Monday, August 30, 2010

Drill Baby Drill Jason Clay Lewis

"Drill Baby" is my response to the horrific BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill and a nod to Sarah Palin's rally cry "Drill, Baby, Drill". The arms have the innocent victims of the disaster. On the right side of the chest is an image of the Virgin Mary holding a dripping gas nozzle. The baby's nipple also becomes Mary's exposed breast. She represents the core of the political, economical and ecological tragedy as we as a nation have a religious fervor towards oil.

Jason Clay Lewis came to New York in 1991 on a scholarship and internship at Universal Limited Art Editions. From 1992 - 1994 he worked with Jasper Johns as his personal studio assistant. Continuing his education, he graduated from The Cooper Union with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997. Jason has been actively showing for the last several years both nationally and internationally. His work has appeared and reviewed in publications including Art In America, World of Art, Art On Paper and ZINK Magazine.

As an artist, my approach has always been, intentionally, to confound and challenge attempts to make things fit into what we already know and think. I strive to question perceived beauty, passion, life, death, and creation. I have an urgent conviction that art is a passionate and essential affair, as if a matter of life and death, where one senses the only response to death is art. Without glossing over the violence of the natural world I asks questions about man's suicidal folly, the one we call progress, a merger into a pathetic religion of commerce and profit, of false facades, and using a strategy to make us reconsider our world of visual imagery. I tinker with these visual explanations, trying to give them purpose, direction, and meaning. Always perfectly aware that knowing this constant probing does not have a sequence to a perfect solution. Atypical and fascinating, as an adventurer blending expression, analysis, and experience, I use every means and media available to explore the love of knowledge and depict limits, while trying to push those limits even farther. My interest in unique materials helps to develop my ideas of attraction verses repulsion allowing my work to have both a strong visceral feeling while maintaining a direct cerebral presence.

Jason Clay Lewis

http://www.jasonclaylewis.com/



Drill Baby 2010

Vinyl Rubber, Mohair, Oil paint, plaster, aluminum armature

18 1/4" x 9 1/4" x 6 3/4"

I painted this-- SEE! Photograph Manipulation Passed off as a Painting




I have been seeing a lot of this going around.  It is a photograph-- and it has been painted on.  No big deal right?  Not unless the artist claims to have painted it...

Photography is naturally a valid form or art, painting on a photograph has been done for years.  Even back in the day artists used the camera obscura as a means of transferring images to canvas.  What bites my ass is when artists employ these techniques and then say they painted by hand-- not referring to any of the tools they used. I feel it is in some way fraudulent, not true.  Why the heck not say you painted over a print...  I mean -- we know you did it!

What do you think about it?

Texas Visual Art Association 3D Show

Click Photo to Enlarge

With Artists

Greg Angus, Betsy Bass, Fermin Coronado, Marilyn Eitzen Jones, KeLaine Kvale, Celine Raphael-Leygues, Julie Meetal, Liz Netherland, Joseph Prescher, Peg Rosenlund, Judy Roth, Donna Sarafis, John Sarafis, Sonia Semone, Toby Wallace, Ken Womack.


Artist Interview: J. Taylor




What is your name: J. Taylor

Do you have a formal art education or are you a self taught artist: Actually I'm both self taught and formally educated.  I've been creating since I was a child and taught myself a lot of the styles and techniques that I still currently use.  I received my formal education from California State University, Los Angeles.    

What is the style of your pieces:  I would say that my style is very versatile.  If I had to label it, I would call my art abstract with a twist of distorted urban realism. 

What is the medium in which you work: I like to work with oil and acrylic paint.  I have done several mixed media pieces as well but the base usually starts with oil or acrylic.

What started you on your path as an artist: After college I worked full time as a designer.  When time allowed, I would show my work at different events and sell a few pieces here and there.  Three years ago I almost lost someone really close to me.  Through this experience I learned that life can be very short and I owe it to myself to spend more time doing something that I love.  I've been a full time artist ever since.  

What is one of the most important things that art has brought to your life: Most importantly art has brought balance to my life.  It is the one thing that allows me to think thoroughly and express endlessly.

What is your favorite genre of art besides the one you work in: My favorite genre of art besides what I work in would be Photo-realism.  I think the detailing and intensity is amazing.

Do you have art showings, and if so what are they typically like: I do have art showings.  They are very laid back and fun.  I love the fact that my shows are diverse because my art is inspired by all types of individuals.  The networking and business relationships that are developed is a plus as well.

