

Anyhooo... On to stuff that many of you have been waiting for... Photos of our fully decorated, and "home-like" flat at CAL.

So... Without further ado... Photos:

Living room, on one's left, as you walk into the flat.

From the Living Room, toward the hall and Bath.

From next to the Bath, the view of the rest of the flat.

The Kitchen. With amazing hand-crafted wooden cutting board, courtesy of my uncle Bob. Thank YOU sir!

Back towards the hallway, with running Agamemnon.

The Hall, towards the Bedroom. With Mssr. Sorebum, our antique friend, thanks to Fi's Grandpa, Doug.

The Studio and Dining area. Fi's on the left, I'm on the right (under the lamp).

View back towards the Living Room, and the flat's door.

Our wonderful bedroom, with comfy bed.

Bedroom with chest of drawers. That puppy weighed more than God. Thanks again, Brett for helping with the move.

There's these photos and more, on our Photo-hosting site Fotki.

We've moved in, we're getting ourselves settled, and... Yeah. Life is good. Fiona's all sorted with a new part-time job, after leaving the evil "Mall of America." She's now a sexy waitress at O'Donovan's Irish Pub in Minneapolis. She really likes the place, and her co-workers. Frankly... She's just "more happy" than she's been for a while. I'm also happy, now that the stress is reduced a bit.

Memnon is settling in as an Urban Dog, after the first year and a half of his life spent in the 'burbs. Leashes are his natural enemy, but we're getting there.

And... Um. Well, I think that's enough typing for the moment.

We hope everyone is doing well. More news soon, I promise, as there's all sorts of things happening to the Two Artists, now that we've moved into a vibrant art-community.

Take it easy!

-- Tucker

Moved...

2007-02-07T20:36:00.000-06:00

We moved this weekend. Moved. MOOOO-VVV-EEE-DDDDDDDD, this past weekend into the The Carleton Artist Lofts. The flat is gorgeous and really quite large, and it's just... Wonderful.

I want to thank Fiona, for putting up with my, um, shortness, a few times this weekend. I also want to thank her for helping and being really supportive and organising-madly, and everything....

I want to thank my mother, for being SO delighted that we were finally moving out of her house ;-) and also thank you for helping with the packing, moving and schlepping.

I finally want to thank my friend Brett, who kicked it in, and helped me move all of our piles of detritus from Bloomington to St. Paul. THANK YOU BRETT!!!

Now, a quick tour of our THEN empty-ish flat. (It's full now.) Once we get our sofa, and the art on the walls, we'll make MORE photos, sort of showing you all just how we live. 'Kay? Cool... Till then, the sort-of-kinda empty flat:

On one's left as you enter the flat, the living room.

On one's RIGHT as you enter the flat, the hall closet (closed) and the washer and dryer (in a small closet).

A view from the "studio" towards the kitchen/hallway. The loo is in that open door at the top-left.

A view of the studio-area. Nice brick/wood remnants, no?

You can view ALL of the silly photos of our "pre-move" in which I had already started moving stuff with my station-wagon/estate car, here:
Fotki Photo-hosting, NOT FLICKR, 'cause I've been DOING this for a long time, and FLICKR is new! Phbbt! or >:-P

That's right... By clicking the above link, you'll see such amazing ridiculous photos, like the ceiling in our closet, and many more...

(Why do people get so weird about their new homes? I'm a photographer, and I actually made a picture of the ceiling in my bedroom's closet????!!!!)

Well... That's it. It's been really insane and busy, but we're there, and quite happy.

Smiles,
Tucker

Movin'

2007-02-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone...

Okay, so I'm not blogging as much as normal. Sorry.

We're moving to our new flat (Photos to come soon.)
Fi put in her two-week notice at the Mall. (We're pretty sure she has another job, but even if that doesn't pan out... NO HUMAN can survive the place she works.)

I haven't slept in like, four days.

We have too much stuff.

Gah.

Oh, and the deadly-cold temps -23°C (-10°F), wind-chills at -36°C (-32°F), whilst moving, have been really really fun.

Gah!

Why do the conversions between °F and °C get closer together as it gets colder?

Gah!

I'll write more when I've recovered.

Cheers!
--Tucker

Half of us aren't here!

2007-01-16T12:45:00.000-06:00

I know, it's been a while.

We're at a bit of a stand-still at the moment. Fiona's traveling, on holiday in England.

I'm in Minnesota.

What's the difference?

That! Man... It's FREEZING here. Literally. Och weel.

It's also, strangely enough... My Birthday! Yay! 34 years old. Here's a photo of one of the last times I was 'cute' for you:

Yep... Me, around one years old, I think. I actually WAS a cute baby. I'm not sure what happened. Fiona thinks I'm 'gorgeous' and tells me so quite often. Bless her. And, okay, I'm not a troll. But what happens to guys? I mean, seriously? We all start out so damn adorable, and then, um... Change. It's rather sad, innit?

Really wish I had "news" for you folks. Not only is Fiona away (thus not contributing to news from home) we're also still in our "waiting" period for our flat. But... Soon... very, very soon. The count-down has begun. 16 more days, till we get our keys to our new place. Strangely enough... It's also the "1st date anniversary" for Fiona and I on the 1st of February. We had our first date at The Olive Grove in Canterbury.

Okay, naff photo. But you can see the 'rove' of the Olive Grove sign on the left. Hey, I don't have a good photo, okay?

Feb. 1st, 2004... The beginning of the magic.

Well... Anyhoo... I'm off. It's my birthday, and I'm still in my P.J.'s at 1:00pm. gah!

Smiles,
T

News, news, news, news and new esses.

2007-01-06T17:19:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official, we're in. That's right, the new "Home of the Two Artists" is changing its location from the basement of a suburban mother/mother-in-law, to our own nifty artist-studio loft-type apartment (flat) in St. Paul.

The house in suburbia

When I say "official" and "in" I don't mean that Fiona and I have moved INTO the place yet... Our building is still not quite finished yet. However, the "Artist Interview" is done, the lease is signed, the dog is "okayed," and it's all set to happen on February 1st.

The move in.

Chances are, we're going to spend the 1st and 2nd of February painting and cleaning the flat. We're really looking forward to this. The nice lady that's managing the complex, Janie, is literally GUSHING over the way the flats look. Exposed wooden beams, columns and brick... The whole nine-yards. We can't wait to see it!

Och weel. We're going to HAVE to wait, but less than a month now, less than a month.

