Crop Art diary

Crop Art on television

2011-12-08T12:36:00.002-06:00

No-one got kicked off the island for using non-Minnesota-native seeds. But reality television came to Crop Art this year.

Fashion-advice program, "What Not To Wear" recorded a segment at the 2011 Minnesota State Fair, and Crop Art was part of it.

The segment airs on TLC, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 8 p.m. Central time. (Please check your local listings.)

A portrait of the hosts of the show, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, was done by in seeds by Minnesota crop artist, Sandra Fjerkenstad-Budel. The piece was also entered in this year's Minnesota State Fair Crop Art contest.

The television show has something to do with shopping and fashion. But tune in to see Sandy's excellent seed art!

Crop Art gag cartoon

2011-09-03T16:46:00.005-05:00

My friend, Lance Ward, did this crop art-themed gag cartoon. Thanks, Lance!

Lance is the editorial cartoonist for the Woodbury Bulletin, though they foolishly do not feature his cartoons online. For shame! Lance's decidedly adult comics appear on his Tatertot Diaper Man / Scars website.

Crop Art how-to video

2011-08-28T13:27:00.003-05:00

Take a look at Kim Cope's guide to making crop art! See Kim making her 2011 State Fair entry, "Catcher In The Rye," featuring a portrait of Twins catcher Joe Mauer. See Kim graduate from the Seed Academy. See Kim's seed storage methods. Kim's cat does an excellent job of assisting. Check it out! It's great stuff!

Peeps Crop Art

2011-08-27T14:54:00.001-05:00

It's a wonder someone didn't think of this before! Peeps and crop art together. Kinda wrong, kinda great -- like the combination of bacon and chocolate. Good job, Kate!

Iowa State Fair crop art

2011-08-24T15:15:00.005-05:00

A report from crop artist Teresa Anderson who went seeking crop art in another state -- and found it.

Joel and I went for a very short trip to Des Moines this week to visit the Iowa State Fair. There were almost no competitions to view (except livestock), no shade, and almost ALL the food came from the same national vendor (saw at least a dozen identical Walking Taco! stands).

I knew they didn't have a crop art competition, but they did have some crop art sponsored by the soybean and corn industries which looked as if it had been done by kids (but mostly wasn't). I thought you might be interested in the photos.

Too bad they don't have an "Out of State" category!

Click photos for larger view.

2011 crop art deadlines

2011-07-18T12:27:00.002-05:00

Get working on your crop art for this year's Minnesota State Fair.

Entry deadline: Friday, August 12, 4:30 p.m.

Delivery deadline: Monday, August 22, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

I'd recommend you read the rulebook before filling in the entry form.

Download the rulebook. (PDF)

There are two ways to fill in the entry form.

Fill in an entry form online.

Or download an entry form to mail in. (PDF)

Call for seed pack artists

2011-04-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

[Note: I got this in the email today. The deadline -- for any new seed art -- is impossible, of course. But if you have any existing art that might fill the bill, give it a try. --David]

Hello,

Every year we choose 16 new artists to design our seed packs. I would love to have a seed mosaic artist participate this year. If you know any crop artists in the Northeast could you pass along our call for art?

here is the link for submission guidelines. It's quick and easy to enter but submissions are due Sunday May 1st at the latest.

http://www.seedlibrary.org/wp/?p=1580

Thanks and stay seedy!

Ken Greene
Hudson Valley Seed Library
www.seedlibrary.org

MNArtists interview with Liz Schreiber

2011-03-15T13:19:00.005-05:00

MNArtists.org has a nice interview by Katie Czarniecki with crop artist Liz Schreiber.

The interview mentions "MN Made" -- a Saturday, April 9 event at the Walker Art Center that Liz is participating in.

And this has something to do with the "The Spectacular of Vernacular" show on view at the Walker through May 8.

You can see some of Liz's work on cropart.com.

Portrait of Gov. Pawlenty

2010-12-24T17:40:00.002-06:00

Over at Nick Coleman's blog he's running a contest for what should be outgoing Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's official portrait.

Vote for the crop art portrait by Teresa Anderson, I say.

