Cody Goodin - The artistic and spiritual journey of Cody Goodin

Hello my fellow blog explorers and art seekers. I hope your week has been going well. As we head into another holiday weekend I wanted to post a little update. I have been on vacation for over a week now and have made a little bit of progress in the studio. Not as much as I would have liked but, at least it's a start. Above is a picture of the black back drop and staging table I have put together to do most of the photo shoots on. This is what I will build a majority of the sets on. The only time I will not is if the set requires a larger surface. The table is an old paper cutter table that was abandoned in the halls of the Essex oh so many years ago. It has served as our snack table during shows and as a table for classes. Handy little thing I guess you can say. I have placed two 16 x 20 inch hardboard panels on top of the table and a piece of 20 x 30 inch black foam core on that. The black foam core is going to serve as the floor of the bedroom I am going to create for Jaspe...

I have been working on a bed for my character, Jasper to put in his bedroom set. I wanted it to have a space or astro theme. Here is the bed completed with just the sheets and pillow. Here I have placed his blanket on the bed. The bed is made out of foam core 3/16" and painted with several layers of acrylic paints. I then stamped the images of stars, comets and a ringed planet on the different sides. The final step was antiquing it all with a burnt umber glaze. The mattress was made with a sheet of foam core as the base, 1 inch foam as the core and covered with a layer of muslin. I also  pillow quilted the mattress to give a more realistic touch. A little silly I guess since you can't really see that in the final picture. But, I know it's there. The sheets were a cotton that I then attached by sewing to the foam board backing. The blanket is a piece of polar fleece I had left over from a long ago project. This bed turned out pretty good for what I had in mind. I ...

Hello my friends out there in blogland. I hope your week has been going well. It has been warm and rainy here in Southwest Ohio. But, that hasn't stopped me from progressing on my projects both creative and non. I have been going crazy ordering dolls off of Ebay lately for use in my photo illustration projects. Specifically the Monster High dolls. Now, as some of you may realize, these dolls come in a variety of conditions. The purpose for me was to try and rehab them into a usable character. So, let me show you my first ever redo in progress. I am not quite done yet. This poor thing came with her hair cut off to the scalp and missing her lower arms and hands. Not to mention she was not wearing any cloths. I decided to put some extra arms and hands I had left over on her. They aren't really a match for her but, I think this will add a fun element to her back story once I am finished with her. I gave her a bright crimson red head of hair that was made from some fake fur I h...

Today I thought I would show you a few things I am working on. I purchased the above and the below items from Ebay. They are props for my photo illustrations I am working on. As with most manufactured doll size furniture, they are plastic and kind of ugly. I am not a big fan of the color pink. So I took it to task to change things up a bit. I like the shape and structure of both the cafe table set and this little arm chair. So, I dug out my acrylic paints and went to work. The first to get a make over was the cafe table set. I used Liquitex brand Glossies acrylic paints and some metallic acrylics to repaint this set. The Glossies paints give the chairs and table legs a lacquer look and made them really glossy as the name of the paint implies. I also wanted them to be a bit of retro modern. Hence the color scheme. The table top is a mixture of antique silver, graphite and micaceous iron oxide paints. The look achieved also gives the set a bit of an industrial feel. Nex...

May I introduce you to the Grand Duchess Genevieve DuPont Von Frankenstein. She resides on Unholy hill as it is called in Codyland. Her husband is the lesser known brother Ekhart of the famous Baron. Like his brother he has decided to pursue a life of science. His wife Ginny as she is often called by the town folks, was in a terrible accident where upon her hands were destroyed. Not wantyng her to suffer Ekhart gave her a new set. No one knows where he found the new hands but, the deed is rather obvious. Fortunately she does have full use of the new hands. But, she is not very happy as the towns people talk and so she keeps to herself mostly. The Duchess longs to chat with the ladies of the local art guild as the Duchess is an avid painter. If the Duchess weren't so deeply depressed and melancholy she would realize that the ladies of the Codyland Ladies Home Art League would welcome her with open arms. They are just dying to hear some of the juicy gossip Duchess Genevieve m...

Due to my work schedule and not being able to post on Saturday as I have been. I am taking this opportunity to do so today. So, I am posting some older art pieces that I had done a number of years back when I was really into my painting life/ Still hoping to include painting in my current artistic endeavors, but my schedule is so wacky right now. Which actually is part of my point to posting this old stuff. I wanted to share my evolutionary steps as an artist. But, also I am feeling too scattered at the moment and seem to have no real focus. It could be the moon phase, the time of year, who knows? One thing I do know is that I am feeling a bit burnt out. My day job is sucking so much energy from me at the moment. It isn't really a complaint, just an observation. How do some of you deal with this odd state where nothing seems to motivate you. I have ideas, just no real good chunks of time to get moving. My energy level is really low. The universe seems to be playing the part of...

