torchsong

This thing is bugging me!

2011-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

No, not the necklace pictured here but this crazy blog has a mind of it's own when it comes to formatting. It doesn't seem to like when I save things to draft and return to edit and post later, at least I think that may be the problem. Maybe it's time to explore new blogging options...

Just over the horizon

2011-06-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

A recent photo of me and my cello by Kyle Cassidy

I'm getting ready to go back to work and this is the last weekend before life changes for me in a good

way. I've been self-employed for the past 14 years but the last 4-5 have been extremely challenging as

it has been for so many people. I will be starting a new job and I'm really looking forward to it.

A regular paycheck will relieve some of the financial pressure that I've been under and I'll be able to

continue making art and music. I feel so very fortunate that things have worked out in such a good way.

I'm not out of the woods yet but I can say that I am turning this ship around and am hoping for smoother

sailing in the near future.

That said, I'm going to try and post pics of some new trays that I've been making. This weekend!

(apologies for the crappy formatting, thanks again Blogspot!)

Life on Earth

2011-05-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone is in such a hurry to end it or destroy it when what we have is a beautiful thing we should take care of and nurture. It isn't always easy but it beats the alternatives.

Anyway, this is a beautiful song by Antony and the Johnsons whom I've had the pleasure of performing and hanging out with. I'm a lucky gal!

The Place Where I Make Things

2011-05-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our house 10 years ago I had visions of an art studio with walls or at least one wall that was painted white but it wasn't to be. The 2 car garage that is my studio and laundry room was immediately set up so I could get to work on beads for Tucson. The place never recovered, I just kept adding stuff to the room so that now it would be a major undertaking to give the place white walls. I felt inadequate for a long time, my studio would never be good enough for HGTV. I've since come to love my messy space since making any major changes to it now would only mean that I couldn't work in it for a while.

A sad day in America.

2011-04-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

It looks like I have to post this from my blogspot as YouTube wouldn't link to FaceBook. If you are squeemish about race relations in this country, do not watch this and if you don't like the F bomb, don't watch this. Very powerful and it makes me sad.

Sometimes I Feel Like an Extrovert, Sometimes I Don't

2011-04-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Costumed Revelers at Carnival in Venice

I feel like I'm moving into an extroverted phase after being in kind of a retreat for a while. When I'm not feeling it, it can be very difficult to come out of my shell which is a nice shell by the way. This coming Saturday is Kate McKinnon's Glitterganza at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. She is doing a talk for the San Diego Bead Society and then we will don ballgowns, drink champagne and see beautiful beady things. I will accompany this event with my cello and photographs will be taken by Kyle Cassidy .

You really should try and come to this if you're in the area. Wear your finest regalia and be seen and photographed in it. It happens at 10 a.m. Saturday April 16 at the Mingei Museum and will go until 3 p.m.

Cones and buttons

2011-04-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lampworked glass cones and buttons

A couple of years ago I bought a pair of Kim Osibin cone mandrels and a pair of Heather Trimlett button mandrels. They hung around my studio for awhile before I decided that I needed to try and make something with them. My first buttons were kind of a disaster, I had trouble centering the hot glass on the double prongs and I had a hard time getting them off the mandrel, I even had to use a hammer to remove the blobs of glass. Back to the can they went to collect dust for awhile. I had similar results with the cone mandrel, a bit of frustration and then back to the can they went. Months later I returned to the mandrels but this time with more pleasing results. Now I want to get more of these odd shaped tools to form glass upon. I haven't made anything with either of these shapes yet but I have plenty of ideas for pendants, necklaces, bracelets and knit wear or other fiber wear.

Confound you blogspot!!!

2011-04-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Springtime in Joshua Tree

I actually posted something yesterday but for some reason I haven't been able to link it to FaceBook. Blogspot wants to link something I wrote 2 months ago. This thing continues to have a mind of it's own, sometimes it cooperates and other times not. Maybe it's time to try another service...

Days of Futures Past

2011-04-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

An outdoor sitting area at the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas.

I'm not the type that is nostalgic for my past. I have nothing against the past, it's made me who I am today but I really enjoy NOW and am still excited and have many aspirations for my future. At some point it seems to have been decided that when a person reaches a certain age they are supposed to give up on dreams and settle into an acceptance of things the way they are and not bother to try and change much of anything anymore. To that I say BS. I've already lived several lives and am looking forward to living at least a few more before I leave this plane. If I do spend much time with my past it is to archive and prepare it for release into the future.

I was born in the mid 20th century and I feel as if I'm straddling a major compression in time. In the "old days" change was slower. Today changes happen by the minute, hourly, daily that used to take many years to happen. This affects me in many ways. I want to be a person of today but I can't deny the times that made and continue to make me. As I grow older I want to remain flexible, viable and part of the conversation, which means I adapt and embrace tools that are available to me but at the same time remember what came before and how I got here. I'm looking for a balance or melding of past and future that works best for me in the way I produce my art and music. I think it's good to have an understanding of the way things used to be done in order to make the new better.

