Holiday in a Studio Apartment

Quiet in Pori today. It seems nearly all businesses close down from Christmas Eve through December 26th, in observance of the holiday. At first, the silence was unnerving. But then, I found it meditative, and mentally relieving. I'm alone today on Christmas in Finland. Not by choice, but by necessity, to recover from bronchitis. I don't really feel lonely. Through connecting with friends and family on phone, email, and Skype, listening to classic carols, and lighting holiday candles, I've created a cozy, festive atmosphere in my own little apartment. My heart is with my loved ones – and anticipating a visit from Tommy, who arrives in Finland tomorrow evening. He's flying in all the way from Florida!

(The photo above taken in front of a florist's display window in Pori.)

Thoughts on Healing

Recently, my new friend Frederica (Freddie) sent me an inspiring article entitled, "Healing Through the World's Hurts" by psychotherapist Miriam Greenspan. Here are some excerpts that particularly resonate with me:

"It is not the dark emotions themselves that hurt us but our fear of them, our belief that they are negative, and our inability to bear them mindfully. There are no negative emotions, only human emotions. But there are negative attitudes toward emotions, and negative consequences of emotions we cannot tolerate."

"'There is nothing so whole as a broken heart,' goes one saying. The world breaks our hearts wide open - and it is the openness that makes us whole. We cannot and should not expect to be completely cured of grief, fear, and despair in a broken-hearted world. We learn to accept suffering and vulnerability as a normal part of life, and how to use our suffering for the good. Because we are vulnerable, life hurts. We are not here to be free of pain. We are here to have our hearts broken by life, and to transform our pain into love."

(I took the photo above in Pori, after snowfall a few weeks ago.)

A New Course

After a semester of being a full-time student, I am now returning to the role of professor (along with my own doctoral studies). I was wary about the idea at first, but the university has given me the freedom to devise my own course whose content coincides with my doctoral research. So it turns out to be quite an interesting opportunity! I'm looking forward to working the the MA students here in the departments of Art and Media and Visual Culture. I've already met several, including Riikka, Helena, Henrikka, Hanna, Antti, Leena, and others. They seem enthusiastic about their own creative work, and excited about life in general.

Below is a description of the course I will teach in the spring of 2009:

How to Tickle Your Audience: The Use of Humor in Art and Advertising
In this course, students will investigate the use of humor as a communication strategy in art and advertising. The course will include an overview of the work of contemporary artists and media organizations whose work employs the use of humor, in order to sell products or to address controversial subject matter. The cultural context of humor and satire will be considered in this discussion. In addition to participating in theoretical discussion, students will develop a web site project based on the thematic content of the course.

Memories of a Snowstorm

A few weeks ago, fierce winds blew blankets of snow across Finland. In the midst of the storm, I happened to be en route (on foot) to a youth hostel in Helsinki. I was in town for a writing class at the main campus of the University of Art and Design. Apparently, I failed to notice the snowstorm forecast before embarking on my trip. Lugging my sturdy little Samsonite laptop case through the the drifts of snow, I was foolishly determined to arrive at my destination without resorting to hopping on a tram or hailing a cab. At one point, I was nearly thrust into the street by gale force winds! (Actually, it was quite exciting for a few seconds.) After what seemed like an eternity, I could finally see the glimmering lights of the hostel in the distance. A few minutes later, with a sigh of relief, I entered the warm, welcoming lobby of the youth hostel. These photos above were taken in Pori, in the tranquil beauty after the storm had passed.

Good News on the Academic Front

I was recently notified that my paper proposal for an upcoming academic conference has been accepted! The event will be held in February of 2009 at the The University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The conference is entitled, "First International Conference on Humour and Satire."
For more information about the conference, see: http://www.jyu.fi/hum/laitokset/taiku/uutiset/humour_call

At the event, I will be conducting a lecture and discussion entitled, "Art, Humor, and Advertising as a Tool for Political Dialogue”. The thematic content of the this lecture coincides with my dissertation research that I'm conducting at the University of Art and Design Helsinki.
Below is the proposal I that I submitted to the conference.


