A new semester began and I'm as busy as ever.  I'm getting more stressed each day because it's a countdown until my show.  Dana bought a plane ticket to come help me setup and I just bought Eric's today.  Eric's grandma is also going to fly down to LA for my exhibition.  My parents will be driving down on Sunday, I believe.  Or Saturday.  The day keeps changing.  Hopefully my brother can come too.  I also invited all of my friends at EVK, professors, State Lands Commission people, etc.

I've been communicating with Michael Holte about the exhibition card, press release, book, etc.  He helped me get all the info for the card and it's been printed.  Even after I submitted the order online and got the card back, I was still paranoid about the dates and times being wrong.  I triple triple checked with Ann to make sure that I got it right and I think I did.  

I'm taking 4 studio classes this semester so I'm squeezing time in to paint some more.  It's pretty much all I do Fridays through Sundays.  I'm either in ceramics or painting in my apartment.  Oh, did I mention that I'm making tiles for the show?  I'm taking the petroleum based containers or petroleum based products' container lids and stamping them into individual tiles.  I have over 300 tiles right now and I'm in the process of waxing and glazing them all.  They NEED to be out of the kiln and grouted by the setup date.  

Eric put in a lot of time and energy into revamping the website.  He was really particular about the website showing up funny on certain web browsers so he basically re-did it.  The mini video clips and images of my work are now up.  I'm pretty excited about the site.  I just wish that I could help work on it but I don't know what I'm doing.

Last Saturday I was in Leavey library all day working on the book.  Michael suggested that I print with Lulu.com and use inDesign.  I don't have inDesign but fortunately Leavey does.  So, I have to learn how to use a new program, conform to margins and figure out how to print my book by this coming Saturday/Sunday so that there's enough turn around time.  So stressed. 

Oh, my right wrist hurts too.  I'm thinking it's from painting, waxing, using the mouse, etc. constantly.  Can't stop now.

To sum up my Fall semester in one entry

SOOOO stressfully busy. 

After we came home, we still had to figure out how to pack all of my stuff and bring it to LA.  My dad and my sister asked our neighbor, Harry, if he could find a barrel for me.  I woke up one morning and my sister said that he dropped one off on our driveway.  It was awesome.  So now I have a 50gal. drum.  I also had a lot of canvases along with all of my other supplies, clothes, etc.  Moving is such an ordeal.  We ended up renting another van and drove two vans packed with my stuff, down to LA.  I actually got to do some of the driving with my dad as the passenger, which was kind of cool.  He didn’t trust me enough to nap though. 

I got to LA and found out that I got the same apartment as I had last year.  I didn’t know my roommate though.  Since the living room is huge, we took a chance (roommate hadn’t shown up yet) and made a “screen” that divides the living room.  One side has the sofa, table, dining table and TV.  The other side has my bed, desk, a little sofa thing, and my all-important easel (that Eric built for me when we got home – and I mean built.  There are so many screws screwed into this thing.  It’s heavy duty).  It was really awesome that my roommate, who I eventually met, agreed with the arrangement.  Jaclyn gets the room to herself and I get the half of the living room.  So we moved my stuff in.  I’ve currently got a 50gal. drum and 2 metal gas tanks sitting on my balcony.  The gas tanks were Eric’s grandpa’s. 

So my journey began.  Taking a full course load and painting on the side.  I wanted to get one painting done each week (no class on Fridays), but it didn’t happen that way.  Some paintings took longer than others.  I got really stuck on the containership painting.  It was so tedious.  I was painting with a brush in one hand and a ruler the other.  I would take a picture of it and AIM it to Eric.  He would then tell me that my lines weren’t straight.  The painting process for it was extremely frustrating and I got kind of depressed over it.  Eric came to visit me from Santa Cruz.  However, when it was finally “done,” I thought that it looked pretty good.  I was at least satisfied by my effort.  Other paintings were quicker.  It really depended on the subject and type of painting.  I really tried to choose from pictures that represented different aspects or perspectives of the oil discussion. 

At the same time I was taking a painting class with Bob Alderette and printmaking with Francesco Siquieros.  It was really nice of them to let me incorporate this oil theme into their classes.  Bob let me work of some of my paintings for his class.  As a result, I was not only able to get feedback and suggestions from him, but also my peers.  In Francesco’s class, I was able to approach the subject using a different medium.  I was able to make comparisons and see what worked and what didn’t work.  Everybody here has been really really supportive.  Throughout the semester, I met with Karen regularly.  Meeting dates kind of set my pace and forced me to keep going.  It was at the same time encouraging and stressful.  At times, I just wanted to break down. 

By the end of Fall semester, I had completed a mini-series of depleting petroleum products, the loading arm, containership, 2 holey pipe paintings, the New Carissa, and a net painting.  For printmaking, I’d made prints of a fence on top of a RCAC newsletter that I’d collected, some monotypes, and photoetchings.  I discovered that a painting of the New Carissa conveys a different connotation in comparison to a photoetching print of the same image. A large oil painting elevated and personalized the image, whereas a smaller monochromatic print made reference to newspaper images. For my purposes, the painting was more effective than the print, as the print was unable to reach a desensitized public.

I had never been so productive.  I wake up in the morning feeling stressed.  I went to bed feeling stressed.  The deadline was always there.  There were never enough paintings for me to feel comfortable.  So, the walls in my apartment are covered with my paintings.  I’m grateful that Jaclyn let me hang them.  I’d have no where to put them.  Most of the time, it smells like oils in here.  I try to open the door and air it out with a fan and the apartment fan on.  I’ve spilled and tracked paint all over my area of the apartment carpet numerous times.  Good thing it comes off with turpenoid (only when you realize it fast).  When Eric was here, it got all over his jacket and everything.  I have paint on a lot of my clothes and I even got it on the walls.  I think I will have to repaint a bit of the wall before I move out in May.  It is kind of nice to not have to go to far to work on my paintings though.  I can work on it whenever I want.  And when I don’t, the view of my easel from my bed is always there to prod at me.  And there’s always Eric to prod at me.  He’s kept me going on my paintings when I’ve felt really down and done.

At the end of the semester, I was going to start painting on petroleum based product containers that I’d asked people to collect and save for me.  I brought one into Bob’s class and started painting on it.  Bob then suggested that instead of painting on it, I should take a picture of my paintings and label the containers with images of my paintings.  Go where no painting has ever gone before.  On the back I’ve typed up facts about the pipeline, etc. in the “ingredients, nutrition, etc.” format, along with the barcode.  It worked out better for me and is a lot more effective.  It was a really great idea.

