As you may recall, Mr. Forager and I recently returned from a long camping trip in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone ( and we threw in the Lewis & Clark Caverns on the way home ‘cuz we weren’t nearly exhausted enough already ). We both love the outdoors and as I told Christina Baker in our Artist Takeover interview, I find the natural world to be incredibly inspiring in its artistry. I thought you might enjoy a few of examples of nature’s artsiness I found while traversing through two of the US’s most beautiful places!
Glacier National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Thermophiles in hot spring, Yellowstone National Park
Hot spring flow, Yellowstone National Park
Treeline on the drive to the East Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
Inside the Lewis & Clark Caverns, Whitehall, MT
Isn’t nature the most incredible abstract artist? What are some of your favorite natural abstractions?
I am officially back among the technologically connected! While we were camping in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, we made the decision to be completely unplugged– not much cell service or wifi to be had in most spots anyway. But it was a bit disheartening to see families and couples who, while surrounded by what is arguably some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, tapped away on their iPhones and Droids. The illustration and collage work of artist Natalie Nicklin confronts us with the imaginary worlds taken over by technology imagined in our past. Sometimes it feels like they actually came to be, doesn’t it?
Left Behind
The artist calls these worlds “technopias” and perhaps they consist of the flying cars, etc., that were being imagined during the birth of the technological age. People in the 1950s and 60s imagined that we would be living like George Jetson by now. But are we really that far off?
Waiting For
Nicklin uses geometrics to illustrate a hard-edged technology driven society yet juxtaposes them against a flesh-colored palette.
Aether
Found vintage imagery reminds us of how far we’ve come and the inclusion of figures, usually female, seem act as a hint that no matter how much we advance in technology, the human element will always be the most important and intriguing.
Pioneers- Delia Derbyshire
To see more of Natalie Nicklin’s work, please visit her page at Cargo Collective.
Artist found via isavirtue. All images are via the artist’s website.
Sometimes, there is just nothing I love better than staring at a painting thick with color, line and texture. The work of Brooklyn artist Elizabeth Schuppe‘s abstract work practically sings with spontaneous marks, expressive color and light.
Take Three, acrylic on canvas, 70×65
True to the Abstract Expressionist style, Schuppe works intuitively, without a forethought plan, allowing the placement of color and line to speak to her, directing the brush in her hand.
Hard Hearted II, acrylic on canvas, 44x 46
Hard Hearted IV, acrylic on canvas, 44×46
Each painting tells a story created from the artist’s emotional expression, yet in their abstract nature, we are still able to interpret their story in our own fashion.
Pearls on Five, acrylic on canvas, 70×65
To see more of Elizabeth Schuppe’s work, please visit her website.
The minute Lisa Harris Gallery in Seattle posted images of Sherry Karver’s work, I knew I wanted to learn more about it. I hope you’ll be as intrigued as I was ( am! ). I’m featuring Karver’s work in my Artist Watch over on Escape Into Life today. You can also see her work in Lisa Harris Gallery’s group show, Photographic Wanderings, August 2nd- September 2nd.
My name is Kurt and I hail from the curated corners of UGallery, an online gallery of original artwork. It’s a pleasure to share one of UGallery’s star artists with all of you. Luckily, I didn’t have to forage far. Ryan Pickart has been on UGallery for over four years. His ladies are the stuff of dreams. I see their beautiful eyes everywhere. I’d like to introduce you to the gorgeous gals of Indiana artist Ryan Pickart because you never know when you may run into one of them ( Don’t worry, they have the Lesley Frenz stamp of approval! )
Diana, oil on canvas, 18×24
Ryan Pickart’s portraits fill the void for modern day muses. His paintings depict Goddess-like entities that capture all facets of the human personality. Each lovely lady is surrounded by a distinct aura of intense emotion. Their faces are familiar, yet distant. Ryan succeeds in his mission to “bridge the gap between abstract and realism.” He couples courage with charm and force with femininity.
Freja, print on bamboo paper
I often compare the strong female figures in my life to Ryan Pickart’s portraits (and vice versa). My mother’s fearlessness matches Lyra’s fiery features. My sister’s kindness is met by Diana’s daintiness. I even see my best friend’s wild spirit in Regina’s loose locks of hair.
