Moving day

oranje is moving to a new cyber home

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

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

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

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?

Something to warm you up

most popular streetsy photos of 2007

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

I can hear the swans singing

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

snicker

Thanks, Tom.

The elephant in the room

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

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

Christmas in Fallujah

Happy Christmas music video by John Lennon

Highway to Hell - Nightmare Before Christmas Music Video

The SAFE Act

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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