Fruit Sticker Art Show

2010-11-09T10:43:00.005-06:00

Art made of fruit stickers (it's almost crop art) by Andy Singer (that's his "Vege Cat" image above), Andrea McCormack and Richard Carlson on display at the Mississippi Market Co-op, Sunday, Nov. 14 to Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Opening reception 2 to 3 p.m., Sun., Nov. 14. BYOF (Buy Your Own Food) meet 'n' eat some fruit with the artists.

Mississippi Market Co-op
1500 West 7th Street (near Otto), St. Paul, MN 55102
Open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
msmarket.coop

Crop Art now at the Minnesota State Fair

2010-08-26T12:56:00.003-05:00

The Crop Art exhibit/competition is up now in the Ag-Hort-Bee building at the Minnesota State Fair. Go see it! Crop Art live and in person. It's quite overwhelming. And wonderful. And the quality of the pieces this year is excellent.

Incidentally, here's the Fair's official list of winners (PDF).

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:25:00.003-05:00

Before the thing can be entered in the Fair, it needs a seed legend and a wire to hang it with. There they are on the back of the clock. The right picture is the post-delivery celebration dinner of Pad Pak with chicken at Raum Mit Thai in downtown St. Paul. Done! And, yum!

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:24:00.001-05:00

A natural light photo of the nearly finished piece. And back to the kitchen table for a last look -- hey, the clock has hands now!

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:21:00.001-05:00

Numbers 1 and 2 get some seeds. Must have done number 5 somewhere along the line. Painted the rest of the outline. Kinda wanted to do millet all the way to the edge, but I really didn't have the time.

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

Numbers 9, 10 and 11 get a little attention.

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:18:00.001-05:00

Number 4 and number 7 get seeds.

Works in progress

2010-08-23T18:16:00.001-05:00

Milleting my way around the entire outside edge. Takes longer than I thought it would take.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T22:52:00.000-05:00

Millet around the edge. Circles within circles, man.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T22:51:00.002-05:00

Back on the amaranth for a while -- to fill in around the clock post in the center.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T22:49:00.002-05:00

Put in the clock and the hanging stuff on the back.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T16:28:00.002-05:00

Still millet. I don't want to go completely to the edge with millet. But I might.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

It's millet -- have you heard of it?

Works in progress

2010-08-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

Gotta love that millet.

Works in progress

2010-08-22T13:59:00.001-05:00

I foresee a time -- a time not too long from now -- when I won't be pasting millet. But, until that time comes . . . I'm pasting millet.

Works in progress

2010-08-21T17:49:00.001-05:00

More millet, please.

Works in progress

2010-08-21T17:48:00.002-05:00

On the millet-go-round. Heh-heh.

Works in progress

2010-08-21T12:38:00.002-05:00

Millet!

Works in progress

2010-08-20T15:22:00.001-05:00

Continuing work on the millet.

Works in progress

2010-08-20T13:10:00.002-05:00

Millet. A bunch of it.

Works in progress

2010-08-20T10:10:00.003-05:00

Working on pasting millet. A lot of area to fill -- so I'm lining up the millet to try to add a little visual interest.

Works in progress

2010-08-19T12:16:00.002-05:00

Millet! Around and around.

Works in progress

2010-08-18T15:10:00.003-05:00

Amaranth. Whew!

[Proofreading update: Did I say "Amaranth"? I shoulda said "Millet."]

Works in progress

2010-08-18T11:59:00.002-05:00

I'm into the millet. Nice color. Nice size. Nice shape. I like millet.

Works in progress

2010-08-17T23:54:00.003-05:00

Finished the birdsfoot trefoil.

Painting the background getting ready to start slinging millet.

Works in progress

2010-08-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

Done with number 12 -- with the birdsfoot trefoil part, anyway. On to number 3 and starting the inside of number 8.

Works in progress

2010-08-17T00:48:00.002-05:00

Still on the birdsfoot trefoil. Done with number 9. Moving on . . .

Works in progress

2010-08-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Birdsfoot trefoil for the dark circles. Number 6 is done, I'm getting close to done on number 9 and I'm just starting number 12. (You might be able to see the progress if you click on the picture for a closer view.)

Works in progress

2010-08-15T23:10:00.001-05:00

Amaranth has left the building. I'm done with amaranth -- except for some touch-up work around the center once the clockworks are in place. Take it, birdsfoot trefoil!

Works in progress

2010-08-15T20:10:00.001-05:00

Done with the amaranth circles. Starting on the amaranth number 6. And a little birdsfoot trefoil.

