Archive for January, 2009
A Website for Karen Hibbs…
Jan 25th
Glass artist Karen Hibbs has a new website, her first. Remember Karen? I featured her work here a while back as part of the Meet the Artists Who Have Inspired Us to Part with Our Cash series. She was #7. At the time, she didn’t have a website. That has changed. And the website even features photos of her studio, which I love to see on an artist’s site. Check it out at www.hibbsartglass.com
If you missed the original post you can read it, and view the work of Karen’s that we are so very pleased to own, at http://www.ravenswingstudio.com/ravenscaw/?p=73
#31 – Gillian Pokalo – Meet the Artists Who Have Inspired Us to Part with Our Cash – 1.24.09
Jan 23rd
#30 in the Meet the Artists Who Have Inspired Us to Part with Our Cash series is Gillian Pokalo. We first encountered Gillian’s work at a show at Ten Stone Bar & Restaurant. Fellow artist and friend Chiara curates the shows and has introduced a number of very interesting and wonderful new artists to Betsy and me over the last few years. Gillian is one of them.
About her work, she writes: "My work is influenced by the sociological shift in the communities that originally were built around industry and the remnants of places that no longer exist. There is something hauntingly beautiful in the textures of an abandoned, derelict building, which evoke memories and pose questions about past inhabitants and present conditions. I employ traditional and non-traditional printmaking techniques, including photography, silk screen, and gum bichromate. The process of making a print intrigues me because it is that which remains when the plate or screen is removed. In this way, I think of the creative process as a reflection on the transience and impermanence of life."
You may view other work by Gillian Pokalo on her website at: www.gillianpokalo.com
Click a thumbnail to view larger image.
Article on the “art house” of Burnell Yow! & Betsy Alexander…
Jan 15th
For years, students, their families, and fellow artists and friends who’ve visited have asked if someone had ever written about our place. It is a light and art filled wonderland that seems to have inspired many people. (The piano studio is pictured above – photo by yours truly.)
Well, someone did finally write about us and the space we live and work in with our six feline companions. That someone is writer Paul Jablow. And on Friday, January 9th, the article appeared in the Home & Design section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Photographer Eric Mencher provided the images that accompanied the article. Eric also photographed Nora The Piano Cat™ for an article that appeared on her about a year ago.
You can read the article online at:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20090109_Art_house.html
I’ve also made available an additional photo album of images I took at night showing many artworks lit up, including our collection of lamps and chandliers by Alden Cole, Warren Muller, and Michael Biello. We seldom turn everything on, but when we do, it becomes magical, indeed. You can access the photo album here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8618&l=4d46d&id=1027953029
#30 – Patricia Hillman – Meet the Artists Who Have Inspired Us to Part with Our Cash – 1.11.08
Jan 12th
#30 in the Meet the Artists Who Have Inspired Us to Part with Our Cash series is Patricia Hillman. We bought this piece from the Bikeworks show a few years back. It is an annual event to raise money for the Bikeworks Project. Betsy and I have both donated work in the past. All work must incorporate bike parts. This piece by Patricia uses a derailleur. I tried in vain to find a website that would feature more of her work. She creates really wonderful assemblages, so it’s sad that I can’t at this time direct you somewhere to view more. Click thumbnail to view larger image.
Artwork at Smile Gallery wins award…
Jan 10th
The reception went very well. The works were diverse in style and treatment. I love this kind of show, where the artists work with similar or the same materials. My piece took the third place award, and the prize is an exhibition at the Smile Gallery with the first and second place winners (Carol Wisker and Carl Johnson, respectively) in Jan-Feb, 2010. Should be a great show. So, mark your calendar. My piece, by the way, is titled “It is better to travel well, than to arrive.” Title is a quote from Buddha, and the work features digital images of Buddha statues from my personal collection, as well as decorative marbles, Pelegrino bottle caps, and miniature prints from my digital mandala series. Click thumbnail to view larger image.
“Through My Window” exhibition opens…
Jan 9th
Twenty-five artists from the Da Vinci Art Alliance were each given an old salvaged window with the instruction to turn it into an art object. Twenty-five artists. Twenty-five visions. Come see the results at the Smile Gallery (2nd Floor), 105 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Curators: Lilliana Didovic & Dr. Debra Miller, Da Vinci ARt Alliance
Awards Judges: Matt & Brenda Lyons, Smile Gallery
Artists: Bobbie Adams, Betsy Alexander, Kim Alsbrook, Don Brewer, Rachel Citrino, Alden Cole, Lilliana Didovic, Gerard Di Falco, Carl Johnson, Ona Kalstein & Ted Warchal, Nicole Koenitzer, Rikard Larma, Gail Kotel, Karen McDonnell & Anthony Cortosi, Tim McKenna, Lee Muslin, Liz Nicklus, Kathryn Pannepacker, Michelle Post & David Carrow, Michael Sweeney, Carol Wisker, And Burnell Yow!
Window Frames Donated by Charles McMahon, Lantern Theater Company
Show runs January 9 – February 7
Opening Reception: Friday, January 9th, 6-9pm
New video of abstract work…
Jan 2nd
Please check out my newest video on YouTube (see below). It features a dozen abstract works created using a digital camera, Adobe Photoshop, and the extensive use of layer modes, styles, and patterns. And my wife, Betsy Alexander, reprises her role as music composer to create a unique musical score for the video. This is the first in a series of short videos posted on YouTube that will feature examples of my work in a variety of media.
