This place is but a memory in a wooden box of the past. They were my Grandmas' treasures. They were her memories and now they are but an ancient song in my mind. An unknown melody of mysterious memory.
Working on small pieces to problem solve this key thing going on in my head. I am looking for a folksy, airy, fantasy, elaborate kind of feel in these pieces. The elaborate keys are the hardest part to achieve. I'm still not certain that these even look like keys!
11/02/2009
10/29/2009
A Book About Death —
On Halloween, I plan to post my duplicate A Book About Death cards all over the Mohawk Valley. Random Style! Here there and everywhere! I have about 150 duplicates. Should be fun.
I will be tacking them up in various places, handing them out, leaving them in laundromat, taping them to peoples' backs, etc...
I will be documenting each placement via photograph.
I will be creating a digital artwork using these photos as my part of the Cecil ABAD project.
I will be tacking them up in various places, handing them out, leaving them in laundromat, taping them to peoples' backs, etc...
I will be documenting each placement via photograph.
I will be creating a digital artwork using these photos as my part of the Cecil ABAD project.
A Book About Death — Isn't Dead Yet
A message from Cecil Touchon:
A Book About Death - 2010
I am putting out an open call - please spread the word.
DEADLINE: JULY 15TH, 2010
I will be putting on a Book About Death exhibition/performance next October using the set of cards, posters, artifacts, etc. that I have and I invite everyone to send a postcard sized collage for next year's exhibition. You could also send any sort of small sized artwork,
assemblage,
poem,
objects to put in a box with other people's objects
music,
film,
story,
quote,
event score for performance,etc.
everything should say on it somewhere: A Book About Death
I will attempt to do a book around it that I will be fashioning over the course of the year. If there is anyone who is actually a good book designer and knows how to use better software than word for windows, I invite you to contact me and collaborate on the creation of the book. I want it to have many images, stories, poems, etc. - possibly a multi-volume set over the coming years. I can see that A Book About Death is going to have a long and growing life over the coming years. I invite collaborators to help out with the organizing and we'll need some performers to show up for the opening. We could also coordinate simultaneous or traveling exhibitions around the country or world.
Louise, maybe you can announce this to those who are sending things for your show at the Queens or make a flier to give out at the show there?
Send to:
A Book About Death 2010
6955 pinon street
fort worth, texas 76116
cecil
A Book About Death - 2010
I am putting out an open call - please spread the word.
DEADLINE: JULY 15TH, 2010
I will be putting on a Book About Death exhibition/performance next October using the set of cards, posters, artifacts, etc. that I have and I invite everyone to send a postcard sized collage for next year's exhibition. You could also send any sort of small sized artwork,
assemblage,
poem,
objects to put in a box with other people's objects
music,
film,
story,
quote,
event score for performance,etc.
everything should say on it somewhere: A Book About Death
I will attempt to do a book around it that I will be fashioning over the course of the year. If there is anyone who is actually a good book designer and knows how to use better software than word for windows, I invite you to contact me and collaborate on the creation of the book. I want it to have many images, stories, poems, etc. - possibly a multi-volume set over the coming years. I can see that A Book About Death is going to have a long and growing life over the coming years. I invite collaborators to help out with the organizing and we'll need some performers to show up for the opening. We could also coordinate simultaneous or traveling exhibitions around the country or world.
Louise, maybe you can announce this to those who are sending things for your show at the Queens or make a flier to give out at the show there?
Send to:
A Book About Death 2010
6955 pinon street
fort worth, texas 76116
cecil
Make a Chair!
Here is an interesting project you can participate in. See all details at: www.theglobalchairproject.org/
1. Create a chair that will fit into a box no larger than 8x8x8 inches (21x 21x21 centimeters) . It can be a sculpture, a painting, a song, a story, a photograph, a video. Almost anything goes as long as its collectible and durable and chair-related.
2. Photograph your chair in a low-resolution digital jpeg, 72dpi and no larger than 8 inches (21cm) on any side.
3. Send a picture of your chair by using the Upload button on the menu. Remember to send it in a low resolution jpeg. In the message box put your name, eMail address, title of chair, size of chair, materials used and value(optional) .
5. If accepted by The Project you will be notified as to where and how to ship it.
You will need to pay for shipping. Your chair will be professionally photographed for the auction, so please send a low-res, jpg image. No high resolution images will be opened. We'll take care of the rest.
The Project will pay for shipping to the purchaser.
6. You will be notified when your chair is to be auctioned. Let your collectors, family and friends know so you can raise the highest bid possible.
7. Bids may be higher or lower than the actual value but please know you are doing your part to help a world in need.
8. Be creative and good luck!
1. Create a chair that will fit into a box no larger than 8x8x8 inches (21x 21x21 centimeters) . It can be a sculpture, a painting, a song, a story, a photograph, a video. Almost anything goes as long as its collectible and durable and chair-related.
2. Photograph your chair in a low-resolution digital jpeg, 72dpi and no larger than 8 inches (21cm) on any side.
3. Send a picture of your chair by using the Upload button on the menu. Remember to send it in a low resolution jpeg. In the message box put your name, eMail address, title of chair, size of chair, materials used and value(optional) .
5. If accepted by The Project you will be notified as to where and how to ship it.
You will need to pay for shipping. Your chair will be professionally photographed for the auction, so please send a low-res, jpg image. No high resolution images will be opened. We'll take care of the rest.
The Project will pay for shipping to the purchaser.
6. You will be notified when your chair is to be auctioned. Let your collectors, family and friends know so you can raise the highest bid possible.
7. Bids may be higher or lower than the actual value but please know you are doing your part to help a world in need.
8. Be creative and good luck!
10/26/2009
Land of Keys is in my Head!
This whole key thing is out of control. ALL I DID was see a cool monogram key done by Aubrey Beardsley in a book. I am obsessed! Now everything has to have a key in it. My man Chris hooked me up with wads of vintage keys...seriously. I have skeleton keys, car keys, vintage keys, flat keys, OMG so many freakin' keys. I have been sketching them all over the place hoping to be able to make the basic shape recognizable, so then I can embellish at will.
At the same time all this key nonsense is floating in my head, I am also re-addressing my pile of geneology papers. I have all sorts of vintage photos from my family and I am working on compiling a book, a family history. The challenge will be to illustrate it. Why is this the challenge, you ask?? Because in this book treatment, I will need to reign in my propensity to totally warp out peoples' bodies!!! I will have to work on backgrounds and try to leave the main character of each piece intact. If this book is to have any historical value to my relatives, Aunt Diana has to look like Aunt Diana, not like a bird with Aunt Diana's head!!
As I peer into Lithuanian history, I have found that they have this custom of creating very elaborate iron crosses. They are most common, and they decorate not just churches, but also the tops of barns and homes. Poles are erected at the edges of fields, and these poles have crosses and other symbols on top of them. I am intrigued by this, and I am in love with the beautiful patterns. As it usually happens in my head, all these topics get kind of mashed up. The keys have turned into the Lithuanian crosses/poles and I am making images that are a cross between the two. (ha! pardon the pun!)
This is my first practice piece in this series. I wanted to put family members faces on these women, but I didn't have any printed out and at hand when I was working, so I ended up putting these random faces on instead. I love the saturn, it's my favorite spot in this piece.
The second piece is a companion to the first. I am not pleased with the lack of yellow in this second one. It's too late to embellish it at this point, so it will have to fly. On this second one, I started out with a Lithuanian pole, and I used symbolism from an actual sample. But halfway thru the collage portion, I tried to turn it into a key. Strange, now it doesn't look like either.
At the same time all this key nonsense is floating in my head, I am also re-addressing my pile of geneology papers. I have all sorts of vintage photos from my family and I am working on compiling a book, a family history. The challenge will be to illustrate it. Why is this the challenge, you ask?? Because in this book treatment, I will need to reign in my propensity to totally warp out peoples' bodies!!! I will have to work on backgrounds and try to leave the main character of each piece intact. If this book is to have any historical value to my relatives, Aunt Diana has to look like Aunt Diana, not like a bird with Aunt Diana's head!!
As I peer into Lithuanian history, I have found that they have this custom of creating very elaborate iron crosses. They are most common, and they decorate not just churches, but also the tops of barns and homes. Poles are erected at the edges of fields, and these poles have crosses and other symbols on top of them. I am intrigued by this, and I am in love with the beautiful patterns. As it usually happens in my head, all these topics get kind of mashed up. The keys have turned into the Lithuanian crosses/poles and I am making images that are a cross between the two. (ha! pardon the pun!)
This is my first practice piece in this series. I wanted to put family members faces on these women, but I didn't have any printed out and at hand when I was working, so I ended up putting these random faces on instead. I love the saturn, it's my favorite spot in this piece.
The second piece is a companion to the first. I am not pleased with the lack of yellow in this second one. It's too late to embellish it at this point, so it will have to fly. On this second one, I started out with a Lithuanian pole, and I used symbolism from an actual sample. But halfway thru the collage portion, I tried to turn it into a key. Strange, now it doesn't look like either.
Regal Winged Blackbird
This weekend I worked on a piece for a small exchange. This artwork goes to someone who is fond of birds. I am in the Halloween mood, but didn't want to use the usual crow or raven.