Do you have a certain set of clothes you make art in:  I try to set aside old cloths to wear when I paint but I always seem to ruin my good cloths to.  I have a tendency to look at something that I'm working on and make a few touch up's.  The next thing I know, I'm completely into the creativity stage and there is paint all over my cloths.

What has been the most frustrating part of being an artist?  The most frustrating part of being an artist is juggling the business and creativity of it.  I'm pretty much a one man operation, so things can get a little overwhelming at times.  Once I find the proper help, things should change for the better.

What is your favorite sandwich of all time: That would have to be the great turkey sandwich on wheat bread.  There is nothing like a good turkey sandwich in the other hand while I'm painting.  Lol...

Has this year brought about any changes in your work, and if so what are they: This year has brought good changes in my work.  There are more issues that I'm dealing with in my new work.  There is definitely a lot more consciousness and growth embedded in each piece.  The last 2 years have been difficult for most artist with the economic problems that we are faced with.  It has only made me grow as an artist  thus making my art more complex and direct.

Who is your favorite artist alive or dead:  Currently one of my favorite artist is Kehinde Wiley.  His approach to photo-realism is incredible.  His work has great conceptual contrast and beauty.  

What is the most moving piece of artwork that you have seen in person: I've been to several museums and galleries and seen some really great art.  But the most moving piece that I've seen in person was done by a fine artist named Shakir.  The piece was entitled "Colored Folks".  The subject matter and humor connected with me so much that I had to own it.

Do you have any animals, and what do they think of your work: We have a dog and a cat running around the house.  I have no clue what they think about the work.  Based on the way they act, it's probably driving them crazy!

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions you would like to share with us:  I have two upcoming events in Dallas.  "Emotions Of A King" is coming in October 2010 and "Imagine Forever"  is coming in November 2010.  The details are still being worked out so stay tuned.  There will be event dates and times listed on the website soon.  www.artbyjtaylor.com

Jason LaJudice Killer Art Dallas Texas


My sculpture reflects an intense relationship between me
And the material I am working with.
This relationship is based on my reactions and responses to the material.
I choose to transform and energize each piece through cutting, welding, forming and Cutting again.
There are no templates to follow, no design specifications, or boundaries to stay within. Everything is free-flowing, unique and bold.
Welding, brazing and mechanical fastening are some of the
Processes used in Fabrication.
The final work's surface finish is somewhere between the vast extremes of rough ground jagged edges and highly polished mirrored finishes,
Often several extremes are reflected within the individual piece.
I am 100% invested both personally and professionally in all aspects of my work.

Jason LaJudice


See Jason's Work at:
Eisemann Center, Richardson, TX
TSA COLLABORAGE
September 1-26
Opening Reception Sept 9 6:30pm-9:30pm
Art work Collaboration - Group 15
Amalia Zelaya El-Masri, Riyad Manuel Elmasri, Jason LaJudice

Texas Sculpture Association            
The Gallery is located on the upper level of the
lobby overlooking the Leftwich Grand Foyer

Collaborage, a project and exhibition made up of
members of the Texas Sculpture Association, is
now in the process of producing 38 sculptures and
wall-hung reliefs; created by fifteen small groups
of artists.
  2351 Performance dr.
Richardson Texas  75
Grand prairie tx city art council Juried Art
Show And Sale.
    
Sept 5-25
Opening Reception Sept 12  2pm-4pm
September 12, Sunday - 2 pm - 4 pm
Opening Reception &Awards Presentation Grand Prairie
Memorial Library
Exhibition Hours Sept. 13-25:  Mon., Tues., Thurs. 10
am-9 pm Wed., Sat. 10 am-6 pm Sunday 1 pm-5 pm
September 25,
State Fair of Texas
 Sept 24Oct. 17
A Walk Of Art
Join Me opening Day
Fair park Dallas tx
State Fair of Texas
3921 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75210

Arts Google / Gallery Night Neighborhood:
Cultural District  Fort Worth, TX
                          
October 2 · 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Start at the salon upstairs  1240 College Avenue Fort
Worth, TX 76104-4515 Phone # (817) 870-9993  Then take a
walk down Magnoila st to see all the artist and shops. A
night you do not want to miss!
Featured Artist
Chad Lambert, Matt Hogan,
Jason LaJudice
A percentage of all sales from this one night event will
be donate to help out Chad's wife.


Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Texas Sculpture Association is proud to present "Collaborage," at the Eisemann Center in Richardson Texas

 Collaborage, a year in the making!

Opening Reception ~ September 9, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 

Exhibition runs September 1 - 26, 2010 

 The Texas Sculpture Association is proud to present "Collaborage," an innovative sculpture exhibit, September 1 - 26, 2010, at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas. 

The exhibit focuses on the energy and synergy of collaborative creativity and discipline between artists. From all around North Texas, 13 groups of artists have been working together this past year to create incomparable works of art, melding individual techniques and styles with those of other artists in their group. In total, they created 34 sculptures, using stone, metal, wood, fiber, ceramic and glass.




Finished works will be on display at the Green Mezzanine Gallery, located on the upper level of the Charles W. Eisemann Center lobby, open to the public Wednesday - Saturday, noon - 5 p.m. Location: 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson, Texas 75082 (off 75, N of Galatyn/Renner Rd exit). Awards will be presented at Opening Reception by jurors: Patricia Meadows, Eliseo Garcia, and Colby Parsons.   

Artists:
Jan Ayers, Amber Block, Kathy Boortz, John Borusheski, Jessica Burnham-Hinton, Adriana Cobo-Frenkel, Helen Comeau, Suzann Cromer, Cynthia Daniel, Annie Davis, Amalia Elmasri, Riyad Elmasri, Cassandra Fink, Ruben Glaucier, Deana Hinchcliff, Jerry Jensen, Angie Kavas, Shelly Kolman-Smith, Nancy Kuczor-Uline, Jason LaJudice, Rene Lowery, Alder Moore, Anne Neal, Nan Phillips, Stephen Potter, Pascale Pryor, Marco Rubino, Kate Schatz, Alfred Scheer, Jay Silber, Bonnie SirKegian, Silvia Thornton.
Arts Incubator of Richardson (AIR) will also be presenting Art Avenues II on September 20 from 5:30-7:00pm at the Eisemann gallery exhibit with informal artist discussion. This will be followed by a reception at the Renaissance from 6:30-8:00pm with more conversation and social time. 

Special thanks to Amber Block for her help with video production, and to Robin Gary for fundraising and as Assistant Director. Sponsored by TSA, Hall Financial Group, Omni Marble, Inc., Big Mango Trading Company, Khatter Vineyards, Trinity Ceramic Supply, Inc., Dubberley Landscape, Inc., McMurray Metals Co., Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel, Charles W. Eisemann Center.

For more information please contact Collaborage Director, Cassandra Fink at 214-327-2436, tanzende@sbcglobal.net, or 
Collaborage Public Relations, Robin Gary, rfgary@creativeclaystudio.com    
See Collaborage at www.txsculpture.com





Cassandra Fink, Vice President
Texas Sculpture Association
www.txsculpture.com
tanzende@sbcglobal.net
www.tanzende.com
ofc 214-327-2436
cell 214-680-3838
fax 214-327-9886

Printed Matter presents the fifth annual NY Art Book Fair at the MoMA

image


“Smart, weird, engrossing, beautiful…”
–The New York Times, 2009

“Bigger and better then ever…time and a sturdy bag were essential accessories.”
Artforum, 2009

Printed Matter presents the fifth annual NY Art Book Fair, November 5–7 at MoMA PS1, Long Island City, Queens. Free and open to the public, the Fair hosts over 200 international presses, booksellers, antiquarian dealers, artists and publishers from twenty countries, offering the best in contemporary art-book publishing.

Philip Aarons, Chairman of the Board for Printed Matter, said: “The NY Art Book Fair is the premiere venue to find what's new in art publishing. While it has spawned the next generation of independent art book fairs world-wide,  it remains the biggest, the best, and by far the most fun.”

The NY Art Book Fair includes special project rooms, screenings, book signings, and performances, throughout the weekend. Other events include the third annual Contemporary Artists’ Books Conference and The Classroom, a curated series of informal conversations between artists, together with readings, workshops and other artist-led events.

A list of exhibitors, event schedule, and more information is available at www.nyartbookfair.com.

