The Flat File

Opening Friday May 6, 2011

2011-05-04T14:29:00.001-04:00

"..in a couple of days..", a new site-specific drawing and corresponding studies by John M. Adams at

The Adam Lister Gallery

"Excessive Perspective"

"Excessive Perspective" highlights new definitions and approaches by artists using and depicting volumes and spatial relationships within their work. Going beyond the basic concept of pictorial logic, these artists address the notion of something or somewhere, while referencing a disconnection to that same thing. A language of space and time, visually divided and multiplied within itself, expresses a mysterious rationality behind the act of production and simplification. The work in this exhibit explores alternative viewpoints to understanding the world around us and the infinite web of parallel realities.

John M. Adams

Remmi Brant

Bobby Coleman

JAMIN

Jacobe Noonan

Stephanie Rivers

May 6 - May 20

Opening reception: Friday May 6 6-9pm

Gallery Director- Adam Lister

email: adamlistergallery@gmail.com

T#: 646.263.7305

Old Town Fairfax Village Plaza

3950 University Drive

Fairfax VA 22030

Good News

2011-04-16T19:54:00.004-04:00

"Sitting Still 121"
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel - 2010
10" x 8.5"

Its been a good month here, I've been awarded a 2011 Strauss Fellowship from the Arts Council of Fairfax. I am also currently a semifinalist for the 2011 Bethesda Painting Awards, wish me luck!

This is the last week for you to catch "Like Nowhere I've Been: Landscapes de un Sueno" at Evolve Urban Arts Project.

And of course Saturday, April 23 is the first public performance of "Ghost Music", a collaboration with composer Matt Sargent and percussionist Bill Solomon.

New Paintings Posted

2011-04-16T19:43:00.004-04:00

"In through the out"

Oil, Acrylic and Graphite on Birch Panel
40"x17" - 2010

I've posted more paintings to the Instance and Sitting Still portfolios on my website.

Ghost Music Performance

2011-03-31T20:32:00.002-04:00

This will be the first public performance of all aspects of Ghost Music, my collaboration with composer Matt Sargent and Percussionist Bill Solomon. You can read a great article about Matt's vision for the piece in the Hartford Advocate.

Like Nowhere I've Been: Landscapes de un Sueno

2011-03-31T20:17:00.002-04:00

You still have three weeks to see this great show at Evolve Urban Arts Project. Check out some of the blog coverage: The DCist, East City Art, The New Gay, and H Street Great Street.
This show includes 14 new drawings, most from 2011.

Watch Me Make a Drawing: April 2, 2011

2011-03-31T19:54:00.004-04:00

I will create a new site-specific drawing at the Adam Lister Gallery on Saturday, April 2 from 10-4 pm as part of the "Paint the City: Fairfax, VA" event (which will include many artists working on location in the streets of Fairfax City through out the day) . Here is a great description of the event on the Pinkline Project.

Come buy to chat and see the work in progress - I will also have several new framed drawings available for sale. The Adam Lister Gallery is located at 3950 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

"Efflux" Destruction Coverage

2011-03-31T18:11:00.003-04:00

Its a little late but here are some great photos and a little write up about the last night of Efflux on Borderstan.

"Efflux" Destruction set for February 15, 6pm

2011-02-08T18:14:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brooke Seidelmann, Director

The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

202.483.8600 | www.smithfarm.com/gallery | gallery@smithfarm.com

U-Street Sidewalk Serves as a Stage for Interactive Performance Art

Washington, DC – February 8, 2011 – The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery announces the final performance of John M. Adam’s Efflux, on Tuesday, February 15, beginning at 6pm on the gallery sidewalk.

Since mid January the gallery has hosted

John M. Adams’ site-specific drawing/video installation as part of its IN-FLUX window peek-show series, and on Tuesday, Feb. 15, Adams’ will culminate the work’s lifecycle with its final performance and destruction.

Adams' work straddles the domains of performance and installation art; his drawings are designed and created specific for their space, and immediately destroyed at the close of the exhibition. The feathery line-quality of Efflux’s graphite drawing evokes plumes of smoke, equally transitory and in keeping with the larger work's momentary existence. Alongside the installation's gestural work, a TV monitor loops footage of Adams creating the piece itself. And on February 15 the piece will be destroyed in a public performance, offering a complete metaphor for evolution - moving the viewer through creation, existence and destruction. Unlike Efflux’s creation, for the final performance Adams will relinquish his role as the works’ active participant and provoke pedestrians to walk on his work, thereby assuming active roles in the work’s anticipated end.

Join us on Tuesday, February 15^th as an active participant in Efflux’s finale and literally leave your mark!

Tuesday, February 15^th

6pm - Performance begins

6:20pm-7pm: Gallery Reception and Meet the Artist. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Performance Location - sidewalk in front of The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, 1632 U St. NW

About The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center: The Gallery is a mission of Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts, a Washington, DC nonprofit organization grounded in the profound belief that each person has tremendous innate abilities to heal in the face of life’s challenges. Smith Farm’s mission is to develop and promote proven healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental resources that lead to life-affirming changes. Programs and exhibitions in

The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery celebrate and stimulate the dynamic creative resources that contribute to health and wellness in each of us. To learn more please visit:www.smithfarm.com/gallery

"Efflux" : Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

2011-01-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

"Efflux" by John M. Adams at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

Efflux: John M. Adams

ef·flux [ef-luhks] -noun

1. outward flow, as of water.

2. something that flows out; effluence.

3. a passing or lapse of time.

4. a passing away; expiration; ending.

view images here

"Efflux" detail

"Efflux" January 14 - 6pm February 15, 2011 (on view 24 hours a day)

"Adams' work straddles the domains of performance and installation art; his drawings are designed and created specific for their space, and immediately destroyed at the close of the exhibition. The feathery line-quality of his graphite drawings evoke plumes of smoke, equally transitory and in keeping with the larger work's momentary existence. Alongside the installation's gestural work will also be a monitor looping footage of Adams creating the piece itself. Together Efflux's components offer a metaphor for evolution - moving the viewer through creation, existence, and eventual destruction."

-Brooke Seidelmann, Gallery Director, Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Farm Center

1632 U St NW

Washington, DC 20009

202.483.8600

Additional Exhibitions

"Finding Zero" - Solo Exhibition
January 6-February 27, 2011

John M. Adams' paintings represent the process of grasping at that which is transient and ephemeral. Adams' adventures canoeing down rivers, traversing mountains, and navigating urban jungles inform their visual language. His perceptions of these experiences remain ambiguously familiar and appear if not in the composition of the work, then in the process.

Athenaeum

201 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.548.0035

"Like Nowhere I've Been:

Landscapes de un Sueno"

March 5 - April 23, 2011

This two person exhibition features large scale ethereal graphite drawings from

John M. Adams and Mark Parascandola's

photographs of abandoned "Spaghetti Western" stage sets in the Spanish desert.

Curated by Eric Hope.

Evolve Urban Arts Project

1375 Maryland Avenue NE

Washington, DC 20002

202.489.8160

Reception for "Finding Zero" 4-6pm January 9, 2011

2011-01-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

"Finding Zero", paintings by John M. Adams

Seep, oil and acrylic on wood panel, 20"x17"

Public reception: 4-6pm Sunday January 9, 2011

"Finding Zero" by John M. Adams at the Athenaeum
201 Prince Street, Alexandria, Va 22314 / 703.548.0035

Artist Statement: My current body of work activates the perceptual connection between artist, object (or environment), and viewer. The paintings reflect my meditative process of repetitive mark making through the transparent layers of subtle atmospheric and textured surfaces. These chaotic marks are juxtaposed with the structure of a regulated rhythm of horizontal lines (not unlike those found on maps, graphs and notebook paper). The combination resonates with a quiet vibration that propels the viewer into an image whose color scheme and composition remain ambiguously familiar, as if from an incomplete memory that is nonetheless vivid. The combination of process and product are an amalgam of time and space where memory and experience of the present meet.

The Athenaeum is an amazing venue with wonderful natural light, those who arrive early with be delighted to see the work under these conditions. I look forward to seeing you at the reception.

The Athenaeum is open Thursday, Friday and Sunday 12-4pm and Saturday 1-4pm.
"Finding Zero" will run January 6 - February 27, 2011.

John M. Adams
Paintings, Drawings and Site-Specific Artwork
www.thefullempty.com

Date Change for "Efflux" Drawing Installation

2011-01-08T15:16:00.002-05:00

My drawing installation at The Smith Farm Center for the Healing Arts has been delayed a couple of days because they are installing a new video monitor. I willnow be installing the drawing on the afternoon of Thursday January 13, 2011 and it will be on view for 3 weeks following that date before it is destroyed - don't miss it!

Prepping for "Finding Zero"

2010-12-30T10:05:00.003-05:00

I deliver the paintings Sunday to the Athenaeum for my solo "Finding Zero". Still plenty to do in the meantime - finishing the cold wax varnish on the newest paintings, paintings edges and backs, packing, inventory - tweaking the artist statement and assigning titles from the pages of gibberish in my sketchbook - drinking too much coffee - this is going to be a great show....

Latest Newsletter

2010-12-30T09:50:00.001-05:00

Upcoming Exhibitions
John M. Adams

Happy Holidays! Its been a productive fall and summer so why not start 2011 off with two exhibitions of my new work: a third to begin in March. I hope to see you at the "Finding Zero" opening reception on January 9, 2011 from 4-6pm. More details below....

