Thursday, December 31, 2020

My last piece of 2020 (which has been the worst year of my life). I have not titled this piece yet (just finished it this morning! I am SO looking forward to the new year and the creative journeys in which I will partake. Wishing everyone good health, peace and love in the coming year!




 

Friday, December 25, 2020

The Fable of Cytopisces

Here is the finished piece and a couple detail shots...




Cellular transfer

 I think I will post two posts today. I will make a "clean" post of the finished work as the next post. I would like to use this post to talk a bit about transfers. As many of you know, transfers are always a bit of a crap shoot, in terms of them turning out satisfactorily. Before I commenced with the transfers on this piece, I did a mini-experiment to determine which would potentially be best: light coating or heavy coating (as well as light heat or heavy heat). I did each of the four possibilities with an image from the same book from which I took the ultimate images. I believe light coating works best (with light and heavy heat not an issue). With that information, I was ready to apply the primary transfer image. It turned out well and I had VERY little (none) "paper ghost" (i.e., when a bit of the paper is left behind in the acrylic coating). With the primary image applied, I decided, for balance, that I would add another transfer. I was SO worried that I would end-up ruing the entire piece. The challenge was that I wanted the next transferred image to appear to be behind the leaves of the tree... but I couldn't cut the tree, because the substrate is not paper, but vintage cardboard (viz. the cheap art you can buy in K-mart). So I used tracing paper (actually, it was wax paper, because I didn't have any tracing paper), to make a line drawing of the tree outline. Of course, compounding the challenge was the necessary "working in reverse" that you have to do with transfers. Anyway, I ended up doing that TWICE... without ruining the piece! I am VERY happy with how it all turned out. But it WAS nerve-wracking!








Sunday, December 20, 2020

Premature, but...

After finishing the piece that I posted yesterday and working more on finishing-up the piece I posted before that, I was experimenting with some other elements in the studio last night
, when I created this sketch. I probably shouldn't post this yet (at all), since I'm not certain it will become a finished product. BUT, I am so excited about the saturation of the colors in this piece, and by the fact that the fish elements are such a strong match with the colors of the substrate. I realize that the composition might be somewhat cliche (i.e., fish out of context), but I really like this so far. My plan is to use a transferred image of a beautiful drawing of a diatomic organism as "the sun". But as those of you who have experience with transfers know, sometimes transfers don't "work out" (and can thus actually ruin a composition). I will need to give it my best shot and see what happens; because I suspect that if it does work, it'll look really good!

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Tentative title: "In the Garden of Currency"

 Once again, I have been enjoying my time in my studio, since the "oppression of the semester" has ended (submitted my grades yesterday). Here is a piece for which all of the added elements to the base etching came from pieces of one-dollar bills. The eye of the woman is the eye which appears above the pyramid on the bill. I was going to replace the light blue mat with another color (perhaps something to match the distressed color on the frame)... but it is kind of growing on me. Let me know what you think.



Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Emergence example

As promised, I am sharing some sketches from the past couple evenings in my studio. These photos hopefully provide some documentation about how my creative process emerges as I spend time exploring and experimenting in my creative "laboratory". As I peruse the many magazines and books I have in my studio, I come across potential elements that strike me as either interesting, beautiful or evocative. I rip out the page, or cut out the image, and it either goes "on the pile" (I have thousands of individual elements in various stacks in my studio!), or it gets coated and goes on a wire rack, or it "floats around" from tabletop to tabletop for a while. Sometimes I get to a potential element right away; sometimes the element is untouched for years. These photos show several such elements. The skull and torso/half head images were fairly recently extracted form a medical textbook (a book I was given by a fellow artist whose OB/GYN husband recently retired). The pinkish/purple element was form a science magazine (I think it's a type of pollen spore, magnified with an electron microscope?). The dark B&W photo of the buildings came from a book recently given to me by my friend Goody, from Boston. I have been experimenting with various combinations of placements with these elements (you can also see the "collage" of my studio table with other elements as well). With design considerations in mind (e.g., matching patina; depth; color complementation; linear continuation), and through a bit of trial-and-error, a working composition begins to emerge from my experimentation (from my "creative play"). Of course, then the work begins, in terms of precision cutting, final arrangement, layering of elements, and tacking down of individual elements. This particular piece is yet to be finalized, as I am considering placement of a transfer element in the center of this piece. I am a little nervous with that decision; as sometimes a transfer can be incomplete (not matter how good you are with the technique). I wouldn't want to "ruin" the piece with placement of the final image (i.e., after ALL of the prior work has been complete). I will decide soon. One of the points of this post is to convey the fact that my work is very rarely ever a result of some preconceived thought about what I want to create as a collage -- my work is most often a result of what emerges from the interplay of experimentation and evocative elements. It's almost like getting lost on a road trip, sometimes you find that some of the most enjoyable times are experienced when you get lost and come across a great "find" that wasn't planned ahead of time.






