Monday, August 9, 2010

New Shows, New Piece

The upcoming shows I'll be in:

Convergence NYC: Art Benefit
August 27 at 9:00am - August 29 till. 68 Lexington Avenue at 25th Street. The 69th Fighting Regiments Armory.


"Convergence-The approach toward a definite value, a definite point, a common view or opinion, or toward a fixed or equilibrium state.

This “Convergence” was established in 2009 by two people who were separated by the Atlantic, and a few countries, who had the same vision. This vision was to come together and not only raise awareness for a non-profit that helps families of the military[Operatio
nhomefront.net], but to also raise awareness of the effect Art has had and can continue to have on people’s lives. This idea was that like war, art can greatly affect people’s lives.

In the spring of 2008 a soldier was put on orders to dabble in the effects of war herself. Over a year she documented and wrote stories about how the “war” in Afghanistan was affecting the people who not only she worked with but also the people of Afghanistan. She came to a point where she found it hard to express herself through the orders. At this point she really didn’t know what to do.

Contacting her friend in the states daily impregnated an idea of greatness, a convergence if you will. Her friend had the idea that maybe; just maybe, they should try to create an art show that will change the world around them. And from that point on, that was all she could think about.

And from that one shot of an idea, “Convergence NYC” was born.

People sent art from all over the globe to present in a show that would be held in a small part of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. It gave the soldiers present in that area a moment to relieve themselves of the obvious surrounding burdens, and relax into a moment of creativity.

After seeing the response in Afghanistan, the soldier and her friend were blessed with the possibility to have this show displayed in one of the most historical places art has ever been a presence in; the 69th Infantry Regiment Armory on 68 Lexington Ave. NYC, NY.

For those who do not know, In 1913 the Association of American Painters and Sculptors put together the International Exhibition of Modern Art. This show displayed over 1,250 paintings, sculptures, and decorative works by over 300 American and European artist. Ex: Marcel Duchamp, Vincent van Gogh, Edouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, etc.…

This was one of the most groundbreaking events in American Art history.

The idea is to keep this tradition true. We want to open the Armory once again so the public can view the Art that is present all around them. From Fine artist to street artist, we want everyone to “Converge” and bring back the true Art in this world, the Art that people spend lifetimes making so that people like you can embrace, enjoy and forget where you are.

Convergence NYC is the next generation of artist coming to you from all over the world to slap you in the face with a movement that is going to Rock the Art world. There will be bands there will be Art and there will be lovers of art mingling once again in the Walls of the Armory. Come join the Market Place Gallery in August , we hope to see you there."




Mike. A Presents: A Group Exhibition at G2
Opening Reception Thursday August 19th from 7-11 pm at G2 Avenue A, New York City.


One of the new pieces I'm working on. It presented it's own problems, but I love working in this format. The circular wood panel was a bit expensive, but I was happy to have found it. 

Mid drawing.





I have a new internship starting in Soho this week. I'm going to be/am... so busy...


Here is my wall from 'No Biting' show on the closing day before the crowd. I sold half my work and some new shows from it. I don't know what is going on with the Nyack show... the communication just fell apart.





Tuesday, July 20, 2010

No Biting: Group Show NYC 22nd-23rd

This Thursday the 22nd, 'No Biting' will open at 6 p.m, on the 14th floor of 320 West 37th Street in New York City
It will be open the following day until 11 p.m. Don't miss it! It's in a lofted penthouse studio suite, with a balcony looking out onto the river and the NYC skyline. I am told there is live music and free drinks.

There will be a selection of twenty five+ artists including my dear friend Maria Ruggiano. Rustam Davletshin, an artist I graduated with, is one of the people who put this all together. This is a show by artists for artists. Some of the other artists include; Tracy Von Becker, Al Benkin, Edgar Gonzalez, and Jorge Valdes.

Here are some shots of the space.




Here are the paintings I'm finishing up.


And percentage wise, 75%, 100%, 90%, 75%. I have all tonight and tomorrow, I actually don't feel rushed, then again I've been working on and off these for a month+. I've also been amazed to see these pieces dry in about 24-40 hours. It's hot and I use a lot of medium. I changed the colors a bit on the Honey piece, she isn't going into the NYC show It needs another coat this one got too wet to keep working. The Nyack show, they keep pushing back the dates. It actually worked out so I didn't have to split the work. I think the pieces that will go into the NYC show are these three, plus the two oils from the Cornwall show, a couple of my favorite digital pieces and if room maybe a silk screen. I can't decide until I have it there and hang it which will be Thursday afternoon. Busy week ahead of me. Ah.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Peter, Painting

I've been painting away. I'd post more progress shots but the pictures come out pretty poor. Grainy, yellow, dark. I would like an SLR. I also think I need a new tablet. I spilled by water on it last night... still isn't working.


I revised the drawing of Peter for the triptych.



The sizes are all different now because I had to work with what I had (material wise). I picked these three size wood panels to hang in a particular way. I'll reveal some back story on the project when it's more complete.


And with (crappy) photos of the other pieces in progress. Both shown nearly finished. 

Thursday, June 24, 2010

80 degrees is too hot

I had my hometown opening upstate last weekend, a benefit for animal rescue groups on the East river with some pieces donated earlier this week, I have a show opening in Nyack just a few weeks. I have to go back to barrow and take better pictures of the new paintings with a tripod and lighting tools. There were 20 pieces in all. Below are just my favorites and what isn't in my portfolio.









Working title is "Secrets". The drawing and some digital color to break up the shapes. It needs some more work. A little more space after the top of her head. What I plan to do is have pieces of the drawing on paper composed on a wood panel, and sand away sections. I started doing this process with another painting and I liked the texture. I bought new brushes and medium, have to finish this and the two other in progress oils done for the show.


Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Crazy Week

Alright.
Personal affairs.
A solid week of insomnia.
I got pretty sick.
My phone died (I smashed it).
I got a new phone, a smart phone.
My computer got a virus, thank God for smart phone.
Went upstate for Memorial Day, bought 20+ frames for upcoming shows.
I had to reformat my drive.
The color profiles on my printer out of wack, I had to run to a print shop in the a.m. to print invites.
Everything should have been mailed yesterday.
News for a show in Nyack in July. (details later)

So, no new work finished. I've also got a ton of missed calls and am missing all my contacts. Things still aren't settled here in my studio, please reach me by e-mail. Especially if you've been trying to reach me. That means you mystery number.

And finally, I can get back to work. Getting all the frames done was a huge load off.
This is barely even 2 hrs into both pieces from a few days ago. Also, I received my business cards in the mail. I thought it better to hand these out like candy and save the large postcards for mailers to potential clients.




Also, I don't know why but I keep getting Asian Porn spam comments on my blog. Please stop doing that, it's very rude.


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Ah, almost forgot. You can now buy all these albums that I've worked on.

Bad Reputation

Pierre de Gaillande sings Brassens


In stores June 8th 2010
Show at the BELL HOUSE June 12th, 8:00pm

The pieces I did for this are in the book. With All Due Respect and 95%
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Toundra


"Toundra tell their stories through imaginative guitars and a rhythm beaten base. As slowly but surely, these stories explode and you're immersed in a flood of feelings that only large groups can make you feel.

(II) is a unique work and full of magic, an overwhelming and devastating evolution of a band that has found a personal sound and away from any label. A work of art that will surprise any fan of instrumental music, by its composition, strength, rhythm and sound level."

Toundra (II)