The niceness continues...

2011-02-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Nicey Nice World continues on its course of exploration, discovery and surprises.

I'm having a great time playing with Jim and Marcelo. Marcelo has been recording all of our lab time so we have hours of material to work from. Some pieces get more and more developed into actual song things but they always have a slight difference so no two performances are exactly alike. It keeps things interesting and sometimes on the edge of chaos. The way I've pretty much worked in the past is to learn a song or piece either on paper or from the songwriter and then play it. This new approach is organic, things just come out and we have created some real gems. I continue to work on playing my cello and singing simultaneously, sometimes it's easier than others. My voice and cello are very similar so I have to make sure that both are in tune with each other and I have to sync vocals with my bowing and fingering. Like walking and chewing gum...

We're playing tomorrow at Ducky Waddles as part of our regular monthly recitals and we'll be playing at Soda Bar on Saturday as part of Bike The Boulevard. Come on down!

A day for....

2011-02-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

Late morning minus low tide at dog beach in Solana Beach/Del Mar.

Dinner at home and Netflix tonight. It's a good day!

Post Tucson

2011-02-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Sunset at the end of another Tucson show.

I've been home for a week and have spent most of my time plowing through papers and other crap in my office getting ready for tax time and the annual appointment with our accountant. A top priority for me this year is to get a JOB. After so many years being self employed, it's just not enough. I would like a job that I can go to and leave at the end of the day and that will allow me to continue with my creative endeavors because I will never give up my art and music or I should say, art and music will never give me up. I have my heart set on a couple of places that I'd like to work, I just hope they will like me too. My resume is long and varied. My mission is to write the most kick ass cover letter that I possibly can. Wish me luck in my search!

Ok, I'll try this again...

2011-01-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

Blue "chalcedony" beads

I gave up in frustration trying to post the other day. Blogger kept changing everything with regards to fonts, formatting etc... Looks like it's working properly so far today so I will repost my original.

This is the 13th year that I'm going to Tucson to sell my beads. I've been at the same show for all these years and have had offers and opportunities to do other shows in town but I like the laid back vibe and the many artists and vendors that make up the Best Bead Show. It's like a family reunion each year.

There have been changes. Some people have moved to other shows or dropped out completely and others are just taking a break. It has been tough for me to keep doing shows and in order to still have a major venue for my work I stuck with Tucson. I did Embellishments (later Bead & Button), Recursos (now Bead Fest), various bead society shows and I loved them all but at some point there became so many shows with payment deadlines, hotels, airfares all at the same time that I could not keep up. I scaled everything back to one major show a year and it works just fine for me. It gives me time to explore and play with new ideas and also spend more time on music.

I am so grateful to have Kate as my wonderful hostess, it helps ease the stress of an otherwise intense but fun week and I get to be around a bunch of creative, interested and interesting people. I'm also looking forward to seeing Andrew Thornton, speaking of interesting and interested. This year I'm trying to make some room in the car for the cello and a bit of gear.

I love making this road trip, I never get tired of the desert scenery and as crazy as Arizona may seem, it is a physically beautiful place and I know some excellent people that live there.

Tucson 2011

2011-01-29T11:42:00.001-08:00

My dining room table covered with goodies to take to the Best Bead Show.

I've had to re-write and reformat this stupid blog several times. I saved what I originally

wrote in order to save my sanity but this thing doesn't want to cooperate. I'll try again later...

WTF blogspot!

Shop Independent, Shop Local

2010-11-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Some of my current beads.

Sorry, but I have a beef with "Black Friday". I know it's the day that retailers say that they go from the red into the black but the term has such negative connotations and people's behavior seems to reflect that. I mean really, do these folks look joyous to you?

As a self employed creative type it pains me to see people pretty much wasting their hard earned money on things that often are not very meaningful and hold no intrinsic value in the long run. Now I would love it if more people bought work from me or books and art from Ducky Waddle's and so I present to you How To Be a Better Consumer from Reverend Billy's Church of Life After Shopping. Don't get me wrong, I am not against shopping but things are totally out of control in our culture. Just because it's shown on TV or advertisers push it or personalities say that you must, doesn't mean you have to. I'll be the first to admit that I am not the best marketer when it comes to my own work and I will never be able to compete with the corporate beast but I still want you to buy from me and I hope the things that I make will give many years of pleasure and will not lose their value over time.

New tool

2010-10-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Again with the fonts....

This is a new tool I purchased this summer. I am loving it but it makes me want to get a pair of French shears too. I got this nice pair of German cutters so I could cut some of the awesome copper sheet that I've been hoarding for a lot of years. I've been stamping cutting and filing pieces for jewelry making. Pictures of them coming soon!

Musical project in development

2010-10-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that I have fonts all over the place!

