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My Wrist

Trotsky is here.  I'm working on some works of him too.  I love this little puppy boy so much.  He really cheered me up when I hurt my wrist a couple of weeks ago.  It was pretty swollen, so I got it x-rayed, but it wasn't cracked or broken.  It was a worry, though, because it was my right wrist, and it's so important for drawing or painting.  It's ok now.

originally posted April, 2007

Flowers Blooming

My friend Richard Bluestein, also know as Madge Weinstein,visited me recently.  It was wonderful.  Funny how you paint or draw someone at different times and places in their life, and the pictures reflect an entirely different energy.   I never think I draw alone.   I draw with the person who sits with me.I drew Richard a little over a year ago, and  this is what happened.

I drew him recently and this is what appeared. I believe most people would have an affinity for the first painting, but Richard recognizes a part of him that is closest to him on the second; I do too. Of course, I also see Richard in the first picture. He will be returning to Miami soon and I am going to be able to spend more time with him on a major (I hope) work.

Leslie Winer a.k.a. Madame Levy  was also here, as I recently posted.   I drew her about ten years ago.

I did three works of her while she visited.  This picture was the first I did in the first week of her visit.  It is so interesting how time and place, emotion, experience, everything - recreates us.

(cross-posted here)

(the image I have of the second drawing of Richard is distorted so I linked to it-- will sort that out)

(video-casts and podcasts also here)

originally posted March 2007

 

A Visit from Madame Levy

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Artists.  What are we? What makes a person drawn (no pun intended) to this occupation, way of life, etc.?

Last week Madame Levy visited me in Miami.  It is interesting that we are artists: she a writer, myself a painter; and we have an unbelievable synergy sharing ideas and concepts.  Although one would think that our creative expressions are different, they really aren't.  She made poetry come alive for me again.  Always when I look at things they dance for me - poetically.  But now, through her words and amazing insights, word seems to come alive again too.  She quoted Emily Dickenson to me, she is reading Thomas Pynchon, she feels a kinship with Gertrude Stein.  There is so much more.

I constantly feel the presence of great writers.  She has that essence and the words that so carefully appear to spill from her thoughts; brilliantly, yet simple and clear.

Simplicity and clarity are important to me too.  Basically we are the same: we are artists who reach for something more.  To express something beyond that which is clearly in front of us all.  We have decided to collaborate on some artistic endeavors and hope to get together soon.

Mar 10, 2007

A Spontaneous Interview with Joseph Ravens

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The interview I did with Joseph Ravens happened unexpectedly on a Saturday afternoon. Sometimes the best things happen when you just let them.

Joseph, whom I know through Richard, came to meet me so we could visit a space in Wynwood that I know of, to investigate if it would be the right place for him to set up one of his genius live performance art exhibitions. There is a strong possibility that it could happen.

But beyond that, I was lucky to have the opportunity to just to meet with him and talk. I guess being an artist I have an affinity for artists. I am always so interested in their why; their purpose. Perhaps one reason, out of many, is because we as artists always seem to be trying to answer some internal question. I love to understand what that is. In many ways it is the same way I try to understand a flower; petal by petal.

Mar 7, 2007

Martin Sexton: Going Beyond

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I recently had the pleasure of spending a little time with British Artist Martin Sexton. He's not only a visual artist, but he's a writer and has a deep and driving passion for anything art related. One thing that I find so interestingly intriguing about him, is that he breaks and goes beyond the contemporary paradigms in art. He intertwines the centuries of art history into one, making it all in the present.

I was getting a bit forlorn thinking that art was being put so much into a box with so many unspoken "do nots". He sees things and art in its magnitude. It has been more than enjoyable to listen to his views and inspirations--from the Druids, to motorcycles, to women in art. I am happy to realize there is an artistic community which I do relate to, and which has similar ideals to what I see.

He calls his work sculptural poems. I can understand this because he creates works from anything, and everything. But to me, in his work there is always an underlying romantic ideal. It is enriching and thought provoking. Those thoughts and ideals come from a world of knowledge, and his continued quest for it.

Feb 16, 2007

Something New

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Wow it is the New year! It's hard to believe--time seems to be just melting into the ether.

Let's hope, next year, the world is in a better place. I will personally try to think how I can help. I believe, as mankind, it is our responsibility to do something positive.

I posted a new vidcast that's perhaps a bit more reflective than usual, for me. It seems to be not only a new year time wise, but a new time for me, as well.

This year has changed my personal direction. My art had taken a new turn. Fortunately, art tends to continuously evolve, in general, but contemporary expression intrigues and excites me more then ever, and I finally feel its rhythm.

I hope to make more vidcasts where I can share art and the reality of the art world with those who have an interest. I will also be introducing a calendar this coming year that will cover interesting art events and art/museum/fairs shows that people might find interesting. I hope that I can also visit some of these events and report from them, hopefully on video.

I wrote earlier on Art Basel, but as I think about it more, I have to say it was wonderful, overall. Scope and Nada were also very interesting. I think the only thing we need is more time to digest and assimilate what we're seeing.

Well my best wishes to all for a happy and healthy new year, and all good things, too...

Dec 30, 2006