oranje

Moving day

2008-01-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

I have been planning to move my blog for a while now. I have been screwing around with the layout, customizing things a bit, yadda yadda.

The only thing that has kept me here this last month is that I was waiting for the close of the Blogger Show and the demise of Digging Pitt Gallery.

Today is the last day for both the show and the gallery, so I'm moving on, in the Blogosphere and in meatspace.

So for all of my cyber visitors, check out my new digs, and don't forget to update your links!

and for all of my meatspace pals, you can find me at the Polish Hill Civic Association and at the brillobox.

God (or somebody with a lot more power than I have) bless John Morris. You're the best.

Collaboration

2008-01-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

I worked very closely with Stephanie Lee Jackson over the course of The Blogger Show. From the beginning, I thought her work was beautiful. She is also that rare combination among artists, combining creative drive and pragmatism.

Stephanie Lee Jackson
"Ring," oil on linen, 36"x 48"

As we worked together to bring the Agni Gallery tendril of the Blogger Show to fruition, we both sensed an affinity, not only in our work but in our temperaments. The compatible aspects of our works are overwhelming, which is why I thought collaboration was a possible avenue to explore.

I have never collaborated with another artist. It's not that the subject hasn't come up. I am not sure why the early talks that I had with a very few others didn't bear fruit. The time is right, I think. And so is the artist.

The working title for the project is seeds, which really seems appropriate for this new venture. Stephanie's first packet has arrived and I have been turning them over in my mind's eye for the last couple days.

Please excuse the crappy images. I will be re-shooting these before I start and will replace these images with better ones. These don't do justice to the real things at all.

Seed 1, Stephanie to Susan
Pencil on sandpaper, 4" x 6"

Seed 2, Stephanie to Susan

Mixed on paper, 6" x 4"

Seed 3, Stephanie to Susan
Pencil on paper, 6" x 4"

I am intrigued by these, especially the first seed. What has been interesting, even this early on, is the orientation from which to look at the work. I will be posting about the collaboration process here on oranje. Stephanie has already begun to post about seeds on The Brooklyn Days. You can see more of Stephanie's work on her site.

I do want to take a moment to thank John Morris. Without his encouragement and the opportunity that the Blogger Show presented, I wouldn't have met Stephanie or any of the other artists involved in the exhibits.

No snow days

2008-01-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Even though it's expected, this brief respite always surprises. This year, January thaw seems early. After all, it began two days ago. According to the forecast, it will extend another couple days.

While the air temperature is balmy, the days have been dreary and I know that winter is only a breath away. In the meantime, I have shed my monstrosity of a coat and my sensible hat for something a little more frivolous and just a little cute.

As always, every citizen takes to the streets, the youngest among us daring winter by sporting less apparel than they would at the same temperature in a different season. Our neighbors pause to chat on the sidewalk instead of rushing to their warm homes. There is a sense of secret pleasure, like a child that has received an anonymous gift that must be consumed before it is discovered.

I love January thaw, this one week of weather out of place.

Mandelbrot

2008-01-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

Spears
Eveline Berkman

Fractal Art contest
From their website -

As part of our continuing efforts to promote fractal and algorithmic art, we are organizing a new exhibition to coincide with the Year of Mathematics and Science. This contest is to select some of the artwork that will be used in the exhibition. (The remaining artwork will be selected directly by the contest selection panel and will include artwork created by panel members.)

Some of these were downright stunning. If you have a minute, go check out the entries for the 2007 contest. Thanks, Tom, for the heads up.

edit January 8, 2008
Went back to the site when I saw that the image had been replaced by this big black box. There is a copyright notice on the page. However, nowhere on the site is there any published contact information. I also found this statement on the About page for their host, where they describe themselves as egalitarian. Go figure.

edit January 17, 2008
Huh. I was puttering around in oranje. Sometime between the first edit and this one, the image was restored. Thank you, Fractal Art.

Remember Spring?

2008-01-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

Something to warm you up

most popular streetsy photos of 2007

2008-01-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

Oh, you soooo need to go check this out. Thanks Tom.

I can hear the swans singing

2007-12-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

For the last two years, I have been working at Digging Pitt Gallery for John Morris. The gallery, and its operations, have been a major part of my life for that time. In two years, Digging Pitt has produced over thirty exhibits, not to mention artist talks, workshops and readings. The most recent exhibit, The Blogger Show, has been a monumental effort. It is also Digging Pitt's swan song.

In just two short weeks, the gallery will be closing its doors. We began handing work back to the artists in mid-December. With nearly two hundred artists represented in the flat file archive, this is proving to be as monumental a task as coordinating The Blogger Show.

Several people have lent their time and energy to the gallery in significant ways over the last two years that I have worked at the gallery. Jean McClung has been a tireless advocate, closely involved with gallery operations. Larry Swiech has, without fail, been available to assist with his presence when we needed an extra hand. When he was still living in Pittsburgh, Robert Franklin made himself available in a number of ways. There are many other people that have played a part in keeping the gallery alive, too many to catalog here. But please know that all of you have my gratitude for your kindness.

And so, we come to the end. But also to the beginning of this fine madness: John Morris.

Dear John,

Your tireless advocacy of Pittsburgh artists on their home ground is very much appreciated by a significant number of the gallery artists. Your vision cast light on a different path for many of them, encouraging many, and especially me, to consider other avenues. Your generosity in supporting and championing the visual arts is humbling.

Thank you, John Morris. You're a hero.

Sus

Goodbye and Good Night

2007-12-25T13:09:00.000-05:00

snicker

2007-12-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Tom.

The elephant in the room

2007-12-19T08:14:00.000-05:00

A little late to notice, but it seems that the Pittsburgh Post Gazatte has another arts reviewer. Most of the reviews are written by Mary Thomas, who has been writing for the Post for years.

I admit that I rarely look at the Post's art reviews. They are somewhat sporadic and generally buried. Like most regional newspapers, the Post doesn't even have a visual arts link in their menu banner. And it seemed to me that the majority of the coverage was on the museum and institution blockbuster shows.

But I read Terry Young's review of the Mattress Factory's India this morning --

When we look at the intent of the larger exhibition, in relationship to institutional funding in Pittsburgh, we find an ill-informed curator and director who found nothing "New," as the exhibition title suggests, or even contemporary, but instead brought back mediocrity labeled with the exotic misnomer "India."

The title "India" fulfills a multicultural prerequisite for contemporary arts funding, the original intent of which, like that of the Mattress Factory itself, was supportive of cultural and aesthetic change decades ago but now serves as a linguistic barrier excluding actual contemporary ideas of cultural and aesthetic change. Read the article

Oh ouch, I thought. The elephant in the room is finally seen. While I do believe that non-profit funding is a great avenue for promoting work that is unusual, I do tend to agree that "institutional funding" creates a whole other set of aesthetics and influences of what is seen in our non-profit cultural organizations. At any rate, I ran a search and found this Pop City article about an exhibit, Appalachian Spring Summer and Fall, that Mr. Young put together a couple years ago. From the article --

After leaving Pittsburgh for New York, London and Berlin, Young realized that “how it was everywhere” in the art world was much more trend- and commercial-conscious, and much more gallery oriented. While artists in the art-world capitals were opening vast shows, selling pieces, and striving for an ever-looming specter of fame and success, the artists Young grew up around in Pittsburgh were generally just getting on with the business of making art. Read the article

Well, but, what's wrong with selling your work? It's almost like he's saying it's okay for Pittsburgh artists to be left out of the "booming art market" that artists in other cities enjoy. Because that's what makes our region's art so, well, regional. I would also point out that this perception of Pittsburgh artists is also what keeps them from competing in the larger arena and forces so many talented artists to leave the region.

I am here because I sincerely like this city. But I also sincerely believe that art makers should enjoy the same attributes of success as members of any other profession. I don't believe that poverty is an appropriate ground for the seeds of creativity.

Bad Santa, no cookie

2007-12-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

So, I know it has been awhile since I posted about drink & draw. I've just been a little bit busy lately. I missed about three posts for this, I think. Anyway, December 11 was memorable! Our model was Ian Green, who clowns for Zany Umbrella Circus. He was an amazing model, developing an entire character for the evening.

I want to mention, too, that Ian is a painter as well as a clown.

We are taking a brief hiatus from drink & draw, but will be returning on January 8 with Brian Czarniecki. Stay tuned!