"Art, Humor, and Advertising as a Tool for Political Dialogue” by Lisa Erdman
This multidisciplinary research explores the use of conceptual art in the form of satirical medical advertising as a tool to generate public dialogue in Finland, regarding political and social issues on a local and global level. One of my objectives in this work is to present a better understanding of the role that humor and advertising can play in contemporary culture, beyond the promotion of commercial products and services. In this paper, I will argue that conceptual art, placed within the context of humorous medical advertising, not only serves as an act of personal expression, but, under certain conditions, can generate thought and dialogue that has the potential for social change. My research will involve both theoretical and art-based methods of investigation surrounding this thesis.

Thematically, the paper will examine the use of satire and humor as a tool in contemporary art, to address controversial subject matter. The work of Adbusters, Irmeli Huhtala, Justine Cooper, and The Yes Men and will be examined within this context. The the paper will also include a look at the use of humor in medical advertising as a marketing strategy. Related theoretical writings of Simon Critchley and Henri Bergson be discussed, in terms of humor and laughter as a means of changing a given situation, and defamilarizing the familiar.

I will discuss the role of of satirical humor in my upcoming public art project, and how it may be used to spark public dialogue in this scenario. The content of the public art project will be presented as an advertisement campaign for a series of several fictitious, over-the-counter medications that offer simple treatments for complex conditions involving: global climate change, financial debt, and racial politics, among other ‘ills’. For example, one fictitious medication that I’ve created for the project, a pill called Ethnivox, may be used to treat symptoms of racial discrimination or xenophobia. The medical advertisements will take the form of poster ads, brochures, websites and mock pills bottles. In order to simulate the aesthetic of a pharmacy, the fictitious ads will be placed within a vacant window storefront display in Pori, Finland. The art project will be on display in spring of 2011, for a time period of two weeks.

For its audience, satirical humor can create a cathartic space; a space that offers people the opportunity to suspend one’s disbelief, worries, responsibilities, and, if only for a moment, to laugh – and to think. In this context, I believe that humor, particularly satirical humor, has the potential to disarm the audience and allow people to see the many truths as well as hidden agendas surrounding an issue. This brand of humor can break the ice, so to speak, and allow for new perspectives to surface. For this reason, I am interested in investigating the use of satirical humor as an ingredient in the creation of dialogical public art.

Copyright © 2008 Lisa Erdman.

A Visit from the Flu Virus

I'm sick with the flu, here in my little apartment. I try to think of it as a visitor who wants to stay for a weekend visit, or maybe longer. Okay, so maybe that's not a great analogy. But at least it's something.

It started at the end of the Finnish language class on Tuesday night, with sudden onset of weakness, muscle ache and fever. I know that I'm supposed to rest, but it's difficult when I have pile of work to do, and a holiday to-do list! However, early last night my body told me in its own way (by making nearly every muscle ache), that I need to set my priorities straight and just rest . At least I can read in bed!

Social Life?

At this point, you might be thinking to yourself..."So, what does Lisa really do for fun? Is it all just coursework, philosophizing, and taking quiet walks by herself?"

Yes, I do actually socialize. In the four months that I've lived in Finland, I've met many interesting people. Some of them I've encountered through the university, through my work with children, and others I've met at opening receptions at art galleries. I've even experienced a wild night at a Finnish dance club! Sorry, no photos available from that event.

From top to bottom: 1) Coffee and tea with Nina and her son Jesse 2) at a German restaurant with Annu, Ana, Ana's boyfriend Anthony and myself 3) Ana and I talking in front of a painting 4) opening reception for painter Niko Palokankaan at Poriginal Galleria; and 4) hanging out with Nina's sons Mark, Miko and Jesse!

