Advice for Wannabe Artists

Jerry Saltz is one of the few art critics still employed as a serial columnist.  So many writers have been forced off magazine and newspaper payrolls, assuming less specialized rolls with their publications or being replaced by adjunct freelance writers.  Saltz' work at New York magazine goes beyond simple art show reviews and delves into critiques of the broader art world including artists, curators, dealers, and museums.  He is particularly interesting to artists when he writes or speaks about the life of an artist.  His opinions often stem from his own experiences with creative success, failure, and frustration, and offer supportive insights for those who have chosen fine art as a career. 

Here is a link to a recent article of his entitled, How to be an Artist.  Be forewarned that the language and artwork in this article may contain an occasional four letter word and nudity, but also understand it is included to make appropriate points.  (Click me, cause I'm the link)

Abstraction

 

I came across this video today.  I have never seen a more compressed, yet meaningful, explanation regarding modern art and abstraction.   It takes 10 minutes to watch and is quite appropriate for high school students. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96hl5J47c3k

Lizzie Kripke Surfaces

Lizzie Kripke has been working with mural guru Meg Saligman.  I found out about it accidentally when my wife handed me a Super Bowl related article from the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled "Forever in Eagles' grip?" (Thurs. Feb. 15 section B-5).    The photo accompanying the article shows Lizzie painting a mural on Saligman's Philadelphia studio.  The image featured a bald eagle, talons outstretched, gripping Tom Brady and Lizzie was touching up the wings.   See more about Lizzie Kripke at:  ahttp://www.megsaligman.com/new-blog/lizzie

Long time, No Write

                                                   Chardin- "The Attributes of the Arts"
                                            Http://www.jean-baptiste-simeon-chardin.org

Pardon my neglect of the blog.  In defence, or lack there-of, I will quote a line formerly used to guide students:  "There are two kinds of people in this world.  Those who do, those who don't, and those who make excuses."  So I won't begin to make excuses for my neglect.

Neglect aside, I am continually reading, watching videos, going to shows, museums, looking at, and thinking about art.  It makes sense...I'm an artist.  However, I think sharing what I do and what I think might be important to somebody else too, for whatever reason.  So now your expecting some long wisdom filled essay...  No, I'm just sharing a passing thought that closes the distance between where   we were as students and where we are now.

I was reading a book called Magicians & Charlatans, by Jed Perl (a critic I recommend reading) who wrote about a Chardin exhibit (French painter, 1700's) at the NY Metropolitan Museum back in 2000 (I never claimed to be an up to date reader).  Perl's in depth descriptive praise of the artists work, especially the formal (visual compositional) aspects made me reflect upon works by former students, who may or may not have had prior knowledge of the artist's existence or work.  By looking at the student work you can compare Chardin's visual vector created by the (sometimes) carefully placed knife or brush and the student choices .  I'll let the work speak for itself.

Note: Please remember that beyond Art II students usually arranged their own still lives.  Becoming independent is an empowering lesson.  It is also important to remember that these drawings and paintings represent between 2 and 6 hours of work.  Although it seems as though it took days to accomplish the finished works, students were only in the art room for a short time each day.

                                          Adrienne Baer

                                          Kierra Westray

                                          Lindsay Chandler

                                          Hee Chang Lee

                                           Teresa Costanzo

                                          Josh Sehnert

                                               Arielle Goft

Festival of the Arts 2017

     How many years has the Festival of the Arts been going on?  I think it started in 1972 though I don't have that documented (we'll update this post).  You can do the math. But here are some scenes from this years show held May 17th and 18th at 7:30 pm, as usual.

 

Teachers:  Jennifer Silvius, Kristin Greenawalt, Mark Kobasz

  

These pictures may bring back some memories of your own art show.  Things don't change all that much; Just the faces and work.  In fact, some of those plywood boards may still have layers beneath painted by you!

Missed Post

Too many social media sites cause me to miss a step now and then.  I posted this link originally on Facebook, then realized I have a another important audience. So here is an article on Paul Carpenter, another SHS graduate, whose work is fairly well known in the Philadelphia area.  Maybe you've already seen his work and had no idea: artist-paul carpenter link

Jewelers Hub

SHS graduate, Leslie Boyd, was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer's Home and Design section on Friday Feb. 17, 2017.  The article by Staff Writer, Samantha Melamed, categorizes Boyd's work as "sweet-and-simple to overstatement."  Remembering Leslie's work in school, I would expect something edgy regarding materials or concept.  One of the photographs features her and four other jewelers with which she shares a studio in the Bok Building.  Another shows a chain necklace of hers threaded through two silver wisdom teeth.  You can see the full article and read more about Leslie on her website.  The link is on your right:    http://www.lesliedboyd.com/news

Tie Your Shoes

I choose to direct you to a 2004 video clip by Diana Kingsley (former SHS grad).  While you're on her web page check out her statement and some of her photographs.  The statement represents a high level of skill as do the photographs - her intent is sometimes very subtle.  What I especially like...-the tongue-in-cheek humor delivers.  https://www.dianakingsley.com/

RAW natural born artists

I went to the RAW natural born artists presentation last night at the Trocadero; supporting one of our own (former Springfield) artists, whose work was clearly outstanding. Simply described,  RAW is a showcase for young emerging artists, and touts itself as a link to "industry players" as they call them.  It is a good idea that has greater possibilities if developed properly.

