-
oranje - recent posts from my current home
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
96th Annual Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Exhibition
Christine Creuzzi Bartell Nasturtiums: Triptych Blossoms 
James Scott Munshour Mask for the Festival of Wrong Beliefs
John Eastman American Foreign Policy: Lost Our Way
Ruth Levine Traversed: Passage I96th Annual Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Exhibition
October 27, 2006-January 14, 2007
Opening reception: October 26, 6:30 - 9:00pm
Carnegie Museum of Art - Heinz Galleries
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4080
It has been nearly a month since I went to the Carnegie Museum of Art to spend time viewing the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 96th Annual. I had not intended to take so long to post this review but finishing Mean Stream had to be a priority.
The exhibit really is particularly strong this year. The range of works represented abstract through figurative, which is something that would be expected in a large survey show. Overall, I would say that the selected works emphasized rich surfaces and textures. Now, don’t tell me about exceptions; there are notable ones.
I got busted taking pictures by the guards, so I don’t have images of all of the pieces that I noted. As a little piece of back story, the pieces for the Annual are traditionally chosen fro actual work instead of slides or digital images. While I was dropping off, I saw these wonderful works by Christine Creuzzi Bartell. I was so pleased to see one of them, Nasturtiums: Triptych Blossoms, included in the exhibit. As with many works on paper, the above image does not come close to giving you a sense of the subtle detail in mark and texture of the actual work.
Ruth Levine is always a favorite artist. In Traversed: Passage I, she has overlapped marks in degrees of transparency, building a rich surface. The work, with its marks arranged in columns, reads as a code or something that verges on language.
In Mask for the Festival of Wrong Beliefs, James Scott Munshour seems to be commenting on several conceptions that American society holds dear; the right to bear arms and the puritan work ethic. In this instance, the narrative of the title is imperative in deciphering the artist’s intent. The work was well balanced with an immediate visual appeal.
Elaine Morris was unable to provide an image of Inscribed. This small work has and intimate and personal quality, assembling clippings and letters into a scrapbook image that feels like a brief look into the trials and tribulations of an individual life.
Scott A. Turri’s Poppies and Heroines is interesting for a couple reasons. It had the kind of flat posterized imagery you would expect in Pop art. The colors that he chose, however, took the piece beyond expectations for the genre.
John Yochem Winberg’s At Home in the Forest combines the disparate elements of gridiron and trees. There was something about the work that reminded me of Eastern European painters, with their delight in twisting the parameters of formal ground/object relationships.
John Eastman has an energetic and aggressive painting style. His abstract, American Foreign Policy: Lost Our Way, dominated the room. In this case, the title did not help me gain entry into the artist’s intent. But it also did not in any way deter me from enjoying his piece.
The 96th Annual is on exhibit through January 14th, 2007. So if you haven’t made it to see the show, there are still a few weeks left. In order to make your visit more enjoyable, you should prepare yourself for some of the many rules of behavior that the museum guards enforce. You may not carry any bag larger than 11” x 14”. You may not carry your back pack with both straps on your shoulder but must walk around with it dangling off one side of your body. You may not take pictures. You may not wear a pick in your hair. Do not, under any circumstance, come within a foot of any area that is currently undergoing installation no matter how enticing it is. Also note that if you do bring a larger bag to the museum with you that you will have to check it into self-serve coin-operated lockers. Bring quarters! If you should violate any of these unwritten rules, be prepared to be followed by museum guards throughout your tour of the museum.
October 27, 2006-January 14, 2007
Opening reception: October 26, 6:30 - 9:00pm
Carnegie Museum of Art - Heinz Galleries
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4080
It has been nearly a month since I went to the Carnegie Museum of Art to spend time viewing the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 96th Annual. I had not intended to take so long to post this review but finishing Mean Stream had to be a priority.
The exhibit really is particularly strong this year. The range of works represented abstract through figurative, which is something that would be expected in a large survey show. Overall, I would say that the selected works emphasized rich surfaces and textures. Now, don’t tell me about exceptions; there are notable ones.
I got busted taking pictures by the guards, so I don’t have images of all of the pieces that I noted. As a little piece of back story, the pieces for the Annual are traditionally chosen fro actual work instead of slides or digital images. While I was dropping off, I saw these wonderful works by Christine Creuzzi Bartell. I was so pleased to see one of them, Nasturtiums: Triptych Blossoms, included in the exhibit. As with many works on paper, the above image does not come close to giving you a sense of the subtle detail in mark and texture of the actual work.
Ruth Levine is always a favorite artist. In Traversed: Passage I, she has overlapped marks in degrees of transparency, building a rich surface. The work, with its marks arranged in columns, reads as a code or something that verges on language.
In Mask for the Festival of Wrong Beliefs, James Scott Munshour seems to be commenting on several conceptions that American society holds dear; the right to bear arms and the puritan work ethic. In this instance, the narrative of the title is imperative in deciphering the artist’s intent. The work was well balanced with an immediate visual appeal.
Elaine Morris was unable to provide an image of Inscribed. This small work has and intimate and personal quality, assembling clippings and letters into a scrapbook image that feels like a brief look into the trials and tribulations of an individual life.
Scott A. Turri’s Poppies and Heroines is interesting for a couple reasons. It had the kind of flat posterized imagery you would expect in Pop art. The colors that he chose, however, took the piece beyond expectations for the genre.
John Yochem Winberg’s At Home in the Forest combines the disparate elements of gridiron and trees. There was something about the work that reminded me of Eastern European painters, with their delight in twisting the parameters of formal ground/object relationships.
John Eastman has an energetic and aggressive painting style. His abstract, American Foreign Policy: Lost Our Way, dominated the room. In this case, the title did not help me gain entry into the artist’s intent. But it also did not in any way deter me from enjoying his piece.