Monday, December 14, 2020

COVID update

Well, the good news is that I am alive and "well" and have managed to avoid the COVID virus thus far. My last post occurred two months ago, because I have been a bit overwhelmed with the work I had to do to manage what I think turned out being a somewhat successful semester. The school -- Utica College -- at which I teach psychology classes, did a GREAT job keeping faculty, staff and students safe (although we had 40-50 COVID cases; none of which were serious enough to require hospitalizations, because of constant testing and contact tracing). Anyway, the level of stress caused by juggling on-line and hybrid classes for close to 100 students , as well as staying healthy, was quite challenging. And I will admit, I am still grieving over the death of my sister Kathy and my "baby girl" dog Frida. In addition, one of my best friends lost both parents this summer/fall, and I lost another friend with whom I had dinner every other week (pre-COVID). Another friend of mine lost her mother to COVID; and I also found out that my graduate school advisor passed away from a brain tumor as well. Yes, so 2020 is the year that just keeps on giving <sarcasm, of course>. Too much death. In addition to that, one of my best friends and his family currently are working their way through being positive with COVID; and the guy who does my framing and his family have it as well (IT'S REAL FOLKS!). And of course, American politics has been a depressing mess. My desire to do anything creative seemed to die this fall as well (even though you might think I could find "refuge" in my creative endeavors). I have been worried about it too -- depressed really -- and that, in itself was contributing to the nadir of creativity, and the stress (a vicious cycle, as they say). BUT... more good news is... since I have completed the grading for the semester (I have just some finishing touches left), I have been down in the studio several times and feel great about exploring and creating again! I will be down there again today, of course! And I'm happy to say that I have a few sketches that might turn into finished compositions. That's a good thing -- especially now, since I am scheduled for a solo exhibit in April at 4 Elements Studio, in rica, NY!!! I only hope that COVID will be under control so that we can have an in-person exhibit. I will post some of my sketches and works in progress very soon. I hope this post finds all y'all well. Be safe, and be kind.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Update

I wanted to explain to anyone who might be concerned, why I haven't posted much recently. I started the semester and, although everything is going relatively smoothly, teaching 5 college classes during a pandemic is taking more of a mental toll on me than I had anticipated. I don't seem to have a reservoir of creative energy like I normally do. BUT, I can feel the urge start to swell, and I will soon be at it again. I am particularly buoyed by the fact that I was just notified that I will be having a solo exhibition in April-May at 4 Elements Studio in Utica, NY. I am very excited about that! So now it is imperative that I get back into my creative space. Having the golf season come to a close will also help. More to follow...soon! 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Anthony Morgan


Yet another COVID-related artwork. This collage was created by my fellow artist and dear friend Anthony Morgan; and is entitled "And the Royalty Leave the Room" (11" x 17"). Great job brother!

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Quickie pareidolia

 This piece came together the other night very quickly (although I had been experimenting with the elements for a while). I really loved the beautiful "yellow-orange" patina of the upper piece. I have been a little interested lately in mechanistic elements. Even though the composition is "busy", it consists of only two elements -- I do love minimalism in collage. As you can see, it also takes advantage of "pareidolia" -- the phenomenon by which we are prone to organize our perceptions into "faces".


Sunday, August 30, 2020

Another Tony Thompson/Steven Specht collaborative artwork

 I am SO happy to be able to work collaboratively with my friend and fellow artist Tony Thompson. His artwork is incredible, fusing graffiti-inspired painting with emotionally-charged messages of hope and love in the face of adversity. I feel honored to be able to add my collage elements to his work. We are hoping to have an entire exhibit of our individual work and collaborative work someday soon.



Sunday, August 23, 2020

Masks of our times

Another installment of COVID-19 inspired artwork, here is a series of work created by friend and fellow Central New York artist Eileen Arnold. These are watercolor painting on black multi-media paper.  

(title under image)

"Newbs Mask"
                                                                                     "Max"
                                                        "Man with Beard and Mask"
                                                                        "ytrahne"
                                                                            "Steffie"
                                                                                "Spencer"

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Another collaborative piece with the great Tony Thompson!

I'm so excited (and honored) to be working on a collaborative piece with my friend and fellow artist Tony Thompson! Here's the wonderful piece that Tony has created. I will add some collage elements that I hope will match his artistic mastery! Stay tuned...

