New Mexico here we come!

February was a great month on AIM. Thanks Arizona artists your artist interviews were amazing!
In March, Lauren and I must ramble on to our next virtual Art stop--which is in New Mexico.

Of course like most people, when I think of New Mexico, the great 20th century artist Georgia O'Keeff comes to mind. Her art and persona have inspired me through out my formative years as a female artist. Her museum looks amazing! "click here" to check it out.
I am looking forward to exploring the breadth of New Mexico's art scene. Also,Lauren and I will continue our artist interviews series
" I am artist". I love this series each artist's philosophy and reflection is so rich with the meaning of art and its power to transform the individual and the world that we live in.

I look forward to hearing the cadence of New Mexico's artists and art scene!

Also, in tandum with our exploration of New Mexico, Lauren and my research project will expand from Art blogs into the Blogs of individuals artists.

If you know of any artists in New Mexico please lets us know.
Also, if you know of any killer artist blogs send them our way. Artismoving@gmail.com

Thanks and Namaste, Lisa



Image above from flowerslovers.blogsome.com/.../

I am an Artist: Gui Saraiva

1. Why are you an artist?

I don't really see myself as an artist, I just think I have my own way of seeing things and really like to share my world with others.

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

Concept... I really enjoy shooting people, catching that moment or look that others may not see. I like natural lighting but have really enjoyed doing studio work lately

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

I think anyone can take a decent photograph, especially with DSLR's being so inexpensive these days, but it all comes down to catching that perfect light, or being able to manipulate it exactly the way you envisioned it.

4. What is the inspiration behind your work?

I really take my inspiration from other artists, not just photographers. if i like something I see, I try to see if i can replicate it, not the exact same thing they did, but put my own twist on it, make it my own.

5. How do you choose your subject matter?

That's a tricky one, when i do my own personal work, i usually will think about it all day long with not very much luck, then i'll either sit down to watch tv or play with my kids and the idea will just come to me, most of the time it has nothing to do with what i am doing at that time.

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

art will always evolve, but it will never die... i believe artists today are inspiring future artists. arizona is a beautiful place to shoot, it's very easy to get the same "desert" shot that everyone sees so i think it's important for others to see different sides of arizona. i have grass in my yard believe it or not.

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

in five years i see myself still trying to get the perfect shot, no matter how impossible it may seem.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

goals, i guess i could say make millions and live off of my art, but really it will just be cool to look back and see my own personal growth over the years.

9. What does art mean to you?

art is a way for people to do something they wouldn't normally do... I'm by no means an extremely outgoing person, but once i have that camera in hand and my gear out, i'll talk to anyone and everyone that will take the time to listen to what i have to say.

I am an Artist: Lisa Brus

1. Why are you an artist?

I am an artist because I truly love being creative and creating something beautiful. I enjoy connecting with the people who wear my jewelry and love that it makes them feel beautiful and connected to the earth.

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

There is no particular concept behind my work as a whole. Sometimes a particular piece might have a concept. Each piece is a one of a kind creation and I let the piece take me in whatever direction it chooses as I create each one.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
My love of jewelry and gemstones goes back to when I was a little girl. My grandmother truly loved jewelry and it was a real treat for me to visit her house and go through all her boxes of shiny jewelry. She mostly had costume jewelry, but I loved it and it was a tradition for us to do this every time I visited her. I have been in the retail end of the jewelry business and found that creating and selling my own work was much more rewarding to me than selling cookie cutter jewelry. I'm still learning and growing as an artist and love working with beads and gems.

4. Take us through your process for working.

I usually find a piece that inspires me, whether it be a stone, a pendant or a string of beads. I am drawn to a particular piece for some reason. From that initial piece, I then expand the work. I match the beads to the pendant to the clasp and then I put it all together. What I end up with sometimes is completely different than what I set out to make. Once I begin working on the piece, it just flows and I know intuitively when it is "right" and I have found the magic formula for a beautiful piece.

5. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Arizona?

I think the role of the artist in our society is to expand the universe with creativity and passion that can sometimes be lacking in our everyday world. If we can get the individual to see and feel the beauty in our creations, then perhaps we can make their life a bit better whenever they wear, see or enjoy our particular piece of art.

