I am an artist: Kat Templeton

1. Why are you an artist?

I am an artist because I am a creator. I chose painting as my method of expression because it magnified my creator spirit to its fullest. Everyone comes onto this earth bearing the same potential and capacity to give life to art in all forms. Everyone can affect all aspects of life with their ever growing perspective of the universe through art. Yet somehow, we become divided and sub-categorized into social types, cultural types, political etc. Due to environmental conditioning, humanity is divided in a unique way. There are creators and lost creators. Creators are people who lead others through their art forms into personal awakening, positive inspiration, and a profound awareness of the world around them. Lost creators are the individuals who have disconnected from their true potential or were never aware that they were lost to begin with. These individuals apply their creator spirit as just a secondary trade, or skill. Unaware that such greatness exists within them, most lost creators are aspiring towards one sided wealth in their lives as opposed to encompassing all, mind, body, health, and, spirit. To be an artist is to be a creator. To be a creator is to take responsibility for oneself. To share to the universe the light of your being, and to inspire others to make a legacy of their lives through the life experiences expressed from art in all forms.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell.

My concepts are always changing because I am always growing and changing as well. My work has one consistent concept, and that is where my inspiration lies. I obtain imagery from a mix of meditation and external environmental influences and sounds. The ritualistic act of my inspiration is like intensely dreaming and then awakening abruptly. As I sit up, there are still bits and pieces of vivid dialogue or imagery cascading to the back of my mind. Those small pieces that I remember greatly influence what I will create next.

3. Why do you use the medium that use?

I use acrylics to paint with because it dries so quickly. I paint with a lot of layers to build up a textural affect and mix colors so I need the fast dry time.

4. Who are your artistic influences?

My influences are H.R. Giger, Frida, Steven Hughes, Holst, Escala, and Ahn Trio.

5. What role does the feminine play in your work?

The role that femininity plays in my work is not only the divine mystery of being a woman and mother; it is the dynamic shape of the female figure that really makes my compositions work. The soft lines and curvature of the female construction to me, is the symbolic reference for the surviving existence of human life. Birth, Life, Death and the maternal connection.

6. What is the role of the artist in society and in Oregon?

The role of the artist in society and in Oregon is a vital. The artist is a leader of free thinking, fearless expression, and a communicator of the integrity of the human spirit. As creators, it is the responsibility of the artist to reveal truths without fear and to express through art, the world that is really happening around us. Artists are to inspire those who don’t believe or lack the belief in the wealth of living expressively and with out fear. Artists choose to be creators because it pains them not to be connected to their source of expression. My role as an artist /creator is to reconnect those who have been disconnected from truly feeling the greatness and vitality of a human spirit that just won’t quit living.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself doing some great things in the next five years. I see myself becoming a greater human being than I am today. I can’t wait to see what happens!

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

My ultimate goal as an artist is to keep creating regardless of monetary gain, public value, or anything else that may disconnect me from being a creator. To live in abundance when there is opposition, to never let the truths of my spirit go to waste and to be a strong influence of positivity and strength to those around me through my art.

9. What does art mean to you?

Art means L.I.F.E.: Love, Infinite, Forever, and Eternal.

I am an artist: Catherine Gellings

1. Why are you an artist?

I have found that it is God’s will for me.

Circumstances have pointed me towards art production from an early point in my life. These include parents, school events, friends and various types of curriculum. Through that engagement I have found that the arts have been a major stabilizing force for me in my life. Over the years they have become intrinsic, although they have also most likely been there from the beginning. At this point I cannot imagine my life without it. This taken into consideration, as well as the absolute truth that can be discovered through well produced art,(I will explain that more below) I am of a certain mindset now that this is a purpose of my life.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.

Truth. I really believe that if you can access the real “art” of a discipline you encounter universal Truth. That might be a funny perspective being as we are already speaking about the “arts” in general and I suppose one would not think to look for the real “art” in the “arts” in conversation, however that is how I can think to say it. I have seen in the course of my short life that if you access that “Truth” in your work, the work is capable of identifying with all ages, races and cultural perspectives. It can quite literally be a halt in your day. We resonate with it by way of a very significant knowledge inside of us that that Truth is in existence in our universe. We know it, we have seen and experienced it; sometimes we deny and ignore it, but when we see it we know it.

