Okay- lots of random thoughts for you tonight. First, the Michael Jackson news. What a shame- he was an absolute genius. Unquestionably one of the most progressive and talented humans to grace the planet. There was a person with serious demons. He certainly earned the title King of Pop. It's unfortunate that the allegations have tainted what may have been the strongest legacy of music history.
Farah Fawcett- sad news as well. I admit, I had the Farah poster on my wall when I was a kid! Big crush. Not as big of a crush that I had on Princess Leah- but a big one none the less!
So tonight was fun. I was at an event and was asked to sign autographs. Now, I don't know why anyone would want my autograph! But...I didn't refuse. The real fun part was when a girl I know wanted me to draw a tattoo on her arm instead. Now I was in my element! I drew on a few girls-that was fun!!! (on G-Rated spots you pervs!!! I know what you're thinking!!!) It's fun to draw on the spot like that with the pressure of coming up with a quick design that will look cool. Skin is a cool media that I didn't consider before. I should do a whole art show with a sharpie! Live art. I'll have to give that some thought. Maybe I can do something with that on my next opening. I don't like openings to be stuffy. That will change things up a bit!
Okay- gotta run. Everybody have a great weekend.
Ciao!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Benefit to restore Santa Maria del Suffragio
I just received an email from Antonella Mason. She is participating in an exhibition in London to raise funds for the Abruzzo's art destroyed by a recent earthquake.
Here is the description from the Italian Cultural Institute's website:
Following the devastating Aquila earthquake, respected artists Magdalena Rutkowska and Blandine Martin have been inspired to organise an exhibition of paintings donated by well established artists. Exhibition will take place from 29th June to 5th July at the Italian Cultural Institute in London. There will be a gala auction on 2nd July, 7pm, organised by Bloomsbury. The proceeds will go straight into the mammoth task of restoring the destroyed 18th century church Santa Maria del Suffragio.
Wonderful initiative- I hope this is a tremendous success. If you would like more information or would like to donate, please visit: http://www.icilondon.esteri.it/IIC_Londra/webform/SchedaEvento.aspx?id=444
Here is the description from the Italian Cultural Institute's website:
Following the devastating Aquila earthquake, respected artists Magdalena Rutkowska and Blandine Martin have been inspired to organise an exhibition of paintings donated by well established artists. Exhibition will take place from 29th June to 5th July at the Italian Cultural Institute in London. There will be a gala auction on 2nd July, 7pm, organised by Bloomsbury. The proceeds will go straight into the mammoth task of restoring the destroyed 18th century church Santa Maria del Suffragio.
Wonderful initiative- I hope this is a tremendous success. If you would like more information or would like to donate, please visit: http://www.icilondon.esteri.it/IIC_Londra/webform/SchedaEvento.aspx?id=444
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Galleries
Today I got a very long email from a young artist trying to establish herself. She is asking questions about what to paint, how to paint it, who to send it to, how to get noticed....
First of all, I am happy to help when I can, but I have to do the same thing you know- send out new images to see what galleries are interested. I write up a letter to basically pimp my art and promote it. All artists must do it: painters, musicians, writers, etc.
Here's my advice: Rule one: Believe in your art. Rule Two: if a gallery doesn't see the value in your art, then it doesn't belong in that gallery. You want a gallery to believe in your art as well. I don't want my art hanging in a gallery in which I am their lowest priority. Rule Three: Gallery owners are not the alpha and omega. Some of them merely have money and a hobby and don't know anything about art. Some of them don't like anything that has happened in art since Monet. Many of them would prefer a Bob Ross painting over a Pollock (I'm not trying to be funny, by the way). On the other hand, some of them have a vision- find those gallery owners. Kudos to Nicole at Boxheart Gallery. She always exhibits meaningful art and doesn't judge art based on how good it will look in a dentist's office!
Make sure you are creating the best work you are capable of creating. Make sure you are creating art with an impact, that can communicate. Just understand that everyone has different tastes and not everyone will like your art. Find the galleries that are best suited for your art and style. Don't be crushed when a gallery director rejects you. If the gallery sells paintings of ducks, sunsets and clowns- do you really want to be associated with them?? Find the galleries that show similar work to your own.
Believe in yourself and create meaningful art. Once you have done that, then consider how you want to exhibit it. Don't try to convince a gallery that normally exhibits living room art that your ground breaking installation belongs in their space. Know thyself.
Good luck to all.