Holiday Things in Finland

Okay. I must say that I adore the Finnish approach to holiday decor: intricately hand-crafted items, candles, white lights, minimalist Christmas trees, and little Santas made out of felt and cotton. Here are some photo highlights from evening strolls I've taken during the past couple of weeks.

Doctoral Courses: Fall Semester

Below is a list of the courses I've been participating in this fall, in the doctoral program of Art and Media. All courses are offered by the University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK), except for Suomi I, which I attend through the local adult education center. Click on the professor's name to read more about his/her research.

Academic Writing – Prof. Paul Graves
Philosophy of Science – Prof. Taina Rajanti
(Dis)syncronies of Vision and Touch – Prof. Mika Elo
Doctoral Seminar – Prof. Harri Laakso
Finnish Language: Suomi I –Prof. Katri Henriksson-Männistö

For more information about the School of Art and Media at TaiK, see the following links:
Program Overview
Competence Areas
Dissertation Projects: Doctoral Students

About Tommy

Now here's a story about a man named Tommy. A close friend, my boyfriend, even from thousands of miles away. It was an art festival in Florida that brought us together briefly in 2006, and then again two years later. And now here we are. An ocean between us, though somehow connected through spirit, thoughts, and the technological wizardry of Skype.

Tommy is a man of music, humor, intellect, political passion, and loyalty to his community. A jokester, a romantic, and a man who can sing like Johnny Cash. Plays a mean air guitar, and can shake it on the dance floor like nobody's business. He knows how to make me laugh, and shares my love of squirrels (at least I think he does). A patient listener, Tommy offers soothing words when the time is right. Knows how to solve nearly any problem, even in the midst of chaos. He inspires me to relax and to take risks once in a while.

Thinking of Family

Sometimes when you are distanced from someone, you not only miss that person, but you also start to really see that person more clearly. It sounds strange, but I think it's true. During the eighteen years of living away from my hometown in Wisconsin, I've kept in contact with my parents and brother, via phone, email and visits. But I've also realized how important they are to me, and how proud I am of them.

Today, I honor my mother, father, and brother.

The photo above was taken in my living room in July of 2008. My parents and brother had come to visit me in Florida for a short reunion before my move to Finland. It was a time to reconnect, laugh, remember old times, and share some wonderful meals. From left to right: Dad (John), Mom (Maritza), my brother (Brian), and myself.

My mother. Originally from the Dominican Republic. A vibrant, generous, creative woman with strong spirit and the ability to light up a room with her laughter. A visual artist, culinary master, and amazing dancer. A storyteller of comedy and drama. Carries herself with style, always. Worked in the Peace Corps as an instructor of Spanish, and studied international law in the Dominican Republic. She knows how to comfort me, even from thousands of miles away. She has taught me how to handle situations with grace and strength.

My father. Originally from Wisconsin, with German-Swiss heritage. A gentle, patient, thoughtful man with a great of sense of humor. A teacher, philosopher, musician, and avid reader. Curious about the world. Keeper of histories. Met my mother in the Peace Corps, at a training center in Vermont. Taught civics, psychology, history, and sociology at high schools in Wisconsin and within in the Dominican Republic. I admire his ability to impart knowledge and wisdom to others. He inspires me to explore my landscape of own mind, and that of the world.

My brother. Lives in Illinois with his wife Anne-Marie, and their two wonderful daughters. A perceptive, patient, quiet man with determination and steadfastness. A problem-solver and person of knowledge. He knows how to let loose – when appropriate – and have a good snowball fight or rubber-band war :) Earned a doctorate in cognitive psychology. He is a dedicated father and husband, and good listener. I admire his attention to detail, his intellectual prowess, and sense of motivation. I miss our days of goofing off together as big brother/little sister.

A Tribute to Former Students

I've been thinking about several students who I've worked with during my years of teaching in the United States. These individuals challenged and inspired me with their inquisitiveness, patience, determination, creativity, and sense of humor. Some of these people have become my friends over the years.