I thought that I would be doing a different performance project this fall but things have changed drastically. I have ended up with 2 different things to work on along with every thing else I'm trying to do. A few weeks ago I was invited to a birthday party at the home of Marcelo Radulovich. We have known each other on and off for at least 20+ years as musicians playing locally during the late 1980's. Jim Call was also at the party and the seed was planted that we should get together for some musical experimentation to see what comes of it. I've know Jim since my days of singing back up for the Penetrators where he played sax and keyboards. We decided almost immediately on what the project wasn't going to be and are still working out ideas and forms but instrumentation includes computers, cello, theremin and assorted sound makers. Our first "gig" to the public was a week after we got together. It seems like things want to move quickly so we're going with it. We played at the Studio Second Street in Encinitas for their once a month art jam. Students come draw, paint or sketch a variety of musical entertainment. It was fun and we have our first flyer artwork by Mark Adams. It was drawn on some type of cardboard packaging, recycled by art.

We have thrown around a lot of names in our few short weeks together and one day while setting up to "rehearse" (the word practice doesn't describe it either, it's more like a fun lab time) Something was described as being part of a "nicey nice world" and it somehow clicked when it was said again. It sounds like a ridiculous and improbable place but Marcelo described it as making him feel like a good citizen. We just want to move your mind as well as your behind.

Nicey Nice World at Ducky Waddles on Thursday October 28, 8:00 p.m.

Workshop at Whaley Studios

2010-09-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you have been making or collecting art beads in any media but are still not sure how to use them, I'll be teaching a one day workshop called "Designing and Making Jewelry with Artisan Beads" at Jay Wahley's jewelry studio on October 9. Back in the days before I made glass beads I used to string beads and make jewelry using broken pieces that were either given to me or with beads that I would find at garage sales and thrift stores. Later when I learned glass bead making I always kept the idea that beads could and should be worn and that there are so many ways to design with them. This will be the first time for me to teach this class as I usually teach glass beadmaking or glass fusing so it's exciting and a little nerve racking to try out a new thing. One thing for sure is it we will have fun and create some fabulous things and get a chance to play with some nice materials. If you haven't been to Jay's studio it's a beautiful facility in the wonderful Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. For more information and to sign up please visit Jay's website www.whaleystudios.ning.com

I'll have kits and beads available for you or you can bring your own beads to create with. I'd love to see you there!

Here is a bracelet with lampwork glass beads, carnelian seed beads and a silver Mercury dime button clasp.

Make Art Not War

2010-09-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty successful trip to the Tucson Best Bead Show, a trip that was marred by one annoyance. If you haven't traveled on the I-8 from San Diego you wouldn't know that the border area has been effectively militarized, complete with dogs, checkpoints, walls and helicopters. The young woman border patrol agent at the checkpoint right after I crossed into Arizona said her dog liked my car so I was waved into secondary inspection. I pulled up under the little carport and I see another woman with her little girl waiting for officers to finish searching her vehicle. What are they looking for there? Mind you that I have driven through these checkpoints many times over the years and have never been stopped. I got the feeling that these guys and girls needed something to do on a slow hot day in the middle of the desert because they certainly were not making me feel more secure or safe in my own country. I got out of the car and opened all the doors. The back was filled with my beads and display stuff for the show. The dog climbed into the car to sniff at my dog's blanket on the back seat. Nothing found, I was sent on my merry way. A few miles up the road I see these two billboards less than 100 feet from each other...

All I can think is, wow Arizona! Was I profiled because I'm black? It's a place I don't like to go because I am always hoping to be judged on the "content of my character" instead of how I look, middle aged black woman with dread locks, but I'm thinking that anyway. Then I think maybe it was my bumper sticker, the wonderful "Make Art Not War" sticker by Shepard Fairey. Who knows? Whatever the criteria they use it's all f'd up and I feel pretty powerless when I'm at their mercy. The sentiment expressed by my sticker can really screw with a persons thinking, especially if they like to think that humans couldn't possibly exist without war. What a concept, I like to think it! I feel bad for people that want to hate and kill everything that they don't understand, it's like they have some kind of illness.

The rest of my drive was uneventful, a couple of Jan Brewer for governor signs assaulted me along the way and I finally arrived at Kate's house. Safe!

September Song

2010-09-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Boats at Lake Henshaw.

We took a Sunday drive out to the back country this Labor Day weekend. It was surprisingly quiet on the roads and at the lake as everyone seems to be wrapping up their summer.

I've been making beads for 4 days straight in preparation for the Best Bead Show this coming week in Tucson. I can't believe I've gotten this much time to work since I only managed about one day a week of bead making this summer.