HOURS AND LOCATION

Printed Matter, Inc. presents The NY Art Book Fair
November 5–7, 2010
Preview: November 4, 6-9 p.m.
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave at the intersection of 46th Avenue
Long Island City, NY

Free and open to the public:
Thursday, November 4, 6-9 p.m.
Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, November 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

Artist’s Project
Leidy Churchman takes over the lobby with a large set of facsimile book paintings on wood. Drawing upon the stacks at the Museum of Modern Art Library Library with friend and librarian David Senior, Churchman traces a unique and fetching portrait of artists’ publications from the last hundred years.

Special Project Rooms
Select exhibitors take over entire galleries: AA Bookstore with Bedford Books (London), Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI; New York), Fillip and A.AAAARG.ORG (Vancouver; Los Angeles), and Picturebox (Brooklyn). Andrew Roth (New York) exhibits a retrospective of PPP Publishing. Goteblüd (San Francisco) presents an exhibition of more than six hundred Riot Grrrl zines, with a working photocopy station. Werkplaats Typografie (Arnhem), the Dutch super-school, brings its entire student body to design, produce, and sell books while you watch.

The Classroom
The Classroom is a curated series of informal conversations between artists, workshops, readings and other artist-led events, with continuous enrollment for all fair-goers throughout the weekend. Participants include: Casco (Utrecht), f.ART magazine (New York), Golden Age (Chicago), J&L Books with Jason Fulford (Atlanta), Kodoji Press with Erik Steinbrecher (Zurich), Little Joe (London), The New Dreamz with Rose Luardo and Andrew Jeffrey Wright (Philadelphia), Onomatopee (Eindhoven), Roma Publications with Jo Baer (Amsterdam), Seems (San Francisco), Sumi Ink Club (Los Angeles), Swill Children (Brooklyn), Triple Canopy (New York and Los Angeles) and Alexis Zavialoff of Motto (Berlin), among others. The Classroom is organized by David Senior, the Museum of Modern Art Library.

Contemporary Artists’ Books Conference
The  Contemporary Artists’ Books Conference is a dynamic, two-day event focused on emerging practices and debates within art-book culture. This year’s sessions address a wide array of subjects, including: experimental libraries, the so-called zine renaissance, fusion of art and design in typography, contemporary criticism, and new pedagogical approaches to the ever-expanding field of artists’ books. The first day of the conference ends with a lively pecha kucha, a rapid-fire event in which invited speakers have just five minutes to comment on an artwork. Full-conference registrants receive a specially commissioned book by Emily Roysdon, an interdisciplinary artist and writer who examines the intersections of choreography and politics. Roysdon's book is a meditation on vintage photographs of the New York piers by queer photographer Alvin Baltrop.

HIGHLIGHTS

Featured Countries
This year, the NY Art Book Fair celebrates eighteen cutting-edge publishers from The Netherlands, including a project room by Kunstverein Amsterdam (Amsterdam) and Witte de With (Rotterdam), together with a variety of book launches and informal presentations in the Dutch Pavilion. Other countries represented include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

Antiquarian Dealers
Exhibitors present collections of rare Conceptual Art, Minimalism, Fluxus, and the avant-garde from Japan, Europe, and North America. Exhibitors include: John McWhinnie @ Glenn Horowitz (East Hampton), Harper’s Books (East Hampton), Marcus Campbell (London), Steven Leiber (San Francisco), Sims Reed (London), Stefan Schuelke (Cologne) and others.

Artists & Activists
This diverse group of politically minded artists and collectives focus on the intersection of art and activism. Exhibitors include: Journal of Aesthetics and Protest (Los Angeles), GuerrillaGirlsBroadBand (New York), The Yes Men (New York), Bread and Puppet (Glover, Vermont), Center for Urban Pedagogy (Brooklyn), and Temporary Services (Chicago), among others.

Zines by Artists
A lively selection of international zinesters will represent independent publishing at its most innovative and affordable. Exhibitors include: The Holster (Brooklyn), Nieves (Zurich), Ooga Booga (Los Angeles), and ZINE’S MATE (Tokyo), among others. A special section of queer zines includes our favorites, from Original Plumbing (San Francisco) and Girls Like Us (Amsterdam) to PINUPS (Brooklyn).

EDITIONS

Printed Matter presents new limited editions by artists Rachel Harrison, Christian Holstad and Misaki Kawai, published on the occasion of the NY Art Book Fair 2010. Purchase of these editions supports the Fair, ensuring the event remains free and open to the public.

