Rachael Padilla

To The Point of Failure

In my Tuesday update, I mentioned a new daily practice. Inspired by the artist Tom Sachs, I have incorporated the habit of doing push-ups to the point of failure, then drawing a line. This is what it looks like! I can only do about 50 right now, in sets of 10. After I can no longer do them, I get my pencil and pen, and draw a line across my paper. My hands are pretty shaky by the time I get to the drawing part. If I lift the pencil, or accidentally draw into the line above, I mark that spot w...

"Color Piece"

"Color Piece" by Yoko Ono from her book of instruction and drawings called, "Grapefruit".

On the easel

I completed the painting from yesterday. My next piece on wood is prepared with gesso and sanded. I’m really looking forward to getting the first layers of paint on it!

Time Lapse

This is a time lapse of the process of taking down the tent after a long night outdoors! It's a little glimpse of the things that go on behind the scenes! For each video I create and post, there is work that goes into the before and the after! 

Work in Progress

The colors of this hallway and this strange vantage point have stuck in my mind. The bright green and blue colors on the walls are meant to create a happy atmosphere for learning. In my own recollection of schools (either from when I was a student, or later when I was a substitute teacher), I remember the sights, sounds, and smells. Children laughing and talking. Hearing an occasional, “Walk in the hallways!” from a teacher. important announcements and art on bulletin boards. The smell of...

Standing on the shoulders of giants: Abramovic, Ono, Sachs

For this Tuesday Update, I talk about sources of inspiration! Giants whom I  respect and draw inspiration from. Who better to learn from than those who've accomplished what most can only dream of? 

If you haven't seen the works of these amazing artists, I recommend starting with the following works, all of which are available to view on YouTube:

Marina Abramovic, "The Artist is Present" (I personally like this clip best: 2022-07-19 19:27:22 +0000 UTC View Post

Day 1: Step On The Ground First Thing in The Morning

This is the first exercise in The Marina Abramovic Method.

I added the task of sleeping outside. I imagined that it would have been much more difficult for me to get myself out of a comfortable bed. As it was, I spent the night before on the ground, in a tent listening to the noises around me. By morning, I'd bundled up in a robe and blankets. Not because the night was cool (it wasn't), but because the humidity made everything wet! 

This was a unique experience in that it pro...

The Marina Abramovic Method

Marina Abramovic is one of my favorite artists. Her performance art is unmatched, and I admire her work. "The Marina Abramovic Method" offers instruction cards to "reboot your life". I completed and recorded Day 1 after spending the night outdoors in this little tent. Join me tomorrow for the full reveal of the exercise! 

Behind the Scenes: Marina Abramovic Method

Here, a recording of my initial thoughts and impressions after a night in the tent and my first exercise following the Marina Abramovic Method. 

Beginning "The Marina Abramovic Method"

Abramovic is one of my favorite artists. I'm excited to be able to use her work as a source of discipline and inspiration! 

Building a Model!

A sneak peak of next week's YouTube video!

I've never built a model before! This one seemed a good candidate based on design. Both of the original product and the maker of the model! BanDai was a name I heard often in my childhood. Ramen noodles have often been a staple for me. This has proven to be a beautiful exercise in both design and personal affinity.

Pop Up Book

A most impressive pop-up book about going to the moon and back again! I've always been fascinated with the artistry and engineering of a good pop-up book, and this one is exceptional!

"Buzz Aldrin to the Moon and Back" from National Geographic.

Tuesday Update!

I'm busy planning my work! Some highlights shared in this video include  Cup Noodle inspiration and Aztec Death Whistles!

Photo Shoot!

These are some photos I took of myself in a recent shoot! The light and sky were particularly striking, which is always a huge benefit when taking reference photos for potential paintings!

Experimentation

Stills and photos from an experimental shoot! I thought it would be interesting to play with the light and texture provided by a white sheet. After hanging the sheet outside, I saturated it with water so that it would be clingy. These are some of the results!

This is still in a planning phase, and this was only a test. I think there's more potential here, so I'll repeat and refine this!

"Trying to Emerge"

Here, an experimental short movie. Combining both practical effects and digital effects. 

While I Work (a little slice of my day!)

I worked outside again today on various components for my current artwork. But ultimately, the stray cat who's been visiting me lately stole the show! I feel good about the work that was accomplished, but I do find him much more visually interesting than the footage I captured of sanding and painting! He's very cautious, always observing from a distance. When I came in for lunch, I spied him inspecting my work. Here, he seems to be preoccupied with a chipmunk or bird! 

On the Easel

Continuing work for my current piece of art! Sanding and painting the "mountain" component!

Work in Progress!

I’m filling the screw holes with a delightfully vintage “Rock Hard”wood putty! I absolutely bought this putty based on its look!

Taco Tuesday Update! Stranger Things, Fireworks and Pool Maintenance

Here's what's going on in my world! 

The second half of Stranger Things Season 4 was released Friday, and I finally found the familiar face I was looking for in the last episode! It was a holiday weekend here in the States (Independence Day), so I set off a few fireworks! 

Riding Into July

Summer vibes! Music, shades, tube top, and my bicycle!

Put A Hat On It!

I've worn many different hats in life. As we all do. This illustrates just a few of life's multi-dimensional and multi-faceted aspects of self. 

Work in Progress

Before it is art, there is the building. This stage is where "build" becomes "art"!

The completed modification!

Here, a reveal of the modified bra! 

Taco Tuesday Update!

What I'm up to this week: bra modifications, builds with power tools, and countdown to Stranger Things! 

On the Easel:

The process of modifying a t-shirt bra!

Work in Progress

Bra modification in progress!

Floating in Water

A montage from footage in the pool.

The Final Result!

This week you've seen the behind the scenes details of what goes into making a video. Yesterday was spent at a computer, editing video, selecting the right music, and creating a thumbnail for the video (but mostly editing). Here's the final result! 

Behind the Scenes, Part 2

Why I'm wearing the same clothes as yesterday.