I love Arizona, even with its crazy disfunction. I debated whether to boycott the state or not since I in no way agree with their immigration stance. I live less than 1 hour from the California/Mexico border, 10 minutes away from the San Onofre border check and about 20 minutes from the Fallbrook/ Temecula border check. I have witnessed firsthand the positives and negatives of immigration both legal and illegal as a Southern Californian. I decided that a boycott of the state was not in my best interest as a good portion of my livelihood depends on Arizona and I can show some solidarity with my peeps who are not down with the nuttiness of their state government. Besides who are we in Cali to decide, we have our own crazy politicians that would love to implement similar kinds of laws and have tried to in the past.

The Best Bead Show starts Friday, September 10 and runs through Sunday the 12th. It's located at Kino Veterans Memorial Community Center, 2805 E. Ajo Way. Tucson, AZ

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please stop by my booth and say hello and check out my beads, jewelry and glass.

trees

2010-07-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Birthdays, weddings and anniversaries

2010-07-01T10:51:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, it's been over 6 months since I last posted anything here. So much for my pledge to blog regularly. I can assure you that a lot has been happening. Here is a picture of our mango tree in Desert Hot Springs. The tree is so loaded with fruit that the bottom branches are dragging on the ground. We didn't get any fruit at all last year so I think that the pruning it got in the fall really helped to spur it into production. The fruit are sweet and delicious but fibrous and messy. They are best enjoyed out of doors, on the beach or as my friend Linda says, while sitting in a river.

Jerry and I had a lovely weekend in Central California at the wedding of his son and new daughter-in-law. A couple of days before was my birthday, and today is our 29th wedding anniversary. I love summer because of all these good things and more.

I am currently in rehearsals with Viver Brasil so I'm spending 3-4 days a week driving to L.A. This weekend I will stay in the city but I really don't mind the hour and a half drive it takes to get there and back. I've been able to time my commutes to miss most of the traffic but since this is a holiday weekend I decided to take it a bit easier on myself by staying with a friend. This is the third time that I'll be performing with this troupe of fabulous Afro-Brazilian dancers. Their movement is energetic and inspiring. The performance is on July 31st at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater which is located on the east side of the 101 freeway, across from the Hollywood Bowl.

Next week is the beginning of classes at the UCSD Crafts Center. I'll be teaching two 8 week glass fusing classes and a couple of one day intermediate glass bead making workshops. Check out the schedule, there are some great classes to be had at good prices with excellent instructors. Registration is now open.

In between all of this activity I am working on new lesson plans for CraftEdu and I'm looking for 2 violinists and a violist for a quartet to play in a production of "Dracula" at the Coronado Playhouse this fall. Please contact me if you are interested or know of any interested persons. There is pay although not great, production credits and a bunch of performances. Let me know if this interests you!

Yesterday I was actually able to get on the torch for a short but sweet session. I sometimes wish I could make beads everyday but I do what I can, my main objective is to make something every day whether it is beads, jewelry, music, food, garden, or just making the bed.

Home Studio Show and Sale

2009-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 14th
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
please e-mail me for address and directions
torchsong@joycerooks.com

After many years of traveling to shows I've decided to stay at home and invite you over for a visit. I've got lots of new designs in jewelry, fused glass and glass beads.
Refreshments will be served, I look forward to seeing you!

Summer endings, fall beginnings

2009-08-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sacred Heart perfume bottle.
I've done several variations of these and I think this is the best one so far.

I just returned home from the first night of rehearsals with the Palomar Symphony Orchestra. Sibelius, Borodin and Mozart are on the bill for our fall concert. I've got my work cut out for me.
This has been a challenging summer on so many levels but I still managed to have a good amount of fun in spite of it all. Bead and jewelry business has been almost non-existent for me and I was let go from my part-time job. Fortunately I've been teaching at the Crafts Center and instead of being totally bummed out about my situation, I've had a chance to experiment and play with glass a whole bunch. Nancy Nagel was in town taking a break from Tucson and I was able to spend time with her and work on my borosilicate tubing skills. She really knows how to work with color and her pieces are so much fun. Her work can be seen in Contemporary Lampworking and Formed of the Fire, both books by Bandhu Scott Dunham. It was a real privilege to get to hang with her and while I'm at it, I have to say that I feel so fortunate that I've been able to keep company with so many fantastic artists and musicians over the years. I've learned so much from those who I consider to be tops in their areas of expertise. I would never even consider myself to be a maestro or virtuoso in any of the things that I do but I like to think that I am fairly good at some of it. I can be very focused but I don't have the temperament to focus on just that one thing always. I must have some sort of artist ADD! Whatever, it doesn't stop me from continuing to learn as much as I can about whatever interests me.

I've posted my fall class schedule and some other upcoming events on my website. Things are picking up and stuff keeps getting added to my calendar. I'll have additional updates soon.

