Stonetrigger Press

Hilary Lorenz in the studios at TIDES Institute and Museum of Art, 2024 Photo @HughFrench As you can see, I rarely update this blog. In fact, I did not even write about giving up my tenured professorship, letting go of my big, beautiful rent-stabilized apartment in Red Hook Brooklyn, and moving to the high desert of Abiquiu, NM, which the US census lists as having 60 residents. I am not sure how…

Hands on Chapbook Class starts Monday, July 18, via Zoom!

Make Books with Me!

Beginning Tuesday, March 16, I am teaching a Chapbook Making Class for adults through my good friend Leslie Shipman’s Literary Agency. I have a long history of working with both poets and artists, the book above was a collaboration between myself and Elaine Equi. This class is for anyone interested in making basic book structures. Over 6 weeks, students learn and practice making several…

Handsome Pepe and his Linocut Portrait

Beautiful Pete with his handsome portrait

Last Fall, I donated a custom pet portrait to the silent auction fundraiser at the Oakland Animal Services, where my friend Audra is instrumental in the care and placement of kittens and cats. I love to donate my carving and printing skills to raise money while making custom portraits for families. This is the beautiful Pepe, age 15 years young and a…

After thinking about all the catch-up posts I could write at the end of 2019, rather than look back, I will show you what I am doing now, right now.

22″ x 15″ linoleum block print

I spent the last month carving a  22″ x 15″ linoleum block of three boats. The prints from this block, an edition of 24, will be folded into paper boats and exhibited in San Juan Puerto Rico during the SouthernGraphic…

And I am not there…..My favorite time of the year and the best weekend to travel to Abiquiu, NM for open studio. I love opening my studio to the public and sharing all the work I made over the year. But a workplace accident, a steel painting easel got knocked over and, well, I got impaled by it. Thankfully my good friend Dr. Les sewed me up.  I will be fine, she did a great job. But more…

Here is a little peek at some of the installation shots from the show.

It has been an exciting six months. I flew to Brisbane at the end of April to install the Moth Migration Project in the Gympie Regional Gallery. Working with the amazing staff and Joolie Gibbs the gallery director, we installed a massive installation in record time. In under a week, the exhibition was up, I had three radio interviews, conducted a workshop and went on a gorgeous hike. Here is a brochure they designed for the exhibition along with public programs.

I have loads of photos from Gympie, and I will highlight a few here. The gallery itself is massive, it is a beautiful and original School of Arts Building, built in 1905.

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Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

Moth Migration Project at Gympie Regional Gallery, Australia

  I then traveled to the Bundaberg Regional Gallery to meet with Jenny Gilbertson. With the help of their volunteers and volunteers from Childers Art Gallery, we installed the exhibition in 2 room and 2 halls. The architecture was much different between Gympie and Bundaberg and we had some fun features to play with.

The exhibition looked fantastic. We crowded the moths tight together from floor to ceiling as you can see here:

Moth Migration Project at Bundaberg Regional Gallery

Moth Migration Project at Bundaberg Regional Gallery

Moth Migration Project at Bundaberg Regional Gallery

Moth Migration Project at Bundaberg Regional Gallery

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Moth Migration Project at Bundaberg Regional Gallery

I am still exhausted but so pleased with these exhibitions. It was a thrill to be back in Australia, I had not been there in almost ten years when I was in residence at Lake St. Clair in Tasmania. I see a lot more time in Australia in my near future.

I want to thank everyone for coming out, for being a part of this massively growing project. If you are interested in learning more about the MMP, please see the website at mothmigrationproject.net 

The Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency is an award of two weeks living on the Chilkoot Trail, the historic Klondike Gold Rush Trail running from Dyea Alaska to Bennet British Columbia. It is where over 100,000 people traveled to seek their fortune in Dawson City, Yukon, though very few made it and even fewer got rich. The trail is only 33 miles, but the steep 3000-foot climb destroyed many of the gold seekers and over 100 years later that still created anxiety for many of the hikers. Trail runners can cover the distance in one to two days, many hikers, speed through it in 3, leisure hikers in 5 days, but we had 14 days.

Views along the first section of the Chilkoot Trail

One the US portion of the trail, Alaska, there is Finnegan’s Point, Canyon City, Pleasant Camp, Sheep Camp, Happy Camp, Deep Lake, Lindeman City, Bare Loon and Bennett Lake. The first four camps are in Alaska and the last five in British Columbia. The entire Alaska side is in the wilderness, except climbing the boulder fields to the pass. It then opens up into the most spectacular scenery I have known.

Our first Chilkoot Trail river crossing

We quickly got our routine down. Hike at a decent pace to our next camp, pitch our tents, felt the water, put anything with a scent, all food, toiletries, gas canisters, cook pots, bug dope, stove, etc., into the bear lockers. The area is home to both black and brown aka grizzly bears, and it is imperative not to invite them into camp with your food. We would then cook and eat our dinners, mine was usually dehydrated soup mix with couscous or dehydrated mash potatoes.