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. ...

It is a popular trend these days for artists who have web sites or blogs to post blasts from the past. In keeping with that trend as I am trendy you know, I am offering some of my favorites.  In many ways these serve as a new bit of inspiration to me.  We tend to forget places we have explored creatively.  These series of images represent some forms I think I would like to reexamine. Updating and thinking of how I might utilize the elements in new ways or just keep them as they are intact. I haven't really made many of this type of figure. These two were inspired by Cirque de Solei. They were polymer clay sculpted heads and hands.  The bodies were wire armature that was then wrapped with layers of cotton batting and strips of fabrics.  I then layered fibers over the subsequent layers.  Then the final touches of ribbons, beads and some shoes completed the pieces. They had a nice bit of movement to them. This last piece I called Shaman's song. ...

Miss Lepina Carriota Bartlett is the second of the grand lady series to be finished.  She does not sport as fancy of a dress as the Madame in the previous post.  But, she is grand nonetheless.  Her fame comes from her fabled gardening abilities.  She is known far and wide in Codyland for uncanny ability to grow anything in just about any place.  Not to be known only for her gardening Miss Lepina also owns and runs the Codyland Farmers market place which is the largest seller of food stuffs in the land.  Her philosophy for dressing up is she likes to be comfortable and also loves color.  Her current outfit was made for her by her dress maker friend Sassy Bootsky. Lepina's dress is made from recycled cotton and silk clothing and lace donated by a friend. She is a polymer clay head sculpt and wire armature body.  Her hands are premade purchased ones and her feet which are not visible her are also made from polymer clays. She stands about 16" ...

Today is a beautiful sunny day in Codyland.  I am feeling lots better now.  Good thing about stomach bugs is they usually don't last too long.  Mine was about a three day affair.  Glad it is on it's way out.  So, to celebrate I am showing a few of the dolls that I am working on now that they have some hair.  I have three on the worktable here.  But, there are five more waiting in the wings.  My goal for the next couple of days is to get them in their costumes at long last.  I am getting a bit itchy to get the photo shoots started for my Ladies in waiting.  There will be a fine collection of Ladies, Duchess', and assorted other characters who inhabit Codyland getting the royal treatment.  A grand portrait in all their splendor is the object of this shoot.  It should make a nice collection. Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by.

It's been a long and very cold winter here in Codyland.  Many years since I can remember this much snow and below freezing temps.  Most likely an effect from the warming of the earth.  I have taken the opportunity to try and capture some of the snowy places I visit with my camera.  The shot above was taken at a local cemetery and park called Spring Grove.  It is considered a national treasure.  There are many great things to photograph here. The above image here is taken at Spring grove as well.  I decided to give this one a cyanotype like processing as it had a great deal of blue in it anyway.  I think it gives this image a rather other worldly feel. Finally, we have an image of a small house or crypt.  I call this one "The Other White House".  It was a beautiful sunny day on this past Thursday when I took these shots.  Today however, more snow very windy and cold.  I am supposed to be at work at 11 am.  Not...

It's a bitter bitter cold day here in Codyland.  Lot's of thing peculating in the old noodle.  The past couple of days has seen an increase in the number of synchronicity type events happening. This always gets my attention as it usually means some things are about to make themselves known to me.  Fortunately I feel they are good things coming my way. I recently decided to upgrade my take along camera from a little Nikon Coolpix, which is perfectly fine for basic stuff, to a more sophisticated point and shoot style.  I went with a Panasonic lUMIX dmc-f270.  Today since I was off from work, I thought it would be a good time to take it on a test drive.  So far, I really like the handling of this camera.  It isn't a pocket camera, but it allows me to save the big Nikon for studio work and this one for on the road inspiration.  It will be fun learning all the little bits and bobs this baby will do. Up above is one of the first images I have tak...

There are things that go unnoticed by us all the time.  Only to those who stop to look can they see it.  My partner told me of a small little birds nest in one of our huge rose bushes out front.  He was amazed a bird would have built one so close to the sidewalk or so low to the ground.  My thought is that they, as in the birds, will make do.  We don't go out of our way to interfere with them.  I love nature and like knowing that even in the deep urban wasteland of the city, life outside of humans exists  So, my question to you is, can you see it? Have a great Sunday.  I am off to spend it with some of my best friends eating, drinking and playing cards.  Ah, life is good today.

This afternoon it was the girls turn to discuss their roles in the upcoming creative projects.  The new cousin has settled in quite well.  She loves this country and especially enjoys listening to the great mix of eighties new wave playing on the studio Pnadora station.  My cup of coffee, a nice Mexican organic, was quite delightful. So, I told the cousins that it might be nice to have a name associated with each of them.  They didn't feel that was entirely necessary but, agreed it would make stories a bit easier to follow.  The boys aren't here at the moment so their input may be irrelevant on this topic.  The girls did say they wanted better wardrobes and I told them I would have to see what the budget would allow.  The snide little ladies said I could make them some amazing cloths if I had half a mind to do so.  Perhaps they could manage the extra time for me. Well, as you can see things are rolling along here in Codyland.  Hope you...

