I am super excited to announce that Artsy Forager is now a regular feature in print! Arbus, an arts and business magazine in my old ‘hood of Northeast Florida will regularly be running select Artsy Forager features beginning with their October/November 2012 issue ( see it here!! ).
October/ November 2012 issue of Arbus Magazine
Arbus features the best of what’s happening in art, culture and design in the Northeast Florida area. But publisher Cinda Sherman knows that there is a great big world of art out there, so each month’s Artsy Forager feature will showcase artists from around the world, introducing Arbus readers to a whole new set of artists to love.
As a blogger, it’s a special kind of thrill to see my words in print, but for me, it’s especially wonderful to see them in a publication I’ve read since my college days. I hope you’ll check out the issue online ( or pick it up in person, NEFL Arsties! ), lots of great features in this issue, including a spread on one of my Florida faves, sculptor Joe Segal!
‘Tis election season in the US which for many ( including myself ) = the season for cynicism, frustration, and the eventual choosing between what we hope will be the less destructive of two not-so-great choices. Throughout history many a nation has had a habit of creatively reinterpreting their own backstory to slant history more to their favor. In his work, Los Angeles artist Frohawk Two Feathers calls out the ridiculousness of such reinvention, echoing the growing dissatisfaction with the political status quo.
He Dead. Amen! LaDonna, inventor of the hot comb and widow of Andre I of Hispaniola Maitresse of Mambo Erzulie Freda Dahomey, 30×44
Two Feathers’ ( born Umar Rashid ) works are a fictional retelling of periods in history, his latest series being a fictionalized version of the conquest of Haiti. The overall style of his work bases itself in traditional colonial portraiture yet the artist tweaks it to tell his own version of the story.
Let Me Upgrade You. A farewell embrace for Duke Tarik Ibn Rashid and the Duchess Josefina of Margarita and Tortuga. Tarik was called to Frengland to Tirain the artillery corps by Lord Protector Casimir Theroux of the Republic of Frengland. Josefina is running shit for real man, 30×44The Spanish Main 1794 (3BB) Blanca, the motherfucking Queen of Spain Jacinta, Queen of the Tairona (Deceased) Carlota, Queen of Santo Domingo (Deceased), 60.5×44.75
While the works are satirical in nature, I can’t help but think that they aren’t that far off from how our own histories have been subtly reshaped over time in order to gloss over certain ugly facts or to push a powerful group’s agenda.
Solid. Solid as a Rock Lord protector Casimir Theroux of Pomerania (Poland) and his wife Helen Sidney of London, 30×44
To see more of Frohawk Two Feathers’ work, please visit the website of his representing gallery, Taylor De Cordoba. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to explore LA galleries while we’re in Joshua Tree, since I’ll be heading to Florida for a month in November, but seeing this work in person at Taylor De Cordoba is high on my list.
Who’s in for some artsy pinning fun with Artsy Forager and Erin Cassidy of art social? We’ve been gettin’ our pins on and are psyched to present a new Art Associations contest!
In case you missed the debut contest last month, here’s the gist– You create a Pinterest board around one work of art ( which we provide ), filled with anything and everything that pops into your mind while gazing at the inspiration piece.
For October, we’re associating with the piece below, Mailing ABQ 10-12 Lines by Kate Farrall.
Mailing, ABQ, 10-12 Lines by Kate Farrall
The prints from Kate Farrall’s Mailings to Myself series are made by sending un-exposed photo paper through the mail, allowing it to expose during its trip, and then developing it when it arrives. Such a serendipitous way of art making!
But now for the real fun, the CONTEST! Here’s how our little artsy mad scientist experiment will work–
Step 2 | You create a Pinterest board titled Art Association, like mine here, where you pin any and all images you associate with the featured artwork ( like word associations, only visual )– here’s a little sneak peek at my board to get your creative juices flowin’
Step 3 | Leave a link to your Art Associations pinboard in the Comments section of this post
Step 4 | Follow both art social and Artsy Forager on Pinterest ( if you already are, you’re ahead of the game and doubly awesome )
Here’s what you can win–
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’ll be entered for a chance to win Mailing 10x8x8, a unique chromogenic print by Kate Farrall ( below ). Thanks to Kate for generously donating this work for our little contest!
