Spending more than a week immersed in natural beauty, away for the most part, from the pull of technology, makes for a difficult re-entry into the realm of satellites and social media. We tend to forget, while living in either world that the other exists. The abstract work of Nick Lamia reminds us that though we often think of them separately, society must coexist with the natural world in order for either to thrive.
Untitled, oil on panel, 45×48
Lamia’s juxtaposition of street map-like grids over landscape-ish scenes give us glimpses into how we integrate ourselves into nature and vice versa.
Untitled, oil on panel, 30×32Untitled, oil on canvas, 66×72
As societies, we are responsible for the care of the natural world around us. In return, that world repays us providing food, resources, enjoyment and inspiration.
Untitled, oil on canvas, 36×42
To see more of Nick Lamia’s work, please visit his website.
I love it when talented artists reach out and ask to be featured on Artsy Forager. And when they are from another country? That just thrills me even more! Very talented Barcelona artist Elena Vera Solodovnikova recently emailed me her work and I couldn’t wait to feature her in my weekly Artist Watch on Escape Into Life! Head over to EIL to check it out!
We’re coming upon mid-August, some kids are already heading back to school, soon it will be Labor Day and autumn will be upon us. The abstract paintings of Sofia Lacin have such an indian summer feel to them, don’t they?
Hunched Over Shoulder, oil on canvas, 36×36
Bright colors peep out among warm hues, reminding us that summer is slowly fading into Fall.
Two Moments, oil on canvas, 36×48Smile, oil on canvas, 36×48
Lacin’s expressive lines and brushstrokes remind us that the slower pace of the warmer months will soon give way to the busyness of the school season and holidays.
Through the Surface, oil and chalk on canvas, 60×60
Please visit Sofia Lacin’s website for even abstracted gorgeousness!
So while I was traversing through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming, the torch was passed on to a new FacebookFeatured Artist! This month we celebrate the work of Boston area artist Candice Smith Corby.
Dinner Table Antics
Smith Corby’s quiet, delicate drawings on paper and found materials navigate us through the worlds of childhood and traditional feminine roles. Who doesn’t remember making forts of chairs and blankets?
Hideaway
As little girls, were we making forts inside perhaps because we weren’t allowed to play rough & tumble outside with the boys? Were we given traditional feminine tools yet still found a way to convert them to serve a traditionally male purpose?
Pup Tent
Perhaps we found a way to use those traditional roles to our advantage? These are some of the questions I see being asked in Smith Corby’s work. Her answers are sensitive and subtle, while still posing more questions.
Pleading ( open )
To see more of Candice Smith Corby’s work, please visit her website and Facebook page. Candice’s work will be up as the cover image of Artsy Forager’s Facebook page throughout the month of August. If you happen to be in MA this Fall, be sure to check out her co-curating/co-exhibiting show, Self/Fabricated at The Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA!
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 ParkMammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National ParkPrismatic Spring, Yellowstone National ParkThermophiles in hot spring, Yellowstone National ParkHot spring flow, Yellowstone National ParkTreeline on the drive to the East Entrance, Yellowstone National ParkInside 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 46Hard 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. 😉