"Finding Zero"
at The Athenaeum

Solo Exhibition: January 6, 2011 - February 26, 2011

John M. Adams' paintings represent the process of grasping at that which is transient and ephemeral. Adams' adventures canoeing down rivers, traversing mountains, and navigating urban jungles inform their visual language. His perceptions of these experiences remain ambiguously familiar and appear if not in the composition of the work, then in the process. More info here.Opening Reception: 4-6pm, January 9, 2011

201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.0035

"Efflux" at Smith Farm Healing Arts Gallery

Solo Drawing Installation: January 11 - January 31, 2011

ef·flux /ˈɛflʌks/ [ef-luhks] -noun
1. outward flow, as of water.
2. something that flows out; effluence.
3. a passing or lapse of time.
4. a passing away; expiration; ending.

This graphite drawing has been created specifically for the site, and will be destroyed at the close of the exhibition. It will be on display 24 hours a day for three weeks in the window of the gallery while the main gallery space is under construction. A video documenting the creation of the drawing will accompany the installation. More info here.

1632 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.483.8600

"Like Nowhere I've Been" at Evolve

Two Person Exhibition:
March 5, 2011 - April 23, 2011

Evolve Urban Arts Project presents "Like Nowhere I've Been: Landscapes de un Sueno". This two person exhibition features the large scale ethereal graphite drawings of John M. Adams and Mark Parascandola's photographs of abandoned "Spaghetti Western" stage sets in the Spanish desert. Curated by Eric Hope. More info here.

1375 Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.489.8160

As always, thank you for your interest and support, I look forward to seeing you soon at one of the exhibitions. If you would like to schedule a studio visit, send me an email.

Sincerely,

John M. Adams
www.thefullempty.com
Paintings, Drawings and Site-Specific Artwork

My studio is open by appointment only, but you can always peek in the window to see whats new...

Ghost Music Preview

2010-11-18T20:58:00.001-05:00

Ghost Music preview (Matt Sargent, Bill Solomon, and John M. Adams) from Matt Sargent on Vimeo.

Time and Artwork

2010-11-18T20:09:00.004-05:00

The last five months have been interesting. Yes its been a while since I've blogged. I've posted some of my paintings in progress on facebook, but for the most part I've been pretty quiet. I've been putting in the hours in the studio, getting out to get inspired, teaching for two different institutions (one full time and one part-time), preparing for my upcoming shows, participating in Hickok Cole Art Night again in October, and rethinking much of the painting I've been doing over the last couple of years. Actually, I'm not sure if that is the right way to describe it. None the less the paintings are changing after many, many hours of sitting, looking, drinking coffee, thinking, tweaking one or two things and then sitting back down to look for a very long time. The changes are drastic, and they aren't at the same time. I've taken many walks and runs through the woods to clear my head, spent a little time fishing and spent a few days canoe camping solo to try to wrap my mind around it. Still working on that - but the work is coming along nicely as you can see by the "Declaration of Art Making" that J.T. Kirkland left in my sketchbook during a studio visit last Sunday. (I can schedule a few private studio visits before January, just let me know...)
All of this should make for a good solo exhibition at the Athenaeum (Alexandria, VA) which runs January 6, 2011 - February 27, 2011. The title of the show is "Finding Zero". (An opening reception will be held Sunday, January 9, from 4-6pm, everyone is welcome).

The day after that opening reception I am installing a large site-specific drawing titled "Efflux" at the Smith Farm Center For Healing and the Arts on U Street in Washington, DC. It will be up through the end of January 2011 and can be viewed 24 hours a day.

March 5 will bring my two-person show with photographer Mark Parascandola at Evolve Urban Art Projects on Maryland Ave in NE Washington DC. I will be showing my large Graphite drawings for the first time - don't miss that.

More later.

Through Saturday, November 20, 2010

2010-11-18T19:41:00.003-05:00

I have a painting in this show. Only two days left to see it!

Images of work in progress at the studio

2010-05-31T15:24:00.006-04:00

Here are some images of recent work in progress and some finished drawings. More information about my current work can be found on my website: www.thefullempty.com

Relentless Continuity 2010 by John M. Adams

2010-05-31T14:29:00.003-04:00

This video documents the destruction of my most recent site specific drawing, "Relentless Continuity 2010" on May 30, 2010 at the Adam Lister Gallery.

My site specific drawings are created on location, for that specific location. Typically, they only last for the duration of the exhibition, and are destroyed when the exhibition is over. As a result of this situation, the transitory drawings require the viewer to be in a specific place during a specific time period to experience the work first hand.

For more information and additional images visit my website: www.thefullempty.com

2010-03-26T17:41:00.004-04:00

Bill Solomon and John M. Adams performing Ghost Music, 03-15-2010

I posted video stills from the Ghost Music recording session at the Arlington Arts Center last week. Peruse my website here.

Site-Specific Drawing at the Adam Lister Gallery

2010-03-22T22:44:00.006-04:00

This is one view of the site-specific drawing "Relentless Continuity 3/1/2010-3/11/2010" at the Adam Lister Gallery. The drawing wraps 360 degrees around the column, never allowing the viewer to see the entire drawing at once. Like most of my site-specific drawings it will also be destroyed at the end of the exhibition period (Currently the drawing will be on view for the current exhibition and perhaps extended into the next exhibition). Its about 8'x2'x2' and was executed with graphite. See more site specific drawings here.

Pardon the snapshot, proper high quality documentation coming later.

Drawings, Drawings, Drawings...

2010-03-22T22:23:00.005-04:00

Drawing, drawing, drawing, drawing, and lots of it. That's what I've been up to in the studio and around town (Adam Lister Gallery, Ghost Music recording at the AAC). Here are some of the latest things from the last two weeks brewing in my studio. Pardon the poor quality photos, they were shot with my point and shoot camera.

Above is the start of a graphite drawing on a new surface - formica counter top - a new surface I am exploring for temporal site specific drawings, perhaps a whole room of this things is something I'm thinking about...

Here is the finished drawing. It no longer exists, I'm the only one who ever saw the actual piece... in the true spirit of most of my site-specific drawings I destroyed it. I washed it right off.

This is the beginning of another drawing, this one yupo mounted on a table top.

The finished drawing installed with some paintings in progress at my studio. This drawing was not destroyed and is available.

A detail from the above drawing.

More to come soon....

Solo Show Booked for November/December 2010

2010-03-22T22:08:00.003-04:00

I just confirmed an unsolicited solo show at the Athenaeum in Alexandria, VA for November/December. Look for some paintings in new formats....

Recording "Ghost Music" at the AAC

2010-03-18T21:34:00.004-04:00

Me on the left, Devan on the right.

Bill's set up and Bill in the background shooting a photo of the drawing I made during the performance.

The drawing, I think some of my warm ups were better, but I got a good feel of how it should progress and the timing, it will be much better next time, but this wasn't bad.

Disclaimer: I've got a ton of snapshots of several new drawings (including this shoot and my site-specific drawing at the Adam Lister Gallery) but my camera is at my studio, which has no internet access - so I'll post them this weekend after getting to the studio tomorrow.

In the mean time, here are some photos that Matt shot after the performance.

Monday I recorded the first live performance of "Ghost Music" with Matt Sargent and Bill Solomon (Hartford, CT). Devan Mulvaney (Brooklyn, NY) was our vidoegrapher. After 1.5 years of development and planning, it was the first time we got to be in the same space and work it all out. Matt composed a minimal percussive score, Bill performed it and I made a drawing inspired by the auditory stimulus as the 50+ minute piece developed. Matt, Bill and I have been just working together via email all of this time, I've talked to Matt in person one time before, at the opening for Artomatic 2009, where we had a collaborative piece installed. Bill and I had never met, and I must say it was great to play/draw with him - he's a real pro - and Matt did a great job recording and managing the sound recording. Devan shot the whole thing and is putting together a short video of the piece, can't wait to see it.

Meeting with International Curator Vjera Borozan

2010-03-10T10:27:00.005-05:00

Next Friday I am one of seven Washington Project For the Arts artists that will meet with international curator Vjera Borozan, currently a resident of the International Studio and Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, NY, to discuss my work and her projects. Its a great opportunity. Read more about it here.

In Progress: Site-Specific Drawing At Adam Lister Gallery

2010-03-07T21:28:00.007-05:00

I'm currently creating a site-specific drawing at the Adam Lister Gallery in Fairfax, VA. I hope to see you at the opening this Friday, March 12 2010 from 6-9pm. Press release for the exhibition "Unforgettable" is below:

ADAM LISTER GALLERYFEBRUARY 16, 2010
Fairfax Village Plaza
3995 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

PRESS RELEASE

UNFORGETTABLE

Group Show

Mar.12-Apr.18, 2010

opening reception:

Friday March 12, 6-9pm

The Adam Lister Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of "Unforgettable". This is a group exhibition featuring artwork that addresses ideas and concepts that have to do with time. As a practical matter, clocks and calendars regulate everyday life. Yet at the most primitive level, human awareness of time is simply the ability to distinguish which of any two events is earlier and which is later. We live in a reality that is dependent on measurements. Across all aspects of life, we measure quantities, weights, speeds, temperatures, sounds and times, constantly comparing one thing to another.