I now have a closet full of containers, cassettes, nailpolish, pantyhose, etc. – all either petroleum based or petroleum based product containers.  Karen has been a frequent contributor.  Earlier in the semester, I’d made a list of all the stuff I wanted help collecting and made copies for all the faculty/staff.  I’d also asked my advisor, Christina, to email the list to all fine arts majors and minors. One of the first students to help contribute to my project, Kathleen, emailed to have me pick up stuff.  Robin, from my painting class also gave me some.  It was pretty awesome.  There’s a collection box in the fine arts office now.  In a way, I think that this collection process did help spread a little more awareness. 

I went home for winter break.  Eric and I drove (well, Eric drove) back down to LA with a tripod to take pictures of my work for grad school applications.  It was just stress on top of stress on top of more stress.  It was nice to spend time with family, but there was always something that needed to be done.  Essays to be written, slides to be made, Christmas tree to be put up.  The whole process was very very busy.  Now I’m back at school.  If I remember anything else, I’ll write more.

It's been about six months since my last entry.  Soooo much has happened since then.  

From where I left off...

In Valdez, we met with Mr. Kelly and Mr. Kotula.  They were extremely helpful providing insight and further contacts.  Ie. training, penalties, the role of fishermen as they provide local knowledge not just equipment.   350 vessels and thousands of fishermen – integral part in oil spill response.  I was really thrilled that we had the chance to meet up with Mr. Kelly, especially because his giving me his business card on the tanker in LA was really random.  Being able to talk to him in LA and then see him in Valdez was something I could only imagine doing.  I'm not sure if he really expected me to call him after he gave me the card.  Anyways, since we couldn't reach the contact I was given for the RCAC (Regional Citizens' Advisory Council), Mr. Kotula and Mr. Kelly helped us contact them and set up a visit. 

From the Dept. of Environmental Conservation Division of Spill Prevention & Response office, we went across town (which wasn't very far) to the RCAC office and met up with their friendly people.   We got to talk to several of their members about what they do (they were set up after the Exxon spill), the equipment, and what they hope to improve upon.  We talked about escort tugs and 2-cycle outboard motors and how they want to change to 4-cycled ones.  They would like to get a deep ocean boom, and although they have the most equipment, it is “not good enough yet.”  My understanding is that RCAC is the citizens’ council that oversees industries – oil spill response and industry.  One of the RCAC members, Roy, offered to take us around Valdez in his boat if the weather looked better later that day.  So, we went back to our hotel.  I remember my stomach not feeling well and taking a nap.  Roy and I called each other several times over the next few hours trying to figure out if we should still go.  We ended up going, despite my tummy problems.  I was really afraid that I’d get sick on his boat, but once on it, it was pretty awesome.  It was freezing cold- I had layers and later on – thermal, sweatshirt, down jacket – beanie.  We got to tour the harbor and see the fog/mist seeping in.  Got to see the tug and the barge up close.  I was surprised that pretty much anyone (with a boat of course) could approach so closely.  Afterwards, Roy invited us back to his place for dinner.  We picked up some salad and a pie and went over.  That’s when we were introduced to real king crab.  Eric and I had never eaten king crab before so now I think that experience has spoiled us for the future crabs.  Roy was an amazing cook. 

We headed out of Valdez and went looking for the pipeline.  We thought that we missed it, but when we finally found it, the opening leading to the pipeline was insanely secluded.  No security.  No signs like – turn here for the pipeline.  No anything.  But, we found it.  Parked Maxy and walked in through the pedestrian access.  It was enormous.  We followed it for a bit because it curved a little but it kept going and going and going.  My first impression was “oh my god” it’s big.  Some gift shops in Valdez played videos about the pipeline and even those didn’t prepare me for seeing it in person.  One spot on the pipe caught my attention in particular.  It looked like it had been patched up.  We didn’t get to see any critters, but I did see some scat so they had to be around somewhere.  I really liked the contrast between the colorful wildflowers and the industrial metal.

Left the pipeline and headed to Seward to go camp overnight.  Everybody had been telling us how awesome it was, and we couldn’t do this trip and not camp for at least one night.  We’d brought a tent, sleeping bags, tarp, pots and stuff with us so we were relatively prepared.  Our camp site was called “Paul”.  What ended up costing us the most was firewood.  Earlier, we’d gone to the supermarket to pick up some chicken, corn, cocoa powder, bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and milk.  We ended up making shish-kabobs, corn on the cob, and hot cocoa.  The icebox lid was my cutting board and the shovel was our “tray” to put over the fire.  I’d never had better chicken – even though it kind of dropped a couple times.  Tons of gulls everywhere.  Other people gutted some fish in one area and the gulls were all over it.  We had the tarp down and tent up so fast.  The night was really cold and wet.  Ground was really really hard despite having two sleeping bags.  I liked the cooking part and all, but what I really didn’t like was waking up to bird calls at the crack of dawn, or what felt like the crack of dawn.  I don’t think I’m meant to camp outdoors. 

We drove to Anchorage and stayed at the Caribou Inn.  Compared to Valdez, it’s a lot more touristy.  There were tourists everywhere.  What peaked my interest was that there was not really any mention of the pipeline or oil.  In Valdez, the postcards predominantly depicted the pipeline or something relating to oil.  There would be some animals of course.  But in Anchorage, it was really hard to find any postcard with the pipeline.  Did I mention that I collected postcards?  Anyways, we stayed in Anchorage for several nights and visited Starbucks.  I was interested in the public art they had in front of Starbucks because a lot of people were interacting with them.  There were these armless “statues” of big bear-moose-fox “people” that people would stand behind or next to – interacting with them.  This one woman stood behind the moose person and acted as the arms, striking different poses.  I also got homesick in Anchorage.  We didn’t have a set date to be home by, but the date for when we had to start school was coming up fast.  Eric’s on the quarter system so he didn’t have to worry as much but I still had to go home and pack and sort things out.  I also felt bad for leaving home for so long and not really spending much time with my family.  I cried and called home. 

