Cody Goodin - The artistic and spiritual journey of Cody Goodin

As Saturdays go this is rather low key. it is rainy and damp here with a good bit of chill in the air. It is supposed to be spring. But, Cincinnati weather is rather moody. You never know what you're going to get from one minute to the next. This all puts my head in a foggy state. The past week was rather trying at times so I guess this is the Universe's way of getting me to calm the f#%&* down. I offer the above image, taken in my little neighborhood as a symbol of my sate of being today. There are many projects I should or need to tackle. But, I think I will just go with the flow. Sentimental Saturday's edition comes from my distant past as a doll maker. These set of elemental spirit dolls were made in the mid 1990's for a show at the now defunct Cove Gallery. The first one here is the element of earth. These were sewn and stuffed figures with polymer clay heads and hands and or feet, In some cases I used found pieces of branch or twig too. I then painted ...

Saturdays are one of those strange days in the week for me. I can never seem to get going early and figure out priorities of what project needs my attention first. Whenever I get in that state of purposeful confusion, I pull things out from my past creative endeavors to push me in some direction for the day. Here is a collection of three mini paper dolls I made a few years back as examples of a mini class I taught at Artistic Figures In Cloth AFIC . They are articulated with very tiny paper fasteners. The bodies are bits of decorative papers that are laminated to a foundation of card stock. I use found photo images of faces or drawings and then used a variety of fun bits to add to the costume or as adornments. The reason I resurrect these beauties is that there is a lot of possibilities in incorporating photography into paper doll making. However, I think it would be nice to move beyond the cheesy portraits or snap shots and take time to create some interesting images in the p...

Another birthday has come and gone. A year older, maybe wiser and certainly ready to keep on trucking. It has been a long cold winter and as many of you know really cold. So, I can be confident in stating that we are ready for spring, Oh yes, we are so ready for it. At long last it is here at least on the calendar anyway. My first signs of spring came earlier this week as I watched a Mockingbird keep watch over his newly acquired territory near my bus stop. This little guy is very inquisitive and seems to make an attempt to communicate with we humans. It is such a delight to see nature marching on and getting ready to explode in color and beauty. I know this beauty of a flower is technically a summer bloom. But, I couldn't help but present it here as my banner of the arrival of spring. One of my favorite seasons of the year. Perhaps you could say I am a middle of the road kind of guy. I like both spring and fall. But, the transitions seem to be the most dynamic and inter...

I have always been a bit curious about this whole beware of the ides of March thing. Perhaps it was the demise of a Roman that facilitated the saying and idea. But, in recent years the folklore tends to lend itself to bad luck and bad weather in the transitional month of March. Spring occurs in the later weeks of March. At long last the grip of winter is finally loosened. I am not a superstitious person by nature. But, one can't help but notice the subtle clues nature puts in front of our faces. The moon that is almost full becoming a bright orange ball in the early morning skies. What could this mean? The strange appearance of certain bird species that shouldn't be here this early. Mother nature, our beloved mother earth is speaking the language she knows best. Through her unbelievable nature, rhythms and energy. If we notice and pay attention. We can be witness to some wondrous sights. My favorite is the ever present mocking bird that guards his territory that surround...

Another Essex art walk has come and gone. This first art walk of the year is really the half way point to me in the cycle. The reason is that way back in the early days of the Essex a small group of artists who started renting space there decided to hold an art walk in October. So, for me that is the beginning of the yearly cycle of art walks. There is something about a half way point that evokes a feeling of transformation and also one of peace. It is the summit and the vista and the way down the other side is in focus. It was at this particular art walk, which was a rather slow one, that I came to realize a big goal I have had in the back of my consciousness for quite some time. I love theater, drama, cinema and all the emotions and energy that go with the experience. Many times while sitting there waiting for patrons to come in and look at the art, I thought how boring this must be. It is really boring to me. Here I have this awesome space and it looks  and feels like a stu...

I decided to post just before the beginning of the week as it will be a busy one. Next weekend is the first studio open house of the year at the big studio place called Essex Studios. I will be working at the art supply store up to Thursday so no time really to do anything extra. I still have to find time to go and get the studio ready. In the meantime, I have some pictures of hearts I made for a heart swap over at Doll Street. Doll Street is an internet doll group. Here is heart #1 the back side or the front, I am sure the person who receives it will decide that for themselves. These are made out of a foam heart shape that has been beaded and sequined. Other elements have been added as well. The other side of heart #1. Kind of fancy but, I like how it turned out. This is heart #2. I am showing the side I consider the front. The other side did not photograph well. It is a foam heart with faux fur and on the back I applied black leather. It is beaded and sequined also. ...

I am ready for my close up Mr. Da Bill is what you could hear Ms. Martha Vexley call out to the famous Hollywood director from the western shores of Codyland. She was the vixen on many a silver screen back in the hay day of cinema. Sesame B. Da Mill was her favorite director to work with in those days. She is the latest grand dame from Codyland to be formally introduced. Ms. Vexley never misses an opportunity to be in the limelight even if it isn't so admirable. Her rather crazy gaze is due to her star falling rather abruptly once color photography was introduced. She just didn't pack the same punch as in her earlier black and white dramas. Now Martha leads the local community theater making sure she instructs everyone playing in the cast on how to be the proper actor. She is a lover of adventure as well and has been on many African safari's over the years. Even though she is wearing an animal print it is faux. In all honesty Ms. Vexley doesn't wish any harm on ...