Don't Forget

2007-12-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Christmas in Fallujah

Happy Christmas music video by John Lennon

Highway to Hell - Nightmare Before Christmas Music Video

The SAFE Act

2007-12-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

Yes folks, another WTF moment, brought to you by those lovely folks that we've entrusted with our governance -

Wednesday's vote caught Internet companies by surprise: the Democratic leadership rushed the SAFE Act to the floor under a procedure that's supposed to be reserved for noncontroversial legislation. It was introduced October 10, but has never received even one hearing or committee vote. In addition, the legislation approved this week has changed substantially since the earlier version and was not available for public review. - read the article

The SAFE Act is supposed to protect our children from internet predators. Tell me something, aren't the parents supposed to raise their offspring? Hey, I have an idea: let's legislate ourselves into a soft and fuzzy cocoon so that we don't have to make any hard choices or, heaven forbid, actually sit down and have a real conversation with our children about the world.

December Barely (Merry Christmas) Brunch

2007-12-04T21:57:00.000-05:00

December Barely Brunch is coming! Please forward to any and all interested parties. Barely Brunch will be taking place on the second Sunday of each month.

A special Holiday -
B A R E L Y B R U N C H

Extended session, with two models for five hours!!! 'Cause we love you guys...
Oh, this is going to be such a fun way to celebrate the holidays! See you on Sunday ...

Brew House
Mezzanine
Sunday, December 9, 2007
12:00pm - 5:00pm,
doors open at 11:30am
Cost: $10
two models

All skill levels are welcome, and all mediums. (Sorry! No photography!) This is an uninstructed, drop-in session. We have some tables for your use, but bring your own easel if you can!

Please RSVP to this email

Pat Barefoot
The Brew House
2100 Mary Street #402B
Pittsburgh PA 15203

Artist Made Books @Tom Museum

2007-12-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

This Saturday December 8th from 7pm to 10pm is the opening of the Artist Made Books exhibit AND....MIMA an installation of miniature art pieces by Alberto Almarza. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Stop on over and enjoy some HOT and cold beverages, snacks, music, and the latest developments of the Tom Museum.

The Tom Museum
410 Sampsonia Way
North Side of Pittsburgh

Saturday, December 8th from 7pm to 10pm

Artists exhibiting in the book show include Alexis Covato, etta cetera, Rose Clancy, Becky Spevack, Scott Andrew, Jessica Scott, Chris Kardambikis, Morgan Cahn, Susan Constanse, Claudia Giannini, Alberto Almarza, and Sheila Ali.

Saturday, December 8th
Add to Calendar

White House PARROT

2007-11-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the giggle, Dave -

Laura Bush bought George a parrot for his birthday. She said to Dick Cheney, "That bird is so smart! George has taught him over 200 words!"

"Wow, that's pretty impressive," Cheney said. "But you do realize, don't you, that he's just saying the words? He doesn't really understand what they mean."

"That's okay," Laura replied. "Neither does the parrot."

I know that it's puerile, but if I don't laugh about this administration I will sink into the depths of despair. All I can do is grit my teeth and hope for a better future.

Artist reception @Digging Pitt Too

2007-11-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

Continuing with The Blogger Show, I am pleased to announce the artist reception at Digging Pitt Too. I will be showing my work along side the work of Bill Gusky, a fellow blogger. Below is an installation shot from the gallery. Additional images are available. Panza Gallery, where my work is also on display, has an artist reception on December 15. I hope to see you there.

In November, Digging Pitt (Pittsburgh PA) will begin a joint effort with Agni Gallery (New York, NY) and Panza Gallery (Millvale, PA) to present The Blogger Show. The exhibits showcase the work of over thirty artists whose common interest is in clarifying artistic discourse through their blogs. All of the exhibits will take place between November 3, 2007 and January 12, 2008.

The Blogger Show @Digging Pitt Too - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008
Public reception December 8, 6-9PM
Digging Pitt Too - 45th & Plummer Streets - Pittsburgh PA 15201
SA 12 – 5 and by appointment - 412-605-0450
Susan Constanse and Bill Gusky will be sharing Digging Pitt Too. Read more

Appearing @Digging Pitt Too (Pittsburgh PA)
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Bill Gusky (Canton, CT) - Artblog Comments

Also coming up is the artist reception at Panza Gallery

The Blogger Show @Panza Gallery - November 10, 2007 - January 12, 2008
Public reception December 15, 6-9PM
Panza Gallery - 115 Sedgwick Street - Millvale PA 15209
WE/Th/FR 10-5 SA 10-3 and by appointment - 412-821-0959
Panza Gallery will have a regional focus, showcasing Pittsburgh's local bloggers. There will also be a presentation of work created by artist journaling. Read more

Appearing @Panza Gallery (Millvale PA)

Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Christiane D (Pittsburgh PA) - Christiane D
David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA) - Serendipity
Sophie Klahr (Pittsburgh PA) - the story of how it is
John Morris (Pittsburgh, PA) - Digging Pittsburgh Arts
David Pohl (Pittsburgh, PA) - find the time to rhyme
Amy Wilson New York, NY) - working

Pay It Forward - Repost

2007-11-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Well, this offer has been open for quite a while - the original post went up before Halloween! Not a single nibble, so I am moving it to the top of the posts.

I was checking out some of the blogs of artists in the Blogger Show, and ran into a wonderful offer from Mary Klein -

Pay It Forward (via Mary via Deanna, via Sia, via Sandra via Camilla, via Bibbi and so on) - here are the rules:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

When you leave your comment, please also do one of two things: leave your post address or e-mail it to me.

I'm sure a lot of people have seen "Pay it Forward" with Helen Hunt. But let me tell you, the book was a hundred time better.

Look for the Union label

2007-11-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

The Intrepid Art Collector broached a subject in her blog this week that I find painful. - Do Artists Need a Union?

The simple answer is, of course we do. Actors, writers and musicians have a union. Why not us? But answers, no matter how reasonable, don't always translate to action. There are insurmountable difficulties in putting a visual arts union in place.

A "Booming Art Market" notwithstanding, the vast majority of visual artists are not able to assign a monetary value to their work that is commensurate with their efforts. The local markets simply won't bear it. Conventional wisdom in local and regional art markets is that sales over $1000.00 for an individual artwork is unrealistic and if you want to sell your work than you should keep it under that ceiling.

Gallery representation does not guarantee that you will get a reasonable asking price. Most patrons that walk in the door with the intention of purchasing are accompanied by the intention to haggle the price down. Most want at least a 20% discount and some ask for 30% and upwards.

The justifications for these attitudes towards purchasing artwork are myriad. Some believe that, since art is an innate talent, the artist should be happy that anyone even wants to see their work. Making money off of it is just a bonus.

It's not just the individual patrons either. Art organizations have the same attitude about visual artists. Not too long ago, a call for artists from a local organization went out to put together street-level art and entertainment for a conference in our fair city. The performing groups of musicians and dancers were given $1000.00 for taking part. Visual artists that were chosen to decorate the windows of empty storefronts were given $500.00. Their materials had to come from that budget too.

The problem is that visual artists really are so cash poor that they are willing to work for the level of compensation that is offered. Anything being better than nothing. Unlike the performing arts, mass market avenues do not exist in the visual arts. That is not to say that performing artists are all trying to appeal to mass markets: it's just that there is more capital in those fields in general, which does change the environment.

There must be mainstream interest in order for visual artists to gain enough support to implement unionization. Mainstream interest in the visual arts is limited to the occasional news story about some outrageous sum that is paid for a masterwork. Also, if enough artists were making a reasonable living on selling their work, it would increase the pool of resources for the visual arts community, emulating the other creative communities that have implemented unions.

A feast

2007-11-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

I got to Boxheart early enough last night that I had an unobstructed view of Tracy's work, at least for a few moments anyway. The solo exhibit of Tracy Helgeson's landscapes is a feast for the senses, with the warm-to-burning tones of these extraordinary paintings. If you are in the area, make a point of stopping in.

A gently reminder - Tracy's work is included in the Blogger Show at Agni and Digging Pitt Galleries.

Additional images from the Boxheart exhibit are available.

November 13 - December 8
Landscapes
Paintings by Tracy Helgeson
BoxHeart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
F. 412 687 6338

Agni Gallery installation images

2007-11-16T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
I have been extremely busy installing the shows at Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too over the last two weeks. I had meant to post these installation images last week, but with John Morris in New York at Agni, I have had my hands full.

Anyway, here are some installation shots that I took just before the reception started. There are some obvious gaps, so if you have images, please send them to me and I will post them forthwith!

The eleventh month

2007-11-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

Ah November! The frantic pace, the cold, the back-to-back parties, events, openings and tasks. The eleventh month is just like the eleventh hour, with everything due at the same time and all of the things that you didn't have time for over the rest of the year scheduled, no crammed, into a few short weeks.

Here's what is happening -
I am starting a new job today at the Polish Hill Civic Association. Nice bunch of people, very homey, great neighborhood. Polish Hill runs between Liberty Ave and Bigelow Blvd, on the hillside above the Strip District. I am so looking forward to this. The Board President, Terry Doloughty, is enthusiastic and charming.