Eric set it up for us to drive a bit further to Haines, AK and catch the ferry to Prince Rupert, B.C.  It was a little costly for us and the car, but I think it was worth it.  It saved us some time and also driving through the bumpy Yukon.  When we got to Haines, we still had to wait until like 6am (something like that, I forget) to get onboard.  It was wet and cold, and we slept in the car in the parking lot.  I was really cramped and cranky.  By the time it was time for us to get on the ferry, I was really pissy.  The cool part was driving up and into the ferry.  I’d never seen that done before.  That night/morning we slept upright in really uncomfortable chair things since we didn’t want to “rent” a cabin.  I was not a happy camper.  I also didn’t like the swaying.  There was a little round window in front of me, and I could see the water line tilting back and forth and back and forth.  On a happier note, the food was good.  I tried sleeping to forget the swaying feeling but half of the time it didn’t work.  The ferry was also big enough for me to get lost.  The next couple nights we grabbed our sleeping bags from the car and slept on the floor in a corner.  Didn’t really get to change clothes either.  I must say that it was quite an experience.  I’m not sure if I’d ever do it again.  The sunsets were amazing though.

Got off the ferry.  I was soooo happy to be on land and in a car again.  Had to show our passport/birth certificates.  That’s when we asked them if there were any coffee shops around because Eric planned to drive for a while.  By “for a while,” I had the impression that it meant until he got tired.  Didn’t happen that way.  I stayed up keeping him company – we talked about food.  Apple cake, chow mein, things that we would make once we got home.  And then we drove and drove and drove.  There were hardly any lights lighting the road so we were praying that the car didn’t break down in the middle of nowhere in the dark.  The cool thing was that we got to see the sun rise, the cow herds still sleeping, and dew on the grass.  It was really peaceful. I took a nap and Eric woke me up to drive.  I think I was cranky.  I drove while he took a nap.  We ended up at a rest stop and slept in the car for an hour.  Got woken up by rest stop workers cleaning up the place.  Cranky and tired, we drove some more, hoping to stop in Seattle.  I wanted a marzipan pastry really badly.  We got to Seattle late evening and as I mentioned before, there were no, absolutely, noooo vacancies.  By that time, I was willing to pay almost anything, but no luck.  We went from hotel to hotel looking for anything.  We left town and kept driving.  All along I-5 we kept our eyes peeled for hotel signs along the freeway.  We stopped in a lot of the towns right below Seattle and still couldn’t find anything.  It was about 3am when we stopped in Kelso, WA and got the last room available.  Eric will say that he’s never taken a better shower.  After being stuck on the ferry for, I think, three or four nights, a shower and a bed was heaven.  We slept in.

We checked out in the morning and decided to surprise my parents.  We drove from WA straight home and snuck in through the front door around 12:30am.  Woke my parents up to say that we got home and my dad says “I knew you would surprise us.”  My sister was like “huhhh??”  So we got home, exhausted, but safe.

More next time.

We are back in Sac!  I will update this journal soon... after I sleep for a really really really long time. 

Long story short: we got to Anchorage, AK, from there we drove to Haines, AK, caught a ferry that took us to Prince Rupert, B.C., drove 28 hours straight to Kelso, WA because there were no vacancies from Seattle to Kelso going down I-5... from there, we spent another 13 hours until we got home and crashed.  

All is well- not used to the heat here anymore...  

Update later!

We are currently back at the inn for a snooze/break and update.  We visited the Valdez Museum to check out their exhibit on the pipeline.  Then headed over across the street to watch a movie on the making of the Alaska pipeline.  Lunched then went to the library and visitor center.  Lots more stops later tonight seeing as it will still be bright til late.  Tomorrow we have a meeting scheduled with Mr. Kelly- State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation- Division of Spill Prevention and Response.  Things look happy!

We made it to Valdez, AK last night!  We almost stayed in Tok, AK but decided that we just wanted to go the full way despite having to drive another 5 hours of driving.  The driving yesterday was brutal.  We were on the road for about 15 hours.  From about Destruction Bay until the Alaskan border, it was insanely bumpy.  Like they couldn't pave the asphalt smooth or something.  47 miles of undulations and random patches of no road and/or gravel.  We found out the hard way that "Road Damage" equates to "no road."  Then there was a lot of construction.  Places that we had to stop because it became a one lane high way.   It took a lot longer because of the road conditions.  The following is an Eric quote: "Maxy, my car, got to drive in a couple inches of mud, over large (baseball-sized) rocks, and had to deal with an onslaught of huge bugs. "  Some areas had no markings, no asphalt and no guard rail.  Half of the time we were at the same level as the tree tops.  Kind of scary.  On the bright side, what we got to see was unbelieveable.  The pictures aren't even as good as seeing it in person.

Earlier in the day Eric once again slammed on his brakes.  The critter stopped in the middle, looked at us, then ran right under the tires.  

Also saw a caribou/elk?  Don't know exactly what it was, but we had the windows down and we got to hear the click-clack of its hooves as we drove by and took pictures.  A lot more bug kill.  The car is filthy.  

We got into town around 10:30-11pm.  It's an hour earlier here than back home too.  Still bright and warmish.  I think the constant sun is messing with my system.  I'm tired but still wide awake at night becuase my body is telling me that the sun is still out.  Need really heavy blinds!  There are no fast food places here and not much is open at night.  We're staying at the Downtown B&B Inn for the next several nights.  

We're pretty sure that we saw the pipeline on our way into town because it parallels the highway.  We're off to go explore Valdez now. 

It's 9:50pm and it's still nice and bright here.  We're staying at 2-0-2 Motor Inn in Yukon, Canada.  The drive here was pretty awesome.  Saw a herd of buffalo, 6 caribou, a fox (I think) and lots of birds.  A lot of bugs died in the execution of this project.  The car is covered with bug carcasses and the windshield became a multicolored bug splatter painting.  I didn't know that they were so juicy!  A flying rock also hit the windshield and made a small crack in it.  Not so happy.

Happier note, the sporatic rain helped wash away some of the bugs and the scenery was amazing.  AMAZING.  We came across this one lake with really beautiful blue-green color water.  We stopped to take pictures and encountered two little girls and one little boy pelting (trying to) gulls with rocks from the shore.  They were trying to keep the gulls from eating the fish head that had washed up.  

I actually got to drive a bit today.  It was my first drive in the rain so that was interesting.  Got to play around with the settings for the windshield wipers.  There aren't very many cars driving around here.  A lot of RVs, campers and big trucks but very few cars.  Saw one other California license plate out here.  A lot of the vehicles though, are covered with mud, dirt and grime.  Layers of it.  Eric drove the rest of the way here.  Apparently my driving doesn't make very good time.  I moved a couple millimeters on the map.

Tomorrow we are finally on our way to Valdez, AK.  Yippee.  Was up at 7am today.  Will probably be up early again. 