The 96th Annual is on exhibit through January 14th, 2007. So if you haven’t made it to see the show, there are still a few weeks left. In order to make your visit more enjoyable, you should prepare yourself for some of the many rules of behavior that the museum guards enforce. You may not carry any bag larger than 11” x 14”. You may not carry your back pack with both straps on your shoulder but must walk around with it dangling off one side of your body. You may not take pictures. You may not wear a pick in your hair. Do not, under any circumstance, come within a foot of any area that is currently undergoing installation no matter how enticing it is. Also note that if you do bring a larger bag to the museum with you that you will have to check it into self-serve coin-operated lockers. Bring quarters! If you should violate any of these unwritten rules, be prepared to be followed by museum guards throughout your tour of the museum.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Munch's The Scream
Have you seen this Herald Tribune article?
Museum fears recovered Munch masterpiece "The Scream" suffered permanent damage in theft
Museum fears recovered Munch masterpiece "The Scream" suffered permanent damage in theft
A paper party
On Monday, I spent the afternoon at Society for Contemporary Crafts, working with the staff on folding paper.If you haven't been there for a while, make time in your schedule. It is well worth the trip.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Cease and Desist Letter to Pittsburgh First, Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force
Thank you, Kim Ellis, for sending this on to me.
Hill District Community Issues Open Cease and Desist Letter to Pittsburgh First, Pgh Gaming Task Force and Elected Officials
Hill District community elders, ministers, residents, artists, activists and representatives continue to highlight their collective opposition to the Pittsburgh First / Isle of Capri Casino development proposal and demand that the plan be stopped:
1. Freedom Corner is the location of the "Not Another Inch" standoff with residents 50 years ago, who sought to protect the historic Hill District from further encroachment. Now, in 2006, residents find themselves again circling to protect the community from casino encroachment and contempt-filled actions against its leaders and concerned citizens.
2. On November 18, 2006, the Isle of Capri company law firm sent Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, a Hill District resident, scholar, artist and activist a letter of legal intimidation, demanding that she "cease and desist" her opposition to the Isle of Capri Category 2 slots license application for the state of Pennsylvania.
3. Community residents and supporters were outraged by the attack, particularly considering the fact that Dr. Ellis' stance represented thousands of Hill residents and supporters throughout the city of Pittsburgh, state of Pennsylvania, nationally and internationally.
4. On December 16, 2006, approximately 100 Hill residents from the lower, middle and upper Hill, as well as supporters from across the city joined hands in prayer and celebration to, once again, express their opposition to and disappointment in the Isle of Capri / Pittsburgh First plan, emphasizing that there is a way to keep the Pens and build a new arena without destroying a neighborhood in the process; and any attempt to move forward with the Isle of Capri plan will be wrought with continued opposition.
Open "Cease and Desist" letter to Pittsburgh First, the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force and Elected Officials
(State Senator Ferlo, Mayor Ravenstahl, County Councilman Robinson, City Councilwoman Payne, in particular)
Pittsburgh First we hereby demand that you CEASE and DESIST your attempts to place a casino in our historic, residential community without the consent of our residents.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your continued attempts to represent your organization as community-based or representative of the majority of Hill District residents when, in fact, your group's sole purpose is to support the Isles of Capri (IOC) Category 2 slots license application.
And we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your campaign of misinformation that has been waged against the entire city of Pittsburgh, in general, and the Hill District community, in particular, suggesting that the only plan of development for the Lower Hill is being proposed by Pittsburgh First. In fact, another gaming applicant has proposed development on the same site without a casino. In fact, your continuous suggestions and outright statements that the only way to keep the Penguins Franchise is to support Pittsburgh First is exceptionally misleading when, in fact, all of the gaming applicants have pledged substantial funds for a new arena.
Finally, we demand that you CEASE and DESIST all legal and other forms of intimidation against Hill District residents, other Pittsburghers and any and all concerned citizens who have a right to oppose your superfluous plan.
Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, we hereby demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC as your favored gaming applicant as they are the only applicant seeking to place a casino in a residential community, not to mention that community's historical significance and importance to the City of Pittsburgh.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC as they are the only applicant seeking to place a casino in both a predominantly African-American community and within walking distance of Duquesne University, particularly considering the fact that college students and African-Americans are three and four times more likely, respectively, to become problem gamblers and gambling addicts than the general population.
Lastly, we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC and, instead, ask questions about why their application for gaming in the state of Missouri and the Missouri Gaming Control Board's investigative findings remain private and, therefore, unknown.
Elected Officials (State Senator Ferlo, Mayor Ravenstahl, County Councilman Robinson, City Councilwoman Payne) we hereby demand that you immediately CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First gaming application and instead act to support and protect the interests of your citizen constituents and the historic Hill District.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First organization for the aforementioned reasons expressed in this letter to the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force.
Lastly we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First gaming application, as their eleventh-hour attempt to address the quality of life issues and social impact on our historic community with the hastily promised formation of the "Hill Entertainment Services District" is representative of their dismissive and disrespectful attitude throughout this entire process and is, in no way adequate, given the fact that no details have been presented and is not included in their application for a license.
We stand together in saying we do not want a casino on the Hill!
Very truly yours,
James Archie - Community Elder, Community Activist
Stephanie Beechaum - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Derrick Bell, Esquire – Born and raised in Hill District, First African American tenured Harvard Law School Professor, Visiting Professor, University of Pittsburgh Law School
James Boddy, Jr. - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Annie Carter – Hill District Resident, Community Elder
Edna Council – Hill District Resident, Community Elder, Member, Hill District Consensus Group
Freda Ellis – Lifelong Hill District Resident, Community Elder, sister of the late August Wilson
Kimberly C. Ellis, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Goddess) – longtime Hill District Resident, Organizer, Raise Your Hand! No Casino on the Hill Campaign, niece of the late August Wilson
Paul Ellis, Jr., Esquire – longtime Hill District Resident, nephew of the late August Wilson
Rev. and Mrs. George – longtime Hill District Community Elders and worshippers, Retired Pastor and First Lady Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Rev. Glenn G. Grayson – Pastor Wesley AME Church, Hill District Resident
Tamanika Howze – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist
Winnifred Jackson - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Ruby Kendricks - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Bonnie Laing, Ph.D. – Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Justin Laing – Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Robert D. Lavelle - lifelong Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Robert M. Lavelle – longtime Hill District Resident, President Dwelling House Savings and Loan Association, Scout Master Boy Scout Troop 93
Robert R. Lavelle – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder, Founder, Dwelling House Savings and Loan Association, Founder, Lavelle Real Estate Co.