But in the process of a drawing or a paintings “working” it is something you must stop and listen for. Many of us just don’t listen. Besides that many of us seek to control in the midst of a lot around us that we can’t control. I have seen that this applies deeply to the creative process. Thus I have also seen that there is a lot of “bad” art out there. Or maybe we can say that it isn’t heard in its forming process or that it has been controlled?

So perhaps the results of concepts that appear in my work are the result of active listening for the Truth that is in and through it, as well as a willingness to not control and contort a work to what I think is the best desired end.

The part I love the most about this is how strongly it seems that the creative process influences our daily life styles!

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?

I use a variety of mediums and that is simply because only one can be a little boring. Also, there is too much to learn! I wonder, “Each medium is of significant value and is highly useful. Not to mention very exciting! Why limit myself to just one perspective?”

I highly favor 2-dimensional applications with my mediums, however I have an interesting perspective on painting.

I had actually never liked painting, however during one of my college semesters it was necessary for me to take a class. I began in the traditional way and plugged along, struggled around and dind’t enjoy it a whole lot. But for an assignment a few weeks into the class it became necessary to use palette knifes to apply our mediums. With that tool found painting. Ironically in this method, while paint is slathered and mixed, the process of application feels more sculptural than painted. I would encourage anyone to give that a try. It is very fun. J

4. Who are your favorite artists?

Catherine Waskow. I was very inspired by her work of the figure, but not very inspired by her personality. On another hand, I was very impressed with Andy Warhol’s thought processes about life. Not exactly his opinions, but how he rationalized and processed through his days in a story type fashion. (As is evident in his books.) He also did what he did very well. Elizabeth Vigee LeBrun. She knew what she was doing when she handled people. As a woman in her time, it was fairly difficult to do what she did, but she did it. She painted well and I was also impressed that she had a mullet. The linear qualities and color application of Robert Kushner’s work is inspirational to me.

5. Who inspires you?

People who are kind and truthful. There don’t seem to be many of them in the world and that is unfortunate. I find people with kindness and a willingness to listen, inspirational perhaps because of the safety they can produce. However what I know of their ideas, the best intentions are always within and I believe these correspond well to Truth.

6. What role does humor play in your work?

While producing the work I do, my goal is usually not to bring humor to its forefront, however my goal is rather to find that truth of the design. When that can be found I can certainly say there is quite a bit of celebration in my heart! That can bring about quite a bit of laughter and joy; I am certainly happy when that Truth is found!

So while there can be elements of humor in my work, I would have to say that it is not at the forefront, and not the major goal. However I have found at times that there is certainly a humor associated with compilations of shapes that are bulbous and full of energy. Again let me say, not “large” or “fat”, but bulbous, or circular and bouncy in their essence. There is a pleasantness about that which can bring humor. I can liken that nature to something like kittens bouncing around. It depends upon the work; I must be attentive as to whether or not I should bring that into its composition.

7. What is the role of the artist in our society? What is the role of artists in Oregon?

The role of the artist in our society is absolutely huge! Artists move our Country and State; so also I believe they are able to motivate and inspire, but more so they are able to create our reality as well as tear it apart. It is surely evident in the swing of Christmas time as we see the desires of our children – so motivated as they are through advertising and it’s psychology. Objects can become made to be so desirable via the elements of design. Strategically placed shapes and colors can do quite a bit to motivate, as I am sure many schools and office spaces are becoming aware of these days. In my own experience of figure drawing, I found personal self worth.

Knowing there is a tremendous power in the hand of an artist to move – it must be said that we must, we must, be a moralizing force. While Artists are a small and sometimes unheard and even judged group, I believe I have seen abilities within our grasp to uplift and build others through our art, far more than we might have ever been able to say with our words.

For example, in my personal experience of photographing nude figures, I have seen vulnerabilities brought out, but also I have seen individuals strengthened. In other venues, I have seen individuals made to be felt worthy of themselves and beautiful through the process of nude modeling – a type of employment that many might liken to a step above prostitution – however I have seen them built up because those models were handled appropriately by individuals who respected them far more than previous sexual partners had.