Lyra, oil on paper, 18×23
Say hello to Freja, Erin, Guinevere, and Tiffany. No matter which woman speaks to your heart, a Ryan Pickart painting (or print) guarantees enough feminine finesse to soften any room. The only issue you may run into is picking the one that speaks most to your inner anima. They’re all so darn cute!
Regina, archival print on bamboo paper
Thanks so much for letting me introduce them to everyone, Lesley. And thanks for your time, Artsies. I hope you enjoyed Ryan’s work!
Artfully yours,
Kurt and the Lovers at UGallery
See more of Ryan Pickart’s work at UGallery and follow his blog to keep up with all his latest news!
To wrap up the Artist Takeover Event, I asked some of the artists whose work has been featured on the blog to let me know their favorite artists they’ve discovered on Artsy Forager. I found their picks very interesting and hope you will, too!
Don’t you love how each artist’s fave shares similarities to their own work, yet they are each oh so different? Do you have a favorite artist you’ve found on Artsy Forager? Let me know in the comments below!
A HUGE thank you to all of the artists who took over Artsy Forager! What a fun week it has been, perhaps a sequel is in order. 😉
Steve Williams and I go way back, although he doesn’t remember. When I was a college senior, my painting professor encouraged me to meet with two artists/gallery owners, Jim Draper and Steve Williams. They liked my work and were very encouraging, wanting to see more and see it framed.. but I chickened out and didn’t follow through. Who knows where my life may have led had I followed their advice and diligently pursued it? Oh how stupid we are when we are young! 🙂
A gallery owner and artist, Steve is always a source for interesting work, his own and what he features in his gallery, Florida Mining. He is also a businessman running not only his gallery but his family’s sign business, Harbinger Sign. So it’s no surprise his questions related to the business of making art!
Jackson, mixed media, 60×30
Steve Williams | What have you found to be most important to an artist’s success? What do you see as the activities an artist does that puts them in an arena of “success”, whatever that means?
Artsy Forager | Hmm.. I suppose to answer this question, you would first have to define success, which differs with each artist. For some artists, financial success, i.e., selling lots of work, taking on commissions, making a living solely by art-making, may be their touchstone. While for others, critical achievement is utmost in their minds– being lauded and accepted in the highest of art circles. Or maybe they are looking for their Andy Warholish 15 minutes of fame.
For success in both arenas, first I would say an artist has to just WORK. Create all the time. Creating work is the most important activity an artist can do because after all, it’s impossible to achieve financial or critical success without having the work to sell or show. Second, use the tools at your disposal and use them smartly. An online presence is more important for an artist now than ever– keep your website updated and make sure it loads and allows browsing easily. Post regularly on Facebook and Twitter ( Hootsuite is a great tool for social media time management ). Write a blog if you’re so inclined– but if you don’t have something interesting to say or share, whether about your work, other artist’s work, your interests, etc., don’t feel like you need to write a blog. Do it well or don’t do it at all. Third, be open to everything. Opportunities come your way when you put yourself in their path. Don’t be afraid to propose a collaboration with a dream brand or approach a dream gallery for representation. You’ll never know if you don’t try.
TV Exploration of Mars, mixed media, 12×12
SW | Is there an area in America that seems to be enjoying greater success in art sales? Or an area that seems to have less?
AF | This is a really tough question for me to answer, as I’m so ingrained in the Southeast and Northwest and I’m not truly in the business of selling art ( yet..? ). There are exciting shows happening in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but is that translating into sales? I can’t say for certain. I see some Southern galleries and artists doing really well, but I can’t say if that is a product of their location or if the galleries are just working really hard to sell art and build up a following of collectors for their artists. Artistic epicenters like NYC, Santa Fe and Miami are always going to be ahead of the game, sales-wise, I think. But there are smaller cities like Austin, Asheville and Portland that are gaining in popularity as artistic tourist destinations, which could equal greater sales.
Haiku Metaphor, mixed media, 22×30
SW | Have you seen/done research to see if people are buying art more online now? If so, what type of work is being purchased?
AF | I can only speak for what I’m witnessing on my own and hearing about from artists. Collectors ARE buying more work online these days. I see online buyers as more apt to purchase limited editions or less expensive originals than to purchase originals with a higher price tag over the internet. There is inherently less to lose by purchasing work online with a lower price tag. Also, the intricacies and textures inherent in original work are almost impossible to truly see online, so that makes some originals a tougher online sell. Perhaps as technology continues to advance, we’ll see more truly fine art originals being sold online. For now, the online market seems to be made up more of prints, limited editions and lower priced originals. I hope to see that change, as galleries continue to fold, the internet is soaking up the slack– but the technology of viewing originals online still has a long way to go. Hmm.. maybe I need to team up with a venture capitalist and some uber-smart techie and make that happen!
Marco Polo, mixed media
Thank you, my dear Mr. Williams for what may have been my toughest set of questions all week! You never fail to make me think or smile.
To see more of Steve’s artwork, please visit his website. Don’t miss tomorrow’s final Takeover when artists reveal their favorite Artsy Forager finds!
It’s Day 4 of the Artist Takeover and today Artsy Forager is being taken over by two of my favorite artists from my hometown. First up is Jacksonville artist and friend, Christina Foard. Christina and I first met back in Jacksonville and she has become a dear friend and wonderfully supportive and encouraging ear. And hopefully, she’s always able to count on me for the same. True to her nature, her questions were thoughtful and insightful.
Urban Leak, acrylic and oil on canvas, 109×66
Christina Foard | My first question is possibly a bit broad, but something makes me think it’s a cornerstone for you, and may have application for all of us in any field. What are your beliefs about generosity – you know, giving without a foreseeable or tangible return on investment? What role does it play in your strategic plan for your future as an arts advocate/blogger?
Artsy Forager | I purposefully don’t talk much about my spiritual beliefs on the blog. I would never want anyone to be put off by spiritual talk. But your question brings it forward, so I’ll lay it out there. I am a Christian. I believe in God & the salvation of Christ. A cornerstone of my faith is a belief in service to others. My husband and I both try to practice giving freely of ourselves and our resources. We believe in the joy of giving.
Through Artsy Forager, I’m able to give of my time and resources to help people whose talent I believe in. Right now, I receive no financial benefit from Artsy Forager. What it is giving back to me is a sense of purpose and a knowledge that I am doing my part to help someone else. My strategic plan for the future is pretty fluid at the moment– I have ideas and short-term goals for broadening my audience and scope of services through the blog, but I also want to be open to whatever comes my way. I want to be able to help artists in a tangible way– I’ve found that is where I receive the greatest satisfaction! In the short term, that may be achieved through the blog and through doing the type of art consulting/project management I’m already familiar with. I’m not sure what will happen long term, but I would love to be able to incorporate charitable giving into my long term business plan, once I figure out what that is. 😉
Guggenheim
CF | Are there characteristics that you think many/most artists share? Are there commonalities in their approach, energy, psychological make-up that you’ve experienced?
AF| I’ve been so fortunate to be able to meet and befriend some spectacularly talented artists and incredible people. Every artist is different, but I’ve found that many of the artists with whom I’ve developed relationships do share some characteristics–
Many of the most talented artists I’ve come across are incredibly humble, they are often open to all types of inspiration and stimulation, whether it be through other visual artwork, music, literature or other creative talk. They see the world through a broader lens, often much more open than others may be to differing points of view. I love the way so many artists support and encourage each other. The arts are a business but one that I personally think is enhanced by cooperation, not competition.
Bouchon
CF | You’ve been roaming nomadically for a while, clearly devoted and adoring your husband all the while, what do you think are the most exciting art markets amongst the cities you’ve gotten to know? What makes them vibrant in your opinion?
AF| Oh what a fun question!! My husband George & I feel so fortunate to be living this unique nomadic lifestyle. It has opened our eyes to so many places we may not have discovered otherwise. Here are a few of my favorite artsy spots I’ve found so far–
Seattle, WA— I may be a bit biased toward Seattle, as it was where George & I truly fell in love, so I see the city through love-colored glasses! That being said, the artistic energy in Seattle is phenomenal and the quality of the work being done there is, in my opinion, among the best in the world. For a large city, the sense of community and camaraderie among the artists in Seattle is amazing. Every time George is up for a new assignment, I hope and cross my fingers for Seattle. I would love to be there for a while to really immerse myself in the art community and just soak it all in.
