Gallery (206) Christmas Present to SAM

You may recall that last summer Seattle artist Todd Jannausch of Gallery 40 fame (a traveling art gallery frequently in place outside of Vermilion on Capitol Hill during second Thursday art walk) created Gallery (206). It is housed in a phone booth and includes original art from 18 local artists. Inside the gallery is a "Phone Book" with 206 listings of artists (below is a photo of my listing). The gallery was originally installed in Occidental Park with permission of the Parks Dept. but has subsequently been unable to find a permanent home.

Home in the City

Red Line and World View I

Life can take some interesting turns, some of which are circular. My friend, Robert Hardgrave, e-mailed me this photo while I was out of town recently. He took it while riding the bus on James between Fourth and Fifth in downtown Seattle. I was aware that these high res images (Art & Soul Photography) of two of my paintings had been selected to hang on the civic fence by the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs but didn't know that they had been put into place (official word shortly followed). Somehow having these images hanging in Seattle seems fitting. One of my first series of paintings,  the Downtown Series, was about capturing the deep sense of belonging I feel in Seattle. I'm at home in this city.

Fifth Ave. #3, 2007

Orangutans and Hollingsworth

On a recent trip to Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle visual artist Harold Hollingsworth noticed that the orangutans were looking a little bored despite the number of visitors passing by. In an effort to perk them up he decided to share images from his sketchbook. Watch the video to see the orangutans' remarkable response. (Video used with permission).

The website,  Miller McCune.com recently reported on the "first of its kind conducted in an actual art gallery" research that confirms the human physiological response to viewing visual art. Heart rate, it seems, is most effected during the viewing process. I suspect that the orangutans wouldn't disagree and you won't get any argument from me either. As an aside, we'll miller-mccune for referring to paintings from the 1800s as contemporary since it appears they got the science right.

In his studio, Harold does cool things with text and layers of paint to simulate old signage and collage. It was a pleasure to visit his studio several weeks ago where he generously shared his process. He was recently awarded a residency in Berlin and will soon be off for several months, a well-earned reward. Please visit his blog to learn more about him and to see images of his work.

Many Thanks!

This was one of the busiest holiday open houses that I've seen at Building C Studios. Thank you to everyone, old friends and new, who made it out today and helped to make it such a smashing success!

It's Time . . .

for the Annual Building C Studios Open House! Painters, photographers, jewelers, sculptors, glass blowers. Needless to say there will be tons of art and fun, plus live music from 6-9. Doors open at noon on Saturday, December 10. Open until 9 pm. You'll find us at 4818 - 14th Ave NW, Seattle. Free parking in the lot south of the building or on the street.

Be sure to visit my studio, which is located in the first floor annex.

Hope to see you there!

Change

‎"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." John Cage

Conversation with Michelle Ross, Visual Artist

Untitled (Travelogues – Turquoise Symptom), 2010

The usual muted Northwest tones of downtown Portland were a stark contrast in November to the vermilion and yellow gold leaves lit up by the slanting sun. The display was captivating as I made my way to Stumptown Roasters on Stark Street to meet with visual artist, Michelle Ross, whose color palette is equally as beautiful, albeit more elegant and subtle.

The Truth of What I See

Somersault, 30"x30", acrylic, 2011

Basically, art is just a way to think. It’s like standing in the wind and letting it pull you in whatever direction it wants to go.     Kiki Smith

This statement describes the course of my practice during the past year. The work has transitioned from a blend of representational and abstracted house forms to non-representational imagery. There has been an insistence to go in this direction from the beginning and now I am learning to let the wind carry me.

Mark Your Calendars!

Last night's hail storm with accompanying thunder and lightening was a spectacular reminder that winter is upon us, so it seems an appropriate time to make some plans to make merry during the dark months. Here are a couple of upcoming events to consider:

Core Gallery: During the month of December the gallery artists will have a selection of small works available for $250 or less. Please join us for the opening on First Thursday from 6-9 pm. The gallery is open Wed-Sat, from noon to 6 pm.  117 Prefontaine Pl. S, Seattle (TK Building).

