THE WHITE PAGE

september//06//2013
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/// The White Page Collective is Alanah Luger-Guillaume, Alexis Stiteler, Kate Sheldon and Rebecca Spangenthal. The four of them met throughout their college years, and moved to Minneapolis one by one. Becca Spangenthal says, There was a day in 2010 or 2011 where I crossed paths with Alan, Axel and Kate. I knew Alan and Axel through Bryan Daly, who is sitting next to me right now. I was visiting Alfred University, where they all attended college for Hot Dog Day. We were all cruising around, drinking and stuff. Bryan pointed Kate out from a far because she is so cute. Now that we all here in Minneapolis, [I realized] it is impossible to know who will be important to you down the road. My mom told me that once. /// Though none of them are originally from the Twin Cities, they fell in love with Minneapolis and have decided to put roots down. Minnesota has been good to [us] so far. The art scene feels up-and-coming and we are excited to be a part of it. It holds a strong feeling of pride to be involved in The White Page. We, as a collective, initially were thinking only of ourselves when we thought of opening a space. We craved studios outside of our bedrooms 1

knew it would be affordable and motivating with four. After two meetings, our brains were cranking out projects for the space. We am proud of our initiative. We ruly are deep in the art game and want to bring that out in the community of artists here in Minneapolis. /// The White Page is also a gallery and residency for artists. They will be bringing in local and national artists, who will use The White Page space for shows, artist talks, and performances for the community of Minneapolis. Through the Residency Program, artists will also receive a studio space, housing, and help with payment for transportation. Why Minneapolis? We have chosen the city of Minneapolis for its accessibility, arts community and resources. We are so impressed by the art scene in the Twin Cities, we want to participate by showcasing young and emerging artists from around the country. Bringing them here will both introduce artists to the Midwest and introduce the Midwest to other creative minds. Minneapolis is a great city to be an artist in, and we want our global community to experience it. As a group of young artists, our goal is to create a space for our residents and artists of Minneapolis, as well as The White Page Collective. We would like to create an area to work individually and collaboratively to further our skills and bodies of work. More About the Space 3109 E 42nd street is the space weve chosen in south Minneapolis for this project. It is a beautiful storefront in a mainly residential area, next to us there is a small gym and a restaurant.In the back there is a nice backyard where we plan on maintaining a sculpture garden. 2

The full basement will be used as studio space; providing enough room for the collective members and one rotating artist in residence. The White Page plans on providing: wood shop equipment and tools, kilns, drafting tables (one or two), work space and a little kitchenette. More about the Residency Program The resident artist will be someone who has proposed a project to The White Page. They will have considered a timeline for staying in Minneapolis, working with us in our studios, and exhibiting at the end of their stay. They will also have to give an artist talk, workshop or performance. It will be a very individualized program, with most artists staying one week- six weeks (with exceptions of course.) The White Page is excited to open the program up to many young and/or emerging artists who may not otherwise get the chance to come to Minneapolis. Securing money will help us pay to bring these young, emerging artists to Minneapolis to collaborate and create work.

Alanah LugerGuillaume ///Alanah grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. She went to Alfred University for art and education. She's currently a lead toddler teacher at People Serving People. I attempt to use a balance of instinct and restraint as I play with my materials. Using collage and the allusion of collage allows an exploration of composition that focuses on boundaries and relationships between pooled, solid, and transparent color. Most of my work is done with acrylic and watercolor, allowing me to layer quickly. I enjoy the challenge of trying to create something "abstract using my tendency to suggest landscape and my paint as guides. http://alanahlg.com/home.html

Alexis Stiteler ///Alexis grew up in a few different locations, mostly Waterford Pennsylvania and Frisco, Texas. She went to Alfred University and studied ceramics. She's currently working on a food truck down town. Before The White Page she maintained a studio at The Northern Clay Center. My obsession with process often guides my visual exploration of memories through mapmaking: negotiating with self as to what past reality was. As of recently I have been dedicated to developing my own vocabulary in my maps. Rather than attempting to replicate maps and memories, my work is based in a personal translation of these ideas. http://alexislstiteler.com/ 5