Because of this testimony in my life, I have had chance to realize the fragility of our inner workings. However through the utilization and experience of Art – a means of finding beauty in what might appear to be our mundane existence – I have seen a glimpse of the amazing beauty, strength and potential of our humanity, and it has left me hungry for more. It is in this state that I cannot deny that I feel obligation to use this wonder for good.

I feel though that I cannot express with clarity the “why we must do this” to you other than by saying that it is because I truly believe this wonder, Art, as it might be Truth, is from my God and Creator. In my belief that He himself has the best of intentions prepared for us, to build us up in love, boundaries, discernment, knowledge, justice, righteousness (that is being fiercely determined to set things right! How many people do you know like that?) wisdom and as many good things as we can own – and then wishes us to do the same for our fellows. I believe with Him it is not an impossibility, and to complete my happy circle of thought, I believe this because of my experience in the Arts.

So then I say all of this to express our role as artists? I believe we should be present and with others, and I believe we artists should be visible. I believe we should be sharing our opinions in love and graciousness, and I believe we should be influencing in ways that benefit others. I hope that I have expressed this through all the other comments in this interview. If not please write to me! Let me know what you think!

8. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

I hope to proceed onto graduate school and eventually a professorship. I hope to be sharing how wonderful Art is with the people around me!

9. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

As an artist, to be successful in any way, shape, and form I must continue to listen. I also must continue to be faithful to Truth. In my pursuit of art, I must continue to strive to understand humanity and it’s essence; but also in the opposite, I will gain perspective within the Truth perceived in the work. As with any gift, I believe it is my responsibility to use that perspective in my life, actions and words, to edify my community. Lastly I want to share it in a loud voice with everybody! Get the art out into the world!

These are my goals as an artist.

10. What does art mean to you?

“Art” to me is my purpose and my passion. It is truly a gift to me from God, and I cannot deny that in any way. The Truth is too evident. I am so close to Him in the process of making anything. For me “Art” is truly a devotional state. So then this is why I know I must use it to edify and build up the people around me. God is holding me accountable. He is building me up with it, how could I use that then to tear other people down?

But I do not forget how loving and merciful God is and knowing I am not in a state of fear for being held accountable. His love and mercy is evident to me by way of the tremendous joy and happiness I find in it.

I am an artist: Nate Orton

1. Why are you an artist?

When I was very young, my father worked graveyard shifts for a lumber mill in Idaho. While the rest of the family went to school or work, my father came home and listened to records and drew pictures while eating his “breakfast”. I poured over my father’s sketchbooks often. At the age of 6, I remember seeing a tiny rendition of Van Gogh’s version of “The Sower” my father created using oil pastels and I was mesmerized. My father never really thought of himself as an artist, he cared more about fishing with the kids, riding dirt bikes, roofing houses and things like that, but to me he was the Van Gogh of the Inland Northwest.

Academically, I was an awful student, but I did show promise in drawing and painting classes. I somehow managed to graduate high school, went to the University of Idaho to study art, and decided to move to Portland, Oregon to make art once I graduated. Making art is still the only thing that makes me feel as good as I did when I first laid eyes on my dad’s version of “The Sower”.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.

I’m constantly inspired by what I am exposed to on a daily basis. If I just finished [reading] a great novel, I want to make a drawing about an aspect of the story. If I chat with a shady character at the bus stop, I want to make a sculpture of him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m also obsessed with the aesthetics of my work and I strive to keep my concepts and techniques in a perfect marriage, but the concept behind my work is simple: I draw and sculpt the things that I see and think about.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?

I tend to get carried away in art stores and kind of nerd out on fancy art tools which never seem to help my art or my wallet. Now, I keep my mediums simple and use homemade charcoal for my drawings and glue, wire and paper for my sculptures in order to keep me on track with what I am really trying to say with my art.

4. What is the role of the figure in your work?

Since I am interested in people in society, it is natural for my work to be mostly figurative. I listen to people tell me stories, I sit in the street and draw people in my sketchbook, I eavesdrop at grocery stores and I listen to the news while making art. All of these observations are channeled into my art.