My Life and the UCSD Crafts Center

2009-07-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

I went looking for a picture of the Crafts Center and all I could find was this picture of the rooftop and the eucalyptus grove in which the center sits. I've been learning and teaching here off and on for over 30 (yes!) years. In the beginning there were potters wheels in two small rooms and a patio along with the kiln and glaze area. The place has since expanded into a full service jewelry studio, hot shop, metal working, neon, photography, glass fusing, lampworking, the Grove Gallery and various workshop classes from weaving to guitar. I learned everything about ceramics, kilns and glazes from Ron Carlson, the founder and director of the center and I began my teaching career here. Over the years I have had other jobs but I always seem to return here. It is like a second home to me. In the early 1990's I came back after working for several years in the music business. It was here that I took my first glass bead making class and the rest is history as they say.
Crafts Center classes and workshops are open to UCSD students, staff, faculty and all interested members of the community at large. Located in the center of the campus, the center provides personal enrichment and creative educational opportunities to individuals wishing to develop artistic skills in an active studio-classroom situation. Although the Crafts Center is located on the campus of UCSD it is not a part of the visual arts department or extension. When I tell people about the center and suggest classes it is frustrating when they say things like "oh it's so expensive" or "it's a pain to park" etc... but then they spend $500-$1000 to take a class that they have to travel far to get to and then pay for hotel and everything that goes with it. There is no pretending that it is Corning or Penland or any of the other fantastic studios around the country but the Crafts Center is the only facility of it's kind in Southern California. The instructors are good and the price is very right. Please take a look, take a class and tell your friends. www-crafts.ucsd.edu

La Noche de la Fusion

2009-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from La Noche de la Fusion, a celebration and show of art by Gary Baseman held last Saturday in Los Angeles. I improvised the musical score to a performance that included models and dancers in costumes designed by the artist (in the robes). This is the before and after cocoon to metamorphosis of the butterfly.

This was the end to a very long day which started early Saturday morning at Brea Bead Works where I taught a glass bead making class. The class, facility and owners Scott and Wendy Remmers were all fantastic. I'm looking forward to teaching there again!

Spring Classes

2009-04-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have a new batch of classes that I’ll be teaching this spring at the UCSD Crafts Center and at Brea Bead Works. Please see my website for more information, schedule and descriptions of the glass bead making and fusing classes that I’ll be teaching in the next several weeks. Come learn, have fun, make things out of glass and not break the bank!

www.joycerooks.com

UCSD Crafts Center
BEGINNING GLASS BEAD MAKING
Learn all the basics!
8 weeks Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. April 8-May 27

NEXT STEPS IN GLASS BEAD MAKING
Individual 1 day workshops, choose your interest or take them all!
Pre requisite: Beginning glass bead making
Section I Encasing plus… Saturday April 25 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Section II Frits, foils and powders Saturday May 16 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Section III Hollow wound beads Saturday May 23 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO GLASS FUSING
Come learn the basics and explore the many possibilities of fused glass!
8 Weeks Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. April 9-May 27

http://www-crafts.ucsd.edu/

Brea Bead Works

Bead Skills with Joyce $95
In this intermediate workshop we will move from the basics of making simple beads and into more complex shapes and design, working larger and utilizing various decorative effects. We’ll cover basic cane and murrini making, decorative stringers and encasing. Heat control, color chemistry and tools will be discussed along with ways of working with more precision and a refinement of skills. This is a process-oriented class with an emphasis on how to achieve consistent results in your bead making. Pre-requisite: Intro to Flameworking.
Saturday, May 2 10a.m.-5p.m.

http://www.breabeadworks.com

Flakiness...

2009-03-17T21:36:00.001-07:00

An installation at the Smithsonian in 2005. The artist is Chinese and he grew up in a coastal area. From time to time there would be boats like this one wrecked on the shore and they would contain various cargo. This was all white porcelain ware.

The Agness Twin album is finished and is waiting to be mastered. I am not so good with descriptions but it does have a kind of psychedelic shoe gaze thing going on and the songs and vocals are cool. I had a great time playing on it. You can hear some of the songs on myspace.com/agnesstwin
On the way home from S.F. we stopped at my friend Alba's studio. Alba makes fabulous jewelry and she also makes the most beautiful jewelry stands. Moxie Metal displays look great at home or in a store. She sells them on Etsy at moxiemetal.etsy.com

As we were leaving, Alba and I had a little conversation concerning flakiness. We both decided that it was a good thing to embrace our inner flake and not make excuses or fight it all the time. We're responsible people and we work hard and try to have good manners and treat our work/ businesses as well as we can but sometimes we fall short. It's never in the quality of our work but maybe we take too long to get back to you or we let other parts of life get in the way. I don't think it is just because we're artistic types because I know some highly efficient, effective, successful and creative artists.

Be patient with us. I think I'll bake a pie...

