Question: What violin player has signed deals with Coca-Cola, Ecko and Reebok, has performed with Kanye West and Jay-Z, recorded with Patti LaBelle, Janet Jackson, Brandy, Britney Spears, John Legend and Maroon 5? The answer: the amazing and stunning Miri Ben-Ari. She is becoming known as the "Hip-Hop Violinist".
If you haven't heard of her, do yourself a favor right now and go to her site http://www.miribenari.com/. She's amazing, truly amazing. Miri has taken a classical instrument and fused it into urban pop culture. How innovative!
Kanye West has said "Miri Ben-Ari is to hip-hop now what Miles Davis was to Jazz back in the day!". That's a pretty big statement. Go check out her stuff, I think you'll find it fresh and exciting. That's what the arts are all about- self expression and re-discovery. She might be the best example I have seen.
Have a great Friday!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Today's Google design is in honor of Jackson Pollock's birthday. Go take a look- hurry, before it's gone! It's appearing in honor of his birthday. If you know me, you know how I love Pollock. I love the energy of the work. I love the process.
I can remember Google honoring Miro, Munch, Michelangelo, Van Gogh and da Vinci among other artists. So honorable of them, so cool of them to recognize art the way they do.
That's it for now. Thanks for all of the great comments, I really appreciate that you stop by to see what I'm rambling about today.
Have a great day!
I can remember Google honoring Miro, Munch, Michelangelo, Van Gogh and da Vinci among other artists. So honorable of them, so cool of them to recognize art the way they do.
That's it for now. Thanks for all of the great comments, I really appreciate that you stop by to see what I'm rambling about today.
Have a great day!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Snowfall
It's been a lazy weekend- when it's cold out and snow is falling, a lazy weekend is always a good thing. Today I went to the Grande Concourse for brunch. What a beautiful building that is. It's a shame that architecture of that level has become a thing of the past. The wooodwork, windows, columns, dome ceiling, marble; every single aspect of it is truly a work of art. It's hard to imagine it as a functioning train station. Put it on your list of things to do.
Everytime it snows I am reminded of undergrad school. My drawing table faced a huge window. I had this amazing view of undisturbed woods comprised of these majestic trees. The perfect view in the winter. So many times I stopped painting or drawing to just take in the scenery. I loved to work at night. At 3 or 4 in the morning, the stillness of the night accompanied by the snow falling so elegantly in the moonlight created the perfect atmosphere for an artist.
Enjoy the snow today, keep warm and drive safe.
Ciao.
Everytime it snows I am reminded of undergrad school. My drawing table faced a huge window. I had this amazing view of undisturbed woods comprised of these majestic trees. The perfect view in the winter. So many times I stopped painting or drawing to just take in the scenery. I loved to work at night. At 3 or 4 in the morning, the stillness of the night accompanied by the snow falling so elegantly in the moonlight created the perfect atmosphere for an artist.
Enjoy the snow today, keep warm and drive safe.
Ciao.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Art Scams
Okay, so I like these posts to be optimistic and good natured, but the truth is, the world is not always good natured. There are evil people out there who will intentionally do you harm. Look at this post as a public service announcement.
This is a list of people who have been identified as art scammers that was recently passed on to me. Beware of emails from these people claiming to have an interest in your art. Scams can include fake checks, phony festivals or juried shows with entrance fees, overpayment for your art by a fake check, requesting that you pay back the difference, and many more.
I know we all want to believe that everyone is intrinsically good hearted, but we also need to be realistic. Protect your art and yourself.
Updated list of identified scammers and scams:
http://www.artquest.com/ArtQuest/scammer-names.htm
This is a list of people who have been identified as art scammers that was recently passed on to me. Beware of emails from these people claiming to have an interest in your art. Scams can include fake checks, phony festivals or juried shows with entrance fees, overpayment for your art by a fake check, requesting that you pay back the difference, and many more.
I know we all want to believe that everyone is intrinsically good hearted, but we also need to be realistic. Protect your art and yourself.
Updated list of identified scammers and scams:
http://www.artquest.com/ArtQuest/scammer-names.htm
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Salvador Dali Movie
Exciting news out of Hollywood:
Al Pacino will play artist Salvador Dali in Dali & I: The Surreal Story. A June start date is set for New York and Spain. Variety reports that Andrew Niccol will be directing.
Pacino is phenomenal and what could be a better role than the bizarre and flamboyant Dali?? I can't wait.
Favorite artist movies: Basquiat and Pollock. Surviving Picasso was pretty good, as was Frida. It would be nice to see current remakes of Lust for Life and Agony and the Ecstasy. So many great stories to tell.... Georgia O'Keefe deserves a movie, as does Raphael.
There are so many bad movies about Warhol, there should be one blockbuster film that captured his life and career as well. In the meantime, I'm excited for Dali & I.
Al Pacino will play artist Salvador Dali in Dali & I: The Surreal Story. A June start date is set for New York and Spain. Variety reports that Andrew Niccol will be directing.
Pacino is phenomenal and what could be a better role than the bizarre and flamboyant Dali?? I can't wait.
Favorite artist movies: Basquiat and Pollock. Surviving Picasso was pretty good, as was Frida. It would be nice to see current remakes of Lust for Life and Agony and the Ecstasy. So many great stories to tell.... Georgia O'Keefe deserves a movie, as does Raphael.
There are so many bad movies about Warhol, there should be one blockbuster film that captured his life and career as well. In the meantime, I'm excited for Dali & I.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A New Hope
I was watching coverage of the Inauguration today and am just in awe over the amount of people who came out to witness Obama take the oath of the presidency.
I don't want to open a discussion on politics in here, there are plenty of blogs for that. Let me just say that this overwhelming surge of optimism and positive energy can be the beginning of a new era in our country and the world. I hope Americans truly embrace it and become the change that we need in the world.
