This past weekend we took a long overdue break. Mr. F and I flew down to San Diego to spend time with our close friends, the James. Our friends had a family funeral on Friday, so we were left to our own devices once we arrived in San Diego. We decided to spend the day in one of the most beautiful spots in So Cal, La Jolla.
Since we knew a lot of our time with the James’ would involve chasing and being chased by three adorable little boys, we wanted the first day of our little vacation to be as peaceful as possible. So we wandered along the ocean shore, breathing in the salty air, drawn in by the turquoise water and blooming coastal wildflowers.
It was a day for slow wandering. So of course, we found ourselves drifting through a few of La Jolla’s galleries. Our favorite by far was Madison Gallery on Wall Street. The current exhibition, Gods of Suburbia by Dina Goldstein was visually arresting and symbolically engaging.
dina goldstein and shelley adler
robert montgomery
hunt slonem
miya ando
una noger
It was such a pleasure to finally experience the work of Hunt Slonem and Miya Ando in person. There is so much more to them in real life than you will ever see online.
Our wandering also took us over the MOCA La Jolla to see the Ed Ruscha show, Then & Now: Paintings from the 1960s and 2000s.While Ruscha’s work isn’t Mr. F’s thing, I loved seeing this collection of his past and present work. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area!
ed ruscha at MOCA la jolla
But perhaps the best thing was simply the air and the inspiration. After we paid a visit to the Oregon Coast a few weeks ago, I’ve been working on a series of coastal inspired paintings and this trip definitely added to my inspiration supply.
How about you? Any inspiration trips planned? Any interesting gallery shows you’ve seen lately?
Our time here in Moscow is very rapidly coming to a close. It feels like we just arrived, but before the sun rises on Sunday morning, Mr. Forager & I will be setting off for our next destination– Eureka, CA! But before we bid adieu, I wanted to give you a little taste of this small town that exceeded our expectations.
Perhaps when you think of artsy spots, the middle of Idaho doesn’t exactly spring to mind. It didn’t for me either! But Moscow is a lovely little college town with a high concentration of creative types. Which results in a community filled with charm, intellect and taste around every corner.
Just a few artsy spots we loved in Moscow–
1 |kenworthy theatre I love a small town with an original movie theater. And while the Kenworthy isn’t quite as grand as some, it boasts an active and creative calendar. From first run, big budget box office movies, to small, independent films & documentaries, to live theater, the Kenworthy has a little artsy something for everyone.
2 |maialina Fresh made pasta, extensive Italian wine list and the most to-die-for meatballs and sauce I’ve ever had. All in a rustic contemporary atmosphere. Fave.
3 | moscow co-op Now you might be thinking.. what’s so artsy about a grocery store? But the Moscow Food Co-op isn’t just any ol’ supermarket. It’s filled with fresh organic goodness to eat, drink and slather all over yourself. I’m a firm believer that a good, local organic market is a staple in a great artsy town.
4 | pritchard art gallery Moscow is home to the University of Idaho and Pritchard is the university gallery. A nicely laid out, generous space, the most recent show 38 Minus features handmade paper relief sculpture depictions of all of Idaho’s native aquatic species. Suprisingly lovely and engaging work, beautifully presented.
5 | one world cafeA great coffeehouse is a must-have in any artsy spot. Mr. F and I tend to prefer the ones with an eclectic feel, where the coffee is top-notch and the overheard conversations are always interesting. One World became our go-to coffee spot most Monday mornings. A fave among UofI students, we always felt a little guilty checking Facebook while everyone around us was having lofty intellectual discussions and writing term papers..
6 | the storm cellar I love, love, love a good consignment store. And Moscow’s Storm Cellar is one of the best and nicest I’ve come across. Artfully presented clothes and accessories and reasonable prices. If only we hadn’t been trying to decrease the amount of stuff we’re traveling with.. I could have done some serious damage.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg that Moscow has to offer. If you ever happen to find yourself in the area, I promise, it’s worth a stop, even if just for an afternoon.
Last night, Mr. F & I ventured out for our first ArtWalk since arriving in Seattle. I know, right?!! What took us so long? And this city is by no means lacking in ArtWalking opportunities. Like Farmer’s Markets, there seems to be one going on all the time. I knew there were a few shows in the Pioneer Square district opening last night, so off we went to fight the traffic and walk some art!