SUPPORT

The NY Art Book Fair Committee
Philip Aarons, AA Bronson, Skuta Helgason, Catherine Krudy, Carolina Nitsch, Richard Prince, Dieter von Graffenreid, John Waters, and Matthew Zucker Press inquiries: Peter J. Russo, Coordinator, peter@printedmatter.org

Dallas Photographer Finds Artistic Inspiration Under and Above Water


The Bath House Cultural Center presents

Past and Present: Photographs by Kathleen Wilke
September 4-October 2, 2010
Opening Reception with the Artist: Saturday, September 4, 2010 (7-9 PM)
Free and open to the public
DALLAS –The Bath House Cultural Center presents Past and Present, a photography exhibition by Dallas artist Kathleen Wilke, September 4-October 2, 2010. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2010 from 7 to 9 PM. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.
Past and Present features a collection of underwater imagery and photographs of White Rock Lake landscapes by Dallas fine art photographer Kathleen Wilke. A compilation of color and monochromatic underwater photographs from her series Lady of the Lake, along with present figurative and narrative work will be on display in this show. This will be the first exhibition in which Ms. Wilke that will showcase her landscape photography on wood surfaces.


Kathleen Wilke was born in Youngstown Ohio, and raised in Cincinnati. She attended both the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and the Art Institute of Boston, where she studied photography and illustration. Ms. Wilke began her photography career in portraiture, which later evolved into fine art, landscapes, and her specialty: underwater photography. Her underwater work captures unique moments that only could be achieved with the magic water creates, the model's effortless buoyancy, and the play of light and reflection, making a true work of art. Kathleen's images are sometimes one image that stands alone in its beauty, or she creates more complex photographs, using multiple digital files to complete her vision.

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information and to preview selected art pieces from the exhibition in the Photo Gallery.


Photographers Examine Suburban Life in North Texas with a Critical and Artistic Eye

The Bath House Cultural Center presents

Disquiet: Unsettled Suburbia
September 4-October 2, 2010
Opening Reception with the Artist: Saturday, September 4, 2010 (7-9 PM)
Free and open to the public
DALLAS –The Bath House Cultural Center presents Disquiet: Unsettled Suburbia, a photography exhibition curated by Elizabeth Mellot-Carreón and Byrd Williams that provides an intimate view of life in suburban North Texas. The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 2, 2010. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2010 from 7 to 9 PM. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.

Disquiet: Unsettled Suburbia examines life in suburban middle class America, with a special focus placed on North Texas, where many of the participating artists live, study, and work. This exhibition addresses the undeniable truth that art and culture are inexorable linked and that their interdependence—sometimes constructive as well as destructive—gives its citizens the opportunity to hold a magnifying glass to the fundamental values on which the community is based. The participating artists investigate in a coherent visual narrative themes related to family life, the effects of technology, gender issues, relationships, self-image, and other social matters. The exhibition curators express that this show is “a postcard from the edge of an emotionally decaying suburbia” that has the capacity to not only challenge the choices we have made in our culture, but also shed light on how those choices affect young human beings standing on unsettled ground.



The photographers featured in this exhibition are Carissa Battaile, Tatyana Bessmertnaya, Ken Cancelosi, Amanda M. Davis, Joshua Dryk, Laura Hall, Jennifer M. Nail, Brooke Opie Ragusa, Kendall Marie Rogers, Paige L. White, and Art Zamora.

Please visit www.bathhousecultural.com for more information and to preview selected art pieces from the exhibition in the Photo Gallery. 

http://cityofdallasoca.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=NOR2lQA9AAH-----AAQyOg

Thursday, August 26, 2010

What helps your creative process?



As artists, we are often inspired by the world around us-- but there are times we also need a nudge. I was curious as to substances that enhance the creative process.  Well, I will be honest-- "I" was not curious-- Rainer was curious.  So anyway, does boozing, hashish, loud music, ten large pizzas, or skinamax get your creative juices flowing...

How an Artist Can Increase Their Chance of Being Accepted into a Juried Show

Post image for How an Artist Can Increase Their Chance of Being Accepted into a Juried Show

As an artist, in order to be taken seriously, you must  enter into juried  shows  and competitions. Why is this? By entering and be accepted in any competition or show you are basically getting a “third party endorsement” of your work. What do I mean by that? The goal is for you to sell your art to another party. That other party likes your work but needs the justification to purchase your work. By having someone else of authority endorsing your work (the judge or jury of an art competition) you are providing that art buyer with the justification that what they are buying (you and your art) is exceptional and worth their purchase.

