When I took figure drawing in college, I recall my professor telling us that once we mastered drawing the figure realistically, that’s when the real fun begins. For once you understand the hollows and bumps of the human figure, you can then abstract your representation to your heart’s content. Savannah artist Betsy Cain’s work energetically fuses the figure with the abstract in gorgeous layers of color.
Red Yellow Love Melt, oil on canvas, 60×80
Like the work of other abstract expressionists, Cain’s work appears to be purely non-representational, but often you can detect a figure coming through the energetic fever of the canvas.
Neural Nude, oil on canvas, 54×72Nature of Not Knowing, oil on canvas, 60×60
Each work consists of layer upon layer of colorful, expressive strokes which may end in a purely abstract composition yet each gives us a glimpse into the artist’s connection between her mind, the paint and the canvas.
Nerve Flower, oil on canvas, 60×60
To see more of Betsy Cain’s work, please visit her website. If you happen to be reading from North Florida, you can check out Betsy Cain’s solo exhibition, Selections at Florida Mining in Jacksonville, opening this Friday, September 7th!
I can only imagine the courage it takes for an artist to create in front of a group of people. Heck, even one other person would terrify me. But at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene, ID ( our hometown for just another 6 weeks ), their new featured artist for the month gives a demo on the Saturday following their opening. It is a fantastic way to gain a real “behind the art” glimpse into the creative process! I can’t believe it took me this long to attend one, but I’m so glad I did. The work of Spokane artist Mel McCuddin is striking online, luminous up close, but to see it in progress was truly inspiring.
Matchmaker, oil on canvas, 52×48Reveries, oil on canvas, 48×44
Each canvas begins as an exercise in Abstract Expressionism– it is all about the paint, texture and color. Slowly, as formations evolve in clouds, a figure emerges on the surface.
The Old Dog, oil on canvas, 36×40Black Dirt Farmer, oil on canvas, 48×48
McCuddin thoughtfully builds his layers, alternating patches of light and dark. Deliberate smudging of large swaths of canvas give way to areas of delicate and careful application.
The Late Bus, oil on canvas, 52×48
His finished works are often left with an eerie glow, giving them a slightly alien quality yet they are approachable and likable. His subjects stare back at us with curious wisdom. You can see a slideshow of images of Mel McCuddin in action here ( Artsy Forager now has a YouTube channel! ). His solo show can be seen at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene until August 4, 2012. I highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area!
Featured image is Three in a Tub, oil on canvas, 48×52. All images are via The Art Spirit Gallery website.
Advertising imagery has become such an integral part of our cultural landscape that products are often instantly recognizable simply by their logos. Like his Pop Art predecessors before him, Jacksonville, FL artist Mark George takes inspiration from the inescapable world of advertising, putting his own spin on the Mad Men era.
Of course, there are obvious parallels between George’s work and that of Pop Art icon, Roy Lichtenstein. Yes, the imagery also takes its cues from advertising imagery and comic books. But where as Lichtenstein enlarged his imagery to the point of replicating in paint the Ben-Day dots that comprised printed materials of the day, George chooses to flatten out the imagery even further.
The lack of visible brushstrokes and use of smooth, reflective surfaces emphasizes the slick nature of the mid-centuray imagery. While the severely cropped faces and “torn” edges of his panel suggest that these are relics abandoned to a different kind of future.
But what interest me most is the emotionality to be found in the faces of George’s subjects. There is a sad, melancholia about the imagery, bordering on the disturbing. In this respect, his work could be seen as our past looking back upon itself with current eyes, shocked and saddened by what is seen in hindsight.
What do you make of the faces of Mark George’s subjects? Please visit his website to see more of his work. If you’re in South Florida, he will be participating in a show, Jet Set Glamourat Harold Golen Gallery in Miami, opening tonight!
I hope you guys have wandered over to the Artsy Forager Facebook page to check out this month’s Featured Artist, Steve Williams! It’s been so much fun sharing Steve’s work with you over the month of April. With the Month of Steve is coming to a close, I wanted to share with you a few new pieces from the irrepressible Mr. Williams.
Cap Tossing Over the Wall of Space
These latest works were created for the Sustainotopiaconference, which happened in Miami this week. Sustainotopia is “an impact conference that encourages people to really consider how social relationships between investing, finances, and environmental sustainability can become more collaborative, creating a global community that benefits economically from doing what is, essentially, the right thing.”