First of all, I am happy to help when I can, but I have to do the same thing you know- send out new images to see what galleries are interested. I write up a letter to basically pimp my art and promote it. All artists must do it: painters, musicians, writers, etc.
Here's my advice: Rule one: Believe in your art. Rule Two: if a gallery doesn't see the value in your art, then it doesn't belong in that gallery. You want a gallery to believe in your art as well. I don't want my art hanging in a gallery in which I am their lowest priority. Rule Three: Gallery owners are not the alpha and omega. Some of them merely have money and a hobby and don't know anything about art. Some of them don't like anything that has happened in art since Monet. Many of them would prefer a Bob Ross painting over a Pollock (I'm not trying to be funny, by the way). On the other hand, some of them have a vision- find those gallery owners. Kudos to Nicole at Boxheart Gallery. She always exhibits meaningful art and doesn't judge art based on how good it will look in a dentist's office!
Make sure you are creating the best work you are capable of creating. Make sure you are creating art with an impact, that can communicate. Just understand that everyone has different tastes and not everyone will like your art. Find the galleries that are best suited for your art and style. Don't be crushed when a gallery director rejects you. If the gallery sells paintings of ducks, sunsets and clowns- do you really want to be associated with them?? Find the galleries that show similar work to your own.
Believe in yourself and create meaningful art. Once you have done that, then consider how you want to exhibit it. Don't try to convince a gallery that normally exhibits living room art that your ground breaking installation belongs in their space. Know thyself.
Good luck to all.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A Good Friday
What a week-the release party last night was fantastic. I don't have a final number, but I was told we had over 500 people there. I had a great time meeting new people and spending time with old friends as well. The day started off with an early morning appearance on the Today Show and ended about 3am at Station Square. I slept till almost 11 this morning- took a shower and headed to Starbucks.
In between the craziness of the week, I did have dinner at Franco's one night this week. That is a fantastic restaurant- I highly recommend it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happy Father's Day to the dads and a big thank you to Jim and Angel for all you do.
Peace.
In between the craziness of the week, I did have dinner at Franco's one night this week. That is a fantastic restaurant- I highly recommend it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happy Father's Day to the dads and a big thank you to Jim and Angel for all you do.
Peace.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Closing Day
This has been just a fantastic week. First-the Penguins won the Stanley Cup! The next big surprise was when Mary Thomas so graciously put me in her review of the Arts Festival in Saturday's Post Gazette (see http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09164/976993-437.stm).
Beyond that, it was just a very nice weekend. I attended a few parties, I spent a few hours at the gallery today and met so many fantastic and interesting people. I appreciate all of you who came down to visit. Thanks to Cassie for taking a thousand pictures and making me uncomfortable! I owe her ice cream now.
Afterwards, I took a walk down to the point and listened to the Wailers for a little bit- it's as close as you can get to seeing Bob Marley. What a good feeling band- I'm glad I had the chance to see them. The artist market was very exciting as well.
So now the Arts Festival is over. It was truly an honor to be included in an exhibition curated by Eric Shiner. Now that it's over, I can tell you that the next series of artworks is already underway. More on that later.
Ciao!
Beyond that, it was just a very nice weekend. I attended a few parties, I spent a few hours at the gallery today and met so many fantastic and interesting people. I appreciate all of you who came down to visit. Thanks to Cassie for taking a thousand pictures and making me uncomfortable! I owe her ice cream now.
Afterwards, I took a walk down to the point and listened to the Wailers for a little bit- it's as close as you can get to seeing Bob Marley. What a good feeling band- I'm glad I had the chance to see them. The artist market was very exciting as well.
So now the Arts Festival is over. It was truly an honor to be included in an exhibition curated by Eric Shiner. Now that it's over, I can tell you that the next series of artworks is already underway. More on that later.
Ciao!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Arts Festival continued
Wow- busy week. The Three Rivers Arts Festival is now under way. My art is in the Cultural District. There you will find gallery spaces along Penn Avenue. I have a room in the gallery at 927 Penn. Now since the festival runs for 10 days, I'm not going to be there every day. I will be there Saturday from 4-8, on Wednesday from 5-8 and on closing night (June 14) from 3-6pm. I may pop in at other times as well, but these are definites.
I'm exhausted and it's almost morning so I'm going to bed now. Have a great weekend.
Ciao!
I'm exhausted and it's almost morning so I'm going to bed now. Have a great weekend.
Ciao!
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