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...