Happy Jack - Embracing the Fall Colors

Embracing Fall at Happy Jack
Photo Credit to Marc Sweet

Just Hanging in a Tree
Photo Credit to Marc Sweet

 I most enjoy fall walks because of the colors, weather, and crisp air!

Go Outside!

TheChristyBel

New Art Medium: Western Cast Iron Art Conference

This weekend, the Western Cast Iron Art Conference is being held on the University of Wyoming's Campus. Our ceramics teacher was telling us about it in class and all the students are welcome to attend. So Friday night, they held a Night Pour Performance. 

The Pours Were Like Fireworks!

This event was super cool! Marc arrived from Jackson just in time to head on over and see the action up in full process. There were an assortment of groups all doing their pours at the same time. It was really fascinating to see all the people in their heat protective wear and all the coal and fire going on.

There were all sorts of molds taped up all over the performance and poring area. As the night went on, you would see groups putting coal into their tanks to heat up and melt. When the ore was ready and melted, they would carefully pour the molten hot, liquid metal into their molds. As the liquid poured, the surroundings lit up with the orange, reds, and yellows into the night atmosphere. It was really beautiful, looking like fireworks!

Glows in the Night

Continuing to Pour!

The next day, we went back and were able to make our own cast irons! For $5 the give you this sandy, grit mold that you are able to scratch out your design in. The key to this is making whatever you want to pop out the deepest in your scratch block. Marc was doing a summer beach scene, while I of course, scratched out a moose.

Marc Carefully Scratching Out His Piece
He is so Incredibly Talented!

Mine! Pretty Proud of My First Mold!

Our Finished Pieces!

We then turned in our scratch blocks, coated them in this liquid to prevent sticking. We were then able to watch the cast iron people take our molds and pour the iron into the molds from a safe distance. The next day we were able to pick up our cooled pieces and we were so impressed with how they came out. It was such a cool experience to see the night performance and then come back and try it on our own.

So glad I am slowly getting back into the art world. It is bringing me such happiness and a great brain break from school. Maybe art is a true calling of mine. I guess I should get more immersed into it and I'll be able to find my answer.

TheChristyBel

STEM vs. STEAM

This is why we need ART back into schools. I am totally writing my Plan B for my masters on this!

I'd like to thank my friend Cheryl for introducing me to this website! Click here for the link!

University of Florida’s Online Master of Arts in Art Education

A ChristyBel Birthday

I am still in disbelief that TheChristyBel has turned 27. I distinctly remember walking into Ashland Nature Center on my 23rd birthday with purple cupcakes from mom and sharing them with my co-workers. Mike Riska, the former executive director walks up to me to congratulate me for my birthday and asks, 'How old are you?' and I reply, '23!' and the comment stated next, 'Oh, well 7-more years until you're 30!' Thanks Mike!....But that conversation still rings into my head, because you know...4-years later, I am now 3-years until 30!!!! ahhhhhhhh! weird.

But anyways, no matter what age your turn on your birthday, you should celebrate it with incredible, memorable moments, wonderful people, and activities and things that make you happy. And well, that is what I did.

Since I had such a great time ringing in my birthday last year in the Tetons, I of course, had to do the same for this year. I mean, if I were home in Delaware, I would be going to HomeGrown with a few wonderful friends, indulging in a delicious Gourmet Grilled Cheese and a Honey Mint Tea. But alas, a Delaware Birthday tradition is somewhat difficult to grant when you are in the Forever West (300+ miles away). So I think I have discovered a new tradition, at least for now, celebrate the birthday in the Tetons! And well that is what I did!

At midnight, Marc presented me his birthday gift to me - I was beyond excited! We have been eyeing over a talented artist, Jeremy Collins. He does wonderful pen&ink drawings, cartoons, and work that encompass the GYE, Tetons, and Yellowstone...and well the great outdoors. There was drawing that he had done of a map of Yellowstone that was drawn in a Grizzly Bear. I remember seeing that and saying to Marc, 'Oh wouldn't it be cool if it were in a moose?!' Well...I guess he took that question to heart, because he presented me the drawing that Jeremy Collins' created and morphed it into my vision. What a wonderful gift?!?! I am going to cherish it forever.