Last week, I started a p/t job with the brillobox. I love those guys, all of them. Janessa and Lou, who tend bar. Ben, their new cook, and of course Renee Ickes and Eric Stern, who own the brillobox. A very nice group of people.

I also submitted a proposal for Group A's Hide and Seek exhibit. Keep your fingers crossed, this sounds like a fun show to work on.

Did I mention happenings at Digging Pitt? After my return from a whirlwind opening at Agni Gallery, I started on the installation at Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too. Here is a shot at Too of my work and Bill Gusky's work -

The exhibit is open, but the artists' reception isn't until December 8. The installation at Panza Gallery is complete, but I don't have any installation shots, sorry to say.

Anyway, I will probably forgo a lot of blog posting on Oranje over the next couple weeks. Things are just to frantic right now.

Flight patterns

2007-11-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks again, Tom, for pointing this out.

An unmistakable sense of connection

2007-11-06T08:22:00.000-05:00

I went to New York for the opening reception of The Blogger Show, my first trip there in several years. AMTRAK rocks; what a great way to travel. You wouldn't believe how much carry-on luggage they allow! The trip up was amazing, with the fire of autumn colors razing the hills against a crystal blue that you could lose yourself in.

I got off the train at Penn Station at 5PM, in the middle of rush hour. It struck me as eerie, that with all of those people the only thing you hear is the sound of feet hammering the concrete. Hardly a single voice could be heard, not even a murmur to ground the beat of those thundering feet.

I stayed with my good friend Jean McClung at the Larchmont Hotel on W 11h St., which is a really handy place to stay, let me tell you. (And thank you, Jean. I don't know how we could have pulled this show off without you.) It was close to all of the places I wanted to visit and needed to be while I was there (well, this was a business trip) and there were places that I had to be. One of the places that I made a specific point of going to was New York Central Art Supply. Interesting place; it was recommended by couple of people when I mentioned that I was searching for unusual papers.

The Blogger Show reception was packed, as I have already mentioned. It was a pleasure to finally meet some of the people that I have worked with over the last several months in the ether. Stephanie Lee Jackson and Bill Gusky in particular. I will be sharing Digging Pitt Too with Bill for one of the Blogger Shows. And watch this space for further developments with Stephanie.

I took an installation shot --

Okay, so here's where it gets interesting. Stephanie, whose piece is on the upper right, laid out and installed the exhibit. She is someone that I was beginning to feel an affinity for during the run-up to this exhibit, which was confirmed when I met her, JT Kirkland, whose piece is on the upper left, brokered a trade of my work in his Barter project. That's my work under his on the lower left. And on the lower right? That is only the work of my BFF Chris, who I met when I first moved to Pittsburgh nearly ten years ago. How cool is that?

So, you would think it would be over with my getting up on Sunday morning for the trip back to da 'burgh, right? Huh-uh, it just got cooler. I got to Penn Station a little early, so I went to Borders to pick up some reading material. I checked under E to see if one of my favorite authors had published anything new. Lucky me! he had! So, I happily picked up a copy of Zeroville by Steve Erickson to read on the train on the way home.

Wait, it gets better--

Okay, so I smoke. (Shut up, I know it's a bad habit that will most likely kill me, yadayada.) So, I got off the train and in my wild desire to inhale two nicotine packages, I watch as all of the cabs and jitneys were taken. The last jitney driver said he'd be back shortly; his fare was only going to a downtown hotel. (I did try to call for a cab. You know what the operator said? There weren't any cabs available.)

I'm waiting for the jitney driver to come back when I notice all of these flashing lights and I think, great, the driver is probably stuck behind whatever is going on. It didn't look like an accident, no ambulance. At first, I thought it was some dignitary being escorted through da 'burgh. You'll never guess.

It was elephants.

I am not joking. 8:30pm, dark as pitch, and there was a line of eight elephants, followed by zebras and horses, being escorted through the outer edges of downtown. And my camera was packed.

Airport insecurity

2007-11-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

I'm not a fan, ya know? But WTF? Thanks, Tom, for pointing this out.

Opening Reception @Agni Gallery

2007-11-05T07:02:00.000-05:00

I am on my way back to Pittsburgh from NYC and the opening reception of The Blogger Show at Agni Gallery. It was a whirlwind of a trip, with more impressions than I can wrap my head around at this moment. Most important was seeing all of the work, after having seen only the tantalizing yet woefully inadequate images in the virtual gallery. 72dpi just doesn’t cut it.

We had a great crew for the installation at Agni. Chris Rywalt put together a great post about the experience.

The opening reception for The Blogger Show was packed, literally, with bloggers and sundry spilling out onto the sidewalk. John Morris and Jean McClung were putting finishing touches on the exhibit throughout the day. Artist bloggers dropped in periodically, lending a hand and offering words of encouragement and bottles of wine. The evening actually got off to an early start with the arrival of Bill Gusky. Stephanie Lee Jackson brought her Gentleman Friend. She had previously met Chris Rywalt, who was there with his wife. Mary Klein is further exploring the motif of airplane and made a landing in NYC. Sharon Butler was in the back of the gallery when Loren Munk arrived, declaiming loudly from Charlie Finch’s article on art blogs, which touched off a lively discussion between Nancy Baker and Bill Gusky. Tracy Helgeson and Doug were there, a calm presence in a maelstrom. Fallon and Rosof were demonstrating their installation of 48 Useful Paintings. But to get the full scope of the reception, check out James Kalm's video --

It was nice to put faces and voices to Barry and James of Bloggy and ArtCal. Brent Burkett, it was wonderful to see you, too. And thanks for the shout out at Heart as Arena.

I can’t begin to thank everybody that had a part in getting the first tendril of The Blogger Show off to an auspicious start. Your good cheer and better skill are appreciated. I am sure that there will be many more thank you’s that are due; after all, The Blogger Show has only begun.

Acknowledgements –

ArtCal
Kevin Clancy
Bill Gusky
Stephanie Lee Jackson and her Gentleman Friend
Jean McClung
Chris Rywalt

John Morris will be manning Agni Gallery during the month of November. He has brought a selection of works from Digging Pitt’s flat file archive. So, if you are in New York, stop by and say hello.

November 3- 30, 2007 - Public Reception: November 3, 6 - 9pm
Agni Gallery
170 East 2nd Street, Storefront #3
New York, NY 10009
WE-SA: 1-7PM
412-389-0288

I am just going to throw up some images from the reception. Installation shots will be posted later. But today, I start the installation of the Digging Pitt and Digging Pitt Too shows. So, I am off to meet Elizabeth Perry at Digging Pitt for drop-off. Later --

Women of Vision @August Wilson

2007-11-01T18:49:00.000-04:00

Women of Vision puts together pretty consistent shows. It is a small group, with members that have been showing together for years. It is always worthwhile to see old favorites and the variations that make for such a satisfying exhibit.

A few really stood out for me at the latest Women of Vision exhibit, Soulscapes, which is showing at the August Wilson Center (details are at the end of the post)The seated figure by Dee Currin is lovely. Christine Bethea's construction is actually a wind instrument. I would love to hear her play it some time. I kinda got lost in Christiane's Love Scar piece. And Marica Jackson's sculpture is a lovely mystery.

If you're downtown, drop in

Delores Currin
Christine Bethea
Christiane D

Marica Jackson

SoulScapes by Women of Visions, Inc
August Wilson Center for African American Culture
October 5, 2007 through February 16, 2008
Gallery 209/9, 209 Ninth St., Downtown

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T09:28:00.000-04:00

Ah! Fall,; crisp leaves, acrid smoke and...
HALLOWEEN!
It seems like all of Larryville is decorating for this oh-so-important holiday. I love this pirate ship -
And the houses festooned with cobwebs-
Even the "Painted Ladies" are getting into the act -

But Halloween is not complete without ghosts. Watch as a group of urban spelunkers scare themselves silly at Dixmont State Hospital for the Insane -

Charlie Finch and Google Alerts

2007-10-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

Yanno, this article by Charlie Finch was published on Friday in Artnet. I know that there have already been several responses from art bloggers everywhere about this article. But what I want to know is whether or not Charlie Finch has this set up on Google Alerts? Do you think he has an rss feed on technorati for this article?

The Blogger Show @Agni Gallery

2007-10-27T10:14:00.000-04:00

Agni Gallery
170 East 2nd Street, Storefront #3
New York, NY 10009
November 3- 30, 2007 - Public Reception: November 3, 6 - 9pm

The Blogger Show is a multi-venue, cross platform exhibit. To date, the exhibit will include the work of thirty-four artists at four galleries in two cities. In addition, there is an online exhibit where you can view the works from this poly-talented group of artists.