Building C Studios Holiday Open House: 21 working artists will have their studio doors open for our annual Holiday Open House from noon to 9 pm. Jazz in the Corner will play live from 6-9 pm. We are located 4818 - 14th Avenue NW (in the Homesite Furniture Building). Below is a list of participating artists:

Ben Brackin
Andree B. Carter
Kim Clark
Steve Costie
Diane Culhane
Sue Danielson
Michael Dickter
Louise Durocher
Raya Friday
Kari Goldstein
Robert Hardgrave
Virginia Howlett
Mary Iverson
Akiko Masker
Mikeyla Naylor
A.J. Power
Patricia Ridenour
Robin Siegl
Jennifer Stenhouse
C.L. Utley
Junko Yamamoto

Portlandia

Traveling south to Portland is always worthwhile. Before August I hadn't been there in a couple of years but was drawn back again so soon by a group show called What Comes Next, a juried exhibition that is part of Siren Nation's annual arts festival. It's a pleasure to have one of my pieces, Where are You, included. A nice group of folks run this organization and Tex Clark did a swell job of hanging the show.

Buy Local

All paintings by Brian Cypher

Buying local means purchasing from artists too. My work is available for purchase directly from the artist so please give me a shout out if you are interested in purchasing any of my work. Drop me a line through the contact page on my website. And please save the date for the upcoming Building C Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 10 from 1-9 pm.

There are many artists in and around the Seattle who have work available for purchase and are offering their work in creative ways. LxWxH is a good example. This venture was launched earlier this year by Seattle artist, Sharon Arnold. Here is Ms. Arnold's descriptions from the website for LxWxH:

LxWxH is a box of art with two original pieces of work by two artists, and an essay by a featured writer. This project was founded by Seattle artist and curator Sharon Arnold, which came out of the idea that (perhaps in the tradition of local agriculture movements) art should be sustainable, and accessible. By collaborating with Seattle artists and writers, LxWxH provides an avenue to bring people together and collect art in an affordable and approachable way.  

For $130, you can purchase the current offering. That's a heck of a deal even for one piece of original art! I couldn't pass it up. In my box was a Brian Cypher acrylic painting (see top row, third from the left in the photo above), an Allyce Wood drawing, along with a well written and insightful essay by Emily Podhast.

Part of the fun is that when you purchase a box of art you are purchasing the contents sight unseen. I was lucky enough to get a peak into several boxes before making a choice (please don't tell anyone). The quality of the work and writing were consistently high, and any of them would have made me a happy camper. You have the option of purchasing one subscription for $130 or signing up for an annual subscription, which costs $700. A new edition is about to be launched and includes work by Francesca Lohman, Lauren Klenow, and  Rachel Shimp.

Go shop local!

Birth of Art?

Visual art can sometimes best be seen through the finger tips rather than the eyes. Case in point, it took a blind man to find a rare piece of pottery that may be the earliest example of Western art found to date (as reported on the New Scientist blog recently). The discovered piece happens to depict a rare birthing scene. Here is a link for more information.

Picasso Drawings at the Frick Museum

Take a look at a small yet terrific show of Picasso drawings on exhibition at the Frick Museum in New York. The museum is a bit further away than SAM, of course, where there was a wonderful exhibit earlier this year of Picasso's work. Luckily we can view the Frick show on-line. It's not the same as seeing them in person but better than not at all.

Picasso demonstrated a high level of skill even at a young age. Work in this show provides an overview of his development from age seven until late in his career. Even taking into account that his father was a drawing instructor who began teaching Picasso at a very young age, it is clear that he possessed incredible talent, in part evidenced by a portrait of his father he drew as a teen-ager. It's no wonder he got bored later on and started exploring different ways to depict the figure, his life-long passion. Lucky for us! 

Amy Silman

Amy Silman. You've been on my mind.

International Painting Annual II (print)

Triplette II, 2010, acrylic 30"x20"

It will be a while before the presses roll but I'm excited to announce that Triplette II will be included in the upcoming book International Painting Annual II, published through Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, OH. It seems that 1310 entries from 412 artists were submitted from around the globe so it's a thrill to have one of my painting selected. I'll keep you posted when more information on the publication date is available.

George Hermes: Xenophilia, Love of the Unknown

Love of the unknown is a concept that I have been exploring in my sketchbook lately by making marks while trying to stay out of my own way. Using black pens on white paper becomes its own intoxication, of course, but ultimately this is a practice in meditation with visual results.

On a recent trip to L.A. (my first incredibly enough) I had the pleasure of seeing some recent work by George Herms, who has been creating art from the scrap heap since the early 60s. The exhibit was located at LAMOCA at the Design Center and was, get this, free. I would have paid to get in.

The exhibition includes sculptures that Mr. Herms is famous for, created from rusty cast off items before recycled art became all the rage. It is the collages that stole my heart. They are made up of photographs that have been cut and reshaped into vibrant and lively forms. They are familiar yet undefinable.  The results are compelling and demonstrate well Mr. Herms love of the unknown. For a review of the show in Artweek.LA click here.