My “worst” meal, because I ran short of food calculating two weeks was 12 days instead of 14 (clearly I was not thinking) was a mixture of instant mash potatoes and a small handful of pistachios. But you know, no matter what one eats, it always tastes good out in the woods. I would often skip breakfast, but I still had coffee, lunch was often almonds. It may sound dismal, but I had carefully planned three meals a day plus snacks, 2000 calories each day, into little ziplock backs. I just ran short a couple of days, which was not a big deal.

I see so many hikers with tons of unwanted and food, fearing they will starve in their short hikes I cringe at how heavy their packs must be. I would rather be mildly hungry than carry unwanted and excess items. I already had almost 50 pounds of gear on my back, with my art supplies and 200 bingo games.

I had my tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, two short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt, a hat, gloves, puffy jacket, 12 pairs of underwear. I can wear the same t-shirt and shorts for two weeks straight as long as I have a change of underthings. I had my MSR pocket rocket stove, two small gas cans, matches, lighter, toothpaste, sunscreen, lotion, bug repellent, parks communication radio, and a giant can of bear spray. I had all I needed.

Continued at Part 3 coming next week.  If you did not see Part 1, click here

Chilkoot Trail water Crossing

Melting snow on the Chilkoot

Hilary hanging out her in tent

small waterfall on AK side. of Chilkoot Trail

One of many Chilkoot Trail Waterfalls

A cairn to lead our way

Loads of cool fungi on the trail.

Chilkoot Trail water Crossing at Pleasant Camp

Trail dog having a good time.

small waterfall on AK side. of Chilkoot Trail

Start of the pass climb

Artists, don’t forget the application for the Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency is due February 1, 2019. click here for details at the Yukon Art Center . 

The Klondike!

  As I write this, I am on-board a flight to New Mexico, for our annual Abiquiu Open Studio Tour. This downtime gave me time to recount one of my most amazing and rewarding adventures as an Artist in Resident on the Chilkoot Trail with the Yukon Arts Center.

On July 20, 2018, I boarded a flight from Albuquerque, NM to Juneau, Alaska where I would meet my hiking buddy, Nancy Morrill. Nancy who would arrive at the same as me was flying from Saranac Lake, NY. Our flights got in at 11pm, and we were quick to get to our Airbnb on Douglas Island so that we could get to sleep before our first big adventure.  The following morning, we met hired guide, from ABAK to take us out onto the Mendenhall Glacier. We could not have asked for better guides. The two female guides managed our group exceedingly well. They were immensely knowledgable about the geologic history of the glacier and equally strong in handling fatigued person situations. ABAK fully outfitted us with climbing gear, safety equipment, even water, and snacks. It was a spectacular and beautiful experience with the opportunity to learn about how climate change is affecting Mendenhall.

The Hike to the Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

Nancy Morrill and Hilary Lorenz on Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier

The following morning, we boarded with all our gear the fast ferry, Alaska Fjordlines,  to Skagway. The small boat with about 40 people made numerous stops to watch the whales, harbor seals and sea lions play in the water.  Captain Glen would stall the ferry each time we saw a whale or a seal colony.  It was a beautiful 4-hour trip that also goes to Haines, AK before arriving in Skagway.

Captain Glen of Alaska Fjordlines

Leaving Juneau on the fast ferry

Despite being 45 minutes late due to all the whale watching, Kerry, owner of the Swaying Spruce Cabin was there to pick us up.  She drove us through the tiny tourist town and up the hill to her cabin. It is a delightful area, only 1.5 miles out of town but away from the hordes of cruise ship tourists. We had a couple of nights to get ready for our big adventure. I took a nine-mile run down to the NPS campground where we would stay the evening before hiking the Chilkoot Trail, the official start of my residency. We spent the morning with the NPS staff getting our bear avoidance, radio, and trail training. Both NPS and Canadian Parks are partners with the Yukon Art Center’s residency program. I packed close to 200 Chilkoot Bingo Games plus boxed sets that I gave to NPS, Alaska Geographic and Skagway Traditional Council, all of whom are sponsors and donors to the artist residency.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park with Range Cassie.

Chillin’ on the Chilkoot bingo Cards

With our training complete, food all packed we were dropped at the campground. I was so excited to begin the hike. We pitched our tents and went out for a 6-hour walk into the ghost town of Dyea, now a beautiful campground. We stopped in at the only place to eat in Dyea, the Chilkoot Trail Outpost where we drank local beer and ate salmon sandwiches. While there, we met a couple who just completed the Chilkoot Trail and wouldn’t you know it, they are also from New York, and they live less than 5 miles from Nancy in the Adirondack Park!

