AYSK Numero Cinco

So I'm finally getting around to this...

Lots has been happening lately--for example:

1. I started my internship at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts! It's great! I could not have asked for a better experience thus far. This past week, most of my time was spent on the materials for membership to the studio program. Explaining how the studio program works would take an entire post, and despite the clerical aspects of the project, it was really great to work on something that I care about.

2. Classes started. Not too enthusiastic about any of my classes yet, but fingers crossed that they get better.

3. Fun bonding with my fellow classmates. Kelly Rae's sort-of-birthday party was last night and it was a doozy. This morning was also quite comical (for reasons I will spare sharing). Today, Professor Rubin also had us over for brunch, which was also a good time. Not a very relaxing or restful weekend but who needs those! (Oh right, the girl with the insane schedule this semester.)


So now that I have caught you all up on why I'm blog-slacking, here is the next installment of the "Artists You Should Know" series. Without further ado...

AYSK #5:

ALYSON SHOTZ

Mini-Bio: BFA at good ole RISD. MFA at University of Washington-Seattle. She doesn't have a handy Wikipedia page providing me with access to the essential tidbits of her life, so here is a nice cutesy summary of her artistic choices:

A veteran of the New York art world, Alyson Shotz is known internationally for works of art that address space, light, and perception. Her interest in environmental issues and topology—a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometric forms that remain constant despite transformation—is also evident in her artworks.

What kind of art? Sculpture bordering on industrial or architectural design.

Examples of work:

The Shape of Things, 2004 (image from 2007 Guggenheim show)
In case you're curious, this is made of cut plastic Fresnel lens sheets and staples. See Close up...

(View of original installation for The Shape of Things)

The Close up.

Mirror Fence, 2003
Made of acrylic, wood, aluminum, hardware.

Folding Space, 2004
Made of cut plastic, staples.

Allusion of Gravity, 2005
Made of clear glass beads and steel wire.

What I like most about Shotz's work is that she uses pretty standard materials and manages to create pieces that are both beautiful and reflective. It is unique and simple while also being very complex and though-provoking. I hope you feel the same about her work or that you at least are a little more enlightened as far as contemporary sculpture is concerned.

For more images and information on Alyson Shotz, visit her page with the Derek Eller Gallery.

Well I'm off to bed--early start tomorrow--yay for the commuting to the city! Goodnight!

NYSK: Women

It's been far too long since I updated. The holidays getcha every time! Oh, and my pesky 19th century art paper! But, now all those things are done and I am free to blog and do other things that usually escape my attention when there is holiday food to be eaten and obnoxious papers to finish.

So, as promised, here is my list of females that I personally know and like (both personality-wise and artistically) who you should know. And the Nobodies (again, I use this term strictly as a joke and contrast to the AYSK series--they are all Somebodies) are...

1. Kristina Sherk. I had the pleasure of attending Elon University with Kristi. We first met while working on a project called Periclean Scholars, so her artistic talents were unbeknownst to me for quite a while. BUT, after seeing her work, I can say she's got the goods. She has been out of college less than 2 years and has already taken the professional photography world by storm! Based in DC, Kristi makes a living taking headshots and shooting weddings and corporate events, but it is her editorial/artistic work that I find particularly stunning. Her website is filled with wonderful images, and I recommend checking all of it out--especially the travel photograph section! Oh, and don't forget to check out her amazing retouching skills here.

2. Meredith Robinson. Now, I don't know Meredith very well. I actually knew her work before I knew her. A number of times she has had her work displayed in the Elon Art Building and, being very fond of my Alma Mater (the art building in particular), I had perused her work while wandering the halls. After meeting her twice now--both times with varying levels of intoxication--I can say she is not only a talented artist but a pretty cool chick as well. My personal favorite is the painting entitled "Ophelia."

3. Casey Catelli. Another Elon student that I met far too late in the game. I had actually heard the name Casey Catelli through Mark, but never had the privilege of putting a face to that name until recently. I loved her work when I saw it displayed in the Elon gallery, but I did not know the amount of work she had until looking at her website and blog. Her photographs are brilliant and simple and if you sort her photos by "Most Favorites" you will see some truly tremendous images.