Red Head in Action

Here is the artist known as Jay (age 6) busy at work. His ability to draw with absolute confidence in his vision is enviable and inspiring. 

Structure: Inside and Out

A pillar of strength you might say, depending upon your belief system, from a Stave Church. All in all an amazing piece of architecture that was built in Medieval Norway.

A Stellar Month for Painting Shows in Seattle!

We all know how fast news travels these days but it was with particular high speed velocity that word traveled about the current show, Instruments of Culture, paintings by Sarah Awad hanging in the front gallery at James Harris Gallery in Pioneer Square. Don't miss this show! These amazing paintings of acrylic and oil create their own space through shifting perspective and layers of paint.

Award's paintings are philosophical examinations of how space (physical, psychological, and imagined), can exist within a painting. This often involves the reinterpretation of historical architecture through abstraction. Psychological, social, and political space is also present, due to Awad's use of figures and social rituals. (James Harris Website).

Ms. Awad has years of painting left ahead of her, which fills me with great anticipation.

Another rising star whose future paintings I look forward to seeing are those of Leanne Grimes currently hanging at the SAM Gallery as part of the Autumn Introductions show. Ms. Grimes' abstracted landscapes with surprising pops of color really charmed me.  Also showing: Matt Crosby, Frank Huster, A.J. Power, Laura Thorne, Robin Siegl, Jennifer Stanton and Jacqueline Will.

Also recommended: Cable Barrett and Susanna Bluhm at Soil and Christopher Martin Hoff at Linda Hodges.

There are numerous shows out there that I haven't gotten to but these are the best of what ground I've been able to cover thus far. Time to get my walking shoes back on.

Route 21 by Julia Hensley

Here it is, Route 21, by Julia Hensley. I've written about Julia before, who is a teacher, mentor and friend of mine. This past week-end she had a studio sale that included some of her older work (a more recent body of work includes painting collages with a few breathtaking installation collages; she's currently busy at work on something new that I can't wait to see).  I stopped by to say hello and catch up. Having purchased several of Julia's paintings in the past it was not my intention to walk out with yet another piece but I was unable to do that. This painting sat quietly in the corner and nibbled away at my resolve.

Michelle Ross at PAM: You Take My Breath Away

Last week I was lucky enough to make a quick one-day trip to Portland, which never disappoints with either the art or the food that I consume there.

This time around I discovered Michelle Ross, whose paintings are included in the Contemporary Northwest Art Awards at PAM. Obviously Ms. Ross has been around a while. Her oil paintings are etherial yet solidly grounded. She is one of those painters who make me ache because of the shear force of ability and execution. I could hardly walk away. Thank you Ms. Ross, for making my day.

There is other terrific work represented in the CNAA exhibit, including Chris Antemann, John Buck, John Grade, Jerry Iverson, Suzie Lee, and Megan Murphy. Check it out.

Endings and Beginings

Sometimes there is a weird convergence of shows ending and beginning. This is such a week.

High Jinks at the upFront Gallery at artEast ended with a bang at the closing reception on Friday. Participating artists shared their inspirations and/or the stories behind their works. Carol Ross, whose encaustic piece, Dreams of Milk, shared that the call inspired a new series work. Kelly Lyles talked about her play on words in Welcome to Viagra Falls, which featured rabbits chewing on little blue pills. Thanks to the artists and everyone who High Jinks possible. A special thanks to Susan Melrath who co-curated the show with me.

Yesterday I delivered three paintings from the World View Series to the Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle for a group show with Todd Horton and Jan Lazerwitz. This show is curated by Barbara Shaimans, Director of Exhibitions at the SAM Gallery and will be on display through November.

Earlier this week two paintings were delivered to Northwinds Art Center in Port Townsend for their annual juried exhibition. This year's juror is Gary Fagin, Artist Director, at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. The opening reception is this Friday. The exhibition runs through August.

Another ending includes Textile, Glass and Furniture Juried Exhibition at Studio 659 in Whiting, Indiana. Two of my World View fiber pieces were included in this exhibition, which ends on Saturday.

Last but not least, two paintings from the Home Symbols Series were put in the mail to the Fine Art Museum at Florida State University, Tallahassee, for the 26th Annual International Exhibition. This show opens on August 29th, so if by chance you find yourself in Tallahassee before October 3, please stop by and let me know how it looks. Unfortunately you won't see me there but I'm very excited to be included in this show, and all these exhibitions.

So now it's time to get back into the studio . . . in spite of all the sun out there!

Matisse and Me

Nude with White Scarf
Matisse 1909
Statens Museum for Kunst

It’s time to own up to my love affair with Matisse. I am blatantly guilt-free despite the duration of this relationship.  My husband is a generous man. He turns a blind eye to the longing gazes that I cast at another.