 I was attracted by the line on their website,"we dig the underground," and I was anxious to see what the artists were showing.   It was a large crowd in a small venue which was barely suitable for showing art, but the promoters were showcasing much more than visual art.  Artistic hair styling, fashion, and accessories were also included, and the stage at the Trocadero was available for bands, performance art, and independent films.  It was really a big party for the arts.  Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun?  You could feel the excitement and anticipation as the audience lined up down the block for admission.

Although I could not stay to see all the performances, I found the visual art fairly conservative and traditional, for example, well composed color photos of flowers and trees. I guess I was expecting something more groundbreaking like graffiti tattooed farm animals or something.  Don't get me wrong- the work was professionally presented but my expectations were just more wild. Also missing were the "industry players"  as I would recognize some of them. 

Overall, I think the RAW exhibition gives some public exposure, and they do offer web exposure as well.  Which is especially good for local outsider talent which may not have the benefit of an art education.  It was clear though, that the artist's friends and relatives were the greatest supporters there.  It's a small demographic.  I believe that if the promoters did a little more homework- advertising in the local media rather than through social media, inviting local art professionals as guests, play up the "party" idea more (a big first Friday in one venue), and limited the number of arts they address at one time, they could achieve better results with a more diverse audience.  It is the beginning of a good idea.

Click me for more detailed info on the RAW site.

Will You Won't You Go to Art School

Art World's article by Ben Davis researches the relationship between 500 successful* fine artist's and their art education.  (click here, because I'm the link)

*Success - You may or may not agree with the author's criteria.

Alex Katz Interview

Check out the link below.  I think this is worthwhile reading

(I'm the Alex Katz Interview Link!)

Remembering the Future

Some 25-plus years ago, Frau Hoess (former German language teacher) and I took students on a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  We saw a show featuring Anselm Kiefer's work.  Kiefer was then 43, a young budding artist (by standards of landing a major museum show), but his moving post-WW II Germany and holocaust inspired images warranted such promotion.  His multi-media works including paintings and sculptures with ashes, broken glass, straw, and plant material were the beginning of a lifetime of experimental  development.  By my own standards, his work places him among the best artists, exceeding all bestness, where artistic bigness and bestness live ... right up there with Sigmar Polke, Jasper Johns, and Gerhard Richter.  Although he is not as ground breaking an artist as Cezanne, Picasso, or Warhol during their generation , Kiefer will be one of the artists who mark a generation.  How fortunate we were to see that show early in Kiefer's career.  For more on Kiefer see the 5 part youtube series entitled: Remembering the Future, online.  (click me. I'm the link)

Fiber Connections

                               Maggie Carlson, Self Portrait, Watercolor, 22x30"

I recently recieved a note from a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, who entered as a fashion major, but switched to fibers.  She sent some photos and a short note which follows:
 

"I am in a dye class that is very exciting my favorite class so far. We learned recipes and techniques for dying. I am also in a structure and materials course where I have been working with felting, spinning my own yarn, and crocheting."

It is clear she's excited about the experimentation and discovery stages of her work.  Finding a connection to a medium and a work process is a very motivational phenomenon.  Many Springfield students left high school as 2-D artists, yet they found interests elsewhere in 3-d mediums including glass, wood/furniture, costumes, puppets, and industrial design to name a few.  It is a wonderful thing.  I always say, "if you're not having fun [making art], you're not doing it right.

Jerry Saltz Lecture

                                    Kerra Westray, 2013, Graphite Drawing, 18x24" 

Jerry Saltz is the Senior Art Critic for The New Yorker magazine.  Before that he was art critic for the Village Voice.  In 2014 he was invited to be a guest lecturer for the Clarice Smith Distinguished Lecture Series at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  If you have an hour and 10 minutes to watch the lecture on Youtube you will be treated to his humorous pontifications regarding how one looks at and thinks about art. [Follow me, I'm the Link]   ...If you've only got a minute or two, follow the next link for Saltz's brief street crit on Banksy. [Banksy Link]  The quality and humor of the short isn't nearly as good. In fact, it makes him look like a rogue art guide for NYC department of tourism.  Have fun.

An Artist Returns

When I was hired at Springfield I was fortunate to have mentors who developed an outstanding philosophy of teamwork, respect, and initiating a comfortable yet professional classroom climate.  Many of you fondly remember the welcoming, comfortable, and sometimes playful atmosphere the art room presented.  These teachers also modeled excellence, in developing relevant, challenging curriculum,  and created a cohesive program that built upon knowledge and skills from previous courses.  Above all, these teachers were also active working artists, which continues to be a departmental goal.

One of these mentor/teachers, Arla Patch, who most know as "Arla"  and other youngerlings remember as Mrs. Sandstrom, moved back into the area from Maine.  She has a show you can see in Doylestown, Pa.  Hopefully you'll be able to welcome her back.  See show information below.

UPDATED INFO:

If you are reading this post after Dec. 20, 2015 you missed Arla's show, but you can still view her website:

www.arlapatch.com