A Slender Acquaintance With the WorldNational Soil Destruction Leading to Self Implosion
You can read more about Sustainotopia on their website ( and make plans to attend next year! ) and read about Steve’s thoughts on living an impactful life on his blog, Making Cheddar. And if you’re new here or haven’t already done it, be sure to check out Steve’s website!
As I mentioned before, there were certain shows I knew I wanted to see while we were in Seattle last weekend. I’ve loved the work of Seattle artist Anne Siems since first seeing it online and was excited to get my chance to see her work up close and personal. Her solo show, Guidance is showing at Grover Thurston Gallery, just up ( or down? Still don’t have my Seattle geography down pat ) the street from Foster/White, so away we went.
Wolf Girl, acrylic on panel, 48×48
Siems’ inspiration behind the show was the evolution of her daughter from childhood into adolescence and the idea that wild animal spirits may help children navigate their way through this transition. In each of us there is a wild, animalistic-like spirit that, as we grow up and grow older gets buried under years of suppression and training in proper behavior.
Antler Girl, acrylic on panel, 40×52
In Siems’ work, we see children taking on historically grim expression and formal, constricting garb, reminding us of centuries of children whose innocence is lost all too soon. Children whose natural wild spirits may fight against the constraints of social tradition and custom.
Bison Boy Drawing, mixed media on paper, 38×50
I was particularly drawn to Bison Boy ( above ), perhaps for the way the figure is isolated starkly against the white paper background. He has been taken out of his environment, out of his element. His garments are in the somewhat effeminate style of his era, yet his bison head & skin seem to be reminding us to not forget the wildness within.
George’s favorite work in the show was Lynx Cap ( below ), as this figure retains a sprightly, little girl expression in contrast to the other figures’ more suppressed, even haughty countenances. She is still an innocent.
Lynx Cap, mixed media on paper with embroidery, 22×30Guidance Tree, mixed media on panel, 48×48
I could go on and on about these and talk about every one– they are so interesting, visually and spiritually. If you’d like to see more of Anne Siems’ work, please visit her website. If you’re in Seattle, I highly recommend a visit to Grover Thurston to see these in person, a truly stunning show.
Featured image is Heart Branches, mixed media on panel, 30×30. All images are via the artist’s website.
A gallery that takes advantage of a beautiful space, displays a wide range of interesting work in a well-designed and thoughtful way AND feels comfortable and unpretentious? These kind of galleries are my happy places. Foster/White Gallery in Seattle definitely qualifies for a spot on that list. Thanks to our time in Seattle being super limited and the tiny brain melt in which I somehow forgot that almost all galleries are closed on Monday, our only full day there and the day I’d planned to do lots of gallery hopping, I had to narrow down my galleries to visit to A) shows I really wanted to see and B) galleries that were close together. So we took a few hours before leaving on Tuesday to visit Greg Kucera Gallery, Grover Thurston Gallery ( more on that show next week ) and Foster/White Gallery, which was by far our favorite overall gallery experience.
Casey McGlynn: Manchild and Rachel Denny: Works of Nature at Foster/White
Foster/White has been on my list of galleries to visit for quite a while and when I saw that they were showing Rachel Denny’swork, it quickly went to the top of the list for our time in Seattle. But I’m one of those people that saves the best for last, so while I saw Rachel’s work out of the corner of my eye upon entering the space, there were so many other wonderful works around each corner that I made my way around the whole gallery before I spent some time with Rachel’s amazing sculptures.
Sculptures by Paul Vexler at Foster/White
Speaking of amazing sculptures, these bent wood pieces by Paul Vexler were exquisite. The way the grain of the wood caught the light from the window drew attention to those beautiful curves. As impressive as his work was ( and there is a large hanging piece in the F/W lobby that is to die for ), Cookie the elephant by Shay Church both delighted me and drew me in.
Cookie ( Asian Elephant ) by Shay Church
Cookie is part of Church’s Wet Clay series, site specific installations consisting of a wooden armatur covered with clay and sand. In this series, Church focuses on elephants and whales, gentle yet imposing creatures who must survive long migrations. With each passing year, those migrations grow more and more dangerous and daunting for these animals. Cookie leans into the wall for support, seeming to struggle to stand. As the clay has dried, it has begun to crack and fall, adding to the emotional impact of the piece. We are watching Cookie deteriorate before our eyes.