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

I hope to have my own shop in Scottsdale complete with works from other amazing artists that I have come to know over the past few years.

7. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

My ultimate goals as an artist are to keep creating, learning and growing and hopefully to keep enjoying what I am doing. If I can ever make a living at it, as well, that would be the ultimate!

8. What does art mean to you?

Art to me is a way to express our passion and creativity in a way that enriches the lives of others.


See More from Lisa Brus of Etania Gems & Jewelry:
http://www.etaniagems.com/

I am an Artist: Kyle Nash

1. Why are you an artist?
I like the feeling you get when you finish a piece. The little sense of accomplishment, like you actually made an impact in this world.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
Alot of it has to do with emotion but not all of it. Feelings like heartache,lust,love,anger, happiness the things we humans go through everyday.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I first started off in oils but soon realized that acrylics don't smell and dry faster. I also didnt like the chemicals i had to use in oils. I am not limited to acrylics though i also use graphite, colored pencils and charcoal.



4. What does the feminine figure mean in your work?
I use the women as sort of a symbol for beauty and hope. Alot of chaos surrounds us and people tend to overlook more important things right in front of them.

5. Who/What are your artistic influences?
I like alot of the "low brow" stuff that is coming out now a days. I don't have one particular artist that i look up to more like a group of artist. Other influences are everyday life, meeting new people, human emotion and music.



6. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Arizona?
Opening up peoples eyes. Showing them that there is alot more to life, taking chances and truth.


7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
Being more technical first and foremost, traveling, and doing some murals.


8. What are you ultimate goals as an artist?
Getting people to be more open. Look beyond and have goals and dreams in life but don't overlook whats right in front of you. Don't take anything for granted.

9. What does art mean to you?
Art means freedom, expression and truth. There is art all around us is does not have to be a painting or a musician, art is me and you.

Thank you for taking the time to write out these questions for all of us and taking the time to read them. I go by the name of Kyle Nash and here is my blogsite. http://blayzinarrowz.blogspot.com/

I am an Artist: Ken Peloke

1. Why are you an artist?

Because I am not talented enough to be a musician. Seriously. I absolutely love music and to me my art is my music, each piece is a different song, each series is a different album. Being an Artists allows me to evolve emotionally like nothing else I do. With so many things regulated and routine in our lives, it's nice to be able look at a blank canvas and just visualize the possibilities. Not knowing what my painting will look like when I am finished, good or bad, is what keeps me coming back for more...there's just so much to explore.

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

Not sure of an actual concept, other than having contrast in my work. Life has to be balanced and so does my work. Lights and darks, hots and colds working together, they act as teamates if you will, to form an image that will spark someone's immagination to have a thought or an idea of what the piece is about.

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

I love the look and durability of Oils, but I am impatient by nature which has me switching back and forth to Acrylics since they dry much quicker so I can work in layers. I paint fairly large so unfortuantely sometimes, the economy plays a small role in the mediums I use as well.



4. How do you decide on your color palette?

By what I am feeling at the moment. I like strong colors like black, white and red when I feel a little agressive. And it also depends on the series I am working on or phase I am in. Right now I am going through an industrial phase and so I am using a lot of grays and soft rust colors.

I am also color blind, so I try to be careful when selecting my colors. I understand basic color theory, so I know what a good piece should look like, but just can't see it all the time and therefore can't paint it all the time. And that's a bit frustrating.

5. Who are your artistic ancestors? Who inspires your work?

Not sure if I have any, my family members are generally sharp people and are creative in other ways, but no artists in the family that I know of.

Music is my main source of inspiration. Other inspirations come from other artists. I am a competitor at heart and when I see other artist's work that moves me, it motivates me to try and do something great too. Artists Like Pollock & Kline inspire me, both were so bold, but in much different ways.

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

There are many roles an Artist has and each is in the eye of the beholder. Art can be therapeutic to some, it can be historic or symbolic, it can also be just plain decor and nothing more. My role as an artist is to create all of the above. I feel as long as art is appreciated one way or another by those willing to view it then we are doing our job. Again, art is as great as one person thinks it is and just as bad as another person thinks it is...that's the beauty of it all, you never know what people will like.