4. Amanda Jensen. Mixing it up a little...gotta give love to someone making something other than what those pesky intellectuals would call "Fine Art." I met Amanda at good ole Appel Farm (where there are many, many other talented artists) where she was the head of Technical Theater. Little did I know, that in her spare time she makes really great, crafty items. Scarves, reusable hot-drink-sleeves, hats, and my personal favorite--cowls, are all available for your viewing pleasure and purchase at her Etsy shop, which is easily accessible from her blog. Who said great art cannot be functional?


I have so many taleneted friends that I have to give shout-outs to Maria Mattson (painter/drawer), Antea Roberts (sculptor/ceramicist), Miranda Pare (bad-ass installation artist among other things I'm sure), Bogna Kowalska (unbelievable video artist and graphic designer), Molly Lare (too many artistic talents to name), Joanna Patterson (artist a la carte, as well) and all my other female artist friends, whose artworks are not as easily linkable. (Websites and blogs people, not Facebook albums and MySpace pages!)


And just to add something for your immediate viewing pleasure... "The Beckoning of Lovely" is an amazing video that my friend Rachel introduced our Methodologies class too during her presenation on viral/video/internet art. Please watch. It will make your day a million times better.





Well, that is all for now. Time for a grilled cheese and tomato soup to make this blustery cold day less blustery and less cold. Now is the part where I promise to post more often...

Neglectful Parent

Yet again, it has been too long between posts. Hopefully, after this semester is over I will be able to dedicate more time to this blog, art-making of my own, and general enjoyment-having. Until then, all of my time and brainpower is reserved for papers and presentations on Performance Art and Janine Antoni, Hans Sedlmayr's Theories on Art, and Baudelaire's Theories on the Constructive Imagination. If that doesn't spell G-O-O-D-T-I-M-E-S I just don't know what does!

To make up for the fact that I am many AYSK's behind, I am going to provide links to blogs/websites of some of my male friends that make art and generally rock. (Don't worry...female edition to follow!) They are out there, living in the world, and making damn sure they do what they love--and for that, I have to give them credit and praise. So here goes...a slight deviation from the usual formula...but the Artists (and People) You Should Know:


1. Mark Jay Brewin Jr. Yes, my fiance, BUT also, an incredible artist. Although he is currently getting his MFA in Creative Writing--poetry, specifically--he is very talented in many other art forms and mediums. His work focuses on found objects, memory, constructing narrative, and nostalgia. If you only have time for one work, I suggest the Woodrow Jefferson Project.

2. Andrew Spears. When I first met Mr. Spears he had a fro and orange sneakers. Now, he has a beard and dinosaur-footsie pajamas. A phenomenal artist that is constantly thinking about his next project even when serving up brews and booze in Greensboro, NC. He does not restrict himself to one medium and has created exceptional photographic, digital, and installation work. My favorite work of Spears is an installation entitled "Reaction."

3. M. Spencer Johnson. When one thinks of contemporary art--what's hip and new--one rarely thinks of ceramics/sculpture. However, this bike-enthusiast works primarily in the medium of ceramics and does a fantastic job of creating different, interesting, and beautiful pieces. He challenges those nincumpoops (that's right, I said it...nincumpoops!) that say ceramics is strictly functional and out-dated by incorporating unique elements into the materials he uses. His "Ashes to Ashes" series is a great example of this.

4. Andrew Jonathan Giles. I had the pleasure of working with Andrew at camp this past summer and he is wonderful photographer, teacher, painter, artist, and human being. Originally from Texas, he now lives and creates in Denver, CO. He has a great website of his work, and although I knew him first and foremost as a photographer--he is also a talented poet and painter. Also, did I mention he has great taste in hip-hop?


Well, here are just some of my amazingly talented friends and I hope you enjoy some or all of their work as much as I do!

So now that I have 4 male friends promoted, 4 females are up next. Feel free to bribe me if you are an artist (with a vagina) and want to be mentioned on this blog that no one reads. Haha. I actually really liked doing this so maybe this will become a weekly separate from the AYSK series. Like "NYSK"--"Nobodies You Should Know"--and once they become famous (which they will because I wrote about them) they can join the ranks of "AYSK." Or maybe I'll just call it "Friends You Should Know" --nah...NYSK is much catchier. A new weekly is born!

Let me know what you think of their work and this new idea and how it can be improved. Also, if you have any friends you think I should mention, feel free to pass their info along!

Yay Art! (Now, back to work.)