Portland, OR— Another obvious one. 😉 I’m not as familiar with Portland as I am with Seattle, having only visited on a few day trips last summer but the art scene there is comparable. The arts in Portland seem a bit more laid back than Seattle.. almost like Portland is Seattle’s younger sibling.. I think it is still coming into its own. It’s truly becoming a creative destination for all kinds of art, which I find really exciting. It’s another city I would love to live in for a while and get to know better.
Astoria, OR— When we moved to our first Northwest assignment in Aberdeen, WA last summer, I was desperate for some cultural stimulation ( not currently to be had in Aberdeen, but we have hope for that little town ). We took a day trip to Astoria one Saturday and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the galleries there. Many small Northwest towns have thriving art scenes, but the focus is usually on Western/Native American art– which is great, but not my cup of tea. Astoria has a fantastic photography gallery, Lightbox Gallery , a large multi-discipline contemporary gallery, RiverSea Contemporary as well as a fun, more cutting edge space, Lunar Boy Gallery and others. An artwalk, shops, bookstores, etc., make Astoria a great little artsy town. If only it didn’t get almost 200 days of rain a year..
Jacksonville, FL— Of course, I had to include my hometown! The resilience of the artists and art community in Jacksonville continues to amaze me. The economic downturn hit the art market hard in Jacksonville, resulting in a lot of gallery closings, but it is so encouraging to watch artists and arts supporters finding new ways to rebuild. I’m afraid they are often running up against bureaucratic opposition and conservative political silliness but yet they keep fighting. And I’m cheering them on from afar. I’m looking forward to being back for a visit later in the year and seeing first hand exciting new ventures like Florida Mining and CoRK Studios.
Ashland, OR— This small town in Southern Oregon has a really booming and exciting art scene. Being a tourist destination known for its outdoor Shakespeare Festival, Ashland was a favorite spot while we were living in Southern Oregon. We have a good friend moving to the area and are looking forward to visiting again. I’ve discovered some really fabulous artists through Ashland galleries. It’s a liberal town in the midst of a very conservative area, which makes it kind of a mecca for culture in the southern part of the state.
Port Townsend, WA— Another small town that completely charmed me. It’s proximity to Seattle ( a ferry-ride away ) and touristy appeal gives this little town great potential for its art market. I don’t think it is quite where it could be yet, but I see it moving forward toward becoming an arts destination. Port Townsend is one of those towns where I immediately wanted to open a gallery. 😉
There are a few places we haven’t made it to yet, but I am anxious to see what their art communities have to offer– San Francisco, Los Angeles ( I’m seeing some really incredible art coming out of LA ), Santa Fe, New Orleans, Chicago, just to name a few. And perhaps it’s my proximity to Canada these days, but we have some really talented neighbors to the north.. it almost tempts me to talk George into changing our citizenship!
Summer Rain, oil on canvas, 48×60
CF | How can artists help your business grow?
AF | Right now, the biggest way artists can help is to share the Artsy Forager page with friends, help me get the word out with social media, etc. When you share a quote, status, post, etc., you’re helping AF reach a wider audience. There are web tools that estimate your potential social media reach and it really is incredible to think about. It reminds me of that old shampoo commercial, “then she tells 2 friends and they tell 2 friends and so on..“.. wow, I just really dated myself! In sharing, you’re not just helping AF but every artist that is featured.
Keep me updated with new work, shows, etc. It would be very time consuming for me to periodically check for new work on each artist’s site. I love it when an artist emails me to let me know of an upcoming show or new work just posted to their site. It helps keep you & your work on my mind, which in turn, usually prompts me to post about it on the blog or social media. Win-win for both of us!
I am always open to new ideas and dialogues, too. This interview process idea came from artist Christina Baker and I was thrilled with all the artists’ enthusiasm! I would really love to have artists even more involved with the website.
Flow
To see more of Christina’s work, please visit her website. Stay tuned this afternoon for Steve Williams’ takeover!
I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Takeover with M.A. Tateishi! Today’s Artist Takeover is courtesy of Christina Baker, the artist whose idea to turn the tables led to this special week at Artsy Forager. I first met Christina while working at a gallery/ consulting firm in Jacksonville, Florida. We carried Christina’s work from time to time and placed it in healthcare settings around the area, but it wasn’t until she moved to Nashville and started focusing on abstract compositions that her work really took off. I’m happy to report she’s a super busy, in-demand artist and it’s been thrilling watching her career blossom!