5. What is the role of the artist in our society? And in Oregon?

The role of the artist is to be somewhat of a social chameleon. Ideally, an artist should be as comfortable hanging out under a bridge with homeless people as he or she would be at a swanky cocktail party with urbanites. It sounds kind of cheesy, but I believe artists should be cultural ambassadors, silently bridging and abolishing class systems. I think musicians and writers have this ability as well. I will admit that I am frustrated with artists who either: A.) Stick to nothing but folk or street art and have nothing but resentment towards anything different, or B.) Artists who would rather die than bring up the topic of the lower class or “folk art” in a compassionate way.

The majority of Oregon artists are nestled comfortably in the safe, liberal and urban environment of Portland. I hate to say it, but oftentimes the Portland art scene feels more like a circle jerk than a constructive environment for people to discuss art. I would like to see more artists get down to the brass tacks and talk about what people are doing right or wrong with their art. I also think that many artists would benefit from stepping outside of their comfort zone and they should explore some of rural spaces outside of Portland to exhibit work, places that truly need art.

Sparsely populated places like Eastern Oregon really want and need more artists. Last year, I had an art show in a small town called La Grande, Oregon, which is not too far from the Idaho boarder. I read that this town has an unemployment rate that rivals Detroit, and that over 65% of the town voted for Bush in 04’. It might seem that this town is not a safe place for artists, wouldn’t you say? Yet, this is entirely untrue. During my show, it seemed as though people were crawling out of the forest to see my art. My friends and I had fun chatting with a lot of the residents of La Grande and I felt very supported by the community. I think many people assume that small towns do not want culture. The reality is many urban artists would thrive in some of these smaller and more conservative communities, because there is a hunger for art in a way that isn’t present in Portland. These artists would also have the opportunity to make these areas more economically and culturally vibrant.

6. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

Drawing pictures somewhere...maybe outside.

7. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

I want to make art that is better than I made the year before. I want to learn.

8. What does art mean to you?

Everything.

Website for Nate: nateorton.com

I am an artist: Louis Delegato

1. Why are you an artist?

I don’t believe in the traditional term “artist”. I think that art is anything that is expressed. I also think that it does not require conscious intent to do so therefore everybody and everything expresses itself therefore everybody and everything is an “artist”.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.

My two dimensional work is primarily a reflection of emotion though my intellectual thought processes can’t help but be expressed. Essentially I do what I feel. I transition back and forth between instinctual action and reaction to more discerning and analytical decision making. The marks made and colors used are a direct reflection of myself and my place in the environment. I often dwell on the results of my action in this context. I see what I do and identify the metaphors involved. For example, the use of a dark, decisive line versus a gentle softening of transitions implies something of myself and reality in its context.

My three dimensional work is more often an expression of my mind. It generally is representative of my intellectual theories on being. I often use the cube as a metaphor for “it”. The cube is expressed as three dimensions each with an opposite side. The sides or “aspects” as I like to refer to them as all utilize and in fact, require all others to exist. The sides are mechanically joined to the other sides providing support as well as using the support they are given. The metaphor here is the indivisible and self supporting inherency of being. Basically, “it” requires no reason but itself. Like a point in geometry, “it” is and in my sculpture I define why.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?

I tend to use mediums that best accomplish my intent. My paintings are usually about my emotion and more immediate thoughts therefore I require a medium I can apply quickly and without much consideration or preparation. My sculpture is almost the opposite in approaches. I use steel and glass for their permanence and uncompromising consistencies. They require quite a bit of premeditation and energy to manipulate. They don’t blend like paints and therefore remain separate keeping their connotations discrete. It is like creating a mathematical equation where the parts remain separate but together they make a function. The paintings are like making perfume. The parts give up a larger portion of their individuality to accomplish a expression as a group.

4. Is their a relationship between your 2-D and 3-D work? If so, elaborate.

My two dimensional work is much more a reflection of my emotions while my two dimensional work is a reflection of my mind.

5. Please tell us about your painting process.

I have a few different processes when it comes to my paintings. I always start with a blank surface. Sometimes I begin with lines, sporadic lines which form relationships I either emphasize or depreciate. Sometimes I begin with cloudy washes which create more general circumstances. I use the oil paint and graphite to push and pull at the work. Sometimes it is gentle like a romance and other times it is aggressive like a fist fight. The whole activity turns becomes an acting upon and reacting to the present circumstances. I find myself reflected in my work like an abstract mirror and I realize the lack of distinction between me and not me.

6. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Oregon?

I believe “artists” in the traditional sense are great barometers for the state of society, the individual and reality in general. Paying attention to “art” is like reading exceptionally comprehensive yet exceptionally complex data on the state of being. Oregon is circumstance, a category which can be used to cross reference the data. The metaphors perceived are as valid and real as the metaphors used.

7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

I am a Portland Trailblazer fan. I wear a hat with the logo all the time. I use it as a way to connect with other people and talk about the experience of being by using the metaphor of basketball. I use “art” the same way. I hope to support myself and my family with art sales while connecting to people.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

I want to connect to other people, reality and myself.

9. What does art mean to you?

“Art” means meaning.

Website: www.louisdelegato.com

The up and coming artist.

Lisa posted this link on our facebook page a little while back and I wanted to comment on it.

Catherine Sinclair decided that art belongs in more places than galleries, coffee shops and museum walls. While some of her motivations are economically driven, I do believe she is also trying to send a message to our dear old-fashioned art world.

In the article, "100% Sheep," author Susan Knaap claims Sinclair's most recent work was "overt and unsanctioned, installed in the pre-dawn darkness."

I like it.

According to the artist Guerilla art is cheap (as you don't have to rent a space or pay for the invites--your audience shows up without even knowing they are going to an art show) and more accessible. What struck me most was that the project and its installation were so carefully thought out and planned. Catherine only installed the work for one day and that day was the re-opening of the City Gallery (where the work was installed). She knew she'd have a larger audience. And, it seems as though most people assumed the gallery installed it. Genius.



I want to compliment this artist for her on guts and experimentation. I am a believer that the art world should never be stagnant and we should always be questioning ourselves as artists and as an art community. I think putting cute little sheep in a lawn outside a gallery is just one of the many ways to do it.

My favorite quote from the artist:

“Many people took photos. It was funny seeing well-dressed people squatting down to have their photo taken with them.”

This is one of Art is Moving's major goals. Get people who don't normally stop to view art OR make art to take a few minutes out of their day to do just that. Essentially this art was forced on its audience. They didn't seem to notice, nor did they seem to mind.

Check out the full article on TLC Xpress.

Okay, now it's your turn. What do you think of this art installation, both in concept and in aesthetics. Do you feel the art world needs to be challenged or are the current state of affairs to your liking? How can artists get more people involved in the art world?

Looking forward to your opinions.
-Lauren

I am an artist: Frankie Olivo

1. Why are you an artist?
Because I have a passion and a drive for art.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
Yes! My work has a still ness but they have lots of activity with the brush work. To me it’s about the energy behind things or the energy that makes up all things in the universe.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I mainly use acrylic because it dries fast and easy to mold to into shapes and with the gloss I can make many more illusions. Lately I’ve been exploring water colors and the lovely mess they make!


4. What role does color play in your work?
The colors are the color of energy of the emotions I paint.

5. What message (if any) would you like your viewer to walk away with after viewing your work?
Despite all we put our selves threw (emotionally and physically) there is hope as long as we still have love.

6. What is the role of the artist in our society? And in Oregon style?
Often I think we forget what our roles are as artist. We depicted what we see. That’s our role. We see things differently and we should celebrate our differences and unite in the fact we have a passion we share. Our roll here in Oregon is to show what our state and her people have shown us to the world.


7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years? If I still draw breath then I will still be painting and expressing what I see and feel.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
To own my own café/gallery to show artist that are self taught like me to the world that other wise might never been shown. And to have some hot men build a temple in honor of my work and myself! Just kidding…kinda!

9. What does art mean to you?
Words would only fail me but my paint brushes and my hands can tell you.

The ARTcart is saying just Do it!

Do you ever wonder why you just have to be an audience member at a gallery or museum?
Have you ever wanted to touch a painting in a gallery or create some of your own art and actually hang your ART next to a "famous" artists work in gallery or museum? The ARTcart is saying just do it, become an active participate in your own creative process! Have a seat and please join Lauren and Lisa, who are co-conspirators in this collaboration at their second documentation and an interactive installation of communal art making. This happening will be at the Alumni Exhibition at John F. Kennedy University, Arts and Consciousness Gallery in Berkeley. CA.
The installation is comprised of over 200 artworks that were created at the ARTcart between July and September 2009. During these three months the total ART that was created was over 1200 compositions. Also,the table and chairs are from the ARTcart. You can feel the psychic residue of many creative souls, who have connected and created on this table.


