Sad but true February 27, 2009

I think one of the reasons why I got into art was because I liked the idea of being “deep.” In other words, I wanted people to look at my work and be like, “that girl is troubled” or, “that girl is happy.” In high school I felt like the most innovative artists were tormented souls. Take for instance, Vincent Van Gogh or Camille Claudel. Van Gogh is most famous for chopping off his hear and mailing it to his estranged lover. Claudel checked herself into an asylum because she was chronically paranoid. Her paranoia caused her to destroy almost her entire life’s work because she was afraid that her mentor, Auguste Rodin was stealing her ideas.

An artist’s mind is so complex. Some are mentally deranged, and some are so wise they even make art with words. Here are some inspirational quotes from some truely talented artists:

“Practice what you know, and it will help you make clear what you do not know.” – Vincent Van Gogh

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” – Pablo Picasso

“One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.” – Salvador Dali

“A work of art that did not begin in emotion is not art.” – Paul Cezanne

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

These men could have been writers. As for me, I’m not nearly as insightful and I definitely have not lead a troubled life. I guess it’s time for me to look past all that and just take art for what it is, something that I enjoy.

In Memory of Jerry February 26, 2009

As promised, I’ve been in touch with Leighann Hoffman, a photography student at UArts in Philly. A lot of her most recent work was done through out Philadelphia, a city she has grown to love. Leighann is from my home town, Parsippany, NJ. Her brother Jerry was one of my best friends. He passed away on October 31, 2008 due to a motorcycle accident. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about him. It’s so surreal. Whenever I go home, I still expect him to be one of the first people I see. It’s been hard on everyone who was close to him.

The thing I admire most about Leighann is her strength and courage. She returned to school to pursue her dreams and works hard at what she does. She loves her brother, and was more than happy to contribute some of her work for my blog. Thanks Leighann, and we love you Jerry.

For each photo, I asked Leighann to provide some commentary. I really don’t know much about photography, but I picked the work that was most appealing to me. She can provide some insight on why it’s appealing based on her technique and style.

This was taken in the garden at my dorms. His name is Marty Katzoff. The new kid. He was an excellent model, he knew what he was doing, I didn’t have to instruct him. This was taken for a photo class in which the project was to take photos in the manner and style of a famous photographer. i was modeling my photos after John Rankin Waddell

I really dig aerial angles. I think aerial angles give the photograph such a great perspective. I like the movement in this picture as well, because it shows action, and a focal point.

The perspective of this one is cool. just imagine being in the middle of the woods, laying down and looking up, it’s peaceful. I love the dramatic changes of lights and darks, and how it kind of looks like the trees are caving inward.

Stella! This pooch is always sitting on the stoop of her apartment with her master. Such a gorgeous dog. I love this picture because it shows how loyal and well behaved the dog is. And it shows daily life in Philadelphia. Everyone is always walking their dogs, or sitting on their porch relaxing, just taking the city in.

This is what I love about Philly, art is everywhere. Well, art is always everywhere but in comparison to Parsippany, it’s a lot more evident in Philadelphia. Just walking down the street, staring at your feet you’ll find some incredible things, and some good advice too.

Thank you so much Leighann! Your work is amazing.

2nd street galleries February 20, 2009

Finding time to get to Philly this week isn’t happening soooo … I plan on visiting these galleries very very soon:

3rd Street Gallery
58 North 2nd Street, Philly

Muse Gallery
60 North 2nd Street, Philly

Edge Gallery
72 North 2nd Street, Philly

Projects Gallery
629 North 2nd Street, Philly

Also in my adventures I will be visiting with Leighann Hoffman. She is a first year student at UArts. This past October, she lost her brother and my very close friend Jerry in a motorcycle accident. She will share with me some of her work so I can post it in his memory.

blog roll please February 20, 2009

a little bit about my blog roll…

in searching for some artsy blogs I came across some very interesting characters:

Bob of Philadelphia is a “passionate art history amateur”, very sophisticated and enthusiastic in his writing at Art Blog by Bob

Visit Art in the Age to learn about featured artists and musicians. Their blog spot has exhibition reviews and other attractions throughout Philadelphia.

Cereal Art, located on North 3rd Street in Philadelphia has a blog which has not recently been updated but is still worth while. Features interviews and articles from other publications as well as graphics and art work, Cereal Art

MyArtSpace has a number of contributors and is published by senior editor Brian Sherwin. Features collectors and artists, check it out at My Art Space

Graduates of the Tyler School of Arts created a blog with upcoming exhibitions and networking tools for former art students at Tyler Grads.

Art Emotion February 9, 2009

Growing up in North Jersey, New York has always been my city. I am constantly offended by people who think Philadelphia could even compare. But the truth of the matter is, I’ve never even really been to Philly. So who am I to judge. I’m sure it has a lot to offer, and in order to get familiar I decided to tap into one of my long lost passions.

In highschool, I was an honors art student. By my senior year I had a complete portfolio of the most beautiful work. Some where in the midst of my wrecklessness however, I completely lost sight of everything that was important to me. Now I’m a little bit older and I wish I could go back. But because we all know the past is the past, I’m willing to simply start over. Hopefully Philadelphia will rekindle my love of fine art.