On other rather exciting news... Fiona is heading back to England for a two-week working-holiday in TWO DAYS! She's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" on Monday evening around 6:30pm Central Time, and hitting London-Gatwick airport around 9:00am GMT on the 9th of January. Her first meeting (I said 'working holiday') is at 12:00 noon on Tuesday. That's right... Jetlag or not, she's busy right off the bat. We're going to miss each other, and I'm not sure either of us will be sleeping that well at first, but... Hey, I'm happy for her. Rather jealous, of course... But happy.

I've been working on the website, believe it or not... Yep. There's a few new things up in Fiona's galleries. So, check out the Galleries page, in specific... Fiona's Sound Gallery and Fiona's Misc. Gallery. If you're wondering why I'm not getting more stuff up there... Well, frankly, it's 'cause I've been a vaguely prolific "photo-maker" for the past six months, and I'm trying to figure out a way to make a gallery that actually looks good and works for tonnes of photos. If your really dying to see some of MY work... Remember that I maintain a "Photo Blog" and put at least a few photos up a week. There will be more things to come in ALL of our galleries on the website, it's just going to take a while for me to get caught up.

Well... That's it for now, folks. I have to get busy working. And there's still laundry and packing to do for Fiona.

Ta!
-Tucker

Happy 2007 and stuff.

2007-01-02T17:21:00.000-06:00

Hello friends of Two Artists! Tucker here, with a whole lotta stuff, well, not really.

I could go on and on about our "holiday" 'cause that's sort of what you expect a few days after the holiday is finished. However, due to Fiona working at the Mall of America in Retail, well... She didn't really have that much time OFF over the holidays. It sort of limited our season's joy, and opportunities to have fun.

That being said, we were able to have SOME fun for the past couple of weeks.

Christmas was a quiet day with just Fiona, my mother and myself. We exchanged prezzies and had a very nice morning. Fiona received a tonne of clothes from both my mother and myself, as well as a new purse and (yeah, this is my fault) a soldering iron. Hey, she needed one! I got some great cologne (as I was almost out, and didn't "smell like Tucker" anymore, as well as the great DVD MirrorMask, the film In the afternoon, Fiona and I went and visited my Aunt and Uncle and the cousins. (These are the fun "Irish" cousins, so... They're an interesting and rather rowdy mix!) Then we returned home and finished most of the "Cross-Atlantic calling" that we were unable to finish that morning.

Fiona's B-day was on the 29th of December. I got her an iPod Shuffle. She's been listening to it pretty solid since then. Yes, I am good. That evening, we attended the showing of the 2006 British Advertising Awards at the Walker Art Center. Before all of you Brits make fun of us weird Americans watching your commercials ON PURPOSE and spending money to do so...

Have you ever SEEN an American commercial?

Thought not. You'd pay for GOOD advertising too, if most of the time you're watching a weird used-car salesman making his own low-budget commercial and spitting while he tries to hawk a car. (I kid you not.)

Anyhoo...

New Years was actually rather quiet. It finally SNOWED, and so the roads were a bit tricky to try to "go out" and share the road with a tonne of drunk people trying to get to a different party, or something. So... We stayed in, drank Guinness and Jameson's Irish Whiskey, and had a nice evening.

Okay, that's the whole story of our break. At least the "highlights."

Fiona's getting ready to fly back to Britain for a few weeks. She's been in contact with most people over in Britain that she's hoping to see... There's a few folks that haven't actually replied to her yet, but she's not panicking... Yet.

We have been approved (financially) for the Carleton Artist Lofts, meaning we're both "poor" enough to qualify for the low-income rental requirements, but also have enough money to actually AFFORD to rent a flat! Believe it or not, it's a narrow margin. Fiona has the "Artists' Board" interview on Friday, basically proving that she's an "artist" or something, and we're also signing the lease on Friday.

So... It's all done and dusted before Fi even leaves the country! Idn't it great?

Well... That's about it for today. We hope all of you have a wonderful New Year! Ours is looking up!

Smiles,
Tucker (and Fi) the Two Artists!

For those of you who were wondering if I can still wield a paintbrush.....

2006-12-20T00:05:00.000-06:00

.........I present the The Disenfranchised Cowboy, oil on cardboard.

Hosted on Fotki

Happy Christmas everyone,

love to you all,

Fi

The mid-December anticipation:

2006-12-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

Greetings fine friends and family of the Two Artists!

Thanks for stopping by our little "news page;" all about our lives... And other stuff.

I was reading the Star Tribune (our Twin Cities newspaper) today and came across an article about our "soon to be home" at the Carleton Artist Lofts buildings, being rehabbed on University Ave. in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Two of our friends moved into the "first" building to be finished. Fiona and I were able to pop over the first week that they had moved in, and we were just SO excited to see what the places looked like. Brett and Anne are liking their new home, and are, I'm sure, really glad that I talked them into moving into the place. Muahahhaha. Anyhoo... The flats ARE really nice. Fiona and I are even MORE excited now, about moving in. Unfortunately, it's still a bit in the future... Six more weeks! Gah! But part of the fun is the anticipation, innit? Anyhoo...

Here's the article in the newspaper that I was talking about:
Creative Spaces from the Star Tribune. There's also a "Flash-type slide show" thing of some images from the article here: Photographs from the article and what I did, and I hope the photographer doesn't try to kill me, is take one of his nice photos and "wrote" on it to show where our flat is going to be located in the "vast complex" of three warehouses...

Stolen from Mr. Richard Sennott, of the Star Tribune

Anyhoo... That's fun, no? We've started preparing for the move. My mother bought us some really wonderful All-Clad kitchen pans... and a few nice end-tables from the Bombay Company. We got This Table for perhaps a nice table for Fi's side of the bed, and we got this nested table thing for our living room. We already have two nice chairs... My antique bedroom set, and some bits and bobs like our studio work-stations and lots of bookshelves. Still on the lookout for a sofa though... Och weel... We'll find one soon.

Um... Yeah, well... I've droned on a bit, haven't I? You see... It's really strange at MY job, as all the students and faculty are on their term-break, and it's just a few of us "staff folk" that are still working at Carleton. Fiona's dealing with the horrors of a "retail job" during the American Christmas season, working horrifically long hours in a rather frightfully busy environment. She's bushed after her long shifts. That being said... She's applying for a Jerome Foundation Grant, setting up interviews and meetings for her January trip to Britain, and is, well... Acting like "Fi." All work, workaholic, Fiona. I'm just trying to keep up with her laundry and get the uniforms cleaned between her shifts. I'm also doing a bit of archiving for our Two Artist and Fiona work... Copying and writing DVDs and making stuff "look pretty" for the fine artists and curators that Fi's meeting with in Britain.

That's a long entry, so I think I'll stop there. We're looking forward to Christmas being over, and send a big hug to our OTHER friends that find Christmas to be a bit of a bother.