I dedicate this space to:

Mattias Nilsson
Kristin Warnick
Melissa Hearon
Rose Sipperley
Chris Crowder
Shayna Prior
Whitney DeNunzio
Stephanie Montanez
Jacel Jones
Micheal Huntley
Melissa Osborne
Heather Henderson
Rocky Encalada
Alyssa Colbert
Belinda Negron
Brett Toward
Rebekka Willis
Lauren Helfrich
Caroll George
Brad Walker
Scott Cutter
Nicole Raymer
Stephanie Urbanski

Moon Gazing

Kuu (Moon)
by Lisa Erdman

Softened by a veil
of 11pm clouds
the moon watches over me,
comforting
in its lullaby gaze –
in its muted whiteness.
We are alone together
the moon and I, against the night.


These past evenings have offered me some mysterious views of the moon from my apartment window. I wrote the poem above in celebration of these glimpses into the night sky. The photo was created by Daniel Y. Go, whose work can be found on Flickr.com. Photo source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/236830371_d26fa1c3fe.jpg

Thoughts on Wisdom

My Uncle Jim sent this link to me. Different perspectives on wisdom. The video is worth your time: http://www.wisdombook.org/
Below is a quote from the site above:

"Inspired by the idea that one of the greatest gifts one generation can pass to another is the wisdom it has gained from experience, the Wisdom project, produced with cooperation from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, seeks to create a record of a multicultural group of people who have all made their mark on the world."

(Photo source: image of Archbishop Desmond Tutu from www.wisdombook.org, in "The Portraits" section)

Reading for Doctoral Research

This weekend I'm catching up on readings for my doctoral research. I've accumulated a towering pile of library books that is crying out to be read and analyzed. After renewing these books three times this semester, there's no time left for procrastination! Below is a sampling of some books I'm reading, that pertain to my thesis topic, "Art, Humor, and Advertising as a Tool for Political Dialogue". The content of this doctoral thesis is based on themes from a multimedia art project that I created in 2005, entitled, "Annual Checkup: Pharmaceuticals for the 21st Century". Read more on this project. >>

Research Readings:

Conversation Pieces: Community and Communication in Modern Art by Grant Kester

Principles of Marketing (International Edition) by Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong
Consumer Psychology for Marketing by Ronald Goldsmith and Stephen Brown

Political Graphics: Art as a Weapon by Robert Philippe

On Humour (Thinking in Action) by Simon Critchley

Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic by Henri Bergson

Graphic Agitation: Social and Political Graphics in the Digital Age by Liz McQuiston

Homesickness and Good Friends

Sometimes, in the midst of all the new cultural adventures and academic intrigue, I get homesick. It can make me feel like I'm living on the moon, and my family and friends are waving to me from a distant, glowing planet – namely, Earth. Especially at times like this, I am glad to have a friend like Marketta. I was introduced to Marketta via email before arriving in Finland, through my friend Liisa's mother, Sinikka, who lives in Wisconsin. Sinikka and Marketta are close friends who attended school together, while growing up in Finland. Marketta is in the photo above, with her husband Klaus, and their dog Nelli.

I am grateful for Marketta's sincerity, generosity, and sense of humor. She and her husband travel often, so when we get together for coffee and tea, she has great stories and advice to share. A while ago, Marketta gave me a very soft, yellow and white woolen blanket. She told me that when I feel homesick, I should hug the blanket close to my face. She's right. It does help.

Halloween Party

Last weekend, I helped Nina, (my massage therapist) with preparations for a children's Halloween party. Nina and her husband Harri held the party in their massage office and gym, allowing plenty of room for the twenty-five young party guests to run around wildly in their costumes. All of the kids spoke English very well, so I was able to converse, and even joke around with them. The blonde woman holding Spiderman is Nina (with her youngest son in costume, Jesse). Nina cleverly converted one of her massage tables into a snack bar (as shown in the photo with the pirate and vampire).