Kate Sheldon /// Kate Sheldon is from Upstate New York, she studied painting at Alfred University. After school she spent a year in Sydney, Australia and then came back and settled into Minneapolis. taking pieces from real life visual cues, and framing them, freezing glimpses at a stand-still. these glimpses warp through a visual language specific to my mark-making. the translation from brain to canvas through physical marks allow paintings to become encrypted, but still accessible. my physical sensibility and responsive practice does not reject reference. however it does not provide representational clarity either. in this way, paintings can serve as objects hovering in an unnamed space or limbo. drawing connections and contradictions while trying to make sense of instinct through material. http://www.kathrynsheldon.com/index.html 6

Becca Spangenthal /// Becca grew up in Western Massachusetts, and studied sculpture at Pratt Institute in New York City. After working in New York she moved out to Minneapolis on a whim, and found herself in love with the city. I am transforming with color, shape and context. I am disrupting familiar settings with color (obscurity). Building and dissecting found forms to construct and address memory. Forming symmetry. My America as location and artifact; making my contribution. Imitation and translation forming influence from a society of Post-Marijuanaism. Collecting, coloring life as we know it to be. Manipulation into balanced absurdity. To satisfy color. To remember the enjoyment of work. Subconscious acts, functional brain exercise. Simplicity in material. The understanding that nothing is precious. Honoring with reference and dedication. http://www.rebeccaspangenthal.com/ 7

Proust Questionnaire The Proust Questionnaire is a personality survey popularized by French writer Marcel Proust. It is meant to reflect the interests and aspirations of the taker. Since The White Page is a collective which combines a number of personalities with distinct skill sets working towards a larger goal, the answers are presented not in the traditional individualized form, but as a group. The responses have been curated in this manner with the hopes that similarities and differences can be seen between the individuals of the collective within the very grouping of the answers. This is a metaphor for the potential of collective collaboration The White Page intends to promote in Minneapolis. A.L-G. - Alanah A.S. - Alexis K.S. - Kate R.S. - Becca What is your idea of perfect happiness? A.L-G.: Spending all day with funny people free of anxiety and full of motivation in nice weather with a sweetly delivered gasm before sleep A.S.: Being comfortable and content. Sitting in the sun mostly, and still creating. K.S.: Sometimes I am most perfectly happy when I am on a walk by myself, on the way home or to someone else and I am just about to burst with how right everything feels. That's my idea of perfect happiness. R.S.: making stuff, eating good food and probably kissing a boy all at the same time. And being at the beach too.

What is your greatest fear? A.L-G.: Dying really soon. A.S.: Losing my teeth, I have nightmares about it constantly. Like, more than once a week. K.S.: Im afraid I wont achieve as much as I feel I can, personally in relationships and artistically. This results in second-guessing a lot of my decisions--maybe I deplore that too (see the question after next). R.S.: Being bored; losing an important person; losing my abilities. Which living person do you most admire? A.L-G.: I think very highly of my mother and father. They do good things for other people every day, without hesitation or boastfulness. A.S.: Her names Jessen Case, she ran this perfect little natural foods store I used to work at in Alfred, NY. As far as a businesswoman, shes super solid. As far as a human being- shes just the best. Shes in her 60s now, but she works her tail off and never lets bad things upset her too terribly. K.S.: Maybe David Lynch. Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth. Strong ladies. My ma. R.S.: Rainy Lehrman. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? A.L-G.: Laziness. A.S.: I wish that I were better at keeping my room clean and acting like a real adult sometimes. K.S.: A timid part that comes out and prevents me from putting myself out there, applying for potentially scary things or talking to new people as my true self and telling them my personal history. R.S.: I dont like that I get mad at people I love without thinking. 9