A few weeks ago I had the unadulterated pleasure of spending an hour with 18 pieces of Matisse’s work in a quiet museum gallery, virtually alone, as if a universal message gone out to leave us alone. Fate intervened I suppose. 

Even after so many years into this relationship something inexplicable happened. Molecules shifted and I left the room a changed woman. What happened there was deeply internal. The words to understand and so begin describe this experience remain unknown to me. But this week after a long time away from the studio it was through the end of a brush that the experience began to take some form.  My breathing has finally returned to normal.

Gallery (206) Extended through 8/31

There's still time to check out Gallery (206) in Occidental Park, which had been extended through August.  The gallery has been featured in a number of blogs. Here are a few:

Seattle Weekly

Seattle Magazine

Art Zone

2011 Civic Square Fencing

Images of Red Line and World View I have been selected for inclusion in the Seattle Civic Square Fencing project. That means they will appear on panels installed on a fence surrounding the Civic Square construction project between Third and Fourth Avenues and Cherry and James in downtown Seattle. I'll keep you posted about the installation date.

More High Jinks

High Jinks is up through July. The closing reception is Friday, July 29 from 6-8 pm. Please come join the fun.

Participating artists:

Patti Bowman

Jose Castro

Joan Cole

Diane Culhane

Nikki de Relle

Patty Franklin

Lisa Jenni

Karen Jimenez

Jane Kakaley

Ralf Keeler

Cara Kennedy

Kelly Lyles

Maria Meneses

Leslie Nan Moon

Carol Ross

Brian Sostrom

Anna-Mária Vág

Al Zold

High Jinks at artEast

Join the fun at artEast for a midsummer frolic! This is an exhibit co-curated by Susan Melrath and yours truly. Through July 30th at artEast. Closing Reception Friday, July 29th from 6-8 pm.

Artists for Japan Summer Series Benefits Children

Children who survived the tsunami earlier this year will be the beneficiaries of the Artists for Japan Summer Series. All proceeds will go towards the education of these children, from kindergarten to college. The sale happens one day only, Saturday, June 18 from noon to 8:30 pm at Kobo at Higo, 602 Jackson in the International District of Seattle.  I've donated several small prints, which are abstractions of the view from my studio in Building C (before I moved downstairs).

This event also coincides with the International District JamFest/Art Walk, so don't miss the fun and the chance to support this terrific cause. 

Open Studio and Artists for Japan This Saturday

Even though the weather isn't cooperating with this summer season, there are plenty of reasons to get out and about this Saturday.

ARTISTS FOR JAPAN: SUMMER SERIES: June 18 from 12-8:30 pm at KOBO at HIGO, 602-608 S. Jackson, Seattle.

Coinciding with the ID's JamFest/Art Walk, Artists For Japan will host a small art sale/fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Ashinaga Foundation, which provides support for the education of children who have lost their parents or guardians in the recent earthquake and tsunami. One of my pieces will be included.

OPEN STUDIO AT BUILDING C STUDIOS: June 18 from 6-9 pm, 4818 - 14th Ave NW., Seattle. Live music in Homesite and plenty of art. Please stop by.

Studio Visit Magazine

The latest edition of Studio Visit Magazine is out and it includes a page featuring my work. There is a pdg version of the magazine available through the link. I'll have a few available for sale in my studio during art walk at Building C Studios this Saturday from 6-9 pm. Please stop by. There will be live music at Homesite Furniture in addition to all of the usual fun!

Museum of Northwest Art Auction

Blue House, 12"x12", acrylic, 2010

Don't miss the upcoming auction at the Museum of Northwest Art in LaConner on Saturday, June 18. My piece, Blue House, will be one of many works for sale in support of the museum, whose mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art by Northwest artists.

The Word's Getting Out

Will this be the last time that I mention Gallery (206)? Hard to say but in the meantime, please check out this link. Also highlighted by Nancy Guppy on Art Zone during the June 3 edition.

Opening Night for Gallery (206)

 

Even though it poured down rain much of the morning, the sun came out in time for a beautiful evening with a terrific crowd of friends and artists to make opening tonight at Gallery (206) extra nice.  Attendees spilled out of the gallery into Occidental Park. What a fun-filled evening! Thanks to Todd Jannausch, who put together this project, for sharing such a fun idea and for a wonderful execution.

When you visit, don't forget to look up. Troy Gau's contribution in the ceiling of the gallery, Infinite Change, which pretty fitting for the space.