You can see all the photos of art I snapped over on the Artsy Instagram feed, but I wanted to give you a little sneak peek here on the blog. Something you should know about Seattle– it’s gray a lot ( well you probably already knew that ),but when the sun comes out, the light is dazzling. It was a beautiful light-filled evening last night and as I was going through the galleries, I noticed a theme of beautiful shadows cast by some of the work on display.
So much artsy goodness! Next time I think I’ll go early & let Mr. F meet me there. Too much to see in just a few hours. Any artsy plans for the weekend?
All images by Artsy Forager. More can be found by following Artsy Forager on Instagram!
I have had the work of Dutch artist Ruud van Empel pinned to my Pinterest board for months now. Imagine my excitement when we arrived in San Diego back in October and I saw who was coming to the Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park! Since then, I’ve had the postcard for his show, Strange Beauty, hanging on our fridge, just waiting to see this compelling work up close.
*I snapped this pic before I saw the sign for no photography. Shhh.. don’t tell on me!
The artist’s first solo show in an American museum, Strange Beauty showcases over 40 of van Empel’s digitally created works. I hate to call them digitally enhanced photographs because they are so very much more than that. Ruud van Empel carefully constructs each piece, meticulously layering staged photographs, digital imagery, and collage.
World #7, cibachrome, 41.43×59.06
The results are stunningly haunting, complex imagery. With a background in theater arts and graphic graphic design, van Empel sets a beautifully enticing stage, one in we aren’t sure whether his characters should feel right at home or terribly out of place.
World #20, cibachrome, 23.5×33The Office #41, digital print on paper, 12.01×13.78Untitled #1, cibachrome, 33.11×46.81
As you look closely at each image, you aren’t sure where the actual photograph and the manipulation or collage begins.. in many we would be surprised to know which elements were not present all along.
Generation #2, cibachrome, 130×49
Strange Beauty runs through February 3, 2013 at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego. If you’re anywhere near the area, I highly recommend a visit! You can also see more of Ruud van Empel’s work on his website.
Top image by Artsy Forager. All other images are via the artist’s website.
It seems like every Fall when the Open Studios and Art Tours gear up we seem to just miss them. So I was elated to know we would be able to spend a Saturday checking out some of the local work Joshua Tree and the surrounding communities have to offer. A day spent seeing new places, meeting artists , getting a peek inside their studios and process– what could be better?! Wanna go along for the ride? Buckle up. Safety first in the Artsy mobile!
Not MY Artsy mobile, but someone else’s spotted in Joshua Tree
Our first stop took us down a few long, lonely dirt ( OK, sand, really ) roads. We hoped the trek would be worth it. And when we came upon Judy Wold’s studio, something told me it would be.
Outside Judy Wold’s studio
Judy and her husband Bob live in Santa Monica, but the desert keeps drawing them in, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds. We were greeted warmly and with mimosas ( my favorite kind of hello! ). Her little abode/studio is tucked away from the rest of Joshua Tree, overlooking an undeveloped valley and a spectacular view of the mountains to the north.
Views around Judy Wold’s studio
Mr. Forager and I fell hard for the painting in the bottom right above. My photo doesn’t do it justice– it was full of color, depth and texture in person. We’re contemplating a purchase..
If you’ve ever been on an Art Tour, you know that artists not only open their studios, but utilize other spaces to create make-shift galleries. Judy’s Airstream guest room turned gallery was our fave. It had just the right boho vibe. Definitely got our wheels turnin’!
Wold’s Airstream gallery/guest room
Next we ventured out to Twenty-Nine Palms to check out some work that had looked a bit interesting in the brochure.. unfortunately, the photo was very deceiving and I found the building to be much more interesting than the art inside. Bummer.
Artsy building filled with so-so art. Art Tour number obliterated to protect the innocent.
Back to Joshua Tree we went, this time heading to the South and the studio of wood sculptor Mark Doolittle. This artist is one of those fascinating creatives that begins in a largely left-brained profession ( biomedical research ) then transforms into a beautifully creative artist.
