some background options

These photos are a bit dark as they were taken last night in my studio (I usually like to take the photos with natural, diffuse daylight). I am compelled by this imagery of Philippe Petit walking on a tightrope between The World Trade Towers with the artistic addition of the rose and the yearbook photo. I decided to try different backgrounds to see how it would change the presentation. Still some work to do, but this may end up as a finished piece soon.

Friend and fellow artist Tom Nettle

I've known Tom for about 35 years now. We've both been through a lot in our lives and I am SO grateful to have made the journey thus far with him. Tom is a great friend! He's intelligent, funny, contemplative and wise. Over the past 5 or six years, we've been exploring the creative process of art. Tom's painting has evolved quite impressively. Here is a piece that he created for his Step-son Jon and his newly wed wife Lindsay. I absolutely love the piece and find the tripartite nature of it fascinating (btw, the right side of the piece is a detail of a seashell... and it's beautiful). Congrats Tom (and Debby and Jon and Lindsay)! Enjoy!

It's here!!!

After years of collaging and months of organizing and layout, my collage book arrived today! Very happy!!!

Elemental credit?

I am assuming that many collagists begin their compositions like I do... searching through books and magazines for interesting images. These images become the elements which make up the resulting composition. I consider collaging to be somewhat like science in that my artwork builds upon the excellent artwork of others. I suppose one of the big differences is that in science, there is a formal structure for which to give others credit (i.e., by means of appropriate citations within scientific text). It's  more difficult to "give credit where credit is due" in collage and in art in general. BUT for me, the work of others is definitely never taken for granted or unappreciated. I hope that my collage work, in a way, "memorializes" some of the images of others which might otherwise remain in some dusty tome somewhere and rarely if ever seen (or worse yet, in the proverbial dumpster). With this being said, I thought I would once again share some of the elements with which I am currently working. In particular, I want to share this absolutely beautiful image before I creatively alter it. It may be difficult to see, but I have already shown you here one of the ways I am contemplating my alterations (notice on the lower corners I have added some "star scape" elements). Nothing is tacked down yet, so all this may change. BTW, the legs struck me, not only because it is an unusual image, but because of the strong direction of the light. Stay tuned!

THANK YOU!

I started this blog four years ago as a way to share my collage work and the artwork of others. I also wanted to share with anyone who was interested some of the processes that I go through when I create my work. I have really enjoyed doing these things (and sometimes wish I was posting more and perhaps posting more interesting writing)! Within the last couple days, this blog has surpassed the 25,000 hits mark. I am humbled and grateful that folks are finding it interesting enough to check out. I want to thank all of you for your interest! It is encouraging for me. I look forward to continuing the journey. Thank you!

"Jumping to Conclusions" (9.5" x 9.5"/17" x 17" framed)

Here's the finished product! I am donating this piece for the Sculpture Space CHAIRity auction on Saturday, September 28th. Sculpture Space, Inc. is located in Utica, NY and is an internationally known sculpture residency program. I have recently been re-elected to the Board of Directors. What a wonderful group of people!

elements and piece

Well... I don't have much to say about this, that the images don't convey themselves...

J. D. King's exhibit "Pretty Poison"

My friend and fellow artist, J. D. King has created illustrations for The New York Times, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal and numerous other publications. His work is vibrant, thought-provoking and crisp. Influenced by Pop, Op and collage art, his visual language is powerful. His work is currently on display at The Edith Barrett Art Gallery at Utica College through October. If you are in the central New York area, it's worth the trip to check it out. AND by the way, J. D. and I will be part of a 4-person exhibit at Kirkland Art Center in Clinton, New York beginning on November 7th (more details to follow).

My show at The Dev

The Dev is a pub in downtown Utica (NY) which recently re-opened. In year past it was called The Devereaux (located on Devereaux St.) and it was one of my favorite haunts when I was a college and graduate student. They were known for great live music and a hip clientele. They still have great live music and they now also offer great sandwiches and a "featured artist" every month. I was excited when they asked me to show my work there. It was almost like a homecoming for me (although never in a million years when I was getting my Ph.D. in psychobiology did I think that I would be showing my artwork there... or anywhere). The opening reception for the show was last Wednesday at it went very well. I was pleased with how the show was hung and lots of family, friends, colleagues, present and former students and other hipsters showed up. A great time was had by all!

"Little Debby"

I need to get a better photo of this piece, but I am going to post it now anyway. I absolutely love old book covers with their marbled paper interiors. The colors are so saturated. I thought the grays of a black and white image along with the "lunar accent" would contrast well with the colors of the marbling. I will float this piece with a neutral beige illustration board underneath. This piece will be shown at my exhibit at The Dev (on Deveraux St. in downtown Utica this month). For anyone reading this in the central New York area, the opening reception will be on Wednesday! Photos to follow.