If I forgot to mention it, you'll find me in the book. The gallery will be open through June.

Final Days at Coos Museum

One of my acrylic paintings, Dream a Little Dream, was included in the Expressions West 2011 at the Coos Museum in Coos Bay, Oregon.  There are only a few days left to catch the show, which ends on May 28, 2011, so if you are on the Oregon Coast, stop by and catch the show.

Gallery (206)

Alternative exhibition spaces have been popping up more frequently since the economic down turn and Gallery (206) is just one space. Gallery (206) is an old fashioned phone booth placed in Occidental Square in Seattle from May 31 until the end of June.  The gallery will contain 19 original works of art, an audio installation, and a phone book with a listings, including an image and contact information, for 206 local artists. You'll find me in the book and at the opening on Tuesday, May 31 from 7-10 pm.

Looking at a Painting Is Like Falling In Love

Looking at a beautiful painting results in the same human physiological response as falling in love by increasing blood flow to in a certain part of the brain by 10%, according to a report on current research published by The Telegraph. "What we found is when you look at art – whether it is a landscape, a still life, an abstract or a portrait – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure" says Professor Semir Zeki, chair in neuroaesthetics at University College London, who conducted the experiment. To read the full article go here.

Fiona McGuigan

Fiona McGuigan is a terrific painter and person. I've had the privilege of seeing some of her work for this show in progress and I'm very anxious to see the finished work hanging in the gallery. This is destined to be a visceral show of wrestlers caught in the act. Don't miss it!

150' of Art at artEast

The on-line bidding starts tomorrow night at artEast. The art is in the gallery and tomorrow night is also art walk night in down town Issaquah so stop on by!

Structure III

Structure III

Domestic Patterns Opening Tomorrow at Arts West

Just a quick reminder about the opening tomorrow night for "Domestic Patterns" at ArtsWest Gallery in West Seattle from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Please follow this link and see you'll see a video clip from "Arts Around" produced by Q 13 TV that highlights the show. In the background you'll see some of my monolith paintings and a 3-dimensional piece, along with the work by Diane Culhane and Grace Willard.

Following the opening there will be a panel discussion about how to make it as a video artist. Hope to see you there!

What the #%!$@? Abstraction, Emotions, and Art

In this era when slashing funding for the arts is a hot topic because it is considered a "luxury", here is a cool blog post from MOMA about arts education and the process of learning to understand an often very confusing subject, abstract art: MOMA/PS 1.

Scientific research proves that an arts education teaches critical thinking skills. Understanding abstract concepts is translatable specifically to philosophy, science and math in addition to other aspects of life. It's arguable that some research in physics itself grew out of scientists trying to understand cubist paintings, which in turn lead to scientific discovery.

Knowledge of writing and reading are important, of course, but gaining the ability to apply them in holistically is what an arts education provides and is an equally important part of the puzzle. That's why it's so important to support the arts in general, and arts education. The arts are not a luxury but a necessity.

6th Annual Flying House Sale

Come one, come all to the 6th Annual Flying House Sale hosted by my friend Becky Brooks. Becky pulls together a great collections of fine crafts, arts and even soap/lotion makers for a this cool sale in her home. Most of the artists and artisans are on site for you to meet. Becky is a wonderful hostess too. Her home is located very close to down town Issaquah. Check the link for more information, including location and hours. Don't miss the fun.

Call for Art at artEast: High Jinks

Submit your version of summer fun to this open call for High Jinks at artEast! We are seeking submissions for artworks that explore the lighter side of life for a mid-summer frolic full of mischief and tomfoolery. Have fun, go wild, cut loose, sing a song of summer, or find your inner prankster! Various interpretations on the theme encouraged.

This open call for art will be my first foray into the other side of the curtain, juring an art show, along with fellow juror, Susan Melrath. We are looking forward to seeing your submission.

Domestic Patterns at Arts West

Please stop by Arts West in West Seattle for Domestic Patterns. I have the honor of showing with Diane Culhane, fellow Building C Studios mate and friend, and Grace Willard. The show "portrays unique representations of home and domesticity" and is curated by Nicole Dement. Domestic Patterns, through April 23. The opening will be held Thursday, April 14, from 6-7:30 pm.

Grace Willard is a contemporary fiber artist with a brilliant attention to detail in her embroidery and crochet.  Her titles include charming old-world themes such as “pickling” and “marmalade.”  A graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio, she exhibits throughout the region and nationally.  Willard is active in the art community and has interned with organizations Artist Trust, Shunpike and artist Mandy Greer. She currently works for Pratt Fine Art Center.
 
