Public Sculpture - Part 2

I last commented on a recent article about the insignificance of outdoor art created today. The article stated that new outdoor art is anything but exciting and revolutionary. I presented an example of new contemporary sculpture recently installed in my home town that in my opinion is pretty amazing.

The Central Library in Indianapolis recently acquired Peter Shelton’s contemporary sculpture, thinmanlittlebird. Shelton, an internationally known American artist was chosen to adorn the pedestals of the recently renovated public library. This huge sculpture is in 2 parts. Previously I discussed the thinman.

Today I would like to comment on littlebird. This sculpture is a torus and is cast and bronze and reinforced with steel. It requires the viewer to take a very close look. Perched on what appears to be a gigantic circle is a small sparrow-like bird. Littlebird rests above the pedestal on the east side of the main entrance of the building. The sculpture appears to be suspended in air.

This is exciting art work. Shelton’s risk taking art work has paid off. Although it may take a while for many to embrace this new art, I believe this landmark sculpture will become a major icon for the library and city.

You can find some very nice art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books along with magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Public Sculpture - Part 1

A recent article suggested that outdoor art serves today to divert, amuse and comfort. The article went on to suggest that contemporary outdoor art tends to offer “unobjectionable, mildly decorative or entertaining and relatively empty experiences.”

That certainly is not the case with the Central Library’s recent acquisition of Peter Shelton’s contemporary sculpture.

The newly reconstructed public library in Indianapolis added art sculpture to adorn the pedestals on its main entrance. Artist, Peter Shelton, was chosen from 60 artists from all over the world for his work entitled, thinmanlittlebird.

This sculpture is in 2 parts and is presented on 2 pedestals that sit in the front of the neoclassical building. These 2 pieces are cast and bronze and reinforced with steel. At first glance they appear unrelated. Thinman resides on the west side of the building and is almost 40 ft high and rests above a pedestal. Littlebird resides on the east side. There will be more about this piece later.

This amazing work provides the public with creative art that has never been seen before by general public. I believe Shelton’s sculpture will become a major icon for the library as well as the city.

You can find some art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Art and the President

There has been some discussion about the impact of the Obama administration on the arts. Because we have a President who is cultured, appreciates music, writes books, and surrounds himself with many artistic individuals, we are optimistic.

I believe government taking a bigger role in supporting the arts would be a good thing. Additional funding for National Endowment for the Arts would be great. Investing in art education by sending organizations in to low-income areas to introduce art,and expanding art programs in schools are a few of the things I think this new administration is capable of doing.

There are a lot of important issues being discussed in Washington today. Let’s hope no one, especially a President from Chicago, forgets about the importance of art.

You can find some art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Art on Film

In general, when I think of the visual arts, I usually think about things that hang on walls in museums or galleries. I am now gaining a better appreciation for visual art on film due to the Indianapolis International Film Festival.

There are not many theatres that show film that are experimental, international and independent by nature. The film festival hosted by the Indianapolis Museum of Art provides the public with exposure to art and artists from throughout the world. This volunteer-run festival has shown more than 500 short and feature-length productions since 2004.

The Indianapolis Museum of art hosts this film festival from July 15 to July 25. I am excited about this new way to view art and be exposed to all the creativity that is involved in the festival. I plan to expand my knowledge of the arts by attending the festival this year.


Visit Nella’s Books and Collectibles where you will find some great vintage magazine back issues along with art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Chinese Art Stimulus

I recently read an article about the Chinese art market going through tough times. It also stated that there are signs that a comeback may be near.

It appears that several galleries closed early this year. Contemporary art has particularly taken a hit. It seems that the Chinese government has intervened and a stimulus package (monetary assistance) has been provided to both Shanghai and Beijing.

I enjoy Chinese art and last fall I was able to view a great exhibition, Power and Glory, Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty. The exhibition highlighted the period of cultural vitality, political stability and economic strength. Maybe China will take a close look at their history.

You can find great art books, art exhibition catalogs, local history books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Art is Everywhere

Last weekend I took a short trip out of town and decided to fly. This was my first visit to our new airport since it opened last fall. To my delight I discovered some wonderful art work before my flight even took off.

The Indianapolis airport terminal has over 30 different pieces of art by 16 different artists scattered throughout the airport. What impressed me most were the large stained glass panels with bold striking color by British artist, Marlin Donlin, the architecture and the mosaic finishes. This is not at all what you would expect in this type of structure.

Along with the art on the walls there are some very nicely decorated floors demonstrating how artwork is integrated throughout the airport. There are of course a few sculptures outside but I did not have an opportunity to see them on this trip--maybe on my next trip.

You can find some art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Old Masters Win

It was recently reported that old master paintings sold well in a series of auctions in London. As a matter of fact, they out performed the impressionist and modern contemporary sales for the first time. This was wonderful news to me because the old master paintings are among my favorite.

It is believed that the market for the old master paintings appear to be holding up despite the economic downturn seen with other art sales. The paintings recently sold at Sotheby’s and Christie’s were from the 1500 and 1600’s. These paintings were by well known and lesser known artists.

Although I am also fond of the impressionist paintings, I can certainly see why the old master paintings remain popular. In uncertain times you will want to rely on the classics.

Nella’s Books and Collectibles is an online bookstore that specializes in art books, art catalogs and local history.


www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Magazine Comback

I recently read that the Saturday Evening Post is planning a comeback. There is some redesigning planned beginning with this year’s July/August issue. This magazine was considered one of the top publications for art and fiction.

The Post had its’ early beginnings as a newspaper and later the content changed toward entertainment and fiction. Its popularity grew over the years and it featured such artists as J. C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and others.

While the industry experts hope that this will be a publication to own, collect and read, the Post will not be ignoring all things digital. There is a web site that will have updates and a presence on social-networking sites. The site will offer art, blogs, health coverage and other content. The new redesign will include art, health, commentary by Charles Osgood, poetry by Ray Bradbury and fiction by John Hemmingway, Ernest Hemmingway's grandson.

I'm looking forward to the Saturday Evening Post comback.

You can find some great vintage magazine back issues along with art books, exhibition catalogs and local history books at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Goodbye Kodacrhome

I just read that Kodachrome is being discontinued in the near future. This makes me sad. It’s not because I am still a faithful user of the magnificent film that produced great color. I have entered the world of digital photography happily.

Kodacrhome has been around since 1935 and I discovered it in the 80’s. I was a serious amateur photographer. I took photos of everything. I paid what I thought was a ridiculous price to have the film developed into prints and slides. Today I have difficulty getting rid of the many slides I have stored away.

Just like anything that we once believed was the most important invention of our time, it becomes hard to say goodbye. The reasons for discontinuing this product make sense. There is little or no market, difficult to manufacture, environmental concerns and newer technology.

For anyone who wants to get a close look at what this film is capable of, there is an exhibit this summer at the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C., entitled Kodachrome Culture: The American Tourist in Europe.
Nella’s Books and Collectibles is an online bookstore that specializes in art books, art catalogs and local history.


www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com