I didn't realize how big Canada was, or that we would be in it for tonight and tomorrow.  I had the misconception that we would be leaving Surrey and getting into the edge of Alaska by tonight.  Boy was I wrong.  I guess I didn't look at the boundaries on the map.  We ended up driving for about 8.5 hours, including bathroom breaks.  We got as far as Prince George, B.C.  Not as far as our "goal" so it might take us 4 days to get to Valdez, AK instead of 3.  Thought that it would be safer to make sure that we found a hotel for the night.  I started calling hotels for Prince George on the road whenever I had reception.  I hope the phone bill doesn't get too expensive because it might be roaming...  The criteria was: cheap, internet, and microwave.  Canned food for dinner.

The drive up was amazing.  Actually its been incredible since getting on to highway 22 way back in California.  The roads along the coast were beautiful- CA, OR and WA.  This was accentuated by today's trip.  The colors are undescribable.  The greenest trees and grass and when the grass wasn't green it was a field of yellow.  The mountains were different shades of blues, purples, and greens.  It rained a bit, but when the sky was clear, the blue was vivid.  Not like the smog or fog we've seen lately.  Put that all together and you get a great view.  That's what made the drive a lot more bearable.  The only thing that annoyed me slightly were the telephone poles and power lines everywhere.  Couldn't really avoid them in a lot of the pictures.  However, it was altogether amazing.  Then again, I didn't do any driving.  Must drive tomorrow, I think.

7/4- Left Aberdeen, WA headed to Seattle, WA
We stayed in Seattle for the 4th and 5th.  Hotel costs were a little more expensive than what we'd been paying for earlier on the trip.  We stayed at the Kings Inn where you could see the space needle from the window of our room.  In the two days that we were in Seattle, we'd pretty much walked most of downtown and checked out Pikes Market on our way.  Weather was rather cold and it rained/sprinkled on us as we exited the restaurant on the 4th.  We had to go coat shopping because Eric realized that he didn't bring a thicker jacket for cold weather.  He found one at Northface.   I found a pretty funny tshirt at Pikes Market that said: "It's all about oil.  Fighting terrorism since 1492."  It caught my attention so I bought it.  We did an incredible amount of walking since we've been cooped up in the car.  Hooray for ice chests and cd players.  Not to mention AC/vent.

7/6- Left Seattle, WA, headed to Surrey, B.C.
We left Seattle semi-early and was expecting a 2.5 hour drive to get to my aunt and cousins' house but it got there in about 1.5 hours.  Crossing the border was a lot less exciting/difficult than I thought it would be.  The guy just asked what we were doing (on our way to Alaska) and if we had any gifts (no).  It was a much more tedious process when I went to Canada via grayhound about 4 years ago.  Once again, we took a lot of pictures.  Eric thought that it was funny the McDonald's arch has a maple leaf in the middle of it here in Canada.  

7/7- Surrey, B.C.
We're staying at my aunt and cousins' house for the next couple days.  A mix of vacation and project.  When we visted Jean Cameron several days earlier, she contacted Burrard Clean Operations for us.  Burrard cleans smaller marine oil spills in B.C.  I had been emailing Kevin Gardner about visiting and touring their facilities.  Although they were in the middle of a spill cleanup, they graciously fit us in at 1pm.  We got incredibly lost getting there despite directions from several people and my cousin's navigation skills.  When we finally got there, we met Mark, who provided us with an Exxon guidebook/training manual (?) in Russian, a handbook and hats.  It was interesting seeing the differences between how things work in the US and in Canada.  Mark gave us the background on Burrard and showed us pictures of past oil spills and some from their clean ups.  Then we met Chris, who captured and was trying to rehabilitate oiled birds.  We were able to take pictures of part of this process and the warehouse.  It was an altogether neat experience.  I just wished that we had the time to help with the birds.  I felt kind of bad for them when tubes were put down their throats but the stuff was supposed to flush out the oil that they'd ingested.  Although it was a short visit, I was already suprised that we were allowed to even go at such a critical time.  Later, we went to the night market where my cousin, Lisa, had a Thai stall.

7/8- Surrey, B.C.
Today was devoted to shopping and eating.  Eric had never been in Canada before.  Lisa took us on the Sky train to get to downtown Vancouver.  We did a lot of walking today and while we were in downtown I was kind of amused to see a girl with a usc trojans tshirt on.  Bought more postcards from here though I don't have any stamps to send them with.  The exchange rate was about $1US=$1.10 Canadian.  We had exchanged some cash but thank god VISAs work too.  Didn't buy stamps though.  Seeing as we leave tomorrow, I don't know what to do with the cash I didn't spend.  But Eric is currently mapping out our route for tomorrow and preparing the car.  He's planning a 12 hour drive for tomorrow that I'm not quite looking foward to.  He says that's the "goal" and that if we fall a little short it's okay but I think I just goaded him into trying to make the drive by saying we'll fall short.  We need to buy ice for the ice chest, but we have our fruits and veggis.  Jello too.  We did two loads of laundry yesterday and I think we're set.  We just haven't packed up yet and that will take a while.  Seeing as it's almost midnight, I don't know what we're doing.  I need sleep!!  Okay, I'm all updated now finally.  I don't know where we're staying tomorrow but I we know where we are headed to at least.  We didn't want to book any hotels because we didn't know how far we could drive.   We have a tent though!  Haha. 

7/2- Left Coos Bay, headed to Lincoln City, OR
In Lincoln City, we stayed at the Bel Aire Inn and I just couldn't get over how foggy and cold it was.  The wind was really chilly and people were still making use of the hotel's pool and sauna.  It was quite a pleasant stay since I got clam chowder for dinner.  It was just a stopover place so that we could make it to the next day's interview in time. 

7/3- Left Lincoln City, headed to Neskowin, OR
We had a 1:30pm appointment to meet Jean Cameron, executive coordinator of the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force.  We got into town a bit early and decided to get more clam chowder (for me) and then take a short walk near the beach.  We met with Ms. Cameron where she told us how she got involved with the task force.  I thought it was really interesting that when I asked her what her message would be if she could speak to everyone and people would listen, she responded that would just like to make people aware of the trasportation infrastucture.  Awareness of personal impact on the environment and awareness would bring more informed voters to make decisions.  This seemed to partially echo my intentions for this project.  I definitely felt like I benefited from the insight and information from the meeting.  From Ms. Cameron's office, we headed to our next stop: Aberdeen, WA.  There, we stayed at the Nordic Inn and Convention Center.  The room was incredibly spacious for just the two of us.  We went grocery shopping after downing canned food for dinner.  