Thelma Lovette – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist
Jeanne McNutt – Hill District Business Owner, Uptown
Momar Milliones – lifelong Hill District Resident
Rev. Johnnie Monroe – Pastor, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Veronica Morgan-Lee, Ph.D. – longtime worker in the Hill District, Community Elder, worshipper at St. Benedict the Moor Church
Betty Penny – Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist, wife of the late Rob Penny
Sharon Porter – Community Elder, Long time Hill District Resident
Lou Ransom – Hill District Resident
Gerri Ransom – Hill District Resident
Carmen Smith - longtime Hill District Resident, Bentley Dr.
Mark Southers – Lifelong Hill District Resident, Founder & Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater
Rev. Lee Wall – Community Activist, Hill District Resident
Jake Wheatley Jr. - Hill District Resident, State Representative 19th Legislative District
Pamela Whitaker, longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Ruth Whitndr - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Jasiri X – Hill District Resident, Crawford Square
Mary Young – longtime Hill District Resident
Hill District Community Issues Open Cease and Desist Letter to Pittsburgh First, Pgh Gaming Task Force and Elected Officials
Cuz if you think you're gonna build on this site
Don't think you won't have a helluva fight
Cuz we don't want no casino on the Hill
Somebody raise your hand
We're gonna keep raising our hands
Hill District community elders, ministers, residents, artists, activists and representatives continue to highlight their collective opposition to the Pittsburgh First / Isle of Capri Casino development proposal and demand that the plan be stopped:
1. Freedom Corner is the location of the "Not Another Inch" standoff with residents 50 years ago, who sought to protect the historic Hill District from further encroachment. Now, in 2006, residents find themselves again circling to protect the community from casino encroachment and contempt-filled actions against its leaders and concerned citizens.
2. On November 18, 2006, the Isle of Capri company law firm sent Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, a Hill District resident, scholar, artist and activist a letter of legal intimidation, demanding that she "cease and desist" her opposition to the Isle of Capri Category 2 slots license application for the state of Pennsylvania.
3. Community residents and supporters were outraged by the attack, particularly considering the fact that Dr. Ellis' stance represented thousands of Hill residents and supporters throughout the city of Pittsburgh, state of Pennsylvania, nationally and internationally.
4. On December 16, 2006, approximately 100 Hill residents from the lower, middle and upper Hill, as well as supporters from across the city joined hands in prayer and celebration to, once again, express their opposition to and disappointment in the Isle of Capri / Pittsburgh First plan, emphasizing that there is a way to keep the Pens and build a new arena without destroying a neighborhood in the process; and any attempt to move forward with the Isle of Capri plan will be wrought with continued opposition.
Open "Cease and Desist" letter to Pittsburgh First, the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force and Elected Officials
(State Senator Ferlo, Mayor Ravenstahl, County Councilman Robinson, City Councilwoman Payne, in particular)
Pittsburgh First we hereby demand that you CEASE and DESIST your attempts to place a casino in our historic, residential community without the consent of our residents.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your continued attempts to represent your organization as community-based or representative of the majority of Hill District residents when, in fact, your group's sole purpose is to support the Isles of Capri (IOC) Category 2 slots license application.
And we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your campaign of misinformation that has been waged against the entire city of Pittsburgh, in general, and the Hill District community, in particular, suggesting that the only plan of development for the Lower Hill is being proposed by Pittsburgh First. In fact, another gaming applicant has proposed development on the same site without a casino. In fact, your continuous suggestions and outright statements that the only way to keep the Penguins Franchise is to support Pittsburgh First is exceptionally misleading when, in fact, all of the gaming applicants have pledged substantial funds for a new arena.
Finally, we demand that you CEASE and DESIST all legal and other forms of intimidation against Hill District residents, other Pittsburghers and any and all concerned citizens who have a right to oppose your superfluous plan.
Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, we hereby demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC as your favored gaming applicant as they are the only applicant seeking to place a casino in a residential community, not to mention that community's historical significance and importance to the City of Pittsburgh.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC as they are the only applicant seeking to place a casino in both a predominantly African-American community and within walking distance of Duquesne University, particularly considering the fact that college students and African-Americans are three and four times more likely, respectively, to become problem gamblers and gambling addicts than the general population.
Lastly, we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of IOC and, instead, ask questions about why their application for gaming in the state of Missouri and the Missouri Gaming Control Board's investigative findings remain private and, therefore, unknown.
Elected Officials (State Senator Ferlo, Mayor Ravenstahl, County Councilman Robinson, City Councilwoman Payne) we hereby demand that you immediately CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First gaming application and instead act to support and protect the interests of your citizen constituents and the historic Hill District.
We further demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First organization for the aforementioned reasons expressed in this letter to the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force.
Lastly we demand that you CEASE and DESIST your support of the IOC / Pittsburgh First gaming application, as their eleventh-hour attempt to address the quality of life issues and social impact on our historic community with the hastily promised formation of the "Hill Entertainment Services District" is representative of their dismissive and disrespectful attitude throughout this entire process and is, in no way adequate, given the fact that no details have been presented and is not included in their application for a license.
We stand together in saying we do not want a casino on the Hill!
Very truly yours,
James Archie - Community Elder, Community Activist
Stephanie Beechaum - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Derrick Bell, Esquire – Born and raised in Hill District, First African American tenured Harvard Law School Professor, Visiting Professor, University of Pittsburgh Law School
James Boddy, Jr. - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Annie Carter – Hill District Resident, Community Elder
Edna Council – Hill District Resident, Community Elder, Member, Hill District Consensus Group
Freda Ellis – Lifelong Hill District Resident, Community Elder, sister of the late August Wilson
Kimberly C. Ellis, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Goddess) – longtime Hill District Resident, Organizer, Raise Your Hand! No Casino on the Hill Campaign, niece of the late August Wilson
Paul Ellis, Jr., Esquire – longtime Hill District Resident, nephew of the late August Wilson
Rev. and Mrs. George – longtime Hill District Community Elders and worshippers, Retired Pastor and First Lady Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Rev. Glenn G. Grayson – Pastor Wesley AME Church, Hill District Resident
Tamanika Howze – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist
Winnifred Jackson - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Ruby Kendricks - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Bonnie Laing, Ph.D. – Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Justin Laing – Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Robert D. Lavelle - lifelong Hill District Resident, Community Activist
Robert M. Lavelle – longtime Hill District Resident, President Dwelling House Savings and Loan Association, Scout Master Boy Scout Troop 93
Robert R. Lavelle – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder, Founder, Dwelling House Savings and Loan Association, Founder, Lavelle Real Estate Co.
Thelma Lovette – longtime Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist
Jeanne McNutt – Hill District Business Owner, Uptown
Momar Milliones – lifelong Hill District Resident
Rev. Johnnie Monroe – Pastor, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church
Veronica Morgan-Lee, Ph.D. – longtime worker in the Hill District, Community Elder, worshipper at St. Benedict the Moor Church
Betty Penny – Hill District Resident, Community Elder and Activist, wife of the late Rob Penny
Sharon Porter – Community Elder, Long time Hill District Resident
Lou Ransom – Hill District Resident
Gerri Ransom – Hill District Resident
Carmen Smith - longtime Hill District Resident, Bentley Dr.
Mark Southers – Lifelong Hill District Resident, Founder & Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater
Rev. Lee Wall – Community Activist, Hill District Resident
Jake Wheatley Jr. - Hill District Resident, State Representative 19th Legislative District
Pamela Whitaker, longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Ruth Whitndr - longtime Hill resident, Uptown
Jasiri X – Hill District Resident, Crawford Square
Mary Young – longtime Hill District Resident
Thursday, December 14, 2006
In favor of pluralism
Bill Gusky at Artblog Comments has a wonderful and thought-provoking post about Danto's After the End of Art: Contemporary Art and the Pale of History. Definitely a good read.
Responding to Contemporary Art After the End of Art History
Responding to Contemporary Art After the End of Art History
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Overheard in Pittsburgh
I know that almost every city has an overheard blog. So, I was poking around in Pittsburgh's and ran across this gem --
Penn Ave, Strip District.
A 30-something Guy browses the Steelers-related merchandise on the street, reading a few clever t-shirts outload:
Guy: [turning to no one in particulay] What’s a Jag-Off?
Everyone around ignores him.
Guy: I’m serious: What is a Jag-Off?
Penn Ave, Strip District.
A 30-something Guy browses the Steelers-related merchandise on the street, reading a few clever t-shirts outload:
Guy: [turning to no one in particulay] What’s a Jag-Off?
Everyone around ignores him.
Guy: I’m serious: What is a Jag-Off?
Mission accomplished
For the last two months, I have been struggling to complete the final cycle of Mean Stream. The project, which I was able to complete because of the generous support of the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation, is an epic that covers three generations. I wrote the last verse this afternoon and have just finished formatting the manuscript.
This project has absorbed an enormous amount of energy over the last year. The first two cycles went on paper without any struggle at all and were both complete by May. The last cycle, though, proved much more difficult to write. Also, the project had evolved by the time I had started to third cycle. The original plan was to write the third cycle from the viewpoint of one daughter. The last poem was planned to be the grandmother's funeral from the viewpoint of that child.
I ended up writing the third cycle from the viewpoint of three children, with one having a major role. The last poem centers around an impromtu wake that takes place in a bar.
I am relieved to have completed this project. I will sit on it one more day, read it over one last time, and send the manuscript on to the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation with my heartfelt thanks.
This project has absorbed an enormous amount of energy over the last year. The first two cycles went on paper without any struggle at all and were both complete by May. The last cycle, though, proved much more difficult to write. Also, the project had evolved by the time I had started to third cycle. The original plan was to write the third cycle from the viewpoint of one daughter. The last poem was planned to be the grandmother's funeral from the viewpoint of that child.
I ended up writing the third cycle from the viewpoint of three children, with one having a major role. The last poem centers around an impromtu wake that takes place in a bar.
I am relieved to have completed this project. I will sit on it one more day, read it over one last time, and send the manuscript on to the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation with my heartfelt thanks.
Drink and draw with Tinsel Garland!
We had a great session last night. Tinsel Garland was our model; He had some very inspiring poses. There were a couple costume changes, too. Many thanks to Tommy for putting the set together. The staging was wonderful.
If you want to get on the update list for the brillobox Drink and Draw, just email us. And don't forget to check out our Myspace.
The next session is on December 26, Burlesque Boxing on boxing day!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Holiday Folds @ Digging Pitt Too
We had a great time folding paper last Saturday. We concentrated mostly on making boxes and gift bags with a few forays into folded shirts and ornaments. Keep your eyes open for other origami workshops at Digging Pitt Gallery and Digging Pitt Too.
Casino troubles
Well, gambling may be legal, but only if you can find a place to put a casino. Personally, I think that there are better options than the Hill district. Tony Norman of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has an op/ed piece about the attempts to place a new casino in the Hill district. It got me to think a bit about where a casino should be. Mr. Norman points out that a casino would never be proposed for two of the more affluent neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Although he has a point about the racial make up of those neighborhoods playing a factor, I think it would be just as unlikely for a casino to be placed in any suburban area.