Arizona needs some help, we are trying to get more culture and art to down town Phoenix, but it will be a long process. It will not happen over night, but the more artists who get their work out there and get involved in all the events that are being put together, the sooner we will have a downtown that can compete with Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago & NYC. Times are tough now, but that also means it's a great time for another art movement.



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

I don't know... in 20 years I hope to be an established, fairly well respected artist across the country, but these things take time. I guess in 5 years, I'll probably still be painting and exploring new things and continue to push myself to create something different in abstract expressionism.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

To earn a living from art, I make some money now, but not enough do consider it a decent income. And the reason I want this really isn't for the money, it's so I can have the time. If I can earn a living from painting, instead of being at a 8-5er, obviously I will be spending more time on my art, which means more practice, more education, more traveling, more inspirations, more everything and can surround myself with the entire art world. This is what I dream of. And then hopefully, I will be able to teach one day.



9. What does art mean to you?

Right now, it's a form of release that I have to get rid of stress and to communicate my emotions to others. It also means a lot that I am capable of earning money doing art. That mentally takes me back in the day, like how people used to earn a living, being a blacksmith or a composer. If I can provide for my family one day from painting...then I will feel my life's complete. I've never had a real desire to be a political artist or felt like I had to move the nation with the controversial work I do. I just want people who enjoy art to look at my work and maybe start a conversation about it, that's it.

Artist's Website: http://www.pelokeart.com/

I am an Artist: Alex Arshansky

1. Why are you an artist?
I strongly feel it has always been my calling. I started drawing at 3, made my first oil painting at 12. My family was always very much against me being an artist, and I went along with what was expected of me. However, by age 30 things started getting in prospective, and I realized that this is the only true thing that makes me happy and complete.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell us about it.
Only abstract artists can have the freedom of not having concept behind their work, but even they claim to have it. Concept behind my work is to challenge people's minds while pleasing their eyes.

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
The use of acrylics is dictated by fast drying of the paint and the archival quality of the end product. Acrylics allow for a fast work flow utilizing both blending and layer techniques. I prefer to paint on stretched canvas as it gives my art the best display potential.

4. How do you think of the subjects that you paint?
Rarely I have a subject in mind. I usually just allow my hand to do whatever it wants. I often listen to music when I sketch and paint to distract myself enough, so my hand has that complete freedom. This creates a feeling my hand is being guided by someone or something else, and the end result is always a surprise for me as much as it is for an observer.



5. Take us through your process of making a new work.
Sketch, paint, outline, coat. Yes, that is all I can tell you... The creative process should always remain a mystery in order to preserve the magic power of art. And I strongly believe it.

6. Who/What are your artistic influences?
When I was 9 years old I went to see an exhibition of Picasso's work in Moscow and was very impressed and amazed. That was my first experience seeing art that was more concerned about the feelings and emotions within rather than the photo-realistic reproduction of a subject. Since that moment I wanted to do something different and unique, develop my own way of depicting the world. Many artists simply try to copy life or nature, rather than creating something new and original. I think that imagination is what really makes a good artist, not the training or influences. Among my favorite artists are Picasso, Dali, Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon. I don't like to say that I am influenced by any of those masters, but rather that they have been inspirational icons for my art. My true wish is that someday I can be an inspiration for someone else.

7. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Arizona?
The role of the artist is to create art. The society needs a variety of expression. Art offers something very unique and lasting. It is a gift for your eyes and your mind. I also think that paintings carry a certain energy which can be very constructive or destructive. Knowing that for me, an art is a reason to live, also makes me feel that my artworks have a place and purpose to fulfill. I don't know what, when and how... All I have is faith and knowledge that I must continue painting in order to exist.

Arizona is an amazing spiritually rich state, full of beauty and saturated colors! It had a major impact on my work in terms of color and style. However, I am proud to be the artist who doesn't paint cowboys, native American and southwestern themes. I think that most artists in Arizona are craftsmen who have reduced the meaning of native American art form to the likes of Walmart; and their bottom line is to sell “canned” art to the masses. I don't paint to sell. I don't paint to fill the space on the wall under the sofa. It saddens me that so many people in Arizona have such a primitive way of seeing the purpose of art, and it is a bit discouraging at times.

8. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
I see myself painting in 5 years. I have great hopes and aspirations as an artist, but I am being patient and thoughtful about how to deal with potential success or with failure, and never want my art come at the expense of what I hold very dear to me - I have a beautiful non-traditional family of 4 and that is my number one concern. Unfortunately, the art market and proper connections determine a destiny of an artist more than tone's talent. I want to be free of these concerns as I simply want to paint and enjoy life. Success is not always a final destination.

9. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
Art is my therapy and my escape from the world. My goal is to make a living as an artist and just keep painting. I love doing it and my ultimate goal is to grow and explore new ways of express that love. I don't want to be poor and I don't want to be rich, I just want people to enjoy what I do best.

10. What does art mean to you?
My own art to me is like a lover, and each painting is like a child... But in general terms, I think that art is a fuel for the soul, the best antidepressant, an escape for the mind. It is very many things to me, and I would not want to live in the world without art...

Artist's Website: http://arshansky.com/

Pooh's -Art Blogs

If you have not heard of Fecal Face--fecalface.com check them out. This website is raw and rich. It provides a discourse and a forum for many emerging and hip artists. Fecal Face describes itself as acomprehensive, multidisciplinary art and culture website supporting the art scene in San Francisco and beyond since 2000.

Image from Matt Furie thelittlechimpsociety.com/.../Furie.jpg who was interviewed on Fecal Face.

I am totally inspired by the beginnings and the evolution of Fecal Face. As written about in
Fecal Face Dot Gallery
By Kristin Farr | May 25, 2008 It started as a 'zine -- a handmade book of photocopied art and words assembled by John Trippe, now owner/founder/director/curator of the quizzically named arty Web site Fecal Face Dot Com. Trippe amassed thousands of counterculture art-loving followers through the site, creating enough momentum to open a small gallery in Hayes Valley. "Click Here" to check out their latest gallery.

The video is another example of Fecal Faces multidisciplinary edge.

Also, as AIM is doing Art Blog research I am really interested in Fecal faces latest edition of
ART BLOGS--One could spend days researching the pleathora of art and information. I love how this site incorporates news, happenings,videos, and blogs to create a collage of art and the artist in our contempary society.


If you ever need a dose of new and hip--check out Fecal Face
Kudos to their vision and success!

I am an Artist: Pam Davidson

1. Why are you an artist?

My artistic talent was a gift from God and it was only natural that I use that talent. I was also given the ability to teach others how to paint and, even though I had no formal training, I taught hundreds of classes to over a thousand students in adult education classes for over fifteen years.

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

I have been painting for 35 years and have gone through various phases. For most of those years I was a craft artist and even though I enjoyed what I was doing, to be honest, I mostly painted what I knew would sell. Now I have turned to fine art and have the freedom to be more creative although my folk art background still shows though in my work. I am very eclectic in my subject matter and have developed a method on deciding which direction to go with a painting.

I always do a painting to complement the frame I use rather than do a painting first then try to find a frame for that painting. All my frames are recycled. I shop yard sales or thrift shops for my frames. I refinish them as necessary. When ready to paint, I choose a frame then put a blank canvas in it and sit and stare at it until I “see” something emerge on that blank canvas.

My husband has learned that if he comes into my studio and it is quiet and I am staring at a blank canvas to not interrupt me! Once I make the decision on what to paint I become a great multi-tasker. My other passion after painting is reading. While painting I always listen to books on CD’s. I seem to go into auto pilot mode and can paint for hours while listen to a book.

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

I use liquid acrylics because of the quick drying time. I am fast and can produce a lot of work in a short period of time.

4. Who is your audience and how do they respond to your work?

My audience is a cross section of people…younger, older, female, & male. Over the years I have done many arts and craft shows and more recently art exhibitions. I have had as many lookers as buyers. I get very positive comments. I have always said if I had a dollar for every compliment I received I would make a lot more $ then by selling my work. One question I am always asked is ”How can I sell my work at such a reasonable price?” I keep my prices low enough that the average person can afford to buy my art. The fact that I am fast allows me to do this. As long as I make enough money to feed my habit I am happy. All I want is to be able to buy more canvas, paint, brushes and frames. Okay, I’ll confess, on the way to the art shop I’ll stop at Chico’s and buy a new jacket with part of my profit.