The concept of time can be discussed on several different levels: physical, psychological, philosophical, scientific, and biological. Every moment there has ever been and ever will be, every object, every thought and feeling, and every action and reaction all make up our own individual perceptions of time. The way the same subway ride can feel like no time at all one day, and seem to take forever another day, the speed of time is due to our reading of a sequence of events. The artwork in "Unforgettable", deals with natural human obsessions surrounding life, death, age, memory, structure, order, and freedom.

Artists: Diana Adams, John M. Adams, Susan Brown, Deborah Burdin, Sarah Burton, Donna Glubo Schwartz, Landon Jones, Adam Lister, Robbie Namy, Stephanie Rivers, Jamin Sheard, Chris Wise

For more info contact Gallery Director : Adam Lister

T# 646.263.7305

www.adamlistergallery.com

adamlistergallery@gmail.com
Fairfax Village Plaza
3995 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030

Aw Shucks, Thanks Frank!

2010-02-26T17:34:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Lenny over at DC Art News posted an interview with Post Secret creator and facilitator Frank Warren. Towards the end of the short interview, this question gets asked...

"DC: Who is your favorite DC area artist?

Frank: I have work hanging in my home from my favorite artists. Most of them I met through Artomatic. Mark Jenkins, John Adams, Scott Brooks and Tim Tate."

Looks like I'm in pretty good company don't ya think?

You can read the entire interview here.

Moving the Studio

2010-02-25T22:31:00.007-05:00

I've been silent for awhile, but big changes and new things are happening. I moved my studio into the AKA Building in Arlington, VA. After a huge snowstorm (or two or three, I can't remember) and quite a bit of disassembling and reassembling it is operational... it feels good to be painting in there.
Here are some photos from the move - there is more to come....

I've got several projects coming up, more later. You'll be over here before you know it.

Last Chance to See "Exposed"

2010-02-25T22:28:00.002-05:00

"Seep"
oil and acrylic on birch
20"x17" - 2009
Currently at Mayer Fine Art

"Exposed" a juried group show at Mayer Fine Art (click the link for more info)
333 Waterside Drive, Suite #252, Norfolk, VA 23510 tel. (757) 803-4749
Opening Reception :Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 7:30-10 PM
Awards announced at 9pm
February 6- February 26, 2010
GALLERY HOURS:
Thursday 4-6pm
Friday 4-6pm
Saturday 12-4pm.
All other times, by appointment.

Exhibition in Norfolk, VA Opening This Weekend (2-6-10)

2010-02-01T16:49:00.003-05:00

"Seep"
oil and acrylic on birch
20"x17" - 2009
Currently at Mayer Fine Art

Artist Residency Opportunity!

2010-01-21T16:17:00.001-05:00

My Artist residency experience last summer at Soaring gardens was awesome - this opportunity is a little closer to home and many of my artist buddies may be interested:

Visiting Artist Program at the Torpedo Factory Art Center - Summer 2010

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria Virginia has opportunities for one, two, or three-month residencies between June 1 and August 31, 201.

Visiting Artists will be provided with studio workspace, and will be able to display and sell original work to the public.

Download the prospectus and application form from www.torpedofactory.org/vap.

There is no application fee. The deadline for application is February 28, 2010.

Juror: Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center.

Send questions to: vap@torpedofactory.org . No telephone calls please.

Holiday Shopping for Artwork?

2009-12-01T17:58:00.004-05:00

Looking for a hip way to do your holiday shopping? How about supporting DC artists and the Washington Project for the Arts at the same time, while getting someone a gift they will never forget?

I have five paintings from the Element Series (Element 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8) available at the Washington Project for the Arts Headquarters starting this Friday, December 4 (see you at the opening from 6-8pm) and running through December 21. The hours are Monday-Friday, noon- five pm (and by appointment). Note: the only scheduled evening hours are on the opening night this Friday and the Special Shopping even on Monday, December 21. All artwork at Icebox is under $250 (my paintings are $200).

The WPA Headquarters is located at 2023 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, Contact The Program Director Kristina Bilonick at 202.234.7103 ( ext. 2) or kbilonick@wpadc.org with any questions about the event.

I hope to see you there!!!

New Work on the Website

2009-11-21T08:38:00.006-05:00

Element 5
oil, acrylic, graphite on birch panel
6"x6"x1" - 2009

Element 4
oil, acrylic, graphite on birch panel
6"x6"x1" - 2009

Element 1
oil, acrylic, graphite on birch panel
6"x6"x1" - 2009

I've posted twelve paintings from the new suite "Element" on my website. They were begun at my artist residency in August and finished in my studio in September. Each painting is 6"x6"x1" and can be hung alone, or in groups in various grid formats. I hope to take some installation shots this weekend and post them on Monday or Tuesday, but for now, I'm gabbing another cup of coffee and hitting the studio.

Artist Teacher Exhibition Opening November 5, 2009

2009-10-31T10:00:00.002-04:00

I'll be at the Opening Reception from 6-7:30 pm, I hope to see you there.

Update: New Artwork, Studio, etc.

2009-10-31T09:33:00.005-04:00

Seep
oil and acrylic on birch
20"x17" - 2009

Its been a while since I posted, but I've been busy, lots of great stuff happening. I've posted some new work from this summer and fall on my website from my artist residency and once I got home. I still have a ton to put up, but I am trying to balance that with making more art and navigating some changes in my studio situation. I also revamped the site with some changes in navigation - let me know what you think.
I will be moving to a great new studio in December (hopefully by then) at the MT. Ranier Artist studios on the DC/MD border. I am very excited about this move, it will increase my studio space to 550sf, with high ceilings, great light from a huge 4'x8' skylight and in close proximity to a bunch of great artists. Its in the same complex as Red Dirt Studios and the Washington Glass School. I will post images and give you more info as the moving details firm up. I hope to host an open studio in December along with the other artists in the Gateway Arts District, so stay tuned.
Last week was a great week for me, with a bunch of sales, including two large paintings. Art Night at Hickcok Cole Architects in Georgetown was a big success (private event), in additon to things coming directly from my studio not related to that event.
It also looks like I will be performing Ghost Music, a colaboration with composer Matt Sargent in DC in January, more on that as details firm up.
Thanks for checking in, drop me a line if you aren't on my email list and I will keep you in the know.

Making the most of a conversation with an artist

2009-10-06T17:43:00.008-04:00

Corner view of my summer studio at the artist residency this past August.

At my recent open studio, I had several great conversations with people, some of whom have seen most of the work I've made in the last 6 or 7 years and some who had never seen it before. Not every conversation with an artist goes so well, sure the conversation may be pleasant, but many times whether it be an opening reception, a studio visit, or when a person is introduced to an artist in a social situation, the conversations are not so interesting, or productive.

Many times I have kicked myself after meeting someone for the first time, or reacquainting someone with my work for the banality and awkwardness of the conversation; feeling like I missed an opportunity to stoke someone's curiosity about my work. Many of my "non-artist" friends have also expressed a disappointment about the actual conversation they may have had with an artist whose work they are interested in, feeling awkward, or being afraid to say something that would make them feel stupid in front of the artist. Maybe you have felt the same way.
I thought carefully about those good conversations over the last few weeks, and while I didn't come up with a sure-fire plan for ending the problem, I did come up with some suggestions for people who are talking to an artist about the work they are looking at with the artist in the studio or the gallery. Some of the suggestions are no doubt a reflection of my experience as an art educator, trying to facilitate conversations that are engaging to the viewers and helpful for the artist in a critique situation.

Most artists want quality feedback about their work, after all if an artist is not interested in how others perceive the work, why would they show it to anyone? So what kinds of conversations are helpful to the artist? I feel it is those conversations which let the artist know what is being communicated to the viewer and how it is being communicated. It need not be exactly what the artist was driving at, but having quality input on this level is more helpful than most other things that can happen to and artist to motivate them to make more meaningful work.

So here it goes:
1. Describe what you see to the artist and don't feel like your description needs to be filled with art speak. Don't make judgments or insinuate what the work means at this point. Just describe it. Let the artist know what you see first and then after you have spent a few minutes with the work expand it to describe the way you are seeing it and why. This is often just as helpful for you clarifying your perceptions. An in depth discussion of the formal qualities of the work is very helpful for some artists, and just sets the playing field for others. Be as descriptive as possible no matter what your level of exposure to artwork is. Empty compliments/judgments are not helpful, and will not engage the artist, and perhaps even make the artist feel you are not even looking.
2. After you have described the work itself, use your description to drive any comments about your interpretation of the piece. Turning your interpretation into a question for the artist is a very effective way of engaging him or her, allowing them to effectively talk about their work without feeling the pressure of giving a canned "elevator pitch" about their work. Trying to imagine the decisions that artist had to make when creating the work is another great way to come up with engaging questions. Often additional questions and comments just start to flow at this point, and the goal of having an engaging conversation is already met, keep going with it.
3. After the artist is engaged in the conversation, feel free to ask questions related to the artist's personal history, and present ideas about how that is reflected in the work.
4. At this point the artist knows you are engaged, feel free to give compliments if you feel it is appropriate, but be specific about them.