Bone Yard by Evan Blackwell at Foster/White GalleryBone Yard ( detail ) by Evan Blackwell
Another installation that caught our eye was Bone Yard by Evan Blackwell. The white clay pieces, pinned to the way may appear to be fragments of bone, but upon closer inspection, we see that they are actually broken pieces of model jets. Perhaps a commentary on our military policies? Or our desensitization to such destruction?
Staccato Surface by David Alexander
The abstract, colorful reflection of Staccato Surface by David Alexander had unbelievably lovely gestural movement and a gorgeous palette. Photos do not do it justice! Finally we made our way over to Rachel Denny’s work. I’ve been a huge fan of her work since the very first time I saw one of her Domestic Trophies online and have been looking forward to finally seeing her sculptures in person. I was blown away by just how intricately constructed they are, their palettes & construction perfectly designed to catch and direct the viewer’s eye. I was just as delighted by her work as I’d hoped to be.
Rachel Denny: Works of NatureSweet Tooth ( detail ) by Rachel Denny
To see more of each artist’s work and more of the amazing work on display, please visit the Foster/White Gallery website. If you’re in Seattle, Rachel Denny & Casey McGlynn’s current shows will be up until April 28, 2012. I highly recommend a visit!
In the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, housed in a 200+ year old classic Creole building lives Gallery Orange, a contemporary fine art gallery whose vibe and vision match the freshness of its signature color.
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, exterior
If you’re a regular Artsy Forager reader, you’ve heard of Gallery Orange before. I first found GO when I discovered the work of Sarah Ashley Longshore, which then led me to Gallery Orange, her exclusive representation in New Orleans. I found gallery owner Tracy Geilbert’s aesthetic and taste to be quite similar to my own and have been happily watching her list of artists grow and work by those artists flying off the walls! Tracy’s love of art and enthusiasm for original work is infectious, I’ve never seen a gallery promote their artists harder than she does!
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, interior with works by Sarah Ashley Longshore
Owner Tracy Geilbert was already selling art at a young age, making sketches of Duran Duran, photocopying them and selling the “prints” to her classmates. ( Ah, a fellow 80’s girl! ) Part Dutch and part British, Geilbert studied art and eventually graduated from the Royal Academy of the Arts at The Hague. Life would eventually take her to post-Katrina New Orleans and, after working for another high-end New Orleans gallery, heeded the call of her heart to open a space of her own.
Gallery Orange, interior, works by Guus KempGallery Orange, New Orleans, interior, works by Gigi Mills, Carlos Lopez and Jill Ricci
Starting in a tiny 600 square foot space, with only two artists on her roster, Tracy’s hard work and eye for unique talent led to the gallery’s current space on Royal Street where boutique galleries are springing up and blazing new trails on the New Orleans art scene. Tracy brings her Dutch artistic sensibilities to the gallery, offering only exceptional original work ( no giclees here! ), creative energy galore and a bit of good humor thrown in. Gallery Orange is all about serious art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Gallery Orange, New Orleans, exterior
If you are in New Orleans or planning a visit, do not miss a trip to Gallery Orange! Delightful, deliciousness awaits you! You can see a list of upcoming shows at GO on their website— which is newly redesigned, make sure you check it out!
Confession: I love fashion magazines. The beautiful imagery of gorgeous people wearing couture, sporting watches and handbags that cost as much as a car, is like crack to me. Maybe in the intellectual artsy realm I am not supposed to taken with such trivial and superficial fluff, but I just can’t help it. Nor can NYC artist Hooper Turner.
High Noon, oil on canvas, 18×24 ( via Skidmore Contemporary )
Turner, whose latest exhibition, Glamorama, opens at Skidmore Contemporary in Santa Montica, CA this Saturday, chooses to focus his fascination and truly study these portraits of consumerism, painting them and in turn, seeing them with new eyes.
The Crusaders, oil on canvas, 30×40
Turner doesn’t take the imagery out of context, like many might, instead the images are unabashedly commercial, some complete with the text juxtaposed over the image, just as it would be in a magazine. It is in this honest confrontation of our voluntary manipulation by advertisers, creative directors, etc., that his work finds its most poignant power.