Mailing Overlap 10x8x8 by Kate Farrall
The pinner with the best art associations ( as judged by me and Erin ) will be chosen on Wednesday, October 24th at 5pm (mountain standard time). Last month’s boards were incredibly creative, can’t wait to see what artsy associations you see in Kate’s work!
Ready.. set.. associate!!
Would you like your artwork to be featured as an Art Association subject? Shoot Erin an email at artsocialonline@gmail.com for more info.
For me, gorgeously styled movies and fashion photos are a guilty pleasure and voyeuristic escape. For a brief moment, I can imagine myself a part of a super fabulous, amazingly glamorous life. The work of Tallahassee artist Anna Kincaide Horne offers a similar experience in her elegantly painted figures.
Blue Tights Girl, oil on canvas, 48×3Blue Gloves, oil on canvas, 30×40
In my gallery days, I relished the chance to dress up for an opening or special event. Something about wearing heels and a little cocktail dress makes even a work event just a bit more exciting. These days, I ( like many of us! ) live my days in jeans and flip flops. Events for elegant dress are few and far between.
Happy Hour, oil on canvasEveryone Wants to be Cary Grant, oil on canvas, 30×30
Yet, life still feels glamorous to me. Mr. Forager and are pretty fortunate, we live a life filled with travel and discovery. Even if we’re living it casual-style.
Artist found via Stellers Gallery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. All images are via the artist’s website.
The work of California artist Lisa Beerntsen seems at once cosmic and microscopic.. organic forms float as if suspended in viscous fluid. Check out more of Beerntsen’s work my Artist Watch feature today over on Escape Into Life!
Following our little road trip to Southern California, I’m happy to be back foraging for you! We’re newly installed in Joshua Tree, California until at least mid-January. Our little artsy rental is only a few blocks from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. We can actually see it in the distance from our back porch! This place has a special kind of energy– there is a connectedness you feel here.. to the earth, to the sky, to your fellow humans. The work of Northern California artist Sonya Philip brings to mind the way in which we link ourselves with our surroundings and each other.
Philip chooses to weave into every day objects, things we might otherwise cast aside or not even look twice at. In doing so, she reminds us of our own disposability and habit of consumption. A design woven into a fallen leaf ( above ) might symbolize the leaf’s eventual decay, while threads woven through discarded and gessoed postcards ( below ) or a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream carton speak to the beauty that can be found in what otherwise might be considered trash.
The delicacy of her weaving juxtaposes against the crassness of commercial packaging and metallic rusticity of a bicycle wheel to reveal a symbiosis of the organic and the industrial.
To see more of Sonya Philip’s work, please visit her website.
As you may have noticed, I’ve been a bit absent from Artsy Forager for the past two weeks as Mr. Forager and I made our way from Coeur d’Alene, ID to our new temporary home in Joshua Tree, CA. We spent nearly two weeks on the road, seeing sights and visiting with friends. I’m trying to get my bloggin’ groove back today and will be back in full Forager mode on Tuesday! Until then, I thought you might enjoy a few postcards our trip!
Bryce Canyon, UtahSouth Rim of the Grand Canyon, ArizonaSan Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park, San Diego, CASunny Jim Cave, LaJolla, CAArt on the back fence of our little house in Joshua Tree, CA
While Mr. Forager & I are on the road, making our way to California, we’re rerunning Artsy Forager’s most popular posts. This post originally published on February 8, 2012. Enjoy!
Life, in any form, is unpredictable. Sometimes we like the result of a chance taken, sometimes we don’t. Yet each step of faith is a step in the right direction. New York artist Laura Gurton takes a gamble each time she begins a new work, never knowing how her materials will react with one another. But it is that tempting of fate which results in these spontaneously speculative paintings.
From the Unknown Species Series #48, oil and alkyd on linen, 11×14
The artist takes advantage of the unpredictable reactions of layers of oil paint and alkyd resin to create work that uses the elemental properties of both to mimic cellular forms– our most basic building block of life.