Smiles,
Tucker

Just a quick update...

2006-12-03T10:24:00.000-06:00

Fiona and I are back in my mum's house. Gah. But seriously... We both really appreciate the fact that we have somewhere to live whilst waiting for our flat to be finished.

Fiona is still working insane hours at the Mall of America. Poor tired-y little thing. I really feel horribly for her. The job is a tough one. It doesn't help Fi to hear that I've worked similar jobs most of my life, and that eventually... She's going to be able to have a "real career" that she loves... 'Cause like with MOST people, "eventually" isn't a word one likes to hear, when one is in the midst of misery. To our Brit friends... Be especially nice to Fi when she visits in January. She's going to need a few extra hugs.

Fiona was gifted, however, when she was able to attend a real "American Style High School Reunion" when she came with me to my 15th year reunion. Here's a few photos:

Arriving and paying our admittance fee to the event

Being "spoken to" by Yachiyo, fellow '91 grad from Holy Angels, one of the organisers of the event.

We actually had a nice time. Fiona got to experience a bit of "Americana" and we both got a "bit" happy... But as we were taking a taxi home, it was all good.

Um...

Yeah. Not much else to go on about, I suppose. Sorry. Our lives are pretty much the normal, work, work, work, sleep, artwork, work, sleep... Et al, ad nauseum.

Okay, I'm off for now. Happy December to everyone!

-- Tucker

Thanksgiving holiday fun.

2006-11-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

Due to Fiona's work in "retail" and her job's inherent insanity, Fiona hasn't been having a very good "Thanksgiving Holiday" this week.

Thanksgiving is always held on a Thursday, and the day AFTER Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday." Strangely enough it's not called that by the people who work in Retail due to it's business and back-breaking labour. Oh, no... It's called "Black Friday" because traditionally, it's the day that the retail stores finally make it "Into the Black" and "Out of the Red" and begin to make a profit.

(Writer's note: I actually "just sort of 'knew' that, I'm not sure where I first heard that definition. However, after checking with Wikipedia's entry: Here, I feel vindicated.)

Anyhoo... Fiona is not enjoying a four-day weekend, unlike much of America. No, she is working her TAIL off. However, we have been able to fit in "a little" fun in the past couple of days.

Our friends, Matt and Anna (Matt was my best-man in the wedding, for those of you Brits who may have been there), and Janice (Matt's sister, also at the wedding) were visiting Minnesota for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Fiona and I had to endure the typical American Thanksgiving Meal with the family. However, after returning to our home (well, the housesit) we were able to invite Matt, Anna and Janice over for a "post-Thanksgiving recovery party" sort of thing. It was very fun to see them, to watch Janice get slaughtered, and Anna get quite a bit happy, and for Fi and I to be, well... Ourselves (which is somewhere between 'pissed' and 'tipsy') and for Matt to shake his head in bemusement. (Matt's a teetotaler, for some sick reason that has nothing to do with religion.)

Anyhoo... On Friday, Fiona had to return to work, as it WAS Black Friday. But before she had to work, we went out with Matt and Anna for a final "fun time" before they returned to Oregon. Here's a photo:

Fiona, Anna, Matt and myself. I was holding the camera at arm's length, so... Yeah, sort of a bad composition. Sorry.

Well... Fiona's working hard at a grant proposal, preparing for a possible "talk" at our old Uni in Canterbury, and planning on her trip to Britain in January, on top of working six days a week at her "job" as a barista. Me? I'm, um... Yeah. Basically, due to Fiona being so nuts with her life, I'm playing the "house-husband" by doing the cooking, cleaning and care-taking when I'm not at MY job at Carleton. So... We're keeping busy. In another week, Fiona and I will be moving back in with my mother for a FINAL two months, before moving into our new artist-loft flat. We're chuffed, not because of moving back in with the parent (although, Mother is nice, so it's not a killer) no... But because we're going to have a "home" in two more months! A real place, not a housesit... Not a parent's house... Not student housing... A HOME of our own! As it's a "first" for our relationship and marriage... We're understandably excited.

So... I'm off for now. Fiona is looking forward to seeing folk in Britain... I'm jealous of her for being able to see folk in Britain, and... We're surviving fairly well in the other aspects of our existence.

Smiles,
Tucker

Sorry, it's been a while.

2006-11-16T20:43:00.000-06:00

We're still here. Honestly.

Greetings from the Two Artists. Fiona and myself have been VERY busy, and it's all good.

We like busy.

Well, perhaps that's a bit of a mis-statement, but I digress.

Fiona and I are doing well.

We're still "house-sitting" in St. Paul, Fiona's still working as a Barista at the Mall of America. Fiona's happy to have a job, however... Well... It's a job. Let's just leave it there.

I'm still at Carleton College, working in the video lab. And I'm really enjoying it. I've been doing a tonne of editing, and helping students with their projects, and frankly I'm in my element.

The Two Artists have been out "shopping" for various and sundry "holiday-esque" gifts. And also, shopping for warmth, for example:

No, we didn't buy it. But doesn't she look cute? Funny thing... Whilst in the store, Fiona talked about her fellow Brits making fun of Americans and their "big hats." However, she said that after living here for a year, she understands the value of a big furry WARM hat. Bless her.

Our friends, Brett and Anne are moving into the same "artist loft community" that we are, and we're really excited to have them as neighbours. All is well with that.

And.... Yeah.... I guess, that's going to have to be it for today, as I'm 10 minutes from closing up the video-lab, and heading home to St. Paul.

Hope all of our readers/viewers/friends and family are well.

Smiles,
Tucker

Hey... Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T16:20:00.000-06:00

Greetings fine friends and family of the "Two Artists."

We have a bit of fun for you today. First, in celebration of Halloween, or Samhain, or what-have-you... We thought we'd throw up a few photos in the spirit of the holiday.

Demon Tucker

Demon Fi

Okay, that being done...

BIGGER news. We've purchased Fiona's flight back to Britain for her visit. And we're going to be asking friends and family over there to "help out" by putting up with a small wee-Fi sleeping on an occasional sofa, or floor. And hopefully, you'll all be willing.

Anyhooo.... Fiona's itinerary so far:
Flies into London Gatwick at 9:00am GMT on the 8th of January. And flies OUT of London Gatwick at 12:05pm GMT on the 22nd of January.

That's right, kiddies... Two full weeks of "Fi time!" People like Lexie and Abi and Rick, and others... Could she "stay over" for a few nights here or there??? Please???

Anyhoo... I'm off. We're going to have a fun night with our friends Seamus and Kim watching "spooky movies" tonight...