Symbiosis, amboyna burl and basswood with bubinga base, 32x33x6. George Post, photographer.Mark Doolittle’s work bench and the fossils that inspire him
In talking with Mark, he related to us how he was always struck by the aesthetic beauty in microbiology. The same quiet, patient methodology needed to work in the biomedical world equips him with the ability to spend hours carving meticulously. Truly phenomenal work!
A few more stops, among them an installed re-creation of Western Motel by Edward Hopper, created and installed by Jenifer Palmer-Lacy and the studio of Marjorie Franklin and Janis Commentz ( click on the artists’ names to check out their websites! ) One of our last stops was the home & studio of Karine Swenson. Her paintings of desert wildlife really enchanted me, as did her postings throughout of random facts regarding her work and her process.
One of Karine Swenson’s rabbits with a little note about her process
What I love most about this kind of outing is the conversation. Not only with the artists, but with Mr. Forager. Coming from outside the art world, he looks and questions with a different perspective, one that always makes me stop and think. Hope you enjoyed this little virtual Art Tour as much as I enjoyed the real one.
Quick question for my readers– Would you like to see more posts like this in addition to artist features?
As the hubby and I travel, we try to experience as much of each area’s culture as we can. Last Friday evening, we decided to meet a friend for a night filled with our favorite things– delicious food & drink, stimulating conversation and fabulous art! I can’t imagine what could be better. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this ( below ) was our view for cocktails!
View of Lake Coeur d’Alene from Beverly’s
We discovered the happy hour at Beverly’s and this was our second week in a row partaking of the fancy food & drink at affordable prices. I have a feeling it may be a weekly habit for the rest of our time here.. hubby George is addicted to their truffle fries, while I am just addicted to fries of any sort! As yummy as the fries were, they just weren’t nearly as pretty as our Hummus Plate. I am a firm believer that we eat first with our eyes, so I love a colorful, artsy presentation of food!
Hummus Plate gloriousness at Beverly’sCaramel Apple Martini
Cocktails and conversation flowed, as we shared the truffle oil-doused (!) complimentary popcorn with our friend and fellow traveler, Kirsten. This lifestyle we’ve chosen is fairly unique, so travelers always seem to bond together, sharing stories and experiences. There is a great sense of camaraderie in knowing that there are others living such a crazy, wonderful life!
Kirsten, George and yours truly
It was a beautiful night in Northern Idaho, so we strolled downtown to The Art Spirit Gallery to attend the opening of their current show, Portraits by artist Dan Spalding. The Spokane, WA painter’s exhibition centered around his beautifully textured and expressive portraits. His use of light is really incredible, giving his work a raw, emotional power.
Dan Spalding show, Portraits, at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene, ID
Isn’t the painting on the top row, second from the right amazing? It draws my eye every time I look at this photo. I’m usually not an opening night art viewer, preferring to peruse when galleries aren’t as crowded and I can hear myself think or as Jerry Saltz said this week “Please stop talking so I can hear myself see!” 🙂
More of Dan Spalding’s work
But I do love the energy of exhibition openings and ArtWalks. Seeing crowds of people enjoying and talking about art gives me goosebumps! And I am always thrilled for the gallery & artist when I see lots of red dots! ( As I did last night– can you spot the one visible in the pic above? ). What I really love about attending openings with my husband and friends is the conversations about the work we are drawn to and why. For an non-artsy person, George actually has a fantastic eye! He really loved the sculptural work of Simon Kogan ( below ).
Henry Moore by Simon Kogan, bronze
While I loved these stylized bird paintings from North Idaho artist Catherine Lemaitre Earle. Aren’t they lovely?
Artwork by Catherine Lemaitre Earle
All in all, a delightful evening, artsy in every wonderful way!
A happy Artsy at the end of the evening
How about you? Any artsy fun to be had this weekend?
I love and appreciate any community that embraces its artsiness. Even more, I adore a place that reaches out to bring art into the lives of children who may not otherwise experience it. This weekend, our little temporary hometown of Grants Pass, OR had it’s annual Art Along The Rogue festival, featuring an entire street filled with chalk-artists and lots of opportunities for the kiddies to get their hands all colorful and chalky!
Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR
Forty local and regional artists came together to create temporary 8’x8′ chalk-on-pavement masterpieces and visitors could pay $5 for chalk and a 2’x2′ square of their very own. There were also free art activities for kids at the Grants Pass Museum of Art. It brought a huge smile to my face to walk by and see kids painting and drawing!
Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, ORArt Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR
Internationally known street artist Tracy Lee Stum’s 16’x50′ scenic was the featured work of the festival.
Art Along The Rogue 2011, Grants Pass, OR
Folks were lined up for a peek at this painting, that came to life in 3-D when viewed through a special glass window. Lots of artsy goodness in Grants Pass this weekend, along with a music festival and Beer Walk. But someone’s wife forgot about the Beer Walk until it was too late to buy tickets. Not mentioning any names.
How about you, Artsies? Anyone attend any shows or festivals this weekend?
Beauty was abounding in Jacksonville last night and I’m not just talking about the perfect weather. My sister-in-law and I attended the monthly Downtown Art Walk and were treated to not just the usual visual stimulation but mental and emotional engagement, as well. Now, I had a list about a mile long of the spots I wanted to hit, but we arrived late and spent quite a bit of time at each one, so.. yeah, we only made it to a few.
But we began the night with a bang at The VAULT Gallery, Willliams-Cornelius’ space in a former bank vault ( yes, you read that right! ) on Forsyth Street. Greeted by the Mr. Williams & Ms. Cornelius themselves, and intern Adam, we set off to see what artist Jeff Whipple had in store for us. Whipple has been working on this “Spasm” series for more than thirty years. What began as a painterly device to fill negative pace, the three-barred icon has grown from an element in the background to become the object of an entire series of work.
The three bars that comprise a “spasm” serve to symbolize life, lifetime or a lifestyle. The artwork is open to interpretation, based on the viewer’s own experience– how you see it may not be the way I see it and that’s OK. All of our lives are different and it is in this difference that we each find meaning in the spasms. This is work that truly that makes you stop and think– what does this mean? To the artist? To me?
In conjunction with the showing of Jeff Whipple’s work, Williams-Cornelius also presented a performance piece by self-proclaimed “deformance artist”, Liz Gibson. Gibson was born with a birth defect causing her to have only seven fingers– five on one hand and only two on the other. The performance last night was a character of Gibson’s own creation “Ben Wa Betty”. Betty appears as part archetypal Asian lady, but in a hip and provocative way. Gibson tells stories of how at times she felt lucky or unlucky to have been born with a deformity, all while pouring wax over her deformed hand, proving how you can take something that seems unlucky and make something beautiful out of it.
The overaching theme is one of contentment– be happy with who you are and how you were made. At times you may feel unlucky, but there will always be a reminder of just how lucky we all are.
Our next stop was Southlight Gallery, where there is always a display of exceptional art by some of the most well-known artists in Jacksonville, right along side with talented emerging artists. The featured artist last night was wood sculptor, Grant Ward.
I’m a sucker for any burl or wood sculpture and have been a fan of Ward’s pieces for a long time. There is something about an artist that looks at a log or a tree stump, sees the potential for creating something unique AND possesses the craftsmanship to create something polished and beautiful out of such rough raw materials.
I have always especially loved Ward’s pieces that combine burl wood with spun metal. These pieces take on, for me an other worldly space-like quality. It is as if the wood is a planetary surface and the metal pieces are alien pods making their home there.
After leaving Southlight, we made our way toward the river to the Suntrust Tower, new home of Town Editions, Thomas Hager’s new line of accessibly affordable limited editions– making this artist’s beautiful work available to even a young collector.
These hand-crafted, signed and numbered editions are created using vintage photographic processes, which give the simple subject matter an elegance and sophistication lacking in much of today’s photographic prints. Also on view are some of Hager’s paintings ( He paints, too! I know! ).
Filled with texture and a pastel & neutral palette, these pieces are reminiscent of sand or rock. They have an organic feeling to them that such completely non-representational work rarely possesses. I’m looking forward to seeing Tom’s paintings evolve just as his photography continues to do so.
I wish I could tell you more about all the places we visited and amazing art we saw, but alas, that was the end of our night. I can tell you that I will be back downtown soon to visit the exhibits and studios I missed. I’m not sure how anyone could see it all in ArtWalk’s four hours.. but what an awesome problem to have!
May’s Downtown ArtWalk will be May 4, 2011. More information available here. Hope to see you there!