Hilary Lorenz and Nancy Morrill with our last beer and a proper meal before heading onto the Chilkoot Trail

Nancy and I said goodnight and went to our campsite, I was almost too excited to sleep. The following morning we began the trail with a half mile of the rugged, muddy mess. I imagined that the first mile or two are wildly popular for day hikes and the path gets pretty beat up, and yes, it soon became less torn up. The first night we would stay in Finnegan’s camp, a short 4-mile hike through the woods. We met two couple there, both men were military, and they all live in Anchorage. I pulled out the bingo games, and they pulled out the boxed wine and cigars. I passed on both. This was the first official Chillin’ on the Chilkoot Bingo game, and the first night I answered the park service’s call in with my handle, “Artist 3.”

Chilkoot Trail Marker

Historic signs in Dyea

Dyea, AK once home to 8,000 to 10,000 Gold Rush residence.

Hilary Lorenz signing into the trail log book.

The beginning of the Chilkoot Trail

The first downhill of the Chilkoot Trail

Views along the first section of the Chilkoot Trail

Views along the first section of the Chilkoot Trail

Here is how I looked at the beginning of the trail. Bear spray strapped to my front.

A bit of muddy walk along the route.

I spent two days with Steve and Sarah Frey who is the marketing and development director at the Yukon Arts Center while they filmed my final days on the trail.  They are both incredibly charming people and were a blast to work with.

The Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency application is now open, the deadline to apply is February 1, 2019. Click here to Apply

Over the next few days, I will make several posts about my project, the trail, and my preparation, so stay tuned!

Chillin’ on the Chilkoot Trail Hand Printed Bingo Cards

My first night on the trail, and first round of Bingo with fellow hikers.

Artifacts still on the trail since the 1890’s

more Klondike Gold Rush artifacts on the trail.

The beginning of the steep pass

My morning radio checkin with the rangers.

At camp with 48 hikers the night before crossing the pass. We played 6 rounds of Bingo for great prizes. People went home with my hand made and signed bingo cards.

I love snow in August! Top of the Chilkoot Paxx

I love rocks, I love climbing. Looking down from my hike up the pass.

Hilary Lorenz feeling good at the top of the Chilkoot Pass

Me playing around with pieces of wood I found at Lindeman Lake

A pencil drawing made one afternoon while on the Chilkoot Trail.

My tent set up at Happy Camp in Canada.

Drawings made at Happy Camp.

My last night playing Chilkoot Bingo and eating carrot cake at Lindeman Lake Camp

A lucky Chilkoot Bingo winner.

Steve Hossack, Hilary Lorenz and Sarah Frey on Bennett Lake, British Columbia.

Hilary Lorenz, Steve Hossack, Sarah Frey, Nancy Morrill at Bennett Lake Camp

Ink on Paper, 6′ long drawing made post residency

I am still so happy after 2 weeks of eating out of a titanium cup.

Moth Migration Project Opens in Canada

I have been in the lower48  less than a month, and I have yet to write up my lifechanging backpacking extravaganza on the Chilkoot Trail about my Artist Residency with the Yukon Art Center. But until I do that, I have another adventure in Canada to tell you about,  this one in New Brunswick.

Opening on September 28, 2018, at the Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Centre is a new Moth Migration…

Chillin’ on the Chilkoot Bingo

Chilkoot Bingo cards in the drying rack.

I outdid myself with the complexity of my Chilkoot Bingo game. I created Chilkoot Bingo as a part of my Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency. Sponsored by the Yukon Arts Centre, Parks Canada and the US National Park Service and the Skagway Arts Council with support from the Skagway Traditional Council and Alaska Geographic I will be taking a creative journey…

Moth Migration Interns wanted.

The Moth Migration Project needs one or two interns or assistants to prepare for our next series of exhibitions. You can work in person or virtually as I need both.

I will keep this short and sweet. The Moth Migration Project will open a new exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum, in July 2018, Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre, St. Andrews, NB, Canada, September 2018, and theBundaberg Re…

Be the first to make a tax deductable donation!

I have tremendous news, the Moth Migration Project is now a fiscally sponsored project of the Brooklyn Arts Council!

To get this fundraising campaign started:

The first 10 people to donate $250 or more will received an 8″ x 10″ signed and numbered drypoint moth etching!

The first 25 people to donate $100 or more will receive an 8″ x 10″ signed and dated linoleum block moth print.

The first 100…

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Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project-Detail

Moth Migration Project

Birding – Salt Marsh

Birding – Salt Marsh detail

Birding – Mallards

Birding – Section 3

Birding – Section 3 – detail

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography -Detail

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Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Commissioned by BRIC Media and NYC DOT. Composite Plastic Planters, Digitally Printed Vinyl Decals

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project

Moth Migration Project-Detail

Moth Migration Project

Birding – Salt Marsh

Birding – Salt Marsh detail

Birding – Mallards

Birding – Section 3

Birding – Section 3 – detail

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography

Nomadic Geography -Detail