Smiles,
Tucker

The Performance was a Success, yay!

2006-10-30T11:40:00.000-06:00

Well the performance went perfectly. No mess-ups on either of our parts. We both had a lot of fun and the turnout was great. I just got an email from the Soap saying that we had over 300 visitors that night. I think that we had least 80-100 watching the performance which was pretty nice.

Well I shall put up a video on this site once the exhibition has finished (the film is currently being projected into the performance installation space). Until then (after the 19th of Nov) you'll have to content yourselves with a little film still of me doing my stuff.....

I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along and everyone who continues to check out this website; your support is essential for our ongoing artistic activities. Cheers!

Well hopefully one of us shall be back with more news before Nov 19th but if not, please visit the video section of this site around that date for the video.

If you are in Minneapolis/St. Paul (or Wisconsin for that matter) and you couldn't make it to the performance please come along to the Soap Factory to check out my video. The opening time are: Thursday and Friday 2pm-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 12pm -5pm.

Cheerio,

Fi

Performance Plug: Untitled 0.1, A New Performance from Fiona MacNeill and The Two-Artists

2006-10-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Trailer for the Untitled 0.1 performance

Untitled 0.1, a Live Performance. 10/8/06 THIS SATURDAY at 7:30 pm.
A Fiona MacNeill and Two-Artists Presentation, at The Soap Factory in Minneapolis.

Part of 'The Earth From Above: The Soap Factory Volunteer Biennial 2006'. 6 pm to 10 pm.

Untitled 0.1 is a performance inadvertently rendered by an office girl. A role assumed by the artist Fiona MacNeill, and a capacity which she has recurrently fulfilled in reality.

Can a person be held accountable for simply doing their job, even if their job is quite despicable?
Perhaps the blame should be placed squarely upon the shoulders of those higher up in the chain of command. However, in this world of multi-conglomerations, corporations and globalization, couldn't we always shift the blame higher?

Shareholders, benefactors, leaders; those who have attained a kind of corporeal omnipotence, are they accountable? Or, are we all part of a vast mechanism, playing our individual roles and continuing to operate? At what point does the individual become a cog, and identity a distant memory?

Untitled 0.1 is the first live performance presented by the Two-Artists in the United States. Written & conceived by Fiona MacNeill with developmental and technical support from Tucker MacNeill. Please come along to our 'stateside' litmus test and let us know what you think.

For directions to The Soap Factory please click the following link:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=50+nd+Street+SE&city=Minneapolis&state=mn

The Soap Factory
520 2nd St SE

Minneapolis, MN 55414

Follow this link for an article about the show:
http://www.wakemag.org/content/2006/10/11/stories/1096

See you there and if you happen to be in an another country, that is a good excuse and therefore you can wait until I broadcast the video of the performance on the web.

Cheerio,

Fi

Upcoming Exhibition

2006-10-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

Fiona is performing THIS weekend at the Soap Factory Volunteer Biennial at 7:30pm.

And, as a "Tucker teaser" here's a few photos to "whet your whistle" as it were:

Fiona deciding on the next location for a "phone"

Me messing with the sound-desk (board)

Andy Sturdevant Exhibiting Artist and curator of the Exhibition

Hope you enjoy the "fun look" into our lives, here at Two Artists, we aim to please!

If you're in Minneapolis on Saturday the 28th, come and support our first exhibition in the U.S.A!

Smiles,
Tucker

Well, we did it.

2006-09-27T18:03:00.000-05:00

Fiona and I have "reserved" a flat at the Carleton Artist Lofts on University Avenue in St. Paul. And paid our deposit.

Here's the "floor-plan":

Pretty cool huh? Well, anyhoo... There's three buildings in the complex. One is ready for people to move in on Nov. 1st. The second building is ready on Feb. 1st, and the final building is ready for residents sometime in March or April.

Fiona and I have chosen the "February Building" as it's in the middle... It's about the right time for us to try moving (after saving up some moola) and has the better "interior finishing." The first building that's ready in November has these giant "cement columns" strewn throughout the flats. The building Fiona and I are moving into has TIMBER columns and framing. It's a bit more "pretty" than giant cement/concrete columns... Don't you think?

We can bring the puppy... It has an excercise room... Washer and Dryer in the flat... Roof-top deck and BBQ area... And it's just located in the best area of St. Paul. In St. Paul, but right next to Minneapolis.

There's still stuff to do... We have to "qualify" for the special "affordable housing eligibility" that goes along with an "Artist Loft" in the Twin Cities. But we're collecting our "proof of poverty" (My term, not theirs) and crossing our fingers.

So... Yeah. That's really about it for today. Hope all our friends/family/ and guests to the site enjoy their week!

-- Tucker

My nose is cold

2006-09-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

A very naff title for a post I know, but I'm feeling pretty frosticated (one of my dyslexic concoctions) at this moment in time. The trouble with the summer in Minnesota is that it's quite hot and I got acclimatised, but now the temperature has dropped drastically with the Autumn (or aptly named 'fall', leaves are becoming suicidal re: Monty Python). I'm just not acclimatising back again and there's still the occassional warm day that messes me up. Today however I'm sitting with my friend Anastasia's 'Albanian Grandmother made' wool booties on, a wool jumper with a fleece over that. My nose is cold.....

Anyway enough moaning. We are currently in St. Paul again house-sitting. Unfortunately we never got to see the Carleton Artists Lofts last week (Tucker's last entry) because we couldn't get to any of the available appointment times, we are booked in tomorrow though so we'll let you know what we think soon.
I'm still working at the Mall of America although I'd like to find something closer and a little more relevant. I'm not really relishing working for a big corporation, but lets not bite the hand that feeds right at the moment.

I'm pretty crazed at the moment, working five days a week, trying to get my work ready for the show, not to mention moving my studio to St. Paul (it took Tucker two car loads). I'll be ready in time I'm just a little stressed (I'd be worried if I wasn't).

Also in the 'Two-Artists' news.
We're taking a wee sabbatical from Motif Radio. Please go to the Motif Radio site for details. We'll be back to broadcasting in early February (our 1 year aniversary is on the 22nd of February don't miss it).

Speaking of anniveraries, Tucker and I have been married for almost a year...What is that 'paper'! Heck I should make a drawing on some 'paper' that day and then we can keep it to remember the day. Needless to say Tucker and I are as happy together now as we were nearly three years ago when we first started dating. Wow three years!

Tucker also sold a photograph in the $99 sale to raise money for the Soap Factory. I had a piece in it too, but I don't know if it sold or not yet (his sold very early on, it was an excellent image taken on the 4th of July). Mine was a computer rendered drawing made in Photoshop, I'll put a up a picture of it at some point soon.