5. It seems as though your environment influences your work. Can you elaborate on that?

I am definitely influenced by my environment. When I lived in Ohio I painted subject matter that was indicative to the area. I was strongly influenced by the Amish and that was the main theme of my work. When we moved to Arizona 14 years ago I never did another Amish influenced painting again. I love living in the Southwest. The culture and scenery are an endless source of artistic inspiration to me.

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

I can’t speak for other artists but I feel art is something that should give joy to the person who created it. Since art is in the eye of the beholder there is always going to be someone who loves my work and someone who doesn’t like it so I paint what makes me happy. If someone buys a painting or even just gives me a compliment it is an extra bonus. I felt this way wherever I lived but now that I am in Arizona I want to produce work that reflects the beauty of the area.

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

Before I look to the future I look to the past. If I had been asked the same question 5 years ago there is no way I could have predicted where I would be today. I am 67 years old and 5 years ago I was happily doing my craft painting and figured I would continue my “hobby” for as long as I could. When I got a letter inviting me to enter a fine art contest I decide to give it a try. I became a triple winner with a 3^rd place and people’s choice award on one painting and honorable mention on another. It totally changed my art direction. Who knew I would be “discovered” at my age after 30 years of painting? In 5 years I will be 72 and hope I will still be able to give people pleasure with what I paint. How old was Grandma Moses when she became famous? I guess it is never too late.

Let me tell you my husband’s story. 5 years ago at age 66 he decided to take up stained glass as a hobby. He read some books and taught himself. Since then he has produced over 60 large windows. I sometimes help him with the design work and color choice. Last year we created 4 glass panels for an Air Force Chapel at Sather Air Base in Iraq. I also sent 4 paintings. What a blessing it was to be able to brighten the lives of our troops.

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

I think I answered that in the question above but a short term goal is to launch a website. I must admit I am dragging my feet on doing this. The business side of art is what I don’t like doing. Success doesn’t happen unless you promote yourself and I am not good at that.

9. What does art mean to you?

It is what I do in between eating and sleeping.

I am an Artist: Charlene/Educated Savage

1. Why are you an artist?
I'm not sure how to not be an artist! My family is very creative in general and always had hobbies and past times that involved creating things, whether it was painting, textile arts, etc. If I didn't create in my spare time, I wouldn't know what to do with myself - although I'm still getting used to the title 'artist' - I always thought that referred to people more accomplished. ;)

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

There is, usually! Depending on what I'm doing. I really love exploring the old stories and subconscious cultural fears of society. For my more intricate and intense work, there's a VERY specific concept in mind that usually involves story board sketches ahead of time - my 'lighter' work tends to be more loose and fun - but that's the point!

3. Why do you use the medium that you use?
I love photography! When I was younger, I used WAY too much film up on pointless images - I think photography is powerful in that it records what is in front of the camera. We have so many shortcuts that we take in our own visual processing. But that doesn't mean that photographs are always true! It's fascinating to see the difference between what we see in front of us and what the camera records. I also paint and pencil sketch, but since a nerve injury a few years ago, I can't do those as much as I'd like and photography allows me the same composition/color/content that those do but without the pain and discomfort.


4. We noticed that you have varying styles as a photographer...tell us why.
Because I'm moody or easily distractable. Because I'm fascinated by different concepts constantly. I would have a lot more styles of photography, too, if I had more time and energy! I love doing the dark horror/fantasy stuff, but sometimes you just need to lighten the mood and do something fun and exciting like Pin Up - besides, pin up photography really appeals to the feminist in me - I love celebrating women and their personalities and the retro-pin up style allows us to do that without being explicit.

5. Do you have a favorite style of photography? If so, what is it and why?
My favorite style of photography is horror - I've always been a huge fan of horror and it has such a controversial place in our culture as far as sociological and psychological studies go. I really love to explore how the old stories that we 'know better' about now can be modernized to evoke that sense of horror and dread from a modern audience.