Marc's Painting - Isn't He So Talented?!

The birthday was filled with loads of party favors, wonderful text messages and phone calls, Facebook notifications, and a lazy, relaxing morning at the Jackson Hole Farmer's Market and then another fun and relaxing afternoon at String Lake. I could not have asked for a better birthday weekend - it was full of endless amounts of happiness, fun, perfect weather, wonderful people, and of course, the Tetons! Enjoy the pictures from Saturday!

Party Favors Courtesy of Mom & Marc

Noise Makers Galore!

Mellow Snuggin'

Feeling the Love All The Way From the Rock N Roll Marathon in Philadelphia!

SnapChat Birthday Greetings From Brent!

SnapChat Birthday Greetings From JJ!

Marc Driving Us to String Lake
Can We Talk About Those Gorgeous Peaks in the Background

ChristyBel Hats, Inner Tubes, & Birthday Cone of Shame!

Smith and His Mode of Transportation Around String Lake.
No Better Way to Spend a Birthday at String Lake!

Birthday Selfie with Marc!

The weather was absolutely wonderful! That morning as we were walking to downtown in Jackson, I could FINALLY see the Tetons. They were absolutely beautiful. No clouds in the sky either! Had a bagel with lox and then went to K-mart to buy some inner tubes for some quality time at the lake.

Inner Tubes & Whiskey on a Sunny Birthday Day!

Always Nerding Out on Nature...Even on the B-day!

Had to go to the Tetons National Park sign and get a birthday picture! Selfies with three people is kind of challenging, but I think we made it work!

Two Of My Favorite Boys!

Marc Made Lamb for the Birthday!

And the Infamous Cake From Mom

Ok, side note: so...my mom decided to send me a cake for my birthday. Very nice and thoughtful of her, since I am missing her Purple-Icing Red-Velvet Cupcakes! But yes, she tried to keep it a secret and just told me that there was something in the mail being delivered to my apartment. Well the day I was supposed to get it, I get a phone call from UPS stating my package could not be delivered due to an incorrect address. Impossible. So I call them back, and they state, my address was wrong. So I asked them what address were they using? UPS replies back same number, same street, same apartment (however there is not one in existence) in Lakeville, CT. And so I reply....well that's why! There is no specific address since I am living in a completely different part of the country. They quickly change the address and stated it would get to me in two days.

Well I call mom telling her everything, and she felt so bad, she called and complained to the company. They automatically ship me out another 'surprise.' But said that it would not get to me until after the birthday. Turns out, I got the original surprise, which was a CAKE, right before I headed to Jackson. We'll see if I end up getting the replacement cake too! haha. But it was deliciously rich and chocolatey! Thanks Mom! xoxo.

Birthday Summit Pose. Obvi.

Happy Birthday TheChristyBel
Must Be Nice Celebrating 21 for the 6th Time!
Photo Credit to Smith Benson!

I had the most wonderful birthday weekend! Awesome people in an awesome place. Here's to being 27!

TheChristyBel

Exploring Northern Yellowstone

I am pretty lucky that I only have a class on Thursday mornings and NO CLASSES on Fridays. So with my birthday landing on a weekend, I was able to make my weekend a 3.5-day birthday! Right after Jaimie Henthorn's performance in the Visual Arts building, I already had Little Blue packed and off to Jackson I went.

The drive from Laramie to maybe, Rock Springs was really sunny and pretty flat with some rolling hills in the distance. However, as I got closer to Pinedale, the clouds started getting darker and thicker. By the time I got to Jackson, it was lightning storming and really dark (around 9pm MST when I arrived). However, despite the crazy weather, I was greeted with smiles and hugs from Marc and Smith when I arrived to their house. It was so nice to be back, let me tell you, 2-weeks seemed like an eternity!

