Okay, so I wasn’t as much better as I thought last week, but I’m pretty sure I’m back now. I figure it’s better to post something than not, especially since I found the amazing piece of installation art by Geraldine Gonzalez today.
Meduses
I very highly recommend checking out Geraldine Gonzalez’ whole website, all of her creations are just fantastic. When I’m choosing artwork to go on this site, I try to pick something that gives me this particular feeling when I first see it. It’s a feeling I get when I watch ballet, or hear live opera music, and I get it a lot while cruising around Pinterest. I call it a light-filled emptiness, and it’s the same feeling I get when I worship God. It’s my spirit recognizing the divine in something I see on earth. I get that feeling with all of Gonzalez’ sculptures, which is why you really should take a closer look.
Okay, usually I insist on finding a piece that I can credit to an actual person, not an organization. But I love this building so much, and as I considered the sheer scale of the creation, I find it unlikely that one person can claim full credit for the whole thing. That said, I find the Atkins Design Studio to be a really interesting website, and I have great respect for their commitment to diversity in their hiring and in their work. Unlike some architecture firms where there does seem to be one style done in several iterations, Atkins shows an amazing ability to produce a “wow” factor in a plethora of styles. Well worth checking out.
Songjiang Hotel
This amazing building is a hotel outside of Shanghai, built into a natural rock quarry. In addition to being just stunning to the eye, the hotel is also designed to be completely sustainable and green, and includes some really innovative elements like underwater guest rooms, and an extension across the quarry for extreme sports. I got most of that info from this article in World Architecture News.
Today, when I need a little more vibrance in my day, I’ve chosen to show off the lively painting of Ivey Hayes.
Pecan Pickers
I love this piece for its amazing color palette, for the simplicity of the moment it captures, and the long elegant lines which I’m now realizing are a very common feature in artwork that I like.
When I first saw a collection of Ivey Hayes’ work, I thought I might already have a piece of his work in my home, because this piece has a similarly warm, vibrant feel to it.
The Rhythm of Life
But it turns out this is the work of Alaagy, a totally different but also fabulous artist from Ghana whose work I also love. Bonus artist for your viewing pleasure today, enjoy.
After over a week of being out with a summer plague of some kind, I have emerged to see the light and some awesome new artwork. Today David Chidgey, whose awe-inspiring mandala was featured on this blog a couple weeks ago, has agreed to do an artist profile. He has some great stuff to say and a beautiful image of his work to share.
1) What do you love about your medium?
Mosaic is the perfect art medium for me. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to things that were unique and/or beautiful, yet somehow broken or incomplete. In things that others throw away, I see possibility and creative potential. It’s a type of beauty that really speaks to me. With the mosaic medium, materials are usually broken or cut and then reassembled to express an idea or feeling or , as is often the case, provide ornamentation. So it makes sense that my affinity for the broken and fragmented would eventually lead to my love of mosaics.
2) Describe a piece of artwork that you find superficial or boring.
In the world of mosaics, there is a range of work from the extraordinary to the simple and mundane. Mosaics, that are created using small uniform square tiles, are what I think many people imagine when they hear the word mosaics. Technically, a mosaic process has been used because small pieces (i.e. the uniform tile) are put together to form a whole. However, I often see this type of mosaic as only a wall or floor covering and not really art. The reflection of the artist in the mosaic is missing. It doesn’t draw me in to look closely, explore, and/or react.
3) When did you first call yourself an artist, and why?
I had been creating my small mosaic mandalas for several years when I got a commission for two garden mosaics for a residence outside of New York City. The landscape architect and client flew me up to the site to help in the selection of the color of iridescent glass tile that was to be used. Upon arriving at the site, the landscape architect introduced me to the general contractor and client as “the artist from Texas”. I remember wondering who in the world was she referring to and then it struck me that she was talking about me! In that split second, I recognized for the first time that I truly was an artist. And since then, I have never looked back or had second thoughts. It is just who I am. Here is one of the completed mosaics.
4) Describe an artist and/or piece of work that you find consistently inspiring.
There are two mosaic artists that I consistently find inspiring. The first is Ilana Shafir. She has been an artist all of her life and in the last two decades has devoted herself to the language of mosaics. She is internationally known for creating mosaic murals/panels that incorporate ceramic elements that she makes, natural stone/materials, and the broken, discarded ceramics of others. The resulting organic forms transport the viewer to a whole new world. Ilana is in her eighties and lives in Israel.
The second mosaic artist that I find inspiring is Kelly Knickerbocker. She came to the world of mosaics after taking a mosaic workshop in 2005. I feel she exemplifies the most important rule for professional artists. Show up and do your “work”. This daily commitment of the artist to his or her craft is what accelerates personal artistic growth. (Yes, even if you are not inspired or motivated.)
