Summer 2011thekscreative.wordpress.com

The Kansas Creative

i s a we b z i n e d e d i c a t e d t o celebrat ing, promoting, and inspiring creativity within the state of Kansas.  It is a true labor of love a n d c o m p l e t e l y n o t - f o r -profit.  Currently, The Kansas Creative does not feature any paid advertisements.  

This is a re-formatted version of the first issue, published in Summer 2011. The website is currently on hiatus, but the original articles can b e f o u n d a t h t t p : / /thekscreative.wordpress.com

Much thanks is owed to generous artists who have contributed their time, patterns, instruction, and more.

Thank you also to the readers who, I hope, will find enjoyment and enlightenment in the following pages.

xo,the editor

ContentsMadame Scodioli, Bearded Proprietor.......................................page 4

Emily Brookover and Bluebird Arthouse.......................................page 8

Pickled Beets.......................................page 13

Dancing with Tribal Reflections.......................................page 14

Eroding Artists’ Block......................................page 18

Good Graffiti.......................................page 20

Market Tote.......................................page 22

Peach Pie.......................................page 26

Madame Scodioli,B P

Simply gaze across the wide, majestic plains of Western Kansas and you may not guess what kind of curious world lies within.  But shut your eyes and inhale deeply…and you will discover a secret carnival of scents. The Dust Shaker at work, the sweetness of penny candy by the Carousel, and the leather boot

and gauntlet and holster of a circus’ Sentinels are enough to send a body into euphoria… (or

Euphorium!)

Madame Scodioli’s soaps, perfumes, and whisker waxes are not only intoxicating, b u t a l s o l u x u r i o u s l y s k i n -softening!    She mixes and hand-pours all of her items  right here in Kansas. Recently, I’ve  had the pleasure of sitting with the Madame in her wagon and discussing her business and inspirations.  She is joined by her lovely assistant, Riley.name Scodioli (sko-dee-o-lee)–it’s actually the result of a misinterpretation of a song title.

TheKsC: How did you become involved with making soaps,

scents, and whisker wax?RILEY: Scodioli Creative joined

Etsy in 2007, as sewers and bookbinders!  We were creating fabric

coasters, journals from old magazines, then stationery from recycled x-rays…which was all fun, certainly, but we

weren’t passionate about it.MADAME: Oddly, hygiene is something I can truly get excited about.  I’ve always been crazy for extravagant bars of soap in outrageous packaging.  And soap is all I really wanted to make.  But I came up with all these wonderful scent ideas and I knew it wasn’t going to stop there.  I started concocting the perfumes, and of course the Whisker Wax was a natural step for a bearded lady.  Also, my grandmother was a soapmaker for decades–she made lye soap out of pig fat in her basement. I was very close to her. I feel as though I’m carrying on a tradition, even though I’ve taken it in a starkly different direction.

Th e K s C : D i d yo u l e a r n t h e soapmaking process from your grandmother?  And in what ways does your craft differ from hers?MADAME:   I unfortunately did not get the chance to learn from my grandmother.  That would have been amazing though!  Maybe I could have avoided all of those early “practice batches.”  Ha!By the time I was born, she was already “retired” from soapmaking, and it was nearly a decade after she passed away before I tried my hand at it.  The kind of soap she made was strictly utilitarian: very harsh, no pretty colors or scents or nourishing additives.  You could take a cheese grater to a chunk of it and use it for laundry soap.  She made what most people consider “lye” soap (although ALL soap contains lye).My process is the same as hers, although I use a mask, goggles, rubber gloves and a beard net. Working with lye can be very dangerous.

TheKsC: What are your favorite materials to use?MADAME: Palm kernel oil and coconut oil, for my soaps.  The two work wonders together to create a hard, long lasting bar that still lathers like a dream.RILEY: And rosemary.  She won’t set the bottle down.MADAME: It’s a good rosemary!  I’m trying to control myself.  We also love to use clays in the shaving bars.  It’s great for cleansing pores, provides lots of slip, and it’s an excellent way to color the bars without chemicals.

