Discovering Bill Traylor

I recently had an opportunity to view some work of a talented artist, Bill Traylor.  Traylor, a Black American folk artist is mostly known for his drawings.   He created many drawings containing a variety of subject matter.    Bill Traylor was a Southern artist that created work depicting mostly the activities of animals and people.

What is fascinating about these artists is that a lot of his early work was created while he was homeless.  He began with pencil drawings and eventually moved to painting.  He did not begin his artistic career until the age 85.  The work of this self-taught artist did not become widely known until the art exhibit in 1981 of Black Folk Art in America.

If you like storytelling combined with art, you will enjoy Traylor’s work.  Most would agree that Bill Traylor’s work tells us a story.   A great deal of his work can be found in both private and public collections. 

Art and Beauty

I recently had an opportunity to view a very exciting exhibit of Islamic art.  I did not anticipate enjoying this exhibit as much as I did.  My goal is to learn about all art and to increase my knowledge of various forms of art.  I decided to take a tour of the exhibit guided by a docent at the museum.  I was pleasantly surprised.

The exhibit, Beauty and Belief, was much more than I had anticipated.  Just listening to the docent discussing some of the objects in the exhibit was an education in itself.  The exhibit featured more than 250 objects dating from the 7^th century through the present day.  The items displayed in the exhibit were taken from various public and private collections in the U.S. and around the world.  This was not an exhibit about religion.  What I learned is that there is some commonality to art and beauty in the world.

Although there was not a lot of metal or jewelry on display, there were plenty of items that interested me.  The exhibition begins with an introduction on the history and geographical background of Islamic art.  Many items included have a direct or indirect connection with nature.  Some of the objects were items used in everyday life. The ceramic pieces, the carpets and the tiles were beautiful. 

This exhibit was educational as well as inspiring.  If you have an opportunity to see the exhibit, Beauty and Belief – Crossing Bridges with the Arts of Islamic Culture, you will not be disappointed.

The Value of Auction Catalogs

I love looking at auction catalogs. Whenever I have an opportunity to read through a new catalog I am always amazed at the amount of information on art, antiques and collectibles contained in these great publications. There are probably 5 major reasons why auction catalogs are valuable. You would probably have to search several sources before you could find the information contained in these catalogues.




1. The photography is amazing. As an amateur photographer I am impressed with the work I see in these catalogs. Every fine detail is clearly represented in the photograph. It is about as close a view you can get without having it in your possession.


2. The historical data contained in many of the catalogs from the large auction houses is unmatched by any other single source. You will find detailed descriptions often with provenance.


3. The auction catalogs are great references. They can be used by collectors, hobbyist and anyone wanting an inexpensive reference for a particular item.



4. The auction catalogs are collectibles in themselves. There are catalogues that are dated in the 50’s and 60’s that are in great demand today



5. Auction catalogs are not as expensive has some reference books on some specialty items.

All in all the catalogues produced by the big auction houses are a great value and lots of fun.

So Long Magazines

I recently learned that Newsweek will no longer be printed in the future.  This is one of many periodicals that have either cut down on number of issues, number of pages/articles or stopped printing altogether in the last few years.  This weekly magazine is scheduled to stop at the end of 2012 after 80 years of publication.   There will be an online edition available starting next year.  I am sorry to see this happen.    

I was introduced to periodicals in high school when I first began to do research for reports.  I believe the first research paper I wrote for school was on cathedrals in France.  I was instructed to use everything available in books then look for more up-to-date or current information in the periodicals.  I no longer do term reports for school but I rely on the quick and easy magazine to provide me with what new and what may be making history in the future.  For me, the digital edition will not replace the paper.   I am still prefer to receive a paper copy of the daily news even though a digital copy is available.

I believe that some time in the future, paper magazines will be come popular again just as they were 80 years ago when Newsweek started.  The magazines may not reappear for educational use,  but maybe just to offer an alternative method for seeking new information.   

You can find recent and vintage magazines at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

Munch and The Great "Scream"

Edvard Munch, the great Norwegian Expressionist painter, was known for portraying extreme emotions like jealousy, fear and loneliness.  His most famous work, “The Scream,” shows fear to the extreme.  It’s amazing that when Munch first exhibited the painting, the exhibit was closed because many found the image unsettling.