Works in progress

2010-08-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

Amaranth. It's amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-15T10:56:00.004-05:00

Put in some pasting hours over at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Well, yes -- that is amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-13T21:32:00.003-05:00

Gee, that amaranth looks terrific.

Works in progress

2010-08-13T19:42:00.003-05:00

"A" is for amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-13T01:22:00.000-05:00

Amaranth . . . continued.

Works in progress

2010-08-12T16:56:00.000-05:00

Amaranth. Filling in. Seed by seed.

Works in progress

2010-08-12T12:38:00.001-05:00

Done with the rays. On to the dots. Still with amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-11T22:37:00.002-05:00

Amaranth. Did I mention that each of these clock pictures represents an hour of work? It's true.

Works in progress

2010-08-11T21:14:00.002-05:00

Gee, amaranth is a little seed.

Works in progress

2010-08-11T11:14:00.002-05:00

Amaranth here, amaranth there, amaranth everywhere.

Works in progress

2010-08-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

Did someone say "Amaranth?"

Works in progress

2010-08-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

Amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-09T18:35:00.002-05:00

Amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-09T01:20:00.002-05:00

Amaranth continues.

(Click for bigger.)

Works in progress: "Doh!"

2010-08-09T01:18:00.001-05:00

Wild rice going on.

Works in progress

2010-08-08T21:47:00.003-05:00

Amaranth.

Works in progress

2010-08-08T14:20:00.000-05:00

Now on to some amaranth for a while.

Works in progress: "Doh!"

2010-07-30T14:38:00.003-05:00

David Cohen is working on Homer in seeds. He's doing the underpainting now. Soon it will be time to get pasting!

Works in progress: Storage

2010-07-28T20:19:00.002-05:00

Here's Teresa Anderson with a tale of crop art horror.

Those of us who are nerdish enough to complete our crop art project early are then faced with the problem of storing it safely until the State Fair. As our dog ate the sunflower seeds off a previous year's entry, I decided to store this year's rather ungainly 3-D effort in the cool, dark basement. The very next day, I went downstairs and discovered a confused bird flying around! Fortunately, he (she?) had not discovered the potential seed source. I then moved the THING back upstairs where it sits on the unused dining room table, covered by this beautiful dust cloth.

Works in progress

2010-07-25T22:12:00.002-05:00

Starting my piece by painting the board.

Still more painting.

10-second Crop Art movie by Kim Cope

2010-07-16T10:52:00.004-05:00

I recently entered the Soap Factory gallery's Ten Second Film Fest. From the submitted entries, they chose 100 films (by artists throughout the U.S. and in other countries) and projected the films on an outdoor screen near their gallery near the Mississippi River following fireworks on July 4. They put 10 films in each of the 10 chosen categories (Hangin' Out, Wildlife and Dance Party, etc.).

Two of my three films were selected, including "The Bad Seed" -- above. The rules suggest that the films be made on low-tech means like phones and still image cameras with video option. The winners were chosen based on a panel of three local celebrity judges and the reaction of the crowd. "The Bad Seed" placed second in the Mindless Violence category.

There were no monetary prizes given out and the trophies were thrift store rejects, but it was a really fun event. There was a singing MC, live band and free-flowing beer too.

This is my first attempt at stop-motion animation. Perhaps my inspiration for this film was based on the subconscious frustration and hostility I feel when I'm fighing with a stubborn, spinning turtle bean at 2:30 am while working on crop art in the middle of night. Only Freud knows for sure.

As seasoned crop artists can probably guess, the seeds used in this film were turtle (black) beans, one red kidney bean and wild rice (as the bullet).

--Kim Cope

Note: See Kim Cope's crop art here.

Works in progress

2010-07-15T09:24:00.003-05:00

At this time, Laura Melnick has finished one piece and its contemplating another. Here are two views of her new work. Amazing! (Click for a closer view).

Works in progress

2010-07-15T09:21:00.002-05:00

According to a Star Tribune article, Darlene Thorud is already working on her crop art for this year's State Fair.

"Foot in the Door 4" crop art on display

2010-04-23T12:56:00.004-05:00

Here are the pieces of crop art I was able to find at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts show, "Foot in the Door 4." Four out of more than 5,000 pieces. That sounds about right for crop art. If you found more crop art, please let me know.