What can an artist do to increase the chance of being selected into a juried show?

1. Understand the Theme
It is amazing how many artists do not follow or try to match the art that they are entering, into the show’s theme or by entering in the proper categories that are available for that show. I am not sure why this is, but be honest with yourself and if you cannot be objective about this, get some help. Do not enter the competition if your work does not match the theme. Save your time, effort and money.

2. Read and Understand the Rules Thoroughly
The number one reason that artists are not accepted into shows is that they did not read or understand the rules thoroughly. Read the rules once. The read the rules a second time and highlight or underline the key parameters. Then finally read the rules once more. Check your highlight notes against the contest rules in order to understand exactly what it is that they need and require of your entry.

3. Follow the Rules
This will sound stupid, but just follow the rules. Do not deviate from the rules. This can be anything from sizing, to resolution, to image, to quality, to framing, to artist statement, to deadlines, etc. When I first started entering into competitions I exceeded what the rules required, by sending in with my entry my bio, my resume, along with my business card and postcards from last exhibition. Guess what? They did not want that and I was rejected because I had included those materials. Entering into a show is not like school where you will get extra credit. Just follow the rules, exactly as they say to. If you do not understand something then call the appropriate person in charge to get your question answered or clarified.

4. Enter the Maximum Amount of Pieces That You are Allowed
Try to enter as many pieces of art work as possible, as this will increase the odds of getting your art work noticed by the judges. This also helps and demonstrates to the jury that you have more outstanding pieces and an overall body of work.

5. Provide Your Best Work Over and Over Again
I discovered that I had some artwork that most everyone liked and I saw that when I entered those pieces in a competition, I usually was accepted into the show. I then tried to use those pieces exclusively until they were no longer acceptable, due to age constraints. Think of it as “market research” as the market is telling you which pieces of art work is good, so keep on showing it whenever possible.

6. Provide the Details but Not Any More than That
This goes along with follow the rules. Do not do or provide anything more than what the rules ask for. This will only get you rejected or noticed for the wrong reasons. The judges are usually donating their time and efforts for these competitions, do not get them to look at your work or presentation negatively.

7. Enter As Many Shows as Possible
Enter as many shows as possible or as many as you can afford. You want to do this for a couple of reasons. First, you need to expose your art to as many people as possible. Second, you are trying to develop your resume and by entering as many shows as possible you will build your resume more quickly. Third, by entering a lot of shows, you can become more selective to the themes and the parameters of each show that will match your work more closely, thus increasing your chances of being accepted.

8. Don’t Take it Personally If Your Don’t Get In
Finally, do not get upset, rejected or think negatively about yourself and your art if you are not accepted into a show. The decision whether your art is accepted or not is a very subjective judgment from the person who is making that decision. Your art is probably as good as anyone else’s art. For whatever reason, yours was not chosen. It is as simple as that. Do not worry about it as it is not a reflection upon you, your art or anything else. Just forget it and enter another show.

It takes courage for an artist to enter their work into art competitions, as they are potentially exposing their art to the possibility of rejection. Yet, it is through these competitions and being accepted into these shows that your art will be considered “serious”. Art shows and competitions are a necessary evil and it is something that all artists must go through.

In order to increase your chances of being accepted into an art competition, follow these suggestions and Good luck!

CALL FOR ENTRIES: National Cell Phone Photography Exhibition Louisiana

Deadline: August 30 | Download Prospectus

- - - - - - - - - - - -

The Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery is devoted to the presentation of national and regional exhibitions of contemporary art, lectures and workshops. The gallery is part of the Visual Arts Department and as such provides a forum for contemporary art for students, the city of Hammond and residents of the North Shore.
Exhibitions and educational programs at SLUCAG connect students with opportunities to engage with artworks and artists while giving them insight into current directions in contemporary art.

Dale Newkirk
Professor, Gallery Director
dnewkirk@selu.edu

"Black & White Art" call for entries K.A.S. Gallery Louisville Kentucky

K.A.S. Gallery (Kentucky Art Speaks) announces a national call to artists for an exhibit October 29 to December 10, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. All styles of Black & White Art. This includes, but not limited to charcoal drawing, lithograph, photography and other mediums of black & white art. 1 entry $15; each additional entry is $5. No more than 5 entries may be submitted per artist. Deadline: August 28, 2010. Visit website for prospectus, or send a SASE to: K.A.S.
Gallery, 1806 Mellwood Ave., Bldg B, Louisville, KY 40206.