Diane Culhane is an award-winning artist and educator that creates art using both paint and clay.  Featured in Domestic Patterns are her vibrant scenes of suburban-like landscapes with floating people, their pets and cars painted with an informed rawness.  She is represented by galleries throughout the US including Zeek Gallery in Salem, Oregon and Art on 5th in Austin, Texas. 

This show includes paintings and small scale sculptures from my Monolith Series. My work explores the dynamic tension that exists between reality and the monolithic concepts that encompass “home.” 

Artists for Japan: Final Number

 

 

$86,000 raised in just two days!

Amazing!

Thank you Seattle!

Artists for Japan Huge Success

Only two hours into the sale yesterday, $15,000 had already been raised for the Red Cross' relief efforts in Japan, and that doesn't include the matching grant of $10,000 offered by the Murakami Family (Higo Variety Store). Here is a story about the sale published in the Seattle Times.

I personally picked up a lovely encaustic by friend and fellow artist, Stephanie Hargrave. Don't be afraid of the line. It moves quickly, but you better get on your way. Today's sale opens in 20 minutes and goes until 5 pm.

Artists for Japan

It's this week-end. Don't miss it! Here is my offering:

Purple House, 16"x16", acrylic, 2010

Marilyn Zuckerman, Poet

About the time I began taking art classes and was cooking for a living I had the good fortune to meet Marilyn Zuckerman. She had just relocated to Seattle to be near her family after living in Boston for 30 years.  She hired me to work with her preparing meals and we became fast friends, sharing conversation over steaming pots of food and cups of tea. 


Our shared interests include politics, cities, art and literature. I particularly love hearing her stories about how she embarked in her 50s, after raising a family and finding herself on her own, to begin anew. Back then, this meant returning to school to earn a degree so she could teach English and literature. Fresh starts are a repeating theme in her life and one of thing many things I admire about her. She also happens to a published and well respected poet. 

I’m honored to be working with Marilyn on a project that combines our poetry and art, while highlighting the difficulties of families and individuals during the economic downturn.  We will provide updates as work on our project progresses. In the meantime, Marilyn has graciously allowed me to publish one of her poems here.

Somebody

Somebody lost their job

Someone else had a heart attack

And needs an implant

Somebody broke their leg

And Someone else made a bad investment and didn’t get a bailout

Somebody’s pension is gone

And now there’s nothing left

Someone else’s mom has Alzheimer’s and had to go to a nursing home

Somebody’s kid has leukemia and needs costly meds

So Somebody went bankrupt

and Someone’s house is in foreclosure

Now Somebody’s unemployment benefits are running out

And who knows where all the Somebody’s will sleep tonight

For more information about Marilyn Zuckerman please visit her website at marilynzuckermanpoet.com

Artists for Japan: Another Update

The Red Cross will be the beneficiary of this sale. Credit card donations can be made directly to the Japanese Red Cross via Google, using your gmail address. If you don't have a Google account, donations will be made to the American Red Cross by credit card or check.

Artists for Japan Sale Extended to Include Sunday

A website with updated information about Artists for Japan has been set up. It includes a complete list of participating artist, location and added dates for the sale (extended now to Sunday) as well as location and sponsors.

If you are an artist who wants to donate, information about donating is also on the website.