Friday, August 7, 2020

Another COVID-related artwork

Here is another COVID-related collage that I found really interesting (and that I really like!). This is a digital collage by Sarah Madison. It harkens back to another historical era which elicited collective national fears; and is relevant to the next big pandemic concern, as some children return to school. 

Saturday, August 1, 2020

"Treatment" (i.e., mats and frames)

I love when I get my pieces matted and framed (finis!). I posted the image of this collage previously... but wanted to show it matted and framed (brushed metal frame; olive green mat with black core. The olive green mat got a little washed out in this photo). I'm so pleased with how it turned out! I also posted the other photo; because it shows the size of this piece... much bigger than my usual work (I think it's the biggest I've ever done).

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Nicolet

My latest piece, entitled, "While we were boating, Nicolet told me about her leg" (15.25 x 19 cm). I'm not sure I will use that color mat when I frame this piece (although I do like the color contrast with the piece).


Monday, July 27, 2020

More circle of art (Linnea)

My dear friend and colleague Linnea gave me a bag of 60 items for my 60th birthday last year (2019, when life was GREAT!). One of the items was a vintage "colorized" postcard of two children. Also included in the items were six "micro" canvases (I think 1" square). So this year for her birthday, I created a 3D collage which included the postcard (cut up) and 4 of the little canvases. The background is from a vintage journal from 1870s; and I framed it with a vintage frame I got at the Farmersville auction in Pennsylvania (I think). I was pleased with how it turned out, and Linnea really liked it too. 



Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Circle of art (the Marlee connection)

I'm very excited to be posting a follow-up to my most recent post! After posting Marlee's artwork on this blog and on Face Book, I got a friend request from a "Marlee". I'm very cautious about friending anyone I don't already know or who is not mutual friends with others who I know; so I simply ignored it. I also got a phone message from a friend and fellow artist (Trish) who used to live in my area but moved to Florida a couple years ago. She said that she wanted to talk with me about the art I posted (i.e., Marlee's art). I really didn't expect that the two messages were related; especially since I had requested that folks comment on Marlee's work in my FB post. Then I saw a FB post from Marlee that said, jokingly, that she was getting her 15 minutes of fame because some guy blogged about her childhood artwork. That was the stimulus for me to accept her friend request and message her. Lo and behold, SHE WAS the one who had created that art! AND she is the daughter of my artist friend Trish! I have SO many books and magazines and frames and such in my basement (I mean, A LOT). I don't know from where I got half of it -- auctions in Pennsylvania; bookstores in New York City; garage sales in Utica. As it turns out, I got Marlee's artwork from Trish when her and her husband were moving to Florida and wanting to clean out their belongings. I got some great books for collage elements and some frames from them. SO, it's all pretty cool, I think. Marlee is now a Master's level counselor with a specialty in art therapy. She agreed to let me post some of her more current work. I have also posted a collage by Trish that I bought at one of her exhibits (the clipboard is part of the piece... she did a series of these years ago). I'm so excited that all of this has come together like this!



https://youtu.be/5XNxcJkFcuA

Friday, July 17, 2020

The art of Marlee

I have posted similar posts to this one over the years. But I will post again because of my passion for the medium of collage. There's always something interesting to do in the collage studio! When I am not actively creating artwork, I thoroughly enjoy looking at one or another of my sources for collage elements -- vintage books, magazines, catalogues. Other studio tasks can end-up being interesting as well. Last night, I decided to take off the backing and the artwork, and clean the glass that was in an old frame I bought at a garage sale last year. The artwork was apparently created by a child; whose name was presumably "Marlee". I hadn't noticed how interesting the artwork was until I took a closer look last night. I played a little bit with photographing and cropping some of the elements from the overall piece. Very cool, I think. Then I got to wondering when the piece was made; how old Marlee was when she made it; in what context she made the piece; and what ever became of Marlee. I have written about this in the past with regard to some of the yearbook photos I have used in my pieces, or have simply come across in my vintage yearbooks. It's also interesting to me that I have this piece of artwork by Marlee, without knowing any of these details. So strange how things end-up in a collagist's collection of potential materials. Since I don't have much "children's art" from my own life, I have thought about framing this piece as a Basquiat-esque piece for my collection. Not sure yet. I love that my interest in collage has brought me into a world where my imagination is so stimulated -- even when I'm not involved with actual creation of art, per se






Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Anthony Morgan

I'm one of these guys who claims he has many "brothers from a different mother". I confess... I have several friends who are really like brothers to me. One of the is Anthony Morgan. He is one of the most passionate individuals I have ever met. He is also compassionate and empathetic... and works his ASS off! Anyway, he is also a very talented analog collage artist. Here's one of his latest pieces, entitled "At Times, But Still Our Country" (4.5" x 6"; framed 9" x 11").