Questions? Please contact the K.A.S. Gallery at info@k-a-s-gallery.com

Artist J. Taylor Art Videos





Call to Artists Au Naturel Astoria Oregon

The Nude in the 21st Century, an international juried competition, February 17 - April 14, 2011 at the Clatsop Community College Art Center Gallery in Astoria, OR. Deadline: November 7, 2010. $1,000 in cash prizes, up to $2,000 in purchase awards, solo show award. Juror: Jane Beebe, owner and director of PDX Contemporary Art. Open to all artists 18 years or older working in any two-dimensional drawing, painting, and printmaking media with a focus on the nude human figure as subject matter in any form ranging from representational to abstract, and in which the handmade mark is employed as the primary means of image-making. $35 for three entries.

Contact: http://www.clatsopcc.edu/PR/2010/JUN/aunaturel.html. For prospectus, visit:
http://www.clatsopcc.edu/PR/2010/JUN/aunaturel.html

Call to Artists Art Outside Apache Pass


Art
 

Ae
  Art Outside is an opportunity to explore your creative potential in a natural environment. It is a beautiful and broad canvas for you to install within. We are a collaboration of art makers, admirers and seekers and we invite you to join us!!!

Paintings, drawing, sculptures, prints, words, pictures, colors, textures, inventions, devotion and curiosity all belong here. In the trees, on the grass, under cover, over our heads, around our feet we will make inspired landscapes for friends to behold!!!

We encourage you to dream big
Let your imagination soar to new heights of creativity as you envision your work in nature.

What can you dream up?
With your time and skills what do you want to create in the Art Outside landscape?

How will you manifest this dream?
What materials will you use? What is your vision? What is the size and scope of your project?

How can we help?
What can Art Outside do to facilitate the best presentation of your work? Do you need power? Do you have a preferred area? Let us know what you require.

Show us what you’re made of!!!
Please provide photos, drawings and/or sketches of your project so we can place in a magical spot.


(Submission Deadline is September 13!)

Artist Interview: Aaron Blumenshine




What is your name: Aaron Blumenshine

Do you have a formal art education or are you a self taught artist: I have a formal education from the University of California Santa Barbara in Art Studio with an Emphasis in Photography

What is the style of your pieces: My style deals with the fantastic, something unseen by many. I let my imagination run wild, I work without any limitations or suppression.

What is the medium in which you work: I mostly work with Photography, but I love pastels and painting as well.

What started you on your path as an artist: My High School friend Kelly Ballweber started me on my path as an artist, he was really inspirational, and really triggered the creative, analytical side of my mind.

What is one of the most important things that art has brought to your life: Art has brought me confidence, and has given me purpose. It's honestly the most important factor in my life and I couldn't imagine living without it.

What is your favorite genre of art besides the one you work in: I love music, it's my second favorite genre of art. I grew up in a family of musicians and have been playing since I was 5 years old.

Do you have art showings, and if so what are they typically like: I do have art showings, they are usually pretty relaxed, and I always have a live musician. I love combining my two favorite things.

Do you have a certain set of clothes you make art in: I do not have a certain set of clothes that I make art in, but that's an awesome question.  

What has been the most frustrating part of being an artist? The most frustrating part is how some people look down upon artists, I always hate the classic " You'll have to get a real job" line...

What is your favorite sandwich of all time: Definitely the BLT

Has this year brought about any changes in your work, and if so what are they: This year has brought quite a few changes to my work, one of them has been working with found material, and combining photographs I've taken into one cohesive masterpiece. It's like the new age double exposure!

Who is your favorite artist alive or dead: Philip-Lorca diCorcia is my favorite artist, he has such a great creative style of photography.



What is the most moving piece of artwork that you have seen in person:
 The Rath of the Medusa by  Théodore Géricault is the most moving piece I've ever witnessed. You really have to see this painting in person to get the full effect.

Do you have any animals, and what do they think of your work: I have an overweight Dachshund and she isn't bothered :)

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions you would like to share with us: I'm currently working on a photo book/ traveling exhibit but it will not be live until fall of 2011. I'll be updating the progress on my blog so keep posted!











Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity



 From TedTV

Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.

About Elizabeth Gilbert

The author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert has thought long and hard about some large topics. Her next fascination: genius, and how we ruin it. Full bio and more links