What is the trait you most deplore in others? A.L-G.: Hypocrisy. A.S.: People who shower too often because it makes me feel like a realllll scumbag. K.S.: Laziness/lack of ambition or work ethic. Just the worst to watch. R.S.: laziness. What is your greatest extravagance? A.L-G.: Living in a house eating foods from a co-op. A.S.: Shoes. Duh, classic. K.S.: Too many candy bars. Sugar? I can only think of food extravagances. R.S.: cheese and alcohol and sometimes weed. What is your favorite journey? A.L-G.: Going to my favorite swimming spot in Western Massachusetts. A.S.: Developing yourself. Its never ending, and you fuck up and do so many stupid, shitty things- but every now and then you think Oh! Here I am!. That moment makes all the mess ups youve made worth it. K.S.: Literal journey--a trip down the coast from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia with two friends in a camper van. Lifes a journey, man. R.S.: to the fridge. just kidding. anywhere in the woods, by car, with a close friend. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? A.L-G.: Physical beauty, but I love it. A.S.: Being too nice. Being nice is one thing, but too nice is a whole other thing. I like people to be honest about how their feeling, and most times if someones too nice they dont wanna say something that will hurt someone elses feelings. Which isnt what I want all the time, but 10

every now and then its necessary to say something that may not be easy to say. K.S.: Is politeness a virtue? Too much and youre just not asking for what you want. R.S.: kindness. On what occasion do you lie? A.L-G.: To make my mother less worried. A.S.: I exaggerate, but I try not to flat out lie. A flat out lie would have to be to spare someone elses feelings or to keep someone from getting unnecessarily hurt. K.S.: In order to avoid complications. Especially at work. Less like lies, more like over-simplifications. Condensations. R.S.: When I want my stories to sound better. What do you dislike most about your appearance? A.L-G.: Nothing bothers me too much, but my butt-crack is kind of weird. A.S.: My thighs (classic). K.S.: I have a hard time accepting my chin. R.S.: my legs could be a little longer. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? A.L-G.: I have to fart A.S.: Word, word up, dope (always), holla. I use them excessively, and I keep trying to cut back without any luck. K.S.: Okay, cool R.S.: classic do the damn thing I dont get it What is your greatest regret? A.L-G.: Not sticking with any music lesson, dance class, or sport growing up A.S.: Lets get real, its probably going to be the J.B. Fletcher tattoo I got on my chest. Great joke, but who knows what Ill think in a few years. Well, maybe even a 11

few months. Immediate greatest regret: choosing to get two cats. Awful idea, theyre such bad cats. K.S.: ~*~*n0 ReGrEtZ**~~ Not really, but I have to force myself not to dwell. My regrets are just words said in arguments and pieces of relationships--romantic and family--I could just pick apart if I give myself the opportunity. So I wont. R.S.: wasting my time and money everywhere What or who is the greatest love of your life? A.L-G.: It seems premature to answer this now. Ill tell you when Im dead. A.S.: The greatest love of my life? Hm. Tough one. Matt Damon, probably. Hes just so cool. K.S.: Havent met my love capacity for anyone or anything yet. But Im excited about it for the future. R.S.: any tool that Makita makes and lobster. When and where were you happiest? A.L-G.: I have had happy and fun times everywhere I have lived. I laugh until I cry pretty regularly. A.S.: Last January I got laid off from a job here in Minneapolis, and it forced me to take time off and really focus on what I wanted. That moment, I was at my happiest. I felt uneasy, and scared but it forced me to look at how hard I was working for things that meant nothing to me as an individual. Thats when I turned back to making a lot of work and focusing on my practice. Its been great ever since then, and I feel mostly always content with who Im growing into. K.S.: My last semester of college in my attic apartment. And also I think now. R.S.: I am my happiest right now here in Minneapolis. Which talent would you most like to have? A.L-G.: To sing really well so I could KILL IT on THE 12