Early this spring, the painting, “The Scream” by Munch sold for over $100 Million.  This was the only one of the four versions that was privately owned.  A poem is included with this version giving some insight to the artist’s inspiration.  Munch mentions in his poem “the great scream in nature.”

Over the years this work grew in popularity especially with the pop culture.  This most recognizable emotionally charged image has meant a great deal to many.   Maybe one of the reasons this piece of art work is so popular even today is because many can identify with the fear of losing one’s mind as well as a “great scream in nature.”

Goodbye Art Fairs

Fall has arrived and its time to say goodbye to the outdoor art fairs for a while. I will admit that I am sorry to see these events to come to an end.   I attended the last big art festival in my area a few weeks ago and it was great.  Art festivals, in my way of thinking, are another way to share art with the public.

Outdoor art fairs are an enjoyable and easy way for many people to come together to enjoy art.  There are plenty of art events held inside during the fall and winter months.  I don’t believe the number in attendance is anywhere close to the number that attend outdoor events.  When an art event is held outside, it seems more friendly and down to earth.  A few years ago, a local museum held a “support the arts” event in the center of town during the lunch hour.  It was not the most ideal day to have an outside event.  I believe it was February and although we did not have snow it was lightly raining and chilly.  Attendance was good.

I was amazed at the number of people who participated in this event.  Of course, it was free and there were a few performing artists as well as speakers.  It is hard to say whether this short event was popular because it was so unusual to experience the arts outdoors in the cold weather months or whether everyone was just eager for more “community” art.   

I am hoping for a similar event this year-- if for no other reason than to have all art lovers, curiosity seekers and others to come together and experience art.

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Old Art Newly Discovered

It seems that there have been several reports lately of old works of art being discovered.  I don’t doubt that these are legitimate findings but I somehow question the timing.  It seems we go for quite a bit a time and there are no discoveries.  Then all of a sudden two or three make their way to the news.    

A few weeks ago the news reported that the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science discovered a Picasso in their basement.  The painting, Seated Woman in Red, was a gift to the museum and was never displayed.   It appears it was miscataloged even though it was signed by Picasso.  The museum is planning to sell the painting.   

Recently a T.C. Steele and a Renoir painting were discovered.  The Renoir was found in a box of items purchased in an auction in Virginia.  The painting, Paysage Bords de Seine, will soon be for sale.

In the world of fake art it does seem strange that these works of art are appearing so frequently. Some experts are stating that they are the real thing and perhaps they are.

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Lalique - Jewelry Genius

One of the most admired jewelry artist in the world is Rene Lalique. Although known for his glass, his jewelry is magnificent.   His inventive designs contributed to the popularity of the decorative arts in the 1890’s.   His extraordinary jewelry, based on selecting a motif from nature, became very important to the popular Art Nouveau style.

While reading art catalog, I discovered that Lalique, unlike many other jewelry makers, spent several years studying art and later had an apprenticeship in the jeweler’s craft.  Some of the most breathtaking pieces of jewelry by Lalique involved flowers, bugs and seeds.  Lalique’s “A Bee and Flower Brooch” is a classic example of Lalique’s imagination and his influence from the French countryside.   This small detailed piece of jewelry contains abalone, gold, enamel and glass.  

Lalique’s jewelry is popular not only because of his creative designs but also he possessed a  mastery of the techniques.  It’s been said that he would accept only the highest quality in his work.  His enameling is an excellent example of the high standards that Lalique possessed.

Lalique, a very important art jeweler and Art Nouveau designer died in 1945.  There have been many great jewelry makers since Rene Lalique.  My guess is that many have borrowed something from this great genius.

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Olympic Art

I am still waiting for something big to take away from the Olympic games in London this summer.  My expectations were that the art world would be on fire in London.  That we would experience art in a brand new way.  What I would like to see is something spectacular from this event to later be placed in the art history books.

The opening presentation viewed by millions was enjoyable.  Some will view this as a great artistic theatrical presentation.   Anish Kapoors’ magnificent tall sculpture will forever be a part of the London scene.  Anna Chromy’s statute, Olympic Spirit I am told is also a great work of art.  The fact that it can only be viewed by the athletes makes it more special.    This Chromy’s statute will be eventually auctioned off and will eventually have a new home. 