The Blogger Show, in all of its many facets, was conceived by John Morris at Digging Pitt. John, who is an extraordinary artist, began talking about this exhibit over a year ago. The exhibits have taken on momentum, growing to encompass all of the many facets of the internet. There are online projects and a gallery of the artists' works. And everywhere, there are links to the community of artist bloggers.

The art bloggers at Agni -

Nancy Baker (Raleigh, NC) - Tire Shop
Martin Bromirski – (Richmond VA) Anaba
Sharon Butler (Mystic, CT) – Two Coats of Paint
Lisa Call (Parker, CO) - New Work and Inspiration
F. Lennox Campello (Washington DC) Mid Atlantic Art News
Rose Clancy (Pittsburgh, PA) – paperWorks
Kevin Clancy (Boston MA and Pittsburgh PA) - soft soft pink pulls through the ivory void
Susan Constanse (Pittsburgh, PA) - Oranje
Warren Craghead - drawer
Mark Creegan (Jacksonville Florida) - JaxCal.org
Christiane D (Pittsburgh PA) - Christiane D
Roberta Fallon (Philadelphia PA) Fallon and Rosof’s Artblog
Ann Gordon (Detroit MI) - Detroitarts
Cable Griffith (Seattle WA) - Cable Griffith
David Grim (Pittsburgh, PA) - Serendipity
Bill Gusky (Canton, CT) - Artblog Comments
Tracy Helgeson - Works by Tracy Helgeson
Stephanie Lee Jackson (Brooklyn NY) - Pretty Lady
JT Kirkland (Washington, D.C.) - Thinking About Art
Mary Klein (Minneapolis, MN) - stillifes
Eva Lake (Portland, OR) -Eva Lake
Steven LaRose - (Ashland OR) Steven LaRose
Michael Lease (Richmond VA) - Annabelle’s Aspirin
Joanne Mattera (New York NY) Joanne Mattera Art Blog
Rob Matthews (Philadelphia PA) - Matthews The Younger
Jean McClung (Pittsburgh PA) Urban Bytes
John Morris (Pittsburgh, PA) - Digging Pittsburgh Arts
Loren Munk (Brooklyn NY) - James Kalm
Elizabeth Perry (Pittsburgh, PA) - Woolgathering
David Pohl (Pittsburgh, PA) - find the time to rhyme
Libby Rosof (Philadelphia PA) Fallon and Rosof’s Artblog
Chris Rywalt - (Wood Ridge NJ) NYC Art
Marc Snyder (Pittsburgh, PA) - Fiji Island Mermaid Press

The future of the Three Rivers Arts Festival

2007-10-25T10:26:00.000-04:00

Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservatism and Natural Resources began work on renovating Point Park, which is at the tip of downtown's Golden Triangle, sitting at the confluence of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. Three Rivers Arts Festival, as well as the Regatta and several other annual events, were negatively impacted by the renovation. Three Rivers Arts Festival had a much smaller footprint and various parts of the festival, like the Best of Pittsburgh show, were spread over downtown. But since this was only temporary, the coordinators found the spaces and worked around the renovation. But now, there appears to be some glitches in the renovation plan. From the Post Gazette -

New guidelines are being developed for the use of the state-owned park and unless those guidelines are revised, the festival "will most likely not be able to operate in Point State Park," said Elizabeth Reiss, the arts festival's executive director. Read the article

The article goes on to explain that the regulations have not yet been finalized and that a meeting is scheduled with the organizers of these several events to discuss their concerns. Hopefully, the meeting will bring a greater understanding of the needs of event organizers and the concerns of PA -DCNR.

There is very little diversity in the visual arts in downtown Pittsburgh, with most venues operating as non-profits or as co-op galleries. Although the festival emphasizes the performance components more so than the visual arts, at least it does present a wider range of visual arts than what is usually found in downtown. The artist market houses fine crafts and arts and most of the vendors are marketing their work to individual purchases. It brings a more diverse mix of art appreciators to downtown and that is a good thing. Frankly, I am tired of ugly, shock and derivative art that appeals to a very small group of the public. Downtown really needs this festival.

Closing Party @Metamorphose

2007-10-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

Metamorphose
Closing reception - 7-?
Music - Art
4922 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
724-538-5268
412-277-1238

Matt Dearboff

Susan Constanse

Welcome

2007-10-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

Well, we have a new studio mate at 4073. Welcome to Christine Bethea, who is gradually moving into the second floor.

Christine is a salvage/collage/textile artist. I've known her for several years and have worked with her on a bunch of projects here in the 'burgh. She'll be sharing the front of the second floor with me.

Anyway, welcome Christine.

The Blogger Show

2007-10-19T08:09:00.000-04:00

The Blogger Show is a multi-venue, cross platform exhibit. To date, the exhibit will include the work of thirty-four artists at four galleries in two cities. In addition, there is an online exhibit where you can view the works from this poly-talented group of artists.

The Blogger Show, in all of its many facets, was conceived by John Morris at Digging Pitt. John, who is an extraordinary artist, began talking about this exhibit over a year ago. The exhibits have taken on momentum, growing to encompass all of the many facets of the internet. There are online projects and a gallery of the artists' works. And everywhere, there are links to the community of artist bloggers.

I count myself fortunate to be involved in this project. My work will be seen in all of the venues that the exhibits encompass. The exhibit at Agni Gallery opens on November 3 and runs through the end of the month. Following is Untitled (Stream series), which is included in the exhibit -

The shows in Pittsburgh open on November 10. I will be sharing Digging Pitt Too with Bill Gusky. I am looking forward to finally meeting Bill. I have been reading his blog longer than I have had my own. I find his discourse to be well-reasoned and honest. Did I mention that I like his work? I do, very much.

Following are some of the works that will be appearing at Digging Pitt Too. breathe/sing (48" x 60") is the single image. The slide show is smaller works on canvas and panel. Most of these works are from the Unreal Spaces series, which seems to be evolving in some unexpected ways.

Panza Gallery is also opening on November 10. I will be presenting a selection of journal drawings from the Stream series at Panza. All of these works are small format, works on paper. Following is an excerpt from the artist statement for the series -

The works comprising the Stream series are a non-verbal journal, recording the evolution of a visual language. Each piece is produced over several days and is completed in succession. This process presents a time portrait that is a combination of the process and mark-making. Movement is a key component in the process of creating these works, depicting rhythms that range from staccato to adagissimo. The progression from all ink, with marks reminiscent of stitching, to the recent drawings that use hard graphite pencils to create subtle shades indicates an evolution of a visual vocabulary.

I'll be making announcements about receptions and other events at Digging Pitt, Agni and Panza as the exhibits and online presence expands. I do have a MySpace page if you would like to join me there. Join the artists at The Blogger Show or on MySpace.

Matt @drink and draw - 10/16/07

2007-10-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

Great session last night! Matt was a phenomenal model. He brought several costumes and came up with some great poses.

What have we been up to? find out on the drink and draw blog
Here is a calendar of the upcoming sessions --
10/16 – Matt O’Riley, 10/30 - Christine Allen: gesture intensive
11/13 – Seaman Sara, 11/27 - TBA
12/11 - Moira Meadows

Drink and Draw
is an open studio live model drawing session that meets every other Tuesday on the second floor of brillobox, located at 4104 penn ave, pittsburgh, pa. This session is relaxed, surprising, and inspiring. amazing models dressed in various themes, old timey music, great company, and decor. All mediums, except oils, welcome.

drink and draw
MySpace
brillobox
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900

Wet canvas 10/9 and 10/16

2007-10-17T09:17:00.001-04:00

breathe/sing
48" x 60"
In progress.

I took a camera with no power to the studio last week. So, for continuity, I shot this before I started working on it.

This is where I left it yesterday -

Light drawing

2007-10-15T15:32:00.000-04:00

Tom pointed this out to me this morning, while we were having coffee, side by side in front of our respective computers. That's why I love him.

For more, got to the Web Urbanist

The only good artist is a dead one

2007-10-14T17:45:00.000-04:00

THE ONLY GOOD ARTIST IS A DEAD ONE
at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Black White Festival
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company,
542 Penn Ave., Downtown.
www.pghplaywrights.com
Mark Clayton Southers
Founder/Artistic Director
412-394-3353.

"The Only Good Artist is a Dead One", written by Rage Stevenson. Directed by James Wong and produced by Mark Southers. Festival coordinator, John Gresh.
Starring the one and only, phenomenal and fabulous Phat Man Dee!

Take a wild and insane ride through the frustrated mind of a mad artist!
The piece is a funny, black humoured, beautifully poetic rant about the seeming futility of creating art in America. Imagine if you will, a fashionably dressed dead best friend, a raging and ranting artist trying to get paid, birds flying, pink nooses, an asshole art buyer and vomit.