So what kinds of questions/comments stifle this conversation? (or at least should be reserved unitl after your comments and questions demonstrate enought depth to let the artist know you really looked at their work)
1. "Your work is beautiful." Yep, I said it. I know it seems like that would be a great thing to say to an artist, polish their ego and so forth, but many times it sounds empty to the artist when it is all that is said, and it doesn't allow the artist to understand why a work may be successful. I'm not saying never say this to an artist, but only say it after they know you have really investigated it. (I love your work pretty much sounds the same to an artist, but the artist will believe you if they see you at their shows all of the time and/or you have had great conversations about why their work resonates with you, and most importantly only say it when you mean it)
2. "So how long did it take you to make that?" Ok, so this can be a valid question further into the conversation than the first two or three sentences, especially when the artist's work is process/peformance driven, or has a wonderful obsessive quality. It can also effectively creep into a conversation about technique, but when its the first thing that is said as you are holding a price list, its sounds like your are just calculating the artist's "per hour rate" and mistakenly thinking "Damn I got into the wrong business" - believe me, its not that simple.
3. Avoid making suggestions for the artist about pieces or future work until you have engaged them in a meaningful conversation about what is there in front of you. Let them know your are really looking and thinking about what they have presented, and that you don't just want them to make a red one that would match the cushions in your living room - this is a quick way to turn the artist off and shut the conversation down. Suggestions are helpful after both parties are engaged and on the same page or or at least reading the same book. Simple matters of taste or personal aesthetic often sound like just that, and go nowhere. I've also been surprised at how many artists do this to other artists and just sound like they want to turn your work into theirs, or to get you to create the work they wish they could create but are incapable of. Think carefully, what is the purpose of the suggestion? Pose questions to the artist to get them to consider these things instead just telling them what you think they should do. On the other hand, don't be afraid to let the artist know what you think after working towards a productive conversation about their work.

I know there are more suggestions that could be added, but I've been writing for longer than I planned to, and there are inventories to be made for upcoming shows, and work I want to finish, and I still haven't cooked dinner and so on.

So what do you think? I'd love some suggestions about additional ways to enrich these conversations.

Open Studio: Return from the Artist Residency

2009-09-10T18:59:00.004-04:00

Open Studio (Reston, VA): Saturday September 26 from 4-9pm.
Please email me for directions and parking information: johnmadams75@yahoo.com
Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

As I said in my last post a month ago, it might be a awhile until I got back from my three week residency at "The Church", the former studio/summer home of Jules Kirschenbaum. I was right. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I had never spent that much time in almost total isolation, just focusing on painting. My days quickly melded together into what for a while seemed to be an endless continuum of creation, punctuated ever so slightly by a simple meal and sleep. Of course to no detriment there were also extended periods of reading, and just sitting there, looking and thinking. It all just became one big powerful thing that is hard to describe, but that is what the artwork is for...and there is plenty of it. I came home with 34 paintings that are nearly finished and will be complete by the open studio, that's not counting the other 8 (or is it 9?) that are in earlier stages. I developed more pieces for the Sitting Still Series and work in new formats and sizes. I hope you will join me for the open studio on September 26, 2009 to see the new work.
By this open studio, I will have also met one of my personal goals for 2009, which was to create at least one painting a week for the entire year (not an easy thing to do when and individual painting takes weeks to months to complete due to the my process layering 15-30 separate colors on top of each other, removing portions of layers as I add them). In fact I will have already exceeded that with three more months left to paint in 2009. More to come - see you at the open studio.
Below are a few images from the location, to give you a sense of the environment at "The Church". I will post images of the new paintings on my website after the open studio.

Evening, the first night I was there, this kind of view was par for the course from the deck each evening, but the weather patterns changed rapidly, so I was always in for a surprise.

A side view of "The Church". It was built in 1901 and was originally a Methodist chapel in the mountains of northeastern, PA. Jules Kirschenbaum and his wife Corneilus were both painters from NYC, and they bought "The Church" around 1960, converting it into a summer studio/home with multiple studio spaces (which I had all to myself). The main studio, shown in the photo at the top of this post, is in what was originally the sanctuary of the church.

"The Church" tucked into a stand of trees on the side of Bunnell Hill. Ah, no distractions.

Residency

2009-08-10T08:17:00.002-04:00

My residency begins tomorrow, so today is another day of trying to fit my studio into my car. Its going to be a tight squeeze, but I am looking forward to the time alone to focus on my work.
Internet access may be intermittent so we'll see how the posts go, but regardless, there will be what I hope to be a lengthy recap here after I return.

Photos From Small Works Opening at Hollingsworth Gallery

2009-08-10T08:08:00.003-04:00

Photos from the opening reception of "Small Works" at the Hollingsworth Gallery have been posted here. The exhibition runs through September, 7 2009. If you are near Palm Coast, Florida, don't miss it!

Small Works: Hollingsworth Gallery

2009-08-05T15:36:00.004-04:00

I have three paintings in the Small Works Group Exhibition at the Hollingsworth Gallery in Palm Coast, Florida (in between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach). If you are in the area, check it out. Here is the vital info:
Hollingsworth Gallery
160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite 210B
Palm Coast, Florida
August 8 - September 7, 2009
Opening Reception: August 8, 6:30-9:30 PM

Unfortunately, I won't be at the opening reception since I am preparing for my artist residency that starts next week, but go check out the party, it sounds like it will be a good time.

Now Scheduling Studio Visits before my Residency

2009-07-28T13:20:00.006-04:00

Sitting Still 97
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5 - 2009

As you may know I'll be leaving for my 3 week artist residency on August 11. I am currently scheduling studio visits for the next two weeks before I leave, if there is an artwork you have been interested in, now is the time to come by... I am very motivated to make some space for the new work when I get back, and that could work in your favor, especially if you are interested in multiple works. I've got a ton of new small paintings from this year (such as the two in this post), but don't wait, they are disappearing into private (and public) collections and will be gone before you know it.
I hope to see you soon!

Sitting Still 83
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5 - 2009

Last week to see Faraway Nearby

2009-07-27T11:17:00.005-04:00

Ghost Music Study Number 9
Graphite on Polypropylene

This is the last week to see Faraway Nearby at the Greater Reston Arts Center - I've go three graphite drawings in the show - its worth the trip - go see it! You can preview pieces in the show here. (on view through July 31)

Roxy Paine on the Roof: Maelstrom (at the Metropolitan Museum)

2009-07-27T10:09:00.004-04:00

"Maelstrom" by Roxy Paine
Stainless Steel, 48'x150'x15'

Roxy Paine's appropriately titled installation "Maelstrom" is currently on view at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum (read the press release here). I spent a half an hour with the sculpture enjoying a Brooklyn Summer Ale yesterday, in what really must be one of NYC's best outdoor sculpture spaces, somehow in all of my trips to the Met, I never went to the roof, what was I thinking? (It could be that I usually am here in the winter, when the space is closed)
The stainless steel vascular structure evokes circulatory systems, nervous systems, as well as roots. The play of reflective light and shadow within the space is quite intoxicating. I overheard plenty of regurgitation of the wall text from the people walking around, discussing the structure ("oh, I think the artist is adressing the struggle of industry and progress against nature"), and perhaps my thoughts about it are not to far from that, but I was struck by the feeling of life systems being solidified, frozen in time.
The pieces is actually secured to the roof space via the fire department's water valves on the roof, they are bolted directly to it, the little kid in me wanted to turn them on, to see if it would cause the structure to shake and moan under the pressure, but of course I didn't. The structure activates the space so well, it will be a shame when it is dismantled.
It really is a great piece, a must see, and it is on view until October 25, 2009. The Roof Garden is open daily, weather permitting.

"Maelstrom" by Roxy Paine
Stainless Steel, 48'x150'x15'

Last night my wife and I went to see Fuerza Bruta, an intriguing and entertaining abstract performance that happens above and around the spectator. A highly entertaining and thought-provoking hour - I would absolutely recommend it.

Stimulus Closing Reception

2009-07-08T18:09:00.004-04:00

Don't miss this show! More info at the Nevin Kelly Gallery website.

Its been quiet here as the summer began with lots of family time. Somehow after that, I find myself renovating the studio bathroom as well as summer cleaning and storage solutions for the studio (although nothing works as well as buying artwork, hint hint, nudge nudge).

I hope to see you this Friday, July 10 from 5-8pm at the Nevin Kelly Gallery or email me for a studio visit.

Stimulus Preview

2009-06-15T15:09:00.005-04:00

At Last Dwindling
Graphite on polypropylene
2009

The Nevin Kelly Gallery has posted a preview of the Stimulus show on their blog. The exhibition will include three new graphite drawings (including the one above). I hope to see you at the opening tomorrow night from 5:30-8:30 pm.

The gallery's website states:

Stimulus
The gallery presents "Stimulus," a group exhibition of works by local artists to stimulate the mind and the economy. All works in the show will be priced at $500 or less, many at limited-opportunity prices.

Participating artists include John M. Adams, Sondra N. Arkin, Joan Belmar, Tanja Bos, Anne Bouie, Molly Brose, Lenny Campello, Mary Chiaramonte, Anna U. Davis, Jenny Davis, Thomas Drymon, Stirling Elmendorf, Pat Goslee, Emily Greene Liddle, Laurel Hausler, Eve Hennessa, J. Ford Huffman, Rosalind Kennedy, Mark Parascandola, Anneliese Sullivan, Ming Yi Sung Zaleski, Ruth Trevarrow, Claudia Vess, and Ellyn Weiss.