Other than being stressed I'm really looking forward to my exhibtion at the Soap Factory it's going to be a blast. Then when I've done my performance I can a) get rather drunk and b) get the cold that I've been fighting off for two months (this is a ritual, I always get ill after a show).

I have had a little time to chill out though I went out to Karaoke with my mate Andy. Totally awesome singing 'Nothing Compares 2U' Sinead O'Connor (written by Prince) the crowd went wild; Prince is from Minneapolis, so is Dylan.

Well I'm going to stop blabbing now......

Much love to you all,

Fi

Sunday again...

2006-09-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been an exciting week for the "Two Artists" and it's bound to get even MORE interesting.

This week, I've been working at my new job at Carleton College (a place to get a Bachelor's degree, not an A-level - For our British Readers). It's a wonderful place to work. The people are amazing, and very open and welcoming. The job itself entails all sorts of amusments, that I have wanted to do for a long time. Working in an I.T. environment, messing about with video and sound (a la my wife and partner Fiona) and working with students AND faculty.

To be honest... It's almost perfect. (If it were a full-time job, it WOULD be perfect. As it is now... It's "just" great.)

Beyond that, it's just getting used to the fact that I am on the road two hours a day, whenever I work. However, after driving 100+ miles every day of the week, for my undergraduate... 85 miles a day, three days a week, really isn't that bad.

Fiona's been getting nailed at Nordstrom's E-Bar. Long shifts... Very. Very. Long. Shifts. But she's a fighter, and is younger than I, so she's handling it much better than I would.

We went back to the Renaissance Festival on Saturday. It was fun, as we dressed up, and "got into the spirit" as they say.

Here's a few photos:

Me and Fiona in our "finery."

Fiona's fancy "Princess Braid no.2" that she had done at the Fest. Beautiful, no?

One of the few times Memnon calmed down. Thanks Skippy.

As you can see from the above photo... Fiona and I were silly, and spent an extra $10.00 fee, to bring the pup to the Fest. We think he had a great time. It was a bit insane trying to keep him from killing every DOG he saw... But he received some "serious loving" from just about every human that saw him. He's a lovely dog, when it comes to interacting with humans... Members of his OWN species, however, are NOT Memnon's style.

After seven hours at the Fest... We were pooped. The pup was pooped-er, and frankly... We were freezing. It wasn't "too" bad... It made it to about 55°F (12.7°C) and Fiona had a beautiful cloak (from the wedding)... But I have to admit I was a bit cold. Anyhoo... We came home, Memnon crashed (tired for the first time in his brief life) and we had several cups of very warming PG Tips (mine with milk and sugar, Fi's only with milk). That's right Brits... We can actually GET PG Tips over here. It's not easy, and perhaps you're asking, "Why would they buy regular daily-British tea, when there's plenty of OTHER teas more easily found in America than PG Tips?"

To you... I say, "Have you ever HAD a regular daily-YANKEE tea?"

It's awful. Not a good thing... Not a good thing at all. Fiona and I are perfectly happy to make a stop at an import store, and pick up a box of Tips... Thanks.

Anyhoo... Now that I've gone on FOREVER about really not much at all... A brief "pre-view" to the week...

I work my days... Fi works HER days... And on Tuesday we meet with the property manager at Carleton Artist Lofts to discuss the possibility of us renting there in December... And on Friday, we move into the house-sit in St. Paul, which will be our home for the next three months.

Gah.

So... We're off. I'm going to try to force Fiona to write one of these entries soon... As she's been slackin'!

Adiós!

-- Tucker

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival

2006-08-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is held every year from mid-August through October. I grew up at the "Ren Fest" as it's known to it's regulars. I haven't BEEN to the Ren Fest for YEARS, due to my living in Britain from 2003-2005. I missed the place terribly.

Whilst a child, I was actually a "Festy" which means I "worked" at the Fest as a performer. Since I grew up, and well... Became LESS the cute tow-headed six-year-old with a brilliant "English-Street-Urchin-accent" I stopped being a Festy, and became a "Paytron" (spelling emphasised). That doesn't mean that I do not want to be a performer at the Ren Fest. In fact, Fiona and I are planning on "trying out" next year to be a musical duo playing Scottish Folk music. We'll see if that happens. Anyhoo...

That's the background. As I've become "employed" this week... Fiona, my mother, and myself turned Saturday into our "celebrate Tucker no longer being a drain on society day" or CTNLBADOSD (which looks a bit like "continental bad arsed" and isn't actually a real acronym.) But I digress.

We went to the Ren Fest on Saturday. That's really how I should've started this entry into the Two-Artists' News, but I got carried away.

We had an absolute BALL. It was so fun to introduce Fiona to the "American" version of the Renaissance Fair. She's been talking to me about how "England" and "Britain" in general, handle the "reenactment" scene. And frankly... I found it rather boring. I'm not cutting in on Britain, here... Trust me. However, I think "reenactments" are wonderful teaching tools, and very important to children learning about their history. However, when one wants to go "carouse" and be silly... Stringently remaining true to "History" and reenactments just doesn't work for me.

I like the fact that the Minnesota Ren Fest doesn't actually make any sense. Seriously... It doesn't. It "leans" Elizabethan, but it has King Henry VIII as it's "monarch" which of course would be more "Tudor" in it's historical placement. There's people walking around as blue-painted Picts, and Viking warriors... Musicians do "Elvis songs" and impersonations tongue-and-cheek, along with traditional folk music... All in all it's the most anachronistic mess that ever existed.

Fiona was worried. She knew that I adored the "Fest" but was not impressed with the description of the affair as I had given it to her. I found out that her step-father Gavin, had done reenactments as a blacksmith for years, and that Fiona and her family were pretty "gung-ho" about true-to-history reenactments.

Needless to say, my descriptions worried her, 'cause she KNEW that I loved the "Fest" and wanted desperately to love it too... But as a purist... Well, she was nervous.

Luckily... Fiona discovered just how silly the whole thing was... And that we Yanks don't really care that it's not "true-to-history." We just want to have a good time.

And... We did. It was a blast!

Fiona's first mead, ever...

I had a wonderful "King Henry VIII Turkey Leg" for the first time in three years.

Yum!

Anyhoo... We capped off the day by my mother buying Fiona a dress and bodice-waist coat thing-gummy... And Fiona and I are planning on attending the Ren Fest as a Scottish-couple on the "Highland Fling" weekend in September.

It was great fun.

Anyhoo... That's it for today. Smiles!

-- Tucker

Two Artists... News.