Dates and Times:
Preview: Thursday Oct 18th at 8pm
Opening: Saturday Oct 20th at 8pm
Sunday Oct 21st at 2pm
Thursday Oct 25th at 8pm
Saturday Oct 27th at 2pm
Sunday Oct 28th at 6pm

Rage Stevenson Bio

A graduate of UCLA and member of the LA underground art scene, Rage Stevenson, is ready to show Pittsburgh what he's got. Rage has run the gamut as a model turned actor turned writer and painter.

After being on the scene in LA for 10 years, Pittsburgh provides just the right amount of chill space that he needs to rejuvenate, because as he puts it, "those incessant sunny days can be really non-inspiring".

After trying to make his mark in the LA art world and tiring of the chase, he decided to take a look at what it takes to make art and how that thankless lifestyle can make you crazy. He spent several years interviewing countless artists of all genres across the nation, foundation heads, venue owners, producers and non-profit directors to concoct an insanely frustrating look at the inner machinations of a struggling American artist.

tick tock

2007-10-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

Recreational reading, no apologies. My other book is a classic, I promise! But I ran into this little gem in --

Tick Tock by Dean Koontz, pg295

"Quy," said Mother Phan, "not from Saigon like our family, not born city person. She from sticks, nowhere village on Xan River near borders Laos and Cambodia. All jungle out there on Xan River. Some people there strange, have strange knowledge."

"Sort of like Pittsburgh," Del said.

ROTFLMAO

Renee Ruth Ickes

2007-10-12T09:33:00.000-04:00

Good art in good places.

The brillobox is a terrific little bar on Penn Ave. They host a lot of great music, odd events and a drop-in model session. The owners of the bar, Eric Stern and Renee Ickes, are both artists. Eric's work was recently featured at LaVie and at Digging Pitt. Renee is currently in an exhibit at Future Tenant.

I was delighted to walk into the main bar last week to see this entire wall of Renee's work --

I know, the images are crappy. But hey, you try shooting in a dark bar without a flash! Think of this as an incentive to get yer butt over there before she takes them down. Following are two detail shots of the wall --

Metamorphose

2007-10-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

It was great to so many people out for Unblurred. And really terrific that so many stopped by at Metamorphose. It was a terrific and varied evening. My henna tattoo is still very vivid! It was great to see Diva Dale with her lovely glass works and Judy Dickson had a small table set up.

Thanks to everyone that helped out with the event. I really appreciate it! Especially Louise, purveyor of books, whose support over the years has been invaluable. And to Serendipity for the nice shout-out.

Stay tuned for more developments. There are whispers about a closing party.

Fashioned by Monica Phillips

Marci Gehring

Marci Gehring

Marci Gehring

Matt Dearboff

Matt Dearboff

Matt Dearboff

Susan Constanse

Susan Constanse

Susan Constanse

Susan Constanse

Metamorphose
4922 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
724-538-5268
412-277-1238

Andres Serrano

2007-10-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

There is an article about this in NYT.

I am so undecided about this issue. I couldn't see anything in the pieces that were destroyed that I would go out of my way to view, let alone support. The subject matter was really the only challenge to the work. It seemed fairly straightforward and formal. Maybe that's part of Serrano's aesthetic, I don't know. This kind of work just doesn't do anything for me. All it did was raise a lot of questions --

1 Who does validate this work?

2 Does one group have the right to decide what can be shown at a venue?

3 Why would someone choose to view this work?

Theo Jansen

2007-10-08T10:35:00.000-04:00

Thanks, Larry, for the links.

Olga @Drink and Draw

2007-10-06T08:09:00.000-04:00

If you listen closely to the background music, you'll know that we were listening to one of my favorite musicians - Blossom Dearie!

So what are you doing on Tuesday nights? Get in here!

Everybody --

What have we been up to? find out on the drink and draw blog
Here is a calendar of the upcoming sessions --
10/2 – Olga Brindar, 10/16 – Matt O’Riley, 10/30 - Christine Allen: gesture intensive
11/13 – Seaman Sara, 11/27 - TBA
12/11 - Moira Meadows

Drink and Draw
is an open studio live model drawing session that meets every other Tuesday on the second floor of brillobox, located at 4104 penn ave, pittsburgh, pa. This session is relaxed, surprising, and inspiring. amazing models dressed in various themes, old timey music, great company, and decor. All mediums, except oils, welcome.

drink and draw
MySpace
brillobox
4104 penn ave
412.621.4900

Wet canvas 10/3

2007-10-05T07:57:00.000-04:00

breathe (Unreal Spaces) 60" x 48"

Wet canvas 10/2

2007-10-04T07:53:00.000-04:00

breathe (Unreal Spaces) 48" x 60"

various in-progress 9" x 12"

Open Studio - the aftermath

2007-10-03T08:33:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time visiting with all of you during the tour. Special thanks to my Mum, who took charge of pulling out paintings and setting them up around the room!It was good to see all of you.

Following are some set-up shots from my studio --

Read Kurt Shaw's preview at the Tribune Review --

This Saturday, from noon-6 p.m., more than a dozen artists and two galleries will be part of the Creative Tour, an open studio event in Bloomfield in which the public is invited to tour the studios and learn the creative processes of some of Pittsburgh's favorite artists. read more

I like the part where he says "some of Pittsburgh's favorite artists"!

POWERful opening

2007-10-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

Friday was monumental. The opening was packed! The weather was beautiful, which is great because all of us would not have fit in Future Tenant's new space. If you missed the opening reception, make sure to put the following dates on your calendar. See you there.

POWER - The Definition of Feminine Power
Curated by Christiane D.
September 28 - October 20
SPECIAL POWER EVENTS
Future Tenant
819 Penn Avenue, Cultural District

ALL LIT UP - A POWER-ful evening of Words and Women October 12 - 7:00 pm
Featuring the literary and poetic works of Ellen Smith, Jan Beatty, Lori Jakiela, Carrie Smith, Megan Tutulo, and Stephanie Brea
Tickets are $3.00 at the door

Downtown Gallery Crawl
October 19, 2007 - 6-9PM

Following are a few images from the exhibit. I was lucky enough to get there early, so I could, with some patience, get some pretty clear shots --

Susan Constanse

Suz Pisano

Vanessa German

Staycee Pearl

Pamela Jennings

Maritza Mosquera

POWER
September 28 - October 20
Future Tenant
Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

POWER will present the work of the following artists: Susan Constanse, Suz Pisano, Veronica Corpuz, Rise Nagin, Alexis S. Covato, Patricia Villalobos Echeverría, Cara Erskine, Carolina Loyola-Garcia, Vanessa German, Stacy Rae Gross, Pamela Jennings, Monique Luck, Maritza Mosquera, Renee Ruth Ickes, Staycee Pearl, Rebecca Rose, Sam Thorp, and Two Girls Working (Renee Piechocki and Tiffany Ludwig)

Amy Kerlin -- I just love her dress!

Metamorphose

2007-10-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

Metamorphose is operated by two very lovely ladies - Marci Gehring and Monica Phillips. The venue, which opens its doors to artists for the Unblurred event every first Friday, always features live entertainment and the delightful creations of the proprietors. On October 5, Metamorphose has MUNCHES, MUSIC, ART, FUN

Start the night off with light munchies and an art exhibit at 7:00 with our October feature artist, painter Susan Constanse. Matt Dearboff will display his his artful interpretations of Frank Loyd Wright's architecture. Marci Ghering and Monica Phillips will have their cozy new fall looks ready to wrap yourself in! The band, Hail and Farewell, featuring Barrett Black and David Harris, will rock out in our courtyard around 8:00pm. Plus, henna tattoos by Kate.

October Unblurred @ Metamorphose
10/5/2007 - 7-11PM
4922 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
724-538-5268
412-277-1238

Creative Tour in Bloomfield

2007-09-27T09:45:00.001-04:00

Kurt Shaw at the Tribune Review gave the Creative Tour a nice mention in today's edition --

This Saturday, from noon-6 p.m., more than a dozen artists and two galleries will be part of the Creative Tour, an open studio event in Bloomfield in which the public is invited to tour the studios and learn the creative processes of some of Pittsburgh's favorite artists. read more

I like the part where he says "some of Pittsburgh's favorite artists"!

What: Creative Tour
Where: Bloomfield
When: Saturday, September 29: 12PM – 6PM

You can download a map here

Yeah, yeah, yeahyeahyeah

2007-09-26T19:13:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm tired. It's been the week from hell. And I still have next week to contend with.

Enjoy.

Wet canvas

2007-09-25T20:23:00.000-04:00

breathe

Somethin' stanks

2007-09-23T08:27:00.000-04:00

... and I want some

Funky violin
Sir Nose
Belita Wood
Bounce to this

p-Funk

yeah

BLESSING OF THE ARTISTS

2007-09-22T09:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Chris, for the heads up. I think I'll go. I'm bringing brushes, pencils, needles and an embroidery hoop.

ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ARTISTS
Trinity Cathedral, downtown Pittsburgh
328 Sixth Avenue
Tuesday, September 25th
5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Questions? Call 412-232-6404

BLESSING OF THE ARTISTS

Trinity Cathedral offers the Blessing of the Artists on Tuesday, September 25, at 5:00 p.m. The profound 45- to 50-minute liturgy is based upon the Cathedral’s Anglican heritage while being sensitive to the diversity in the arts community. After the Blessing proper, there will be an opportunity to remain for healing prayers and anointing.

Artists, you are encouraged to bring tools or symbols of your professions—an instrument, mouthpiece, reeds, drumsticks, ballet slippers, paintbrushes, camera or lens (in its case), theatrical mask, laptop computer, etc.

This is open to performers, visual artists in commercial and fine art, literary artists, students, educators, arts administrators and promoters, and those in the culinary arts.

Wet canvas

2007-09-21T09:32:00.000-04:00

48" x 60"
Untitled (Unreal spaces series)

Creative Tour in Bloomfield

2007-09-19T18:51:00.000-04:00

What: Creative Tour
Where: Bloomfield
When: Saturday, September 29: 12PM – 6PM

You can download a map here

Mark your calendar for the sixth annual “Little Italy Days” Festival on September 28, 29 and 30. This year you can visit some of the artists working in Bloomfield. Expect lots of music, food, games, more food and other fun activities amidst Bloomfield’s unique shops and dozen or so fine restaurants.

As a part of the festival, Creative Tour in Bloomfield will focus on artists, crafters and creative businesses in Bloomfield. Several studios, that are generally not open to the public, will welcome visitors during the festival, on Saturday, September 29. Painters, woodworkers, photographers and sculptors are among the artists presenting work during the open studio event. Some studios will host artists from other parts of Pittsburgh. This is a rare opportunity to view new work by local artists and sample the works on display at some of the venues in Bloomfield where creative work is always on display.

Maps will be available on the site and at each of the venues and studios that are on the tour. You can visit the Creative Tour blog (susin15224.wordpress.com) for additional information about the artists and an up-to-date roster of participating creative workers.

4071 Liberty Ave
Iron Eden

4073 Liberty Ave – 2nd floor
CJB Photography – Photography
Susan Constanse – Painting and Drawing
SB Image - Photography

Guests
Christine Bethea – Salvage sculpture
Digging Pitt Gallery – Flat Out in Bloomfield
Steve Dines - Drawing
Noir LeBlanc - Photography
Meredith Laura Lynn - Painting

4073 Liberty Ave – 3rd floor
Ben Bigelow - Crater Eraser (work in progress)

4523 Liberty Ave
BoxHeart Gallery

307 Taylor Street
Solidio Wood & Metal Craft - Julie Graf & Mitch Richardson

4730 Liberty Ave
Allure
Ellen Levick – sculptor

4765 Liberty Ave
Botanical Designs by Leon
Leon Sheffey - Painting

… and others

Chicago nights @drink and draw

2007-09-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at drink and draw last, as always. Our model took her inspiration from the character Roxy in the musical Chicago. Lots of fun.

We have a new schedule up on our MySpace page, so come be our friend!

WTF

2007-09-18T06:59:00.000-04:00

POWER @Future Tenant

2007-09-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

POWER
September 28 - October 20
Future Tenant
Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Opening reception - September 28, 6PM

FUTURE TENANT PRESENTS: POWER - The Definition of Feminine Power Curated by Christiane D. September 28 - October 20 www.futuretenant.org

This group exhibit will collectively express the definition of feminine power through the eyes, heart and souls of twenty women. Each participating artist will have one piece on display. Why one piece? Because more often than not, that is all one gets. One chance to make an impression. One chance to express their power.

POWER will present the work of the following artists: Susan Constanse, Suz Pisano, Veronica Corpuz, Rise Nagin, Alexis S. Covato, Patricia Villalobos Echeverría, Cara Erskine, Carolina Loyola-Garcia, Vanessa German, Stacy Rae Gross, Pamela Jennings, Monique Luck, Maritza Mosquera, Renee Ruth Ickes, Staycee Pearl, Rebecca Rose, Sam Thorp, and Two Girls Working (Renee Piechocki and Tiffany Ludwig)

SPECIAL POWER EVENTS
at our NEW location! -
819 Penn Avenue, Cultural District
Opening Reception - September 28, 6-9 pm
Featuring:
Speaker Linda Babcock,
James M. Walton Professor of Economics and author of the book,Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide

DJ Shorty Rock
and
Cocktail creations from the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC)

ALL LIT UP - A POWER-ful evening of Words and Women October 12 - 7:00 pm
Featuring the literary and poetic works of Ellen Smith, Jan Beatty, Lori Jakiela, Carrie Smith, Megan Tutulo, and Stephanie Brea
Tickets are $3.00 at the door

FOR MORE INFO visit us at www.futuretenant.org

Poppyseed oil

2007-09-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

How can an artist run out of something as basic as linseed oil and then forget to replace it?

Easy.

So. I ran out of linseed oil and ended up using poppyseed oil. I love poppyseed. it is so clear, and adds a luster to the paint.

It also takes #%?!!)* FOREVER to dry.

Wet canvas

2007-09-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

untitled (unreal spaces series)

It's been about two weeks since I've been able to make it to my studio. Last week was installation week at the gallery and with one thing or another, I was not able to make time in my schedule to get there.

I feel like this is a luxury week, though. Yesterday and today are scheduled as studio days.

Roswell

2007-09-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks, Dave. ROTFLMAO

Many will recall that on July 8, 1947, witnesses claimed that an unidentified object with five aliens aboard crashed onto a sheep and cattle ranch just outside Roswell, New Mexico. This is a well-known incident many say has long been covered up by the U.S. Air Force and the federal government.

However, what you may NOT know is that in the month of March, 1948, exactly nine months after that historic day, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Condolezza Rice, and Dan Quyale were all born.

This is what happens when aliens breed with sheep.

This piece of information may clear up a lot of things.

Dr. Pepperberg's Alex

2007-09-10T09:51:00.000-04:00

On Friday, Alex passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31. Alex was a crucial part of Dr. Pepperberg's studies in cognitive ethology. The name Alex is actually an acronym, A.L.EX., standing for Avian Learning EXperiment. He was purchased from a Chicago pet store in 1977.

Early studies conducted by Pepperberg were concerned with modeling behavior. Alex was used to demonstrate a teaching technique that has been applied successfully to certain types of learning disabilities. Her current research, however, is most concerned with examining the cognitive capacity of this amazing species. There is more information about the research on the Alex Foundation site.

This is my Alix --

My husband and I purchased Alix about thirteen years ago. She had that name when we got her and we saw no reason to change it. I'm glad now that we didn't.

I am constantly amazed and delighted by my small grey companion. She is adaptable and expressive. I have observed a surprising level of intelligence in her, watching how she reasons.

So, to Dr. Pepperberg and her research team, I extend my heartfelt condolences. I cannot imagine what you are going through with this loss.

And to Alex, whose time was shorter on this earth than it should have been, your contributions to the understanding of avian intelligence is a legacy that will be remembered.

Astarte @drink and draw

2007-09-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

Astarte at drink and draw on September 4.

Really nice, fun session!

Drop in sometime.

Amy drawing Astarte --

Everybody --

Wet canvas

2007-08-31T17:26:00.001-04:00

(Unreal Spaces series)
48" x 60"

Well, I am only uploading the larger works. This is that big canvas i stretched a couple weeks ago.

The saints

2007-08-31T09:30:00.000-04:00

Wet canvas

2007-08-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

In the company of women

It was a good studio day. That means that I made progress on the above painting. I gessoed some small panels and did the underpaintings for four small works.

Also, I am preparing for an open studio in September. I've invited three other artists to bring work to my studio for the open studio, so I am clearing some shelves for display. I have been trying to put in about a half hour of putting things away every time I go to the studio.

So busy day...

Art & 'Tique on Hatfield

2007-08-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

You know, I went to Art & Tique last weekend. I finally got the images off of my camera. I wish I could have stayed a little longer. I got to Hatfield just as most of the vendors were finishing setting up.

It was great day for it, too. Not to hot, considering that it's August, clear and sunny. A lot of the neighborhood was out All of the galleries on Hatfield had their doors open.

Wet canvas

2007-08-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

In the company of women
30" x 24"

It was good studio day. I stretched two small canvases and gessoed a bunch of substrates.

Stinky's Bar and Grill

2007-08-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

I have it on good authority that Stinky's is a pretty good neighborhood bar. It's on Hatfield Street in Lawrenceville.

I didn't realize that it was an Irish bar, though. Maybe they just borrowed Cigna's Blarney stone?