Suzanne Mears' "Crop Art Buddha" is placed at a neck-straining height on the wall, but the Buddha seems to be at peace with that.

[Click on the pictures for an enlarged view.]

Linda Wing's "An Experiment in Context" got a nice spot for viewing.

David Steinlicht's "We Love Katamari Clock" is way too high to see -- but "high" and "We Love Katamari" (the video game) go together nicely.

Liz Schreiber's "Baron Von Raschke" got a perfect spot for easy viewing enjoyment.

"Foot in the Door 4" a wonderful, overwhelming show to see in person. Go see it before it closes in June.

Crop Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts show "Foot in the Door 4"

2010-03-04T14:57:00.004-06:00

Now through June 13 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts: Crop Art! Well, in a way. The "Foot In The Door 4" show was open to all Minnesota artists and four crop artists (that I found on the show's website anyway) took the challenge. Suzanne Mears, Linda Wing, David Steinlicht and Liz Schriber entered the show. The numbers below the pieces will help you find the location of each piece at the Institute. For example, Suzanne Mear's Budda is in the 31st row, third from the top (or bottom).

Crop art Edible Twin Cities cover

2010-01-10T11:08:00.002-06:00

Crop artist Elizabeth Schreiber did the current cover of the quarterly magazine Edible Twin Cities. Morgan Sheff took the photo. Pick up a copy today at your local grocery store! (Click the picture for a closer view.)

Crop art on Boing Boing

2009-10-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

Boing Boing -- a site that highlights all manner of things computery, techy and nerdy -- has posted an article on crop art! Neat!

Welcome Lisa and James

2009-09-26T14:09:00.003-05:00

New artists on cropart.com. James Buhler and Lisa Legge. Click on the picture for a closer view. Click on their names to see more work.

President Barack Obama in seeds

2009-09-19T22:57:00.003-05:00

Linda Paulsen's wonderful, Minnesota State Fair blue-ribbon-winning portrait of President Barack Obama. An amazing piece of work. See more of Linda Paulsen's work at cropart.com.

Alan Carpenter

2009-09-15T10:09:00.002-05:00

Alan Carpenter returned in triumph to the State Fair this year -- with more first ladies. What seeds did he use? Find out at cropart.com.

Cropaganda

2009-09-08T23:29:00.004-05:00

My favorite political crop art headline:

"Cropaganda"

The blog post, by Mark Olson on the Chaska Herald Website, talks about politics in the Crop Art exhibit/competition. But, unlike all the other articles I've seen this year, Mark mentions every single political piece of seed art. From the Bachmans to the Wall Street Bull. Good job!

Crop art essay

2009-09-08T11:42:00.004-05:00

[Here’s a review of this year’s State Fair show that I received from Craig Anderson, thought you might enjoy reading it. --D.S.]

Crop Art Show -- 2009 Minnesota State Fair

In past years a small but growing audience has taken in the annual show of crop art at the Minnesota State Fair. The 2009 show, now on display in the Agriculture/Horticulture Building on the fairgrounds, not only satisfies the crop art lover but also provides new evidence of the development of what has been generally considered a rather primitive craft into a true art form.

Crop art involves the utilization of plant material as the medium in creation of a visual work. The most common crop art technique is mosaic, using grains and seeds as the medium. Crop artists continue however to develop the technical aspects of the form through utilization of non-seed materials such as leaves, petals and stems, and in the creation of three dimensional works.

Portraiture in particular displays the developing refinement of the crop art form, as artists continue to achieve greater levels of realism and nuance. The works of Lillian Colton, an early master of crop art portraiture, and whose collection is featured in this year’s show, continue to inspire and challenge new artists. The winner of this year’s best of show award, a portrait of a girl by Zambian artist Obrien Shipeka, displays an emotional quality that transcends even the technical virtuosity of Colton’s work.

An interesting sub-genre of crop art portraiture seems to have emerged that might be called the ‘popular goddess’ portrait. The piece ‘Forever Farrah’ (James Buhler, artist) is a lovingly rendered take on the Farrah Fawcett sex angel poster from the 1970’s. And then there’s the muscular Elsie-the-cow look alike with the ‘Mom’ tattoo on her arm (Skippy Winski, artist); not really a portrait, but clearly a goddess in the Hathor/Venus of Willendorf tradition.