Artists for Japan

Time	Saturday, March 26 · 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Location	KOBO at HIGO 604South Jackson Street
	Artists For Japan March 26, 12pm - 8pm Sunday, March 27, 12pm - 5 pm ...About this event A number of Seattle artists with connections to Japan had the same idea at the same time. What can we do to aid recovery efforts from the devastation from last week's earthquake and tsunami? The greatest asset we have to contribute is our work, and with your help, we can convert that artwork into the most versatile asset - money to support relief efforts. All the artwork - paintings, drawings, calligraphy, sumi-e, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, prints, and more - has been donated. No commissions are being paid, and all the hard costs for the event have been donated. How it Works This event is offered in the spirit of generosity and trust. Instead of purchasing the artwork, guests will have the opportunity to make a donation in the amount of that "price" directly to the International Red Cross in exchange for the work. Donations can be made by only by credit card or check. (Some employers will match your donations, check your company policies on matching donations.) Everybody wins. The Murakami Family (Higo Variety Store) will also match up to $10,000 in donations raised. Participating artists (to date) Juan Alonso Toshi Asai Peter Bagge Debra Baxter Jennifer Bennett Tracy Boyd Allison Collins Diem Chau C.T. Chew Diane Culhane Sue Danielson Julia Freeman Sean Frego David French Tim Girvin Akiko Graham Adriana Grant Stephanie Hargrave Stephen Hazel Linda Hoshide Etsuko Ichikawa Elizabeth Jameson Weston Jandacka Iskra Johnson Satoko Kobayashi Seiko Kobayashi Anita Lehmann Rozarii Lynch Rick Mahaffey Akiko Masker Kevin C. McCarthy Shino Mikami Mutsuko Mitsui Naomi Mittet Saya Moriyasu Miho Nakaoka Haruko Nishimura Nicholas Nyland Yuko Otoku Reid Ozaki Tommer Peterson AJ Power Pamela Pike E Powers Kathleen Rabel Maria Grazia Repetto Ken Ray Dorothy Rissman Norie Sato Chiyo Sanada Tamae Satsu Roger Shimomura Katy Stone Akio Takamori Mugi Takei Maki Tamura Timea Tihanyi Takuya Tokizawa Genevieve Tremblay Mizue Trinidad Ikuyo Tsunoda Junichi Tsuneoka George Tsutakawa (estate) Tomoko Uno Patti Warashina Barry Wong Junko Yamamoto Ellen Ziegler and more to come! Updates on Additional Artists and Further Information http://artistsforjapan.blogspot.com/ KOBO at HIGO 604South Jackson Street Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 381-3000 info@Koboseattle.com www.Koboseattle.com Thanks to our Community Sponsors (to date) Kobo at Higo Studio Stubborn Sideburn (Design and Illustration) Wing Luke Asian Museum Volunteers We are also in need of volunteers from Friday, March 25 through Monday, March 28. Please email Etsuko Ichikawa with the subject line "Volunteer" if you will be available to help. Organizers Binko Chiong-Bisbee Etsuko Ichikawa Elizabeth Jameson Tommer Peterson Junko Yamamoto

Upcoming Events at Core Gallery

Tomorrow I'll be gallery sitting from noon to 6:00 pm at Core Gallery so please stop by and say hello. My show, Touching the Wall, is on exhibition through on Saturday, March 26.

On Sunday, March 20, at 2:00 pm I'll be giving an artist talk.

See you there!

Rothko, a Monkey and a Child . . .

walked into a bar . . ..  Just joking.

The next time you hear someone comment about an abstract expressionist painting, "My kid could have done that", you might share with them that research says otherwise.  When compared side by side with abstract paintings made by a child and a monkey, people with an untrained eye significantly preferred those painted by professional artists.

“People untrained in visual art see more than they realize when looking at abstract expressionist paintings,” Boston College psychologists Angelina Hawley-Dolan and Ellen Winner report in the journal Psychological Science.  

There you go.

I Must Confess

 

I cannot stop looking at the paintings of Ken Kewley.  More than that, he writes more eloquently about the process of painting than any one I've come across in a while. Here is just one of the things he says that I love:

"You can try as hard as you want, trouble is, what you are trying to do has little to do with what you will do. But if you fail you will possibly get something far more surprising, something you just invented."

It's been a while since I've been able to paint, drawn away by preparing for shows, etc., but I'm now ready, and inspired, to get back to it.

Thank you!

A sincere thank you to everyone who made it to the opening last night despite awful weather (though the blue sky appeared just in time after wind, rain and hail) and bad traffic. It was a wonderful evening.

artEast 24 Hour Painting Marathon

That's right. And it starts this morning at 9:00 a.m.  artEast is a terrific community-based organization for artists that is located in Issaquah. They have brought together 14 professional artists for this event. So before you head to Pioneer Square for First Thursday tonight, take at drive to Issaquah and check out the doings.

First Thursday Recommendations

I'm a loyal reader of Joey Veltkamp's blog, Best Of, so I'm particularly thrilled to have my show at Core Gallery, Touching the Wall, listed in his blog as one of the recommended openings for First Thursday tomorrow night. Thanks Joey!

As you can see from his blog post, there are lots of good shows opening Thursday night so put on your walking shoes! Hope to see you there.

What it Takes

John Cread working on Touching the Wall

Putting together a so called "solo show" is anything but! Here is my co-worker, John Cread, who is working with me to take my maquette of Touching the Wall (there it is in the foreground) from mere inches into a 6' foot tall sculpture. The work is done now and the final version will be installed in Core Gallery come March.

John is one of many people who have helped me put together this show. They include the wonderful folks at Art and Soul Photography who shot my work, to Skip Holman who did my framing when needed, to Scott Mansfield who designed my post card, to all my supportive artist friends who've generously given their moral support and sharp insight, least among them my compatriots at Building C Studios, and the crew at Core Gallery who put together such a wonderful space to share and show art.  And, of course, my superman husband of many years, Dave. Yeah, solo show. Uh huh.