Heppenstall

2007-08-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

I happened to have my camera with me on my way up Hatfield Street last weekend. Just another defunct steel mill, on the Allegheny in Pittsburgh.

In this case, they are tearing down the remains of the buildings.

Toxic Por Vida

2007-08-19T16:43:00.000-04:00

The trip to Carrie Furnace last weekend was at turns arduous and anxious. It was a long walk, about a half hour. The site was obviously dangerous. Not a trip I would reccommed to anybody that was uninsured.
This was over a long, relatively low, structure just inside the fence. You know, I don't read or speak Spanish. So, just to make sure, I translated the above through an online dictionary. The direct translation is Toxic By Life. Was that the intention of the writer? I could be wrong, but I think the intention was Toxic For Life. As it stands, however, it raises more questions, intentional or unintentional.

As we began exploring the structure, we heard a shifting sound. Debris spilled onto the floor through the vented structure of the roof. There were a few places where the floor was unstable. We walked most of the length of the structure. Climbing out, we found ourselves below a platform that surrounded the furnaces. We climbed up through the drifted dirt and debris, pulling ourselves up onto the platform.

We found ourselves between the furnaces and a cavernous structure. The following slideshow is a slight glimmer of the site.

There is always some tribute to our hometown at these sites. Usually, it's yinz, yinzer or some reference to the steeler nation. Here it is at Carrie Furnace

Signs of life. There were Dragonflys all over the site. I thought it was odd. One of my companions felt that because of the proximity of the Monongehela, it should be expected.

I had posted some videos lats week. Here's the link.

I want to go back.

Wet canvas

2007-08-17T17:50:00.000-04:00

It can't be just the heat; it was in the low 80's today. There was a nice breeze. Okay, it was really humid.

I fell asleep in my studio today >gasp<

Didn't get as much done as I wanted/needed to.

Next week - I will get something done.

Wet canvas

2007-08-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

In the company of women

simultaneous with working on this piece, I have been constructing what, for me, is a large canvas. About 4' x 5'. I have a hand-held miter saw, which is slow work. Also, it's been really hot.

I finally got it stretched yesterday. The first coat of primer is on. On Friday, I will hopefully get it completely primed and will start painting next week.

Art & 'Tique on Hatfield

2007-08-15T08:16:00.000-04:00

Hatfield Street Fair
At least 20 local businesses and artists from the Lawrenceville area will come together on one block for one day to showcase all that Lawrenceville has to offer in a block party setting. "Art & 'Tique on Hatfield" will be held on August 18, from 11AM to 5PM, rain or shine, and is free to the public. The location of the "festival" is between the 4700 and 4800 block of Hatfield Street(one block off of Butler). There will be fine art, antiques, clothing, food, music, and live performances.

"Art & 'Tique on Hatfield" is a collaboration between the Hatfield Street Galleries which is comprised of 4 galleries located on Hatfield Street: DNA Blue Collar, Society for Cultural Exchange, Trinity Gallery, and Zombo Gallery. It is a grass roots effort to unite community, commerce, and art.

For more information, contact Dan Gaser at 412-687-2458 or email at imdan@verizon.net

Survey show @Digging Pitt

2007-08-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

Inside Out Six: Selections from the Flat Files
I've been meaning to post about this show for a while now. I though I'd better get it up now, since the exhibit will be closing on Saturday, August 18.

JohnFobes' pinhole photography and Jon Lewis' work is very eerie, but still gives me an opportunity to create my own narrative. I really appreciate that aspect of these works. Eric Stern's work is always interesting, with its emphasis on calligraphy, adding visualization to definition, connotation and combustion.

The exhibit has a nice range of mediums and aesthetics. There are more artists; you should check it out before it comes down.

John Fobes
Eric Stern
Jon Lewis
Inside Out Six: Selections from the Flat Files
Digging Pitt Gallery
MySpace
Pittsburgh Arts - Digging Pitt Gallery
4417 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
p 412.605.0450
f 412.605.0451 Gallery Hours
TH 12 - 9
FR 12 - 7
SA 11 - 7
SU 11 - 7

Carrie Furnace

2007-08-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

A little background about Carrie Furnace,

From Wikipedia - Carrie Furnace is a derelict structure which exists across the Monongahela river from Munhall and Homestead, Pa. It had formed a part of the Homestead Steel Works. The Carrie Furnaces were built in 1908 and they operated until 1978. All that is left of the site are furnaces #6 and #7, along with the hot metal bridge.

From Rivers of Steel - Built in 1907, the furnaces produced iron for the Homestead Works from 1907 to 1978. During the 1920s, 1930s,and 1940s, Carrie 6 and 7 consumed approximately four tons of raw materials comprised of iron ore, coke, and limestone for every ton of iron produced. The cooling system for the blast furnace required over five million gallons of water a day. These furnaces reached their peak production in the 1950s and 1960s when they were producing 1000 -1250 tons of iron a day.

A couple of clips from my day trip there. I wish I could include the smell. More to come, once I have sorted through all of the images.

Now showing @Trinity Gallery

2007-08-11T14:41:00.000-04:00

Microcosmonaut/Cityscapes & Escapes
Kevin Clancy and Marty Ressler.
Trinity Gallery

I'm glad I made an effort to get into Trinity Gallery today. The current exhibits are worth the effort. Kevin Clancy, the Microcosmonaut exhibit, had some stunning work on display. Meditation on a line was intriguing, with its layers of cut paper. Keep an eye open for him in the upcoming Blogger Show.

In contrast to the internal dialog that Kevin Clancy shows in his work, Marty Ressler had these timeless Pittsburgh cityscapes. The paintings capture the unchanging character of some of Pittsburgh's older neighborhoods, with the row houses and the brick work.

Trinity Gallery has expanded its gallery space, adding a graceful room. Dan Gaser's photographs are featured in this new space. I got a fairy nice long-shot of his installed works, but the cyanatypes that are on the far right wall are among my favorite works by this artist. Well, at least I can provide a link to his other photographic works.

Kevin Clancy - Meditation on a line
Kevin Clancy - Bifurcation of the indivisible ego
Marty Ressler - Morning on Holmes Street
Photographs by Dan Gaser
Microcosmonaut/Cityscapes & Escapes
Kevin Clancy and Marty Ressler.
Trinity Gallery
8/5/2007 through 9/15/2007
4747 Hatfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: (412) 687-2458
Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
By appointment

Alix @drink and draw

2007-08-09T09:47:00.000-04:00

Our lovely model,Alix the amazing grey parrot, did a marvelous job on Tuesday night at brillobox's drink and draw.

Next up, Mark and his cast of characters, August 21, 6-9PM

Get on the email list for updates or join us on MySpace!

Wet canvas

2007-08-08T07:04:00.000-04:00

In the company of women

Welcome to my neighborhood

2007-08-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

Yes, well, the following was in my MySpace bulletins. The bulletin came from the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, who also have a MySpace page --

We are writing you today to promote a new semi-annual event in Downtown Pittsburgh: 30 Below, a showcase of artists all age 30 or under. This is no ordinary art exhibit, but instead, an engaging week of exhibition and events that will attract a variety of ages to the downtown area. We are working to make this exhibit an exciting new attraction for the Pittsburgh art community.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Thank you!

Kaitlyn Wittig
Curator
724. 689. 3652

Emily Fear
Assistant Curator
412. 302. 9119

I'm not quite sure where they are coming from with this under-thirty thing. It's not like the under-30 crowd is under-represented in the downtown exhibition spaces. Future Tenant, for instance, is even run by college students. And the downtown gallery crawl is definitely geared to that age group. All you have to do is stand on the sidewalk outside any of the venues and you can partake of under-30, age-appropriate music. In fact, the entire event seems to be geared to lure the perceived evasive young hipster to the downtown scene.

Can you spell a-g-e-i-s-m?

Arts in educational settings

2007-08-05T09:45:00.000-04:00

The New York Times previewed Project Zero's new book yesterday. The book, due for release soon, challenges the notion that arts education increases student academic achievement. What might be more accurate is to say that the benefits of arts education lie in other areas, and is related to quality of life issues.

In their view art education should be championed for its own sake, not because of a wishful sentiment that classes in painting, dance and music improve pupils’ math and reading skills and standardized test scores. (You can read the article here.)

Ellen Winner and Lois Hetland of Project Zero have a very good point. If it is desirable to increase proficiency in math, why not have more math studies? They seem to be championing art for its own sake instead of as academia's lame sister.

I have worked in arts education projects and community art projects for a number of years in several capacities. And you know? I can't really say what the long-term impact of these projects are. Typically, my contact with students is pretty much one-time only. I don't receive reports on changes in the students' achievement.