10/21/2009
Stefania
Working with some new ideas. I am thinking about producing a book about my family history. I am in possession of the mother load of our families information. I would like to produce the info, and also illustrate. I don't want to morph the people too much, I am seeking more to portray them in artful portraits and settings. With this one, I almost went too far I think. It doesn't resemble a portrait. Maybe a portrait of her in the street?
I am back to using as much ephemera as I want on this project. I got really good feedback at my show. It seems that most people are seriously intrigued by the contents of the work. (of course, me posting the ingredients below the titles may have had something to do with it!)
The Lithuanian part of my family was quite large. They had a lot of children back then, hence the rabbit in this piece. I stamped with a vintage key on the background on this piece, but I didn't really like it. I ended up covering most of it. I want to draw a key in some of the "white" space...but I don't think I have the room in this one. Next time, perhaps.
I am back to using as much ephemera as I want on this project. I got really good feedback at my show. It seems that most people are seriously intrigued by the contents of the work. (of course, me posting the ingredients below the titles may have had something to do with it!)
The Lithuanian part of my family was quite large. They had a lot of children back then, hence the rabbit in this piece. I stamped with a vintage key on the background on this piece, but I didn't really like it. I ended up covering most of it. I want to draw a key in some of the "white" space...but I don't think I have the room in this one. Next time, perhaps.
10/16/2009
10/15/2009
Monogram Keys
Now that the excitement of the show is over, I have started to look at my new series of work. I saw these cool monogram keys in the book "The Early Work by Aubrey Beardsley". These key monograms are practice runs I did in my moleskine. I am thinking of using in a new series of work I am starting.
I want to work with some of the images from my family photo archive that I recently inherited. There's so much emotion underneath that pile. I can feel the past thru them and I have already tried to work with them. It's harder than I thought it would be. The memories and my questions about the past plagued me as I worked. I hope this time around to peer back into my own deep closet of thoughts and put some serious depth into my work.
It feels really good to embark on some thing entirely different for a change. It's going to be exciting!
I want to work with some of the images from my family photo archive that I recently inherited. There's so much emotion underneath that pile. I can feel the past thru them and I have already tried to work with them. It's harder than I thought it would be. The memories and my questions about the past plagued me as I worked. I hope this time around to peer back into my own deep closet of thoughts and put some serious depth into my work.
It feels really good to embark on some thing entirely different for a change. It's going to be exciting!
10/14/2009
bits & pieces of Bits & Pieces
Steven Specht was kindly enough to email me some scans of some of the amazing artwork he has in the Bits & Pieces show.
I really like the hues he chose for these pieces. Reminds me of the current state of affairs outside my window. Autumn Browns, with turquoise in the sky.
"Blue Ossa I" and "Blue Ossa II" 4" x 4" collage; matted and framed in 16" x 16" frame
I really like the hues he chose for these pieces. Reminds me of the current state of affairs outside my window. Autumn Browns, with turquoise in the sky.
"Blue Ossa I" and "Blue Ossa II" 4" x 4" collage; matted and framed in 16" x 16" frame
10/07/2009
Review of SSDK — by Steven Specht
This was the review that Steven Specht has composed that will be posted on www.collageart.org.
September 27 - October 28, 2009
The Mohawk Valley, in the heart of New York State, has been historically significant since before and during the time of the Revolutionary War. The scenic towns and villages along the Mohawk River and the old Erie Canal served as important cultural and commercial stops along the corridor between the Western frontier of Ohio and Pennsylvania and the Hudson River and harbors of New York City. Although the Mohawk Valley still offers a convenient navigation route for travelers these days, the commercial viability of the area has suffered since the hundreds of industrial mills have fallen victim to more global economic opportunities. The good news is that the cultural events which fill the valley continue to create exciting artistic vitality in the area. One of the gems along the river is the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in historic Little Falls, NY. I recently enjoyed the opening reception for collage artist Julie Sadler whose exhibit "Sharon Springs DK" is now on display at the MVCA gallery (through October 28). The exhibit was inspired by Sadler's exploration of the ruin-like remnants of what had been a thriving health, mineral springs spa for wealthy New Yorkers and others in the late 1800s.
With over 40 pieces, this exhibit speaks to Sadler's creative vigor and varied interests. The exhibit consists of a number of exquisitely constructed collages, such as "Lady DK", which resemble ornate portraiture. In addition, a number of pieces, including "Hanging in the Balance", portray interactions of Victorian "couples" amidst intricate, vaguely narrative backgrounds. The composition, color and balance within Sadler's pieces invite the viewer to enjoy further exploration of the scenes and create a feeling of vague, kaleidoscopic nostalgia (a la the dada works of Max Ernst and Johannes Baargeld). Also included in the exhibit are small wall hangings incorporating wood elements added to small collages, and more elaborate assemblages such as "Star Juggler" and this reviewer's favorite - "Eddie had a Pileated Heart". Sadler is also exploring new areas including incorporation of more original sources of collage elements such as her own photography of the Adirondacks, rather than relying on ordinary ephemera. She has also been experimenting with painted elements in her collage. Both of these approaches come together impressively in such pieces as "Mother Nature Looked at What She Had Done and Saw It Was Good". Some of these pieces can be seen on Sadler's website: www.sharonspringsdk.com as well as her blog (see below).
Ms. Sadler has also recently been creating short videos using seductive music and various elements from her still collages which she tapes in stop motion photography and combines with a variety of other interesting digital enhancement techniques. Reminiscent of Gilliam's collage animations from Monty Python-but without the silly humor-- Sadler's work is smart and provocative at the same time being visually impressive. A couple of these videos can be found on Sadler's website: collageclearinghouse.blogspot.com.
For anyone interested in collage art and within 100 miles of Little Falls, this exhibit is a "must see". I enjoyed Sadler's works so much, I bought one!
Steven Specht (c) 2009 New Hartford, NY
September 27 - October 28, 2009
The Mohawk Valley, in the heart of New York State, has been historically significant since before and during the time of the Revolutionary War. The scenic towns and villages along the Mohawk River and the old Erie Canal served as important cultural and commercial stops along the corridor between the Western frontier of Ohio and Pennsylvania and the Hudson River and harbors of New York City. Although the Mohawk Valley still offers a convenient navigation route for travelers these days, the commercial viability of the area has suffered since the hundreds of industrial mills have fallen victim to more global economic opportunities. The good news is that the cultural events which fill the valley continue to create exciting artistic vitality in the area. One of the gems along the river is the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in historic Little Falls, NY. I recently enjoyed the opening reception for collage artist Julie Sadler whose exhibit "Sharon Springs DK" is now on display at the MVCA gallery (through October 28). The exhibit was inspired by Sadler's exploration of the ruin-like remnants of what had been a thriving health, mineral springs spa for wealthy New Yorkers and others in the late 1800s.
With over 40 pieces, this exhibit speaks to Sadler's creative vigor and varied interests. The exhibit consists of a number of exquisitely constructed collages, such as "Lady DK", which resemble ornate portraiture. In addition, a number of pieces, including "Hanging in the Balance", portray interactions of Victorian "couples" amidst intricate, vaguely narrative backgrounds. The composition, color and balance within Sadler's pieces invite the viewer to enjoy further exploration of the scenes and create a feeling of vague, kaleidoscopic nostalgia (a la the dada works of Max Ernst and Johannes Baargeld). Also included in the exhibit are small wall hangings incorporating wood elements added to small collages, and more elaborate assemblages such as "Star Juggler" and this reviewer's favorite - "Eddie had a Pileated Heart". Sadler is also exploring new areas including incorporation of more original sources of collage elements such as her own photography of the Adirondacks, rather than relying on ordinary ephemera. She has also been experimenting with painted elements in her collage. Both of these approaches come together impressively in such pieces as "Mother Nature Looked at What She Had Done and Saw It Was Good". Some of these pieces can be seen on Sadler's website: www.sharonspringsdk.com as well as her blog (see below).
Ms. Sadler has also recently been creating short videos using seductive music and various elements from her still collages which she tapes in stop motion photography and combines with a variety of other interesting digital enhancement techniques. Reminiscent of Gilliam's collage animations from Monty Python-but without the silly humor-- Sadler's work is smart and provocative at the same time being visually impressive. A couple of these videos can be found on Sadler's website: collageclearinghouse.blogspot.com.
For anyone interested in collage art and within 100 miles of Little Falls, this exhibit is a "must see". I enjoyed Sadler's works so much, I bought one!
Steven Specht (c) 2009 New Hartford, NY
SSDK - The tale of the show - Volume III
The Second Opening
9/27
After such a nice first show, you would figure I would have relaxed and enjoyed the second show. But for some reason, the whole thing got under my skin. Maybe I let my guard down and my anxieties took over...I don't know. When Saturday came, I was a wreck. I knew a lot of coworkers were planning on attending because they had committed themselves thru the Facebook Event. My Dad, who has never really seen my art, was planning on visiting from Philadelphia. Talk about nerves.
This time the day was not sunny, but rather kind of gloomy and damp, typical for upstate NY in September. I had wondered if the second show would be a bomb....and I hoped that the gallery wasn't wasting their time having 2 openings in a row. My fears were alleviated when immediately folks began to arrive! Several friends from work attended, including both of my bosses and their spouses. Bruce and Kelly Button, Richard Brown and his girl Tracy, Jess and Joe, Donna and her little girl Sara, Pauline, Beth, and of course....can I ever leave out my right hand man, Travis?? Travis brought along Joshua Thomas, who is editor of the local paper, The Courier. He ended up doing an article on the show! I really felt the pressure of it all when I saw my coworkers streaming in. I wondered what these people I see everyday would think of me after they saw my work.