2006-08-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello "fans" of Two Artists.

We've been a bit remiss in updating our "co-operative's" news, and for that I apologise.

We gave the news of Fiona's green-card, and then seemed to have dropped off the face of the planet.
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.spell.gif
Well... There are a few reasons for this. The first reason, being our web-site and e-mail issues. We had "Two Artists.com" hosted through a local company in Minnesota that was "meant to be" a wonderful company with which to deal... However... We've been going through several months of intermittent service, and finally... And entire month of NO E-MAIL.

The way of the internet seems to be "instantaneous" until one gets into the "nuts and bolts" of Domain registration, and hosting.

After several months of "dealing nicely" with our recalcitrant hosting company... And one month of trying to be "nasty" we did not see any results to our dilemma. Therefore, we decided to "switch" hosting companies.

This takes several weeks to get through... And it's finally happened. You are now viewing a site that is hosted by another company.

We at Two Artists, sincerely regret any issues you, our readers, may have had during this transitional period. But... Now we're back, and soon to be better than ever.

I've been looking (somewhat dejectedly) for employment for nine months.

So I haven't said anything about this before today... However...

I had an interview for the position of "Associate in Information Technology Services" at Carleton College, in their Presentation, Events and Production Support center.

I thought the interview went well... And now... Today, 24th of August, I have been offered the position, and I have accepted the job.

I start on Friday the 1st of September.

Thank you to everyone that has been supportive of me and Fiona during this difficult period.

Things are finally beginning to look up, as it were.

Have a great week.

-- Two Artists (Tucker)

We've been remiss... Advice for US Immigration.

2006-07-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings all of you visitors to Two Artists! Thanks for coming by.

The reason for this post, is to share a bit of news with people who seem to care about our silly little collaborative artist cooperative...

Fiona has achieved the dubious honour of being granted her "permanent resident status" to the United States of America. Also known as: Her Greencard.

On Tuesday the 18th of July, Fiona and I had our "Immigration Interview" with a case-officer of the Department of Homeland Security (which obviously used to be the INS, or "Immigration and Naturalization Service). The officer was very prepared and had actually read the file (which according to our immigration attorney, is rare) and asked salient questions about our status as a married couple. She was fair, made notes here and there in the file, and actually cracked a "bit" of a smile, as she told Fiona that she was approving our application. Picking up Fiona's passport, she stamped in red-ink a rather innocuous looking message asserting a "temporary proof of residence" and welcoming Fiona to the United States.

We will be receiving three "letters" from the US Gov. leading up to the actual "Greencard" which should arrive in about two more weeks. We've received the first "two" letters... One to me saying that they were approving my wife's application. (Which, obviously I already knew) and we've just received the second letter to Fiona with the words: "Welcome to the United States of America." in "bold font" across the top of the text.

Yes... Fiona and I are very pleased. It's been a nine month saga of unmatched proportion... We've spent upwards of $4000.00 US, and generated a frightening amount of paper.

As this question is STILL asked by many...

NO. It is NOT automatic for a foreign national spouse to gain immediate "residency" in the United States. If you're married to someone, you have the option to apply for residency, it's not an assumption. Not only is it not automatic, it's actually quite rare for everything to go as well as our case did. Both Fiona and I during the past year, have been hearing nightmare stories of loving couples, being separated for over five years as our recalcitrant US Government denied entry to the US.

Due to our relatively easy approval for resident status... I thought I'd take a second to post some advice.

First things first... Hire an attorney. Simply put... 80% of the horror stories we've heard, are due to people attempting to "go it alone" and apply without the added cost of an attorney. This is stupid. NO we really couldn't afford an attorney. But we did it anyway (with help from our families). The laws and paperwork, and endless issues surrounding a "Marriage Visa" are legion. If you, as an applicant, make one mistake (even a comma out of place) the application will be denied, and sent BACK to you to re-file. An attorney that does nothing but immigration will make the entire process easier.
Don't be afraid to try "risky" things, at least when your attorney suggests for you to do so. Fiona entered the U.S. on a typical "tourist visa" and because of a horrific experience at the border, was frightened to leave the country again, thinking that she'd never be allowed back in. Our attorney, after hearing of the experience, suggested that we file a "Change of intent" which basically allowed Fiona to STAY in the U.S. whilst still filing for a Marriage Visa. Because of this "change" in our circumstances, Fiona was able to stay here, living with me (yay) and eventually gain a work-visa and the right to remain whilst awaiting the processing of our other information.
Research - During the process, a "medical examination" must be performed. Fiona was falsely diagnosed with supposed "Sleeping T.B." due to the results of her Mantoux skin-test and a follow-up chest x-ray. Due to the U.S. not performing a BCG immunisation, and frankly, not even knowing that there WAS one... Caused all sorts of issues. Background: Whilst Fiona was in school, a Mantoux skin-test was given to all children. If the test showed "negative" for T.B. Fiona and her fellow classmates were given the BCG vaccination. Then, due to the exposure of the T.B. virus, future "Mantoux" tests would then show POSITIVE for T.B. In the U.S... If we show "positive" for T.B., then our medical doctors get nervous... Because the "Immigrant Medical Office" that Fiona and I used here in Minnesota is more accustomed to immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia... They were not ready for a British Citizen who went through basic NHS vaccination schemes. We were told that Fiona would have to undergo monthly chest x-rays to insure her "sleeping" T.B. was not an issue. Okay... First... Repeated x-rays is just frankly not healthy... Secondly, with the threat that her application for permanent residence would be denied, if she did NOT undergo this extreme service was frightening. And lastly... When one knows that it's completely SILLY, it's just a pisser. So... A bit of research by our attorney, and ourselves prepared us for any problems... (We actually never had to worry, it didn't come up in our 'hearing' anyway, but... That is also due to letters and Fiona's medical history sent over by her doctor in Scotland preempting any issue from being brought up in the first place.)
Keep everything, even silly things that prove your marriage. Part of our application was supported by letters from former land-lords... Employment records... Pictures of us at a Halloween party from 2005 (in which I'm giving the two-fingered salute to the camera, I may add)... Bank statements... 'Anniversary Cards'... Wedding receipts... Ad Nauseum... Just keep EVERYTHING, and submit all of it along with your application.
Ignore so-called "On-line communities." This one may seem strange... But there's a prominent "visa" forum on-line that supposedly "assists you through support and advice" during the visa-application process. Most of the horror stories we heard/read about came from this site. A LARGE proportion of the people on that site were "going it alone" without an attorney, and therefore were quite bitter about the process... Also sharing all of their "trials and tribulations" throughout the site, and sharing frankly some appallingly bad advice with "nOObs." The OTHER half of the people on that site were extremely "rich" folk like lawyers and doctors who had "no problem" and didn't understand the horror stories. Folks... Fiona and I are artists. We have NO money to spare, and frankly... My "un-employed" status was a worry during the application. If you DO use a "visa help" forum site... Please take everything with a grain of salt. Realise that every case is different... Every case has it's "ups and downs" and that your case is not going to be similar to anybody else's case and the advice from others is coloured by their own circumstances.

