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"
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.
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.
This week I've been playing more golf. I don't ever remember having this many consecutive beautiful, sunny days in central New York. But I have spent some time in my studio in the evenings, enjoying experimenting with various elements. Here are two preliminary sketches from the week. I'm excited to incorporate an actual vintage Christmas lightbulb into a collage. The other sketch is a bit of a departure from my typical composition style... and I like how it's progressing.
Like many golfers, when I play golf, I waggle. You may have seen this if you watch golf on television. Some golfers waggle more than others. What's the point of a golf waggle? Well, when you're a decent player, golf becomes a game of precision -- small things can affect the quality of a golf shot. So golfers will waggle, until their stance and their body feels "just right". Then they swing. I feel that in some ways, my collage efforts involve some "waggling" -- especially at the finishing stages of a piece. I was very excited to share an image on this blog back on August 14th. I had been experimenting with some elements in the studio, and really liked this potential composition...
I could be doing more art these days; but I am kind of obsessed with golf for right now. The weather in central NY has been the most beautiful stretch of weather I've ever experienced here (although we are flirting with drought conditions). But I am already anticipating (and feeling) that the fall and winter will be a tremendously productive season for collage. Although I haven't been in the studio much, when I'm down there these days, I feel like lots of good experiments (sketches) are emerging. And I'm really enjoying it (which is always helpful for creativity). Here are some experiments from last night (it's difficult to decide which I like the most)...
I spoke at a fundraiser for 4 Elements Studio (Utica, NY) last night. While I was checking out new artwork on the wall, I saw this mixed media/collage piece, entitled "Yum Yum", by the late Stella Scarano. I find this piece quite compelling for a number of reasons. First, I LOVE the color palette and the saturation (of the piece, and the framing). I also love the style. Quite unlike my own style. I have attempted to do work in this mixed media style, and I have a difficult time "making t work". I also love how "Schwitter-esque" the piece is. Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948) has always been an inspiration for me and I appreciate his "Merz" approach to collage. When I saw this piece by Stella Scarano, it felt like I was looking at a Schwitters collage. This piece is very moderately priced. I am thinking about acquiring it (but I already have SO much artwork in my house... too much to display).