TheKsC: What do you like best about handcrafting your lovely goods?MADAME: I like to be able to control every single part of the process, from the label design to physically shipping the orders.RILEY: Ahem… anal…. :DMADAME: It’s true. ;) Control issues aside, also it’s a huge satisfaction to know that we are making something useful, practical and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.  And I

Riley’s Office,where some of the magic takes place...

love the fact that men enjoy our products as much as the ladies!  There is not much to be found for well-designed bath products for men. We receive such wonderful compliments from all of our customers, and we gush over every single one.

TheKsC: Can you tell me a bit about the circus theme that runs throughout your products?  How did this come about?  Where do you get your inspiration?

MADAME: We’ve modeled our entire concept around the American traveling carnival, from the late 19th century through the dust bowl era.   It’s a period of time that really moves us. And we try to keep a strong mid-Western feel to our products, to pay homage to our Kansas roots.  But there’s a healthy dose of good ol’ gypsy spirit in there, too.  We try not to limit ourselves to just “carnival”.

RILEY: The novel Geek Love by Katherine Dunn was a huge influence, as well as the music of Tom W a i t s , M a n M a n , C a l e x i c o , T i n H a t T r i o … . a n d t h e Hierophant gave us a b o o k o n s i d e s h o w oddities that has proven to be invaluable.MADAME: Inspiration c o m e s f r o m e v e r y direction.   Sometimes it starts with a name, or an idea for a story, then we come up with the scent to correspond. Other times, we begin with a s c e n t i d e a ( we g e t wonderful suggestions f r o m f r i e n d s a n d customers), and we build from there.   Often the creative process is started by an amazing antique store find, and the story is built around the object – as was the case with Elyria.  A customer requested an Earl Grey scent, then the mandolin was found and it took off from there.

Madame Scodioli’s products can be found at

scodiolicreative.etsy.com.  Also find her at

twitter.com/scodioli and facebook.com/

madame.scodioli

The largest city in Kansas, Wichita is arguably one of its most cultured, as well.  With an abundance of galleries to browse, WSU’s reputable School of Art & Design, and a number of private classes available through various art centers, it would seem that the metropolis is lacking nothing where the arts are concerned…

…except for a place that offers any real selection of art supplies, or a place for artists to come together outside of the classroom.

Emily Brookover, fine artist and entrepreneur, offers a solution to this problem: a well-stocked, locally-owned, independent supply shop and studio space in the heart of Delano, one of Wichita’s coziest districts.  Between unpacking boxes, setting up shelves, and so much more preparation for the shop’s early June opening, Emily has been kind enough to share some of her story, and vision, with us. 

TheKsC: Could you tell us a little about yourself ?EB: I’m originally from Southwest Kansas, born and raised in Garden City. I have a beautiful 13 year old daughter and a horrible but adorable 2 year old Boston Terrier named Hank. I received my BFA from KU and just earned my MFA from Wichita State University this past May, 2010. Both degrees are in Studio, Painting. Although my thesis body of work ended up being all drawings on paper.

TheKsC: What lead you to decide to open an art supply store?EB: I’ve always, in the back of my mind, wanted to start my own business. I come from a family of entrepreneurs so I think the tendency to start my own business is just naturally there. Being a graduate student and a working artist in Wichita, it’s been a struggle finding quality artist materials here in town. So I would drive to Kansas City to visit their art supply shops or, more often than not, ordered things online. So I know, personally, that there is a real need for artist supplies here in town. I also know there is a need for studio spaces for artists to rent, which is something I am also thrilled to be able to offer.   In other artistic metro areas, having affordable rental space for artists is very common and generally readily available. We don’t quite have that here yet and we need it. I’m also hoping to offer Wichita artists a place to come, hang out, exchange ideas and ask

"pull" by Emily Brookover

questions. Being at the University, I had artists at my disposal to ask questions to and get advice. I want to offer that same sort of atmosphere where artists can come in to my shop, regardless of their problem or need, and there will always be people to talk to. You know, a community of artists. In short, my interest in owning a business combined with my education and knowledge of being a working artist, plus the overwhelming need for an art supply shop and studios equals the opening of Bluebird Arthouse.