C and I have bonded over our love of art, coffee and our super-adorable husbands ( she married her true love just a few months before I married mine ). Here’s a peek inside one of our online conversations..
Blueberry Martini, acrylic on canvas, 60×48
Christina Baker | You love most everything beautiful to the eye and what I have grown to admire about your eye so much as how authentic it is to “you.” You have such a myriad of taste yet it always goes back to seeing a little glimpse of you in each and everything you share with others.
Have you ever thought of Artsy Forager as sort of a personal home away from home, not just a vehicle to promote art but a place you feel that is part of you and you are the hostess?
Artsy Forager | You know, I’ve never really thought about it that way, but given that George & I are living such a vagabond-ish lifestyle, it makes sense that I’ve crafted Artsy Forager as a sort of home! I hope that AF feels like a warm and inviting place, where visitors feel welcomed and want to linger over a cup o’ jo and some fantastic artwork. I’m a nester by nature, so I put my personal stamp on any place I inhabit, even an online home.
Locked Doors, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
CB| I have totally taken note of how much you love nature. You have even seemed to have met the man of your dreams who also loves and respects nature. I have also noticed your taste leans more contemporary yet you show appreciation for such a variety of styles and genres. Is there any connection to your passion for nature and your taste in the contemporary arts?
AF | I do see my love of nature coming out in the works I’m most attracted to. Many of my favorite artists find a way to combine natural themes or elements in a thought provoking and contemporary way. Artists like Rachel Denny, Jennifer Bain and Brenda Mallory come to mind. The natural world is full of abstract shapes and textures, it’s an unending source of inspiration and I’m most intrigued by artists who interpret that world in abstract ways vs. a realistic landscape or still life. Being outdoors and immersed in nature, away from the hustle of traffic and pressure to be connected to technology refreshes us in so many ways. I find myself at my most creative and thoughtful after a day of hiking. George & I have been batting around a long-term dream of opening an artists’ retreat in a gorgeous, secluded location. Kind of like summer camp for artists and other creative types. It’s my favorite dream right now!
Birds in the Dryer, acrylic on canvas, 24×30
CB| Do you still own any of your childhood art projects? This could include anything from your college years as well. If so, have you ever pulled them out and studied them as well as had the urge to create a new body of work in the present moment of your life? I think it would be really cool to see a blog post of something you have or plan to create.
AF | I have stacks of paintings from my college days hanging out in our storage unit in Florida. My mom and brother/sister-in-law each have several paintings of mine hanging in their homes. There is a large portfolio full of figure drawings from my senior year in college that I can’t bear to get rid of. Most of them are on newsprint and have at some point or another been rolled up, so they aren’t in the greatest shape, but I just can’t part with them. I struggled when I first began taking Figure Drawing with the amazing Paul Ladnier— I got so frustrated with myself, yet he was incredibly encouraging, telling me that one day it would just click. And that’s exactly what happened! I grew to love it so much I took 3 semesters of Figure Drawing with him and was probably at the height of my skill level then.
Playing Catch, acrylic on canvas, 36×36
But here’s the thing. Painting and drawing are skills, like anything else. They must continually be practiced and developed or they lessen over time. I haven’t painted or drawn really consistently since college. Every once in a while I create something I’m proud of, but more often than not, I’m disappointed with my efforts. I would love to get back into painting, as few activities energize me as much ( when the work goes well, anyway! ). But I’m also humbled by the amazing talent I see every day. It would be difficult to keep from measuring myself against so many incredible artists and falling short. Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to post about my own work. It’s definitely something I would have to work up to!
To see more of Christina Baker’s work, please visit her website. A special treat tomorrow– a double takeover with Christina Foard and Steve Williams!
I can hardly believe August is already here! While you read this, I am soaking in all the delights that Yellowstone has to offer. I hope you’re delighted by our new Facebook Featured Artist. Make sure you head over to the Artsy Forager Facebook page to check out our new Featured Artist, Candice Smith Corby!
Bird Nest, gouache and watercolor on paper, 24×28
Watch for more to come from Candice all through the month of August!
