Art is Home

More ARTcart via video!

The Streets of San Francisco-The Alternative

pic from www.colevalley.org/blog/?cat=11

ALTERNATIVE:
serving or used in place of another; "an alternative plan"
necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; "alternative possibilities were neutrality or war"
option: one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse"
pertaining to unconventional choices; "an alternative life style"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn


pic from whatimseeing.com

I think the fifth definition pertains to street art: pertaining to unconventional choices or maybe this one necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities.
The street art of San Francisco is glorious and vibrant and you might discover it waiting around every corner or in a dark alley. It energizes the urban jungle with nurturance and light. I am always blow away when I see an masterwork from my car on the Bay Bridge or in a dark pissy alley in the Mission. It is an alternative to the confines of art that is found on the walls of art museums like SFMOMA or the art that is looked at as an investment or as a status symbol that is found on the sales floors of the Union Square commercial galleries. Street art is free, public, and gives passer buyers a chance to get away from the rat race for a moment.

I also think this art inspires a lot of people and other artists.
It permeates the greater good of us humans. Viva aesthetics, these artists are master technicians. Many folks as I am are truly inspired by the life that is infused in this work.

We can also flip the coin and look at the other markings on street art as symbols of gang violence and oppression. That is another post. The concept of mark making is something interesting to think about.

Artist Steven Rotman has been tracking street art in SF for years. He is a San Francisco photographer who specializes in images of urban art. Under his Internet handle Funkandjazz, he has posted more than ten thousand images on the web and established himself as a true aficionado.


San Francisco's vibrant street art scene exists in areas off the city's well-worn tourist paths. The alleyways and hidden side streets of the Haight, the Tenderloin, and especially the Mission district's Clarion Alley offer unexpected treats to visitors lucky enough to stumble upon them. For more than five years, photographer Steve Rotman has obsessively documented this scene as it evolved on walls, sidewalks, billboards, fences, doors, and other public spaces. Culled from thousands of images, the result is a collection of work that attests to the artists' personal and stylistic diversity, from Mars1's robotic depictions of alternate universes which reflect the local counterculture spirit, to Neck Face's whimsically ghoulish creatures that serve as a testament to entrepreneurial hipsterdom, to Bigfoot's friendly green primates inspired by the area's rich graffiti culture. San Francisco's charm as an international destination also causes foreign artists to contribute to the street dialogue-Brazilian duo Os Gemeos, Londoner D*Face and German painter Dome have all graced the city's walls with their unique points of view. An enterprising photographer, Rotman has forged relationships with many of these often-reclusive artists, allowing him access to some of the lesser-known corners of the street art world.

Above is a review of Steve Rotman's book.
San Francisco Street Art

I found this book at an obscure book store in Japan town and that gave me inspiration for this post. It is all about cross pollination eh..



There was also a video on UTUBE. This genre is huge in S.F.

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Also, check out this article on the history that street art reveals in San Francisco.
'click here"

I think I have opened a flood gate here. The street ART in San Francisco is transcendent.

The conversation:

While doing this post I am coming full circle to the nature of VALUE and its relationship to Art. What is the value of art? How do we value art in our society. and can art be quantitative in terms of value? Subjective reality. What is the value of street art? What is the value of commercial art? What is the value of creativity and its active process?

Thoughts and evocations always welcome!

I don't know where to start....

Lisa and I have already received a great many interested Bay Area artists willing to share their art, experiences and opinions with us via blog writing and/or video interviews. I cannot wait to see what all the Bay Area artists have to say.

I'm using this month as an excuse to get out there. By "there" I mean art galleries, museums, anything and everything art. I want to see it all. I can't believe I have lived here for 5 years and have yet to visit all of the museums! That won't be the case after a few free visits during the next couple of months. I hope to get them all covered and share my experiences with you all!

The first stop I plan to make is the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco this Thursday night. It's only 5 bucks to get in after 5pm.

photo provided by asianart.org

I'm really interested in seeing the Lords of the Samurai exhibition. Having never been to the museum (I know, sad, isn't it?) I would just like to scope the whole thing out. I hear good things.

I'm feeling the same excited energy as Lisa. I want to dive deep into the art world again. I feel that there need to be some changes, but don't feel I can make them without being an active member of the community once again.

I will keep you all updated on my adventures.

Have any suggestions for us? I've already been told by a number of people to see the Control show at SOMArts Cultural Center. (It CLOSES on the 27th!)

The synopsis is:
Artwork organized around the theme of control-or lack of it, exploring the artists interpretation of all methods of control: internal, external, positive, negative, over life events & technology, empowering or dehumanizing, political correct or not.




Lisa has seen it and is going to give us her thoughts soon (I hope!).