About the project

"Home is a place of comfort and protection. Art means coming together for peace and unity.”
Christopher, ARTcart participant(Houseless, Age 26)

Christopher, who is quoted joined us at the ARTcart on an ongoing basis as many neighbors in the district did. We became friends with many people. It is sad that our funding has been cut. (The great news we will be applying for grants in other cities and countries to continue the evolution of this amazing project.)

On our journey we met so many open and creative individuals, who had the courage to participate and we at the (ARTcart) became a witness to one of Arts truest ideals.

Lauren and I began this project in July 2009. During the next three months we pushed the ARTcart down the potholes that filled the sidewalks of Oakland, we were stationed on various street corners on Telegraph Av between 20th and 35th streets through the Koreatown-Northgate Community Benefit District in Oakland. Every day that we were creating with the community we felt the pulse of the street and saw the kindness and vulnerability that exists in the city. In this urban jungle we experienced the brighter side of humanity. We were also awakened to the many worlds that exist within this neighborhood. We experienced the splendor and plethora of diversity that exists in Oakland.
Through intention, Lauren and I created at the ARTcart a safe container for people to explore their creativity, to reflect and just BE for a moment in our fast paced world. Through this process we have also been witness to the struggles of folks who live in the Northgate neighborhood. Many young people who sat at our table and create are homeless and have witnessed grave acts of violence in the short lifetimes. Others are scared about upcoming state cuts and do not know how they are going to make ends meet.”

At the ARTcart, lawyers and biologists have created art alongside students, skateboarders, and persons who are homeless. We have witnessed so many amazing connections that have been made though the act of creating art together. Creating together blurs the boundaries between self and other. The ARTcart was a successful art intervention for the postmodern crisis of alienation and fragmentation in individuals that live in the urban jungles and suburbs of America. As I reflect on my experience at the ARTcart in the Korea town-Northgate neighborhood my heart opens up and I smile with the complete knowing that Lauren and I were facilitators and we were witnesses to the transformation of this small section on Telegraph Avenue through the communal act of making art.



ARTcart was an amazing success. In these shaky economic times it feels like people are really craving this experience. I love this project. It validates my entire philosophy of what art are, connection, freedom, unity, and empowerment. We should have an Art Cart on every street corner in American and the world.
We saw and we achieved the ultimate intention of the Art Cart, which was the revelation that art is a gift that is latent in everyone and that it has the ability to transform our lives as well as the potential to transform the world we live in.
Namaste, Lisa


"The time has come to give everyone in our community an opportunity to know and experience creativity as our most powerful human capacity. The time has come for all of us to discover this power beyond the realms of entertainment and decoration and investment.We must recognize how our neglect of, and disdain for, our creative capacities has contributed to many of our social problems.Together, let us rewrite our cultural dictionary and democratize our cultural hierarchies. Let us speak of a new cultural continuum, a 21st Century alliance of artists, arts organizations and an expanded array of community partners, working to build a New American Aesthetic."
-William Cleveland

Join Us! TAKE AN ART BREAK! Play, have Fun and make some art for free at the JFKU gallery!and actually pin it onto the gallery wall without the curators permission! Become part of the organic transformation! As the wall will become a living art gallery. Do not forget to sign our journal as well--we cannot wait to hear your reflections.



November 13 - December 16
Reception:Saturday, November 21, 5 - 8 pm

Berkeley Business Center, 2nd Floor
Located on the corner of Ashby and San Pablo Ave
2956 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley CA 94702
510.647.2047

For more information on the ARTcart
"Click Here"

I am an artist: Erin Please

Our first artist interview from Oregon.


1. Why are you an artist?
I've always figured I started making art because I grew up poor and art gives me one more marketable skill on my resume that is more meritocratic than learned. On the flip, I've never trusted an artist that came out of an art school.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
I like to make things I find to be aesthetically pleasant. If it doesn't look good, I'm going to paint over it.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I've never had the patience for oil paints; they take too long. Even on arid summer days, you can find me with a hair dryer over my acrylic paintings. I don't like to put too much thought into my work and I hope it shows.

