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.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

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.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com