TheKsC: Do you think that having an actual art supply shop in Wichita will have a significant impact on the artistic community here?EB: I sure hope so!  Part of my intention is to provide a place for artists to congregate.  We have great art centers, coffee shops and other local businesses in town and I’d like to be the one that ties it all together.  My plans for the website are to bring all things Midwest, Kansas and Wichita art-related to one online location, to streamline information and help artists find

resources.  We’ll have a community board in the shop with information on shows, grants, education and jobs.  I not only want to supply artists with their tools and materials, I want to supply them with opportunities.

TheKsC: I believe I’ve also heard talk of classes being offered; is it too early to tell us about some of those? Are there any other sort of events we might expect hear about?

EB: Yes!  We’ll have classes!  But as I’ve said before, our local art centers are absolutely incredible.  I have zero interest in competing with what they are offering.  I don’t wish to take away from anyone but rather I wish to fill in some gaps.  There are some things not already offered in town (like how to build your own stretchers, how to frame your own work,

"Be the change you want to see" poster outside of Bluebird Arthouse, before it was open for business.

Detail of “stubborn” by Emily Brookover

general product demonstrations, etc.) that I am really excited about.  We may have some traditional type classes if the demand is there, but we’ll make cross-promoting the area art center’sclasses and workshops a priority.  If there’s a need that isn’t being met, we’ll do it.  A few live-model, open drawing studios are popping up around town and I’d also like to offer some of those.  But of course, they’ll be on days when the other businesses’ open studios are not being held.

Bluebird Arthouse is now open at  924 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67203 and online at www.bluebirdwichita.com and on twitter and facebook.

Emily’s portfolio can be viewed at www.emilybrookover.com.

Detail from “…damn birds” by Emily Brookover

Ingredients6 large – 8 medium beets2 tablespoons sugar1/2 teaspoon pickling spice1/3 cup vinegar1/3 cup water

Prepare the beets:Cut the leaves off of the beets, but leave 1″ to 2″ of the stems–this will prevent them from “bleeding” too much. Scrub them well, put them in a large pot and cover with water. Depending on their size, boil for 30 to 50 minutes. Drain beets and rinse with cold water to cool them down. Cut off the tops and the little tails; slip the skin off (this should come very easily.) Slice them, about 1/4″ thick. Put into the bowl that will be used for storage.

Pickle liquid:Mix the rest of the ingredients together and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. (Tip: put the pickling spices into a thin cloth pouch or coffee filter before boiling; this is easier than straining out the pieces after.) Pour liquid over the beets.

Let cool, cover, and store in the refrigerator in a glass bowl for up to a week.

Fresh Pickled BeetsBeets

a r e n o t o n l y incredibly nutritious but

so delicious!  They are great f o r y o u r h e a r t – f u l l o f

antioxidants, vitamin C,  and iron, among other nutrients.  This is a no-fuss recipe that starts out w i t h f r e s h b e e t s ; k e e p t h e s e  ” p i c k l e s ”  i n t h e

refrigerator for up to a week.  (Do NOT use this recipe

f o r c a n n i n g / l o n g storage.)

“Bellydance,” a term used to cover a myriad of different ethnic dance styles, is also a term that is often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions.  

 While the stereotypical image of a sequined, chiffoned dancer shimmying delicately does have basis in reality, there are many other sides of bellydance to discover.