It feels like it's been forever since we had internet.  Sorry for the lack of updates recently.  We obviously made it back from Longbeach and Bakersfield.  In Bakersfield, we went to the Kern County Museum to check out the oil derricks and the Black Gold exhibition that they had there.  When I think of museums, I envision something indoors with air conditioning.  Didn't happen.  The day that we were in Bakersfield, it happened to be incredibly hot and stuffy and there were no trees for shade!  The museum and most of the exhibits were outdoors so I was cooking in the sun.  The Black Gold exhibition was pretty neat though.  There was a short film on basically the history of Kern county and how it came about.  It was a little theater room with theater seats and a big screen with just me and Eric watching the film.  I thought that it was pretty neat.  We also went out to the bluff that overlooked miles and miles of oil derricks.  Think yellow plains dotted with oil things as far as your eyes could see.  It was impressive but hot.  From Bakersfield we drove to Merced where we stayed at our first hotel- Vagabond Inn.  Thought we would visit Calaveras Big Trees on the way back home and admire the trees.  We went on a short hike and lathered ourselves with sunscreen and bug guard stuff.  We discovered that it's a lot more enjoyable for me to be hiking or walking in front of Eric.  Otherwise, he will just leave me in the dust.  I have to stop and take pictures!  Drove back to Sacramento to recouperate and pack.

6/30- We left Sacramento and headed to Crescent City, CA
We were originally going to go to Mendocino first but decided against it at the last minute.  On our way to Crescent City, we took the scenic route through the Avenue of the Giants and stopped to take a short hike.  It's incredibly beautiful out there.  Less "tailored and cultivated" than Calaveras and lots more shade.  Took a lot of pictures then got back into the car.  In Crescent City, we stayed at the Curly Redwood Lodge where we soon found out that we needed much warmer clothes.  I totally weren't expecting fog and cold weather compared to Sacramento.  The locals seemed fine with the weather though- shorts, tank tops and tshirts.  We checked out the Crescent City Harbor after dinner and returned to our room to turn up the heater.  

6/1- Left Crescent City, CA and headed to Coos Bay, OR
We arrived in Coos Bay around noon and went to the visitor center to get directions and maps to the New Carissa.  It turns out that we had to hike in sand for about an hour before we could reach the vessle.  I learned my lesson- it's not smart to walk in flip flops in sand.  I kept slipping and sliding, not to mention sinking into the sand.  I also got several mosquito bites.  So itchy!  It was really neat to walk along the beach, approach the remains of the New Carissa and watch the waves lapping against it.  Tons of jellies, broken shells, and insects. It took another hour to hike back, eat tuna for lunch and than look for our hotel for the night.  We stayed at The Blackberry Inn Bed & Breakfast.  It was very cozy and we had the whole place to ourselves because there were no other guests at that time.  

More tomorrow- bed time for now.

Yesterday- got to the aquarium, which was pretty cool, but crowded with little kids.  Learned how to use the camera a little more- trying to take pictures of moving critters turns out to be really really hard.  Plus low light conditions, but that was okay.  The LA Oiled Wildlife people turned out to be closed to the public on the day that we went and since they hadn't returned my call from a month ago, it couldn't really be helped.  Dropped by USC and got suggestions on places to go in Bakersfield from Caitlin.  Then headed to Blick and Utrecht in Santa Monica.  We got there about half an hour until closing time so it was a little rushed and I didn't get to get everything, but I think its neat how there are two art stores right across the street from one another.  You get to compare prices!  Bought 3 brushes from Utrecht and wrote down paint and canvas prices.  Generic Nyquill works wonders.  The best sleep in a week. 

Today- Woke up early again.  Took a walk in the neighborhood looking at the where Eric's aunt and uncle suggested.  I find it really funky that there are random oil derricks in a neighborhood.  Took pictures and hopefully didn't make any neighbors suspicious.  Left the house for the art stores again to buy canvas and paints.  Bought lots of canvases and lots of paint, so far we are under budget so that's good.  Drove to Saugus and we're currently at Eric's parent's house where we're staying the night until we embark on the next part of the trip.  I think we need down time sometime during our trip because I'd feel rather burnt out.  Doesn't help feeling kind of sick. Oh well.  Dinner time!

Helllloooo from Longbeach!  Yesterday- 7:40am, I got a call from Mr. Brown from the State Lands Commission saying that it was okay for me to go visit them the next day.  While it was extremely good news, it was really really early for me.  20 minutes before my alarm was set to go off!  I was still kind of groggy when Eric got to my house.  Throat kind of sore...  By 10ish, we were on the road heading for LA.  Eric drove from Sacramento to Kettleman City, where we stopped for lunch at McDonald's and gas.  Then I took over from Kettleman City until the exit right before Saugus.  My first drive to LA!  It was pretty exciting.  Normally everyone passes me when I'm driving but I had to pass big trucks on my way there.  I also have a new appreciation for the carpool lane.  6ish- we got to El Segundo and took pictures of the refinery from outside of the fence.  On the way to Longbeach, we caught a glimpse of the Wilmington refinery.  By this time my head was a little achey but we were ALMOST there!  Got OJ and then headed over to Eric's uncle, aunt and cousin's house where we got to have dinner.  Spaghetti!  Then it was nappy time.

Today- 6am, alarm rings. UGHHHH.  Throat doesn't feel any better and I have a stuffy nose and it's still dark.  Showered, dressed, ate (a banana of all things) and was out of the house by 7:05, headed for 200 Oceangate to meet people.  We met some wonderful people at the State Lands Commission Marine Division--they're a state agency that regulates oil transfers (from tankers to terminals); prevents spills of oil, chemicals, and other products;  and checks water ballast for invasive species.  If I didn't get that right, they will have to correct me!  They also to a lot more really neat things but I will have to read up on the pamphlets first.  So much responsibility.  We got to speak to Ron, Daryl, Brendan, John, Kim, Kevin and Gary.  If I'm forgetting anyone, sorry!