The most intriguing work though has to be ‘Flo’, a portrait rendered in seed of the pervasive Progressive car insurance ad character. If some savvy museum curator were to display this piece next to artist David Steinlicht’s artistic alter ego Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘Girl with Hair Ribbon’, the effect would certainly be to enhance the stature of this local crop artist (and perhaps bring down a notch the famous 1960’s pop artist). This clever work is like the spitball shot by a rowdy kid in the back of the classroom that lands squarely on the face of his teacher.

Crop art subject matter has traditionally reflected themes of patriotism, religiosity and other conservative values commonly associated with ‘rural folk’. However in recent years political commentary has emerged as a popular crop art theme. These works address current politics and issues with a distinct point of view that might even be considered a tad bit subversive, at least by ‘Minnesota nice’ standards.

Take for example the piece ‘GOP Sideshow’ by Minneapolis artist Teresa Anderson. This polemic presents a freak show triptych including Michelle Bachmann as a medium who sees only communist threats in her crystal ball; a cross-dressing Rush Limbaugh billed as ‘World’s Biggest Ego / World’s Thinnest Skin’; and Ann Coulter as Anna Conda, the snake lady. Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachmann (R) has the dubious honor of being featured in several crop art works this year. If you assume that serious ‘artists’ tend toward left-of-center politics then this year’s show is proof that many of them have taken up tweezers and seed. [Just a picky note: Crop artists usually don't use tweezers to manipulate the seeds. Just toothpicks with a dot of glue on the end. -- D.S.]

Many of the new works at this year’s show display the influence of genres, themes, and movements seen in more mainstream contemporary art forms. This points to the greater sophistication that the new crop of crop artists bring to their work. Where past artists like Lillian Colton displayed the technical potential of the crop art medium, the newer artists are beginning to show its artistic potential as well. They are worth keeping on eye on at this annual Minnesota State Fair salon.

(The 2009 Minnesota State Fair crop art show is on display from August 27 to September 7 in the Agriculture/Horticulture Building on the fairgrounds.)

--Craig Anderson

August 29, 2009

World-wide crop art

2009-09-07T10:40:00.006-05:00

An article in Sunday's St. Paul Pioneer Press (online at twincities.com) tells the background of this year's best in show winner. A piece in the out-of-state category, from way out of state -- Zambia. The craftsmanship is amazing. Click picture for a closer view.

Crop art on TV!

2009-09-01T10:47:00.005-05:00

Rachel Maddow's television show featured Mark Dahlager and Laura Melnick's Minnesota State Fair crop art.

Maddow was picking up a story from the Minnesota Independent about political crop art at the Fair. She doesn't mention the artists names. She also didn't mention Teresa Anderson's piece from the article. Both Maddow and the Independent overlooked Kim Cope's political crop art.

But, hey -- crop art on TV!

Link to the Maddow show video.

Link to the Independent article.

UPDATE: There's a mention of political crop art over at minnpost.com.

Progress: Kim Cope's Conan O'Brien on a Schtick

2009-08-30T12:38:00.004-05:00

Steps in creating my Conan O'Brien crop art for 2009:

1. I thought of an idea and drew out a rough sketch. I chose Conan because he promised to bring his show to the Minnesota State Fair for a week if he got his weight in chocolate-covered bacon, then he changed his mind. This way, Conan is still at the fair (so to speak), plus I used the word "shtick" in the title because it's a synonym for a comedy bit.

2. I searched the Internet for some photos, cartoons, and caricatures of Conan to use as a guide when drawing out my design.

3. I wanted to include a hand holding the stick Conan's on, so I took a photo of my own hand holding a wooden spoon handle to use as a reference.

4. I painted an undercoat of flesh-colored acrylic paint where Conan's head and my hand would go. I glued down the background seeds radiating out from his head. I thought the red lentils spelling out the title on the bottom would be readable, but they didn't stand out enough so I ended up outlining each orangish lentil letter in black carnola seeds.

5. Two days before it was due, I had most of the lettering done and was still trying to decide how to put the detail in Conan's face to get a semi-close likeness. (I was also working on my Michele Bachmann "Patron Saint of Wingnuts" crop art at the same time and had to switch back and forth between the two pieces while sections of each dried.)

(Click on picture for a closer view.)