First of all, the city of Pittsburgh needs the revenue that will be generated, so it should stay in the city limits. Our downtown sits in the crux of three rivers, so real estate in downtown is pretty limited. While there are several open open properties, the geography of the city does not allow for much growth. I can understand why the Hill was chosen as a possible site; it is situated right above downtown. But it is also isolated, with the arena and major roadways interupting the flow from downtown. It is also a strictly residential area. There are no, and I mean no, businesses in the Hill district.
I think the best place for the casino would be on the south shore, accross the bridge from downtown. There is already a mall, Station Square, a couple of natioanl chain entertainment venues (like Hooters)and room for growth along the strip between the rise of land to Mount Washington and the Monongahela river. There is also an outdoor arena that has hosted bands and other events.
The north shore would be a good alternative. The two new stadiums are already there, so there's plenty of parking.
They should just leave the Hill alone. Why ruin a perfectly good residential area? You should see the vista of the city from the crests of the Hill district. There is a lot of beauty in the Hill.
First of all, the city of Pittsburgh needs the revenue that will be generated, so it should stay in the city limits. Our downtown sits in the crux of three rivers, so real estate in downtown is pretty limited. While there are several open open properties, the geography of the city does not allow for much growth. I can understand why the Hill was chosen as a possible site; it is situated right above downtown. But it is also isolated, with the arena and major roadways interupting the flow from downtown. It is also a strictly residential area. There are no, and I mean no, businesses in the Hill district.
I think the best place for the casino would be on the south shore, accross the bridge from downtown. There is already a mall, Station Square, a couple of natioanl chain entertainment venues (like Hooters)and room for growth along the strip between the rise of land to Mount Washington and the Monongahela river. There is also an outdoor arena that has hosted bands and other events.
The north shore would be a good alternative. The two new stadiums are already there, so there's plenty of parking.
They should just leave the Hill alone. Why ruin a perfectly good residential area? You should see the vista of the city from the crests of the Hill district. There is a lot of beauty in the Hill.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Digging Pitt Gallery small works
While you're out and about, checking in with the galleries here in the 'burgh, make sure that Digging Pitt Gallery is on your list of stops. The current small works exhibit amasses a varity of work that shows to great advantage artists represented in Digging Pitt's flat file archive.
At no other time has Digging Pitt's ideology been so apparent as with this show. The work is consistently good, ranging from the truly bizarre to the deeply beautiful. Digging Pitt is the antithesis of the white-box gallery. While the work presented in traditional galleries are without doubt of high quality, there is also no doubt about who is in charge in these presentations. The artist has, at best, a secondary role with the curator or director the real star. This includes a number of so-called alternative spaces whose presentations, while challenging, are far from democratic or inclusive. While many make the effort to present challenges to the viewer, they share the same insider bias that is prevalent within the traditional gallery system. In addition, viewing is limited since many of these venues have erratic or limited hours.
At no other time has Digging Pitt's ideology been so apparent as with this show. The work is consistently good, ranging from the truly bizarre to the deeply beautiful. Digging Pitt is the antithesis of the white-box gallery. While the work presented in traditional galleries are without doubt of high quality, there is also no doubt about who is in charge in these presentations. The artist has, at best, a secondary role with the curator or director the real star. This includes a number of so-called alternative spaces whose presentations, while challenging, are far from democratic or inclusive. While many make the effort to present challenges to the viewer, they share the same insider bias that is prevalent within the traditional gallery system. In addition, viewing is limited since many of these venues have erratic or limited hours.
The gallery was started by John Morris, who moved here from New York in 2004 with the express purpose of opening a gallery. Digging Pitt is modeled after the Pierogi Gallery, located in Brooklyn. Digging Pitt, much like the Pierogi gallery, brings a wide range of works from a vast array of artists, into one small area. Several articles have been written about Pierogi. You can read more on their site. Following is an excerpt from Gregory Volk's essay on Pierogi's flat files:
Moreover, there seems to be a vast gulf between this era and others when
galleries—in addition to their major business of selling or merchandising
art—were also cathartic arenas where people met, exchanged ideas, mixed it up,
formed friendships, engaged in foolishness and exploration, and where other
genres like music and literature made frequent appearances.
The gallery itself is dominated by large flat files, the drawers of which contain folios of carefully stored artwork. Perusing the collection of artwork gives one a sense of discovery, delving into unknown depths in search of some hidden gem. When you walk into the gallery you get such a sense of discovery, with a feeling that there are no wrong choices.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Drink and Draw @brillobox
New Pictures from the last session! Our models were Brian Czarniecki and Christinae D. It was kind of a Goth nite...
Here's Lucky LeRoy's drawing...
And of course, Merge Divide's infamous phone book sketches...
Check Drink and Draw's MySite for more information or sign up for updates.
Our next model is...
Tinsel
on December 12, 6-9PM
Drinkies and drawing, what are you gonna do? Stay home and watch Law and Order re-runs?
Friday, November 24, 2006
Lush Life
This is one of the most heartbreaking songs I've ever heard. I found a site with Blossom Dearie's rendition of Lush Life. Here it is. It plays in RealPlayer. I also found a short article on Wikipedia about Billy Strayhorn, who composed the song in the 1930's, when he was still a teen. Lot of livin' in this song. Enjoy.
Two right hands
Wednesday was beautiful. Pale sun, pale sky. A great day for visiting some of those features in Larryville that puzzle me. Like this wall, with two right-hand prints. They are so deliberate. Nothing close by is painted black; whoever left these prints must have brought the bucket with them to this spot, stuck their hand in it twice, and imprinted the wall.