Artomatic - lighting issues cause artomatic to close at 8 pm

2009-06-06T11:11:00.004-04:00

Update: All issues have been resolved and Artomatic is operating on a normal schedule.
The past three nights Artomatic has been forced to close at 8pm due to installation issues with emergency lighting. Artomatic's fearless leaders have a conference call at noon today that will shed some more "light" (I'm sorry, I had to do it) on the situation for this evening. As of right now the plans are to stay opening until the normal Saturday Night closing time of 1 am.

"Space Between" Installation reviewed by Kevin Mellema

2009-06-04T17:46:00.002-04:00

Read Kevin Mellema's review of the second floor of Artomatic 2009 here. More on "Space Between" here.

My Artwork in Stimulus at the Nevin Kelly Gallery

2009-06-04T17:29:00.002-04:00

I hope to see you at the opening for this show at the Nevin Kelly Gallery in DC on June 16, 2009 from 5:30-8:30 pm.

A Few Words from Ellyn about my solo at GRACE

2009-06-04T17:26:00.003-04:00

DC Painter Ellyn Weiss has a few words about my solo show at GRACE (which is only open for two more days, until June 6, 2009). Read them here.

Artomatic 2009 - "Space Between"

2009-06-04T17:16:00.004-04:00

Get more information about the "Space Between" installation from the blog we have created for the collaborative project (featuring myself, JT Kirkland, and Matt Sargent). Artomatic info can be found here. Sorry if I missed you at the opening, Rochelle and I saw all of it with he exception of the 4th floor.

"Space Between" at Artomatic Tomorrow

2009-05-28T19:38:00.004-04:00

More info on the collaborative project "Space Between" with artist JT Kirkland and composer Matt Sargent at our blog about the project.
We will all be in attendance at Artomatic tomorrow for the opening party from 6pm-midnight (Matt and JT may be there before 6) Friday May 29, 2009. Artomatic is being held at 55 M St. SE, Washington, DC 20003 - taking Metro is highly advisable as there are often several thousand people at the opening party and the Navy Yard metro stop on the green line is directly below the building. I will see you there.

This weekend

2009-05-23T10:14:00.003-04:00

I'm spending the weekend building, installing and drawing for the "Space Between" collaboration at Artomatic. Keep you fingers crossed - It opens this Friday, May 29.

Review of GRACE Solo Exhibition

2009-05-18T10:01:00.001-04:00

Read the review by Kevin Mellema of the Falls Church News Press here.

Exhibitions, Exhibitions, Exhibitions

2009-05-16T07:42:00.003-04:00

Its been quiet here due to the need for some rest after months of non-stop painting preparing for the solo at GRACE. The opening reception was great, and everyone seems to think the show is quite good, so if you haven't gone to see it, please do so soon. Thanks to everyone who came out for the opening. If there is a painting there you like, don't hesitate to purchase it - the small paintings go quickly, usually within a few months of me completing them.

Ghost Music Study 9
Graphite on polypropylene - 9"x6"
(In the "Faraway Nearby" exhibition at GRACE next month)

Within the next month expect to see my work in at least 4 more places:

-"Space Between" at Artomatic 2009: A "preview" for the collaborative project with artist JT Kirkland and composer Matt Sargent. Still looking for the right venues to host the final show from Richmond to New England... May 29-July 9, 2009.
-"Stimulus" at Nevin Kelly Gallery (This is the first time I've been invited to show at the gallery, I'll have 3 new graphite drawings in this show): Opening June 16, 2009
-"Faraway Nearby" at GRACE (This is their annual juried show, this year's juror was Dale Lanzone of the esteemed Marlborough Gallery) I will have 3 graphite drawings that have never been shown... June 18 - July 31, 2009.
-LottoHeART in Rehoboth, DE on July 3 and 4. Two little tape paintings at this anonymous style fund raiser, buy tickets soon if you are interested....

More details to follow.

This weekend...

2009-05-16T07:25:00.002-04:00

Don't miss the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, which is held today and tomorrow from 10 am to 6pm, May 16 and 17, 2009, at the Reston Town Center. Over 220 artists will be there. Of course while you are at the Town Center, don't miss my solo show at GRACE (Located on the corner of Market St. And St. Francis St).

If you are in DC all weekend, you should check out the Mid City Artists Open Studios. Most studios are open from 12-5, today (5-16) and tomorrow (5-17).

News From the Studio

2009-04-28T22:51:00.002-04:00

Read my latest newsletter from my studio here. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter updates if you don't already receive them! I look forward to seeing you this Saturday May 2, from 6-8pm at GRACE.

Solo Exhibiton at GRACE: Opening Reception this Saturday, May 2

2009-04-28T16:13:00.004-04:00

Sitting Still 97
oil and acrylic on birch panel
10"x8.5" - 2009

Don't miss the opening reception for my solo exhibition at the Greater Reston Arts Center this Saturday from 6-8pm (Artist Talk at 7pm). The show runs April 25-June 6, 2009.

New Paintings Posted on my Website

2009-04-21T19:09:00.003-04:00

Sitting Still 87
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5" - 2009

Last night I posted 23 new paintings from the Sitting Still Series (There is a link from the home page directly to the new work) on my website. Many of these will be in my show at Greater Reston Art Center, which opens this Saturday, April 25. The opening reception will be held Saturday May 2 from 6-8pm.

More on Gallery/Artist Relationships

2009-04-20T21:17:00.003-04:00

Referencing this post of mine (here). Lenny at Daily Campello Art News posted a reaction to my thoughts on DC Art News (here) - he has some good advice and thoughts. It is worth the read.

Press Release: GRACE Solo Focus

2009-04-20T18:41:00.003-04:00

Sitting Still 67
oil and acrylic on birch panel
10"x8.5" - 2009

Click here to read the Press Release for my show at Greater Reston Arts Center.
April 25-June 6, 2009.
Opening Reception: Saturday May 2, 2009, 6-8pm, Artist talk at 7pm.

Gallery/Artist Relations

2009-04-19T17:10:00.002-04:00

Lenny, over at DC Art News posted something that struck a chord with me. He posted an excerpt of a comment by Gallery Owner Carrie Horejs (scroll all the way down to see it, and this is an excerpt of a comment she posted on another blog called Art News Blog, this blogging thing may be getting out of hand, I can't keep up with all of the links):

"I often wonder how other galleries are dealing with artists who have gallery representation but continue to self-promote. I have been known to secret shop gallery represented artists. I contact them through their emails on their personal websites and inquire as to whether they have any studio pieces available. Not once has an artist directed me to his or her galleries for purchases.

I fear galleries will dry up if they don’t smarten up. Then where will collectors go to see art in person?”

Below is the comment I posted on Lenny's blog:

"She has good point, but I have a few questions about her perspective.
I checked out the gallery website, and it is a "membership gallery" - where the more you pay per month, the more you get to show. That doesn't seem to indicate that it is traditional commercial gallery representation, and yes you have to be accepted, but it does seem to be more of a vanity gallery. Why would the "rules" of traditional gallery representation apply to them if its a pay to show situation? As an artist, it seems strange to "pay" for exclusive gallery representation.
My first question is what does their artist contract look like? Does it state that once you join, that all work sold from any venue must include their commission?(It does look like that from their website) That does not seem like a good deal and far from the norm of most exhibition contracts.
In addition, they have over 100 artists on their site, so really how much effort are they putting forth to promote each artist, other than putting them on their website or hanging a piece of artwork in the corner of a jam packed gallery? That's not real promotion. Artists work incredibly hard to publicize their own work. In the bulk of the places I have shown, I brought in the crowds, They are my connections and patrons that have been following my work for quite some time. I have looked around the gallery and realized that 95% of the people there were people I emailed, sent postcards to , etc. These are the people who buy my work. Now I don't undercut or by-pass the gallery that is showing my work, I want to sell it there. (my experience has mostly been with non-profits and art centers). Most Artists would love to have gallery representation with a Gallery that actually did all of that promotion, I would.
I can understand why she is ticked off and no doubt in a "traditional" gallery representation setting that kind of behavior is just wrong and undermines the artist/gallery relationship, but really, given the structure of her gallery, if someone actually found the person's work in another venue that has nothing to do with her gallery, would the artist be so far off base(once again, I would like to see the contract)? I would never undermine a gallery owner if I had traditional representation, or created a bunch of work for a show at a venue but then sell the work behind their back, I would of course direct them to the gallery, it only makes sense. Any thoughts? "

Now, after that, let me say that GRACE has done a great job promoting my show, including setting up the interview with Elan, and of course, if any body out there is interested in my work, please head over to GRACE, the show opens on April 25!

Elan Magazine Article - April 2009

2009-04-11T15:56:00.003-04:00

This month's issue of Elan Magazine has an interview with me about my work. Unfortunately the magazine has not updated their website to reflect the newest issue (but hard copies are out and available), so I took it upon myself to reproduce the article here until they update the website. You should be able to click on each image to be able to read the text. The color of the images is a little off, but remember this is a scan of the actual magazine, so bear with me. Enjoy.

There is only one error in the article, which states that I have been the visual arts department chair at my school for 5 years. I have been teaching there five years, but this is my first year as department chair.

Back at the Studio

2009-04-11T12:45:00.004-04:00

As you can see from the photo I took at 6 am Tuesday morning, we got more snow than we bargained for and our trip was cut short, and not exactly what I needed (it continued to snow all day and we made and emergency evacuation from Cranberry Wilderness to sit by the fire at my buddy Aaron's house).
I am back in the studio now, working on email promotions and updating the website and blog before dropping my work off later this week, so expect a few emails soon and mark your calendars for the opening reception of my GRACE solo show on Saturday May 2 from 6-8pm.