6. Are you trying to evoke a sense of surrealism with your dreamscape photography? Please elaborate.
Absolutely! I still haven't managed to bring to life the surrealism that my dreamscapes have to them. It's not uncommon for me to stop in a moment and view the world as completely unreal. I think that's common, though, when you stop rushing through life and really learn to observe what's around you. Or maybe it's just me. But sometimes a moment will occur and it will seem completely unreal to me - this happens a lot with sunsets especially, and the night. ;) It's hard to articulate! The real can seem so unreal sometimes - so I love making the unreal seem real and the real seem unreal.
7. In what ways does the gallery connect to the community and to artists?
The gallery tends to connect and disconnect with the community and other artists fairly rapidly. Sometimes I find that a lot of people really identify with my work. I especially love the way models view my dreamscape photography - they see it as a chance to really explore their inner selves and find out what monster and monstrous traits lie within. It's wonderful to connect with other artists on that level and see what we can discover/explore/create together - photography really is a cooperative artform! The same is true of pin up photography - a lot of my models don't believe they're beautiful or are just overcoming issues with their self-esteem or health and to be able to help bring out of them these traits they've never seen before - be it the beauty or the beast - is an unbelievable experience for an artist! This is the same goal that I have with my regular portraiture - I try to capture some inner essence of my subject that goes beyond the typically sterile/overdone conventions of portraiture.



8. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Arizona?
The artist in society keeps us human. As our society becomes bigger and faster and more scheduled and regulated, we lose our humanity little by little and truly become 'cogs in a machine.' We forget those soft fuzzy parts of ourselves that are just moved by experiences and images and touched in a way that's deeper than practicality. Without our humanity, what point is there in living other than making the dollar and being a successful cog in the machine? We need that individuality and humanity in order to keep our society social and to keep our spirits alive. Arizona especially appreciates artists out here. As our society becomes more mechanized, the opportunity for the artist is diminishing and becoming less and less, but Arizona really recognizes the need to keep the artist alive and partake in this celebration! In Tucson, the city council is creating an 'artists section' of town which I think is really amazing - it's either going to be mecca-like, zoo-like, or quarantine but however it turns out, it should be interesting!

9. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
I find as an artist that I'm mellowing over time - my art becomes less 'in your face' and over expressive and is learning more subtlety. In 5 years, I'd like to see this become more refined. I really want to explore brining more nuance into my art. On a more practical level, I'd like to be part of more events, galleries, showings, etc. - I really feel that involvement in the artistic community is going to be essential!

10. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
My ultimate goal as an artist is to move people. I, myself, am moved so often and by so many things that I want to evoke that in other people. I also want my art to teach people about themselves - I want them to learn something new that they didn't know before by viewing what I have to show them. Not only learn things about themselves, but also our society, their role in it, and who they want to be.

11. What does art mean to you?
Art to me is the 'real world' - what we do day to day is just an artificial construct created to support society. Processing applications and other paperwork isn't the real world. Love and passion, fear, experience, movement, beauty, horror is REAL life - it's what the world really is made of and we've forgotten a lot of this as we 'progress' as a society. I don't know, maybe I'm over intellectualizing - but for me, art is the real world and images of the real world that is our window out of this strange illusion of reality that we live. I'm not sure that even makes any sense at all. LOL

Artist's Website: http://educatedsavage.com/

An Art Blog inside-Outsider Art

Gosh, I think I opened a can worms. My intention was to write a short post around Outsider Art and to add this to our Art Blog conversation. While researching this genre so many questions have come up around my own art philosophy. Outsider Art is a huge genre in the Art World. What and who decides what is Outsider Art? Does the process Outsider Art lean towards healing and therapy. Then the big questions of what is art? and what is its function in society? Is it really outside the status quo if their is a huge market for Outsider Art? What and who determines value in Art-philosophically and monetary?



Some history about Outsider Art:
The term outsider art was coined by art critic Roger Cardinal in 1972 as an English synonym for art brut (French: [aʁ bʁyt], "raw art" or "rough art"), a label created by French artist Jean Dubuffet to describe art created outside the boundaries of official culture; Dubuffet focused particularly on art by insane-asylum inmates.[1]
Typically, those labeled as outsider artists have little or no contact with the mainstream art world or art institutions. In many cases, their work is discovered only after their deaths. Often, outsider art illustrates extreme mental states, unconventional ideas, or elaborate fantasy worlds.
Outsider art has emerged as a successful art marketing category (an annual Outsider Art Fair has taken place in New York since 1992). The term is sometimes misapplied as a catch-all marketing label for art created by people outside the mainstream "art world," regardless of their circumstances or the content of their work
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outsider_art

Outsider Art is like an ocean and here is one drop that I found. I am still exploring the site called Detour Art and their Art Blog called"Detour Art Travels"

What are your feelings about Outsider Art?
Do you think it has a place within the walls of the "Art Museum" world?