The next morning, Marc and I decided to go to Yellowstone National Park for the day. Since I could not go on any major hikes, the next best thing was to visit my favorite national park! So, we packed up Little Blue with some snacks and food for the day, filled her up with gas, stopped by the library to pick up some CDs to jam to on the drive up, and off we went!

On Our Way to Yellowstone! Fall Has Definitely 

First stop was the Mud Volcano Area. This part of Yellowstone is one of my favorites. There is a part of the mud volcano area where the hydrothermal feature is coming out of a cave. So all the steam coming out looks like a dragon's breathing out smoke and the water rippling out is a lapping tongue! It's so cool - not to mention the roar! I've provided a photo for all to enjoy!

Dragon's Breath

Mud volcano was awesome too! It's like a soupy-goop of mud that has been melted and being chemically eroded away from the surrounding rock from the hydrothermal feature. I have provided a video!

Mud Volcano

Churning Volcano - In a Time-Lapse

After stopping for lunch at Fishing Bridge, Marc and I picked up two Yellowstone Junior Ranger packets. This was a fun idea to get us to act like children, fill out these booklets, and hopefully get inducted into the Junior Ranger Program. 

Next, we travelled through Hayden Valley, past Canyon Village, kept going north to along Specimen Ridge and then westward to Mammoth Hot Springs. Ahhhhh! I was so darn excited! Since last time I was up here was in April when there was still snow! 

Oh Man - About to Hike All Around This!

Look at the Deposition From the Travertine!

I'm in Geology Love!

Gorgeous Day Overlooking the Mammoth Hot Springs and Surroundings!

Really Cool Geology Folding!

Travertine Terraces!

A Happy Birthday ChristyBel

So Cool!

As You Can See I Could Not Stop Taking Pictures!

Seeing the Mammoth Hot Springs was such a great way to kick off the 27th Birthday! I was like a little kid in a candy store just wanting to hike over the boardwalks. I am sure Marc enjoyed seeing me nerd out over the geology and just being back in Yellowstone.

Hanging in Yellowstone!

Examining the Travertine Up Close!

Panoramic - Can You See Marc Waving on the Right?

PhotoBombing Some Elk.

After finishing the Junior Ranger Handbook, you must attend at least one guided ranger talk or program. So we decided to participate in the tour of Fort Yellowstone in Mammoth. This was a really cool tour - our guide told us the story of Fort Yellowstone and how this area was the first headquarters for the national parks, in particular, Yellowstone. Seeing all the original buildings being kept in their original conditions, but being used today was really cool. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the history not just in Fort Yellowstone, but about the park in general. Not only did her knowledge highlight her tour, but her passion and love for Yellowstone was quite evident. I love it when guides and rangers put their passions and emotions into their talks. I get so engaged - and can totally nerd out and relate!

Elk Have Taken Over Mammoth Hot Springs

Not only did we get a tour of Fort Yellowstone, but got to see elk take over Mammoth Hot Springs. Fall is the prime-time to see elk go crazy...since it is their mating season, the Rutt, all the males are calling with bugles and grunts trying to round up all their ladies. However, if you get too close, they will charge. And sadly, we did see that happen while in Yellowstone. Cars and individual visitors are getting too close and Marc and I witnessed a bull elk charge a tourist and a few cars.

This just goes to show that visitors need to learn about proximity and respect for wildlife - not just in the national parks, but wherever humans are crossing into wildlife areas. Animals are living, breathing, individuals too that have feelings, attitudes, and will retaliate if threatened or think they are in danger.

On a happier note, after the tour, Marc and I got our booklets checked, signed, and we were sworn into the Yellowstone Junior Ranger Program! How cool! We even got patches!

Being Sworn In With Patches and the Junior Ranger Oath!

Best Trip to Yellowstone and a Great Start Off to theChristyBel Birthday Weekend!

Official Yellowstone Junior Rangers!