Done

2009-04-05T07:41:00.003-04:00

The Cranberry River

Done. Yes, done with all of the paintings (30+) for the show at GRACE (sorry, no images, you will just have to go see the show, and yes there are the details of hanging hardware, but the painting is finished). Also, the April issue of Elan Magazine has been published which includes a 4 page article on my work. Today I am leaving on a triennial backpacking trip with my college roommates to Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. There will be miles of hiking carrying a huge pack, campfires, practical jokes and of course rainbow and wild brook trout will be involved. Oh, and Tuesday it is supposed to snow.
It will be great to get away from the studio and the day job for the better part of a week, so don't expect any emails from me. I hope that when I get back I will be able to see the work with fresh eyes when hanging the show April 15.

Finished for the show today?

2009-04-03T07:39:00.003-04:00

Not quite, I think I have nine new paintings totally finished, and I am going to take a half day at work to come back here. I may have to spend part of tomorrow tweaking things, but then that has to be it.
I'll be rambling into the wilderness for a few days returning next weekend. I wanted to disconnect myself from the work before I hung the show, so I am returning to an old haunt in the Monongahela National Forest.
But for now, I better get to work.........

4 Days and Counting

2009-03-31T16:48:00.002-04:00

I have finished 10 paintings for the show, in addition to a reserve of 7 paintings that have not been shown, or only in a small group show (5 of them are from the last year, the other two being just over a year old). I have 21 paintings I am planning to finish by Friday. Why am I sitting at the computer?

Gregory Ferrand at Hillyer Art Space

2009-03-31T15:48:00.004-04:00

Don't miss Gregory Ferrand's show at the Hillyer Art Space. Greg and I went to VCU together, where he majored in film. His intelligent, beautifully executed paintings never fail to strike a chord with the viewer.

Artist Residency

2009-03-26T17:07:00.003-04:00

I have been awarded a three week artist residency this summer at Soaring Gardens Artist's Retreat, which is in rural Pennsylvania. I'm looking forward to the time alone to work in the studio.

21 Days

2009-03-25T21:31:00.002-04:00

Three weeks until I deliver my work, but my self-imposed deadline for completing all of the "painting" is looming (not counting wiring everything up and painting the sides of the recessed frames). Next Friday, April 3rd is a little too close for comfort but not out of the question at this point. I'm finishing about a painting a day (or maybe two days) at this point. After I finish the work I am spending a week backpacking. It will be good to let the work sit while I get as far away from it as possible before the install, so I can see everything with a clear head when I walk into the gallery.
I am participating in Artomatic with Matt Sargent and JT Kirkland as an extension of our collaboration. We spent some time discussing our plan tonight. More on that later.
The April edition of Elan Magazine will be coming out in the next week; look for what will probably be a four page article on my work. And of course, my solo at GRACE will open May 2 and the reception is from 5-7pm. See you there.

Saturday Collaboration

2009-03-17T23:03:00.003-04:00

29 days until I deliver the work for my show and 14 days until my personal deadline of finishing the work, a handful of paintings are finished, and many are very close. I am definitely painting with purpose, which always feels good. Then there is the collaboration with Matt Sargent and JT Kirkland, which is progressing a little slow but quite nicely. I am starting to hear back from residency applications (no luck on the MacDowell). Things are happening.
So when my old ceramic/scultor buddy Matt Grimes called me up and asked me to go out to a friend's property to check out the huge Matt had dug for pit firing (in other words; get outside and do nothing that could technically called productive for a day) I couldn't refuse.
We ended up with a chilly wet Saturday in the mountains outside of Browntown, Virginia, and it was a great day.
Matt wanted to do some kind of collaborative piece outside and soon he spotted a bunch of wild grape vines that we were soon removing from some trees at the back of the property and taking turns weaving it together.
A few hours later we had a ball above 40" in diameter, that weighed in at 50 or 60 pounds (the rain wasn't helping).

We moved it around to a few locations, finally settling on the location 10 feet up on this tree limb.

Misguided Youth

2009-03-10T19:58:00.005-04:00

When I was in high school, considering a career in the visual arts, I was completely misguided about the amount of paperwork I would need to do and the amount of time I would spend sitting in front of a computer proving that I make and think about art. I have finished my last residency application for the season, and I have been cranking in the studio. I am 36 days until the delivery of my paintings for the show.
I'm also working on some things for the collaboration.
I also want to write about my trip to NYC last weekend.
If there is anything I have learned, soon enough.

Miscalculation

2009-03-05T22:58:00.003-05:00

Sitting Still 65
oil, acrylic, and graphite on birch panel
10"x8.5"

Ok, so it is only 42 days until I have to deliver my work for my show at GRACE. I've been busy in the studio (see the brand spanking new painting above, one of several I finished this week). Tomorrow I have to be at work at 4:30 am for a field trip with my advanced students to NYC. We are hitting MoMA, The Met, and Whitney and doing some touristy stuff, but I am also pumped about hitting Pearl Paint to reload (plus hitting my favorite seafood walk up for fish and chips along with some clam chowder). Sunday I'm back in the studio.

Interesting Thread: A Step Backward

2009-03-04T17:45:00.004-05:00

There is an interesting thread of comments that has been going on for two days at JT's blog Thinking About Art. All of this started on facebook because JT recorded his reactions as he walked through MoMA last weekend.

48 days And Counting: Solo at GRACE

2009-03-03T10:28:00.003-05:00

Work in progress...

I have 48 days until I install my show at GRACE, so I decided to keep a little journal here of the preparations and my thoughts. I am working on over 30 new paintings for the show and they are progressing quite nicely. The paintings are well under way and I have started finishing some of them. Expect to see some detail shots of works in progress and a few of the finished pieces.
On Thursday I did a 2.5 hour interview for Elan Magazine, which will be published in the April issue, just before my show opens which is perfect timing. I think it went extremely well, but I am a little nervous, I don't want to sound like a total idiot or a pompous ass. You be the judge when the article comes out.
I'm taking a personal day to work in the studio after a productive snowy extended weekend, the light is incredible today thanks to the reflection from the snow...

WPA Announces New Executive Director

2009-02-23T17:26:00.004-05:00

Lisa J. Gold, WPA Executive Director Appointee

Lisa J. Gold has been appointed as the new executive director of the Washington Project for the Arts. I wish her luck and am thankful for Kim Ward's presence and for her past five years of exceptional service. Kim Ward's work had a positive impact on my experience as a DC artist. According to the press release from the WPA, Lisa J. Gold was the Public relations and Marketing Director at The Drawing Center in New York, and she has "over twenty years of diverse experience in arts management, fundraising, development, programming, outreach, marketing, advertisement and public relations."

Scholastic Award Winning Students

2009-02-22T09:34:00.007-05:00

Many of you know that I am a high school art teacher in addition to being an artist, and I want to take this opportunity to brag about some of their accomplishments. Seven of my students won awards this year in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition (not bad at all, each teacher is allowed 12 individual entries in addition to portfolios, I'd say around 10% of students get some kind of award, I am very proud of my students who outperformed those odds). This is the largest and most respected national High School Art competition. I have listed the winners below, followed by their award (Gold key is the highest, followed by silver key, then certificate of merit). All Gold and Silver Key winners will be in an exhibition this Tuesday, February 24, from 6:30-8:30 at the gallery in the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College. All Gold Key winners work will be competing in NYC later this spring for the National Awards - wish them luck! I am extremely proud of their work.

Bella Bellum - Elly Taura - Charcoal
Gold Key - Art Portfolio Category (8 artworks)
and
Certificate of Merit - Drawing Category (individual entry)

Heretic - Adam Atkinson - India Ink, ballpoint pen, marker
Gold Key - Drawing (Individual Entry)

Corset - Katherine Helms - acrylic on canvas
Gold Key - Painting Category (individual entry)

Harmony with Nature - Gabriela Lutostanski - polymer clay and wood
Silver Key - Sculpture Category (Individual Entry)

Oil and Water - Ji Yoon Kim - Oil pastel, watercolor and colored pencil
Silver Key - Drawing Category (individual entry)

Lapse in Communication - Kristy Kilgallen - wood, wire and found objects
Certificate of Merit - Sculpture Category (Individual entry)

Obsession - Amira Nagi Al Saadi - Acrylic on Canvas
Certificate of Merit - Painting Category (Individual Entry)

Artomatic is back

2009-02-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

Love it or hate it (or a little bit of both if you want), Artomatic is back for the Tenth Anniversary.

New to My Collection: Sondra Arkin and JT Kirkland

2009-02-03T19:40:00.007-05:00

Being an artist has its perks, one of them being getting to know artists and their work very well. I love visiting artists' studios and having them visit mine. The best conversations about art happen there (although I won't ever forget late nights at the pub with my peers back in grad school after a 2 or 3 day studio binge).
I don't have a huge art collection (not counting my own work of course), mainly due to the fact that at some point I thought it was a great idea to become and artist and an art educator, neither of which afford the luxury of money required to buy artwork. Recently several studio visits have ended in my acquisition of two works of art for my collection.
A few weeks ago I went to Sondra Arkin's studio in DC, and we had a great conversation which I hope to pick up and continue soon. When I first walked in, she started talking about what she had been up to and immediately unwrapped and handed me this little painting. I had to have it. the piece was slated to go into a show at the Nevin Kelly Gallery two weeks later and Nevin reserved painting for me. I picked it up a week after the show, and by the way, if you haven't been to Nevin's new space in Columbia Heights, you should go very soon.