So many people came to the second show it surprised me and the gallery!
Next came Margrethe Lauber and Susan MacLeod, friends of mine from Town of Root. Professor Lauber is my mentor at SUNY Cobleskill and is helping through my first year as an adjunct teacher. (I am teaching Typography and Layout). She was on the grant committee for the Tri County Council for the Arts the year I entered my grant proposal and she had voted for my work. Later on, we found we were neighbors and since then we have become friends. To commemorate the event, she purchased Golden Hand Me the Fly, from the SSDK series. I was once again honored to know my artwork would hang in the home of someone I know.
A crowd of my coworkers discussing proof of the strangeness of their coworker
I knew that the Stanley's were eyeing up my artwork thru the pages of Facebook and Janet had already asked me personally about a couple of pieces. When Matt and Janet came to the show, they ended up picking out something they had never seen before and purchased it to hang in their newly renovated bathroom. She had picked out 2 that she really liked...one would have hung in a spare bedroom and would have been seen rarely. The other would hang in the bathroom and be seen quite regularly! I was happy they chose the latter...
Yours truly standing with Matt and Janet Stanely in front of "Seeded", the collage they purchased
My father drove straight from his home in Philly right to the show. It's at least a 5 hour haul, (and that's if you drive like I do...pedal to the metal!). He arrived by 3...altho he was a bit disheveled by the weather. He took a look around and asked me a lot of questions...I was amused that he noticed my fondness for using nudes! Ha! My Dad is quite a religious man, and I had to give him an intelligent reason as to why I use them. (which was....the nudes represent closeness with nature in my work) He totally threw me off by purchasing one of my larger works as a gift to his new wife that he will be marrying this Saturday. (My Mom passed away 2 years ago). I was floored! My father has never really paid much heed to my art pursuits. I really felt pride when he bought Mother Nature Looked Down Upon What She Had Done and Saw It Was Good.
Near the end of the opening, a couple came in that had read about the show in the Little Falls paper. Apparently, the woman's father used to come to the baths for therapy --back in the day-- and she really enjoyed the slide show depicting Sharon Springs. She was sad about the decay, and I guess I am too....or else I wouldn't be attempting to preserve what is left.
Magnesia Temple in it's rusty glory
Denise and her husband also attended the opening. Denise is the owner of the house that stands behind the Magnesia Temple...and she's also owner of the Magnesia Temple itself. The property is posted, and rightly so. The couple warns people to stay off the property and actively post it. BUT but but, I really wanted to see the inside of the dome!! I was lucky that Denise invited me to go there and see the structure up close. Travis and I spent an hour there with her one day 2 autumns ago...She was so gracious to let us on her property. I am giving her one of the SSDK works as a gift, once the show is over. I think we all need to do good deeds along the way in life. These people were very good to me and really helped me with a major part in the project. I felt it was only right to bestow upon them an artwork.
Inside the dome is a field of azure with stenciled stars, it's just scrumptious!
Soon enough the time came to an end, my friends filtered out into the rainy day and the second show came to an end. Chris and I took Dad to Beardslee Castle for dinner that evening and discussed it all.
I never expected things to go so well! It's a great feeling inside when people have seen your work and you get some feedback. I can't say enough how this helps me to understand how my work affects the viewer! Sometimes it really pays to get out of your box and live dangerously. Put it out there. You will be surprised at all that you receive in return.
9/27
After such a nice first show, you would figure I would have relaxed and enjoyed the second show. But for some reason, the whole thing got under my skin. Maybe I let my guard down and my anxieties took over...I don't know. When Saturday came, I was a wreck. I knew a lot of coworkers were planning on attending because they had committed themselves thru the Facebook Event. My Dad, who has never really seen my art, was planning on visiting from Philadelphia. Talk about nerves.
This time the day was not sunny, but rather kind of gloomy and damp, typical for upstate NY in September. I had wondered if the second show would be a bomb....and I hoped that the gallery wasn't wasting their time having 2 openings in a row. My fears were alleviated when immediately folks began to arrive! Several friends from work attended, including both of my bosses and their spouses. Bruce and Kelly Button, Richard Brown and his girl Tracy, Jess and Joe, Donna and her little girl Sara, Pauline, Beth, and of course....can I ever leave out my right hand man, Travis?? Travis brought along Joshua Thomas, who is editor of the local paper, The Courier. He ended up doing an article on the show! I really felt the pressure of it all when I saw my coworkers streaming in. I wondered what these people I see everyday would think of me after they saw my work.
So many people came to the second show it surprised me and the gallery!
Next came Margrethe Lauber and Susan MacLeod, friends of mine from Town of Root. Professor Lauber is my mentor at SUNY Cobleskill and is helping through my first year as an adjunct teacher. (I am teaching Typography and Layout). She was on the grant committee for the Tri County Council for the Arts the year I entered my grant proposal and she had voted for my work. Later on, we found we were neighbors and since then we have become friends. To commemorate the event, she purchased Golden Hand Me the Fly, from the SSDK series. I was once again honored to know my artwork would hang in the home of someone I know.
A crowd of my coworkers discussing proof of the strangeness of their coworker
I knew that the Stanley's were eyeing up my artwork thru the pages of Facebook and Janet had already asked me personally about a couple of pieces. When Matt and Janet came to the show, they ended up picking out something they had never seen before and purchased it to hang in their newly renovated bathroom. She had picked out 2 that she really liked...one would have hung in a spare bedroom and would have been seen rarely. The other would hang in the bathroom and be seen quite regularly! I was happy they chose the latter...
Yours truly standing with Matt and Janet Stanely in front of "Seeded", the collage they purchased
My father drove straight from his home in Philly right to the show. It's at least a 5 hour haul, (and that's if you drive like I do...pedal to the metal!). He arrived by 3...altho he was a bit disheveled by the weather. He took a look around and asked me a lot of questions...I was amused that he noticed my fondness for using nudes! Ha! My Dad is quite a religious man, and I had to give him an intelligent reason as to why I use them. (which was....the nudes represent closeness with nature in my work) He totally threw me off by purchasing one of my larger works as a gift to his new wife that he will be marrying this Saturday. (My Mom passed away 2 years ago). I was floored! My father has never really paid much heed to my art pursuits. I really felt pride when he bought Mother Nature Looked Down Upon What She Had Done and Saw It Was Good.
Near the end of the opening, a couple came in that had read about the show in the Little Falls paper. Apparently, the woman's father used to come to the baths for therapy --back in the day-- and she really enjoyed the slide show depicting Sharon Springs. She was sad about the decay, and I guess I am too....or else I wouldn't be attempting to preserve what is left.
Magnesia Temple in it's rusty glory
Denise and her husband also attended the opening. Denise is the owner of the house that stands behind the Magnesia Temple...and she's also owner of the Magnesia Temple itself. The property is posted, and rightly so. The couple warns people to stay off the property and actively post it. BUT but but, I really wanted to see the inside of the dome!! I was lucky that Denise invited me to go there and see the structure up close. Travis and I spent an hour there with her one day 2 autumns ago...She was so gracious to let us on her property. I am giving her one of the SSDK works as a gift, once the show is over. I think we all need to do good deeds along the way in life. These people were very good to me and really helped me with a major part in the project. I felt it was only right to bestow upon them an artwork.
Inside the dome is a field of azure with stenciled stars, it's just scrumptious!
Soon enough the time came to an end, my friends filtered out into the rainy day and the second show came to an end. Chris and I took Dad to Beardslee Castle for dinner that evening and discussed it all.
I never expected things to go so well! It's a great feeling inside when people have seen your work and you get some feedback. I can't say enough how this helps me to understand how my work affects the viewer! Sometimes it really pays to get out of your box and live dangerously. Put it out there. You will be surprised at all that you receive in return.
Visit with The Royal Family
Yup, that's what I said. You, lowly you, can meet the Royal Family! I've always wanted to sit and have tea with the Queen. (Or even Prince Will or Harry...?ha!)
The Royal Family will be visiting Toronto, Ontario in the coming weeks. Creatively enabled by Aprile Elcich, "The Royal Family", a mixed media collage series inspired by a found scrapbook dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, is a trip back in time to the '50's and '60's and then infused with 2009 attitude. Aprile recreates her own imaginative set of scrapbooks pages and presents The Royal Family in an entirely different light!
The family is receiving visitors at the ...industtress gallery in Canada from October 16th through November 12th, 2009. Opening night, 8pm, English cheeses and drinks will be served. Long live the queen!
...industtrees gallery
1234 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
www.industtrees.com
The Royal Family will be visiting Toronto, Ontario in the coming weeks. Creatively enabled by Aprile Elcich, "The Royal Family", a mixed media collage series inspired by a found scrapbook dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, is a trip back in time to the '50's and '60's and then infused with 2009 attitude. Aprile recreates her own imaginative set of scrapbooks pages and presents The Royal Family in an entirely different light!
The family is receiving visitors at the ...industtress gallery in Canada from October 16th through November 12th, 2009. Opening night, 8pm, English cheeses and drinks will be served. Long live the queen!
