This Weekend's Art Ventures

The academy awards have come and gone and the awards have all been passed out. I'll save my analysis for after I see all the pictures nominated. But until then, check out this flick.

If you know me at all, you know that DeNiro is my #1 acting favorite and so, I look for anything he is in. His ability to play really bad guys and make me love them anyway is something that other actors should observe. Anybody can love a good guy, but make a gangsta loveable -- well, that takes a skill most would kill for, pun intended.

The movie that I most recently watched is "What Just Happened" starring Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, John Turturro, Robin Wright Penn, STanley Tucci (yeah!!!), Kristen Stewart, Michael Wincott and Bruce Willis. It is a story that plops you right down in the middle of Hollywood and all its egos and tells the story of all the big guys living on the edge in a city and industry that devours its own.

If you like shoot 'em ups and explosions, then go snag a copy of Good Fellas. But if you love subtle acting, rather skillful dialogue and what can actually be called a plot, then this is a movie you gotta see. Directed and Produced by Barry Levinson and Art Linson (writer), this is a movie that gives you nuance over trendy action shots. Thank goodness. I loved it, loved DeNiro and laughed my head off.

Since I still had half a bottle of my favorite wine

I decided to watch one of the Oscar's winners,

"Changeling". I have every reason to really

dislike Angelina Jolie...she is beautiful, skinny even after having kids and of course, she snagged the Bradelino, so therefore I dislike her. It is shallow and juvenile I admit, but its tough to like someone with so much -- and she wears killer shoes, so there you go.

But I loved her in this film. She played the part beautifully and again, here is a movie that actually has a story -- a good story even, and that my friends, gives me hope for Hollywood after all.

Art Show, Car Show

This sign is special to me because my grandfather worked at Mobil Oil for over 30 years. Everytime

I see the flying horse, I think of him.

This is a shot of a Chevy Olds interior. Not surprisingly, I liked the interiors the best and found some inspiring new color combos that I can use with new designs for game rooms, media rooms and other places where men like to hang out.

I tried a new venture this weekend as I looked for innovative places to find ideas for designing men's rooms (not the bathrooms, mind you, but men's spaces -- offices, rooms, etc). Where does one go to see what men really want? Ok, besides that, what do men want in a room besides a big screen TV, beer cart and a super large remote? To help me answer this question, I sought ideas at the local car show.

I had ulterior motives. Many new trends feature a heavy emphasis on metallic and unique colors, so again, the car show seemed a likely place to visit.

I've never been to a car show, cannot tell you a V-8 engine from a V-6 (although now, after a bit of instruction from a friendly dealer, can indeed tell you), and drive my fuel efficient honda to get my from point A to point B. In other words, cars and their designs are not things I think much about.

I was challenged to rethink that, with some great concepts from many a talented vintage car enthusiast. I am posting some pictures here to share some of my favorites and yes, indeed, I think more about the gadgets on my car now than ever before.

Art News This week

First, an apology. I have been a reluctant blogger and a bit of a fickle one as well. Writing is my first love and I've been unfaithful. Using my creative energies in building a new aspect of a business can do that to you, I'm afraid, but today, I'm making a new committment to post regularly (as I define it) and to do a more visually appealing job of it. Inspired by other artful bloggers I feel that I must do a better job of this, so here goes.

In this week's news, check out this week's Arthaus event, February 27, 5 - 7 PM featuring one of our artist, Cindy Parsons. Am posting the postcard to main page, come and see what we're building with local artists.

Now for a more national view. Today in Boston, Shapard Fairey opens his new show, titled "Supply and Demand". Fairey is an LA street artist (read: graffiti) and his work is now popular because of his iconic image of President Obama. His work is part of a guerilla effort to make art for the everyday person, an amibition I completely support.

Still not sure how I feel about a celebrity for a president. After all, no rap songs were written for Reagan, no songs penned in honor of JFK and certainly no images of presidents have been more widely demanded than those of Obama. Is this cult celebrity or true statemanship?