Can't you see it? It was two fifteen year old boys, they just found this can of paint in the trash on the monthly discard day. It's 9:00 on a warm summer night. They snicker as they pry open the lid, watching the mouth of the alley for intruders. They dare each other to stick their hand in and mark the house, selected for its location on a backstreet. After the deed is done, each with a black hand, they realize that they have to figure out how to clean up enough that there won't be any questions when they get home. But this is their neighborhood and they know who has an outside water source that is easily accessible. So they ditch the paint can in someone's garbage and stealthily make their way down the breeze way between two houses and scrub their hands at least well enough to get the worst off. Now, over a year later, they don't see each other very much. But every time they walk through the alley on the way to the Giant Eagle, thay think about that summer, with all of its trials and tribulations.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
96th Annual @ Carnegie Museum update
Well, I still have to make it over to the museum again to really take a look at the exhibit myself. Now that the Bright and Shiny and small works shows are installed at the gallery, I have a breather so I will try to make it over next week. In the meantime, Mary Thomas at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has reviewed the show. Mary Thomas has been a staunch supporter of Associated Artists for years.
Although Associated Artists does not see itself as one of the many guilds in the area, its structure is very similar. The guilds, and there are dozens of them in Pittsburgh, have been in place for decades. Many of the mid- and late- career artists in Pittsburgh have multiple memberships but it is unusual for the younger artists to participate in the guild system. The guilds have tried to interest younger artists in membership, at least since I have been here, which is several years now.
Associated Artists has been operating as a group for nearly a hundred years, the last forty-five or so as a non-profit. The guild's home is the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, which has seen some rough weather over the last couple years. Recently, PCA merged with Pittsburgh Filmmakers to the advantage of both organizations. PCA's campus is charming, set at the edge of Frick Park in Shadyside.
I plan to go to CMOA next week, after the holiday. Time has gotten away from me this month, with one thing or another. Stay tuned!
Although Associated Artists does not see itself as one of the many guilds in the area, its structure is very similar. The guilds, and there are dozens of them in Pittsburgh, have been in place for decades. Many of the mid- and late- career artists in Pittsburgh have multiple memberships but it is unusual for the younger artists to participate in the guild system. The guilds have tried to interest younger artists in membership, at least since I have been here, which is several years now.
Associated Artists has been operating as a group for nearly a hundred years, the last forty-five or so as a non-profit. The guild's home is the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, which has seen some rough weather over the last couple years. Recently, PCA merged with Pittsburgh Filmmakers to the advantage of both organizations. PCA's campus is charming, set at the edge of Frick Park in Shadyside.
I plan to go to CMOA next week, after the holiday. Time has gotten away from me this month, with one thing or another. Stay tuned!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Drop in 'n draw
Drop-in model sessions are a standard practice among artists. Even if the artist's work is not figuative, there is something about working from the figure that is refreshing for the eye and the mind. It's an opportunity to generate new ideas and practice observation. Any time that I have been in a slump, figure drawing has always helped me to focus my ideas.
These sessions are a great place to meet and socialize with other artists. There's a wonderfully supportive feel to theses sessions. There are a number of unique drop-in sessions operating in Pittsburgh. I haven't been to every venue that sponsors these sessions. If you know of any others, please let me know.
Barely Brunch
Barely Brunch is held at the Brew House in one of the available spaces. There are generally two models, one posing long and the other a vaiety of poses. The added bonus here is that the artists attending exhibit their work in an annual show at SPACE 101 gallery. The sessions are held monthly and the schedule varies a little bit. It's called Barely Brunch for a reason; Breadworks in Pittsburgh supplies the artists with a bounty of fresh breads and spreads to nibble while you work. You can sign up for updates on the sessions here. In December, Barely Brunch will be having a six hour marathon session and holiday party. Don't miss it! It should be a blast.
Barely Brunch
Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Cost: $15
November 19: 1-4PM
December 17: Holiday Party and Marathon!
Drink & Draw
brillobox has recently entered the arena for drop-in model sessions with Drink & Draw. The models are costumed in a variety of themes. It's a very friendly atmosphere, with folks at small tables, a stage and great music. The first three sessions were burlesque-themed, with models wearing a variety of feathers, lace and fish-net stockings. The sessions are held twice-monthly on Tuesdays, avoiding holiday conflicts wherever possible. You can get on their update list here and check out images from each session on their site. This is a really fun session, with door prizes, lots of laughter and alcohol-induced conversation.
Drink & Draw @brillobox
4104 Penn ave
Pittsburgh PA 15224
412.621.4900
Cost: $10
Time: 6:00-9:00PM
November 28: Brian, costumed in something that sounds like a cross between Rocky Horror and Queen
December 12
December 26
January 9
January 23
The Southside Academy
Tim Meehan started this group a few years ago at the Brew House. I don't really know to much about their scheduling, how often they meet or what the costs of the seesions are. This group works with costumed models and I believe that they are open to new members. The paintings I've seen from these sessions are contemporary figurative works. Several of the group's members have brought work to the PYP art party events, set up on portable easels. If you want more specific information about this group, please email Tim Meehan.
Panza Gallery
Panza Gallery is across the river from mr, here in Lawrenceville. I haven't been there but I have met Mark Panza and heard some very good things about the session from Merge Divide. His sessions take place every Thursday evening and are two hours long. You can find more information about the sessions on their website.
Panza Gallery
115 Sedgwick St.
PITTSBURGH, PA 15209
412-821-0959.
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays
How much: $7
Watercolors Gallery
This is one of the sessions I've just never made it to. No excuses: it's right downtown, centrally located. If somebody knows paticulars, let me know.
Watercolors Gallery
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays
How much: $10
901A Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Details: 412-600-1664
These sessions are a great place to meet and socialize with other artists. There's a wonderfully supportive feel to theses sessions. There are a number of unique drop-in sessions operating in Pittsburgh. I haven't been to every venue that sponsors these sessions. If you know of any others, please let me know.