Solstice 2005, oil on canvas, 30×36 ( via Skidmore Contemporary )Spiced Egg Nog Cardigan, oil on canvas, 20×24 ( via Skidmore Contemporary )
Be sure to check out Hooper Turner’s website to see more images of his work. If you’re in Southern California, make plans to see his show in up close & personal at Skidmore Contemporary Art.
Featured image is Calvin Klein Underwear, oil on canvas, 51×36. All images are via Skidmore Contemporary’s website.
Ninety-nine percent of the time I completely love my life in the Pacific Northwest. But occasionally, there is that nagging little 1% that longs to be back in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, just so that I can be in the thick of the exciting artistic resurgence happening there. Though the arts in Jax were hit hard by the recession, artists and art supporters are determined to make Jacksonville a cultural destination. Among them, artist Steve Williams is bringing home forward-thinking, atypical art with his new gallery, Florida Mining.
CPHACE by Laird, inaugural exhibition at Florida Mining
Williams is no stranger to playing gallerist. He’s been at the heart of several successful galleries in Jacksonville over the years. As an artist, he thrives on being involved with other artists and their creative processes. And, being the generous soul that he is, wants to help them succeed and in the process, is bringing his unique vision for the arts to his hometown.
Florida Mining
Florida Mining’s mission? To present emerging to mid career artists who are thought provoking and fresh with a mix of medium and perspective. And they were off to a slammin’ start with their first show featuring a new series of work by Northeast Florida photographer Laird, a series infared photographs which begin with organic surroundings and are composited and mirrored so that the resulting image becomes almost hauntingly alien, yet familiar.
CPHACE series by Laird
Florida Mining’s sleek, contemporary space, designed by the brilliant team at Designmind, Larry Wilson and Rebecca Davisson ( both artists in their own right ) is the perfect showcase for making avant-garde work accessible to North Florida.
Florida Mining
Up next for Florida Mining is a new show, Tonya Lee: All Smiles, a new series from the Jacksonville-native, current Philadelphian featuring paintings and wallpaper ( yes, you read that right! ), embracing Lee’s fascination with alternative materials.
Tonya Lee: All Smiles
Tonya Lee: All Smiles opens at Florida Mining this coming Friday, 11/11/11. If you are anywhere nearby, you will not want to miss it! Big things are in store for this new venture. Go and experience it for yourself.
If you’re not in Florida, be sure to check out Florida Mining on their website, Facebook and Twitter. Always interesting and cheeky fun to be had.
As the hubby and I travel, we love to explore and see what the surrounding area has to offer. While living in Grants Pass, Oregon, we’ve come to love the nearby artsy town of Ashland. While other galleries in Ashland cater more to local work, Davis & Cline Gallery, in the Railroad District, carries a variety of exceptional work by both emerging and established artists recognized both regionally and nationally.
Davis & Cline, exterior
As we walked in the front doors of the gallery, I immediately fell in love with the current show, Out of the Woods, featuring work by Christian Burchard and Haley Farthing. Burchard’s madrone wood sculptures are stunning in their simplicity and texture, full of organic elegance. A perfect complement to the rich, milky warmth of Burchard’s sculptures are Farthing’s subtle pastel and ink wood panel paintings. Look for more on these two artists soon!
Out of the Woods, Christian Burchard & Haley Farthing
Throughout the gallery, the space is well lit and the placement of the work a well-designed mixture of two-dimensional work and sculpture.
Davis & Cline, interior
Davis & Cline has a world class collection of glass work and it is showcased beautifully, both in naturally lit and a specifically designed “dark room”. It is a space worthy of exhibiting the prismatic beauty of world renown artists like Dale Chihuly ( check out some of Chihuly’s 2-d work hanging above! )
Davis & Cline, glass gallery
The gallerist was friendly yet, unobtrusive– exactly the feeling I like to get in a gallery. Once we started talking, he was eager to tell me more about the artists and the gallery but never with a “salesman”-like attitude. This is a gallery where both a serious collector and student would feel welcome and appreciated.
Check out the Davis & Cline website to see more of the artists they represent. If you’re ever in Ashland, be sure to make a personal visit!