TheChristyBel

Dancing and Art

For my ceramics II class, we are to attend a visiting artist talk that the Art Department at UW offers for students to meet and greet with artists from all over the country and world. I decided to attend the first talk and performance. It was a great excuse to get the assignment out of the way, but it was also a very interesting exhibit. It definitely was of TheChristyBel interest. Here is the paper I wrote about her for my Ceramics II Visiting Artist Assignment. Clearly, after you read about her work, her past experiences, and art practices, you can clearly see why I was so drawn to her visit to UW.

Jaimie Henthorn is an artist that incorporates the kinetic human structure and movement to architectural structure. She presented herself and her artistic practice as her creative research methodology. Jaimie has a diverse background from drawing, painting, and photography to aerial and contemporary dance, where she incorporates her dancing background with architectural space in through live performances, still photo shoots, and video as her mediums.

Beginning to Dance in the Visual Arts Foundations Room

She received her BA from Northwestern University in Art Theory and Practice in 2000. Then she continued to receive her MFA through Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland in Art, Space, and Nature. Through this program, she participated in a grant that allowed a variety of artists, including Jaimie, to work in workshops in Japan. Currently, Jaimie is a PhD Candidate through Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London where she will be presenting a specific piece and written dissertation in Creative Practice (Dance). Her synopsis for her dissertation research is through movement interventions that are applied to architectural sites that represent a few themes: initiation, migration, and reverberation of modernistic architecture. In her art practices, which she considers her research, she interrogates the human body and its relationships to modernisms that have the potential to contribute current building’s architectural design, incorporation of her choreographic practices and resulting in a visual art piece.

Dancing with Mies van der Rohe images in the background

Jaimie creates her art as a representation of unexplored and unexploited space and how it can be used, specifically with the human body and its kinetic movement. She is a very detail-oriented artist. She explained in many of her pieces, she takes every aspect and characteristic of the building and architecture itself, as well as the types of dancers, people, and body positions and movements to connect and shape the piece under her direction. She is very intrigued by specific pieces that make up the building or space under research. For example, during the creation of her piece, at Bevin Court and the Sivill House, there were a few staircases in particular that she was drawn to. The chapel itself, was a well-known and successful building, and she wanted to use the staircases for her performers to be placed and move on. She explained that the staircases represented shared experiences and common places that everyone used, so she emphasized that.

Q&A Session Post-Performance

Jaimie is not only inspired by the buildings in general or the architectural pieces that make up the spaces, but she uses her past experiences to inspire her as well. In 2010, she retired from being an aerial dance artist due to a falling injury during a performance. This injury was incredibly life-threatening and almost career threatening as an artist for Jaimie. Upon the accident, it resulted in Jaimie breaking her C2-C7 vertebrae and had to be fused together for her recovery. Although she was no longer able to be in the air or on the rope, she resorted back to her art practices to give her hope, support, and comfort for her to continue on with her life and time. It was after her recovery, she created her piece called Articulated that emphasized the sculpture of the Articulated Wall by Herbert Bayer. It was an exploration of the articulation of the wall itself, the body, and the spine, and how they all connected to each other.

Jaimie’s presentation on Tuesday night was very inspiring. As a fellow contemporary dancer, it was a very remarkable integration of dance movement into her architectural and space-aware mindset. She transitioned her artistic timeline at a great pace and allowed us to go on her life’s journey with her during her presentation. She spoke clearly and allowed for questions and comments throughout her entire talk. Through the presentation, she incorporated many photographs and videos into her presentation. She also allotted to a live performance that will take place on the UW campus later in the week. Jaimie helped explain that many people take space and buildings for granite. They come and go within a space, but do not actually explore or use the space to its utmost potential. It made me look at rooms, hallways, buildings, and architecture in general in a much more creative perspective, not to mention, allowed me to fantasize about how an aerial artist or dancer could use the space to their advantage. The 45-minute lectures definitely made me want to see more of her artwork and chat with her more about her dance and art. I am excited to see her performance that she will be having on Thursday afternoon, that I believe is incorporating the space that many of the UW Art students use (a drawing classroom) as well as the Vertical Dance at Vedauwoo performers (who I admire already!)