I have notes that I took that I will refer to once I hash out what's on my mind first.  Around 9am, we headed out towards the terminals where Daryl (inspector), our guide pointed out the various refineries, morton salt, etc. and got us through security to see the Alaskan Navigator that came in.  We got permission to take pictures from inside the security perimeter after we signed in with our IDs.  Of couse we wouldn't have been able to get in if we weren't with the SLC.  Took lots of pictures and was able to get onboard the ship.  No cell phones and cameras allowed on deck.  But we were allowed to take pictures from the bridge where we could see the whole front of the ship.  It was just so massively huge yet beautiful.  It so happened that today this particular ship was getting a green flag award for being environmentally friendly-- slowed down to 12 knots when approaching the shore and used onshore power when moored.  We got to see the processes through pictures and actually being there, ie. the oil boom being led out to make a perimeter around the ship.  Anyways, it was an incredible experience.  Lots of climbing since there was no elevator.  But the place was incredibly clean.  Probably more on this later when we can get the pictures uploaded.  We returned to the office with Daryl after lunch and getting a very detailed and knowledgeable tour of the port of LA, longbeach, and san pedro.  You just don't see these kinds of things in Sacramento.  ie. car lots that go on and on and on and on.  NEW cars.  Random oil derricks in the parking lots.  Big rigs after big rig lining the streets.

We got to go out again, this time with Kim, who brought us to check out a ship from Korea.  We were going to inspect the ballast and/or tour.  Got onboard after security sign in.  The crew spoke mandarin and minimal English.  I can thank my mandarin teachers because I did try to speak to our guide.  I got across the fact that Eric and I were college students and I couldn't speak much mandarin.  We got to see the engine room, bridge, elevator (really really  cramped and not for claustophobic people), and pretty much a lot of the ship.  Unlike the one from earlier in the day, this one was a container ship so it was loading empty containers via cranes.  Big bangs that scared the heck out of me.  I don't really want to be flattened.  Eric was mostly impressed by the engine room because it was huge.  I would estimate it to be the size of the ceramics room...  maybe?  But make that like 7 stories high.  It was BIG.  I didn't really care for the stairs leading up and down because it was pretty steep.  I discovered earlier in the day that I don't care much for heights.  Especially heights there I can see the ground underneath because I'm stepping on sort of meshed metal.  Though I am very glad that I went to see it.  

Returned once more to the office where Ron kindly made a CD of pictures for us.  I still can't get over how much STUFF there was and just how big some of the things were. Very organized, efficient and high tech.  I was very impressed and hadn't even dreamed of being able to see half of what I saw today.  After we left the office, just about every 5-10 minutes Eric would sigh and say "that was pretty cool."  The experience definitely made a lasting impression in our lives.  These people are big on prevention and I can't believe how much responsibility rests on their shoulders.  I was once again impressed and in awe.  I think the word I'm looking for is respect.  I was told that these guys come from experience from either the coast guard, tankers, navy, etc.  They bring with them a wealth of information, experience and they are able to work together to keep things safe.  So, we had a big day and I had a massive headache when we were done but it was entirely worth it. 

We're leavinggggggg!!!

We're currently sitting/laying on the floor of Eric's Grandma's house and figuring out the exact towns, routes and hotels.  To my left are two crates and a duffel bag filled with first aid safety stuff from Eric's parents.  I made a huge inventory of the supplies.  It actually worries me more because I was not expecting impending doom: snake bites, broken arms and legs, catching on fire, etc.  I would never have thought of half the stuff to buy.  I'm glad someone obviously knows more than I do!  I need to learn how to change the tires though.

Tomorrow we're starting out on the Southern California part of the trip.  Eric's been making me drive more now that he's back.  Freeways, downtown, even out of town.  I'm better at changing lanes!  Apparently I can't stay in the middle of the lane though.  Oops.  We discovered that while driving to Santa Cruz.  The gas count officially starts tomorrow.  The price is slightly lower than it was earlier this summer.  

I haven't really started packing yet.  The So. Cal. portion should be fine.  I'm not overly worried about that.  But, I must pack tonight.  My mom's surgery was moved up so she is now at home recovering.  I hate leaving her but I don't really have a choice right now and I feel a little better that my dad will be at home to keep her company.  

And Maxy (the car) needs to get a new battery along with a full-sized spare. The website will be up sometime in the near future...in a week? Then everyone can looks at happy pictures of awesome things!

The LA itinerary will go something like this:
Monday: Drive to LA; visit El Segundo refinery
Tuesday: State Land Commission; Aquarium of the Pacific
Wednsday: Errands in LA (getting art supplies; picking up stuff from USC)
Thursday: Bakersfield, Naval Petroleum Reserve, Kern County museums
Friday: Calaveras (??), and return home.

More AAA maps came a few days ago, and we got replacements for the books because they were kind of banged up.  I've finally started marking out specific spots on the maps.  Soooo many maps.  I had four of them opened on the floor the other day, just trying to figure out where things were.  Oh- yes, I will be covered when I drive Maxy.

The Milepost suggested bringing brake fluid and cash for gas stations since some won't take credit card.  I hadn't thought of that.  We'll also be bringing a car jack and tire pump.
 
I'm still waiting for several replys, but my calendar looks a bit better.  Things are filling up.  And it will hopefully give Eric a better idea of what we're doing since he will have to map out the routes that we're taking.  I even color coded the calendar!  Orange for oil related locations and green for environment related.  Blue for places we're staying for the night.  I thought that this might help me try to give an equal amount of attention to both sides of the "oil debate."

Countdown- 6 days til he comes back to Sacto then we can really get going.  Get boots, map out routes, figure out hotels- now that I have a better idea of which towns we will be in.  Maybe my mom can help me with that.  I have a 7x7, 3 person tent with padding, sleeping bags and all.  BUT- I'd rather not be sleeping in the floor too often.  

Got advice from Ron about painting on metal surfaces.  Clean with lacquer thinner, sand off rust, spray with flat metal primer (zinc chromate)... and use gloves.  This will make the surface able to take acrylics and oils apparently.  Wonder how much this stuff costs.  I did get a 20% off one non-sale item coupon from Utrecht in the mail the other day though.  Everything helps!

Macro lens got purchased and shipped.  The camera bag is another story.  

My mom has been learning how to email recently so hopefully she will read this journal sometime  (and get my dad to read it too.)

I finally got a chance to re-look at the powerpoint presentation from Jean Cameron and take notes this time.  I learned a lot of neat stuff and discovered that I might want to visit Coos Bay, Oregon and see what I can learn about the New Carrissa, a non-tank vessel that ran aground in 1999.  According to the powerpoint, it leaked about 70,000 gallons of fuel oil, and 130,000 gallons of bunker fuel remains on board the sunken bow.  I'm just astounded by the whole thing.  

