back to sketching

After the opening of my solo exhibition a week and a half ago, I haven't spent much time in the studio -- partly because I was playing a little guitar to get my "chops up" for Goody's birthday party (see previous post). Last night, I got back to the studio and did a couple sketches. This one was typical for me, size-wise. Not sure what will come of this sketch, but I really like these elements together.

One of my goals for the summer, is to explore creating some larger format collages, for which I will need to use a more "mosiac-like" approach. I experimented a little bit last night with this idea with this set of black-and-white/gray elements. Of course, FAR from an end product... but worth the start.

Once again.... collage of life

My dear friend Goody and I talk a lot about creative processes, and how they are similar in collage and music-making. This past weekend, we celebrated Goody's 50 birthday with an incredible line-up of musicians from Goody's past and present bands (mix and match). In a way, it was a living collage. I wanted to share some photos of the various iterations... with Goody as a common "element".

The spiritual; the ineffable

I think, in some ways, as artists, we seek to transcend the literal... the constraints of formal language. Whether we try to create something aesthetic, or something evocative... we attempt to create an experience beyond words. I realize that it might be a worn out cliche, but the recent solar eclipse, once again, reminded me (us), that there are primordial, non-verbal sensory experiences that are capable of eliciting awe beyond human existence. Too dramatic? Maybe. But I hope some of you were able to experience it, and are left not being able to describe or explain it to others. Savor it. You are part of the tribe now. 

Opening reception

Oh man! The opening reception for my exhibition last night was phenomenal! I was told by one of the volunteers, that it was the most people she had ever seen at an opening; and the curator said that I set a record for sales (12 pieces). I had so much fun talking with everyone about the works. Feeling very satisfied that all my hard work (but it's fun!) paid off; and VERY grateful that I have so many wonderful folks who support and enjoy my art.

 

Poster for my exhibit

I've very pleased with how this poster looks! I was a bit disappointed, however, by the fact that the curator for the exhibit created the title. I think the exhibit title should be created by the artist. I'm okay with this title; although I think it is a bit cliche and I would have left out the "nightmares". BUT, I am very appreciative to have a solo exhibition of my work at this popular and respected venue. I'll post photos of the opening reception this weekend!

The title as an element in a collage composition

I have always thought that titling an artwork is an important part of the creative process. That's why I never use "Untitled" for my works. I understand why an artist might not want to "bias" a viewer and why they might want the viewer to "title" the piece they are looking at. I just happen to disagree with that approach. Perhaps at the opposite end of the spectrum, I recently created two pieces for which I think the title played an integral role in the overall composition of the artwork. One was the piece I posted in the previous post. Since it is a pretty good bet, that most viewers would perceive the element on the lower left as including something phallic, I thought it would funny to "call out" the viewer with the title, "Hey, It's You Who's Making it Sexual". My hope is that the title will elicit a smile from the viewer. I created the piece shown below, a couple nights ago. After experimenting with various elements, I found this combination to be quite compelling visually. The patina of the vase (an element from 1870s!) matches quite nicely with the coloration of the lunar surface. The embracing sculpture echoes the handles of the vase quite nicely too. But then I was left with the text in the image (which, as a regular blog viewer would know, is something that is not typically found in my compositions). How do those words relate to the overall composition? How do they "fit"? Well, they really don't. Should they just be considered superfluous, but interesting? I wasn't sure how I would consider them. Then, it hit me. I thought it would be funny to think about it as alluding to the not uncommon experience of being in a relationship with someone who might say something strange in an intimate moment, and then you're thinking "What the hell does that mean!?". So I entitled this piece, "Charles Didn't Know What to Make of What She Said". In this case, the collage, in a way, is not really complete without the viewer experiencing the title (i.e., the piece cannot be fully appreciated with the title). Again, my hope is that the title will not only "illuminate" the piece, but also elicit a smile from the viewer.

Last two pieces

Okay, now I can relax a little bit (although I still have to make sure matting and framing is complete). I finished the last two pieces for my upcoming exhibit on this snowy afternoon. One of these is entitled, "Maybe a Little Music Will Help"; the other is entitled, "Hey, It's You That's Making It Sexual".