Upstairs Downstairs

On the subject of finding balance I'm wondering what the fate of this tree will be when I return to walk the beach on Lopez Island.

Touching the Wall

Transformation, acrylic, 30"x48", 2010

Finding balance. Holding steady. Touching the wall.

Touching the Wall is my first show at Core Gallery.  It is a representation of my ongoing examination into the notion of home once we move beyond the physical structure. It will include not only acrylic paintings but a wood sculpture that reaches 6', the title piece for the show, and two fiber pieces. All of the work was created during the past year.

Also in the gallery will be new oils on loose canvas by John Smither. His exhibition, Cedars vs. Blackberries - Seattle Back Alley Brawl, focuses on the clash between old and new as it plays out between these two plant forms recognizable to most Seattleites.

Please join us at the opening on March 3 between 6-9 pm during the First Thursday Art Walk in Seattle. The show will run from March 3 to March 26. Core Gallery is located at 117 Prefontaine and is open Wed-Sat from noon to 6 pm.

I Am Here

Today I am gallery sitting at CORE between noon and 6 pm. Please come by and see the exhibits by David Hytone and Jim Stoccardo (recommended by the City Arts Blog).

David Hytone's abstract and impasto-style oil paintings are reminiscent of spring, full of rich and lively color. Jim Stoccardo's acrylic city scene paintings, sculptures and drawings are full of whimsy. Their work is sure to warm your heart on a dreary wet Saturday afternoon.

West Coast Biennial 2011

World View, acrylic, 2010, 24"x48"

I'm also very excited to have World View selected by juror Bob Nugent for inclusion in the first West Coast Biennial at the Turtle Bay Museum in Redding, CA.  Betty Lease wrote an nice article about the show for Redding.com here. The show opens today and runs through April 10.

Fresh Air: A Regional Juried Exhibition for Emerging Artists

Cool, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Earlier this year I created a series of abstract work that I haven't shown before. Cool is one of those pieces. It was selected by juror Courtney Gilbert, curator of visual arts at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. along with Turbulance to be included in the Fresh Air: A Regional Juried Exhibition for Emerging Artists at the Visual Arts Center at Boise State University, Boise, ID.  The exhibition runs from today through February 25.

Amy Pence-Brown of the Boise Weekly wrote about the exhibition here.
If you find yourself in Boise sometime before the 25th, please stop by.

Structures I Wish I'd Seen

You'll find them here.

On the Issue of What Have You Done for Me Lately

In the Pink II, 2010, acrylic

 
One word.  Well, okay, two.  Artist Trust.  What they have done for me lately began overtly 18 months ago when I participated in a week-long intensive program on the business of art called the EDGE Program.  Every day since then I am impacted by that program through the knowledge that I gained and the friends that I made. So are the hundreds of Washington artists who have participated in this valuable program.

I benefit from the Artist Trust website on a regular basis because it provides invaluable resources, which are provided not just to visual artists but to all persuasions of creative types. Important information is also available through up to date seminars often provided free of charge, publications, and one on one meetings. The folks at Artist Trust are dedicated and chock full of information they are ready to share. I've only listed a few of the services they provide.  You'll find out more if you visit their newly revamped website.

So why bring this up now? Because it's time to pay it forward. On Saturday, February 19, Artist Trust will hold it's annual juried art auction. The year it's called Temptation. My painting, In the Pink II, will be available for purchase along with the amazing work of many local artists.  Get your tickets because they will be going fast and support this unique and wonderful organization!

Even on a Wet, Gray and Gloomy Thursday . . .

there is color to be found. This morning in Tangletown I was about to drive off when I looked over and saw this.

Now That the Dust Has Settled

I want to thank everyone who came out to support and make the opening of CORE such a huge success.  The gallery was full of people all night long and the energy was amazing. Thank you! Thank you!

CORE Sample, a group show of gallery artists, is up through January 29.  The range of work includes paintings, sculptures, animation, photography and metal smith work. The gallery is open Wed-Sat from 12:00 to 6:00 pm.  117 Prefontaine Pl. S., Seattle.

City Arts Recommends Core Gallery

It's true! City Arts recommends Core Gallery as your #1 stop for First Thursday Art Walk tonight.  See you there!

Core Sample

The inaugural exhibition at Core Gallery, Core Sample, opens tomorrow night during First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.  Please join us between 6-9 p.m. at this new non-profit art gallery featuring the work of a diverse group of contemporary Northwest artists, including painters, metal smiths, photographers, video/animation artists and sculptors.