AAA maps and books were also ordered online last night.  The Milepost and Understanding Exposure just arrived in the mail.  More stuff to read!

I've also contacted a lot more people today.  El segundo refinery is off the visit list, I believe.  According to the contact there, Erica, tours are off until September and even then they are group tours.  I'd have to get a group of people from USC to go, they'd send a bus, etc.  I don't think that is possible for this project.  I left messages at the LA oiled bird care and education center, their Fairfield facility, Exxon's Anchorage facility, as well as Shell's Anacortes facility.  Emailed Ann last night to let her know that I'll be doing the second week of travel prize exhibitions (Feb 26-Mar 8), which reminds me that I need to let me parents know that so that they can request days off from work...  Also emailed Riki Ott and Jean Cameron for possible informal interviews.

I need to fill out and mail the camera rebate soon...  Other areas of business- I called up my doctor and was told that I can't really get any medication for this trip because Alaska is still the US.  I'll have to find over the counter stuff like peptobismol  or tums or something if I don't feel good.  This doesn't sound too good for me, but I will definitely stock up on all sorts of medication just in case.

Eric came home for Memorial Day weekend and brought back the camera, lenses, batteries, etc.  I got to play with them- stalking ducks and family members as I tried to learn how to adjust the focus manually.  Since he came back, we also went looking for steel toed boots.  We stopped by Red Wing Shoes where Eric found a pair that resemble tennis shoes rather than boots.  I didn't have any socks on me to try on the shoes so I ended up borrowing a pair.  I didn't find anything that satisfied me completely so I will keep looking, but the salesman gave the socks to me.  They're really comfy and fluffy!

Dr. Suchanek gave me more contacts which I will resume calling tomorrow since today is a holiday.  I've got to check out the book, The Sound of Truth and Corporate Myth: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 2004.  I was told that the author, Riki Ott, spoke in Mrs. Suchanek's class this year.  Must contact!

Wrote a check to reimburse Eric for the equiptment and stopped by Bel Air to buy stamps.  Got Disney's 39 cent stamps and a set of postcard stamps for the trip.  If I mail CDs home, I might need more stamps...   

I've also been practicing my driving...  Last Saturday was the first time I drove Maxy, Eric's car.  It feels a little different from my mom's car.  I'll have many more chances to get used to it by the time this summer is over.  It needs spare tires and new windshield wipers among other things before we go.  The list just gets longer and longer...

I'm back at home after surviving finals, and the internet is slower than ever.  This makes searching for stuff online especially tedious.  And very very frustrating.  

On May 11th, a direct deposit of $5000 was apparently added to my bank account.  I was told to expect a check in the mail so it came as somewhat of a surprise to get a direct deposit receipt instead.  I wanted to hold the actual check in my hands!  I guess the people who write checks still had my account number from either when I worked at the office or for DSP.  It's just not as satisfying though...

A new calendar of destinations is now up and running.  I'm still gaining new contacts and possible places to visit so the dates are somewhat flexible.  Today, I emailed Mrs. Suchanek for possible advice and also called up Chevron's El Segundo refinery.  I was quite impressed to be talking to a live person on their customer service line.  I'm expecting a call back from them even though my contact said that they have stopped tours for the next couple months for construction... They had individual and bus tours...  perhaps I can try to get into Chevron's Burnaby and Richmond refineries if I can't go to the El Segundo one.

I've emailed a USC Alumni who's the Shell Manager of Sustainable Development and Public Affairs for advice.  I've been told that USC can provide a lot of connections.  I just didn't realize to what extent.  So far, no response.

The tour with the State Lands Commission for June 20th is confirmed.  I still need to buy boots!  I just need to email them as a reminder closer to the date.  Same with IBRRC.  San Francisco Bay Oiled Wildlife Care and Education Center.  The date for that visit is tentatively set for June 26th.  I was confused about their Fairfield, San Pedro and Anchorage facility.  After speaking to them, I discovered that the Anchorage facility is only used when there is a spill and they are affiliated with UC Davis.  Crossing my fingers that there won't be an oil spill.  I was told that if there's a spill, they won't be at the facility for the interview and tour because they will be out in the field.  Now that I think about it, I can't remember if I also got a tour with the San Pedro facility.  Half of my notes are still packed in boxes.  I hate moving.  -must unpack more.  Ironic, I'll be moving around so much this summer.

So, things finally look like they are coming together.  Seeing locations and dates on a calendar somehow makes things more concrete.  For a while, this whole trip seemed kind of surreal.  It's been decided that the trip will be divided into two parts.  From Sacramento down to So. Cal. then back home.  It worked out well this way; I'll be able to be home for my mom's surgery.  Then leave again a day or two afterwards, going from Sacramento to up north.  I've also come to realize that this trip and the whole planning process is teaching me a lot about things that don't even involve the oil industry or oil spills.  

May 12th-  I got car insurance.  That is, after several trips to AAA and DMV.  $543 for 6 months of driving a Honda Accord.  I still find this incredibly expensive even after they deducted a bit over $50 for having a good GPA.  I'm covered under my dad's insurance for my mom's car... but the problem is, I'll be driving Eric's car....  This is when I'm attempting to understand how insurance works.  The AAA lady I spoke to over the phone had to explain things over and over again- and ended up speaking to me as if I were a 3 year old.  But, in a sense I am like a 3 year old when it comes to things like insurance, finances, "real" world things.  This trip is a great, frustrating eye opener.  I was; however, able to get AAA maps and tour books to every state and most cities that we will be going to  (except Alaska- for some reason they didn't have Alaska).  The tour books are quite interesting and thorough.  I was able to find an Oil Museum that we might check out.  I've been out driving about 3 or 4 times since then, trying to reacquaint myself to the car.  I'm pleased to say that I haven't been honked at yet, though it seems that everbody passes me.

I've started a sketchbook and binder to keep everything.  Mail from Alaska, Oregon, and everywhere has been swamping my mailbox with magazines, letters, etc.  Every scrap of paper will eventually find its way into the final product.  I have a feeling that there's something I forgot to say but when I remember I'll come back.

 

Getting to sign all the paperwork was an interesting process... phone tag! But I just came back from signing the W-9 form and everything at the graduate studio/business office, so I should be getting a check soon. yay! The lens came yesterday and the body of the camera and memory card should be arriving soon. We're inquiring about a 55 gallon open headed drum- shipping $43. Ouch, in my opinion.