Into the holidaze

2008-12-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

The days since Thanksgiving have been good and intense. We had a lovely day and beautiful food with some good friends and three dogs. The dog part was a little crazy. Aero, who I began calling the Devil Dog, was a little more than out of control. What looks like a sweet cattle dog puppy was really an unpredictable crazed beast that we had to be careful with. The other dogs really had it rough, we had to break up a few fights because of the crazy puppy. So outside of dog drama, everything was good until I got a message that an old friend died on Thanksgiving in an ATV accident in the desert. I hate those things and would never put my body on one and I was angry that she had. Lorna (we called her Doone) was a super fan. She was a friend to many San Diego bands, especially the Beat Farmers and a reggae/ska band that I played in called the Trowsers. She brought people to shows and was there to help with what might be needed. She lived a wild life and had a heart of gold. She was a very giving and sharing person. In the past year she had settled down, quit smoking, was losing weight and for the first time had met a really nice guy that she loved and he was in love with her. He moved from Chicago to be with her. Right when she was most happy now she is gone.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving I headed up to San Francisco with Elisa Ovrahim to record on her project Agness Twin. The first part was getting through L.A. where I went to pick her up. We start heading towards a freeway and there was so much traffic, we couldn't figure out why. All of the regular routes were clogged and then I realized that it was Sunday after Thanksgiving which means the Hollywood Christmas parade. I remember going as a kid and my dad complaining because of all the traffic and not being able to park. So we change plans a little and head towards Loz Feliz to get on I-5. This is a weekend that I prefer not to travel but Elisa got the time off from work for the recording. Finally, we're moving although there are a lot of cars. Through the valley, over the Grapevine. Southbound traffic is super heavy after the holiday weekend and then we hit fog and things slow to a crawl. Winter in the San Joaquin Valley can be really foggy especially after rains which we had the on Thanksgiving. It took 2 hours longer than it would usually take to get to S.F. from L.A. We were beat when we got there. The next day I would record cello parts for 7 songs for a total of 10 hours in the studio. I know I'm not getting any younger but I can't help myself.

Reintegration

2008-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

The view from my room at La Cascade...

Since I've been home from traveling I have had this intense feeling of being in the present which is great because it is helping me to deal with the large amounts of stuff that I have to take care of. I've been working on the best ways that I can methodically tackle each issue that's in front of me whether it's house cleaning or getting new songs written and published to new ideas for glass and jewelry that I'd like to execute. Oh, and making sure the bills are getting paid in the process. I know it's a tall order but for once I feel like I can deal and not be overwhelmed by it all.

More France pics!

2008-08-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is a waiting area at the Toulouse Airport. Very modern and space agey!

I have a heck of a time trying to get this blogger thing to work in a way that serves me best. I wanted to be able to post a few caption/descriptions of the photos but the format doesn't seem to allow it so I may end up with multiple blog/pic posts. Enjoy!

Well, it's been a while...

2008-08-05T22:35:00.001-07:00

The whole month of July just whizzed right by. I went right from the intensity of rehearsals and performance with Vivre Brasil into a week of art, food and relaxation in France. I only had a couple of weeks before I went back on the road, this time to Oakland, CA for the ISGB Gathering. Now I'm back at home and trying to plow through the piles of stuff and things so I can get back to creating some new works. For now I'll just post a few pictures from my France trip which was just the thing I needed this summer. I stressed so heavily over wether it was the right thing to do or not, mostly because of the expense involved but once I was there I knew I had done the right thing of going with my initial gut reaction which was YES!

FREE SHIPPING!

2008-06-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yes that's right, I'm offering free shipping at my Etsy store from June 20-30. In order to make a purchase on Etsy you must sign up, it's free and painless. Send me a conversation (Etsy e-mail) and I will waive your shipping fees. You can use your credit card on Paypal and you don't even need an account.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
torchsong.etsy.com

Summer Announcements

2008-06-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I hope your summer is getting off to a great start. I just wanted to let you know about some of the things that I have happening this summer.

First I’m doing something quite different but very exciting for me. I’ll be performing (on the cello) with the Viver Brasil Dance Company in a program called The Gift on the Water/Omi Odara. Experience Brazil’s Afro-Bahian culture on Saturday July 5th at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, CA at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $28, students and children $5. The Ford Amphitheatre is located on 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East Hollywood, CA.
Ford Theatres
Viver Brasil

I’ll also be teaching some glass bead making workshops at the UCSD Crafts Center in La Jolla, CA. Next Steps in Glass Beadmaking on July 12th and August 16th and Introduction to Glass Beadmaking on August 23rd. For complete class descriptions, costs and location please visit the Crafts Center website at UCSD Crafts Center Come learn, discover and play with hot glass!

The International Society of Glass Beadmakers Gathering conference will be at the Oakland Convention Center at the Marriot Hotel in downtown Oakland, CA. The incredible bead bazaar is open to the public on Saturday August 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 admission. You will see some of the most amazing and beautiful work by bead makers from around the world. Please stop by if you’re in the area, I’d love to see you. ISGB Gathering

Have a wonderful summer. I hope to see you soon!

I've waited this long...