Typically, during October, the trick-or-treat version of the Halloween holiday is not celebrated as widely as in the United States. Instead, most Finns observe All Saints Day on the first of November. On this day, families honor their ancestors by lighting votive candles at home, and by placing lanterns on the grave markers of deceased relatives.

Post-Election Relief

It has taken me a few days to fully digest the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections, and I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised with Obama's victory.
I was worried that racial prejudices would prevail in the minds of many people as they entered the voting booths. I was so concerned about this on the night before the elections, that, in order to distract my mind, I turned off my computer and read several Dr. Seuss books.
("Fox in Socks" is one of my favorites).

In the wake of a new, more blue-toned U.S. Congressional body, I am celebrating! I wore my Obama button on campus this past week. Most of my classmates are overjoyed with the election turnout. Here are more reactions from Finland and other countries:

http://www.yle.fi/news/id106648.html
( YLE Finnish News Site)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7710949.stm
(Video clip on BBC news site)

Side Readings

In between my research and classes, I've been reading the book, "When Things Fall Apart", written by Buddhist nun Pema Chödron. I come back to this book once in while, especially during times of transition in my life. With humor and gentleness, Chödrön speaks about the nature of compassion, suffering, and the importance of learning to acknowledge all of life's experiences with mindfulness. Here are two passages from her book that particularly resonate with me:

"Recognize impermanence and suffering and egolessness at the kitchen-sink level, and be inquisitive about your reactions. Find out for yourself about peace and whether or not it's true that our fundamental situation is joyful."

"When we hold on to our opinions with aggression, no matter how valid our cause, we are simply adding more aggression to the planet, and violence and pain increase. Cultivating nonaggression is cultivating peace."

Academic Conferences & Doctoral Research

Well, it's done. I've submitted my grant applications! My pimples have calmed down, and I can now sleep more soundly.

I've also sent out a paper proposal for an upcoming academic conference entitled, "First International Conference on Humour and Satire". (Can you believe that there is actually a conference on this topic?) The conference takes place in February 2009 at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. At this conference, provided that my proposal is accepted, I'll present paper that addresses the role of satirical humor in my own doctoral research entitled, "Art, Humor, and Advertising as a Tool for Political Dialogue". Below is a brief summary of my doctoral thesis.


"Art, Humor, and Advertising as a Tool for Political Dialogue"
(Thesis Summary by Lisa Erdman)
This multidisciplinary research explores the use of conceptual art in the form of satirical medical advertising as a tool to generate public dialogue in Finland, regarding political and social issues on a local and global level. One of my objectives in this work is to present a better understanding of the role that humor and advertising can play in contemporary culture, beyond the promotion of commercial products and services.

In my dissertation, I will argue that conceptual art, placed within the context of humorous medical advertising, not only serves as an act of personal expression, but, under certain conditions, may generate thought and dialogue that has the potential for social change. My research will involve both theoretical and art-based methods of investigation surrounding this thesis.

The content of this doctoral thesis is based on themes from a multimedia art project that I created in 2005, entitled, "Annual Checkup: Pharmaceuticals for the 21st Century". Read more on this project. >>

© 2008 Lisa Erdman.

Research Grants and Giant Pimples

I've developed a red, volcanic pimple on the ride side of my chin. It's domineering and imperialistic, as though it's trying to colonize part of my face. I'm trying not to touch it. I think it probably developed from stress I was feeling last week, while procrastinating from doing my grant applications! Ah, well. It happens. I try to look at it with humor.

Below are links to the research grants that I'm currently applying for:
CIMO Fellowship
Finnish Cultural Foundation Grant
Each year during my doctoral studies, I will need to apply for grants and fellowships to help cover my living and research expenses.

Lisa's "Vestige" Series on Exhibit in Budapest, Hungary

In May and June of 2008, during an artist residency with the Hungarian Multicultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, I created a photographic series entitled, "Vestige".