So this is how intertwined this project has become in my life.  Everywhere I go, I'm looking for something to suppliment my project.  It so happens, I also love nature magazines, Audubon, among them.  I'm sitting in Anne's outter office on Tuesday waiting until I can turn in my writing portfolio and trying to come up with questions I can ask Dr. A during my meeting with him, when I get bored and look through the magazines.  This is when I discover that the birdy-shaped oil things I've been calling them, are really called oil derricks.  I also found some pretty interesting articles.  Funny- most of the magazines were either about animals or the environment. 

I "interviewed" Dr. A on Wednesday in his office in ZHS.  Huge office and lots of bookshelves.  Love bookshelves and books.  I got a refresher course on the lecture he gave to the Geol 108 class on fossil fuels and alternative energy and learned some new things.  Oil, as Dr. A calls it, is the "rise of the living dead," as it is formed in deep oceans where it is really cold but as the land shifts, what was once in the ocean slowly finds its way on land and on mountains.  Oil is apparently mostls marine in origin.  I thought that this was kind of ironic.  He said that it took 500 million years to accumulate, but we are going through it in a century.  We are also heading in the alternative energy direction, an example that he gave was that GM and British Petroleum hooked up.  Must look into this since I'm somewhat unclear.  Dr. A loaned me a couple books to read up on and suggested that I go visit Bakersfield among other places.  After talking to Caitlin, who lives here, I believe we will be stopping by.  Unfortunately, she will be in LA at the time.  We'll see.  One more final, then I can fully concentrate.

Looking for inexpensive hotels during the summer for an overnight stay for two adults in one room is a long, frustrating and arduous task...  (grrrrrr)

Batteries arrived today! Camera and lens are on their way! Yay! Today we charged up my USC credit card and paid for the website: barrelsofsea.com It will take a lot of work putting it together, so of course it is not ready yet...  I also don't know much about putting a website together but I think I will be designing the layout at least.  Eric will be doing the rest!

Tonight was just an overall estatic night. I'm referring to the awards presentation at Fisher Gallery. I finally got to physically hold a piece of paper (and envelope) saying "Congratulations! The faculty committee has selected your application for the Kathleen Neely Macomber Travel Prize." Better yet, the paper was not only addressed to me, but it also talks about my trip.  It wasn't just a generic printout. Yay!

I got a little more information about the travel prize in the handout that went around at the opening:  "This prize is funded by USC Trustee Jerry Neely and his wife Nancy, and was named for their daughter, Kathleen Neely Macomber, who graduated from USC in 1993 and worked as the Director of Development at the School of FIne Arts until 2004."  I think it's important to know who my donors are and their intentions.  

Karen was there and seemed just as enthusiastic and happy as I was.  She asked that I bring back one of those pens that the scene slides when you flip it over- from Alaska for her husband.  And of course I will look for an "Alaska" collar for her dog, Alaska.  I also spoke to Ann and reassured her that I would not be traveling/driving alone.  I really don't think I would be able to do this project alone...  I've been getting a lot of help from everybody.  And especially Eric, who is really making the driving and traveling portion possible.  Ron, whom I've asked to essentially mentor me in painting, also came by to shake my hand.  I will definitely be needing his advice for the paintings.  I could go on and just list the really supporting staff and faculty there but what I thought  was really awesome, was that Kathleen Macomber presented the award herself and I got to speak to her afterwards about my project.  She even gave me her business card so I will definitely be adding it to my card collection and keeping in touch.  I got to meet the other prize recipient and hear what her project is about.  After that, I had to run to a 3 hour animation critique.

Two nights ago, the camera body was purchased:  
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital SLR Camera 

Last night a camera lens and batteries for both cameras were also purchased.  What I discovered from previous vacations with my family was that the battery of my camera always gave out before my memory card was filled or the trip was over, so there will be a total of 4 batteries for the Canon Rebel and 3 for the Canon powershot.  The budget needs reworking because equipment costs came out a bit more expensive than projected and there's also the increase in gas prices to consider, but I am willing to put in extra to make this project work.  Maybe I can ask for more funding from family for my 21st birthday...  Still need to get a tripod, website, steel-toed boots and oil drum among other things... 

So I get this package from the USC Fine Arts Office. It's big, but thin. I'm guessing that it has something to do with the proposal for traveling, so when I finally climb up two flights of stairs and get back to my room to open it, I'm pretty excited. I open it and in it are a piece of paper and my proposal in a folder. I scan the letter and all of a sudden my eyes get stuck on the last couple sentences of the first paragraph:

"We were pleased to have such a competitive group of proposals for the competition this year. Unfortunately we are only able to award two scholarships and your application was not among the finalists."

This is when I start flipping out. After a near heart-attack, I finally pull myself together and manage to call my advisor, Karen; she reassures me that it's a mistake. I did get the travel prize. So, apparently everyone got a rejection letter. I had a feeling that something like this would happen to me. I guess everything worked out well though. The award/scholarship presentation is this Thursday. Right now we are still trying to figure out locations, equipment, funds, etc. Getting the money now to start buying stuff would be great but we might just have to wait. I have one week before finals and the 6 classes that I am taking are enough to handle right now.

After much stress, tons of help from EVERYONE, calling and emailing (professors, oil refineries, wildlife health centers, task forces, etc.), lots of proposal revising, and a week of anxious waiting, I got the Macomber travel grant! 

A bit of background on my project- I will examine the ramifications of our society's dependence upon oil through research of the environmental impacts of oil spills along the West Coast of the United States.  I want to identify and explore the economic, political, and human factors that contribute to oil spills, as well as the environmental impact of the spills themselves. My goal is to present various perspectives of the oil industry and the marine environment in order to gain a better understanding of the whole picture -- its interconnectivity, effects and impacts in our lives. 

This journal will be used to document my work, as this summer I will be traveling all over California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska to research for my project. I'll be taking lots and lots of pictures and videos (which will be periodically uploaded to this companion site). Once I get home -- mid-July? -- I will put together a body of work for a solo exhibition that will open February 2007 at the Helen Lindhurst Gallery, University of Southern California.

Since this is such a gigantic project, I will be traveling with/chauffeured by Eric.  I am really really excited and CANNOT WAIT until summer, but as for now, I have final projects and papers to deal with.  I am, however, putting together a listy.doc of things I need to bring with me. The list is growing long, and space is limited.  I do, however, have a budget and I am looking into getting a new Canon digital camera.  If anyone has suggestions on things to bring it would be greatly appreciated!

Once things are a little more settled, I'll be posting more detailed information, etc.

:)