I recently read that museum visitations in London in general are down (as expected) during the first week of the Olympics.  Of course the Tate Modern has continued to enjoy a nice increase in visitors with its new exhibits.  The theatres in general are doing well.   Displaying an exhibition of hats on statutes around town I thought was very humorous and inventive but not great art.

I know the closing ceremonies will be spectacular. Maybe it will be the photographs taken by various individuals that will have a lasting place in the history of art from the London Olympics. I’m hoping, once the Olympics are over, that there will be something that we can look back at and know for sure that art history was made in London during the 23 Olympics.

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Art Nouveau - Nature and Abstraction

The term Art Nouveau comes from the name of a shop that opened in Paris in 1895 according to Nikolaus Pevsner’s book, The Sources of Modern Architecture and Design.   A house designed in 1892 and build in 1893 in Brussels probably marks the period when the style transferred to architecture.  The beginning of the style of Art Nouveau is placed somewhere between the years of 1883 and 1888. 

One of the individuals associated with Art Nouveau in the early years was Arthur H. Mackmurdo.  Mackmurdo was a young wealthy architect and designer.  He wrote a book in 1883 and referred to Sir Christopher Wren’s churches in London as Art Nouveau.  The reasoning for this association is that there were certain characteristics present that are often associated with the style.  These characteristics were asymmetrical flaming shapes derived from nature.

It is believed that Mackmurdo was influenced by William Morris and others.  Morris, a craftsman and  designer, is credited with encouraging young painters and architects all over to focus on helping people in their everyday lives. 

Art Nouveau became a universal success.  There were many others early that made significant contributions to the development of Art Nouveau.  The Paris Exhibition of 1900 was a major celebration of the art style.

Russell Cowles - The Traditionalist

I had the occasion a few days ago to read an article in a old art magazine. I love reading magazines and this one was particularly insightful although it was published some time ago. As I viewed the magazine, I ran across an article on a artist that was previously unknown to me, Russell Cowles.



The article was in the 1945 issue of American Artist Magazine. The article was an interview of artist Russell Cowles by Ernest W. Watson. This article included a personal side of Cowles, examples of some of his work and his view on art.



Russell Cowles states that his work at that time embodied (1) a stronger sense of picture plane and (2) a color approach in flat masses. Cowles is quoted as saying that “When you paint in flat color areas you seek a color equivalent for modeling, achieving the necessary definition for form through line.” The article provides a color illustration, “Autumn Wind” a painting Cowles produced in 1937. Several black-and-white illustrations of paintings by Russell Cowles is also included in this lengthy article.



The author concludes that Cowels is a traditionalist when it comes to “good painting.” Russell Cowels was a traditionalist who continually tried to achieve definition of form through line. I found his work interesting. This artist’s work appeared to be anything but traditional.

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Art Festivals

I love this time of the year because it is the beginning of fair and festival period in my home town.  About this time every year, several fairs and festivals are listed in the media as must-attend events.  These festivals occur rain or shine. This is an opportunity to get outside and to see and experience something new and exciting.

Several of the art festivals in my area have been around for many years.  The most exciting for me are the street art festivals.  Last weekend we had what is considered one of the top ranked art fairs in the county.  The Talbot Street Art Fair included more than 250 artists from across the nation.  Another great thing about this festival is that admission is free.

I recently read that art festivals will be curtailed in London this year because of the 2012 Olympics.  Some believe that local festivals of all kind will not be able to compete with the sports.  It seems that the Diamond Jubilee celebrations along with the planning for the upcoming Olympics will keep many people from enjoying regular festivals in London.

Hopefully, no major occurrence will prevent fairs and festivals to appear in your area.  If you are fortunate enough to be located in an area where lots of festivals will occur, you might want add these to your calendar. 

Protecting Book Collections

A lot has been written about protecting and caring for art work but I rarely seen articles about caring for books.  I collect art and local history books and often wonder if I am taking the right steps to preserve these priceless items.

Some time ago I read the book, The Care of Fine Books, by author Jane Greenfield.  This book is a helpful guide book for those of us that are serious about caring for our collections.  Some of the  things that are mentioned are protection from light, cleaning and dusting and the shelving of books.  Proper handling of the book and making sure proper the proper climate is maintained is also mentioned.