...industtrees gallery
1234 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
www.industtrees.com
10/06/2009
Art Tribe - Show in Illinois
There is no end to the collage goodies available this month. Seriously, no matter where you live, get out and see some stuff!
Click on the image for a closer view of the details.
This show should prove quite interesting, with pieces by Laura Lein-Svencner, Pamela J. Hart, Cheryl Holz and more!!
10/03/2009
Willem Dafoe Quote
Reading Flaunt magazine this morning, I was struck sideways by the appropriateness of this Willem Dafoe comment:
"Making stuff is satisfying, because it always involves a shift of consciousness out of your everyday, wear-you-down consciousness...The world drops away, and you get caught up in this thing I can only describe as becoming. The same thing can happen while making a beautiful meal. I think I'm always attracted to that. I don't think I'm a very neurotic person, but I'm a nervous enough person and a fearful enough person that when I'm making things, all that goes away, and why does it go away? It's because I feel kind of useful. I don't feel petty. I feel like I'm in the mix with nature. I'm in the mix with the divine, and making it for what? That's even the best part-If you don't know why you're making it. That's what's so great about art sometimes. It's just beautiful in it's usefulness."
luv that nature divine stuff. lap it up.
"Making stuff is satisfying, because it always involves a shift of consciousness out of your everyday, wear-you-down consciousness...The world drops away, and you get caught up in this thing I can only describe as becoming. The same thing can happen while making a beautiful meal. I think I'm always attracted to that. I don't think I'm a very neurotic person, but I'm a nervous enough person and a fearful enough person that when I'm making things, all that goes away, and why does it go away? It's because I feel kind of useful. I don't feel petty. I feel like I'm in the mix with nature. I'm in the mix with the divine, and making it for what? That's even the best part-If you don't know why you're making it. That's what's so great about art sometimes. It's just beautiful in it's usefulness."
luv that nature divine stuff. lap it up.
10/02/2009
SSDK - The tale of the show - Volume II
Opening # 1, September 20, 2009
And so the day came.
Hanging in the Balance - sold to Steven Specht
Imagine my surprise when I entered the gallery to see red dots already on some of the pieces!!! They had sold "Hanging in the Balance", which was one of my favorites from the SSDK series!! Several other smaller works also had red dots. I immediately could relax because the pressure was off. Time to enjoy the show!
Upon my arrival, Barbara Boucher excitedly informed me that Steven Specht had attended the show already and was interested in interviewing me for a web review. I was honored to find out that he had purchased some of my work. We were able to talk at length about the art of collage. Truly humbled, he made me feel like I really am an artist. It's funny how I am the last to finally believe it. You work hard in the studio, and it's all so far removed from the public eye and the feedback. The creation portion is every so private. It's such a contrast to the showing of art, which is so very public. You have no idea what other people think, till you put it out there. It's kind of scary.
The 20th was a beautiful sunny autumn day. It was so gorgeous, and it provided a really scenic nice ride for my out of town guests. The gallery had set up a table in the middle with some really good appetizers. I was impressed with the quality of the treats. It wasn't just some frozen minibites, but instead yummy specialties that the MVCA committee members cooked up. Red and White Wine in carafes was miraculously kept filled during the entire reception and it certainly added to my festive mood! (not to mention the calming effect).
Unfortunately, I have to mention the bogus flies that also wanted to attend my show. The front door was open and apparently they also got the email that food was being served! We swatted flies and bees both shows. I deserved it I guess, since I had asked them to take down the fly tapes! It's fall, and I guess the pests are frisky!
There were several committee members that attended my first opening, Good friends came from far away to see my work. Karen Chapel and her daughter Danielle brought along Nancy Goff, who is Karen's mother and also a renowned pastel artist and Jessica Friedman. They all traveled the distance from the Binghamton area, driving over 2 hours in the autumn sun! Such supportive friends...I love them all. Lisa brought Aaron up to see the work. I haven't see him in over 2 years, and it was good to have him there. Rosemary made sure that August, my grandson, was there for his first art event. Grandma was tickled he could attend! J.D. King visited the show and offered his commentary on the pieces. I can't list them all. I was so glad to see that the gallery was full....the entire 2 hours of the opening reception.
Travis was on hand as my right hand man. Speaking with folks and explaining the works, helping me with the computer, he was invaluable before-during-and after both shows. Talk about support!! Chris also came along and held me up when I wanted to fall over. It seemed like an exhausting 2 hours. Honestly, I was so humbled by the experience. I went home and my chest was swelled up in pride and love for all the great family, artists, friends, and neighbors that came to see my work. Of course, selling a few pieces didn't hurt!
I was fascinated by the interesting questions that people asked me about the art and the slideshow. A lot of folks were mesmerized by the slides...being able to see up close some of these local intriguing places was acting like a magnet. It all worked pretty well together.
The show ended and I floated home...happy...content... Ya know, sometimes the life of an artist ain't half bad!
And so the day came.
Hanging in the Balance - sold to Steven Specht
Imagine my surprise when I entered the gallery to see red dots already on some of the pieces!!! They had sold "Hanging in the Balance", which was one of my favorites from the SSDK series!! Several other smaller works also had red dots. I immediately could relax because the pressure was off. Time to enjoy the show!
Upon my arrival, Barbara Boucher excitedly informed me that Steven Specht had attended the show already and was interested in interviewing me for a web review. I was honored to find out that he had purchased some of my work. We were able to talk at length about the art of collage. Truly humbled, he made me feel like I really am an artist. It's funny how I am the last to finally believe it. You work hard in the studio, and it's all so far removed from the public eye and the feedback. The creation portion is every so private. It's such a contrast to the showing of art, which is so very public. You have no idea what other people think, till you put it out there. It's kind of scary.
The 20th was a beautiful sunny autumn day. It was so gorgeous, and it provided a really scenic nice ride for my out of town guests. The gallery had set up a table in the middle with some really good appetizers. I was impressed with the quality of the treats. It wasn't just some frozen minibites, but instead yummy specialties that the MVCA committee members cooked up. Red and White Wine in carafes was miraculously kept filled during the entire reception and it certainly added to my festive mood! (not to mention the calming effect).
Unfortunately, I have to mention the bogus flies that also wanted to attend my show. The front door was open and apparently they also got the email that food was being served! We swatted flies and bees both shows. I deserved it I guess, since I had asked them to take down the fly tapes! It's fall, and I guess the pests are frisky!
There were several committee members that attended my first opening, Good friends came from far away to see my work. Karen Chapel and her daughter Danielle brought along Nancy Goff, who is Karen's mother and also a renowned pastel artist and Jessica Friedman. They all traveled the distance from the Binghamton area, driving over 2 hours in the autumn sun! Such supportive friends...I love them all. Lisa brought Aaron up to see the work. I haven't see him in over 2 years, and it was good to have him there. Rosemary made sure that August, my grandson, was there for his first art event. Grandma was tickled he could attend! J.D. King visited the show and offered his commentary on the pieces. I can't list them all. I was so glad to see that the gallery was full....the entire 2 hours of the opening reception.
Travis was on hand as my right hand man. Speaking with folks and explaining the works, helping me with the computer, he was invaluable before-during-and after both shows. Talk about support!! Chris also came along and held me up when I wanted to fall over. It seemed like an exhausting 2 hours. Honestly, I was so humbled by the experience. I went home and my chest was swelled up in pride and love for all the great family, artists, friends, and neighbors that came to see my work. Of course, selling a few pieces didn't hurt!
I was fascinated by the interesting questions that people asked me about the art and the slideshow. A lot of folks were mesmerized by the slides...being able to see up close some of these local intriguing places was acting like a magnet. It all worked pretty well together.
The show ended and I floated home...happy...content... Ya know, sometimes the life of an artist ain't half bad!
SSDK - The tale of the show - Volume I
It's going to be long -cuz I want to try hard not to forget any of the experience. Writing it now has me trying to preserve it. As I write all these details keep coming out. So here goes volume 1.
How can I even begin to record the excellent events of the past few weeks>>?
I am wishing I could have stopped the clock amidst all the flurry so I could have updated this blog about the wondrous happenings! An honest attempt I shall make --to record the events and emotions as they occurred. But the way it turned out, I have had to wait till now to unveil pictures of the show and the tale of how it went down.
Pre Show Jitters and Issues
Imagine my luck. The show was on my mind for months prior to the opening. I had my email from Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts stating that the show was on Sept. 27 from 1 - 3. I had informed all my family and friends about the times as soon as it was a month away. I created a Facebook event so that I could keep my peeps informed. I could see them confirming that they were going to attend daily. MVCA sends out postcards to their own mailing list, and also to the people on a list that I supply them with. Sweet deal, right? I was able to have my mailing list of cards sent officially from the gallery to my peeps. I knew when they were mailing and was waiting to hear when my friends got them in the mail. One day, I got this weird message from my friend and boss, Janet Stanley, telling me she was confused. I had said on FB that the date was 9/27, however the postcard said the date was 9/20.
WTF?!@#$%#$%@&!!!
I called MVCA immediately. Sure enough. There had been a mistake. They had emailed me the wrong date! I started crying on the phone. Good grief. The opening was one week earlier than I thought. Instead of 2 weeks away it was only a week away!!! I was so freaked out. However, an hour later the gallery called back. They were going to fix the problem by having not one, but TWO opening shows! One on 9/20 and one on 9/27! Holy crap am I lucky or what?