Well... Now that I've waxed "agony-aunt-ish" for the entire posting... I'll stop there. For anyone in or around Minnesota... Yes, Fiona and I are planning a "Greencard Party" and we extend an invitation to everyone who's able to attend. Details forthcoming.

Thanks for sticking with us during this rather sticky time in our lives... Familial and Friendly support has helped us to get through this process, and it would have been a dire thing, to not have had that support.

Finally... Fiona's Motif Radio show this week (Wednesday the 26th of July) has been postponed due to our emotional and physical exhaustion of our Immigration Interview. However... When Motif Radio returns on the 9th of August... Fiona and I promise a particularly interesting show discussing the "Trials and Tribulations of the Transient Artist Community." We'll be discussing the centres of art, New York, London, Berlin, et al, and how artists from around the world gravitate to these places, and how they deal with culture-shock, visas, and home-sickness whilst making and learning about art in a foreign place. We hope you'll like the show, and that you'll forgive us for "taking some time off" after our ordeal.

Thank you for reading!

-- Tucker and Fiona.

Deborah Aschheim's Piece, Episodic that Fi helped to make

2006-07-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

More explaination later, but here are some pictures.

Overview of the installation.

Deborah's accompanying drawing.

Close up of an area of the installation.

The part of the installation that is all about us!

My crazy desk while I was working on the piece. I was stripping and soldering LEDs and constructing a crazy power output extension lead/power strip in a concealed area behind the wall.

I will be back soon. Go the Motif Radio site for more details about Deborah and her project.

New Motif Radio Show is UP!

2006-06-28T17:08:00.000-05:00

Hi folks...

Sorry for the lag-time here...

But there's a NEW Motif Radio Show on line!

Motif Radio Show 10

Featuring the artwork of:

Deborah Aschheim

Gregory Scranton

and also:
Shem Booth-Spain, David Icke and Anima.

AND MORE!!! Check it OUT!

Motif Radio Show 10

Smiles,
T

Saturday 10th of June - Fi's working.

2006-06-10T12:51:00.000-05:00

Fiona is CONSTANTLY working... Either at the Mall of America, being an "Über-employee" at Nordstrom's "E-Bar" (espresso bar, we think) as she is doing today... Or she's working at the Soap guarding the gallery against evil doers or some such thing... Or... Working on her personal artwork in the studio, or upstairs in the light... Depending.

Fiona drawing

Me? Well, I'm still job searching... And I'm also making photos, all of the time... Whoo-hoo.

Fi's obviously the "better-half" of our couple, and partnership... But... Then us "blokes" have to get used to that.

Other news??? Not much. Work... Work... Work... play... Work.... Work... Sleep.

;-)

Smiles,
Tucker

We have a place... And a photo...

2006-06-08T00:25:00.000-05:00

Hello readers...

A few interesting pieces of news...

First... We're all confirmed to do the "house-sitting" thing for a friend in St. Paul. The house is in the SAME neighbourhood in which Fiona and I are interested in "eventually" living... So it's really nice... All the ambience... All the fun local... And 1/4 the price (just utilities)... We're both excited... And we're also chuffed to be able to help out a fellow artist.

Secondly... A photo.

This is a photo that we sent to our friend Abi for her birthday, yesterday... And it's a nice photo of the "Two Artists" hanging out.

Since I'm here... I'm going to plug "Decanter" a new Contemporary Arts independent Magazine... Created by our "birthday girl" Abi and friend Dan...

Decanter

So... There you go... Have a marvellous one!

-- Tucker

A great Quote:

2006-06-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day:

In certain kinds of writing, particularly in art criticism and literary criticism, it is normal to come across long passages which are almost completely lacking in meaning.
- George Orwell

A-bloody-men!

-- T

Guess what...

2006-05-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Fiona got a job!

That's right... Fiona is a "person" as she says. She was hired at Nordstom, to work in the café. The issues with her Social Security Number are going to be dealt with in a month, and they're fine with it. She begins working this coming week.

She's bubbly with happiness.

I have been called back to Pearson to work another project, as well... So at least through mid-June, we're BOTH gainfully employed, and all is well.

That's it, but... It's great news, no?

Smiles,
Tucker (the slightly smelly half of Two Artists)

Motif Radio - Show no.7 UP NOW!

2006-05-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

That's right kiddies... Another episode of Motif Radio is up on the web. Click here to get there...

Fiona's status in the States is still "wiggy" as they say. She's a proud card-holding member of the "alien work-permit" but it's another MONTH before she gets a Social Security Number. (Which she needs to WORK anywhere).

So, she's still in "Jobless Limbo."

As am I. That's right... My temp-job scoring standardised test essays has ended, due to the season for standardised tests being over. So... I'm back on the job-market.

Yay.

Not. Anyhoo... We're actually okay, and life is fine. Hope all our readers are well.

Smiles,
Tucker

Hmm... Perhaps it's time for a bit of political art?

2006-05-13T20:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings readers from "Two Artists."

I was in a silly mood, and so... Another episode of "The Chronicles of Memnon" is due to be shown.

That's it for today... Smiles!

-- Tucker

Two-Artists 'erbs

2006-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

We have had a very eventful weekend here in Bloomington. In fact it seems that the people of Bloomington, intend to make it the 'Blooming town', as we could not find any satisfactory seeds at the shop. Tucker did find some chilli plants and a thyme plant however...so we concocted a plan and set to work.

More news on this development soon.

--Fiona

Edit: Check out the video-clip of the 'Erbs' performance: By Clicking HERE

8 X 8 X 8 Exhibition at the Soap Factory

2006-04-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Fiona worked ALL day... Slaving away to make sure the private view (opening reception) of the 8 X 8 X 8 Exhibition at the Soap Factory. (Soap Link: www.soapfactory.org)

Fiona prepared a wonderful television installation to show off the "Soap Factory's T.V. Show" Here's a photo:

Fiona's installation of very old t.v.'s

The installation was actually more of a "Soap" thing, than the 8 X 8 X 8 Exhibition. But it was nifty.

For the actual exhibition... Fiona did things like paint walls, create interesting things to hang digital projectors from the ceilings... Made sure all the video and sound stuff worked... Etc. She did really great!