4. Is your work a diary?
I've wondered if in thematics or color choice I might be memetically replicating things I may have seen before. I hope not.


5. What role does humor play in your work?
Humor plays a large role in my work. This humor is mostly based in self-degradation.

6. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Oregon?
To counter anything that will lend itself to a slick advertisement.
In Oregon... well, after spending my entire life here, I've given up on Portland. Bigger fish to fry, etc.


7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
In another city, working a job that frustrates me for eight hours a day. Painting on my days off.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
I haven't thought about that. A new question to ask myself.

9. What does art mean to you?
Untaxed secondary income.


Erin's Blog: www.erinplease.blogspot.com

Give us (and Erin) your feedback about his work and his answers. We would love to keep the dialog going.

Thoughts on our First Thursday Art Adventure.

I have to second what Lisa said about the Meridian Gallery and Sandra Lee Gallery.

I was struck by the combination of professionalism and hospitality at the Sandra Lee Gallery. All three artists were present and ready to talk about their work. They were unassuming and very gracious when we photographed them and their work and asked them some questions. It seemed as though they were open to conversation and dialog about art--which makes me happy since I think every artist should be open in that way.

Not only were the artists and gallery owner and attendants of the Sandra Lee Gallery kind and thoughtful, the gallery itself was extremely well curated and installed. None of the work took away from the other work. They seemed to be speaking to one another.

Drawing by Sandy Walker
Image from meridiangallery.org

I was attracted to Sandy Walker's work from the get-go, but feel that listening to his talk opened the work up to me even more. I was impressed with his dedication to make one work of art. He completes several drawings and woodcuts (which filedl the second and third floor of Meridian Gallery) before he begins work on a final large scale painting or ink drawing. I do not operate this way when I make work, but wonder what might happen if I did.

Meridian has a new show that opens November 12th entitled, TRANS: form/color, opening reception from 6pm-9pm. Check it out if you can.

In terms of responding to Lisa's questions about art and value, I think that it is up to us as artists to demand respect and value. Don't show your work at a gallery that does not treat visitors the way you want them to be treated. Don't sell yourself short just to get an exhibition or some gallery representation. I sometimes think we forget that there would be no art world if there were no artists. And that it is about the ART and the VIEWER and really nothing else.

I hope to keep promoting art galleries that are treating their artists, visitors and the art in a fashion I agree with.

If there is a gallery in San Francisco that you recommend we see, please let us know the name and location. It would be best if it has openings on First Thursday.

First Thursday in San Francisco- What is the value of Art?

And why are fine art galleries still so coded with elitism? And why I am so surprised when a gallery is actually warm and welcoming? At the four galleries that Lauren and I visited on First Thursday's in San Francisco we experienced both World Views. Out of the four galleries two were welcoming and the other two were snots. In this post I want to feature the two galleries Sandra Lee Gallery and Meridian Gallery that made me feel delighted and inspired to be part of the Art World.

I think I come from an interesting perspective as I have worked in the "fine art gallery world" for several years selling Picasso's and major Contemporary Artists in Chicago and San Francisco, as well as I have had my own art shown in galleries, and I have owned a gallery for sometime. I feel I can sit on many sides of the fence. I have always been confused why so many fine art consultants are so snobby. I was in there shoes, they make their money on a solid commission base. The person walking off the street is a potential sale no matter what they look like. Do they think it makes the art more valuable if they are uppity. Also on a metaphysical level, the viewer is seeking to experience the aesthetics of human society.
Why does this cold austerity still exist? Do they feel that Art is merely an object.

What is the real value of Art?

Tolstoy defined art, and not incidentally characterized its value, this way: "Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that other people are infected by these feelings and also experience them."

The value of art, then, is one with the value of empathy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetic

Also,"click here" to read an artist's philosophy about art and its function that is totally aligned with the systems theory of transformation. This is also what I to believe that art is all about. It is not just an object, but a psychic experience.


I need to repeat this for myself.

The value of art, then, is one with the value of empathy.