Salome, co-director of the tribal group Tribal Reflections (and her student group, Filles de la Lune,) shares with us her experience of dance.  She and her co-director, Naxi, practice Tribal Improv and Tribal Fusion style dance–very earthy  dances that are a refreshing departure from the “usual.”  From the Bedouin to Victorian Ladies, influences from around the world and around time can be seen in their unique and innovative dance.

Salome (front) and Naxi (back right). Photo by Glenn Gunnels.

TheKsC:  When did you begin dancing, and what made you decide to try it?Salome: I started dancing when I was 6 years old.  Ballet and Jazz were mandatory for being a competitive gymnast.  With ballet and gymnastics, you usually are over the hill at 17.  I did the family thing for about 12 years and ran across a picture of a belly dancer in an advertisement on a fax at my

office.  They were offering belly dance classes.  Have to admit it was the drawing of the lady in the beautiful exotic costume that made me decide to try it.  I wanted to wear a costume like that. Escape a bit from everyday boredom.  So at 30 years old I decided to try my first belly dance class.  Purely as just a way to work out to begin with. It was first a hobby that turned into a lifestyle and then into a professional moonlighting career.  It has taken me all over the US for training and performing purposes.  Didn’t realize all that ballet I did when I was younger would really pay off in my 30s as a belly dancer.

TheKsC:  Could you describe your style/the type of dance you do?S:  My co-director and I teach Improv Tribal Style belly dance, and we also have a Tribal Fusion Professional troupe.  Tribal

Left to right: Naxi, Diana, Aimee.

Fusion Style is a dancer or a group of dancers with predominantly tribal style belly dance traits using other dance disciplines along with world and contemporary dance styles to enhance the core style of Tribal Style belly dance.  Improvisational choreography with cues is fundamental to the composition of Tribal Fusion choreography.  Group Improvisation refers to a structured and codified

repertoire of movements, each with their own distinct cue, performed in a lead and follow format. Group Improv is generally associated with American Tribal Style and Group Improvisational Tribal Style.  Solo Improvisation refers to one dancer spontaneously dancing and being “in the moment” with the music. Solo improvisers will often be intimately familiar with their music or have some sort of a loose framework in mind for their dance presentation.

TheKsC:  Has your style changed at all from when you began, and if so, how?S:  My style has evolved a lot since I took my first class. I began as a cabaret belly dancer, drawn into it by the shiny rhinestones and satin formfitting fabrics.  As I studied it, it felt like something was missing, I needed something different, more earthy when it came to the music and movements.  I started to become more interested in the heavy ethnic jewelry and layers of cottons and velvets and ethnic fabrics.  It felt more comfortable dancing in the dirt at Renaissance Fairs than it did in heels in a restaurant.  I was bored doing solos and wanted to dance with others.  I met Martha who had the same interests and from there we embarked on a journey that has taken us through so much training in the tribal community, as well as different styles of dance like Flamenco, Salsa and East Indian.  From all of our studies and training, we have been able to develop our own personal style that is very different than the cabaret we both started out in.

TheKsC:  Aside from the obvious result of making moving, living art, what are some other benefits of this activity?

Salome and Naxi. Photo by Glenn Gunnels.

S:  The travel and the friendships.  In order to give our students the best quality of training, we have to always be up-to-date on current trends in the Belly dance world–which means we have to train and be taught ourselves.   And by doing so, we have to leave Wichita and attend Belly dance events, workshops, and shows all over the US.  From doing that, we have developed strong friendships with other dancers in different states like us that also travel around for training.  There is a large amount of support within the different troupes.  We look for any reason to get together and dance.  And of course, the culture.  It is impossible to study this dance form without understanding and experiencing the culture of it as well.  I have learned more about the different cultures in the world as a belly dancer than I have reading history books in school.