2008-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sure, May is almost over so I thought I would do a gratuitous post before the month is through. It's all in keeping with my supposed personal blogging reforms. At least once a month to seem like I'm being regular with it. I go through periods where I think I have a lot to say but then I don't want to take the time to talk about it.

My good news at the end of the month is that my sister has arrived home on leave from Iraq, the bad news is that she has to go back and finish her deployment which will be over in November. At least we'll get some family hang time with her and she gets a chance to relax and breathe some cleaner air. I don't usually post my political views on the interwebs but suffice it to say that I have been against this fiasco of a war since the beginning but I salute my sister's service and her sense of duty. She is career Army and believes deeply in service to our country. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of our reckless leaders that continue to play dangerous games with our nation and the rest of the world, and that's all I'm going to say about it right now...

Be sure to check out my new link to Head Gardner at the Garden of Earthly Delights. I think he puts together some of the most interesting and exciting music mixes for your listening and downloading pleasure.

I'm still trying to get the hang of the Blogger interface, seems like it has a mind of its own sometimes...

City Beat Review 3/25/08

2008-04-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Joyce Rooks

The Tingler EP

Take note, cello fans (I know you're out there). Joyce Rooks-who's worked with David J of Bauhaus and the Black Heart Procession, among others-lays down some gorgeous wand work over electronic beats for an EP that shows she has an ear for fusing both classical and future sounds. MS/joycerooks

-Michael Levy

I Pity the Fool!

2008-04-01T21:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Spring!

2008-03-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's officially spring today aka the Vernal Equinox, the day and night are of equal lengths. I've been cleaning, organizing, pulling weeds and attempting to tie up the loose ends of 2007 so I can move full on into spring. I will be playing at Ducky Waddle's Full Moon Salon on Friday, March 21. Check the link on the right for more information. Also, here is the complete link for the Bead & Button magazine article featuring yours truly.
http://www.beadandbutton.com/BNB/Objects/PDF/bbpdf080472.pdf

Taxed

2008-03-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

We had the our annual meeting with the accountant today, I swear it's like therapy for the finances. We still have some loose ends to clean up but the worst is over. It's an excellent opportunity to do some spring cleaning and organizing.
Here is a picture of Casey in the desert flowers. The much needed rains have produced an abundant variety of blooming things this year, many that I've never seen before. Even the cactus are fat and happy. It was very dry here for a long time. Many of the burn areas are slowly returning and flowers that only germinate after a fire are in full swing. There is always the possibility of more drought so it's good news that we may get a bit more rain this weekend.

There seems to be some issues with the font sizer in this blogger thing, it has a mind of it's own. Everything looks fine when I'm editing but it's either too large or too small after I post. Oh well...

March madness...

2008-03-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

It's tax time again and I am gathering up papers and receipts to get ready for the annual meeting with our accountant. I have also decided that I am just really lazy when it comes to editing photos for internet posting. It really is time consuming when I would rather be making things or playing music. I managed to get one pic together for your viewing pleasure. In the past year or so I have been making these crazy hollow formed beads that are inspired by things you would see under the microscope. I've been calling them amoebas or giant microbes ( I know there is a difference between the two but I claim artistic license here). Last year at the Tucson show, Karen Flowers saw these beads and suggested that we do some collaborating and this is just one of the results with more to come. She did the excellent bead crochet work that plays off the colors in the bead.

In other news:

I am profiled in the April 2008 issue of Bead & Button Magazine which is now on newsstands. This is very exciting for me and I hope you get a chance to check it out. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the Bead & Button Show this year. My sister who is currently serving in Iraq will be coming home on leave to get married so I will have to pass this one up. I am so excited for her and can't wait for her deployment to be over later this year.

Now playing!

2008-02-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

I'm back from a week of Tucson and am now shifting gears, getting ready for tax season and more glass and music. The picture I've posted is one from my trip to Venice and Murano in 2006. I was there to take a class with flameworking maestro Lucio Bubacco. It was cold at the end of February but Carnival season was in full swing. This gondola was parked outside of the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

I've joined up with a netlabel based in Venice, Italy. How cool is that? My music and glass are really coming together. The label is called deepindub.org I am a featured artist and 3 of my songs are available for free mp3 downloads. I had been a little ambivalent about the idea of free downloads of my music but it really is a great way for me to promote myself worldwide. It is also great after so many years of playing music to have someone else describe what it is I do, at least with these first few songs. I've never considered myself to be jazz, r&b, classical etc... My influences and interests are so varied I will play or sing any style that I get the opportunity to try. I can find something to like in any and all genres of music. In recent years I've been composing music with computer software, my cello and guitar and in years past I've had my own band or played in mostly rock and roll type projects. Since I've only released one 7" single of my own music I've never really developed the "Joyce Rooks" sound in the way that I would like or even know for sure what that is. I do know that I'm not one to be pigeon holed. I would get bored just doing one kind of thing. I hope my "sound" is a cumulation of my many influences and interests.