5) What is your unique purpose for creating work?
I am not sure that I know what my unique purpose is for creating my work other than to share myself with the world and to play.
Today’s selection comes from Manuel Nuῆez, an artist who’s done a lot in the commercial world, but who caught my eye with these striking paintings in the style of religious icons. The one I saw first is still my favorite, the lines so sharp and elegant, it’s burned into my memory and I love it.
Reverence
I love the gold leaf in these kind of paintings, it adds so much dimension and lustre to the image. I think what I love about this image in particular is that instead of being an image that begs to be worshipped, it’s an image of a woman in the act of worship. There’s a big part of me that wants to be that woman, with that dramatic look, completely lost in the awe of God.
I’m loving that I’ve had three Mondays in a row with artist profiles, hopefully I can keep it up. I love reading the responses to my questions, and seeing how each artist’s identity emerges so uniquely from any other artist. Here is a profile of Daryl Stokes, a redwood sculptor who’s been working with that specific medium for 30 years. Daryl Stokes makes these lovely abstract sculptures from found redwood displaced by fires or floods. You can really see the love and wisdom he puts into his work in these images.
What do you love about your medium?
I work with natural redwood burls and root materials and what I love most is that they are all unique. It has been a constant challenge and inspiration to create sculptures and furniture designs with random materials such as these. It is a combination of utilizing natural forms and visualizing what can be created from such forms in a way that is aesthetically rewarding.
Describe a piece of artwork that you find superficial or boring.
I create types of abstract expressionistic wood sculptures and for that matter I have not been excited by many types of realistic works such as seascapes or or portraits, depending on how they have been executed.
When did you first call yourself an artist, and why?
I have been an artist ever since I was in junior high school and that’s when I discovered that I had a talent and that it eventually became an integral part of my mental well being.
Describe a piece of art and/or an artist that you find consistently inspiring.
I have always been drawn to surrealistic artists such as Jim Warren and I am constantly fascinated by their approach to creating realistic objects in abstract settings. I have attempted to translate some of the surrealistic aspects into my sculptures such as transitional effects where gnarled wood forms have transitions into crisp geometric counterparts.
What is your unique purpose for creating work?
My art is my passion and allows me to express my inner consciousness to the best of my abilities more so than anything else I could do aside from dancing.
For some Friday sexiness, check out these gorgeous black and white photos by Susa Dosa. This Finish photographer take photos that are not nudes, but these are the ones I like the best. They are beautiful, sensual, and lend a feeling of intimacy I rarely get from other types of nude art. Her close-up almost macro style makes me feel like I’m part of that embrace. It’s lovely.
“Light Hug”
On a slightly more ranty note, if you are an artist WATERMARK YOUR IMAGES. If you’re going to post artwork anywhere on the internet CREDIT THE ARTIST. The amount of amazing art that I can’t post on this blog because I have no way of crediting the artist is absolutely unbelievable. In general I’m a fan of putting work out there and making it accessible, but there is no good reason why an artist’s name shouldn’t always and obviously be attached to their work.
Turns out I improperly credited the wonderful sculpture in my last post to Daryl Stokes. He was kind enough to let me know that “Sunrise” isn’t his artwork, although he does do amazing redwood sculptures like the one below.
“Eternal Flame”
I’m still looking for the artist of the piece I put up (because it’s amazing) and I will re-post it when I find the correct credit. For now I’ve taken the post down, sad day.
I am a huge fan of public artworks. I think they are an essential piece of the texture of a city, and I’m so lucky to live in Minneapolis where you can throw a rock and hit three murals. This link should take you to an album of public art I have on Facebook. I love adding to this album, and how it helps me see art everywhere I go.
Today, I give you Tom Fruin, who made this phenomenal piece of public artwork in Brooklyn.
I love how this piece changes the whole landscape it appears in. Just imagine if it was a plain white concrete water tower, and how much beauty would be lost. If I ever make it back to New York City, I’m going to make sure I get to stand on the Brooklyn Bridge and see this piece for myself.
Rebeca Mojica, whose stunning chainmaille jewelry was featured on this blog last week, very generously agreed to do a profile for me. Her work is truly innovative and elegant, and as you’ll see in this interview, she is a wonderfully joyful artist.
1) What do you love about your medium?
I love that chainmaille is so versatile. Given all the different sizes of rings, virtually an infinite number of textures and patterns can be created. I use colored metal, too, so that brings a deeper level of customization to my work. I guess I love the fact that there is something for everyone with chainmaille. You like big and chunky? Done. You want something intricate and delicate? No problem. Clothing? Yes. Sculpture? Sure.