TheKsC:  What kind of advice would you give to a beginning dancer, or someone who has never done it before and wants to try?S:  I tell anyone that wants to do it to just try it.  It doesn’t matter what shape and size you are, what age or maturity level.  It is a way for someone (male or female) to become in tune with their own body.  And to embrace it for what it is and how to make it look beautiful with movement.  It is hard, so I try to let newbies know not to get discouraged when they can’t do a belly roll at first.  It takes time and dedication to become a good dancer, but the rewards of self-confidence, self-awareness, and friendships are so worth it in the long run.  I wish more teenage girls would try out this dance form. It would be a great age to build self-esteem and feel beautiful about themselves at the same time.  The same goes for middle-aged housewives, too.

Salome and Naxi teach at Amira Dance Productions in Wichita, KS.  Visit their fan page on facebook: Tribal Reflections Bellydance & Filles de la Lune Improv troupes.

Eroding Artists’ Block:A few ideas for kick starting creativity

Keep a journal or sketchbook.  Perhaps an obvious one, but it’s also that important.  Whether your preferred mode is writing, drawing, or something else, record your ideas!

Write down everything.  While you’re keeping that journal, be sure to record all ideas, even if you think you’ll remember it later, because

there’s always a chance that you won’t.  You may even want to write down the ideas you aren’t too crazy about–they may spawn other, more useful ideas.  You can always scratch it out later, but once you forget that gem, you may not get it back!

Scrapbook (Old School Style).  I’m not talking die-cut cardstock and glittered templates–I’m talking about perusing magazines and anything else you can find, cutting out whatever tickles your fancy, and sticking it to a page.  Even if the image doesn’t specifically

pertain to your art, if it’s inspiring to you, it will be useful.

Unplug...  From the TV, your computer, phone, or whatever device is dominating your life.  Even a one-day break can be refreshing.  (And, if you can hold out even longer, all the better!)   After disengaging from electronics, try quieting your mind.  It’s not always easy at first and may take pracitce.  Many people almost fear quiet, but it is so essential to one’s wellbeing.

Connect with nature.  Another tried and true way to boost your general well-being–especially your creativity.  Keep a garden, ride your bike,  watch the old fire pit, or just sit and be outside.

Learn something new.  Picking up a hobby that is completely different from what you’re currently doing is a wonderful way to get out of a rut.  It gives you a chance to take your mind off of anything you’re struggling with and still flex your creative muscles.

Take a break.  Whether it’s guilt or fear of not getting a project done on time, taking a break can be difficult for some.  But do it anyway!  Count it as a necessary part of your creative routine.

Don’t be afraid to make crap.  Sometimes, if you wait to be really inspired before you start creating, you may never end up making anything.  So just start.  It could start out bad and then blossom into something wonderful.  Or it may start out bad and end bad.  In this case, you will learn from your mistakes.  It’s a win/win!

Do you love stumbling upon something beautiful and unexpected?  Is it thrilling to think about permeating the streetscape with art?  Then put that spray can down–there are ways to create a lasting impression on someone without leaving a permanent mark.

The Guerilla Art movement is gaining momentum down a path that is gentler, less destructive, but just as vibrant as traditional graffiti.  Guerilla artists are continually discovering new ways of spreading their vision with the world, minus the vandalism.

Recently, groups like Wichita Handmade have tagged landmarks using not paint or marker, but yarn.  Not only does this add interest to everyday things, but attach a small card to the “tag,” and passersby will often stop to read it, consequently making a great way to be heard.  Here are a few techniques used by guerilla artists today.

• Knit Tagging/Yarn BombingAs mentioned before, knit tagging (a.k.a. “yarn bombing”) is a colorful, cozy way to cover a lamp post, bike rack, or really just about anything you can wrap a piece of cloth around.  Pioneered the group Knitta of Houston, TX, knit tagging is popular the world over.  Of course, to do this, you must know how to knit.   Crochet is another option, though knitted material has the advantage of being stretchy.After you knit a rectangle to fit the landmark you intend to tag, the fabric can either be sewn at the seam or buttoned for easier removal.  Added benefit: a person in need may come along on a cold day and use your art as a scarf !