I was nervous about this, wondering if there were enough people to attend 2 shows. My father and several of my friends had already committed to coming on the 27th. I didn't know what to expect. My daughter Rose, wasn't planning to attend because her birthday is on 9/27. Because of the new date, she immediately made plans for both her and my 1 1/2 year old grandson to come up for the first opening. What good news! Rose would be there to help me from imploding with nerves! However, this was starting to get crazy...Now I had to clean my house like a mad person cuz they were going to stay at my house! Talk about pressed for time. How could I accomplish all this? There were last minute artworks to tweak and finish, you know how it goes. And then the thorough house cleaning on top of it (and believe me I let my house go over this past month of frenzied framing!!)....It was going to get crazy around here!
AAAAA!!!!@##$%^$&@&!!
I hustled insanely that last week. Framing framing F r A M I n g FRAMINGGGGGGG until I thought my fingers would fall off. Actually, I did lose the fingerprint on my thumbs from twisting wires on the back of frames. My hand felt like a club as I pounded in the glaziers to keep the frame and glass all together. Then I was soaked and pruny when I had to wash every surface in the house for visitors. I was PUMPED to say the least.
The whole date/2 show thing caused a bunch of confusion for people and I kept getting questions and emails. When the 20th came around, I was ready just to get it all over with.
I didn't have any idea what to expect. I was so worried that nothing at all would sell and that I would be the first show this year at the gallery to be skunked. I was not going to have high expectations, so I wouldn't be disappointed. Mostly, I wanted to share art. So many thoughts crossed my mind prior to the opening, sleep was out of the question.
I wasn't as nervous as I would have been had I not just started teaching as an adjunct at SUNY Cobleskill. Facing 11 student strangers for the 2 weeks prior to the show helped me get over the speech thing. I knew I would be asked a bunch of questions. Finally the day had come. The gallery looked so amazing, I blush to think of it. The committee had hung the show to my specs, and I was so pleased to see that my 38 works filled all walls! It was colorful. Dignified. Professional. COLLAGE! In all it's glory. I had 2 distinct themes. The Sharon Springs DK (decay) pieces that have been waiting in the wings to be seen for 2 years and also a hand-picked assortment of my best works and some newer pieces. There were a few 3-d assemblages, too which added to the unique flavor of the show. On one wall I had a slide show playing large scale on a wall from a projector attached to a Mac...playing over 300+ photos of Sharon Springs that I had taken over the past 2 years. These photos were the food and fodder for the SSDK works. I also had my 3 videos that I had created out of 3 of the Sharon Springs works to play when I felt the time was right. Let the show begin!
How can I even begin to record the excellent events of the past few weeks>>?
I am wishing I could have stopped the clock amidst all the flurry so I could have updated this blog about the wondrous happenings! An honest attempt I shall make --to record the events and emotions as they occurred. But the way it turned out, I have had to wait till now to unveil pictures of the show and the tale of how it went down.
Pre Show Jitters and Issues
Imagine my luck. The show was on my mind for months prior to the opening. I had my email from Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts stating that the show was on Sept. 27 from 1 - 3. I had informed all my family and friends about the times as soon as it was a month away. I created a Facebook event so that I could keep my peeps informed. I could see them confirming that they were going to attend daily. MVCA sends out postcards to their own mailing list, and also to the people on a list that I supply them with. Sweet deal, right? I was able to have my mailing list of cards sent officially from the gallery to my peeps. I knew when they were mailing and was waiting to hear when my friends got them in the mail. One day, I got this weird message from my friend and boss, Janet Stanley, telling me she was confused. I had said on FB that the date was 9/27, however the postcard said the date was 9/20.
WTF?!@#$%#$%@&!!!
I called MVCA immediately. Sure enough. There had been a mistake. They had emailed me the wrong date! I started crying on the phone. Good grief. The opening was one week earlier than I thought. Instead of 2 weeks away it was only a week away!!! I was so freaked out. However, an hour later the gallery called back. They were going to fix the problem by having not one, but TWO opening shows! One on 9/20 and one on 9/27! Holy crap am I lucky or what?
I was nervous about this, wondering if there were enough people to attend 2 shows. My father and several of my friends had already committed to coming on the 27th. I didn't know what to expect. My daughter Rose, wasn't planning to attend because her birthday is on 9/27. Because of the new date, she immediately made plans for both her and my 1 1/2 year old grandson to come up for the first opening. What good news! Rose would be there to help me from imploding with nerves! However, this was starting to get crazy...Now I had to clean my house like a mad person cuz they were going to stay at my house! Talk about pressed for time. How could I accomplish all this? There were last minute artworks to tweak and finish, you know how it goes. And then the thorough house cleaning on top of it (and believe me I let my house go over this past month of frenzied framing!!)....It was going to get crazy around here!
AAAAA!!!!@##$%^$&@&!!
I hustled insanely that last week. Framing framing F r A M I n g FRAMINGGGGGGG until I thought my fingers would fall off. Actually, I did lose the fingerprint on my thumbs from twisting wires on the back of frames. My hand felt like a club as I pounded in the glaziers to keep the frame and glass all together. Then I was soaked and pruny when I had to wash every surface in the house for visitors. I was PUMPED to say the least.
The whole date/2 show thing caused a bunch of confusion for people and I kept getting questions and emails. When the 20th came around, I was ready just to get it all over with.
I didn't have any idea what to expect. I was so worried that nothing at all would sell and that I would be the first show this year at the gallery to be skunked. I was not going to have high expectations, so I wouldn't be disappointed. Mostly, I wanted to share art. So many thoughts crossed my mind prior to the opening, sleep was out of the question.
I wasn't as nervous as I would have been had I not just started teaching as an adjunct at SUNY Cobleskill. Facing 11 student strangers for the 2 weeks prior to the show helped me get over the speech thing. I knew I would be asked a bunch of questions. Finally the day had come. The gallery looked so amazing, I blush to think of it. The committee had hung the show to my specs, and I was so pleased to see that my 38 works filled all walls! It was colorful. Dignified. Professional. COLLAGE! In all it's glory. I had 2 distinct themes. The Sharon Springs DK (decay) pieces that have been waiting in the wings to be seen for 2 years and also a hand-picked assortment of my best works and some newer pieces. There were a few 3-d assemblages, too which added to the unique flavor of the show. On one wall I had a slide show playing large scale on a wall from a projector attached to a Mac...playing over 300+ photos of Sharon Springs that I had taken over the past 2 years. These photos were the food and fodder for the SSDK works. I also had my 3 videos that I had created out of 3 of the Sharon Springs works to play when I felt the time was right. Let the show begin!
Attn:Berlin David Hochbaum @ Strychnin!
TOTAL collage overload. This is mayhem! The sheer amount of really exciting collage exhibits, including my own..., it's just staggering!
Berlin Strychnin is hosting the latest visual extravaganza that is David Hochbaum....The Garden of the Dispossed. Such a dark theme, I love the October season.
I can remember this particular piece in progress...perhaps...or maybe it was a generation ago...when I visited David's salon last January. Sweet work. His stuff.
Ya know what I like best about Hochbaum? His people are current because in his photography, he uses folks he knows in his search for collage media. The modern twist to his works, (such as the tattoo on the girl in the show poster) really kicks and opposes the old fashioned themes and imagery he uses. In my work it's always decaying objects--architecture, stumps in forests, and long gone people. The contrast intrigues me.
IF you are in Europe, you need to make and effort to see this show. Only a fool would miss it.
Bits & Pieces
A collage by Steven Specht
It's a special honor when an artist visits the show of another artist. Imagine my surprise to find that I was fortunate enough to meet Steven Specht a couple of weeks ago. He's a fellow collagist that lives near me (imagine THAT!) in New Hartford, NY, outside of Utica. He attended my first opening and in fact purchased some of my work. We talked a bit about copyright, technique and shared contact information. I was so appreciative of him being there. He is an associate of Jonathan Talbot, and there's a lot going on for these 2 men at the moment! Both Steven Specht and Jonathan Talbot are involved with the Bits and Pieces show.
I posted yesterday about Jonathan Talbots' show in Milford, PA at the Bluestone Gallery. Today I have information about the Bits and Pieces show that will be in New Rochelle, NY. This will be a super show. With top names involved, this is a must see if you live downstate.
Here's the info:
You are cordially invited to the opening of
Bits & Pieces
a collage exhibition curated by Jonathan Talbot
Reception: Thursday, October 15th from 5 to 8 PM
at BID Gallery 542, 542 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY.
Included in this exhibition will be works by
Robin Colodzin -
Rockport, MA
Linda Cunningham -
Junction City, OR
Lynne Foster -
New York, NY
DJ Gaskin -
Springfield, VA
Kevin Gilmore -
Brooklyn, NY
Joan Hall -
New York, NY
Peter Jacobs -
Montclair, NJ
Kitty Killian -
Utrecht, Netherlands
Gennielynn Martin -
Langley, WA
Susan McCaslin -
Darien, CT
Nancy Egol Nikkal -
New Rochelle, NY
Carol O'Connor -
Warwick, NY
Steven Specht -
New Hartford, NY
James Michael Star -
Dallas, TX
Martha Valezuela -
New Rochelle, NY
Pierre Jean Varet -
Plemet, France
Lisa Zukowski -
Warwick, NY
9/30/2009
Circumstantial Evidence: Jonathan Talbot
It must be show season with so many good options! And collage shows are not lacking...