In these images, the surreal relationship between a plastic uterus and a faceless woman is meant to create visual tension that represents the ongoing internal conflict I often experience as a single, middle-aged, unmarried woman with no children. For example, during most of my life, I have felt the need to maintain personal independence and mobility. At the same time, I wish to express the maternal, nurturing aspect of my personality (associated with the traditional concept of feminine identity). Special acknowledgment goes to my friend Eric Blackmore for his assistance with the photography.

In August of 2008, "Vestige" was on exhibit at the Mucius Gallery in Budapest. The photos are currently in a show at the Symbol Gallery in Budapest, Hungary, until the end of October, 2008. These gallery exhibitions are group shows that include work by other artists who have participated in the artist residency program at the Hungarian Multicultural Center in Budapest. Megan Randlett and Benjamin Page are among those artists who I befriended during the residency. To see their artwork, click on their names.

Fish, Sauna, and Good Conversation

Last night, Ana and I shared great conversation and a wonderful dinner of fresh fish, zucchini, potatoes, and lentil soup. Ana is a visiting artist here in the Art and Media program of University of Art and Design. She prepared the meal in her apartment while we discussed topics ranging from comparative politics to Ayurvedic foods.

Later, we relaxed in the sauna connected to her art studio. This was my first fully-heated sauna experience. Initially, the extremely hot, moist warm air seemed suffocating. The the act of breathing felt as though I was eating fire! But eventually my body adjusted itself to the situation. Much sweating, and then cold shower breaks, and then more sauna sweating. At one point, I felt like a human waterfall because my skin was literally pouring out liquid at a steady rate. After a few minutes, sitting in the sauna is quite relaxing and cathartic, since it warms your body and eliminates toxins.

Ana is intriguing to talk with, and she has a great sense of humor. She's traveled extensively, while creating art projects in different countries. Ana's art work involves the use of inflatable materials, and addresses issues of portable architecture, the body, and the environment. For info about Ana's work: www.geocities.com/richardbolai/rewakowiczopen.html

Ovarian Worries

At times, I think, "What the heck am I doing, with all of my incessant globe-trotting? At my age, I should be settling down and raising a family! Ovaries don't stay fresh forever!" Yes, these thoughts do grip my consciousness now and then, followed by the realization that I'm not even able to financially support a pet hamster right now. But then I look around and realize that I'm enjoying my life, and that I still have my little Russian doll.

Kokemäenjoki River

These images were taken in August and early September, along the Kokemäenjoki River in Pori. Beautiful, tranquil biking and hiking paths line the river. I'm so grateful to live near this natural sanctuary.

For a brief time, the trees were raging with red, orange, and yellow. Most leaves have fallen to the ground by now in this part of Finland. The advantage of bare trees is that now I can see the (previously hidden) small birds flitting through the branches!

Obama T-Shirt

My boyfriend Tommy sent me this great Obama campaign shirt from Florida. I've worn it in public here in Pori. One day, an elderly man passed me on the sidewalk, and stared at my T-shirt with very wide eyes.

Most younger people I've encountered so far don't seem comfortable discussing politics. Those Finns who have offered a political opinion expressed vehement support for Obama. I wish Finland could vote in our U.S. elections.

Elections on My Mind

In the midst of grant-writing, doctoral courses, reading about contemporary art, and learning Finnish, the upcoming U.S. elections are stewing in my mind. I've already faxed my overseas absentee ballot in from Finland. Though I'm having trouble getting the supplementary ballot to go through (for Florida Supreme Court Justice) ...the fax line is so busy with other overseas voters getting theirs in!

Late Night Thoughts

It's nearly midnight, and I'm still shuffling words around on my laptop, in an attempt to solidify a proposal for a student grant application. It's time for sleep. More soon...
Don't worry. There will be photos and other fun stuff. I've been in Finland for two months now. It's about time I post something up!