Susan Finkelstein

Good art seems to always be associated with a good story. Here's one from a fellow artist -- Susan Finkelstein -- whose work I admire (and I'm so happy to have met her over the last year or two)...

"It got its title from my dogwalking days not so long ago in Philadelphia; along one of my routes on Spring Garden Street, while I was walking Winston, one of my regulars, I came across a group of Russian workmen systematically pushing out the stained glass windows of a historic church designed by Victorian architect Frank Furness. They were in the process of converting this long-empty church into soulless drywall apartment cubes! I was in a state of shock -- WTF! I tried to communicate to one of the workers that these were valuable pieces and the owner/developer could take them out intact and sell them for much money at one of the many architectural salvage firms in Philadelphia. They conveyed the message via cell (as best they could) to The Man, who proceeded to order them to carry on. He did not care.

So... after I dropped off Winston, I garnered a cardboard box, went back to the site, and rescued as many pieces of the art glass that I could -- regardless of whether they were fairly intact or irretrievably broken. I have been using them over the years fairly judiciously, since they are such a finite resource. Coincidentally, the name of the show is "Broken" -- so it seems like kismet is at work here!"

more progress, more choices

Per usual, I've been texting back and forth with my good friend and fellow collage artist Anthony Morgan (from PA) about our collage journey. I am often exhilarated, but sometimes intimidated, by the almost limitless possibilities which collage composition affords... "trillions", as Toeny suggested. I placed the orbs in this piece last night (although haven't tacked them down yet... doing that later today). I realized that I could crop this piece, to make it a smaller composition. I think it conveys a bit of a different "vibe". I'm pretty sure I will retain the original "landscape" version, though (and I have the mat and frame for that). If I do use the longer, landscape version, I am also considering adding one more element -- perhaps another transfer -- to the lower right-hand portion of the piece (where the water flows). I'm not sure it needs another element for "balance", or not. I kind of like it "as is" now. It creates a more "open" vibe, but might seem a little sparse for some viewers. But to tell you the truth... I'm much more concerned that I am satisfied with the composition, rather than being too concerned about a "viewer". We'll see what happens. Interestingly, I also realized that this may be the last piece for 2025. Although artificial, I always find interesting, the concept of "last of one year, and the first of the new year".

transfer progress

 Still need some detail work, but this transfer turned out pretty well...

Peggy and Dan

 I met Peggy and Dan a couple years ago at The Green Onion pub (Utica, NY). They are such a nice couple! Interestingly, they used to work in Washington, DC as federal agency statisticians (right up my alley). They both like my artwork and have purchsed several pieces over the years (including two of my personal favorites). They have been inviting my to their home to see "the Specht wall" for a while. One thing or another always conflicted with the times. But this week, I was able to go. It was SUCH a nice evening of conversation (I even had a glass of red wine... a treat for me; because I typically avoid it as it sometimes gives me headaches the next day). Here's a couple shots of "the Specht wall". It such a heart-warming experience, when my artwork is appreciated the way Peg and Dan appreciate my collages.

"Pre-made"?

I purchased a piece of art at a recent auction, mostly to get the vintage frame. When I got it into my studio, I coated the "base image" and it looked great -- very rich patina on the mat, and an interesting image to which I thought I could add some elements. I was reminiscing about a previous purchase that I had made years ago, with which I did the same thing (see blog post from February 12, 2012!). I was playing with some collage additions last night in the studio, and really like the way it seems to be progressing. I am considering adding a transfer element to this piece too (I can "see" it). Of course, now this is probably the third, or fourth, or fifth project that I have "in the works". I think it's time to try to focus again, and get some pieces finished ;-)

Notice the white spot (it's a "ding" in the original... but it looks like I made it to be a star or moon for that orb. I LOVE it!)

 

Miscellaneous

 Well, I just wanted to post a bit of an update about what I have been up to this week, creatively. I taught my last collegiate class this past Friday, after a 36 year career. It was bittersweet, of course. I am looking forward to retirement and dedicating even more time to my creative outlets in collage and music. I was so happy with a surprise visit from my good friend "Goody" (from Boston) on Friday. And we had a VERY good jam session with Gabe at his studio.

In addition to that, I spent some time this week, exploring/experimenting with this LOVELY image...

auction book

 I went to an auction last weekend for the first time in a long while. I really enjoy them! But of course, I certainly don't "need" any new materials for making collages; I have enough stuff in my basement to be able to do collages for the next decade (although it's always nice grabbing a nice frame or two for cheap). I'm very excited to have gotten a book from 1855 as part of a lot of mostly throw-away books. I absolutely love the quality of the engraving in these antique books (you can feel the dimensionality of the ink on the page. And these images are simply lovely and inspiring. One of the problems with a couple that I am showing here, is that it would be very difficult to cut/isolate the strings on the harps (for example, if I want to isolate the image of these beautiful women). But I'll deal with that if/when the problem presents itself. For now, I am appreciating the beauty and quality in these images. 