• Notes to StrangersLeave it in a book at the library, under a piece of merchandise at the store, or hanging from a tree!  If you choose to leave this outdoors, try “laminating” it with clear packing tape to protect from the elements.  The note could be inspiring, enlightening, or just entertaining.

• Chalk It UpArtists have been using stencils for a long time with paint, but it can also be done with powdered chalk.  Using a sharp razor knife, cut your stencil from a piece of cardboard or sturdy cardstock.  Use a roller to carefully apply the chalk.

• Guerilla GardeningPlant beautiful flower seeds in a neglected alley–wild flowers, or something low-maintenance, work best, especially if you won’t be in the area often enough to care for them regularly.  Be sure also that it is not an area that will be mown anytime soon.  In my opinion, the best way to do this is plant the seeds directly into the ground, water, and wait.  You can also try making a seed bomb.  These aren’t always as effective, but they may work for you!

• Moss GraffitiPaint with real live moss.  This can not only be incredibly beautiful but is 100% earth friendly!  For a good “paint” recipe, check out Stories from Space.  (You will have to click on “Ideas Factory” at the left, then “Moss Graffiti”.)

Make a

Market Tote

While I highly recommend keeping your own garden, it’s certainly not always possible to grow everything you want.  Farmers’ market season is in full-swing and is the perfect solution for the locavore with limited garden time or space.  Many markets also boast an array of handmade soaps, candles, and other crafts; there is definitely something for everyone!

Some vendors provide a plastic bag for carrying your loot.  But why not bring your own reusable tote?

Making a market tote is easy, fun, and earth-friendly.  Use sturdy fabric, burlap, or even fused plastic bags.

If you want to know where your nearest markets are, check out KSFarmersMarkets.org, a great online resource also featuring recipes and producer information.

And now…make a bag!

Is

Peach PieIs anything sweeter than a homemade peach pie made with fresh peaches?   I think not…

PART ONE…Create the crust!

1 1/2 cup flour1/2 cup butter (or shortening)1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup cold water

Mix flour and salt, then cut in the butter.  Pour in the water and mix it together with your hands–it will be a bit sticky at first, but continue to work it until you can form a smooth ball.   Divide the ball roughly in half, with one of the halves a tiny bit bigger than the other. Roll out the bigger half until it’s large enough to cover the entire inside of the pan, including the top edges. Fold the crust in half, lift it into the pan, then unfold it; this should help prevent it from breaking up while lifting it.  (However, it’s nice to know that the more hard-to-handle the crust is, the flakier it will probably be!)  Press the overhanging crust into the edge of the pan; this should make it easier to trim with a knife.

PART DEUX…Fix the filling!

6 cups peaches (Fresh peaches, not canned!)3/4 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon cinnamon1/3 cup flour(optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice–I’ve found it doesn’t affect the flavor at all.)

To get the skins off, boil  the whole peaches for 2 minutes, then submerge them in cold, cold water–ice cold works best! The skins should slide off easily. Cut around the peach with a knife, take out the pit, and slice them into small-medium sized pieces.In a large bowl, mix the peaches with the rest of the ingredients, and pour into your pie crust. Roll out the second crust so that it is large enough to cover the edges, and place it on top.  Press and flute the edges, making sure that it is sealed all the way around.  Poke a few holes in the top with a knife so that the steam can vent.Bake at 425 degrees for about 50 minutes to 1 hour. Take out and let coolbefore eating.   (It is delicious chilled.)

Here are just a few places to buy locally-grown peaches in Kansas:

Newton:  Beck’s FarmHaysville: Sargeant’s Berry FarmEdgerton: Gieringer’s OrchardWilliamsburg: Pome on the RangeEmporia: The OrchardPlains: The Apple HutchBonner Springs: Stephen’s Orchard

Also be sure to check your local farmers’ market, or even a neighbor’s trees!  (Of course, you will want to ask your neighbor for permission to pick, first.)  The closer to home, the better they are.