Last Thursday I revered in the notion that I really connected with the Art and the Artist's at the two galleries Sandra Lee Gallery and Meridian Gallery. Below is what I experienced with some insights.

At the Meridian Gallery:
We saw Concerning the Forest: The Work of Sandy Walker. Sandy was actually giving a artists talk that evening. What a humble and authentic artist!! His talk was informative and moving. He was a gentle artistic soul and I connected with each of his brushstrokes.







Click Here" to read Art Critics Kenneth Bakers review of the exhibition.
Also, Lauren and I Interviewed one of the founders of the Meridian. This gallery has a great community art reach vision! "Click Here" to see our interview.








Gallery: Sandra Lee
I love this gallery. As we entered we were greeted and when we asked to take pictures the owner Sandra Lee was like of course. Please!! And she warmly introduced us to all the artist's that were featured in the exhibition.


Artist Dong Phan, when I asked him what was the meaning of the horse in his work he said to me he was actually the horse that he was creating--each image was a self portrait. In his artist statement he says that
In my work, the horse is a symbol of human self-actualization, the cyclical nature of time, and a portrait of my inner being.

My ancestors said, “Human life is as short as the shadow of a horse, crossing by the window”. Just like the glimpse of a shadow, life is fleeting, and I see every instant as a journey. A natural traveler, the horse makes its circular journey through constant life. From moment to moment, life keeps changing, but nothing breaks the cycle of nature. Dark and light, yes and no, birth and death – there is always a balance in nature that creates continuity in the universe that we perceive as time.




Artist David Jang said ..
"The practice of artistic truth, quite often my plot, is designed to be an accumulation of mental and formal experiments. Not a copy of what exists, but a portrayal of the typicality of our contemporary society’s cast-offs in either its developed or potential form."



Wonju Shin said..
"I am interested in the process of decision making since we all face many choices everyday as human beings. I make a choice of one or the other. I make a choice and realize that it doesn’t always turn out as I expected. I run away from a choice and soon I find myself facing the same choice yet again."



What a great First Thursday I feel I really connected with these four artist's and their vision (WV) has transformed me!!

As I reflect I still am thinking about VALUE. The artist Wonju Shin said her art was very forgiving to her and the viewer. Her work gives validation to all!

What is the value of Art?
What is your value as an artist?
What is your value and how does that translate or not in your daily life?
As always comments and insights loved and greatly appreciated!

The value of art, then, is one with the value of empathy.

Jenkins Johnson Gallery SF

Jenkins Johnson Gallery SF
Originally uploaded by artismoving

One of my picks from first Thursday in San Francisco.
Artist Francesca Sundsten-Sphinx 2003

-Lisa

Moving On-Art Traveling, Oregon

Lauren and I have decided to move on! What a great month it was of dialogue and insiration. Through are artist interviews series called "I am an Artist" I really felt that we connected to the pulse of the art scene in Washington State. What a thriving art community it is. Thanks to all and remember we are looking forward to having a collaboration exhibition with all who participated in the near future.

As we move onward we will be discovering and researching Oregon states artist's and art scene. If you know of any artist's in Oregon,who are interested in being interviewed or any cool art happenings--let us know at artismoving@gmail.com.



Photo: Basil Childers


Let the journey begin. My first stop will be in Portland Oregon at this amazing art center called Disjecta.
www.willametteweek.com/photos

Disjecta Curatorial Mission

Disjecta aims to exhibit contemporary works in all media through a program that will reflect and enrich Portland's contemporary arts landscape. We believe the best way for us to do so is to offer a flexible model that, while staying true to a clear mission, reaches beyond a single curatorial eye to take advantage of the strengths and savvy our Advisory Board, guest curators and a network of like-minded organizations and individuals throughout the world. Disjecta's galleries will offer a space where collaborations and new ideas in art and exhibition may thrive.

For Disjecta website"click here"

Also"for a great article " on DISJECTA called a Long Way Home-displaced artistic powerhouse Disjecta settles into more permanent digs on the edge of working-class Kenton.
By Martha Calhoon click on the link above.

I love the cutting a edge and organic nature of Disjecta. Also, I would love to know what the word Disjecta means. Does anyone know?


Thanks as always comments and insights are appreciated and loved.