Thoughtsgiving 2025!

 And another art-related activity for today... the 2025 edition of Thoughtsgiving lapel pins! Thoughtsgiving is a holiday that I made-up with two of my colleagues (Brad Emmons and Jason Denman) in 2010. Every year (almost) I have created collaged lapel pins to be distributed as part of the celebration of Thoughtsgiving. This year, I am pleased and honored to say that the pins were a collaborative effort between me and my friend and textile artist, Maisie Janda...

Art Expo 2025 at 4 Elements Studio in Utica, NY

 So excited and honored to again be included in the annual Black Friday art expo at 4 Elements Studio in Utica, NY. I have 21 pieces in the exhibit, including some brand new pieces, and some pieces from quite a while ago ("priced to sell"). So many wonderful artists from the central New York area showing their works.

"Mirage collage"

Last night, I helped a friend move a big, heavy mirror out to the side of the street for garbage. When we set it against the tree, I saw the reflected image and surroundings and knew it would make a good photograph. It came out much better than I had expected. This image looks SO much like a collage; but it's a "raw" photograph with no filter or other manipulation... like a "mirage collage". I think it's SO cool!

 

prepping for Thoughtsgiving 2025

 If you have followed this blog long enough, you might remember "Thoughtsgiving" -- a "holiday" that I created with a couple of friends from the pub, in 2010. It's the name that we gave Thanksgiving Eve. We gather at The Green Onion pub on that day and reflect on what we are thankful for. I made a tradition out of creating small collage lapel pins for the event. COVID put a damper on all of that (if you look back at Thoughtsgivings before 2020, you can see some of them). But last year, my friend Maisie made some crocheted Thoughtsgiving pins and we tried to resurrect the event. It was small, but very meaningful last year. This year, we hope to re-invigorate the tradition. And I am very excited to say that Maisie and I are going to do a collaboration on the lapel pins. Here are some of the bases for the pins, on which Maisie will be adding an embroidery element. I can't wait to share pictures of the finished pieces!

Remember to paint the edges ;-)

Still Life

My intention to focus on my artwork this weekend has paid off so far. Not only did I finish the piece that I show in the previous post, but I also finished this one. This piece was inspired by a recent call for artwork for a still life themed exhibit, to be held at Rome Arts and Community Center in January. I don't typically consider my work to be "still life", but when I read the call for this exhibit, it reminded me of an element that I knew I had in one of my piles. It was a still life, of sorts, of a bunch of Diamond walnuts from a vintage advertisement. I absolutely loved the saturation of colors that they used. So I searched for that element Friday night (and found it quickly). After I found that element, I started experimenting with other elements to use with it. I also recently acquired a couple of decorative ovals frames, and put one of them over some of the sketches I was doing with the walnut element. I think the oval frame is perfect for a still life piece -- it's kind of typical for a still life. I actually consider the frame to be one of the collage elements in this composition. One of the common questions folks ask me when I do a presentation is "How long does it take you to do one of your collages"? I couldn't possibly answer that question in general, because completion time is SO variable. But I must say, this piece came together VERY quickly -- from inception to completion in less that 48 hours!

Entitled: "Still Life with candle stick and moon 

(...and walnuts, and an orange... and some withered grapes, and a galaxy)"

 

Update and title

I finished this piece this morning. I ended-up going with kind of a hybrid placement for the flower in the upper portion of this composition. I have a working title for this piece which I actually consider part of the composition, in a way (like many of my titles). It's a three-part title... "1. It's really none of your business; 2. And you wouldn't understand, anyway; 3. Fuck off"

 

Art weekend

 Well, golf season is over. So it's time to focus on art and music. And I have "cleared my calendar" this weekend, so I can spend a sustained period of time in the studio. I have been going down at night for short stints of exploration and experimentation. Here is one sketch that I am pretty excited about. I am hoping to complete this piece over the weekend. I think I have decided to put the floral component "behind" the cavern walls. And I think (but am not sure) I am going to go with a rectangular frame... but I have the option of the weird oval frame as well. I also have an interesting idea for the title for this piece -- which I will share, once the work is completed.

Exhibition opening in Syracuse

In a world where it seems like every day brings new stress and controversy, it was such a welcome respite to be immersed in the art world for a while last night. I wish more people would experience and embrace the positive power of art and creativity, and the folks who create. The exhibit at The Atrium, in Syracuse (NY) was VERY impressive! It was nice to see so many folks out enjoying it too.