Emerging Artist Show- August 5th 2009

I have been spending long, enjoyable hours in the art studio preparing for the upcoming Emerging Artist Show at Mary Lou Zeek Gallery.

In total, I have finished 7 paintings with an expected 8th painting to be finished next week. They range in size from 6"x 6" to 20"x 36" and include landscapes, cityscapes and crows.

The Emerging Artist Show will also be featuring Mikayla Gattuccio (printmaking) and Phebe Miller (sculpture).

So, save the date and join us at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery for an artist reception: August 5th, 2009

Emerge

My up-coming show at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery is titled "Emergence". Having said that, I have been thinking a lot about this topic. Several years ago I entered the below thoughts and sketch into my sketchbook. I am posting it today as I felt it went along with the idea of "Emergence"

Wings of Stone

Sometimes I feel like my gifts are my biggest burdens.
It’s as though I’ve been given wings made of stone.
The wings are stunning but in all their beauty I can’t figure out how to use them.
I put them on lugging them around soaking up envious stares.
All the while, my back aches from their weight.
My inability to use them for their apparent purpose frustrates me.
As all watching wait for me to take flight
my wings of stone rebel relentlessly against their symbolic function.

URBAN STRUGGLE

(Left: A small portion of the painting I am currently working on.)

Sometimes I just need to step back and take a break. Last week was one of those times. I am working on a painting for an upcoming show. I wanted it to have more of an urban feel, reminiscent of Along the Line I. The way I was envisioning the buildings in my mind was much different than the way they were developing within the painting itself. For me this is the most frustrating yet rewarding part of being a painter. It seems like, as with many things in life, the compensation for the struggle depends upon the depth of the struggle itself. There was a great battle last week in the art studio. This week I am hopeful that with fresh eyes and a lengthy break, that a breakthrough is on its way.

Hangn’ with Mary Lou Zeek & the Artist Critique

"Colorful Threads" Hangn' at MLZ Gallery

If there is one thing I miss about art school, it is the “artist critique”. True, the first couple of critiques result in tears and bruised egos but later you learn to love the constructive criticism of a good, solid, critique.

An artist critique is an art in and of itself and consulting friends or family, although well meaning, most often results in a frustrating discussion lacking in knowledge and solutions. However, ask Gallery owner and artist Mary Lou Zeek to your studio and the outcome will be completely different.

I wasn’t nervous at all as I waited for Mary Lou to arrive. After countless hours in the studio with only my own creative opinions, I was eager to hear the good, bad and ugly from a fellow creative. Mary Lou did not let me down. Weaved into our conversation, she managed to thoroughly critiquing my current works; suggest possible framing solutions and the potential for creative growth.

In the end it was one of the most constructive and productive critiques I have had in years, resulting in- exhibition inclusion, ongoing representation and the privilege of hangn’ with the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery!