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.

 

 

The Ritz

Known for many superlative reasons The Ritz hotel in Paris is an elegant landmark. Angela had heard about the recent renovation of the hotel and wanted to grab a cocktail at it's famous Bar Hemingway--named after famed hotel regular, Oak Park native, and renowned author, Ernest Hemingway. Other famed visitors include Coco Chanel and Princess Diana. The best feature of the hotel I liked the most was a long hallway with small shops framed by wood. The hallway was adjacent to a spectacular outdoor garden parterre that was enclosed by the hotel. Bar Hemingway had wonderful bar snacks that included homemade potato chips, buttery olives, and slivered almonds. Angela and I had lots of fancy fun on a very special night at The Ritz.

My New Studio

John and I recently purchased a two bedroom condo in Oak Park and we are finally all moved in, settled, and already working on painting some walls. In addition to our own storage locker, the condo came with a work-room, which I'll be using as a studio. Having a studio was a condo wishlist option that was unexpected, but highly appreciated. I've already been a lot more productive and energized with a set space for making art, which is helping me get ready for my August exhibition Made Manifest, at the Oak Park Public Library. Stay tuned for more fancy things to come!

Bonjour, Paris!

I'm happy to report that after eleven months of practicing Rosetta Stone French that my time has not all been wasted. While in Paris recently, I was able to understand when two ladies, in two separate occasions, asked me to reach and grab some items off the top shelf while at a local super market. A modest success!

Paris is a wonderful city that when even mentioning to people that you plan on visiting, their features change and a tone of nostalgia creeps into their voice. People made recommendations for places to visit and things to do, but every trip is different, unusual, and particular for everyone separately. John and I went to Paris, our first overseas trip together to expose our senses to foreign culture, ideas, and habits. Having visited twice before, it was nice for me to have a reminder that extended European travel is enlightening and also worth all the jet lag. I loved seeing things I've seen before, but of course, it's also great trying new foods, experiencing new places, and having a sense of familiarity to city that I consider truly special. 

I think getting older I've recognized that it's nice to develop deeper insights and appreciation for complex things. I no longer pander and pine over novel trinkets like snow globes and kitschy souvenirs (not that there's anything wrong with that). For example, now I've learned to appreciate the brilliant decorative design techniques used at Versailles and also how to identify unusual cooking accoutrement at E. Dehillerin (a famous cooking store)--those kinds of things fulfill me, because they make me more curious.

Our trip was an affirmation that traveling wakes a person up from the daily hum-drum routine that can easily over take anyone. As some people remark that our world is growing smaller based on new technologies and different modes of transportation, I positively anticipate that my individual access will only increase and lead to new experiences.

I plan on spreading out all of my photos from our trip in a series of blog entries coming up. It'll help me cherish my experience in France, and hopefully inspire anyone to get-up and travel--after all this blog is a celebration for any and all things fancy.

Post by Paul Neumann - Fancy Things.