Alright, happy art viewing and making!

--Lauren

San Francisco Bay Area Art Scene

I think everyone loses their heart in San Francisco and then searches for their soul. That's just my opinion. I love the Bay Area and it amazing landscape. I am a transplant from Chicago and I moved to the Bay Area in 1999 to follow my art dreams. The amazing thing is in SF my dreams are being realized and I actually met a man name "Freedom."

The Bay Area is magical place with a rich history of arts and culture. Were countless number of artists and visionaries have come to live and transform the world as we know it. And yes the Bay Area has its problems of gentrification and many artist have been pushed out into more affordable cities and communities. That is a looming issue and will be discussed most likely during this month.

With that said.. it is what it is. We can have many conversations and revelations about it all. The place is hub for aesthetics and in this area there are many amazing and creative individuals and communities that are seeking to challenge the current Paradigm.
As Lauren and I are both Bay Area artists we want to connect with various art scenes and artists in our Hood. This months Blog is all about our research and new discoveries--what is going on in the Bay Area Art Scene. Now and then.

I think we all tend to self enclose and forget about the greater picture around us---of likes, of new art, of art trends, of economic impact, of artists who are redefining what it all means.....


I also think it is important to think why are people drawn here.
I would also love to hear from native Bay Area folks.

I first fell in love with San Francisco in the early 90's, this is when I first began reading the work of Jack Kerouac: Road Novels 1957-1960: On the Road / The Dharma Bums / The Subterraneans / Tristessa / Lonesome Traveler / Journal Selections (Library of America)as a tormented disillusioned young artist I was searching for meaning and in my generation I could not here a voice that I resonated with. My imagination was romanced by the history of the freedom of expression and the counter culture that Kerouac wrote about.
When I first visited San Francisco I fell in love with the land and the sea. The crazy hills and breath taking views. Instantly, I felt like I was in my element. Also, I do have to admit on my first visit to San Fran I did map out the haunts of were the Beatniks use to hang. I wanted to feel the pulse of the individuals that wanted to challenge the "man" or the conditioned status quo.
Beat Down to Your Soul: What Was the Beat Generation?

I found a great article on the invention of the art scene in the 1950's while New York was becoming the capital of the Art World. It gave me insights into many artists that the mass media seemed to let fade.
'Click Here"


I could go on..... this is just the begining.
I am very excited about our this theme. There is such rich history in the Bay Area. I look forward to researching the past, present, and future in non-linear ways about the art and heart of the area.

Lets us know if you know of any amazing artists and communities in the Bay Area. Send us an e-mail or as always comments and insights are greatly loved.

* Photograph from weblo.com

Some other ARTcarts!

As a believer in there being one original idea--all ideas sprouting from that one...and that more art is better than no art, I wanted to share all of the other amazing art cart programs I have found.

The Roving Art Cart
Pittsburgh, PA
website here



This Art Cart roams around Pittsburgh, PA and is part of the Parks and Recreation Program for kids. It is only around in the summer time, but has been around for 36 years! Now that's something to live up to.

Art Cart and Art Cart EXTRA!
Madison, WI
website here



This program is also a summer program and is in its 34th year! It is organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and visits parks, playgrounds, and beaches.

I have found a great number of art carts used in hospitals for patient care. I think that is a brilliant idea!

There's Project Art in Iowa, Art a la Cart in Texas, and the Surprise!Supplies art cart in New Jersey!

I can feel the momentum behind this movement. Other amazing art advocates have paved the way for us. I can't wait until Art is Moving's ARTcart! is 35 years old! What a great accomplishment that would be...TO THE PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of Art Cart's all over the universe!

--Lauren

“Art means beauty expressed when you cannot speak.” Charnaye McNell

ARTcart Grand Opening was an amazing success. Our new official cart is fantastic. The design, aesthetics, and efficency of the cart has fit all of our needs and fullfills our vision. The neighborhood is coming to know us and we are creating a wave of transformation on Telegraph Ave. Strangers are instantly connecting and creating together through the process of art. Both Lauren and I are witness to the powerfual act of creating free art in a public space. It really facilates a sense of community and home. Thus far the response to the ARTcart has been overwhelmingly positive and has gone beyond Art is Movings expectations.


Here is what a couple of our participants were reflecting about art, life, and home. While creating at the ARTcart.
“Home is wherever I am when I stop and breathe and notice how truly interconnected I am to all of it.”

