An Artist in the Making

I had the opportunity to volunteer at a museum on MLK day. I worked in the the arts and crafts area where we invited guest to create a legacy timeline that would be presented on a gallery wall. Using 3 x 5 cards, visitors were instructed to add something memorable either in words or picture dating from the 1990's to the future.

Many of the young people were of course thinking about the future. Many of this age group submitted cards reflecting this time period. I was amazed by one young boy's work. This young boy sat down and after listening to the instructions began to quickly draw on his card with a blue colored pencil. He drew with a lot of detail what looked like two tall structures. Later he added red lines to fill in some of the spaces.

I asked him what he was drawing and he said it was the Twin Towers in New York. I learned from his mother that he loved art and had demonstrated this by unfortunately painting his bedroom walls . After the drawing was completed the boy took a pair of scissors and began to cut the card. His mother and I were able to stop the young man from destroying his work. We taped what remained on another 3 x 5 card and it was added to the legacy timeline on the museum's wall.

This reminds me of the stories I have read about the lives of some of the great artists of the past. I wonder how much art work could have been saved if a mother had stepped in?

Visit Nella's Books and Collectibles and discover the art of reading.

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Dismantling the Past

It has been said that Ettore Sottsass, architect/designer, devoted his life and work to dismantling the past. Recently some of Sottsass' work was exhibited in New York. Sottsass' career spanned over 60 years and produced work in the fields of architecture, furniture, and industrial design, glass, ceramics, painting and photography. He spent much of his career designing landmark products.

Sottsass experimented with many artistic materials but had a great fascination with ceramics. His first ceramics were made in 1956. Although the ceramics were not popular early on some believe this was his framework for developing the radical design group, Memphis.

In the 1980’s breaking the rules began along with experimenting with the unconventional. Sottsass has been credited with being a major contributor of the postmodern design movement.

You can find some of the work of the design collective, Memphis in a Sotheby’s catalog, Memphis, La Collection Karl Lagerfeld , at Nella’s Books and Collections.

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Finding Dali

I recently read that Salvador Dali’s 1942 painting on a stage curtain was discovered at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This stage curtain was painted by Dali for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. It appears that the curtain was lost after it was transported in 1976. Surprisingly this huge oil-on-canvas painting was discovered in the storage area of the museum.


Dali of course is the Spanish Surrealist known for using realistic techniques to present hallucinatory scenes. Dali was said to have been inspired by his dreams. The artist would place a canvas beside his bed and gaze at it before sleeping. He recorded what he believed were his dreams when he woke up. I can imagine that when this work was rediscovered, many may have thought they were dreaming.

You can find books on Salvador Dali along with other art books and catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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A New Theory on Van Gogh

For many of us Vincent Van Gogh will always be a fascinating figure and a mystery. Much has been written about this sensitive and passionate artists and his self-mutilation. A recent article states that a clue has been discovered as to the reason why Van Gogh cut off his ear. This information comes from the latest discovery and publications of the new edition of Vincent Van Gogh’s letters. The letters were published this past October.

According to the article Vincent learned of his brother’s engagement to a young lady and this was probably the trigger for cutting off his ear. His devoted brother, Theo, provided friendship as well as money for years. Van Gogh may have been concerned that this would all come to an end. Van Gogh eventually discovered that his brother’s loyalty was not affected because of the engagement.

Van Gogh will always be of interest to many of us and there will probably be new theories in the future. Undoubtedly we will learn more of Van Gogh’s life through the many letters that have surfaced.

You can find books on Vincent Van Gogh, other art books and magazines at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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An Important Work--The Da Vinci Code

According to a recent survey the book, The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown was one of the most important works of the decade. This 2003 novel by Dan Brown resulted in millions of copies being sold, a movie as well and follow-up novels. Although not often thought of as great literature, it has made significant impact in the world.

Selling over 80 million copies this book has surpassed many other suspense-thrillers. The book has been translated into many languages and adapted into a major Hollywood film. The Da Vinci Code has created religious debate among many individuals. A video game was developed as well as various web-based programs. This book is probably the most imitated during the past decade.

Although there have been many big sellers during the last ten years, no other novel has had a greater commercial impact than this book. This year, everyone patiently waited for the latest follow up. The Lost Symbol sold more books on its first day than any other single book.

You can find the special illustrated edition of The Da Vinci Code along with other art books, art catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Season For Art

A survey of 20 museums across the country revealed that most museums are experiencing a rise in attendance. According to a recent article this trend holds true for institutions requiring payment as well as those that offer free admission.

I was a little surprised to learn that not only has there been an increase in attendance during hard economic times, but the museums that have benefited the most are the contemporary art museums. It appears that contemporary art is currently a hot item at auction houses as well as at museums.

One of the museums that has benefited from this increase in attendance is the Chicago Museum of Art. It’s believed the increase in visitors at this museum is due to its location, recent expansion, many choosing to stay close to home and various other reasons.

This holiday season may be a great time to visit a local or museum that is not too far away.

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Discovering Van Gogh

There has always been a great deal of interest and fascination with the life and work of master artist Vincent van Gogh. I recently had an opportunity to view a video on the behind-the-scene work being done at the Van Gogh Museum. Technical research is being done on the paintings and drawings of Vincent van Gogh.

The project begain in 2005 and seeks to find answers to how this self-taught artists acquired his knowledge. Van Gogh was known to experiment with various materials. Not only Van Gogh’s work is being studied but also his contemporaries.

The Van Gogh Museum should be congratulated for their efforts to unveil the mysteries of one of the greatest artist of all time. I find it amazing that we continue to discover new information about one of the great artist of the Post-Impressionist period.

More information on van Gogh and the research being done can be found on Art Babble.

You will find art books on Van Gogh and other artists, art catalogs, books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com