Barely Brunch
Barely Brunch is held at the Brew House in one of the available spaces. There are generally two models, one posing long and the other a vaiety of poses. The added bonus here is that the artists attending exhibit their work in an annual show at SPACE 101 gallery. The sessions are held monthly and the schedule varies a little bit. It's called Barely Brunch for a reason; Breadworks in Pittsburgh supplies the artists with a bounty of fresh breads and spreads to nibble while you work. You can sign up for updates on the sessions here. In December, Barely Brunch will be having a six hour marathon session and holiday party. Don't miss it! It should be a blast.
Barely Brunch
Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Cost: $15
November 19: 1-4PM
December 17: Holiday Party and Marathon!
Drink & Draw
brillobox has recently entered the arena for drop-in model sessions with Drink & Draw. The models are costumed in a variety of themes. It's a very friendly atmosphere, with folks at small tables, a stage and great music. The first three sessions were burlesque-themed, with models wearing a variety of feathers, lace and fish-net stockings. The sessions are held twice-monthly on Tuesdays, avoiding holiday conflicts wherever possible. You can get on their update list here and check out images from each session on their site. This is a really fun session, with door prizes, lots of laughter and alcohol-induced conversation.
Drink & Draw @brillobox
4104 Penn ave
Pittsburgh PA 15224
412.621.4900
Cost: $10
Time: 6:00-9:00PM
November 28: Brian, costumed in something that sounds like a cross between Rocky Horror and Queen
December 12
December 26
January 9
January 23
The Southside Academy
Tim Meehan started this group a few years ago at the Brew House. I don't really know to much about their scheduling, how often they meet or what the costs of the seesions are. This group works with costumed models and I believe that they are open to new members. The paintings I've seen from these sessions are contemporary figurative works. Several of the group's members have brought work to the PYP art party events, set up on portable easels. If you want more specific information about this group, please email Tim Meehan.
Panza Gallery
Panza Gallery is across the river from mr, here in Lawrenceville. I haven't been there but I have met Mark Panza and heard some very good things about the session from Merge Divide. His sessions take place every Thursday evening and are two hours long. You can find more information about the sessions on their website.
Panza Gallery
115 Sedgwick St.
PITTSBURGH, PA 15209
412-821-0959.
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays
How much: $7
Watercolors Gallery
This is one of the sessions I've just never made it to. No excuses: it's right downtown, centrally located. If somebody knows paticulars, let me know.
Watercolors Gallery
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays
How much: $10
901A Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Details: 412-600-1664
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Impossible spaces
This is a stretch of Main Street that transitions between two Pittsurgh neighborhoods. From the street, the houses and storefronts seem impossible, with their faces at odd angles to the pavement. Even in an aerial view the lots seem to be strange and distorted. One house, the middle of a row of three, has a narrow backyard that seems to be the same length as the hose. There's a tree growing in a trianglar lot that seems to share the backs of five separate buildings.
Pittsburgh houses have the added complication of having grown that way. Most of these houses were built between 1875 and 1895. Additions, usually built to accommodate kitchens and bathrooms, extended off the original house.
Do you see that odd-shaped white polygon in the middle? and the three connected structures right above it? What is going on with that building? That has got to be the strangest thing on the block.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Guerilla Gallery
This building has been closed up for about a year. Not to long ago,, somebody posted a painting on the lower corner. It is mounted right to the wood with screws.
The painting is anonymous,; I couldn't find a signature on it anywhere. I first noticed it at least two months ago. It is weathering the cold and rain quite well.
I like this. The idea of just posting an artifact in the public arena, to be viewed by any and all.
The painting is anonymous,; I couldn't find a signature on it anywhere. I first noticed it at least two months ago. It is weathering the cold and rain quite well.
I like this. The idea of just posting an artifact in the public arena, to be viewed by any and all.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Local scene seen
Kurt Shaw wrote a review of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 96th Annaul at the Carnegie Museum of Art. There are some great quotes from the curator, Douglas Fogle:
"I don't think there is such a thing as local artists. They are all artists of the world. There are artists all over. There's so much energy and so many different kinds of works being made all over. There's not one school of thought. There are many different viewpoints. And I think this show reflects that.
"The energy is part of the larger art ecology, and an exhibition like this is crucial because there are so many people doing interesting things out there. For me as a museum curator, a lot of these people are my audience as well for what we do. So, it's great to be able to give back, and I've become their audience in a sense, as well."
I think waht he said here was a pretty important vinication of local art scenes. The internet is serving to offer my choices for artists, buyers and collectors.
Thank you, Mr. Fogle.
"I don't think there is such a thing as local artists. They are all artists of the world. There are artists all over. There's so much energy and so many different kinds of works being made all over. There's not one school of thought. There are many different viewpoints. And I think this show reflects that.
"The energy is part of the larger art ecology, and an exhibition like this is crucial because there are so many people doing interesting things out there. For me as a museum curator, a lot of these people are my audience as well for what we do. So, it's great to be able to give back, and I've become their audience in a sense, as well."
I think waht he said here was a pretty important vinication of local art scenes. The internet is serving to offer my choices for artists, buyers and collectors.
Thank you, Mr. Fogle.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
brillobox Drink and Draw
Drink and Draw last night at the brillobox!
What a blast! I won a door prize, a special mix cd to play while I'm drawing in the studio -- some of my favorite tunes, lucky me.
Here are a bunch of images from the evening. I don't know where Renee found that great little piano that was on the stage. Nobody included it in their drawings, though. I sorta wish that I had, it really set the tone.
Renee has put together a schedule to see us through January. All of the dates are on Tuesdays and the sessions run from 6-9pm
Nov. 28,
Dec 12,
Dec 26,
Jan 9,
Jan 23
If you want to get on the update list, just email us. Also, check into the brillobox Drink and Draw MySpace page for updates about models and just because it's a fun site.