I volunteer a large library where the books and periodicals are cared for at a very high level.  The books, magazines and journals are stored in a light and temperature controlled environment.   The humidity is also controlled.  It’s not too humid or too dry.  They use no-nonsense metal bookshelves that are sturdy and do not sag.  Special clamps are used to keep the books and other publications upright on the shelves.  There shelves are not over croweded.   It seems like every  precaution has been made to insure that the books are properly maintained.

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Although I do a lot to care for the books I treasure, I’m pretty sure there is much more I can do.  I I think most of us would like to believe that our book collections will be around for a very long time.

Sendak - More Than Children's Books

A lot has been said about Maurice Sendak due to his passing this week.   I have enjoyed reading his books for children especially the award winning book, Where the Wild Things Are.  Very few writers who are also illustrators have accomplished as much as Maurice Sendak.  What is not widely known about this artist is that his illustrations extend to more than just children’s books.

In the book, The Art of Maurice Sendak, friend and playwright, Tony Kushner writes about Sendak's life and art work.  In addition to books for children, Sendak illustrated a few CD covers and posters.   He became a stage designer in 1975.  He was subsequently worked as the designer for several stage productions.  Sendak collaborated with Carole King on an animated special for CBS, Really Rosie.  He also produced the covers for books of other writers.

Maurice Sendak was a true artist.  He was the award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books and much more. 

Artists Making History

I was fortunate to view an episode last week of the award-winning presentation, Art in the 21^st Century.  This presentation is showing on a public broadcast station.  This episode featured artists Glenn Ligon, Mary Reid Kelly and Marina Abramovic.  I found this show very interesting as well as educational.  Art in the 21st Century is part of the History series and this presentation was the Season 6 episode.

The three artists featured in this one-hour show are shown working and discussing their ideas as well as work. The presentation allows the viewers to hear the artists describe their own work and to learn why they do what they do.


Mary Reid Kelly's videos were fascinating. Marina Abramovic, the pioneer of performance art, was excellent. I enjoyed most of all the presentation of Glenn Ligon who uses paintings and sculpture to examine cultural and social identity. He makes use of text of in unusual way in his work. Ligion includes work of some of his favorite writers to portray text- based images.



This series recently premiered on public television. I am looking forward to more of these insightful presentations. I hope you have an opportunity to view the new artists making history.



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Free Art

I recently read an article that suggests that the trend today is for museums to offer free admission. It appears that many museums in the U.S. and other countries have in the last 10 years implemented a policy of free admission.

It was mentioned that the decision many times is the result of museum directors who have political ties and associations with the powerful arts lobbies.  There seems to be a fear that funding may be cut by the government if free admission is not allowed.

The good news is that attendance seems to increase in those institutions that have a free admission policy in place.  Among the top five most visited museums in the world, three offer free admission.  The museums that do charge for admission have experienced the number of visitors decrease. 

I live in a city with a large museum that has offered free admission for some time. Before this policy was in effect, free admission was offered only to members and a very few special visitors. The cost was not high before the free admission became policy. The experts are saying that free admission to museums is here to stay. I hope so. Art should be free to everyone.




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Pricey Photographs

I recently had an opportunity to view a few auction catalogs featuring photography.  I can’t help but wonder why some of these images are selling at extremely high prices and have maintained their popularity over the years.    Last fall the major auction houses offered hundreds of photographic works for sale.  It appears that the market for this art form is growing.

The prices offered for these exceptional images were amazing.   The prices for most of the photographs ranged from a few thousand dollars to nearly one hundred thousand dollars.  Many of the photographs were created some time ago.  I’m not certain but I have the feeling that some photographer’s works are being sold over and over again. For example, an individual or institution buys a photograph by Kertesz or Atget. At some time in the future puts it is placed back on the market for sale.  I would assume there is some profit from doing this.  The photography market is similar to other works of art like paintings that are highly valued purchased and later sold for profit.

We will probably never completely understand the thinking of art collectors, but I think that if  I were fortunate enought to own a Mapplethorpe gelatin silver print or one by Bruce Weber, I would want to hold on to this extraordinary art for quite some time.

Exploring Art Outdoors

Spring will soon be here and it’s time to get outdoors and discover all things related to art.  Nature does provide us with a great show during the winters and fall months, but I believe the spring and summer was made for artist.  This is the season for artists to go outside and create and be inspired.  It’s also a great time for those of us who are not artists but enjoy viewing and experiencing art as well.  This time of the year I often begin thinking about visiting new art galleries or checking out the latest exhibit at the local museum.  