VOICE A.S.: I wish I could jump really high. Or be one of those people who are just good at everything they do. Im always jealous of those people, who can just pick up anything and excel. K.S.: Supreme woodworking ability. Quilting too. Folk talents. R.S.: the knowledge to fix anything with ease. What do you consider your greatest achievement? A.L-G.: I think I have found beautiful and long-lasting friendships everywhere I have lived. A.S.: I think just doing exactly what I want to do. I complained a lot about things in the past, like where my studio space was, where I lived, etc., etc. At this point, I guess my greatest achievement (at the old, old age of 24) would probably be just learning to look at life differently and realizing that its nobody elses job to make you happy. K.S.: Following through on art life. Not giving in to a "more practical" lifestyle. R.S.: so far, opening The White Page. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A.L-G.: A dumb dog A.S.: Id probably be a little mouse or something. I eat a lot of cheese as is. K.S.: A very large moth. R.S.: a boy If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A.L-G.: I'd like to be a bird of prey, but I don't know if even my reincarnated self would be that aggressive. A.S.: I would like to come back as an animal that doesnt have ANY predators, so I could just cruise around all day. 13

Id probably wanna be part of a pack or something too, so I could still be around others. K.S.: Anything that lives and nests in trees. A robin, an inch worm, sloth, an orangutang. I'm not so picky about this one. R.S.: someone who has the ability to know exactly what they want or don't want in the exact moment it is presented What is your most treasured possession? A.L-G.: My bod A.S.: My car probably. Shes old, 1981 volvo wagon. Little miss is her name, and shes loud and ratty sounding. Just perfect. K.S.: A necklace I have from baby-hood. I wear it everyday and it will get lost or broken soon I'm sure. R.S.: bronze cocktail pickle (R.I.P. Pickle Dust) a lot of things Andrew Fernandez has given me. What is your favorite occupation? A.L-G.: Cat Wrangler A.S.: Cheese taster. What a perfect job. Just eating cheese all day long. K.S.: Daydreaming and making lists. R.S.: occupation? working in a shop. swimming? i don't get it. What is your most marked characteristic? A.L-G.: Physically? Just generally jewish looking A.S.: Physically, it would be my size. Ive had people yell at me on the street about how little I am? I dont feel like Im that small, but I guess I am? Im also pretty loud, I walk really heavy and talk pretty loud without even realizing it. Ask Kate or Alanah about my walking, its sorta a problem. K.S.: Laughing/thinking most things are funny. 14

R.S.: maybe my freckles. What do you most value in your friends? A.L-G.: Willingness to give back rubs A.S.: Jokes, a lot of my friendships are built on jokes and being able to make them constantly. K.S.: The ability to be open and talkative and relate-able. It helps me to be around people who are outgoing so that I dont keep my insides all bottled up like the emotional clam I can be. R.S.: honesty, good times. Who are your favorite writers? A.L-G.: Elaine Dundy, Lorrie Moore A.S.: I hate all books and reading and words too. So any author ever is practically an enemy. K.S.: David Foster Wallace, Kurt Vonnegut, Italo Calvino, Zadie Smith. R.S.: Richard Brautigan, Steven Millhauser. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? A.L-G.: Queequeg. A.S.: Robin Hood, for obvious reasons. K.S.: Albus Dumbledore? R.S.: Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights. Who are your heroes in real life? A.L-G.: My parents, maybe Tom Green A.S.: Tina Turner, Phil Collins, my co-worker Eric (I told him that he was today, so it seems fair to include him on the list). K.S.: Agnes Martin, Robert Rauschenberg. Brave weirdos. R.S.: I dont know. 13

What is it that you most dislike? A.L-G.: Feeling anxious A.S.: K.S.: Being made to feel guilty. R.S.: laziness. How would you like to die? A.L-G.: Id like to slip away during a good sex dream A.S.: I wouldnt really.. My family has a really odd history of deaths, so a normal way would be cool with me. Like when Im old, and sleeping. Really old though, dirt old would be ideal. My great-grand parents got hit trying to out race a train in their car in Mexico, and that sounds really bad ass but it also sounds terrifying. So a normal, peaceful type of death would be good enough for me. K.S.: While sleeping. Or suddenly. I dont want to feel it happen. R.S.: Epically or when I am over 100 What is your motto? A.L-G.: Oh, my life is changing everyday, In every possible way. And oh, my dreams, its never quite as it seems, never quite as it seems. A.S.: YOLO K.S.: Kindergarten motto--Do your best. R.S.: do the damn thing

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