Sharon Pavelda

“Home means believing in the wellness and the newness of life.”“ Art means beauty expressed when you cannot speak.”
Charnaye McNell


“Home is wherever I am when I stop and breathe and notice how truly interconnected I am to all of it.”
Sharon Pavelda

“Art is food and drink for me. I think of it as one of the birthright and giftpack meant to nourish us all of our days."
Sharon Pavelda

“Art is the color and lines that bring an area together.” Ron Scrivani

Puppies Behind Bars

I have been doing a great deal of web browsing these last few months in preparation for the show Lisa and I curated at The Red Door Gallery and Collective.

I randomly found the organization, Puppies Behind Bars, and was so moved by what is being done for everyone involved I wanted to share it with all of you.

Basically, puppies are assigned to prisoners who are entirely responsible for caring and training them. The pups eventually become service dogs for veterans as well as explosive detection for airport and other types of security.

After watching a couple of the interviews I was so moved and glad to see some sort of rehabilitation for both prisoners and veterans I wanted to keep spreading this idea around.

If you ask any dog or other animal owner there is a bond like no other you have with a pet. Unconditional love is an amazing emotion and should be felt by everyone, no matter there past or present situation...

The Murmur of the ARTCart

Art is healing and the true way to understand your self and others"
Shannon Currier

August 7th was the ARTCart's first Oakland Art Murmur in the Koreatown-Northgate neighborhood.The Oakland Art Murmur is a group of Oakland venues that have art receptions every first Friday of the month."Click Here" to see which galleries are involved. Lauren and my's Red Door Gallery and Collective is part of the Murmur. The Murmur is a cool and raw scene which exposes great art and the Oakland hipster crowd. I hope this scene never gets tainted by commercialism. Hope..
To no suprise once again the ARTCart was an amazing success. In these shakey economic times it feels like people are really craving this experience. We set up on 23rd and Telegraph in front of the "hipster" cafe Mama Buzz. Again our mantra to each person was "what does home mean to you,"
Rhya Jovan created a very complex drawing and eloquently expressed that "home is wandering the lines that lead you to the people and places of supreme confusion and agonizing euphoria."


At around six the ARTCart was asked to move onto 23rd. Which is the street that is closed off for vendors and artists. At the next Art Murmur vendors will actually have to fill out permits and pay a fee. I hope this does not take away the charm of the Murmur, which is edgy and hip. Could this be a sign of the gentrification of this area? What would be the pros and cons of that?

Instantly, our table was full of locals, art lovers, children,and hipsters wanting to create. If we had more seats more folks would have sat down. The flow of the ARTCart was non-stop from our hours that day 4-10 p.m. Strangers sat together. Laughed and created. Everyone had a lot to say about "home": and "art."

Heres a glimpse of what this experience evoked in folks that were creating.

'Art is means expression tangible and intanglable."Rhya Jovan
'Home is where I can bring my heart, my food,and my smile." Spiridoula Politis
'Art is Life." Koi Gomez

"Home is the love of my life." John Zomobell
'Home is where you feel a a sense of community." Tuere Anderson







'Home is a place where I feel comfortable amng people, that care about me--and I intern love." Liz Pasek-Allen
"Home is a place I go when I feel like I can't be anywhere." Geoff
"Home is sanctuary." Buster






I love this gig. It validates my entire philosophy of what art is! Connection, freedom, unity, and empowerment. We should have an ArtCart on every street corner in American and the world.
Please join us next Friday for our unvieling of the real 'ARTCart."




All comments are welcome and valued!!

Our very first ARTcart video!

Wanted to share Art is Moving's experience thus far with our amazing ARTcart project!

Comments welcome!

Come and join the conversation--Fridays in Oakland. We will be at the Art Murmur between 23rd and 26th street from 4pm until 10pm THIS Friday (August 7th)

Thank you everyone for the support. We really appreciate it. It keeps us motivated!

--Lauren

Art Cart Schedule

Hey Everyone!

Lisa and I have some great momentum growing for our ARTcart project.

I wanted to post our schedule for the next couple of weeks so that anyone who is interested in contributing to this wonderful project can come and find us on the streets of Oakland.

August 2009

7th -- Oakland Art Murmur 26th Street and Telegraph (4pm-10pm)
14th -- 30th to 35th streets on Telegraph (12pm - 6pm)
21st -- 25th to 30th streets on Telegraph (12pm - 6pm)
23rd -- TBD
28th -- 20th to 25th streets on Telegraph (12pm - 6pm)
30th -- TBD

September 2009

4th -- Oakland Art Murmur 26th street and Telegraph (4pm-10pm)
6th -- TBD
11th -- 30th to 35th streets on Telegraph (12pm-6pm)
13th -- TBD
18th -- Between 20th to 35th streets on Telegraph (Moving until we find some who wants to make art!)
19th -- Koreatown-Northgate Festival (26th Street and Telegraph) Come and see all the amazing art that has been made!