You just never know what will happen on your work table when you are not at home.  Sundays around here can be hit or miss for action.  But, I found this scene taking place in the studio.  Mail order cousins have arrived for the two artist models.  They have been unpacked and given some clothing since they arrive a natural.  In the meantime there is a bit of catching up to do and they were also joined by a neighbor living in the next toy box over.  Her name is Girtty.  She is the one with the wild pink beehive.  She's one of those throw backs to the 1970's and loves her Daisy Dukes. Never mind she is in her 60's. But, no one can figure out who the creepy little girl is that just appeared out of nowhere.  Can you say children of the damned?  I mean what the heck.  There is a bit of discussion going on about her and the little girl seems oblivious to it all. Well, I had better get back to see what's going on.  You never kno...

The above picture was snapped while on a layover waiting for the next bus to take me to work.  The temperature at the time was 8 F and all I can say is it was cold.  I loved how the rising sun lit the smoke coming from the power plant at the University Hospital.  Got to love that early morning light. Today it's lunch with two very dear friends and also hopefully a parcel carrying the mail order cousins of the artist models.  I ordered a back up pair.  Yes, I am getting obsessed with collecting all these dolls and models.  Can't help myself.  I look at it as my acquiring the tools I need for my artistic vision.  Several friends in the doll making world came through last year with lots of Barbie and Kens and they are waiting in the wings for their roles in my upcoming artistic endeavors.  Many of them are destined to become altered  in some fashion. One bit of observation I have realized, that all this photography play and daily sho...

Well, technically I am off from my job today.  So, it really isn't a snow day but, it is a great excuse to be in the studio.  I have been playing around with some ideas.  Rethinking some directions a bit and looking at some of my started projects with a critical eye.  The problem for me is I have several running story lines or ideas in my head.  I constantly bounce back and forth between them.  Hence a lack of real focus.  But, the point for today was to take a good look at what I have started and decide upon a plan of action.  I did want to get some work done in the studio today.  I have some help sort of. Two of my models were eager to help me clean up the work table today.  However an argument quickly ensued.  I am not sure if these two are meant to be together.  I snapped this picture of Mister model wielding one of my clay shaping tools. But, quick as a whip Miss model turned the tables and snatched the tool f...

A very happy new year of 2014 to all of you out there in the land of blogs.  I hope your holidays were good.  Now that the season has come to a soft close for me, it is time for renewed focus and goal setting for the year ahead.  Most of the art I am hoping to make involves photographing dolls and figures in a variety of scenes and situations.  I have decided that using dolls, toys and such helps me to detach any direct human likeness to the subject.  I have been loving how I can use dolls, or other figures of that nature create a sense of dialogue without making it too personal for any one person.  Plus, dolls don't require contracts and payment.  So, to me this is a great match for my evolution in creating.  Last year saw some major decisions in regards to my art making.  I know I face more challenges in the year ahead.  But, with usual "I don't give a damn," fortitude I will move on.  One challenge is the snobbery of photography ...

One of the things I really dislike is shopping for groceries.  Actually most types of shopping I detest.  Mostly because as someone with visual challenges, seeing so much stuff in a constant stream can be rather exhausting to me.  I get very tired and sleepy.  That then progresses to crankiness.  Yesterday was one of those days where I had to go to the drug store for refills on medications.  Then on to the grocery store to finish up the shopping I did earlier in the week.  Once I had checked out I realized that I would have a 35 minute wait for the next bus.  Not my idea of a fun time for sure.  Then it hit me. My inner voice said, I have my little camera in my pocket.  My bag of groceries isn't that heavy.  Why not walk home.  It became a sort of walk about impromptu. So I slung my bag of stuff over my shoulder and off I went.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and for black and white photos great for capturing lots of shadow...

Hello my friends out there.  I hope your year is ending up just where you wish it to be.  For me, I am saying good bye to it like an old friend.  Knowing I will not see it again. I will welcome it's sister with open arms to see what adventures we will have together.  One thing has struck me of late.  All of the various people and groups trying to get you to follow their perfect plan for happiness.  Follow X diet, eat like a Buddhist, grow you hair longer and on and on. So, I have been asking myself why do we as humans feel the need to follow someone else's lead?  Do we seek approval, inclusion into some elite group? Maybe we just want to belong because we are truly social beings. On this cusp of a new year I have been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the new year. How I could  improve the quality of my life. In this thought process I realized how many times I have tried this or that from others to miraculously improve my life or s...