Almost one month later...

2008-02-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, I'm doing pretty good here, 2 postings this year so far. I'm still not sure if I am the blogging type but like anything else maybe I'll get better at it if I keep doing it.

I am getting ready for my annual trek to the Tucson Best Bead Show so I'm using my sofa as just another flat surface (all others are taken in my house) to work on. If you don't know about Tucson, AZ in February let me fill you in. Every year gemstone merchants, jewelers, bead makers and others involved in the gem and jewelry trade come together for annual trade shows that pretty much take over the whole city of Tucson. Whether you are looking for museum quality mineral specimens or the finest gems, beads and jewelry, this is where you'll find them. People come from all over the world in the month of February to buy and sell. I've been selling at the Best Bead Show since 1998. It is just one of the many shows that goes on in every hotel, convention center, tent and parking lot in town. Come see me at the show!

The Best Bead Show

February 6-10

Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center

2805 E. Ajo Way

Tucson, AZ

trying to get the hang of this thing

2008-01-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

I guess I feel that it is in my best interests to be more active with website, blog, myspace etc... activities. Previously I've been reluctant to spend too much time sitting on my arse at the computer when I could and should be sitting at my cello or at the torch. This year I'm off to a positive start in my attitude about these things. I'm sure it will get easier if I just keep at it.

New this year at my Etsy store

2008-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
torchsong

Out with the old and in with the new...

2007-12-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

2007 has been particularly challenging for me, not all in a bad way but really making me work on so many different levels. I performed my first solo gigs in ages. It was scary and fun and now I realize I have to do it some more. My sister was deployed to Iraq, I want this war over yesterday...

There's been a pile up of annoying little things. My car needs work, my dryer died. There's more that I could gripe about but at the same time I feel grateful for the blessings and good life I lead, all of my incredible friends and my dear husband.

I've been making some cool beads lately that many people don't get to see unless they happen to see me at a bead show. Here is a picture of some recent large hollow beads. They were inspired by microbes or ameoba like things. I'm no scientist but I appreciate things seen under a microscope or by telescope. These beads are large but light so they are easy to wear on a cord or to use in any way you might imagine.

Now that I have this blog page set up where it's easy for me to post, the world may be hearing from me a little more often, at least that's my plan.

Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, successful and most of all, peace in the new year!

Post holiday thoughts

2007-12-26T11:24:00.001-08:00

I love the days between Christmas and New Years!

I've had a website for several years (and now myspace, etsy and blogspot) but have never done a proper diary or blog. I tend to be erratic with my postings and also uncertain as to how much I should ever reveal about my life or myself but that is only because I am such a private person and a bit of a loner like my little friend in the picture. I will retreat into my own world as I have since I was a child, creating things for my own amusement and hiding them but at the same time wishing that someone would take notice of what I was doing. At this time in my life I believe that I am finally getting over waiting for that elusive someone to take notice and I'm just going to have to get in their face with it. I envy the creative people that I know who can just put it out there and take or leave the response that may or may not come. I've been much too sensitive or maybe my friends put up a good front!

Joy, hope, peace and love...

2007-12-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

I took this picture in 2004 on my first visit to New Orleans. I haven't been back since then so I have no idea how the theater fared during Katrina. It wasn't in the best condition when I took the pic but it gave me such a good feeling and I love that the crepe myrtle was in bloom.

My friend Margarat Nee sent some information about a great group in NO that has been on the ground from the beginning helping people where they need it most. Please take a look at their site and make a donation if you like.

Common Ground Relief

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!

Holiday Sale

2007-12-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday Sale & Trunk Show

Please join us Friday, December 14th from
5 to 9 p.m. at Ducky Waddle’s Emporium for some holiday cheer and fine craft by local artisans.

Lovely blown glass by Clay Logan
Beautiful functional ceramics by Linda Fuchs
Lampwork glass beads & jewelry by Joyce Rooks

Books, art and more from the eclectic collection of the Emporium Gallery

Refreshments will be served

Ducky Waddle’s Emporium
414 N. Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA
(760) 632-0488

How to use my Etsy store

2007-12-08T15:45:00.001-08:00

Etsy is simple to use but you must sign up for an account (FREE) and to purchase items you will need a Paypal account (also FREE). My Etsy store name is torchsong, not Joyce Rooks. An Etsy account is highly recommended because not only will you be able to buy from me, there are many other incredible handmade artisans to choose from.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
torchsong

Smoke & Ash

2007-10-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is what the sun looked like today. I could only go outside for a few minutes. It looks like doomsday here.

starting again...

2007-08-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

My first blogspot post.

This ceramic sculpture is by Jun Kaneko. We stopped by this Palm Springs gallery one weekend. The place was closed but this wonderful piece along with several others was guarding the place. I've always admired his work. More recently he has been making large scale pieces in glass.