So... Check out the exhibition if you're in Minneapolis, it's a pretty good showing. If you're not... Too bad.

Smiles,
T

Quick news and info of the Two Artists Co-operative

2006-04-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings friends, family and country and other folks...

To catch everyone up on the Two Artists' Art Co-operative:

I am still working at Pearson Educational Services, as a standardised test scorer. I've finished with the State of Virginia's 11th grade (pre-high school graduation) essays, and am moving on to the State of New Mexico's graduation essays. Although I don't much care for the job itself... I'm happy to be employed SOMEwhere. I have two more weeks (through 12 May, or so) then I'm unemployed again, and so... The jobsearch continues for me.

Fiona is still working WAY too many hours at the The Soap Factory. They are having an opening reception (private view) for their 8 X 8 X 8 show. Which is a show featuring work from eight artists from Minneapolis, eight from New York, New York, and eight artists from London. I've met many of the exhibitors, and they're a nice bunch. That's not to say that there aren't a couple of unfortunate pieces in the show... But with 24 artists, you have to assume that not ALL of the work is going to be Earth-shattering. Och weel...

Fiona's, of course, absolutely essential to the entire exhibition... She's been putting in SO many hours this week helping to prepare the space for the exhibition... Working with the artists and setting up A. V. equipment every-which-where.

Speaking of Fiona... The next episode of "Motif Radio" is coming out on Wednesday 3rd of May, at 6:00 am (GMT). The show is going to be featuring the work of guest artist, Frog Morris. If you want a brief preview of what's to come this week... You can check out Frog's site here: www.frogmorris.net

For lighter fare... The dog, Memnon is doing okay... He's bound to be "snipped" soon... He's begun the "humping everything" phase of his "growing" up puppy-hood. Gah.

Work is continuing... There's more work up at my Tucker's Photo-blog, so if you haven't been there for a while, drop by, and feel free to comment on any work you wish.

If you haven't seen it yet... Fiona has a new "video" up on our Two Artists Gallery. Check out the "Campaign Trailer Video!"

That's it for now, folks... Tune in later this coming week for a link to Motif Radio's Sixth Show.

Ta!
Tucker

Blatent plug...

2006-04-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

Fiona's uploaded the latest episode of MOTIF RADIO... Show 5!

Motif Radio Show V

So.... Check it out!

-- Ta!

-- T and Fi

Sunday, April 9th - News

2006-04-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

To catch you up on the inane details of our lives at Two-Artists.com.

I work in Brooklyn Center which is on the other side of the Twin Cities from Bloomington. It's a haul, as they say... And the rush-hour traffic is horrific.

I did get a chance to go out and make some more photos yesterday... So... Make sure you check out my photo-blog in the next couple of weeks to see my newer pics... Tucker's Photo-Blog

Fiona worked very hard last week... At the The Soap and also on getting the newest programme of Motif Radio on-line. I wasn't really involved in any REAL production for this episode, but you can hear my "honeyed tones" reading several "bits" for the show. She's also been slaving away in the studio, and after a brief trip to the art-supply store yesterday, Fiona is now crafting a mould that she's going to use to make "telephone" thinggys... For an upcoming performance piece.

I've not worked on "art" much this week, due to the job, however... I am working on a piece for a new "art-magazine" created by a good artist and friend, Abi.

(You can check out HER "web-presence" here)

Now for a funny picture... Fiona working in the studio (actually, it's in MY studio) on Motif Radio last weekend... Recording a typewriter noise:

Feel free to get in touch with either Fiona or me (Tucker) at your leisure by commenting (clicking the "comment" link below, or e-mailing us at: Two Artists

--Tucker

Current information

2006-03-30T23:23:00.000-06:00

Well, Tucker has finally found a job.

Okay... It's a "temp" job, but it's a fairly good one. Tucker will be scoring "Standardised Test Essays."

Sounds a bit silly, and perhaps it is, however... He's tickled pink that he has something to help "tide us over."

He starts on Tuesday (April 4th). It's a full-time, real job. It runs through May, so... Tucker will have to keep looking around.

Lately, Tucker's tried for a job at the local community college (a really good one, by all reports) teaching photography, and doing "Visiting Artist" stuff for a year as a sabbatical replacement for their own professor... It's a foot in the door, and it would pay extraordinarily well. So... Wish him luck.

That's it for today, folks... Thanks for stopping by.

-- Two Artists

Personal News update...

2006-03-27T11:14:00.000-06:00

We received in the mail, (post) on Saturday an "official update" from my government's Department of Homeland Security:

News that our case has been transferred to the "Chicago Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Department" to speed processing.

We have NO IDEA what that means... But at least we know that SOMETHING is happening with Fiona's application for a marriage visa.

That's about it for today.

Smiles,
Tucker and Fiona

Motif Radio - Show no.3 UP NOW!

2006-03-24T00:10:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone...

A quick post to tell everyone about the newest Motif Radio Podcast... Now up (since Wednesday, 22nd of March)!

Click the logo below:

Motif Radio Podcast

And get yourself "podcasted" with the latest in Contemporary Art Conversation, in a cutting edge media. All you need is an Mp3 player, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player.

We, at Two-Artists, hope you check us out!

Hey... Are you a blogger? Do you like our site? Do you LOVE Motif Radio? Would you like to show your support? Get a web badge for your blog or website!

Click here... To go to our "fancy dancy" web badge page! OUR WEB-BADGES!

Thank you!

-- Tucker and Fiona

Monday, News of the Two-artists.

2006-03-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

Hi folks, Tucker here... I'm going to catch you all up on our little lives...

Fiona worked her first day at The Soap Factory - Gallery on Saturday. She did a lot of manual labour. Moving heavy equipment, and preparing to do an inventory of materials. I think she's happy.

Fiona and myself, are working on the newest episode of Motif Radio. I'm co-producing the show this week, and I'm chuffed. I've heard back from a few fellow artists, and I've written "my" piece. We're going to be recording most of it today... And hopefully get everything ready and uploaded ON TIME on Wednesday.

My Photo Blog is up and doing well... 23 photos so far... Check out the current series: The Mill District of Minneapolis.

And as a "funny" I'm posting a little story called: The Chronicles of Agamemnon, the dog:

Have a great week!

-- T and Fi

Stolen Templates, and other fun stuff

2006-03-17T14:17:00.000-06:00

This is an attempt to usurp blogging software, to make our "news" page easier.

If you don't know what "blogging" is... Then ignore anything you've just read.

To others, I hopefully will get the integration, and CSS looking a bit better as we go.

Thanks for stopping by.

-- Tucker