Here's a show in Milford, PA that Jonathan Talbot is having. This also would be a terrific show to see. Perhaps I need to arrange to see this show, then take the Metro North Train from Poughkeepsie down to the city for the Cutters show....Looks like I am arranging my next art trip!
Info here:
Jonathan Talbot Collage Exhibition
"Circumstantial Evidence"
at BlueStone Gallery
Opens Friday, September 25th, 2009
You are cordially invited to attend the opening of
Jonathan Talbot's exhibition
"Circumstantial Evidence"
at the BlueStone Gallery
104 East Ann St., Milford, PA
on Friday, September 25th, from 5 to 8 PM.
Milford, PA is 75 miles northwest of New York City
via routes I-280, I-80, 15, and 206.
It is 8 miles southwest of Port Jervis via route 209.
Among the works included in the exhibition will be
some from Jonathan's "Patrin" series
and the first twelve works in his
Duchamp-inspired "Bachelor" series.
For additional information or directions call
BlueStone Gallery at 570-296-9999
or call Jonathan at 845-258-4620.
Here's a show in Milford, PA that Jonathan Talbot is having. This also would be a terrific show to see. Perhaps I need to arrange to see this show, then take the Metro North Train from Poughkeepsie down to the city for the Cutters show....Looks like I am arranging my next art trip!
Info here:
Jonathan Talbot Collage Exhibition
"Circumstantial Evidence"
at BlueStone Gallery
Opens Friday, September 25th, 2009
You are cordially invited to attend the opening of
Jonathan Talbot's exhibition
"Circumstantial Evidence"
at the BlueStone Gallery
104 East Ann St., Milford, PA
on Friday, September 25th, from 5 to 8 PM.
Milford, PA is 75 miles northwest of New York City
via routes I-280, I-80, 15, and 206.
It is 8 miles southwest of Port Jervis via route 209.
Among the works included in the exhibition will be
some from Jonathan's "Patrin" series
and the first twelve works in his
Duchamp-inspired "Bachelor" series.
For additional information or directions call
BlueStone Gallery at 570-296-9999
or call Jonathan at 845-258-4620.
Cutters
This looks like a super show and I am already scheming my way to NY to go see it. Such a vast array of collage work in one place just HAS to be amazing.
Here's the skinny:
Cinders Gallery Presents:
Cutters: An Exhibition of International Collage
October 16th - November 15th 2009
Opening Reception Friday October 16th, 7-10pm
Curated by James Gallagher
Cutters showcases a variety of contemporary collage from North America and
Europe. The selected artists range from young google-image searchers to
collage veterans with roots in the 70s punk scene. Each one has a unique
vision and exciting visual vocabulary that includes collections of images
sorted and stacked, layered and glued, cut to pieces and ripped apart.
In our current age of vast visual stimuli, images and information are
swirling all around us at a faster pace than ever before. We process what we
can, latch on to fragments, and quickly move on. As we get used to
everything being remixed, edited, mashed up and shuffled around, these
collage artists freeze that frenzy and bring you in for a closer look at the
hand at work.
In this diverse collection you will find....Ophelia Chong's quiet moments,
Kareem Rizk’s weathered nostalgia, Max-O-Matic’s controlled chaos, Joe
Ryckebosch’s memory screens, Vanessa Lamounier’s stunning erotica, James
Gallagher’s unseen stages, and Jason Glasser’s visual soul (on glass).
Sophie Kern creates magical worlds (where goddesses, witches and
sorceresses rule all!), Bill Zindel attempts to make sense of stacks of
paper he has amassed,while Valero Doval combines vintage imagery with
delicate handwork.
With over 40 artists contributing close to 150 works of various sizes,
shapes, and colors, the gallery will be transformed into one giant
assemblage, glue stains and all.
Featuring:
Andreas Banderas (Norway), Michael Bartalos (USA), Melinda Beck (USA), Brian
Belott (USA), Jorge Chamorro/ La Cascara Amarga (Spain), Brian Chippendale
(USA), Ophelia Chong (USA), Saiman Chow (USA), Cless (Spain), Rebecca Conroy
(USA), Cristiana Couceiro (Portugal), Valero Doval (UK), Andy Ducett (USA),
Carl Dunn (USA), Lisa Eisenbrey (USA), Elroy (Germany), James Gallagher
(USA), Jason Glasser (France), Hort (Germany), Jordin Isip (USA), Lidy
Jacobs (Netherlands), Sophie Kern (UK), Eva Lake (USA), Vanessa Lamounier
(Netherlands), Matt Li[pps (USA), Sean Mackaoui (Spain), Max-o-matic
(Spain), Taylor McKimens (USA), Cameron Windish Michel (USA), Agnes
Montgomery (USA), Justin Mortimer (UK), Pedro Oliveira (Brazil), Julien
Pacaud (France), David Plunkert (USA), Kareem Rizk (Austrailia), Matthew
Rose (France), Brion Nuda Rosch (USA), Joe Ryyckebosch (USA), Katherine
Streeter (USA), Mario Wagner (Germany), Oliver Wiegner (Germany), Johanna
Wilhelm (Germany), Jessica Williams (USA), Bill Zindel (USA)
CINDERS GALLERY
103 Havemeyer st.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-388-2311
www.cindersgallery.com
Wed- Sun 1-7pm
9/28/2009
In the royal realm of the crocus
I had a quiet moment at the studio table after a long 2 months of show preparation and the whirlwind of 2 opening receptions.
I felt free. Like a butterfly.
I felt free. Like a butterfly.
9/22/2009
A Book About Death — My Side of the Story
If you read this blog, you know I participated in Matthew Rose's most interesting theme show, A Book About Death. Artists were invited to send 500 postcards based on the theme A Book About Death. Visitors would come to NY to the Emily Harvey Foundation and pick and choose between the cards to create their own unbound book about death. The idea for the exhibition stemmed from the late Ray Johnson, collagist and installation artist extraordinaire, who had created his own Book About Death.
I was busy preparing for my own show that opened this weekend, and attending was impossible. I was depressed to think that I would not get to see the other artists' interpretations and cards. So I asked my daughter Rose, who lives in Northport on Long Island, to attend and collect the cards for me. I warned her to bring a bag, it might get heavy. She had invited her friend Shane Blewett to go with her and help with the collecting. To add to the mystery and intrigue, I did not show my daughter what my card looked like!
The day after the show, she called me to report on how it went. "This was a free for all!" She reported. She described and extremely packed gallery. Lots. Of. People. Indeed. Packed. Heat. Scrambling. Sweat.
She had to stand in line for an hour in order to get in. Luckily the card stacks held and she was able to bring me over 424 cards and even a pile of duplicates!
She brought them up to me this weekend at my show opening.
I ended up sitting down and really looking them over yesterday. What an interesting and amazing group of artworks! I couldn't believe the effort that some had put into the work. I couldn't believe the high quality of the cards. I really liked the various takes on the theme, with some humorous, some serious, and some dedication cards.
I am currently an adjunct at SUNY Cobleskill teaching a Typography and Layout course. I couldn't help but notice the various myriad uses of typefaces on these cards. Some really used type in the work and I challenged my students to a font face-off! I had the duplicates spread out on the table and I had the class split into 2 teams. Each team would pick thru the cards, pick out 10 cards representing 3 different type categories and then most importantly, pick out cards in which the type accented the design and help propel the overall idea behind the card. This was a super exercise, and the students spent at least 15 minutes looking over the cards and inspecting them for graphic design inspiration. At the end of the exercise, I let them take the cards if they wanted. I noticed when I left, several were left on the table.
The postcards worked as a great example of the use of typography.!!
But, I'm not so sure that freshman college students are ready for Death!
I was busy preparing for my own show that opened this weekend, and attending was impossible. I was depressed to think that I would not get to see the other artists' interpretations and cards. So I asked my daughter Rose, who lives in Northport on Long Island, to attend and collect the cards for me. I warned her to bring a bag, it might get heavy. She had invited her friend Shane Blewett to go with her and help with the collecting. To add to the mystery and intrigue, I did not show my daughter what my card looked like!
The day after the show, she called me to report on how it went. "This was a free for all!" She reported. She described and extremely packed gallery. Lots. Of. People. Indeed. Packed. Heat. Scrambling. Sweat.
She had to stand in line for an hour in order to get in. Luckily the card stacks held and she was able to bring me over 424 cards and even a pile of duplicates!
She brought them up to me this weekend at my show opening.
I ended up sitting down and really looking them over yesterday. What an interesting and amazing group of artworks! I couldn't believe the effort that some had put into the work. I couldn't believe the high quality of the cards. I really liked the various takes on the theme, with some humorous, some serious, and some dedication cards.
I am currently an adjunct at SUNY Cobleskill teaching a Typography and Layout course. I couldn't help but notice the various myriad uses of typefaces on these cards. Some really used type in the work and I challenged my students to a font face-off! I had the duplicates spread out on the table and I had the class split into 2 teams. Each team would pick thru the cards, pick out 10 cards representing 3 different type categories and then most importantly, pick out cards in which the type accented the design and help propel the overall idea behind the card. This was a super exercise, and the students spent at least 15 minutes looking over the cards and inspecting them for graphic design inspiration. At the end of the exercise, I let them take the cards if they wanted. I noticed when I left, several were left on the table.