Sondra Arkin-"What I Love, 1"
Encaustic on paper on panel - 6"x6"

Just this last week I received a major piece from artist (and my neighbor) JT Kirkland. I already own two of JT's smaller peices (that were incidently also part of his solo show at GRACE a couple of years ago). I am excited to have one of his large wood peices and it was acquired after many studio visits that seem to be happening more frequently all of the time (he is practically across the street after all). The first is an installation shot from the GRACE show that allows you to get a sense of the dimension and the second is a straight on documentary shot.

JT Kirkland - "Oppose"
Wood - 46"x46"

JT has a very popular art blog and is currently applying to Grad school, I wish him luck, but at the same time I like having another artist across the street. Studio visits are the best thing about being an artist and of course I welcome them at any time, if you are up for a visit to my studio, just let me know!

Submitting to Exhibitions

2009-02-03T19:04:00.005-05:00

As most artists will tell you, I spend and unseemly amount of time and energy preparing submissions and proposals for galleries, grants, fellowships, competitions, and lately artist residencies. Everyone has a different format and requirements, some of which (after having more than ten years of experience doing this) border on the ridiculous. I honestly believe I spend as much or more time working on these things than actually painting or drawing (something I am desperately trying to change).
I just completed the most painless and quick submission that I can remember. It was for the 20th Annual Drawing and Print Competition at Notre Dame of Maryland. It consisted of a short online form, uploading the digital images to their site and then paying the entry fee via PayPal in a seamless stream of events that took all of 15 minutes (including prepping the images to their specifications in Photoshop).
If you are a gallery, arts organization, or anyone else that organizes art exhibitions please take a minute, click the link above and review their process. It would be so much better for artists and the people who host art exhibitions to do things this way!

More New Drawings

2009-01-31T12:00:00.003-05:00

In between the 30 new paintings I am making for my solo exhibition at GRACE (and two for a collaboration with JT Kirkland) I have made some more Ghost Music studies for my collaboration with minimalist composer Matt Sargent. The drawings are graphite on polypropylene and measure 6"x4".

Ghost Music Study 12

Ghost Music Study 13

Ghost Music Study 14

Ghost Music Study 15

Ghost Music Study 16

Ghost Music Study 17

Ghost Music Study 18

Ghost Music Study 19

Looking at Art Tonight

2009-01-31T11:55:00.004-05:00

After some ice skating at the National Gallery of Art, dinner and a trip to Utrecht for more paint I'll be going to this exhibition tonight, mainly to see Mark Cameron Boyd's work. It should be worth checking out.

Still Here

2009-01-28T22:36:00.002-05:00

I've been making excellent progress in the studio for my solo show at GRACE that opens May 2. I've also been overwhelmed with applications for residencies, shows, grants, etc. More soon. (I keep saying that don't I?)

Burnout

2009-01-13T18:11:00.002-05:00

Franklin Einspruch has some great "Unsolicited Advice" for artists out there.

My Art Tonight and Tomorrow In NYC

2009-01-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

Postcards From the Edge benefiting Visual AIDS
Metro Pictures
519 West 24th Street, NYC
Saturday January 10, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
$5 suggested admission

The annual display and sale of postcard-size artworks donated from 1600+
artists

Donating artists include: John M. Adams, Alfredo Jaar, Cindy Sherman, Ross
Bleckner, Kara Walker, Jeff Koons, Robert Longo, John Waters, Catherine
Opie, Glenn Ligon, Tony Feher, Ann Hamilton, Kiki Smith, Nayland Blake, Fred
Wilson, Mary Heilmann, David Armstrong, Carrie Mae Weems, Barton Lidice
Benes, Adam Fuss, Jane Hammond, McDermott & McGough, Vito Acconci, John
Baldessari, Louise Lawler, Marcel Dzama, Patty Chang, Paul Pfeiffer, T.J.
Wilcox, Marilyn Minter, Kate Shepherd, Arturo Herrera, Julie Mehretu, Emily
Jacir, Jack Pierson, Barry McGee, Slava Mogutin, Rirkrit Tiravanija,
Lawrence Weiner, Annie Sprinkle, William Wegman, Yoko Ono, and many, many
more. A list of all donating artists will be distributed at the Benefit Sale

The Benefit Sale -- ONE DAY ONLY!
Saturday, January 10, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
All works are only $75 EACH. Buy four, get one free. Works are signed on
the back and displayed anonymously. Artists' names revealed only after
purchase. First-come, first served. $5 suggested admission

The Preview Party
Friday, January 9, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
$75 admission* includes one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets $20.
Your only chance to get a sneak peek at the entire show! No sales, but one
lucky raffle winner selects the first postcard. More prizes: new Rizzoli
Keith Haring book, signed Cindy Sherman catalog, artist multiples from
ARTWARE editions and Tulip Enterprises. Special hosts: The Imperial Court of
New York. Plus a silent art auction. Wine courtesy of Wine & Spirits
Magazine
*Admission for donating artists is waived

All proceeds support the work of Visual AIDS utilizing contemporary art for
AIDS advocacy and historicizing the work of HIV-positive artists while
offering career support

Questions?
Visit: http://www.thebody.com/visualaids/current/postcards2008_faqs.html

Warren Craghead III at Migration: A Gallery

2008-12-31T10:42:00.003-05:00

Drawing by Warren Craghead III

Go see Warren's show if you are heading to Charlottesville any time soon! The following information about Warren's show was taken from Warren's blog, Drawer:

"I'm happy to announce The Dot and The Line, a two-person show with Brian Mallman at Migration: A Gallery in Charlottesville Virginia.

I'll be showing pages from some recent books (including HOW TO BE EVERYWHERE) along with drawings and collages. Migration is also making available my new book The Dot & the Line. It's a small downloadable book that will be available only through their website beginning Friday. Here's more show details:

The Dot and The Line
Warren Craghead & Brian Mallman
January 2 - January 26, 2009

Opening reception Friday January 2nd, 5:30 - 8pm

Migration: A Gallery
119 Fifth Street SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 USA
434.293.2200
info@migrationgallery.com"

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T10:37:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year from Alabama - I've been visiting with my brother and his family down here for Christmas with my wife as well as my mom - the average day time high has been around 72 degrees, rough eh?
I will be back in action by the 4th, so look for some new drawings in the least.
Tonight we are drving across the bay to Mobile to watch the Moonpie drop at midnight - no shit.

Weather affecting some artmaking

2008-12-20T11:59:00.001-05:00

If it ever stops raining and dries up a bit I can seal my latest Ghost Music Studies, but for now its cold and wet outside and spraying acrylic below 50 degrees when its raining doesn't work....

New Paintings

2008-12-18T19:03:00.003-05:00

Sitting Still 61
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5"

Sitting Still 63
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5"

Sitting Still 64
Oil and Acrylic on Birch Panel
10"x8.5"

Fresh from the studio, more to come over the next month, or couple of months as I prepare for my aolo or "focus" exhibition at the Greater Reston Arts Center which goes up at the end of April. There are 20ish of these I am working on as well as some medum-sized paintings, and some big paintings are on the menu 9i will start those next month, I alreadyhave 3 or 4 Ifinished that have never been exhibited) As usual, I'd love to hear what you think.

Two Days to See My Work in NYC

2008-12-15T17:39:00.004-05:00

I will have a small tape drawing (or painting as JT would call it) in NYC next month at Metro Pictures for the Postcards from the Edge Benefit show. A fun aspect of the show is that all of the work is hung anonymously, but a list of artists is provided. All of the pieces are 4"x6" and are $75 each, when you buy a piece you find out who the artist is. I don't want to ruin the surprise by posting it so you will have to go look for yourself.
The preview is Friday, January 8 from 6-8 pm - expect to see a packed house and work from close to 1500 artists, no work will be sold that night so this is the only chance to see all of the work before people start buying it up, but since it is a benefit, there is an admission fee of $75 for the preview which allows you to preview which pieces you would want to purchase the next morning. The sale starts the next morning, Saturday, January 10 from 11-6pm (Admission is free to the sale, but there is a suggested donation of $5). apparently people start lining up early in the morning since it is first come, first serve and the art is removed as it is purchased - Have fun and I hope you can make it!

Another Drawing In Between Paintings

2008-12-08T18:16:00.004-05:00

Untitled (Bamboo Pen #4)
Ink and Bamboo pen on paper
12"x9"

Artists and Talking About Art

2008-12-08T18:12:00.002-05:00

CBS's Morely Safer interviews Juilian Schnabel, and it becomes obvious that some artists have a hard time with criticism.

New Drawings

2008-12-04T20:17:00.002-05:00

I've been out for a while, well actually in the studio and visiting with family. Here are some untitled marker drawings from the past two days I made in between some paintings I have going in the studio.

Ghost Music Studies Part 2

2008-11-11T22:22:00.010-05:00

The following are studies for a collaboration with composer Matt Sargent. (I will explain this as our goals and exhibitions solidify, and there is another collaboration in the works) The drawings are all graphite on polypropylene. The long horizontal pieces are 3x6" and the verticals are 9x6". I am searching for the right range of marks, any of these marks will likely find themselves in larger pieces with a change in ratio of mark to over all size of the finished pieces. Making marks...