What a blast! I won a door prize, a special mix cd to play while I'm drawing in the studio -- some of my favorite tunes, lucky me.
Here are a bunch of images from the evening. I don't know where Renee found that great little piano that was on the stage. Nobody included it in their drawings, though. I sorta wish that I had, it really set the tone.
Renee has put together a schedule to see us through January. All of the dates are on Tuesdays and the sessions run from 6-9pm
Nov. 28,
Dec 12,
Dec 26,
Jan 9,
Jan 23
If you want to get on the update list, just email us. Also, check into the brillobox Drink and Draw MySpace page for updates about models and just because it's a fun site.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Bill Cousins' Art Party
In case you couldn't make it Saturday night...
Bill Cousins new digs are just wonderful. I wouldn't have expected that the third floor of this building would have so much open space. It was a beautiful setting for Bill's bright, enamel paintings. Top is Bill, and below is a display of some of his larger works.
The work is very vigorous. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to him about his work. It seems he is working intuitively, reacting to the medium and the color. Very strong paintings.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Mean Stream excerpt
I have been working, um, diligently, on my poetry project. Following is an excerpt from Second Marriage, one of the poems in the third cycle. The rest of the poem is not yet complete. This sonnet, which is part of the longer poem, is a first in constructing a traditional sonnet for me.
This was a real challenge. The poem had to integrate with the narrative of the longer poem and follow the traditional rhyme and stanza construction.
I chose to do this as part of the longer poem because I wanted to imply a couple of things. The very formal quality of the sonnet brings to mind traditional concepts of love. The poem is about a woman marrying for the wrong reasons. I am hoping to undermine the concept of this poem with the revelations in the remainder of the poem.
This was a real challenge. The poem had to integrate with the narrative of the longer poem and follow the traditional rhyme and stanza construction.
I chose to do this as part of the longer poem because I wanted to imply a couple of things. The very formal quality of the sonnet brings to mind traditional concepts of love. The poem is about a woman marrying for the wrong reasons. I am hoping to undermine the concept of this poem with the revelations in the remainder of the poem.
Interlude:
Miller’s is packed this warm October night
But Cathy hasn’t seen anybody interesting so far
Then a short, wiry man walks into the bar
Though the room is dim, it seems as if a light
Has pierced the miasma to focus her sight
A moment she knows that nothing will mar
Even the strained voice of some wannabe rock star
Won’t tarnish the memory of love’s first sight
Tommy and Cathy spend November immersed
In the lucent waters of faultless passion
To emerge in December, banked fires, quenched thirst
Limp, ecstatic in their mutual obsession
Two notes sound a partial chord, begin a score
A synchronized harmony of rapport
Monday, October 30, 2006
AAP's 96th Annual update
Okay, just when you think that you're shouting in the wind and you can put anything out in the air without thinking about it, someone calls you on one of your more glaring oversights.
The following was posted in my comments from Tey Stiteler of the CMOA:
Thank you for the grace of your response. I appreciate that and the time you took to reply to my post. Especially since I am but a light breeze in the roar of the wind. I did follow the links that were provided. Two of them are for listings, as noted. The one two KDKA, I don't see a reference to the exhibit. I have been known to miss things, though.
Okay, but here's the thing: why isn't the local scene behind this exhibit? This is an opportunity for local artists to have their work presented at a major museum. It is also an opportunity to participate in an objective review process that isn't so dependent on the entrenched system of Pittsburgh's art scene. The juror is almost always from out of town and doesn't know who holds key positions in the regional art scene. This is a real opportunity.
And if we really want to make Pittsburgh culturally attractive, artists need to feel that they can step up here. Artists come, they love the city, the people and the scene. But it is extremely difficult to advance a career as a producing artist from here. It's not like there aren't major collections here. And there is an amazing scene. All you have to do is show up on Penn Avenue the first Friday of each month or wander around in Lawrenceville a little. It's not like we're hiding or anything.
The following was posted in my comments from Tey Stiteler of the CMOA:
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your blog about the AAP show. Media as we know it is
getting smaller and smaller because of budgetary constraints, so spreading the
word through alternative methods, like your blog, is a very good thing.
The AAP has been working hard in getting coverage for the show.
There are articles about the Associated Artist exhibition in both Pittsburgh
Magazine and Carnegie Magazine this month.
It has been shown on KDKA TV,
WPXI TV, and via the links below. In addition, Mary Thomas from the Post-Gazette
and Kurt Shaw from the Tribune Review will be reviewing the exhibition for the
papers this week.
On Q will do a feature about the show on WQED TV, but
I don't know the date.
Post-Gazette hot
tickets listing
Post Gazetted
listing
http://kdka.com/kdcountry
on the Associated Artist
web site
www.aapgh.org
and on my museum's web site www.cmoa.org
Hope this helps.
Tey Stiteler
Communications Manager
Carnegie Museum of Art
Thank you for the grace of your response. I appreciate that and the time you took to reply to my post. Especially since I am but a light breeze in the roar of the wind. I did follow the links that were provided. Two of them are for listings, as noted. The one two KDKA, I don't see a reference to the exhibit. I have been known to miss things, though.
Okay, but here's the thing: why isn't the local scene behind this exhibit? This is an opportunity for local artists to have their work presented at a major museum. It is also an opportunity to participate in an objective review process that isn't so dependent on the entrenched system of Pittsburgh's art scene. The juror is almost always from out of town and doesn't know who holds key positions in the regional art scene. This is a real opportunity.
And if we really want to make Pittsburgh culturally attractive, artists need to feel that they can step up here. Artists come, they love the city, the people and the scene. But it is extremely difficult to advance a career as a producing artist from here. It's not like there aren't major collections here. And there is an amazing scene. All you have to do is show up on Penn Avenue the first Friday of each month or wander around in Lawrenceville a little. It's not like we're hiding or anything.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)