From the NYTimes Sunday:


UPDATE: ICA Boston 20 Year Retrospective
The SUPPLY AND DEMAND Exhibition opened today in Boston. The exhibit and Shepard’s outdoor work has been well received with tons of press and media as well as lines of fans. Below are some links to some local media sources about our trip!
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/02/06/street_smart/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed3
http://www.projo.com/art/content/wk-shepard_fairey05_02-05-09_EID6O3G_v12.271853a.html
FIRST MUSEUM SURVEY OF INFLUENTIAL STREET ARTIST SHEPARD FAIREY OPENS AT THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART/BOSTON
SHEPARD FAIREY: SUPPLY & DEMANDFEB. 6 - AUG. 16, 2009
Boston, MA – On the 20th anniversary of the Obey Giant campaign, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston opens the first museum survey of Shepard Fairey, the influential street artist who created the now iconic Obama poster. Stickers and posters of the artist’s work have appeared on street signs and buildings around the world as part of a guerrilla art campaign of global scale. Featuring over 80 works, Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand traces the artist’s career over 20 years, from the Obey Giant stencil to screen prints of political revolutionaries and rock stars to recent mixed-media works and a new mural commissioned for the ICA show. In complement to the exhibition, Fairey will be creating public art works at sites around Boston. On view at the ICA from Feb. 6 to Aug. 16, 2009, Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand is accompanied by an expanded, limited-edition version of Supply & Demand, the retrospective publication of the artist’s work. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE ICA WEBSITE.

Confessions of an Art Collector

Author's note: Tom attended our recent "Arthaus" event where we focus on promoting local Tulsa artist and their work.
I am impressed with his enthusiasm for collecting art and asked him to share a few words to new collectors.

Because of clients like Tom, EA&I now has a growing collection of artists that will be presenting their work year round. I agree wholeheartedly with his comments presented below....

“Confessions of an Art Collector” by Tom Rink

To be totally honest, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I actually considered myself a “collector.” I have always enjoyed art and would definitely classify myself as an “enthusiast,” but a collector? Collectors had money and tended to buy the expensive “works of the Masters” that I can only dream about (Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Dali, Moran, . . . to name a few of my favorites). The bottom line: I appreciate art, it moves me, and I keep buying more. Therefore, “I am an art collector!”

Now, to the burning question I’ve been asked to answer: “What do I look for when buying/collecting art?” First and foremost (Rule #1), “do I like it?” If I don’t like it, I don’t buy it! Let me repeat this, if I don’t like it, I don’t buy it! This is critical. You don’t want to collect anything that does not bring you joy or pleasure. I never buy art solely for investment purposes.

After that,
I look at the medium being used. Oil? Watercolor? Pastel? Pen and Ink? Pencil? Bronze? Crayon?
I look at the type of art it is. Painting? Glass? Sculpture? Photograph? (Oh yeah, did I mention that I collect more than just paintings?)
I look at the style. Modern? Impressionistic? Realistic? Surreal?
I look at the artist’s origin. Native American? Chinese? Russian? American? European?
I look at the theme. Landscape? Portrait? Animals/Nature? Still Life?
I look at the colors. Bright? B&W? Shading? Pastel? Muted?
I look at the size. Miniatures? Small? Medium? Large? I never worry about “where am I going to hang this one?” I’ve collected a variety of shapes and sizes.
I look for the unique!
And finally, I consider the price.

Last but not least (Rule #2), if I can’t afford it, I won’t buy it. Let me repeat this, if I can’t afford it, I won’t buy it. Ultimately, only you can decide what your comfort level is regarding your disposable income and what you can afford.

Let me leave you with some parting words. None of this happens overnight. You’ve got to get out there and visit galleries, museums, art fairs, etc. Everywhere I go I always find myself looking at what they have on the walls. I am constantly looking for the next acquisition, some new artist to discover. And, I do my homework. I read books or magazines about art, educate myself about the artists and their techniques, I ask questions (of the artists as well as other collectors), and the rest takes care of itself.