Ghost Music Study Number One

Ghost Music Study Number Two

Ghost Music Study Number Three

Ghost Music Study Number Four

Ghost Music Study Number Five

Ghost Music Study Number Six

Ghost Music Study Number Seven

Ghost Music Study Number Eight

Ghost Music Study Number Nine

Ghost Music Study Number Ten

Ghost Music Study Number Eleven

There are a few scratches and some dust adhered to a couple I may be able to clean up.

Ghost Music Studies

2008-11-11T17:02:00.004-05:00

Ghost Music Study Number Nine
Graphite on Polypropylene

This is the first one I am posting, but I need to run to catch a speaker at 7 in DC, more later tonight if my wife isn't working on photo stuff...

Aquifer Opens this Weekend

2008-11-05T22:52:00.004-05:00

Aquifier opens this weekend. (Curate by JM Mahoney and Deborah McLeod) My art buddy JT Kirkland has a piece in the show, along with some other artists to look out for: Joseph Barbaccia, Richard Dana, Pat Goslee, Joanne Kent, Renee Stout and Millicent Young.

Opening Reception Recap

2008-11-05T22:37:00.002-05:00

The "Artist Teacher" Exhibition (mentioned in the previous post) opened tonight and will be up through November 15. It is a good show of artists you may not be familiar with. JJ McCracken (clay/performance artist) juried the exhibition, which was made up entirely of Fairfax County Art Teachers. The 61+ artists have made a wide variety of work from painting, to video, functional ceramics and digital artworks. McCracken told me that she pulled my paintings into the top three on the first round. The gallery Remarks were also made with my paintings as the back ground - I think the remarks may be on channel 21 at some point. Its a short show. Go check it out.

Wednesday, November 5 Opening Reception

2008-11-04T22:37:00.007-05:00

Please join me Wednesday, November 5 at the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale Campus) from 6-7:30 pm. have two large paintings in the exhibition. Please check my blog for more information about the exhibition.

Also if you haven't been to the 20x20 Exhibition at Art 17 in DC, you only have until November 20th to see "Flash", a new oil and acrylic painting on birch.

Laurel Hausler at Nevin Kelly Gallery

2008-11-01T18:57:00.011-04:00

"The Moors" - Laurel Hausler
Gouache, pen, ink and pencil on paper - 12"x12" - 2008

Laurel Hausler at Nevin Kelly Gallery
"A History of Dogs and Witches - New Works by Laurel Hausler"

The Nevin Kelly Gallery on U Street in Washington, DC has Laurel Hausler's latest works on view through November 9th. Hausler's paintings/mixed media pieces evoke an eerie reaction from the viewer through layering of materials and distorted figures depicting "witches" and animals (not only dogs, but snakes as well).
While all of the artworks definitely seem to be created by the same hand, Hausler's style and format for the pieces varies throughout the show. Some works contain calligraphic texture created by layers of line drawing with a marker or brush, while the most successful pieces present the viewer with haunting figures constructed of ephemeral faces and body parts. The former pieces contain more layers, which one may think would make the seem more finished, but I believe distract the viewer from the layers of expertly executed ghostly forms.

"Faith Healers" - Laurel Hausler
oil on canvas - 48"x48" - 2008

My favorite painting in the show, "Faith Healers" depicts two female forms confronting the viewer, one holding a vial of acidic poison, and another terribly haunting figure holding a snake by the head (a reference to the snake handlers of Appalachia ). This figure is tilting her head, looking down her nose at the viewer, as if conjuring a spell. This face is so hauntingly executed, suggesting otherworldly movement and presence that it would make Francis Bacon jealous. Her right arm is obscured or missing all together in an aqueous swirl of paint. The figures are ambiguous, which adds to the spooky tone of the painting. The understated, but excellent asymmetrical composition pulls the viewer into the color scheme of red, yellow and blue on a shiny black ground. It is simple and wonderful. There are other great pieces in the show (including the small mixed media piece "The Moors" and several lithographs), but this painting is a stand out. Like this painting, the most successful pieces also utilize an asymmetrical composition that increases depth and tension.
The theme of the show is fitting (it is Halloween after all) but escapes the trap of feeling like holiday art. In terms of composition and execution, the show feels a little uneven, but when Hausler hits the mark, its hard to imagine it being done better. I understand this is Hausler's third solo show in different galleries this year, and I look forward to seeing more.

More Paintings from New York

2008-10-28T21:25:00.008-04:00

Here are a few more responses to things I found in Chelsea last weekend...

Jennifer Coates at Kinz, Tillou + Feigen

Coates paintings hover between landscape and psychedelic vision. The large paintings combine the illusion of ambiguous atmospheric space with clusters of geometric patterns that float near the middle of the canvases. I was drawn to several of the darker paintings, with less solidified forms. Each painting warranted several minutes and a few a second look. The exhibition was supposed to close on October 18, but was still on view on October 24.

Tamar Zinn at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts
"Arabesque"

Zinn's abstract canvases are evoke an ambiguous sense of space and utilize a pleasant warm palette that draws the viewer in. There is a subtle play in depth, the paintings never quite identify themselves as distant aerial view, abstracted city scape or pure non-objective painted surface. Reproduction of the works does little to entice someone to go see the paintings, as the subject matter seems less than unique, yet the physical presence of the actual paintings engages the viewer unexpectedly, it becomes obvious the artist truly knows the subject (dusty street, oasis, palace garden?). Every small bit of texture activates the space, each small mark seeming intentional and essential to the larger shapes in the composition. The paintings are rich, yet nothing is extraneous. The exhibition is on view through November 8.

Xiaoze Xie at Charles Cowles Gallery
"Acts and Scenes 2001-2007"

Xiaoze Xie has created a powerful group of exquisitely crafted paintings that depict meetings and conversations among political leaders from the time period. The paintings are based on photographs that were published by major news outlets throughout the world. The players and scenes are recognizable. The moments' intensity made more powerful through the blurred brushy edges reminiscent of some of Gerhard Richter's politically motivated representational paintings. The monochromatic cool color schemes give the images a cold hard realism that could only come from a disturbing memory. These are powerful paintings. A suite of beautiful ink wash drawings of American soldiers interacting with groups of apparently Iraqi civilians compliment the exhibition perfectly. Xie's craftsmanship again is excellent and his presentation superb. The exhibition is on view through November 8.

I hope to get a few more of my reactions to the shows up in the next few days, but I need to get to bed so I can have the energy to get some work done in my own studio after work tomorrow.

Live from New York...Its Saturday Morning!

2008-10-25T09:59:00.006-04:00

Ok, I know I'm really a bad comedian, ask my students. But anyway, the elevator is broken in my hotel and I am putting off dragging my luggage down 20 flights of stairs, so here I am.
Yesterday I walked over to the 529 building on W. 20th street in Chelsea and spent a couple of hours soaking things up, and here are some rough initial reactions to what caught my eye...

Diane Samuels at Kim Foster Gallery
"Mapping Sampsonia: Part II, Close Readings"

Diane Samuels has an intimate knowledge of the immediate area around her studio/home on Sampsonia, the inner city alley where her studio is located. The asphalt colored paper pulp castings loom over the viewer on gallery walls, forming intricate monochromatic topographical maps while small pebbles and chucks of asphalt pepper the surface. The irregular reliefs reveal themselves slowly to the viewer as it becomes understood that these are the negative casts pulled directly from the pock-marked alleyway that Samuels and many others trod every day.
The true delight that brought me back for a second look were the intricate ink drawings which mapped sections of the alley on a 1:4 scale. Each drawing is made up of over a quarter of a million small circles (yes, a quarter of a million) laid side by side, producing a mesmerizing surface on the buckled Abaca handmade paper. My words cannot do these justice. I immediately thought of Linn Meyers, partially because of the ink, partially because of the obsessive intricate repetition of a simple geometric element (Diane: circle, Linn: line), but I really don't think it is fair to compare them, other than to say, if you are drawn to one, you would enjoy the other. The exhibit is up until November 15.

Ron Janowich at Howard Scott Gallery
"Meditations"

Ron Janowich has created a series of paintings that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. The intoxicating paintings flirt with color that slowly fades in and out of the highly reflective surfaces as the rods and cones in your eye tire from staring. Slick surface is juxtaposed with texture that has been coated with a fat layer of oil (similar to my approach) to give and aquias effect. Intimate yet monolithic, these paintings buzz with energy, I almost couldn't leave the gallery. As you may be able to see (or not see) from the images, these paintings do not reproduce well, it is all about being right there with the work. (yeah, I know how that is).
This exhibit is up through November 8.

Ok - I need some breakfast and its almost time to check out and hit some more galleries. Hopefully later this weekend I will fill you in on my thoughts about the following shows:

Duston Spear at Sara Tecchia Roma New York
and
Jennifer Coates at Kinz, Tillou + Feigen

Today (saturday) and Tuesday are the last days to see the five great new paintings at the Pass Gallery in the fall group show - don't miss it.

Reviewed at the Pass Gallery...

2008-10-23T22:52:00.003-04:00

Kevin Mellema chimes in again. Read it here. I did get the chance to meet him briefly so I can no longer day he is a complete stranger- he is obviously looking forward to the spring solo show. You only have a few more days to see the show - Tuesday is it!