I think that where artists can contribute in educational settings is in projects that demonstrate synthesis. Arts studies can demonstrate the application of abstract knowledge. This type of project leadership is rarely undertaken, however. It can be complex to administrate. It is difficult to demonstrate the outcomes.

Wet canvas

2007-08-03T07:01:00.000-04:00

24" x 30"
In the company of women

SNOWBLIND @SPACE

2007-08-02T06:31:00.000-04:00

There's a really amazing collaborative work included in the SNOWBLIND exhibit at SPACE in downtown. If you can make it down to see the exhiibit, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

With the exception of some large works on paper, most of the works were small scale. The installation was pretty good, especially the large number of panels that comprise change of address.

July 27 - September 15,2007
SPACE
812 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
phone 412.325.7723
SNOWBLIND
Guest-curated by Thad Kellstadt

Work by Heidi Anderson, Corey Antis, Chad Gordon, Christopher Herron and Josh Tonies.

A collaborative work by Chad Gordon, Christopher Herron and Josh Tonies - change of address

The following three images are detail panels from change of address

Christopher Herren - zectar 87 an akapoo (detail of dyptych)

Heidi Anderson - Tattoo Face

New work

2007-08-01T11:25:00.000-04:00

Pencil on charred paper

Links,

2007-07-31T07:20:00.000-04:00

Yanno, I have heard, and read, more about the place of women artists in the arts over the last year than I have heard in the last ten. There really is something in the air. The New Hazlett Theater is honoring women artists in a year-long festival. The Dinner Table has its own permanent display. There are local and national shows, dedicated to women artists.

Lisa Hunter continues to be a supporter in the Intrepid Art Collector. Her recent post resonates with me. Eva Lake, one of the artists in the upcoming Blogger Show, has interviewed Lisa for her Art World Podcast.

Check this stuff out.

The Sacred Art opening reception @BoxHeart

2007-07-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

The Sacred Art opening reception was wonderful. It is so nice to see new faces on the walls of the galleries here and since this is an international show, there were several opportunities. There was a nice range of expressions, but I do tend to favor the less traditional pieces, so that is what I concentrated on here. There were several iconogrphic and traditional works on display, so don't let my slanted view keep you from going and enjoying the exhibit.

July 24 - August 18
The Sacred Art Exhibition
BoxHeart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
F. 412 687 6338

George Kollar
Thad Ricker
Elin Waterson
Marian Siepian
Cory Bonnet
Susan Constanse
Susan Constanse

Art and 'Tique - Call for Artists

2007-07-28T17:49:00.000-04:00

Art & Tique originated last year when 3 art galleries opened up within one block of each other on Hatfield Street in Lawrenceville. This year it has been expanded to include live performance and music. There is still space for more artists, so take advantage of the opportunity. This was a lot of fun last year, with tables and displays set up by several local galleries, artists and even a restaurant. It seems that there were several sales during the event, so it could be well worth it.

Date: Saturday, August 18, 2007
Time: Booth-table-display setup begins at 9AM. Street Fair opens to public at 11AM and closes at 5PM.
Where: Hatfield Street between 47th and 48th streets
Cost: $14 payable to Dan Gaser: Mail to: 4747 Hatfield Street, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15201.

Any questions, please call Dan Gaser, Trinity Gallery, at 412-352-2905.

Wet canvas

2007-07-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Wet canvas

2007-07-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

The luscious Moira

2007-07-27T07:03:00.000-04:00

The luscious Moira was the model for Drink and Draw on July 24. She was amazing! I hope that, at some point, we can have her back. Everybody seemed to enjoy drawing her, as you can see --

Next up, Sus and Alix on August 7. See you then --

brillobox Drink and Draw

Sacred Art @BoxHeart in Pittsburgh

2007-07-26T07:31:00.000-04:00

July 24 - August 18
The Sacred Art Exhibition
BoxHeart Gallery
4523 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
P. 412 687 8858
F. 412 687 6338

Exhibition exploring "the sacred."

Public Reception: Saturday, July 28th: 6 PM - 9 PM, free and open to the public.

The Sacred Art Exhibition is an Annual Event in the Bloomfield Community. The arts enable contact with The Sacred on an intimate level. By creating, The Sacred is manifested by the hands and a new life is brought into existence. Selection for this exhibition required that artists submit pieces that explore their personal interpretation of The Sacred. All interpretations, both traditional and nontraditional, are considered. The Sacred Art Exhibition is looking forward to a successful 11th year. Come to our community and explore this intriguing cultural event! More information

Juried Participants:
Bonnet, Cory - Painting - United States (PA)
Broderick, Donna - Textile - United States (PA)
Catale, Sharon - Textile, Mixed Media - United States (PA)
Chaison, Emily - Painting - United States (OR)
Clancy, Rose - Sculpture - United States (PA)
Constanse, Susan - Mixed Media- United States (PA)
Donnelly, Carol - Painting - United States (PA)
DiFalco, Gerard - Mixed Media - United States (PA)
Fleisch-Hughes, Diane - Painting - United States (OH)
Grant, Tatiana - Iconography - United States (CA)
Hughes-Saurina, Donna - Painting - United States (PA)
Kukic, Jasmine - Collage - Canada
Lawrence, Dhira - Painting - United States (OR)
Magalhaes, Nzuji de- Textile, Mixed Media - United States (CA)
Marze, Fran - Painting - United States (PA)
Montanaro, Marina - Drawing - Switzerland
Neapolitan, Cella - Photography - United States (TN)
Noe, Rita - Digital Photography- United States (IA)
O'Brien, Lynn - Painting - United States (OH)
Petrea, Rick - Sculpture - United States (GA)
Redmond, Jamie - Photography - United States (CA)
Ricker, Thad - Digital Painting - United States (OH)
Slepian, Marian - Sculpture - United States (NJ)
Sobye, Reinhardt - Film - Norway
Staub, Cassie - Photography - United States (PA)
Voegtle, Petra - Textile - Germany
Waterston, Elin - Textile - United States (NY)
Zinicola, Jr, Tony - Mosaic - United States (OR)

Susan Constanse
Oranje
MySpace

Addendum: Read Kurt Shaw's review here.

Wet canvas

2007-07-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Road Trip at La Vie

2007-07-22T12:35:00.001-04:00

Road Trip at La Vie
3609 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
Paul Roden - The History of the World II: Confluence
An installation of Jennifer Howison's puppens.
Jennifer Howison
Deborah Hosking - Telephone Wires
Deborah Hosking's Road trip from LA - Pittsburgh (Spoiler: the snow scenes are Pittsburgh)
Josh Bonnett - White Out

Tuning up is one of the members of F*ck Telecorps Lite

The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Annual

2007-07-21T12:12:00.000-04:00

The due date for submission for the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is coming up.

Attention Artists! The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP) is screening art for the 97th Annual Exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art. All media are welcome. You do not have to be an AAP member to apply, all artists are welcome. Artists working in any media and living within a 150 mile radius of Pittsburgh are eligible to apply.

Digital and slide entries by August 3 and drop off for physical work is August 12. You will need a prospectus that has all of the details. You can find more information about this and past exhibits on their site. You can download the prospectus here.

The juror

Polly Apfelbaum, noted New York artist, was born in 1955 in Abington, Pennsylvania. She received a BFA from Tyler School of Art in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and also attended SUNY at Purchase, Purchase, New York.

An artist of wide-ranging styles from Pop Art to Minimalism, Polly Abfelbaum has been exhibiting in New York since the early 1980s. Many of her installations are dyed fabric laid on the floor, wall works with strips of velvet applied to bed sheets or collages of cut-up photographs and cloth. Her subjects deal with the relativity of time, feminist issues and complexity in what appears to be simplicity.

Her early shows had works with found and fabricated objects, and in the 1990s, she began working with fabric. In 1999, her work was exhibited at Site Sante Fe in New Mexico.

On Tap @ the Brew House

2007-07-20T14:26:00.000-04:00

On Tap: Brew House Cabaret
The Brew House is bringing together diverse performing artists from New York City and the Pittsburgh area in an exciting and eclectic evening of dance, music, and theatre. Featuring --

Smokifantastic

Rage of the Stage Players

Zafira Dance Company

July 20 and 21, 2007 at 8 pm both nights. Admission is $10.
The Brew House
2100 Mary Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
412-381-7767

New work

2007-07-19T10:18:00.000-04:00

I have just finished loading a lot of new images on my site. There is a new body developing and images have been added to the Unreal Spaces portfolio.

Wet canvas

2007-07-18T03:39:00.001-04:00

Zombie Town, USA

2007-07-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

What's happening in the 'burgh?
check out the vid --

And then this MySpace and the It's Alive Show

Addendum:
The MySpce for the movie is linked here. Thanks, Chris Ivey, for the update.

Wet canvas

2007-07-12T10:05:00.000-04:00

In progress
In progress
detail