6. After I finished, I sprayed Conan with two coats of quick-drying polyurethane clear glossy spray a couple of hours before it was due at the Ag-Hort building. I put it in a frame and attached the hanging wire and legend card. Then it was off to the fair with a couple of hours to spare.

Thurs., Aug. 27, St. Paul Saints baseball and crop art

2009-08-27T13:00:00.005-05:00

Liz Schreiber is the featured artist tonight at the Saint Paul Saints baseball game. Her portrait of the Baron Von Rashcke will be auctioned for charity during the 7th inning. The Baron himself will be in attendance.

saintsbaseball.com
baronvonraschke.com

Progess: Scott

2009-08-26T11:25:00.001-05:00

Wearable crop art. Canola, millet and red millet.

Progress: Suzanne

2009-08-25T22:17:00.004-05:00

I used shellac/lacquer that I brushed on instead the spray on. Much more shiny.

I had to add some glitter paint to the background, because when I applied the first spray on coat of lacquer there was some discoloring to the silver paint.

I then tried to repaint with the original silver, while covering completed Barbie with tape, but of course could only get so close to the edge, since I was using silver spray paint. So off to the store to buy more silver to hand paint on.

THEN I saw some super silver glitter paint, so I bought that instead of plain silver and painted that over original silver background.

Tired yet? THEN I did a 2nd coat of silver glitter paint, followed by 2 coats of paint on lacquer. DONE and off to the fair.

Crop art article

2009-08-25T17:16:00.006-05:00

Nice crop art article and photos focusing on Sandra Fjerkenstad-Budel at the food Web site HeavyTable.com

Photos by Lori Writer / Heavy Table

Progress: Teresa

2009-08-25T13:23:00.003-05:00

A deft combination of the Fair's Midway sideshows and political commentary.

Progress: Linda

2009-08-25T11:52:00.003-05:00

Linda wielding the jeweler's drill. Making holes in soybeans.

The finished product. Linda writes, "It’s a necklace of soybeans with a sterling silver pendant featuring a burned husk from last year’s Corn Roast stand." Great job -- beautiful!

Progress: Greta

2009-08-25T11:49:00.003-05:00

Greta, Linda Koutsky's niece, did this. Sharp design skills run in the family!

Progress: David

2009-08-24T14:24:00.001-05:00

Frame painted, crop art in the frame, seed legend card on the back. Delivered. Done.

Progress: David

2009-08-23T14:23:00.001-05:00

Wild rice hair. Teeth made out of navy beans.

Progress: David

2009-08-22T23:19:00.002-05:00

Spaced out navy beans in the background.

Progress: Sandra

2009-08-22T15:43:00.000-05:00

Progress: David

2009-08-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

Question: Seed legend cards in a bag

2009-08-22T10:25:00.004-05:00

Hi David,

Here's a question. Remember how last year I was one of the few people who followed the new directive to put my index card in a baggie and tape it on the back? And how mine was the only legend card that wasn't hanging so people could read it???? (Being that it was still taped on the back.)

The rules say the same thing this year--should I/we ignore that particular instruction? Perhaps the reasoning was to keep the cards clean and free from entanglement while they were being delivered and judged, but if they stay taped to the back, how are the fair-goers going to learn about Minnesota crops? (Some sarcasm there.) On a more serious note, my legend card is part of my overall theme this year, so I need it to show.

As I write this, I realize your answer will be, "At the most you'll only lose a couple points..." so perhaps I have answered my own question. But I am curious what others plan to do...

Thanks and good luck on finishing your piece!

Teresa

____

Teresa,

The hanging legend card was discontinued last year and I hadn't read the rules, so I was wrong. You were indeed right in putting it in a sandwich bag and taping it on the back. It was an oversight to have your legend card hidden. Most people who bagged the legend card had their legends properly displayed alongside the name tag.

I think the change in rules was to make the legend card easier to display with the name.

(Incidentally, if you see your crop art -- or anyone else's -- crop art improperly displayed at the State Fair, talk to the nearby Fair employees. They usually are very happy to fix things that are wrong.)

My advice: Do put your seed legend in the plastic bag again. It's the way it's supposed to be and helps the people hanging the display. That yours was improperly displayed last year was a mistake. And as for the rules and the points -- hey, a couple points here, a couple points there . . . .

Thanks for the wishes on my finishing this year. Looks like it will be a race to the finish!