I stumbled upon this amazing article Do Artists Need Training? "Click Here" to check it out. In the last two decades, more than sixty art museums in the United States have added works by unschooled artists to their permanent collections.

DO ARTISTS REALLY NEED TRAINING? Any thoughts?
Maybe I should have not gotten in so much debt for my MFA. Postpartum graduate school?
I will leave that can of..... for another post.
-lisa

The Newspaper for Artists

Whenever I am looking for a combination of art world news, gallery reviews, new artists to get to know or random stuff about art, I find myself at The Art Newspaper.


Treating itself much like a newspaper, this website has several different columns including the market, exhibitions, opinions, services, discussions, etc. The site is a bit overwhelming to a first time visitor, but once you learn your way around you can learn a great deal about historical and contemporary art in a matter of minutes.

I think it is extremely hard to stay "up-to-date" in today's art world, but sites like The Art Newspaper help because there's a great deal of information all in on place. It feels like one stop shopping for art nerds.

The wide variety of topics is also a plus for The Art Newspaper. Articles range from titles like "Early copy of the Gospel of Mark is a forgery " to "Reprieve for rock art" to "Recovery after annus horribilis"

Check it out and let me know what you think. Any other Newspaper-like Art Websites or Blogs I should know about?

I am an Artist: Billy Bussey

Our first interview from Arizona! Thanks Billy!



1. Why are you an artist?

I've always been interested in art but never called myself an artist. After spending my 20s designing websites I've decided to start calling myself an artist and leave the digital realm for paints and pastels.

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

I think of myself as a post modern artist in the sense that I care only about the surface of things and not in any inner meaning. The immediate effect my work has on me and others is more important than any concept I have of it or wish to present.

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

I hate feeling stuck in any medium. I don't paint as well as I want to. I finger paint more than I use a brush. It's embarrassing. Currently I'm fascinated with expensive oil pastels. It's like painting with no cleanup! Although I got some cadmium red in my eye the other day and it was bad. I want to go 100% non-toxic soon. The colors are so pretty though.


4. Why is number 8 your favorite? (Visit Billy's website to see #8)

One day I decided to do 10 self portraits of myself before I judged any of them good or bad. This was my 4th I think and the likeness to my actual head was too accurate for me not to be proud early. I like raw feeling drawings and this one was a mess but worked out. The wide range of colors is something I strive for and am still working on in my current work.

5. What is the meaning and/or importance of the figure in your work?

For the past 3 years I've focused on the human form in most of my studies. I feel the figure is not only the most beautiful shape in the world but it's also the most familiar and therefore can be very difficult to render. This excites me and is makes it all the more fun to try and include bodies in my work. The weekly figure drawing class I host and participate in just finished it's 5 month seasonal run. I drew hundreds of drawings of dozens of models and learned more about the figure than I could imagine. Still I know there's much more to know and express.


6. In what ways does the gallery connect to the community and to artists?

Galleries in the past have probably exploited artists more than they've helped. I hope with the advent of the internet and better means of social networking that we can bring our best artists to the front of our community based on their merit and talent and not their ability to sell to the public or to the elite.

7. What is the role of the artist in our society? and in Arizona?

To learn from the world and it's inhabitants and to find new relationships within. To then tell their story to those not able to articulate these relationships for themselves in order to promote human growth and harmony.

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

Hopefully much improved and happier than ever. I'd like to try pottery. Maybe build a house or 2.


9. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

To live forever and fly around the universe.

10. What does art mean to you?

Art is that which can not be expressed in any symbols other than what it already is.

