More Eyeballs on my Art

I’m delighted to share with you about three upcoming receptions where my artwork is being showcased so get ready to mark your calendar.

Closing reception at bG Gallery on Saturday, July 1 from 7pm to 9pm. I have three pieces in Spectrum-Gestalt exhibit. It’s fun; it’s a rainbow of color and the work is hung salon-style. If you missed the opening reception, join me at the closing reception. bG Gallery is located at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., #A-2, in Santa Monica, CA and this exhibit is up until July 5.

Spectrum-Gestalt, the blue section

Aftermath II was selected by juror Kassandra Voyagis, producer and director of LA Art Show and Art Palm Beach, to be included in the group exhibit, Specimen, at Gallery 825/Los Angeles Art Association. The reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 8 from 10am to 5pm. Gallery 825 is located at 825 La Cienega, West Hollywood, CA and this exhibit is up until July 28.

Aftermath II

upRooted is headed to the Brand Library & Art Center with the opening reception also scheduled for Saturday, July 8 from 7pm to 9:30pm. This year’s annual exhibition, Brand 51 Works on Paper, features 98 artworks out of over 1,200 entries from around the country selected by juror Ara Oshagan, curator of ReflectSpace Gallery in Glendale. Brand Library & Art Center is located at 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale, CA. The Brand Library & Art Center is truly a unique public library focused on visual arts and music! The architecture and gardens are stunning and not to be missed. This exhibit, Works on Paper, is up until September 1, 2023.

Notes from My Artist Residency

I had a great experience at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony. I will definitely apply to more residencies and one week was too short. I barely touched my giant roll of watercolor paper as finding wall space that could accommodate a large sheet was close to impossible. Dang it! I completed two new artworks and started a third. I met some lovely people, did a little hiking and enjoyed the sunsets.

Storytelling and how it helps us connect...

I’m very appreciative of the recent article posted online at VoyageLA. The goal at VoyageLA is to help hard-working, inspiring people tell their stories authentically and in their own words. In case you haven’t read the brief interview, visit the link.

Seeing and listening, all at once

Regarding the movie "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once," it's fascinating how different people can have such varied reactions to the same film. It's interesting to consider how our personal filters and experiences can greatly influence how we interpret and react to art. With this movie, there are two things that stand out for me – the absurd playfulness and the escape vehicle of a creative woman’s mind from the overwhelming responsibilities of daily life.

That said, I am reminded to keep an open mind and be willing to see things in a new light. At a recent visit to a museum, I asked the guard which piece of art was his favorite and his reply was the bronze Hulk, situated behind me. At first glance this is not my cup of tea, but upon further inspection, I appreciated its weight and material in a new way. Bronze is incongruous with the inflatable, comic-book hero. It plays with my psyche. I spent time looking for the flaws; there had to be something plastic on it. And then I laughed at myself.

Moral to the story (see how I’m connecting back to the headline)

Push the pause button. Take a moment to appreciate something from someone else's perspective. I’m reminded it's easy to get caught up in our own opinions and preferences. Take the time to consider other viewpoints that can broaden our understanding and appreciation of the world.

Tips, delays and a benefit reception…

A few nights ago, I woke up at 4:00 a.m. with a brilliant idea for a new body of work. And for about an hour, I tossed and turned. I visualized the gallery wall, the number of cradle boards needed, associated storage, logistics and more. Then I woke up and after a few cups of coffee with a clear head, I decided this “brilliant” idea may not be all that unique so I should get back to the work I’ve already started. This machination leads me to a few tips.

• Tip #1: Decades ago, I was working on a painting. It was about 50 percent complete. An art instructor suggested I work out the problem on paper before going any further on the canvas. This was a very good tip and saved me from numerous frustrating moments or losing some good work.

• The second-best tip I ever received is if I’m suffering, there’s probably some form of integrity missing.

• Tip #3: At the end of the day, leave something unfinished as this will provide a clear plan for the next day.

The first two tips let me release the tight grip I may have on the problem. I become a bit more flexible, resilient and playful.

Delayed Notice

There was a fantastic exhibit of Kishio Suga’s work on paper at Blum and Poe in Culver City. This show was the most comprehensive survey of his work in this medium. (It could be a little cruel to write about this exhibit after-the-fact as it came down on February 26. I confess I was distracted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Me bad.) I found his work attractive by the rectangular fields of color, shapes and materials so I still wanted to share it with you.

Rarely do I show work in progress but I’m currently working on the below painting. I think this is the first 30” x 30” cradle board of a triptych. For some reason, the gray, ashy surface is reminding me of the rubble of buildings in Ukraine. For the final painting, come back in a month or two.

Noteworthy Reception

A number of artists are gathering for a Relief Benefit Exhibition at Keystone Gallery from April 9 through April 17. The reception is April 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 338 S. Ave 16, Los Angeles.