From the Unknown Species series #49, oil and alkyd on linen, 18×18
The shapes morph and float as cells or micro-organisms under a microscope, taking on ghostly abstract forms that can seem often friendly or fiendish.
From the Biomorphic Dream series #13, oil and alkyd on canvas, 30×40
I find fascinating Gurton’s use of such basic chemistry to produce beautifully composed, intricate abstract work that reminds us of the beginning of life. Just as each of us are all made of the similar cellular building blocks, yet we are each unique, so are each of these works beautifully singular. It’s almost as if each one could be a glimpse into the molecular network of an individual.
From the Unknown Species series #15, oil and alkyd on canvas, 18×24
To see more of Laura Gurton’s work, please visit her website.
PS– Welcome to all of our new Artsy Forager subscribers! I’m so glad you enjoy the blog. Make yourself at home and be sure to take a peek around, there are lots of goodies to explore! If you haven’t already, use the tabs on the right to connect with Artsy Forager via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Featured image is From the Unknown Species series #50, oil and alkyd on linen, 18×18. All images are via the artist’s website.
While Mr. Forager & I are on the road, making our way to California, we’re rerunning Artsy Forager’s most popular posts. This post originally published on February 9, 2012. Enjoy!
When I paint, I tend to turn the lights off at certain points of progress, in order to view my work in the dark. The darkness reveals the light. The work of New Hampshire artist Sarah Ann Loreth explores this same notion in a conceptual way, through imagery that is at once eerie and haunting, yet strangely peaceful.
The Standpoint of Daily Life
Loreth seems to be feeling her way through the reality of humanity– her work is emotional, bringing to the forefront our own fears and anxieties, but somehow quieting them. In each work there seems to be a small voice whispering, It’s okay, this life and your troubles are only temporary..
The Ground is Too Cold to Bury Our Dead, self-portrait with milk in a bath with cow skull
We’ve all had those moments when life just seems unbearable. When we question why we are here and why it is just so plain hard sometimes. Loreth isn’t afraid to recreate those moments in her self-portraits, letting us know, we are not alone in our suffering.
The Irreparable Nature of Humans, self-portrait
Just as light cannot be seen without the darkness, so also does joy need sorrow in order for it to be truly felt. Hope is always with us, we are forever watching for its return.
The Dreamer’s Dream of Morning, self-portraitThe Watcher, self-portrait
To see more of Sarah Ann Loreth’s beautiful photography, please visit her website. This artist was found via Escape Into Life.
Featured image is Where My Heart Still Is, self-portrait. All images are via the artist’s website.
While Mr. Forager & I are on the road, making our way to California, we’re rerunning Artsy Forager’s most popular posts. This post originally published on November 1, 2011. Enjoy!
PS- since writing this post, Clair Hartmann has opened a wonderful little gallery in Wilmington, NC, Sun Gallery & Gifts. Please make a visit if you’re in the area!
OK, yes I know “pet art” has been done to death. It seems like every artist and their brother is doing it. But I submit to you, dear Artsies, that Wilmington, NC artist Clair Hartmann does doggy art in a wonderfully whimsical and heartfelt, yet not at all cheesy way.
Shore Leave, oil on fabric on canvas, 40×30
Whether she is doing straight-on portraits against graphic fabric backgrounds, like the one above or masterpiece inspired depictions as in the ones below, Clair always captures her subjects inherent personality and unique expressions.
Pearl Earring, oil on canvas panel, 9×12Frida Dog, oil on canvas, 16×20
There is a wonderfully graphic and modern quality to Clair’s animal work, which to me, elevate them beyond kitsch. Her paintings of her own Jack Russell Terrier, Chumley, are among my favorites. She perfectly captures moments of rare moments quiet rest and inner reflection ( who hasn’t wondered what their dog was thinking?! ), filled with tenderness and love for her subject.
The Dream, oil on canvas, 36×24
Clair has a new exhibition now open in Wilmington at the WHQR Gallery Space– Faithful: A Series of Dog Paintings will be on display through January 13, 2012. You can also visit her website to see more of her work and visit her Etsy shop to purchase!
Featured image is Wonky Bumbershoots by Clair Hartmann. All images via the artist’s website and Etsy shop.