I don't want to open a discussion on politics in here, there are plenty of blogs for that. Let me just say that this overwhelming surge of optimism and positive energy can be the beginning of a new era in our country and the world. I hope Americans truly embrace it and become the change that we need in the world.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Andrew Wyeth
Sad news today in the art world, Andrew Wyeth, American painter has passed away at the age of 91. It's wonderful that he enjoyed such a long and prosperous career. Like his father, he was a powerful force in the art community who maintained a very low profile.
I find it interesting how he kept his distance during times of public interest, almost as to disown the popularity. Perhaps he treated the surges of popularity with disdain because of the treatment he received from critics throughout his career. He was often times belittled by critics, being called an "illustrator". How shameful. I wonder if those same people will now honor him.
Wyeth was a truly talented artist who lived an honorable and dignified life. I offer my condolences to his family, I'm sure they are very proud of him and his accomplishments.
I find it interesting how he kept his distance during times of public interest, almost as to disown the popularity. Perhaps he treated the surges of popularity with disdain because of the treatment he received from critics throughout his career. He was often times belittled by critics, being called an "illustrator". How shameful. I wonder if those same people will now honor him.
Wyeth was a truly talented artist who lived an honorable and dignified life. I offer my condolences to his family, I'm sure they are very proud of him and his accomplishments.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
You Are a Masterpiece
I love the last few comments, by the way. A zombie slayer? I don't know how that started, but I'll take it! Too funny. I also think it's funny that most of you post under an alias. I know because so many of you have emailed to tell me what name you are using!
So, the thought for the day is that everybody is working on their masterpiece, but your masterpiece will not be in the form of a drawing, painting, sculpture, composition, novel, etc.. You are the masterpiece, you are your greatest work of art.
Your masterpiece is (or at least it should be) constantly progressing. Your mind, body and spirit are joined together on an amazing journey. Don't squander it.
That being said, I hope you find time today to work on your masterpiece.
Ciao baby.
So, the thought for the day is that everybody is working on their masterpiece, but your masterpiece will not be in the form of a drawing, painting, sculpture, composition, novel, etc.. You are the masterpiece, you are your greatest work of art.
Your masterpiece is (or at least it should be) constantly progressing. Your mind, body and spirit are joined together on an amazing journey. Don't squander it.
That being said, I hope you find time today to work on your masterpiece.
Ciao baby.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thank you
I was just reading comments that have been left on the blog. I am just so excited and grateful that so many people read my rantings about art and life and nothingness. I really enjoy keeping a blog, mostly because I know people are reading it. I really enjoy how the conversation continues after I've signed off. I just needed to create a post that says thank you for being involved. I really appreciate your participation and am so grateful for all of the wonderful compliments.
I'm just in a warm and fuzzy mood. Life is good! I completed new artworks over the last few days, had some good wine, kept good company, had time to work out, ate at one of my favorite restaurants..... I hope everybody else is having a great weekend as well.
Ciao!
I'm just in a warm and fuzzy mood. Life is good! I completed new artworks over the last few days, had some good wine, kept good company, had time to work out, ate at one of my favorite restaurants..... I hope everybody else is having a great weekend as well.
Ciao!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Universe
Everything happens exactly the way it is supposed to happen. I believe that, sincerely. Even the most mundane events are all part of a larger blueprint. It may be the most insignificant part of your day that will bring you together with the person, place or idea that will change your life.
We are all interconnected. Have you not met people who have completely changed your life? Haven't you had the feeling that there is a person in your life for a reason? Is it a coincidence that people with similar energy, passion and desire find each other? Not likely. How do you find one another? Are you drawn together? Are you placed together?
I think about all the amazing people I've met this year- Magda, Tuba, Ewa, Rosanne and a few very impressive people I met as recent as this evening- Pam and Dennis. There are so many fascinating people in the world with the ability to change and influence others....
Whether your view of the universe is based on religion, Newton's classical mechanical universe or Einstein's theory of relativity I would think that any rational person would acknowledge that mankind has far greater potential and power to reduce the events in our lives to mere coincidence.
We are all interconnected. Have you not met people who have completely changed your life? Haven't you had the feeling that there is a person in your life for a reason? Is it a coincidence that people with similar energy, passion and desire find each other? Not likely. How do you find one another? Are you drawn together? Are you placed together?
I think about all the amazing people I've met this year- Magda, Tuba, Ewa, Rosanne and a few very impressive people I met as recent as this evening- Pam and Dennis. There are so many fascinating people in the world with the ability to change and influence others....
Whether your view of the universe is based on religion, Newton's classical mechanical universe or Einstein's theory of relativity I would think that any rational person would acknowledge that mankind has far greater potential and power to reduce the events in our lives to mere coincidence.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year everyone. It's time again for new year resolutions. Mine is always the same- to be a better me. That's it, nothing specific. I will improve in any way I can, learn as much I can, read as much as I can.
First thing I have to do is get back into a normal routine though, these holidays are killing me. I haven't been to the gym or the dojo in 2 weeks, I'm staying up all night, sleeping in late, eating too much, drinking too much. Enough of of this- I need a normal schedule again!
Best wishes to everyone for a happy and prosperous New Year. I'm going back to bed. Definitely going to the gym tomorrow.
Ciao.
First thing I have to do is get back into a normal routine though, these holidays are killing me. I haven't been to the gym or the dojo in 2 weeks, I'm staying up all night, sleeping in late, eating too much, drinking too much. Enough of of this- I need a normal schedule again!
Best wishes to everyone for a happy and prosperous New Year. I'm going back to bed. Definitely going to the gym tomorrow.
Ciao.
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