Several great artists, including Monet, have created masterpieces en plein air (in the open air) while studying landscapes outside.  Monet’s oil on canvas, Terrace at Sainte- Adresse is an excellent example of the artist's relation with the outdoors.   This great scene of the Normandy coast provides the viewer with the bright bold colors of the warm season.   You don’t have to be able to paint like Monet to enjoy the outdoors this time of the year.  Just adventuring out of doors and viewing nature’s work or even the man-made structures that are often overlooked can provide a great experience.

This time of the year I usually feel inspired to take my camera out and start discovering the outside.  If you enjoy being outside and yearn to discover art, now is the perfect time.

Black History and Black Art

It’s February and once again it’s Black History Month.  In my community that means the entertainment pages of our local newspaper are filled with an abundance of programs related to African-Americans.   This month is proclaimed each year as a month to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of African Americans to our nation.  It’s a great month to celebrate history, and I am not surprised that the arts are at the top of the list of events and programs offered during this month.

I began to wonder about how Black History Month originated.  I discovered that the occasion began in 1926.  A historian suggested that the second week in February would be designated as the week to commemorate the accomplishments of African Americans.  This week happened to be the birth dates of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.  Interests grew and in 1976 it expanded into National African-American History Month.

Many museums and libraries are offering special exhibits and programs relating to African American artists.  There are opportunities to view the works of prominent local African-American artists.  This is a great month to celebrate history and art.

Art as An Investment

I recently read that the major auction houses are claiming that last year was a good year for them. Both Christie’s and Sotheby’s are claiming to have sold about 5 billion dollars in art. Investors are finding that art work is a good and safe investment in an uncertain financial market. Contemporary art is being purchased for the most part by young collectors and investors. This is a growing trend that has been noted the last few years.

It is not surprising that some of the artists who were major contributors to this year’s strong market include the pop artists:  Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol and abstract artists, Mark Rothko.  These artists who had their introduction to stardom in the early ‘60’s are once again drawing lots of attention.  These are the artists that many young investors today can identify with. 

How long art will rank high as a great investment, no one really knows.  It appears that for now if you want to get make a good and safe investment today and you can afford it, you should look to the art world.

 

Art, Love, Peace and Freedom

Yesterday I celebrated another Martin Luther King Day at the art museum. I always look forward each year to volunteering and helping out with the many activities that are presented at the museum that are free to the public.







This year I was assigned to the Art-Making area. This activity involved creating a Community Quilt. The public, old and young, were invited to select a symbol and use that symbol and other decorations to create a piece for the community quilt. Each individual was given a black square of construction paper about 21/2 inches. Additional supplies were available to make a quick and unique piece for the Quilt that was displayed on a large board in the museum. The contributions to the Community Quilt were colorful and a delight to view. Some of the most creative pieces came from the younger group of visitors.






Everyone participating in this activity was also asked to write something on another piece of construction paper to go along with their art work. They were asked to write a few words about their legacy, or about heirlooms, or anything that they felt was important. After about two hours I was able to view the work of many participants. I couldn’t help but notice that the words “Love, Peace, and Freedom” appeared frequently.






It was a good day at the museum and a great way to celebrate MLK Day because many of us were thinking about art, love, peace and freedom.






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Made By The Artist

I just recently read an article discussing two famous artists arguing whether it is correct to take credit for artwork if an assistant contributes. The article was about David Hockney questioning whether Damien’s Hirsts work could be considered his own since he uses a number of assistants to complete his pieces of work.







I believe this is very similar to major writers today who are producing books at record pace. I am not one hundred percent sure, but I suspect many of these bestselling authors are using assistants to help with the mundane part of writing a novel. I believe the main idea or subject belongs to the noted author. The author’s name alone goes on the finished work and he gets credit for producing the work. The assistants may or maynot be mentioned in the credits.






This new concept art today is very large and very tedious. I would not begin to imagine one individual artist solely completing these huge projects. Years ago there were artists who tackled major projects. Take Michelangelo, architect, sculptor, and painter of the Sistine Chapel, for example. I have read that Michelangelo refused to train apprentices and did not allow anyone to watch him work. The concept artists today are not interested in creating one great inspired piece of work. They would most likely, I regret to say, prefer to create as many works of art as possible due to monetary reasons.

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