Billy's Website: http://www.billybussey.com/art/

Guerrilla Innovation

I cannot speak in great depth about this site as I discovered it recently. But, I have a feeling that it will soon be one I visit on a regular basis. Specializing in all things out of the ordinary art space and mostly in the publics face, GuerillaInnovation is inspiring for folks like Lisa and myself.

photo courtesy of guerilla-innovation.com

One of the recent projects I find myself drawn to is Chicago Teleporter by artist Nicolas Roope. In this project, Roope plays with our sense of reality, time, perception and visual truth by using the Internet, photography, and performance. Read about this project on guerrilla-innovation.com and there's more about this project at http://chicagoteleporter.info/

I feel like Guerilla Innovations shows off work that otherwise may go unnoticed. I know that certain aspects of Guerilla Art get talked about in the art world, like Guerrila Girls, Banksy, and such, but there is so much out there to see and hear about. There is so much to the art world that even someone as obsessed as I am can't see or know about it all.

I appreciate Guerilla Innovation because it is specific and high quality.

Art 21 -The Extraordinaire Art Blog

"Art 21" is an really an amazing resource! I love how they keep ongoing and are always thinking of stellar new and innovative ways to create connection through conversations about art. They began in 1997 and through their success they have access to a vast repertoire of "famous" artists. But also they connect to emerging artists and art educators through certain features on their Blog.














Art21 mission is to increase knowledge of contemporary art,ignite discussion, and inspire creative thinking by using diverse media to present contemporary artists at work and in their own words.

What makes Art21 a bold new endeavor is not only the caliber of the artists featured, but the media in which they are presented. The accessibility of television and the Internet makes it possible to reach an extremely large audience.

Their Blog is all encompassing feature videos, education, interviews,the latest contempary art news/exhibitions and much more! I think Art 21 is one of the best Art Blogs around.
For example the feature that they have on their Blog called
"Flash Points" were they pose a question and people write in about it. Is so engaging.
As well as I love that they have "Blogger in Residence" which features guest bloggers for extended amount of time. I would love an interview with the current Blogger in Residence Karthik Pandian. I will try to connect and we will see what happens ;)

I look forward to tracking their creative evolution. Because they are not stopping.

Artblogging: theartblog.org

I am excited for this new branch that has been attached to the Art is Moving tree. As you might have guessed, both Lisa and I love to do research on various topics. One of our goals with this blog is to make it a resource center for anyone interested in art, those who are new to the art world and artists who want to get more connected to their art world.

The first ART BLOG I would like to talk about is artblog.org



Administered by Roberta Fallon and Libby Rosof, this site has extremely interesting content and is always updated with fresh and new art topics. They have about 10 or so contributing writers and each seem to have a different subset of art interests, making a visit to the blog always fun.

Perhaps I am so drawn to the blog because it is run by two women who shoot video of their experience viewing art. They seem to have the same art concept as Lisa and me.

Through time they have also built a great link section on their site.

If you are interested in international art and discussing art, then you should check out this website.

Art is Moving Onward to Arizona and more....

Lauren and I have decided to move on!

So far it has been an interesting trip with some surprises. Through Art is Movings artist interviews series called "I am an Artist" the artists from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada have engaged in a provocative and open dialogue about the essence of art, their visions, and inspirations.
In the fall of 2009 we began are journey with exceptional interests from the artists in Washington and Oregon State, who were really eager to add to our ongoing conversation about art and its essence. Noticeably as our art journey arrived in Idaho and then in Nevada the conversation started to fizzle. As we observe and go from state to state facilitating artist interviews, data might emerge that we can analyze. With all that in mind our virtual art journey is moving on to Arizona. And I have know idea what to expect!
An aesthetic side note...
For some reason when I think of Arizona I think of the architect "Frank Lloyd Wright", this might be because I grew up in Wisconsin were many of his amazing structures reside.




Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale](Photo: Lar/Wikimedia Commons)



Looking forward to expanding my horizons...


Arizona artists I look forward to hearing your cadence!!!! Just an FYI Lauren is from Arizona, I hope she has some insider info.




Also,in the month of February Lauren and I will be researching the ART BLOG world. What is it all about.
As I researched another Blog world (fashion) I am amazed and inspired by two stories that emmiante success "Tavi" and "bryanboy"

Has the American Idol concept emerged in the Blog world??? Any thoughts!

To be continued....

As always Namaste, Lisa

Comments and insights are loved!!!