--David

Progress: David

2009-08-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

Progress: David

2009-08-21T21:10:00.002-05:00

Progress: David

2009-08-21T19:09:00.001-05:00

Millet. (Click for big.)

Progress: Suzanne

2009-08-20T14:37:00.004-05:00

Here's Suzanne on her project:

I got some pix of my entry for this year. Barbie at 50. These are paparazzi style photos, the first being blurred and the other only partial, since her publicist was there. What a Diva!

[Editor's note: Very funny! The three pictures have been combined into one for this blog post. Click on the picture for a larger view.]

I only did the under painting technique on the "Barbie" logo, and wished I had also followed your advice on her suit. She's supposed to be turned at a slight angle at the waist, but instead it looks a bit like a sloppy swimsuit at this point. I may go in a do "seed over lay" or "double seeding" for better coverage.

This crop art! You give yourself ample time, and then perhaps nitpick vs. rushing in the 11th hour. A bit stressful no matter what, but either way, so exhilarating! I will also follow your advice and use painted vs/ sprayed lacquer.

[Note: If we did this year-round, we would be really good at it, but as it is, we seem to relearn stuff every year and only get good at it when we're almost done.]

Also new technique I learned:

To color the flax seed for fingernails, I was having trouble using a sharpie, since flax is so slippery, but I need that shape for the nails. So I ended up gluing seeds on paper, coloring them when they were well glued down and then removed and put on the piece. Good idea, huh?

[Note: Flax is difficult to work with, that's for sure! It is a good idea to paint it separately.]

Progress: David

2009-08-20T14:34:00.003-05:00

Outlines: wild rice. Eyes: birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa. Lips: wild rice, birdsfood trefoil and red millet. Skin: millet.

Progress: David

2009-08-17T11:54:00.002-05:00

Got some wild rice on the hair outline. Painting backgrounds. Wishing seeds went on as easy as paint!

Progress: Teresa

2009-08-16T22:24:00.004-05:00

Teresa is doing a three-panel piece titled "GOP Sideshow." Here's a close-up. Have to go to the Minnesota State Fair to see the whole thing. Sometimes a wild-rice cigar is just a wild-rice cigar.

Progress: David

2009-08-15T17:11:00.003-05:00

Getting a bit of a late start. I'm abandoning the clock idea for this year. (One of these years that clock will be a heck of an entry!)

Since I'm just about completely out of time, I'm attempt a fast portrait. Of an advertising character. Getting the image on the board and the board painted.

Important reminder

2009-08-14T00:37:00.002-05:00

NOW! NOW! NOW! You must register TODAY (Friday, Aug. 14) if you are planning on entering this year's Minn. State Fair Crop Art exhibit/ competition! Register online now -- before 4:30 p.m. today.

You have until Monday, Aug. 24 to finish your work -- but you must register TODAY (Friday, Aug. 14).

Also: Download the online rulebook (PDF).

Progress: Lisa

2009-08-12T11:57:00.005-05:00

I had a July 31 deadline to finish the Our Lady of Guadalupe figure, her son and their aura. I missed it by 90 minutes, working into August 1 until 1:30 a.m.

(Better a partial-nighter now than an all-nighter later!)

((Her gown took months, as I laid them in contrasting stripes, barely distinguishable in this photo.))

My niece Evy helped me with the pour-and-pat technique, using beautiful canola seeds, for the background. Thanks again, Evy! Niece Emma also helped me place split peas on the left rose vine, but alas I decided they wouldn't work. Thanks anyway, Em!

Next challenge: finishing the rose vine and the roses. I have pretty red popcorn for the roses, all with the idea of framing the beautiful Our Lady. Note: I'm proud to use the homely and humble-but-intriguing-looking sugarbeet seed for the center of the roses. It's my homage to the northwest Minnesota staple crop.

Progress: Laura

2009-08-10T10:04:00.001-05:00

Progress report: Laura

2009-08-07T12:26:00.003-05:00

Laura is working on another opus. This one combining Precious Moments figurines and quotes from a famous Congresswoman from Minnesota's Sixth District.

A photo from the early stages.

Detail from one of the quotes. Laura has all the quote clouds done now and is working on the background.

Sandra progress

2009-08-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

Sandra is done with one and is working on another.

Bill Holm, R.I.P. Getting a likeness is hard work.