In Progress (new work)

Very recently I've had a rush of creative energy and I've been working in my studio more frequently. It feels great to 'get back to  work' so to speak and draw, paint, and expand upon ideas and themes I've been thinking about for a while. I am definitely still interested in using found and historical imagery within my pieces. Below are a few snapshots of what I've been working on. 

Also, if you're interested in getting to learn about my personal approach to creating art, I've been sending out monthly newsletters that explain my artistic interests and activities. Please feel free to sign up.

 

 

Expo Chicago

Several weeks ago I was invited to attend Expo Chicago, which was a large contemporary art fair that was held at Chicago's Navy Pier. My friend and colleague Jenna got tickets to the fair and I was able to see the fair her and John. The fair included a lot of international artists and featured some really interesting artworks. I hope to make it to the fair next September.

Kerry James Marshall

Mastry by contemporary artist Kerry James Marshall was an outstanding solo exhibition that closed at the end of September. Marshall is a masterful and interesting painter and artist. He offers commentary on the privilege and history of formal museum exhibitions and gallery hangings. In a water-downed nutshell, he is described as reinterpreting western art history using African-American figures in traditional painting styles and position. However, his signature iconographic markers extend his art historical references into an artistic voice of his own. Some of Marshall's techniques include linear halos that evoke medieval saints and virgins, distorting illusion using trompe l'oeil, the positions of figures in specific foreground placement, as well as other techniques. Overall, I thought the exhibition was breathtaking and remarkable. I, of course, loved his use of glitter to hyperbolize certain emotions and ideas. Marshall is gaining more and more attention and due credit for his wonderful career and I hope he will continue to have a successful reception in the future.