The postcards worked as a great example of the use of typography.!!
But, I'm not so sure that freshman college students are ready for Death!
9/15/2009
The Whirlwind that is Me
Holy crap. I can't explain the utter crazy focus that I have been able to maintain over this past month.
The show of course is what is on my mind, and it's difficult to get by the myriad of tasks that have faced me in getting ready. The tedium of framing was something I was not prepared for! I am using vintage frames, which all required a complete and thorough cleaning and then a swab with some of that miracle elixir...Old English! What great stuff that is, it hides everything. The cutting of glass, the cleaning of glass. It's in a class all by itself and I hate it. What difficult work, cleaning glass and not cutting yourself on the edges.
I felt as tho I was doing a delicate ballet on every single work as I slid it onto the glass, trying to avoid dust and little bits of stuff as I put it all together. Then there was the glazier points. UGH! On a nice pine frame life is good. On a 50 year old oak frame, life sucks. I have taken a beating in making the frames work. Stripping off the old swivels and wires hurt my fingertips. Then I saved the wire to re-use it when the works were framed again. That hurt. Whine whine. Putting in new swivels, my poor thumbs. I have no fingerprints!
This morning I dropped off over 35 pieces to the gallery.
BIG SIGH O' RELIEF!!!
They hang the works themselves at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, and I will be stopping in on Saturday to see how it all came together.
Meanwhile, I have a video to finish up, a pricing list to make out and my SUNY Cobleskill class to teach. Not to mention the full time day job.
Anyone got some time I can borrow???
The show of course is what is on my mind, and it's difficult to get by the myriad of tasks that have faced me in getting ready. The tedium of framing was something I was not prepared for! I am using vintage frames, which all required a complete and thorough cleaning and then a swab with some of that miracle elixir...Old English! What great stuff that is, it hides everything. The cutting of glass, the cleaning of glass. It's in a class all by itself and I hate it. What difficult work, cleaning glass and not cutting yourself on the edges.
I felt as tho I was doing a delicate ballet on every single work as I slid it onto the glass, trying to avoid dust and little bits of stuff as I put it all together. Then there was the glazier points. UGH! On a nice pine frame life is good. On a 50 year old oak frame, life sucks. I have taken a beating in making the frames work. Stripping off the old swivels and wires hurt my fingertips. Then I saved the wire to re-use it when the works were framed again. That hurt. Whine whine. Putting in new swivels, my poor thumbs. I have no fingerprints!
This morning I dropped off over 35 pieces to the gallery.
BIG SIGH O' RELIEF!!!
They hang the works themselves at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, and I will be stopping in on Saturday to see how it all came together.
Meanwhile, I have a video to finish up, a pricing list to make out and my SUNY Cobleskill class to teach. Not to mention the full time day job.
Anyone got some time I can borrow???
9/11/2009
Sharon Springs DK — The Show Poster
The show hangs on Tuesday. I am crazy in the background framing, planning, finishing. It's a freakin' frenzy and I LOVE IT! Things are coming to the home stretch. I can't wait to see this all hanging on the wall.
Here's the poster I am hanging all over the Mohawk Valley:
Here's the poster I am hanging all over the Mohawk Valley:
9/10/2009
Red Roses on White Sulphur
Movie #3 for the upcoming show....
Thank you NIN for your visionary usage of creative commons.
Here's a little nudie show for you on this Thursday in September.
Thank you NIN for your visionary usage of creative commons.
Here's a little nudie show for you on this Thursday in September.
9/09/2009
A Book About Death — The Show
This show opens up tomorrow nite in NY City!!! There are over 400 artists that are participating. I won't be there because I am hanging my own solo show in Little Falls, NY this week. My daughter will be attending the opening and collecting my little Book O' Death for me. While you are there, collect the 400 cards to create your own Book About Death. This is such a great concept! And also, it's sort of like an installation.
If you have the chance, this show is a Must See!!!
A BOOK ABOUT DEATH
a project by matthew rose
OPENING: September 10, 7:30 pm - 11 pm
RUNNING: September 10 - 22 2009
The Emily Harvey Foundation
537 Broadway, NYC, NY.
www.emilyharveyfoundation.org
212.925.7651
A BOOK ABOUT DEATH involves a global participation of artists who have each sent in 500 postcards (the "pages") in a massive unbound "book" on the subject of death. More than 275 artists including Yoko Ono, Julia Hoffmann, Peter Schuyff, Dame Mailarta, Rodney Alan Greenblat, Julie Sadler and others have contributed works thus far.
www.abookaboutdeath.blogspot.com
www.abookaboutdeath.net
Matthew Rose is an artist and writer based in Paris.
www.homepage.mac.com/mistahcoughdrop
8/25/2009
Gates & Fences
making movies. my way.
the process is quite involved really.
i take a picture of something that moves or intrigues me.
i use different cameras. digital. holga. lomo colorsplash. lomo fisheye. vintage box cameras. 35mm.
sometimes i use the picture as is. but that is rare.
sometimes i scan the picture in.
if i want to create video from stills i pull the stills into MAX/MSP with jitter and mix them and record it.
sometimes i combine the mixed videos with other stills and videos. there's no end to this process, it lasts until i get the visual satisfaction i am looking for. watching MAX mix the video sometimes creates new possibilities. and this process sometimes spins out of control.
sometimes i print the altered still out of MAX.
sometimes i use different printers to print the stills. laser. inkjet. various substrates.
the prints are cut up and repositioned in my collage art. my favorite part of this journey.
the collage gets scanned into the computer.
i go into photoshop and use the pen tool to crop out portions of the collage to use in animation.
sometimes i use the MAX movies as a background to the Flash animation.
sometimes i use the original still as a background.
sometimes i use the collage as a background.
sometimes i scan in other material for the background.
the parts and pieces come alive in flash. this can consume many hours, depending on how focused i am.
the flash animations are exported to .mov format.
sometimes i crop and regroup these movies in quicktime.
the .mov's are imported into imovie.
the movies are sequenced.
the music is added.
i study the movie.
sometimes i have to go back and rework the flash animation to fit the music better.
sometimes there are little things that disturb me like subtle white edges that don't meet, or parts that don't quite work right. these get the final tweak. this can get tedious.
the movie is exported from imovie and ready to be combined with other movies for my dvd.
i can't sleep at night because i get such a thrill from the finished product.
i wake up and post the movie on my blog to share with you.
Sky Swirler
Still doing exercises with these smaller canvases. I can't bite into anything too heavy, since I am steadily working on the show at this point.
Currently, it's movies that have me going crazy. I am animating some of the pieces with Flash, combining them with movies that were treated in MAX/MSP and then putting the clips together in iMovie. Lots of computer work, not enough studio art work!
Currently, it's movies that have me going crazy. I am animating some of the pieces with Flash, combining them with movies that were treated in MAX/MSP and then putting the clips together in iMovie. Lots of computer work, not enough studio art work!
8/20/2009
Beneath a pale blue sky
Beneath a pale blue sky, I did indeed sit, a few times, for a few hours total, in my yard under 100+ year old locusts. The heat has been insane, and it effects the thistle that is now seeding in the field. The seeds cut loose on the wind, and then they float upwards with the flow of hot air, and float away to meadows unknown. I was fascinated.
So how odd is it that upstairs in the studio, i had already picked out these 4 photos--of the very same field-pix taken last year at this time-- plus the girl to work with. It seemed totally autobiographical! The coincidence interested me. I was toying with a journal entry and what I would say about this week. Words came to mind and I couldn't remove them from my mind. I was freakishly compelled to use words in my work! AAaCK! I usually avoid words like the plague. I would rather you came to your own conclusions about what I was trying to say, instead of infusing you with my thoughts. After all, it's a visual medium! But it kept nagging at me to put them in there so I did.
Obviously, I don't letter things too often! The bottom words went on first, and I was amazed they almost balanced each other. (can you believe both sentences have the exact same amount of characters!??) Everything was cool till I had to try to center the top line. I did that the next morning, and I wasn't warmed up and it bummed me out that it wasn't more...uh....perfect. In fact, it's kinda lopsided and not kerned properly AT All. Too late. It's pen and ink, and the way the acrylic kind of blends into the top of the photos was planned, so I wasn't going to cover it or repaint.
I kind of like the imperfect nature of the letters. If I blur my eyes and look at this piece, the letters look like another language.
Not sure I will use words again too soon. But for now, I am intrigued with it for some reason. It kills me how a simple thing like adding words throws me completely off.
p.s. note to self: you are working on symmetrical pieces WAY too often. Lets break this habit.
So how odd is it that upstairs in the studio, i had already picked out these 4 photos--of the very same field-pix taken last year at this time-- plus the girl to work with. It seemed totally autobiographical! The coincidence interested me. I was toying with a journal entry and what I would say about this week. Words came to mind and I couldn't remove them from my mind. I was freakishly compelled to use words in my work! AAaCK! I usually avoid words like the plague. I would rather you came to your own conclusions about what I was trying to say, instead of infusing you with my thoughts. After all, it's a visual medium! But it kept nagging at me to put them in there so I did.