Visit Jaimie's Website to see more of her work!

The performance definitely left me wanting more. Her direction for the live-piece of art practice/research she presented on Thursday afternoon was very lucid and free-form. Her flexibility while working with the Vedauwoo Vertical Dancers was very hands-off. That is how she approaches many other collaborations with other artists. From what the dancers explained, she would tell them an idea or concept that she had in mind for the piece, but wanted the dancers to have control over the movement and use of the space. Jaimie explained it as the artists performing the movements have better ideas, moves, or techniques that might be beyond Jaimie's experience or knowing; so utilizing the dancer's talents and experiences benefits not just to the piece but for the whole collaboration of the research. I was really impressed that Jaimie also invites the public to view and experience her live-art practices and research. She stated that visitors could come and go as they pleased and were not obligated to stay the entire time. I enjoyed that the performance was completely exploratory and a learning experience for everyone in attendance. I definitely want to learn more about her work and continue following her art practices in whatever she does in the future.

TheChristyBel

PS. I definitely want to do this vertical dance thing...I wonder if my PT would allow this to be incorporated into my Physical Therapy plan!?!

Works Cited

http://www.jaimiehenthorn.com/

Birding in Laramie

The Place-Based Learning Class met on Saturday morning to get to know their new home better. Kate Welsh, our faculty, took us around the downtown for a tour and to get us familiar with Laramie. Not to mention, this was prep for when we get to introduce the 21st Teton Science Schools Graduate Students to Laramie in a few weeks! 

On assignment for today's class, Kate had us do some research about Laramie: from presenting information found about many of the really cool murals painted on downtown's buildings to little natural history and cultural history about Laramie.

Of course, mine was: Name five resident and any migratory birds in your area.

Well, theChristyBel still does not know birds really well, at least in the West...so I did some interviewing and asked one of the professors here on campus. I found Matt Carling, a professor in the Zoology and Physiology Department and a few other resources that helped me answer my question.

Resident Birds:

Northern Flicker, Clark's Nutcracker, Horned Lark, Mountain Chickadee, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Turkey Vulture, Great Horned Own, Eastern Screech Owl, Snipe, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, American Coot, Red-Tailed Hawk, & Raven

Migratory Birds:

- Winter Here: Pine Siskins, Townsend Solitaires, Northern Shrike, & Rough-Legged Hawk

- Summer Here: Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Common Nighthawk

Here on the University of Wyoming Campus, the large green areas are the perfect place to spot birds. Turkey Vulture and Great Horned Owls have nests in some of the trees, as well as Red Crossbills are common in the conifers spread throughout campus. When fall and winter come around and many birds start to migrate, the Pine Siskins and Townsend Solitaires are more common, along with many songbirds such as: warblers, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and thrushes.

If you go off of campus to Hutton Lake, part of the National Wildlife Refuge, the 1,408 acres of greasewood and grassland and 560 acres of open water and marsh serve as a habitat for a variety of waterfowl during the spring and fall migrations. Wilson’s phalaropes, willets, American avocets, black-necked stilts, black-crowned night herons, eared and pied-billed grebes are common on and near the water. Many raptors migrate and reside over Laramie as well, including Swainson’s Hawks, northern harriers, and golden eagles.

On my way to meet everyone at Coal Creek Coffee, a great local coffee shop on Grand Ave in the Downtown, I spotted one of the residential birds of Laramie. Looks like I don't have to travel far to do some birding here! haha.

TheChristyBel

A Fat Northern Flicker Found Outside My Window!

Works Cited:

Emailed Matt Carling (University of Wyoming Dept. of Zoology & Physiology) and he gave me some insight on his favorites and pointed me to a book in the Chism Reading Room

Faulkner, D. (2010). Birds of Wyoming. Greenwood Village, Colo.: Roberts and Co..


Laramie Audubon: Laramie Birding Blog
http://laramieaudubon.blogspot.com/p/laramie-birding.html

Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Website:

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/WildHabitat.cfm?ID=65522