Alas, so much art, so little wall space . . . Please feel free to visit my blog to view my growing art collection (http://guncarryinglibrarian.wordpress.com/). I post a few new pieces from my collection each month; eventually I will just have to post the new acquisitions. Until then . . . go forth and start collecting!

Why I believe in promoting local artists

ArtHaus 2008 has been a wonderful experience for me. In addition to getting some much needed painting and repairs done around the shop, I found myself surrounded by beautiful works of art and meeting new creative friends that have both inspired and challenged me.

So now, in addition to my journal and colorful sharpies, I'm equipped with my new (small) set of watercolors and paper as Renee Dotson has encouraged me to do so. I remember now why I first picked up those colorful pencils and pens...I find myself lost in the process of creating, no matter what the outcome may be.

Watch for additional dates for Arthaus 2009 coming this January 1 to EA&I along with a Summer Arthaus that promises to be bigger and even more fun. Here's a blog from one of the clients that came and participated.

http://guncarryinglibrarian.wordpress.com/

Supporting local artist just makes good sense. First, it allows you to find your own unique art work that can be purchased and signed by the artist. You can then have your own story to share with those that visit your office or home and be on your way to collecting art. Collecting art is like collecting anything - you find what you like and you make room for it, much like Tom suggests in his blog (above).

Next, it does a lot of good for a local artist who is pursuing his or her own creative life to create things of beauty to be admired by someone. And finally, it saves a ton of packaging and waste to pick up your own artwork through local artists.

But mostly, it allows you to be a part of a creative process that is uniquely your own and therefore nurturing and sustaining.

Arthaus 2008

Set your calendars for Arthaus 2008, an event to be held at EA&I Interiors Dec 4 - 7. Over 20 local fine artists will be displaying and promoting their work during this holiday arts festival. Hours are 1 - 6 PM each day and there is no charge to attend.

For those who may want assistance in developing their own personal art collection, art.com has the following suggestions:

Art Collecting Tips

Tips for beginning art collectors as well as for experienced art collectors.Good reminders for anyone interested in art or already collecting art.

Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it willenhance your life.

Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.

Visit and join your local art museums and non profit art centers.Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.

Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos whenever possible.

If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and whatthey've learned about collecting art.

Read books on art history and books about collecting art.

Subscribe to a few art magazines.

Read reviews by local and national art critics, keeping in mind that reviewsusually just reflect one persons opinion.

Working with a professional art advisor / art consultant is a good way to learn about art

collecting, and they will guide you through the process of purchasing art.

Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art,buy it, take it home and enjoy it.

Weekend of Arts

I spent the weekend immersed in art of all kinds.

First, a trip with my daughter to the Wichita Art Museum where I

was comforted and intrigued by some of my favorite artists. Did you know

that the Art Museum has FREE admission on Saturdays? What a great way

to invest an afternoon. It boasts one of the best - if not THE best - collection

of American Art with artists such as Robert Henri, Carol Wuermer, John Koch,

and of course, Mary Cassatt. I do not know why, but everytime I see the "Mother

and Child" I weep with emotion, so clear is the message of safety and nurturing.

It's difficult, though, to not exclaim when you see Dale Chihuly's Confetti Chandelier.

Go to his web site for an amazing tour de force of one of America's most enigmatic

and creative artists (www.Chihuly.com).

As October's warm weather turns decisively to cooler fall weather, I'll be holed up

with several at the upstairs loft of the shop with Nanowrimo 08. I won the event

two years ago, which means that I completed 50,000 words (novel length) in one

month. This year, I'm taking it a step further and encouraging others to join in the fun of creating their own novel in one month. Nanowrimo boasts several published authors but the

real goal of Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) is to encourage "lots of bad writing" so the good stuff can emerge. One well known book, "Water for Elephants" was written (at least the first draft or so) during an installment of this caffeine heavy event.

Go to Nanowrimo.org for more information. I am planning some "write-ins" for other aspiring wrimos so see you in November.