Longing for Art

I have been so wrapped up in pushing my graphic and web design career forward that I have neglected my fine art. My friend, and one of my mentors, Anne Mondro has joined a new gallery in Chicago. The gallery, American Contemporary Gallery, hosts a handful of very talented and diverse artists. As I was browsing the artists and their work I stumbled upon these pieces that I have posted here.

These two paintings made me still. That is what happens when I encounter a piece of art that speaks to me - everything becomes still and for a moment I seem to understand it "all." Art, like these two paintings, whisper the secrets of life. They whisper things about connection and order. How amongst the day to day randomness there is a design that we can neither control or understand. These two pieces are very inspirational to me and they resonate to my inner artist and humanness.

Flash Exhibit

Gallery Project presents Flash, an exhibition of original graphic art of tattoo culture worldwide. What used to be reserved for warriors, carnival performers, and other people on the fringe of society, tattoos now adorn us all. Their decoration guides their wearers into life's chaos and helps to define their individuality in the face of its conformity. The images are chosen talismans that protect, evoke memories, capture emotions and express opinions. The artists responsible for these creations are unique. Their canvas is alive, ever changing and imperfect. Their canvas can feel pain, and these engravings are permanent marks on a dynamic surface. There is a unique synergy between the artist and their living canvas that leads to the creation of an artwork that is personal and unrepeatable. This sub culture of artists has founded, maintained and evolved its traditions without any mainstream support or recognition, a social network of artists, creators and collectors that has evolved outside the contemporary art context.

This sub culture of artists has founded, maintained and evolved its traditions without any mainstream support or recognition, a social network of artists, creators and collectors that has evolved outside the contemporary art context. This showing of paintings, drawings, and graphic art, reveals some of the imagery and iconography which describes this culture. Curated by Jeff Zuck, owner of Name Brand Tattoo in Ann Arbor, and Alexa Lee, former director of the Alexa Lee Gallery, these artists represent the current state of several living global tattoo traditions. The artists include: Adam Forman from LA, Mario Desa from Chicago, Chriss Dettmer from Hamburg, Jeff Zuck, Kerri Baker, Leo Zulueta, Jen Munford, Mike Aul, Ethan Zuck and Dianne Mansfield all from Ann Arbor, Mike Dorsey from Cincinnati, Bill Falsetta from Ann Arbor, Tomas Garcia from Barcelona, Adam Shrewsbury from Cleveland, and Jason June and Guy Ursitti from Fun City Tattoo in New York City. Flash is a tribute to tattoo creators and enthusiasts, and is recognition of their artistic and cultural contributions. Gallery Project is a fine art collaborative. Its mission is to provide a venue for contemporary art that is culturally aware, individualistic, courageous, and thought provoking. Gallery Project is located at 215 South Fourth Avenue in Ann Arbor. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 9; and Sunday, noon to 4. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, call 734-997-7012 or e-mail at galleryproject@gmail.com. Visit the website at thegalleryproject.com.

Halloween

The season is changing now, time to pull out the winter coat if you haven't already. A fun place to consider taking the family is Wiard's. Events include country fair, hayrides and a haunted house. We go every year. Another event I would like to promote is through an organization that Ann Arbor Designs actually does creative work for. I have posted the flyer, but it is strategic race of sorts - but on bicycles! The race, Night of the Living Tread, is a yearly occurrence with this being its third annual appearance. Check jimmyrigged.com for more details.