Obviously, I don't letter things too often! The bottom words went on first, and I was amazed they almost balanced each other. (can you believe both sentences have the exact same amount of characters!??) Everything was cool till I had to try to center the top line. I did that the next morning, and I wasn't warmed up and it bummed me out that it wasn't more...uh....perfect. In fact, it's kinda lopsided and not kerned properly AT All. Too late. It's pen and ink, and the way the acrylic kind of blends into the top of the photos was planned, so I wasn't going to cover it or repaint.
I kind of like the imperfect nature of the letters. If I blur my eyes and look at this piece, the letters look like another language.
Not sure I will use words again too soon. But for now, I am intrigued with it for some reason. It kills me how a simple thing like adding words throws me completely off.
p.s. note to self: you are working on symmetrical pieces WAY too often. Lets break this habit.
8/17/2009
Pink Cabinet
I love working on birch plywood!
I did 2 sample pieces that were small and would need no support. I need to prepare a few larger pieces and use it again. I also have been using canvas lately, but I don't like it nearly as much as the wood.
On these smaller pieces, I am trying to remove all fluff and leave just my subject. It seems kind of stark and plain for my kind of work... he he he
I did 2 sample pieces that were small and would need no support. I need to prepare a few larger pieces and use it again. I also have been using canvas lately, but I don't like it nearly as much as the wood.
On these smaller pieces, I am trying to remove all fluff and leave just my subject. It seems kind of stark and plain for my kind of work... he he he
8/14/2009
Cut & Paste in Stockholm
Here's the scoop on an upcoming exhibition to be held in Stockholm in September. This is another reason why I want to go to Scandinavia! (the other reason would be that I have relatives in Norway) If you are in the region, this show would be worth the time.
The type is kind of tiny on this .jpg. Information is repeated here for you:
Cut & Paste
17.9 - 10/10 - 2009
Kammakargatan 52, Stockholm
www.kg52.se
info@kg52.se
exhibition homepage: www.cutandpaste.in
The type is kind of tiny on this .jpg. Information is repeated here for you:
Cut & Paste
17.9 - 10/10 - 2009
Kammakargatan 52, Stockholm
www.kg52.se
info@kg52.se
exhibition homepage: www.cutandpaste.in
8/12/2009
Avoiding A Book About Death
Matthew Rose has this great call for art going on, for A Book About Death. It's coming to a close soon, and finally I settled down and came up with my entry.
I had all these grandiose ideas when he first posted the call. I thought about my own experiences about death...those family members of mine who have recently died, including my mother. It was overwhelming. The power of the subject. I had a hard time approaching the work.
Matthew and I skyped and brainstormed all these wondrous ideas and cool ways to deal with this project. I dreamed about setting up a booth at our local grocery store, sitting with 500 blank cards, and asking people to write a small thought on the card regarding the Death Subject. But if was avoiding thinking about death, I assumed most others also would be. I loved the idea of getting 500 schoolchildren to draw me some death. Not sure where I would find a quick 500 students since Canajoharie only has 3797 residents--I doubt there are 500 kids in the school! I thought of Iraq and how easy it would be to dedicate a card for each of 500 totally unnecessary and bogus war deaths. I would have to leave many out, or do several series of cards for fairness, so this wasn't working for me.
He Giveth His Beloved Sleep
(a favorite gravestone slogan of mine)
I realized that these modes of operation were just another way for me to avoid thinking about death. With deadlines for my show looming, I already am overwhelmed. But I really liked the way A Book About Death was pushing my limit--I know that sounds silly that I liked being uncomfortable, but usually this means a growth opportunity--a chance for me to learn something. So this weekend I engaged it.
I had done a journal a few years ago that was themed around cemetaries. My bestest pal Travis and I had spent so many lunches in various local cemetaries, experimental photographing, seeking Mason gravestones, graverubbing..., and I had used some of these pieces in collage work.
left: pic of fence from the cemetary behind the historical Indian Castle Church (off rte 5s, outside Little Falls)
right: Travis in creepy Halloween mask beside the quiet ravine that comprises some of Canajoharie cemetary
I spend 3 hours looking for that journal. I was going to cheat and use a page from the journal instead of coming up with a new piece. My wonderful organizational skills (or lack thereof) totally prevented this from happening. Still cheating, I knew I also had a favorite piece of mine that I did in my own private journal that would probably work. I even scanned it in, preparing to make the post card entry from it.
private journal entry: 2004
Again, I caught myself in the act of cheating and proceeded beat my own ass. That was it. I sat down at the table and found some clips that I have been saving for a long time. The girl with the netted hat, she has been passed over at least 500 times. Her time had come. Along with some black and white double exposed Holga photographs that Trav and I took years ago. After all that buildup, I'm not sure the end product was "all that". The entire time I composed the piece, my mind wondered to distant Lithuanian and Norwegian relatives that paved the way bravely for me to exist.
However, it's what went on in my own head that interests me. For me it's the journey that matters. The continuous brain games that go on while I avoid things. The personal acknowledgment of my weaknesses. The triumph of thinking it all through. It's this I share with you. Like a mini-performance art.
my final entry
I had all these grandiose ideas when he first posted the call. I thought about my own experiences about death...those family members of mine who have recently died, including my mother. It was overwhelming. The power of the subject. I had a hard time approaching the work.
Matthew and I skyped and brainstormed all these wondrous ideas and cool ways to deal with this project. I dreamed about setting up a booth at our local grocery store, sitting with 500 blank cards, and asking people to write a small thought on the card regarding the Death Subject. But if was avoiding thinking about death, I assumed most others also would be. I loved the idea of getting 500 schoolchildren to draw me some death. Not sure where I would find a quick 500 students since Canajoharie only has 3797 residents--I doubt there are 500 kids in the school! I thought of Iraq and how easy it would be to dedicate a card for each of 500 totally unnecessary and bogus war deaths. I would have to leave many out, or do several series of cards for fairness, so this wasn't working for me.
He Giveth His Beloved Sleep
(a favorite gravestone slogan of mine)
I realized that these modes of operation were just another way for me to avoid thinking about death. With deadlines for my show looming, I already am overwhelmed. But I really liked the way A Book About Death was pushing my limit--I know that sounds silly that I liked being uncomfortable, but usually this means a growth opportunity--a chance for me to learn something. So this weekend I engaged it.
I had done a journal a few years ago that was themed around cemetaries. My bestest pal Travis and I had spent so many lunches in various local cemetaries, experimental photographing, seeking Mason gravestones, graverubbing..., and I had used some of these pieces in collage work.
left: pic of fence from the cemetary behind the historical Indian Castle Church (off rte 5s, outside Little Falls)
right: Travis in creepy Halloween mask beside the quiet ravine that comprises some of Canajoharie cemetary
I spend 3 hours looking for that journal. I was going to cheat and use a page from the journal instead of coming up with a new piece. My wonderful organizational skills (or lack thereof) totally prevented this from happening. Still cheating, I knew I also had a favorite piece of mine that I did in my own private journal that would probably work. I even scanned it in, preparing to make the post card entry from it.
private journal entry: 2004
Again, I caught myself in the act of cheating and proceeded beat my own ass. That was it. I sat down at the table and found some clips that I have been saving for a long time. The girl with the netted hat, she has been passed over at least 500 times. Her time had come. Along with some black and white double exposed Holga photographs that Trav and I took years ago. After all that buildup, I'm not sure the end product was "all that". The entire time I composed the piece, my mind wondered to distant Lithuanian and Norwegian relatives that paved the way bravely for me to exist.
However, it's what went on in my own head that interests me. For me it's the journey that matters. The continuous brain games that go on while I avoid things. The personal acknowledgment of my weaknesses. The triumph of thinking it all through. It's this I share with you. Like a mini-performance art.
my final entry
8/04/2009
Collage on Wood - Boy and Caterpillar
This freakin piece of wood!
I had my honey pie Chris cut me up a few samples of birch plywood. Hochbaum was using birch plywood as his base, and I liked the idea of a firmer substrate. (the 140 lb paper isn't working for me and I am too cheap to purchase the 300 lb!) This particular piece of wood has been sitting in gessoland forever it seems. It took 3 good coats of gesso to get a nice smooth surface to work on, and after sanding the last coat, I decided it was time to try it out.
I love working on wood! The grain does pick up my paint, however, since I like to use acrylics watery and loose like watercolors. This effect came in handy for the distant trees, tho...
I wanted to show how this piece came into being. I had taken these 2 photos of a really gnarly willow and at first the actual laser print of the photo was going to be used as the background.
However, this would completely cover the beautifully sanded and gessoed wood I just spent all that time preparing! Oi! NO WAY I was going to waste that work and gesso... no way. Seriously! So I ended up painting an acrylic background. This was so satisfying as I have been craving to paint landscapes en plein air lately.
Finally I got to use the set of Derwent colored pencils my father bought me for Christmas, as I lightly penciled in the far background trees.
I hated to cover up the pen and ink with collage. In fact, as soon as I painted the piece, I didn't want to cover anything at all. Yet, when it was a laser photograph in the planning stages, I was hell bent on it. I guess I had an investment in the time it took to pen and ink and somehow this altered my perception when it came to put this together. All in all, it's pretty busy.
I did have moth wings on the boy, even real ones I have collected from, dare I say it, spider webs and other dark and miserable places. But the wing thing is pretty cliché and rather overdone. I would think you might want to imagine the tree branches as his wings as he will probably adorn them and take flight!!!
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