I also love the repetitive act of creating chainmaille. Once I settle into a rhythm, it is completely satisfying to me to continue weaving for hours. I lose myself in the meditative motions, and before I know it, I “come back” to reality and discover I’ve created something beautiful.
Posidon’s Embrace Nine strands of mesh twist and intertwine to create the illusion of seaweed-like ribbons. Approximately 14,500 anodized titanium and stainless steel rings were used to create this flowing necklace. The ring size is very tiny—size AAA24, which translates to 24 gauge 1/16″ or 1.6 mm. Even though there are so many rings, the necklace is surprisingly lightweight at 3.7 oz (105 grams). If all the strands were laid next to one another, they would stretch about 7 feet (2.1 meters) long. 3rd Place, Finished Jewelry, Bead Dreams 2009 competition Photo by Larry Sanders
2) Describe a piece of artwork that you find superficial or boring.
This is a difficult question. I suppose the artwork that I find boring would be something that is simply a rectangle of a solid painted color, with no textural variation. Now, sure, take a ton of small rectangles of differing hues or shades or textures, and arrange them artistically on a wall and that’s interesting. But just a huge red square … well, it doesn’t really do anything for me. I guess in some avant-garde way it might prompt me to question, “Is that art?” and that clearly may be the main purpose of such a piece. But frankly, I don’t want to question if something is art, I just want to enjoy it. I want to be moved to feel something.
3) When did you first call yourself and artist, and why?
I started calling myself an artist a couple years after I began creating chainmaille. Really, it was prompted by being the “Featured Artist” at an Art Gallery Opening. “I guess if I’m good enough for them to call an artist, then I am an artist!”
Though I go back and forth between the words artist and artisan. Definitions vary, but to me, art is purely something to be enjoyed with the senses and it has little or nothing to do with physical functionality, for instance, visual or performing art. Artisan pieces, on the other hand, are objects that have an aesthetic element, but they are also functional, such as jewelry, purses, furniture, cuisine, etc. Some of my work is purely art (Sears Tower sculpture and Chainmaille Mandala). But most of what I do is more artisan-oriented.
Elemental Leaves Aluminum rings and “scales” combine to create a dramatic necklace that is surprisingly lightweight. (Seriously, everyone who picks it up at jewelry shows says, “Wow, I expected it to be so much heavier!”) Photo by Larry Sanders
4) Describe an artist and/or piece of work that you find consistently inspiring.
This is another tricky question! I am inspired by so many things, and I think it is difficult to choose a single artist.
Could I choose the universe? Because that is really the only thing that is constantly inspiring me — the fact that the deeper we look in nature, the more we see. The variety of lifeforms and patterns, and the incredible scales at which the world works (both macro and micro) are astounding.
So as not to completely cop out – Bear McCreary – Is an amazing musician. Through his music, I’ve been moved to tears, been covered in goose bumps, laughed, and smiled in wonder. I look forward to being inspired by his soundtracks for years to come.
Sky Cubacub – Obviously I relate to her meticulous work. 🙂 I love her versatility and am always excited to see what project she will tackle next. She is so young, which makes her triply-inspirational to me.
Alexander Volkov – Without a doubt, my favorite fine arts painter; his mastery of light and reflection is amazing. I could stare at his wintery scenes forever – they take me to a serene, quiet place. Living in the city I don’t remember to appreciate nature as much as I’d like to, and his work gives me that opportunity. It is centering for me.
And of course, no list of my inspiration would be complete without mentioning Aerosmith. Whatever it is about this band, I don’t know, but they never fail to lift my mood, and sometimes, as an artist in the middle blocked creativity, a mood-lifter is just what the doctor ordered. 🙂
Quantum Rose Sterling Silver Photo by Cindy Tim
5) What is your unique purpose for creating work?
It is an unstoppable force from within. Not only do I have the need to create, but I am a people-pleaser. It gives me such great satisfaction to create a piece that is “absolutely amazing” and “exactly what I’ve been looking for for years!” Obviously I understand the need to express oneself, and I am humbled and thrilled to pieces that I can help other people find an outlet by which they can express themselves. To see the smiles on people’s faces and to hear the compliments they receive when wearing Rebeca Mojica jewelry — those are some of the main reasons why I do what I do.
I want to push this medium to new levels. When I hear people say, “Wow, I didn’t know that chainmaille could do that!” then I know I’m on the right track. The fact that I’ve been doing this for a decade, and people still say that about my work, is one of the deepest rewards I could ever ask for.
